Wednesday, February 15, 2017

What's new for Crafters in 2017

How would you like to see some behind the scenes pictures of the new products hitting the store shelves this year?  Well, I went to the Creativation Conference and Trade Show (Formerly CHA). And in NOW re-branded to AFCI (Association For Creative Industries) which happened in Phoenix Arizona in January.

I can tell you that there is a lot more Makers, DIY'ers, Crafters, etc. out there than we know.  It is an excellent time to be a hobbyist or a pro.  Companies are coming up with new products and product lines all the time.  New businesses have joined in too.

So here are a few pictures and even a link to a video where I share one company's products. If you just can't wait to find these products, you might want to check out the links to my Affiliates in the sidebar.  Purchasing from those links will recompense me with a small sum of change.  Thank you.













There is lots more to share.  But that will be in other posts.

Thank you for stopping by.


*note I am affiliated to Cricut and will be compensated if your purchase from this link.

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

How To Make A warm Heart Wreath

Hello, today I am sharing another Heart Themed craft I created as part of the #LoveArt for the YouTube Creators CAC - Creative Arts Collaboration.  See my video below and others in the same theme by using the #LoveArt when visiting YouTube.



To make this wreath I used supplies I bought at Dollar Tree, and Dollarama.  Creating does not have to be expensive, it should just be expressive.


The supplies I used include:
Heart Shaped Wire Wreath
3 balls of yarn
Hot Glue and Hot Glue Gun (AdTech)
Felt Hearts.

I just tied the three strands of yarn to the wire form and wrapped that frame until it was completely covered.  I adjusted here and there to hide all the wire parts.  In the end, I just cut what was left off the yarn and tucked in the ends into the wreath.

I completed the wreath by gluing on some felt hearts with some hot glue.

For my fellow USA viewers if you wish to order related supplies online from Dollar Tree there is a convenient link provided for you to the right.  Clicking and purchasing from any of those ads in the sidebar will mean that I will receive a little financial compensation.  So thank you in advance.

Heart Art RAK

Making Art is essential to the well-being of my Heart.  Nothing brings greater pleasure to a Maker than to create joy for someone else.  During the Creativation Trade Show, which took place in Phoenix Arizona January 21-23, Designers participated in the Heart Art RAK (Random Acts of Kindness) event on a Sunday morning.  I, along with many fellow Designers volunteered to create some pieces of art with Hearts as the theme, which we then left in the public spaces on the Trade Shown floor for others to find.  Our hope and intention were just to bring some joy to random people.

I created these two pieces:


I know that one of my pieces which were found and claimed by individuals who then shared it on social media. It warmed my heart to know that some small piece of art that I made could bring happiness even if only for a brief moment to someone.  We have since become friends on Facebook, and I hope to retain that friendship for a long time.

To make these small Heart Canvasses I used some bright acrylic paints, and utilized a variety of techniques.  Here is a glimpse of that process: https://youtu.be/sLgQxdsPHG8

While the paintings were drying, I added some sprays of colors onto the white based wicker hearts.  A tip I have for you is to remove the lace before spraying, so it maintains its whiteness.  I also added some glitter to make the hearts sparkle.  Once everything was dry, I used hot glue to adhere the hearts to the canvas.



Supplies:
2 x 3inch square canvas
Fluid Acrylic Paints (DecoArt)
Wicker woven Heart (Dollar Store)
Ink Sprays (Tattered Angels)
Hot Glue (Ad Tech)

Here are links to purchase similar products online.  I am affiliated with these sites and will receive just a lil' bit of money if you purchase from these links. Thanks.