A friend I met on Facebook, who owns a creative arts studio, has been asking me to teach some classes. I haven't summoned up my courage to teach a class yet, but hopefully will summon the courage soon. She also wants me to join the Art Collaborative of Wakefield, a group of locally based artisans. I have put it off for some time, but am now, really considering joining. I am hopefully going to meet a bunch of people who are part of the collaborative on Saturday.
I am still nervous that I am not enough of an "artist". If anything, I consider myself a handcraft artisan. But, in reality, I don't know that I feel like an artist or an artisan. I wonder if I am still just thinking that this is a hobby but I want it to be more. I want to make it more of a central part of my life.
With that being said, I think a large part of my issue is time. I have 3 kids, a husband, a house, a part time social work job, and making handcrafted items. I spend way too much time on the computer and not enough time doing what I should be doing. I plan to unplug for a little bit. I am only join to use Facebook for when I need to communicate with others and that is my only means. I have enough projects that I can work on, I don't need to look for more. I plan to quickly blog, but no spend too much time reading blogs. I plan to limit myself to maybe an hour a day and that is a lot. The internet is a wonderful thing, but it can be too addicting. no more spending hours on pinterest and pinning things that I never actually work on. I will still go on pinterest, but will again limit my time.
My hope is that if I spend more time creating and less time pretending to create (by being on the computer looking for things to create), I will start to feel more like an artisan and not just a hobby crafter! Maybe then I won't feel like I don't belong in the collaborative.
Amy
Showing posts with label creating. Show all posts
Showing posts with label creating. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Monday, September 23, 2013
Projects to Work On
I have multiple projects in the works. Personally, for some strange reason, I have a hard time staying on one projects until it is finished. I quickly lose interest and want to move on to something new and at least for the moment, more interesting. I guess, I need a short break from every project I make in order to remain interested in it. I never completely lose interest, I just become more interested in something new.
Right now, I have a four or five year old Christmas stocking to finish. For some reason, I have little to no interest in finishing it. I am going to finish it, just to finish it, but I am not really enjoying it. I have an embroidered fairy to complete. That is actually something that I want to complete and will enjoy working on. I have a few English Paper Piecing project to complete. One is a monthly EPP block and I am a little behind, but I want to work on that too. I have 2 modern quilts to work on, one for my daughter and one for my son. I was able to complete my oldest's son Angry Birds quilt and I really enjoyed that, knowing that he was going to love it. Then there is also the Halloween costumes that I have to work on. I have a yellow angry bird to make, some princess, and a robot. I am thinking about adding yet another project, a quilt for my bed. Then there is always the potential to make a baby quilt for my niece's baby who will be born in December.
I know that there are other projects to work on, but right now I can't think of them. I wish I had more time to spend actually working on projects. I can't decide if I would ever like to sell my work, but I think I would love to have a studio and have people come create with me. I would love to be able to have open studio time and create with others and make money doing that. Then there are those times that I think I would love to teach others about traditional hand crafts. I sometimes think that it would be fun to teach a class and work on a project while I am teaching. I have the opportunity to teach a class at a local studio, I am just not sure if I know enough to actually teach a class. I think I could probably teach a basic knitting and quilting class. I could even teach an EPP class, which I know I would like but I'm not sure if anyone else is interested. I could teach a jewelry class and rubber stamping classes, but fear gets in the way.
One day, I'll get enough confidence to actually teach a class. Until then, I'll just enjoy working on my own projects!
Amy
Right now, I have a four or five year old Christmas stocking to finish. For some reason, I have little to no interest in finishing it. I am going to finish it, just to finish it, but I am not really enjoying it. I have an embroidered fairy to complete. That is actually something that I want to complete and will enjoy working on. I have a few English Paper Piecing project to complete. One is a monthly EPP block and I am a little behind, but I want to work on that too. I have 2 modern quilts to work on, one for my daughter and one for my son. I was able to complete my oldest's son Angry Birds quilt and I really enjoyed that, knowing that he was going to love it. Then there is also the Halloween costumes that I have to work on. I have a yellow angry bird to make, some princess, and a robot. I am thinking about adding yet another project, a quilt for my bed. Then there is always the potential to make a baby quilt for my niece's baby who will be born in December.
I know that there are other projects to work on, but right now I can't think of them. I wish I had more time to spend actually working on projects. I can't decide if I would ever like to sell my work, but I think I would love to have a studio and have people come create with me. I would love to be able to have open studio time and create with others and make money doing that. Then there are those times that I think I would love to teach others about traditional hand crafts. I sometimes think that it would be fun to teach a class and work on a project while I am teaching. I have the opportunity to teach a class at a local studio, I am just not sure if I know enough to actually teach a class. I think I could probably teach a basic knitting and quilting class. I could even teach an EPP class, which I know I would like but I'm not sure if anyone else is interested. I could teach a jewelry class and rubber stamping classes, but fear gets in the way.
One day, I'll get enough confidence to actually teach a class. Until then, I'll just enjoy working on my own projects!
Amy
Monday, June 3, 2013
June, Summer, and New Things
June 1st, I embarked on a huge challenge. Ok, it's a huge challenge for me. My fellow blogger Iris, at http://thedailydietribe.com, asked me to take part in a gluten free challenge. I think I've mentioned here that, according to an IgG blood test (some say it's faulty), I am sensitive to many food items, including gluten. This is one thing that I have had a hard time eliminating from my diet. I wasn't sure that I was going to take part in this challenge, mostly for the fear of failure and the fact that it was 6 months long. I ended up deciding that my health was important enough to challenge myself, and I thought that this would be a great way to have support through something that is so difficult, at least for me. Day 1 was great. It was hard but I had a gluten free day. Day 2 was really good, but we went to a graduation party, and I couldn't say no to cake and corn bread. What was good is that I only had a very small piece of both of those things. What is also good, is that I didn't go back for more. In the last 2 1/2 days, I have had less gluten then I ever have in even just one day. Though it hasn't been horrible, it hasn't been easy. I am hopeful that I can follow though and be healthy.
This is also important since I have that crazy gene mutation making me more at risk for breast cancer and I don't plan on having preventative surgery. I just found out that my mom's cousin was diagnosed with breast cancer and the gene mutation and she is not yet 53. She is the youngest diagnosed that I know of, 13 years older than me. I have met with doctors and nurse practitioners and I think my food sensitivities are something I need to focus on so that I don't put more stress on my body. I am also hopeful that going gluten free is going to help with my weight issues. I am hopeful that it will help me know my body and what my body needs. I am hoping that I will lose weight as a side effect of eating healthy.
As I've mentioned, I turn 40 this year. Sometimes, I have a hugely hard time with this, other times I am absolutely fine. This weekend someone actually asked me if I was mom or grandma to my kids. Yes, I could have a grandchild, but I am only going to be 40. I didn't think I looked that bad. I actually went out and colored my hair after that comment. I was thinking about not coloring my hair again, but with how I've been feeling and then that comment, I decided that I needed to color my hair. I mentioned that I was thinking about doing 40 creative things to donate during the year I turn 40. I got the idea from 36 quilts in 12 months (http://dailydog.typepad.com). What I haven't decided is when I should start. Do I want it to be 40 things within the calendar year I turn 40 or a year from when I turn 40? If it's the calendar year, then I can say that I have started, but I only have 6 months to finish 39 more projects. I made a quilt square for the Boston bombing victims. If I wait til I turn 40 I have a full year to go to complete this project. I'm leaning to being able to finish before I turn 41. Maybe, to make things easier, I can have it be 40 projects before I turn 41, starting the calendar year that I turn 40. That means, I can count the quilt square and have a little more than a year to complete the rest of the 39 projects.
Now, I've written about Wishcasting Wednesday and putting out your dreams to the universe. Well, a facebook friend of mine (friends literally from facebook alone) and an artist, is actually starting one of my dreams here in my town. In the next month, she will open a gallery and studio in the center of town. She has asked me to teach a class or two, and I am so flattered, but so nervous. My introverted, shy self is having a hard time thinking that I can do this. I will probably take hep up on this offer some day, but I need to work up the courage.
Within the dream/passion piece of things, I am still thinking about doing something at my farmer's market with regards to crafting for charity. Again, I need to get up the courage to do this. I would love to have a table and collect things that people create and donate somewhere locally. This will help go along with my goal of creating and donating 40 items before I turn 41. How cool would it be to spend a Saturday morning creating and collecting things to donate to others to make them more comfortable or so that they know that someone is thinking of them.
These are just a few of the new things in my life. Here's to completing the goals that I have set forth for myself.
Amy
This is also important since I have that crazy gene mutation making me more at risk for breast cancer and I don't plan on having preventative surgery. I just found out that my mom's cousin was diagnosed with breast cancer and the gene mutation and she is not yet 53. She is the youngest diagnosed that I know of, 13 years older than me. I have met with doctors and nurse practitioners and I think my food sensitivities are something I need to focus on so that I don't put more stress on my body. I am also hopeful that going gluten free is going to help with my weight issues. I am hopeful that it will help me know my body and what my body needs. I am hoping that I will lose weight as a side effect of eating healthy.
As I've mentioned, I turn 40 this year. Sometimes, I have a hugely hard time with this, other times I am absolutely fine. This weekend someone actually asked me if I was mom or grandma to my kids. Yes, I could have a grandchild, but I am only going to be 40. I didn't think I looked that bad. I actually went out and colored my hair after that comment. I was thinking about not coloring my hair again, but with how I've been feeling and then that comment, I decided that I needed to color my hair. I mentioned that I was thinking about doing 40 creative things to donate during the year I turn 40. I got the idea from 36 quilts in 12 months (http://dailydog.typepad.com). What I haven't decided is when I should start. Do I want it to be 40 things within the calendar year I turn 40 or a year from when I turn 40? If it's the calendar year, then I can say that I have started, but I only have 6 months to finish 39 more projects. I made a quilt square for the Boston bombing victims. If I wait til I turn 40 I have a full year to go to complete this project. I'm leaning to being able to finish before I turn 41. Maybe, to make things easier, I can have it be 40 projects before I turn 41, starting the calendar year that I turn 40. That means, I can count the quilt square and have a little more than a year to complete the rest of the 39 projects.
Now, I've written about Wishcasting Wednesday and putting out your dreams to the universe. Well, a facebook friend of mine (friends literally from facebook alone) and an artist, is actually starting one of my dreams here in my town. In the next month, she will open a gallery and studio in the center of town. She has asked me to teach a class or two, and I am so flattered, but so nervous. My introverted, shy self is having a hard time thinking that I can do this. I will probably take hep up on this offer some day, but I need to work up the courage.
Within the dream/passion piece of things, I am still thinking about doing something at my farmer's market with regards to crafting for charity. Again, I need to get up the courage to do this. I would love to have a table and collect things that people create and donate somewhere locally. This will help go along with my goal of creating and donating 40 items before I turn 41. How cool would it be to spend a Saturday morning creating and collecting things to donate to others to make them more comfortable or so that they know that someone is thinking of them.
These are just a few of the new things in my life. Here's to completing the goals that I have set forth for myself.
Amy
Friday, March 22, 2013
My Latest Obsession
Or should the title be, "Continuing With My Obsession". Another quilting, twin mom friend blogged about her hexagon sewing experience and I became obsessed. Not only do I love hexagons, but I love, maybe even more than hexagons, english paper piecing other shapes. I have a huge pinterest board for hexagon quilting and english paper piecing. I love finding new shapes to add.
I keep looking up blogs and finding new ways to english paper piece. I love crafty blogs, but lately I am really interested in EPP. Since I am cheap and I can't stand to wait (I have a little trouble with needing almost instant gratification with my crafting. I don't like projects that take to long to complete. Often those projects become UFO's and WIP'S in my crafting bin), I have been making my own templates. One thing I love about EPP is how forgiving it is. Even though my pieces aren't perfect, the outcome is really good.
Recently, I made these:
I keep looking up blogs and finding new ways to english paper piece. I love crafty blogs, but lately I am really interested in EPP. Since I am cheap and I can't stand to wait (I have a little trouble with needing almost instant gratification with my crafting. I don't like projects that take to long to complete. Often those projects become UFO's and WIP'S in my crafting bin), I have been making my own templates. One thing I love about EPP is how forgiving it is. Even though my pieces aren't perfect, the outcome is really good.
Recently, I made these:
pre-sewing together
pre-sewing together
sewn together
without the green diamonds
I decided that I needed to make a new hanging for the door. With spring here and the snowstorm we had the day before the first day of spring, I decided I needed something springy. I decided to create this:
This door quilt combines both english paper piecing and machine sewing. It's a little wonky, but I'm pretty happy with it. I can't wait to look for more EPP blogs and maybe even a hex-along.
Happy Spring!!!
Amy
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Meet My Machine
I thought I'd join in with the Meet My Machine bloggy link up.
Amy
- Please tell us about your current machine - make, model, etc. (and if there's any story behind you obtaining it, etc.)
- What's your favorite machine accessory/doo-dad?
- Does your machine have a name? What is it? Have you tatted your machine up with fancy stickers, decals, etc? let's see 'um!
- My first sewing machine was a White that I bought from JoAnn's Fabric. It was a really basic machine and I did really basic projects with it. I stupidly gave it to my sister (who subsequently got rid of it) after I had bought a new machine and thought that I would never use it again.
- I own 4 machines. I have my great grandmother's machine that, I guess used to be a treadle machine (have never sewn with it), but was made into an electric machine, I have my grandmother's White Serger, I have a Babylock Ellageo (that I bought after my grandmother died and she left me some money), and I recently bought a Babylock Sofia2 to use as a travel machine since my Ellageo was too heavy.
- I love the different things that I can do with my machine. I love that I can use basic stitches and also do some embroidering. I love how portable my sofia2 is as well as how good of a machine it is. I love my Ellageo, but with a 5 year old and 2 four year olds, I need to be able to have a sewing machine that can be portable.
- I love that I don't need to have a foot peddle to sew with my Babylock machines. I also love that it has a cutter as well as self threading ability.
- For now, I have everything that I could want in my machine. I'm not sure that there are any features, other than more stitch options (and that is really just to play).
- I would love a higher end Babylock quilting/embroidery machine. I have heard really good things about Janome Machines too so I would be really happy to try a high end Janome too.
- I don't really have a sewing space right now. I have everything in my basement and I just make do with what I have right now. I really would love to get it a little more organized and have a space where I can go and get away and have a creative space.
- Right now I am using plastic drawers for my yardage, a plastic bin for my fat quarters and a fabric bin that I just throw my scraps into. Nothing special, but it is somewhat organized (more organized that what it was). I can now go into a draw and know where to look for what. I still have more work to do, but I am really happy with where I came from.
- I love anything sewing/craft related! I love my crafting and quilting magazines and books. I love youtube and crafting and sewing blogs!
Amy
Monday, March 18, 2013
My Latest Projects
I forget what inspired me to actually start this project, but I decided to pul out my jewelry supplies and attempt to make a wire wrapped puzzle piece. Actually, I think that I was looking at the build-a-bear website, since I pre-ordered an autism bear, and that was what inspired me. We had a very lazy Sunday and I played with my jewelry supplies.
I initially used my wire jig and made a large puzzle piece. It was a little large for what I initially wanted so I set it aside and worked on making a smaller piece. I photocopied it at 50% and it was a really good size. At that Point, I just decided to free hand it. It was much easier to free hand the pattern than I thought it would be.
The ultimate outcome of this idea was a wire puzzle piece pendant with blue stones dangling from it.
I initially used my wire jig and made a large puzzle piece. It was a little large for what I initially wanted so I set it aside and worked on making a smaller piece. I photocopied it at 50% and it was a really good size. At that Point, I just decided to free hand it. It was much easier to free hand the pattern than I thought it would be.
The ultimate outcome of this idea was a wire puzzle piece pendant with blue stones dangling from it.
I thought about the larger puzzle piece that I had made with the jig and decided to put it on my wrist and bend it around a little. I then put a pink Swarovski butterfly and Swarovski blue bead in the middle. I had thought about putting a beaded bracelet to attach to my wrist, but I decided to use a large chain instead. The outcome:
I put pictures on Facebook and got a lot of comments and likes. My sister, wants a set and I have a friend who is interested and who shared the picture on her page. Now I have to figure out how much to charge for things. Maybe this is actually working. Maybe I will be able to sell things I make. I may not or I may be able to make a living at this, but maybe I'll be able to recoup some money to buy new supplies instead of just spending money!
All I know is, I have fun when I create, and if I can make a little money while I do something I love, how can that be bad?
Oh, and since my inspiration for this was the Autism symbol and since Michael has Autism, I will donate a percentage of my earnings to an Autism fund!
Amy
Friday, February 15, 2013
My Latest Projects
I have been trying to make a point to create more often. I had a period where I was just too tired to complete anything. I know how much better I feel better I feel when I make a point to create.
My recent projects have included a mug rug swap, embroidery for my daughter's room, some English paper piecing, some Valentine's day projects, and most recently a Japanese stab binding book. I am really trying to do something create every day!
My recent projects have included a mug rug swap, embroidery for my daughter's room, some English paper piecing, some Valentine's day projects, and most recently a Japanese stab binding book. I am really trying to do something create every day!
Fairy Embroidery for my daughter's room
2nd Fairy (not yet complete)
English paper pieced flower hexagon
English paper pieced flower
Valentine's Day fabric card
Inside of Valentine's day fabric card
Valentine's Day post card
Glued English paper pieced shaped
English paper pieced solar system star
All the Valentine's day projects I worked on
Japanese stab binding book (I've been wanting to learn more about book binding. I already have a tool case with book binding supplies!)
Some quilt history reading
Some fabric painting reading
Some fabric dyeing reading
Mug rug I made for my swap
Not only have I been actually making things, I have been reading about how to color my own fabric and learning about the history of quilt making. I am hoping to buy some fabric dyes and paints and start creating my own fabric.
I have been having a great time being creative and can't wait to continue!
Happy Creating,
Amy
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Handmade Valentines
I decided to make handmade Valentines this year! I still need to make ones for Michael's specialists and I just got more classmates for Michael. I also have to make another one for my husband. Our budget isn't going to afford us to be able to get each other expensive gifts, but I can certainly make something from the heart and hopes that he likes it (I'm sure that he will).
For Michael's classmates, I just cut out 2 paper hearts and sewed them together and added pencils.
For his teachers, I made a fabric book that I will have Michael help me decorate and add things to the pockets.
For Michael's classmates, I just cut out 2 paper hearts and sewed them together and added pencils.
This happens to be for my daughter's teacher, but Michael's Valentines are the same
For his teachers, I made a fabric book that I will have Michael help me decorate and add things to the pockets.
Outside covers
Inside pages with pockets that I think we will add bookmarks to(there are 2 other blank pages to decorate)
For the specialists and my daughter's speech teacher, I am going to make fabric postcards like these. I need to make 3 more.
Front side
Back side with Eva Rose tracing her name and rubber stamping decorations
I have really enjoyed making these different projects the last couple of days. I just wish it didn't hurt my sciatica so much/. I can't wait to feel better so I can handle creating more things!
I love my new sewing machine. It's amazing how good a good quality sewing machine is. Too bad I had to spend the money on it, but I have really enjoyed having it!
Happy Valentine's Day!!! What are you crafting?
Amy
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Wishcasting Wednesdays
Every so often, I join in with Jamie at http://www.jamieridlerstudios.ca for Wishcasting Wednesday. This helps me to focus on where I want my life to go and what dreams, goals, and passions I have. This week Jamie asks: "What do you wish to work on?".
I could answer this in so many ways. The way I am going to answer this week is: I want to work on making time to do the things I love to do!
I want to try to continue to get more organized to be able to have more free time to do the things I love to do. I want to feel free to go fun places with my kids. I want to budget my money better so that I have money to do things with the kids. I want to make time to work on the different creative things that I want to do; sew, embroider, knit, paper crafts, jewelry, learning new crafts, etc. I want to work on making time to spend more special time with my husband like having a date night more often (hopefully the warmer weather will help with what to do). I want to work on making things to sell. I want to work on getting healthy and staying healthy. I have a herniated disc that pretty much makes me not want to do anything for the last couple of months. I miss running, even though I never really ran a lot. Now that I can't run, it's all I want to do. I'm hoping that after my back gets better, I can work on my running and get to enjoy it again like I was before I stopped!
I guess there are a lot of things that I want to work on, but unless I work on making more time and getting organized, none of it will happen.
I just read a couple of fellow wishcasting posts and it reminded me of another goal that I guess I should put down in writing. I want to work on utilizing my love of creativity in my social work profession and I want to work on figuring out how to have a brick and mortar studio and gallery for my community. I want to have a gallery that people can show off what they create and not worry about it being good enough; the fact that they created it makes it good enough!
What do you wish to work on?
Amy
I could answer this in so many ways. The way I am going to answer this week is: I want to work on making time to do the things I love to do!
I want to try to continue to get more organized to be able to have more free time to do the things I love to do. I want to feel free to go fun places with my kids. I want to budget my money better so that I have money to do things with the kids. I want to make time to work on the different creative things that I want to do; sew, embroider, knit, paper crafts, jewelry, learning new crafts, etc. I want to work on making time to spend more special time with my husband like having a date night more often (hopefully the warmer weather will help with what to do). I want to work on making things to sell. I want to work on getting healthy and staying healthy. I have a herniated disc that pretty much makes me not want to do anything for the last couple of months. I miss running, even though I never really ran a lot. Now that I can't run, it's all I want to do. I'm hoping that after my back gets better, I can work on my running and get to enjoy it again like I was before I stopped!
I guess there are a lot of things that I want to work on, but unless I work on making more time and getting organized, none of it will happen.
I just read a couple of fellow wishcasting posts and it reminded me of another goal that I guess I should put down in writing. I want to work on utilizing my love of creativity in my social work profession and I want to work on figuring out how to have a brick and mortar studio and gallery for my community. I want to have a gallery that people can show off what they create and not worry about it being good enough; the fact that they created it makes it good enough!
What do you wish to work on?
Amy
Monday, February 4, 2013
History
If you can't tell, I love to create! I also love to know the history behind things I create! I have friends/acquaintances, more friends/acquaintances than I realized, who like to make hand made items too. The funny thing is, I don't know if any of them are as interested in the history of the things they create as I am. I am also more of a traditionalist when it comes to creating things. I can certainly appreciate more modern patterns, but when it comes to things that I love, I am much more traditional and classic in my taste.
I would love to teach the history of hand crafted items. I've already read a little about civil war quilting, but no where near enough to know really anything. I recently started looking at english paper piecing and the history behind it. It's actually kind of funny how little info I am finding on the history. The one fun fact that I found is; early on, women would use old letters or newspapers as the paper pieces and use old scraps of material to make their paper pieced quilts. The other fun fact is that this allowed people to date these quilts, as women would often leave the paper pieces in the quilts for extra warmth.
I'm looking forward to reading more about quilting history, and can't wait to learn more about the history of other crafts that I enjoy. I'm going to start reading http://www.womenfolk.com and see what kind of information I can learn. Personally, I can't wait to the how the things I enjoy came about. Maybe I can, in time, become someone who teaches the history as well as someone who can teach how to make traditional projects.
I have a ton on my plate right now, with the kids, work, husband, and household stuff. I am contemplating not putting my twins in preschool and doing some homeschool stuff with them and use the money that I would spend on preschool on other types of learning activities that will hopefully teach them and allow them to have fun and learn at the same time. I am also hoping to add in some learning about hands on activities not just phonics, spelling, math (all of which are important, but I believe there needs to be a balance of hands on learning too).
Too much to think about right now. I just want to keep learning about the things that I create and teach my children to appreciate handmade things.
Amy
I would love to teach the history of hand crafted items. I've already read a little about civil war quilting, but no where near enough to know really anything. I recently started looking at english paper piecing and the history behind it. It's actually kind of funny how little info I am finding on the history. The one fun fact that I found is; early on, women would use old letters or newspapers as the paper pieces and use old scraps of material to make their paper pieced quilts. The other fun fact is that this allowed people to date these quilts, as women would often leave the paper pieces in the quilts for extra warmth.
I'm looking forward to reading more about quilting history, and can't wait to learn more about the history of other crafts that I enjoy. I'm going to start reading http://www.womenfolk.com and see what kind of information I can learn. Personally, I can't wait to the how the things I enjoy came about. Maybe I can, in time, become someone who teaches the history as well as someone who can teach how to make traditional projects.
I have a ton on my plate right now, with the kids, work, husband, and household stuff. I am contemplating not putting my twins in preschool and doing some homeschool stuff with them and use the money that I would spend on preschool on other types of learning activities that will hopefully teach them and allow them to have fun and learn at the same time. I am also hoping to add in some learning about hands on activities not just phonics, spelling, math (all of which are important, but I believe there needs to be a balance of hands on learning too).
Too much to think about right now. I just want to keep learning about the things that I create and teach my children to appreciate handmade things.
Amy
Friday, February 1, 2013
Trying to Find My Niche
So, I've changed the name of my handcrafting blog with the hopes of starting to sell. At this point, I haven't actually made anything that I can post on an etsy.com page. I am trying to figure out what I want my first piece to be. I've been trying to figure out my niche. I can't say that I like a certain type of handcrafting. I love sewing, knitting, paper crafts, jewelry, clay, etc. Pretty much anything I can make, I love!
If there is one thing that I would say is my niche, it would be creating small, simple items. Partly because I love to be able to finish something fairly quickly. I love the sense of completion and satisfaction I have when I complete a project I have been working on. What I don't like is a project that takes forever to complete. Some people have no problem working on a large complex project. I, on the other hand, don't have the patience or the attention span to work on projects that are large and complex.
The other niche I have been thinking about is making sure that each piece I create has something more handmade than just supplies bought at a craft store. I've been thinking that all the things that I am interested in can help play a role in this. For example, I want to learn to make my own glass beads. I can put some handmade beads into a jewelry creation along with beads that I have bought at a store. I can see my own fabric and add that to a project that uses both store bought fabric and fabric that I have dyed myself. These are just some of the things that I have been thinking about. There are many different things that I can make to add to store bought supplies. I can potentially dye yarn, make clay pendants, make handmade paper, and I'm sure many other things.
These are just some of my thoughts. We'll see how it goes. Right now, I'm off to collect things to make thank you cards for my twins birthday. While I make the cards, I plan to let the kids rubber stamp their own pictures. Maybe I'll even create my own paper with the kids.
Happy Creating,
Amy
If there is one thing that I would say is my niche, it would be creating small, simple items. Partly because I love to be able to finish something fairly quickly. I love the sense of completion and satisfaction I have when I complete a project I have been working on. What I don't like is a project that takes forever to complete. Some people have no problem working on a large complex project. I, on the other hand, don't have the patience or the attention span to work on projects that are large and complex.
The other niche I have been thinking about is making sure that each piece I create has something more handmade than just supplies bought at a craft store. I've been thinking that all the things that I am interested in can help play a role in this. For example, I want to learn to make my own glass beads. I can put some handmade beads into a jewelry creation along with beads that I have bought at a store. I can see my own fabric and add that to a project that uses both store bought fabric and fabric that I have dyed myself. These are just some of the things that I have been thinking about. There are many different things that I can make to add to store bought supplies. I can potentially dye yarn, make clay pendants, make handmade paper, and I'm sure many other things.
These are just some of my thoughts. We'll see how it goes. Right now, I'm off to collect things to make thank you cards for my twins birthday. While I make the cards, I plan to let the kids rubber stamp their own pictures. Maybe I'll even create my own paper with the kids.
Happy Creating,
Amy
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
New Blog Name
So I may have inadvertently made a mistake. I changed the name of my blog and I'm not sure that anyone that follows me will know. I don't have a ton of followers, so maybe it's not a big deal. I can start fresh, but I will feel bad that the followers that I do have may not be able to continue to follow me now that the blog name and the address has changed.
One of my high school friends posted on Facebook that a friend of hers created a mobile for my friend's daughter. Along with that she posted info about her friend's etsy shop and her website. Of course I looked and this just re-invigorated my desire for my own etsy shop, well that and the fact that one of my friends said I should have an etsy shop. I decided that I would come up with a shop name and change the name of my blog to the name of my planned etsy shop.
So, here we are! My etsy shop/"business" name is Amy Fratto Studios. Not very creative, but simple and to the point. Also it doesn't limit me to what I "specialize" in. That could be good and bad. I should probably have a specialty, and I guess I do: small, special gifts just made out of multiple different type of craft media.
Now, I just need to take the plunge and post something on etsy to sell. I have a few personal projects that I need to work on. I then need to take the plunge and start to market myself. Maybe I will get to move forward with my dreams and passions!
Amy
One of my high school friends posted on Facebook that a friend of hers created a mobile for my friend's daughter. Along with that she posted info about her friend's etsy shop and her website. Of course I looked and this just re-invigorated my desire for my own etsy shop, well that and the fact that one of my friends said I should have an etsy shop. I decided that I would come up with a shop name and change the name of my blog to the name of my planned etsy shop.
So, here we are! My etsy shop/"business" name is Amy Fratto Studios. Not very creative, but simple and to the point. Also it doesn't limit me to what I "specialize" in. That could be good and bad. I should probably have a specialty, and I guess I do: small, special gifts just made out of multiple different type of craft media.
Now, I just need to take the plunge and post something on etsy to sell. I have a few personal projects that I need to work on. I then need to take the plunge and start to market myself. Maybe I will get to move forward with my dreams and passions!
Amy
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Dreaming
Sometimes, I feel like a broken record. Sometimes, I hope that if I repeat myself enough, maybe I'll actually follow through with my dreams. Sometimes, I think if I repeat myself, my fear of failure, my fear of people making fun of me, my fear of anything negative will go away. Sometimes, I think that I should just give up and just keep going as a hobby crafter. Sometimes I feel like if I remain a hobby crafter, I will not be being true to myself.
I keep having this dream of, one day, making some money off my love of crafting. If it a pipe dream, maybe. Do I realize that I will probably need to continue being a social worker, yup! Do I realize that the likelihood that it will be a success, may be slim to none, yup. Do I realize with that statement, I am being very negative, yup! Do I realize that there may be some truth in it though, absolutely.
What I keep dreaming about, is owning a studio and gallery where people can create, learn, and exhibit their work. I would love for there to be a cafe with healthy food too. I love to create and I would love to share that passion with others. I would love to offer a place to create for people who can't afford to go to a regular studio as well as for those that can. I would love for it to be a place where anyone can feel like an artist or that they are creative! I would love for them to feel comfortable and mot judged. I would love for children to have a place to come and create. I would love to offer a place for those with mental health issues. I would love to offer a place where people can come and create and leave a legacy for those they leave behind (that's the social worker in me). I actually did a major paper in grad school on scrapbooking and social work. I would love for this to be a way to have my career and my dreams meld together.
Maybe if I keep talking about it, it will happen. I should am going to stop saying maybe and I am going to start saying, "When I have my own gallery and studio, it will be a place where both young and old and everyone in between can come and create. It will be a place where people can come and create something, that can be given to those they love, wether it be a scrapbook of photos or an object that they have created. It will be a place where I can share my love of creativity and my social work career. I will love my job and be able to make a living at it. I will use my education and my passion to create the life I love."
From this point on, I will continue to pursue my dreams. I will continue to create and I will continue to try to make some money by creating. I will continue to be positive and not focus on the negative. I will stop feeling like I'm going to feel or be laughed at. I will remain positive!
Amy
I keep having this dream of, one day, making some money off my love of crafting. If it a pipe dream, maybe. Do I realize that I will probably need to continue being a social worker, yup! Do I realize that the likelihood that it will be a success, may be slim to none, yup. Do I realize with that statement, I am being very negative, yup! Do I realize that there may be some truth in it though, absolutely.
What I keep dreaming about, is owning a studio and gallery where people can create, learn, and exhibit their work. I would love for there to be a cafe with healthy food too. I love to create and I would love to share that passion with others. I would love to offer a place to create for people who can't afford to go to a regular studio as well as for those that can. I would love for it to be a place where anyone can feel like an artist or that they are creative! I would love for them to feel comfortable and mot judged. I would love for children to have a place to come and create. I would love to offer a place for those with mental health issues. I would love to offer a place where people can come and create and leave a legacy for those they leave behind (that's the social worker in me). I actually did a major paper in grad school on scrapbooking and social work. I would love for this to be a way to have my career and my dreams meld together.
From this point on, I will continue to pursue my dreams. I will continue to create and I will continue to try to make some money by creating. I will continue to be positive and not focus on the negative. I will stop feeling like I'm going to feel or be laughed at. I will remain positive!
Amy
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Trying To Be Productive
It's amazing how little time you have when your kids get to be preschool age. When they were babies, I had the luxury of naps. Now, naps are few and far between and I never have all 3 kids occupied where I can spend time and create. Of course, as usual, there are also good points to the kids getting older. Now that they no longer nap, life is a little easier to plan or not plan and just go and do. We can do so much more with them now. We may have less free time on our hands, but I wouldn't change a thing.
That being said, I still try to find time to be creative and maybe even blog about my creative projects. It may not be as often as I want or as complex as I want. My blog posts may not be as intellectually stimulating as I would like. But, I am finding time to create and some how, some way, journal about it; and that is what is really important to me.
Since my last post, I have done a decent amount of projects. I have also treated myself to a new sewing machine. I decided that my cheap $100 Joann Fabrics Singer, was just too frustrating for me to actually use. I loved having a more portable machine than my Baby Lock Ellageo embroidery machine, but the Singer was just not a good quality machine. At first I didn't understand the negative comments, but then After just a couple of uses, I realized how right all those reviews were. I love my Ellageo, it's just not really portable. I was looking at a Janome QDC3160 and a Baby Lock Grace. I ended up at "Nashua Sewing and Vac" on Black Friday and ended up getting a Baby Lock Sofia2 for what I was quoted the Grace to be at another store. I had heard really good things about Nashua Sewing and Vac and felt really good about trying out sewing machine and buying there. There is nothing wrong with the Janome. I know a few people who love the Janome and they all have different Janome machines. One of them is not a Baby Lock fan. I decided that it must be ike buying a Nikon vs a Canon. I have always used a Canon, but I know that Nikon is just as good, just personal preference. I wish I had more time to devote to my sewing!
What I've been up to:
That being said, I still try to find time to be creative and maybe even blog about my creative projects. It may not be as often as I want or as complex as I want. My blog posts may not be as intellectually stimulating as I would like. But, I am finding time to create and some how, some way, journal about it; and that is what is really important to me.
Since my last post, I have done a decent amount of projects. I have also treated myself to a new sewing machine. I decided that my cheap $100 Joann Fabrics Singer, was just too frustrating for me to actually use. I loved having a more portable machine than my Baby Lock Ellageo embroidery machine, but the Singer was just not a good quality machine. At first I didn't understand the negative comments, but then After just a couple of uses, I realized how right all those reviews were. I love my Ellageo, it's just not really portable. I was looking at a Janome QDC3160 and a Baby Lock Grace. I ended up at "Nashua Sewing and Vac" on Black Friday and ended up getting a Baby Lock Sofia2 for what I was quoted the Grace to be at another store. I had heard really good things about Nashua Sewing and Vac and felt really good about trying out sewing machine and buying there. There is nothing wrong with the Janome. I know a few people who love the Janome and they all have different Janome machines. One of them is not a Baby Lock fan. I decided that it must be ike buying a Nikon vs a Canon. I have always used a Canon, but I know that Nikon is just as good, just personal preference. I wish I had more time to devote to my sewing!
What I've been up to:
English Paper Piecing Diamonds
Ballet Slipper Ornaments
Thanksgiving Skirt
Matching Thanksgiving Tie
My New Sofia2!
Embroidery On My Sofia2
Embroidery On My Sofia2
Embroidery On My Sofia2
Sewing On My Sofia2 With A Stitch Sampler
Cookie Plate for Santa
Cinnamon Ornaments
Now if I could just make sure that I continue to be creative both by myself and with the kids, I would be a very happyMommy! I can't wait to sew more often. We are in the process of decorating for Christmas and then cleaning up after that! Right now, Creativity is going to be limited. I am trying to make sure that I ambling creative with the kids so that they get to be creative as well as me. Some days are better than others, but often as things are with kids, they don't go as planned, but we are still making memories and that is what is most important!
Happy Holidays to All!
Amy
Monday, September 10, 2012
Hexagon Maddness
With it being National Sewing Month, I am really trying to get some sewing projects completed. My friend at http://www.goddessinprogressblog.com/quilts/ posted a hexagon project a while ago and I was intrigued. More recently she posted a picture of her hexagon quilt and it got me thinking, this would be a great take along project for the part (maybe), and a great project to use up my scraps. Of course now I want to branch out and maybe use things that aren't part of my scrap bin.I'm tempted to buy fabric, but I really want to try to use what I already have. I can't afford to buy more and I don't have the room to buy more! I'm trying really hard to be organized and right now I have my material pretty organized so I don't want to add more unless I have to!
My first hexie flower put together with a ladder stitch
Daddy and Thomas were watching the Patriots while I sewed and the other 2 kids were playing in their room
I am also working on a doll sized granny square afghan. I was able to spend some time working on it while the kids played at the park!
4 flower hexies 1 completed with a whip stitch and 3 with the ladder stitch
I have been trying to organized my craft things and have been trying to get rid of some things. I have free cycled some things, but there have been some stuff that no one seems interested in. I have some yarn that no one has wanted and I have some stamps that I haven't posted yet. I am hoping to get more stuff together so that I can get rid of rings and have a more organized place to work and know what supplies I have. It's definitely a work in progress and really difficult to get rid of things. I also just found out that I have some yarn that I totally forgot about. I think once I finish some of the projects that I am working on, I need to go up in the attic and decide if this yarn is stuff I need/want. or if I should just get rid of it.
It has been nice to have a more organized space. I am not making a ton of things, but I really have been able to create more easily, know what I have for supplies, and not have to stress about cleaning up a project in the middle of working on it. I like having a place for my dewing machine to be out all the time. I like having small projects organized so that I can work on something while watching TV. Of course all the new shows are starting up so it is really important to have things that I can work on while watching my favorite shows. That way I can be productive as well as veg out in front of the TV and enjoy some good shows! The funny thing is, I really like to be organized, but I am not one to get organized easily!
What are you making for National Sewing Month?
Amy
I think my next post will be about my Christmas list. I need to get a plan in place if I want to make things for people for Christmas. I need to have a plan in place so that I can get started. I think I'll take the kids out in the back yard and work on my list!
Monday, September 3, 2012
First Sewing Pattern of the Month
So, it's national sewing month and my goal this month is to do some sewing everyday. It's Labor Day weekend and my husband heads back to school tomorrow. I didn't do any sewing today, but I did get my hexagon project case started. I made a few templates and put them along with some material into a case. Unfortunately I didn't get much else done. I really need to get that finished so that I can have a travel case with a project to take with me if I go anywhere, where I can get some sewing done. I am using this blog post to help me: http://mythreesonsknit.blogspot.com/2010/05/hexagons-beginning.html#.
My next project, I think, is going to be something for my son's preschool class. I had bought some material at the end of the year but never did anything with it. Then, the other day, I found this on interest: http://www.craftandfabriclinks.com/TIPS/boxcover.html
My next project, I think, is going to be something for my son's preschool class. I had bought some material at the end of the year but never did anything with it. Then, the other day, I found this on interest: http://www.craftandfabriclinks.com/TIPS/boxcover.html
or http://laracameron.com/index.php?p=tutorials
I have plenty of project that I need to work on and finish. I am hoping that national sewing month will help me do what I need to do to get projects complete and actually work on things that I enjoy!
Happy Sewing!!!!
Amy
Friday, July 20, 2012
Dreams, Passions, and Goals
For the longest time, I have been trying to figure out what my dream, my passion, and my goals are regarding my career. In the past, I have wanted to go into private practice as a social worker. After getting my BSW and my MSW, I have decided, much to my husband's dismay, that I don't really want to have a traditional private practice. I am considering going back to school and getting my art therapy certificate and then when I can go into private practice, I can do art therapy.
My latest thoughts have been spurned on by reading a couple of books and finding a website about crafting for charity. Wouldn't that be an awesome way to use my social work degree as well as my love for crafting? Now I need to research exactly how to go about doing something like this! I'm sure there is a lot that goes into doing something like this and is not something that I can take lightly. I'm sure that there are a lot of things that I need to learn. I have no business background, no marketing background, and limited supervisory background.
I have certain ideas that I am thinking about based on my love of sewing, making jewelry, knitting/crocheting, making bath and beauty products, paper crafts, photography, and pretty much any craft. What I need to do, is find out more information on non profits, see if there is anything already started to get information or even see if there are any positions that I can get hired for. I need to find out what population I want to work with. I also need to figure out a business plan and maybe think about grant writing. My social work background will definitely come in handy here!
I really need to find a part time job and I will be heading back to work full time with in the next couple of years. I am hopeful that I can spend some time researching what is needed and maybe find someway of making my dreams, passions, and goals happen!
My latest crafting pleasure has been making a doll bed for my daughter's doll as well as a quilt to go with it.
My latest thoughts have been spurned on by reading a couple of books and finding a website about crafting for charity. Wouldn't that be an awesome way to use my social work degree as well as my love for crafting? Now I need to research exactly how to go about doing something like this! I'm sure there is a lot that goes into doing something like this and is not something that I can take lightly. I'm sure that there are a lot of things that I need to learn. I have no business background, no marketing background, and limited supervisory background.
I have certain ideas that I am thinking about based on my love of sewing, making jewelry, knitting/crocheting, making bath and beauty products, paper crafts, photography, and pretty much any craft. What I need to do, is find out more information on non profits, see if there is anything already started to get information or even see if there are any positions that I can get hired for. I need to find out what population I want to work with. I also need to figure out a business plan and maybe think about grant writing. My social work background will definitely come in handy here!
I really need to find a part time job and I will be heading back to work full time with in the next couple of years. I am hopeful that I can spend some time researching what is needed and maybe find someway of making my dreams, passions, and goals happen!
My latest crafting pleasure has been making a doll bed for my daughter's doll as well as a quilt to go with it.
doll bed made out of a recycled clementine box with hand sewn mattress and pillow
doll bed with quilt (I still have to bind the quilt)
crocheted rag rug for under the bed!
Amy
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Sewing and Soaping
Yesterday, I was more creative than I've been in a long time and the best part was that it didn't take a ton of time. This week, all 5 of us have been fighting off the dreaded stomach bug in one form or another. Yesterday, I decided that I needed to make chicken soup. Of course, the kids didn't eat it but my husband and I had it for lunch and dinner. Since it was last minute, I decided to buy packaged broth and use a chicken that we had cooked earlier in the week as well as some escarole from my husband's uncle's garden and frozen veggies. I also bought a chicken so that I could make my own broth and chicken soup for later.
Later in the afternoon, I brought my sewing machine up from the cellar and made a quick strip rag quilt made out of flannel that I had bought when the twins were infants. It worked up really quick, and even though I still need to bind them, the twins used them last night. I like my daughter's blanket way better than I like my son's, but that could just be the colors.
Later in the afternoon, I brought my sewing machine up from the cellar and made a quick strip rag quilt made out of flannel that I had bought when the twins were infants. It worked up really quick, and even though I still need to bind them, the twins used them last night. I like my daughter's blanket way better than I like my son's, but that could just be the colors.
All sewn and snipped, waiting to be washed
All washed, waiting to go in the dryer
Finished in the dryer waiting to have the binding put on
Later, last night, I decided to do something that I have been wanting to do for some time now. I made soap in the crockpot. I was a little nervous since I was told how dangerous lye could be, and even though it is very dangerous and caustic, it wasn't any where near as scary as I thought. I most likely used the wrong oil mixture for a good hard bar of soap, but for my first try, it wasn't bad. I am going to try again tonight with a better mix of oils. I will use a different soap calculator than I used for my batch last night. The one, http://www.thesage.com/calcs/lyecalc2.php, I used last night was good for telling me how much water and lye to use given the amount of oils I was using, but it didn't tell me that I didn't use a good balance of oils. I am hoping that after some time curing, it will harden enough to be an ok bar of soap. I removed it from the mold and cut it so there is more surface area expose to air. I can't wait to make more soap. I think I have become addicted after just one batch and that batch didn't even come out right! I think, at least for me, the lye calculator to use is: http://www.SoapCalc.net/calc/SoapCalcWP.asp. I like all the information that it gives. I know there is some controversy to which calculator to use, but I like http://www.SoapCalc.net.
In the crockpot cooking
colored and put into mold
un-molded and cut
I'm pretty happy with how creative I was yesterday. If I could be creative, just a fraction of what I was yesterday, I would be thrilled!
Amy
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