I got Braggin’ Rights

About one month ago, I told you about the handmade swap that I signed up for. Well, I received my package this week from Braggin’ Rights Bath…..and, well, it’s kind of difficult to really translate the awesomeness of what was in my package. But I’ll try.

Tracy’s Etsy profile says the she aims to provide “incredibly indulgent bath/spa products- and customer service to “Wow!” you.” And that’s just what I said when I opened the package. Really. She also says, “everything is skin nourishing- & knowing that I’ve held nothing back, skimping nowhere, I take pride in knowing I’m delivering you an exceptional product! Whether you are purchasing a novelty-type product, or something off the spa line, know that the same care has been taken into each product.”

I immediately tried the ones I could – the spray on leg mist – Lovely!! But I think I’m hooked on the Solid Lotion. It’s portable size and container are just perfect for my bag. It is just wonderful on the skin, I feels slightly greasy at first but it just moisturizes and doesn’t stay greasy at all. And the scent is just perfect. I’m really sensitive to smells, I very rarely wear perfume, however, the essential oils used in these products create just the right scent notes. I could just sniff it all day.

I hope the person that got my package was as happy with it as I was this what I received.  And with the being my first swap and the ‘first, semi-annual’ from Cut.Your.Heart.Out, I’m pretty excited to do it again.

Remember, you have until next Tuesday to enter the Brackets for HOPE giveaway…and I hope you all get to party, even if just a little, with the rest of the global crafting community.

The Revolution is being handmade.

Ms. V’s Vintage

Hi folks, it’s 95 degrees today in my neck of the woods…and humid. But got to get outdoors and take those photos because Sunday is the official launch of Ms. V’s Vintage.

So, I don’t just make stuff, I collect it too. And well, I think it is only fair that I share with you all…AND I must come to terms with the fact that all these things canNOT fit into my living space. There are only a handful of items listed so far, but I have vintage jewelry, housewares and my favorite – vintage books (for adults and kids). I just love books and boy do I collect them. But I’m going to try to keep Ms. V’s Vintage a well rounded place to shop. And if an item is purchased as a gift, you can just stop by the original Ms. Veronica’s and get a greeting card to accompany it (yes, that was a shameless plug).

So hop over and check it out. And be sure to check back on Sunday because there is FREE SHIPPING on the first five (5) purchases.

And while the revolution is being handmade, lets remember the ‘good’ ole stuff.

It’s Friday again, and to all who were curious…

Over the past week, I’ve continued my experimentation with my new ‘secret’ media to outcomes I was not completely content with. So I did some more digging around on the internet and off I went to the store to try an alternative. While there, I found something else and so I was home bound and excited that I had two new things to try out. Well, needless to say my excitement was somewhat squashed but not before a couple exciting experiments. (Disclaimer: I am NOT a 3D artist).

So last Friday’s photo was of homemade paper mache, but with pulped paper instead of strips. I soaked the paper for a couple days then pulped in my blender. I squeezed out some of the water and added adhesives (Sobo and Wood glue), a tablespoon of flour and some gouache for color; set it in the plate and waited for my ‘masterpiece’ to dry. Well, I kept saying to myself, “this is too wet” and I think it was REALLY too wet. The last photos will show (not great though) how soggy it was inside, even though the edges were dry (but not hard).

So this is the outcome of what I shared last Friday; by Monday, it stunk badly and I put it straightway into the circular file aka trash can.

On the second go around with my homemade paper pulp, I pulped the paper even more then I squeezed the paper as dry as I could before mixing the adhesives, minus the flour (no more stinky-ness for me). This I then set in a bowl. Three days later it was almost dry and pretty hard set but browning at the edges. It is also somewhat broken due to my impatience 😉

The next thing I tried was Celluclay Instant Paper Mache -made from 100% recycled paper and non-toxic.

It mixed well with just water, into a papery dough. It also rolled well between two pieces of plastic wrap and took color as well as paper could – expect for the stamp I attempted to put on it with screen printing ink. Also, compared to the next product I used, there were no fumes. Below are two projects I made with the Celluclay. It dried in about 2 days and was VERY hard and very light weight. I think my technique of working with it needs a little practice, so we are not going to file this one too far away. (PS – the yellow peice was done one day behind the blue and so not completely dried in this photo.)

Lastely is the Das clay I found when I went to get the Celluclay. The Das is manufactured in Italy and required no mixing. The Das seemed to have paper in it also, but it took color well, was easy to manipulate and dried in less than 2 days; but it was fumey, and smelled even after drying. Not terribly fumey, smelled like an antiseptic, but that’s a no-no for me as I am very sensitive to chemicals, even non-toxic fumes. And, I couldn’t find a list of ingredients for Das anywhere even thought it says it’s AP certified non-toxic. Shown below is the underside of the container I made – I think it took the impression I put into it (with very little pressure) well enough.

All in all, I think I will stick with my current mediums of paper and fabric and continue experimenting with these new 3d mediums. So what do you think of my little experiments? Any pointers from the experts out there?

Roanne.

~The revolution is being handmade~

#Win a Bracelet and give HOPE @MsVeronicasEtsy ends 6/14

Stephanie, from Designed by Stephanie would like one of you lovely readers to win one of her HOPE bracelets. The bracelet was designed to support The South Carolina Ovarian Cancer Foundation’s 2011 Handbags for Hope Fundraising Event with 100% of its proceeds. The Teal & Brown colors of this bracelet are a representation of the this organization, the 5 pearls signify that this is their 5th annual event in 2011, and the ribbon charm is for ovarian cancer. Follow to the end of the post for how one of these elegant bracelets can be all yours.

Now, I’ll let Stephanie introduce herself.

She shares, “I have an obsession with all things sparkly or colorful which started when I was really young. You could always tell where my seat was at daycare because the floor underneath me was covered with glitter and sequins 🙂 Luckily, the people around me were very understanding of my “creative messes” and always encouraged me to pursue my love of art! I have studied drawing, interior design, and architecture and have worked in my dad’s custom woodworking shop since I was old enough to reach the machines while standing on a milk carton 🙂 I spent 3 years working at a firm as an interior designer and in 2007 moved on in order to open a furniture design business which has allowed me to combine my love for design and woodworking.”

What are your favorite materials or colors to use?

I love ALL colors, the brighter the better!! For some reason lately though I have been obsessed with pink but a few months ago it was green, so who knows what color it will be next! I don’t think I could ever pick just one favorite color J If I had to choose my favorite materials to use they would be wood and paper for sure…not together of course, haha!! Oh and I LOVE to use rhinestones, crystals, and glitter whenever possible!!

What separates your shop from the masses?

What separates my shop…hmmm. Well I like to think that I put a little piece of myself in everything I make and the things in my shop are a direct representation of me. I don’t put anything in my shop that I don’t have fun making or that I wouldn’t actually buy myself! I love interacting with my customers and getting to know them and I think I get just a excited to make their items as they are to receive them!! So far I’ve met some amazing people.

What’s the hardest part of running your own business?

TIME!! I started two businesses at right about the same time. Lakeview Home Furnishings is my “day” job, designing and building custom furniture and Designed by Stephanie consumes my nights, weekends, and sometimes flows into my days too. My day planner is seriously my best friend!! (I can empathize with that!)

Tell us a bit about Handbags for Hope and why you chose to support this organization.

Handbags for Hope is a fundraising event put on by the South Carolina Ovarian Cancer Foundation. They auction off over 100 purses!! Some made by artists and some that are signed by celebrities [Nicholas Sparks, Lady Antebellum, Sugarland, the Cast of La Cage Aux Folles (including Kelsey Grammer), and the Cast of Monte’ Carlo (including Andie MacDowell and Selena Gomez…to name a few].  I was introduced to SCOCF and Handbags for Hope by my amazing aunt who had been a part of SCOCF for years. The women of this organization are so wonderful and caring and give so much of themselves to benefit this amazing cause!! Their mission is one of awareness, patient and survivor support and supporting research!! Andie MacDowell is an honorary chairwomen of the Handbags for Hope event and when speaking about last year’s event she said, “It is estimated that seventy-five percent of the 22,000 women that will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2010 will die because they were diagnosed too late.” As soon as I heard that I knew I had to be involved in anyway that I could!! I am so excited and proud to be doing my part to spread the word about this amazing cause!!

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

That would have to be a tie between Italy and Spain! I love art and architecture and I think it would be amazing to be able to experience all the beauty and history of their buildings, churches, and landmarks!!

You can find Stephanie at her shop or on Facebook. Stop by and check out her awesome flowers, other jewelry and even her original drawings.

Now, on to how you WIN one of those HOPE bracelets:

Email subscribers get one automatic entry to EVERY giveaway, no comment required. Subscribe at the the top of the right column.

Please leave a separate comment for EACH additional entry—no comment, no entry.
> Subscribe to this blog’s feed via your choice of reader or bloglovin’. (1 entry for each)
> Like Designed by Stephanie and Ms. Veronica’s on Facebook. Be sure to include your Facebook user name in your entry. (1 entry for each)
> Follow Ms. Veronica’s on Twitter. Be sure to include your Twitter user name in your entry (1 entry for each)
> Tweet about this giveaway using the bottom at the end of this post. (1 entry)
> Share on Facebook using the button at the end of this post. (1 entry)
> Link from your blog. Post the link in your comment. (2 entries)

This giveaway ends on June 14th, 2011 EST. OPEN TO EVERYONE.

Winner will be chosen via random.org and contacted by email. Please respond within 48 hours or your prize will be forfeited and another winner chosen. Good luck!

A little Red, White and Blue to remember

This post is in honor of all our Heroes that have given so we can live how we do today. Thank you from the bottom of my handmade heart and I urge everyone to never forget the sacrifies they’ve made.

Origami Stars by Deliverance05

Nautical Thank You by SKCouch

 

Red White and Blue Seaglass

 

Flag runner by missjenniferlowe

Turkish Coffee Pots from Tripleandsnack

 

Mod 60s Shirt from Hotvintage

Happy Memorial Day! and remember,…the revolution is being handmade.

Roanne.

Happy Friday. Guess What?

I’m not sure who fooled me into believing that after me semester ended I would have time – HA! But I do have some news to share.

First is my most recent feature and giveaway – yup, you can win your choice between a couple of my items if you enter by June 10th. Also check out the interview and the other giveaways going on at Tutus and Tea Parties – one ends tomorrow.

Next, is my first ‘gallery’ opening. **Does a baby clap**  One of my prints will be part of the group show, “Made In Jersey City” at the Cosi on Washington Blvd in Jersey City (across from PATH’s Pavonia/Newport Station). The exhibit features the art and craft work of several members of the Jersey City Etsy team. The opening will be part of a quarterly event called Jersey City Fridays – 6 – 8pm on Friday, June 3rd, 2011.

The print is an artist proof for a suite of prints that I am ever so slowly working on titled “City Prints”. As you may know, I love the graphic nature of the Adinkra symbols and use them on some of my books. Adinkra symbols may capture a proverb or saying, thought, emotion, event or being in one silhouetted symbol. These prints evolve from that idea, capturing a city in a few symbols/icons and then using those icons to create an interesting image. The image is then printed on a full size (22″ x 30″) of Rives BFK. This print, called ‘Charleston,’ is first in the set; and feel free to critique it.

Lastly, I’m off to camp for the weekend. But, I’m going to leave you with something to tease your imagination. I started experimenting with a new medium this week. Care to take a guess?

The Revolution is being Handmade

I’m so excited to share something new with you all. I introduced  you to the work of Claudia Lilliana a while back when I received her awesome hand painted piece in the mail. I’ve gotten to know Claudia over the past few months and I’m so thrilled to be working/collaborating with her. Together we would like to introduce the Rasa Malai Line.

A bit about the Artisan of Whimsy:

You can find her around the internet by the name Rasamalai – the name of an Indian sweet and one of her favorites. She is a single parent and lives in Mexico with her two daughters. She loves 17th century Mexican music, singing in her choir, composing songs on her guitar, learning new languages and creating. She says, “I’m always inspired by the local wealth of colors, rich traditions and folklore around me. I’m addicted to beauty and I crave crafting. I’m helpless when it comes to that, I just have to use my hands and make something. ” Claudia also “loves cats and small animals, unless they’re threatening to invade our home in an unfriendly fashion!” (Sounds to me like there’s an interesting story there).

The opening photo is of our first printed projects, hot of the press, literally. The illustrations were from an original flower set (pictured above). You can find these and other beautiful creations Claudia’s shop and follow her creative process at her blog.

Claudia starts the process by creating these absolutely beautiful illustrations with a pen, pencil or x-acto knife. I then abstract Claudia’s line drawings, adjust them using photoshop and illustrator to create heavy enough lines that will in-turn make a good stencil for screen printing. The screen stencil is made and the image is then printed on 100% unbleached cotton flour sack towels.

The image below is one of my favorites. I would really like to print this one, but I’m hesitant because the screen print will never capture the beautiful embossed detail in this card. It’s such a treat to my eyes.

       

I must say, I really enjoy printing this towels because I simply enjoy looking at Claudia’s work. I hope you like it too. Please share what think below or hop over to Claudia’s blog and give her a thumbs up.

And, I would like to thank ButtonEmpire for giving me what I’ve been looking for – a new closing to my blog posts. I think it’s perfect.

So remember…

The Revolution is being Handmade. ~ Roanne.

Where to find it

Thought I’d share a snipet from my ever growing list of my crafting resources with my fellow Artisans out there. And for those that dabble, I’m sure you can find something interesting also.

Unanimous Craft is a directory of resources for crafters, artists and indie business owners. I submit my favorite resources and welcome the community to do the same. It’s kind of like Yelp for the crafty community.* I only recently started using this so, as my list grows, I’ll keep sharing my cool finds.

A rich resource of craft ideas, tutorials, and crafting inspiration, tools and products for creative people. They even have a kids craft section.

The Storque is ‘the’ blog of Etsy. With posts about literally everything that’s happening in the world of Etsy – events, seller features, how-tos, curated lists and studio features; it’s one not to miss.

Handmadeology exists for the purpose of teaching artists how to successfully sell their handmade goods online, and to feature the newest handmade, vintage and supply items found on Etsy.*

Lastly, here a really cool tutorial courtesy of Scrap n Gal. As a Graphic Designer who specializes in print design, I’m always thinking in terms of a die cut out of whole sheet of paper; but this is a perfect solution to one of my favorite envelope forms. I think you’ll agree it’s pretty cool – and easy.

All Crafters/Artisans: remember to sign up for the Craft Swap at Cut.Your.Heart.Out. Tomorrow (5/20) is the deadline. The more the merrier.

* Information taken from the respective website

I hope you found something in my short list that you didn’t have before. As I am always looking for cool references, what are your favorite crafty/artsy/business websites?

Cut.Your.Heart.Out, Save and More

I’ve signed up for the the first semi-annual Cut.Your.Heart.Out Handmade Switch & Swap! I love receiving handmade pieces – whether purchased, won or exchanged. Check out a cool handmade item I received from Artisan of Whimsy here.

If you craft or create handmade items, it’s easy peasy to participate. Check out the instructions and sign up here.  Registration closes May 20, 2011.

If you’re like me, you also like saving. Little Miss Cards is having a Coupon Extravaganza. She’ll be posting through the end of the month for each new follower of her blog. So stop by, get a coupon code and most important, refer a friend so you can get MORE coupon codes.

Speaking of saving, check out my new calendar to find out where my ‘wares’ will be next. If you’re nearby – stop by and see what the mood is that day – a giveaway, a discount and even what’s up for clearance.

And school’s out! Yippie! Now that my semester is over, I can get back to having fun—you know, working on my studio as well a developing images for my Flour Sack Towels, cards and books, and more Artisan features and giveaways.

A Mini Blog? No. A MiniBlog.

While Etsy offers lots of ways to shop their site,  I recently found All Things Handmade: the MiniBlog. ‘The MiniBlog organizes and compiles thousands of items currently offered for sale from the hundreds of shops on Etsy—each run by the artisans themselves.’

You see, each shop on Etsy has the ability to create a mini gallery of  items in their shop or their favorites. There is code generated and this can in-turn be place on a blog or website. But this only shows what’s in that one shop. The MiniBlog takes that concept, multiplies it and exposes it to new light, creating ‘unique galleries of handiwork (that) are not only stunning and easy to navigate, they are also live and constantly changing. It’s a simple concept, a beautiful one too.’

My Etsy Mini

‘In addition to being an exciting way to shop, the MiniBlog also allows the viewer to explore trends in the art world. This project is something that has never been done before: it is…worldwide and open for free to every handmade artisan on Etsy.com. (You can) use the MiniBlog to find new artists to buy from, write about, admire and be inspired by.’

From Accessories to Woodworking, hop over and check out your favorite category on the MiniBlog.