The Crafter's Way 124 - ARTstART

Here is this week's Messenger column.


ARTstART at Woodside



ARTstArt is coming to North Lakes. Carol Bisset has been running this successful program for Contemporary Artists at Redcliffe for 4 years with many North Lakes’ Residents travelling to join in. Carol has now decided to start classes at the Woodside Community Centre on Friday Mornings from 9 am-12 noon.


Don’t think you are artistic? This may still be the activity for you. Carol’s unique approach enables artists to develop their own ideas and learn how to process images. This is not a paint by numbers approach. Carol says that you won’t go home from each session with a finished canvas tucked under your arm. Carol encourages beginners to explore a range of different approaches to making Contemporary works of Art across a wide range of media including painting, drawing printmaking sculpture and photography.

I can’t draw! Carol hears this often and says that it may be a lack of confidence. Many people have had negative experiences with art teachers in the past. Carol works with the artist’s mindset by giving them permission to make mistakes. Carol believes that most adults have forgotten how to play, they expect perfection. She encourages the inner artistic child to come and play with colour, texture and techniques.

With many years experience as an artist and teacher Carol is well qualified to conduct such an unique program. While Carol believes that many people attend ARTstART to ‘do something for themselves’ she encourages her artists to exhibit twice per year. Carol believes that this gives each artist valuable experience and confidence. Coupled with attending other exhibitions and listening to guest speakers artist start to develop their own interests and styles. One of her students created a portfolio of work which has now enabled her to start studying Visual Arts at university.

Carol welcomes adults of all abilities, beginners through to more advanced, to join in the fun of ARTstART. Her North Lakes classes begin on Friday, 3rd of February at the Woodside Community Centre. Carol invites you to phone her on 0437 012 477 or 3880 3732 for more information and to make bookings


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A Week's Crafting.

I've had a fun week. I popped up to Montville ealier in the week with family. We spied this gekko made out of a softdrink can.

Poor thing looks like he has been crucified. I also finally finished all of the magnets I have been working on. The display stand is a makeshift until we find the exact thing we are after. We know what it is just haven't been able to find one yet. All the magents have been upcycled.

I've added a bit more colour to this paper towel. I know I promised a tutorial on how to do this and it is coming. I still think it looks quite floral so I'm now going to start stitching it. Should be fun.

And now on a slightly sadder note.

Lilly Cottage's pink doors are no longer. They are now Heritage Green. What's with that? Anyone would think we were in a historical village.

Craft Tutorial

Want to make these Doorstops? These are suitable for a fete project, beginner sewing skills only.

Check out the tutorial at The OzMaterial Girls Even includes hints on making them slightly smaller and filling with lavender.

Click here to read the interview with me

Kumihimo Book - Beaut Braid

Finally my new Kumihimo Book is available.

This book has been written especially for Australian Braiders using equipment and materials available here.

I've taught children and adults Kumihimo for Craft Shows, Councils, Vacation Care, Schools, Social Groups and Craft Groups. We've braided in Libraries, Rotundas, Meeting Rooms, Classrooms, Halls and Parks. Participants questions, comments and enthusiasm have set the direction of the book.

The instructions have been written for use on both the Marudai or Hand Held Disc. There are 20 braid structures in the book, 16 are suitable for braiding using the Hand Held Disc.

Work through the book creating 8 Element and 16 Element Braids quickly and confidently before learning extra techniques which will enhance your braided creations.

I'm sure this book will assist you on your braiding journey. There is a link in the sidebar, just click on to purchase.

Decoupage and Resin

Today I was finally prepared to start using the bits of fabric and paper I had created at
ART QUIZ and ART QUIZ 2 I am combining with saved bottle caps. And no I didn't drink it all. Ask and you shall receive.





This pile is waiting for the resin to be poured on.

Over the holidays I experimented with lots of different products and didn't really like the effect from any of them. I've used this product before to coat a decoupaged table top so I thought I'd give it a go. I only did a few of the caps. Once I'm sure its worked I will resin the rest before adding the magnets.

Another project in "Use What I've Got" challenge. Using paper I brought back from Japan I have decoupaged this box lid. It's going to be a clock. A bit of work needed yet but the fiddly part is done.

Off to complete submission paperwork for council classes.

The Crafter's Way 123 - Craft Book Review

The Crafter's Way is back in The Messenger for another year. I have actually combined 2 columns in one post.



Happy New Year! Did you make a New Year’s Resolution? I didn’t but I did issue myself a challenge. Being a crafter who dislikes throwing out even the smallest scrap I have decided that I need to create new designs using the materials/treasures I already have. Semantics? Probably, but I figure I have a greater chance of success this way.


I have also started looking at household waste in a more creative way. I’ve got everybody I know saving bread tags, plastic rings off milk bottles, and bottle caps. Stay tuned for some green crafting tutorials in the near future.



Upcycle Inspiration


The Moreton Bay Regional Council Libraries have a wonderful variety of craft books to borrow. Many of these books are recent releases. These books all came from the Redcliffe Library. These books all share a common theme of re-using and upcycling in keeping with my current theme.








Altered Art by Terry Taylor (745.5 TAY)
The author describes altered art as “taking a found object and changing it in some way to make an artistic statement of your own”. It is an art form found throughout the centuries. If you, like me enjoy learning about the history of crafts you will enjoy the author’s overview of the development of altered art. You will start to look at every object around your home through ‘altered’ eyes.





The Art and Craft of Collage by Amanda Pearce (745.594 PEA)

Collage is a similar concept to decoupage, decorating with motifs, images and texture. The main difference is that you don’t necessarily need to use glue. This book caters for all types from the tactile person through to the techno wiz. This book covers it all, paper and fabric collage, found objects, mixed media, photomontage and computer collage. Each chapter outlines the tools and equipment needed for each type of collage. This makes it easy to flip straight to your interest area. Lots of images, techniques and projects to explore.







Absolute Beginners Decoupage by Alison Jenkins (745.546JEN)

Decoupage is the art of decorating with cutout motifs and or images. This book uses a two stage system for creating decoupage projects. First stage demonstrates a single technique. The Second stage demonstrates how to incorporate the technique into your own unique creation. The techniques are clearly outlined with detailed photos. The book finishes with a gallery of finished projects by various decoupage artists.


Date Claimer: New Adult Art Class for Contemporary Artists (ARTstART) at Woodside Community Centre, North Lakes . Classes start Friday 5th Feb 9am – 12 Noon. Ph Carol Bisset on 3880 3732 or 0437012477.


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An Early Post is a Good Post

Last week I was Creatively Challenged. Had plenty of ideas, got off to a great start on each but just couldn't seem to finish anything. This week everything came together.





I finished stitching this paper weight.

In keeping with my self imposed mantra of using what I already have I stitched this using leftover bits of canvas and small lengths of various threads. The weight is some large metal washers from the garage.

Alan finished his mirror. The design is borrowed from a small stitched hanging that I make. The writing says 'Kiss My Cat". The small hangings with this on appeals to both Cat Lovers and Non-Cat Lovers. Which one am I?

I decided that the upholstery stapler was not going to win and I was going to do this myself. I had very sore hands at the end but we now have 2 footstools covered in our Eco Dyed Berry Colourway.

Paper Beads and Frames are completed.

I even had time to space dye some threads.

Never have any problems dyeing. Oh! Did I just say that? Hope that's not a jinx. Will throwing salt undo that or should I just hit delete?

Hop To It.

I've made these jeans for a friend, Steph. They were cream before I Eco Dyed them Green.

Steph had seen a pair I made a couple of years ago that I had printed frogs onto. She really wanted the frogs. They need a few highlights before heat setting. Planning to deliver them tomorrow so better hop to it.

Today's 4BC Radio Segment

We decided to get 'tacky' today and talk about some naughty craft terms that I have come across. Good clean fun.





'Hookers': this term originates in Ireland. Crochet was first done to imitate lacework. Lacework was very expensive, only the very wealthy could afford it. Crochet was more affordable. Irish Nuns taught women who had been displaced due to war and famine how to crochet to earn money.. Until then these women had turned to prostitution as a means of earning money. The well-to-do folks christianed them 'hookers' after the shape of the crochet hook.





'Stripping': An embroidery term. When separating your stranded cottons from six strands to 1 strand you are said to be stripping the threads.





"Flashing": From glassblowing. it refer to placing the worked glass quickly back into the oven to keep the piece hot, it will prevent cracking.





"Necking": Another gfrom the glassblowers. The term used to create the neck of a bottle in the blown glass.







"Wedging": a wedgie is an Australian term. if you are not an Aussie you can probably live without knowing what it refers to. In Craft it belongs in the pottery barn. Wedging refers to removing the air trapped within the clay.







Got anymore? Please leave a comment and share.

Busy, Busy

I haven't done much posting lately. I have been very busy and rather than stop and write about what I've been doing I decided I should just keep doing it. Here is a quick round up.





I've been writing a braiding book. The book has come about from all the classes I have done over the last 7 years or so. Its been written particularly for Australians. This is the front cover photo.

I started using the paper beads I have been making.

This is a picture frame.

Bead detail.

I dyed this fabric especially to cover the stool. I had hoped to finish the upholstery this week but I couldn't get the upholstery stapler to work. My hand span is not big enough to hold it properly and get the right amount of ourchase to squeeze the handle. Alan is going to do it. I found it quite frustrating, knowing how but not being able to do.

Thursday morning we went to a garage sale. We picked up these games, a garbage bag full of wool and a clock AND had change from $5.

And finally I took these shots of the shop early this morning.

It looks lovely and brightly coloured. The finished tablecloths from last week are on the tables. Okay, time to get back to creating.

The Heat Is On.

I had lots of plans for today. When I woke up it was already hot and humid so I started mentally crossing items off my list. There were a couple of things I just couldn't put off.


The first one was to design a tutorial for a guest blog post I am doing shortly. Lucky for me my idea immediately transferred into reality. Now all I have to do is dye the 'real' fabric, take the photos and write up the steps.




I then needed to make some round tablecloths. We have started to use 2 plastic tables out the front of the shop and of course they are different colours. One is white, the other green. This fabric on the floor is left over from Mum's party and it is pink. I figure this wasn't going to matter because after a couple of weeks in the sun it will fade to white anyway. Then I can keep it clean by soaking in nappysan. I lay the table top down on the fabric and traced the pattern.

While I was doing this the washing machine became available. We do the occassional load of dirty clothes. I popped in this pile of scraps to mat together. I am making some more gumballs.

Here they are drying, waiting to be sewn together. Might get some other colours done tommorrow. Hopefully it won't be quite as hot.

Renovation Update

This week has been taken up with the shop reno and classes for the council. I've felt a little displaced probably due to the lack of creating.









This is the front of the shop just after the wall was moved. Stuff was everywhere. Needed to start working out how/ where to display fabric, threads etc.

We moved the fabric and the threads to the other side of the shop. I took this before we placed the lights correctly, covered the table or moved the key rings but you get the idea.

I really don't find displaying stock inspiring. I know people who love it but not me. I just want to move onto the next thing I want to make. I started wasting time, that's how Retail Barbie got a new headband and brooch.

Ideally, the board displaying Alan's Wooden Buttons and my Singelton Buttons will go on the easel but at the moment we need it to fill a space on the wall. It's nice that we have options available. We have lots of ideas for new products but needed to make space for it first. Bit like the chicken and the egg.

Finally, yesterday afternoon I carved out a little time to make something with the paper beads. All is right with the world now.

Shop Reno

We started rearranging the shop today. First job was to move the wall forward in line with the upright post.









All the stock needed to be taken off walls and moved foward out of the way.

The space is now empty.

Alan started dismantling.

Before long it was all gone.

Why are we doing this? The main reason is to give us more studio space. This is taken from the 'new' corner across to the back door. It is now HUGE!!!! I wonder how long it is before I'm complaining of not having enough room.

And now we have a wall. Next job is to relocate the changing area to the other side of the room. We have a lot more changes planned but this was the first big step.

Get Them While They Are Young

This young fellow spoke no English yet was able to follow Alan's instructions for braiding on a Takadai.








He's just about to slide the sword into place to create the shed.

And the action shot, casting the bobbin.

Wish I had got a shot of the smile on his face, he was beaming. So was the young boy.