I've been handcrafting necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings for myself for years now, and have developed my skills to the point where even complete strangers are stopping me on the street to ask about particular pieces I'm wearing. A few of my closest friends have told me that I can probably make a lot of money from this hobby, and have convinced me to set up a website in order to start selling my creations online. After giving this idea a lot of thought, I'm finally ready to take the plunge and move forward with this project.
I've got my web hosting and graphic design taken care of already, so now the most important thing left for me to do is find affordable jewelry making supplies. This will represent my largest investment, as I'll have to stockpile a bit of inventory before I begin selling. When I was just fashioning necklaces or whatever for myself, I simply bought everything I needed from a local crafts store. Prices weren't an issue before because I wasn't manufacturing huge quantities of products. However, now that I plan on selling my creations, I have to keep a close eye on the bottom line -- which means that buying discount jewelry making supplies will be critical to the success of my business.
In order to make things as simple as possible in the beginning, I'm going to sell pieces made up mostly of beads, crystal, black onyx, and quartz. These are among the most common jewelry making supplies provided by wholesalers, so I'm hoping that by sticking only to these items for the time being, I can limit my up-front production costs. Once I get a feel for sales volume and customer tastes, I can start buying a wider range of jewelry making supplies.
I've been checking out some online distributors, and have found several promising leads already. I didn't realize that so many companies sell discount jewelry making supplies these days! I want to work with distributors or wholesalers that ship reliably, engage in trustworthy business practices, and offer the most competitive prices around. There are three such companies that I'm willing to try in the beginning here. If things work out with them, I hope to forge a lasting business relationship that could perhaps translate into even bigger savings for me in the long run.
Anyway, I am very excited about the prospect of selling my original creations online! All I have to do now is wait for my first order of jewelry making supplies to come in so I can get started in earnest.
Thursday, 22 January 2009
Quilt Making
One of the great things about quilt making is that there are so many different ways to do it. When people ask me how to make a quilt, I always tell them that there is more than one way to go about it. It depends what kind of quilt you want. My favorite ones, especially for beginners, are patchwork quilts. If you want to know how to make a patchwork quilt, it is simple. You just have to make a lot of patches and sew them together.
Again, there are dozens of ways to do this. A friend of mine recently wanted to know how to make a baby quilt, so I showed her this method. In her case, I wanted to have the patches all made out of a soft, uniform material. If you want to know how to make a quilt for a baby, you should probably learn how to knit or crochet. If you make patchwork quilts out of more elaborate materials that can come apart, it can cause harm to babies. You do not want them choking on the patches! On the other hand, if you crochet the individual patches, you can make something that is safe for babies. Another advantage to using this method as your first lesson in how to make a quilt is that it will give you a great place to learn crochet skills. After all, if you mess up on individual patches it is no big deal. You start over. The quilt itself is unharmed, because you do not sew the patches together until the very end.
Once you have learned how to make a baby quilt, you might want to go on to bigger and more ambitious projects. The principles to how to make a quilt remain the same no matter what you do. In my opinion, patchwork quilt are the most fun. When you get a little more advanced, you might want to use cloth patches. They can be painted on, died, or embroidered with different designs. One time, I taught my whole family how to make a quilt. We each made our own patch, then we all get together to sew them into one. By the time we were done, we had made a great quilt together. Not only did they learn a new skill – how to make a quilt – but it was a bonding experience for all of us. If your family does not do crafts together, I highly recommend that they take it up.
Again, there are dozens of ways to do this. A friend of mine recently wanted to know how to make a baby quilt, so I showed her this method. In her case, I wanted to have the patches all made out of a soft, uniform material. If you want to know how to make a quilt for a baby, you should probably learn how to knit or crochet. If you make patchwork quilts out of more elaborate materials that can come apart, it can cause harm to babies. You do not want them choking on the patches! On the other hand, if you crochet the individual patches, you can make something that is safe for babies. Another advantage to using this method as your first lesson in how to make a quilt is that it will give you a great place to learn crochet skills. After all, if you mess up on individual patches it is no big deal. You start over. The quilt itself is unharmed, because you do not sew the patches together until the very end.
Once you have learned how to make a baby quilt, you might want to go on to bigger and more ambitious projects. The principles to how to make a quilt remain the same no matter what you do. In my opinion, patchwork quilt are the most fun. When you get a little more advanced, you might want to use cloth patches. They can be painted on, died, or embroidered with different designs. One time, I taught my whole family how to make a quilt. We each made our own patch, then we all get together to sew them into one. By the time we were done, we had made a great quilt together. Not only did they learn a new skill – how to make a quilt – but it was a bonding experience for all of us. If your family does not do crafts together, I highly recommend that they take it up.
Craftspeople & Artisans
Craftspeople and artisans always welcome the opportunity to show off their wares and craft shows are ideal events. They are sociable affairs and a good source of income. Many towns and cities hold these events annually, drawing visitors from a wide radius.
The Annual Craft Expo takes place on the Guildford Green and is organized by the Guildford Art Center. Beginning in 1957, it is one of the oldest craft shows with a jury in Connecticut. Craftspeople come from all over the country to display ceramics, glass, leather and metal goods. Jewelry makers, printmakers, wood workers and artists with paintings and drawings also attend. There is a food court and children can participate in activities. Bids can be placed for handcrafted items at a silent auction.
The Weston Craft Show is a popular event in Vermont and is held in the Weston Playhouse on the Green. The small village is host to about 50 artisans, many of whom have won awards. Crafts include jewelry, woodwork, ceramics, fiber arts and hand woven baskets. There is also fine art, photography, handblown glass, clay sculpture and hand made maple pens. There is a café and expert speakers give talks at the Craft Education Seminars.
One of the biggest shows in Ontario is the Southampton one, a gathering of around 150 crafters from across the state. This show is in a terrific setting as the town is situated along the Lake Huron shoreline. Proceeds from the show go to the PRANCE charity, which helps people with disabilities to have the opportunity to go horseback riding.
The Annual Fall Locust Quilt and Craft Show is held in Columbia, Maryland and is run by a non-profit organization. It's an excellent display of finely crafted quilts and needlework pieces of traditional and contemporary design. In addition, there is jewelry, photography, fine art and floral displays. Other exhibits include hand made clothing, paper crafts, ceramics and mixed media. This is one of the craft shows that have a competitive element and there is a Quilt and Needlework Contest.
The American Craft Council is a non-profit organization, set up in 1943, to promote the interests of craftspeople. The Council organizes craft shows, workshops and seminars and publishes the bi-monthly magazine, American Craft. Members include artisans, artists, teachers and gallery owners. The organization does a lot of good work in keeping American hand made crafts at the forefront of functional art work and folk art.
The Annual Craft Expo takes place on the Guildford Green and is organized by the Guildford Art Center. Beginning in 1957, it is one of the oldest craft shows with a jury in Connecticut. Craftspeople come from all over the country to display ceramics, glass, leather and metal goods. Jewelry makers, printmakers, wood workers and artists with paintings and drawings also attend. There is a food court and children can participate in activities. Bids can be placed for handcrafted items at a silent auction.
The Weston Craft Show is a popular event in Vermont and is held in the Weston Playhouse on the Green. The small village is host to about 50 artisans, many of whom have won awards. Crafts include jewelry, woodwork, ceramics, fiber arts and hand woven baskets. There is also fine art, photography, handblown glass, clay sculpture and hand made maple pens. There is a café and expert speakers give talks at the Craft Education Seminars.
One of the biggest shows in Ontario is the Southampton one, a gathering of around 150 crafters from across the state. This show is in a terrific setting as the town is situated along the Lake Huron shoreline. Proceeds from the show go to the PRANCE charity, which helps people with disabilities to have the opportunity to go horseback riding.
The Annual Fall Locust Quilt and Craft Show is held in Columbia, Maryland and is run by a non-profit organization. It's an excellent display of finely crafted quilts and needlework pieces of traditional and contemporary design. In addition, there is jewelry, photography, fine art and floral displays. Other exhibits include hand made clothing, paper crafts, ceramics and mixed media. This is one of the craft shows that have a competitive element and there is a Quilt and Needlework Contest.
The American Craft Council is a non-profit organization, set up in 1943, to promote the interests of craftspeople. The Council organizes craft shows, workshops and seminars and publishes the bi-monthly magazine, American Craft. Members include artisans, artists, teachers and gallery owners. The organization does a lot of good work in keeping American hand made crafts at the forefront of functional art work and folk art.
Art shows
In my small community, a huge art show is held every spring. Vendors and artists come from several states away to compete, display and sell their prized creations. Spectators drive long distances as well just to walk through the art show and admire the artwork. It isn’t uncommon to see people spending their hard earned cash on paintings and sculptures – any creation that jumps out to attract their attention.
I used to look at the price tags on paintings and other forms of artwork and almost laugh out loud. I never took the time to think about the fact that most artists spend hours and hours of their lives putting the perfect emotions and touches into their artwork. Some artists spend weeks or months on perfecting one simple painting to be absolutely perfect. To charge such a small price seems ridiculous. However, spending several thousand dollars on a piece of artwork seems absurd as well. Nonetheless, art shows around the country and world are always popular. Even people who prefer to simply admire the creations and cannot afford to make purchases will wander aimlessly, wishing they had more of an artistic talent. Other artists will venture to the art shows to size up their competition or get some new ideas for their own future creations.
There are lots of things that can be found at art shows. They aren’t just paintings and sculptures – you can find jewelry, glass creations, cards, decorations, etc. Most of the creations you find, no matter what they may be, all have a sense of uniqueness to them. Chances are, even if they look identical, no two creations are quite the same. You can be assured that the items that you are purchasing were created with care and expertise, by hand, at each stand that you happen to find. There is more of a willingness to spend more money on such items when you actually meet the individual who created the jewelry or paintings. In fact, I’ve found that people will spend twice the amount of money that they’d spend in a store in order to purchase a handmade necklace or an autographed painting. Why? Because things are more meaningful and purposeful when you meet the creator. You can talk to the artist about the feeling and emotion that lurks behind a particular creation. Being able to say that you met the artist is worth money to a lot of individuals. Buying a generic picture in a store just isn’t the same. You know that dozens of other people have the same identical picture hanging in their homes. At an art show, you know that your painting or creation is unique. That’s priceless.
I used to look at the price tags on paintings and other forms of artwork and almost laugh out loud. I never took the time to think about the fact that most artists spend hours and hours of their lives putting the perfect emotions and touches into their artwork. Some artists spend weeks or months on perfecting one simple painting to be absolutely perfect. To charge such a small price seems ridiculous. However, spending several thousand dollars on a piece of artwork seems absurd as well. Nonetheless, art shows around the country and world are always popular. Even people who prefer to simply admire the creations and cannot afford to make purchases will wander aimlessly, wishing they had more of an artistic talent. Other artists will venture to the art shows to size up their competition or get some new ideas for their own future creations.
There are lots of things that can be found at art shows. They aren’t just paintings and sculptures – you can find jewelry, glass creations, cards, decorations, etc. Most of the creations you find, no matter what they may be, all have a sense of uniqueness to them. Chances are, even if they look identical, no two creations are quite the same. You can be assured that the items that you are purchasing were created with care and expertise, by hand, at each stand that you happen to find. There is more of a willingness to spend more money on such items when you actually meet the individual who created the jewelry or paintings. In fact, I’ve found that people will spend twice the amount of money that they’d spend in a store in order to purchase a handmade necklace or an autographed painting. Why? Because things are more meaningful and purposeful when you meet the creator. You can talk to the artist about the feeling and emotion that lurks behind a particular creation. Being able to say that you met the artist is worth money to a lot of individuals. Buying a generic picture in a store just isn’t the same. You know that dozens of other people have the same identical picture hanging in their homes. At an art show, you know that your painting or creation is unique. That’s priceless.
Fine Art
Many people love fine art but few think that they can afford it. Today’s market in artwork allows all different budgets to purchase various artistic items for sale. Art prints are affordable options to the originals and you have just about the entire collection of artistic endeavors available to you.
There are so many different art prints available that you may want to narrow down your options. Choosing from among the many art pieces for sale online can be overwhelming. You may want to do a little browsing to see what appeals to you then make your choices according to a certain strategy.
One strategy for finding art prints for your home is to browse by artist. We all have a favorite painter or sketch artist in mind. You may come across a magnificent piece of artwork that you thought you would never be able to afford. Since you are buying art prints, the work is far less expensive.
Who doesn’t dream of owning an original Monet, Van Gogh or Picasso? You can select art prints that replicate their finest works for a very reasonable price. You can still enjoy all of the splendor and beauty without breaking the bank. In fact, you can even make a little collection of your favorites for relatively little money.
Some people prefer to shop by subject. This is an ideal approach if you have a certain style in mind but you are not particularly drawn to any specific artist. I love to take this approach when shopping for art prints because I can learn about new or relatively unknown artists.
I also like to shop by subject when looking for art prints because I have more control over the style. If I’m shopping for a music lover I can browse art prints that are inspired by music. This subject can be narrowed down to classical music, blues, jazz or contemporary. There are art prints available that represent all facets of this subject.
Maybe you have your heart set on a Tuscan theme for your kitchen. You can browse by subject looking for art prints of still life images that include grapes, cheese and wine. This is a lovely choice for dining rooms and kitchen spaces that have a classic appeal to the viewer.
No matter what your tastes, there are most definitely art prints that are perfect for your living space. These items can transform a room and they make for the ideal present for any art lover.
There are so many different art prints available that you may want to narrow down your options. Choosing from among the many art pieces for sale online can be overwhelming. You may want to do a little browsing to see what appeals to you then make your choices according to a certain strategy.
One strategy for finding art prints for your home is to browse by artist. We all have a favorite painter or sketch artist in mind. You may come across a magnificent piece of artwork that you thought you would never be able to afford. Since you are buying art prints, the work is far less expensive.
Who doesn’t dream of owning an original Monet, Van Gogh or Picasso? You can select art prints that replicate their finest works for a very reasonable price. You can still enjoy all of the splendor and beauty without breaking the bank. In fact, you can even make a little collection of your favorites for relatively little money.
Some people prefer to shop by subject. This is an ideal approach if you have a certain style in mind but you are not particularly drawn to any specific artist. I love to take this approach when shopping for art prints because I can learn about new or relatively unknown artists.
I also like to shop by subject when looking for art prints because I have more control over the style. If I’m shopping for a music lover I can browse art prints that are inspired by music. This subject can be narrowed down to classical music, blues, jazz or contemporary. There are art prints available that represent all facets of this subject.
Maybe you have your heart set on a Tuscan theme for your kitchen. You can browse by subject looking for art prints of still life images that include grapes, cheese and wine. This is a lovely choice for dining rooms and kitchen spaces that have a classic appeal to the viewer.
No matter what your tastes, there are most definitely art prints that are perfect for your living space. These items can transform a room and they make for the ideal present for any art lover.
Thursday, 15 January 2009
Arts and Craft shows
Craftspeople and artisans always welcome the opportunity to show off their wares and craft shows are ideal events. They are sociable affairs and a good source of income. Many towns and cities hold these events annually, drawing visitors from a wide radius.
The Annual Craft Expo takes place on the Guildford Green and is organized by the Guildford Art Center. Beginning in 1957, it is one of the oldest craft shows with a jury in Connecticut. Craftspeople come from all over the country to display ceramics, glass, leather and metal goods. Jewelry makers, printmakers, wood workers and artists with paintings and drawings also attend. There is a food court and children can participate in activities. Bids can be placed for handcrafted items at a silent auction.
The Weston Craft Show is a popular event in Vermont and is held in the Weston Playhouse on the Green. The small village is host to about 50 artisans, many of whom have won awards. Crafts include jewelry, woodwork, ceramics, fiber arts and hand woven baskets. There is also fine art, photography, handblown glass, clay sculpture and hand made maple pens. There is a café and expert speakers give talks at the Craft Education Seminars.
One of the biggest shows in Ontario is the Southampton one, a gathering of around 150 crafters from across the state. This show is in a terrific setting as the town is situated along the Lake Huron shoreline. Proceeds from the show go to the PRANCE charity, which helps people with disabilities to have the opportunity to go horseback riding.
The Annual Fall Locust Quilt and Craft Show is held in Columbia, Maryland and is run by a non-profit organization. It's an excellent display of finely crafted quilts and needlework pieces of traditional and contemporary design. In addition, there is jewelry, photography, fine art and floral displays. Other exhibits include hand made clothing, paper crafts, ceramics and mixed media. This is one of the craft shows that have a competitive element and there is a Quilt and Needlework Contest.
The American Craft Council is a non-profit organization, set up in 1943, to promote the interests of craftspeople. The Council organizes craft shows, workshops and seminars and publishes the bi-monthly magazine, American Craft. Members include artisans, artists, teachers and gallery owners. The organization does a lot of good work in keeping American hand made crafts at the forefront of functional art work and folk art.
The Annual Craft Expo takes place on the Guildford Green and is organized by the Guildford Art Center. Beginning in 1957, it is one of the oldest craft shows with a jury in Connecticut. Craftspeople come from all over the country to display ceramics, glass, leather and metal goods. Jewelry makers, printmakers, wood workers and artists with paintings and drawings also attend. There is a food court and children can participate in activities. Bids can be placed for handcrafted items at a silent auction.
The Weston Craft Show is a popular event in Vermont and is held in the Weston Playhouse on the Green. The small village is host to about 50 artisans, many of whom have won awards. Crafts include jewelry, woodwork, ceramics, fiber arts and hand woven baskets. There is also fine art, photography, handblown glass, clay sculpture and hand made maple pens. There is a café and expert speakers give talks at the Craft Education Seminars.
One of the biggest shows in Ontario is the Southampton one, a gathering of around 150 crafters from across the state. This show is in a terrific setting as the town is situated along the Lake Huron shoreline. Proceeds from the show go to the PRANCE charity, which helps people with disabilities to have the opportunity to go horseback riding.
The Annual Fall Locust Quilt and Craft Show is held in Columbia, Maryland and is run by a non-profit organization. It's an excellent display of finely crafted quilts and needlework pieces of traditional and contemporary design. In addition, there is jewelry, photography, fine art and floral displays. Other exhibits include hand made clothing, paper crafts, ceramics and mixed media. This is one of the craft shows that have a competitive element and there is a Quilt and Needlework Contest.
The American Craft Council is a non-profit organization, set up in 1943, to promote the interests of craftspeople. The Council organizes craft shows, workshops and seminars and publishes the bi-monthly magazine, American Craft. Members include artisans, artists, teachers and gallery owners. The organization does a lot of good work in keeping American hand made crafts at the forefront of functional art work and folk art.
Saturday, 16 December 2006
Handicraft Gift Idea: Make an Apron
If you are looking for a handicraft gift idea to make for someone special, perhaps that person would like an apron. When we think of aprons, we often think of mothers and grandmothers in the kitchen, but men can often benefit from having an apron as well. They often enjoy barbecuing, for one thing. They also can use an apron in the workshop. Children, too, can use an apron for many of their activities, such as arts and crafts. Here are simple instructions for making a handicraft gift of an apron that can be adapted for anyone.
Start with a piece of sturdy fabric suitable for the individual for whom you are making the handicraft gift. The fabric needs to be wide enough to wrap 1/2 to 3/4 of the way around them and long enough to cover them from collar bone to just above the knee. For a large adult, 25 to 30 inches wide by 36 to 40 inches long should be about right. A slimmer adult can use a narrower apron, but if they will be wiping their hands on the sides of it, they might appreciate the extra width. An apron for a child of 10 could start with a piece of fabric about 18 inches wide by 25-30 inches long.
The best types of fabric to use are sturdy cottons, such as medium weight denim or twill. Soft cottons such as broadcloth or muslin are all right in the kitchen, but will not last long, and would not hold up in the garden or workshop at all. Other materials you'll need are thread and a sewing machine. You will also need enough extra fabric to make a strap to go around the neck, ties for the back, and pockets.
When designing the handicraft gift, you can be as creative as you like with pockets. Every apron is more useful with pockets. A person who cleans houses, for instance, can use pockets for odds and ends they pick up as well as for their spray bottles, sponges, and scrub brushes.
To make the apron, fold the piece of fabric lengthwise. This will allow you to cut the shape with one cut, making the two sides symmetrical. What you will be shaping when you make the cut will be the bib section of the apron. The bib for an adult sized apron will need to be about 9 inches wide. Measure from the fold about 5-1/2 inches. This is half the width of the bib plus an inch to fold under twice to form a hem. The piece you will cut off the side to shape the bib will be a half bullet shape with the tip of the bullet being where the ties will be attached. The length of the half bullet shape should be about a foot, and the width will be from the spot you marked 5-1/2 inches from the fold to the outside edge of the fabric. When these pieces are cut off, the result should be an apron shaped piece of fabric.
Now decorate the apron with pockets and any other decorations you desire. After this it is time to fold under the edges all around and stitch down with sturdy stitching for a nice hem all around the handicraft gift. Cut two pieces of fabric a yard long by two inches wide. Fold lengthwise and fold raw edges to the inside. Press and stitch down along the length to make the ties. Attach the ties at the waist of the apron handicraft gift. (If these ties seem a little long, it is because a lot of people like to bring the ties to the front and tie them there.) Cut another piece of fabric 18 to 20 inches long by 5 inches wide fold in half lengthwise and press. Press again with the raw edges of the long side tucked under 1/2 inch. Stitch down the open side. Attach this piece to the sides of the top of the bib, sewing it to the back of the bib and topstitching on the front side of the bib. Be careful not to twist it when you attach it.
People who work hard at homemaking, barbecuing and in the workshop will appreciate a handicraft gift of a sturdy apron. Mostly they will appreciate the effort and design you have put into making a handicraft gift that they can use.
Start with a piece of sturdy fabric suitable for the individual for whom you are making the handicraft gift. The fabric needs to be wide enough to wrap 1/2 to 3/4 of the way around them and long enough to cover them from collar bone to just above the knee. For a large adult, 25 to 30 inches wide by 36 to 40 inches long should be about right. A slimmer adult can use a narrower apron, but if they will be wiping their hands on the sides of it, they might appreciate the extra width. An apron for a child of 10 could start with a piece of fabric about 18 inches wide by 25-30 inches long.
The best types of fabric to use are sturdy cottons, such as medium weight denim or twill. Soft cottons such as broadcloth or muslin are all right in the kitchen, but will not last long, and would not hold up in the garden or workshop at all. Other materials you'll need are thread and a sewing machine. You will also need enough extra fabric to make a strap to go around the neck, ties for the back, and pockets.
When designing the handicraft gift, you can be as creative as you like with pockets. Every apron is more useful with pockets. A person who cleans houses, for instance, can use pockets for odds and ends they pick up as well as for their spray bottles, sponges, and scrub brushes.
To make the apron, fold the piece of fabric lengthwise. This will allow you to cut the shape with one cut, making the two sides symmetrical. What you will be shaping when you make the cut will be the bib section of the apron. The bib for an adult sized apron will need to be about 9 inches wide. Measure from the fold about 5-1/2 inches. This is half the width of the bib plus an inch to fold under twice to form a hem. The piece you will cut off the side to shape the bib will be a half bullet shape with the tip of the bullet being where the ties will be attached. The length of the half bullet shape should be about a foot, and the width will be from the spot you marked 5-1/2 inches from the fold to the outside edge of the fabric. When these pieces are cut off, the result should be an apron shaped piece of fabric.
Now decorate the apron with pockets and any other decorations you desire. After this it is time to fold under the edges all around and stitch down with sturdy stitching for a nice hem all around the handicraft gift. Cut two pieces of fabric a yard long by two inches wide. Fold lengthwise and fold raw edges to the inside. Press and stitch down along the length to make the ties. Attach the ties at the waist of the apron handicraft gift. (If these ties seem a little long, it is because a lot of people like to bring the ties to the front and tie them there.) Cut another piece of fabric 18 to 20 inches long by 5 inches wide fold in half lengthwise and press. Press again with the raw edges of the long side tucked under 1/2 inch. Stitch down the open side. Attach this piece to the sides of the top of the bib, sewing it to the back of the bib and topstitching on the front side of the bib. Be careful not to twist it when you attach it.
People who work hard at homemaking, barbecuing and in the workshop will appreciate a handicraft gift of a sturdy apron. Mostly they will appreciate the effort and design you have put into making a handicraft gift that they can use.
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