Posted by liskidder on 2007-02-03 02:15:57
Post Subject: First EGA Featured Member: Stained Glass Artist Amy Keith
Hi all! The newly launched Etsy Glass Artists (EGA) website now has our first featured member interview with stained glass artist Amy Keith. Check it out!
Posted by Marcie on 2007-11-26 09:26:54
Post Subject: Stained glass ornaments
Ok, I KNOW I have seen a thread on this board in the past about tips on making the stained glass charms - a piece of paper between two small pieces of glass and soldered on the edges. Can someone help me find this please?
Thanks!
Posted by Geree McDermott on 2005-11-16 15:49:37
Post Subject: Cats & Dogs Coloring Books!
Fun and Funky original illustrations of really cool cats and dogs in new coloring books! Not only are the great fun to color, they also make fabulous patterns for quilts, stained glass, mosaics, floor cloths, and more!
Please take a few minutes to check them out! Perfect for holiday gifts!
Posted by Momma D on 2006-09-10 14:29:35
Post Subject: Do you know how to melt stained glass for jewelry
I'm new to this site, but hope I can find someone to help me. I was given a lot of stained glass scraps and would love to make some pennants and/or other jewelry. I've seen some beautiful ones that look "melted" but don't know where to begin. What temperature do I use in the kiln, how long, do I need a special stone to fire them on, can I manipulate the glass after it melts but before it completely cools, etc. Any help is very much appreciated.
Posted by Supergrover on 2006-06-03 17:19:44
Post Subject: Flooring in Glass Work Area?
Hello.
I am an interior design student and I am working on a really cool project. I am designing the remodel for the Oregon State University craft center. We would like to replace the flooring in the Glass work area, but I'm not sure what the best flooring for glass crafts is...
Does anyone have an opinion on the best flooring for a glass work area? The glass crafts that are done in this space are fused and stained glass. Any ideas would be great.
Posted by moonwaterdesigns on 2005-03-10 19:43:22
Post Subject:
I've been doing stained glass since 2001. I enjoy making small-scale things like necklaces or sun catchers or little boxes. I rarely use a pattern, and enjoy piecing together scraps in different ways. My dad's co-worker had a stained glass studio in his home, so I was intrigued at the time and he invited me to visit and gave me a big bucket of all his scraps, as he worked on lampshades and bigger things-- so his trash was treasure to me!
I highly recommend getting a modern beginner's stained glass book at the library. I guess by modern, I mean something that has been printed within the last 10 years. Most of these types of books have color photos- including pictures of the kind of tools needed. There are lots of old stained glass books out there that are older, not printed in color, and just aren't helpful to someone looking to learn on their own.
My dad's boss showed me about 10 minutes worth of the basics, and that was it- so I think a class is helpful but not necessary. It just takes a bit of practice, so if you're learning on your own don't be frustrated if things don't turn out the way you want at first.
Posted by JediEmpressMel on 2005-08-25 23:27:17
Post Subject:
I will try Radio Shack - I wonder where I can figure out how hot a soldering iron should be?
I'm not sure. I just googled for instructions about the stained glass. The heat depends on the solder you use.
Maybe someone on here has worked with stained glass and can help?
Posted by smudgy_cat on 2006-11-25 23:08:14
Post Subject:
in girl scouts we used the driftwood for the body of wind chimes. the chimes were mis-cut keys. you could make it prettier with broken pieces of stained glass or beads.
Posted by smudgy_cat on 2004-08-10 14:10:57
Post Subject:
you can also get materials pretty cheaply from stained glass artists or potters. usually both types of people have lots of broken stuff that gets tossed out at some point.
if you have a stained glass store nearby, you can contact them and see if they sell scrap glass. usually stores sell scrap glass for a set price per pound. it could be worthwhile to you.
Posted by honeybee on 2005-07-28 10:34:13
Post Subject:
that sounds like a great book. i was a "gifted" child, and all i ever got were some stained glass lessons during school and increased pressure from my mom to get a's. hardly a recipe for growing my gifts.
and as a mom, i'm trying to be aware of the desire to project what i think is cool onto my daughter, and just let her gravitate towards her own interests, even if she chooses sports or accounting over art or farming. easier said than done!
(not knocking sports or accounting- they're just not my interests)
Posted by OLLIE on 2005-07-15 16:17:45
Post Subject: Stained Glass Type Martini Glass Xmas Ornament
I am looking for someone that makes small stained glass type Christmas Ornaments in the design of Martini Glasses!! Anyone have anything close to this?? We have had requests for more Martini "anything" in our shop!! Thanks for any info!!
Posted by craftfetish on 2007-03-13 13:31:37
Post Subject:
that's what I was thinking.
Resin would probably give you the most freedom in terms of what you can do.
You could also take itty bitty pieces of glass (like mosaic tiles) and sandwich a picture between 'em (maybe one facing each way?). Then you could wrap them with wire (more abstract) or with foil like you would for stained glass.
You might also be able to find clear glass cabochon (sp?) stones and you could bezel set the pictures on top of a piece of metal.
Playing with solder and torches and stuff is fun if you have access to them. You'd have to experiment a little to see if the pictures would discolor or anything when you introduce heat.
Posted by smudgy_cat on 2005-08-01 16:30:56
Post Subject:
http://www.shopsmartxpress.com/AmeriGls/MAIN.htm
Here's a link with some options. They also sell mosaic supplies. I found mine on ebay, along with some other tools.
This might be a cool gift as well:
Mosaic Glass Cutter / Nibbler
Special carbide cutter easily 'nips' off pieces of glass. Used to cut down glass strips for mosaic projects. Handle is spring-loaded for easy use. Cutter is 8" long, with vinyl-coated handle.
MO-123 Mosaic Glass Cutter .................... each 24.95 / 6+ 19.95
The glass grinding is good if you need a smooth edge. That may not be really important in mosaic work, where the edges get covered with grout.
Could you maybe do a gift certificate to a mosaic/glass store so she can find something she likes? I had lots of fun when someone gave me a gift certificate to the local ceramics store. It was easy for them too, because people who are into a hobby can be picky, and specialized stores may not have great return policies.
If you go for the grinder, I suggest also including one of those science project display boards to section off the area so the glass spray doesn't get everywhere. It's a pain to clean up.
Check out your local yellow pages for stained glass supply stores. I think you'd find a good selection of grinders and other tools. Plus, they usually have displays of completed items, and a store full of stained glass is just amazing to look at.
Posted by moonwaterdesigns on 2005-07-17 10:03:28
Post Subject:
What size would you be looking for? I work in stained glass, and although I generally make jewelry, could come up with something like this.
Let me know a time frame in which you would want to see a sample, and I may be able to send you something. I have a few big shows coming up, then am moving in the beginning of August, so would probably be about 3 weeks before I could get around to something like this. If that's not too far into the future, drop me an email.
Posted by Anonymous on 2005-08-25 15:12:05
Post Subject: a good soldering iron
I am seriously inspired to learn stained glass - not the leaded version, but the copper foil technique. I don't know anything about soldering irons - should I buy one at Hobby Lobby or the hardware store? how hot should it get?
Posted by SlightlyFoxed on 2004-12-01 16:02:31
Post Subject:
this might be taking it too far, but I saw this tutorial for soldered photo charms which I thought was pretty cool. It doesn't look that complicated, and the complete starter set is only $75, which is reasonable if I were going to keep at it. Not that I need to add a new craft since I can't even handle the two I do now (bookmaking & crochet)!
I've done this with mini-vintage posters and added charms. It's actually very easy to do. As far as the cost, I was pretty lucky, in that He To Whom I Am Married does stained glass, so I could bum off of his materials. Maybe there is a stained glass store nearby where you could use their equipment.
Posted by ~marketa~ on 2005-03-09 13:04:38
Post Subject: Stained Glass Projects?
Is anyone experienced with stained glass?
If so...
What kind of projects do you do?
How did you get started?
Can you point to some beginning resources?
Posted by ~marketa~ on 2005-03-10 20:50:05
Post Subject:
~Thanks~
I checked out your website and like your stuff a lot (might have to order something...).
I have some books on hold now at the library, and I do know that there is one local stained glass shop that has classes, as well as just a beginner's workshop that I might check out this summer.
Do you mind if I come back with questions after perusing a few resources?
Posted by craftytricks on 2005-11-15 14:50:17
Post Subject:
If you head to the kids' section in the art store, they usually have some sort of stained glass kit that works on vases and other glass surfaces. I'm not sure exactly what it is that makes the stained glass effect, but you could check it out and give it a try on one of your panes.
Posted by happyhats on 2006-07-30 23:20:40
Post Subject:
Mosaic would be a great idea. Also, stained glass isn't as hard as it sounds. Or you could do a lazy man's version of mosaics-sand all the pieces of glass so they aren't sharp, and use hot glue to affix them to a photo frame or tray. I especially like the frame, you could put a favorite pic of you and grandma in it.
Posted by alteredtome on 2005-09-01 09:38:02
Post Subject: For Colorado Springs, CO
There have been some of us over on craftster.org, trying to get some kind of craft night together, but alas, there's only 2 women interested here in the Springs (me and someone else). Anyone else here?
I also wanted to let the Colorado community know about a new craft store I just stumbled upon on in the east end of the Springs. I'm not associated with them in anyway, but I was very impressed and I wanted to let Coloradans know about it, so I hope it's ok to post here. It's called Quilts and Crafts, run by a mom and daughter team, Omega and Trina. It's a quilting and scrapbooking supply store on the NW corner of N. Carefree and Powers, next to Diamond Shamrock. They are having a grand opening on Sept. 1st, 2nd and 3rd, with discounts, and they are also giving away prizes, including a crazy expensive quilting sewing machine (Trina said it's worth over $1000). You can enter anytime between Sept 1st and 3rd and you don't have to be there to win, they'll call you. Omega will be teaching quilting classes and Trina will be teaching scrapbooking/altered books/stamping/etc classes. The store is very well organized, with some scrapbooking and quilting supplies that you apparently can't get anywhere else (like this very pretty stained glass paper that Trina was showing me). Very cool, so check these ladies out before you head to the big stores, especially for all you east-enders, since it's in the same vicinity as Joann's and Micheal's. Support your local craft store! :)
Posted by craftfetish on 2006-07-31 09:54:13
Post Subject:
You could wrap the edges of the glass (like in stained glass) and make beads and jewelry out of it. A wire wrap would be any easy way to string it - although you should also be able to drill through the glass. I would imagine you would need a fast drill, a very small drill bit and some quality safety glasses. Someone else probably has more experience with such things.
I've never worked with glass. I know there are toold out there to smooth the edges. ALternatively you could throw some shards in a rock tumbler and make a sort of beach glass out of it.
Posted by bebebradford on 2007-07-31 17:45:49
Post Subject: old window frames!!
I am in crafter's heaven right now!! A lady in my town gave me almost 20 huuugggggeeeee very old windows!! They had come from an old house, and are painted white(most have cracked off.. which gives them their character!). I have tons of ideas...I want to use some as giant picture collages...do some faux stained glass.. maybe a pot rack or two.. Do any of you have any wonderful ideas, and maybe pictures?? I would love to hear your opinions!!!!
Posted by Knits4Fun on 2007-07-31 18:08:58
Post Subject:
We had all of our windows in our house replaced back in 2004. I was completely ignorant as to the crafty possibilities they held. They were the old, rope style ones--way too drafty in the house only because of their age, etc. but they don't make windows like they used to that's for sure. Anyway, I remember a woman pulling up in front of our house and taking a lot of the windows and thinking, what the heck does she want with those? When I told my mom, she told me about the faux stained glass and collage possibilities.
I'd love to see pictures of your finished results. Have fun!
Posted by Craft Show Producer on 2005-05-17 18:50:50
Post Subject: Looking for Craft Show Guests for new DIY program
We are on the hunt for crafty on-camera guests for a new DIY Network Craft Show (Title yet to be determined). The DIY Network is part of the Scripps family of cable networks that also includes HGTV, the Food Network, and Fine Living.
We are looking for crafters to pitch ideas in all of the following categories:
Batik/fabric dying
Ceramics
Computer Crafting
Gourd Crafts
Leatherwork
Miniatures
Paper-embossing
Paper-memory arts (not scrap booking)
Paper-Stamping with mixed media
Toy making
Wax art
Shrink plastic
Paper making
Framing
Basketry
Beading (not jewelry)
Transfers
Metal and wire crafts
Paper-altered books
Photography
Polymer clay
Paper clay
Egg art
Cake decorating
Decorative Painting
Floral Topiaries
Kids crafts
Mosaics
Nature crafts (fish prints)
Paper-decoupage
Paper-oragami
Soap making
Stained glass
Foam (Styrofoam)
Doll making
*Sorry, but this show is NOT looking for scrapbooking, wearable art, woodworking, needlework or jewelry.
Wondering what we would need from you?
--Each guest will need to be well-versed in the craft area they are presenting on the program. You shouldn’t submit projects that you’ve only done once or twice – we’re relying on you to know all about the craft area you’re presenting!
--The guest should be able to provide finished samples of the project(s) we’re making as well as additional examples of projects that could be made with similar techniques. Please note: guests cannot demonstrate copyrighted works by other designers – original designs only unless you have written permission from the copyright owner. The guest will also acquire materials and make and bring step-outs for the project(s).
--Because we only have one guest for the whole show, the guest needs to be able to present the how-tos of each project clearly to crafters of all skill levels – if you don’t like talking to crowds or getting your picture taken, this probably isn’t something you’ll enjoy.
--Instructions (along with any necessary patterns or templates) for the project(s), contact information for yourself, and other info (such as books you’ve written) that will be submitted to DIY for use on their website, www.diynetwork.com (go on over and check it out!).
--We’ll be taping these shows in Burbank, CA between August 30 and September 30, 2005 so you need to be available for a few days of traveling and taping during that time period.
Interested or know someone who might be? Just send along the following info and we’ll get in touch with you as soon as we can so we can talk to you about it in more detail.
E-MAIL YOUR ANSWERS TO: NWhite@sdetv.com
1. What’s your name and age?
2. Where do you live?
3. Please refer to the list above and let us know which of those topics you think you would fit into best (you can list as many as three categories).
4. Also, what kinds of projects have you created, and what sorts of materials do you like to work with?
5. Have you written any craft books? If so, tell us more about it/them!
6. Have you taught anyone else how to do any of your crafts? If so, please tell us more abut it your teaching experiences!
7. Have you been on television before? If so, what show(s) did you appear on and when?
8. Any other exciting or interesting tidbits of info we should know about you?
Thanks and we look forward to hearing from you!
-- Nicole White
Associate Producer
Screen Door Entertainment
Phone: (818) 781-5600 ext. 116
NWhite@sdetv.com
Posted by april again on 2006-06-26 18:50:06
Post Subject:
Is it possible to buy a "frosted" clearish curtain and decorate it somehow? Like a stained glass motif or something? that would be functional and super pretty and let light (but not visibilty) in.
Posted by jewelie on 2005-11-17 09:35:20
Post Subject: Window Pane Art
I bought clear decal paper that you can put through your printer and then peel off the backing and stick it to glass. I have a porthole glass window on my front door that I wanted to make more pivate, and so I used a stained glass pattern I liked, printed it out and stuck it on to the window. It worked very well.
As for ideas for your nine panes, it would be cool to take a large print and cut it up, place it in the panes like 9 puzzle pieces fit together...I'm having a hard time explaining this! It could be a digital photo portrait of your friends/family/yourselves, edit it to be 2-tone (like black and white, or red and white) and print each individual pane piece since it would be of printable size on a home printer and piece together in each pane.
Whatever you decide, take a picture and show everyone!
Posted by kitchensqueen on 2006-06-01 10:57:46
Post Subject:
You could cut a white shower curtain liner to fit your window, fit it with grommets, and hang it from a tension rod in your window.
Or you could get those stained-glass window stickies, or buy a sheet of that patterned/etched plastic and install it on your window. People can't see through that stuff.
And I wouldn't recommend doing a cloth shower curtain without a liner-- we tried it, and while we didn't have a problem with mold, the curtain did get hard water stains and water got all over the floor every time we showered.
Posted by erin dennis on 2005-06-12 17:16:42
Post Subject: anyone remember Dip-it?
hi all from a new member!
I love this forum!
When i was a kid in the early 70's, we used to make wire things and dip them in this smelly plastic that came in a little paint tin- and the open areas would be filled with a transparent colored sheet of film that would dry hard like stained glass. We made flowers and jewelry and all kinds of pretty things. I imagine they stopped making it because it was probably pretty toxic... but does anyone else remember it? I'd love to find it again. I'm almost positive it was called "Dip-it".
Posted by smudgy_cat on 2005-06-28 10:44:11
Post Subject:
How about pressed flowers framed in glass? You can tape the 2 pieces of glass together with some stained glass copper tape, then put it in a frame. It could go in a window and look pretty.
Posted by zahmeece on 2005-06-27 13:21:45
Post Subject: boyfriend craftiness
Stained glass is a genderless craft. He can make some beautiful clocks or window panels or lampshades. It sometimes draws blood so he might think that's very manly.
Posted by sallysunshine on 2004-12-11 11:39:24
Post Subject:
In her Christmas cookie book, Rose Levy Beranbaum (of *Cake Bible* fame) has a recipe/ pattern for a really insane gingerbread cathedral complete with stained glass windows. And I mean insane in the best possible way. I don't even celebrate Christmas, and I'm dying to make a gingerbread cathedral.
Posted by smudgy_cat on 2004-06-17 11:10:43
Post Subject:
A stained glass supply store would yield the best variety. The store I go to sells the tape in various widths, so it's easy to cover the edge of just about any type of glass.
Posted by rodeo618 on 2005-07-18 03:14:17
Post Subject:
Hey wannabe.
a new stained glass place just opened a few months ago in Littleton. About 1 1/2 hrs north of Concord. Its a really neat place and I know she is offering classes. Glass Goddess is the name.
Meg
Posted by MonaMew on 2005-08-04 17:01:18
Post Subject:
If your test tubes have a 'neck' to them you could wrap them in tiny beaded daisies and add a magnet. I made a tutorial up a couple of years ago for mini magnetic vases.
Or, again if the tubes have a 'neck', wrap thin wire around them and hang them from suction cup hooks on your window then add small flowers or maybe coloured water for a stained glass effect.
If the test tubes came with caps or corks, you could use them to store seed beads.
Posted by wanna be crafty on 2005-07-18 17:53:58
Post Subject:
awesome! thanks- i'll check it out. i'm always in the mood for a drive. i also noticed that the stained glass store in concord offers classes. i just need to go in and inquire about it.
rodeo- i love your photos!!! what a gift you have.
Posted by Elf_Chick on 2004-04-22 09:09:31
Post Subject:
i have a whole folder full of decor ideas for whenever i get my own place.
Ideally i'd like to live in an old house, or part of one (my old apartment was one of four in a big old house), especially an old Craftsman-style bungalow or those little cottages with slanted rooves and high peaks (i can't think of the name of the architecture; "gingerbread" is coming to mind, but this wouldn't have that doliy-looking trim), with creaky wood floors and tall windows.
I would hang stained glass panels over the windows so the light could come through, or use sariss or sarongs in other rooms for curtains. i'd juxtapose calming cool colors (a medium shade of slate blue, ocher) in one room with rich, vibrant rust colors and dark purple in another.
I'd love a burgundy velvet couch somewhere to accompany my brown velvet armchair, and a deep-colored tapestry rug. There would be shelves or bookcases to showcase all of my weird collections (bottles, pottery etc.) , a low craft table with cubbies built in underneath the tabletop (i actually saw something similar in a Pottery Barn Teen catalog!{:P) and big flat cushions to sit on while i do all my crafts.
I want a charming kitchen with an old (but functional!) stove and refrigerator, with a back door leading to a slightly overgrown garden overhung with huge oldd trees.
One room would have to have a wall for my paintings, and whatever the most minimal room was (hopefully the bedroom; i wish i had some calm in my current one) i would hang up the weird thrift-store painting that i got at a thrift store of a medieval lady.
I'm sure there's more....i think about this a lot.
You can buy it online here: http://www.volcanobookarts.com/cart/soldering/
Also, if you have a stained glass studio in your area, you may be able to get supplies like that from them. Good luck and have fun!!
(10 minutes ago we were planning a trip July 9-12 to Washington DC for a baby shower, but 5 minutes ago, I remembered I have to work that day! Ooops and darn! I wanted to go!)
Posted by wanna be crafty on 2005-07-16 11:22:50
Post Subject:
elegant ewe is awesome- so i hear. honestly haven't even been there (like i said, i don't knit). but the word on the street is, it rocks!!! it's right on main street (towards the south end).
i don't make stuff nearly as much as i'd like to. having a 1 year old takes up most of my time! but i wouldn't mind getting together and maybe start a little project or something. just need to figure out what that project should be. i'm thinking about taking a stained glass class b/c i've always wanted to do that. does anyone know a good place (around here) to do that?!?
mucha- drop a note when you get to town.
Posted by mrs_stroozi on 2006-01-23 13:47:37
Post Subject:
One of the bits of advice I ever read was in a magazine article that said, realize that for the first two months of your baby's life you are The Mother. (In my case it was closer to four months.) You will not be able to learn a new language, repaint the kitchen or play your classical piano. You are The Mother, accept it, deal with it, be The Mother. It also went on to give the comfort that all - or at least most - of what you were before your baby will come back to you and be integrated with your new identity as a mother.
I agree with Slinkster -- my children are the center of my heart. My life before them seems to be in shadows when now life is as rich and vibrant as a stained glass window. They gave me purpose and grounding, a focus and someone to be worthy of. I am a much better EVERYTHING than I was before them.
Posted by s t a c i on 2005-07-02 01:30:59
Post Subject:
I tried that idea with my family this past year and they all laughed at me.
Thanks Slinkster...as much as I appreciate the advice other folks have given me, this is the sort of answer I was wondering about...
So they didn't appreciate the request? Did you just get normal store-bought gifts, anyway? Hmm...
Last night on the phone, my mom was describing how nicely these stained glass bowls she's making are coming out (she's using a kiln to melt the glass). So I said, 'those sound so cool, now you know what to make me for christmas!' She agreed that it woudl make a nice christmas gift. One down, two to go...
Posted by cosmosgrrl on 2005-01-09 16:38:45
Post Subject:
Oh, I hear ya honey! I've only got two, but it has still been a challenge. In fact, I stopped some of my crafting for a long time when my kids were smaller. I used to do stained glass work, but found that glass shards, flux and solder didn't mix with toddlers! I'm just starting to get back into glass now, 12 years later!
My kids are 12 and 9 right now, and I can offer some hope to you that it *does* get easier as they get older. They establish their own interests, increase their pool of friends and therefore increase their opportunities for playtime that does not involve you. The one thing you have to do, though, is make sure that you don't overschedule your kids as they grow older. I firmly believe kids need time to just play and be creative, and I know so many families whose kids *never* have free time to just play. They're always off to soccer, karate, dance, scouts, music lessons, hockey, swimming, etc. that they never have a moment to just plain play!
However, I did as you seem to be doing and involved my kids in my crafting from the time they were able to hold a pencil. The result is that both have developed into very creative young people. My son has established himself as a pretty good digital artist and can do things on the computer that astound me. My daughter, the youngest, shows some talent in drawing and painting, but absolutely loves wood working. She's in the basement right now, hammering away on some birdhouses. She's made four so far today. We craft together, and really have an enjoyable time.
You *will* find more time for your own crafts as the kids get older. Plus, you do have to consciously make the decision to *find* the time, even if it's for an hour here or there.
Posted by cosmosgrrl on 2005-01-09 16:48:06
Post Subject:
Oh, I hear ya honey! I've only got two, but it has still been a challenge. In fact, I stopped some of my crafting for a long time when my kids were smaller. I used to do stained glass work, but found that glass shards, flux and solder didn't mix with toddlers! I'm just starting to get back into glass now, 12 years later!
My kids are 12 and 9 right now, and I can offer some hope to you that it *does* get easier as they get older. They establish their own interests, increase their pool of friends and therefore increase their opportunities for playtime that does not involve you. The one thing you have to do, though, is make sure that you don't overschedule your kids as they grow older. I firmly believe kids need time to just play and be creative, and I know so many families whose kids *never* have free time to just play. They're always off to soccer, karate, dance, scouts, music lessons, hockey, swimming, etc. that they never have a moment to just plain play!
However, I did as you seem to be doing and involved my kids in my crafting from the time they were able to hold a pencil. The result is that both have developed into very creative young people. My son has established himself as a pretty good digital artist and can do things on the computer that astound me. My daughter, the youngest, shows some talent in drawing and painting, but absolutely loves wood working. She's in the basement right now, hammering away on some birdhouses. She's made four so far today. We craft together, and really have an enjoyable time.
You *will* find more time for your own crafts as the kids get older. Plus, you do have to consciously make the decision to *find* the time, even if it's for an hour here or there.
Posted by moonwaterdesigns on 2005-02-18 20:58:05
Post Subject:
Name: Nicole
Location: Colorado
Age: 28
Boyfriend of 4.5 years
No pets, but I really want to get a cat soon!
I collect:
bits of broken glass I find on the sidewalk (my favorite find was a piece of thick, clear scratched glass that naturally broke in the shape of a heart), vintage photos and ephemera, coffee mugs, books, glass in many forms.
Stained glass is my favorite craft- I especially enjoy making stained glass jewelry and placing images behind glass.
I'd like to learn to screen print and would like to try working with precious metal clay. I wish I took more photos, and would love to have lots of art journals filled with my pictures and drawings and words.
I like John Mayer, the Indigo Girls, and old showtunes and crooners like Frank Sinatra.
I'm a Cancer, born July 1.
I'm originally from South Dakota, but moved to Colorado 3 years ago to chase my art dreams.
Posted by s t a c i on 2005-06-27 14:35:54
Post Subject: Requesting hand-made gifts from family
I would like some opinions before I carry through with my idea...
Christmas is still months away, but I'm thinking of requesting hand-made gifts from my family. It would mean so much more to me! Even if the gifts are totally simple.
But - I'm not sure if this is an appropriate request. My mom is crafty enough (stained glass, crochet, drawing, painting), but my sisters are not. I don't want to stress them out!
I'm thinking of including ideas with my request...maybe hand-made cards from my niece and nephews, maybe my sisters could make me CDs, (more ideas here would be helpful!) I'm really not expecting anything extravigant, just something that will be special to me.
I usually give hand-made gifts for birthdays, and purchased gifts for Christmas. So I'm not being a hypocrite with this request. I'm actually hoping they'll enjoy the process, and maybe save some money, too. Both of my sisters have kids, and money can be tight during the holidays.
So, the question is: are hand-made gifts too much to ask for people who are not (yet) crafty? Would it be fun for them? Would it make the holidays more difficult and stressful?
Opinions here would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks
Posted by lizzymahoney on 2004-05-02 08:33:44
Post Subject:
Not obsessed, but conversant. I'm kinda oldfashioned and more inclined to reuse, like your quilt of old clothing bits. Also came at quilting from embroidery where I wanted to go more 3D. My quilting has been pieced and stitched by hand.
Cathedral window is my favorite, though I find most applications of it less than inspired. I prefer a neutral background for that pattern, could be white/beige/brown/gray/black, although I have done it in red, too. The window inset needs to be suggestive of 3D or at least variable enough in print to give the impression of stained glass or of movement. Batiks and tie dyes work well for the insets. I have used trapunto and blackwork to good effect as well.
There's a quilting technique that's pretty new and has great potential if it doesn't get Mcfadded. It's called Stack and Whack. The principle is finding a printed fabric with a bold and measurable repeat. Then you cut that into matching layers of the one repeat. With a rotary cutter you cut triangular shapes, or Dresden plate spokes, or something that will be repeated in a circle. By careful choices, you can get a wheel of a surfer hanging ten eight times or so around a circle. For the next panel, choose a complementary motif and color to stack and whack. I'm sure this gets boring after your third one or so.
Batiks are made for quilting! So perfect with the subtlety of tone. The colors seem to undulate in a quilt. Stuff like denyse's drunk love could be made with batik strips to add vibrancy.
Have you seen those photo montages of stuff like Bushie's face made up of tiny photos of all the soldiers who have died in Iraq? Sorted and filtered by color and shading? I'm looking for a link to that one so you can see what I mean. You can do this with quilting, especially for one big image over an entire quilt.
Posted by CraftinFool on 2004-11-06 13:45:57
Post Subject:
One thing I loved was that my Mom would take leftover printer paper my dad brought home from work (was dot-matrix, so it was connected), and she would lay it out in the hallway and have us lie on it, one at a time, and she would trace us on it. Then, we had a lifeline outline and we could draw and color in a picture of ourselves.
I also remember whenever my grandma babysat us, she'd make me wear the ponchos my mom crocheted for me to go out and play with the neighborhood kids, even if it was an early July evening.
Shrinky dinks. Fashion plates. Friendship bracelets. Gimp. Ribbon barettes. Those fake stained glass things you baked.
Posted by Marina-Trilobyte on 2004-05-24 21:04:43
Post Subject:
Stained glass.
I took one stained glass class and I was just a moron. I couldn't cut glass, I kept putting my bare arms on the cutting table and getting hundreds of little glass bits nicking my arms, and when I did manage to cut glass, it wasn't the correct shape.
And of course, someone next to me was making a Tiffany style lampshade (and acquitting themselves quite nicely) so I felt even more like a moron. It was horrible.
Posted by zahmeece on 2005-06-21 15:43:38
Post Subject:
I sewed buttons on at 5 and started making clothes at 12. Then I moved on to curtains and pillows. I wanted to macrame so I bought a kit and a book and taught myself. A friend taught me the basics of crochet and I taught myself the rest. Got the I taught myself to Knit kit and later got a knitting machine. I crocheted afghans for the heck of it and gave them to the single guys at work. I taught myself to do a bit of leather tooling but tossed it aside for stained glass. Love that but you have to do it away from pets. What a drag. I could go on and on. Basically, if I wanted to do it I just did it. I always have a long list of things to do.
Posted by lizzymahoney on 2005-04-29 11:46:32
Post Subject:
Two things: always start smallish simple projects so you don't get frustrated, and 2) try to build on what you already do.
Can you color in the lines? Do you like that? Then maybe something else where you work with color within lines like stained glass or glass painting or stencilling. Then you can stencil an apron. Then you could add stencilled pockets to an apron. Then you can make the freaking apron. Then you can quilt the placemats that work with the apron. Then you can tie dye the fabric you are going to quilt. Then you can learn to crochet or embroider a simple trim.
If you envision a really cool bedroom ensemble with salted dyes in color blocks with trapunto and deep knitted lace borders, it's overwhelming.
You can leap right into a craft you've never done and have some success with it, but it would probably help you build your confidence if you start with things you know.
The kits may be silly, but try some of them, even the ones aimed at kids. Despite all my experience, I'm thinking of getting one of those flocked posters of a unicorn or something and starting with the paint pens they include, I'd add or embellish, probably make it a bit more 3-D.
Posted by happydaisydoo on 2004-07-06 10:20:22
Post Subject: Intimidation
I am intimidated by stained glass. I am concerned about heat and glass together. I am quite dangerous with a glue gun and have been known to damage myself with an x-acto knife. I'm not sure hot metal and sharp edges are for me.
I am also intimidated by painting and drawing. I do not possess those skills. My drawings closely resemble those of my 2 year old nephew!
Anyway, I never let my trepidation about an activity stop me from trying. I like to experiment with crafts and if I'm lousy at something, at least I tried.
Posted by tanisflores on 2005-11-03 20:39:26
Post Subject:
OH MY GOD!
Well, it's my turn on the HGTV hotseat tomorrow! My episode of "That's Clever" airs tomorrow, Friday November 4th. I know how you felt Neesypea - I'm feeling excited but really really nervous. I'll be making a stained glass mosaic mirror and a gourd mask. I swore that I wouldn't act silly and over the top, but I seem to remember dancing around with a gourd on my head. It's blurs like that that made me stop drinking back in college. :) You were fabulous Neesypea! I don't knit (yet) but with needles like that I'd be truly inspired! Wish me luck. AGHHHH!!
Posted by neesypea on 2005-11-08 17:12:31
Post Subject:
OH MY GOD!
Well, it's my turn on the HGTV hotseat tomorrow! My episode of "That's Clever" airs tomorrow, Friday November 4th. I know how you felt Neesypea - I'm feeling excited but really really nervous. I'll be making a stained glass mosaic mirror and a gourd mask. I swore that I wouldn't act silly and over the top, but I seem to remember dancing around with a gourd on my head. It's blurs like that that made me stop drinking back in college. :) You were fabulous Neesypea! I don't knit (yet) but with needles like that I'd be truly inspired! Wish me luck. AGHHHH!!
I saw you! You did great, I loved the bird mask! :)
Posted by LulaBelle Designs on 2006-03-17 18:18:57
Post Subject:
I use mostly clear shrinkies and I prefer color pencils to markers. Much deeper color once they are shrunk. I make them in such a way that the colored side is the back and the they look a bit like stained glass.
I don't worry about getting a totally even pencil finish because when they shrink any lighter areas fill in pretty well.
Posted by Anonymous on 2005-08-25 11:28:56
Post Subject:
Deadulasch, I concede the point on socialized medicine. You're right - being American is a separate thing. That would be a good thread - the healthcare debate...
And thank you for being the first person to really understand what I was driving at to begin with!
Now - I have to go to another forum to ask if anyone can recommend a good beginner soldering iron. (I am putting stained glass in my Escalade).
just kidding! It was a joke! (Is it warm in here???)
Posted by EarthTones on 2004-05-18 23:00:45
Post Subject: Re: introduce yourself
who are you? Hello Ladies! EarthTones here...I am relatively new to the craft boards and have the same screen name at Glitter and Craftster.
what floats your boatMost days I am lucky if my boat falls at all, lol. I am a social worker by day (work with the homeless) and love to make things at all other times (sometimes I even sneak a project with me to work ;-) My craftivities include painting, stained glass mosaics, ceramics, jewelry making, paper crafts/rubber stamping and most recently knitting. I taught myself how to knit from Stitch n' Bitch after crocheting since I was a child. I was so psyched when I taught myself how to knit, and my fingertips have been sore ever since!
Quite honestly, I just love making stuff. My nails haven't been well manicured in a coupla years because I am constantly working on a project that jacks them up, and that's fine by me! I would love to take up carpentry/woodturning, but that's way off in the future.
Other things that float my boat (in no particular order): sunshine, rain, laughter, the smell of toast (don't ask, I don't know why, lol), my family, my friends, my craft tools, dancing, travelling, reading, a brisk walk, a cool breeze, the ocean...
where do you live I live on Long Island, NY about 45 minutes outside of Manhattan.
and what makes you crafty? At the risk of boring you and making your eyes cross, I will direct you to the answer to what floats my boat.
Posted by Karla on 2004-05-26 09:36:55
Post Subject:
My name is Karla and I have never joined a forum before. I've always been more the observer when it comes to the internet. This is a great place, though! Me and some of my friends recently began a book/knitting club that meets once a month and I have, consequently, been introduced to my inner-crafter! I always thought the very word (craft) implied a lesser form of art...specifically, tri-chem. That was my mother's introduction into the world of crafting and, I believe, that is just about where she left off...
Remember tri-chem? Plastic pieces divided into sections that you fill with this liquid that turns hard and, viola!, fake stained glass sun-catcher things. They were super fun to make but we never hung them or displayed them or anything. So I deduced that craft=tri-chem and tri-chem=useless. Not that I wouldn't rock a tri-chem unicorn if you had one handy!
I also skipped home-ec because I was convinced that it was sexist and outdated. But, boy, did I envy my sister's lip-shaped pillow! I decided much too early in life that I wasn't interested in any domesticating activities. It was a mis-led feminist idea. I don't regret it but, I have a lot of time to make up for now! Especially since, I have come to terms with the fact that I am an incredibly domestic person!! I really enjoy being at home and I like to make that place as comfy and fabulous as possible! I'm fortunate to have an incredible boyfriend, a loving kitty-cat and a precious new puppy. I'm not so fortunate to share with them a rented duplex in the ghetto. All of these things, however, create MANY crafty opportunities and ideas.
I love to cook and I'm just learning to knit. I've been in the market for a sewing machine for a long while now and it has just been explained to me that I may be able to take advantage of a layaway-type deal called '90 days same as cash'. Correct me if I'm wrong...you pay 1/3 of the cost and you take it home!!? I'm feeling optomistic.
I really enjoy collaborating with other crafters and the idea that you can do almost anything yourself! It's even encouraged me to learn to do my own plumbing! I no longer feel that craft and art are mutually exclusive. I've been able to express myself best creatively when I make useful things, things with purpose.
First on my agenda is: converting an over-sized, sweat-stained Stryper shirt into a thing of beauty and creating my own pattern for knitted drink cozies. I am not scared of the profit-making possibilities, either!
I'd like to mention, and maybe I should already know this, that if CraftyChica is the Crafty Chica with the web-site Crafty Chica, you are an inspiration. I've visited your site often and have a file folder full of your crafty ideas! And I like glitter, too.
I hope to be useful to you guys. I've already benefitted from some of your posts. It's a nice community you have here!
Posted by jean on 2004-05-26 09:46:08
Post Subject:
My name is Karla and I have never joined a forum before. I've always been more the observer when it comes to the internet. This is a great place, though! Me and some of my friends recently began a book/knitting club that meets once a month and I have, consequently, been introduced to my inner-crafter! I always thought the very word (craft) implied a lesser form of art...specifically, tri-chem. That was my mother's introduction into the world of crafting and, I believe, that is just about where she left off...
Remember tri-chem? Plastic pieces divided into sections that you fill with this liquid that turns hard and, viola!, fake stained glass sun-catcher things. They were super fun to make but we never hung them or displayed them or anything. So I deduced that craft=tri-chem and tri-chem=useless. Not that I wouldn't rock a tri-chem unicorn if you had one handy!
I also skipped home-ec because I was convinced that it was sexist and outdated. But, boy, did I envy my sister's lip-shaped pillow! I decided much too early in life that I wasn't interested in any domesticating activities. It was a mis-led feminist idea. I don't regret it but, I have a lot of time to make up for now! Especially since, I have come to terms with the fact that I am an incredibly domestic person!! I really enjoy being at home and I like to make that place as comfy and fabulous as possible! I'm fortunate to have an incredible boyfriend, a loving kitty-cat and a precious new puppy. I'm not so fortunate to share with them a rented duplex in the ghetto. All of these things, however, create MANY crafty opportunities and ideas.
I love to cook and I'm just learning to knit. I've been in the market for a sewing machine for a long while now and it has just been explained to me that I may be able to take advantage of a layaway-type deal called '90 days same as cash'. Correct me if I'm wrong...you pay 1/3 of the cost and you take it home!!? I'm feeling optomistic.
I really enjoy collaborating with other crafters and the idea that you can do almost anything yourself! It's even encouraged me to learn to do my own plumbing! I no longer feel that craft and art are mutually exclusive. I've been able to express myself best creatively when I make useful things, things with purpose.
First on my agenda is: converting an over-sized, sweat-stained Stryper shirt into a thing of beauty and creating my own pattern for knitted drink cozies. I am not scared of the profit-making possibilities, either!
I'd like to mention, and maybe I should already know this, that if CraftyChica is the Crafty Chica with the web-site Crafty Chica, you are an inspiration. I've visited your site often and have a file folder full of your crafty ideas! And I like glitter, too.
I hope to be useful to you guys. I've already benefitted from some of your posts. It's a nice community you have here!
Welcome Karla. Yes, so many of us came to crafting late in life, b/c we dismissed in our earlier days as something not feminist. That's why i started get crafty: to create a feminist craft site!
and yes, crafty chica is the same crafty chica. i'm one of her biggest fans and am thrilled that she is such an integral part of our community.
ok, off to tie-dye some clothes in a prada-rip-off sort of way, so i can look chic in italy.
Posted by moonwaterdesigns on 2005-02-20 15:50:03
Post Subject:
My name is Nicole, and I create jewelry using stained glass, images, and sometimes experiment with found glass, river stones, buttons, and whatever else I can find.
I sell my things online, in a few shops/boutiques, and participate in a few art fairs every year.
Posted by Geree McDermott on 2005-11-16 15:43:08
Post Subject: Here's my website!
HI Everyone!
I just came out with coloring books of funky dogs and cats. Fun to color, but also great patterns for quilts, stained glass, mosaics, stencils, floor cloths, and more! Please take the time to check them out at www.GereesStudio.com.
Little kids, big kids and grown up kids all love them! Perfect for holiday gifts
