Crafted by Us

Follow along with this episode as we create a super cute trading card holder book. Although it is a bit long, you will surely find inspiration to create your own book and your own embellishments. To complete this project, gather these supplies: bone folder assortment of paints ruler paint brushes assortment of gesso yarn, fibers, ric rac plastic pieces - Tim Holtz Idea-Ology Fragments word tokens - Tim Holtz Idea-Ology 1" Philosophy Tags key holes - Tim Holtz Idea-Ology Keyholes With Long Fasteners old key waxed linen thread binding needle plain grungeboard - Grungeboard Basics 5"X8" Sheet grungeboard pieces ArtChix collage images paper towels water trading card sleeves bubble wrap student grade watercolor paper glue stick E6000 adhesive scissors paper piecer, awl assortment of stamps waxed paper diamond glaze   Interested in trading your art with others? Check out some of these groups that I belong to. Fiber Art Traders Art Techniques ArtChix Studio A Year of Color II Fabric ATCs One to One International Artistic Charm Exchange Also, don't forget to check out the book Collaborative Art Journals and Shared Visions in Mixed Media, by L.K. Ludwig. I have linked to it in my bookstore!    

  This episode takes melting plastic one step further. By adding fabric, we are able to make a cute clutch. This technique can be used as a jumping off point for all kinds of projects using melted plastic grocery bags. To follow along with this show, grab these supplies: 2 Plastic grocery bags Iron Ironing board Alcohol inks and applicator Staz On ink pad Stamp for backgroun Sewing machine Thread Scissors Button Fabri-tac adhesive Small rectangle of fabric about 8x12 inches    

This episode shows you how to make a basic checkbook holder. It's a great first time project using melted plastic shopping bags. Once you finish this project you will be ready to add your own unique style to create one-of-a-kind items. To follow along, gather these items: Ironing board Iron 2 large sheets of paper or newspaper Plastic grocery/shopping bags ScissorsIn this show, I also ramble on about the book Pretty Little Patchwork and my love of great fabric. If you were able to make any sense of it and still find that you are interested in the book, check it out in my bookstore. Also, did you notice I mentioned a website, Melly & Me, in the show? Although I didn't go into much detail about it, if you love great fabric and super cute fabric projects, take a look at their site. You won't be dissapointed. If you liked this episode and want more, don't worry. I have already recorded the next show, which uses the same plastic bags but with a bit more detail and texture. In the next show you will learn how to make a cute clutch. I will have it edited and posted in time for Fiber and Fabric Friday.

It's the last Tuesday of the month, but certainly not too late to try another technique for a trading card or two. To follow along, you will need these items: Glimmer mist - I bought this at a local scrapbook store, but haven't seen it anywhere else. Mask by Tim Holtz - Again, I bought this t a local scrapbook store, but I haven't seen many that carry them. Gel medium, gloss Stamps - I used 3 different circles Wax paper Paper towels Paint brushes Watercolor paper Byzantia paint by Stewart Gill Here are a couple of pictures of trading cards made with this technique and supplies. They aren't finished yet, but you get the idea.. In the show I mentioned the Northwest Paper Chase. If you love paper, then this may be something you would be interested in. If there isn't on in your area, maybe you could be the catalyst to start one?

In this episode you will learn a simple folding technique to creat a fun tag. Add the tag to a gift, or add a picture to the back and you have a great Mother's Day gift. To follow along, gather these supplies: Stickles Stickers or letters cut out of cardstock 3 pieces of paper 3/5x5 inches srap cardstock ink pad glue stick foam dots paper piercer brads pencil twine scissors Interested in the book I mentioned during the show? Check out the bookstore for more details. Thanks everyone for your encouragement and support!

Using wax in your artwork can be a bit intimidating, but less so on a trading card. Follow along today as we make a trading card with just a few stamps, an image, and wax. Here is a complete list of supplies: Watercolor paper cut to 2.5 x 3.5 inches Brown and black ink Stamps (I used a text stamp and an image stamp) Collage image (I used an image from ArtChix during the show) Scissors Hot wax art stylus by Kandi Corp. Melting pot (I used one by Suze Weinberg) Assorted wax in a variety of colors Paint brush Wax paper to cover work surface Paper towels I hope you have fun with technique!

Have you ever wanted to try weaving but you haven't wanted to invest in a loom? This simple method of weaving can get you started on some basic projects, like woven coasters or table runners. It's a perfect beginner project to do with children too! To follow along with this show, gather these supplies: Heavy cardboard (I used an old Scrabble game board) Scraps of yarn, thread, ribbon, and even fabric strips Thick cotton thread Scissors Popsicle stick Ruler Sharpie or pen You may also find a large yarn needle to be helpful when weaving the yarn through the threads, but it's not necessary for this small project. Are you interested in the book I mentioned? Check out my bookstore! **Congratulations to Carla. Please pick out a prize from the prize gallery and email me your choice!**   Next show on Tuesday. Get out your wax and heat tools.

Transferring photos printed from an ink jet printer creates a ghostly image. In this episode we use this technique to transfer an image of a woman onto watercolor paper. From there, we create an interesting trading card using mica and alcohol inks. To follow along, gather these supplies: Image printed from ink jet printer Watercolor paper Spray bottle filled with water Water and paint brush Mica Alcohol inks Alcohol ink applicator Eyelet and eyelet setter (along with hole punch) White gesso Philisophy tag (by Tim Holtz) Adhesive (I used a tape runner type) Twine   Although the show wasn't at all about book binding, I did want to share a great book about making creative journals. If you want more information on the book mentioned in the show, check out my bookstore. Thanks everyone for watching!          

Here is the first video in our Fiber Friday series. Today we are making a felted cuff that feels great to touch and even better to wear. To follow along gather these supplies: Scissors Wool scrap (about 2.5" x 10") Buttons Thread and sewing needle About 1/2 ounce of wool fiber Fabric Tac glue (fabric glue) Fabric Yo-yos Small piece (12 inches or so) of novelty yarn Needle felting machine ----or ---- needle felting needle and foam pad Also, you can purchase a kit for this project from my Etsy shop, just visit me there!   As promised, I have kits available for purchase in my Etsy shop. If you don't see the colors you are looking for, just email me and I can probably make one up, no problem. Also, congratulations to Tisha for winning a prize from the prize gallery! Looking for the book mentioned in the show? Check out my bookstore. Remember, purchasing items through our Amazon.com store sends a small percentage of the purchase price back to us, helping us to pay the costs associated with producing and hosting the shows.

As we start the new year off, I have decided to have somewhat regular shows and show topics. The first one will be trading cards, once a month on a Tuesday. Trading cards are a lot of fun to make. Their small size makes it easy to complete a card in a relatively short amount of time. In this episode I use regular and transparent images made by ArtChix. To follow along, gather these supplies: Watercolor paper cut to 3.5 X 2.5 inches. I like watercolor paper because it is sturdy and holds up to paint well. Regular and transparent images. Paintbrush Stickles Paint. I used Stewart Gill Coulorise paint. Adhesive Sharpies Scissors If you haven't bought the Artist Trading Card Workshop book by Bernie Berlin what are you waiting for? It has a ton of technques and samples for inspiration. I have it in my Amazon bookstore.  

This is a fun technique that allows you to adhere fibers to paper by embedding them in UTEE and embossing powder. To follow along, gather these supplies: Watercolor paper Adirondack color washes Clear Ultra thick embossing enamel Assortment of embossing powders Assortment of threads (metallic threads add great sparkle) Foam craft brush Parchment paper Paper towels Iron Scissors Here is a picture of a finished project I made using the technique for the background. Are you interested in the book I mentioned in the show? Find out more about it in my bookstore, "Books I Like," located in the sidebar.

Grungeboard is a unique material with a variety of uses. Today we are going to make a a bracelet. Yes, I said a bracelet. At first glance (and touch) you wouldn't think that a person could make a bracelet with grungeboard, but we can. To follow along, gather these supplies: Grungeboard (a Tim Holtz product, buy it at your local craft/scrapbook store) Gesso (buy this at your local art supply store, or try Daniel Smith) StazOn ink pads Scissors Hole punches (two sizes to match the sizes of the hitch fasteners) Hitch fasteners (another Tim Holtz product, buy them at your local craft/scrapbook store) Sanding block Self-healing cutting mat X-acto knife Paint brush The basic idea of making the bracelet is to cut the grungeboard to the size you want the bracelet, decorate it with paint and ink, and then use the fastener to hold it together. It's very easy and super fun to make. Once you make one I can guarantee that you will want to make another one.     Are you looking for the book I mentioned in the show? Check out Semiprecious Salvage: Creating Found Art Jewelry by Stephanie Lee.

This project involves making felted beads and then using these beads to make a bracelet. If you have always wanted to try and felt something and haven't, here is your chance to get started on something that can't get any easier. This is also a fun project to do with kids. To follow along you will need: Fiber Water Palmolive dish soap Beads Stretch magic Crimp bead Charms Sewing thread and needle Pliers Wire (to hang charms) Interested in joing an online trading group for crafts? Here are some of my favorites: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/artchixstudio/ - A great variety of projects and swaps using some of my favorite supplies from ARTchix http://groups.yahoo.com/group/arttechniques/ - This group shares their art techniques so that everyone can learn. This is the group that I participated in the book swap for the book you saw in the show. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Charms2007swap/ - This group is great for swapping charms. It's great getting small pieces of art from a wide range of people. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FiberArtTraders/ - I joined this group about six months ago, but have only followed along through emails. I definately think that some of you may find that this group suits you. **Looking for the beaded bracelet kits? They are SOLD OUT. Sorry. I did a few demonstrations this weekend and they all sold. Normally I would promise to make more but because of my SECRET I just don't have the time. I will try to put up some fiber on my Etsy shop by tomorrow just in case you want to give the beads a shot but don't have any fiber.**

A quick and easy trading card is just what I needed to spur me on. To follow along with this show, grab the following materials: Several large images Cardstock cut to 3.5inX2.5in Gel medium Paint brush Scissors Buttons Ric rac ATC stamp Staz On ink If you are interested in trading a card, please send me and email and I will get one sent out to you. I have five to trade! Also, don't forget to check out the book Kaleidoscope: Ideas And Projects to Spark Your Creativity by Suzanne Simanaitis. I finished the postcard project and it was a ton of fun! Check out the band "budz" on podsafeaudio.com.

Today we are going to make a great pendant perfect for wearing or giving as a gift. To follow along, gather these supplies: Game piece Stamp StazOn ink Alcohol inks Ink blending tool doohicky Sharpies Diamond Glaze Glue on bails StazOn stamp cleaner Most of these materials can be found at your local art and craft store such as Michaels or Joans. Are you interested in the book "Artful Blogging, Visually Inspiring Online Journals" volume 2, issue 2 or how about Ruth Rae? Check them out! Also, don't forget to check out the band "budz" on podsafeaudio.com. My friends and family always tease me about the music I choose, but gosh, I like it. And well, it's my show right? So I can put the music I like on it right? Right.