Crafted by Us

Artist trading cards are everywhere... These 2 x 3 inch works of art are a ton of fun to make. If you have never made one before, then this project is for you. Not only will we be using the photo transfer technique that I demonstrated in the last episode, but we see how easy it is to create a piece of art in this small format. I am sharing with you the items that I used for this project, but you may want to gather more... Look for:ScissorsCard StockBlack and white picture printed on regular paper from your inkjet printerGel mediumPaint brushesWax paperYellow gessoBuff gesso Black StayzOn ink padATC stampTexturing tool (pen cap will work)Color pencils or oil pastelsPowder pigmentZig pensPaper towels Used/old dictionary If you are interested in buying gesso Daniel Smith has a large assortment. Also, for those of you looking for a great source for collage images try the Flickr Collage Images group. Just a note on this episode... Sorry for the poor lighting. I have moved into my studio (aka craft room) and am still trying to work it out. I think I may have to paint the room another color, invest in better lighting, or move the recording again. Ah well, I will get it eventually. Thanks for your patience. Please join me next time as we create a fun charm using shrink plastic. **Congratulations to "LC" who is the winner of this episodes prize drawing. She gets to choose a prize from the prize gallery which will have prizes added as we go forward with each episode. If you are interested in winning, just enter a comment below the show notes with your name in the comment. Each episode I will draw a new name. It's just that easy!** ------------------ Music provided by Paul Hyde and the band Tornow. For more information please email music@craftedby.us. ---------------------

In this episode I will demonstrate a photo transfer technique which should prove pretty interesting. To join me during the show you will need:Gel mediumCanvas fabricWatercolor paperInk jet printer High contrast black and white photos printed on regular printer paper from your inkjet printer MuslinPaint brush or other applicatorWax paper to protect work surfaceBone folder or wood spoon Not sure where to buy canvas or watercolor paper? I love shopping at Daniel Smith for all my art supply needs. **Congratulations to Heather for winning this episodes drawing. She gets to choose a prize from the prize gallery . Want to win too? Just watch the current show and then leave a comment below the show notes. I will draw a new winner each episode. Thanks to everyone for the comments and feedback!**

For our next project we will be creating lovely Pysanky eggs. This art form from the Ukraine is not only beautiful but great for beginners. With a few easy steps you will create an interesting egg that you will certainly be proud of. And who knows, with practice you may find that this is the art form for you. Shop for your supplies now and join me for this broadcast. You will need the following supplies: Clean, medium size eggsWhite vinegarKistkaBeeswaxDyesPencilRubber bands (optional)OvenTea lightsPaper towels (for clean up)Newspaper (to protect your work surface)ScissorsLighterMason jarsSpoons I have found the kistka and the dies at a local art supply store. Also, to my surprise, I have seen them at Michaels too! I encourage you to shop your local library for books on this subject. There are several that have great traditional patterns that are tons of fun to try.   SPECIAL NOTE: Please plan in advance when doing this project. After the dyes are mixed they should sit for a day or so before they are used. Also, the eggs should be room temperature. This means taking them out of the fridge several hours before dyeing them.

I am pleased to share with you my latest project, the needle felted fiber charm. As a member of the ICE group I have submitted this charm to be swapped with other people who have also created fiber or fabric charms. This project was a lot of fun and I encourage you to join along. Please gather up these supplies:  Foam padNeedle felting needles Fine fiber and press Scrap wool rovingsAssortment of beadsThread (I used two different types)Sewing needleHead pin PliersWire cutters You may be able to find the rovings and the needle felting needle at your local yarn shop, but if not try shopping online. I have found plenty of sites that sell this type of product. You may want to check out Fine Fiber Press & Studio which has a ton of information as well as the supplies you may be looking for. Also, remember that this is the first episode for our "add a comment" contest. To be entered, simply leave a comment relevant to the show by selecting the comment link below. Be sure to include your name in the comment. On our next show I will announce the winner which will be chosen by drawing a name from all the people who entered. This winner will then be able to choose a prize from the prize gallery (or something like that) which will be posted by the next episode!

Charms, charms, and more charms. Recently, I participated in a charm swap as part of the ICE group hosted by Amber Dawn . Because of this, I have been focused on little things that can be changed or used as part of a charm. The other day I found a set of travel dominoes and brought them home to see what I could make with them. That same day my package of charms came which included two charms created from dominoes. How exciting! I decided to forget my "to do" list and instead work on my charms. I found that the dominoes, with the right materials, are super easy to use and are perfect for those of you looking for instant gratification (who isn't once in a while?) So, please follow along with me as I create my version of a domino charm. For this project you will need the following supplies:Staz On ink padAlcohol based ink (I used Tim Holtz's Adirondack ink)StampsLight colored dominoesDrill press, unless dominoes are pre-drilledPaper towelsCraft wirePliersWire cuttersBecause this project is sure to spark your charm interest you will certainly want to visit the ICE group.

For those of you who haven't ever felted an item from scratch but have always wanted to try, now is your chance to learn how. This project will walk you through the steps from start to finish to create a lovely wool bowl. Start shopping for your supplies now so that you can follow along. Here is what you will need:1-2 ounces of fleecesuper hot waterbowl of warm waterscissorstongssmall amount of fleece for accent color heavy plastic for template(I used an overhead projection sheet)palmolive soapbamboo place mat or similar bumpy item that can be rolled uphand towels rolling pin (optional)embellishmentsneedlethreadIf you plan to follow along with this project be prepared to get wet. This project is ideal to make in your kitchen on the counter with a few towels handy for wiping up water. If you enjoy making this project I highly encourage you to check out the book Simply Felt, which is full of great felting instructions as well as fun and easy project ideas.

This super easy crocheted bag project is perfect for the beginner crocheter as well as a person who is more advanced but looking for a quick project. Follow along as you learn the pattern for this bag which can be used for holding many items, including your cell phone, pda, iPod, are even a bar of soap in the shower... Here is what you need:small crochet hook (size 4 - 5 or G)about 1 oz. of 100% cotton yarn (I used Sugar'n Cream Yarn) scissors For those of you looking for the exact pattern, please head over to Amazon and buy the book Crochet: Learn to Crochet Six Great Projects (Klutz) Also, don't forget the drawing I will be having next week for a surprise prize. To be entered, just send an email with a photo of your finished crocheted bag project attached. Thanks!

In this episode we will work through the steps to complete our handbound journal. If you are just now joining us, please browse the archives for part 1, which includes a complete supply list. Most of the materials can be found at your local craft or scrapbook stores, however here are some useful links: Colophon Book Arts Supply (sells bookbinding materials)Teesha Moores' How to Make Journals (great information on easy journal making)Daniel Smith (great for art supplies, especially colored gesso) Flickr group, Collage ImagesNasco (buy student grade watercolor paper here)  

I have made this journal several times after being inspired by the tutorial on journal making on Teesha Moores' site. The binding of this journal is quicker than more traditional types of bindings such as sewing on cords or coptic stitch binding. I am really excited to share with you how to make this journal, but I must warn you that the video is very long and there are some changes made as I go along. I just call that being flexible as opposed to not prepared... Because this project does take some time it is broke up into two segments. The first segment will cover how to make the cover while the second segment will focus on creating and binding the signatures. This project is just in time for you to record all of your New Years' resolutions! Items and materials used for this project: arches cold press watercolor paper at least 8 x 8 inches "word" stamps black gesso beads linen thread 1 yard ribbon collage images canvas (about 6 x 10 inches) gold acrylic paint gloss gel medium student grade watercolor pad (8 X 10 inches, 15 pages or so) watercolor paints paint brush bubble wrap for texture comb type texture tool pva wax paper glue brush pencil scissors bookbinding needle awlMost of the materials can be found at your local craft or scrapbook stores, however here are some useful links: Colophon Book Arts Supply (sells bookbinding materials)Teesha Moores' How to Make Journals (great information on easy journal making)Daniel Smith (great for art supplies, especially colored gesso) Flickr group, Collage Images

It's getting close to Christmas but something is missing... You made the gifts, you wrapped them, you have planned the family get together, but still something is missing. Hhmmm... I know, you need a yummy, hot holiday drink! This hot buttered rum recipe is exactly what you need. To make this drink gather up these items:large potglass to drink withmix scooperstirring spoon1 lb. brown sugar1 lb. powdered sugar1 lb. butter (not margarine!)ground nutmegcinnamonground cloves1/2 gallon vanilla ice creamstovespiced rum (if desired, not necessary)This recipe is super delicious, I hope you enjoy!

This cute initial charm makes a great gift for anyone. By adding a jump ring, it can be attached to a chain, ribbon, necklace, key chain, or cell phone charm holder. Or, just string ribbon through it and add it to a scrapbook page or the cover of a book. Here are the supplies that you will need to follow along with for this project:sheet of glass fansafety glasssolderliquid fluxcopper foil tapemini clampssolder ironscrabble tilex-acto knifescissorsplierssanding blockdiamond glazebone folderskewer or toothpickwalnut inkpaint brushcleaning wipes or wash clothdiamond glazejump ringIt may be difficult to find all of these items in one location, but a good place to start is at Simply Swank (formerly known as Scrapalatte.) I have also found supplies at Home Depot. I bought the Diamond Glaze and walnut ink from a local scrapbook store. If you love the project samples and want one, but don't think you will ever make one, please check out my Etsy shop or visit my custom order page .

Follow along with me as we make a 6 x 4 inch post bound journal. This journal, with it's heavy cold press watercolor paper, is ideal for altered sketchbooks or collage books, as well as small watercolor paintings. To create a post bound journal, you will need the following supplies: bone folderrulerpaper to cover davey board, preferably with long fibers running through it wax paperglue brushjournal posts and screwswatercolor paperdavey boardscoring toolpencilPVA (adhesive)scalpel or x-acto knifepaper cutterself healing cutting matMany of the above items can be found in a bookbinding store. My favorite is Colophon Book Arts Supply in Lacey, WA. I bought aluminum binding posts and screws while in Seattle from Daniel Smith.

Today we will be creating a cute needle felted butterfly. For this project you will need: 4 colors of wool rovings foam blockneedle felting needlesscissorsbeadssewing needlesewing threadsafety pin or pin backPlease check out the supply list for our next project, the Post Bound Journal.

Today we are creating a mini scrapbook measuring 6 by 4 inches. For this project you will need: scissors paper cutter (optional)2 sheets double sided 12 X12 inch card stock18inches of ribbonawl or paper piercerhole punchmetal adhesivemetal paper fastener mini clampspencilcorner punchtooth picksembroidery needletape runner (adhesive)The inspiration for this project came from a similar item I saw at my local scrapbook store, Scrappin' Peeps. Please check out the supply list for our next project, the Cute (so cute) Needle Felted Butterfly.