Craftside

Bottomless Beaded Sandals from Making Designer Gemstone & Pearl Jewelry

Making Designer Gemstone and Pearl Jewelry
By
Tammy Powley

The hottest new look in fashion jewelry is all about gemstones and pearls. Now readers can create— right at home—their own unique versions of the stylish looks they see on models and in magazines.

Using simple, accessible techniques and easily assembled supplies, Making Designer Gemstone and Pearl Jewelry shows how to make chokers, lariats, bracelets, earrings, and more in a variety of styles, from classic to modern to funky. Whether the desired look is simple and elegant or ornate and chunky, the creative process is easy and fun, and the results are spectacular.

The book also offers information on the healing powers of gemstones—turquoise for serenity and positive thinking, amber for romance and love—to help readers imbue their designs with personal meaning. For anyone who loves jewelry, even if they’ve never strung a bead or twisted a wire, this unique guide will inspire readers to make beautiful, stylish accessories to keep or to give as gifts.

Tammy Powley is a jeweler, teacher, and writer. She is the host and manager of About.com’s jewelry-making Web site, where she has regular columns. She is a frequent contributor to Jewelry Crafts magazine.

These are so perfect for summer! I am going to make them in so many colors (to coordinate with all my pedicures of course).

(Click on Images to Enlarge)

If you just love these and need more pop over to Tammy's post here to get another pattern!

I think, as the recycler/upcycler that I am I think I am going to raid my old jewelry and whip up a pair of these with an old necklace....and speaking of one thing from another, be sure to scroll down to Monday July 28th's post and leave a comment about how you use one thing for another and you will be entered to win your choice of and Quayside Publishing Group book!

Cool Clear Vinyl Tote from Making Vinyl, Plastic, & Rubber Handbags

Making Vinyl, Plastic, and Rubber Handbags
Sewing Stylish Projects from Unusual Materials

By

Ellen Goldstein-Lynch, Sarah Mullins, and Nicole Malone

The "green" way to make gorgeous handbags using recycled materials

There has been a movement throughout the fashion industry over the past ten years towards new types of materials to replace leather. Companies like Kate Spade have been in the forefront, using vinyl, rubber, and micro fibers for their expensive, fashionable, sought-after products. Kenneth Cole, Prada and Coach have also been experimenting with micro-fibers, rubber, and combinations of distinctive materials for their latest trendy products as well.

Making Vinyl, Plastic, and Rubber Handbags explores how these different types of materials can be used to create one-of-a-kind trendy items for the home sewer. The projects cater to all ages and degrees of difficulty, and materials are easy to find at traditional fabric stores, as well as places like Wal-Mart, Target, Staples, and home box stores.

Ellen Goldstein-Lynch is the Chairperson of the Accessories Design Department of at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. She has been involved in the accessories field for over 25 years, serving as Public Relations Director for the National Fashion Accessories Association for 10 years. She is an authority on handbags and accessories, and has been featured on national television and in print.

Sarah Mullins is a graduate and faculty member of the Accessories Design Department at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. Sarah designs for several New York-based companies and also has her own line of unique handbags.

Nicole Malone is an accessories designer with a zeal for handbags. She has experience in pattern making, sample making, and construction of one-of-a-kind creations for various handbag and fashion designers. A graduate of the Accessories Design Program at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, she currently designs and produces her own line of handbags and belts under the name "Stargon Accessories," but her true love is teaching in the accessories department at her alma mater.

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Have I mentioned how much I love tote bags? I know you know how much I love making things out of recycled materials. So this book totally hit the spot for me!

I, however probably never have sewn with vinyl, so I really needed this book. I read a lot of the beginning and flipped through it many times and decided to make my first project one of the simpler ones.

I picked the Diamond Plate Shopping Bag:

But decided to make it out of clear vinyl as one of the designers did in the oh-so-pretty Gallery section.

I did decide I wanted to add a pocket on the outside since I was working with clear vinyl it just seemed like a fun idea and I had this silly post card that I could display in it.

So I enlarged the pattern and made sure it was big enough to accommodate a pocket big enough for my post card but still fit on my pieces of vinyl, incidentally check out what I used, garbage picked seat covers!

I followed the directions by using a rotary cutter and tape ball method of securing the pattern to the vinyl with the dashed line along the fold.

I cut a pocket out about an inch bigger all the way around my postcard to give me plenty of room and seam allowance.

And then I stitched the pocket onto one side of the bag and then the two sides together as the directions stated. I think it made a fun project bag!

Also I thought it would make a great place to keep my book and the patterns after they had been enlarged in the pocket! Great for taking to the store to gather materials!

So sewing from seat covers, clearly a good thing!

What unusual materials do you like to sew with? Let us know in the comment section of Monday July 28th's post and you'll be entered to win a copy of any Quayside Publishing Group book you choose!

Free Patterns and Eye Candy from a few of our Fiber Authors

Today I thought I'd share what a few of our authors have been up to and a bunch of their free patterns that are just an example of what's inside their books!

First off here are two links packed full of pictures of the yummiest fiber from a camp that author, Lexi Boeger teaches.

Intertwined
The Art of Handspun Yarn, Modern Patterns and Creative Spinning
By

Lexi Boeger

Intertwined is an inspirational handbook for yarn lovers everywhere, created in an eye-popping, showcase style and packed with sparkling, full-color photos.

This book will be a delight to the enthusiastic fiber crowd that is growing by leaps and bounds. It captures all the excitement of experimental, handspun yarns, and includes recipes for handspun yarns, project ideas for knitters and crocheters, tips on how to use one-of-a-kind handspun yarns (whether you spin them or buy them at yarn boutiques), and a gallery of handmade creations. The book also features profiles, anecdotes, essays, and thoughts on fiber arts and the creative process. Contributors range from Alpaca farmers and cutting-edge spinners to well-known knitwear designers.

There is has been a resurgence in interest in spinning and in using one-of-a-kind yarns, particularly by the all new knitters and crocheters, and there are no other cutting-edge, inspiring books out there to satisfy this enthusiastic audience.

The recipient of a bachelor's degree in fine art from UC Davis, author Lexi Boeger is the founder of Pluckyfluff.com, an Internet-based forum for unusual handspun yarns and fiber art. She is the innovator of highly original new techniques in handspinning and is carving a place for handspun yarn in the realm of pop culture.

Check out this flicker set from Evonne's day at Lexi Boeger spinning camp.

and another attendee, Gwen Powell's photos.

Can I just say yuuuuuuummmmmm!!!!!

And

Margaret Hubert has a free pattern, Five Yarn Jacket- available at Lion Brand Yarn.

from:

Plus Size Crochet

Fashions That Fit & Flatter
By
Margaret Hubert

At last, a book of crochet patterns devoted entirely to the plus-size woman!
Plus-size gals are a group that seems to be neglected in the plethora of crochet books on the market. The author, Margaret Hubert, has often been approached at trade shows and through her classes by women in this size category, begging her to design patterns that would fit them. A plus-size crocheter cannot simply take a smaller pattern and increase the number of stitches or rows to get a garment that fits and flatters. There are lots of proportion considerations when designing patterns for larger sizes.

Plus Size Crochet Fashions That Fit & Flatter has 20 crocheted garments and accessories for plus-size women. The projects are stylish and flattering for various large figure types. There are also hints and tips to help the crocheter accommodate her special needs.

Only crochet book for plus-size women
Similar to the books in our popular “Hooked” series: easy to use with lay-flat wire-o binding, stitch detail photos, project specs at a glance
Includes crochet basics section with step-by-step photos

Margaret Hubert designs both crochet and knitting patterns for yarn companies and magazines such as Crochet, Interweave’s Knit and Crochet, and Woman's Day. She teaches at yarn shops, retreats, and national gatherings. She is the author of ten other books including the five books in CPi’s “Hooked” series.

And

over at author of:

Wool Pets:
Making 20 Figures with Wool Roving and a Barbed Needle

Laurie Sharp, Kevin Sharp

Anyone can make cute and cuddly creatures from a handful of fluff and a barbed needle!
Needle felting is a new craft and is gaining in popularity. There are only a few books written on the subject and most of those focus on 'flat' needle felting on a surface. This book is about sculptural needle felting--creating 3-D animals and figures using the felting needle to sculpt wool.

The book shows the techniques and describes how the felting needle works with wool fiber to create felt, while explaining the differences between this art form and other forms of felting. The reader will learn how to hold the needle, what sort of materials to use, and why.

There are about 20 complete projects including various birds, bugs, four-legged animals, and people--each one unique and irresistible! Laurie also shows the reader ways to display their felted creations as mobiles, ornaments, or arranged in shadow boxes.

Laurie Sharp is a full time artist and has been needle felting for over 5 years. She raises her own sheep, shears and processes the wool for most of her projects. She has been featured on HGTV’s 'That’s Clever'. View her web site: www.woolpets.com. Her work has been shown in a number of galleries in the Pacific Northwest, where she lives with her husband and business partner, Kevin Sharp. Kevin is a professional photographer, and provides both beauty and how-to photography for this book. His work can be viewed on www.sharpphotography.com.

Laurie has a new kit for these cuties with a snippet of how-to make them at her blog:

and last but certainly not least pop over to author of the soon to be released:

Creative Cloth Explorations:
Adventures with Fairy-Inspired Fiber Art

By

Patti Medaris Culea

This book is the fifth installment on making creative cloth fiber arts from popular art doll designer, fiber artist, and workshop instructor Patti Culea, following Creative Cloth Doll Making, Creative Cloth Doll Faces, Creative Cloth Doll Couture, and Creative Cloth Doll Beading. Readers will learn to make flat figures, fabric books, and a fairy-style fan.

This book builds on the previous four by delving into how to make fun and elaborate-looking projects using similar materials for unique projects and book structures. Culea covers the basics and provides new techniques–such as using Shiva paint sticks and stencils, working with silk rods and waste, and using lace and trims–while teaching you to how create a flat-figure doll, a memory journal with embellished cloth pages, and a beautiful fan. Professional tips, ideas for embellishments, cutting-edge techniques, and complete patterns for all the projects are included.

Patti Medaris Culea studied art in Los Angeles and Japan and began as a painter and portrait artist. She has a full-line of cloth doll patterns and her work has appeared in books, magazines, and galleries. She is the author of Creative Cloth Doll Making, Creative Cloth Doll Faces, Creative Cloth Doll Couture, and Creative Cloth Doll Beading.

Patti has a free download for this neat little Natania Name tag at the bottom of the right hand column of her blog:

Oh and don't forget to enter in yesterday's post a comment with a creative idea about how to use one thing for another for a chance to win your choice of any Quayside Publishing Group's book!

Collage Sourcebook- Collagraphy

Happy Crafty Monday!

Collage Sourcebook
Exploring the Art and Techniques of Collage
By
Jennifer Atkinson, Holly Harrison and Paula Grasdal

The beauty of collage art appeals to all people. Anyone from the hobbyist to the fine artist can use collage techniques to add creativity and dimension to their work. This book provides creative instruction and inspiration through a wide range of projects, and is sure to stimulate ideas and help hobbyists and artists overcome creative blocks.

Collage Sourcebook is a comprehensive compilation of our two top collage titles, Collage Art, by Jennifer Atkinson, and Collage for the Soul, by Holly Harrison and Paula Grasdal.

Dozens of techniques are demonstrated in visual step-by-step instructions and use a variety of materials, from paper and fabric to found objects. Tips for getting started and using a variety of techniques, such as photo transfer, gold leaf, encaustic, assemblage, photo montage, computer collage, fabric collage, cast-paper-pulp collage, tissue-paper collage, decoupage, painting and printing on paper, working with water-soluble oil pastels, frottage, texturing or altering paper, and altering books, makes this a valuable go-to resource for the collage artist.

Holly Harrison is a freelance writer and editor. Her first craft book, Angel Crafts: Graceful Gifts, Inspired Designs, was published by Rockport in April 2002. She has also contributed to numerous magazines, including Metropolitan Home. She lives in Concord, Massachusetts.

Paula Grasdal is a printmaker and mixed-media artist living in the Seattle area. She has contributed to several other Rockport books, including Angel Crafts: Graceful Gifts, Inspired Designs, The Crafter's Project Book, and Making Shadow Boxes and Shrines. Her work has been exhibited in galleries in the U.S. and Canada.

Jennifer Atkinson was the curator for the Fuller Art Museum in Brockton, Massachusetts.

In addition to all the cool techniques listed above that this book teaches you how to do , there is also one that is

NTM- (New To Me):

Collagraphy, the process of making a print from a collage plate.

Wow! Is that a cool concept or what!

There is an amazing tutorial on how to do this process.

I am definitely going to put his technique on my "to-do" list. I have already started to gather things up to make a collagraph. But in the mean time let me share with you something a bit simpler, but none the less, very cool. Well I think so anyway!

This piece is by Meryl Brater

Titled: The Belly of Stones

Collagraphy with drawing in mixed media book.

See that ultra cool sprocket thing-a-ma-gig? Well, I happen to have score recently a stack of those! They are from a motorcycle.

(Click on image to enlarge)

I used one to make prints in my altered book. I simply used a bit of sponge and loaded up one side with acrylic black paint and pressed it on the page.

What is the most unusual thing you have used to make a print with??

I really, really want to know! And since today's question is all about being unique, you will get to choose the book you win!

Simply leave a comment here in this post by August 11th with a link to something you have made a print with or just an idea of what you might like to make a print with or even a thought on what you could make with something unusual!

We will randomly pick a winner and then let you pick your prize book from any of the Quayside Publishing Group's titles!

How's that for freedom and choice of creativity?

And if that wasn't enough to get your Monday creativity flowing I bring you Fabulous Crafty Blogger links:

About Family Crafts
In honor of the upcoming Summer Olympics, why not create your own backyard Olympic games!

About.com Cross Stitch
New to Cross Stitch? Learn the basic stitches and you will be well on your way!

Aileen's Musings
This week Aileen's showing you how to create your own carved mermaid stamp postcard. Don't forget to leave a comment and enter her blog giveaway!

Crafty Princess Diaries
Are you a little "organic" sometimes when it comes to crafts? Sometimes "winging it" can be fun and productive as shown by these cool Blythe doll clothes crocheted by the Crafty Princess.

Layers Upon Layers
Anitra Cameron shares the story behind her enchanting "Coffee Pot People"

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
The sweaters stayed in the drawer this week and crafts were made with a tiny globe and an empty cat shaped wine bottle.

The Impatient Blogger
Margot talks about crafting a life worth living in this contemplative post.

Winner of Making Designer Mixed-Media and Memory Jewelry

Congrats to Kate-winner of:

Making Designer Mixed-Media and Memory Jewelry
Fun and Experimental Techniques and Materials for the Home Studio

By
Tammy Powley

Using beads and other materials to make unique jewelry

Boutiques and department stores are filled with jewelry featuring charms, photos, fibers, shells, recycled materials, and other exciting embellishments. This book teaches home crafters new tricks and techniques to expand the styles of fashion jewelry they create with beads and other materials. Compiled by Tammy Powley, the book includes the work of many exciting jewelry artists who are breaking new ground using mixed media materials and techniques in their work, along with step-by-step instructions.

Tammy Powley is a writer and jewelry maker. She writes about arts and crafts in books and articles for print and digital media, and is the host of About.com's jewelry-making site. Tammy sells her work primarily through galleries and commissions. Tammy lives in Port St. Lucey, FL.

So the challenge was to guess how I made this "Round Bunny on a Square Bead"

Well, no one guessed-a plastic milk jug! I punched out a bunch of bunnies and used a dry adhesive to stick one on the glass bead.

I also made a few pendants with a "cut-out" of a bunny on a disk. I used both the smooth part of the milk jug and the textured area.

"Got Milk..jug?"