Thursday, June 25, 2009
Out Of Town
Over the next few days I'll be preparing to go on a trip with the fam, and then I won't have internet access. I will still monitor my shop and respond to emails via my iPhone, but I won't be able to type blog posts on that tiny keyboard. If you're interested to see what I'm up to check out my Twitter page. See you in two weeks!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Workshop Wednesday - Crocheted Flower Earrings Tutorial With Jennifer White Designs
Today marks another installment of my weekly blog series titled Workshop Wednesday. Each Wednesday will feature either a tutorial by yours truly or another talented artist or artisan, or a snapshot of an artist's creative process. This week's Workshop Wednesday features Jennifer of Jennifer White Designs. She has graciously put together a tutorial on how to create crocheted flower earrings.
Crocheted Flower Earrings Tutorial
You’ll need:
●Less than 1 ounce of yarn. I used Sugar ‘n Cream cotton in color Faded Denim, but any worsted weight yarn will work.
●Size G Crochet hook
●2 surgical steel earring hooks
●2 decorative beads or buttons
●Sewing thread in a color that coordinates with yarn color.
●Sewing needle
●Jewelry pliers
●2 3in. head pins
Stitches Used:
Chain stitch (Ch): Yarn over, pull yarn through loop on hook.
Double Crochet stitch (dc): Yarn over, insert hook into next stitch, yarn over, pull yarn through stitch, yarn over pull yarn through two loops on hook, yarn over, pull yarn through all remaining loops. One loop remains.
Slip Stitch (sl st): Insert hook into next stitch, yarn over, pull yarn through stitch and loop on hook.
Making the flower (Make 2):
Make a slip knot with yarn. Place the loop onto crochet hook and chain two. Turn.
Round 1: Work 5 double crochet in second chain from hook. Slip stitch into next stitch. You now have a small circle.
Round 2: Chain 3, (dc, ch 3, sl st) in same sc, (sl st, ch 3, dc, ch 3, sl st) in each sc around, sl st in first sl st to join–5 petals. Fasten off. Weave in any loose ends.
With thread and needle, sew decorative button or bead in center of flower. Repeat for 2nd flower as well.
Now take one of the 3 in. Head pins and use pliers to cut it in half.
Discard the flat end, (assuming you’re using the kind with a loop at one end) Next, slide head pin through the top stitch of one of the flower petals. Then, using pliers, bend pin up and toward the loop so that petal is secured onto head pin.
Next, take earring hook and attach the head pin loop to the bottom loop of hook.
Repeat for other earring and enjoy your funky new jewelry!!
Be sure to check out Jennifer's work in her Etsy shop! If you're interested in being a part of future Workshop Wednesdays, please feel free to convo me in my Etsy shop or comment on this post. Have a great day!
You’ll need:
●Less than 1 ounce of yarn. I used Sugar ‘n Cream cotton in color Faded Denim, but any worsted weight yarn will work.
●Size G Crochet hook
●2 surgical steel earring hooks
●2 decorative beads or buttons
●Sewing thread in a color that coordinates with yarn color.
●Sewing needle
●Jewelry pliers
●2 3in. head pins
Stitches Used:
Chain stitch (Ch): Yarn over, pull yarn through loop on hook.
Double Crochet stitch (dc): Yarn over, insert hook into next stitch, yarn over, pull yarn through stitch, yarn over pull yarn through two loops on hook, yarn over, pull yarn through all remaining loops. One loop remains.
Slip Stitch (sl st): Insert hook into next stitch, yarn over, pull yarn through stitch and loop on hook.
Making the flower (Make 2):
Make a slip knot with yarn. Place the loop onto crochet hook and chain two. Turn.
Round 1: Work 5 double crochet in second chain from hook. Slip stitch into next stitch. You now have a small circle.
Round 2: Chain 3, (dc, ch 3, sl st) in same sc, (sl st, ch 3, dc, ch 3, sl st) in each sc around, sl st in first sl st to join–5 petals. Fasten off. Weave in any loose ends.
With thread and needle, sew decorative button or bead in center of flower. Repeat for 2nd flower as well.
Now take one of the 3 in. Head pins and use pliers to cut it in half.
Discard the flat end, (assuming you’re using the kind with a loop at one end) Next, slide head pin through the top stitch of one of the flower petals. Then, using pliers, bend pin up and toward the loop so that petal is secured onto head pin.
Next, take earring hook and attach the head pin loop to the bottom loop of hook.
Repeat for other earring and enjoy your funky new jewelry!!
Be sure to check out Jennifer's work in her Etsy shop! If you're interested in being a part of future Workshop Wednesdays, please feel free to convo me in my Etsy shop or comment on this post. Have a great day!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
My Birthday Wish List
My birthday is coming up in a few weeks and family members have begun asking me what I would like. Of course, many handmade items from Etsy are on my wish list. Here are a few of my favorites that I hope to unwrap on my birthday. When you see how fabulous these handmade goodies are you better not go out and buy them yourself, or I'll be angry, and you won't like Ruth when she's angry. ;)
Monday, June 22, 2009
Monday Must-Have
Every Monday I feature a fellow talented Etsian and his or her phenomenal work. Each featured artist has his or her own online Etsy shop where you can peruse and admire his or her one-of-a-kind body of work. Hopefully you will find new favorite artists and artisans whose work you MUST HAVE.
Today, I am asking you to recommend talented Etsy shop owners who you think should be featured in the Monday Must-Have. Tell me who YOU think has an outstanding shop with high-quality work. Show me your favorites!
Here are examples of past Monday Must-Have features:
1/12 - Tracey Gurley - Original Art and More
1/19 - Joanna's Photography - Fine Art Photography
1/26 - jaC Jewelry - Handmade Jewelry
2/2 - Drop of Sunshine - Handmade Jewelry
2/9 - Pampered Papier - Paper Goods for Any Need
2/16 - Doodle Stars - Handmade Cards, Wall Art, and More
2/23 - Nature Nomad - Fine Art Photography
3/2 - Peaches & Kream - Sterling Jewelry & Needle-Felted Love
3/9 - Crafttastrophe - Quirky Hand-Painted Shoes & Accessories
3/16 - Hollymark After Dark - Mature Handmade Magnets & Keychains
Have a wonderful day. :)
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Ring Of The Month Club
Treat yourself or someone you love; receive a new hand-painted adjustable art ring made just for you in the mail every month for six months.
During the first week of every month for six months you (or someone you love) will receive an eye-catching 0.75 inch (1.9 cm) circle art antique bronze adjustable ring. Each ring will be made specifically for you and will not come from existing inventory. You can pick from four themes for your rings; nature, cute, pets, or simple and elegant.
Each original miniature painting is created with high quality acrylic paints on a wooden tile. The painting is then sealed on every surface making it water-resistant, and then receives a high-gloss resin finish which gives it a very shiny and polished look. The finished effect is similar to that of a heavy glass ring, but it is actually very lightweight. The ring features a nickel-free antique bronze adjustable ring securely attached to the back. The ring can be adjusted comfortably up to just above a size eight.
Each miniature work of art is signed by me on the back, and comes packaged nicely in a ring box or tin, just like a little gift. You can purchase your own six month membership in my Etsy shop. Who doesn't like to receive little packages in the mail? :)
During the first week of every month for six months you (or someone you love) will receive an eye-catching 0.75 inch (1.9 cm) circle art antique bronze adjustable ring. Each ring will be made specifically for you and will not come from existing inventory. You can pick from four themes for your rings; nature, cute, pets, or simple and elegant.
Each original miniature painting is created with high quality acrylic paints on a wooden tile. The painting is then sealed on every surface making it water-resistant, and then receives a high-gloss resin finish which gives it a very shiny and polished look. The finished effect is similar to that of a heavy glass ring, but it is actually very lightweight. The ring features a nickel-free antique bronze adjustable ring securely attached to the back. The ring can be adjusted comfortably up to just above a size eight.
Each miniature work of art is signed by me on the back, and comes packaged nicely in a ring box or tin, just like a little gift. You can purchase your own six month membership in my Etsy shop. Who doesn't like to receive little packages in the mail? :)
Friday, June 19, 2009
Friday Finds - Humor And Geekery
I love browsing the humor section of the geekery category on Etsy. Here are some handmade works that make me chuckle. :)
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Website Makeover
Allover Art's main website has been made over! Thanks to GoDaddy.com's easy to use Website Tonight feature, I was able to revamp the look of my site with absolutely no knowledge of code. Even though I HATE GoDaddy.com's TV commercials, they do make it awfully easy to build and maintain your own website.
Here are some screenshots from the newly remodeled site! Check out the actual site to experience it in all it's glory by clicking ------> HERE! ;)
Here are some screenshots from the newly remodeled site! Check out the actual site to experience it in all it's glory by clicking ------> HERE! ;)
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Workshop Wednesday
Today marks another installment of a my weekly blog series titled Workshop Wednesday. Each Wednesday will feature either a tutorial by yours truly or another talented artist or artisan, or a snapshot of an artist's creative process. This week's Workshop Wednesday features Zemphira, who is graciously showing us how to create her fantastic reversible headbands.
You Will Need:
2 pieces of fabric that measure 19 inches by 3 inches
5 inches of elastic
template and tracing utensil, safety pin
iron, sewing machine, thread, scissors, & and chopstick
Step 1- Choose your fabric. I tend to use two fabrics that somewhat coordinate. Cut a 19x 3 inch rectangle from each fabric.
Step 2 - Put the two fabrics right sides together, and then fold them in half. Place the end of the template on the fold and then trace. Cut out the pieces on the line.
Step 3- Sew the two pieces of fabric together leaving the ENDS open as well as a 2 inch hole along one side. (sew 1/4 inch away from the edge)
Step 4 - Attach a safety pin to one end of the elastic and thread it through one end of the headband. Do not pull it all the way through, stop with a little bit of elastic hanging out of the end. Then sew down that end of the elastic - I backstitch over the elastic a few times. Then pull the elastic out the other end and sew it down. (right now the headband will be scrunched up and inside out)
Step 5- Turn the headband right-side out through the 2-inch hold you left on one of the long sides. Use a chopstick to push out the corners and along the seams. Iron the headband flat.
Step 6- Top-stitch a little less than a 1/4 inch all the way around the headband - make sure you pay extra attention when you are sewing the hole to be sure you close it up.
Step 7 - Wear your headband, give your headband away, and then create another!
Be sure to check out more of Zemphira's work in her Etsy shop! If you're interested in being a part of future Workshop Wednesdays, please feel free to convo me in my Etsy shop or comment on this post. Have a great day!
How To Create A Reversible Headband, Zemphira-Style
You Will Need:
2 pieces of fabric that measure 19 inches by 3 inches
5 inches of elastic
template and tracing utensil, safety pin
iron, sewing machine, thread, scissors, & and chopstick
Step 1- Choose your fabric. I tend to use two fabrics that somewhat coordinate. Cut a 19x 3 inch rectangle from each fabric.
Step 2 - Put the two fabrics right sides together, and then fold them in half. Place the end of the template on the fold and then trace. Cut out the pieces on the line.
Step 3- Sew the two pieces of fabric together leaving the ENDS open as well as a 2 inch hole along one side. (sew 1/4 inch away from the edge)
Step 4 - Attach a safety pin to one end of the elastic and thread it through one end of the headband. Do not pull it all the way through, stop with a little bit of elastic hanging out of the end. Then sew down that end of the elastic - I backstitch over the elastic a few times. Then pull the elastic out the other end and sew it down. (right now the headband will be scrunched up and inside out)
Step 5- Turn the headband right-side out through the 2-inch hold you left on one of the long sides. Use a chopstick to push out the corners and along the seams. Iron the headband flat.
Step 6- Top-stitch a little less than a 1/4 inch all the way around the headband - make sure you pay extra attention when you are sewing the hole to be sure you close it up.
Step 7 - Wear your headband, give your headband away, and then create another!
Be sure to check out more of Zemphira's work in her Etsy shop! If you're interested in being a part of future Workshop Wednesdays, please feel free to convo me in my Etsy shop or comment on this post. Have a great day!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Monday, June 15, 2009
Monday Must-Have
Today marks a new installment of my Monday blog series titled Monday Must-Have. Each Monday I will feature a fellow talented Etsian and his or her phenomenal work. Each featured artist will have his or her own online Etsy shop where you can peruse and admire his or her one-of-a-kind body of work. Hopefully you will find new favorite artists and artisans whose work you MUST HAVE. :)Today's featured artist is Natasha of DoodleStars.
Who are you (actual name/and or shop name)?
Natasha Reilly, creator of DoodleStars (although the Etsy address is http://Doodlestar.etsy.com The last “s” jumped ship during setup!)
What do you create?
I create handmade cards, hand-painted frames and mirrors, original wall art and journals. Sometimes we compare ourselves and our incredible creations to others and find ourselves lacking, so I strive to create pieces that carry a feeling of celebration and remind people that they are ridiculously fabulous and unique.
Where are you located?
I live in a little cottage – otherwise known as an apartment – in the middle of the Big Apple. I’m proud to say that I’m one of many nice Native New Yorkers. What? I swear, we really are! You wanna take this outside? Hahahaha.
When did you start creating?
I am a writer however I’ve always been obsessed with color and longed to create things like cards and journals. About twelve years ago, I created a piece with words and color that was picked up by Family Circle magazine. Then I stopped. There was no reason other than fear; I kept everything from poems to little characters hidden in journals. After completing an MFA in writing I sent my work out and it was received well. Then after the birth of my daughter, I decided I had to try my hand at creating products. So, I setup my first Etsy shop on December 2nd, 2008 and I haven’t looked back. This venture is a fusion of art and writing and even if I fail miserably I want my daughter to know that you need to follow your heart and your dreams in this life.
What inspires you?
The physical world around me like ocean waves, seashells, the moon, the stars, the sound of raindrops hitting leaves, etc., inspires me. People like you and all the talented artists I have met inspire me more than words can say. There is something so amazing about talking with someone who loves what they do. Whether they are driving a truck, painting, walking dogs or sky writing, whatever it is I am inspired when I see another person’s passion for what they do. I am also deeply moved by the people in my life and those that reach out to help others for no other reason than genuine care for your fellow being.
What is the most time consuming part of your craft?
Many of the cards I make – including the card packs – are made by hand so it takes time to gather all the little pieces and put them together. However, when I think “time-consuming” the idea of promotion is the first thing that comes to mind. It’s incredible how much hard work goes into getting the word out. It’s like standing in the middle of a packed school yard at lunchtime and trying to get folks to listen to a joke. It’s easy to get drowned out by all the other voices.
What is your favorite place to visit in your hometown and why?
That’s hard – there are so many wonderful nooks and crannies in this city. There are two that I can’t decide between. The first is this one section of The Metropolitan Museum of Art that has a fountain and gorgeous stained glass windows. It’s so peaceful. I used to write there all the time – I even cut class a couple times in high school to go there to write! The other is this big rock in a little park near my childhood home which overlooks a lighthouse on the East River. Many of my favorite memories revolve around that rock.
What is your most popular item that you create (and why do you think it is so popular)?
The hippo being lifted by balloons card that I make gets lots of kudos. It’s hard to keep him in my shop! He’s just a simple hippo having fun and I think people connect with that idea.
How do you acquire new clients?
Haha…I’m not sure yet. Right now I spend a ton of time telling people about my shop and on Etsy I try to share my items in forums and respond to threads when people are looking for gifts. I’m learning everyday.
What's your next project going to be?
I have two projects. I’m working on a new line of cards – including an awesome birthday pack - and I’m working hard to finish writing a book.
What types of things do you do to turn first time buyers into repeat clients?
You know I really struggle with “selling”. I make things that I love and I hope people like them. Each and every time there is a sale, I’m so flattered. I love getting to know my buyers so whether it’s a regular order or a custom order I sometimes chat with them in Etsy convos or over email. Once I know them a bit, I send them little treats with their order, useful things I think they’d enjoy. Sometimes based on our conversations or their purchase I will tell them about another item they might like that’s either in the shop or coming soon. I am not a salesman; I don’t believe in selling people things they don’t need. I just like to get to know folks, share my stuff and hope they come to play again.
What do you do when you are not creating? When I’m not creating I’m hanging with my 22 month old daughter, going to the movies with my husband, spending time with family and awesome friends, eating too many M&M’s for my own good, listening to music, doing yoga, and keeping an ear out for good, naughty jokes.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Yes, I started a new blog called the Thursday Sweet Treat. It’s a playground for artists of all kinds and from all walks of life to stay motivated to create new works while having fun. I’d like to invite everyone to stop by cheer, play and enjoy.
Thank you so much for this opportunity, Ruth. I am such a HUGE fan of yours. I’m deeply honored. You rock!
Be sure to check out Natasha's Etsy shop which is full of her unique work! If you're interested in being featured in future Monday Must-Have segments, please feel free to convo me in my Etsy shop or email me. Have a great day!
Friday, June 12, 2009
Wedding Bells!
My sister is getting married tomorrow! I'm the Matron of Honor (matron sounds so old!!) so I'll be MIA all weekend long absorbed in all the festivities. :) Here's the good-lookin' couple. Congrats Sara and Taylor!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
New Pet Portrait Pendants
Over the past few weeks I've been plowing my way through a plethora of custom orders. After having my Custom Pop Art Pet Portrait Pendant Necklace featured in the Etsy blog, the Storque, a week and a half ago I've been swimming in custom pendants, and it's been wonderful. It's been incredibly fun seeing all the photos of people's pets.
Here are a handful of the custom pieces that are being shipped out today.
Custom Pop Art 1.25 Inch Square Pendant
Custom Pop Art 1.25 Inch Square Pendant
Custom Pop Art 1 Inch Circle Ring
Custom Pop Art 1.25 Inch Square Pendant
Here are a handful of the custom pieces that are being shipped out today.
Custom Pop Art 1.25 Inch Square Pendant
Custom Pop Art 1.25 Inch Square Pendant
Custom Pop Art 1 Inch Circle Ring
Custom Pop Art 1.25 Inch Square Pendant
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