Posts Tagged ‘review’

Composimold Review and Honeycomb ATC

// February 5th, 2013 // Comments Off // Blog, Kids Crafts, madeitmonday, Mixed Media, Journals & Papercraft

Do you ever buy random things because you just KNOW you’re going to make great things with it… someday??? That was the case with the neon green, silicone pot holder I bought several months ago. It looked like a honeycomb and I just KNEW I could make something super cool with it. I wanted to use it as a stamp, put it in a painting and at least five other projects came to mind just by holding and squishing that piece of random inspiration. The problem was, I didn’t want to USE the potholder because I only had one. I thought it was impossible to mold because it is so flexible and thin that is, until I discovered Compisimold! Compisimold is a pourable, food safe silicone mold that you can melt and remold over and over again and it was exactly what I needed for this project.

You can view BOTH full video tutorials below.

I don’t own a microwave, so I melted my Composimold on the stove and poured it over the potholder. Once it was completely cooled, I removed the original and I had a reusable mold that looked just like my potholder! The Composimold did have a lot of bubbles which would ruin most molds but it actually enhanced this particular project, so I didn’t mind too much in the end. The Composimold instructions recommend stirring often, but I think that is what caused all of the bubbles. If I had just let it sit and melt, I don’t think I would have had near as many bubbles.

Once the mold was ready, I broke out my Creative Paperclay® and started playing. I rolled out my Paperclay over the top of the mold which gave me an absolutely fantastic honeycomb texture, and then I cut my ATC out of the textured Creative Paperclay®.

I let the ATC dry completely and then I painted it, glitterfied it and added the honeybee embellishment.

I wrote out my quote, painted the paper and glued it to the ATC and then I covered the text with Glosssy Accents to make it shine.

Overall I was pretty happy with the Composimold and I plan on making more projects with it. If you have something that is an awkward shape or just too soft to mold, you may want to give Composimold a try. It worked great with the Creative Paperclay® and I am really happy with the way this ATC turned out.

I hope you enjoyed this project and I hope you have a Valentine’s Day that is filled with love!

BIG HUGS!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Collaborative Journal and Book Review

// January 24th, 2013 // Comments Off // Art Exchanges & Swaps, Blog, Book Reviews, Mixed Media, Journals & Papercraft

HelloooOOOoooo!!!

Long time no see! How are you? I am doing well. I took a few weeks off because my husband FINALLY returned home from a looooooooooooooooooong deployment and we needed to spend some much needed quality time together.

The holidays are over, school is back in session, my husband is back to work and that means *I* am back to work! I have a few projects that I have been piddling with for the past couple of weeks, but you will have to wait a little bit longer to see any of those.

For today, I wanted to share a project the CraftyLink design team will be working on this year and do my very first book review. You can see a flip through of the book, hear the full review  and see the collaborative journal in the video below.

The book I am reviewing today is Collaborative Art Journals and shared visions in mixed media By L. K. Ludwig.

ISBN – 13:978-I-59253-520-0

This book has some good interviews by artists who have participated in collaborative projects and it is FULL of gorgeous, full color photos.  This is not a book that will tell you how to run a collaborative project, but it will definitely inspire you. The artists talk about who they worked with and why, but not about the specifics of the projects or details about  how they ran their exchange.  If you enjoy reading interviews, then you will definitely enjoy this book. If you are looking for inspiration, this book will definitely inspire! If you are looking for a guidebook on how to run a collaborative project, this is not the book for you. I will be sure to let you know if I do find one of those ‘guideline’ books!

Now let’s talk about the collaborative journal the CraftyLink Design Team is working on. Over the course of the year, members of the design team  will be working in two moleskin journals that will be kept for in-person retreats and classes. We will pass the journals amongst ourselves and when they are full of juicy goodness, we will have two collaborative projects that retreat participants can see, feel and be inspired by!  We will be posting photos of the journals as they progress though out the year so you can follow along with their journey as it unfolds.

If you would like to be a part of a collaborative project, head on over to my CraftyLink  group Mixed mEDIEology and join the Collaborative Projects Discussion. If enough people are interested, I will set up one or more collaborative projects for members to work on thought out the year.

If you have any questions about the book or the collaborative projects, feel free to leave them in the comments section below, or hop on over to my student union and join the Questions discussion.

See you next time!

Big Hugs,

Edie

Magazine Review & raising money for Breast Cancer Research

// December 23rd, 2012 // Comments Off // Art Jewelry, Beads, & Glass, Book Reviews, Helping Others

By Tracy Shave

When we were asked to review some magazines this month I opted for the Bead and Button copy.  I’ve made jewelry in the past but never actually done any bead work but I was intrigued and thought at I might also be able to use the button contribution to the magazine.

The title on the cover of this magazine paints a picture of the content ratio of beads to buttons. One article that included buttons through the whole magazine… so bit disappointed.

This magazine is certainly not what I would recommend to a beginner just starting out in the world of beading BUT if you are already beading then it has good content, book reviews, patterns for bracelets, necklaces and other makes, colorful, interesting  images and plenty of inspiration. It actually made me think of all the beads I bought years ago when I started making jewelry! Where did they go?

I was particularly touched by a reader challenge calling for people to send in bead-quilt squares. This year they collected 950 squares of beadwork from all around the world and made quilts and gifts which were auctioned off at the Bead and Button show raising $19,500 for Breast Cancer research.

They want to do it all again for 2013! This year the theme is “Flowers- Stitching to find a bloomin’ cure”. If you would like to take part you will need to start with a 2x2in (5 x 5cm) square of beading foundation.

The rest you can find out if you follow the link below!

 FIND OUT MORE 

If I could follow the instructions I’d have had a go – that and the fact that it’s Christmas in a few days… still got presents to make.. so I might well have a go in the new year.

Deadline is the 1st of March 2013.

Why not have a go and then add photographs to our gallery of what you do?

Wishing you all a fantastic holiday!! See you next year! :D

 

 

 

 

 

Craft School Saturday: working on photography skills!

// July 13th, 2012 // Comments Off // Blog, Uncategorized

Welcome to the 1st Craft School Saturday!

I’m really excited to start Craft School Saturday! I’m really looking forward to spending the time to nurture my own crafty learning… and I’m hoping others will play along with me! (be sure to post in the comments section if you do!)

Goals for Improving my Photography

Since I design professionally, taking lovely photographs of my finished work is very important. I feel like I’ve gotten a good handle on the ‘item in a white-box’ type of photo:

While these types of photos are pretty (and I will probably keep doing them as one type of product image, since they’re nice and clean), they don’t do everything. For example, they don’t do anything to show the scale of the animals (are they 2″ tall or 20″? How would you be able to tell from the photo?)

So, I began with the vague goal of taking nicer, more artistic photos. I want to take photos that:

  • show the size of my stuffed animals
  • make creative use of backgrounds and props
  • inspire others to create stuffed animals of their own!

Resources for Improving my Photography

I read a lot of articles about photography… and I even peruse some discussion forums. But I thought that this week, I should focus on learning photography skills applicable to my goals, so I took Shoot it!, a product photography class on Craftsy.

This class particularly appealed to me because it’s aimed at crafty folks who want to take photos of their finished products, keeping in mind the goal of creating an artistic ‘hero’ shot. Exactly what I wanted!

What I learned

I have to admit… while I started the course last Saturday, it took me multiple evenings to take the entire course and complete the homework assignments. The course covered lots of bases: composition, camera operation and post-processing.

In my homework for the course, I played around with using color:

With using movement and lines in my photographs:

Working with a variety of backgrounds:

And playing around with some props:

I find it pretty hard to judge my own progress… I know that none of these are ‘stuffed animals on the hills of Scotland with sheep in the background’ shots- but I think they’re alright!

I think the thing that most struck me is how much learning photography is like learning any other skill… you have to keep practicing to develop that ‘eye’ for composition. I’m planning on carrying my camera with me more often, just to practice taking photos where ever I go.

Future Plans

While this course covered a range of topics, it didn’t delve particularly deeply into any particular area. For example, it covered some basics about getting the right image in focus, but didn’t talk details about f-stops or ISOs.

I’ve already read my camera manual pretty thoroughly (that’s important!), but now I’m going to practice putting those settings to use.

I’m also going to be on the lookout for more advanced courses/resources… if you know of any you’d recommend, let me know!

Review: Martha Stewart Crafts Knit & Weave Loom Kit

// June 12th, 2012 // 1 Comment » // Knitting

Are you intrigued by the idea of learning basic knitting without using needles? You might want to try the Martha Stewart Crafts Knit & Weave Loom Kit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The kit includes loom pieces for more than 30 configurations for making square, rectangle, circle, and oval looms in multiple sizes! AND  tools for single knitting, double knitting, weaving, making rosettes, and weaving in ends! There are just SO many options for creative projects that it’s almost overwhelming! This uncomplicated loom makes knitting and weaving easy for beginners and pros. 

You can tailor a circle loom, a square loom and even a long knitting board for making  blankets, hats and scarves. 

I had a great time learning new skills and trying out yarn crafts that I’d never done before, like making a yarn rosette.

 

 

 

 

 

The loom was easy to assemble and to configure into different shapes. The loom also comes with both larger and smaller pegs so you can choose the best stitch size to fit your project. The only diffuculty I had was with the pegs; they do require a firm hand to press them in and remove them. Once in, when knitting, you can choose the standard single knitting option or a  double knitting option for flat projects. The notches in each peg made it easy to move the yarn using the knitting tool. The weaving tool is very flexible, and can be a little bit awkward to maneuver through the pegs. But, once you get the hang of it, weaving was a fast way to make a scarf.   

                                                           

Overall, I found the loom kit to be easy to use and it produced the beautiful results that were promised. I agree that the loom delivers consistent and attractive projects for a very reasonable price. I would definitely recommend this kit to friends who are ready to give loom knitting and weaving a try.

Happy Knitting!

Mary Ann  http://www.ravelry.com/stores/mary-ann-hoth-designs

Galler Yarn’s Inca Eco blog tour

// March 22nd, 2012 // Comments Off // Blog, Crochet, Knitting

I’m delighted to be a part of the Inca Eco Blog Tour! If you haven’t heard, Inca Eco is a new 100% organic cotton yarn by Galler Yarns, and it’s fab! I’ll tell you all about it (the review portion of this post) and then give you other exciting blog-tour details.

The Yarn

Vital Stats:

  • 100% Organic Cotton, made in Peru
  • Worsted Weight (4.5-5 sts/inch, size 8 needle)
  • 140 yards/100 gram skein
  • Hand Wash
  • click here for retailers

Inca Eco is a worsted weight, 2 ply, 100% organic cotton yarn that’s dyed with eco-friendly and low-impact dyes. It comes in 15 colorways.

I’m incredibly passionate about earth-friendly yarns (in fact, my most recent book used only earth-friendly yarns… and if Inca Eco had been available, I would have used it!). In my opinion, cotton is the most important fiber to obtain organically, because conventionally-grown cotton uses more pesticides than any other crop grown on the planet. And those pesticides that are used in the growing process linger around into the finished product… ick!

So, I’m ecstatic to find new organic cottons on the market… and this one is lovely!

Some people cringe when they hear about knitting/crocheting with cotton. Chances are (if you’re cringing) you’re thinking of something like Lily’s Sugar and Cream… the stuff you use for making dishcloths. But just like there are scratchy wools and soft wools, there are not-so-nice cottons and amazingly soft cottons. And Inca Eco (and all of the other organic cottons I’ve used) are deliciously soft!

What sets this yarn apart from other organic cottons is the way it is spun and plied. It has a hand-spun look, with a thick-and-thin appearance. I was very pleased to work with this yarn- usually I’m annoyed when making a project with a thick-and-thin yarn because it gets TOO thick and TOO thin. But Inca Eco has it right- just enough texture for an interesting look, but not too much to disrupt your knitting flow.

As you can see, when this yarn is knit up, it finishes with a pleasing texture that makes the fabric look interesting. And, it doesn’t have the ‘holes’ that you can get when other thick-and-thins get too thin. Fun and beautiful!

Pattern Suggestions

Galler Yarns will be releasing two free patterns for Inca Eco on Fridays during the tour on their site. Hooray!

As I was knitting this swatch, some other patterns instantly jumped into my mind. I think this yarn would work fabulously with a number of patterns.

Basically, this yarn would work with almost any pattern that calls for a worsted weight cotton, but particularly patterns without lots of cables/lace (so you can see the interesting texture the yarn creates).

Blog Tour Schedule

You don’t have to take my word for it… Inca Eco is hittin’ the blog circuit! Check out the packed schedule and read the reviews!

Monday, March 19 – Day 1 – In the Loop in Norfolk, MA (shop website)
Tuesday, March 20 – Day 2 – Knit Purl Gurl
Wednesday, March 21 – Day 3 – FreshStitches (that’s me! today!)
Thursday, March 22 – Day 4 – Crafty Is Cool
Friday, March 23 – Day 5 – Cute Crochet Chat
Saturday, March 24 – Day 6 – Redshirt Knitting
Sunday, March 25 – Day 7 – CraftSanity
Monday, March 26 – Day 8 – Craft Gossip with JD Wolfe
Tuesday, March 27 – Day 9 – Crafting a Green World with Julie Finn
Wednesday, March 28 – Day 10 – Crazy for Ewe in Leonardtown and La Plata, MD (shop website)
Thursday, March 29 – Day 11 – Crochet Concupiscence
Friday, March 30 – Day 12 – KRW Knitwear Studio
Saturday, March 31 – Day 13 – About.com with Sarah E. White
Sunday, April 1 – Day 14 – Underground Crafter
Monday, April 2 – Day 15 – Monarch Knitting and Quilts in Pacific Grove, CA (shop website)

Follow along and feel the cotton love!

I hope you check out a few of the other blog stops (especially since it’s a collection of such awesome bloggers) and give this yarn a shot the next time you’re thinking ‘cotton’. It’s almost summer… so I know we’ll all have cotton on our minds!

Crochet Stitches Visual Dictionary by Robyn Chachula

// March 8th, 2012 // Comments Off // Blog, Book Reviews, Crochet

Today I’m reviewing a stitch dictionary: Crochet Stitches Visual Encyclopedia.

What is a ‘stitch dictionary’?

Before I start the review, I want to take a moment to clarify what makes a stitch dictionary different from your usual ‘crochet book’. Stitch dictionaries are collections of crochet (or knitting) stitches, motifs and edgings that you can use as the foundation for whatever item you’d like to make. They aren’t intended to tell you how to crochet an afghan- but if you know the basics of making an afghan, then you’re going to find some lovely stitches that you can use.

Many crocheters will have a stitch dictionary on their shelf as a reference guide and inspiration. Once you are familiar with the basics of crocheting, a stitch dictionary is a fabulous tool to help you design and modify projects. Is your triangle shawl looking a little drab? Check out the edgings section and select a great lace pattern.

I just wanted to clarify about what this book is intended to be… if you’re looking for a hat pattern, this isn’t the book for you!

About the Book

Crochet Stitches is a fairly comprehensive stitch dictionary. It contains over 300 stitch patterns (combinations of basic stitches to make an interesting fabric), edgings and motifs (squares and other shapes that you would assemble into a larger piece).

This book covers a wide range of stitches, including:

  • Textured stitch patterns
  • Cable stitch patterns
  • Bobble stitch patterns
  • Lace stitch patterns
  • Colorwork stitch patterns
  • Tunisian stitch patterns
  • Granny squares
  • Hexagon motifs
  • Lacy motifs
  • Flower motifs
  • Snowflake motifs
  • Edgings

Each stitch pattern/motif is written in standard crochet instructions, as well as charted.

The charts are a fabulous feature of this book. With complicated stitch patterns, the chart can often be easier to read/visualize than the written instructions, so it’s a real boon that both are included.

The book also includes ‘tips’ throughout the book that are tremendously helpful while crocheting.

Summary

Robyn Chachula’s Crochet Stitches Visual Encyclopedia includes a number of stitch patterns and motifs, including non-traditional and Tunisian stitches that don’t appear in most dictionaries.

Each stitch pattern includes a photo, a description of when the pattern would be advantageous to use, written instructions and a crochet chart.

The book includes no additional illustrations. There is a page of stitch descriptions (that will tell you how to do the Tunisian Purl Stitch, for example), but these are simple descriptions, and unlikely to be adequate for most people to learn the stitch the first time. So, you may need to use the book in conjunction with another resource that with more stitch illustrations.

I think this book is a great resource… and I definitely find it inspiring! I recommend it to anyone looking for a comprehensive stitch dictionary!


BOOK REVIEW: Cloth Diapers Made Easy (Babyville Boutique)

// February 24th, 2012 // Comments Off // Book Reviews, Sewing

I don’t have any babies, but if I did and I wanted to try my hand at making cloth diapers, I would buy this book.

Why?  Let me share!

OPTIONS:  Do you prefer snaps?  Velcro?  Do you want to add decorative ribbons to your diapers?  Do you need a super soaker, or regular absorbancy diaper?  Gussets?  No gussets? Do you want to make your own soaker inserts or use store-bought pre-folds?  Binding or no binding?  This book gives you the how-to on all of these options!  There is something for everyone.

PATTERNS: All the patterns are included in the book.  No drawing required!

PICTURES:  The book is loaded with pictures.  Lots of images of finished diapers, and lots of pictures of the steps.  If pictures help you,  this is the book for you!

DIRECTIONS: All directions are written step by step, and in detail.  Most steps include a picture.  Awesome!

TRUST:  This perhaps is the best part….Babyville PUL (yes, they have their own brand of PUL cloth and snaps) and all their snaps have been tested to meet CPSIA requirements.  This means you can trust the Babyville brand.  They do due diligence and ensure that their products are safe for our precious little ones.

All in all, I have only positive things to say about this book.  If you want to learn more about Babyville, be sure to visit their website HERE.

Happy Sewing!

Jennifer (Sewplicity®)

Simply Handmade Idea Book

// October 12th, 2011 // Comments Off // Sewing

Today I want to share with you this fun Idea Book (Magazine) from Northridge Publishing.
This Idea Book is from a series of bi-monthly publications geared towards crafting.  This particular issue focused on sewing.

As soon as I opened the book I was captivated by the lovely projects and photos.  This little book is packed with plenty of things to make.  All of the projects are beautiful and easy – a good find for any level crafter!  Take a peek at a few of the projects in this issue alone…

Felt Leaf Hanging

Pincushion

Burlap Wreath

As I leafed through the pages, I knew immediately that I wanted to try out the Halloween Bunting Project.  My family had just decorated the house for the holiday and we all felt we were a bit bare on festive decor.

So, I gathered all of my orange, black and green fabric scraps, purchased a few $1.00 spooky trinkets and got to work.


Within 45 minutes I had completed my bunting and immediately hung it from my mantle

This is exactly what we needed to finish our holiday decorating!  The best part about this publication is that the majority of the projects featured are from bloggers, Etsy Sellers and crafters like you and me!

If you want to pick up a copy, you can purchase the book by itself, or you can sign up for a 6 or 12 week subscription.  You can get a copy in print or in an online version.
Visit HERE for subscription info.