CRAFTS :: Catching up, again... Hear what I found...

What to say about my crafting... 

Mostly, I watch videos and explore other creators on YouTube for now.

I have my tools and supplies getting ready, but not able to use them yet.  I keep working on the process.

I just realized it has been since DECEMBER 2020 that I posted here.  I remember posting at my Facebook Crafts page, sorry that I didn't get to posting here.  I found out because I wanted to know if I already share a great resin artist already.  I found her on YouTube one day and was so surprised.

I found the video link to share here...  https://youtu.be/WYPIz8MhxxM

When I checked for her other links it was a mess, but this FOUR minute video is the main thing.  You will be amazed.  I think "art on the wall" is the best appplication of her talent, but some of the jewelry she created is also very surprising.  I am hoping she is successful somewhere.

I am busy trying to build my silk-screening supplies... making my own screens (learning how to make them), and trying to figure out designs I can do on my own.  I found a nice video channel for some of the learning steps called  "Easy" - but also like another guy called Reyes (something).  EASY is a channel with mostly text, from somewhere else.  I am trying to make the "pads" he shows as aids for printing.  They might work for my small art projects, too.

I guess I shouldn't share too much here.  I am trying to make PATREON my main effort.  I need 20 PATRONS for my page -- ART Patrons.  I am looking for $15 supporters.  All help is appreciated... more money means the ability to buy all the tools and supplies I need, plus find a decent workspace.  Please consider becoming one of my supporters.  You can find the benefit description on my page  ::  https://patreon.com/DebsRetirementPlan 

I will be trying to post on my blogs at least once a month... general updates.  It's a long learning curve, but I am getting further down the path every day.  

Join me.

In Christ,

Deb Martin

CRAFTS :: Trying to get some designs online with what I have to work with...

Finding the fastest way to sell online is quite a challenge for my life.  I have been trying to list products that are available to me with drop-shipping through PRINTFUL (.com) - this link is connected to my first affiliate link, another effort to increase my income.  

My newest efforts are POSTCARDS, but tonight I added an 18x18 inch framed poster to my ETSY shop as my November discount item.  I want to add more color and other elements to my designs, but don't have that option yet.  I definitely am learning the limits of text-only designs and the Printful design tools.

This is one design I made tonight.  This is a postcard format. I think it can be small art  (4x6)  messages.  I'm trying to get messages that work on mugs, too.

I tried some of the color options for this one.  I don't like the text now that I have it saved.

I was trying to make this POSTCARD design into a listing and noticed the citation text at the bottom got messed up somewhere from design to save.  It has to be done over.

What I ended up for now is this logo design element for Working Together that is also a major statement on our relationship as Christians.  I made it when I first started WT back in 1987.  It represents the theme of what WT is trying to do... get us together as ONE Body of Christ.

This is a POSTCARD format.  I focused on the major words only in the square POSTER I listed.

I may get this onto a t-shirt as a wearable statement for all to see and think about.

I guess I get upset when I see the wonderful colorful art in Christian shops on ETSY.  I wonder what software they have.  I am not able to print in color right now... not sure why my printer suddenly stopped printing color even though all the setting are set right and it has a new ink cartridge.  One of my goals is to get a better computer system, including a better printer. 

It has occurred to me since starting this learning journey that digital art is not as good as selling physical art products.  I want to have some digital listings at my shop, but more individual physical items.

When I can find the best format for my creative expressions, I will not feel so futile in my efforts.  Finding my "zone" is the quest.

Well, this is my first post of November.  My effort to post more often is beginning to take shape.  I want to share my efforts more... and to learn in the process.  I'm moving into video as an online tool.  Once I learn the smartphone, that will be easier.  :-)    So MUCH to learn.

If you have any suggestions for my selling (income) quests, let me know them.

In Christ,

Deborah Martin

work2gather.us

and more...

This statement helps me to keep going...

CRAFTS :: Searching for my creative spark...

I was posting a previous blog post (POLITICS) and quickly added a small note about my problems trying to make art at my Art, Crafts, and Recycling page at Facebook.  Now I am here, listening to my playlist at YouTube and thinking I will share another blog post about my creative challenges.

It amazes me how hard it is to find space to do my projects, how easily I can be distracted by the computer, the Internet, and all my online activities... except the ones I really need to do.  I know others fight these battles, but they are new to me.

What can I do to overcome these assaults on my dreams?  

I'm not sure.  

Making ART is new to me.  I haven't done a lot of serious practice with it... just spurts here and there.  I was an "Art Major" in high school... it mattered to me in my young years.  It just wasn't a "job" I thought would make money I could live on.

Now, looking back, I see some things that could have changed a lot of my hard times and made them a different result in my past... and where I would be today.

No one really knows how their life might have turned out if they chose a different path at certain places in their lives... we always imagine the best possible result, but there is no way to know for sure.

So we try to "warn" the kids who still have their future ahead of them.

I have some art memories I kept from one time I sat down in my van (as a homeless person with no gas parked in the desert) and started to see what I could create with the paints I had.  I look at them when I can.  They remind me I have potential.

Now, when I want to actually SELL something through my online spots, I sit down and look at a blank page.  Then I put it all away and try to find something less threatening to do... like the dishes or the laundry.  

I did go on a faith travel sometime before the desert event.  I tried to stop at churches and sell small pieces of art I had made - to pay for my gas and food needs.  I don't think I even remember what I painted anymore.  

Prior to these recent art efforts, I didn't do much with my creative talents.

I am getting to the point of just letting the paint fall on the pages I have and posting them with the phone listing option I currently can access.  Once I get going I KNOW I will begin to make and post more.  Getting that process going is my challenge.  Right now.

I suppose I am venting, looking for some kind of internal relief.

I know what I need to do.

I have to force myself to actually get it done.

If I find my way through this, I will try to share it with you.

Pray for me.  I need to overcome my small, small, small budget.  :-)

In Christ,

Deborah Martin

work2gather.us

and more...

CRAFTS :: Getting busier and feeling the pinch of poverty

 I'm working on my goal to post more often, so this month I am trying to make at least one post almost every day.  Every day is too much of a commitment, so almost every day gives me some flexibility and takes away that "failure" issue.  :-)  

Today I want to share some of the things that I have been working on in my ART and CRAFTS efforts.  I noticed it has been awhile since I was here.  I have been doing a lot of supply gathering, thinking about what I can sell, what I can make and ship easily, and lots of details that go with my online selling quests.

I recently purchased a UV Light and some UV Resin to try out.  That is next on the list of things to do.  I understand that UV Resin dries (cures) very quickly under that UV Light, but stays liquid until you place in the UV Light.  I also understand that the layer of resin you use in your projects have to be very thin.  These are some important differences between 2-part epoxy resin and UV Resin...and the kind of project you are doing will let you know which kind to use.

I am in the learning and experimenting phase with resins.  I don't know what my final choices will be for selling products made with resin.  I have tons of ideas to try... and I have to find the space to make things out of resin.

Last month, I think it was, I tried painting on a stretched canvas.  I was surprised at how different it is.  I used acrylic paints that I had available and started a flower design.  I still have lots to do on it.  I am thinking I can gesso my canvas to use it again... as I practice.  I don't know if that will work for long, but we'll see.  :-)

I need to set everything aside and focus on one thing at a time... somehow, housework and paperwork get all my attention.  And the internet. 

One exciting thing that I started last month was getting my designs into products that are manufactured by others... like Vistaprint, and Moo, and other places like them.  Below are two products I can share graphics about.

This is an updated version of my CHOICES design, but I had it made into refrigerator magnets.  I like them.  I'm working on getting this design produced.  (This version has my author and contact line.

This design turned out much darker than this photo... so it isn't good for selling.  I had it created on "paper coasters" to see what it would look like.  I like the idea of creating designs on these coasters.  I'm working on what to do next, trying to find out what designs would be better.

I also created ONE window cling to see how that might work.  I used this design for it ::

I LIKE IT!  I will eventually create more designs for this format.  I put window clings on my fridge and other smooth surfaces.  I think I first had them on my metal filing cabinet.

My biggest hesitation is trying to find the best design options... And it may have to be ADOBE's suite of products.  They require about $60 a month to subscribe.  I also need a better computer system, and printer, and other equipment.

This is one reason I started my PATREON page... to see if I could find funding options beyond my approximately $400 retirement income.  (https://patreon.com/DebsRetirementPlan)   If you can afford $5 a month, I would love to find your name on my membership list.  The $5 tier is my General Support tier, and the benefit is keeping up with all my tiers via updates.  This tier will let you explore my other tiers and help you decide if you want to support a different tier in the future.

I am working on making POSTCARD designs at Printful, too.  My first one is below.  Getting better designing options is part of this product quest, too.  I guess we need to remember this is a (the rest of my) lifetime quest, so it's an ongoing process.  Money is the key... getting more of it to invest in my supplies and equipment and working spaces.  :-)

This postcard design is the discount item at my ETSY shop this month... https://etsy.com/shop/work2gather

CHRISTMAS  is  NEAR !!

That's about all I am working on these days... beyond life needs.

How is your Christmas crafting going?

What kinds of things are you working on?

PLUS, share any tips you have for selling at Christmas and building your retail options every year.  :-)  Thanks for any ideas you can share.

In Christ,

Deborah Martin

work2gather.us

and more...

Thursday, 25 FEB 2016 :: Reposted from Facebook Etsy page

Thursday, 25 FEB 2016

It has been one of those early days... up (finally) about 3 or 3:30 am to use my time better, and ending up on the computer because it seems like a quiet activity. 
 

I eventually looked at ETSY teams to find an "art" team to follow more closely and discovered I am already part of some Christian teams with artists !! Duh! Now I have to decide which one to follow as a digest in my emails...

I did find a new craft site online, through linking from here to there. I think it is based in Europe because I kept getting shops in that area while I was there (just a short time). It's called "folksy.com" and is similar and different than Etsy. It was kind of nice to compare the two websites. It was also nice to think about expanding (eventually) to another crafting site.
 

I had some problems with the "art" category, though. In this category you end up being violated by nudes and other topics you don't want to see. I have been trying to figure out how to get away from this, but haven't found a way... other than starting your own site that has that limited out. Maybe someday....
 

I was inspired by the ACEO's I found... and discovered a new art category called small art... I will have to find that acronym again. It was for art that is limited to 4 x 6 inches. :-) I like that. I plan to make art that fits a standard mat and frame, and that is one of those standard sizes. I joined the Facebook group for that so I should be able to find it again. :-)
 

I also discovered an embroidered felt ACEO on Folksy. It was nice. I think display has to be the key to selling these creations... so maybe each item needs to be framed and ready to hang on the wall... which would cost more, but be a better product. I guess online selling is like a gallery... the art has to be ready to display, a finished product. The buyer doesn't want to go through all that trouble, they just want to buy the art and hang it in their home or office. Now to figure out pricing..........
 

Well, this turned into a blog entry, so I will re-post it on my crafts-explored.blogspot.com site. That works for me !! :- )

 

Thursday, 21 JAN 2016 :: I can't believe it has been so long! Updates today.

Where does the time go!  The holidays took over, New Year goals took over, everything seemed to take over!  :-)  Regular life, huh!  Here is an overview of what I have been doing and what I am planning for 2016...


I have been reorganizing my very small workspace, buying shelves and supplies to get it all worked out.  Soon I will be taking photos to update my Etsy ABOUT page.  I may share them here, or provide you with an easy link to the page. 

I am creating more FACEBOOK Pages for different topics, and have been expanding my TWITTER Lists. I have decided to try moving my "following" sites to Lists on Twitter and see how that works.  Getting the information I want to see first has been my challenge since beginning with social medial.  I am hoping it will help.  I am also sorting through all my sources and reducing them to the most important, planning to go directly to websites of those I don't have links to when I need to.  That also means I am creating contact lists somewhere.  :-)  With millions and millions of websites on the internet, and more being created every day, I am trying to find the ones that are most important to my efforts and activities... and deciding how to be connected to them.  That is part of my goals for 2016.

My ART efforts are ready to begin "hatching" into Etsy listings and other planned products.  Some will be expanded into wholesale items.  I am learning more about wholesale processes through Etsy's email classes and reading blogs about it in other online spaces.


In the middle of this creative change, my blogging efforts are also becoming organized. I am working on topic lists, and planning how to gather details and write about them. I think this year will be better than last year.  I am reading a lot of materials on marketing creative products, too.  Those will also appear as crafts related topics in my blog.  Please remember that I am writing on several blogs to cover different topics I am interested in and want to share information about.  I am not sure how much these efforts will overlap... or be exclusive to individual accounts. 

I shared a "mini-blog" on my Art, Crafts, and Recycling page at Facebook yesterday -- some new information I had learned that day about Twitter posting and retweeting.  You can find the link to my mini-blog on this page, and information about the source of the Twitter tips on the Facebook page.

I will end with that.  I hope to visit with you soon.  I have updated the comment options for this blog.  Leave a few words and let me know what you would like to see on this blog.  Thanks.

Friday, 25 SEP 2015 :: My FIRST Quilting Expo

Yesterday I went to my first quilting expo. 

It is held locally every year, that I know of.  This year is was a three day span - Thursday through Saturday - at the Portland Expo Center.  I added links at the bottom of this post so you can explore the event.

I was only able to afford a one day ticket, which was $10 (the 3-day ticket was $27).  It was hard to decide whether to go on the opening day or the weekend day, but I finally decided to go on the opening day, which was yesterday.  They are generally open 9am to 5pm on all three days.

I didn't really know what to expect.  I knew there was going to be a display of quilts, vendors, and classes somewhere.  I hadn't even been to the Expo location before.  I had only seen it once before, many years ago, when I explored the MAX transit line that it is at the end of.

The best part for me was discovering some of the amazing quilt design, the ones that really stood out from the crowd.  It helped me to see that any designs I might want to create would be OK, that quilting isn't just about geometric shapes anymore, and that the computer really has changed our ability to create art on fabric. I'm not sure what directions I want to go in with fabrics, but I thought it was a really great experience to see some of the talent that is out there.

I also looked at the vendor spaces as I walked through each aisle.  I was trying to find out what quilters use and see if any of their tools would be good for other things I am working on. I found a small bundle of Insul-Bright to try, some small portions of beads to add to my supplies, and an iron-on sparkly thing with two red hearts...  I'm not sure what I want to do with that last one.

My most difficult financial mistake was not taking lunch with me.  I was really hungry and tired and didn't want to leave early, so I wound up spending $8 for a large baked potato with chili, cheese, bacon, sour cream, and then butter at the end when there was only potato left!  :-)  It was great to eat, but a lot to eat, too....and I didn't want to waste any of my food or money by throwing half of it away, so I managed to eat the entire portion. It was an expensive lesson for me, but that is how we figure these things out.

I discovered some prices on different types of sewing machines that would be nice to own.  The computerized models I was shown went from $5K to $15K, depending on what you wanted on them.  In order to make my own designs, the high-end model was ideal.  I think applique will have to do for awhile!

I recently discovered that my iron didn't work so a new one was on my list.  I discovered the fancy ones they have on TV craft shows are in the $200 range.  (Later on that day I purchase the least expensive one at a department store for $7.99...with a one year warrantee.  --  Maybe I can save up $200 for the high-end model before my new one wears out... or next year's show.  :-)

If I stay in the Portland area, I will try to enter a quilt for the exhibition.  Maybe ten years ago, or less, I began discovering the County Fair competitions and planned to continue submitting entries there, but this county doesn't seem to have a County Fair, so I was looking for alternatives.  This quilting exhibition will be perfect.  I am finding there are a lot of different quilting events, so I will have to find out the best ones to enter.

There were small and large quilts at the event.  I like small, so that will be fine for me.

I keep saying :  If I live long enough, I will be able to....   This is the same issue for me... as long as I am able to, I will keep on going in these directions  ( crafts, Etsy, other online and local sales options, and more...).   We'll have to see what GOD has planned for me.   :-)

Enjoy your weekend.  I hope to write more often in the future.  I'm just beginning to get my crafts going.  The photos are my biggest problem, but that will work out in time.

======================================

The event planners / hosts ::
NW Quilting Expo  --  http://www.nwquiltingexpo.com/

A great place to see photos of this year's quilts, etc. ::
NW Quilting Expo Facebook page (for photos)  --  https://www.facebook.com/nwquiltingexpo


The event location ::
Portland Expo Center  --  http://www.expocenter.org/

13 APR 2015 :: Just a quick note

I have been busy using up some recycled GESSO (finally) before it completely dries in the bottle!  :-)  I discovered that playing cards I found at the thrift store are the right size for ACEO art, so I am putting on layers of Gesso to create a painting surface.  I didn't get all the cards covered, so tomorrow I will check on them and try to finish.

With Mother's Day (the 10th of MAY) approaching, I am determined to get a gift in the mail this time.   Maybe and ACEO, maybe something else that I create.  I don't think she really likes hand crafted things, so I don't send them unless I have to.  I hope to live long enough to send here a bouquet of flowers... it's on my "bucket list."  :-)

Other than that, I am creating a list and a plan... and praying that GOD protects me until I get it done... I guess I'm asking to live forever!  :-)

I will keep you informed on my Gesso efforts. I haven't really created anything with a Gesso foundation, but I do vaguely remember trying to see how it worked.  Playing cards have 52 opportunities to see how it work... I'll put the best ones up at my shop.

6 FEB 2015 :: Extraordinary Embroidery

I have discovered a large number of really great crafts and talented creators since I have become a seller at Etsy.  In my personal browsing through forums and networking games, I noticed the photo below.  I don't remember seeing anything this beautiful in embroidery.

The crafter is Lorna Bateman and she lives in the United Kingdom.  The item shown in the photo has been sold, but there are other examples of her work at  this link .  She offers kits to learn how to do this kind of art.  I am not familiar with "stumpwork," which may be the European name for it, but it is beautiful.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/58496752/branching-out-full-kit-for-stumpwork

 

 This is a kit for an English Needlecase in Lorna's shop. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I discovered the next photos on Facebook posts.  Most of the creators seems to be in the area of Russia and Ukraine.  I wasn't able to tell if these are created from kits or made totally by the artists, but talent is still required to make these beautiful finished artworks.  I doubt I would be able to make anything near the quality of these works.  I hope you like these designs as much as I did.  You can follow the links to find more samples of this craft.

  

https://www.facebook.com/julya.vorontsova.1        

 This is her cover photo since 31 JAN 2015.        

Aren't the beaded berries wonderful.         

 

  https://www.facebook.com/tetiana.korobeinyk

This photo has another name on it,

but came from Tetiana's page, I think.

Isn't it beautiful.... so fragile, muted, elegant.



 

   This photo identified the strawberries

     as an example of "crewel" embroidery.

 

Posted on Tetiana's FB page;

photo from Mehtap Gacar's FB page.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mehtap-Gacar/583106525090833

 

I thought these ribbon roses made this look elegant, special.

 

 

This looks like a wedding necklace....

  

Julya Vorontsova      

FB post on 3 FEB 2015;     

Tetiana Korobeinyk photo     

 

I could have searched for and posted many more examples of these kinds of embroidery... but I stopped myself with these. 

30 JAN 2015 :: Sharing some of my favorite crafted items from Etsy

This new effort in blogging is creating learning challenges for me...but I hope to find a way through as quickly as possible.  After a long week of trying to find a topic for this post, I will share some of my recent favorite item on Etsy, tell you how to find them, and share why I chose them.



Below is one item I hearted today as I was searching for a topic for this blog post.  It is from the Etsy shop titled :  Debra's Divine Designs.  She takes the wings of real butterflies and incorporates them into her jewelry designs.  The blue button that holds this wrap bracelet closed is the butterfly component.  What I liked about this listing is the great photo presentation, the faceted beads which are identified as smoky crystals, and the brown strands connecting everything together (which is noted as "distressed brown leather cord" in the description.  The additional photos only make it look even better.  In online selling, photos are everything.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/201558435/smoky-crystal-brown-leather-triple-wrap





Another item I discovered in my search for today's blog post is the stained glass box below.  Wendy Joy is the listed crafter at W Joy Designs.  She makes a variety of items, including other stained glass objects, jewelry, mosaics, and candles.  I originally went to her shop because of a sun catcher I noticed somewhere.  (I am thinking of my own kind of window elements and am trying to find a price range for this kind of product.)   I was greatly impressed with the box and the bright color.   It seemed like a wonderful item to possess -- and to hide personal treasures in.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/101548452/emerald-green-stained-glass-jewelry

Below is another item I really liked at the Etsy shop called Whispering Metalworks where Kelly Houle is listed as the shop crafter.  I am very fond of recycled creations, and the craft world is beginning to make amazing things out of wood, cloth, metal, glass, and other recyclable materials. I am  always looking for the best ones.

Creating new objects with old silverware is a developing craft.  I have seen all kinds of kitchen metal made into wind chimes, and now I have discovered a very talented person who makes forks into shapes that look good and are useful.  This business card holder is very unique looking and makes me smile.  It reminds me of an octopus with the wavy tines.  I love it! 

If you follow the link to her shop, you will be able to see many other items made with knives, forks, and spoons.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/189607275/funky-fork-business-card-holder-recipe

Finally, for today, I wanted to share a painted cup because of the design, which I think looks like a wolf.  Against the black of the cup, the design stands out.  This item is from the shop Jasmine's Treasures LLC, where Renee Stewart is listed as the shop owner, but the About page shares that it is a mother-daughter (and granddaughter) enterprise.  It makes me think of endangered animals and groups that protect animals, but you can make an order to have your pet painted on a cup for yourself if you want.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/194462685/wolf-coffee-mug-hand-painted-black

Creative talent is varied and diverse...varied by the craft, diverse in how the craft/talent is applied.  I am always inspired when I explore the shops at Etsy.  I hope you enjoyed this small sample.