Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Selling my Art

I haven't mentioned it here on the blog yet, but I am preparing to sell at my first ever Craft Fair this December. I am very excited about it, and have been listening to pod-casts and reading blog posts all about everything Craft Fair. From pricing products, to setting up a display, it is all exciting and fascinating to me.


I will be sure to share the details of when and where the Craft Fair is, once it is all finalized, but in the mean time I have a little (tiny) story. Last week I had a follow up appointment with a Podiatrist (my feet are now doing great, thanks Dr!) anyways... he asked what I would be doing after the appointment, and I said sewing! Lucky for me he asked... what for? I explained that I was preparing for a Craft Fair in December, and he promptly order 3 pencil cases for his daughters! Without even seeing my work, or knowing my prices. It was a very cool moment, and I was thrilled to get a sale before I even had my shop ready. 


These pencil cases were made with his daughters in mind, and aren't the style I plan on making for the Craft Fair, but I wanted to share them here anyways. I love how the little buttons look on them. 


Now I'm just hoping the girls like them! 


Monday, October 27, 2014

My Very Own Stamp!!

I (finally) got a stamp for my blog, and I could not love it any more!


It was a simple process, and a great price. I plan to use it for the back of my hand-painted cards. And for pretty much anything else I can think of (haha!) I love it!

I ordered it from Rubber Stamps 4 U based in Etobicoke (west Toronto). Their website looks basic, but if you email Barry at RubberStamps4u@gmail.com he will help you find exactly what you need!
(not sponsored, I just love Rubber Stamps 4 U)

Saturday, October 25, 2014

Web Design

Today was my last day of "Web Art and Design" at OCADU in Toronto. It has been such a neat class, and definitely a great use of my Saturday mornings.

It taught me the basics of HTML and CSS, two things I have been very interested in learning for a while. It has taught me a ton, and although there is lots more to learn, I now have the basics to keep going and learning on my own.

The best thing I learned was how to make the horizontal menu. It's basic, but it is also what you need to get the look I wanted for my site. I'm very excited to be able to have this new skill in my back pocket. 

I had 6 classes, and did make 6 websites, but I only have my most recent 4 here. The first two were... very basic! We focused more on the HTML for the first two classes, and the CSS is what makes websites pretty! I definitely enjoyed the classes even more once we incorporated the CSS! 

My goal now is to make a basic website that can be a hub for all of my online stuff. Youtube, blog, etc, all of it in one easy spot. I think it would be fun to put together a digital portfolio of some of my favourite creations. I'm not sure if my skills are good enough just yet, but with the internet and google, I'm sure I can get there! :)

Next I'm hoping to expand my photoshop and graphic design skills with another OCADU class... thankfully they run lots of them! 

Monday, October 13, 2014

Painting

Lately, I've been painting. Which is something I've hardly ever done since I started making stuff. I almost always make more crafty things, but this month, I've been painting!

I can't say I'm amazing at it, but I enjoy it so much! I've been painting mostly on cardboard and on board (the wooden painting surfaces). Both are are a lot of fun, but I enjoy cardboard a surprising amount. It just feels nice to paint on.


It's been fun to play around with the colours (I haven't bought a ton yet, but I love the few colours I do have!). I finally got a few different sizes and styles of paint brushes as well, and that definitely makes it more enjoyable. But mostly it's just nice to sit, and make something. There will always be something so soothing and wonderful about making. 

Monday, October 6, 2014

My Fresh New Mantel

I took some time last weekend to change up the mantel of my fire place. With $10 at IKEA (the plants and planters), some paint and rocks, and a few things from around the house I gave it a whole new look. I am very excited to have it looking fresh and calm.


I love having the green mixed in, even if it is fall right now. I have learned that I am a serial plant killer, so I'm happy to have some lovely fake (and always green!) plants. 



I made the candle holder below with air-dry clay, and painted it with acrylic silver paint. I'm still not sure if that is the best paint to use, but it seems to be holding up okay so far!


Don't you love toad stools? If there is anything I would start a collection of, it is definitely cute things with toad stools on them. :)



The large print below is a photo I took when I was visiting Detroit. I simply printed the image as an "engineers print" which you can do for less than $5 at any Staples or Business Depot. How awesome is that?