Saturday, November 7, 2009

It's almost here!!!

Etsy Dallas 2nd annual Jingle Bash is a few weeks away. I plan on going into crafty overdrive to get ready for this show. I've asked some of the awesome Etsy Dallas members to give us a sneak peak at what we will be seeing from them at Jingle Bash.

Alicia of LaAlica was kind enough to share a little about the goodies she will be selling at this years Jingle Bash:

LaAlicia's Eco-Chic Itsy-Bitsy Pouch - Orange



Let last month’s magazines, catalogs and uninvited mail hold your necessities. Words, colors, images selected with care team up to weave hand-cut, hand-woven, recycled paper into this colorful, ecochic itsy-bitsy pouch. Each one is a unique globe friendly request to save mother earth’s resources. Measurements 6" x 3.5" x 1" with dark green zipper.

My studies have included classical music, design, advertising and the human condition. Coming up with fresh ideas is a process that has always intrigued me. I love to exercise my imagination regularly.

My absolutely fave thing about the Jingle Bash is customers who truly appreciate the quality of handmade goods!



-Make sure to stop by and check out all LaAlicia's lovely eco chic products at the Bash.

Friday, September 18, 2009

New Portfolio



I ran across these plain black reusable portfolios at the art supply store for $1.70. They did the job they were meant to to, but everyone in the art department at school was carrying them around. I needed mine to be different. So I headed to the fabric store , bought 1 1/2 yd of fabric and started sewing. This is what I ended up with. Bet no one on campus has one like it :)



Monday, August 31, 2009

School Has Begun!


School started last week. I was very nervous, putting my little one in daycare, my oldest going full day to school and me going back after 5 years. It's been hectic, but I'm starting to get into the swing of things. I like my classes so far, I'm enjoying breaking out of my usual thought process for new projects. I thought I'd share my first project with you. We are to make a self portrait using photos, that doesn't mean me taking pictures of myself myspace style, holding the camera facing me while driving, or facing the camera at the mirror to show how awesome I look :) We are to collage photos that represent ourselves. They can not be cut, cropped or computer altered in any form. Here is a sneak peak of what I have so far. Strange huh. Well let me explain. I have two children, boys, and they are a huge part of who I am. Not only that but there have been countless times that I've heard, "wow he looks just like you" "He has your eyes" "They look so much alike" "Did you clone yourself" the list goes on. So what I have done is photographed myself and my children, taken different features and made 1 face. This is not the final piece, I'm still playing with eyes and noses. The project is due next week, so far my prof is diggin the idea. Lets hope I get an A.

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Back to School

Etsy
Buy Handmade
longoriagirls


Yup, it's that time again. Back to school, time to buy supplies. 1 week left of summer here at our house, so now that I've got the kids ready it's time to get myself ready. This summer I went back to school. 5 years after graduating college I'm back. I'm working on my bachelors, and getting a teaching degree :) I think my favorite part is getting ready and buying fresh new supplies. There is something about a brand new notebook, and the smell of a new box of crayons that makes me smile. I decided to share my Etsy favorites for back to school.

Friday, August 14, 2009

I'm back




I've been away for a while on vacation, busy with order and back to teaching. I taught two screen printing classes this week. One was a Twilight themed class, the tweens had a blast making their team Jacob shirts. They are ready for the new movie to come out. Take a look at their wonderful work.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Surfside Finds

Etsy
Buy Handmade
longoriagirls


I'm in desperate need of a trip to the beach. In order to get ready I decided to share my favorite surf side picks. Just looking at these will hold me over until I get my toes in the sand.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Input Please


I'm working on adding new products to my site and was thinking of some creative ways to show my product. When I first designed my website I really wanted to do illustrated silhouettes with the actual shirts on them. But I threw out the idea for some reason. Now I'm back to it. What do you think? Illustrated silhouette or actual photo? Which draws your attention?

Thanks,
Stephanie

Saturday, July 4, 2009

My First Video Tutorial


I just got my new MacBook Pro, and I've been figuring out how to use all the awesome software that came with it.
I tried out iMovie yesterday and made a screen printing tutorial to share with
everyone. This is my first attempt at video tutorials, so please be kind I was
nervous. Hope you find this informative, and I'd love to see pictures if you try it out.

Below is a list of materials that you can print and take to the store.

Supplies:

10"-12" embroidery hoop
1/2 yd polyester lining or (old pair of nylon stockings if you want to be green:) )
Mod Podge
masking tape
sponge brush
paint brushes in various sizes
fabric paint or screen printing ink
scissors
ball point pen
t-shirt
cardboard

Let me know what you think about the tutorial. Have fun.

Monday, June 22, 2009

Toy Time

Before

After


We finally bought a toddler bed for the little one. My oldest wanted his brother to sleep in his room, so we stuck the bed in there. Now I'm cleaning out toys like crazy, every inch of his room has toys in it. I decided to buy 2 small toy boxes, one for each of them, and purge the crazy mess of toys. Whatever doesn't fit in the bins will find a new home out of my house. I had been looking for toy boxes for the longest time, and not finding anything that matched either room. I finally found some unfinished wood boxes on sale at Joanns. I asked my oldest what he wanted on his box and he replied "A scary T-Rex!" So I got to painting, and even let him help. I like they way it came out. I still have one to go. My son stamped the footprints, I made the stamps out of fun foam.

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Look mom I'm baking!



Well I'm not the best cook in the world, but I love to make things. I have this crazy part of my brain that thinks I can make anything I see. My friend and I have been planning a joint birthday party for our little ones, they are 1 week apart in age. We decided on a pirate and mermaid theme. We were trying to decide what kind of cake to have, and came up with a sandcastle. Both of us are artist, we love to craft, but cooks we are not. So I decided to give it a test run and try to make a sandcastle cake. I didn't turn out perfect, but now I know what I need to do to make it right for the party.

These are the test run cake pictures. The next one will be bigger, better, and neater. It was fun making it, my grandma supervised and gave me tips on how to make it better. I will post pictures of the party cake next month after the party :)

P.S. Excuse the messy kitchen, it's been a long day.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Look What I Got!



The Etsy Dallas Spring Bash was a blast. There were so many great artist. Sadly since I had to fly solo, I was unable to do any shopping while I was there. I did however make note on all the cute things I wanted, so I could head to the computer and order them when I got back home (with earnings in hand.) I've been looking for school supplies, I start next month, and since no ordinary pencil case will do I've been searching Etsy for the perfect one. I found it, I didn't even have to look very far. Cheyenne of CutOutAndCollect had the perfect one. Cheyenne is part of the Esty Dallas team and has an aray of cute zipper pouches, perfect to use as wallets or in my case a pencil case. I love the pink octipi pouch, my favorite part of it is that when I open it there are mermaids inside. I love mermaids! She even sent me an extra little gift, a second pouch with some really cute cows. I stuck some colored pencils and post it notes in that one, and it went straight into my purse. Now when we are at a resturant and they don't have crayons or kids menus, out come the cows and the kiddos have something to do.

Check out Cheyenne's shop CutOutAndCollect.etsy.com

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

This Weekend


Celebrate the spring season with the 1st Annual Etsy Dallas Spring Bash, a festive arts & crafts extravaganza in the heart of The Cedars neighborhood just south of Downtown at South Side on Lamar.


Date: Saturday, May 16, 2009
Time: 11am-5pm

Location: 1409 South Lamar, Dallas 75215

Located at the historic South Side lofts, site of the old Sears, Roebuck & Co.'s Catalog Merchandise Center, the Spring Bash will feature:

~ Over 50 artists, designers, and crafters selling their handmade wares. Full vendor list here: www.bashvendors.blogspot.com
~ Music by local DJ John Durbin
~ Free crafts at the now-famous Etsy Dallas Make & Take booth with help from Irving Girl Scout Troop #1637
~ The Vanity Stand where shoppers can dress up in an array of crazy costumes, get their photo taken and go home with a snapshot of the fun time
~ Free raffle featuring handmade items donated by Etsy Dallas members
~ Special guest: La Reunion, a non-profit arts program located in Oak Cliff
~ Cash donations accepted benefitting Family Place, a local non-profit domestic violence shelter serving women and children in Dallas.

The show will also offer free Goody Bags for the first 50 shoppers - so get there early!

There is no cost for admission or entertainment, but please bring plenty of CASH as most vendors cannot accept credit cards. There is an ATM near the main South Side entrance.

This event will be family-friendly with a hip vibe of handmade love and good times. Think of this not just as an arts & crafts show, but as a party! For more info visit www.etsydallas.com.

See you at the Bash!

Monday, May 4, 2009

Mothers Day Gift- tutorial


Mother's Day is next weekend, are you ready. My parents and grandparents love homemade gifts, especially when my boys make them. Being that the kids are so young (5 & 1) it is some times hard to find projects that they can help with. This is perfect for the little ones. Hand print flowers, messy enough for kids to have fun, not so messy mom can't clean up fast.

Materials:
Tshirt or canvas tote bag
Tulip brand soft fabric paint
Tulip brand paint writers
Sponge paint brush
baby wipes
card board
Hands!

  1. Prepare your shirt or bag by placing card board inside so that front and back don't stick together.
  2. Paint childs hand, and place on shirt/bag. Repeat in the shape of a flower (4 or 5 hand prints).
  3. Clean child up with baby wipes.
  4. Using paint brush add a steam and leaves to your flower.
  5. Paint dot in center of hand prints.
  6. Use paint writers to personalize message. Add initials and date.
Enjoy.

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Upcycled Jeans Tutorial


Two weeks ago I cleaned out my son's closet and found 10 pairs of jeans all fairly new, all busted at the knees. He loves to dance and show off his "cool moves" which are half break dance half kung fu. It never fails he busts his jeans at the knees. I was taught growing up that we do not waste anything that could be used by someone else, so it's really hard for me just to throw things away (especially pants that have only been worn a handful of times.) So I stacked all the jeans up on my sewing table and thought about what I would do with them. Then there I was in the grocery store check out line and I picked up People Style magazine only to see pages full of ripped up "Boyfriend" jeans. They are the hot style this season. The light went off in my head, I'll turn my little boys jeans into cute "Boyfriend" style girls jeans. I pulled out my fabric stach and picked out my favorite coordinating fabrics, cut out patches and went to town. I made around 7 pairs, each one different, and even went to the thrift store to see if I could find any other sizes. I found a couple of itty bitty baby jeans and a super cute short sleeve denim jacket. I have a few left to fix up, but I've placed a couple on Etsy already.

Wanna make your own?

Here's a short tutorial.

Materials:
Jeans (new or used)
thread
fabric (2- 3 prints 1/2 yard each)
embroidery thread
Ruler
scissors
sewing machine
Steam a Seam sticky back fusible web
E6000 glue
rhinestones

  1. Cut out fabric patches and lay them out on your jeans.
  2. Sew patches on inside of jeans to show through knee holes. Use sewing machine zigzag stitch if pant legs fit on sewing machine. Or hand sew knee patches.
  3. Cut sticky back webbing to match your patches.
  4. Iron on patches to jeans.
  5. Hand sew decorative stitches around patches using embroidery thread.
  6. Use E6000 glue to add rhinestones.
  7. Cut 2 rectangles at least 10" wide and however long the leg opening of you pant is. (example the jeans shown were 10" x 14")
  8. Fold in half so that both 10" ends match and sew seam.
  9. Now fold band in half.
  10. Turn pants inside out and pin band to pant hem.
  11. Sew band to pants.
  12. Turn right side out, and fold up cuff.
Now your little girl (or you) will have some super cute OOAK jeans. I'd love to see your creations, send them to me or comment with a link to your site.

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Hello

To any readers I met at Funky Finds Spring Fling yesterday.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

New Spring Design


I finally got around to printing out a couple of new designs with my Yudu machine. This mermaid is one that I've wanted to do for a long time. It's so perfect for the warm beach weather, I couldn't help print one for myself. I still have a few designs to photograph and others to print. I absolutely love my Yudu machine.

I'm on Twitter

I just signed up on Twitter last night. Still trying to figure it out. Follow me if you'd like to get info on new products, sales and other promotions going on in my shops. www.twitter.com/xyfactory

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Etsy Dallas Exposed

Check out the awesome Etsy Dallas Exposed treasury, you might even catch a subliminal message hidden within the pictures. http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=53563

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Say Hello to My Little Friend...


We got a new pet today, his name is Frankie and he is a guinea pig. I know he isn't craft related but he's just so darn cute (so is my hubby holding him). Hope your having a great weekend. I have some cute new items to post, but I need to finish all the little details first. So while I do that check out my new little friend Frankie.

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Woo Hoo!

1,000 people have visited my blog. It might not sound a lot to more seasoned bloggers, but it's huge for me! I will have to celebrate some how. Maybe a give away of some sort. Check back to see!

Art for a Cause


We've all see the stories about people seeing Elvis on a piece of toast, now you can put your artwork, or photos onto a piece of toast and help feed the hungry. The Bread Art Project is asking for your help to feed America's hungry. The Grain Food Foundation will donate $1 for every piece of bread art submitted. It is so easy to create your own work of art to submit, all you have to do is go to http://www.breadartproject.com and upload your artwork onto a slice of toast. This is such a fun thing to do, you get a cool piece of art, and America gets feed :) So stop reading now, and head over to create your own Bread Art.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Easter is almost here

I love Easter, the colors, the bunnies I can't wait. I found some awesome Easter art on Etsy. Later this week I'll put up a short tutorial on how to make Confetti Eggs aka Cascarones.

Etsy
Buy Handmade
TheSupplyCloset

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Spotlight



Martha of estudiomartita featured one of my sparkly senoritas on her pin up parade spotlight http://www.byhand.me/component/option,com_content/Itemid,70/id,6064/task,view/ . I just wanted to say thank you to Martha for including me, and I would like to add that Martha's work is beautiful. She makes some amazing handbags, and jewelry. Have a crafty weekend!

Friday, April 3, 2009

Sweetheart Shrines


I've admired the art of shrine making for a while now. I had never really tried my hand at it until recently. Shrine making is so much fun, there are so many ways to make them. I used some small shadow boxes to start out with. I sat at me table covered in pin up print outs, paint, sequins, glitter pens and flowers. I wasn't sure where I was going with everything spread out. Then I grabbed a pin up and started to glitter her. I put her on top of a piece of glitter card stock, but it was just too plain. So I drew on the glitter paper with glitter pens.... oh on glitter overload! Then they started to come together. I knew what I wanted to make, and I went full force, 5 shrines at once! I was cutting, glittering, and gluing all over the place. When it was all over these are what I ended up with. I think they came out cute, I'm addicted now. I have a few black boxes left that I need to fix up. My next project is a stack of plain brown frames. I have an idea, but you'll just have to wait and see what I come up with.

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Sparkle Magnets




I finally had a chance to finish up some of my Spring Break projects and get photos taken of them. I need to take better pictures, but these are okay for now. I had a bunch of small wooden crosses, wings, and heart as well as bags full of sequins. I've also found a new love of glitter glue pens. I can't help the urge to glitter anything in sight. The heart magnets didn't come out the greatest, but they are pretty cute. I found the Virgin Mary and Jesus images on Etsy in Passion Fruits shop. The images are great quality, I was able to blow up the ones I really liked and not lose any pixels.

Tomorrow I'll put up some pictures of the Sweetheart Shrines that I've been working on.


Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Happy Birthday Happy Birthday



They just showed this on Yo Gabba Gabba, how could my day get better! I now plan on watching Sixteen Candles and finishing the stack of tutus that are piled up on my desk!

Happy Birthday To Me!

Etsy
Buy Handmade
XYFactory

Today is my birthday so I thought I'd share some of my favorites from Etsy. Any item on in this gallery would be an awesome birthday gift (hint hint hubby!)

I've been swamped with work, I have yet to take photos of all the new projects I've been working on. These projects will all be with me at the Funky Finds Spring Fling, so if you're curious you can check them out in person.

Monday, March 23, 2009

Spring Break is over...

and I have a lot of photo to post of my spring break projects. Thanks to my parents for keeping my boys busy I was able to work on a few projects I will be selling at Funky Finds Spring Fling next month. Check back later in the week for a whole lota pictures.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

My Newest Creation


This project has been on my mind for over a year now. I finally had the chance to make it happen. As you may know by now I LOVE Mexican inspired artwork and imagery. I'm also a big fan of sugar skulls and all things Dia De Los Muertos. I however am not a quilter. I've tried my hand at the little squares, not my thing. I've read books and magazines to learn the "Proper" way to make quilts and applique, but really is there a "proper" way to make art? I don't believe so. I put the books back on the shelf and pulled out my sketch book. I drew a couple of designs that I wanted to work on, the Sugar Skulls being on the top of my list. Once I had my design drawn I pulled out my stack of tissue paper. Just plain old gift bag stuffing tissue paper. It was the perfect size. I drew out piece by piece each part of the sugar skulls on the tissue and cut them out. I arranged them on my table to make sure they were the right sizes for what I wanted to do. Then I headed over to Joanns (Quilters Quarters were on sale for $1) and I picked out the colors I wanted to use and I even found the perfect background fabric. It's black with colorful dots, it reminds me of confetti. I cut out all my pieces from the fabric, pinned together and started sewing. No special fusing, just fabric, pins and the zig zag stich on my machine. It took me around 3 days, just because I had a lot of other work on my plate, but I finished it. It's not proper, or perfect but I love it. I'm starting on my second quilt, a sacred heart this time. I've run out of black thread so it's back to the store for my. Hope my little piece of art inspires you to make something unproper today.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Etsy Dallas Spring Bash

I can't wait. I have my application in, and a stack of projects to work on. Hope you can make it out and say hello.

Thursday, March 5, 2009

New Tutuorial Coming Soon


I've been swamped with orders the past two weeks that I haven't had a chance to post and tutorials or photos of the projects I was working on. I still need to review my Yudu machine, but I don't like the design I used for my first try I really want to show off something better. So in the meantime I want to share with you an Etsy find I love.

Edesse Designs, I love their donut daily planner. I'm trying to get more organized, scheduling classes, processing orders, tracking shipping, and paying bills, so this little planner is just what I need. Not only that but it's such a cute design and I have a soft spot for DONUTS :)

Have a great day.

Friday, February 27, 2009

Funky Finds Spring Fling



I will be there, will you?

I got it...

I got my Yudu printer today . I would be jumping for joy except they did not come with the accessory kit shown on the box. The store will be calling me when they come in so I can pick mine up. That means no playing with my new toy today :( I did however pick up some extra supplies for 40% off. It was crazy, I was called at 10am and told that they had come in, but there were only 4 available, by the time I got to the store- 10:10am- there were only 2 left and the supplies were almost picked clean. Give me a week or so and I will have a review up. Happy Friday :)

Monday, February 23, 2009

Waiting Patiently...


Or trying to at least. Last Thursday my Joann's weekly sales flier came in the mail. I sat down only to jump out of my seat and scream "AWESOME!" A few months ago the education coordinator had told me that they would be getting some screen printing kits in, but she wasn't sure what they were, (I teach screenprinting at Joanns). I was happy that they would possibly carry more of the supplies I use, but I didn't think to much of it after that. That was until I opened my flier to see the Yudu screenprinting kit. Its a self contained unit, you use it from start to finish to make your screens and print your shirts. It is so awesome, and even better it is on SALE. First thing Friday morning I ran over to the store to get mine. Sadly they weren't in stock yet. I've been waiting checking emails to hear that they are in. I feel like a kid waiting for Christmas morning. Hopefully they will be in soon. I teach classes all week so I will be in and out of the store hoping that mine will be there soon. I will post a review once I work with it.

Friday, February 20, 2009

Check me out :)

Lori of The Dirty Lowdown blogged about me today :) Very cool, thanks for the nice words Lori. Check out her blog full of Etsy love The Dirty Lowdown.

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Valentines Day


Today is Valentines day and if you haven't gotten your love a gift, it may not be too late. Surprise them with a belated gift from one of these wonderful shops.

SweetMelodies has a variety of beautiful vintage inspired jewelry. Here is a little about Melissa the designer behind SweetMelodies:

How long have you been crafting?
I have been crafting since I was old enough to hold a crayon in my hand! My mother was an oil and china painter, and she sewed many of my clothes when I was little. She was a constant inspiration for creativity. When I was very young, she also taught me to sew, and my friends all thought I had the best dressed Barbies in the neighborhood. My grandmother inspired me, too. She always had the COOLEST craft supplies that my sister and I could create with anytime we visited her! (Remember those pieces of lime, yellow, bright orange, etc. fake fur you could make into fun critters with a little glue and some googly eyes??? ...I know I am dating myself, but oh, what fun it was to let our imaginations take us anywhere they wished!)

What inspires your art?
The thing that most inspires my art now is the sheer joy of creating it. Making things with my very own hands is such a wonderful escape for me. ...I LOVE the rose bushes in my yard. Flowers and all things timeless and vintage are also inspirations for me.

What are your favorite methods / materials to use in your artwork?
I love to create jewelry! I enjoy repurposing long lost treasures into fun, new jewelry. I cannot get my hands on enough glass flowers and beads, and I am shameless about collecting vintage jewelry and "things" that could someday be turned into new goodies to wear! I also have a fun time creating collages. Old ephemera and photos seem to be nearly as addictive for me as collecting wonderful old "junk," ...ummm, treasures, that is!

What sets you apart from other artist?
The look of my creations tend to be on the "soft" side. They are usually more sweet and dainty, and they always have a vintage appeal about them. I am creative minded, but also business minded. Superior customer service is very important to me. I try to never lose sight of the fact that without my customers (no matter how large or small a sale), I would have no business, and I really enjoy giving my customers the special attention they deserve. It is fun to juggle my online Etsy shops, SweetMelodies.etsy.com and CreativeElements.etsy.com , with being a stay at home mommy and wife. I work at home during the day, keeping regular "shop hours," and enjoy my babies as soon as I pick them up from school in the afternoons. I love the flexibility I have to be able to set my own schedule. I feel blessed to be able to do the things I love most and still contribute to my family's income a little, too.

shop/ site link:
Please visit me at: www.SweetMelodies.etsy.com .


How about some jewelry from JDS Gems. Here is a little about Sharron and Dennis.

How long have you been crafting:
I would say a looonng time, although I'm not telling exactly how long. When I was about 8, I remember my mom introducing me to embroidery. As a 20-something I discovered counted cross stitch and loved that even tho I didn't consider myself super creative I could produce wonderfully beautiful pieces just by following directions (I was good at that--LOL). My hubby and I are now empty nesters and discovered the wonderful world of rocks about a year ago.

What inspires you: Hubby and I design our pieces together. He is actually the more creative one (see above), and once you get to know us you can figure out his vs hers. I find that the rocks are inspiring in themselves. Mother nature does a pretty awesome job and there's nothing like looking at all the colors in the stones and "listening" to them as you put a piece together.

Favorite materials: Rocks of course-LOL!! Seriously, we use lots of stones in our designs and wanted to share the love and keep them affordable. To that end, we normally don't use lots of sterling silver, but should a customer want it, we can supply it.

What sets us apart: A couple of things. First, I try very hard to find really unusual stones that you don't often see other designers/makers use. Second, we don't ever consider any of our pieces a finished product until our buyers are happy with them. We do a lot of craft shows and spend just as much time resizing, creating and re-creating pieces as we do selling completed ones. Oh, and I almost forgot!! We use magnetic clasps. We've shopped around to find really strong ones and they're great, especially on bracelets. I get dressed all by myself--LOL!! We do also carry traditional ones and can substitute them out.


Or buy your love a beautiful scarf from KnitzAndFeltz. Here is a little about KnitzAndFeltz:

How long have you been crafting?
I have been knitting longer than many of you readers have been around! I put it down for many, many years (although I never forgot about it) and took up crafts that were age appropriate for my kids – coloring, painting, creating holiday items, stamping, scrapbooking – you get the picture! Then one day I realized my girls were all grown up with their own lives to live, no more sports, no more school activities, no more crafting time on a regular basis just us girls. And, I picked up my old friends again... my knitting needles!

What inspires your art?
Life. Where I live the winters are cold and long. I believe that just because you need to be bundled up it doesn't mean you can't look good and feel great! Same with my bags. Whether it is used for every day or for a special occasion, why not carry something that is functional AND fun? Thus my motto for my shop - Warm...Comfy...Trendy...Fun...

What are your favorite methods/materials to use in your artwork?
Various yarns & fibers. For my winter scarves & hats I mainly use wool and wool blends. For my bags I use 100% wool with some "fun" fibers mixed in for texture and adventure. I'm working on a spring scarf collection which will be lighter weight using a luscious bamboo yarn. I'm also toying with the idea of adding a spa collection... but now I'm getting ahead of myself!

What sets you apart from other artists?
As a fiber artist it is pretty hard to set myself completely apart from other artists. My passion for knitting perhaps? My pride in my work? Basically, I LOVE TO KNIT! I love the feel of the yarn in my hands. I love using pattern, texture & design to make unique items that feel good and look great. I love watching my ideas become an item that is beautiful, useful, comfy, trendy… FUN!

Friday, February 13, 2009

Valentines Day Count Down 13


Whenever I see leather work it reminds me of my husband (he designs leather furniture). I love this necklace by BlissfullyUnique is so beautiful, simple in design yet it makes such a big statement. BlissfullyUnique has a great variety of OOAK leather jewelry pieces that are sure to make people ask where you got that beautiful piece of jewelry.

Here is a little about BlissfullyUnique:

How long have you been crafting?
Ive been doing this for a year and a half now but have been a crafter ever since I was little, sewing with my grandma.

What inspires your art?
A big inspiration to me is vintage. I love vintage and like to add a little touch of it to some of my pieces, along with nature. Enjoy finding beautiful pieces from nature and turning them into jewelery. This makes it a one of a kind pieces. Other people art inspires me also. There is tons of wonderful artists out there.

What is your favorite method/ material?
My methods of my items are mostly hand designed and cut. I don't know if its my favorite as it would be nice and quicker to die cut or laser but that is the method I use. I sketch up the designs and them make cut out to trace with. I luv working with pieces from nature, leather and vintage fabrics. I like to recycle and that would be the reason for the items I like to work with.

What sets you apart from other artist?
I like to add a little touch of something I luv that is different from others. One thing Ive started doing is making some of my pieces reversible, known as "2 in one" so that the items are like having two different types of necklaces for the price of one. For example one side will be a solid while the other is a mixture of colors.

BlissfullyUnique