Saturday 15 March 2014

Sharpie pen art

After a browse on Pinterest for kids craft ideas I stumbled across a blog post using Sharpies on T-shirts as an alternative to tie dye. The effects were stunning and I wanted to try it immediately but didn't have a suitable t-shirt to hand. I am such a 'got to do it now' person! I did however have a plain cotton drawstring bag that I had purchased for Lino cuts printing. Perfect!

I experimented first on a mini canvas. I tried lots of different patterns with the pens but in the end the simplest design worked best. I used two colours to create a simple sunburst shape.

Then the recipe called for rubbing alcohol. I thought about trying regular clear alcohol like vodka but as this was going to be a project for kids my advisors suggested that it wasn't appropriate. A trip to the pharmacy as suggested on the website proved fruitless as they had never heard of it but after a quick search it turns out to be the American term for surgical spirit. Now I have a gallon of the stuff so if I ever need to harden the soles of my feet I'll be ok.

Using a pipette from a first chemistry set I dropped a small amount onto the centre of each shape. Instantly the colours burst like a firework to create a spectacular colour fest! It was a bit trial and error in terms of the amount of alcohol to add. Too much and the centre faded but not enough and it didn't reach the edge of the shape. Be patient though as the alcohol continues to ooze for a while.

I used a folded up newspaper between the sides of the bag to ensure that the colours didn't seep through.

I don't know if this project would be washable but I don't intend to wash my fab bag.








Friday 28 February 2014

BC Etsians


I'd like to introduce you to a new team on ETSY. 

BC Etsians    


https://www.etsy.com/uk/teams/20058/bc-etsians

We are a small, dynamic and highly motivated team from all areas of the crafting community. We use social media to promote the work of our team mates. 

Click on the pictures to visit the ETSY shop.

I'll start with the team captain
Susan (AKA Dottie) of Dottie Designs creates unique memory books, keepsake boxes and wedding albums. Items can be customized for your special event.
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/93895442/personalised-summer-butterfly-wedding?ref=shop_home_active_5
Next (following the team list) is 


Ailsa specializes in polymer clay jewellery and chainmaille. 



 I love the sterling silver jewellery that Carol designs. Her shop Designs by Caz is filled to the brim with glittery goodies that I covet madly. 

I especially love the simple yet stunning design of this bracelet.




 And the last (but by no means least) of the leaders is Diane from Adien Crafts.And this evening after a few years of being in teams with Diane I have recognized that Adien is an anagram! Bit slow. 

 I remember the butterflies in the rainforests of Central America last year and these Blue Morphos are my favourites.


If you would like to join our BC Etsians click on the flag above. 
You can also follow us on facebook 
https://www.facebook.com/BCEtsians
on Pinterest
http://www.pinterest.com/bcetsians/
and twitter
https://twitter.com/BCEtsians

Thursday 27 February 2014

House of Wonderland - Seller Interview

This week I had the pleasure of interviewing Tessa from House of Wonderland 
 https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/HouseOfWonderland/. 
Her work always attracts my attention as it is quirky, original and a bit odd  ( in a good way!) 

Tessa sells a range of products in her ETSY shop from pendants to tins to journals. My favourite products at the moment are these tins filled with mints.

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/115613275/up-cycled-retro-mint-tins?ref=shop_home_active_17


Some background first. 

Tessa studied Art & Design whilst at college in Skipton, Yorkshire where she developed a passion for innovative craft and design. Tessa is constantly inspired by Japanese and vintage styles as well as her own children. This has resulted in colourful, unique designs.
 Tessa uses the age old method of 'trial and error' whilst playing around with new materials. .  I use this myself! It really helps you to understand what the materials can do and how they react with others.

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/177977799/do-more-of-what-makes-you-happy?ref=shop_home_active_16

With such a wide range of products in her shop I was keen to find out how Tessa organized her work. She replied that all the new products are made in batches so they are all 'ready to go' and so customers are not kept waiting. I can vouch for this. My map pendant was quickly dispatched and well packaged. 
I asked Tessa how she found the time to make when she is so busy selling? How do you organize your time?  
She replied ....I don't sleep!... :D ....I plan new ranges to make very carefully.  I plan every aspect of them, how I will make it, what would be the best material to use, where can I get this material etc, etc.  Once every aspect is planned I then buy everything in one go. Which means... lots of happy post! Whoo hooo! As they are all planned and I know exactly what to do it's faster to get the products made and a lot more organised! 
My favourite items in the shop are the Alice inspired creations. I wondered if Tessa had a favourite. 
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/129527429/pink-day-of-the-dead-mini-skull-studs?ref=shop_home_active_21
My personal favourites are the tattoo pieces.  I have a phobia of needles and I am way to scared to get a tattoo! So the jewellery is a perfect choice for me!  One of my favourites is the new tattoo compact mirror in collaboration with Elektrisk Tatovering.  

and finally I asked for a TOP TIP for selling on line. 
Network! Network! Network!