Taking a quick break...

I'm taking myself off line this coming week... well more like I'm being told too! but he's right we need a break and I need to sit down for 5 minutes!!

I will be back to work on the 4th of August though, so do expect to hear from me again around then...

I will be placing a holiday notice on all of my shops too, but don't worry you can make your purchases and enquires as normal. All orders will be processed on my return and shipped out over the next few days. All enquires will be dealt with as quickly as possible.

Until then... keep crafting!

Sara x

Blog Competition #2 - Heatwave!

Welcome to my latest blog competition!

Question: ‘What’s your favourite holiday destination and why?’

First Prize - A pair of my Heatwave Earrings.
They are made from polymer clay and the plated wire findings.
They measure 4-4.5cm in length, from the ear finding to the base of the polymer drop.

There are plenty more like this in my Etsy store and are only $4 dollars each!
Sara's Texture Crafts on Etsy - SALE!!

Runner-up Prize - A Mystery Bag
(what is a Sara's Texture Crafts Mystery Bag?)

Rules:
Post a comment directly under this blog post... answer the questions and give me a form of contact for you (a shop, a blog, an email address - whichever you feel safest leaving)
Anyone who purchases an item from my Etsy shop during this time will gain an automatic entry... this can be used as a second entry, if you posted here too.
Closing date for entries 21st August 23:00 hrs GMT
A winner will be picked by myself on 22nd and announced on the 22nd/23rd August.

Good Luck everyone!

Enjoy!
Sara x
http://www.sarastexturecrafts.fusiveweb.co.uk/

Blogging while you are away!

I often get asked how I manage to keep all of my blogs going, even if I am really busy with other things... what's my trick? Well, it's not so much a trick as forward planning... and maybe a bit of workaholism! I usually carry a note pad everywhere I go, I got used to it when I was working full time as a fashion designer... you never know where inspiration will hit! The truth is I've never got out of the habit of carrying this thing around with me... I often think it has a life of it's own, as I'm sure I never pack it in my bags to go on holiday, but sure enough it's the first thing I find when I'm looking for the sun cream!

This little note pad comes in handy when it comes to blogging though... often notes and jottings can quickly be turned into ideas for blog posts - great if you are in a rush! If I get the time I will write up a few of these ideas into my blog and 'schedule' them to publish on separate days... this means I don't have to think daily about something to post! So how do you schedule a post on Blogger? It's simple...

Firstly write your post and add the labels, as you would usually. Then press 'Post Options' on the right hand side of the labels panel. A menu will appear, asking for a date and time. Once you have selected your day for posting, all you need then do is to press 'Publish Post'. Google's blogger then stores the article until the date and time you have selected and publishes it for you.

Thank you blogger!

I think I am being watched!!

A little while ago on one of my 'tips' posts I received a comment from a reader, who happens to be the Editor of The Craft Gossip Network Blog... 'I'd love to feature your tutorial for machine embroidery beginners'... 'Why not', I said and so she did!

Here's the link http://needlework.craftgossip.com/getting-started-in-machine-embroidery/2008/07/21/

Thank you Denise!

Sara x
http://www.sarastexturecrafts.fusiveweb.co.uk/

Oooow Hello... a little bit of press!

Thank you to cuteable for featuring one of my Etsy brooches (Felt Scene Brooch)!


Here's the link http://cuteable.com/cuteable-finds-257/3148

I'm also adding my featured logo onto the side bar


Sara x
http://www.sarastexturecrafts.fusiveweb.co.uk/

The Bromley Lace Guild

I came across the Bromley Lace Guild a few years ago and was in awe of their delicate work, especially because my passion for historical costume… Anyway, just in case you are interested in finding out more, here’s the link.

http://www.laceguild.org/

What do they offer members?

• a magazine
• courses, workshops, exhibitions
• an annual convention
• study collections and a library
• lots more…

Bang, Bang a Clothing Exchange in London.

Find designer labels mixed in with branded jeans in a clothing exchange setting… yes thats right, swap your unwanted pieces for new ones. You can even pick up a pair of 501s to customise… what could be more fashion creative!

Bang Bang Clothing Exchange
Berwich Street (near Tyler’s Court)
London
T: 0207 494 2042

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This review can also be found at as part of my contributions on DIY City Magazine

Sara x
http://www.sarastexturecrafts.fusiveweb.co.uk/

Craft Videos on YouTube

I was quite surprised to find lots of feltmaking videos on UTube having always wondered whether it was a good place to hang out for crafters. But it’s actually a great place to learn. The other thing I realised was that there are so many different ways of working with one technique in feltmaking. For example I found three different ways to roll a felt ball all of which differ from my own personal technique. Anyway here’s a video to inspire.



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This article has been reposted at http://workingwithfelt.ning.com/ - A community of feltmakers who love to learn and share new techniques, tips and resources, as well as showing off their own creations.

Ebay Craft Guide #4 - Recommended Equipment for Machine Embroidery

This is the next in my series of recommended equipment lists and this concentrates on the equipment I would recommend to a machine embroidery beginner. As a fashion and textile designer I often have to produce work using freehand machine embroidery techniques. This is my must have equipment list, some of the items have appeared in other guides I have written so I apologise for any duplication.

• Small scissors – For snipping thread ends without damaging your work.
• Dress Making scissors – For cutting your main fabrics and remember to keep these in a piece of cloth, so that they avoid rusting.
• Embroidery hoop – wooden or plastic is fine. Always put what you are working on in a frame which is large enough to fit under the machine and move around whilst you are working on your design.
• Pins – Pins are essential to hold fabrics in place while you work. Just be careful that you take these out before you sew over them!
• Stitch unpicker/ripper – An essential for any mistakes, as you can get into tight corners and carefully undo mistakes!
• Hand sewing Needles – I always have a variety of sizes in stock.
• Spare sewing machine needles – I always keep a spare box of basic needles and some with more specialised tips for example stretch fabrics, or leather. You probably are best to start with the basics and see how you go from there.
• A scrap of fabric – I always test my stitches on a scrap piece of fabric before I start, just to make sure my machine tensions are correct. I usually use a simple cotton, or piece of calico. I don’t recommend synthetics or sheers, as these are too delicate to get a feel for the machine.
• Spare bobbin cases (the thread holder for the bottom thread of your stitch seam) – Just in case I need to change my colour threads in a hurry and don’t want to roll off new bobbin.
• Bondaweb (or fusible interfacing) – this can sometimes be useful to hold fabrics in place if you are missing or not confident with your pinning.
• White and Black cotton reels – these are you basic colour threads, which you will probably use more often especially when practising a new seam or technique.
• Note pad & pen – I always keep a notepad and pen with my work, just in case I am running low on something I can write the correct codes for colour threads, etc.
  Always remember to have an iron and ironing board set up, you will need to lightly press pieces as you go. This will help your work look more professional and well finished.

I hope this helps… Here's where to get some of that... Sara's Texture Crafts.
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If you find this guide useful please vote for it at Sara's eBay Reviews

Sara's Blog Competition #2

New Competition is coming... so please keep your eyes open for the details.
Sara x

Machine Felting With an Embellisher

I got myself a Janome Embellisher about 10 months ago, after having used one years ago at University. I never really needed one at home before, but now I wouldn’t be without it…it’s how I create most of my needle felted bags and scented heart sachets.

These machines are a great idea if you want to needle felt larger areas and you have limited time which rules out the hand needle process. They are coming down in price too, becoming more affordable and there are is a wide range of varieties available too including Toyota and Brother.

If you didn’t want to spend a lot, but like the idea of needle felting with you sewing machine, then I think you can also get an attachment. Be warned though once fitted it converts your sewing machine to a felter permanently so try to get hold of an old/spare machine from either a friend or thrift shop if this is your preferred option.

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This article has been reposted at http://workingwithfelt.ning.com/ - A community of feltmakers who love to learn and share new techniques, tips and resources, as well as showing off their own creations.

Strawberry Fields Forever... well on Etsy anyway!

I recently listed my first entry to the Needle Felters on Etsy Street Team (NFEST) monthly challenge group... I was a bit worried, I'm still learning how to needle felt, but I think it ended up ok. So here she is...

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13248207

Sara x
http://www.sarastexturecrafts.fusiveweb.co.uk/

The launch of my new store...

Phew, I'm back... so let's tell you a little bit more about my new store.

http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/sarastexturecrafts

Here on 'Not on the High Street' I hope to be able to bring you the crafts and techniques that have been inspiring me recently, from finished artworks to bags, clothing accessories, jewellery, homeware and wedding items... What makes this different from my other on-line stores is that it is entirely bespoke and made to order.

The Not on the High Street site was started back on April 2006 by Holly Tucker and Sophie Cornish who have a passion for finding small creative businesses to share with the UK market. Up to now and for the foreseeable future they are being very selective about who they allow to partner them (become sellers) on the site, in order to offer exclusive and varied ranges of unique product. Their high standard of taste and an eye for detail has proved a success so far, receiving top notch press here in the UK.

Here is a hint at the items you can find in my store here...

As you can imagine I am very proud and excited to open my store here and I hope to see you over there...

Sara x
http://www.sarastexturecrafts.fusiveweb.co.uk/

Oh, and P.S. Thank you to everyone who has sent my Good Luck wishes... I really appreciate it!

Very, very excited... I'm Not on the High Street!

I'm very, very excited today... do you remember a while ago I mentioned that I would be opening a new boutique store, one with UK prices? Well, it opened yesterday!

http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/sarastexturecrafts

I've still got a bit to do and will be listing most of today (I need to get it done before I start a freelance project tomorrow). It is however fully set up to start selling bespoke pieces, so do pop in and check it out... I'll be back later with more launch details.

Sara x
http://www.sarastexturecrafts.fusiveweb.co.uk/

DaWanda Sellers Blog Group - Update #12

Good Morning all! It's that time again! Here are the vitals;

Member List
DaWanda Sellers Blog Group - Application form.
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My update today is about the new shopping community at http://dawandashopping.ning.com/

The DaWanda Shopping community here on Ning has been set up independently of DaWanda for buyers and sellers to further enjoy and share their DaWanda experience. It is free to join and easy to use, so make sure you pay us a visit.

Your moderators here are:

Sara of Sara's Texture Crafts - English and site moderator/owner.Please contact Sara for site help and queries through her page here at Sara's Texture Crafts.

Meherio68 of Le Bar du Vent - French moderatorMeherio68 will be dropping in every so often to help look after the French group, forum posts and members. You can contact her through the French Group and find her page at Le Bar du Vent
Meherio68 sera là régulièrement aussi, pour aider les membres francophones et pour modérer les interventions dans le cadre du Forum et du Groupe France. Vous pouvez aussi la contacter sur le Groupe France ou sur sa page, le Bar du Vent.

Lea of Leas kleine Taschenmanufaktur - German moderator Lea will be dropping in every so often to help look after the German group, forum posts and members. You can contact Lea through the German Group and find her page at Shileah
Lea wird regelmäßig in der deutschen Gruppe und dem Forum nach dem Rechten sehen und steht den Mitgliedern bei Fragen zur Verfügung. Ihr könnt Lea über die deutsche Gruppe kontaktieren und findet ihre Seite über "Shileah".

See you next time,
Sara x

Ebay Craft Guide #3 - Recommended Equipment for Sewing

This is the second in my series of recommended equipment lists and this concentrates on the equipment I would recommend to a clothes-making beginner.

• Small scissors – Get yourself a sharp pair of small embroidery scissors, these are useful for snipping thread ends without damaging your work.
• Dress Making scissors – Remember to buy quality here, as you will be cutting your fabric will these and blunt scissors can tear finer fabrics. Keep these in a piece cloth, so that they avoid rusting.
• Pins – Pins are essential to hold fabrics in place while you work. Just be careful that you take these out before you sew over them!
• Measuring tape – This is another piece of essential kit.
• Stitch unpicker/ripper – This is a tool I always have in my box. I mostly use it for those wonky seams and the occasional freehand element that didn’t work!
• Dress making chalk – to outline your patterns, before you cut your fabric.
• Hand sewing Needles – A stock of varying sizes is always good to have on hand, just in case you need to finish a dress hem, or buttonhole by hand.
• Needle Keep – This just needs to be a scrap of fabric, where you can keep all of your spare needles in one place. There are also plenty you could buy, or your could even make your own.
• Spare sewing machine needles – I always keep a spare box of basic needles and some with more specialised tips for example stretch fabrics, or leather. You probably are best to start with the basics and see how you go from there.
• A scrap of fabric – I always test my stitches on a scrap piece of fabric before I start, just to make sure my machine tensions are correct. I usually use a simple cotton, or piece of calico. I don’t recommend synthetics or sheers, as these are too delicate to get a feel for the machine.
• Spare bobbin cases (the thread holder for the bottom thread of your stitch seam) – Just in case I need to change my colour threads in a hurry and don’t want to roll off new bobbin.
• Bondaweb (or fusible interfacing) – you can buy this in most haberdasheries and you will find it useful for holding fabric permanently in place whilst you stitch (like appliqué designs), or to line collars and waistbands.
• Soft HB or 2B pencil – for finely tracing edges, or marking pattern notches. You could always use the pens whose ink disappears when you wash your item, but I personally prefer a pencil.
• White and Black cotton reels – these are you basic colour threads, which you will probably use more often especially when practising a new seam or technique.
• Note pad & pen – I always keep a notepad and pen with my work, just in case I am running low on something I can write the correct codes for colour threads, etc.

Always remember to have an iron and ironing board set up, you will need to lightly press pattern pieces and sections of clothing as you go. This will help your work look more professional and well finished.

I carry equipment and beginner packs in stock, so do drop in… Sara's Texture Crafts.

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If you find this guide useful please vote for it at Sara's eBay Reviews

Choosing Glasses...

It comes to all of us I guess, the need for glasses... especially those who enjoy detailed handiwork in crafts. I had a check-up recently and was told that I may need a pair myself if my eyes get worse.

I came across this site... http://www.zennioptical.com/ on Pay per post and thought I should share it with you.

They have some nice frame styles... in fact quite a range. They tell me that they provide frames and lenses for most prescriptions... 'single vision lens, sun sensor (potochromic)lens, tinted sunglasses lens, bifocal lens and progressive lens.' Zenni is a manufacturer of frames, so their prices are better than at retail in some cases. They are based in the US.

They give us advice on frame types at http://zennioptical.com/cart/pages.php?pageid=7
and lens information at http://zennioptical.com/cart/pages.php?pageid=8

Here's the link if you are interested zennioptical.com

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This has been a sponsored post.
You can also review this post by pressing for more details see Payperpost details

Equipment For Wet Felting

Here’s what I use

Newspapers and a bin liner on the floor.
A piece of old net curtain, preferably a voile
A rolling pin
Kettle hot water
Washing up liquid
Rubber gloves

TIP: Everyone has their own way of working and will prefer slightly different equipment depending on how they were taught. The main thing is that you have plenty of time and effort to put into creating your felt… it’s not a quick fix craft!

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This article has been reposted at http://workingwithfelt.ning.com/ - A community of feltmakers who love to learn and share new techniques, tips and resources, as well as showing off their own creations.

Quick & Clever Felting by Ellen Kharade

This book is ideal for beginners as it covers the rudimentary techniques for a wide range of disciplines within feltmaking. With very clear directions and wonderful pictures we are able to follow step by step the instructions for each simple, but beautifully designed project.

Ellen Kharade has a clever twist up her sleeve though and that is the one thing that struck me about this book. Apart from championing the versatility of modern feltmaking, Ellen has given us a selection of projects that not only work on an individual basis but can also work together to form bigger pieces. This clever thinking should capture the heart of any crafter who may have limited time on their hands, or someone who works in short bursts of creativity making this book truly accessible to all.

Overall this is a truly fun book and will sit with pride on my bookshelf.

Title: Quick & Clever Felting

By Ellen Kharade

Publisher: David & Charles

ISBN 13-9780715327166

ISBN 10-071532716X

Price: £12.99

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This review can also be found at as part of my contributions on DIY City Magazine and The Textile Directory.

Sara x
http://www.sarastexturecrafts.fusiveweb.co.uk/

And the Award goes to...

A difficult desicion, I'm sure you will agree... but I have decided on the 5 blogs that should receive the 'Sweet Home Blogger Award'. And the winners read...

• Cosy Candles' Ramblings - for her frank and honest blog about running her small business.
• Hedge Witch UK- for inspiring me to work harder on becoming green fingered... and I don't even need a piece of land, so no excuse really!
• My Little Magik Shop's Blog - for inspiring me to keep going (no-one said running a small business would be easy!) and to try new things... and also a lovely place to hang out, I feel at home here.
• Embroidery with an Edge - The first blog link I ever made! This is the story of a fledgling business, going great guns here in the UK... I always like to drop in everyso often, as we started at a similar time.
• The Creative Core - A new blog, but a great idea... spurring the inner artist!

I apologise if you didn't get a mention and I have you on my link list... I went with a selection that inspired my own personal life and art the most... doesn't mean I forgot any of you... you are all linked here for a reason!

Anyhoo... congrats and do pass on the blog award love!

Sara x
http://www.sarastexturecrafts.fusiveweb.co.uk/

Who's in my Second Batch of Mystery Bags?

The second batch of Mystery bags was contributed to by the following lovely people...

1. http://www.blinkingmouse.etsy.com/
2. http://www.alliesadornments.etsy.com/
3. http://www.grooveycrafts.etsy.com/
4. http://www.sunsetgirl.etsy.com/
5. http://www.sugarcane.etsy.com/
6. http://thepeachtree.etsy.com/
7. http://www.kiwialan.etsy.com/
8. http://www.applepieorder.etsy.com/
9. http://www.ozarkgypsyart.etsy.com/
10. http://www.kmaylward.etsy.com/
11. http://www.whimsyhouse.etsy.com/
12. http://www.swirlyarts.etsy.com/
13. http://www.jewelrybyallison.etsy.com/
14. http://fantaseabysherryb.etsy.com/
15. http://mysticmoononline.com/

Thanks guys for your contributions... I hope they bring you some sales.

Sara x

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If you would like to send something for the Mystery Bags, please see this article... http://sarastexturecrafts.blogspot.com/2008/05/what-is-saras-texture-crafts-mystery.html

Ebay Craft Guide #2 - Inkjet Waterslide Decals

This is a fantastic item for anyone who wants to create their own unique images on non-fabric items and is great for all craft disciplines. Simply load the decal sheet into your inkjet printer and away you go!

Here's where I stock my supplies for sale - Decals

These instructions are based on supplier information and my use of the item.

I would recommend that children be supervised during use of this item, as the process can be complicated and messy!

Instructions for use:

1. Load the Inkjet water-slide, decal paper sheets into the printer and make sure that they are sitting straight in the feeder tray. If the sheets are not straight this may lead to ink blotches at the sides of the sheet, or images being printed at an angle.
2. You can use the usual settings on your printer, as there are no special set-up requirements.
3. Once printed leave the sheet for 30 minutes to dry flat.
4. Spray with 4 thin coats of acrylic varnish. This will fix the water based, Inkjet ink to the decal sheet. Make sure that this step is followed closely otherwise the ink will bleed/come off in the next stage which involves water. Please also note that if the varnish is sprayed too thickly it can also cause problems, so try a test spray from the can on some old newspaper, to make sure that you are used to the amount of spray that the nozzle emits before use.
5. Cut out the designs with a pair of scissors, or a craft knife. If you are using the clear decal sheets, then small borders around the image can sometimes be easier to work with and give a better finished effect.
6. Put the image into a bowl of water for 30 seconds.
7. Gently pick up the decal and feel between your finger tips. If the backing starts to slip away from the image and you can feel a sticky membrane between the decal and the backing, then your decal is ready to use. Make sure that you do not slip the image off of the backing completely.
8. Carefully move the backing so that there is a very small lip of decal showing above the backing.
9. Shake off any excess water.
10. Apply the lip of decal to the desired surface.
11. Gently and slowly move the backing away from the decal image, allowing the decal to stick to the desired surface. Any rapid or clumsy movements here can cause bubbling, or the decal to rip.
12. Once the decal is placed on the surface it is possible to gently move it into place. Please remember that the decal is extremely fragile at this point.
13. Once in place use a lint free cloth to dab off excess water and remove any air bubbles.
14. Leave to dry for 24 hours.
15. Varnish the surface for extra protection (not recommended on soap).
16. Useable surfaces include; candles, soap, plastic, or varnished wood.

Here are some of project ideas to get started with - Why not cut out your images to decorate your own hand-made soap? How about cutting the designs into insets for doll house furniture? Or, maybe you could create your own candle designs for that special occasion?

I hope this helps... Sara x

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If you find this guide useful please vote for it at Sara's eBay Reviews

Blog Prize Received & an Award!

I got an email from NiftyKnits the winner of my first competition here on Crafts of Texture... she loved my Felted Lavender Heart so much that she added a blog post to her wonderful blog at http://niftyknits-somuchyarnsolittletime.blogspot.com/2008/06/ive-won-again.html




I'm all smiley and happy that she liked it... it's really nice when you get compliments on your hard work... (maybe I'll get a few enquires too??) Anyhoo... it's put me in mind to definitely carry on the blog giveaways, so I am planning my next competition as we speak! Keep your eyes open for it!


NiftyKnits also blog rolled me on Google's new Blogger toy... the blog roll RSS feeder. I really must give that a try. It would be nice to see my favourite blog's latest articles uploaded here onto the site... must have a play!




Secondly, my Etsy profiles blog received it's first Award... Yay! And so in tradition of the Sweet Home Blogger Award I need to pass it on to 5 other people... watch this space!


Sara x
http://www.sarastexturecrafts.fusiveweb.co.uk/

Felters Log: Felt Date 01/07/08

Experiment #1

I ordered myself a sample of rovings todays, all whites or naturals, but each base is from a different breed source. I want to find out which is good for needle & wet felt so I’m planning an experiment.

Which will roll into a good wet felt ball
Which will needle punch the easiest
What about needle felting with my embellishers?

I think I’ll use this as part of a teaching book for my classes… To Be Continued!

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This article has been reposted at http://workingwithfelt.ning.com/ - A community of feltmakers who love to learn and share new techniques, tips and resources, as well as showing off their own creations.