Fine Craft Guild .com » Making Art

DIY Postcard Journal / Calendar

Fine Craft Guild — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 12:55:00 +0000

Need a new calendar for 2012? Don’t buy anything *. Make one yourself instead. Like how?

Here’s an idea: perpetual postcard calendar / Asley from ‘Under the Sycamore’ showed this really sweet perpetual calendar / journal idea last week at designsponge.com, and I want to share it with you today, as it’s easily transferrable into a 2012 day timer for your desk.

What did Asley do?

Journaling Made Easy

Pretty, huh?!

“Growing up, I kept a daily journal. I always enjoyed looking back at previous entries to see what had changed over the course of a year.

These days, I can’t seem to find the time to journal, but I do try to jot down a little note from each day on my perpetual calendar/journal.

The idea is very simple — flip to the current date and at the end of the day, write down something that happened. Some days it is big things like “Annie took her first steps.” explained Asley about her calendar / journal idea.

I instantly loved this journal box, as it underpins a core philosophy of how we live our lives. What we do instead is this: every evening before sleeping we reflect and state our ‘best part of the day’. It’s a great way of falling asleep full of gratitude and happiness for life itself.

However, with some exceptions, we don’t write these ‘best parts of life’ down. For this reason, I personally like the idea of making this not-t00-involved calendar journal to keep a record of our lives.

The Calendar Journal Tutorial

Asley used the below to make her calendar:

stack of vintage postcards;
date stamp,
simple index cards,
a raspberry fruit box, and
a paper guillotine to cut the index cards to size.

That’s it, plus

a pen for writing.

I might turn this perpetual calendar/journal into a soulful XMAS gift for my hubby, using 100% recycled images & stuff, in a theme that will inspire him. We have so much art, graphic material and recyclable paper goods laying around, I’m sure it will be easy.

Journal versus Calendar

OK. So much for the journal idea. With January around the corner, I know that YOU may be in need of a calendar. A proper one. Well, to make this into a ‘normal’ day calendar is easy. Just add exact dates like January 4, 2012. Simple. It must definitely be a desk calendar as it’s too complicated and the fruit box too fragile to lug around.

That brings me to the next point …

PAPER OR DIGITAL ?

Digital Calendars

For a handi-dandy calendar to carry around at all times, I am so in love with & highly recommend my new iPod Touch(= iPhone without the cell phone), which comes with a calendar and loads of (free) applications to make your life very organized. And if you want more applications, just go to any wifi spot, or connect it to your computer and load your gadget with as many as you wish.

Every day I am using it, I am realizing that the $299 I paid for this was a bargain ( … ok. yes, click above link and see that Amazon sells it for $50 less than I paid in the Apple store..)

Anyhow, I already have downloaded tons of free (and legal!) eBooks, audio books, music, howto-reference material (like eBooks on advanced knitting stitches) and other practical tools ~ it’s incredible the value of it all, and I got all of it free!

If you don’t have one already, DO look into getting one, particularly if you live in the US. An iPod Touch or iPhone is the best deal for a frugal-minded-gal.

Quite a confession for someone who dislikes gadgets in general, and who prefers original and individual things. That’s why I can still relate if someone like you is …

Paper Calendars

* ….. still in love with paper calendars ? IF you are going to buy some sort of a paper solution, I’ve already recommended these calendars for 2012 as they are most suitable & fun for creative crafty types like us plus they teach us a thing or two of knitting, crochet, or other creative pursuits in life. For portability, choose a compact one that has all the pages glued together.

Stamps :: 10 Useful Ways

Fine Craft Guild — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 12:37:00 +0000

Transforming old artwork with a fresh new layer is easily fixed with some artistic use of stamps. However, this is not the only way to make stamps useful. There are many around-the-house & craft uses of stamps where they proof to be oh so handy.

10 Ways to Apply Stamps Usefully

1. Instant birthday card or thank you-card

2. instant book cover paper

3. Instant book marks

4. Instant personalized stationary

5. Spruce up your art journal or notebook with the occasional (inspirational quote) stamp on selected pages

6. Letter stamps are great to make labels for art storage boxes

7. Stamp inspirational words and giant flowers with textile paint on plain towels

8. Create your own logo and stamp it on things you make.

9. Hide stains on kids cloths with a simple dash of textile paint and some stamps of flowers & butterflies, trains or toys.

10. Personalize a kids lunchbox with the same stamp on the outside name tag, napkin and the ‘how to use’ wrapper around the food boxes for the kindergarten staff.

I’m sure I could keep on going with this list… How about you:

How do you solve your ‘daily’ problems with stamps?

Get Your Own Butterfly Stamp Set

Stamps offer a versatile way for a 100+ uses.

I highly recommend this set of

Butterfly Rubber Stamp Set By Cavallini & Co.

One of Many Stamp Sets Available Here

Professional quality stamps for scrapbooking & otherwise. They also have a beautiful complementary birds stamp set

Also see…

Stamping :: Simple Painting Technique

Fine Craft Guild — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 12:30:00 +0000

Once you start stamping, there is no stopping, is there? That’s what I found at least. Last night I was preparing for this weekend’s art demonstration. I was using some watercolor paintings in the category ‘misfits & unfinished works’ as the base for some fresh Spring artwork to bring along.

What did I do, besides bringing my white & other color acrylics out? I roamed through my ‘stencils & stamps’-box to find a gorgeous giant butterfly stamp. After softening the prior work with some pastel tints & layering color washes, I applied happy orange acrylic paint on the stamp and stamped the butterflies right on top of each artwork.

Instant Spring…. and almost Summer !

I’m not quite done yet, but you can see it shaping up.

Like it?

(Sorry, no ‘before’ picture of those ‘misfit/unfinished’ works of art.

I guess this is art article, rather than craft-post: when I do art, I do what I like;
no planning .)

Here’s my gem of a stamp:

Yes, just a kid toy stamp.

If you want your own, …

Get Your Butterfly Stamp Set here:

Butterfly Rubber Stamp Set By Cavallini & Co.
One of Many Stamp Sets Available Here

Fixing-up old artwork (misfitting/unfinished works) is not the only way to use stamps and stencils. Here are some more:

10 Quick Ways to Make Stamps Useful

Also see…

Native American Art Residence :: Call for Artists

Fine Craft Guild — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 13:59:00 +0000

I get a lot of artist opportunities in my mailbox, but only from time to time share them with you all on the blog. This is a unique opportunity to reside on a Haida North American reservation, to be inspired by this great and ancient culture and to contribute to the local community there with an inspired vision.

The Haida culture is known for its animal wood carvings (see below) as well as basket weaving, amongst other things. Fancy sharing your love for art and life at a remote wilderness location with a Native American nation, that is usually not open to the general public…. Sounds really soulful to me!

Details of this art residency opportunity:

Call to Artists – Residency Program in Gwaii Haanas
Gwaii Haanas and the Haida Gwaii Museum
Residency: 5 – 10 days (weather dependent) in June 2011
Deadline: Monday, April 11, 2011

Gwaii Haanas and the Haida Gwaii Museum are proud to partner in this new “artist residency” program that aims to connect people to Gwaii Haanas through art.

Three visual artists will spend 5 – 10 days (weather dependent) in June 2011 immersed in the natural and breathtaking “islands of beauty.” Selected artists will live in a remote field-camp setting in Gwaii Haanas, embarking on day-trips and camping out-trips. Of the three artists, one space is available for an individual not residing on Haida Gwaii.

Artists will undertake “research” by exploring, photographing, sketching, and writing about their surroundings. Artists provide their own personal gear, art supplies, and transportation to/from Skidegate, Haida Gwaii and commit to finishing two pieces of artwork for exhibition, one piece to be donated to the Haida Gwaii Museum.

A selection committee made up of Gwaii Haanas and Haida Gwaii Museum staff will review all submissions. Final selections will be based on the applicants’ experience and community engagement proposal, artist statement, originality of work, and relevancy to the Gwaii Haanas experience.

How to Apply

Prepare a clear, concise proposal outlining: what you would like to experience/accomplish, what ability and tolerance you have in a remote camping environment, what you could offer to the community (workshops/presentations requirements for off-island applicant only). An artist statement, 5-10 digital images, and an inventory list are also required. Full program and application details are available at: http://www.haidanation.ca/Pages/Splash/Public_Notices/artist_residency.html

For more information: Jen Wilson at 250-559-4643 ext 247 or jen.museum@skidegate.ca

Note: On the website it has a different date: March 11, and so I would give the organizer an email well and truly before that date to understand the exact requirements.

Native-American Inspired Jewelry

If you don’t want to go that far, check out the Native American-inspired jewelry projects also featured today/tomorrow:
Story Necklace
Arizona Sunset Bead Embroidery Earrings
Dream-Catcher Bracelet

Recycled Sock :: Fine Art

Fine Craft Guild — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 13:00:00 +0000

I have about 20+ old white socks with holes to recycle, and I scoured around for some inspiration to decide what to do with them.

How to Make a Sock Monkey

I am so NOT a sock monkey girl, and the first thousand Google-pages that popped up were all about … sock monkeys. However, if you you wonder how to make a sock monkey, I’ll help you. Here are your free ‘How to make a sock monkey’- instructions. Just click the image page on the left to download your detailed tutorial.

However, even when you apply a whole lot of fantasy, it’s hard to be original when making a sock monkey. Others have tried. Beyond the different colored stripes and different cute expressions and ear locations, I’ve seen a dress made with sock monkeys, and a blanket, toddler sock monkey slippers, sock monkey cloths, and even an Obama sock monkey.

So, if anything, don’t make a sock monkey. It’s been done before.

Sock Creatures

Actually, the only really good, AND original creatures (not striped monkeys) made from recycled socks that I discovered in my hours & hours of research were made by Neta Amir, a modest, yet highly talented textile artist from Israel.

Take this traveler for example. He has a raven on his t-shirt for good luck, and real hiking shoes.

Neta made some really wicked girl friends for him….

Want to find more like these sock creatures: visit Neta’s site http://bobilina.blogspot.com (but don’t click away just yet; I’m about to show you the best)

Be Inspired by Sock Art

Actually, I am far more excited by artist Neta Amir’s other work.

Recycled Sock Camera

One of her projects that stand out in creative detailing is her fantastic sock camera.

It comes complete with sock living room scene, which is in turn reflected in the camera lens/view finder.

Pretty neat.


	livingroom" src="http://www.finecraftguild.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/socklivingroom_thumb.jpg" width="244" border="0" />

She dabbled also in sock flowers and sock branches, however it appeared more like unfinished creative experimentation rather than a firm ‘this is it’.

Anyhow, her experimentation actually helped me:

now I’m contemplating making some semi-practical white sock coral,

or vine branches, on which to hang my ’00s of pearl & bead necklaces …

or my ’000s of white paper flowers. T

his could be quite beautiful.

Meanwhile, on my hours and hours journey, I also found some other, really practical & novel things you can make with used recycled socks.

I shall show you … tomorrow.

I’m going to talk about creative sock upcycling / refashioning ideas that you can & will actually put to good use… bike bags, jewelry, vase covers, and …. some other surprises…

Till tomorrow.

Featured at a few fabulous craft parties. Click link to check them out!
On that, if you have a great Craft or DIY tutorial, be sure to link it up to our own Fine Craft Guild’s Tutorial party. This weeks’ party is here: DIY Craft Tutorial Linky Party and a new party opens each Wednesday. You’ll be able to find the latest links on the home page.

An Upcycler’s Take on Kitchen Storage

Rose — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 10:47:00 +0000

“matching redefined”

Embarking on a project to make or find some unusual upcycled kitchen storage?

Introducing Rupert Blanchard, woodworker in London. Really,
he is a designer and craftsman with internationally inspiring taste,
and here’s an example of (unfinished but already great) work by him: a completely recycled kitchen.

Unusual Upcycled Kitchen Storage

You can probably order a custom furniture piece from him, or ….

Be liberal and make your own, free form.

If you are inspired to DIY, here are my words for you:

Dare to go where none thread before.

‘Matching’ is merely a pattern recognition.

U can make your own.

Your tools will tell you,

your heart will guide you,

your head will calculate

which measurements are going to work.

~ Michael,

FineCraftGuild.com

Here is another example of Rupert Blanchard’s unusual kitchen (or livingroom) storage ideas using recycled materials:

If you want even more unusual recycled storage ideas, come back next week Friday and I’ll show you the work of some Dutch designers….

This craft is featured in various wonderful craft parties. Click here to check them out!

Call for Artists – Art Residency in Banff Centre, Canada

Fine Craft Guild — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 20:08:00 +0000

Now that Vancouver has been so in the news lately for the Olympics, I thought to share with you another art opportunity that is open to us all. This Call for Interests is at one of Canada’s most beautiful places, Banff. In winter it is like Vail, the ultimate sky resort. In summer, it transforms into an artistic haven. You’ll see when you get there. Some well-known artists have in fact studied there.

Here are the details for this exciting Art Residency.

The Banff Centre

Visual Arts at The Banff Centre: Call for Applications

Thematic Residency – Figure in a Mountain Landscape (Reprise)
Program dates: May 10 – June 18, 2010
Application deadline: March 19, 2010
http://www.Banff centre.ca/va

London-based painter Silke Otto-Knapp will lead participants into the landscape around Banff National Park. On arrival at various scenic locations the group will ready themselves, like generations of artists before them and begin to make art. What they see will be shaped by the sun’s position and the weather. Each artist will be reminded of the time contract as the light changes and fades to darkness.

For more information and to apply:

The Banff Centre, Office of the Registrar
Email: arts_info@banffcentre.ca
Phone: 403.762.6180 or 1.800.565.9989

http://www.banffcentre.ca/va

Free St Patricks Day Crafts Templates: Prancing Leprechauns

Fine Craft Guild — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 03:24:48 +0000

For this coming St Patrick’s Day, I thought to make a bouncy Leprechaun Marionette to see him dance his way to the end of the rainbow.

Because I can hold him by the string, maybe I can see where he actually goes and find my pot of gold. Ha ha.

This an easy crafts project, green, adorable and interactive: when you pull the string, the arms and legs move, and the Leprechaun dances.

(Part of the) Leprechaun for St Patricks Day

All kids will love this crafts project…. and adults too. It is so … cute.

This naughty St Patricks Day fairy will BRING GOOD LUCK and a smile on everyone’s faces.

Materials Needed for your Leprechaun

My free craft templates:
Leprechaun Marionette in color &
Leprechaun b/w
Paper and a printer
Thin cardboard (can be recycled)
Glue, Scissors & a Hole Puncher
4 Paper connectors or tie-tags
Needle & pieces of thread; or 2 thin elastic bands plus 3 strings for the top, middle bottom.
Optional: green (cloverleaf) bead

Prancing Leprechaun

Free Craft Project – ‘How to’ Instructions

Click on the two Leprechaun templates to print out a copy of both the colored (for the front of your marionette) and the b/w version (for the back).
Glue the colored version template to thin cardboard. Any old cereal box will do.
Let it dry.
Meanwhile, cut out the parts of the b/w version of the Leprechaun.
When dry cut out the colored Leprechaun body parts on cardboard.
Glue the white version on the back of the marionette’s body parts.
Make holes where the big crosses are placed on the b/w version.
Connect the arms and legs to the body using either green tie-tags or if you can find them, some beautiful brass paper connectors.
Thread a needle, put a knot in the thread, and take your string through the small holes that are marked on the top of in the arms. Place another knot at the other end. You could use a thin elastic band instead of a a thread and needle, which might be safer for young children.
Do the same for the legs.
Tie another string to the top of the head – make a loop to hang the marionette.
With the arms and legs hanging down, tie a thread to the middle of each string. This is the string to pull to make the arms and legs move.
Optional: you may put a nice green (cloverleaf) bead at the end of the bottom string and place a little knot below the bead so it stays.
Voila. Your lucky charm is made. Have fun making your Leprechaun dance.

Easy Crafts for Kids – School Tips
If you’d get a whole classroom to do this project, I’d make some variations on this theme. It would be fun to see a whole group of dancing and dangling leprechauns together.

You can make this easy crafts project for kids in two ways: 1. The way as described above.
or 2. Kids can use the b/w marionette template as a St Patrick’s Day coloring page, or, craft on green & other colored papers. It all depends on the age group, their craft skills and abilities and the time you have available for the project.

Leprechaun legends

Leprechauns, those little fairies, spend all their time busily making shoes, and stashing away all the money their craft brings them in a hidden pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

Everyone’s heard of the legendary pot of gold.

The only way to track one is to follow the sound of a leprechaun hammering the shoes. They say if you catch one, he’ll promise to take you to his pot of gold …. if you can just keep him in your sights. They tend to escape….

Copyright , Fine Craft Guild .com. All Rights Reserved. Amazing/Eco Home Decorating & Craft ideas and tutorials, for you.

Call for Artists: Art Residency Program in Greece by European Biennial

Fine Craft Guild — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 05:01:31 +0000

The European Biennial Network (EBN) is an active collaborative association in contemporary art. EBN aims to promote interaction and collaboration between contemporary art Biennials in Europe. It aims to utilize the knowledge, experience and wealth of information accumulated by organizers of large-scale periodic art events, in order to support the communication and mobility of artists and art professionals.

Biennials offer a great way to present art and interconnect global trends with local experience. So with the support of the Culture Programme of the European Union, the European Biennial Network has established a biennial artist exchange and residency program.

This comprehensive art residency program consists of a 2-year cycle of workshops, residency and traineeship programs, research visits, and networking events. These activities are designed to reflect the diversity of different approaches to contemporary art, and to create opportunities for research, exchange of ideas, and creative partnerships.

Just Opened: 2009 Athens, Greece, Art Residency Program – Call for Artists

Application Deadline: February 28.

As part of its ongoing Residency Programme, the European Biennial Network is issuing an Open Call for applications for a residency position offered by the Athens Biennale in Greece.

The Residency Programme of the European Biennial Network aims to offer to successful applicants the opportunity to conduct original research on contemporary art in a major city, while supported by the organisers of a biennial exhibition. The knowledge and experience of the host and its relationship to the specific locality will provide the resident access to the local art scene, historical records, archives, academic collocutors, and any other support necessary for research.

Each member Biennial of the European Biennial Network is individually responsible for the resident it will host. Applications must be made for the specific residency position. The successful applicant for this residency position will be selected by the Athens Biennale.

The successful applicant will be offered travel to and from their host city and accommodation, as well as a stipend of 1.000 Euros per month. Additional funds for equipment and/or transport of work may be available, depending on the specifics of the residency.

Upon completion of the residency, the resident will be required to produce a text, outlining the basic parameters of his/her research, which will be used for publication by the European Biennial Network.

Click here for the Athens Art Biennale Residency Application Details.

Craft & Art Instruction :: Books I’m Currently Reading

Rose — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 18:00:38 +0000

Today I thought to share with you the books that I like reading / am getting inspiration from / am currently plowing through.

Most are related to projects I am either doing right now, articles I am planning to write, projects that are coming down the pipeline, and then of course, good old food for thought and eye candy for my creative mind.

Last but not least, I want to continue to become a better artist also, so am looking at various books that advance my art and broaden my skills.

So, here you go.

Favorite Craft Books List, February 2009

Jewelry Making – Beading

Mastering Beadwork: A Comprehensive Guide to Off-loom Techniques

Brilliance! Masterpieces from The American Jewelry Design Council (Lark Jewelry Book)

Painting

Altered Surfaces: Using Acrylic Paints With Gels, Mediums, Grounds & Pastes

Photography

Scott Kelby’s Digital Photography Boxed Set, Volumes 1 and 2 (Includes The Digital Photography Book Volume 1 and The Digital Photography Book Volume 2)

Art Journals

(For Upcoming Articles)
True Vision: Authentic Art Journaling

Art Journals and Creative Healing: Restoring the Spirit Through Self-Expression