Archive for May, 2010
A cheerful mix of prints from one of my favorite shops, June Craft. Every print has a dash of that retro vibe, and I just can’t get enough. Cool color combos too.
Visit June Craft on etsy and papernstitch to view more.
Blues and browns today.
It’s been quite a while since our last studio tour. But today, I am thrilled to be bringing it back with the cheerful Kansas City studio of Rachel Mason. You may know Rachel from her vintage shop, Rachie’s Place, and of course her blog. But, in addition to her love for all things vintage, she also has a passion for animals as a veterinary technician and uses her spare time for scrapbooking.
So, let’s get to the interview…
-How would you describe your work and shop?
I have always had an appreciation for the past and preserving memories and my Etsy shop and blog are dedicated to just that! As a scrapbook artist I am able to not only preserve my memories for our family, but I also use papercrafting as a cheap form of therapy! My shop is dedicated to rescuing forgotten treasures and giving them a second life in a new home. Ultimately though, both projects are just for fun!
-Where is your studio located?
My studio is located in my home. It is my absolute favorite room in the house and where I spend most of my free time. My husband took the time to carefully hang all of my cabinets, lights, etc. so that the space is just perfect for my needs. We live in a 70-year old home in an old neighbor in the heart of Kansas City, so the view is always pretty and inspiring.
-How many hours per week do you spend at your studio?
I spend 20 to 30 hours per week in my studio either blogging, scrapbooking, editing photos, or updating my Etsy shop. Pretty much any free time I have is spent in this room!
-Do you make your living from your shop alone?
No. My Etsy shop and studio are mostly for fun and a cheaper form of therapy. (but I said that above)
-What artist or artisan would you most like to work with on a project in your lifetime? And why?
I am a huge fan of Katrina Tan of Pugly Pixel and the Photoshop tutorials she has started posting. I would love to someday work with her on a paper/digital project…she is incredibly inspiring!
-In what ways do your promote yourself and your work online?
I try to use the Internet to my advantage DAILY. I started a Facebook fan page where I post all of my blog updates, giveaways, and Etsy news. I also have a Twitter account that is linked to my Typepad account, providing me with another way to keep fans, friends, and family up to date with what’s going on in my shop, on my blog, and with my scrapbook work! It is amazing how quickly I was able to promote Rachie’s Place (shop and blog) and forged some great relationships with people from all over the world.
Thanks so much to Rachel for sharing her space with us today. Please visit her shop, Rachie’s Place, and blog for more.
I was laying in bed one night trying to get some sleep, and this idea came to me for an easy, patterned vase. It’s simple….use a pair of baby/infant tights for an instant patterned look. Of course, this idea could be used on any existing vase, but if you are looking for more of a project, I’ve got one for you…
Using some inexpensive votives, you can create a modern vase like mine for under $5. Note: I used several three pack sets of votives from IKEA by C Halskov/H Dalsgaard. I couldn’t find them on IKEA’s site. But the ones I used are these without a candle inside them. Anything that is the same basic shape would work just fine.
Materials: Votive Candles, Heavy Duty Glue, Scissors, Infant size tights (the smaller the better) or leggings
Step by Step: {click image above for larger view of step by step} 1. Gather materials and clean votives so there is no dirt or debris. This will help the glue stick. 2. Glue two votive bottoms together with a thick bead of glue. Wait to dry. 3. Next, glue the top of a third votive to the top of one of the glued votives. Wait to dry. 4. Now its time to grab the tights. Cut the tights in half as close to the middle seam as possible, so the legs are separated. 5. Pull the tight leg over the finished piece, with the closed toe at the bottom and the tights opening at the top. *If you are using footless tights (like the ones I used for the striped vase) it doesn’t matter which way they are put on. 6. Cut off the excess at the top of the opening, leaving about a half inch to an inch to tuck back in. 7. Use your heavy duty glue again to glue down the extra trim to the inside of your votive. 8. Add short stem flowers and water. And you’re done.
Extra Tip: If you’re having a hard time finding a patterned tight that you like, go for a solid color instead. And before you cover over your newly made vase, use a drawing pen or non-bleed markers to create your own pattern by drawing it yourself, right onto the tights. Just stick a piece of cardboard into the leg first, so its stretched a little when you draw and it doesn’t bleed through to the other side. I used this technique for the smaller vase in the photos, and I like how it turned out. Very easy.
For more ideas for quick and easy projects, click here to visit the tutorials page filled with more than 30 diy’s.
A fun little set of favorites today. Along with today’s shop of the day…
Hand-screenprinted clothing from Queens77. I am really loving this dress. Great shape and fun pattern.
I could spend hours looking at Katie Daisy’s portfolio site. Her color palette is playful and her knack for hand-lettering is truly impressive. Visit Katie Daisy on etsy at The Wheatfield and also on papernstitch.
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