The Crafter’s Way 161- Exhibitions

This week’s Messenger column - Around the Traps.

Margaret MacAdam is Artist of the Month for November at the Bribie Island Community Arts Centre. Margaret, a passionate conservationist has a’ thing’ for trees. Wandering around her Morayfield property, Margaret looks for patterns in the Scribbly Gum. These patterns become basis for her art work. The colours Margaret uses, range from dynamic purples and oranges to earthy browns and greens. She has titled her pieces as to what SHE can see in them and often the viewer can see what she can see but sometimes they see something else entirely, or nothing at all except for striking patterns and colours. Margaret is delighted with all of these reactions as she says...that is Art. A collection of her work is on display and available for purchase, Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 4pm, 191 Sunderland Drive, Banksia Beach 4507. Ph 3408 9288.

If you had a chance to participate in any of the Artisan Wonderland Workshops throughout the year you are invited to join a celebration of the program. Workshop Participants are encouraged to bring along their art pieces created during the workshops, - creating an exhibition on the day.

Date: Sunday 28 November

Place: Queens Park Environmental Centre

Time: 2pm-4pm

Cost: $2 gold coin entry

The Pine Rivers Art Gallery is proud to host the new exhibition Under Pressure. Under Pressure is an exciting exhibition works by the artists of the Cerebral Palsy League's Cascade Services. With an emphasis on printmaking, Under Pressure will celebrate the 'original print' and showcase a wide range of printmaking techniques.

The exhibition continues until Saturday November 27 at the Pine Rivers Art Gallery

199 Gympie Road, Strathpine(Parking off Mecklem Street). Open 10am to 4pm Monday to Saturday.

BrisStyle Indie Designers Market

Tie on the tinsel and bows, as BrisStyle is gearing up for yet another beautifully eclectic handmade market to ignite our Christmas Spirit!

The  December 4 BrisStyle Indie Designers Market  will once again feature the amazing works of emerging and established artists, crafters and designers from Queensland’s South East who specialise in producing quality handmade goods including handbags, jewellery, funky footwear, babies and children’s wear, soft toys, artworks, illustrations and vintage re-creations.

Think quality, gorgeous, soulful and original creations that give lovers of handmade goodies the chance to support their local community this Christmas.

Set in the hall and grounds of St Augustine's Church on Racecourse Road in Hamilton on Saturday December 4, it will once again be a treat for all the family with a $100 shopping voucher to be won.

This market is part of a big calendar of events for BrisStyle this Christmas, as the collective prepares to celebrate a bumper year of bringing unique locally handmade goods to Brisbane and beyond with the hugely successful BrisStyle Indie Twilight Markets once again lighting up King George Square in Brisbane CBD around the enormous Christmas tree on December 17.

Til then there are two fantastic ways to get your BrisStyle Indie handmade fix: conveniently online at all the fabulous BrisStyle stores at www.bris-style.com or at the BrisStyle Indie Designers Market on December 4, both giving you the chance to see first-hand why this collective of artists, crafter and designers has become renowned for being Brisbane’s HOTtest things in handmade.

What:             The BrisStyle Indie Designers Market

When:             Saturday December 4, 2010 9am-4pm

Where:           St Augustine’s Church Hall and grounds, Racecourse Road, Hamilton

For interviews or more information, please visit http://bris-style.com or contact the BrisStyle Market and Events Coordinator Helen Berthold on 0415 960 839 or the BrisStyle Promo and Marketing Coordinator Belinda Harris on 0403 200 660

On the Promo Trail

No rest for the wicked. Now that the book is published its time to start promoting it.

Thanks to the wonderful Shellie at CraftGossip we have had a Book Review.

I’ve also started to send out Press Releases. I got my first hit last week. One of the journalists from my local paper, The Redcliffe Herald, phoned and want to do a story. Photos were organised for the last minute deadline. When the ppaer was delivered there was no story. Not too disappointed at this.

Imagine my surprise when I arrived at the shop at was given a copy of another paper. Here was a photo and a brief introduction to the story on the front page. The rest of the story was on page 5. Rang the original reporter who was as surprised as I was. She assured me that her story will be published in the Herald next Wednesday. That is 2 for the price of 1 Press Release.

If you haven’t had enough of this already and would like to view the digital version just click here.

Book Delivery

I don’t think I will ever tire of this. Another delivery of my book, How to Teach Art & Craft This is 3rd box we have received and I still can’t believe that is my name on the front cover. This is how they will look on the bookstore shelves. Just so you recognise them. Until they hit the book stores you can buy a instant download here or a Hard Copy here.

Lessons I’ve Learnt 4- Wobble Time

I pride myself on my ability to plan and organise my time effectively. I thought I had it down pat until this  past week.

In 3 days I conducted 17 classes for 2 different Schools and 1 Council, had a photo shoot and did 3 interviews for the book. I didn’t actually plan to do all of this in this 3 day period. I had pre-planned to do 7 School  Classes and the I Council Class.

But there was a little mix up with the bookings via the YMCA. They had forgotten to send over the booking sheets for the second school. No problems we can do that!

Then the newspaper rang wanting to send over a photographer and their deadline was looming. Isn’t it always?

In amongst all of this I hadn’t planned that the book publication would be delayed by a month and the publicity would fall in this week. Nor did I plan that Mum would still be needing daily checks until the in- home care was finalised. Blah!

At this time of year we are all extremely busy. We are frantically trying to make stuff for our online stores.We have committed to extra markets to take advantage of the Christmas Shopping period. There are Kids School Plays and friends to socialise with. I’m feeling a little overwhelmed just writing this.

Here is the Lesson I’ve Learnt. When you are planning all of your activities be sure to allow yourself plenty of wobble room. Life has a way of throwing a wobbly at us when we are most stressed, busy and overloaded. In the midst of your usual daily routine you can bet the kids will get fleas and the dog will catch the mumps. Wobble room will give you a little breathing space to meet those self imposed deadlines.

This post comes from the sub category: Do as I say not as I do. lol

The Crafter’s Way 160 – Fabric Tassels

Fabric Tassels

I have created these Fabric Tassels in Christmas Fabric to hang on your tree however you can easily vary fabric choice and length to suit any project. You will need: fabric, ribbon, scissors, ruler, fabric marker, needle and thread. Step 1: Cut your fabric 35 cm long x 10 wide. Mark a line 2cm from the top.

Step 2: Cut at 1cm intervals up to the 2cm line. Do not cut past the line.  Step 3: Cut 12cm piece of ribbon and fold in half. Stitch securely to one edge of the fabric, between the top edge and the 2 cm line. Step 4: Starting at the edge with the ribbon fold the fabric into a tight coil. Keep the top edge even. Step 5: Thread the needle with coordinating thread and stitch the raw edge in place. Place a couple of stitches around the top edge to secure the fabric coil. Fluff up your tassel and hang on the tree.

Options:

1. Vary weight of fabric, print and length.

2. If using very lightweight fabric you will need to cut the fabric longer than 35cm to give tassel enough body.

3. Use paper. Replace sewing with paper glue.

Classes in the Park

This week we have been flat out with classes.  Nine Groups from one School, another 7 groups from a second School and 1 Class for the Council. All have been done in Parks. These kids had finished braiding and while waiting for the mates to finish the Teacher had them playing this game. Here they are supposed to be Squashed Cockroaches. Dead Ants And Storks. The building in the background is the one the snake disappeared under just a few minutes later. Over in the barn I was doing a dyeing class. Absolute concentration.Here they are holding some threads they space dyed. Seventeen groups in 3 days has to be a record for us. It will slow down now for a couple of weeks, long enough for us to catch our breath before the School Holiday Activities start.

Snakes Alive

Our shop is situated in an area that has quite a bit of wildlife. I've blogged about the koalas and kangaroos before. Today the snakes get a go. After our last class we were walking back to the shop and heard the birds going berserk. This was the reason. This is the tail end of the carpet snake. This is the middle. And this is the head. Apologies for the poor image but I took this one on zoom. And disappearing under a building. No, not ours. Here ends today’s documentary.

Lessons I’ve Learnt 3 – My Way or the Highway?

For a long time now I have avoided these sorts of posts. There are an awful lot of people offering advice on how to start and run a craft business. Many are people with limited experience, either measured in time or varied business models. Does this mean they don’t have anything worthwhile to offer? Not at all.

 

I’m not comfortable with the term expert. Maybe my Dad’s definition, ‘a drip out of control' has had an effect. Or just maybe it is because I really wouldn’t want somebody to blindly follow my advice/comments just because it came from an ‘expert’.

 

Over the last couple of years I have been approached by many new and experienced crafters who want to know how to do this? Should they do that? Initially people wanted me to tell them how to do it, now they are happy being guided, challenged and supported. They appreciate that my insights come from a over 25 years working in different business models and  now run a craft business that is our sole source of income.

 

I’ve decided to post the ‘Lessons I’ve Learnt’ regularly. I don’t have all the answers, sometimes I don’t even know the questions. Some will go against the grain of what others say and advise. My purpose is to start a conversation, give you pause to consider another approach, or define what is truly right for you.

I encourage you to add your comments, agree/disagree, or suggestions. Together we can keep learning.

The Crafter’s Way 159 – Craft Book Review

The Moreton Bay Regional Council Libraries have a wonderful variety of craft books to borrow. This week’s books all have a Christmas focus and are suitable for children These books came from Strathpine Library. Check with your local library for opening hours and how you can borrow from other libraries.

Recycling Fun – Make Your Own Paper Models (J745.542MAK)

The six projects are designed for 7-10 year old children and require very little in the way of materials and equipment, in fact you will find most of the bits and pieces you need in your recycling bin. In addition to paper mache, the projects require measuring and construction skills however very little adult help should be necessary. The projects are accompanied by clear instructions and heaps of images for the visual learners, the giraffe project has 40 photos accompanying the written instructions.

Gorgeous Gifts (J745.5CRA)

This book also encourages recycling this time to make great gifts. The introduction covers the basics of recycling and some of the basic skills you will need to complete the 13 projects. The projects are designed for children however you don’t need to be too skilled to take the ideas and make them a little more creative. The paper mache bangles in the book are very basic but with a more clever choice of paper the bangles will look quite chic. Fill sized templates are included.

 Colour In Art by Elizabeth Newberry (J701.85NEW)

 How Art is Made by Elizabeth Newberry (J700NEW)

Secrets of Art by Elizabeth Newberry ( J702.8NEW)

These three books are from a four part series encouraging art skills in young people. These books focus on art theories with short descriptive text levelled at children. Toward the back of each book is a short ‘Things to do” section encouraging the young artist to try their hand at bringing the theory to life. Budding artists will enjoy this series.

First Day at Mimmis

Yesterday Alan and I travelled to Forest Hill for the opening day at Mimmis. We left home early and set out toward Esk. Yes, we went the long way, Alan decided to combine the trip with a sales call to Twilight Crafts in Esk.

Our drive took us out past Somerset Dam. It was a magnificent sight, full to the brim after many years of heartbreaking drought. The road then dropped down to Lake Somerset where breathtaking Jacarandas were in flower. Their purple flowers littered the hills side.

Finally we arrived in Forest Hill and Mimmis. Miriam and Nicole Lacey were on hand to show us around their  lovely shop filled to the brim with all things handmade. It was thrilling to see my creations on display in somebody else’s shop.
Our Kumihimo Friendship Bracelets.
Christmas Puffs.
And the Dorset Christmas Decorations.
Thanks girls for my lovely Birthday surprise. I realised when I got home that i will be forever sharing my birthday with Mimmis. I hope we both have many more. 

How to Teach Art & Craft

Earn Money by Teaching Your Craft Skills to Others.

Do you want to:

Have the confidence to share your passion?

Know how to tailor your classes for different venues, technologies and personality types?

Avoid all the legal and business pitfalls?

If you answered yes to any of these questions then you need to read this book.

With over 25 years experience teaching art & craft, Trish Goodfield, explores the fundamental concepts, tips and techniques of teaching art & craft.

Learn how to:

Value yourself and price your classes accordingly,

Identify your teaching style and personality

Identify and develop strategies for dealing with difficult participants

Teach different generations, attitudes & values

Develop handouts; write instructions, and use questions & answers

Write and use learning objectives and lesson plans

Identify safety and risk management issues

And much more.

Trish Goodfield taught her first craft class 27 years ago & has taught quilling, embroidery, crochet, kumihimo, silk painting and fabric dyeing. Trish has held classes at Craft Shows, Council Activities, Conferences, Festivals and Craft Shops, Craft Groups and Guilds, School Vacation Activities and School Camp Programs. Trish has taught classes in Libraries, Rotundas, Meeting Rooms, Classrooms, Halls and Parks. She has taught children, adults. people with a disability, seniors, frail aged and... her husband.

How to Teach Art & Craft is now available here. Also available as an Instant Download

Lessons I’ve Learnt 2 - Networking, Is It Worth It?

Every time I turn on my computer I seem to be bombarded with the messages that I need to Network, join a Forum or Group, attend Meetings; and these will somehow magically increase my sales and overall general profitability.

Not only does Networking not work that way but if I joined every Group and attended every Meeting I would never have time to make anything.

Now I’m not going to list steps on how to benefit from a Network Meeting. There are heaps of sites and books  that do that already.What they don’t do is show you how to evaluate if the group is working for you.

Are all Networks created equal? Of course not!  What do you hope to gain from joining a group? Is it to be surrounded by likeminded people, do you want business contacts, a mentor, learning opportunities, social interaction? You need to sit down and identify why you are considering joining the group.  Don’t be afraid to ask the group how they will meet your expectations. Can they meet your expectations?

If the WAHM group that you are considering joining for learning opportunities doesn’t offer it then you may be better off joining the local Rotary group. Once you have done all this there are still no guarantees that group will be right for you. How do you know if they are a good fit for you, if you have outgrown them or simply no longer have the time?

Here is what I have learned. In my previous working life I was required to attend countless hours of Networking Meetings to meet our funding requirements. Needless to say I found most to be nothing more than opportunity to have coffee and cake and whinge about how tough we had it. I like cake as much of the next person but when I found myself valuing a meeting based on the menu I knew something had to change.
After every meeting I started asking myself one question. What did I learn or gain from today’s meeting? If the answer was ‘nothing’ three times in a row I stopped attending. Simple.

In my case it was never that simple. Remember I said that attendance was often required  to meet funding? I had to justify my non attendance to my Boss and the Funding Bodies. Showing them I had asked and answered this question was all the evidence I needed. My days were no longer filled with endless pointless meetings; only meetings that provided  measurable outcomes for my clients, staff and myself.

I’m not advocating that you stop Networking. Just that you start to be a little selective. The benefits of Networking should be measurable in more than how delicious the coffee and cake was.

The Crafter’s Way 158- Craft Book Review

The Moreton Bay Regional Council Libraries have a wonderful variety of craft books to borrow. This week’s books all have a Christmas focus and are suitable for children These books came from Strathpine Library. Check with your local library for opening hours and how you can borrow from other libraries.

The Merry Christmas Activity Book by Jane Bull (J745.59412BUL)

This book is suitable for 4-6years olds to do with adult supervision, however most of the activities are for more suitable for 7-10year olds. The projects are bright and colourful and are accompanied by very precise instructions.

The Christmas Book by Jane Bull (J745.59412BUL)

Written by the same author as the book above these projects are a little more advanced. The author provides lots of options to vary the finished look of each project for example folded paper baubles can also be made out of coloured paper plates. Most of the materials are low cost or available around the home. You will also find lots of delicious recipes for children who also like to be creative in the kitchen.

Christmas Art Ideas by Fiona Watt (J745.59412WAT)

These next two books are from Usborne’s art series. I love their books because they teach art techniques and then apply them in a variety of projects. Each project manages to build on the skills and techniques explained earlier while still making it fun. You may even find that your children are familiar with the project while experiencing the technique for the first time. If you love doing craft yourself most of the projects can be easily modified for more advanced skill levels. I think I will round up some friends’ children for an afternoon of craft fun starting with the mosaic snowflakes then the wrapping paper and then…..

Things to Make & Do for Christmas by Fiona Watt & Ray Gibson (J745.5941WAT)

Most of the Christmas projects in this book are very quick, suitable for those with a short attention span or a very busy life. You won’t spend hours fruitlessly searching for the correct materials either, most use nothing more than paper, crayon, paint and scissors.

Mimmis Here We Come

Our first ever consignment order is on its way to Mimmis

Dorset Button Christmas Decorations in every conceivable colour. These are only available at Mimmis. You can’t even buy these in our shop at the moment. Christmas Puffs and Kumihimo Bracelets are also on their way. I will have a small selection of Christmas puffs at the BrisStyle Indie Eco Market this Saturday but the largest selection is at Mimmis. Get in quick. Mimmis opens 11th Nov