Craftside

Dimensional Ornament Card and Questions for Readers

We want to hear from you!

What one of us doesn't like to give our opinion????And in exchange I give you today's

Dimensional Ornament Card Project with free template and patterned paper download

and

you will be entered to win a copy of any of the Quayside Publishing Group's Craft Titles!

So here ya go, copy and paste these into the comment section and let your fingers do the typing!

1. What is your favorite CRAFT book?

    1.A. What is it about that book that makes you love it so much?

2. What is your favorite NON-CRAFT book?

3. What is your current project?

4. What "craft/technique" is next on your list of "to-do's"

5. What do you make to give as gifts?

6. What do you make for yourself?

7. What is your favorite place to get inspiration?

8. Do you make your own greeting/holiday cards?

9. What is your favorite thing that inspires you?

10. What music are you listening to now?

11. What holiday do you craft mostly for?

12. What topic/technique would you like to have a book on?

13. Who in the crafting world inspires you most?

14. Taken from Ravelry, What is your favorite curse word? (just cause I love this question!)

And as my "thank you" card for answering I have this dimensional ornament card project and everything you need to make it!

First the inspiration came from this page from the killer book:

1,000 Greetings
Creative Correspondence Designed for All Occasions

By

Peter King & Co.

With designers constantly working for clients and having a limited amount of freedom in much of their work, the chance to strike out on their own and do something truly original and personal is a real luxury.

The cards included represent some of the most creative design available, so they are a wonderful source of inspiration for all types of projects.

All designers and design firms, whether in-house or freelance, create their own greeting cards, which serve not only as a greeting card, but also as an opportunity to show off their work in a totally unique and uninhibited light. In addition, they are the perfect project because they are small enough so they are not incredibly time consuming nor are they very expensive to produce–even with unique materials or treatments.

Peter King & Company a design communications group, has developed concept-driven solutions for corporate, institutional, and individual clients since 1994. Clients include IBM Lotus software, Seachange International, Massachusetts Coalition for School Based Health Centers, and the Peabody Essex Museum.

So I got inspired by this page:

Click on page to enlarge.

In the upper right corner there are these great dimensional ornament cards. So here is the pattern I used to make my version:

Print this template out.

Then print out this great pattern from a book packed with even more eye candy:

Cutting-Edge Patterns and Textures

By

Estel Vilaseca

113 unique and original patterns in print and on an included CD!

After a goldmine of cultural and subconscious information, the history of patterns parallels and informs the history of humanity. After decades of modern minimalism and clear lines, people are enjoying a return to more playful design, rich in colors and textures.

Pattern-making and pattern design, in particular, has made a major comeback as a way to embellish a surface with their use often displaying unexpected depths. Indeed, we have witnessed a revival in enriched, traditional motifs, and seen them applied in thought-provoking ways, in an unlimited variety of designs and textures.

The use of new computer technologies has brought about surprising, often intricate results, on an aesthetic as well as conceptual level.

In the most recent years, counter reactions to that which is digital, are visible in the work of crafty designers who embrace illustration and a hand-made, do-it-yourself aesthetic, while taking full advantage of the versatility and speed computer programs can afford them.

Cutting-Edge Patterns and Textures is a stimulating book featuring full-page, color images of inspired patterns and boasts an eclectic array of styles from all around the world.

This book is destined to become a desktop reference for professional and amateur designers alike.

Estel Vilaseca completed her Audiovisual Communications degree at Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona at around the same time she created a forerunning digital fashion magazine. Her professional career is geared towards graphic design, fashion, and visual trends in general. After working with Dresslab, Neomoda and an influent communications agency specialized in fashion, she now dedicates herself entirely to editing, for maomao as well as for a personal project.

So now you have your template and your pattern paper.

Cut the template out and fold it in half. Cut each interior line on one side almost but not quite to the center fold.

Hold the template up to the patterned paper on the back and align the template where the pattern looks nice to you.

Then transfer the exterior circle outline onto the back of the paper and cut out it out of the pattern paper.

Then transfer the interior cut lines and cut out again to just before the center fold.

To make the little metal part on top of the ornament to hang it from I cut a piece of an aluminum can about 5/8 inch wide and an inch long (using the inside). I scalloped one of the short ends. I then folded it in half and glued the paper ornament in between the metal flaps.

I then punched a hole in the metal tab.

I then made a hook with a short piece of 20 gauge wire and linked it into the hole.

Splay the 1/2 rings, some to the back and some to the front and you are good to go! Well actually you're good to hang it on your tree but not to give it away.

Well, do not despair my paper lovin' peeps, come on back tomorrow 'cause Santa came early and I have a cool origami envelope from the book,Origami Sourcebook: Beautiful Projects and Mythical Characters, Step-by-Step (in the photo with the ornament) that is perfect for this little ball of joy!

If you are afraid you'll forget- you can now subscribe to this here crafty blog! Just type your email into the box in the top left column. Then you are all good to go and you won't miss one crafty inside peek into all the new and past crafty books from The Quayside Publishing Group.

And speaking of new books from The Quayside Publishing Group you will not want to miss another fabulous one on the subject greeting cards that will be available January 2009:

1,000 Handmade Greetings
Creative Cards and Clever Correspondence

Laura McFadden, with Deborah Baskin

Even in this current day and age, where we are all senders and receivers of voluminous emails, handmade greeting cards, stationery, and invitations never lose their charm or fail to touch the heart. This book is a delightful showcase of 1,000 exciting and contemporary hand-designed greeting cards, with examples that feature a wide array of paper craft techniques, including: paper cutting, paper stencils, stamping, punching, stitchery, monoprints, screenprints, paper piecing, and more.

Laura McFadden runs her own graphic design studio, Laura McFadden Design, Inc., and has contributed to various craft books and magazines. She is co-author with April Paffrath of The Artful Bride: Wedding Invitations and The Artful Bride: Wedding Favors & Decorations. Her most recent book is 100 Ideas for Stationery, Cards, and Invitations.

As soon as I get my advance copy, you will be sure to have an inside peek! I can't wait.

 

Ring Storage-Make it before Buy it-Sweater Surgery Style

My personal manifesto:
When I need something, I think first, can I make it instead of just going out and buying it?

Here is an example.

I have been acquiring quite a few rings lately (see yesterday's post and this one ) and they are not stored in an organized way. My first thought is- go out and buy a ring storage box. But then I stop myself and say, "can I make it?" and yes I can!

I look around all my saved treasures, the things I fall in love with and keep with the thought, "I can use that for something." Well that day has come baby!

I have tons of cigar boxes, both cardboard and wood. I can't help myself I am nuts for boxes.
And I have tons of wool felted sweaters, but you already know that!

So here is what I did:

I went to the stashes and pulled out one pretty blue and gold cigar box and a coordinating blue wool felted sweater. This one was pretty thick so it worked well. I think if you were using a thinner sweater you could fuse two layers together to thicken them.

I then cut pieces of the sweater the width of the inside of the box.

I accordion folded each section at about one inch and hot glued the folds on the underside and ends.

Ta-da! One ring display box. An added feature of this little creation is that it is a bit of "covert ops". Who would ever think of looking for jewelry in a cigar box? Certainly not as obvious a choice a standard jewelry box for sure.

So if making something conventional out of something unconventional is your thing grab yourself a copy of:

Sweater Surgery
How to Make New Things from Old Sweaters

By yours truly,

Stefanie Girard

Contemporary crafters are thriving on personalizing, modifying, and altering fashion as not only hobbies but as a lifestyle.

Why repurpose your sweaters? Because you can't buy sweater fabric by the yard. Sweaters get damaged or go out of style but we still love the prints, colors, and textures. You don't have time to knit it from scratch. It's ecologically correct. And most of all--it's fun!

Sweater Surgery shows you how to upcycle all your slightly worn, slightly damaged, or plain old out-of-style sweaters into fabulous new items for your wardrobe and your home. Readers learn how to choose, cut, restitch, felt, and embellish old sweater fabric, transforming it into beautiful handbags, mittens, scarves, hats, hoodies, skirts, jewelry, soft toys, pillows, and more!

Complete instructions for 27 projects, plus a huge gallery of exciting ideas for further inspiration.

I have a degree in industrial design from Pratt Institute and worked as a set decorator and prop master for 10 years in the entertainment industry. I have produced, written scripts and edited Web content for television shows and have been covering these creative topics for HGTV, DIY Network and Lifetime TV. I have designed and written directions for over 400 craft projects for clients.

And pop on over to Sweater Surgery for more practical sweatery goodness or click on the links below or to the right!

Bloomin' necklace and ring from 1000 Jewelry Inspirations

1,000 Jewelry Inspirations
Beads, Baubles, Dangles, and Chains

By

Sandra Salamony

A visual catalog for jewelry, bead artists and crafters who will relish the opportunity to have so many ideas at their fingertips to inspire their own projects.

This book is the second volume of Quarry's 1,000 series--an eye candy-laden follow-up to the very successful 1,000 Artist Trading Cards (Quarry, Spring 2007).

A showcase of stunning jewelry bits and pieces, "bling" and embellishments, will feed the creative appetites of crafters and jewelry makers everywhere. This second craft collection offers color, sparkle, texture, dimension, and clever, creative use of materials. One piece of jewelry might have several points of interest to be highlighted: an antique clasp, textured lampwork beads, and intricate knots.

An author of various books on art techniques, home decor, and crafts, Sandra Salamony makes a living as an art director, designer, and artist in northern Michigan. Her projects and designs have been featured in magazines, books, and on television.

Click on image to enlarge.

To make the ring all you need is:

A ring blank

26 gauge wire

5 petal shaped beads

1 center round bead

Standard jewelry making tools

To connect the petals run the wire through all the petal beads and twist the ends together to secure.

Thread the wire through the center bead and twist to the back of the petal section.

Then simply wrap lengths of wire over two petals and under one, working around the flower until the desired look is achieved.

Use all the ends of the wire to secure to the ring blank.

If you didn't get enough jewelry making inspiration here today grab yourself a copy of 1,000 Jewelry Inspirations for 996 more pieces or click on jewelry below or over to Sandra's site or here for a bloomin' ring of leaves!

And be sure to come back here tomorrow for "secret" way to store your treasured rings that you can whip up in just a bit with recycled materials!

All kinds of Pigment was Flying at Lisa Engelbrecht's Book Launch Party

Yesterday was Lisa's Book Launch Party and it was amazing! As this post's title said, the pigment was flying. The Calligraphers were "calligraphying" and the Graffiti Artists were "graffiting" all with something to say in a beautiful way!

Modern Mark Making
From Classical Calligraphy to Hip Hand-Lettering
By
Lisa Engelbrecht

A complete volume offering lettering arts techniques as well as project ideas.

Calligraphy, the art of elegant, beautiful lettering, has increased in popularity over the last several years. From brides who want to address their wedding invitations to do-it-yourselfers who want to prepare certificates or make a family tree, and even for art journalers and scrapbookers who like creative text in their works, calligraphy books and classes are hot.

This book will spark the interest of the calligraphy novice by introducing a new approach to lettering, one that combines a lively combination of traditional lettering styles, fun and scripty modern styles, and artsy street-style lettering, along with project ideas that incorporate creative lettering.

The book demonstrates the uses of traditional and cutting edge lettering tools, from classic calligraphy pens to bling-producing metallic foils and glue pens. It introduces a wide array of lettering styles with complete alphabets sample artworks that show an application. Fully stepped-out illustrations breakdown each letterform, taking the reader through each stroke. A large collection of gallery images that provide further inspiration for how to use creative lettering in artwork.

Lisa Engelbrecht is a lettering artist and was an instructor of calligraphy at Cerritos College in Norwalk, California, where she instituted a Certificate in Calligraphy. She teaches workshops and classes around the country specializing in lettering on fabric and alternative surfaces, experimental lettering and the creative process.

Lisa Is holding her New DVD, HANDLETTERING ON FABRIC, BALI LANTERN WORKSHOP!

She will send you a personalized copy of her new DVD along with a special print! Please send $29.95 plus $4 shipping ( Foreign orders please email me for shipping amount) to

Lisa Engelbrecht, PO Box 3815, Seal Beach, CA 90740.

Be sure to tell her to whom you'd like it personalized and she will send it right out!

The dvd shows her lettering and wash techniques really well and for a free preview go to Creative Catalyst Productions .

Lisa will be book signing and demo-ing at the First Saturday Art Walk in Santa Ana Artists Colony for the Art Bar-This will be Saturday September 6th, 7 to 9 pm. Books will be available for purchase -This is such a great event-live music-open studios.

Here I am with my very special personalized signed copy that I so cherish. Thank you Lisa!

 

Guest and Artist, Todd wrote his name upside down on his tag. You know those wacky artsty types, they just have to be unique! I love it!

Here is Todd and his fellow calligraphers busy at work on their Panel.

The Society For Calligraphy peeps worked their magic.
Pop over to their website for a Calender of Events.

 

LIVE GRAFFITI PAINTING by the UTI crew
( only the finest on the west coast!)
These panels will be auctioned off to benefit
the Homeland Cultural Center Murals Program

Here is "Skill" getting started....

Skill working while Lisa watches.

Graffiti is often a group effort, his crew got in on the action.

Watching, this is definitely not something I see every day!

And socializing with great people!

Lisa and Skill with the final "UTI" Panel

Then the worlds combined The UTI's "Made their Mark" on the Calligrapher's Panel:

And speaking of what's new, it's Monday so that means-Crafty Blogger Links to the new stuff out there on the blogs:

About Family Crafts
Did you know that September 7th is National Grandparents Day? Discover fun gifts you can start making today.

About.com Cross Stitch
Stitch this free Have a Spooky Halloween pattern to add to your Halloween decor.

Aileen's Musings
Meet Snaily the skateboarding snail, and check out the fairies in Aileen's gardens! Aileen has created free postcards for you to send to a friend!

Crafty Princess Diaries
Tammy has a new free metal clay project posted. This one is for the ID Me bracelet.

Layers Upon Layers
Debe Friedhoff creates bottles of hope for those in need. "You can't sell hope!" Debe says. "You can only give it away!"

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
You'll look fabulous coming and going this fall when you knit up this free pattern for a double sided cable scarf.

The Impatient Blogger
Margot shares a project from her book Sparkletastic with Ana and Megan Araujo on this episode of When Creativity Knocks.

So go to your creative space and write or craft something special today!

One last bit of eye candy, Lisa gave us a tour of her creative space!

Even her boxes are labeled with beautiful writing!

Sculpting for Fall in your Favorite Medium

This book is SO pretty! It is positively a wealth of "yummy" ideas and techniques.

Fun & Fancy Cake Decorating
Tips and Techniques for Decorating Unique Cakes for any Occasion
By
Kate Sullivan

Kate Sullivan has baked wedding cakes and party cakes for some of New York’s most interesting weddings and events. Her sought-after recipes, designs, and tips are compiled in this extraordinary volume now available in paperback.

Featured in numerous magazines, and on television, Sullivan is a respected and creative baker. For the first time, she brings her knack for creating the unusual to those of us who want to bake more than a layer cake but aren’t sure how.

Fun & Fancy Cake Decorating features her delicious recipes and unique cake-decorating tips, as well as personal stories about creating and delivering cakes. She has used cookies as cake toppers, made dozens of multicolored flowers on a hat-shaped cake, and created cakes in the shapes of taxis and diner coffee cups. Whether a lush, vibrant “Monsoon Wedding” cake or a larger-than-life, 3D “Cup o’ Joe to Go,” Kate’s cakes always inspire people to ask, “How did she do that?”

Basic and special techniques are illustrated in detailed step-by-step photographs, as well as complete cake recipes for Kates’s favorite cakes.

Kate Sullivan’s wedding and party cakes have been featured in numerous magazines, including Oprah, the New York Times, Self, and Time Out New York, as well as on VH1 and in Broadway theater. She lives in New York City.

Is this not the cutest or what? I think these elements would make great fall decorations in virtually any medium especially of course as picture on a cake, yummy!

(Click on image to enlarge)

These are great images and instructions. I think I am going to try this with polymer clay and wool felt roving. Have any of you made acorns out of a different material? I would love to see!