Yes, I love to use parentheses (I use them frequently). But let's move along to my bench shall we?
{NewNew} Tutorial of the day: How to make your own leaf earrings.
You will need:
22 gauge sterling (or copper or brass) sheet
sterling earwire (see my previous tutorial)
heavy duty cutting shears
400 and 600 grit sandpaper
drill with bit (I use my flex shaft)
fine-point sharpie marker
dapping block and large rounded dap
hammer for dapping punch
hand file cut 2
Step 1:
Sketch an outline of the leaf onto the sheet metal thusly (yes I said thusly):
Step 2:
Using shears cut out your shapes. You can clean up the edges in step 3 so don't worry about perfection. In nature leaves are all different shapes and sizes:
Step 3:
Use your hand file and then sandpaper to smooth out the edges:
Step 4:
Using your punch and block, add a nice domed shape to your leaf. Again perfection is not the goal here. This is handmade work people, we are imperfect at best.
Step 5:
Add your satin finish using your sandpaper. Start with 400 and finish with 600. I like to move the paper around in tiny circles to make a uniform texture. Wax on, wax off.
Here is what mine looks like when I'm finished. Almost there:
Step 6:
Drill a hole. There are many drills, even hand drills. I used my flex shaft but you can use a dremel or anything that can hold a skinny drill bit in it's jaws (how big should the drill bit be? Big enough so the hole it makes will fit your earwire through it).
Step 7:
Thread your earwire through the hole and voila! You have an earring! I make both halves at the same time so that they come out looking similar but you can do it any way you please! And yes, your fingers will be this dirty after working at your bench for a few hours, too. Thanks for reading!
September seems to have just flown by. Working a full-time day job, keeping up with my accessory design business and trying to have a personal life proved quite the challenge this month. Before I realized it, the first of the fall shows was upon me and I was scrambling to be ready. I was just not working SMART, as the time management guru’s call it. While I wouldn't wish my September on anyone, I know I am not the only one out there who could use a refresher course in goal setting and time management.
SMART: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Rewarding, and Timely
Set Specific Goals
Set up goals that are specific and you will have a clearer path to envisioning where you will end up. The clearer the picture, the easier it is to visualize what you need to be doing. Without a clear vision, you can't always see where you’re going or where you expect to end up.
Create Measurable Goals
One of the best ways to measure success involves tracking the number of items made and/or actual sales of items. Once you've set specific goals, figure out the best way to measure them and your progress toward them.
Set Attainable Goals
An attainable goal is a goal for which you see a realistic path to achievement, and reasonable odds that you get there. This does not mean that the lower you aim the more likely you reach success. Goals that work best have a challenge in them, they are chosen to be as ambitious as possible, but still reachable.
A goal is rewarding when you have clear reasons why you want to reach it. Have specific reasons and expected reward in writing or depicted visually. Imagine how you are going to feel when the goal is reached. Then, if you get stuck and don't feel motivated, read your reasons and look at the pictures.
Make Your Goals Timely
Having a specific timeline is one of the best ways to ensure you reach for your goals. A deadline is also your protection from procrastination and unreasonable perfectionism.
Last weekend the Maker Faire swept through town with Jet Ponies, taxi crushing mousetraps, and bicycling, pink fish. The NewNew had the privilege of participating with illustrious Makers like Tiffany of Replayground, Martha Stewart, our own Miniature Rhino, and fabulous Lion Brand Yarn.We had a steady stream of visitors at our booth who helped us make hats and booties for Bronx-Lebanon hospital's obstetric ward. At the end of the weekend with a total 98 baby items we were very close to reaching our ultimate goal of making 100 baby things and are looking forward to the treasures we will receive from Makers who took home our kits and received little bags of surprises for their efforts.
Some of the people who made our time memorable were: Sue from Ohio who helped out her daughter with her booth at Bust's Maker Faire Craftacular and spent the weekend cranking out a new hat every hour on the hour; Matt who made his very first pink hat for a special someone who will arrive this year; the ladies from the crochet guild who spent 30 minutes to leave us with perfect designer baby hats; Julia who dropped in during her breaks as a volunteer at the Faire to finish a pair of booties, and of course Karen Seiger of Markets of New York who chatted with us for an hour while knitting a cute little green hat.
We also owe a great thank you to Lion Brand Yarn which furnished all the needles and hooks and patterns to make the hats and booties, and Cindy from myrecycledbags.com who allowed us to use her tarn baby bib pattern. Hopefully we'll be able to return to the Maker Faire next year with another creative venture.
Jess Chambers, creator of Little Bunny greeting cards, is a slightly obsessive natural redhead who loves animals. Looking at her edgily whimsical, hand drawn gocco prints of yeti crabs, vampire squid, and drifting otters, one gets the sense that a little obsession is a good thing.
Jess started making cards about three years ago as an extension of her own appreciation for snail mail in a world dominated by email exchanges. She finds getting something in the mail so exciting and heartwarming, Jess likes the thought of her cards giving someone those same feelings.
A very early animal-talker (she used to have extensive conversations with her stuffed animals), Jess has given shelter over the years to Fluffy, a lop-eared rabbit; Catherine, a hamster; Sophie aka Mees, a pug that still lives at her parents' house; and Sergio, a sweet mutt who adopted her two years ago. You can see that she gives a lot of thought to the inner life of animals with the sometimes startlingly imaginative characters that populate her cards. Who says a squid and an owl can't be best friends?
Jess defines her interests as passionate opportunities to really get into objects and ideas she finds compelling. You can engage all of Jess' interests, and see if they match your own, at the upcoming Crafts in Chelsea market on Saturday, October 16, 2010.
What is your idea of perfect happiness? Buying a plane ticket and planning a trip.
What is your greatest fear? Looking back and having regrets about not doing something that I really wanted to.
Which historical figure do you most identify with? I think that I identify more with specific historical periods than historical people. I've always been into ancient Egypt, the Titanic, and Paris in the early 1900's. Maybe those are the places that I've lived(and died) in past lives?
Which living person do you most admire? Martha Stewart is my hero, she can help you bake, clean, wrap presents, and fix up your garden. That woman is amazing.
Do you have a theme song, and what is it? Kanske Ar Jag Kar I Dig by Jens Lekman.
If you could have only one creative tool on a deserted island, what would it be? Scissors. They could function for art and for survival. What is the trait you most like in yourself? I'm willing to take chances, and just go for it.
What is the trait you most like in others? Honesty.
What is your greatest extravagance? Food definitely. I'm addicted to food magazines, cooking/baking, buying kitchen gadgets, and finding new eateries to indulge in.
When and where were you happiest? I'm pretty happy right now, and life continues to get better. But when I look back, my favorite time was being 12. Everything was so simple! Going to dance competitions, hanging out with friends, not really having a care in the world, and of course having summers off.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I'd be stronger (not in the physical sense)
What do you consider your greatest achievement? It's between graduating from college (I went to 4 colleges in 6 years), adopting my dog Sergio, and creating an etsy shop and working towards creating a small business.
If you were to be reincarnated as a person, animal, or thing, what do you think you would be? I'd hope to be a giant squid, but I'd also be OK coming back as a professional ballerina. Two different side of the spectrum, I know.
What is your most treasured possession? Fluffy J Bunny, a stuffed rabbit that I've had for years. He looks like the rabbit that I had, also named Fluffy. Also the inspiration for my shop mascot.
Which talent or skill would you most like to have? I wish that my sewing skills were better. This is where the patience issue comes in, if I had more patience I might be more skilled at sewing.
Who are your heroes in real life? Mom & Dad.
What is it the one thing you dislike the most? Bugs (ladybugs and butterflies excluded).
What's the first thing you remember making? Glittery pumpkins on construction paper. My mom and grandmoms were always doing crafty projects with me when I was little.
Little Bunny cards may be found at Stray Vintage in Sunnyside, Queens, New York, 323 Gallery In Royal Oak, Michigan, and at the indoor Fall/winter Brooklyn Flea. Don't forget to check out www.etsy.com/shop/littlebunny for regular updates about where to find Jess in person, as well as her blog, Captain's Log.
The {NewNew} is kicking into high gear to prepare for the first Maker Faire in New York City to be held at the Hall of Science this Saturday and Sunday. We are collecting shirts to turn into yarn, going over our patterns and preparing kits for you to learn knitting and crocheting.(Yes YOU!) At the heart of all this work are tiny newborns joining the world at Bronx-Lebanon Hospital each day.
Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center serves the South and Central Bronx and has been providing compassionate health care to those in need, regardless of their ability to pay for over a hundred years. Bronx-Lebanon's mission is to fill the role as "Doctor to the Community." They do this by regularly providing free check-ups and screenings to schools, shelters and senior citizen centers throughout the community. These programs and many like it bring physician and medical services directly to the community where they are need the most.
The {NewNew} wants to help in a small way by donating 100 items for the babies brought into the world at Bronx Lebanon Hospital. The 100 baby items we have pledged to create starting at the Maker Faire will be put on tiny heads and feet at the hospital's new Children’s Wing that opened in 2009. The Children's wing is providing state-of-the-art inpatient and outpatient care in a family friendly environment to the children of the Bronx. But wait, there's more: We have prepared goody bags for you as a thank you for helping us with this project. So make a booty and get some booty.
With the future children of our community in mind, we look forward to hanging out with you at the Maker Faire and joining in our crafting circle at "Shirts to Hats Booth 4285". We are in Zone C right by the Bust Craftacular. Here is a map.
Just 25 miles north of Manhattan you will find a slice of farm heaven -- Stone Barns Center for Food & Agriculture. Stone Barns is not only a beautiful 80-acre non-profit four-season farm/educational gateway to farming and sustainability, it also happens to have a fresher than fresh farmers market, a lovely gift shop, a cafe, and Blue Hill at Stone Barns restaurant. Worth to check out? You betchya! This amazing place is open to the public all year Wednesday - Sunday, and what a treat it is!
An upcoming event sure to be fun for the whole family is Stone Barns Center's 7th Annual Harvest Fest -- filled with live music, hayrides, a pie bake-off, workshops on food and farming, and more!
When: October 2nd, 10AM-3PM, for more info click here.
Thanks so much for stopping on by! If there's something neat to do in your neck of the woods, please leave a suggestion in the comment section (it must be located somewhere in the NY Tri-State area).
Living in NYC, my children and I are always in awe of the mosaic tiles in subway stations. There are some beautiful ones to look at, and a few of my daughter's favorites include:
81st Street B/C line - American Museum of Natural History Station
N/R Prince Street Station
8th Avenue and 34th Street Station
No matter where you live, there is sure to be creative inspiration for your own mosaic creations. It's a fun (and cheap!) activity to do with your kids and offers lots of wiggle room for creativity and experimentation. And what an assortment of materials you can use for a mosaic! Here are just a few ideas to get you going...
Materials -Mosaic items, ideas include:
Colored beans
Pasta shells that are painted and dried
Cut or torn pieces of paper (magazines, wrapping paper, catalogs, old photos)
Directions Draw an outline of an object on the cardboard with a pencil (start simple - first try doing a large heart, star, or rainbow). Use craft glue to adhere the various objects to the image, using different colors of mosaic items to fill in the image and the background. Experiment with different textures and colors of objects to create interesting art! Once you get the hang of it, try using smaller pieces to do more detailed images.
Meli Anna A is a spirited and spiritual person. Conversations with her, whether in person or via email, are regularly punctuated with references to divine love, mystic gifts, and unwavering belief. In many ways, Meli Anna feels it is inevitable that her creative life gives voice, as she puts it, to her "soul growth."
A big part of that growth and of her connection to the inner mysteries of life is her faith, and the love and support of her family. Meli Anna's jewelry is in part inspired by her relationship with her husband, whom she calls her soul mate, as well as her desire to demonstrate through the creative process the strength of her relationship to God. As an artist, she feels it is important to "have faith in everything you do...good always comes true."
Meli Anna returns often to familiar motifs, reflecting her interests in specific designs. Her sterling silver vintage jewelry collection features handcrafted circles and abstract flowers, while her enamel jewelry explores modern color concepts.
You can read more about the relationship between faith and inspiration in Meli Anna's jewelry at her blog, soulcharms.blogspot.com.
What is your idea of perfect happiness? To simply enjoy what ever life brings at the present moment. Happiness is like breathing, happiness is like the beat of the heart, happiness is inside of us, it is our own self. Happiness exists every time we choose to smile. Happiness is not something that happens to us, happiness is our duty in life! We owe it to ourselves to be happy, it is the only spiritual thing we can achieve in life. This is why true happiness can not be taken away from someone who has discovered it.
What is your greatest fear? To not be good enough
Which living person do you most admire? My husband! That is why he is my husband.
Do you have a theme song, and what is it? Any and all of Snatam Kaur's songs! I go into a "trance" when I listen her music. That is when I create the most. It comes from my heart then, not from my hand.
What is the trait you most like in yourself? Openness to diversity, tolerance.
What is the trait you most like in others? Kindness
When and where were you happiest? Now.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? To be absolute in everything.
What do you consider your greatest achievement? Raising my child. Just imagine polishing someone's character for the best...out of love for themselves. It truly is a divine job!
If you were to be reincarnated as a person, animal, or thing, what do you think you would be? A butterfly.
Which talent or skill would you most like to have? I lack too many things to say one!
What is it the one thing you dislike the most? Egotistical people. The more they brag about themselves, the easier it is to see that they are just hiding the fact that they don't feel so wonderful. Why not just be humble?
What is your motto? Go get the technique, then forget it, and make it your way.
What's the first thing you remember making? My goodness, I've always made everything I could possibly make...my way!
Boo! Scared? No? Well, it is a teensy bit early for ghoulies and ghosties, but I hear the kids are talking about it already so I thought it might be time enough for a little NewNew Halloween preview. It would appear that our membership has a weird/spooky streak so I'm sure there will be much more to come as All Hallows Eve draws nearer. I'm scared.
I don't know about you all, but I've had one heck of a hectic September already! New York City is never a slow place, but there just seems to be something about the first couple of weeks of September that puts people in high gear. Whatever the reason, the City is buzzing, schedules are overflowing, tasks are being juggled, I for one could use some relaxation.
Time to relax? Yeah right! Ha! I hear ya! But, if you think about it as finding time to relax my bet is you never will. Well at least I never do. So how can you (and I) work a little relaxation into the day? Let's see what {NewNew} ideas we can come up with...
Or at least turn your 5 minute shower into a spa-like experience with an amazing soap. Nordea Soaperie's Spa Bar is made using salt, coconut oil and shea butter so it has a thick, creamy, lotion-like lather. Salts have been known to help w/circulation, detoxify, and help retain moisture in the skin.
Before you pack your lunch, grab your BlackBerry head out into the wild, drench yourself in the relaxing woody scent of Mohogany Spice Lotion from PureSpa2. It is packed with goat’s milk, honey and shea butter. The Mahogany Spice scent is a deep, rich woody scent with notes of Italian bergamot, apple wood and cardamom.
With MCFlashpants Living Jewelry it is not as hard as it sounds. Plants are not only beautiful, research has shown that they reduce stress in work environments! Each of the plants used in these amazing pieces is right out of the garden. And don't worry -- they are easy to care for
HeartFelt4Kids has just added dog wear to their line. Made from soft, eco friendly bamboo felt and embroidered with designs to match their kids clothing line.
Scrappy the catnip mouse is filled with super powerful, organic catnip. A portion from the sale of each mouse is donated to a local New York animal shelter.
Based on a traditional southern treat Craque is a delicious and irresistible candy consists of Rice Chex covered in chocolate, peanut butter and powdered sugar.
See, it's not so hard to find some relaxation after all is it. Ahhhhhh, I feel much better already.
