New Feature!

Hello there! Today is a little exciting for me, I'm going to try my hand at something new, a feature about inspiration. Sometimes this will be about what is inspiring me, and sometimes you. To kick off this feature, the talented Jillian of JFrancis Designs, was kind enough to answer some questions on the topic of being an artist and Etsy shop owner. (she also has a blog too!)

So tell us how you came to be a jewelry maker?

I started making jewelry in college. I had a classmate who was making these beautiful woven seed bead bracelets and selling them for around $60.00, which was a lot of money to me then, and still is! I thought it was really interesting, researched how to make them, found a local bead shop, and taught myself how to do seed bead weaving. Eventually, I moved out to California and discovered some amazing bead shops, and I started transitioning into stringing bracelets and necklaces. I also took my first metal working class. Then, when I moved to Phoenix, my neighbor made jewelry she sold at home parties and craft shows and also worked at a bead store that gave lessons in wire wrapping. That particular store also had an awesome selection of semi-precious beads, and from there, I was hooked.

What made you decide to become a part of the handmade community and open an Etsy shop?

I never sold anything I made until this past year when I opened my Etsy shop. I didn't have a formal job for the first six months, I lived in Iowa, so I had a lot of time on my hands. I had purchased some items on Etsy and loved the site, so I read all of the articles on the Storque and much of the forums. Then I just went for it. My family and friends have been really supportive, giving a lot of constructive criticism and feedback, as well as buying from my shop. I feel like I've doubled my knowledge just over the summer but that I still have so much more to learn about marketing, selling and photography. I also am enrolled in another metal working class this Fall, after which I hope to expand my collection to include more pendants and maybe rings. I feel like the biggest benefit of opening my Etsy shop has been the impetus to further develop my skills, learn new techniques and push my own boundaries.

Were you always a person who makes things? If so what did you love to make as a kid?

I have always made things. We lived in Carlisle, PA, until I was five years old, and our baby sitter was an elementary school teacher and artist. We weren't allowed to watch any television except Sesame Street and Mister Rogers, so many of my earliest memories are of the craft projects she taught us and the art that she created. I always thought of myself as an artist because she told me I was. My parents really supported me, and I went to painting lessons for almost nine years with a local artist. I used to do oils and watercolors, and I would love to get back to that, as well as continue with acrylic painting. I also used to write short stories and draw the characters, and my favorite toys were usually of the art supply variety. I remember I had a loom, which was so much fun - I would spend hours weaving scarves for my dolls.

Is there a person in your life who is or has, inspired you? and Why?

My little sister is really inspiring to me. She was in Rwanda researching HIV for the past two years and just recently returned to start her PhD at Johns Hopkins. In addition to being ridiculously smart, she's a totally fearless adventurer and seen some amazing places all over Africa. (I blogged some photos by Katie back in April or May)

I'm also inspired by my former employer. She is an incredibly talented interior designer and taught me so much in the year that I worked for her that I should have been paying her. More importantly, she treats everyone she meets with such grace and respect and warmth. I was very sad to leave my job with her when I moved because I feel I had so much more to learn from her.

I noticed you have a music feature on your blog, what's currently on your playlist?

I have to admit that since we went to the Gomez concert, we've been listening to their new CD non stop. I also have been listening to Wilco's and Dave Matthews Band's newest albums. We always have Joe Purdy, Ryan Adams, and Chris Pureka in rotation, as well.

Last question, what would a perfect day be for you?

A typically perfect day would include sleeping in a little, making a great breakfast, taking the dogs for a swim or a hike, spending some time making things (jewelry, painting, it doesn't matter), shopping for a cooking a great dinner, and spending the evening relaxing at home with my boyfriend Keegan and a glass of wine. A crazy perfect day would involve a slope side cabin, 12 inches of new powder, 33 degree temperatures and not a cloud in the sky, followed by fireside beers and a great meal. Sadly, that only happens once in a long while, hopefully this winter though.

A great big thank you to Jillian, this was my first attempt at interviewing and she was very generous and patient with me , xo

LULU is Turning 5 Today!

and having a baby. Louisa is the best girl.... ever.

XOXO

Hettle is at Lovely Clusters!

Yesterday the lovely designer, Rachel Follett (blog and Etsy shop) launched her website, Lovely Clusters to showcase artists and designers that carry items that are beautiful and dreamy. You can find a gallery of featured sellers ( including me!) and a product area with links to category and color clusters, so sweet!

End of Summer Treasures

These beauties came into my kitchen via the local community garden, can't wait to make something with them:)

What are some of your simple pleasures of summer?

Block Printing 101:: part two

Hello again, as promised this is part two of my basic block printing tutorial, a continuation of where I left off in the previous post. In part one we covered the materials, so now we are ready to begin image transfer, carving and test printing, with a basic image. I will do another tutorial on working with a more detailed image and something more technically challenging at a later date.

Today I chose an image my daughter drew, since it is "simple" I am using a rubber (soft-kut) block, for speedy carving. The rubber block is super easy to work, just keep in mind that it is not as durable as linoleum or wood, and is not recommended for fine details. The images above illustrate the directions below.

1.Trace over image with a soft pencil, a few times.

2.Place image right side down on top of block and position as desired.

3. Hold down and rub back of image with a bone folder (a smooth plastic spoon works well too) you should begin to see the ridges of the image raise a little bit, at this time it's good to peek under the corner a bit to see if the transfer is complete.

4. If your image looks good enough to stop, you might need to fill in some areas that didn't quite make it, you can draw directly on the rubber and erase if need be. If your happy with what you see you are ready to move on to carving.

Carving

First, keep in mind up your hands can smudge your image as you carve, and if you prefer you can use a sharpie to make your image durable. For safety always carve away from your fingers and hands to avoid stabbing yourself. Been there...OW!

1. Before you start cutting decide what part of your image you would like to see inked, I chose to cut out the back round of the bird and sun, so that the image left would be raised and what is left "raised" or uncut is the image that will be rolled in ink and printed.

2. Select which carving tool best fit your needs. What would work best for the amount of or lack of detail? As I covered before in the previous tutorial, you can buy the Lino handles with a set of steal cutters at a reasonable price, it's helpful to have a U-gouge, V- gouge, a liner, large liner, and a knife. You can easily tell once you begin which edges will work best for you. So carve away!

3. Once you have worked enough of your image to get a good idea of what it will look like, it's time to stop. You can easily carve out more....but you can't put it back.

4. Time to roll out some ink! You will need a brayer, your ink, a sheet of plexi glass, some paper and if you want, some test fabric. Choose your ink and spoon some on your plexi-glass, grab a rubber brayer and roll out a not to thin layer of ink, be sure that it is "tacky" you will be able to see a texture and hear resistance. Roll the brayer over your cut block, if you leave some ink on an area that you didn't wish to have inked, simply wipe it away with a paper towel.

5. Once your block is inked place a piece of paper on top and run a clean brayer across the top being sure to apply enough pressure across all of your image to get a complete print. Pull your paper off and see what you have made! Try again, re-ink and use it as a "stamp" for a different effect.

1. Acrylic Brayer rolled over paper (nice details) 2. Stamped (ink spreads out)

Finally you are ready to test on Fabric, I keep a nice big pre-washed sample (cotton/linen blend) around so I can test things in multiple ways and compare results (which will also vary with different fabrics). I chose to put the fabric on top and roll my brayer over it, results below.

To make this image permanent you will need to add heat, there are several methods, I cover the fabric with a thin sheet of cotton and iron it, and I also throw it in the dryer, just to be sure. I have read that some do put it in the oven, I have not tried this so I don't recommend it, and frankly it does sound a little scary.

I think this is a good place to stop. I hope this has given you a little push to try block printing. Simple and satisfying. If you have any questions please comment, I would love to know what you think. Also in the side bar is a list of links with helpful information.

MIA

The Lulus at swimming lessons

I don't know about you but the thick of August always makes me a little lazy.....maybe it's the humidity but I find myself not really motivated to do much of anything but sit by the kiddie pool daydreaming.

Well that said, I am putting together part two.......finally, of my block printing tutorial, my apologies for the snails pace, just the way it's going this summer. So, I'm going to shoot for next week err.. sometime next week:) Thanks for stopping by, hope you are enjoying some of the simple pleasures of summer too.

My Latest Addiction......

Honestly, I feel like I could spend the next week just spacing out and folding pom poms. Not sure what is so satisfying about making them, I'm such a nerd about it that I keep eyeing the pile of tissue paper, planning color combinations, sad I know. These lovelies are for my daughters 5th Birthday Party (sniff, sniff) a few little girls, make your own cupcakes, and a bin full of dress up clothes, should be fun.

In my weekend of leisure I am quite proud to say I actually did some reading.....from a book! A few months ago I won a raffle, a basket full of "summer reading", can't say that most of the titles have interested me but I'm giving a go at Eat, Pray, Love, By Elizabeth Gilbert, and much to my surprise I am loving it, so nice to get into a book again.

Winner of a $20. gift certificate to my Etsy Shop was announced today on The Other Tiffany, Thank you so much for all of those who made comments and shared your DIY projects!