Meet Lisa Twombly of Estancia Designs

An Interview by Alison Wood,

Art of Crafts

Please introduce yourself and tell us a little about where you are based.

My name is Lisa Twombly. I am married with two children, a 14 year old girl and an 18 year old boy who will be off to college this Fall. We live in the US, in upstate New York near the Finger Lakes. It is a beautiful area to live and raise children.

Please tell us a little about the nature of your craft/crafts and business.

Most of my designs are one-of-a kind but I’m starting to introduce limited edition items as well. I am finding that my audience is diverse in that many like the idea of having the only one, while others just want a piece no matter how many there may be floating around. Currently my favorite metal to work with is sterling silver, however I do use gold-filled wire and components as well. I’m also very much into semi-precious gemstones and freshwater pearls right now as I find them versatile, classy, and staples for any woman’s jewelry box.

What first interested you in your craft?

I get a lot of self-satisfaction from making things, pretty things. And I love jewelry. However, I tend to master a craft and then get bored with it and move on. That being said, it was a natural progression to creating jewelry. I have no fear of becoming bored with creating jewelry because of the many mediums available to work with and endless techniques to master, from wirewrapping a bead all the way down to the fine art of photographing a finished piece for publication. I can feed my desire to learn something new such as working with PMC (precious metal clay) to make components, master it and move on to something else, say making lampwork glass beads. I look forward to a long career making jewelry.

Did you have any formal training or have you learnt by yourself as you have gone along?

I am a hands-on learner and like to figure things out on my own, so for the most part I am self taught. I feel that discovering techniques and processes on your own puts less parameters on your creativity.

How did the idea for your business/website come about?

I started by making a few items and putting them on Ebay. They sold but I just knew that I would do better on my own. I knew I wanted a website but that I would have to come up with a whole concept complete with branding,etc. I knew I wanted a name for the business that was elegant and sophisticated like my jewelry designs. But I didnt want to use my name because its a pretty forgettable name. I am a bit of a wine enthusiast and the chardonnay I liked at the time was called Estancia. Roughly translated from Spanish it means stay, or to dwell, estate. I love all things Spanish and can somewhat speak the language, so I thought it was a great way to combine all of my loves, jewelry, wine, and spanish. That it could describe my jewelry as “estate” jewelry, timeless and classic, to be passed down. Then I just worked everything else in and around that. I think its still a work in progress but its come a long way from that first day.

How long now have you been established?

I started about 6 years ago. It is something that I have been able to put aside over the years when life gets in the way but about three years ago had the opportunity to throw myself into it completely and have run with it since then.

How do you find inspiration and where do you locate your materials?

Inspiration comes from many places. Places Ive been, experiences I’ve had, pretty sunsets or sunrises, my kids, patterns in rugs, colors in fabric, fashion magazines and shows. I dont try to force creativity, I let it come to me. I may go into my studio and stand and look at all of my supplies and think …I got nothin' …then I’ll walk away for a while, days even, and I will come back and look at exactly the same things and suddenly be flooded with ideas to the point where my head hurts.

Do you undertake your business/website on a full-time basis or are you also working whilst you get it up and running?

I am a full time mom first and foremost. That being said, I can honestly say that my business is my second full time endeavor. I work many, many hours a day, seven days a week. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Tell us a little about your typical day and what is involved in running your business and website.

I am a fairly early riser. During the school year I am up with the kids around 6 a.m. and I start my day then by getting them up and started on their day and then by reading/answering my emails. Once they are off to school I settle in with my breakfast and do some research/reading on the internet. Once I clean up the breakfast mess and get dressed I get my orders prepped and ready for shipping. If I have any errands to run I usually head out then and do them and stop at the post office on the way home. I have lunch, then its creating time. The rest of the day and evening is usually spent creating, checking/answering more emails, updating my website, filling out show applications and getting disks with photos ready, maybe an appointment with a store owner interested in my work, or visiting one of the stores that carries my work and replenishing my inventory. Summer is a little more flexible but basically the same daily routine.

What advice would you give to others who are considering running a craft based business website?

Jewelry is a hard business to build as I’m sure it is for most craft based businesses. For most of us you dont just make your first few items, put them out there or on the internet and the sales come flying in. Its a lot of hard work, but very rewarding when you see those sales start to come in and the happiness your pieces create in the people who purchase them. When I sell a piece I still get the exact same feeling I did when I sold my very first piece several years ago … elation, excitement, rush of adrenaline, and I hold my breath a little until I get the customers feedback, and then I let it out. Give world-class customer service to ensure repeat business. Utilize all the free advertising you can when youre starting out; dont put all your eggs in one basket; use your mouth…talk talk talk about your product where ever you go and whatever you do WEAR your product everywhere. Read fashion magazines and watch fashion shows, pay attention to the upcoming fashions and try to let them inspire your creations.

If designing and creating are your dream then don’t give up. Keep learning, about your craft, about how to promote your craft, and ALWAYS think outside the box. I feel limits and parameters are strictly for budgets, otherwise dont set parameters or limits on your creativity in designing, creating or promoting and you might be surprised at the end result.

How do you sell your wares?

I sell at art festivals from May through September. Currently I have my work in two local New York stores which are the Makiki Gift Shop in Rochester, and Skaneateles Artisans in Skaneateles. I also sell on Etsy and on my own website.

Finally, where can people learn more about you and your jewelry?

I have a Facebook Fan page, www.facebook.com/estanciadesigns. My etsy store is at www.etsy.com/shop/estanciadesigns and they can visit my
website at www.estanciadesigns.com

The Joy Of Discovering Jewelry Making

By Alison Wood,

Arts of Crafts

There are many ways to begin creating your own styles of jewelry and as you grow in the craft you'll find jewelry making to be a thoroughly satisfying and fun craft. For those who love jewelry one of the most rewarding ways to own pieces that make the heart sing is to self design and create them. If you are someone who is just starting out in this exciting craft it may all seem a bit daunting at first, but as the artist in you emerges and your creative skills develop you'll discover the many joys of jewelry making.

When first starting out you may want to first experiment with beads and basic designs to develop a sense of colors and textures. The simplest bracelet of all can be made with elastic cord or memory wire and a selection of beads acquired from your local craft store or online from sites such as eBay and Amazon. It is how you choose to put the beads together in your work that determines your unique design and the attractiveness of the finished piece. True, there are tons of mass produced, inexpensive bracelets in shopping malls everywhere, but nothing feels quite like wearing one that no-one else in the world will have in their jewelry box.

If you enjoy taking this first step then you'll soon want to progress into more making more technical forms and styles of jewelry. You'll want to broaden your skills in bead stringing, wire jewelry making, experimenting with polymer clay, natural stone like turquoise, semi-precious and precious gemstones, and working with precious metals such as silver and gold in your designs. Whatever steps follow next there are a host of websites, blogs, forums, books, and hands-on classes available to assist you in learning the craft. You'll soon find that there are constantly fresh methods and new materials to experiment with in your creations. Jewelry making will open a whole new world to you as you discover this is a craft which absorb and satisfy you for years to come.

One huge plus to crafting unique jewelry is that you'll be able to make great gifts for your friends and family which they will absolutely love. Another is that jewelry making is a craft which easily lends itself into becoming a profitable small business as your skills become known. While there are many other crafting gifts you can do such as knitting a pair of socks for a Christmas gift, and we all love a fetching pair of fancy hand knitted socks, jewelry making is an art in a whole different league. Just ask any female member of your family what is in their top ten list of favorite gifts to receive and give. I guarantee jewelry, and especially jewelry crafted by your own hand, will feature near the top. They will forever cherish your gift of a lovely, one-of-a-kind piece of hand made jewelry.

Jewelry making is fun, absorbing, full of variety, can be shared with friends and family, and turned into a successful business if you so desire. Take the first step into this fascinating craft and before long you will be the envy of your friends when they ask, "where did you get those great earrings?" Imagine the joy you'll have in telling them the earrings are your own creation and yes, of course, you can make a pair for them too! Enjoy your wonderful newfound jewelry craft.

Home Crafts

Follow Alison on Facebook. Contact Alison: awood@woodmors.com
Blogs: Woodmor's World, Pet Hooligans, Art of Crafts, Midnight Eden,
and Greener Living Today.

Meet Veena Burry From The KnittingGuru

An Interview by Alison Wood,

Art of Crafts

Please introduce yourself and tell us a little about where you are based.

Thank you for the opportunity to speak with your readers about my crafts. My name is Veena Burry and my business name is Knitting Guru. I’m located in New York City where I’ve lived all my life.

Please tell us a little about the nature of your craft/crafts.

I’m a lifelong knitter, crocheter and fiber artist. In the past I was a professional hand weaver. I’ve always been enthusiastic about fiber arts and in addition to knitting and crocheting I’ve also done tatting, sewing, quilting, embroidery, braiding, basket making and beading. At this point, I’ve limited myself to knitting and crocheting with some beadwork and embroidered embellishments. I frequently use both knitting and crochet in my pieces.

In addition to my scarves, shawls, sweaters, hats, gloves and capes, I love to make thread crocheted jewelry. Jewelry with a Hook by Lark Books and 1000 Jewelry Inspirations are two books that include my work. KnittingGuru Teaching Patterns is another part of my business where I produce patterns that also have tutorials in them as well as charts and instructions in English rather than in Knit-Talk in order to make them foolproof to follow.

What first interested you in your craft?

I was only 4 years old when my mother taught me to knit and crochet. I wasn’t even reading yet! The good thing about this was that I never followed patterns but designed my own. I’m sure that my interest was sparked by my love of color, texture and design. These are still what fascinates me.

Did you have any formal training or have you learnt by yourself as you have gone along?

Except for the infant training referred to above, I’ve taught myself everything. In terms of my learning to weave, eventually on 8 harnesses, that might have been both a good and a bad thing. Certainly anyone who wants to weave should get a good teacher because it’s not an easy craft, however since I didn’t know which things were hard to do, I just plunged in. One of my first projects was a colonial overshot blanket. Hard to do? Yes! But I still use and love that blanket. When weaving became too physically demanding, I returned full time to my first loves of knitting and crochet. The other good thing about being self-taught is that you’re more prone to invent things and this has been a great advantage for me.

How did the idea for your business/website come about?

There are only so many hats, sweaters, gloves, socks, and so forth that friends and families can be given. Since I’ve always been speedy and productive I was forced to start a business. Also, formal careers in teaching and librarianship never really held my interest and love as fiber arts did, so I was always eager to have a full time business doing what I love

How long now have you been established?

How long is a very personal question! I did knitting and sewing for friends/customers when I was still in college. I sold to boutiques and at juried craft shows. I also taught weaving classes and workshops on the East Coast of the US for many years. At one time I was vice-president of the New York Guild of Handweavers. Since 2003, my businesses are online only. The internet has been just great for me - cutting down on shlepping and dealing with stores. Now I have direct contact with my customers who often become virtual friends.

How do you find inspiration and where do you locate your materials?

I live in New York City, so inspiration surrounds me in the many museums, concert halls, parks, shop windows and stores, as well as just looking at the people and architecture. For example, the next hat I have planned will look like the top of the Chrysler building! I also have access to large numbers of textile and bead stores. There aren’t as many good yarn stores as there used to be here so I generally buy my yarns online. I have wholesale accounts with many suppliers. I’m sure I spend too much time browsing, but it’s such a pleasure seeing the endless beautiful yarns that are available.

Do you undertake your business/website on a full-time basis or are you also working whilst you get it up and running?

My business is definitely full time. I have two websites and many places online where I sell my knitwear, crochet and patterns.

Tell us a little about your typical day and what is involved in running the business/website?

My typical business day is a long one. I start by checking my emails and the places where I sell. Then I move on to Facebook and Twitter where I post any new treasuries or collections I’m in.

The next part of the day is devoted to working on commissions I’ve received, photographing finished pieces, working on my photos in Photoshop to make them as clear and attractive as I can, and working on my PDF patterns in Adobe Illustrator. The photography part of my work is the most laborious since I don’t really love it. I enjoy Photoshop and Illustrator more although they have to be the most arcane and unhelpful programs around. I get better at them the more I use them though.

I like to do my favorite work at the end of the day -- knitting and crocheting new pieces that will be one of a kind. This is the most satisfying work for me because my imagination and skills are totally released so it’s a good way to end the day. Of course, the world being as it is I’m also constantly checking back in to emails, Facebook and Twitter. I really think it’s important to be a real person and connect with friends, customers and colleagues throughout the day.

What advice would you give to others who are considering running a craft based business/website?

Running a craft based business/website is not for the faint of heart. It’s a lot of work that entails not just doing your art, but also marketing, promotion, constant contacts, purchasing, and all the paperwork of any other business. Despite the fairy tales about instant success and quitting your day job, anyone who expects to get this going quickly is really dreaming. If your business expands very quickly, it might just be that you’re charging too little for your work and not valuing your time and creativity enough.

It’s important to be patient and to think through who your customers are and what matters to you about your products. For example, I could sell things cheaper if I forgot about all the hours I spend in non-knitting activities and if I took shortcuts in my work, did many multiples of things, and used inferior materials. However, I wouldn’t be a happy person doing that and I wouldn’t have as good a business either.

This is why it’s important to have a business plan, even if it isn’t a formal one. You really need to know what you want your destination to be or you’ll end up nowhere!

How do you sell your wares - through craft fairs etc or through your own website and/or Etsy or other shops. Please let us have the links to these.

Here are the links to where you can find me online.
http://www.KnittingGuru.com
http://www.BurryBabies.com
http://www.KnittingGuru.etsy.com
http://www.BurryBabies.etsy.com
http://www.KnittingGuru.artfire.com

In addition I sell to private local customers, I’m a designer on Ravelry and I’m on Flickr as both KnittingGuru and BurryBabies.

Finally, if people want to learn more about your business/website do you have a Facebook page or Twitter profile where they can learn more?

Anyone interested in finding out more about me can do so by checking my blog http://www.KnittingGuruDesigns.blogspot.com where I try to take my readers inside the mind of a knitwear designer. Since I’m a busy designer, I don’t keep up with the blog as much as I’d like to though.

My website, http://www.KnittingGuru.com, is another place to get to know me. In addition, anyone who has knitting (or crochet) questions is invited to ask them there at “Ask the Guru” and I will send an answer. I’m very active on Facebook and always welcome more friends and fans. My fan page is http://www.facebook.com/KnittingGuru. I also have two accounts with twitter http://www.twitter.com/KnittingGuru and http://www.twitter.com/BurryBabies.

The Joy of Jewelry Making
Estancia Designs
Knitting Guru
Earthegy

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Meet Chrisy from Earthegy

An Interview by Alison Wood,

Art of Crafts

Please introduce yourself and tell us a little about where you are based, for example in which country and part of that country?

My name is Chrisy Bossie, and my business is called Earthegy. I live in Kents Store, Virginia, a tiny town where the cow population outnumbers the human population. My business is based out of my house, which is a cottage on five acres with a natural creek out back and pet chickens constantly chattering in the background. My two assistants are oversized lap dogs that are more often out chasing butterflies and bugs than actually getting an work done.

Please tell us a little about the nature of your craft/crafts and business.

I design and make jewelry and a few other products primarily from natural gemstones. Occasionally I can’t resist some beautiful art beads, so they’re thrown into the design too. Currently, my products include pendants, bracelets, earrings, eyeglass holders, pet charms, and bookmarks, and I’m constantly adding new things.

What first interested you in your craft?

I was having a glass of sangria one night with a girlfriend, and she started telling me about her "rocks." She then proceeded to pull out a pouch of gemstones from her purse, and tell me about each one and what they did. She summed it in one profound statement. "If you think about how much energy the earth puts into making these stones over millions of years, it only makes sense that they still carry that energy."

I was fascinated and hooked. But I didn't want to carry a bunch of rocks around in my purse. I wanted to wear them, so I could feel them and see them. And so earthegy began...

Did you have any formal training or have you learnt by yourself as you have gone along?

I learned by myself, through trial and error, and I’m constantly researching for new design ideas and techniques. My latest accomplishment has been learning to solder sterling silver pieces. I want the products I sell to be cherished for years, so I build them to last.

How did the idea for your business/website come about?

My business name came to me when I was nodding off to sleep one night…after a few weeks of trying to come up with a name. I wanted a concept that integrated the earth’s elements and the energy they possess, and I was fascinated with the history and folklore behind gemstones. For instance, Cleopatra used ground lapis for her eye shadow, and it was considered to have an aphrodisiac affect. Rutilated quartz has been linked to the lost city of Atlantis. Legend has it that Labradorite was formed when the Northern Lights were imprisoned in the rocks on the coast of Labrador and a wandering Eskimo warrior freed them with his spear.

How long now have you been established?

I started making jewelry in August, 2010, and went into it full time in October.

How do you find inspiration and where do you locate your materials?

All I have to do is walk outside and look around…it’s all in nature. The colors, the way light catches on something, all of it influences me. A vacation with my family to Rodanthe inspired a line of seashell pendants.

Do you undertake your business/website on a full-time basis or are you also working elsewhere whilst you get it up and running?

I also do some business consulting to pay the bills, but my gemstones are my primary focus and love.

Tell us a little about your typical day and what is involved in running the business/website.

A typical day involves checking my online shops each morning, followed by photography of new products I’m about to list for sale. I need the morning sunlight through my window for the best effect. After photos are taken, I’m often working on new designs, putting new products together, and late at night I’m usually on my computer editing photos, listing items for sale, and promoting pieces.

What advice would you give to others who are considering running a craft based business/website?

You can never do too much research on any aspect of your business, and don’t ever be afraid to try something new out! I’m constantly learning new and better way to do things, whether it’s website design, promotions, or how to craft a piece. The more info you soak in, the better equipped you’ll be to be successful in your endeavor. Also, listen to your customers I had several requests for gemstone eyeglass holders after people saw my bookmarks, and once I figured out the engineering of them I started making them, and they started flying out of my store.

How do you sell your wares - through craft fairs etc or through your own website and or Etsy or other shops. Please let us have the links to these.

I primarily sell through my artfire and etsy shops www.earthegy.artfire.com and www.etsy.com/shop/earthegy. I also have my own website called www.earthegy.com but it’s primarily used as a source of information about gemstones, a blog, and as a way for people to find me. I’ve done a few private home shows, which are great fun, but a lot of work.

Finally, if people want to learn more about your business/website do you have a Facebook page or Twitter profile where they can learn more?

Yes, they can learn more about me and my jewelry crafts on my Facebook page.

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Everything Alice by Leech and Read-Baldry

Artists Journal Workshop by Cathy Johnson

"At the beginning of July I was fortunate to be able to feature on the Art of Crafts blog an interview with the authors of a cool new craft book Everything Alice: The Wonderland Book of Makes and Bakes.

If you have ever loved Lewis Carroll’s tale of Alice then this book will help bring Wonderland into your everyday life.

Craft Book Bestsellers

Everything Alice: The Wonderland Book of Makes and Bakes

by Christine Leech & Hannah Read-Baldry

$16.23 at Amazon

$16.32 at Barnes & Noble

by Kari Chapin

$9.58 at Amazon

$10.98 at Barnes & Noble

"For folks who create unique things with a view to getting paid, this book should prove quite useful...for makers at any stage, from just-thinking-about-it to ready-to-quit-my-
day-job." --BookPage

"Kari has thoughtfully created the very best

guide book for navigating the craft marketplace.
Her personal voice, guided by personal experience is evident throughout the book. You'll feel encouraged, inspired and informed..... totally confident to jump start your own craft business!"
--Amy Butler, Amy Butler Design

Blogging for Bliss: Crafting Your Own Online Journal: A Guide for Crafters, Artists & Creatives of all Kinds

"Today’s crafting community is online, connected, and blissfully blogging about their work and ideas. Blogging is hot in this highly creative world—and here is the only how-to book aimed directly at them. Everyone from knitters and beaders to scrapbookers and altered artists will find

by Tara Frey

$8.14 at Amazon

$9.35 at Barnes & Noble

Artist's Journal Workshop: Creating Your Life in Words and Pictures

by Cathy Johnson
$13.79 at Amazon

$14.78 at Barnes & Noble

"Based on her own 40 years' experience in keeping an artist's journal, Cathy Johnson knows that an artist's creative life can benefit from written and visual explanations and experiments. Over the course of this book, you will benefit from the tips, techniques and exercises that will make your artist's journals your own. You will also discover how to use your journal to celebrate any occasion or milestone,

work through a problem or creative block, plan future works, sketch from life and experiment with new materials or techniques. With 24 contributors from around the world there is a variety of styles and perspectives throughout the book, and with 15+ exercises you will learn to personalize your journal in a variety of ways." --Amazon Editorial Review

"This book was exactly what I hoped it would be and more. She is inspiring and encouaging. It also has some of my other favorite artists in the book. I will go back to this book over and over again. Every single page has something beautiful on it. I highly recommend it."
--Pamela Lance, customer review

Craft Books

Everything Alice
The Handmade Marketplace
Blogging for Bliss
Artist's Journal Workshop

The Practical Guide to Patchwork by Elizabeth Hartman

The Practical Guide to Patchwork: New Basics for the
Modern Quiltmaker

by Elizabeth Hartman

$15.99 at Amazon

$16.63 at Barnes & Noble

"The Practical Guide toTo Patchwork is a great book for beginning to intermediate quilters, covering everything from basic supplies and planning your quilt, to free-motion quilting and binding, all pesented with a bright aesthetic and clear, simple instructions. Twelve beautiful and brightly colored projects are accompanied by numerous step-by-step photographs, perfect for the visual learner. Each project

includes ideas for alternate colorways that show you how swapping out fabrics can completely change the look of your quilt. The Practical Guide To Patchwork would make a great starter book for a young person who wants to learn how to make fun and functional quilts." -- Quilters World

Charmed Knits: Projects for Fans of Harry Potter

by Alison Hansel

$10.19 at Amazon

$10.79 at Barnes & Noble

"Charmed Knits offers dozens of patterns for items that evoke the mystique of Harry Potter - a Wizard Robe, an Invisibility Shawl, a Quidditch Sweater, Ron's Ragg Raglan, a Clock Blanket, Harry Christmas Ornaments, and more. Easy-to-follow patterns, color photos of the finished projects, and illustrations of special stitch patterns and design elements make it easy for all knitters - from beginners to

those at Mrs. Weasley's level - to work knitting magic. Charmed Knits whisks you away on a wonderful journey. Along the way, you can pick patterns inspired by the Weasleys, stock up at Diagon Alley, show your house colors, conjure up gifts, or create pieces to help you feel at home in the magical world of Harry Potter." --Amazon Editorial Review

Delight in the Details: 40+ Techniques for Charming Embellishments
and Accents

by Lisa M. Pace

$15.63 at Amazon

$15.47 at Barnes & Noble

"Delight in the Details will inspire you with more than 40 techniques for creating accents and embellishments that will provide a finishing touch to any papercraft project. Get creative with a variety of materials, from simple paper and fabric scraps to glitter, ink, modeling paste and vintage finds. 100 lovely projects--including greeting cards, scrapbook layouts, mini albums and home décor--

showcase the techniques in fabulous form. Plus, take a peak inside the author's studio where pretty vintage details come to life."
--Amazon Editorial Review

"This book is pure eye candy.
The projects are over the top cool...but with Lisa's clear instructions & great photos...you can easily follow along & make these projects.

It's loaded with inspiration and I know I'll refer to it often.

If you LOVE Lisa's style...shabby, chic, vintage & BEAUTIFUL...this is a MUST HAVE purchase." --Wendy Vecchi, customer review

Teach Yourself VISUALLY: Jewelry Making and Beading

Teach Yourself Visually Jewelry Making & Beading by Michaels

by Chris Franchetti Michaels

$15.66 at Amazon

$16.77 at Barnes & Noble

"You've probably coveted jewelry you've seen in artsy boutiques and fashion magazines or envied friends who have the perfect bling to accent everything. With this book, you'll learn to craft designs that are chic but inexpensive. With hundreds of detailed photos, this book covers tools and supplies, bead

stringing and weaving, wire wrapping, and more. Terrific projects will get you started and inspire you to create your own jewelry and beadwork designs." --Amazon Editorial Review

"If you want to get into beading & jewelry-making, Chris Franchetti Michaels's Teach Yourself VISUALLY Jewelry Making & Beading is a fantastic place to start. It's a thick book loaded with photographs, and it tackles a comprehensive spread of topics." --H. Grove, customer review

Mixed-Media Mosaics: Techniques and Projects Using Polymer Clay Tiles, Beads & Other Embellishments

by Laurie Mika

$15.47 at Amazon

$15.47 at Barnes & Noble

"Mixed-Media Mosaics uses polymer-clay and mosaic-tile work as a new and exciting platform for mixed-media/collage artists. It helps readers learn to craft highly textural and vividly coloured icons, boxes, tables, items of personal adornment and more, using a combination of manufactured and handmade tiles. It also contains techniques for creating the tiles such as painting and glazing, stamping,

embedding items like beads and buttons, mixing pigments and mica powders with clay, adding metallic leaf, creating molds, combining the handcrafted tiles with traditional mosaic tile, grout alternatives and more."
--Amazon Editorial Review

"I was lucky enough to take a class with Laurie Mika not too long ago and she's just as generous in sharing her techniques and tips in her book as she was in class...I love this book and have been making tiles since I got it!" --Amy Huff, customer review

One-Yard Wonders: 101 Sewing Fabric Projects: Look How Much You Can Make with Just One Yard of Fabric!

by Rebecca Yaker and Patricia Hoskins

$14.71 at Amazon

$14.71 at Barnes & Noble

For both novice and accomplished sewers, this spiral-bound guide offers directions that are precisely, clearly, and buoyantly written as the authors share 101 sewing projects requiring only a yard of fabric, including apparel, toys, accessories (human and pet), dresser organizers, and stuffed animals. For each

"recipe", the authors, in well-organized fashion, list necessary materials and then take the reader-crafter through clearly numbered, carefully explained directions to create a successful final product. For each project, too, a pattern schematic is matched on the opposite page with a full-color photograph of the finished project. This is a fundamental crafts book appropriate for most craft collections. --Booklist

"Talk about quality and quantity, One Yard Wonders is an impressive volume of super creative projects all utilizing our favorite scraps and a simple yard of fabric. This book is a keeper!" --Amy Butler, Amy Butler Designs

Sock Knitting Master Class: Innovative Techniques + Patterns from Top Designers

by Ann Budd

$17.79 at Amazon

$17.96 at Barnes & Noble

"Sock Knitting Master Class showcases methods for designing and knitting creative socks, featuring signature elements and techniques from 16 top designers. You’ll learn what makes good sock design, and then dive into knitting 18 spectacular, brand-new patterns featuring the widest variety of techniques.

With patterns divided into two sections by top-down and toe-up construction, Sock Knitting Master Class explores such techniques as cables, twisted stitches, lace, stranded colorwork, entrelac, shadow knitting, and intarsia worked in the round. Plus, you’ll discover inventive ways to start and end socks, shape heels and toes, and knit the soles.
--Amazon Editorial Review

Handcrafted Wire Findings: Techniques and Designs for Custom
Jewelry Components

Handcrafted Wire Findings by Peck and Dickerson

by Denise Peck and Jane Dickerson

$15.30 at Amazon

$15.30 at Barnes & Noble

"Add personal style at minimal cost with custom-made findings. Why spend hundreds of dollars stocking up on expensive manufactured clasps, jump rings, ear wires, bails, and more when you can make exactly what you need for a fraction of the cost? Making custom
findings enables jewelry makers to

affordably create just the right component to complement their own jewelry designs.

Handcrafted Wire Findings looks at your wire stash and focuses on how to create custom, professional-quality findings. With fundamental skills for beginners that progress to more sophisticated designs, this book covers techniques such as basic wirework, texturizing, silver fusing, adding patina, and traditional finishes.

Included are over 30 projects for making custom wire findings, each accompanied by step-by-step photographs and directions to ensure success." --Amazon Editorial Review

"What I like about this book is that it's such a terrific one-stop-shop resource of ideas for making "Handcrafted Wire Findings," as the title suggests. It's not really a project-based book ("make this bracelet, make this ring, etc."), but a resource book of information, with plenty of step-by-step photos and detailed text that beginners will find invaluable."
--Sharilyn Miller, customer review

Drawing Lab for Mixed-Media Artists: 52 Creative Exercises
to Make Drawing Fun

by Carla Sonheim

$15.63 at Amazon

$21.47 at Barnes & Noble

Drawing Lab for Mixed Media Artists by Carla Sonheim

"If I ever meet Carla Sonheim, I will probably not be able to suppress the urge to hug her for writing “Drawing Lab For Mixed Media Artists: 52 Creative Exercises to Make Drawing Fun”. Loaded with a year’s worth of inspirational prompts, this book is for all of us creative types who stopped drawing right around the

third grade because we decided we weren’t talented enough to stick with it. From doodle sketches to paper dolls, this book will renew your confidence and make you want a new sketch book and box of Crayolas."
--Jennifer Ackerman-Haywood, craftgossip.com

"I loved this book. It was instantly inspiring and not just to me but also to my 8 year old daughter which spilled over to my 5 year old son and my mother was visiting and she was doing some of the exercises as well.
This book is very creative, fun to look at, fun to read with easy to understand exercises." --Flamesbain, customer review

Sewing School: 21 Sewing Projects Kids Will Love to Make

by Aimee Plumley and Andrea Lisle
$10.86 at Amazon

$15.83 at Barnes & Noble

"Written by a kindergarten teacher and a journalist who have taught many children to sew, this large-format book offers appealing projects illustrated with color photos of step-by-step directions as well as kids engaged in sewing and showing off work. The opening 12 lessons begin at the very beginning with topics such as

threading a needle, knotting the thread, and making a basic running stitch. After covering basic knowledge and skills, the presentation moves on to instructions for fun, easy projects such as making a drawstring tote bag or a “Super Hero Cuff.” Sections on mending clothes and repairing stuffed animals round out the presentation. The book includes a practical introduction for adults, a glossary, a list of recommended blogs, and sources of tools, supplies, and fabrics. Best of all, this practical, attractive sewing book features finished projects that look like they were actually made by children. Grades 3-6." --Carolyn Phelan, Booklist

Patterns in Polymer: Imprint and Accent Bead Techniques

by Julie Picarello

$14.93 at Amazon

$20.06 at Barnes & Noble

"With her unmatched eye for color, color mixing and layering, well-known artist and fan favorite Julie Picarello helps beginners and advanced polymer artisans design, texture and finish gorgeous art beads using relatively simple techniques. In-depth introduction sections cover basics, color inspiration and recipes, and needed tools and materials. It’s the color that

makes polymer clay truly exciting, and this book uses color like you’ve never seen it before." --Amazon Editorial Review

"Incredible Resource! Patterns in Polymer is an incredible resource on using the mokume gane technique with polymer clay. Julie has been a pioneer on taking polymer clay mokume gane to the next level, and this book is comprehensive and clear not only in instruction, but also in inspiration. Even experienced polymer clay artists will learn some new tricks from this book." --Ronna Sarvas Weltman, customer review

Teach Yourself VISUALLY Crochet

by Cecily Keim
$16.49 at Amazon

$16.77 at Barnes & Noble

"The visual way to get hooked on crochet. The art of crocheting is timeless-and its popularity is evident in the surge of modern, sophisticated techniques like amigurumi and Tunisian crochet. So if you yearn for the skills to join this crafting revolution, this easy-to-follow guide is for you!"
--Amazon Editorial Review

"I bought this book with no clue how to crochet a single stitch. I found the directions and pictures very helpful, and I was soon able to use my new found knowledge to follow crochet patterns from my MIL's older pattern books. I have recommended this book to many of my friends and given it as a gift. It's just great!" --Susan, customer review

Encyclopedia of Scrapbooking (Leisure Arts #15941)
(Creating Keepsakes)

Encyclopedia of Scrapbooking by Leisure Arts

by Leisure Arts, Inc.

$16.47 at Amazon

$16.63 at Barnes & Noble

"Introducing the scrapbooker's new best friend. When it comes to making the most of your memories, take a page from the Creating Keepsakes experts. Beginners and more experienced scrapbookers alike will turn to this hefty new reference guide time and time again for helpful insights and daily inspiration on tools, techniques, layouts - plus all the can't-miss tips you'd expect from The Scrapbooking Authority.
--Amazon Editorial Review

"I have many beginners scrapbooking books and this book is the BEST of them all. I cannot live without this book. This is the first book I would recommend to anyone. It is my scrapbooking bible. If you buy this book, you will not regret it." --Beryl H. Hamerla, customer review

"This could be a very short review because I can sum it up in one sentence - if you buy only one scrapbooking book in your lifetime, buy this book. --Wendy C., allcrafts.net

Doodle Stitching: The Motif Collection: 400+ Easy
Embroidery Designs

Doodle Stitching: The Motif Collection by Aimee Ray

by Aimee Ray
$7.67 at Amazon

$8.93 at Barnes & Noble

"This follow-up to the best-selling Doodle Stitching offers fans expanded and updated basics, 400+ easy embroidery motifs on the page and on a CD sealed in the back of the book, 17 projects, and lots of added inspiration. More than a dozen categories include

Alphabet, Asian Chic, Baby, Celebrations, Embellishments, Fruits & Veggies, Space, Trees, Flowers, Winged Wonders, and Woodland Creatures-and each section includes one motif stitched by the author.
The motifs on the CD are in simple black lines, so readers can easily manipulate them using their own image-editing software, print them out, and transfer them onto their substrate of choice using the instructions in the book." --Amazon Editorial Review

Alternacrafts: 20+ Hi-Style Lo-Budget
Projects to Make

Alternacrafts: 20 plus Hi-Style Lo-Budget Projects to Make by Jessica Vitkus

by Jessica Vitkus
$13.56 at Amazon

$13.56 at Barnes & Noble

"With an emphasis on recycling, improvising, and making things from scratch, AlternaCrafts offers more than 20 projects that provide this newest generation of crafters with the skills they need for the self-expression they crave. Whether they want to turn their beat-up T-shirts into a shaggy rug, an old sweater

into a cozy hat, yesterday's newspaper into a bouquet of flowers, or their jeans into a new skirt or bag, this exciting book tells them how to make the transformations with a minimal amount of money and no experience whatsoever. Smartly priced and boldly designed to attract teenagers and twentysomethings, this book will also appeal to older crafters seeking newfangled twists on their favorite pastimes. --Amazon Editorial Review

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Blogs: Woodmor's World, Pet Hooligans, Art of Crafts, Midnight Eden,
and Greener Living Today.

It is jam packed with 50 ‘Make Me’ projects including jewellery making, sewing, baking, paper crafts and much more."
--Alison Wood

the practical information and visual inspiration they need to create an artful online journal." --Good Reads

The Handmade Marketplace: How to Sell Your Crafts Locally, Globally, and On-Line