I saw this over at DETNEWS. They are giving away a copy of my book, Jewelry and Beading Designs for Dummies. Amazing what you learn about yourself and your work when you have google alerts set up!
September 18, 2008
by Tammy
4 Comments
September 17, 2008
by Tammy
2 Comments
Boo to You! Painted Veggies for Halloween
I found this dude on the DecoArts web site and thought he was totally adorable and talk about an easy craft! Even for those who consider themselves craft challenged, you have to admit this ghost gourd is pretty darn basic. Except for the sealers they use, which you’d need to do in a well-ventilated area of course, the painting part might be a good project for the kids to help you with. This is just one of a number of Halloween projects on the site at its Pumpkin Painting Idea Center.
September 15, 2008
by Tammy
1 Comment
More Halloween Crafting Ideas
Here are a few more items I picked up at Michael’s yesterday. The tiny little stickers on the right were only $1. I am thinking of using these in some resin. They are nice and small so should fit fine in some molds I have.
On the right are two packets (connected together that’s why it looks like you are seeing double because you are) of smart foam pieces cut into Halloween shapes. They were about $3, and it’s nice that they come with two packets of the same items. This makes it much easier if I want to make a few into earrings.
I was a tad irritated, though, that it seemed impossible to find many Halloween stickers. Then as I was getting ready to check out, I saw a display with lots of them by the register. Hello! Why not put those where all the other Halloween supplies are at people? But, I like the little once I ended up with, and hey, it’s $1. Can’t beat that with a broom stick!
September 14, 2008
by Tammy
1 Comment
Crafty Ideas from My Michael’s Trip
I’ve been fighting off a soar thought since Friday, but I was determined to finally get to Michael’s today and use my 50 percent off coupon, and I am so glad I did. Not only did I use my coupon (finally), but when I entered the store, I was handed a $5 off coupon if I spent at least $25. Like that is so hard to do, right?
Here’s a little peek inside my bag at just a few items I picked up. The Frankenstein monster and bats packet was only 99 cents. I plan to turn him into a pin and the bats into earrings. I found them on an end cap over at the scrapbooking section.
The chipboard Thanksgiving themed pieces were in the same general area. These I also hope to turn into jewelry projects.
The beads are obviously a fall theme color, amber glass, but I have a non-holiday project planned for them. I purchased a long gold-tone chain a while back that I’ve been wearing “as is” for awhile, but I finally decided it was just too plain Jane, even for conservative me, so I’m going to jazz it up with these beads.
Along with using my coupons, I discovered that they are having a lot of sales throughout the store, especially in their jewelry supply section. Many of the beads were 50% off, so while I sometimes feel their bead prices are too high compared to what you can find through the web, the discounted prices make them much more in line with what I’d normally pay through retailers on the web. For example, the amber beads I purchased (12x12mm square 16 beads total on the strand) were normally $7, which I think is crazy. But, I got them for $3.50, much better.
You’ll notice that though I plan to primarily use the supplies I purchased to make jewelry (for my About.com site), I didn’t just limit myself to the jewelry supply isles. That’s one thing I like about craft stores. You can check out other crafting supplies and experiment.
September 13, 2008
by Tammy
5 Comments
Beading and Brain Surgery
You’ve probably hear the phrase “it isn’t brain surgery” whenever you talk about something that is not all that difficult to do. This came to mind when Sharon from “A Little Something” commented on my About.com Jewelry Making Forum about how intense her friends looked at her home while working on jewelry and related tasks.
They had gathered to help her out since making jewelry is just part of the whole jewelry job, and after viewing the pictures taken that day, she noticed how everyone – no matter who they are or what they are doing – look so serious and emersed in whatever they are doing. Do we all look like this when crafting?
I pulled out a picture my sister took of me making jewelry. Now, this shot was take on purpose to use as a promotional image, but still, I look like I’m about ready to put on the rubber gloves and pick up a scalpel.
Do you have a picture of yourself in the “creative zone”? I’d love to see other craft bloggers post them on their blogs. If you do, leave the link in the comments section so we can all gaze at your furrowed brow!
September 12, 2008
by Tammy
2 Comments
Craft Blogers Unit 09/12/08
Well, here comes Friday again, and it always seems so soon, though I have to admit like most folks Fridays are good days for me because that means the almost end of a long week. I’m home today, all day for a change, with papers to grade (not so much of a change), and I hope to find some time to do some extra craft web surfing, starting with many of the blogs I’ve listed below.
I have really felt out of the blogosphere loop lately. My mind has been on school a lot, of course, since that’s my main j-o-b. Plus, I’ve been trying to get a handle on the old bod that seems to be falling apart. I finally, after years of pain in my knees, saw a doctor this week about them. Come to find out, my knee caps are out alignment, which I’ve learned is a very common problem for women. So, I’m shopping around for a good physical therapist, and I’m recommitting myself for the ump-tenth time to more regular exercise. There’s not one reason why my knees are screwed up, but part of the problem is the lack of muscle around the knee cap, and the only way to gain muscle is to exercise. If there was only a way to fit it in more easily into all the other things I have to do. I do enjoy exercising. It makes me feel better and more focused in general, but it always seems to fall down at the bottom of the to-do list. Plus, there are other things that are much more fun to do like blogging and making jewelry and…and…
Okay, before I make any more excusing for not exercising, here are this week’s craft links. My ramblings stop now…..
Cathie Filian
My hubby and I tested the new goats milk soap base at Michaels. Two thumbs up!
Layers Upon Layers
Mixed media artist Christy Sobolewski shares her artistic passions.
Stefanie Girard’s Sweater Surgery
The “heavy guns” were brought out this week at Sweater Surgery with the bandsawing of shotgun shell upcycled jewelry and the leather work gloves used in the creation of cairns.
The Impatient Blogger
Who knew hook rugs were such a hot button topic? Madge continues to ponder the future of the craft industry in this sequel to last week’s post.
About Family Crafts
Let everyone know… What holiday season inspires your creativity the most?
About.com Cross Stitch
The 2008 Cross Stitch Forum Ornament Exchange is on – find out how to participate then create your ornaments and enjoy.
Aileen’s Musings
Day of the Dead Cometh Early! Check out Aileen’s funky glittered skull beads and see what fun things you can create with them.
Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
What ever your medium there is information and inspiration a-go-go this week with a crazy quilt embroidery motif, bullet casing bracelet how-to, duplicate stitch wing pattern and tutorial, decorative paper stencil patterns, and the altered book technique of “Highlighting Text.”
Crafty Princess Diaries
Tammy is still thinking about the good ol’ days and tie-dye. Here’s a great video she found on YouTube that gives you the 411.
September 11, 2008
by Tammy
0 comments
GIA Seminar in Cali Tomorrow
I know that jewelry designing can be very different when comparing those who work in the fine jewelry industry to those who work in the hand-crafted industry, but I saw that the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is having a career day tomorrow (9/12/08), at its Robert Mouawad campus in Carlsbad, California, from 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. So any Cali jewelry folks may want to see about checking it out.
According to National Jeweler Network, they don’t have a lot of these open houses:
Approximately 28 jewelry-focused companies will be recruiting to fill positions from 10:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
In addition, potential employees will be able to meet and hear from the top people in the jewelry business in focused seminars, individual coaching sessions and personal meetings. There are currently 30 career coaches from all different professions within the jewelry industry scheduled to speak to job-seekers in a one-on-one setting.
Also throughout the day, the GIA is hosting its annual Open House, the one day all year that visitors can tour the grounds of the GIA without being part of an organized tour group. Visitors will be able to see the exhibit titled “Facets of GIA,” which shows approximately 30 pieces of jewelry to illustrate the work the GIA does, as well as the “Balboa Park Carousel Egg,” which will be the first time it’s ever been displayed for the public.
Even if you aren’t looking for a jewelry job, I think it would be neat to be able to check the place out, and they have a number of seminars scheduled for the day covering marketing and business related topics that would appeal to all types of jewelry designers.
September 9, 2008
by Tammy
5 Comments
Halloween Design Ideas Floating Around in My Head
Last weekend I finally managed to rework all my previously written Halloween projects posted on my About.com Jewelry Making site into fancy smancy new templates. (The little lampwork ghost pictured is from my “Ghostly Hangman Lariat” project, btw). One issue with having a site like the one I maintain for About.com is that I have to constantly work on up-keep while at the same time coming up with new jewelry projects. Honestly, I’d much rather come up with new content than mess with the old, but it’s part of the package. Plus, after having a site like that for 10 years, it’s actually good to go in and clean up and spruce up areas now and then. It looks better, and heck, I always find a nice typo or two that needs fixing to boot!
Now that my Halloween rework is behind me, I can experiment with a few ideas I’ve had swimming around in the old noggin. One project I’m thinking about making is a little scarecrow. I’ve got the body and head figured out. Now I need to come up with some clothing for him. Obviously, your average scarecrow doesn’t go around naked! Cross my fingers that Michael’s has a coupon in the paper this weekend! Wouldn’t you know it. I had a zillion coupons, all expired. I was so ready to head off and do some shopping this past weekend, but nada in the paper on Sunday. And, darn it! It’s the principle of the thing. I just can’t bring myself to go in there (again!) without one!
Hopefully, I’ll get the guy put together and clothed this weekend, with or without the darn coupon!
September 8, 2008
by Tammy
3 Comments
Crafty Fashion Advice A La Tim Gunn
I have not been real great at keeping up with Project Runway this season. Honestly, I really love this show, but it is on too late for Ms.-Teacher-types like myself who have 8am classes. As it is, no matter how early I force myself to bed, I still feel like I’m dragging in there. I detest 8am class! Why oh why do students sign up for them?
Any way, enough of my pity party rant. I’ve caught bits and pieces of Project Runway episodes, but I wasn’t sure who was in and who was out, so I got on BravoTV.com the other day to catch up, and while there, I found an interesting video from the judges as well as the honorable and brilliant Tim Gunn (I mean who does not adore this guy?) concerning back to school fashion. Both Tim and Nina have some interesting advice related to accessories. Nina says, “It is all about the jewels,” and Tim suggests that if you are dealing with a tighter than usual fashion budget, then accessorize. I couldn’t agree more, folks!
Of course, those of us who design and construct jewelry and other accessories have know this for a long time, that accessories make or break the outfit and that basic pieces in your wardrobe can be jazzed up by the right necklace and pair of shoes. But, it still felt very good to hear experts confirm what we’ve known for so long. You can view the entire video (which isn’t all that long) here: Back to School Fashion Advice from Project Runway
September 7, 2008
by Tammy
0 comments
Join a Crochet Along from Lion
If you’ve always wanted to learn to crochet but didn’t know where to start – other than the obligatory pot holder – Lion Brand Yarn’s Crochet Along might be what you are looking for. The idea is to crochet a sampler afghan, like the one pictured, and network with other crocheters as you work on the afghan block by block. This afghan is made up of 30 blocks, each 8×10 inches. As you make each block, you’ll practice various stitches such as single crochet, double crochet, and cluster stitches. Once you finish all the blocks, you can stitch them together to complete the 40 x 54 inch afghan.
This originally started in late August, but you still have time to join the fun. They even have a flickr group where you can join and show off your blocks. I was very tempted to jump in here, but considering I’m still trying to finish an afghan project of my own (which I swear is almost done, just been so hot to work on it lately), I am going to hold off. But, I’m tucking this idea away for my next afghan project because I like how you can make small blocks instead of working with one huge piece because as it grows, it just gets too hard to maneuver. This way, you can connect them all at the end and only have to deal with the bulk of it for a short period of time right before you complete it.
The Lion site has a free pattern for the project pictured above, but you’ll need to sign up for membership on the site (also free) in order to access it. If you follow my like to it, you’ll be directed to a sign-up page. But, honestly, if you just keep to the 8×10 blocks and come up with 30 of them, you can use any stitch you want. You can keep tabs on the crochet along as Cecily blogs about it on Lion’s weblog as well.