A Crafter's Life by Thirdeardear: diy

Showing posts with label diy. Show all posts

FUN WITH WASHI

I love, love, love washi tape! To share this love with you, I decided to write a part deux of my "Washi Tape Ideas" post seen here :http://thirdeardear.blogspot.com/2013/10/15-uses-for-washi-tape.html .
Enjoy!

1. washi tape pencil

2. washi tape wastebasket/trashcan

3. washi tape box

4. Washi Tape Headband

5. Washi Tape Pendants

6. Washi Tape Cards

7. Washi Tape Picture Frame

8. Washi Tape Clipboard

9. Washi Tape Pencil Holder

10. washi tape earrings

To get washi tape for your craft projects: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ThirdEarDear

10 SURE-FIRE WAYS TO GET YOUR CREATIVE JUICES FLOWING

1. Movement Gets Me Going!

2. Fun Equals Creative Thinking

3. Get the Ball Rolling and Don't Stop

4. Get Completely Uncomfortable

5. Spark Creative Visual Conversation

6. Place, Purpose, and Post-Its

7. Plan Ahead

8. Set Some Weird Rules

9. Know When to Take Time Off

10. Stay Motivated with Side Projects

TREASURY MONDAYS: GOOD AS GOLD

Happiness resides not in possessions,
and not in gold, happiness dwells in the soul.

1. Steampunk Gold Metal Chain Pin with Gold metal Coin and Key Charms- https://www.etsy.com/listing/157340878/steampunk-gold-metal-chain-pin-with-gold?ref=tre-2722773709-1
2. Pair of Gold Plated Copper Filigree Scroll Earring Findings- https://www.etsy.com/listing/165209817/pair-of-gold-plated-copper-filigree?ref=tre-2722773709-2
3. Bridal Wedding Faux Pearl Golden Handmade Earrings-https://www.etsy.com/listing/95854392/bridal-wedding-faux-pearl-golden?ref=tre-2722773709-3
4. Purple and Gold, Pearls, Tiger Pendent Necklace. LSU, OOAK Handmade Necklace. CKDesigns.US, Black Friday, Cyber Monday- https://www.etsy.com/listing/170405669/purple-and-gold-pearls-tiger-pendent?ref=tre-2722773709-4
5. Green and Gold Swarovski Earrings, Dangle, Post- https://www.etsy.com/listing/162548706/green-and-gold-swarovski-earrings-dangle?ref=tre-2722773709-5
6. Black Friday Sales Fashion Jewelry, Bracelet, Chunky Statement Bracelet, Beige Bracelet, Gold Bracelet, Yellow and Gold Chain Bead, Gold be- https://www.etsy.com/listing/121822978/black-friday-sales-fashion-jewelry?ref=tre-2722773709-6
7.BIG Beads Collection - Mixed Lot of Big Beads, 3 Bright Gold Acrylic Square Tube Bead, 2 Round Clear Gold Core - Chunky Fun for Your OOAK- https://www.etsy.com/listing/160621352/big-beads-collection-mixed-lot-of-big?ref=tre-2722773709-7
8. Vintage-1940s-kiss lock-golden-tan-pink tinted-Beaded-Purse-Kiss Lock Purse-40s silk purse-gold beaded purse- https://www.etsy.com/listing/115255508/vintage-1940s-kiss-lock-golden-tan-pink?ref=tre-2722773709-8

***WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ITEM FROM THE ITEMS ABOVE AND WHY? Voice your opinion in the comments below and be featured in the future boards of TREASURY MONDAY =)

WEDNESDAY REVIEWS: How to sell your Crafts Online

With over 400,000 sellers on Etsy, how can you make YOUR shop stand out and increase your sales? This is a key question for many crafters and artists who are selling online these days. Now here are all the answers and much more from author and Etsy seller Derrick Sutton. Based on his self-published guide, and drawn from his practical experience, you will learn how to boost your Etsy sales, attract more customers, and expand your online presence. Derrick shares his proven online sales and marketing knowledge in an easily accessible format, complete with simple actions steps at the end of each chapter. Learn how to completely optimize your Etsy shop, website, or blog, and much more.

FABULOUS FRIDAY FINDS: TAKUNIQUEDESIGNS

Square Glass Magnets Set of 3 Colorful Abstract Flowers by Takuniquedesigns. What do you like about this seasoning mix? We’d like to hear from you!

"I love creating and want my shop to be fun to visit, cheerful and bright and show that love I have for handmade!"------Theresa, owner of TAKUniquedesigns

1. Tell me a little about yourself.
I'm a mother of 4, grandmother of 5 and love creating! I work full time so I don't have the time I'd like to devote to crafting but I always manage to create something new each week!
2. Where does your inspiration come from when crafting?
For jewelry, my inspiration comes from beautiful beads and findings - I love beads, charms, pendants, connectors and as I'm shopping for them I'm creating that new piece in my mind! It's pretty much the same with everything I craft, I search for the supplies and the ideas form!
3. Who taught you and how did you learn to craft?
I learned a little about jewelry making from a sweet lady at a show I visited ~ from there I taught myself, always searching websites and tutorials. I went from jewelry on to magnets, cards, keychains, etc. I love learning new crafts.
4. Any Specific Tips you have for newbie crafters starting a business in Etsy?
a. get all the information you can on what you make, learn your craft well

b. get onto some teams and get to know some of the wonderful people on etsy, there are soooo many!

c. find your niche ~ the thing you want to be known for, enjoy the most and work that ~
d. have fun!!!

5.Name 3 websites you couldn’t live without.3 favorite websites for my crafting
etsy!
willowruncrafts.com
beadaholique.com

6. What are your 3 favorite shops and why.
3 shops for my crafting
Gardeninggalatwork - she has all kinds of wonderful bags for packaging orders.
Karenscraftsupplies - she has everything you need to make pendants, magnets, etc.
Bellasbeadhabit - all kinds of beads and charms, etc.

7. Where do you see your crafting business in 10 years?
Hmmm, in 10 years I will probably be doing about the same with my business, because for me, my business is more of a "therapy". It's something I love to do and removes all the cares of the world while I'm doing it! But maybe in 10 years, I will have a craft room!!

Visit her etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TAKUniqueDesigns

TOP 10 REASONS TO SCRAPBOOK

Scrapbooking is a method for preserving personal and family history in the form of a scrapbook. Typical memorabilia include photographs, printed media, and artwork. Scrapbook albums are often decorated and frequently contain extensive journaling.

1. Naturally preserve your heritage.

2. Passion for Photography

3. Scrapbooking is a fun, creative outlet.

4. they make fantastic personal gifts!

5. Scrapbooking Supplies Are Not Expensive

6. Scrapbooking can help you clean up your attic!

7. Scrapbooking allows you to connect with others.

8. Get Reacquainted With Yourself

9.Scrapbooking is rewarding

10. Document milestones.

For Scrapbooking supplies, Please visit: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ThirdEarDear?section_id=13725242

TREASURY MONDAY: GROWL!!!

Have the will of a tiger, the speed of a cheetah and the heart of a lion.

TREASURY MONDAY: TREATS FOR MY SWEETS

TOP CROCHETER

The fastest crocheter is Lisa Gentry (USA) who crocheted a total of 5,113 stitches in 30 minutes at the Michaels Arts and Crafts Store, Monroe, Louisiana, USA on 25 June 2005.
Lisa crocheted 284 shells (3 treble crochet in each shell) plus one treble crochet which is 5,113 in total - equivalent to 170 stitches per minute. Think our beloved crocheters can measure up? Leave your vote on the comments below ;)

1. ECOFROGGY- https://www.etsy.com/shop/ecofroggy?ref=l2-shopheader-name

2. GRAMMALEA- https://www.etsy.com/shop/grammalea?ref=l2-shopheader-name

3. GRANSMASCROCHETCOTTAGE- https://www.etsy.com/shop/GrandmasCrochetCotta?ref=l2-shopheader-name

4. GRANNYSCRAFTATTIC- https://www.etsy.com/shop/grannyscraftattic?ref=search_shop_redirect

5. HAHNMADE- https://www.etsy.com/shop/HahnMade?ref=search_shop_redirect

6. JENNIESPETCORNER- https://www.etsy.com/shop/jenniespetcorner?ref=search_shop_redirect

7. MEDDYWV- https://www.etsy.com/shop/meddywv?ref=l2-shopheader-name

8. SAVEDBYGRACECREATION- https://www.etsy.com/shop/savedbygracecreation

9. SIMPLYSPINDLE- https://www.etsy.com/shop/SimplySpindle?ref=search_shop_redirect

10. TIMEFORCROCHET- https://www.etsy.com/shop/TimeForCrochet?ref=search_shop_redirect

Treasury Monday: One Ring to Rule Them all

1. Turquoise wire-wrapped ring, US 7, 8, 9- In many cultures of the Old and New Worlds, this gemstone has been esteemed for thousands of years as a holy stone, a bringer of good fortune or a talisman.- https://www.etsy.com/listing/150868977/turquoise-wire-wrapped-ring-us-7-8-9?ref=tre-2725136108-1

2. Antiqued Silver Plated Closed Jump Ring/Connector - 25MM- Jump rings are (usually metal) rings used to make chains, jewelry and chainmaille. They are made by wrapping wire round a mandrel to make a coil and then cutting the coil with wire cutters to make individual rings. The rings can be assembled one by one into chains, earrings, objects such as bowls or ornaments, and chain mail clothing. https://www.etsy.com/listing/163534049/antiqued-silver-plated-closed-jump?ref=tre-2725136108-2

3.Lavender Rhinestone Stretch Ring, Acrylic Cocktail Ring, Stretch Band Ring, Handmade Ring, Womens Ring- During the Prohibition in the US women often wore these rings at illegal cocktail parties, where they flaunted the fact that the wearer was drinking illegally, and was doing it with style. Nowadays cocktail rings can be worn to many different types of occasions or even as part of a casual outfit. https://www.etsy.com/listing/151116423/lavender-rhinestone-stretch-ring-acrylic?ref=tre-2725136108-3

4. Stretch Rings, USA, Butterfly- Make a statement with the bold design of this artisan stretch ring
https://www.etsy.com/listing/163311510/stretch-rings-usa-butterfly?ref=tre-2725136108-4

5. Look Into My Eyes Copper Wire Spiral Ring- eb hypnotized in the beauty of this Copper ring-
https://www.etsy.com/listing/156161966/look-into-my-eyes-copper-wire-spiral?ref=tre-2725136108-5

6.
Bronze or Silver Ring Blanks ( 4 PACK)- Use these ring blanks to make your own beautiful rings. Great for: cabochons, dichroic glass, crystals, beads, shells, buttons, vintage typewriter keys, altered art and anything else your creative mind dreams up! https://www.etsy.com/listing/73053047/bronze-or-silver-ring-blanks-4-pack?ref=tre-2725136108-6

7. One Of A Kind - GIRLS FLOWER Woven Ring - Rose Opal - Garnet - Amethyst - Wire Wrapped STERLING Silver Wrapped Rings - Made In Usa- Did you know that associating flowers with different meanings is an old art form going back years and years? https://www.etsy.com/listing/117449422/one-of-a-kind-girls-flower-woven-ring?ref=tre-2725136108-7

8. Beaded Ring, Memory Wire Ring, Sead Bead Ring- I love memory wire! It allows you to make sturdy, perfectly formed circlets for chokers, bracelets, rings, hair adornments, hoop earrings and anything else your creativity suggests. https://www.etsy.com/listing/101268393/beaded-ring-memory-wire-ring-sead-bead?ref=tre-2725136108-8

***WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ITEM FROM THE ITEMS ABOVE AND WHY? Voice your opinion in the comments below and be featured in the future boards of TREASURY MONDAY =)

TOP TEN REASONS WHY DIY

Ever walk through an arts and crafts fair and think to yourself “I could do that too!” One local Crafter was overheard saying “You could but would you?” The 90210 acronym DIY stands for Do-It-Yourself. The professional definition of DIY is the method of building, modifying, or repairing something without the aid of experts or professionals. But then brings us to the question of why DIY? Here are the top ten reasons why people DIY:

1. To enjoy a sense of accomplishment and the satisfaction of creating something useful and beautiful. To many crafters, this is a big motivation! Imagine creating something with your own hands practically out of nothing. And adding to this is having other people appreciate it too. I would say this is a big reason.

2. To learn a new skill and keep your mind engaged. Imagine being a stay at home mom or anyone with some time to spare, DIY can be productive and useful!

3. To be challenged to figure out how things work. For all you inquisitive minds out there, this one’s for you.

4. To reduce your environmental footprint. Some Crafters upcycle, this means repurposing items to make new ones. Also, Ecofriendly is a trending term for crafters.

5. To create one-of-a-kind items. Another acronym floating around the DIY scene is OOAK for One of a kind. These are unique items that make unique gifts or simply wonderful to own.

6. To make gifts that show you care. Nothing says special than receiving a gift made by some especially for you. It means that that special someone carved out their own time to do this for you.

7. To share something meaningful to you. DIY a special project and sharing it with someone, let alone have them appreciate it, is pretty awesome.

8. To personalize and customize projects. To have something created just for you brings such a wonderful feeling, and we all need to stand out in this “one size fits all” world.

9. To minimize cost.In this day and age amidst the economic recession, it is a good idea to turn to DIY to bridge finances.

10. To have fun. Let your inner creativity shine! Go you!

I encourage each and everyone to try DIY projects, it doesn’t have to be perfect, remember mistakes can be beautiful. You can find ideas on DIY on Pinterest. Enjoy!

HOW TO MAKE A WIRE-WRAPED RING

HOW TO MAKE A WIRE-WRAPPED RING

Here is a picture of a ring I made out of Fimo Beads:

To see more designs: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ThirdEarDear?section_id=13471791

Proper sizing is important to both fit and comfort of the ring. For best results, use a ring mandrel and wrap the wire directly around it; this is a long, cone-shaped object that's either marked with ring sizes or used with a ring-sizing measurement tape. If you don't have these items, tie a string around your ring finger to find the most comfortable length, then use the string to draw a circle on a piece of paper; use this as your guide when making the ring. (Do not build the ring by wrapping the wire directly around your finger, as it's very difficult to get a good shape this way).

Make the basic ring shape by wrapping the wire through the bead hole, around the mandrel and back to the edges of the bead. To make the wire thicker, wrap a second time if the bead hole is large enough to allow this. You may also wrap the second layer of wire in tight coils around the first to make the ring's band thick and strong while giving it an interesting look.

Always take care when you cut the wire to pay attention to where the trimmed edge goes. Adjust the length to keep the ends of the wire on the top of the ring and away from the finger so as to avoid any sharp edges that could dig into the skin. For further precaution, use a nail file to smooth out the sharp ends of the wire.

TREASURY MONDAY: FLOWERS EVERYWHERE!

1.       a Floral Letterpress Linocut Blank Card : Rose, Lily, Protea, or Daisy by Twotonnepress- For people who like to know, Letterpress printing is a technique of relief printing using a printing press. A worker composes and locks movable type into the bed of a press, inks it, and presses paper against it to transfer the ink from the type.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/114424741/a-floral-letterpress-linocut-blank-card?ref=tre-2722569495-1
2.       Handmade White Crochet Flower Headband by TrueColorsBoutique- How adorable is this headband on a little girl. She will truly be the center of attention wearing this. https://www.etsy.com/listing/123264285/handmade-white-crochet-flower-headband?ref=tre-2722569495-2
3.       Beautiful and bored – Portrait by Maria Jose Treasures- Maria Jose truly captures the emotions on every porrtrait. ACEOS also available. https://www.etsy.com/listing/152924720/beautiful-and-bored-portrait?ref=shop_home_active

4.       Felt Flower with button center - you pick the backing, by 2sweetbeans- Marissa, the creator of these , is truly a wonderful lady, and a very creative one at that. This felt flower would look good as a magnet, imagine displaying your children’s artwork with this on a refrigerator? How cute! https://www.etsy.com/listing/121622423/felt-flower-with-button-center-you-pick?ref=shop_home_active

Ready to ship in 3-10 busi 5. Flower Beads, Plastic, Royal Blue, 16 mm, Jewelry, Supplies, DIY by gagirjewelryandgift- Any creation would look absolutely beautiful with these acrylic beads. https://www.etsy.com/listing/164099382/flower-beads-plastic-royal-blue-16-mm?ref=tre-2722569495-

6.     4 x 6 Photo Print Field of Daisies White Flowers by Krafterskorner- “If I had my life to live over, I would start barefoot earlier in the spring and stay that way later in the fall. I would go to more dances. I would ride more merry-go-rounds. I would pick more daisies.” https://www.etsy.com/listing/129190942/4-x-6-photo-print-field-of-daisies-white?ref=tre-2722569495-6

7.     Red Poinsetta Silk Flowers by beautifulswagstore- Christmas is around the corner! A favorite Christmas flower is the poinsettia, with its beautiful, red, star-shape. It is called the "Flame Leaf" in Central America or "Flower of the Holy Night" and was brought here over a hundred years ago by Dr. Joel Poinsett, our first ambassador to Mexico. https://www.etsy.com/listing/116694541/red-poinsetta-silk-flowers-cij?ref=tre-2722569495-7

8.     red fimo rose wire-wrapped ring, US5,6,7,8,9,10,11 by Thirdeardear- Pretty Red Rose Fimo Flower Ring, Handpainted and wire-wrapped with a silver artistic wire. Flower size is Size : 22 x 7mm. This beautiful ring is so light and looks so fresh, you almost feel the cool summer breeze as you wear it. Simplicity and Elegance at its finest https://www.etsy.com/listing/129937621/red-fimo-rose-wire-wrapped-ring?ref=tre-2722569495-8

***WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ITEM FROM THE ITEMS ABOVE AND WHY? Voice your opinion in the comments below and be featured in the future boards of TREASURY MONDAY =)