Shopping Our Stash Challenge #183 - Happy New Year

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Hello, Crafty Peeples!

This week at Shopping Our Stash, the challenge is to use Something New To You (the least old thing in your Stash) or Use Something NEW.  Of course you can use a combination of "least old and new."   Be sure to include a description of the items in your post!

 I decided to celebrate the New Year by stepping out of my comfort zone by trying a New Craft technique. 

NEW TECHNIQUE:  WOOD BENDING

NEW CRAFTING SKILL:  Making Bracelets from Craft/Popsicle Sticks.

I initally wanted to learn how to do this to lead a special art class with my grandson, Josh, and his classmates.  But, since the fun part (bending the sticks) requires time, I may do cards instead.

 I tried several methods for breaking down the sticks and making them "pliable."  Steaming is the fastest and works the best.  You can also try microwaving the sticks for a few seconds.  I don't own a microwave, so I cannot speak from first hand experience.  No matter which method you choose,  some sticks will splinter as your try to bend them, so prepare more than you actually need.  I used a small glass because I was making children's bracelets.




You can bend the smaller sticks as well, but they are thicker and tend to take longer.  I slowly formed my bracelet blank by carefully shaping the wood around the "outside" of the glass and then fixing it in place with the vice clips.  After an hour or so, I put the shaped blank into pot of hot water and let it sit for 30 minutes and then placed it inside the glass to take on it's final shape.
I will post links to some videos at the end of this post.

Decorate as your mojo directs.  I wrapped this one with Washi Tape, sprayed with Butterscotch Colorwash and then applied TH Vintage Photo. A coat of Mod Podge was applied after each color layer.  After the Mod Podge dried and before applying the next color layer, I flattend the Washi tape on the to  shape the bracelet. This bracelet has about 7 layers of Mod Podge.

Adding the bling was a last minute decision.


If you are good with a wood burning tool.  It is possible to burn names into the bracelets.  All I had was a soldering tool.  It worked okay.           I also tried putting texture paste on and coloring. I was not so pleased, but I think I just used the wrong stencil.
Here are a few links:
http://mollymoocrafts.com/quick-craft-craft-stick-bracelets/
http://youtu.be/MFgnlWI1huA
http://www.craftattitude.com/popsicle-stick-bracelets

This pink creation was designed by Josh for his classmate.  He says she love pink and blue together.  So he picked the Washi Tape and the Acrylic Paint.  I chose the beads.  I did not have any leather bands, so I cut a piece of one of those hair scrunchees and used that.  I did these in a hurry, and I was experimenting.  I have more blanks and plan to up my game...just a little.

I hope you will give this a try and let me know your results.  

Happy New Year!

Thanks for stopping by!
Hugz,
Chana Malkah

CHALLENGES ENTERED:
Creative Card Crew:  For A Child
Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes
Party Time Tuesdays - Anything Goes

613 Avenue Create Challenge #105 - Anything Goes w/Optional Twist: Create a Matching Envelope

Hello, Crafty Peeples!

613 Avenue Create is having a Design Team Call.  

We are looking for Designers, GDT, and Educators.  

This CALL will remain open until all postions are filled.

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The Optional Twist this week is to create a Matching Envelope. 

I was already working on a template for a wallet for my Infusion Nurse, Amy.  

Since I needed to get it done quickly, I decided to make it a note folder.

I will post the wallet version in a later post.

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It takes a lot for me to cut into my Graphic 45 Papers, but I thought Steampunk Spells would be the perfect choice for this design.   I can't wait to get the kinks worked out of the wallet template.

With her name added!  She wanted it personalized!

Amy really liked my BS Repellant and the Stamp Cut Outs in the Steampunk Collection fit perfectly.

Of Course, Really Reasonable Ribbons, had the perfect match for the papers.  I found a great place to purchase bottles and spray tops for my homemade shimmer mists.  These sprayers work better than the fingertip fine mist sprayers.  They don't clog as much and they are very affordable.

I have a large key chain collection.  It is fun to cover them and add to projects.  This one was an old Texaco promotional item.  

I forgot to take a picture before I transformed it, but it looked sorta like this:

Thanks For Stopping By!
Chana!

CHALLENGES ENTERED:

Papertake Weekly Challenge - Anything Goes
Party Time Tuesdays - Anything Goes
StampArt Papel - Anything Goes

Crafting From The Heart - Anything Goes

Love To Create Challenge - Anything Goes

Not Just Cards - Anything Goes

Monday Mood Board - Color Challenge

WE WORK - Co-Working - My Creative Space Revisited

Hello, Crafty Peeples 

"Well, my friends, the time has come.

Change the studio and have some fun!"

My studio has changed dramatically, I think, in just one year.   I believe a workspace should reflect the personality of the artist.  Artists (and I do consider Paper Crafters artists) spend most of their time in their studios.  It does not matter if that "studio" is just a card table in the corner of a den, it is where the artist goes to create the change in the world that she wants to see.  The very idea of white on white built in cabinets is anathema to my creative soul.  Far  too reminiscent of my time working in a mental health facility.  No offense to all the ladies with those wonderful white on white studios, (I have seen some that are AHmazing) but they are just not ME!  I like small, intimate, homey spaces.  So, posters from The Cartoon Network,  a Michael Jordan Jersey,  a flag from the 1996 Atlanta Centennial Olympic games, pictures of the Atlanta Falcons, President Obama, and precious family photos,  are my daily companions as I make my creative trek.

Recently, I came across an interesting online magazine called We Work.  The articles were interesting, informative and fun.  I wanted to know more about the company, so I visited the main page of We Work.Com.  As it turns out, they are a co-working company that provides shared office space and services for small and very small CREATIVE FOLKS.  It was their project on Creative Workspaces. that got me to take a long critical look at my studio and to revamp it!
Here are some links so you can check them out for your self.

PLEASE VISIT WE WORK.COM

WE WORK.COM LOCATIONS

We Work Magazine/Newsletter

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MY CREATIVE SPACE

Revisited

HALLWAY LEADING TO STUDIO

Working with Architects and Interior Designers, I came to fully embrace the rule that says:

"Form Follows Function."  I also learned not to "Box" myself into a space whose function is subject to change over time. All those pretty white cabinets look gorgeous today, but could limit your ability to reclaim "Lost Space"  two or three months later. Renovations are costly and aggravating.  Before making any decisions, it is best to ask a few basic questions: 

1.  Do I need a large workspace, and if so, what is the best location in this room?

2.  How much storage do I need now plus __% (this should be based on your buying habits)

3.  Are there ways to expand my "use" of the space without expanding the space itself? 

    (example: Can I gain vertical space by adding slat walls?)

If you are strickly a card maker or scrapper,  your requirements will be different than those of an altered arts or mixed media designer.  If you believe that you want to dabble in different areas, allow for that when determining your storage plus --%.

 I avoid "built ins," preferring instead, "modular, mobile and expandable."
MY MAIN BOARD ON 12/10/2013

This was a functional workspace a year ago.  I was working on improving my Alcohol Marker Skills and used my markers daily! 

MY MAIN BOARD NOW

BEHIND THE DESK CRAFTING CREDENZA - 12/10/2013

Ah, just to think, a year ago, this was my "go to" area!

CRAFTING CREDENZA NOW

These units provide more storage and I have access to more craft items.   I actually gained usable space that was lost in the previous configuration.  The large unit here has 15 (12" x 12") drawers.  I can now store  my favorite designer collections here.  The five deep drawers hold Work in Process and large collections that I want to keep together. No more "hunting in the Paper Closet!"  Well, almost no more hunting!

The smaller unit houses frequently used embellishments and  8" x 81/2" red rubber mounted Stamp Sets. The top of both trays are ideal for what I call "In Plain View" storage for items that I tend not to use often enough.   I also use this area to display recently completed projects or projects waiting to be photograpbed, boxed or delivered.    I use the reclaimed wall space below the BB for stencils, instructions and templates I am using in current Work In Process

CENTRAL WORK AREA-12/10/2013

The worktable on the right was home for three of my cutting tools. I kept a laptop on the cutting side of the workstation for making YoutTube videos, connecting to the Eclips and Cricut, and watching DVDs.  

CENTRAL WORK AREA NOW

This area has undergone a total transformation.  The cuttting tools no longer occupy valuable workspace.  I gave the Cricut away, the eclipse sits on a side table.  I removed the laptop and placed Kindle Tablets (on this side the cover is orange) on both work desks.   This  is a far more functional use of the space.  I gained storage for  Paint/ Copics  and I added additional lighting.

 NEW MIXED MEDIA PAINT STATION NOW

I just recently began dabbling in mixed media, and I love it.  This is a better use of the space and far more practical.  I can still use this area for occasional cutting. but so far that has not been needed.

I keep my paint cloths and frequently used MM supplies in this carrier.  I love these fabric storage bins which I purchased at Dollar Tree.  Honestly, I consider it my best $50.00 purchase ever!

iMac/CAMEO STATION 12/10/2013

iMac/CAMEO STATION NOW

Here, we simply swapped the printer and iMac and added a lamp.  I store my wallpaper binders on the shelf under the computer table and hanging on the wall.  I have storage on the floor under the desk for my Craft Magazines.  

A plastic basin( from Dollar Tree) is secured between the legs of my drafting table and used to house 3D objects I plan to alter, my paper towels, hand sanitizer and other miscellany.   It is not visible in this photo,  but next to the waste paper basket is storage space under two 4' tables for binders housing my frequently used clear stamps and project books.  I have room on the right side(of the my drafting table) to store two rotary cutters three binders, and extra scoreboards.

BIG SHOT/PRINTER/ 6X6 STATION 12/10/2013

This area was always a thorn in my side.  Both the printer and color copier had such large footprints, they rendered the space practically useless.

BIG SHOT/CUTTING/DESIGNER PAD STATION NOW

We Ditched the copier, kept the large format printer for projects requiring 11"x17" paper.  The reclaimed space stores 6"x6" Pads. I now have room for my Big Shot, Paper Cutters,  a small desk pad. I gained wallspace (needed that metric conversion table in plain view!)  I get tons done here.

Below the table is storage for general office supplies and more wallpaper books!A board placed across the well of the printer created a place for 8"x8" Pads and small stencils.  

In front of the printer is space for my exacto kit on top of which I keep (WIP) Mini album covers . Easy to remove these items when the printed is used, maybe 1-2 per month for short proof runs.

BIG SHOT PRO AND WOOD MOUNTED STAMPS - 12/10/2013

RECLAIMED SPACE 

INCLUDES: Mixed Media supplies and stamp storage  as well as:
NEW PADDING STATION

12/10/2013

SAME SPACE NOW

Wood Mounted Stamp Storage and Ecllpse Cutter's New Home
SEWING STATION ON 12/10/2013

NEW DIE STORAGE AND SEWING STATION NOW

The Big Shot Pro was relocated here!  Tim Holtz and Sizzix Dies In Pink Containers.

Other Dies are stored next to the BS Pro and on the shelf behind the Big Bite.  On the slide out shelf is stored My FabScraps and Quilling Supplies.
The Fabric Bins hold all of my Embossing Folders.  Beneath them are Big Shot supplies and Cigar boxes to be altered.

ADDITIONAL PAPER STORAGE -12/10/2013

ADDITIONAL PAPER STORAGE NOW

The Orange Home Depot "Let's Do This" bucket is where I store all my paint rags.

The Closet has not changed, but has been sorta kinda decluttered. 

FOR NEW CRAFTERS!

I would not advise beginners to go out and buy a lot of expensive furniture at IKEA or one of the craft stores.  Look around your house, try to use what you have.  Thrift stores are glorious places to find great deals. The Goodwill is a personal favorite!  Be sure this is a hobby you want to pursue in earnest before making substantial financial investments.   Look at online stores, stroll through Michaels or Jo Ann's and check out the prices. Papercrafting is not a CHEAP hobby.   I made the decison early on to use my money on stamps, paper, dies and inks, rather than fancy furniture.  It is not what you have, it is what you make of what you have!  Be creative!

THANKS FOR STOPPING BY!

HUGZ,

CHANA MALKAH HARRIS

2014 IN DESIGN - THAT WAS THE YEAR THAT WAS....

Hello, Crafty Peeps!

Well, the trend today is to post your favorite designs from 2014, even though I am generally not a follower, I found this trend to be quite appealing so here goes...

MOST DESIGNERS ARE DOING CHRONOLOGICAL LISTING.  I HAVE CHOSEN TO LIST MY DESIGNS AS MILESTONES DURING THE YEAR!

Come on,  people, you know I just couldn't follow the crowd!

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LEARNING THAT I REALLY DO  KNOW 

HOW TO DANCE IN THE RAIN!

     In April of 2014, I became ill.  What started out as a simple UTI quickly became Sepsis.  

From April until August, I was bedridden, barely able to walk and taking more pharmecueticals than I ever wanted.  I truly believed I was approaching the end of my days.  

 Finally, I decided to visit my Neurologist. Dr. Greene took one good look at me and she said she was pretty sure she knew what was wrong.  Two days later, she called to tell me that I had Dermatomyositis, a Chronic neuro-muscular, auto-immune Disease.  Baruch HaShem, my cancer screening have come back negative. 

   I had oftened wondered how I would respond to a chronic or fatal disease diagnosis.  Wondered how I would deal with the treatments, the pain, the frustration...the fear. HaShem has taught me how to Dance In The Rain.  There is a verse in the Christian Bible that says "It Rains on the Just and the Unjust Alike," which translates to me to mean that our spiritual lives are not based on what happens to us, but rather on how we respond to what happens to us.  I'm dancing and HaShem is my Divine Partner.

    Dr. Greene is my SHERO!  I crafted this set to thank her.

DESIGN TEAM APPOINTMENT

CANVAS CORP BRANDS

One of the most exciting things that happened in 2014, in my crafting life,  was my selection to the Creative Crew of Canvas Corp Brands, the parent company for 7 Gypsies, Tattered Angels, and Canvas Home Basics.  I was assigned to the Books and Arts Team, which is great because I love making minis and playing around with mixed media.  

MY AUDITION PROJECT

THE EMPTY CLOROX BOX

When I realized that my medications were causing my hair to fall out, 

I focused my attention on an empty Colrox refill box.

I read a story about a 

woman, aboard the Titanic, who ran back to her room and grabbed an orange.  Her State Room was full of money, furs, and diamonds, all the things that had given her status in life before she boarded that ill fated ship.  She could have grabbed anything, but she grabbed an orange. 

Faced with truama, the human mind seeks the normal and mundane,  it is a defense mechanism

SPECIAL PROJECTS FOR FAMILY MEMBERS

For My Favorite Sister-In-Law

(everyone has favorites, I'm just brave enough to admit it!)

FOR MY WONDERFUL HUSBAND

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 FAVORITE MIXED MEDIA PROJECTS

2014 was the year I finally delved into Mixed Media and I have fallen in love!  I still have a lot to learn, but it is proving to be a fun and messy journey.  Looking forward to the happy messes of 2015!

OTHER FUN PROJECTS

THANKS FOR STOPPING BY!

HUGZ,

CHANA MALKAH!

Challenges Entered:

Deep Ocean Challenge - Your Favorite Card of 2014 - Such a Gentlemen - For My Hubby