Daily Journal Candy

Unidentified sailor from Nana's old photo album. Ooh la la!

Think Pink Swap

These are the pink charms I made for the Think Pink charm swap on Amber Dawn's blog awhile back.

They are made of polymer clay then painted with acrylic paints. I used head pins to attach them to jump rings and added beads and flower sequins. These sequins were a gift from a blogger I met at the first ArtFiberFest, Diane Moore, as well as several packages of vintage glass buttons and purple rose beads. Every time I use these goodies in my projects I think of her and the fun we had. :)

And then because packaging is so important, I wrapped them in pink tissue and put them in little manila envelopes then tied them up with red and pink baker's twine that had a polymer cane bead slipped on it and a tag.

Daily Journal Candy

Magazines and such

I forgot to mention I do have some magazines and things up on eBay right now... Somerset Studio, Artful Blogging, Hi-Fructose, Collage Cat zine, Art Erratica zine, and Cindy and Harvey Corn. Just a heads up - all of them 2-3 watchers. :)

Complete Jewellery Book Review

Complete Jewellery is one of those books that not only makes jewelry appear easy to create, it gives such detailed instructions and photos that you truly believe you can do it, too. All projects are rated Easy, Intermediate, or Advanced so you know exactly what you’re getting yourself in for.

The first chapter covers tools and materials, giving a detailed explanation of both. It includes lists of and definitions for:

Basic equipment
Tools for stringing
Tools for wire wrapping as well as a gauge guide
Tools for polymer clay
Tools for textiles
Tools for advanced techniques and a small gemstone buying guide

The next chapter is on stringing, including classic bead stringing and with flexible beading wire. Several projects are then demonstrated. Next is wire wrapping. I was surprised at how clear and detailed the photographs are. I really feel like I can master wrapping a briolette, something that has always managed to escape me before. And I love this sweet little ring that is listed as one of the easy wire projects.


The next two chapters are on materials that many jewelry artists don’t work with in general. The first is polymer clay. Clay tends to be a little intimidating, I think. If it’s not done correctly you can end up looking like you’re wearing your third grader’s art project. The projects shown in the clay chapter are simple in design but high impact. The next rather unlikely material is what the book refers to as textiles. What it covers is crochet, needle-felting, and fabric wrapped beads. I’d like to adapt these needle-felted ball earrings in my own color scheme.


The last chapter covers advanced techniques. These include:
making ear wires and head pins
making French wire
using a chasing hammer to add texture
projects using gemstones

And if you’re wondering about the spelling in the title, this book is originally a title from the UK. However, there are standard measurements as well as metric ones. I didn’t see anything else in the book that would be exclusive to Britain (or Europe in general) so don’t let that hold you back from getting this great book.

Daily Journal Candy plus Sneak Peek

Latest journal page

Sneak peek at a clay figure I made last week that I'll be putting up on eBay this weekend. If I can bear to. This face just kills me. :)

Team Craft Critique Bats 1000!

Craft Critique is posting their 1000th post today! Woot! And to celebrate we're giving away all the goodies you see in this picture. Are you excited yet? To find out how to get your grubby little paws on this prize pack come on over!

Daily Journal Candy

Eh. Some days you're just not feeling it.

Daily Journal Candy

Self portrait page made after watching Diana Trout's video. Watch for an upcoming review of her new book, Journal Spilling. It's on my favorites list. :)

Sewing Green Book Review

I've had Betz White's Sewing Green on my desk for several weeks now, its woolly autumn-like cover taunting me. You have to understand, I live in West Texas where it's not uncommon for the mercury to hit the triple digits on a normal summer's day. But for the last several days it's been deliciously fall-ish around here. I'm sipping pumpkin spice coffee and sporting a light sweater in the mornings. I even bought a miniature pumpkin at the store today. I'll probably give him a jaunty little face with my Copic markers tomorrow.

Will you look at that scarf? Isn't that the cutest? Not only are the instructions super easy but it's made from recycled wool. Maybe your kids have some outgrown sweaters you can felt up in the washing machine or if you happened to let your husband or boyfriend do the laundry last winter you might have some of your own sweaters already felted for you. ;) If not, hunt some down at yard sales or thrift stores. After a good hot wash with some laundry soap, they'll be perfect for this project. Imagine it in reds and oranges, too!

And this draft pillow? Be still my heart! I live in a 1950's home with hardwood floors so there's always a little bit of chilly breeze beneath a door somewhere. This is not only just the thing utility-wise but adorable as all get out. There is even bracket fungi on the side. When's the last time you heard that said as a positive thing? :)


Go ahead. Guess. What's this bag made from? Tyvek shipping envelopes. Yep, my response was pretty much "No way!", too. Betz even recycles the envelopes she receives packages in. These would make great shopping bags for the grocery store. You can bet you'll have everyone asking where you got them.


If you're related to me you can bet you're gonna see one of these neck pillows under your Christmas tree this year. So cozy, so warm, so easy to make. This would also make a great sales item for those fall/winter bazaars.

I have at least twice this many more projects bookmarked as favorites. But, hey, if I spend all my time telling you about them I won't have time for sewing! So run out and get your own copy of this great book. I promise this is one you'll use over and over through the years.

Daily Journal Candy

This is my husband's great-great-grandfather Herman Schultz and his boys, who opened the first bakery in Abilene, Texas, when it became a township in 1881. I have the original photograph in an album but his grandmother also had a big stack of cheap b&w copies she had made of lots of the old photos. They're perfect for journal pages. :)

Momiji Couture Contest

I received an email a couple days ago from Fran Pearce of 10 Yetis who is doing the PR for a wonderful art/fashion competition. It’s called the Momiji Couture Contest and I know several of you readers could do a bang-up job with this one.

From the website:

“Momiji are message dolls, each doll has a space in its base for a secret message. Our Couture Contest is a playful new direction; we’re looking for one-off, fabric dolls. You can create your doll using a combination of any textile methods you like; weaving, printing, knitting, embroidery....the list goes on…

Our aim is to create a catwalk of exquisite Momiji dolls which show off the skill and flair of textile artists around the world. A shortlist of ten finalists will be chosen by our panel of experts. These ten dolls will be exhibited at Royal/T in Los Angeles. The judges will vote to select an overall winner. The winning entry will be featured in Selvedge magazine and we’ll be working with our press team to tell the world about you and your textile talent.”

Check out these photos of the talented Zoe Murphy setting up Royal/T.

From the official press release:

"Continuing on their mission to champion grass-roots talent, Momiji are launching their latest venture with up-and-coming designers. The team behind the cult brand of oddly-addictive message dolls work with the freshest talent around the globe and this year they’re turning their sights towards the world of textiles and fashion with the Momiji Couture Contest.

The competition will be launched at the New Designers show at the Business Design Centre in Islington in July. Momiji will be calling for entries from fashion and textile students & graduates as well as the global crafting community. They’ll be setting them the challenge to create their own exquisite, fabric Momiji doll.

Last year Momiji invited graphic designers to design a Momiji to be sold exclusively in Selfridges. Hundreds of entries and thousands of public votes later the limited edition dolls hit the shelves.

The dolls from the Couture Contest will take a new direction with the top entries forming an exhibition of one-off, hand-crafted dolls at super-cool Japanese art space, Royal/T in Los Angeles.

The competition will be judged by a panel of fashion and design experts including Pip McCormac of Sunday Times Style Magazine, Barbara Hulanicki, founder of iconic 60’s fashion boutique BIBA, Deputy Editor of Selvedge Magazine; Beth Smith as well as Japanese art collector and owner of Royal/T, Susan Hancock. It’s the perfect opportunity for budding fashion students to showcase their magic.

To get involved visit www.lovemomiji.com/couture for a full design brief and then switch on your sewing machine."

I'm really enjoying reading their blog full of interesting artist interviews and such.

And if you’re looking for some inspiration check out the recent exhibit Kokeshi: From Folk Art to Art Toy exhibition at the Japanese American National Museum. My good friend Jacqueline Myers-Cho has a beautiful piece in this show.

More photos from Royal/T

Daily Journal Candy

"Even if something is left undone, everyone must take time to sit still and watch the leaves turn. " - Elizabeth Lawrence

My Secret Addiction or What to Buy in Ruidoso N.M.

You all know me as a journaler and mixed-media artist. But I have a secret addiction. I can't resist the allure of beads and charms. What you see above is just one tray of several. These are the cool colors - the blues and greens. I also have a case each of warms, neutrals, novelty beads, metals, charms, and findings, and vintage jewelry pieces. Then there are the cigar boxes filled with beaded strands and vintage jewelry that hasn't been taken apart yet. Oh, and all the necessary hardware.

So when I went on a weekend retreat to Ruidoso lately and stumbled on a great little bead and jewelry store tucked in amongst all the tacky tourist shops you can imagine my joy. It's a store called Beads to Beauty and it's located inside the Four Seasons Mall. Below you can see a few of my goodies. I also picked up some hardware and a charm or two that my daughter has already secreted away somewhere.


I think my favorite piece is this focal bead pendant. Heather Kingsmore is a master at wire wrapping. And it was only $6! She had several different ones to choose from as well as different colors of leather cords and ribbons with clasps attached for those of us too anxious to wait to wear our new treasures.

I noticed on her blog that she also gives classes on how to make them. If only it weren't three and a half hours away! I would SO be there. :)

Re-Bound by Jeannine Stein Review and Author Interview

I recently received a copy of Jeannine Stein's Re-Bound: Creating Handmade Books from Recycled and Repurposed Materials. Most bookbinding instructional books are quite a bit past my skill level. I was happy to see several projects in this book that, not only were at a skill level I was comfortable with, but felt new and exciting. The book on the front cover is made from, believe it or not, Starbucks gift cards. There a couple that I'm not so sure about but the majority of them feel like nice solid projects. This one made from cabinet cards with a stab binding is one of my favorites.


I was lucky enough to score an interview with the author as well.

What is your book about?
This is a how-to book on making books from new and vintage recycled and repurposed materials such as potato chip bags, sweaters, cabinet cards, record albums, hot water bottles and gift cards. There are 16 projects in the book that all have step-by-step instructions with illustrations, and 14 more books by other artists in the gallery. Each project features a different binding that even beginners can do. “Re-Bound” also includes tips and variations for each project.

How long have you been doing this type of craft or art?
I’ve been making books for more than 15 years, including photo albums, journals, sketch books, guest books, and notebooks. I’ve been crafting all my life, ever since I could hold a pair of scissors.

What inspired you to write this book?
I love to do fine bindings and work in traditional leather and bookboard, but while doing that I began to discover that exploring other mateirals offered a different challenge and satisfaction. I became inspired by flea makret finds such as vintage textiles and photographs, and started making books with them several years ago—it took my work to an entirely new level. I also love modern graphics on things like food and product packaging, and found they’re great for making books as well. At the same time I was doing this, I began to see fantastic work being done by other designers and artists who were turning existing items into furniture, clothes, accessories and lighting. I knew I wasn’t the only one who was crazy about working with recyclables.

What makes your book different?
All of the projects use recycled materials, which hasn’t been done before in a book on bookbinding. Although the projects are easy enough for a beginner to do, experienced binders and book artists will definitely find some challenges. Also, the text offers a lot of information on how and where to find materials, plus tips on how to work with them.

Who would enjoy or benefit most from this book?
Bookbinders and artists for sure, but also people who like working with recycled materials and found objects. Scrapbookers will really enjoy the projects, many of which can be used as albums. Photographers and artists are always looking for places to feature their work, and there are several books that are perfect for that.

Where will your book be available?
Sold: Barnes and Noble, Borders, Amazon, and a number of craft stores

Were there contributors to this book? If so, who were they?
The gallery contributors are: Norman Dixon, Charlene Matthews, Richard Troncone, Bee Shay, Dennis Yuen, Jennifer Kaiser, Susan Reardon, Holly Sar Dye, Andrew Borloz, Judi Delgado, Elaine Nishizu, Leslie C. Herger, Rhonda Miller, and Marcia Moore.

Daily Journal Candy

First page in a new journal. Yum!

Copic Tutorials List plus that little ol' Giveaway

Stamp by MK Colling

Ever wished there was one place to go on the web with an extensive list of tutorials and videos on Copic markers? Guess what? We gotcha covered at Craft Critique. Just popped up an article chock full of educational goodness. Plus it's not too late to get your name in for the giveaway we're having. So head on over and take a peek. :)

More Copic Marker Reviews and a Giveaway!

I am blown away by the reviews we have going on at Craft Critique. Tomorrow's the last day of them. And the funny thing is, I expected there to be a bunch of stampers. Not a one yet. Lots of cute illustrations instead. :) Oh! And get this - we are giving away a set of 12 Copic Atyou Spica glitter pens to one lucky commenter! How cool is that!

Help! Copic Marker Tutorials?

Do you use Copic markers? Do you have or know of any tutorials? I'm putting together a resource article over at Craft Critique and would like for it to be as extensive as possible.

Copic Review at Craft Critique

Wanna see more? Check out my Copic review at Craft Critique.

"Moongazer" Polymer Clay Art Doll/Figure

"Moongazer" is handpainted polymer clay. She stands just a stitch over 4" tall. She has dark green eyes and brown hair.
Although this particular one is not for sale, feel free to contact me about your own special figure. You can choose the eye, hair, and nightgown color. Imagine having one to commemorate your daughter or granddaughter. They also make wonderful gifts.

Busy Busy

These are a bit of a new style for me but I like them. Working away in the background over here. The first class of the semester went well. My work for C&T's Creative Troupe was very well-received. I'll share pictures of that soon. Writing an article on Copic markers currently. I know this post is all over the place but that's kinda how life is at this point. :) But it's good. Very good.

Frida Painting and Falling into a New Schedule

By 7:30 this morning I already had the kids at school and was ready to head down to the scrapbook store to do some painting to get it ready to re-open in a couple days. I have lunch with the husband's work at 11:30. And some book reviews just chomping at the bit. Plus I'm putting together the stuff I need for class day after tomorrow. Funny how the kids go back to school and BAM! the lazy days are over!