Craft Tutorial - How to Marble Paper, by guest writer Jodi Hughes

Marbling Paper:

Introduction
This article is brief introduction to marbling. The following instructions are for marbling on paper which is the best material to start with. Although marbling is my chosen form of expression, please note that I am by no means an expert and still learning the art.

Supplies

Marbling Paint – there are lots of different brands & types out there. I mainly use Setacolor which can be applied to textiles as well and has reasonable price. Depending on what type of paint your purchase, it may need to be thinned slightly with water to help it float on the size.

Versatex Dispersant – this is an optional item. It will help the paint float on the size. Paints may also be thinned slightly with water to help with float.

Alum – this chemical prepares your items to be marbled and will help the paint stick. Read the safely precautions on the bag prior to use.

Carrageenan or Methocal – this is the goop that your paint will float on, also referred to as ‘size’. I use Methocal because it is less expensive. I’ve never used Carrageenan so can’t lend any perspective on that. Read the safety precautions on the bag prior to use.

For the following few items, I suggest you scrounge through thrift stores for cheap items. Tools, trays & applicators used for painting should not be used for other non-paint projects…in other words, don’t eat out of your tray after you marbled in it!

Something to Marble – keep it simple for starters. Suggestions include single sheets of card stock or even junk mail.

Large, flat, shallow tray –take a trip to your local thrift store to search for something that will work such as an old cooking pan. My husband used wood to form a frame that I lined with a durable plastic bag.

Tools for painting – find something to swirl or move the paint around with. A few suggestions include: drinking straw, chopstick, wide tooth comb or hair pick, slotted spoon. Keep in mind that metal items work better then plastic as the paint will cling more to plastic.

Paint applicators – most instructions suggest using eye droppers to apply your paint to the size. I wasn’t able to find inexpensive eyedroppers so I purchased a few travel size plastic shampoo containers. I also use a few smaller size old plastic spray bottles. The sprayer will get clogged with paint but I use the plastic tubing inside to drop my paint on the size.

Stirrer – allocate a wire whisk or something similar to stir the size with.

Clean Sponge – this will be used to apply the Alum to the paper.

Clean Newspaper – for removing left over paint from the size.

Work Area Considerations – This stuff is messy so setup your marbling tray in an open area. I keep my work space on my back porch so I don’t get the size or the paint all over the house.

General Instruction

Prepare the Alum
Dissolve about 1/8 cup per quart of warm water. Stir well until the Alum crystals have disappeared. Use your sponge, dunk it in the Alum. The sponge doesn’t need to be dripping, just wet. Wipe the Alum on the paper. Ensure you cover the entire surface. The paint will not stick to areas where there is no Alum. Lay the paper with the Alum side up to dry.

Prepare the Size
Gradually add 1 – 1.5 oz to a gallon of warm water while stirring. Stir for a few minutes then add one teaspoon per gallon of household ammonia. Keep stirring. The size will start to thicken once the ammonia is added. Stir for a few more minutes then pour the size into your tray. The size must sit for about 15 minutes. It will be sudsy when it’s poured into the tray. Wait to use the size until the suds are gone otherwise this will block the paints. If the suds take too long to dissolve, use the newspaper to scrape the top of the size.

Floating the Paint
This is the fun part! Using your chosen paint applicator lay the paint on the surface of the size. The paint should spread about 2 or 3 inches. If the paint sinks, it’s too thin and needs to be thinned out. If the paint expands too much, the paint is too thin. Use different colors or the same color. Lay the paint around the size then choose one of your tools for spreading the paint. Make circle or squiggles. Add more colors if you like. Experiment and have fun! Once you have design that you like, lay the paper (Alummed side down) on the size. Ensure there are no air bubbles and that the entire surface of the paper comes in contact with the size. Lift the paper off the size. It’s going to drip and be messy! Hang the paper until it’s dry. Prior to floating more paint, use the newspaper to pick up any left over paint so it doesn’t interfere with your next design.

Written by Jodi Hughes of http://www.akhotdoggies.etsy.com/

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Thank you Jodi for your tutorial, I'm sure many people will be inspired to give it marbling paper a go.

If you are looking for further resources, please read Jodi's interview were she list some great starting points Jodi Hughes - Spotlight Feature

Spotlight Feature #11 - Jodi Hughes, Marbling Expert.

Today's feature is more than just an insight to a craftswoman, but is also a great idea for craft experimentation during those coming winter months. Here is our interview;

1. Tell me a bit about your background and how long you have been an artist/crafter.

I started with simple beading projects for myself…taking apart store purchased items and re-doing them more to my liking. My friend, Anthony, got me started shopping at thrift stores. I wanted comforter covers for the house in special colors and pre-made ones where just too expensive. When I was growing up, my mom had made me a customized comforter cover made from 2 sheets, so I did the same except I bought 2 used sheets, dyed them to my liking and stitched them together. TaDa!! Then I started dying everything! I made covers for the furniture, dyed clothes, curtains, EVERYTHING!! I dabbled in free form painting, mainly on clothes. Then I found Dharma Trading’s website with a cool starter kit for marbling. I can’t say that my 1st attempts turned out very well but for some reason I was determined to keep trying…and still am!

2. Where do you find your inspiration?

I love to watch people and adopt current color schemes into my design. Browsing through other artist’s works is also a great way to get motivated. I’m inspired through the use of color and diverse materials then I bring these approaches into my visions.

3. Do you sell your work, or is it purely for pleasure?

I started selling mid-July of this year out of pure necessity. My own closest is full of creations, as well as my friends & family! My goal is to fuel my addiction.

Items are available for purchase @ http://www.akhotdoggies.etsy.com/

Check out my blog and pics of current/past projects @ http://www.indiepublic.com/profile/AkHotDoggies

4. If someone was looking to take up this craft should they have any related experience before they start?


I think a requirement is the love of color and an open mind to freewill. I especially love marbling because the paint enjoys a spirit of its own. The paint floats on top of the size and creates its own dramatic design, even without artist intervention.

5. What would be your top 5 tips for a beginner?

• Read up before you start. Do some research so you know what to expect and the basic procedure.
• When mixing the required chemicals, use accurate measuring.
• Follow the safety precautions for the required chemicals.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment & try new things
• When experimenting, keep your materials simple & inexpensive.

6. What would be your top 5 items of essential equipment?

• Shallow tray large enough to marble the biggest project you have in mind
• Tool of your choice – experiment to find your favorite. My favorite happens to be a chopstick.
• Good work area – this stuff is messy! Work some where you can spread out & create artist mayhem!
• Paint in basic colors then mix to create more vibrant, original shape
• Item to marble – keep it simple for starters. Examples: blank card stock, junk mail, old sheet cut to fit your tray.

7. Can you recommend a technique or ‘tips’ book ideal for a beginner?

http://quilting.about.com/od/fabricdyeing/ss/marble_fabric.htm?terms=marbling
Link to slide show on marbling fabric provided by About.com

http://www.dharmatrading.com/
Link to Dharma Trading company website. Site contains instructions, ordering assistance, starter kits and all the supplies you need to get started.

The Ultimate Marbling Handbook by Diane Maurer-Mathison
This is the book I should have read before I started - Basic information and great, colorful examples.

8. Can you recommend any brands to look out for, when buying equipment or kit?

I normally use Seta brand of textile paint. For a great starter kit, I started out with the Mini Marbling Kit that uses Versatex brand.

Thank you very much Jodi for a wonderful feature and also for that great feature back at call for guest writers Sara x

Spotlight Feature #10 - Helen Simon, A Glass Artist

Glass has been a real inspiration to me of late, because there are so many textures and colours artists can create. There has been many an hour been spent swooning over handmade beads and jewellery and then I can across Helen Simon of Helen's Harvest and instantly fell in love with her style.

To introduce you to her work I have enclosed our interview.


1. Tell me a bit about your background and how long you have been an artist/crafter.

I have been making art for about 40 years. I have embroidered, quilted, painted, woven baskets, made botanical crafts, and finally landed in the land of lampworking glass, where I plan on staying as long as I can. My name 'HelensHarvest' was kept from my wreath making days when my son Harvest used to help me at shows, and as his name implies, harvesting.


2. Where do you find your inspiration?

Mainly from nature. I have painted many landscapes and flowers from life, and often pick a bouquet of wild or cultured flowers to bring into my studio as models. I also love antique fabrics and wallpapers for design ideas, since much of my work is floral. I'm in my sixth year now, so notice annual and seasonal trends in my work.

3. Do you sell your work, or is it purely for pleasure?

Purely for profit. :) I mainly sell on Ebay at http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Helens-Harvest-of-Lampwork-Beads (seller name - helensharvest), occasionally from my website, http://www.helensharvest.com/, and am venturing into etsy at http://www.helensharvest.etsy.com/, also as helensharvest.

4. If someone was looking to take up this craft should they have any related experience before they start?

This is not an easy craft to begin, because it's so expensive. I sold handmade soap, bread, and flowers at a farmer's market for a year to afford my studio, which is constantly being upgraded. Getting over fear of fire was a little difficult, and still is.

5. What would be your top 5 tips for a beginner?

• Save your money to start. I practised with polyclay for a year, just to get the feel of how beads hang...maybe that's why I still make sculpted beads. :)
• Study safety at several internet forums.
• Practise with cheaper glass. Save your Rubino for when you can work with oxygen.
• Go ahead and sell your annealed beads when you think they are ready. Your work will improve with however many hours you spend behind your torch, but beginner's beads are good, too.
• Beware hanging around lampwork forums. Coveting every new tool and glass can get expensive, especially since you aren't making beads when you are on the computer. :)

6. What would be your top 5 items of essential equipment?

• Fire extinguisher
• Torch
• Oxygen Concentrator
• Propane
• Glass
• Vent Hood
• Kiln
• And a few hand tools make up a basic studio. I couldn't leave any out.

7. Can you recommend a technique or ‘tips’ book ideal for a beginner?

I learned from Making Glass Beads, by Cindy Jenkins. I checked it out from the library several times. Corina Tettinger has a great book, Passing the Flame.

8. Can you recommend any brands to look out for, when buying equipment or kit?

Shop around for who has the best prices for the glasses you use. I like my GTT Bobcat torch.

Thank you Helen for allowing me to interview you and the best of luck with your new Etsy store!

A Feature!

Just a quick note to show you a fellow craft blogger who has kindly featured me. Thank you Theresa!

Here's the link Spotlighting Sara's Texture Crafts on Crafting the Web

Please go take a peek at this great new blog site.

Spotlight Feature #9 - Meghan Hawes, Bookmaking and Binding.

In my recent discussion about books and their importance, today's feature explores the artist Meghan Hawes, who produces stunning handmade books.

1. Tell me a bit about your background and how long you have been an artist/crafter.

I recently graduated from college so since then I have been a professional artist but have been an artist/crafter most of my life.

2. Where do you find your inspiration?

For my books I find inspiration in the paper that I use for covers. I usually see the paper and immediately think of a binding to use or search for other materials that work well with the paper and find a binding to suit.

3. Do you sell your work, or is it purely for pleasure?

I do sell my work, but it is always for pleasure… why do something if you don't enjoy it. http://www.megzrhys.etsy.com/ or meghanhawkes - the blog (yes, I even have a blog for books!)

4. If someone was looking to take up this craft should they have any related experience before they start?

Experience is a must, but it doesn't have to be extensive by any means if you are just wanting to learn. There are plenty of instruction books out there to use.

5. What would be your top 5 tips for a beginner?

• Pay close attention to detail.
• Some mistakes can be fixed or hidden but most are visible.
• The viewer may not know exactly what is wrong but will know that something is a little off.

6. What would be your top 5 items of essential equipment?

• Bonefolder
• Awl
• PVA glue or glue stick
• Linen thread (so needle too)
• Binders board
• And I must add a 6th: paper!!

7. Can you recommend a technique or 'tips' book ideal for a beginner?

Keith Smith has some wonderful books on how to do different bindings. http://www.keithsmithbooks.com/

8. Can you recommend any brands to look out for, when buying equipment or kit?

Talas has a wonderful website with just about anything you could ever need for book binding: http://www.talasonline.com/ And Paper Source also has plenty of supplies and good prices: http://www.paper-source.com/

Thank you Meghan for talking us through your craft, you have some very beautiful work.

Blog Carnival - ‘The craft book that has become your bible’.

Welcome to the Etsy Bloggers Street Team Blog Carnival!


Today's theme is ‘The craft book that has become your bible’ and we kicked off yesterday with my entry on Colette Wolfe's book 'The Art of Manipulating Fabric', which you can find here Sara's Texture Crafts's Blog Entry . This book has seen me through many phases of my work, from college to my first job, to catwalk shows and now my own business.

This morning I would like to explore other entries to the carnival with you and find books that are an important source of inspiration for other crafters.






Christine Claringbold presents Some of my favorite design books posted at Eye Pop Art. Christine has given us a wonderful insight to some of the books that have inspired her work, her home and her life. It is interesting to see how a good book can reflect in your individual style and shape some of the ideas behind your work. I guess that is all a part of learning and developing in the world of arts and crafts.




Kathy aka Cozy presents Sources of Inspiration posted at A Cozy Life. Kathy kindly takes us through the book that has been the most inspirational to her work and some of the other craft books that have been added to her collection over the years. Like most crafters, she has a store of great reference books that have all become important to inspiring her, but much more than that she explores the idea that one inspirational craft book can become a friend almost, seeing you through life's changes and always being something solid you can come back to if you are in doubt.

I guess this is why I wanted to explore the idea of a craft book that has become a crafter's bible!

Thank you Christine and Kathy for making my first carnival so easy and also for helping me to raise awareness of the importance of books.

Sara x

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Special thanks also goes to Mallory of dismantled.etsy.com for all of her help behind the scenes!

'The craft book that has become your bible' - My Blog Carnival Entry

Here is my entry to the Etsy Bloggers Street Team's blog carnival I will be hosting on Monday. If you are a member and want to add your entry to my carnival or host your own carnival in the future, then here is the link - Wanna join my etsy blog carnival?
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'The Art of Manipulating Fabric' by Colette Wolff.


As a Fashion and Textile Designer I have been inspired by many books over the years, but there is one I always come back to and that is 'The Art of Manipulating Fabric, by Colette Wolff. It is a simple reference book for great ways to spruce up a design and can be used for dressmaking or artwork.




The book covers pleating, smocking, tucking, cording, quilting, etc and is a great book for beginners and those more advanced. There are easy illustrations that show you how to manipulate your fabric and lots of pictures of finished works for you to get an idea of how things should turn out.

Details:

The Art of Manipulating Fabric
Author: Colette Wolff
Publisher: Krause Publications
Year: 1996

Sara's Texture Crafts on Cafe Press.

Today I opened my Cafe Press store...

Sara’s Texture Crafts on Café Press is a craft inspired apparel and accessories shop, bringing you quirky, fun and wearable pieces. I also have home, giftware and craft products too.


Café Press licence the rights to use certain Sara’s Texture Crafts’s graphics on their products. So remember if you shop here you are buying from Café Press and not Sara’s Texture Crafts. Café Press are therefore responsible for all manufacture, money exchange and delivery of your items. I have enclosed all of the relevant links on my website, so that you can be sure of relevant policies and payment terms before you buy.

Café Press accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express and internal Café Press coupons and ship world-wide. Prices are all in US Dollars, but don't worry you can check how much you are paying using on-line currency calculators. You can find one here at currency calculator

To take advantage of seasonal special offers and discounts by keeping an eye on my Events Diary at http://www.sarastexturecrafts.fusiveweb.co.uk/.

My Café Press URL is http://www.cafepress.com/sarastexcrafts.

DaWanda Sellers Blog Group – how to join and where to find us.

Where to find us…

We can be found at http://www.ringsurf.com/ Select category 'shopping' and then subcategory 'crafts' - This is where we are listed. As the leader of this group I run updates through my personal blog site at Crafts of Texture You can find the link on the right hand panel.

How do I visit all of the blogs from other members?

On the right hand panel of my blog (Crafts of Texture) there is a box with I love DaWanda. Here you will see the words next, previous, random and list. By pressing any of these you will be taken directly to another members blog site.

How do I join?

Membership is free to all participants, but you must be a DaWanda Seller, whose blog links to their DaWanda shop. It would also be great if you could help to spread the word about DaWanda occasionally.

You must also display the group ring symbol on your blog before you can be accepted. The HTML code to place on your blog is on the completed application form – don’t forget to copy it and add it to your site before you exit your sent application.

Here is where to apply - Application Form

Once a member is approved, I will also added an item from their shop to my DaWanda Sellers Blog Group pinboard at
DaWanda Sellers Blog Group Pinboard Please save it as a favourite… The more popular it is the more exposure we get from DaWanda!

I have joined – What happens now?

Apart from enjoying a little extra blog exposure you can read updates at Group Updates & News these include features, ideas for promotion and group news.

Spotlight Feature #8 - Lindsay Lee, Spinner.

Today's feature is about spinning and I have asked Lindsay Lee, a spinning expert to talk to us about her beautiful work.

1. Tell me a bit about your background and how long you have been an artist/crafter.

I come from a family of artists and crafters. My grandmother wins prizes at county fairs with her watercolor paintings. My brother is a gifted tattoo artist. I have always been more attracted to the 3-dimentional. Texture is important and inspirational to me.

I've been crocheting for about 24 years- since I was 6. My best friend taught me to crochet a chain. I then asked my mother to show me the next step. She obligingly learned to crochet in order to teach me. She always sewed and had a natural affinity for fiber crafts, and I guess it's in the blood. I was comfortable embroidering and sewing by the time I entered junior-high. When I went to college in British Columbia in 95, I met Helen, an older student who had brought her Ashford Traveller (wheel) to school. She would bring it to the common areas on weekends, and just spin and spin. I became totally enthralled. She once let me have a (rather unsuccessful) try at her wheel, and from that point I was smitten. After that I taught myself to knit and satisfied myself with that and my crochet and embroidery, but that spinning wheel was always in the back of my mind. Finally, after about 12 years of silently obsessing, I asked my husband if I could get a wheel. He's such a dear. He immediately decided that his next bonus would get me one.

2. Where do you find your inspiration?

Oh, everywhere. For color, I am largely inspired by literature and by my children but often just by the colors themselves. When I paint my wool or yarn, I am usually thinking about a literary character or place. Lately it's been largely Harry Potter and the works of Jane Austen. I home-school my children, and I also find inspiration in their art, their books, and their personalities. When I spin it into yarn, the color patterns usually inspire what type of yarn it will become. I find color and texture very therapeutic. My yarns all convey a story or idea. It is a very satisfying way of putting my thoughts and feelings out there, without giving too much away.

3. Do you sell your work, or is it purely for pleasure?

I do sell it. I find that I enjoy the spinning process exceedingly more than knitting, though hand spun yarn is lovely to knit with. I had much rather know it is in the hands of someone who takes the same pleasure from knitting it as I do from making it. My yarn and spindles are available at http://www.catswilleatyou.etsy.com/

4. If someone was looking to take up this craft should they have any related experience before they start?

Not necessarily. Anyone can pick it up from scratch, but most spinners start as knitters, so a complete obsession with yarn is almost a prerequisite. It helps to just absolutely stinkin' love the stuff!

5. What would be your top 5 tips for a beginner?

• Don't let money (lack thereof) be a prohibitive. If you want to spin, get a cheap drop spindle and a few ounces of cheap fiber. It doesn't have to be a huge initial investment.
• Wool is best to learn with. Be prepared to waste some in the beginning, so don't get expensive wool to learn on. If it helps, think of a use for your mess-ups so you don't feel guilty scrapping your early attempts. I took up needle felting and stuffing crocheted amigurumi toys with my scraps. It's also a good idea to buy just an ounce or two of some nicer fibers so you can get a feel for them, and find what works best for you.
• PRE-DRAUGHT your fiber. For a beginner, this is absolutely key. You won't regret it.
• Take advantage of the resources available online. My favorite is http://www.joyofhandspinning.com/
• RELAX. That's the whole point of hand-spinning. It's a good way to focus and meditate. Relax and have fun. If it is stressful, you're doing it wrong. ;)
  

6. What would be your top 5 items of essential equipment?

For me, I can't do without:

• Good storage and organization for my work area. I use plastic Sterilite drawers.
• Hand carders
• Quality acid dyes
• Plenty of wool top or roving
• My spinning wheel or drop spindle
  

7. Can you recommend a technique or ‘tips’ book ideal for a beginner?

There are a lot of good books out there. Pretty much any book on spinning that one can get one's hands on will be helpful. Some are specifically geared toward handspindles, while others focus on wheels. Book stores don't keep many on their shelves, so one will likely have to purchase them online. Ashford has several that are very helpful. My first favorite titles that come to mind are:

• Spin to Knit by Shannon Okey
• The Whole Craft of Spinning by Carol Kroll
• The Alden Amos Big Book of Handspinning by Alden Amos

8. Can you recommend any brands to look out for, when buying equipment or kit?

I'm pretty fond of my Ashford equipment, but there are so many good brands of spinning wheels and equipment, that it's totally subject to the preference of the spinner. The main brands on the market are all top quality.

As fiber goes, there are so many different types that produce different results. It's a good idea to experiment with as many kinds as you can to get a feel for them.

Thank you very much Lindsay for showing us your beautiful work!

Illumination - a guest writer article by Lynn Davies

Illumination - Friday, September 14, 2007


Several weeks ago, I found an oddly shaped wooden object in my front yard, and wondered if the contractor working on my house had left something behind. When I went to look, I realized that there was a card attached, explaining that the piece was part of a local sculpture event. More than 150 differently shaped pieces were dropped-off at randomly chosen homes in the community. Recipients were asked to bring their pieces to a downtown Plaza on Friday, September 14 at 6 p.m. to join others who had received pieces in creating a sculpture together.


I thought the idea was intriguing, and a great way of encouraging members of the community to be involved in art, so I definitely planned to attend. I didn’t however visit the link listed on the card (www.fcmoca.org/illuminate), which provided a little more information. Perhaps I just wanted to wonder about the object and the event for a little while, and didn’t want too much information to interfere with that curiosity.

I am naturally shy and participating in a public gathering like this is outside my normal comfort zone, especially if I am on my own. I was, however, compelled to extend myself a little bit more than usual, and in an attempt to prevent myself from backing out at the last minute, I invited some friends to go with me.

One of those friends told me she’d read an article in the local newspaper about the event (coloradoan.com/article), and from that piece, I discovered that the artist, who conceived of the project, is someone I’m acquainted with. I knew that he (Ryder Cauley) was working on a sculpture project, and it crossed my mind that the piece I received might be part of that, but I thought that coincidence was just a little too bizarre. So I was as startled as he was by the peculiarity of my just happening to receive one of the randomly distributed objects.

The pieces arrived two weeks prior to the scheduled event, so in addition to the initial surprise and curiosity, the objects were in our homes for a period of time before the gathering. During that time, people chose to interact with their pieces in different ways - one piece was painted, one was embellished with paper, one had feathers added, and some were autographed. It hadn’t occurred to me to add my own creative signature before seeing those, but they inspired me to think about different ways I could have used my own chosen creative medium of fiber to individualize the piece by knitting a cozy for it or by wrapping it in a variety of colors and textures of different yarns. The lines of my piece were, however, beautiful on their own, so I left it as I found it.

According to Ryder, as people started to gather with their pieces, he watched from inside the Fort Collins Museum of Contemporary Art (FCMOCA), which overlooks the Plaza, and eventually one person approached another and they screwed their pieces together. As others joined them, the expanding group moved the growing sculpture to what they thought was a better location. When I arrived, several people were attaching their pieces to different sides of the sculpture, while a significant group watched. Those still holding pieces, were talking, comparing stories, laughing and looking for the optimal place for their particular piece. Another woman and I started placing our objects at the same time, attaching them to different sides of the same piece, and we ended-up helping each other stabilize the form while the other attached her piece. The sense of community among those of us participating, seemed to grow along with the sculpture.

Ryder’s intention in this event, which was presented in conjunction with FCMOCA, was to look at and expand the roles of artist, viewer, and sculpture. The anonymous delivery of the individual objects, which were pieces of art in themselves, was intended to make us curious. By being in our homes for a period of time, the pieces, which started out as a novel addition to our intimate environments, eventually crossed a boundary to become part of our everyday lives. In being brought to the Plaza for the event, the individual pieces helped bring us together in a community that included the artist, participants, and observers (and the sculpture itself ?).


From concept to creation, this event was about creating that community, redefining roles of artist and viewer, and questioning ourselves about our normal perception of the world and our place in it.

Where was the event? Oak Street Plaza, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA, http://www.fcmoca.org/illuminate/



Written by;
Lynn Davies
Katinka Knits
katinkaknits@earthlink.net
Please visit my Etsy Shop... KatinkaKnits.etsy.com!



Photos by Mélina Bernhardt.

Wanna join my Etsy Blog Carnival?

As a member of the Etsy Bloggers Street Team I'm hosting a blog carnival on the 22nd of October... Here is how you can enter your Etsy Bloggers Street Team Entry.

What is a Blog Carnival?

A blog carnival is a single blog entry created by a Carnival host that contains links to lots of different blogs, which pertain to a singular theme. For example, one week participants may be asked to talk about their gardens and the next their latest craft project.

Sara's Texture Crafts's Blog Carnival!

Date: 22nd October 2007

Theme: ‘The craft book that has become your bible’.

All you need to do is write a small blog entry about your most used craft book, telling us why it works for you and including a small picture. Then all you have to do is publish around the 17th and send in your entry.

How do I enter my Etsy blog entry?

• Publish your blog article and visit the entry link.
• Entry Link: blogcarnival.com/bc/submit_1992.html
• You will be asked to enter your article's link (press the title of the blog article and copy the URL at the top of your screen.
• Give me your name and email address.
• Fill in any comments you wish me to publish along with your entry.
• Type in the security code.

I will then link all of the article in my Carnival day (22nd October)

A word from the street team
*Please note: only members of the Etsy Bloggers Street Team should submit their posts to this carnival. Info about the street team and membership requirements can be found here.

Come on and give it a go... I would love to show you off.

Sara x

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Etsy Bloggers Street Team Information

Team blog - etsybloggers.blogspot.com
Membership Requirements - Etsy Bloggers Street Team - How to join

etsy-bloggers-carnival-faq

About Etsy Bloggers Carnivals

DaWanda Seller's Blog Group - Update #6

Hi Everyone!

We have a few new members this month, which takes us to 27 wonderful blogs, which you can find here- Member List

For anyone interested in joining, please find the application form link here DaWanda Sellers Blog Group - Application form
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Today I want to introduce you to the DaWanda Shop Directory .

The DaWanda Shop Directory is written and maintained by DaWanda sellers for DaWanda buyers and sellers alike. Each article is edited by me (Sara's Texture Crafts) and is published to help buyers and sellers see more on DaWanda and provide another fun way to search for your 'Made with Love' purchases.

Topics will include:

• Directory Updates
• Featured Sellers
• New Collections
• Special Offers/Sales
• Seller Competitions
• Style Lab Additions
• DaWanda Promo Bags
  

Please feel free to link back to this site and spread the word!
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If you are a DaWanda Seller and want to participate, please read below for more details...

Want to add your shop to the directory? Here is how:

• Go to http://dawandashopdirectory.blogspot.com/
• Press the link on the right hand panel of this blog, called 'View my Links page'.
• Press 'add link' at the bottom of the page.
• Type your name.
• Under Title type your shop name.
• Type your email address
• The 'link URL' is your DaWanda shop's address. Your code will look something like this http://en.dawanda.com/shop/sarastexturecrafts (English), http://de.dawanda.com/shop/SarasTextureCrafts (German), or http://fr.dawanda.com/shop/SarasTextureCrafts (French)
• Select a Category - choose Boutique if you sell mixed product.
• Add a description for your shop.
• Enter the code and press 'Add Link'

Your details are then processed as soon as possible, which may take up to 10 days.

Want to be a featured seller?

Please answer the following questions and send them with the original questions to DaWanda Shop Directory - Editor. You can also include 3 photos these must be .jpegs, no more than 700Kb and no bigger than 13cm in either direction. Please note that 1 of these photos must be your shop's logo or banner, so that buyers can easily recognise you.

Questions:

1. DaWanda Shop Name:
2. DaWanda Shop URL:
3. When did you open your shop?
4. Are you in the DaWanda Shop Directory here?
5. What Category are you under?
6. What do you sell?
7. Describe 2 of your current products.
8. Tell me a bit about you... (no more than 500 words)
9. Do you have a website, or blog?
   

You can also write an article and tell us about your DaWanda new collection, special offer/sale, competition, or style lab addition

Please write an article of no more than 500/600 words and send it to DaWanda Shop Directory - Editor. You can also include 2 photos these must be .jpegs, no more than 700Kb and no bigger than 13cm in either direction.

To have your article featured you should first complete a featured seller questionnaire, as this will allow readers to know who they are reading about. Also please bear in mind that I am not only an editor here, but a DaWanda seller also and therefore my time is limited, so articles will be published as I get to them. I would advise that you provide articles well in advance of your offer, competition, or new collection's key dates to ensure that your article is publish in conjunction with your work.

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That is it for today...Sara x

Spotlight Feature #7 - Susan Foss, Painter.

Today Susan Foss will be talking to us about her painting... a great source of texture inspiration.

1. Tell me a bit about your background and how long you have been an artist/crafter.

I have been making art off and on for most of my life. I have worked on films, been a jeweler’s and a photographer’s assistant, a landlord, designed handmade greeting cards, been a stay at home mom and had my own restaurant. About 5 years ago, I got out of the restaurant business and got a job teaching high school art and I have thrown myself into making art more fully and began showing and selling my work.

2. Where do you find your inspiration?

Looking at art inspires me. I constantly buy books, look at art on the Internet and gallery hop. I also am inspired by cellular images, textures, colors and how they relate to each other and the way shapes interact. Oh, and my students inspire me often.

3. Do you sell your work, or is it purely for pleasure?

I am lucky to be selling my work, but I will do it no matter what! The pleasure I get from creating is unparalleled. I sell my fruit paintings and mixed media collages on Etsy at http://www.abstractheart.etsy.com/ and have other work on my blogs http://www.susanfoss.blogspot.com/ and http://www.c-scapeduneshack.blogspot.com/ and my website where I post my larger abstract oil paintings http://www.susanfoss.com/

4. If someone was looking to take up this craft should they have any related experience before they start?

I have always been a fan of-if you have a desire to do something, just do it. Learn all you can as you go, but don’t let lack of experience stop you or get in your way.

5. What would be your top 5 tips for a beginner?

• Look at art; saturate yourself with it-books, magazines, websites, galleries, museums, etc.
• Take some workshops or classes at a local arts organization, or find some free online demonstrations.
• Get yourself some art supplies and just experiment-every day.
• Join Etsy-right away!
• Research, join online forums, and ask questions.
  

6. What would be your top 5 items of essential equipment?

• Paint-oil, acrylic, watercolor
• Matte medium (I go through gallons of it!)
• X-acto blades
• Paper-drawing, watercolor, patterned, maps, all kinds!
• Good paint brushes.
  

7. Can you recommend a technique or ‘tips’ book ideal for a beginner?

Collage books by Claudine Hellmuth and book binding and journaling books.

8. Can you recommend any brands to look out for, when buying equipment or kit?

Golden Acrylics and mediums, Utrecht and Dick Blick Art Supplies.

Thank you Susan for sharing your art with us and I wish you every success in the future.

The State Fair of Texas® in Dallas - a Guest Writer Article by Tana Dixon

Here is a new feature for the blogzine - the guest writer article. The lovely Tana Dixon agreed to be my first writer, you may remember her earlier artist spotlight feature on Crewel work. Tana has kindly agreed to talk us through her recent visit to the Texas State Fair.

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The State Fair of Texas is held every fall in Dallas, Texas at the historic Fair Park. The fair has been held at this same location every year since 1886. It is the largest state fair held in the United States, with about 3 million visitors per year. One of the attractions includes the famous "Texas Star" ferris wheel, which is the largest ferris wheel in North America at 212 feet tall, and the view of the Dallas city skyline at the top is fantastic!

The State Fair of Texas® in Dallas, Texas is a special event that I look forward to attending each fall. There is so much to see and do, and the fair organizers do a wonderful job of bringing together all kinds of interesting shows and activities. There is certainly more to see and do than I can accomplish in one full day of attendance! My favorite part of the fair, however, is the Creative Arts competition.

The State Fair is a wonderful venue for sharing needlework. People come from all over the state to see the beautiful handwork that has been entered, and there is always a full crowd in the Creative Arts building. Winning a ribbon at the State Fair is such a thrill! But I originally entered my piece in order to share its beauty with a wider audience. Crewel waxes and wanes in and out of fashion somewhat more than some of the other needlework techniques, so there may be people out there who are not as familiar with it as some of the other needle techniques. However, I love the look and lasting beauty of crewel, and I would love to think that someone was inspired to try crewel after seeing a worthy piece at a public show.



The Creative Arts display building is a huge, open, airy space that makes a wonderful retreat from the late summer heat and bright sunshine outside. Only creative entries that win a ribbon are displayed, and the fair organizers always do such a terrific job of displaying all of the entries in the most appealing way. And what a variety of things to see! Beautiful quilts adorn the rafter area all around the hall. Some are very traditional; others are quite modern. They make a wonderful backdrop of color, texture, and design for the displays below. Underneath the quilts are beautifully crafted heavy wooden display cases full of lovely textiles and special hobby collections. There are fantastic samples of knitting, crochet, needlework, crewel, cross-stitch, smocking, and every kind of handwork imaginable. Special hobby collections might include dolls, toys, and antique items.




I usually make at least two trips to the Creative Arts building during a day at the fair. There are usually several pieces that I want to see again. There are almost too many lovely pieces to take in at one go of it! I can easily spend 2-3 hours of my day looking through all of the entries in that building. And it is always fun to see other admirers stopping to take in all of the particularly striking pieces. I also get the satisfied feeling that needlework and crafts are alive and well and flourishing! It seems that in this busy world no one takes time anymore for handwork of all kinds, but that is not so much the case. I think all stitchers share a common bond of their love for textile art, and it is wonderful to see so many people participating in that love of the craft.


Creative Arts entries are charged $4.00 each for entering, so the cost is quite nominal. People in the immediate vicinity of Dallas can hand deliver their entries to the fair. If an entry must be mailed in, like mine, it is the responsibility of the sender to pay the delivery fees (postage or carrier service) both for the trip over there and the return trip home. It takes about three weeks for the fair staff to set up the exhibits before the fair and about the same three weeks to take it all down, pack it up, and return entries to the owners.


Written by Tana Dixon.

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Thank you Tana for sharing your day with us and I look forward to reading your upcoming articles. Oh and CONGRATULATIONS on your blue ribbon for your 'Bell Pull' entry.

If you want to be a guest writer, please see the link on the right hand panel.

My Etsy Collection is going fast!

I finished uploading late last month, so thought I ought to show you a few more pieces from the range before she sells out! Wondering where the 'Geisha' bag went? Well after little more than a week I sold her and she is off to Milan!

An Indie inspired Etsy treasury.

Thank you Bebe for including me in your wonderful treasury this morning!

Please pop over and visit at http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=10593. The treasury closes on Saturday.

Spotlight Feature #6 - Manuela Tinoco

I remember learning to knit as a child and still do on occasion, but I never got around to the art of Crochet. Here to tell us a bit more about her art is crochet expert Manuela Tinoco...

1. Tell me a bit about your background and how long you have been an artist/crafter.

I was born in Germany, Darmstadt more precisely, where I spent most of my childhood. Later I moved to Portugal because my parents are Portuguese and they wanted to return to their home. I still live in Portugal and I'm a secondary school teacher.

I think it was in Kindergarten where I realised that my hands could create things. I remember my neighbour, a dear old lady, knitting a lot for her grandchildren and I tried the same at home with two crocheting needles... the problem was how to start the work... after some knots around the needle, I repeated the same movements Mrs Wiesmann made... I didn't look very good but I felt proud of myself. Crocheting came in my life in Primary school, I made a white rabbit. Later as a teenager I learned embroidery and macramé (knots). About five years ago a friend introduced me to cross stitch and more recently I went to some workshops about beading and polymer clay. All these things are hobbies, unfortunately!

2. Where do you find your inspiration?

Sometimes I compare myself to a cartoon character I saw as a child "Vikki the Viking". He used to rub his nose for ideas... no, I don't rub my nose but sometimes you can see me stare to nothing but actually I'm imagining a project and how to make it. Many of the projects I do are for friends... so the person in stake is my inspiration. Sometimes, like in swaps, I have a theme and make sort of a brainstorming and come up with some interesting ideas... and when I discovered the wonderful world of blogging, I realised that there are so many great crafters out there. Not that they are a source of inspiration, it's more to see amazing things and praising them for the gift they have in their hands and share their creations with others. It's very good to know that people appreciate our work and that keeps us moving.

3. Do you sell your work, or is it purely for pleasure?

I haven't sold anything yet but the idea of it already came up... there is the need for the "first big step" but I'm not ready by now... as told before, most of the things are for friends and some for me... and the need to show things in my blog (macati.blogspot.com), makes me create more and think in different things. Not that I have fans but I know that there are people that visit my blog everyday or every week and I feel responsible to show them something I made... it may sound strange to you, but it's how I feel.

4. If someone was looking to take up this craft should they have any related experience before they start?

If you mean crocheting, no prior experience needed, learn the basics and then it's up to your imagination... if you feel that you want to improve yourself, it means that it's time to get a good book!






5. What would be your top 5 tips for a beginner?

• Learn the basics;
• use the patterns as a source of inspiration and not as a copy;
• if you made something wrong it's easy to undo and remake it
• choose your favourite colour to start with
• never give up (some of my final works are a bit different as I imagined it in the beginning!)

6. What would be your top 5 items of essential equipment?

• Good sitting spot
• a needle and nice colour thread
• some crocheting magazines or books for inspiration
• good ears (to hear what's on TV, radio or the latest gossip)
• imagination
  

7. Can you recommend a technique or ‘tips’ book ideal for a beginner?

I found recently a great book by Debbie Stoller "The happy hooker". It teaches very well to a beginner, helped me with some new techniques and has great patterns.

8. Can you recommend any brands to look out for, when buying equipment or kit?

I crochet with anchor and use DMC in cross-stitching but there isn't a special reason...



Thank you very much Manuela for allowing us to understand your art and I wish you success if you choose to sell your work.

Spotlight Feature #5 - Amanda Heikkinen

Ahhhh felt... I love felt! It is one of those materials I come back to every now and again, as it has real texture and is so flexible in it's end use. So today I am featuring Amanda Heikkinen felting expert to tantalize us into picking up those felting tools again!


1. Tell me a bit about your background and how long you have been an artist/crafter.

I worked for 20 years as a Physiotherapist in the NHS in UK. At 40 I met my Finnish husband, and my 2 children now aged 5½ and 4 rapidly followed! In July 2002 we left London for a new life in Finland, Elli at that time was 4 months old. It was through one of the playgroups I went to with the children that I discovered Felting - Christmas 2005. I was hooked! I have always enjoyed making things but my ability to draw is non existent but here was a craft that just fitted me perfectly. I have done a couple of courses since (in Finnish!) in both needle and wet felting and these have certainly guided me in the right direction.


2. Where do you find your inspiration?

We live in a beautiful country and a lot of my wet felting pictures are inspired by the forests, lakes and nature all around us. I take photographs of what I see and use these to help create my pictures.


3. Do you sell your work, or is it purely for pleasure?

Due to the fact my Finnish is limited it is very hard for me to find work here. So now I am now in the process of starting a small business from home selling my work (website pending) – particularly my wet felting pictures. All of my work up to now has been done purely for the fun of doing it and also a great source of presents for family and friends (plus requests for various creatures from the children!)



4. If someone was looking to take up this craft should they have any related experience before they start?


No, I had never heard of felting before I started my mother’s ‘craft’ group and within 2 months I had completed my first felting picture – the Three Kings (one of the photos - needlefelted), inspired by a Christmas card.

5. What would be your top 5 tips for a beginner?

• Experiment with the wool – see what happens if……
• Try different types of wool to see which suits you.
• Take your time with wet felting, don’t try to rush the process.
• Courses are fun and you can pick up valuable tips and ideas.
• Let your imagination take over, felting is so versatile with endless possibilities!
  

6. What would be your top 5 items of essential equipment?

Needle felting

• Piece of foam to stab into!
• Proper felting needles(from wool suppliers)
• Lots of lovely coloured wool
• Imagination!
• Plenty of time(it is addictive!)
  

Wet felting

• Bubble wrap – helps a lot
• Wool – merino wet felts easily but try all types
• Plenty of hot soapy water(mild soap e.g. olive oil, soap flakes)
• Your hands ( plus lots of energy)
• Towels to limit the mess!
  

Can you recommend a technique or ‘tips’ book ideal for a beginner?

My personal favourites are Feltmaking by Chad Alice Hagen and New Felt using the felting needle by Birgitte Krag Hansen.

Can you recommend any brands to look out for, when buying equipment or kit?

I have personal favourites of wool and felting needles and I think once a person has done a bit of experimenting with the different varieties available they will develop their own preferences.

Thank you Amanda for a great insight to the world of felting.