Craftside

Needle Felted Mini Pumpkins made with Reversed Spun Roving

Wool Pets
Making 20 Figures with Wool Roving and a Barbed Needle
By
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.

This 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. You will learn how to hold the needle, what sort of materials to use, and why.

There are 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.

I am really in the mood for fall and Halloween decorations. I'm not sure why but I'm not fighting it. I really like needle felting but I hadn't tried dimensional work as yet. So after savoring my copy of Wool Pets, I had to give it a shot. I decided to start small. 

Tiny in fact.

These little pumpkins are only about an inch to an inch and a half.

So the first step in all projects is gathering the tools and materials. In my case I did have felting needles and felting mat but not the roving in just the right shade of orange.

So I put my thinkin' cap on and this is what I did! I went out to the extensive yarn stash and found the most beautiful orange wool yarn called "Iceland by Crystal Palace" and I grabbed my pet brush and did a little "reverse spinning".

I carded (brushing) the yarn back into roving.

  

When I had a bunch of roving I followed the directions in the beginning of Wool Pets to make a ball.

I folded the sides of the roving in toward the middle.

I needle felted it first with the ball of roving on the felting mat because I was poking pretty far through the ball.

I then held it very carefully and sculpted the indents of the sides of the pumpkin. I then took a small scrap of green wool yarn and needle felted it to the top of the pumpkin for a stem.

 

Isn't this guy cute? If you need to make him, grab yourself a copy of Wool Pets
Making 20 Figures with Wool Roving and a Barbed Needle for complete instructions. And if you need to see more of Laurie's latest cuteness including these cool displays "Mr. Wool Pets" came up with check out this post over at her blog!

 

Cool Marketing Job Opportunity!

Marketing Specialist Needed for Busy NS Publisher (Beverly, MA)

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Reply to: jobs@rockpub.com

An international book publisher located in Beverly, MA is seeking a Marketing Specialist to oversee promotional efforts of our crafts and hobby line. Reporting to the Director Of Marketing, the Marketing Manager will foster the line through print materials, e-mail communications, and both online and offline advertisements. 

Primary Responsibilities:

- Develop innovative, highly focused, cost-effective and non-traditional marketing and promotional tools and techniques including viral marketing, web- and e-mail campaigns, leveraging online communities, etc. 
- Develop and implement program to monitor, analyze, and report key success measures, regularly updating the Director and Publishers on progress toward agreed-upon goals.
- Manage production of sales and marketing tools such as galleys, blads, sales kits, sell-sheets, etc.
- Working with the Director, VP and Publishers identify and build effective cross-marketing and alliances with professional societies, institutions, communities, associations, and others to promote activities using a range of tools including Web site listings and mailing lists, advertising, and content swaps.

Requirements:

-Interest in the craft and hobby market a plus but not necessary
- BA or BS in Marketing desired and 5+ years management experience in marketing or comparable area required
- Demonstrated expertise and success in online marketing tools and tactics
- Excellent time and project management skills
- Excellent interpersonal, networking and oral/written communications skills
- Strong copywriting skills
- Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and communicate effectively with internal and external constituencies
- Experience with professional or membership organizations and related database tools strongly preferred

• Location: Beverly
• Compensation: Up to 55K
• Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.
• Please, no phone calls about this job!
• Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.

Crafting with Crafty Chica goodies for Her Contest

Win a paid spot on the Crafty Chica 2009 cruise!

1. Decorate one of the Crafty Chica Empowerment Guardians. Available at select Michaels stores or on Amazon.com.

2. When you are finished, take two pictures of it: One of you holding it, and another of it by itself.

3. Upload the picture to the Flickr Crafty Chica Inspiration Gallery with the header: CONTEST ENTRY. In the caption area, share the name of your Guardian, what her theme is and how you hope she will inspire you.

4. Send The Crafty Chica an email with the link to your Guardian, your name, age, and city you live in.

Deadline is Friday October 10th. A panel of crafty folks will choose a winner and The Crafty Chica will announce it on November 1st.

Entries will be scored on creativity, originality, innovation, and the personal inspiration that went into it. It can be healing, comical, kooky, happy, serious - whatever moves you! *Enter as many times as you want (a different guardian for each entry)!*

Winner will receive a paid spot on the Crafty Chica 2009 cruise. You'll share a room with another cruiser - however if the winner has a family member who wants to go, that family member will receive a reduced rate! That is a smokin' deal! Keep in mind, they depart from San Diego, so you will have to provide that transportation. The prize pack includes your room, all workshops, meals, and basic beverages. Does not include incidentals, you will need a credit/debit card upon boarding for those.

If you are already signed up for the cruise, you can still enter and win!

Here is mine in progress:

My process:

Think of all the things I love and inspire me.

The first being my love of plaid!

So I covered the "cloak" area of the guardian with some cool lime and black plaid fabric.

I have a lot more work (and glitter) to go but I think the plaid is a good start!

If you need a bit of inspiration for your guardian try grabbing a copy of her wonderful book, it will surely get your creative glittery juices flowing, it always works for me!

The Crafty Chica Collection
Beautiful Ideas for Crafts, Home Decorations and Shrines from the Queen of Latina Style

By

Kathy Cano Murillo

Over 60 colorful craft projects, decorations, and shrines that celebrate “Latino Style”.

Kathy Cano Murillo, known as the Crafty Chica, launched her publishing career with two lively books: Making Shadow Boxes & Shrines and La Casa Loca, which means “the crazy house.” All of the projects that she designed for those two books are now featured in this classy-meet-campy companion collection of Latino-American pop art. The projects include everything from party gear to home decorations; garden accessories to gifts; and shrines to jewelry. More than 60 fabulous ideas incorporate paint, fabric, collage, embellishments, and a heavy dose of glitter. A book that every hip crafty chick needs in her collection.

Kathy Cano Murillo is a syndicated crafts columnist for The Arizona Republic and Gannett News Service. She is known for her pod-cast and web site, www.CraftyChica.com, which receives 900,000 hits a month. She is the author of five creativity/crafty books and makes regular appearances on local and national TV demonstrating her projects.

Making Handbags with new and recycled materials

Making Handbags
Retro, Chic, Luxurious
Ellen Goldstein-Lynch, Sarah Mullins, Nicole Malone

Handbags are the ultimate fashion accessory-they can pull an outfit together, suggest a mood, or serve a range of practical functions from workplace tote to weekend travel bag. And in a fashion environment where color and originality reign, the style possibilities are endless.

Making Handbags shows readers how they can create affordable, designer-quality handbags right in their own homes-even if they've never sewn a stitch. Using just four master patterns, readers learn to alter fabrications and embellishments to make everything from vintage styles to fun and trendy beaded bags, and from faux fur to fringed bags.

Each bag takes cues from major fashion houses, highlighting the best styles from recent decades. Complete with shortcuts, tips, and secrets from the Accessories Design staff at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, this smart guide can turn any reader into a do-it-yourself fashion designer.

Ellen Goldstein-Lynch is the Chairperson of the Accessories Design Department of at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York. She is an authority on handbags and accessories and been featured on national television and in print.

Sarah Mullins is a graduate and faculty member of the Accessories Design Department at the FIT in New York. Sarah has her own line of unique handbags and her passion is experimenting with different combinations of materials in her designs.

Nicole Malone has worked for various handbag and fashion designers and produces her own line of handbags and belts under the name "Stargon Accessories." She is a graduate of, and an instructor at, the Accessories Design Program at the FIT in New York.

This book is simply packed full of great designs! Not only is it a major source for inspiration it has 4 pullout master patterns for making more than 36 designs!

(Click on image to enlarge)

This is the super cute purse that was my inspiration for the purse I made.

If you are a regular reader of this blog, the handle may look familiar to you, if not click here to see what else I did with this motorcycle part. If you want to be a regular reader but forget to pop by here, then subscribe and it will be delivered to you! (top right)

So off the the denim stash and I pulled out this skirt. The detail that caught my eye was the backside dart. I opened the side seams.

I then cut the skirt down to a trapezoid shape.

I then sewed up the side and bottom and then sewed about a two inch cross stitch on each side end to make a flat bottom. I then seam ripped the belt loops on the bottom end and linked the handle in the loop and stitched it back on with orange heavy duty denim thread.

Then, as a child of the 80's my button stash was raided to embellish on side of this cute little purse. Then I linked up some chain just to give it a bit more of a "punk rock look"

That's one of the really cool things about working with denim, if hardware isn't your thing, try flowers or embroidery or paint! It all works great.

Lisa Engelbrecht Signing and Demonstrating at Barnes & Noble

What a fun day at Barnes & Noble with Lisa Engelbrecht!

Lisa made an appearance at the Long Beach Barnes & Noble Sunday.

She demonstrated several of her cool writing techniques from her book:

Modern Mark Making
From Classical Calligraphy to Hip Hand-Lettering

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.

Modern Mark Making 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.

Another part of this cool event was making and swapping ATCs. This is our wonderful hostess, Jody Saltz and our swaps. I learned so much and came away with a wonderful set of swapped cards! I am definitely hooked.

 

This is another ATC made by Mark Hague that opens and closes-isn't it cool?:

Here is how I made the cards I swapped:

(Click on image to enlarge)

I used the "No lift Letters" technique posted here from
Modern Mark Making to make the "Y's" on vellum.

I then selected a variety of backing print papers.

Then to join the two layers I made my own brads.

I selected a few different shapes of sequins and a bead.

I bent a piece of 26 gauge wire that was about 3 inches ling in half and slid the bead into the fold.

I then crimped the wire to secure the bead and slid both ends of the wire through all the sequins.

I punched a small hole through both layers of paper and poked the wire through the holes.

Then I bent the wire open in opposite directions.

Then I formed a curl with each end of the wire in opposite directions.

I made a sticker with my info on it and stuck it on the back!

And for a little more eye candy:

Here is the view from the back porch of the Barnes & Noble. Isn't it beautiful?

Since it's Monday I also have Crafty Blogger Links for you!

We have a new member! Whooo-hooo!

Cathie Filian
My hubby and I tested the new goats milk soap base at Michaels. Two thumbs up!

Yey, we "heart" Cathie and her fabulous craftiness!!!

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.

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.

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.

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.

About.com Cross Stitch
The 2008 Cross Stitch Forum Ornament Exchange is on - find out how to participate then create your ornaments and enjoy.

About Family Crafts
Let everyone know... What holiday season inspires your creativity the most?

Knit and Crocheted Sweater Closure Inspired by Retro Knits

As the weather turns chilly  (oh about 65 here in SoCal) I am starting to pull out my sweaters and my knitting books and I let my creative juices flow!

So if you know a bit of knit and crochet you can make this fun little project I came up with while flipping through one of my favorite knitting books:

Retro Knits:
Cool Vintage Patterns for Men, Women, and Children from the 1900s through the 1970s   

By Kari Cornell and Jean Lampe

Everything old is new again in this collection of fun, hip knitting patterns dating from the early 1900s through the 1970s. Within the pages of this book you'll find everything from the pattern for those classic embroidered mittens your grandmother knitted to the alluring mohair sweater your mother stitched during her college days.

Retro Knits collects 50 vintage patterns for items as stylish today as they were in their time. Organized by decade, these patterns have been culled from vintage pattern books published by yarn makers, and feature old photos, pattern book covers, and original instructions.

The patterns--for hats, mittens, socks, scarves, sweaters, vests, and shawls, all picked to exemplify the era of origin--also offer modern yarn and needle suggestions, new schematics, and updated sizing.

So in addition to all the great patterns, there are also wonderful photos interspersed within the pages, which is where I got my inspiration:



This is the photo from the opening page of the 1930s section. It's not one of the patterns but it does have this neat double button closure. I have this sweater that was in need of just such a device.

And here is how I did it:

I went to the stash and found a yarn that went with my sweater in size, sheen and color. In this case it is Patons Brilliant in Natural Glow
I also rustle up 2 small shank buttons, in this case about 3/8 inch in diameter.
Since the sweater has a very open stitch I can poke the buttons through very easily. You will want to test this feature on your sweater.

To cover the buttons I:
Chain 3 and slip stitch to join
Chain 1
Single crochet about 12 stitches into the center of the ring and join.
Then I did a whip stitch through only the back loop around the circumference of the crochet disk and pulled to gather the crochet disk over the button.
I then knotted the ends together to secure.

To make the center connector I simply knitted a 4 stitch I-cord for about 2 inches. This will depend on how long you need your connector.

I simply used the tails to stitch each button to the ends of the i-cord.

Easy, hu? So if you have a sweater that's in need of a closure just pick buttons slightly smaller than the openings you can create in the knit stitches (or make little i-cord loops on each side!) and crochet enough of a disk to cover the button. Then knit enough i-cord to connect the sides. That's really all there is to it.

And if you'd like to read another review of Retro Knits pop over to Blogcritics.