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My Journey As A Creative Designer - Woodworking and Beyond

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7M views 13K replies 477 participants last post by  teaklight12 
#1 ·
Beginning this Blog

I recently was referred to this site by Steve Good, who has a wonderful, comprehensive scroll saw forum and blog page. Although I have been doing woodworking for almost fifteen years, I have finally reached a point in my life where I am able to make it the main focus of my activities. Since my life revolves around my woodworking and business, I believe that this blog will reflect that very clearly, although it will also be somewhat personal. But I think that woodworking is very personal anyway.

It has been a long journey to get to this point. There have been many good times and some not-so-good ones, but I appreciate every single step because I think that if even one thing was different, I would not be where I am today or who I am inside. It isn't only the positive events in our lives that make us what we are. Many times it is the negative things that mold and shape us and teach us to look at things in a certain way. I try to remember that when things are tough and move ahead.

I have learned that there is only one thing we can be certain of in life: change. Whether things are good or bad, we need to hold on and appreciate the moment, as we can be certain that things will be different before long. This helps us to not only appreciate the good days and things we have now, but also hang on when things are not so good, as we know that they will be different soon. I like this philosophy.

I liked reading about the new contest offered by this site in the newsletter. Fluidity. It is a perfect theme for projects because our existence itself is fluid. I am anxious to see what interpretations are going to be, as I am sure everyone else is. It will be an adventure for all of us for sure.

So why am I starting this blog? The other day I received a call from a customer who had a question for me. He kept saying how surprised he was that I answered my own phone. I have worked as a Contributing Editor for Creative Woodworks and Crafts Magazine for the past 13+ years and I guess in the scroll saw community, many people have heard of me. It seemed so odd to me that he would think I would have a secretary or staff. We kind of laughed about it, but it really got me thinking about his interpretation of my life. We all tend to form opinions of others from very limited information. We see the outside of a person as they are presented to us and many times are very quick to categorize that person in our minds. I do it myself.

But in my years of talking with and dealing with many people from many different places, I have come to realize that people are like icebergs. We only see the tip of them and below the surface is a vast, complex side of them that is the basis of their actions and thinking.

Everyone has a story. Everyone has traveled a journey. No two people have traveled identical paths. Thus, we are all unique in our thoughts, actions and creative processes. I enjoy hearing others stories. I think that listening to others and hearing their experiences helps us to understand each other. With that understanding, we learn.

I have used the phrase "Knowledge Is Power" in my signature since I have been on the web. Once someone told me that they thought it was quite arrogant of me to say that. He thought that I was implying that I knew more than anyone else and he found that offensive. I told him he couldn't be more wrong. My interpretation of the phrase is that our QUEST for knowledge EMPOWERS us to make better decisions about things in our lives. We are never finished learning. I learn every single day from my friends, colleagues, fellow woodworkers and students. We never know when we will learn something new. Sometimes you can learn from even a seemingly insignificant event. I feel the key is that we need to be open to learning.

Everyone has a story.

So I will close today with those thoughts. I don't know how often I will post here, but I hope to make it a habit. I don't know if anyone will even read this, but somehow it doesn't matter. Writing is a key in self-awareness. By writing things down we categorize our actions and it helps (me anyway) to keep my life organized. Organization leads to peace as far as I am concerned.

I am quite overwhelmed with the scope of the site here. I am still getting my footings and lurking around. I think for the first several days or maybe even weeks I will be more of a passive observer while I find my comfortable position among the others here. I want to upload the new things I am working on here. Like everyone else, I am anxious to see the response they get. I love seeing others projects and could spend my days just looking.

Although it is quite intimidating, the forum looks like it is full of friendly, knowledgeable and wonderfully creative people.

I think I am going to like it here.
 
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#9,770 ·
Ballerinas

I felt that I had a good and productive day yesterday. I tied up a lot of loose ends on the business side of things and then I was able to spend some time at the saw cutting out my newest project. That is always a pleasure for me to do.

As I showed in yesterday's entry, the next project that I was creating was a set of ballet dancers. I have always loved the ballet, and as most young girls did in my day, I took some lessons at the local park district in the city of Chicago. One of the advantages of living in the big city was that there were many park district programs available. We lived about six city blocks from a large park district (Gage Park) and along with many of my classmates, we signed up for several after school dance classes. All these classes were offered for free, and they included things like tap, ballet, jazz as well as gymnastics and other sports. I am sure many parents were happy to have the programs available, as it occupied us for the two hours or so between when school was over for the day and dinner time.

We loved the classes, and hurried to get home and change and walked up to the large field house complex where the classes were held. It was a great way to socialize with our friends, as well as have fun learning something new and kept us busy and out of trouble.

At the end of the year the park district held a gym show, which was kind of a recital and we all got to preform for the very full auditorium. This included full costumes and lights and was one of the highlights of our year, as we felt important and were eager to show off our new skills and steps we had learned throughout the season.

Those were fond memories for me. Back in the late sixties and seventies things were so different. As I look back now to those times, I think of all the wonderful programs that were offered through the park district. I don't know how many prima ballerinas came from those groups of children that went to those after school activities, but I do know that for myself, it introduced me to many wonderful things such as dancing, music, sewing and crafts as well as learning to get along with my peers and working together as a team. I am very grateful that the programs were available.

In any case, I found myself thinking back to those days when I was drawing these pretty little ballerinas. As I scoured through hundreds and hundreds of beautiful photographs of dancers, it rekindled my love of how beautiful and graceful the body could be. It also reminded me of how much athletic ability was necessary for them to appear so effortless in their movement. I deeply respect that.

In drawing my "Tiny Dancers" I tried to capture the fluidity of movement. I made these little girls so that they are approximately 4" in height. They are intended to be used as ornaments, sun catchers, magnets or anywhere else one would use a smaller piece such as this. I have some other ideas as well, but I thought that I would start here and create them "just because."

There are two versions of each pose, and a dozen different poses. The first version has the girls dressed in a classic ballet outfit:

Gesture Font Art Event Pattern


They are made from 3/16" curly hard maple. While they would also work in plywood, I will not be recommending that one attempts to create them using soft wood.

I think they are fairly easy to cut, with the only thing that I would call "delicate" on them being their hands. I found that at this small size, it was a bit challenging to make the hands look graceful and not like flippers. The only way to avoid that was to separate the thumbs from the rest of the hand and perhaps a finger or two. I admit that this was a little challenging to cut, but not impossible. Of the 24 girls I cut yesterday (48 hands) I didn't lose a single digit. Of course, if one is so inclined, they could easily cup the hands or simplify them if necessary for their own skill level. I am still wondering if I should do that and include an additional drawing on the pattern. Feedback on that issue is welcome. :)

For this version, I decided to use some light pastel colors to paint in their outfits and slippers:

Dance Human body Performing arts Dress Entertainment


I then added a couple of coats of DecoArt Glamour Dust Glitter Paint to make the outfit shimmer:

Hand Food Plant Human body Gesture


The results was simple and beautiful, I think.

I have another idea for the other 12 girls. I will show that tomorrow, along with the rest of these. I think either as a set or individually, these will make a nice addition to my patterns. There are still many little ballerinas out there that would enjoy something like this for her room.

So that will be all for today. It is still warm, rainy and messy today here in Nova Scotia. Although I don't think we are done yet with the snow and cold, it certainly seems as if spring is on its way.

Have a wonderful Tuesday!

Today's Featured Product

Natural material Wood Artifact Creative arts Art


SLD136 Layered Swan Trinket Box
 

Attachments

#9,771 ·
Ballerinas

I felt that I had a good and productive day yesterday. I tied up a lot of loose ends on the business side of things and then I was able to spend some time at the saw cutting out my newest project. That is always a pleasure for me to do.

As I showed in yesterday's entry, the next project that I was creating was a set of ballet dancers. I have always loved the ballet, and as most young girls did in my day, I took some lessons at the local park district in the city of Chicago. One of the advantages of living in the big city was that there were many park district programs available. We lived about six city blocks from a large park district (Gage Park) and along with many of my classmates, we signed up for several after school dance classes. All these classes were offered for free, and they included things like tap, ballet, jazz as well as gymnastics and other sports. I am sure many parents were happy to have the programs available, as it occupied us for the two hours or so between when school was over for the day and dinner time.

We loved the classes, and hurried to get home and change and walked up to the large field house complex where the classes were held. It was a great way to socialize with our friends, as well as have fun learning something new and kept us busy and out of trouble.

At the end of the year the park district held a gym show, which was kind of a recital and we all got to preform for the very full auditorium. This included full costumes and lights and was one of the highlights of our year, as we felt important and were eager to show off our new skills and steps we had learned throughout the season.

Those were fond memories for me. Back in the late sixties and seventies things were so different. As I look back now to those times, I think of all the wonderful programs that were offered through the park district. I don't know how many prima ballerinas came from those groups of children that went to those after school activities, but I do know that for myself, it introduced me to many wonderful things such as dancing, music, sewing and crafts as well as learning to get along with my peers and working together as a team. I am very grateful that the programs were available.

In any case, I found myself thinking back to those days when I was drawing these pretty little ballerinas. As I scoured through hundreds and hundreds of beautiful photographs of dancers, it rekindled my love of how beautiful and graceful the body could be. It also reminded me of how much athletic ability was necessary for them to appear so effortless in their movement. I deeply respect that.

In drawing my "Tiny Dancers" I tried to capture the fluidity of movement. I made these little girls so that they are approximately 4" in height. They are intended to be used as ornaments, sun catchers, magnets or anywhere else one would use a smaller piece such as this. I have some other ideas as well, but I thought that I would start here and create them "just because."

There are two versions of each pose, and a dozen different poses. The first version has the girls dressed in a classic ballet outfit:

Gesture Font Art Event Pattern


They are made from 3/16" curly hard maple. While they would also work in plywood, I will not be recommending that one attempts to create them using soft wood.

I think they are fairly easy to cut, with the only thing that I would call "delicate" on them being their hands. I found that at this small size, it was a bit challenging to make the hands look graceful and not like flippers. The only way to avoid that was to separate the thumbs from the rest of the hand and perhaps a finger or two. I admit that this was a little challenging to cut, but not impossible. Of the 24 girls I cut yesterday (48 hands) I didn't lose a single digit. Of course, if one is so inclined, they could easily cup the hands or simplify them if necessary for their own skill level. I am still wondering if I should do that and include an additional drawing on the pattern. Feedback on that issue is welcome. :)

For this version, I decided to use some light pastel colors to paint in their outfits and slippers:

Dance Human body Performing arts Dress Entertainment


I then added a couple of coats of DecoArt Glamour Dust Glitter Paint to make the outfit shimmer:

Hand Food Plant Human body Gesture


The results was simple and beautiful, I think.

I have another idea for the other 12 girls. I will show that tomorrow, along with the rest of these. I think either as a set or individually, these will make a nice addition to my patterns. There are still many little ballerinas out there that would enjoy something like this for her room.

So that will be all for today. It is still warm, rainy and messy today here in Nova Scotia. Although I don't think we are done yet with the snow and cold, it certainly seems as if spring is on its way.

Have a wonderful Tuesday!

Today's Featured Product

Natural material Wood Artifact Creative arts Art


SLD136 Layered Swan Trinket Box
Love the ballerinas. I love all the different poses. They are so graceful. The Glamour dust really pretties them up.
 

Attachments

#9,778 ·
Administration Duties

Today's post is going to be a short one. (I know - I ALWAYS say that!)

I awoke a bit early today and I want to take advantage of the day. Yesterday I didn't get to work on my ballerinas at all, as there were many other things that came up and before I knew it the day was gone.

I did get to do some scroll sawing yesterday. I had several orders for wood pieces and I was happy about that. I really like that side of the business because it gives me an excuse to get a little dusty and enjoy the process of creating wood pieces for painters. Being a painter myself, I try to take the utmost care in preparing the wood pieces for others to use. I know how I like MY own wood pieces to be, and I try to make the items I send the highest level of quality.

I think it was probably a good thing as well to step away from the project for a day or so. It gives me a little bit of a different perspective on it and I already have some other ideas for the ballerinas.

I did want to mention though that it is "official" and that Keith and I will be conducting several classes at the Northeastern Woodworker's Association Showcase that will be held on March 29th and 30th in Saratoga Springs, New York. You can read more about the showcase HERE.

We will be hosting four - three hour classes that will cover several techniques of scroll sawing. This is a 'hands-on' class, so everyone will be making a project while learning. I love teaching this way and look forward to seeing everyone and sharing information on scroll sawing. We are going to have a great time!

I should have more to show you regarding the project tomorrow. I look forward to getting lots done today with my early start.

I wish you all a wonderful Wednesday and hope you have a great day!

Today's Featured Product

Bird Wood Rectangle Beak Art


SLDK236 Self-Framing Leaf Bordered Cardinal
 

Attachments

#9,779 ·
Administration Duties

Today's post is going to be a short one. (I know - I ALWAYS say that!)

I awoke a bit early today and I want to take advantage of the day. Yesterday I didn't get to work on my ballerinas at all, as there were many other things that came up and before I knew it the day was gone.

I did get to do some scroll sawing yesterday. I had several orders for wood pieces and I was happy about that. I really like that side of the business because it gives me an excuse to get a little dusty and enjoy the process of creating wood pieces for painters. Being a painter myself, I try to take the utmost care in preparing the wood pieces for others to use. I know how I like MY own wood pieces to be, and I try to make the items I send the highest level of quality.

I think it was probably a good thing as well to step away from the project for a day or so. It gives me a little bit of a different perspective on it and I already have some other ideas for the ballerinas.

I did want to mention though that it is "official" and that Keith and I will be conducting several classes at the Northeastern Woodworker's Association Showcase that will be held on March 29th and 30th in Saratoga Springs, New York. You can read more about the showcase HERE.

We will be hosting four - three hour classes that will cover several techniques of scroll sawing. This is a 'hands-on' class, so everyone will be making a project while learning. I love teaching this way and look forward to seeing everyone and sharing information on scroll sawing. We are going to have a great time!

I should have more to show you regarding the project tomorrow. I look forward to getting lots done today with my early start.

I wish you all a wonderful Wednesday and hope you have a great day!

Today's Featured Product

Bird Wood Rectangle Beak Art


SLDK236 Self-Framing Leaf Bordered Cardinal
That looks like an awesome showcase Sheila! Now, if I could only get you to travel a little (OK, a lot) farther west! Will you be teaching the "same" class twice or different subjects? It's great when the instructor is as excited to teach as the students are to learn. Have a great Wednesday!
 

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#9,785 ·
Making Progress . . .

Yesterday turned out to be another day that just got away from me, although I did accomplish quite a bit.

I spent most of the day writing the instructions for the Bunny Toy Replica project that I had shown last week. I find that as time goes on my woodworking skills are improving and I find better, easier ways to do things and I like to incorporate that into my projects. It is nice to know that I am still learning and improving.

The rest of the day I spent working on my little ballerina ornaments. I don't think I showed all of them the other day.

Wood Gesture Font Art Pattern


I added some pretty pastel paint to their outfits just to see how they would come out:

Textile Branch Organism Gesture Creative arts


I still have another similar set that I am working on and hopefully I will make headway with that today. I will be doing that and continuing to write my instructions for the bunnies as well as writing the article on the re-purposed box I made last week.

It appears that this will be another short entry here today, as I want to get moving and start working. There just aren't enough hours in the day it seems. :)

We are still experiencing spring-like weather here in Nova Scotia. It is rather wet and messy. Could it be that winter is over already?

I wonder . . .

I hope you all have a great day. Enjoy your Thursday!

Today's Featured Project

Food Drinkware Tableware Cake decorating Cup


SLD334 Sweetheart Candle Tray and Charms
 

Attachments

#9,786 ·
Making Progress . . .

Yesterday turned out to be another day that just got away from me, although I did accomplish quite a bit.

I spent most of the day writing the instructions for the Bunny Toy Replica project that I had shown last week. I find that as time goes on my woodworking skills are improving and I find better, easier ways to do things and I like to incorporate that into my projects. It is nice to know that I am still learning and improving.

The rest of the day I spent working on my little ballerina ornaments. I don't think I showed all of them the other day.

Wood Gesture Font Art Pattern


I added some pretty pastel paint to their outfits just to see how they would come out:

Textile Branch Organism Gesture Creative arts


I still have another similar set that I am working on and hopefully I will make headway with that today. I will be doing that and continuing to write my instructions for the bunnies as well as writing the article on the re-purposed box I made last week.

It appears that this will be another short entry here today, as I want to get moving and start working. There just aren't enough hours in the day it seems. :)

We are still experiencing spring-like weather here in Nova Scotia. It is rather wet and messy. Could it be that winter is over already?

I wonder . . .

I hope you all have a great day. Enjoy your Thursday!

Today's Featured Project

Food Drinkware Tableware Cake decorating Cup


SLD334 Sweetheart Candle Tray and Charms
You're just a TRUE, died in the wool artist of the Nth Degree. Dedicated and loyal to Keith, and your company and magazine. Magnificent work Sheila.
 

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#9,791 ·
Tiny Dancers

I am running late with my blog this morning. It isn't because I was being lazy or slept late - actually it was quite the contrary, as I awoke at around 4:30 this morning and starting working - but it is because I was getting a great deal done and didn't want to stop. But I glanced up at the clock and see that it is after 8:30 now and time for me to report in. So here we go . . . we will do this quickly . . .

I had another wonderful and productive day yesterday. I worked on finishing up the little ballerina dancer ornaments for the scroll sawyers to cut. I had mentioned in my previous posts that I had (once again) made two versions of the dancers so that my customers would have options as to how they would finish them.

The first option is to leave them as silhouettes and allow the natural beauty of the wood show through. I liked this idea, but I thought I would add a little "something" to make them look nice. I did a very simple (no shading or highlighting) painting of their outfits and shoes with solid colors of paint, and then added a layer or two of DecoArt Glamour Dust Glitter Paint for some glitz. I think they looked amazing:

Arm Leg Human body Athletic dance move Dress


The group of them altogether looks even more stunning:

Joint Dance Human body Sleeve Gesture


Joint Human Art Performing arts Organism


That would have probably been good. But me being me just wasn't happy with leaving it at that. I had another idea. I thought if I made the silhouettes without the skirts:

Gesture Wood Creative arts Art Font


Then I could add some dimension and interest to the ornaments by making little tulle skirts:

Hand Arm Human body People in nature Athletic dance move


My problem, and what took so much time this morning, was that it has been very difficult to get the photographs right. the ballerinas look so nice and fluffy, but their little skirts are getting lost on the white background if I make the photos bright how they should be.

Joint Photograph Light Entertainment Dance


Joint Photograph Human body Wood Organism


So you all know what I will be doing today . . . (re-shooting photos!)

I am sure it will be worth it though, as these little dancers are going to look amazing! I played with them yesterday and I figured out hot to delicately hang them from their heads/foot so they balance perfectly:

Finger Creative arts Thumb Art Jewellery


Finger Eyewear Jewellery Wire Metal


I had to drill into the top with a tiny bit and bury a small knot form the thin gold metallic hanger with a pin. But once I got going, it wasn't difficult at all.

I have had many, many emails from those of you who are interested in this as not only a scroll saw pattern, but as a painting pattern and offering the wood pieces as well. I believe that I am going to spend the weekend doing just that - making it into a painting pattern. I may have to make it slightly larger in order to do so, but I think they will be just as nice.

So it is off to do that today. I hope you enjoy seeing them and hopefully by tomorrow I will have some better pictures of the group with the tulle skirts.

Have a wonderful Friday! :D

Today's Featured Product


Wood Font Rectangle Pattern Signage


SLDK338 Set of Family, Forever & Always Plaques
 

Attachments

#9,792 ·
Tiny Dancers

I am running late with my blog this morning. It isn't because I was being lazy or slept late - actually it was quite the contrary, as I awoke at around 4:30 this morning and starting working - but it is because I was getting a great deal done and didn't want to stop. But I glanced up at the clock and see that it is after 8:30 now and time for me to report in. So here we go . . . we will do this quickly . . .

I had another wonderful and productive day yesterday. I worked on finishing up the little ballerina dancer ornaments for the scroll sawyers to cut. I had mentioned in my previous posts that I had (once again) made two versions of the dancers so that my customers would have options as to how they would finish them.

The first option is to leave them as silhouettes and allow the natural beauty of the wood show through. I liked this idea, but I thought I would add a little "something" to make them look nice. I did a very simple (no shading or highlighting) painting of their outfits and shoes with solid colors of paint, and then added a layer or two of DecoArt Glamour Dust Glitter Paint for some glitz. I think they looked amazing:

Arm Leg Human body Athletic dance move Dress


The group of them altogether looks even more stunning:

Joint Dance Human body Sleeve Gesture


Joint Human Art Performing arts Organism


That would have probably been good. But me being me just wasn't happy with leaving it at that. I had another idea. I thought if I made the silhouettes without the skirts:

Gesture Wood Creative arts Art Font


Then I could add some dimension and interest to the ornaments by making little tulle skirts:

Hand Arm Human body People in nature Athletic dance move


My problem, and what took so much time this morning, was that it has been very difficult to get the photographs right. the ballerinas look so nice and fluffy, but their little skirts are getting lost on the white background if I make the photos bright how they should be.

Joint Photograph Light Entertainment Dance


Joint Photograph Human body Wood Organism


So you all know what I will be doing today . . . (re-shooting photos!)

I am sure it will be worth it though, as these little dancers are going to look amazing! I played with them yesterday and I figured out hot to delicately hang them from their heads/foot so they balance perfectly:

Finger Creative arts Thumb Art Jewellery


Finger Eyewear Jewellery Wire Metal


I had to drill into the top with a tiny bit and bury a small knot form the thin gold metallic hanger with a pin. But once I got going, it wasn't difficult at all.

I have had many, many emails from those of you who are interested in this as not only a scroll saw pattern, but as a painting pattern and offering the wood pieces as well. I believe that I am going to spend the weekend doing just that - making it into a painting pattern. I may have to make it slightly larger in order to do so, but I think they will be just as nice.

So it is off to do that today. I hope you enjoy seeing them and hopefully by tomorrow I will have some better pictures of the group with the tulle skirts.

Have a wonderful Friday! :D

Today's Featured Product


Wood Font Rectangle Pattern Signage


SLDK338 Set of Family, Forever & Always Plaques
Hmmmm…....... which set do i like best? They are both beautiful but my personal choice would be the painted set. There is a beautiful gracefulness about this set that I really like. A wonderful gift for the budding ballerinas in any grandparents' or parents' life.

Spring is definitely in the air here. Got rid of all the winter weeds in the garden yesterday and now the Spring flowers have lots of room to grow.
 

Attachments

#9,796 ·
Fine Tuning

Yesterday seemed to fly by faster than usual. I had so many wonderful things to work on that even though I got an earlier-than-usual start, it seemed before I knew it time had slipped by me and it was dark and I was running out of steam.

After I posted my blog here yesterday, I found I wasn't really satisfied with the photographs of the little ballerinas that were wearing the tulle skirts. The pictures (while clear) seemed to have not shown the skirts very well at all.

I decided to take a step backwards and try some different lighting and backgrounds and see what would work best with them. After several different combinations, I found that using a black background and natural light did the best job showing the fine detail.

Below you can see the difference:

Clothing Joint Shoulder Leg Athletic dance move


While the skit is still whispy, you can see it much better on the black back drop than the white. It took me a great deal of time to re-photograph and adjust all 12 ornaments, but I feel the final effort was well worth it, as it does a much better job of showing the pieces as they truly look:

Clothing Hand Vertebrate Dance Human body


Clothing Joint Vertebrate Light Human


NOW I am happy! :D

Those of you who read frequently know that I do this type of thing all the time. If I see a better way to do things or even if I just THINK of a better way, then I stop and do things over.

Yes - it takes a lot of time. And YES - it slows me down a bit. But I do believe that this is all part of the TEACHING and LEARNING process that we are a part of, and I find myself playing BOTH parts - teacher and student - when creating new projects such as these. In the end, we all win because (hopefully) others will learn from my mistakes and experiences and their own journey may be a little easier.

Another issue that I wanted to discuss in a little more detail today was the issue of adding a hanger to these beautifully delicate ornaments. Something about me didn't like the idea of drilling directly into the side of the heads of these graceful creatures. I think it would have truly ruined the look of them. But one of the main functions of these pieces was to be used as ornaments, in which they required some type of hanger or hanging cords.

What to do about that . . . ?

I considered making a very, very small hole and threading thin fishing line through. At least that wouldn't be too noticeable. But it still left me with the ill feeling of drilling through their faces and the thought of it made me cringe.

Another thought was to drill through their extended hands, but their arms and hands were so delicate that I felt that they would certainly break. I came to the conclusion that the best way to hang them was to bore a hole vertically into their heads. This way it would not be seen or interfere with how they looked.

It would have been much better if this brilliant idea had come to me BEFORE I had cut them out, as it is MUCH easier to drill prior to cutting the delicate pieces. But alas - I did not and now I had to take the risk of drilling 1/16" holes through 1/8" rounded surfaces without breaking through the sides.

Long story short - I was 100% SUCCESSFUL in my efforts! (YAY ME!!!) Not ONE blow out from the bunch!

Finger Eyewear Jewellery Wire Metal


I had this wonderful, thin gold cord that I got from a place called Home Sew that is 1/32" thick and is a WONDERFUL choice for ornament hangers. It only costs $3.75 per 100 yards and is thin and beautiful and fits into these holes perfectly. You can get the cord HERE. I just knot the loop, pulling tightly to make the knot as small as possible, trim the ends, drag it through a small puddle of glue, and push it into the hole with the end of a toothpick or pin. There you have it!

Only one of the ballerinas needed to be drilled other than the head because of her positioning, but I was able to drill her foot just as successfully:

Finger Creative arts Thumb Art Jewellery


I really think it makes a beautiful difference in the presentation of these ornaments.

In any case, I have a full plate of work to do today. I have decided (after many requests) that I am going to develop this pattern into a full painting pattern as well (not the simple painting I showed here, but shading and highlighting for the painters) and offer the wood kit of these ornaments. I think they will be enjoyed by many people this way and it will be fun to do.

I appreciate all of your comments and encouragement on my projects. I have been really working hard and I do read them all throughout the day. I have been waiting until evening or morning to respond however, because otherwise I am typing all day instead of working. :)

I wish you all a fun Saturday and a beautiful weekend! Thank you all again for your support in my journey!

Today's Featured Product

Human body Font Art Ornament Magenta


SLD372 - 12 Conversation Heart Fretwork Ornaments
 

Attachments

#9,797 ·
Fine Tuning

Yesterday seemed to fly by faster than usual. I had so many wonderful things to work on that even though I got an earlier-than-usual start, it seemed before I knew it time had slipped by me and it was dark and I was running out of steam.

After I posted my blog here yesterday, I found I wasn't really satisfied with the photographs of the little ballerinas that were wearing the tulle skirts. The pictures (while clear) seemed to have not shown the skirts very well at all.

I decided to take a step backwards and try some different lighting and backgrounds and see what would work best with them. After several different combinations, I found that using a black background and natural light did the best job showing the fine detail.

Below you can see the difference:

Clothing Joint Shoulder Leg Athletic dance move


While the skit is still whispy, you can see it much better on the black back drop than the white. It took me a great deal of time to re-photograph and adjust all 12 ornaments, but I feel the final effort was well worth it, as it does a much better job of showing the pieces as they truly look:

Clothing Hand Vertebrate Dance Human body


Clothing Joint Vertebrate Light Human


NOW I am happy! :D

Those of you who read frequently know that I do this type of thing all the time. If I see a better way to do things or even if I just THINK of a better way, then I stop and do things over.

Yes - it takes a lot of time. And YES - it slows me down a bit. But I do believe that this is all part of the TEACHING and LEARNING process that we are a part of, and I find myself playing BOTH parts - teacher and student - when creating new projects such as these. In the end, we all win because (hopefully) others will learn from my mistakes and experiences and their own journey may be a little easier.

Another issue that I wanted to discuss in a little more detail today was the issue of adding a hanger to these beautifully delicate ornaments. Something about me didn't like the idea of drilling directly into the side of the heads of these graceful creatures. I think it would have truly ruined the look of them. But one of the main functions of these pieces was to be used as ornaments, in which they required some type of hanger or hanging cords.

What to do about that . . . ?

I considered making a very, very small hole and threading thin fishing line through. At least that wouldn't be too noticeable. But it still left me with the ill feeling of drilling through their faces and the thought of it made me cringe.

Another thought was to drill through their extended hands, but their arms and hands were so delicate that I felt that they would certainly break. I came to the conclusion that the best way to hang them was to bore a hole vertically into their heads. This way it would not be seen or interfere with how they looked.

It would have been much better if this brilliant idea had come to me BEFORE I had cut them out, as it is MUCH easier to drill prior to cutting the delicate pieces. But alas - I did not and now I had to take the risk of drilling 1/16" holes through 1/8" rounded surfaces without breaking through the sides.

Long story short - I was 100% SUCCESSFUL in my efforts! (YAY ME!!!) Not ONE blow out from the bunch!

Finger Eyewear Jewellery Wire Metal


I had this wonderful, thin gold cord that I got from a place called Home Sew that is 1/32" thick and is a WONDERFUL choice for ornament hangers. It only costs $3.75 per 100 yards and is thin and beautiful and fits into these holes perfectly. You can get the cord HERE. I just knot the loop, pulling tightly to make the knot as small as possible, trim the ends, drag it through a small puddle of glue, and push it into the hole with the end of a toothpick or pin. There you have it!

Only one of the ballerinas needed to be drilled other than the head because of her positioning, but I was able to drill her foot just as successfully:

Finger Creative arts Thumb Art Jewellery


I really think it makes a beautiful difference in the presentation of these ornaments.

In any case, I have a full plate of work to do today. I have decided (after many requests) that I am going to develop this pattern into a full painting pattern as well (not the simple painting I showed here, but shading and highlighting for the painters) and offer the wood kit of these ornaments. I think they will be enjoyed by many people this way and it will be fun to do.

I appreciate all of your comments and encouragement on my projects. I have been really working hard and I do read them all throughout the day. I have been waiting until evening or morning to respond however, because otherwise I am typing all day instead of working. :)

I wish you all a fun Saturday and a beautiful weekend! Thank you all again for your support in my journey!

Today's Featured Product

Human body Font Art Ornament Magenta


SLD372 - 12 Conversation Heart Fretwork Ornaments
very nice sheila
they truly come alive

i think you have a winner here
 

Attachments

#9,809 ·
Color My World

Today's blog will be quick and to the point. I awoke a bit early this morning and I am eager to get to work and (hopefully) finish up painting my little ballerinas.

I had many requests from my painters that follow me to make the ballerina scroll saw pattern into a painting pattern. While the thought of cutting many of these little girls for production was a little bit intimidating, I feel that I am up for the challenge and didn't need very much persuasion. It would just take a little longer than usual for cutting production pieces because I would have to slow down on the delicate hands, but I felt up to the task and eager to see how they would look fully painted.

There would also be the issue of the hanger that I discussed in yesterday's post. But I have had a lot of success with drilling into 1/8" birch in the past and with a little concentration it would all be fine.

I set up and cut out four sets of ballerinas. Things went well and without a hitch. I took my time and I was pleased with the outcome. I was even able to drill all 48 of them cleanly without any errors:

Finger Cable Thumb Fashion accessory Electronic component


I used a 1/16" brad point drill bit and I was relaxed and patient and let the bit do the work. There wasn't a lot of room for error, but it all worked out well. I expect in the process I may lose a piece from time to time, but I suppose that will just have to go with the territory. If anything, making several of these will sharpen my drilling skills.

I had some other cutting to do as well for an exchange that I am participating in, and I thought I would do that as long as I was at the saw. By the time everything was sanded and ready to paint, it was dinner time.

I did get some painting done after supper, and so far I am very pleased with the results.

Here are pictures of the first two ballerinas:

Clothing Leg Dress Dance Ballet shoe


Hair Dress Leg Dance Athletic dance move


I kept the painting simple, and I think they are going to look beautiful. I plan on painting each of the 12 dancers in a different color scheme so people can mix or match them how they like. You can barely see, but they will all have DecoArt's beautiful Glamour Dust paint to give them an lovely shimmer:

Hand Plant Tree Dress Gesture


In person, it looks like she is coated with sugar and looks just stunning.

I am going to offer the pattern along with the pre-cut pieces for these dancers. They are about 5" tall and will also come pre-drilled and with the gold cord for hanging them, if desired. If they are not to be hung as ornaments, a little filler in the tiny hole will fix them up perfectly for magnets, to add on picture frames, or for any other application.

I hope that everyone likes them. I am going to close here because I can't wait to get to them. I really do appreciate all the positive response I have had with them. You all know how to make my job even more fun!

Have a wonderful Sunday! :)

Today's Featured Product

Font Art Pattern Circle Magenta


SLDK206 Self-Framing Filigree Heart Plaque
 

Attachments

#9,810 ·
Color My World

Today's blog will be quick and to the point. I awoke a bit early this morning and I am eager to get to work and (hopefully) finish up painting my little ballerinas.

I had many requests from my painters that follow me to make the ballerina scroll saw pattern into a painting pattern. While the thought of cutting many of these little girls for production was a little bit intimidating, I feel that I am up for the challenge and didn't need very much persuasion. It would just take a little longer than usual for cutting production pieces because I would have to slow down on the delicate hands, but I felt up to the task and eager to see how they would look fully painted.

There would also be the issue of the hanger that I discussed in yesterday's post. But I have had a lot of success with drilling into 1/8" birch in the past and with a little concentration it would all be fine.

I set up and cut out four sets of ballerinas. Things went well and without a hitch. I took my time and I was pleased with the outcome. I was even able to drill all 48 of them cleanly without any errors:

Finger Cable Thumb Fashion accessory Electronic component


I used a 1/16" brad point drill bit and I was relaxed and patient and let the bit do the work. There wasn't a lot of room for error, but it all worked out well. I expect in the process I may lose a piece from time to time, but I suppose that will just have to go with the territory. If anything, making several of these will sharpen my drilling skills.

I had some other cutting to do as well for an exchange that I am participating in, and I thought I would do that as long as I was at the saw. By the time everything was sanded and ready to paint, it was dinner time.

I did get some painting done after supper, and so far I am very pleased with the results.

Here are pictures of the first two ballerinas:

Clothing Leg Dress Dance Ballet shoe


Hair Dress Leg Dance Athletic dance move


I kept the painting simple, and I think they are going to look beautiful. I plan on painting each of the 12 dancers in a different color scheme so people can mix or match them how they like. You can barely see, but they will all have DecoArt's beautiful Glamour Dust paint to give them an lovely shimmer:

Hand Plant Tree Dress Gesture


In person, it looks like she is coated with sugar and looks just stunning.

I am going to offer the pattern along with the pre-cut pieces for these dancers. They are about 5" tall and will also come pre-drilled and with the gold cord for hanging them, if desired. If they are not to be hung as ornaments, a little filler in the tiny hole will fix them up perfectly for magnets, to add on picture frames, or for any other application.

I hope that everyone likes them. I am going to close here because I can't wait to get to them. I really do appreciate all the positive response I have had with them. You all know how to make my job even more fun!

Have a wonderful Sunday! :)

Today's Featured Product

Font Art Pattern Circle Magenta


SLDK206 Self-Framing Filigree Heart Plaque
Always super fine cuts. I still say those ballerinas are real.
 

Attachments

#9,813 ·
Pretty Maids All in a Row

What a wonderfully busy day I had yesterday!

Even though I arose early (just after 4:30) I got to work right away and remained focused for pretty much the entire day. I was excited about seeing my twelve little ballerina ornaments come to life as I painted them in one by one.

What started out last week as a "just because" pattern has quickly turned into something that will be quite significant for me. Apparently I am not the only one who enjoys ballerinas, and as it turns out there don't seem to be many available patterns in either the decorative painting sector or the scroll sawing sector of the crafting world.

Lucky me!

I honestly can't remember the last time that I had so much interest and anticipation from people with one of my patterns. As a designer, it is truly thrilling to have so many cheering me on and encouraging me to continue. With working here on my own, I find that I often draw on the support of the many people I reach both here through my blog as well as on the forums and on Facebook. It isn't as if I am reporting into an office and discussing the projects with my colleagues and associates, as would occur in a 'regular job.'

Or is it? . . .

In any case, as I posted each finished dancer to my Tole Painting Facebook page as she was finished, I received amazing feedback and enthusiasm from the onlookers. I felt as if I had my own cheering section and even though in the end I was rather tired, I continued on - not wanting to disappoint. It was an incredibly exhilarating way to work and create and it made me want to strive to do even better.

I truly thank everyone not only on that forum, but ALL of my friends who read and comment throughout the day. Your motivation is something that to me is immeasurable!

With that said, I will present my twelve pretty little ballerinas - a painted up in bright and beautiful colors:

Dress Dance Athletic dance move Ballet shoe Choreography


Dance Leg Flash photography Entertainment Performing arts


Dance Dress Purple Ballet tutu Entertainment


Dance Ballet shoe Dress Athletic dance move Artist


Unfortunately, you can't really see the DecoArt Glamour Dust that is applied to the dresses and shoes. It makes each of them look like they are coated with sugar candy:

Footwear Shoe Shoulder Dress Leg


I am really proud of them and I think they came out beautiful. They are even nicer than I pictured them in my mind.

As always - there is a method to my madness regarding colors. I decided to paint these in a dozen different colors schemes, so that my customers can mix and match. The basic dresses/slippers are the same instructions, so that colors can be replaced easily with any color scheme desired.

I also did four different hair tones (blonde, brunette, auburn and dark brown) so that customers can easily further customize their ballerinas that way. I know that everyone will appreciate this feature a great deal.

The dancers stand approximately 5" tall. This size makes them suitable for a variety of purposes such as ornaments, small sun catchers, magnets or even placed onto a picture frame.

I plan to offer these pieces in kits, with the tops pre-drilled as I showed in yesterdays' post. I also think that I am going to include the thin gold cord in the kits as well, as it will save my customers from running around and finding the proper thickness of cording.

I have had several requests for different sizes of ballerinas. I will be willing to do this as well, as many of my painting friends and customers don't do wood cutting. I think they would make beautiful wall hangings either individually or in a small group, and be a special project for anyone who loves ballet.

So for the next couple of days, I will be writing pattern packets and working to get the site updated. I am sure that I will be cutting several sets of these lovely dancers, as I have already had many requests for the pieces. I have had many woodworkers ask about the patterns as well, and I am thrilled that the scroll saw pattern will be just as popular as the painting pattern promises to be.

It just goes to show that I need to follow my own path at times. What started out as a "just because" pattern is turning into something pretty nice for me. I sometimes doubt my own ideas and thinking, as many of us do. but I have been wanting to do this type of pattern for quite a while now and I am glad that I resolved myself to do it no matter if anyone liked it or not.

So often when we are in our own business, we get caught up in pleasing others. There is nothing wrong with that, as thinking about our customers' wants and needs is essential to keeping our business healthy and helping it grow. But every now and again, we need to look inside ourselves and do what makes US happy. If for no other reason than to feed and inspire our own soul. It helps keep us fresh and excited about what we do.

Thank you all for your support and friendships and encouragement. You may not realize just how much you contribute to my life.

Have a fabulous Monday! :D
 

Attachments

#9,814 ·
Pretty Maids All in a Row

What a wonderfully busy day I had yesterday!

Even though I arose early (just after 4:30) I got to work right away and remained focused for pretty much the entire day. I was excited about seeing my twelve little ballerina ornaments come to life as I painted them in one by one.

What started out last week as a "just because" pattern has quickly turned into something that will be quite significant for me. Apparently I am not the only one who enjoys ballerinas, and as it turns out there don't seem to be many available patterns in either the decorative painting sector or the scroll sawing sector of the crafting world.

Lucky me!

I honestly can't remember the last time that I had so much interest and anticipation from people with one of my patterns. As a designer, it is truly thrilling to have so many cheering me on and encouraging me to continue. With working here on my own, I find that I often draw on the support of the many people I reach both here through my blog as well as on the forums and on Facebook. It isn't as if I am reporting into an office and discussing the projects with my colleagues and associates, as would occur in a 'regular job.'

Or is it? . . .

In any case, as I posted each finished dancer to my Tole Painting Facebook page as she was finished, I received amazing feedback and enthusiasm from the onlookers. I felt as if I had my own cheering section and even though in the end I was rather tired, I continued on - not wanting to disappoint. It was an incredibly exhilarating way to work and create and it made me want to strive to do even better.

I truly thank everyone not only on that forum, but ALL of my friends who read and comment throughout the day. Your motivation is something that to me is immeasurable!

With that said, I will present my twelve pretty little ballerinas - a painted up in bright and beautiful colors:

Dress Dance Athletic dance move Ballet shoe Choreography


Dance Leg Flash photography Entertainment Performing arts


Dance Dress Purple Ballet tutu Entertainment


Dance Ballet shoe Dress Athletic dance move Artist


Unfortunately, you can't really see the DecoArt Glamour Dust that is applied to the dresses and shoes. It makes each of them look like they are coated with sugar candy:

Footwear Shoe Shoulder Dress Leg


I am really proud of them and I think they came out beautiful. They are even nicer than I pictured them in my mind.

As always - there is a method to my madness regarding colors. I decided to paint these in a dozen different colors schemes, so that my customers can mix and match. The basic dresses/slippers are the same instructions, so that colors can be replaced easily with any color scheme desired.

I also did four different hair tones (blonde, brunette, auburn and dark brown) so that customers can easily further customize their ballerinas that way. I know that everyone will appreciate this feature a great deal.

The dancers stand approximately 5" tall. This size makes them suitable for a variety of purposes such as ornaments, small sun catchers, magnets or even placed onto a picture frame.

I plan to offer these pieces in kits, with the tops pre-drilled as I showed in yesterdays' post. I also think that I am going to include the thin gold cord in the kits as well, as it will save my customers from running around and finding the proper thickness of cording.

I have had several requests for different sizes of ballerinas. I will be willing to do this as well, as many of my painting friends and customers don't do wood cutting. I think they would make beautiful wall hangings either individually or in a small group, and be a special project for anyone who loves ballet.

So for the next couple of days, I will be writing pattern packets and working to get the site updated. I am sure that I will be cutting several sets of these lovely dancers, as I have already had many requests for the pieces. I have had many woodworkers ask about the patterns as well, and I am thrilled that the scroll saw pattern will be just as popular as the painting pattern promises to be.

It just goes to show that I need to follow my own path at times. What started out as a "just because" pattern is turning into something pretty nice for me. I sometimes doubt my own ideas and thinking, as many of us do. but I have been wanting to do this type of pattern for quite a while now and I am glad that I resolved myself to do it no matter if anyone liked it or not.

So often when we are in our own business, we get caught up in pleasing others. There is nothing wrong with that, as thinking about our customers' wants and needs is essential to keeping our business healthy and helping it grow. But every now and again, we need to look inside ourselves and do what makes US happy. If for no other reason than to feed and inspire our own soul. It helps keep us fresh and excited about what we do.

Thank you all for your support and friendships and encouragement. You may not realize just how much you contribute to my life.

Have a fabulous Monday! :D
These flutter just like real people, I'm just sayin. Every movement has such meaning and grace. Very awesome Sheila, very beautiful
 

Attachments

#9,823 ·
Looking at Things Differently

As I sit here and try to think of something interesting to write about today, I am eager to begin my day. The last several days have seemed to go by in a whirlwind, as I have been so busy working on some of the new designs that I have thought of. It seems that no matter how early I begin, before I know it I look up and the sun is already setting and yet another day has slipped by.

I go through phases when I am absorbed in my work like this. It's funny though - as I typed the word 'work' I almost changed it to something else because usually people associate that word with something that is toilsome or a hardship. I feel no hardship at all in doing what I do except that I am not able to accomplish it fast enough so I can move ahead to the next project.

I am already thinking of what I can create for the next year's holiday seasons, and I haven't even finished making what I wanted to do for this year. Each season comes and goes so quickly and I wonder if I should just jump ahead and begin designing for the next year 'early' or try to squeeze in things for this year.

Part of it is that there are many unfinished ideas that don't have a chance to come to be. For instance this past Christmas I had a list of projects that I wanted to make (as I did for autumn and Halloween and all the other prior holidays) and I barely scratched the surface of getting them done. Usually, after a certain point in time passes where it gets too close to the holiday I am working on, I resign myself to the fact that at least I will be ahead and have some good ideas for 'next year'. I privately call this my 'job security' and it alleviates any fears that I will run out of things to do. Many artists and designers have these fears, as I did earlier in my career as a designer, but as time goes on and as I taught myself to look at the world through artist's eyes, the floodgates were opened and what may begin as a single thought can easily snowball into several interesting and fun ideas. Who would have thought?

I know that I am very lucky in this respect. Although, I am not completely comfortable with the use or even the idea of the term 'luck.' Being a person who believes that we are our own destiny in this world, and that we have the power to be whatever we wish, I extend little merit to 'luck' and prefer to view ones' successes and failures as the result of a combination of hard work, good decision making, and dedication. When looking at things from that perspective, one can see that luck or chance has very little to do with things. I like this way of approaching things because (whether it is true or not) it gives me a sense of being in control. And that leads to feelings of comfort which in turn allow me to be more creative.

It is all a mindset.

So as my notebook of ideas continues to fill, the only anxiety that I am feeling at this point is trying to decide which thing to work on next. It is like a trip to the Godiva chocolate store. Which chocolate do you pick first?

I am going to spend the day today writing the two pattern packets for my two ballerina patterns. One pattern will be the painted versions of the ballerinas, which will include full painting instructions to 'tole paint' the girls. The other pattern will be for the scroll sawyers, which will include the cutting instructions for the dressed and 'undressed' silhouettes, and will also include some 'light painting' as I showed last week.

While all of these are derived from the same concept, you can see that they offer very different results.

Head Leg Human body Art Gesture


Since different people have different tastes, abilities, needs and preferences, I felt that by doing this pattern in several different versions, I can offer something that will not only appeal to more people, but hopefully will encourage those who are creating them to stretch a little and perhaps dabble in a new technique. If the instructions are already in front of them, then perhaps they would be more likely to try. In essence I am baiting them by dangling new things in front of them, one baby step at a time.

I don't quite know why I am so determined to get others to try new things. It has been a goal of mine since I began designing over fifteen years ago.

We have all heard the saying 'misery loves company.' I am a true believer that 'joy' loves company as well. Sharing in our joys and bringing joy to others makes our lives fuller and happier, I believe. Just as sharing our misery brings sadness and despair.

I prefer the joy.

I wish you all a wonderful Tuesday!
 

Attachments

#9,824 ·
Looking at Things Differently

As I sit here and try to think of something interesting to write about today, I am eager to begin my day. The last several days have seemed to go by in a whirlwind, as I have been so busy working on some of the new designs that I have thought of. It seems that no matter how early I begin, before I know it I look up and the sun is already setting and yet another day has slipped by.

I go through phases when I am absorbed in my work like this. It's funny though - as I typed the word 'work' I almost changed it to something else because usually people associate that word with something that is toilsome or a hardship. I feel no hardship at all in doing what I do except that I am not able to accomplish it fast enough so I can move ahead to the next project.

I am already thinking of what I can create for the next year's holiday seasons, and I haven't even finished making what I wanted to do for this year. Each season comes and goes so quickly and I wonder if I should just jump ahead and begin designing for the next year 'early' or try to squeeze in things for this year.

Part of it is that there are many unfinished ideas that don't have a chance to come to be. For instance this past Christmas I had a list of projects that I wanted to make (as I did for autumn and Halloween and all the other prior holidays) and I barely scratched the surface of getting them done. Usually, after a certain point in time passes where it gets too close to the holiday I am working on, I resign myself to the fact that at least I will be ahead and have some good ideas for 'next year'. I privately call this my 'job security' and it alleviates any fears that I will run out of things to do. Many artists and designers have these fears, as I did earlier in my career as a designer, but as time goes on and as I taught myself to look at the world through artist's eyes, the floodgates were opened and what may begin as a single thought can easily snowball into several interesting and fun ideas. Who would have thought?

I know that I am very lucky in this respect. Although, I am not completely comfortable with the use or even the idea of the term 'luck.' Being a person who believes that we are our own destiny in this world, and that we have the power to be whatever we wish, I extend little merit to 'luck' and prefer to view ones' successes and failures as the result of a combination of hard work, good decision making, and dedication. When looking at things from that perspective, one can see that luck or chance has very little to do with things. I like this way of approaching things because (whether it is true or not) it gives me a sense of being in control. And that leads to feelings of comfort which in turn allow me to be more creative.

It is all a mindset.

So as my notebook of ideas continues to fill, the only anxiety that I am feeling at this point is trying to decide which thing to work on next. It is like a trip to the Godiva chocolate store. Which chocolate do you pick first?

I am going to spend the day today writing the two pattern packets for my two ballerina patterns. One pattern will be the painted versions of the ballerinas, which will include full painting instructions to 'tole paint' the girls. The other pattern will be for the scroll sawyers, which will include the cutting instructions for the dressed and 'undressed' silhouettes, and will also include some 'light painting' as I showed last week.

While all of these are derived from the same concept, you can see that they offer very different results.

Head Leg Human body Art Gesture


Since different people have different tastes, abilities, needs and preferences, I felt that by doing this pattern in several different versions, I can offer something that will not only appeal to more people, but hopefully will encourage those who are creating them to stretch a little and perhaps dabble in a new technique. If the instructions are already in front of them, then perhaps they would be more likely to try. In essence I am baiting them by dangling new things in front of them, one baby step at a time.

I don't quite know why I am so determined to get others to try new things. It has been a goal of mine since I began designing over fifteen years ago.

We have all heard the saying 'misery loves company.' I am a true believer that 'joy' loves company as well. Sharing in our joys and bringing joy to others makes our lives fuller and happier, I believe. Just as sharing our misery brings sadness and despair.

I prefer the joy.

I wish you all a wonderful Tuesday!
Hi Sheila,
The other way around concept of design is just as good as the original. Why not pair the lady ballerina? Transformation is now my vision. Some of the old principles are no longer accepted but without knowing from our work.. we just combine those and create a new one. A 3D is one of my ambition in woodworks. Seeing from all sides is quite difficult to think. Good that your morning is sharing your joy in work.
Enjoy the day.
 

Attachments

#9,837 ·
Writing Instructions

After several days of making and showcasing new items, I find it somewhat anti-climatic to do the necessary writing and instructions for the pattern packets that will teach others how to recreate the project. However, it is a vital part of the process of designing (at least in what I design). Ultimately, it will play a large part in determining whether the project is successful or not.

Yesterday I spent pretty much the entire day working on the two ballerina patterns. While they look very similar to each other, there are several things that needed adjusting so that I was certain that they would be just perfect. Most of my day was filled with re-drawing and perfecting the line work so that they would look just right. When painting them over the weekend, I noticed slight things that were out of proportion and made some minor changes in the shapes so that they would look realistic and correct. I also needed to add in detail lines so that those painting them would be able to do so with ease. I do this on the computer using Adobe Illustrator, as I find that the clean vector lines provide the best patterns.

While I feel this work is necessary, I am sure it is not very exciting to read about. I considered not blogging at all this morning, but I fear that you would have wondered what had happened to me.

Today I am doing the written instructions for both the scroll sawn version as well as the painted version of the ballerinas. Keith has been anxiously awaiting the next site update, which I was holding off until these patterns are done. If all goes well today, I should have the newsletter out by this evening, but I need to concentrate and get to work in order to accomplish that. After that I will be able to take a breath.

So with that said, I am going to cut this short today and get to my task at hand. We are under a blizzard warning here in Nova Scotia and it is just getting light out now and I see that more snow has indeed fallen. But I am warm and cozy here, so hopefully all will be well.

I hope all of my friends in the Eastern United States did well through this surge. I hear they got hit hard again.

Take care and have a wonderful Wednesday.

Today's Featured Product

Wood Rectangle Natural material Font Fashion accessory


STB03 Heart Boxes with Swivel Tops and Scroll Sawn Lids
 

Attachments

#9,838 ·
Writing Instructions

After several days of making and showcasing new items, I find it somewhat anti-climatic to do the necessary writing and instructions for the pattern packets that will teach others how to recreate the project. However, it is a vital part of the process of designing (at least in what I design). Ultimately, it will play a large part in determining whether the project is successful or not.

Yesterday I spent pretty much the entire day working on the two ballerina patterns. While they look very similar to each other, there are several things that needed adjusting so that I was certain that they would be just perfect. Most of my day was filled with re-drawing and perfecting the line work so that they would look just right. When painting them over the weekend, I noticed slight things that were out of proportion and made some minor changes in the shapes so that they would look realistic and correct. I also needed to add in detail lines so that those painting them would be able to do so with ease. I do this on the computer using Adobe Illustrator, as I find that the clean vector lines provide the best patterns.

While I feel this work is necessary, I am sure it is not very exciting to read about. I considered not blogging at all this morning, but I fear that you would have wondered what had happened to me.

Today I am doing the written instructions for both the scroll sawn version as well as the painted version of the ballerinas. Keith has been anxiously awaiting the next site update, which I was holding off until these patterns are done. If all goes well today, I should have the newsletter out by this evening, but I need to concentrate and get to work in order to accomplish that. After that I will be able to take a breath.

So with that said, I am going to cut this short today and get to my task at hand. We are under a blizzard warning here in Nova Scotia and it is just getting light out now and I see that more snow has indeed fallen. But I am warm and cozy here, so hopefully all will be well.

I hope all of my friends in the Eastern United States did well through this surge. I hear they got hit hard again.

Take care and have a wonderful Wednesday.

Today's Featured Product

Wood Rectangle Natural material Font Fashion accessory


STB03 Heart Boxes with Swivel Tops and Scroll Sawn Lids
These are really kool little holders for small trinkets and such.
 

Attachments

#9,845 ·
Drilling a Vertical Hole into Thin Stock

Oh, my goodness! The last several days have been FULL! The past several days I have put in at least 14-16 hours per day working on my new patterns and packets. Sometime around 9pm last night, I finally finished creating the two packets for the ballerina projects (one packet for painting them and the other for the woodworkers to scroll them out). As much work as it was, it was still enjoyable and I am pleased with the final results. I am eager to get them posted on the site and see how others like them as well.

In the mean time, I awoke to well over a foot and a half of snow on the ground. It came down all day yesterday and through the night, although it is calm now. It appears the worst of it is over. Today will be a day of cleaning up and getting things back to normal I suspect. We were fortunate that we had no power outages in our area and we were safe and warm here inside. I suppose living in Nova Scotia we expect snow in January. In any case, all is well.

I woke up this morning still feeling that I was in 'high gear' as I have been for the past few days. I had to take a breath and stop and think and remember that the main task that I was working on was DONE. Sometimes when I get in that intense working mode, it takes some time for it to wean even though the task is already completed. While I still have our website's newsletter to write and send out today, it can be done in more of a relaxed frame of mind, and after that I will do some slower paced things. It will be good to take a breather - even for a short time.

There was one thing that I wanted to share here in the blog with you all. As I mentioned a couple of days ago, I decided to drill a vertical hole into the ballerina ornaments so as not to disrupt the design. If I were to hang them in the traditional manner (by drilling a small hole into the face of the ornament) I would have needed to drill right through their heads, and I think it would have ruined the look of them.

My own samples for the scrolled ornaments were cut out of 1/4" maple. However, the painted samples, as well as the 'kits' that I will be offering are cut from 1/8" birch plywood. The 1/8" thickness sometimes provides a challenge for some to drill in this manner so for the scroll saw pattern, I offered a step-by-step tutorial that I would also like to share here. This method works well and I have found with a little concentration and care, you can find a good deal of success in drilling things of this nature.

Let me start out by saying that I am using a 1/16" brad tipped drill bit. (Although when a bit is that small - I don't know how much difference having the brad tip will make). The bit needs to be a sharp bit, as a dull bit will travel on the wood when initially boring into it and slip to the side. For the example, I am drilling into 1/8" Baltic birch plywood.

When I drew up the designs, I designated (with the dotted lines) an alternative path to cut the pieces out initially. You cut as usual:

Gesture Creative arts Art Finger Font


And when you get to the dotted line, follow it across the top of the ornament:

Textile Wood Gesture Art Flooring


Continue along the ornament path so that you have a flat top where you plan to drill:

Gesture Creative arts Wood Art Font


Go to your drill press (It is necessary to use a drill press for this method) and line up the piece with the bit (with the drill OFF!):

Arm Gesture Art Drinkware Undergarment


Turn your piece to a slight angle so you can see that you are centered on the top of the wood piece. This is easier to do with the plywood, as you can see the bands of the layers. When you are sure you are centered, press firmly yet gently so that you press a small indentation for the bit to seat in. This will help it stay centered when you begin drilling.

Wood Tints and shades Thumb Metal Wire


Keep holding the piece into place and turn on the drill press. Allow the bit to do the work and 'bite' into the wood. When this occurs, GENTLY push the piece up into the bit - holding it straight and level - and allow the bit to enter the wood approximately 1/4" or so. You could place a piece of tape over the tip of the bit to measure the depth if you wish, but I didn't do so for the photographs. It is important to not force the bit, and let the drill and bit do the work. Use a medium firm pressure to bore the hole without pressing too hard or fast. (PATIENCE!)

Wood Creative arts Finger Art Thumb


You now have a beautifully clean 1/16" hole! You can see from the picture that there is plenty of room on both sides. (And you DOUBTED me!!)

Gesture Finger Thumb Wrist Wood


Now you go back to the saw and finish your cut:

Gesture Art Thumb Font Jigsaw puzzle


And the results is a nice hole in the top of the head.

Jaw Wood Gesture Finger Creative arts


There are several things to consider - Remember not to go too deep with the drilling, or when you cut her head out she will have a hole in her chin. Also be aware that you may have to tilt the bit to a slight angle to avoid hitting her hand on the spinning press. Since you are tucking a eye pin or cord into the hole, it can be 'tilted' to follow the angle of the head without negative consequences. The ornaments will hang the same either way.

You can see here that there is plenty of room for the 1/32" cording to be inserted. I cut the cord to 8" lengths and tied a knot at the loose end. I pulled the knot very firmly to make it as small as possible and then dragged it into a small puddle of glue. I then pushed it into the hole with an opened up paper clip and let it dry.

This system worked perfectly:

Finger Jewellery Wire Eyewear Metal


One of the ballerinas needed to be hung by the foot, but that didn't pose a problem at all. I used the same method and again was very successful:

Finger Creative arts Thumb Art Nail


I hope this little tutorial helps you out. I can think of many times when I didn't want to drill a hole for hanging into the face of an ornament or object and I found this method to work well.

I do suggest you practice on some scraps first to get the feel of your own drill press and bits. You will understand that you don't need a lot of pressure to drill these types of holes. Just a slight firm push is sufficient to get the job done. And you need to concentrate. Don't do this while your head is somewhere else.

I am off to finish updated the site. The ballerinas as well as some new patterns that Keith created will be up on the site later on today. I will also be offering the painting kits for these ornaments, which will include the twelve pre-cut and pre-drilled ballerinas. I am also going to include the hanging cord.

You can order the cord from Home Sew at this web address:

http://www.homesew.com/tr26a.html#.UuEEFxDD_RY

It is a very good company that has high quality products and delivers quickly. They sell the 1/32" metallic cord for $3.75 per 100 yards of cord! You can't beat that price!

I hope all of my friends who were in the path of the storm are safe and warm. Enjoy your Thursday everyone.

Today's Featured Product

Brown Wood Font Rectangle Art


"SLDK302 - 1 Corinthians 16:14 - "Love Bible Passage Plaque
 

Attachments

#9,846 ·
Drilling a Vertical Hole into Thin Stock

Oh, my goodness! The last several days have been FULL! The past several days I have put in at least 14-16 hours per day working on my new patterns and packets. Sometime around 9pm last night, I finally finished creating the two packets for the ballerina projects (one packet for painting them and the other for the woodworkers to scroll them out). As much work as it was, it was still enjoyable and I am pleased with the final results. I am eager to get them posted on the site and see how others like them as well.

In the mean time, I awoke to well over a foot and a half of snow on the ground. It came down all day yesterday and through the night, although it is calm now. It appears the worst of it is over. Today will be a day of cleaning up and getting things back to normal I suspect. We were fortunate that we had no power outages in our area and we were safe and warm here inside. I suppose living in Nova Scotia we expect snow in January. In any case, all is well.

I woke up this morning still feeling that I was in 'high gear' as I have been for the past few days. I had to take a breath and stop and think and remember that the main task that I was working on was DONE. Sometimes when I get in that intense working mode, it takes some time for it to wean even though the task is already completed. While I still have our website's newsletter to write and send out today, it can be done in more of a relaxed frame of mind, and after that I will do some slower paced things. It will be good to take a breather - even for a short time.

There was one thing that I wanted to share here in the blog with you all. As I mentioned a couple of days ago, I decided to drill a vertical hole into the ballerina ornaments so as not to disrupt the design. If I were to hang them in the traditional manner (by drilling a small hole into the face of the ornament) I would have needed to drill right through their heads, and I think it would have ruined the look of them.

My own samples for the scrolled ornaments were cut out of 1/4" maple. However, the painted samples, as well as the 'kits' that I will be offering are cut from 1/8" birch plywood. The 1/8" thickness sometimes provides a challenge for some to drill in this manner so for the scroll saw pattern, I offered a step-by-step tutorial that I would also like to share here. This method works well and I have found with a little concentration and care, you can find a good deal of success in drilling things of this nature.

Let me start out by saying that I am using a 1/16" brad tipped drill bit. (Although when a bit is that small - I don't know how much difference having the brad tip will make). The bit needs to be a sharp bit, as a dull bit will travel on the wood when initially boring into it and slip to the side. For the example, I am drilling into 1/8" Baltic birch plywood.

When I drew up the designs, I designated (with the dotted lines) an alternative path to cut the pieces out initially. You cut as usual:

Gesture Creative arts Art Finger Font


And when you get to the dotted line, follow it across the top of the ornament:

Textile Wood Gesture Art Flooring


Continue along the ornament path so that you have a flat top where you plan to drill:

Gesture Creative arts Wood Art Font


Go to your drill press (It is necessary to use a drill press for this method) and line up the piece with the bit (with the drill OFF!):

Arm Gesture Art Drinkware Undergarment


Turn your piece to a slight angle so you can see that you are centered on the top of the wood piece. This is easier to do with the plywood, as you can see the bands of the layers. When you are sure you are centered, press firmly yet gently so that you press a small indentation for the bit to seat in. This will help it stay centered when you begin drilling.

Wood Tints and shades Thumb Metal Wire


Keep holding the piece into place and turn on the drill press. Allow the bit to do the work and 'bite' into the wood. When this occurs, GENTLY push the piece up into the bit - holding it straight and level - and allow the bit to enter the wood approximately 1/4" or so. You could place a piece of tape over the tip of the bit to measure the depth if you wish, but I didn't do so for the photographs. It is important to not force the bit, and let the drill and bit do the work. Use a medium firm pressure to bore the hole without pressing too hard or fast. (PATIENCE!)

Wood Creative arts Finger Art Thumb


You now have a beautifully clean 1/16" hole! You can see from the picture that there is plenty of room on both sides. (And you DOUBTED me!!)

Gesture Finger Thumb Wrist Wood


Now you go back to the saw and finish your cut:

Gesture Art Thumb Font Jigsaw puzzle


And the results is a nice hole in the top of the head.

Jaw Wood Gesture Finger Creative arts


There are several things to consider - Remember not to go too deep with the drilling, or when you cut her head out she will have a hole in her chin. Also be aware that you may have to tilt the bit to a slight angle to avoid hitting her hand on the spinning press. Since you are tucking a eye pin or cord into the hole, it can be 'tilted' to follow the angle of the head without negative consequences. The ornaments will hang the same either way.

You can see here that there is plenty of room for the 1/32" cording to be inserted. I cut the cord to 8" lengths and tied a knot at the loose end. I pulled the knot very firmly to make it as small as possible and then dragged it into a small puddle of glue. I then pushed it into the hole with an opened up paper clip and let it dry.

This system worked perfectly:

Finger Jewellery Wire Eyewear Metal


One of the ballerinas needed to be hung by the foot, but that didn't pose a problem at all. I used the same method and again was very successful:

Finger Creative arts Thumb Art Nail


I hope this little tutorial helps you out. I can think of many times when I didn't want to drill a hole for hanging into the face of an ornament or object and I found this method to work well.

I do suggest you practice on some scraps first to get the feel of your own drill press and bits. You will understand that you don't need a lot of pressure to drill these types of holes. Just a slight firm push is sufficient to get the job done. And you need to concentrate. Don't do this while your head is somewhere else.

I am off to finish updated the site. The ballerinas as well as some new patterns that Keith created will be up on the site later on today. I will also be offering the painting kits for these ornaments, which will include the twelve pre-cut and pre-drilled ballerinas. I am also going to include the hanging cord.

You can order the cord from Home Sew at this web address:

http://www.homesew.com/tr26a.html#.UuEEFxDD_RY

It is a very good company that has high quality products and delivers quickly. They sell the 1/32" metallic cord for $3.75 per 100 yards of cord! You can't beat that price!

I hope all of my friends who were in the path of the storm are safe and warm. Enjoy your Thursday everyone.

Today's Featured Product

Brown Wood Font Rectangle Art


"SLDK302 - 1 Corinthians 16:14 - "Love Bible Passage Plaque
Very intricate, and delicate. I really like how you did that plaque.
 

Attachments

#9,850 ·
New Patterns Available on our Website

Today's post is going to be one that is a bit utilitarian, but I have had so many inquiries from people wondering when the new patterns will be available on the site, that I thought it best to answer it here.

We finished the update yesterday, and have several new patterns and kits available.

Keith has four new designs. First off, he began a series of handsome wildlife themed napkin holders and plaque patterns. The patterns are very versatile because you receive instructions for BOTH the napkin holder AND the matching plaque.

The first three are as follows:

Brown Elk Rectangle Sleeve Wood


Elk Deer Wood Rectangle Fawn


SLDK348 Deer Napkin Holder and Plaque Pattern

Wood Rectangle Shelf Table Art


Bird Beak Wood Creative arts Art


SLDK349 Cardinal Napkin Holder and Plaque Pattern

Rectangle Dishware Wood Serveware Fawn


Wood Art Artifact Natural material Fawn


SLDK350 Moose Napkin Holder and Plaque Pattern

We are also offering a special price if you wanted to purchase all three new patterns:

Bird Vertebrate Mammal Rectangle Dishware


Special Set Pricing

In addition, Keith has created another beautiful basket for his "Classic Collection" series. He called it the Classic Collection "Expo" basket:

Natural material Wood Sculpture Art Horn


SLDK353 Classic Collection Expo Basket

These baskets have continued to be very popular among our customers and this one seems to be no exception.

As for myself, I have finished the two ballerina patterns that I have been working on the past week and they are also up on the site. The first pattern is the SLD449 12 Little Ballerinas Scroll Saw Pattern:

Joint Organism Purple Gesture Art


Photograph Light Human body Entertainment Dance


In it are instructions for both the silhouette dancers with skirts that can be lightly painted (no shading - only dress and shoes painted) and also the dancers without skirts in which you can create little tutus using nylon net tulle (instructions included). The dancers without skirts can also depict gymnasts, I think.

The final pattern is the tole painted version of the ballerinas. This pattern includes full instructions for shading and highlighting the dancers and many step-by-step photographs so that even newer painters can accomplish the project successfully. I call it SLDP219 Tiny Dancers Ballerinas:

Human Human body Dance Gesture Fun


I will also be offering pre-cut wood kits of the ballerinas as well, for those who don't cut wood. The ballerinas in the kits will be pre-drilled and also include the gold metallic hanging cord. Their item number and link is here: SLDPK219.

I think they all came out pretty good and both Keith and I hope you enjoy them.

I did also want to mention that a concern was brought up to me regarding the drilling procedure that I showed in yesterday's post. It was suggested that it would be safer for me to use a jig of sorts to hold the ornaments so I don't accidentally drill my finger if the drill bit were to slip. While this has never happened or even come close to happening to me in my 15+ years of drilling this way, I do understand the concern and today I will be working on creating a jig for that purpose. I hope to show my results in tomorrow's post.

I do appreciate these thoughts, as I do want everyone to feel comfortable in the process of woodworking. I have an idea of what I can do to improve the method and the level of safety.

So that should be it for today. I hope you enjoy seeing all the new designs and I wish you all a wonderful Friday!
 

Attachments

#9,851 ·
New Patterns Available on our Website

Today's post is going to be one that is a bit utilitarian, but I have had so many inquiries from people wondering when the new patterns will be available on the site, that I thought it best to answer it here.

We finished the update yesterday, and have several new patterns and kits available.

Keith has four new designs. First off, he began a series of handsome wildlife themed napkin holders and plaque patterns. The patterns are very versatile because you receive instructions for BOTH the napkin holder AND the matching plaque.

The first three are as follows:

Brown Elk Rectangle Sleeve Wood


Elk Deer Wood Rectangle Fawn


SLDK348 Deer Napkin Holder and Plaque Pattern

Wood Rectangle Shelf Table Art


Bird Beak Wood Creative arts Art


SLDK349 Cardinal Napkin Holder and Plaque Pattern

Rectangle Dishware Wood Serveware Fawn


Wood Art Artifact Natural material Fawn


SLDK350 Moose Napkin Holder and Plaque Pattern

We are also offering a special price if you wanted to purchase all three new patterns:

Bird Vertebrate Mammal Rectangle Dishware


Special Set Pricing

In addition, Keith has created another beautiful basket for his "Classic Collection" series. He called it the Classic Collection "Expo" basket:

Natural material Wood Sculpture Art Horn


SLDK353 Classic Collection Expo Basket

These baskets have continued to be very popular among our customers and this one seems to be no exception.

As for myself, I have finished the two ballerina patterns that I have been working on the past week and they are also up on the site. The first pattern is the SLD449 12 Little Ballerinas Scroll Saw Pattern:

Joint Organism Purple Gesture Art


Photograph Light Human body Entertainment Dance


In it are instructions for both the silhouette dancers with skirts that can be lightly painted (no shading - only dress and shoes painted) and also the dancers without skirts in which you can create little tutus using nylon net tulle (instructions included). The dancers without skirts can also depict gymnasts, I think.

The final pattern is the tole painted version of the ballerinas. This pattern includes full instructions for shading and highlighting the dancers and many step-by-step photographs so that even newer painters can accomplish the project successfully. I call it SLDP219 Tiny Dancers Ballerinas:

Human Human body Dance Gesture Fun


I will also be offering pre-cut wood kits of the ballerinas as well, for those who don't cut wood. The ballerinas in the kits will be pre-drilled and also include the gold metallic hanging cord. Their item number and link is here: SLDPK219.

I think they all came out pretty good and both Keith and I hope you enjoy them.

I did also want to mention that a concern was brought up to me regarding the drilling procedure that I showed in yesterday's post. It was suggested that it would be safer for me to use a jig of sorts to hold the ornaments so I don't accidentally drill my finger if the drill bit were to slip. While this has never happened or even come close to happening to me in my 15+ years of drilling this way, I do understand the concern and today I will be working on creating a jig for that purpose. I hope to show my results in tomorrow's post.

I do appreciate these thoughts, as I do want everyone to feel comfortable in the process of woodworking. I have an idea of what I can do to improve the method and the level of safety.

So that should be it for today. I hope you enjoy seeing all the new designs and I wish you all a wonderful Friday!
good morning sheila

came by for coffee
the pics you have are little question marks in square boxes

don't know if it is me you or the site
(just checked another post
those pics are up ok)

anyway be warm over there
you and all the ones in the 'artic' path up north
always nice to have you to start the day

enjoy

EDIT: now they show just fine
after i commented

BEAUTIFUL WORKS!
 

Attachments

#9,863 ·
Additional Options for Drilling Thin Stock

The other day I posted a blog which showed the way I drilled vertically into thin stock. (#1227 Drilling a Vertical Hole Into Thin Stock) I heard many positive responses from people who thought the blog was helpful. However, it was brought to my attention that some may feel that there is a possibility of getting injured by having your fingers too close to the drill bit if it slipped.

While this has never happened to me, I do see that it could be a possibility if someone were to push very hard upward toward the bit. So in the interest of alleviating that concern, I made up a simple jig where one can place the thin wood piece in for drilling, keeping their fingers clear from the bit.

Building the jig took only minutes, and was a very easy process.

I cut 2 pieces of 1/2" scrap wood into pieces approximately 4" long by 2.3" tall, as well as a strip of 1/8" birch in the same length. (You would want to use the thickness of whatever wood you were planning to hold in the jig for this strip. I am planning on drilling ornaments from 1/8" birch so I used a scrap of the same for the spacer.) Make sure that the bottom edges of the 1/2" pieces are straight.

Wood Rectangle Office ruler Wood stain Ruler


Apply a ribbon of glue to the long, bottom edge of one of the pieces of 1/2" wood:

Wood Tool Table Hardwood Rectangle


I pressed the 1/8" strip into place and applied more glue to the top of it:

Tool Wood Table Hardwood Gas


I then placed another piece of 1/8" stock near the top (NO GLUE) for a spacer:

Wood Rectangle Hardwood Art Wood stain


And clamped it together:

Wood Rectangle Hardwood Household supply Wooden block


After the glue dried, I removed the spacer:

Wood Wooden block Art Rectangle Hardwood


And I had a great holder for my 1/8" ornaments for drilling:

Creative arts Material property Wood Rectangle Tints and shades


By gently squeezing the holder at the top, it held the ornament in place pretty good. For taller pieces, you could make a taller holder. You want the holder to be far enough up near the top of the ornament so that the wood piece doesn't flex when you are drilling it. You could quickly make several different heights of these holders and keep them on hand for when you want to drill.

I found this worked fairly well. For myself, I still liked to be able to 'feel' the drilling by pushing the piece up to the bit, but I also thought this was a good alternative to keep your hands away from the bit if you are concerned about that. You just need to be aware that if you try to drill too quickly, the bit will flex and slip to the side and you have a chance of coming through the front or back of your ornament, ruining it.

As with anything, you should practice a bit on scraps first and get the feel of things before you try it on your projects.

I hope this helps those of you who had concerns. I would hate to hear of anyone getting injured. As always, you need to use common sense with tools and take proper precautions.

I'll be cutting and doing a lot of drilling today. It will give me a chance to try this out on my own ornaments and see how things go.

I hope you all have a wonderful Saturday!

Today's Featured Product

Organ Human body Pink Creative arts Magenta


SLD373 Here's My Heart Ornaments and Pendants
 

Attachments

#9,864 ·
Additional Options for Drilling Thin Stock

The other day I posted a blog which showed the way I drilled vertically into thin stock. (#1227 Drilling a Vertical Hole Into Thin Stock) I heard many positive responses from people who thought the blog was helpful. However, it was brought to my attention that some may feel that there is a possibility of getting injured by having your fingers too close to the drill bit if it slipped.

While this has never happened to me, I do see that it could be a possibility if someone were to push very hard upward toward the bit. So in the interest of alleviating that concern, I made up a simple jig where one can place the thin wood piece in for drilling, keeping their fingers clear from the bit.

Building the jig took only minutes, and was a very easy process.

I cut 2 pieces of 1/2" scrap wood into pieces approximately 4" long by 2.3" tall, as well as a strip of 1/8" birch in the same length. (You would want to use the thickness of whatever wood you were planning to hold in the jig for this strip. I am planning on drilling ornaments from 1/8" birch so I used a scrap of the same for the spacer.) Make sure that the bottom edges of the 1/2" pieces are straight.

Wood Rectangle Office ruler Wood stain Ruler


Apply a ribbon of glue to the long, bottom edge of one of the pieces of 1/2" wood:

Wood Tool Table Hardwood Rectangle


I pressed the 1/8" strip into place and applied more glue to the top of it:

Tool Wood Table Hardwood Gas


I then placed another piece of 1/8" stock near the top (NO GLUE) for a spacer:

Wood Rectangle Hardwood Art Wood stain


And clamped it together:

Wood Rectangle Hardwood Household supply Wooden block


After the glue dried, I removed the spacer:

Wood Wooden block Art Rectangle Hardwood


And I had a great holder for my 1/8" ornaments for drilling:

Creative arts Material property Wood Rectangle Tints and shades


By gently squeezing the holder at the top, it held the ornament in place pretty good. For taller pieces, you could make a taller holder. You want the holder to be far enough up near the top of the ornament so that the wood piece doesn't flex when you are drilling it. You could quickly make several different heights of these holders and keep them on hand for when you want to drill.

I found this worked fairly well. For myself, I still liked to be able to 'feel' the drilling by pushing the piece up to the bit, but I also thought this was a good alternative to keep your hands away from the bit if you are concerned about that. You just need to be aware that if you try to drill too quickly, the bit will flex and slip to the side and you have a chance of coming through the front or back of your ornament, ruining it.

As with anything, you should practice a bit on scraps first and get the feel of things before you try it on your projects.

I hope this helps those of you who had concerns. I would hate to hear of anyone getting injured. As always, you need to use common sense with tools and take proper precautions.

I'll be cutting and doing a lot of drilling today. It will give me a chance to try this out on my own ornaments and see how things go.

I hope you all have a wonderful Saturday!

Today's Featured Product

Organ Human body Pink Creative arts Magenta


SLD373 Here's My Heart Ornaments and Pendants
That's the ticket! Fingers safe. Workpiece held securely and straight. Two hands available to acurately set depth stop. I would need to label it as to what it's for. I've forgotten that step and come across it at a later date and wondered "What's this for?"! Thank you for sharing Sheila! Enjoy your Saturday.
 

Attachments

#9,870 ·
Ballerina Kit Production

I had a fun, full and relaxing day of cutting yesterday. On Thursday, we updated our website and we have had a tremendous response from people who like out new items. Keith's new patterns Napkin Holder Patterns have been selling very strong and my new little Tiny Dancer Ballerina Kits are dancing their way out the door quicker than I can say "Swan Lake!"

I can't tell you all how thrilled I am that they are so well-received! It is very encouraging for both Keith and myself to see such wonderful support from you all and it makes us feel wonderful and eager to make even more fun projects for everyone!

But first things first - I wanted to cut a good supply of ballerina kits so that I would be able to fill my orders quickly.

I spent most of the day yesterday working on cutting ballerina ornaments. It had been a while since I had done production type cutting, and I truly looked forward to spending time at my beautiful Excalibur scroll saw. While I am able to stack them and cut more than one at a time, cutting these pieces was much slower than the witch boots or hats or other ornament sets that I offer to Artist's Club for wholesale. These girls were pretty picky with their delicate limbs and fingers and I needed to take my time and not rush.

I had a friend ask me if I had offered them to Artist's Club to sell, and I told her that I did not. One thing that I have learned with being in business as long as I have is that there are some items that you just can't sell at wholesale prices. It just wouldn't make sense for me and Keith to sell these for anything less than what I am charging on my site for them, and I don't believe that the market would bear the additional markups necessary if we were to sell them to a larger distributor such as Artist's Club. That is just the way it is.

But there is no harm in having a couple of special items such as these that we sell exclusively on our site. I think it is good to have some products that our customers can only purchase from us, as it will bring them back to our site to check what we have if they enjoy it. And I think that is just good business.

I wound up cutting 16 dozen pieces yesterday. I thought that they looked pretty impressive all together when I was done:

White Wood Creative arts Art Font


While it was nowhere near as huge a pile as when Keith and I were cutting nearly 1000 pieces a day for wholesale, the pieces were much more detailed and I know they are all perfectly accurate down to their little fingers:

Wood Art Facade Font Pattern


No laser could have done better. And while I didn't rush through them at all, they went smoothly and quickly and are all drilled and ready for a quick final sanding before sending them off to their new homes tomorrow. I felt like I accomplished a great deal.

Today I am going to take it easy and spend the day doing odds and ends. I have a gift for an exchange that I am finishing up painting and I want to work on that. I also will pack up all the orders and kits and get them ready to mail out tomorrow morning. Then I will take a breath and see what the day brings.

It's good to feel on top of things. After many, many years of doing this business, I think I am finally beginning to figure things out. Things are really in a good place for us, and I hope we can keep it there.

Thank you again for all of your support. A day doesn't go by when I feel very grateful and happy that I am able to spend my days doing something that I love so much. It makes for a pretty good life.

Have a wonderful Sunday!

Today's Featured Product

Wood Art Badge Circle Symbol


SLDK110 Pike and Catfish in Puddles Plaque by Keith Fenton
 

Attachments

#9,871 ·
Ballerina Kit Production

I had a fun, full and relaxing day of cutting yesterday. On Thursday, we updated our website and we have had a tremendous response from people who like out new items. Keith's new patterns Napkin Holder Patterns have been selling very strong and my new little Tiny Dancer Ballerina Kits are dancing their way out the door quicker than I can say "Swan Lake!"

I can't tell you all how thrilled I am that they are so well-received! It is very encouraging for both Keith and myself to see such wonderful support from you all and it makes us feel wonderful and eager to make even more fun projects for everyone!

But first things first - I wanted to cut a good supply of ballerina kits so that I would be able to fill my orders quickly.

I spent most of the day yesterday working on cutting ballerina ornaments. It had been a while since I had done production type cutting, and I truly looked forward to spending time at my beautiful Excalibur scroll saw. While I am able to stack them and cut more than one at a time, cutting these pieces was much slower than the witch boots or hats or other ornament sets that I offer to Artist's Club for wholesale. These girls were pretty picky with their delicate limbs and fingers and I needed to take my time and not rush.

I had a friend ask me if I had offered them to Artist's Club to sell, and I told her that I did not. One thing that I have learned with being in business as long as I have is that there are some items that you just can't sell at wholesale prices. It just wouldn't make sense for me and Keith to sell these for anything less than what I am charging on my site for them, and I don't believe that the market would bear the additional markups necessary if we were to sell them to a larger distributor such as Artist's Club. That is just the way it is.

But there is no harm in having a couple of special items such as these that we sell exclusively on our site. I think it is good to have some products that our customers can only purchase from us, as it will bring them back to our site to check what we have if they enjoy it. And I think that is just good business.

I wound up cutting 16 dozen pieces yesterday. I thought that they looked pretty impressive all together when I was done:

White Wood Creative arts Art Font


While it was nowhere near as huge a pile as when Keith and I were cutting nearly 1000 pieces a day for wholesale, the pieces were much more detailed and I know they are all perfectly accurate down to their little fingers:

Wood Art Facade Font Pattern


No laser could have done better. And while I didn't rush through them at all, they went smoothly and quickly and are all drilled and ready for a quick final sanding before sending them off to their new homes tomorrow. I felt like I accomplished a great deal.

Today I am going to take it easy and spend the day doing odds and ends. I have a gift for an exchange that I am finishing up painting and I want to work on that. I also will pack up all the orders and kits and get them ready to mail out tomorrow morning. Then I will take a breath and see what the day brings.

It's good to feel on top of things. After many, many years of doing this business, I think I am finally beginning to figure things out. Things are really in a good place for us, and I hope we can keep it there.

Thank you again for all of your support. A day doesn't go by when I feel very grateful and happy that I am able to spend my days doing something that I love so much. It makes for a pretty good life.

Have a wonderful Sunday!

Today's Featured Product

Wood Art Badge Circle Symbol


SLDK110 Pike and Catfish in Puddles Plaque by Keith Fenton
I was stunned, yesterday, when I read '16 dozen'. Now you say at one point you were doing nearly 1000 a day?! Wow Sheila! That sounds a lot like work. As in, a four letter word. Even split between the two of you that's crazy. No wonder you left that behind. I'd say you deserve a day off today. However, as the saying goes, if you love what you do, you never work a day in your life! I think you left the 'work' part behind. Enjoy your Sunday!
 

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#9,877 ·
Diversification

I am often asked how I found my success by people who are thinking of starting their own business. I find this a hard question to answer, because the term 'success' means different things to different people.

For myself, doing something that I love to do every day is a degree of success. The fact that we are able to survive financially on that business and that we are comfortable with that level of income also adds to the mix. That doesn't mean that we wouldn't like to do better, but for now it is adequate to meet our daily needs and we both feel that there is lots of room to expand and grow as a company and as a business so that we can count on it for the long term. There is a world of possibility ahead for us.

One of the most important factors in keeping our business healthy is diversifying. As with many other aspects in life, diversification is something that not only expands your company into several different areas, but also protects it if one of those areas were to fail further down the line. While it certainly takes a bit more work to diversify, I feel it is well worth the extra time and effort in offering peace of mind and security for the business as a whole.

When I started out, I focused mainly on creating woodworking patterns for the scroll saw. This was something that I loved to do and still is the very heart of my business. But scroll sawing is a very specialized part of woodworking and from a marketing point of view, scrollers are only a small percentage of those who do woodworking.

Being someone who enjoys decorative painting as well, I saw a need for expansion into that venue. To me, woodworking and painting go hand in hand and providing both patterns and wood pieces for the decorative painters not only keeps me creating, but it also allows me to work in not one but two wonderful industries that are very creative. I am very pleased at the response that my work and designs have had from the painting community. And while I don't intend to give up creating woodworking and scroll sawing patterns soon, I know that as time goes on I will be doing more work in both areas and developing patterns for each of them.

Yes - it is a bit more work. But it is hard to call it 'work' when I am enjoying myself so much. I think that one key to my own successes here is that I price things fairly. And by the term 'fairly' I mean not only fair for the customer, but fair for myself as well. It takes a lot of trial and error to finally get to that place. But with a little time and patience, it can be done.

I spent most of yesterday filling out orders and getting them ready to ship today. I was very pleased that the wood kits that I am offering seem to be doing so well. While sometimes it is a juggling act to balance everything completely, the diversity that offering wood pieces for painters is a part of our business that is growing at a nice pace, and I enjoy it very much.

Before I got involved in offering kits, literally weeks would pass when I wouldn't be able to use my scroll saw or do woodworking at all. I was drawing and editing, but the time creating patterns and writing and marketing far outweighed the time that I was able to spend actually making the projects. I found myself missing that part of the business and really looked forward to the time when I would be able to build projects again.

But by offering wood kits and pieces, it seems that I am at the saw a little bit more often. This not only helps me keep my skills up to par, but it is also a lot of fun. I truly enjoy the process.

I also find that my time spent sawing and creating is a great time for me to think of future projects that I want to make. As with many things, one project leads to another and before I know it I have another long list of things that I want to do. As I said the other day, this is what I consider 'job security' and I don't think I will ever live long enough to develop all the ideas that I have. It is a good place for a designer to be.

With that said, I am going to leave off here. I realize that I only scratched the surface of this topic, but I hope I perhaps got those of you who are considering your own business thinking a little. While I realize that there is a fine line between diversification and spreading yourself a bit thin, I think that it is up to the individual to test the waters and see what the needs are in your own area as far as expanding your business. I believe you need to tailor your own business plan to your own needs and the demands of your area. I do think that by diversifying your businesses a bit, you are providing yourself with a bit of a safety net so that if one aspect of your business doesn't preform well or fails, the other legs of your business will be able to keep it going. That is just good common sense.

After a cold and snowy weekend, I am looking at a calm day outside. I have an article for the magazine that I am finishing up writing and then I am going to be doing some work on an exchange project that I want to mail out tomorrow. After that, I have some great new ideas that I want to develop for both scroll sawing and painting. It is going to be a good week. I wish you all a wonderfully productive week as well.

Happy Monday to you all!

Today's Featured Product

Plant Food Fruit Ingredient Natural foods


SLD258 - Layered Heart Candy Dish
 

Attachments

#9,878 ·
Diversification

I am often asked how I found my success by people who are thinking of starting their own business. I find this a hard question to answer, because the term 'success' means different things to different people.

For myself, doing something that I love to do every day is a degree of success. The fact that we are able to survive financially on that business and that we are comfortable with that level of income also adds to the mix. That doesn't mean that we wouldn't like to do better, but for now it is adequate to meet our daily needs and we both feel that there is lots of room to expand and grow as a company and as a business so that we can count on it for the long term. There is a world of possibility ahead for us.

One of the most important factors in keeping our business healthy is diversifying. As with many other aspects in life, diversification is something that not only expands your company into several different areas, but also protects it if one of those areas were to fail further down the line. While it certainly takes a bit more work to diversify, I feel it is well worth the extra time and effort in offering peace of mind and security for the business as a whole.

When I started out, I focused mainly on creating woodworking patterns for the scroll saw. This was something that I loved to do and still is the very heart of my business. But scroll sawing is a very specialized part of woodworking and from a marketing point of view, scrollers are only a small percentage of those who do woodworking.

Being someone who enjoys decorative painting as well, I saw a need for expansion into that venue. To me, woodworking and painting go hand in hand and providing both patterns and wood pieces for the decorative painters not only keeps me creating, but it also allows me to work in not one but two wonderful industries that are very creative. I am very pleased at the response that my work and designs have had from the painting community. And while I don't intend to give up creating woodworking and scroll sawing patterns soon, I know that as time goes on I will be doing more work in both areas and developing patterns for each of them.

Yes - it is a bit more work. But it is hard to call it 'work' when I am enjoying myself so much. I think that one key to my own successes here is that I price things fairly. And by the term 'fairly' I mean not only fair for the customer, but fair for myself as well. It takes a lot of trial and error to finally get to that place. But with a little time and patience, it can be done.

I spent most of yesterday filling out orders and getting them ready to ship today. I was very pleased that the wood kits that I am offering seem to be doing so well. While sometimes it is a juggling act to balance everything completely, the diversity that offering wood pieces for painters is a part of our business that is growing at a nice pace, and I enjoy it very much.

Before I got involved in offering kits, literally weeks would pass when I wouldn't be able to use my scroll saw or do woodworking at all. I was drawing and editing, but the time creating patterns and writing and marketing far outweighed the time that I was able to spend actually making the projects. I found myself missing that part of the business and really looked forward to the time when I would be able to build projects again.

But by offering wood kits and pieces, it seems that I am at the saw a little bit more often. This not only helps me keep my skills up to par, but it is also a lot of fun. I truly enjoy the process.

I also find that my time spent sawing and creating is a great time for me to think of future projects that I want to make. As with many things, one project leads to another and before I know it I have another long list of things that I want to do. As I said the other day, this is what I consider 'job security' and I don't think I will ever live long enough to develop all the ideas that I have. It is a good place for a designer to be.

With that said, I am going to leave off here. I realize that I only scratched the surface of this topic, but I hope I perhaps got those of you who are considering your own business thinking a little. While I realize that there is a fine line between diversification and spreading yourself a bit thin, I think that it is up to the individual to test the waters and see what the needs are in your own area as far as expanding your business. I believe you need to tailor your own business plan to your own needs and the demands of your area. I do think that by diversifying your businesses a bit, you are providing yourself with a bit of a safety net so that if one aspect of your business doesn't preform well or fails, the other legs of your business will be able to keep it going. That is just good common sense.

After a cold and snowy weekend, I am looking at a calm day outside. I have an article for the magazine that I am finishing up writing and then I am going to be doing some work on an exchange project that I want to mail out tomorrow. After that, I have some great new ideas that I want to develop for both scroll sawing and painting. It is going to be a good week. I wish you all a wonderfully productive week as well.

Happy Monday to you all!

Today's Featured Product

Plant Food Fruit Ingredient Natural foods


SLD258 - Layered Heart Candy Dish
Excellent start to, what I hope is a series. As I explained to you and Keith, in a E-Mail the other day< I know that you have many areas of business and need/want to serve all areas and find new ones. You are very correct in saying that success will mean different thing to different crafters. In my Marketing classes, the term was "guns and butter". That simply means create something for all people and any time/economy. Past history is a good measure stick by, like any retailer, you need change in your product line so that your customer does not always see the same thing.

Thanks to both of you for what you do and best of success in the years to come.
 

Attachments

#9,884 ·
Networking

Yesterday I wrote about diversifying your small business and how important I felt it was that you have several related but different ways to earn income. I was pleased to hear from everyone how much people appreciated that idea. There are many different ways you can diversify into related fields and expand the scope of your business. I suppose the trick is to find a good balance between the different aspects and be able to work in several directions at once. Doing this often reminds me of a kaleidoscope, with its every-changing patterns, as day by day the needs of the different parts of your business can vary greatly. I think because of this it is very important to be flexible and be willing to follow whatever is demanding your time at the moment.

One thing that I find to be extremely helpful is networking. Talking to other people in similar circumstances is both professionally valuable as well as a socially enhancing. Learning from others' experiences first hand can be one of the best tools that your small business can use to improve your own business. Having a large variety of choices through the internet can help those of us who even live in remote areas keep on top of things and stay connected to both customers and others in our industry. Being a former Chicagoan who now lives in rural Nova Scotia, I can attest to the value of staying connected.

I find places like Lumberjocks and Facebook a valuable and important part of my business day. I also try to visit other related woodworking and painting forums and answer and participate in them as much as I can. Not only does this make me feel that I am contributing to the crafts that I enjoy so much, but it also gets me 'out there' and meeting people with similar interests and passions. It isn't always about selling.

You would be surprised at how many genuine friendships I have made through the internet. So often we hear bad things about chat rooms and internet friendships, but I strongly feel that if used in the proper way, participating in these types of activities and socializing online can not only enhance our businesses, but our personal lives as well.

One of the biggest downfalls of owning your own business is that it can sometimes be isolating. Finding healthy forums and groups to join online can be stimulating and uplifting as well as educational and supportive for small business owners. I have found an immeasurable amount of support and inspiration from my online friends and it also offers me the opportunity to get to know some of my customers on a personal level as well. That only proves to be a positive thing for my business, and also builds a good relationship with others. People are more willing to do business with someone they feel they know and trust and has a good reputation. It all works in a positive manner.

I also like to participate in things like exchanges and swaps through these groups. To me, that is part of the joy of doing something that I love for a living. This past Christmas I joined two ornament exchanges from various groups (one scroll sawing and one painting) and I was just as thrilled to receive the ornaments as I was to give them. I always enjoy seeing others' creativity and I truly cherish all of my exchange gifts that I receive. It reminds me that I am not just selling a piece of paper when I sell my patterns, but I am offering a teaching lesson and helping someone else find joy in creating. I love the personal stories behind my customers and I love seeing what they do with my patterns. It is always a thrill to see projects that I have designed displayed by others, and also see their own take on them.

Yesterday I finished my current exchange gift for my painting group that I am part of on Facebook. The theme for the exchange was "Have a Heart" and the exchange was to be anything painted that had a heart involved in it. I chose to use some cute bears that Holly Hanley designed as a basis for my gift and I added some letters to make the word "Love". (Holly is one of my favorite painting designers and you can visit her site at http://www.hollyhanley.ca to see more of her designs.)

Font Toy Jewellery Hat Fashion accessory


Orange Toy Fawn Stuffed toy Creative arts


Toy Font Stuffed toy Bag Creative arts


Creative arts Wood Font Pattern Art


I loved creating this fun project and I can't wait to get it on its way to its new home. Doing projects like this and working from other designers' patterns gives me a little break from designing my own things and I do believe that it helps me from feeling 'burned out' or stressed. It was very fun and relaxing to follow someone else's design for a change and it reminds me why I do what I do in the first place. I am a firm believer that being passionate about your business is very key to being successful. When it starts to weigh heavily on you or be a burden, you need to take a step back and take a breath and do something to help you remember why you are doing it in the first place.

Today it is back to writing for me. I need to finish up the article on refinishing the old box with the DecoArt Chalky Paint that I showed a few weeks back. I was pleased that the magazine wanted me to share that in an article, as it is a really fun product that I am very excited about.

I hope you all have a wonderful day as well. Remember to do something you are passionate about and take time to enjoy your life. Share your passion with others around you whenever you can. In the end, it is not just the destination that is important, but the daily journey to reach it.

Have a wonderful Tuesday!
 

Attachments

#9,885 ·
Networking

Yesterday I wrote about diversifying your small business and how important I felt it was that you have several related but different ways to earn income. I was pleased to hear from everyone how much people appreciated that idea. There are many different ways you can diversify into related fields and expand the scope of your business. I suppose the trick is to find a good balance between the different aspects and be able to work in several directions at once. Doing this often reminds me of a kaleidoscope, with its every-changing patterns, as day by day the needs of the different parts of your business can vary greatly. I think because of this it is very important to be flexible and be willing to follow whatever is demanding your time at the moment.

One thing that I find to be extremely helpful is networking. Talking to other people in similar circumstances is both professionally valuable as well as a socially enhancing. Learning from others' experiences first hand can be one of the best tools that your small business can use to improve your own business. Having a large variety of choices through the internet can help those of us who even live in remote areas keep on top of things and stay connected to both customers and others in our industry. Being a former Chicagoan who now lives in rural Nova Scotia, I can attest to the value of staying connected.

I find places like Lumberjocks and Facebook a valuable and important part of my business day. I also try to visit other related woodworking and painting forums and answer and participate in them as much as I can. Not only does this make me feel that I am contributing to the crafts that I enjoy so much, but it also gets me 'out there' and meeting people with similar interests and passions. It isn't always about selling.

You would be surprised at how many genuine friendships I have made through the internet. So often we hear bad things about chat rooms and internet friendships, but I strongly feel that if used in the proper way, participating in these types of activities and socializing online can not only enhance our businesses, but our personal lives as well.

One of the biggest downfalls of owning your own business is that it can sometimes be isolating. Finding healthy forums and groups to join online can be stimulating and uplifting as well as educational and supportive for small business owners. I have found an immeasurable amount of support and inspiration from my online friends and it also offers me the opportunity to get to know some of my customers on a personal level as well. That only proves to be a positive thing for my business, and also builds a good relationship with others. People are more willing to do business with someone they feel they know and trust and has a good reputation. It all works in a positive manner.

I also like to participate in things like exchanges and swaps through these groups. To me, that is part of the joy of doing something that I love for a living. This past Christmas I joined two ornament exchanges from various groups (one scroll sawing and one painting) and I was just as thrilled to receive the ornaments as I was to give them. I always enjoy seeing others' creativity and I truly cherish all of my exchange gifts that I receive. It reminds me that I am not just selling a piece of paper when I sell my patterns, but I am offering a teaching lesson and helping someone else find joy in creating. I love the personal stories behind my customers and I love seeing what they do with my patterns. It is always a thrill to see projects that I have designed displayed by others, and also see their own take on them.

Yesterday I finished my current exchange gift for my painting group that I am part of on Facebook. The theme for the exchange was "Have a Heart" and the exchange was to be anything painted that had a heart involved in it. I chose to use some cute bears that Holly Hanley designed as a basis for my gift and I added some letters to make the word "Love". (Holly is one of my favorite painting designers and you can visit her site at http://www.hollyhanley.ca to see more of her designs.)

Font Toy Jewellery Hat Fashion accessory


Orange Toy Fawn Stuffed toy Creative arts


Toy Font Stuffed toy Bag Creative arts


Creative arts Wood Font Pattern Art


I loved creating this fun project and I can't wait to get it on its way to its new home. Doing projects like this and working from other designers' patterns gives me a little break from designing my own things and I do believe that it helps me from feeling 'burned out' or stressed. It was very fun and relaxing to follow someone else's design for a change and it reminds me why I do what I do in the first place. I am a firm believer that being passionate about your business is very key to being successful. When it starts to weigh heavily on you or be a burden, you need to take a step back and take a breath and do something to help you remember why you are doing it in the first place.

Today it is back to writing for me. I need to finish up the article on refinishing the old box with the DecoArt Chalky Paint that I showed a few weeks back. I was pleased that the magazine wanted me to share that in an article, as it is a really fun product that I am very excited about.

I hope you all have a wonderful day as well. Remember to do something you are passionate about and take time to enjoy your life. Share your passion with others around you whenever you can. In the end, it is not just the destination that is important, but the daily journey to reach it.

Have a wonderful Tuesday!
Your exchange gift is wonderful! You can almost hear those teddy bears giggle! A beautifully painted project.
Networking is so important for both business and in a person's personal life. Even though I am retired and not in business, I still learn so much from networking through the Lumberjocks site and I get lots of inspiration to keep being creative.
Enjoy your day Sheila.
 

Attachments

#9,887 ·
Wholesaling

In keeping in line with the last few posts, I thought I would continue my thoughts on ways you can diversify your small businesses to boost your overall sales and appeal to many different audiences.

Today I will talk a little about wholesaling. For me, wholesaling is when another larger company distributes and sells my products and patterns in exchange for receiving them at a reduced cost. There are several advantages to working with a company and wholesaling your patterns and products, and I feel that it is a good way to offer at least a percentage of your items this way.

There are many variables that are involved with wholesaling and many things to consider. I think the first and foremost thing that you need to consider is that you need to have trust in the company you are dealing with. I have heard many instances of colleagues of mine that have been misrepresented or 'burned' by unscrupulous companies, and I have even been victim to it myself in the past. It is imperative that the company that handles your work is honest, reliable and trustworthy or it could cause you a great deal of problems.

Selling wholesale can involve selling patterns only, wood surfaces, or both. Many companies in the woodworking and pattern industries prefer to produce their own copies of your patterns, etc. "in house". This means that you send them the patterns and they are the ones who print and distribute them as they are needed. Once you send them the original design, you don't have to do anything else. This is good for the distributor because it saves them the investment of having to pre-purchase stock as well as the shipping costs for getting the patterns from you to them. It also saves them the guesswork of having to to decide how many of each design will sell. It saves them from having 'back orders' as well because they print on demand so there is never a shortage of popular designs. This is a very convenient option for all parties involves.

You can see however, how it is very important to work with reliable companies who you can trust when working on an arrangement such as this. You have to be absolutely certain that they are reputable and honest and keep good records of sales. Honesty and integrity is a huge part of this relationship and you have to be completely certain that you are not being taken advantage of. Keith and I have several companies that sell our patterns and kits this way and we feel confident that we are dealing with these types of companies. I strongly suggest that you really do your homework before offering your products to a company to be sure that you will be treated fairly and honestly. This is where networking comes in handy, as word gets around among other designers as to who is honest and who isn't. Having multiple opinions and speaking to others who have worked with these companies goes a long, long way among designers. Nothing speaks louder than personal experiences.

Another thing that I want to mention is that I feel it is a good thing to share what you learn with others. I find that most designers are very helpful in sharing their own experiences with others who may want to follow in their footsteps. Most successful designers are comfortable in their position and don't mind helping others through the complicated process of selling and being in business. As you know, I enjoy sharing my experiences with others here every day in my blog, as I feel that others can learn from what I have experienced in my many years of doing this. I have had others ask why I would give away all of my 'trade secrets' here every day, and I usually answer them by telling them that what I really do here is no 'secret' - it is common sense. If sharing my thoughts or experiences can help someone else, than I am happy to do it. I realize that the bottom line is that there is no replacement for very hard work to achieve success. Everyone has to do their own work, as everyone's situation, abilities, talents and goals are different. I know that people who are dedicated to hard work will be successful, and those that want a quick and easy time of it will not. That weeds things out considerably and as a designer and an artist I realize that there are many different styles that people follow and having new and exciting designs in ANY crafting field only serves to help it grow and that helps ALL of us! Anything that I can do to help either scroll sawing or painting grow will ultimately come back to my own business. If not directly, then perhaps some other way. I am not the type of person that needs an eye for an eye or keeps score, and I think that in the end things have a way of working out the way that they were intended to work.

Yesterday I worked on some Summertime Bunnies that I am wholesaling to Artist's Club as kits.

Organism Font Pattern Creative arts Art


I initially designed these darling bunnies last year, but I missed the cut for the Artist's Club catalog. They are lovely pastel bunnies with Buttermilk crackle over them and a lovely stroked motif in a contrasting color painted on their necks.

Azure Aqua Wing Feather Electric blue


I offer them as a Pattern (SPDP212), a Kit (SLDPK211) of 10 wood blanks, or as a Combo Pack which includes the full color painting pattern as well as the wood pieces for a price break. (SLDPS212) With the spring and summer months approaching, I think they will do very well.

I was happy that they picked them up this year, but they wanted them without the added rhinestones. I spent the day re-painting them yesterday so they will be ready to send off to them for photography for their catalog.

I love doing business with the Artist's Club because it gives me the opportunity to reach new customers, and work with a terrific company that I have trusted and loved since I began to paint many, many years ago. They are honest, fair and reliable and I always feel honored to have my designs represented by them. Their people are also a pleasure to work with and they treat their designers with a great deal of respect. They are also willing to consider newer designers, as they recognize the value of bringing new people into the business and how it helps the industry as a whole grow. I have been very satisfied working with them and hope to do so for a long time to come.

I hope you are seeing a pattern here in these last several posts. As a designer, I feel that (especially in this economy) it is necessary to wear several hats and be willing to explore several distinctly different directions in order to diversify your customer base and grow. I know it is a lot to cover, but it is what I feel necessary to ensure that I will be able to continue designing. Artist's Club is only one of my distributors, as I have a couple of companies that handle our woodworking patterns as well. Each one plays an important role in the structure of my company and each one helps make my company stronger. I hope you consider this when mapping out your own business model.

With that said, it is time for me to get to it. Today I will be doing some writing for the magazine. I had intended to do that yesterday, but my plans changed and I was better off painting the bunnies. (There's an example of the flexibility that I talked about the other day!) As long as I was pushing the pile, I felt the day was good and productive.

I wish you all a productive day as well. Happy Wednesday!

Today's Featured Product

Natural material Wood Font Creative arts Art


SLD420 Fretwork Bunny Silhouette Ornaments

This is the counterpart of the painted version of the bunnies. I decided to make a scroll sawn version for those who do woodworking. These cute bunnies would make wonderful little gifts, plant pokes, etc. or would look wonderful on a beautiful spring or summer wreath, tied with a brightly colored bow. They are quick and easy to scroll saw and can be embellished in a number of ways.
 

Attachments

#9,888 ·
Wholesaling

In keeping in line with the last few posts, I thought I would continue my thoughts on ways you can diversify your small businesses to boost your overall sales and appeal to many different audiences.

Today I will talk a little about wholesaling. For me, wholesaling is when another larger company distributes and sells my products and patterns in exchange for receiving them at a reduced cost. There are several advantages to working with a company and wholesaling your patterns and products, and I feel that it is a good way to offer at least a percentage of your items this way.

There are many variables that are involved with wholesaling and many things to consider. I think the first and foremost thing that you need to consider is that you need to have trust in the company you are dealing with. I have heard many instances of colleagues of mine that have been misrepresented or 'burned' by unscrupulous companies, and I have even been victim to it myself in the past. It is imperative that the company that handles your work is honest, reliable and trustworthy or it could cause you a great deal of problems.

Selling wholesale can involve selling patterns only, wood surfaces, or both. Many companies in the woodworking and pattern industries prefer to produce their own copies of your patterns, etc. "in house". This means that you send them the patterns and they are the ones who print and distribute them as they are needed. Once you send them the original design, you don't have to do anything else. This is good for the distributor because it saves them the investment of having to pre-purchase stock as well as the shipping costs for getting the patterns from you to them. It also saves them the guesswork of having to to decide how many of each design will sell. It saves them from having 'back orders' as well because they print on demand so there is never a shortage of popular designs. This is a very convenient option for all parties involves.

You can see however, how it is very important to work with reliable companies who you can trust when working on an arrangement such as this. You have to be absolutely certain that they are reputable and honest and keep good records of sales. Honesty and integrity is a huge part of this relationship and you have to be completely certain that you are not being taken advantage of. Keith and I have several companies that sell our patterns and kits this way and we feel confident that we are dealing with these types of companies. I strongly suggest that you really do your homework before offering your products to a company to be sure that you will be treated fairly and honestly. This is where networking comes in handy, as word gets around among other designers as to who is honest and who isn't. Having multiple opinions and speaking to others who have worked with these companies goes a long, long way among designers. Nothing speaks louder than personal experiences.

Another thing that I want to mention is that I feel it is a good thing to share what you learn with others. I find that most designers are very helpful in sharing their own experiences with others who may want to follow in their footsteps. Most successful designers are comfortable in their position and don't mind helping others through the complicated process of selling and being in business. As you know, I enjoy sharing my experiences with others here every day in my blog, as I feel that others can learn from what I have experienced in my many years of doing this. I have had others ask why I would give away all of my 'trade secrets' here every day, and I usually answer them by telling them that what I really do here is no 'secret' - it is common sense. If sharing my thoughts or experiences can help someone else, than I am happy to do it. I realize that the bottom line is that there is no replacement for very hard work to achieve success. Everyone has to do their own work, as everyone's situation, abilities, talents and goals are different. I know that people who are dedicated to hard work will be successful, and those that want a quick and easy time of it will not. That weeds things out considerably and as a designer and an artist I realize that there are many different styles that people follow and having new and exciting designs in ANY crafting field only serves to help it grow and that helps ALL of us! Anything that I can do to help either scroll sawing or painting grow will ultimately come back to my own business. If not directly, then perhaps some other way. I am not the type of person that needs an eye for an eye or keeps score, and I think that in the end things have a way of working out the way that they were intended to work.

Yesterday I worked on some Summertime Bunnies that I am wholesaling to Artist's Club as kits.

Organism Font Pattern Creative arts Art


I initially designed these darling bunnies last year, but I missed the cut for the Artist's Club catalog. They are lovely pastel bunnies with Buttermilk crackle over them and a lovely stroked motif in a contrasting color painted on their necks.

Azure Aqua Wing Feather Electric blue


I offer them as a Pattern (SPDP212), a Kit (SLDPK211) of 10 wood blanks, or as a Combo Pack which includes the full color painting pattern as well as the wood pieces for a price break. (SLDPS212) With the spring and summer months approaching, I think they will do very well.

I was happy that they picked them up this year, but they wanted them without the added rhinestones. I spent the day re-painting them yesterday so they will be ready to send off to them for photography for their catalog.

I love doing business with the Artist's Club because it gives me the opportunity to reach new customers, and work with a terrific company that I have trusted and loved since I began to paint many, many years ago. They are honest, fair and reliable and I always feel honored to have my designs represented by them. Their people are also a pleasure to work with and they treat their designers with a great deal of respect. They are also willing to consider newer designers, as they recognize the value of bringing new people into the business and how it helps the industry as a whole grow. I have been very satisfied working with them and hope to do so for a long time to come.

I hope you are seeing a pattern here in these last several posts. As a designer, I feel that (especially in this economy) it is necessary to wear several hats and be willing to explore several distinctly different directions in order to diversify your customer base and grow. I know it is a lot to cover, but it is what I feel necessary to ensure that I will be able to continue designing. Artist's Club is only one of my distributors, as I have a couple of companies that handle our woodworking patterns as well. Each one plays an important role in the structure of my company and each one helps make my company stronger. I hope you consider this when mapping out your own business model.

With that said, it is time for me to get to it. Today I will be doing some writing for the magazine. I had intended to do that yesterday, but my plans changed and I was better off painting the bunnies. (There's an example of the flexibility that I talked about the other day!) As long as I was pushing the pile, I felt the day was good and productive.

I wish you all a productive day as well. Happy Wednesday!

Today's Featured Product

Natural material Wood Font Creative arts Art


SLD420 Fretwork Bunny Silhouette Ornaments

This is the counterpart of the painted version of the bunnies. I decided to make a scroll sawn version for those who do woodworking. These cute bunnies would make wonderful little gifts, plant pokes, etc. or would look wonderful on a beautiful spring or summer wreath, tied with a brightly colored bow. They are quick and easy to scroll saw and can be embellished in a number of ways.
good morning sheila

here is some incredible art
you might enjoy

http://www.viralnova.com/beach-art/
 

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#9,891 ·
Submitting Projects for Publication

In the past couple days, I have been speaking of many different ways to help your small businesses grow. Today I will post a short blog and talk about another avenue you can take - submitting projects to various publications and magazines.

I often receive emails from people asking me how I became involved in being a contributing editor to Creative Woodworks and Crafts magazine. I have been listed as a contributing editor for over fifteen years now (YIKES!) and I hope to continue to work with the magazine as long as they will have me.

The first time I submitted projects to magazines, I was scared and excited and unsure of myself. Many of you know that I used to design and create collectible teddy bears and I believe that submitting my bears were my first attempts at being published. I also want to say that it took many, many tries to get that first project noticed and published and it took a tough skin and many rejections. The key here is to not give up and to keep on trying if you believe you have something that would be interesting to others. Sometimes it could take several attempts, or even years of trying before being successful.

There are many reasons for this, and one of the most important things is that you need to learn not to take it personally if your submissions are not accepted. There are many reasons that projects are not picked up and you shouldn't allow this to get you down.

Perhaps the project didn't fit in the theme that the editor was working on. Editors work several seasons in advance and they only have a limited amount of space to fill in their publications. Not only does your project have to be something that catches the editor's eye, but it also has to be timely as to what they are working on at the moment. Many publications have websites which have Editorial Guidelines which not only list time frames and themes for each issue, but also hints on formatting and what types of files and materials are required for submissions.

Another good way to prepare yourself to submit to a publication is to actually BUY and READ the magazine. Look at how they lay things out. Do they use a lot of step-by-step photos? Are you willing and able to provide these if your project is accepted? Is their formatting something that you feel comfortable with? All these are factors which may help you decide where you would like to submit.

Even as someone who has been submitting for many years, I still get somewhat nervous when sending in a project for consideration. I know that each project or article that I create needs to stand on its own merit and I realize and accept that if what I am submitting doesn't fit into my editor's plans, then it won't be published. Nothing is a given.

Which brings to mind a final important factor that I will talk about today - you need to have a tough skin.

I realize that it is difficult to distance yourself from a project or article that you put your heart and soul into, but in order to be successful and survive in the publishing world, you need to do so. If your project is rejected, you need to take it in stride and try again. I am not saying that you have to LIKE it, but you need to not take it personally and try to take a breath and look objectively at what you submitted and perhaps explore the reasons that it was not accepted.

It may not be something that appealed to the editor. After all, editors are PEOPLE and we all have different likes and dislikes.

It may not have fit into the current theme that the editor was working on at the time you submitted. While sometimes an editor may ask to hold a project until the following year, this is rare as they realize that you probably don't want to sit on it that long. Sometimes by passing on an item an editor is doing you a favor because you could still submit it somewhere else.

It may still need a little more 'polish' and professionalism. You need to objectively look at your project and decide if you really feel that it is completed in a way that will set a good example for others. After all - magazines and publications are teaching tools for their readers and the projects included are those that editors want to attract new readers and appease the readers that they have. With many people constantly submitting projects, it is only natural that they choose what they feel is most appealing and professional, as they want their publications to be the best that they can be.

I realize that this information is only the tip of the iceberg, but I hope it gives you some ideas to explore and implement in order to expand your own businesses. The bottom line is if you don't try, you will never know.

Today I am finishing up my article for Creative Woodworks and Crafts which shows the transformation of my "ugly box" into a very eye-pleasing storage solution using DecoArt's Chalky Finish Paint products. I blogged about it a couple of weeks ago and my editor thought it would be a good article for our readers as well.

Wood Rectangle Font Hardwood Wood stain


I hope that you find these ideas useful, albeit brief. I encourage you to do some homework and then submit to several places with your own original designs. It may really give your business an unexpected boost. You never know if you don't try.

Enjoy your Thursday!
 

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#9,892 ·
Submitting Projects for Publication

In the past couple days, I have been speaking of many different ways to help your small businesses grow. Today I will post a short blog and talk about another avenue you can take - submitting projects to various publications and magazines.

I often receive emails from people asking me how I became involved in being a contributing editor to Creative Woodworks and Crafts magazine. I have been listed as a contributing editor for over fifteen years now (YIKES!) and I hope to continue to work with the magazine as long as they will have me.

The first time I submitted projects to magazines, I was scared and excited and unsure of myself. Many of you know that I used to design and create collectible teddy bears and I believe that submitting my bears were my first attempts at being published. I also want to say that it took many, many tries to get that first project noticed and published and it took a tough skin and many rejections. The key here is to not give up and to keep on trying if you believe you have something that would be interesting to others. Sometimes it could take several attempts, or even years of trying before being successful.

There are many reasons for this, and one of the most important things is that you need to learn not to take it personally if your submissions are not accepted. There are many reasons that projects are not picked up and you shouldn't allow this to get you down.

Perhaps the project didn't fit in the theme that the editor was working on. Editors work several seasons in advance and they only have a limited amount of space to fill in their publications. Not only does your project have to be something that catches the editor's eye, but it also has to be timely as to what they are working on at the moment. Many publications have websites which have Editorial Guidelines which not only list time frames and themes for each issue, but also hints on formatting and what types of files and materials are required for submissions.

Another good way to prepare yourself to submit to a publication is to actually BUY and READ the magazine. Look at how they lay things out. Do they use a lot of step-by-step photos? Are you willing and able to provide these if your project is accepted? Is their formatting something that you feel comfortable with? All these are factors which may help you decide where you would like to submit.

Even as someone who has been submitting for many years, I still get somewhat nervous when sending in a project for consideration. I know that each project or article that I create needs to stand on its own merit and I realize and accept that if what I am submitting doesn't fit into my editor's plans, then it won't be published. Nothing is a given.

Which brings to mind a final important factor that I will talk about today - you need to have a tough skin.

I realize that it is difficult to distance yourself from a project or article that you put your heart and soul into, but in order to be successful and survive in the publishing world, you need to do so. If your project is rejected, you need to take it in stride and try again. I am not saying that you have to LIKE it, but you need to not take it personally and try to take a breath and look objectively at what you submitted and perhaps explore the reasons that it was not accepted.

It may not be something that appealed to the editor. After all, editors are PEOPLE and we all have different likes and dislikes.

It may not have fit into the current theme that the editor was working on at the time you submitted. While sometimes an editor may ask to hold a project until the following year, this is rare as they realize that you probably don't want to sit on it that long. Sometimes by passing on an item an editor is doing you a favor because you could still submit it somewhere else.

It may still need a little more 'polish' and professionalism. You need to objectively look at your project and decide if you really feel that it is completed in a way that will set a good example for others. After all - magazines and publications are teaching tools for their readers and the projects included are those that editors want to attract new readers and appease the readers that they have. With many people constantly submitting projects, it is only natural that they choose what they feel is most appealing and professional, as they want their publications to be the best that they can be.

I realize that this information is only the tip of the iceberg, but I hope it gives you some ideas to explore and implement in order to expand your own businesses. The bottom line is if you don't try, you will never know.

Today I am finishing up my article for Creative Woodworks and Crafts which shows the transformation of my "ugly box" into a very eye-pleasing storage solution using DecoArt's Chalky Finish Paint products. I blogged about it a couple of weeks ago and my editor thought it would be a good article for our readers as well.

Wood Rectangle Font Hardwood Wood stain


I hope that you find these ideas useful, albeit brief. I encourage you to do some homework and then submit to several places with your own original designs. It may really give your business an unexpected boost. You never know if you don't try.

Enjoy your Thursday!
Great advise! Your wisdom is always right on target because of your experiences. I am one who enjoys negative critique of my work, It is only made to improve my outlook and techniques/abilities. Of course "Atta-Boys" are definitely enjoyed the most.
 

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#9,897 ·
"In-Between" Days

Yesterday was a rather odd day for me. I found myself finishing up one project and kind of picking around with the next. I was a bit tired and achy (which is NOT typical for me!) and I was wondering if I was coming down with something.

I have been running pretty hard lately. My mind has been a bit overloaded with various ideas for different projects in different directions. I have found myself not sleeping very well because I was spending the night designing - my thoughts running wildly instead of allowing me to rest and sleep. As a result, I awoke feeling a bit tired and not rested. I am afraid to say that it wasn't a very productive day.

Those of you who read often know that this rarely happens to me. I am usually pretty organized and over the years I have learned to pace myself so that I accomplish the most I can in a day without feeling 'burned out'. But lately I have had an explosion of new ideas that I want to implement and I don't think I have allowed myself enough time to stop and rest and rejuvenate. I am afraid that I am feeling the results of that neglect.

It is hard some days not to feel overwhelmed.

I can't tell if this is a good thing or bad. Common sense tells me it is good, as my "idea bank" is extremely full. As someone who relies on new ideas and designs to survive, I know that having all of these new ideas is truly welcome. It means that I will be working for a long time to come.

What isn't great is when those feelings of anxiety begin to creep in. I feel that nothing kills creativity quicker than anxiety. For me anyway, there is a very fine line sometimes between creativity and being overwhelmed. It is up to me to channel these ideas and keep them organized so that they don't get the best of me. While multi-tasking is something I have learned to master on some levels, there are times when I find it can be very easy to slip into chaos when attempting to do things in too many directions at once. Perhaps this 'tiredness' I am feeling is a sign to reel things in and slow down for a short time and regroup. I believe that may be the case.

I think I will take the day to do just that.

I am on top of my deadlines and it is a good time to take some time to reorganize. There are things here in my house that need attention (just general straightening) and I need to take some time to cook and maybe make some comfort foods - a nice pot of soup or some home made sweet rolls. Perhaps I will take the time to make a long-overdue phone call to a friend. I think maybe a little self-indulgence is needed.

I often get notes and comments from you how you admire my ability to stay so organized and constantly remain driven. I am not from the school of thought that believes that a cluttered environment means that one is busy and productive. To me, clutter is distracting and counterproductive. I realize that we are all different in our modes of creating, but for me having chaos around me is a definite 'buzz kill' and stops me in my tracks. I have trouble allowing my ideas to flow when I am side stepping clutter. I know this isn't true for everyone, but it is for me. It is just my way.

I may miss a day or two with posting. Rest assured, I am fine. I just don't feel that you all need a play-by-play of my reorganization process, or that it will be remotely interesting to you. If I do think of something significant to share, I will certainly do so. But by publicly declaring that I may not be posting for a day or two, I am already setting the process in motion. I feel better already. :)

It is a warm, grey day here in Nova Scotia. Already this morning, I can tell that we will see little sun. I am not one believes that I need the sun shining to feel good, as these somber winter days are quiet and peaceful - something that feels calming to me.

I am happy that I have come to recognize when it is time to take a breath. For I know that by ignoring the signs will only result in further anxiety and perhaps even illness. We tend to get colds and flues more when we are run down, and I feel that one reason I am rarely ill is because I have learned to listen to my body and do what is necessary to keep myself healthy. If it means stepping back for a short time, so be it. Usually the results of doing so is that when I return, I accomplish more than ever. It is a good investment to make.

I wish you all a wonderful weekend.

Today's Featured Product

Organ Human body Textile Pink Font


SLDK205 - Filigree Heart Ornaments (Just in time for Valentine's Day!)
 

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#9,898 ·
"In-Between" Days

Yesterday was a rather odd day for me. I found myself finishing up one project and kind of picking around with the next. I was a bit tired and achy (which is NOT typical for me!) and I was wondering if I was coming down with something.

I have been running pretty hard lately. My mind has been a bit overloaded with various ideas for different projects in different directions. I have found myself not sleeping very well because I was spending the night designing - my thoughts running wildly instead of allowing me to rest and sleep. As a result, I awoke feeling a bit tired and not rested. I am afraid to say that it wasn't a very productive day.

Those of you who read often know that this rarely happens to me. I am usually pretty organized and over the years I have learned to pace myself so that I accomplish the most I can in a day without feeling 'burned out'. But lately I have had an explosion of new ideas that I want to implement and I don't think I have allowed myself enough time to stop and rest and rejuvenate. I am afraid that I am feeling the results of that neglect.

It is hard some days not to feel overwhelmed.

I can't tell if this is a good thing or bad. Common sense tells me it is good, as my "idea bank" is extremely full. As someone who relies on new ideas and designs to survive, I know that having all of these new ideas is truly welcome. It means that I will be working for a long time to come.

What isn't great is when those feelings of anxiety begin to creep in. I feel that nothing kills creativity quicker than anxiety. For me anyway, there is a very fine line sometimes between creativity and being overwhelmed. It is up to me to channel these ideas and keep them organized so that they don't get the best of me. While multi-tasking is something I have learned to master on some levels, there are times when I find it can be very easy to slip into chaos when attempting to do things in too many directions at once. Perhaps this 'tiredness' I am feeling is a sign to reel things in and slow down for a short time and regroup. I believe that may be the case.

I think I will take the day to do just that.

I am on top of my deadlines and it is a good time to take some time to reorganize. There are things here in my house that need attention (just general straightening) and I need to take some time to cook and maybe make some comfort foods - a nice pot of soup or some home made sweet rolls. Perhaps I will take the time to make a long-overdue phone call to a friend. I think maybe a little self-indulgence is needed.

I often get notes and comments from you how you admire my ability to stay so organized and constantly remain driven. I am not from the school of thought that believes that a cluttered environment means that one is busy and productive. To me, clutter is distracting and counterproductive. I realize that we are all different in our modes of creating, but for me having chaos around me is a definite 'buzz kill' and stops me in my tracks. I have trouble allowing my ideas to flow when I am side stepping clutter. I know this isn't true for everyone, but it is for me. It is just my way.

I may miss a day or two with posting. Rest assured, I am fine. I just don't feel that you all need a play-by-play of my reorganization process, or that it will be remotely interesting to you. If I do think of something significant to share, I will certainly do so. But by publicly declaring that I may not be posting for a day or two, I am already setting the process in motion. I feel better already. :)

It is a warm, grey day here in Nova Scotia. Already this morning, I can tell that we will see little sun. I am not one believes that I need the sun shining to feel good, as these somber winter days are quiet and peaceful - something that feels calming to me.

I am happy that I have come to recognize when it is time to take a breath. For I know that by ignoring the signs will only result in further anxiety and perhaps even illness. We tend to get colds and flues more when we are run down, and I feel that one reason I am rarely ill is because I have learned to listen to my body and do what is necessary to keep myself healthy. If it means stepping back for a short time, so be it. Usually the results of doing so is that when I return, I accomplish more than ever. It is a good investment to make.

I wish you all a wonderful weekend.

Today's Featured Product

Organ Human body Textile Pink Font


SLDK205 - Filigree Heart Ornaments (Just in time for Valentine's Day!)
Your scrolling always amazes me. Have a gr8 and safe weekend
 

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#9,902 ·
Too Much Inspiration??

Is there really such a thing?

I think I know many people who feel the way that I feel. Like me, they look at the world with different eyes than most people around them and they see beauty and creativity lurking around every corner. It is wonderful and a truly incredible way to view the world. The only problem is finding enough time to do everything.

I often speak of that dilemma. Associating with other creative people only seems to intensify those feelings. Between my woodworking friends and colleagues and my painting friends and colleagues, so much brainstorming passes through my life in a single day that sometimes I begin to feel a bit overwhelmed by everything that I want to try. I don't mean copy others' ideas, but there are many times when I see something and think to myself "I love this, but I would do (blah, blah, blah) and fill in the blank with my own twist on something.

That's what inspiration is to me.

I was never one to follow instructions exactly. Oh, maybe when I was just beginning to do something - I would follow the "rules" to get the basic jest of whatever I was working on - but soon after I got my footing on the technique, I was off on my own, thinking of ways that I could improve or change things.

So began my career in designing.

I have done the same with woodworking, painting, cooking, sewing and just about anything that I attempt. I guess in some ways I will always be a rebel, creating my own path and following my heart.

But isn't that a wonderful and exciting way to live?

Recently, one of my creative painting friends referred to a page of beautiful embroidery designs. This was back sometime in November or so. The pictures she posted were from Di van Niekerk's site which is located here:

http://www.dicraft.co.za/blog/

Di is located in South Africa and is an expert in ribbon embroidery and stumpwork. Her site immediately caught my attention and I found myself pouring over all the information I could find regarding this form of art. Many of you remember that I have told the story (recently I believe) of how my grandmother's neighbor taught me how to embroider on tea towels when I was a child growing up in the city of Chicago. I have always loved needlework and I had forgotten how much I loved making it.

But seeing this site re-sparked my interest. To make a long story short, I have been using much of my "spare time" to research and practice a bit of needlework and I decided to further my education in this delicate art. Just after Christmas, I ordered a kit and the necessary supplies to follow through with Di's project called "A Perfect World". In the book, you build a 17 panel sampler and learn over 60 new techniques and elements of this art form. I thought it would be the "perfect" way for me to expand my abilities and knowledge. It will certainly be a challenge.

Of course, Keith thought that I lost my mind. (AS IF I don't have ENOUGH to do right now!) But most of what I do seems to go "on the block" and I think of it as part of my work and job. While I am very, very fortunate to absolutely LOVE what I do for a living, I want to do something that will NOT be for sale and will only be for ME.

Perhaps that sounds a bit selfish, but maybe it is time that I do something like this. I have been feeling a bit overwhelmed lately and I know that in order to keep myself happy and productive in both the painting and woodworking areas, I need to take some time away on a regular basis and do something just for ME. I know in the long run it will keep me fresh and happy and even more productive.

So I am starting this adventure and I will post here on my progress from time to time. The bulk of my supplies arrived last week and I spent the weekend finishing up my pressing work and completing all of my deadlines. I needed to do this before I began my new journey. At about 4pm yesterday, I was ready to begin.

I was actually somewhat SCARED to start sewing on this beautiful fabric. While I had carded and organized all the silk ribbons and threads that came with the kit, as well as the additional supplies, actually USING them became a bit intimidating. What if I goofed things up? What if I made a mess of it? What a waste that would be!

But I took a breath and plunged in. I had spent the last month or so reading up on what I had to do to prepare things, as well as learning the terminology. I had reread the instructions over and over, as the book arrived just before Christmas, and I felt that I was ready to begin my new adventure.

Last night I finished the first flower of the amazing design. I am rather proud of it.

Flower Plant Creative arts Terrestrial plant Petal


Flower Purple Plant Petal Textile


The hand-dyed silk ribbon and thread is amazing! I worked slowly and carefully, but I felt completely relaxed and happy. I think I made pretty good progress and I am off to a good start.

I expect that finishing this sampler will take a great deal of time. I don't know how often I will be able to work on it, but I hope to keep at it for a while at least. I think that diversifying into other mediums will be a wonderful inspiration for both my woodworking and painting projects, and I am excited about it already.

Can we have too much inspiration? I really don't believe we can. I think that exploring a full range of techniques, styles and media will only serve to expand our creativity and enrich our lives.

Inspiration is all around us in so many different forms. Some may find it in planting flowers while others find it in embroidering flowers. I believe that what inspires an individual is as unique as people themselves. It is there for the taking, if you only learn to take notice of it.

Today it is back to woodworking for me. I have some patterns to write up for the site update that Keith and I are doing in a couple of days and I would like to get that under my belt. I then have some new ideas for both woodworking and painting patterns that I need to begin developing. It is all busy and all good.

I wish you a wonderful Monday and I hope you have a great day filled with creativity and inspiration.

"It is good to love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is well done." ― Vincent van Gogh
 

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#9,903 ·
Too Much Inspiration??

Is there really such a thing?

I think I know many people who feel the way that I feel. Like me, they look at the world with different eyes than most people around them and they see beauty and creativity lurking around every corner. It is wonderful and a truly incredible way to view the world. The only problem is finding enough time to do everything.

I often speak of that dilemma. Associating with other creative people only seems to intensify those feelings. Between my woodworking friends and colleagues and my painting friends and colleagues, so much brainstorming passes through my life in a single day that sometimes I begin to feel a bit overwhelmed by everything that I want to try. I don't mean copy others' ideas, but there are many times when I see something and think to myself "I love this, but I would do (blah, blah, blah) and fill in the blank with my own twist on something.

That's what inspiration is to me.

I was never one to follow instructions exactly. Oh, maybe when I was just beginning to do something - I would follow the "rules" to get the basic jest of whatever I was working on - but soon after I got my footing on the technique, I was off on my own, thinking of ways that I could improve or change things.

So began my career in designing.

I have done the same with woodworking, painting, cooking, sewing and just about anything that I attempt. I guess in some ways I will always be a rebel, creating my own path and following my heart.

But isn't that a wonderful and exciting way to live?

Recently, one of my creative painting friends referred to a page of beautiful embroidery designs. This was back sometime in November or so. The pictures she posted were from Di van Niekerk's site which is located here:

http://www.dicraft.co.za/blog/

Di is located in South Africa and is an expert in ribbon embroidery and stumpwork. Her site immediately caught my attention and I found myself pouring over all the information I could find regarding this form of art. Many of you remember that I have told the story (recently I believe) of how my grandmother's neighbor taught me how to embroider on tea towels when I was a child growing up in the city of Chicago. I have always loved needlework and I had forgotten how much I loved making it.

But seeing this site re-sparked my interest. To make a long story short, I have been using much of my "spare time" to research and practice a bit of needlework and I decided to further my education in this delicate art. Just after Christmas, I ordered a kit and the necessary supplies to follow through with Di's project called "A Perfect World". In the book, you build a 17 panel sampler and learn over 60 new techniques and elements of this art form. I thought it would be the "perfect" way for me to expand my abilities and knowledge. It will certainly be a challenge.

Of course, Keith thought that I lost my mind. (AS IF I don't have ENOUGH to do right now!) But most of what I do seems to go "on the block" and I think of it as part of my work and job. While I am very, very fortunate to absolutely LOVE what I do for a living, I want to do something that will NOT be for sale and will only be for ME.

Perhaps that sounds a bit selfish, but maybe it is time that I do something like this. I have been feeling a bit overwhelmed lately and I know that in order to keep myself happy and productive in both the painting and woodworking areas, I need to take some time away on a regular basis and do something just for ME. I know in the long run it will keep me fresh and happy and even more productive.

So I am starting this adventure and I will post here on my progress from time to time. The bulk of my supplies arrived last week and I spent the weekend finishing up my pressing work and completing all of my deadlines. I needed to do this before I began my new journey. At about 4pm yesterday, I was ready to begin.

I was actually somewhat SCARED to start sewing on this beautiful fabric. While I had carded and organized all the silk ribbons and threads that came with the kit, as well as the additional supplies, actually USING them became a bit intimidating. What if I goofed things up? What if I made a mess of it? What a waste that would be!

But I took a breath and plunged in. I had spent the last month or so reading up on what I had to do to prepare things, as well as learning the terminology. I had reread the instructions over and over, as the book arrived just before Christmas, and I felt that I was ready to begin my new adventure.

Last night I finished the first flower of the amazing design. I am rather proud of it.

Flower Plant Creative arts Terrestrial plant Petal


Flower Purple Plant Petal Textile


The hand-dyed silk ribbon and thread is amazing! I worked slowly and carefully, but I felt completely relaxed and happy. I think I made pretty good progress and I am off to a good start.

I expect that finishing this sampler will take a great deal of time. I don't know how often I will be able to work on it, but I hope to keep at it for a while at least. I think that diversifying into other mediums will be a wonderful inspiration for both my woodworking and painting projects, and I am excited about it already.

Can we have too much inspiration? I really don't believe we can. I think that exploring a full range of techniques, styles and media will only serve to expand our creativity and enrich our lives.

Inspiration is all around us in so many different forms. Some may find it in planting flowers while others find it in embroidering flowers. I believe that what inspires an individual is as unique as people themselves. It is there for the taking, if you only learn to take notice of it.

Today it is back to woodworking for me. I have some patterns to write up for the site update that Keith and I are doing in a couple of days and I would like to get that under my belt. I then have some new ideas for both woodworking and painting patterns that I need to begin developing. It is all busy and all good.

I wish you a wonderful Monday and I hope you have a great day filled with creativity and inspiration.

"It is good to love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is well done." ― Vincent van Gogh
I don't think there is ever too much inspiration! I think as creative people we sometimes think that all our inspirational ideas must come into being as soon as we think of them. Given there are only so many hours in the day, there is only so much we can do, however if we keep writing the ideas down we can pay them forward and encourage folks to get into a creative mode. I think this is why some of the crafts learnt a long time ago make a comeback.
You have done a beautiful job on your embroidery.
Enjoy the day. Sunny but cool here.
 

Attachments

#9,912 ·
Working on Another Site Update

It seems that we just did an update to the site a short time ago, but we have several new patterns and are adding them in today. I spent yesterday preparing them and getting my own ready for posting and Keith was doing the same.

Today I will spend the day writing the newsletter, and then I will be moving on to begin designing some new scroll sawing projects. It seems like forever since I have designed for scrolling - even though I have been working just about every day. I suppose a lot of time was spent on my different Ballerina Patterns. Making different versions of patterns takes a lot of time. But it is something that I feel is important to do when so many people have asked for them.

I could think of several versions for just about any project that I come up with. Usually when I design a scroll sawing version of something, I receive several requests for painted versions. While it does require a good deal of additional time, I really enjoy seeing my ideas presented in a variety of different ways. Besides - with over 500 patterns available on our site, I would rather concentrate on quality rather than quantity. I hope my customers agree.

Keith and I have both been very pleased with how many NEW people we have joining our Mailing List. We had a fabulous year of seeing our little company grow in 2013 and it continues to do so in 2014. We hope that we are contributing to the growth of both the scroll sawing community as well as the painting community by offering interesting lessons and designs through our patterns. Both of these areas are filled with wonderful talent and it is a pleasure to be inspired by them and also offer something back.

We also spent part of the day planning our lesson for our classes at the Northeaster Woodworkers Association 23rd Annual Showcase on March 29th and 30th, 2014 in Saratoga Springs, New York. Keith and I will be hosting four - three hour classes on scrollsawing techniques. It will be a wonderful chance for us to see old friends and meet new people and promote scroll sawing in general. I will have more about that later on in my posts here. If you have never been to a woodworking show, this is a wonderful event and well worth taking the time to attend. There are lectures, classes and many vendors that will be introducing and demonstrating products throughout the show. It is going to be a great time.

With that said, I will keep today's post relatively short. I saw a tiny peek of the sun for a bit, but it is now back hiding behind the clouds. We are expecting a storm on Wednesday as well as over the weekend. I don't really mind, as that is part of winter and I have plenty of things to do to keep busy no matter what. Spring will come when it is ready.

Have a wonderful day today, and try to do something wonderful.

Happy Tuesday!

Today's Featured Product


Organ Pink Creative arts Magenta Pattern


SLD373 - Here's my Heart 12 Embellished Ornaments and Pendants
 

Attachments

#9,913 ·
Lots of New Pattern Designs for our Site

Today I am going to sound like an advertisement I fear, but Keith and I spent the majority of the day updating our website again and adding on the new designs we have to offer. Even though I sometimes feel like I am not accomplishing very much, I was very pleased to see all the new designs together. There were far more than I expected and I felt very proud of our site.

Keith had several new designs to add, and they are all really nice. He had two new bible verse plaques:

Brown Wood Font Rectangle Wood stain


SLDK354 - Ephesians 4:7 Plaque

And:

Brown Wood Rectangle Font Hardwood


SLDK355 - Matthew 5:8 Plaque

He also decided to make a set of all his similar Bible verse plaques:

Publication Font Material property Pattern Poster


SLDKBPSet1 - Set of 8 Bible Plaques

I added in a couple of romantic-themed projects that would be great for Valentines Day, Weddings, etc.

Wood Rectangle Beige Font Hardwood


SLD442 - All My Love Keepsake Box

And my heart-themed key and lock ornaments:

Musical instrument Wood Font Metal Symbol


Which also have a painted version:

Font Material property Art Symmetry Symbol


SLD443 - 12 Romantic Key and Lock Ornaments

And finally, Keith has a new dessert tray that has beautiful scroll work on it:

Wood Font Circle Plywood Symbol


SLDK356 Fretwork Dessert Tray

(Added in - How could I forget my favorite of Keith's new designs! -

Product Font Red Pattern Ornament


SLDK357 Embellished Filigree Pendants and Ornaments

All in all, it is a pretty good variety of projects. Seeing as we just updated things a couple of weeks ago, I felt we are doing pretty good.

Today I will be on to designing new things. I have some painting patterns I am working on as well as some new scroll saw patterns. I am working on some "spring-themed" things, as I believe that many people are looking forward to the spring after the harsh winter we are having. We are expecting a storm here in Nova Scotia today and another one as well over the weekend. It is a good time to stay in and draw and paint and cut and think ahead to warmer weather. I know it has been a hardship on many.

Thank you for stopping in and reading. Hopefully by tomorrow I will have at least some drawings to share with you. I am anxious to see these new ideas come to life and I know that they will be fun to build.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!
 

Attachments

#9,914 ·
Lots of New Pattern Designs for our Site

Today I am going to sound like an advertisement I fear, but Keith and I spent the majority of the day updating our website again and adding on the new designs we have to offer. Even though I sometimes feel like I am not accomplishing very much, I was very pleased to see all the new designs together. There were far more than I expected and I felt very proud of our site.

Keith had several new designs to add, and they are all really nice. He had two new bible verse plaques:

Brown Wood Font Rectangle Wood stain


SLDK354 - Ephesians 4:7 Plaque

And:

Brown Wood Rectangle Font Hardwood


SLDK355 - Matthew 5:8 Plaque

He also decided to make a set of all his similar Bible verse plaques:

Publication Font Material property Pattern Poster


SLDKBPSet1 - Set of 8 Bible Plaques

I added in a couple of romantic-themed projects that would be great for Valentines Day, Weddings, etc.

Wood Rectangle Beige Font Hardwood


SLD442 - All My Love Keepsake Box

And my heart-themed key and lock ornaments:

Musical instrument Wood Font Metal Symbol


Which also have a painted version:

Font Material property Art Symmetry Symbol


SLD443 - 12 Romantic Key and Lock Ornaments

And finally, Keith has a new dessert tray that has beautiful scroll work on it:

Wood Font Circle Plywood Symbol


SLDK356 Fretwork Dessert Tray

(Added in - How could I forget my favorite of Keith's new designs! -

Product Font Red Pattern Ornament


SLDK357 Embellished Filigree Pendants and Ornaments

All in all, it is a pretty good variety of projects. Seeing as we just updated things a couple of weeks ago, I felt we are doing pretty good.

Today I will be on to designing new things. I have some painting patterns I am working on as well as some new scroll saw patterns. I am working on some "spring-themed" things, as I believe that many people are looking forward to the spring after the harsh winter we are having. We are expecting a storm here in Nova Scotia today and another one as well over the weekend. It is a good time to stay in and draw and paint and cut and think ahead to warmer weather. I know it has been a hardship on many.

Thank you for stopping in and reading. Hopefully by tomorrow I will have at least some drawings to share with you. I am anxious to see these new ideas come to life and I know that they will be fun to build.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!
Wonderful patterns on both your entries for you up-date! My, my you've done yourselves really proud. Here's hoping you make great sales from these efforts.
 

Attachments

#9,922 ·
Back to the Drawing Board

I must admit, I didn't get any drawing done yesterday. We had sent out a newsletter on Tuesday and things were pretty busy for most of the day.

Mind you - I am not complaining! It is really a great feeling to have such a positive response to an update. Either people really LIKED our new stuff or they are house bound with all the snowy weather that is hitting much of North America and looking for something to do. Perhaps it is just a little of both.

I often express my appreciation for the support we receive from our customers. I don't think that I can ever say it too much. Without such a strong following, we wouldn't be able to continue doing what we are doing. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't appreciate that they choose us and our patterns for their past times. Both Keith and I are very honored and grateful.

Much of the day yesterday was spent corresponding with customers. Some had questions regarding patterns. Others had general questions about techniques or equipment or finishes. Still others had ideas and photos that they wanted to share of work they had done using our designs. It is always nice to touch base with people and hear what they have to say about what we do. It truly helps us create better instructions and patterns.

I also love seeing pictures of what people do with our designs. Yesterday I received a photo from a customer (Larry) who made a beautiful sterling silver heart pendant from Keith's heart ornament pattern that I featured the other day. He cut this with a hand saw and he says it still needs to be shaped and polished. I think it is amazing!

Material property Font Nickel Coin Currency


(Note the DIME next to it for scale!)

Things such as this just make me smile. People are so talented and they really do elevate our patterns to another level. It just makes me want to do better.

Between errands, another snow storm and all the correspondences, the day seemed to have gotten away from me. Before I knew it I looked up at the clock and it was after 6pm. And I hadn't even began to draw!

I was still 'fuzzy' as to the direction I was going to take (too many choices) so I thought I would call it a night with "work" and do some relaxing embroidery. In between I still filled orders and answered questions, but I wanted to relax a bit and enjoy my evening and start fresh today.

I finished the first panel on my embroidery project that I have been working on. I was pleased that many of you expressed that you wanted me to keep posting my photos as I go along. Since the project has 17 panels, I expect that with the short time I have to work in it, it will take me several months to complete. But even if it takes a year, I will be happy. I find it fun to do yet another form or artwork. I have already learned so much!

I finished the "stumpwork" wings for my dragonfly. They are embroidered on sheer organza and then cut away from the main fabric. I learned that stumpwork is a style of embroidery where the stitched figures are raised from the surface of the work to form a 3-dimensional effect. I had not known that. There are different interesting techniques used to achieve the raised pieces. For these wings, you line the organza with a stabilizing fabric that dissolves in water. It is quite interesting to me and very detailed. Just what I like.

Plant Botany Organism Arthropod Insect


My picture isn't the greatest, but you get the point. The eyes and body of the dragonfly are tiny glass beading. The wired wings are raised off the piece and sheer - like real wings. I think he is adorable.

Here is the complete picture of the first panel:

Flower Plant Botany Textile Creative arts


So far, so good. The long flower with the purplish/pink buds is Tulbaghia Violacea. The peach flower is Clivia. And the pink ground cover is Oxalis. I am happy with them as a start. Perhaps one day I will paint or scroll similar flowers.

I don't know just how I came to desire creating in this form. Perhaps it was because I looked back on my life and saw that I began down this path a long time ago and I wanted to continue on that journey. There are times in our lives when we just 'know' we need to explore. It has nothing to do with our current state of being busy or having much to do already. I find that one small grain of inspiration can grow into many different directions. Inspiration isn't looking at something and copying it - it is the seed that is planted in your mind that grows into an entire garden of ideas. The more directions it spreads, the better.

I can't see how learning something new can be detrimental. I don't ever want to stop learning new things. I never want to be satisfied with my life. For when I am, and I become complacent and comfortable, I will surely be nearing my end. I want to leave this life not only with a list of accomplishments, but with a longer list of things I have yet to learn. The yearning to learn fills my days with happiness and purpose and makes my life full and exciting.

"I am so fresh in soul and spirit that life gushes and bubbles around me in a thousand springs." -Robert Schumann

I often feel that sentiment. There are so many wonderful and positive things to explore in this life. I feel that things are calling to me from many directions. My only complaint is that the days are too short and that I can't do everything that I want to do on a given day. But that is part of what makes me happy, and I wouldn't want it any other way.

I am going to take another attempt at drawing today. While I was embroidering, I was thinking about the next thing that I want to create, and I feel that today I am ready.

I couldn't wait to get up today and get started. I love when I feel like this and I embrace these days with enthusiasm and passion. It makes for a very good life.

Have a wonderful Thursday!
 

Attachments

#9,923 ·
Back to the Drawing Board

I must admit, I didn't get any drawing done yesterday. We had sent out a newsletter on Tuesday and things were pretty busy for most of the day.

Mind you - I am not complaining! It is really a great feeling to have such a positive response to an update. Either people really LIKED our new stuff or they are house bound with all the snowy weather that is hitting much of North America and looking for something to do. Perhaps it is just a little of both.

I often express my appreciation for the support we receive from our customers. I don't think that I can ever say it too much. Without such a strong following, we wouldn't be able to continue doing what we are doing. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't appreciate that they choose us and our patterns for their past times. Both Keith and I are very honored and grateful.

Much of the day yesterday was spent corresponding with customers. Some had questions regarding patterns. Others had general questions about techniques or equipment or finishes. Still others had ideas and photos that they wanted to share of work they had done using our designs. It is always nice to touch base with people and hear what they have to say about what we do. It truly helps us create better instructions and patterns.

I also love seeing pictures of what people do with our designs. Yesterday I received a photo from a customer (Larry) who made a beautiful sterling silver heart pendant from Keith's heart ornament pattern that I featured the other day. He cut this with a hand saw and he says it still needs to be shaped and polished. I think it is amazing!

Material property Font Nickel Coin Currency


(Note the DIME next to it for scale!)

Things such as this just make me smile. People are so talented and they really do elevate our patterns to another level. It just makes me want to do better.

Between errands, another snow storm and all the correspondences, the day seemed to have gotten away from me. Before I knew it I looked up at the clock and it was after 6pm. And I hadn't even began to draw!

I was still 'fuzzy' as to the direction I was going to take (too many choices) so I thought I would call it a night with "work" and do some relaxing embroidery. In between I still filled orders and answered questions, but I wanted to relax a bit and enjoy my evening and start fresh today.

I finished the first panel on my embroidery project that I have been working on. I was pleased that many of you expressed that you wanted me to keep posting my photos as I go along. Since the project has 17 panels, I expect that with the short time I have to work in it, it will take me several months to complete. But even if it takes a year, I will be happy. I find it fun to do yet another form or artwork. I have already learned so much!

I finished the "stumpwork" wings for my dragonfly. They are embroidered on sheer organza and then cut away from the main fabric. I learned that stumpwork is a style of embroidery where the stitched figures are raised from the surface of the work to form a 3-dimensional effect. I had not known that. There are different interesting techniques used to achieve the raised pieces. For these wings, you line the organza with a stabilizing fabric that dissolves in water. It is quite interesting to me and very detailed. Just what I like.

Plant Botany Organism Arthropod Insect


My picture isn't the greatest, but you get the point. The eyes and body of the dragonfly are tiny glass beading. The wired wings are raised off the piece and sheer - like real wings. I think he is adorable.

Here is the complete picture of the first panel:

Flower Plant Botany Textile Creative arts


So far, so good. The long flower with the purplish/pink buds is Tulbaghia Violacea. The peach flower is Clivia. And the pink ground cover is Oxalis. I am happy with them as a start. Perhaps one day I will paint or scroll similar flowers.

I don't know just how I came to desire creating in this form. Perhaps it was because I looked back on my life and saw that I began down this path a long time ago and I wanted to continue on that journey. There are times in our lives when we just 'know' we need to explore. It has nothing to do with our current state of being busy or having much to do already. I find that one small grain of inspiration can grow into many different directions. Inspiration isn't looking at something and copying it - it is the seed that is planted in your mind that grows into an entire garden of ideas. The more directions it spreads, the better.

I can't see how learning something new can be detrimental. I don't ever want to stop learning new things. I never want to be satisfied with my life. For when I am, and I become complacent and comfortable, I will surely be nearing my end. I want to leave this life not only with a list of accomplishments, but with a longer list of things I have yet to learn. The yearning to learn fills my days with happiness and purpose and makes my life full and exciting.

"I am so fresh in soul and spirit that life gushes and bubbles around me in a thousand springs." -Robert Schumann

I often feel that sentiment. There are so many wonderful and positive things to explore in this life. I feel that things are calling to me from many directions. My only complaint is that the days are too short and that I can't do everything that I want to do on a given day. But that is part of what makes me happy, and I wouldn't want it any other way.

I am going to take another attempt at drawing today. While I was embroidering, I was thinking about the next thing that I want to create, and I feel that today I am ready.

I couldn't wait to get up today and get started. I love when I feel like this and I embrace these days with enthusiasm and passion. It makes for a very good life.

Have a wonderful Thursday!
That silver pendant is amazing! Beautifully done.I can only imagine what size his hand saw was.
Your embroidery is wonderful. I never knew embroidery could be done with a 3-d effect. I think it will make a beautiful wall hanging when you are finished. The detail in the embroidery is amazing.
Another sunny but very chilly day here. We can't complain looking at the poor folks back East and seeing what a long, cold, ice and snow Winter they have had. Stay warm!
 

Attachments

#9,927 ·
This and That

I got started on a new projects yesterday. This one is going to be fun.

The project is mainly geared for painters, but will be suitable for everyone. It is one that I am doing for the "Painting With Friends" group and is inspired by Terrye French. I love having the opportunity to work with Terrye on these projects because working with another really helps us think in different directions. Even though Keith is my partner, he and I don't collaborate on designs (at least we haven't to this point) and we work pretty much independently. I don't think that it is a bad thing at all, as we really do things so differently and we each have our own way of designing and creating. Perhaps in the future we will attempt making something together, but for now we are good doing things just the way we are doing them now.

But having another creative input is uplifting and helps us to think in new directions. I usually receive a rough sketch of what Terrye is thinking and it is enough to get me started in a direction that I probably would have never ventured. Usually I 'sit on' the drawings for a while and see what I can come up with. I take the time to allow my ideas to gel and settle on the direction of the project and by the time I am ready to implement it, it flows pretty easily. At least that is how it has been. This is only my third Painting With Friends collaboration and it seems to be working out that way.

I am going to be working with wood in this project as well as trying out some fabric. Many painters like a fabric called "Roc-Lon" which is a thicker type of fabric used for lining draperies. Painters like it because it is weather-resistant and can be cut easily and accepts different types of paint very well. Lots of times they will use it for banners and things of that nature that will be displayed outside and exposed to elements. It is available at places like JoAnn Fabrics in the States as well as Artist's Club via mail order.

As usual, I am going to offer some options with this design. Part of the design will be a candle mat, but that will coordinate with the rest of what I was thinking. You will see more of the design tomorrow, I promise.

First I base coated the Roc-Lon and then I used some adorable stencils by Laurie Speltz to give the piece a cheerful background. (You can see lots of Laurie's great stencils HERE)

I really love these stencils because there are so many uses for them! I think for woodworkers who feel that can't paint, they are the ticket. I try to choose stencils that are not too specialized for one project. I think that is why I choose Laurie's stencils so often. She has a lot of wonderful "general" designs that can be used in many different applications and give totally different looks depending on how they are used. The background stencils I use are only $5 per sheet and many of them have TWO designs on an 8" x 10" page. Laurie also offers a discount if you buy five or more from this group which brings the price down to $4 per sheet. I think that is very reasonable when you think that you can get up to 10 different patterns for only $20. The time you save from painting the designs by hand alone is worth the money.

For the mat, I cut the piece to size and base coated in a light tan. I then applied the stencil pattern, using a soft complimentary color of green.

Textile Rectangle Yellow Petal Font


I traced my design on the back, and cut it out with scissors:

Cuisine Dish Baked goods Art Ingredient


I will be painting the back of this mat as well, but I have some other things that I want to do first and will do that near the end of the project.

In addition, I made a wooden tray in the same shape out of 1/4" high quality plywood. I painted it similarly.

I am trying to show that you can make these designs using different materials but still have similar results. I have some surprises however in store for the Roc-Lon piece that even the woodworkers may enjoy doing.

You just have to come back and see . . .

So that is where I am at today. While this doesn't look like much yet, it is still quite an interesting project. I would imagine that you could leave the mat "as is" and call it a day and have a pretty and quick item to display. But you all know me better than that, don't you?

I will be continuing to work on this today. I love the excitement of working in many different mediums and adding a little bit of 'this' and a little bit of 'that'. It is fun to thing of all the possibilities!

I hope you all are safe and warm and getting through this unrelenting winter. We are in between storms here in Nova Scotia, with the promise of another one arriving over the weekend.

As for me - I don't mind it one bit. There is always something that I can think of to do and to have fun. It is just a matter of attitude.

I wish you all a wonderful Friday! Have fun and be creative!
 

Attachments

#9,928 ·
This and That

I got started on a new projects yesterday. This one is going to be fun.

The project is mainly geared for painters, but will be suitable for everyone. It is one that I am doing for the "Painting With Friends" group and is inspired by Terrye French. I love having the opportunity to work with Terrye on these projects because working with another really helps us think in different directions. Even though Keith is my partner, he and I don't collaborate on designs (at least we haven't to this point) and we work pretty much independently. I don't think that it is a bad thing at all, as we really do things so differently and we each have our own way of designing and creating. Perhaps in the future we will attempt making something together, but for now we are good doing things just the way we are doing them now.

But having another creative input is uplifting and helps us to think in new directions. I usually receive a rough sketch of what Terrye is thinking and it is enough to get me started in a direction that I probably would have never ventured. Usually I 'sit on' the drawings for a while and see what I can come up with. I take the time to allow my ideas to gel and settle on the direction of the project and by the time I am ready to implement it, it flows pretty easily. At least that is how it has been. This is only my third Painting With Friends collaboration and it seems to be working out that way.

I am going to be working with wood in this project as well as trying out some fabric. Many painters like a fabric called "Roc-Lon" which is a thicker type of fabric used for lining draperies. Painters like it because it is weather-resistant and can be cut easily and accepts different types of paint very well. Lots of times they will use it for banners and things of that nature that will be displayed outside and exposed to elements. It is available at places like JoAnn Fabrics in the States as well as Artist's Club via mail order.

As usual, I am going to offer some options with this design. Part of the design will be a candle mat, but that will coordinate with the rest of what I was thinking. You will see more of the design tomorrow, I promise.

First I base coated the Roc-Lon and then I used some adorable stencils by Laurie Speltz to give the piece a cheerful background. (You can see lots of Laurie's great stencils HERE)

I really love these stencils because there are so many uses for them! I think for woodworkers who feel that can't paint, they are the ticket. I try to choose stencils that are not too specialized for one project. I think that is why I choose Laurie's stencils so often. She has a lot of wonderful "general" designs that can be used in many different applications and give totally different looks depending on how they are used. The background stencils I use are only $5 per sheet and many of them have TWO designs on an 8" x 10" page. Laurie also offers a discount if you buy five or more from this group which brings the price down to $4 per sheet. I think that is very reasonable when you think that you can get up to 10 different patterns for only $20. The time you save from painting the designs by hand alone is worth the money.

For the mat, I cut the piece to size and base coated in a light tan. I then applied the stencil pattern, using a soft complimentary color of green.

Textile Rectangle Yellow Petal Font


I traced my design on the back, and cut it out with scissors:

Cuisine Dish Baked goods Art Ingredient


I will be painting the back of this mat as well, but I have some other things that I want to do first and will do that near the end of the project.

In addition, I made a wooden tray in the same shape out of 1/4" high quality plywood. I painted it similarly.

I am trying to show that you can make these designs using different materials but still have similar results. I have some surprises however in store for the Roc-Lon piece that even the woodworkers may enjoy doing.

You just have to come back and see . . .

So that is where I am at today. While this doesn't look like much yet, it is still quite an interesting project. I would imagine that you could leave the mat "as is" and call it a day and have a pretty and quick item to display. But you all know me better than that, don't you?

I will be continuing to work on this today. I love the excitement of working in many different mediums and adding a little bit of 'this' and a little bit of 'that'. It is fun to thing of all the possibilities!

I hope you all are safe and warm and getting through this unrelenting winter. We are in between storms here in Nova Scotia, with the promise of another one arriving over the weekend.

As for me - I don't mind it one bit. There is always something that I can think of to do and to have fun. It is just a matter of attitude.

I wish you all a wonderful Friday! Have fun and be creative!
Diversity is a virtue. Have a gr8 weekend
 

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#9,932 ·
Wonderful Gifts from a Dear Friend

Today is going to be a very busy, but fun day! I worked yesterday on my new project and got much of the base things done on it and today is the "fun" part of letting my brushes fly and make it into something special. I hope to have things close to being 'finished' by the end of the day - at least to a certain point.

Our 'work day' was cut a bit short yesterday because we went to Keith's moms for an incredible lobster dinner. Keith's sweet auntie Dorothy is visiting for a couple of weeks and it was a wonderful 'excuse' to indulge and have a great dinner and visit. Keith's mom makes the BEST potato salad and besides feasting on lobster, we had that as well. It was an awesome treat and I was thrilled when I was handed an extra lobster "to go" for today, as well as some of the left over salad. I will certainly be eating good this weekend!

After dinner we had a nice long visit and stayed there late. It was a very pleasant day and a welcome diversion from the tons of snow we have been having. I can't even say that I mind that though, as it is very pretty and we are fortunate enough not to have the bitter cold that has been plaguing other areas. For me, it is enjoyable to have all kinds of weather, as I will also find something to keep me busy.

I also wanted to show you a gift that I received from my very dear friend Leldon earlier this week. Leldon and I have been friends for over 15 years now, and I hope to see him in Saratoga Springs this March. It has been many years since I have seen him although we are always talking and keeping up with each other. Leldon also helps Keith and I by proofreading our woodworking patterns for us. It is great to have another set of eyes look over the designs. I have mentioned him many times before and he is a wonderful woodworker and designer in his own rite.

Anyway, earlier this week I received this BEAUTIFUL end grain cutting board from Leldon!

Wood Rectangle Flooring Road surface Floor


It is absolutely STUNNING in person and I sorely needed one. The wood just looks beautiful and it is by far the nicest cutting board that I ever had!

Wood Office supplies Rectangle Flooring Floor


Not only that . . . Leldon also sent a smaller yet equally beautiful cutting board for Keith's mom! He know how much she means to us and he wanted to send her a little something for Christmas. Isn't that just so kind of him??

Rectangle Wood Table Flooring Publication


Her board is made of hickory and walnut and is the perfect size for her.

Brown Wood Rectangle Gesture Table


I am so fortunate to have such wonderful people in my life. Of course, Keith's mom was thrilled with the board. She will enjoy using it very much, I think!

I just love my creative friends and family. Even though life can be hard sometimes, it is wonderful to be surrounded by so many kind, talented and caring people. Focusing on the good really makes our days brighter and happier.

Here is what is on my table for me to work on today:

Table Circle Fashion accessory Pattern Paper


You can probably figure out by now that it has something to do with "Easter." It is going to be a lot of fun to play with it and I can't wait to see how it comes out.

Stay tuned and have a wonderful Saturday!

Today's Featured Project


Human body Picture frame Font Wood Art


SLDK179 Classic Collection Heart Basket by Keith Fenton
 

Attachments

#9,933 ·
Wonderful Gifts from a Dear Friend

Today is going to be a very busy, but fun day! I worked yesterday on my new project and got much of the base things done on it and today is the "fun" part of letting my brushes fly and make it into something special. I hope to have things close to being 'finished' by the end of the day - at least to a certain point.

Our 'work day' was cut a bit short yesterday because we went to Keith's moms for an incredible lobster dinner. Keith's sweet auntie Dorothy is visiting for a couple of weeks and it was a wonderful 'excuse' to indulge and have a great dinner and visit. Keith's mom makes the BEST potato salad and besides feasting on lobster, we had that as well. It was an awesome treat and I was thrilled when I was handed an extra lobster "to go" for today, as well as some of the left over salad. I will certainly be eating good this weekend!

After dinner we had a nice long visit and stayed there late. It was a very pleasant day and a welcome diversion from the tons of snow we have been having. I can't even say that I mind that though, as it is very pretty and we are fortunate enough not to have the bitter cold that has been plaguing other areas. For me, it is enjoyable to have all kinds of weather, as I will also find something to keep me busy.

I also wanted to show you a gift that I received from my very dear friend Leldon earlier this week. Leldon and I have been friends for over 15 years now, and I hope to see him in Saratoga Springs this March. It has been many years since I have seen him although we are always talking and keeping up with each other. Leldon also helps Keith and I by proofreading our woodworking patterns for us. It is great to have another set of eyes look over the designs. I have mentioned him many times before and he is a wonderful woodworker and designer in his own rite.

Anyway, earlier this week I received this BEAUTIFUL end grain cutting board from Leldon!

Wood Rectangle Flooring Road surface Floor


It is absolutely STUNNING in person and I sorely needed one. The wood just looks beautiful and it is by far the nicest cutting board that I ever had!

Wood Office supplies Rectangle Flooring Floor


Not only that . . . Leldon also sent a smaller yet equally beautiful cutting board for Keith's mom! He know how much she means to us and he wanted to send her a little something for Christmas. Isn't that just so kind of him??

Rectangle Wood Table Flooring Publication


Her board is made of hickory and walnut and is the perfect size for her.

Brown Wood Rectangle Gesture Table


I am so fortunate to have such wonderful people in my life. Of course, Keith's mom was thrilled with the board. She will enjoy using it very much, I think!

I just love my creative friends and family. Even though life can be hard sometimes, it is wonderful to be surrounded by so many kind, talented and caring people. Focusing on the good really makes our days brighter and happier.

Here is what is on my table for me to work on today:

Table Circle Fashion accessory Pattern Paper


You can probably figure out by now that it has something to do with "Easter." It is going to be a lot of fun to play with it and I can't wait to see how it comes out.

Stay tuned and have a wonderful Saturday!

Today's Featured Project


Human body Picture frame Font Wood Art


SLDK179 Classic Collection Heart Basket by Keith Fenton
Thanks for your journal entry for today. I'm glad you got to visit and spend a restful evening dining on the fine foods of your area. Sheila, although you get lots of snow, yours is dry. In the southern USA ours is wet, icy and just a d**n mess. Traffic is snarled because of the hills.
Keith, that basket is exquisite! Anyone obtaining one will certainly want to show it off and brag about how they came to have such finery. Thanks y'all
 

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#9,939 ·
A Busy Week Ahead

I can't believe that after getting up on time, it seems I am already running late! (It is just after 8am as I am writing, and so much to do today!) I spent the morning catching up on emails and so forth, as I took a day (partially) away from the computer yesterday to have a little break and accomplish some things. It is a constant batter for me between staying connected and getting actual things done. I find that it can be so easy to spend the entire day 'visiting' with customers and friends on the computer, and I need to take note of things and allow myself only a certain amount of time. Otherwise, nothing new will get done.

The weekend was full and fun, as always. I actually finished my new project for Painting With Friends yesterday morning. For those that don't know - "Painting With Friends" is a group of collaborating artists that work with the very talented Terrye French in creating fun and whimsical painting pattern packets. (You can visit the Painting With Friends blogspot and see the wonderful array of work at http://paintingwithfriends.blogspot.ca/)

I often get questions how it works, so I will explain it to you so you understand. Terrye is a very prolific designer, and has many more ideas than she has time to implement them. She send sketches to those of us who are in the Painting With Friends group and we use her sketches as a spring board for how we would finish the designs and work them into pattern packets. We are given the freedom to do just about ANYTHING we want with them, and this makes our projects fun and unique. Since there are many different designers with very different styles and personalities, the ideas are always fresh and fun. We split the proceeds from the patterns with Terrye and everyone benefits - Us, Terrye and the painters! It is a very fun system and I love being part of it.

I have been asked several times why I participate when I have so many ideas of my own already. I like to answer with the reason that it helps me explore an area of art that I don't really specialize in and expand my own abilities. Many of you know that I enjoy painting realistic paintings. I find that fun and whimsical designs such as Terrye's are relaxing and I enjoy doing them a great deal. Painting With Friends is perfect for me and gives my own designing a new dimension. I still do designs on my own, but I like to do designs for the group as well.

This is my third design for the group. It is a cute candle tray/mat that can be painted on wood or done in Roc-Lon fabric for those who don't cut wood. I am sure that those of you who read often know how I love doing candle trays. I thought that since I offer the basic wood piece to paint as a candle mat, I may as well make some more designs that use the piece. I like cutting wood pieces from time to time and I spend a day a week or so filling orders for pieces. This is a nice change for me and allows me to spend some extra time at the saw.

In any case, here is a picture of the tray. This one is done in 1/4" plywood:

Drinkware Cup Dishware Wax Candle


Textile Pink Dishware Creative arts Drinkware


And here is the counterpart, done in Roc-Lon fabric. Roc-Lon is intended for drapery lining, and painters have found it to be wonderful for painting. The edges don't fray at all and it can be cut to any shape. The painting surface is textured somewhat like canvas, and it is weather resistant so it makes great banners and things that go outdoors. This was the first time I painted on it and found it to be a dream to work with. I think it is a great alternative for wood and for those who don't have access to a woodcutter or who don't cut their own wood, it is wonderful.

The mat came out really cute.

Drinkware Cup Candle Serveware Table


And since the Roc-Lon was fabric, I decided to do a simple blanket stitch on the edges and around the candle for some added interest and texture. Of course the stitching can be painted as with the wooden tray, but I liked the idea of sewing it on. It only took me about an hour or so to do it, and I love the results.

White Pink Creative arts Rectangle Dishware


I spent the rest of the day working on my embroidery sampler. I made progress on the second panel and I am for the most part happy with the results. I had finished the stumpwork Penstemon flowers last week:

Flower Plant Botany Petal Textile


Flower Plant Textile Petal Creative arts


And yesterday, worked on my Wood Poppies:

Flower Petal Creative arts Plant Art


The pink Erica flowers are next up, as well as the little honeybee. I get an hour or so in the evening to work on them when I am done for the day, and I am enjoying the learning experience.

Today I am cutting some wood orders to be mailed out tomorrow. I am also going to be beginning to draw my next scroll sawing project. I have a wonderful idea for an Easter project that hopefully will come out nice. I have been thinking about the construction of it and figuring it out while I was doing these other things and I think it should work out well.

Always so much to do! But what a fun life it is!

I hope you all have a wonderful week. We still have piles of snow here, with rumors of more to come. It doesn't bother me though, as I am happy with so much here to keep me busy and creative.

Happy Monday to you all!
 

Attachments

#9,940 ·
A Busy Week Ahead

I can't believe that after getting up on time, it seems I am already running late! (It is just after 8am as I am writing, and so much to do today!) I spent the morning catching up on emails and so forth, as I took a day (partially) away from the computer yesterday to have a little break and accomplish some things. It is a constant batter for me between staying connected and getting actual things done. I find that it can be so easy to spend the entire day 'visiting' with customers and friends on the computer, and I need to take note of things and allow myself only a certain amount of time. Otherwise, nothing new will get done.

The weekend was full and fun, as always. I actually finished my new project for Painting With Friends yesterday morning. For those that don't know - "Painting With Friends" is a group of collaborating artists that work with the very talented Terrye French in creating fun and whimsical painting pattern packets. (You can visit the Painting With Friends blogspot and see the wonderful array of work at http://paintingwithfriends.blogspot.ca/)

I often get questions how it works, so I will explain it to you so you understand. Terrye is a very prolific designer, and has many more ideas than she has time to implement them. She send sketches to those of us who are in the Painting With Friends group and we use her sketches as a spring board for how we would finish the designs and work them into pattern packets. We are given the freedom to do just about ANYTHING we want with them, and this makes our projects fun and unique. Since there are many different designers with very different styles and personalities, the ideas are always fresh and fun. We split the proceeds from the patterns with Terrye and everyone benefits - Us, Terrye and the painters! It is a very fun system and I love being part of it.

I have been asked several times why I participate when I have so many ideas of my own already. I like to answer with the reason that it helps me explore an area of art that I don't really specialize in and expand my own abilities. Many of you know that I enjoy painting realistic paintings. I find that fun and whimsical designs such as Terrye's are relaxing and I enjoy doing them a great deal. Painting With Friends is perfect for me and gives my own designing a new dimension. I still do designs on my own, but I like to do designs for the group as well.

This is my third design for the group. It is a cute candle tray/mat that can be painted on wood or done in Roc-Lon fabric for those who don't cut wood. I am sure that those of you who read often know how I love doing candle trays. I thought that since I offer the basic wood piece to paint as a candle mat, I may as well make some more designs that use the piece. I like cutting wood pieces from time to time and I spend a day a week or so filling orders for pieces. This is a nice change for me and allows me to spend some extra time at the saw.

In any case, here is a picture of the tray. This one is done in 1/4" plywood:

Drinkware Cup Dishware Wax Candle


Textile Pink Dishware Creative arts Drinkware


And here is the counterpart, done in Roc-Lon fabric. Roc-Lon is intended for drapery lining, and painters have found it to be wonderful for painting. The edges don't fray at all and it can be cut to any shape. The painting surface is textured somewhat like canvas, and it is weather resistant so it makes great banners and things that go outdoors. This was the first time I painted on it and found it to be a dream to work with. I think it is a great alternative for wood and for those who don't have access to a woodcutter or who don't cut their own wood, it is wonderful.

The mat came out really cute.

Drinkware Cup Candle Serveware Table


And since the Roc-Lon was fabric, I decided to do a simple blanket stitch on the edges and around the candle for some added interest and texture. Of course the stitching can be painted as with the wooden tray, but I liked the idea of sewing it on. It only took me about an hour or so to do it, and I love the results.

White Pink Creative arts Rectangle Dishware


I spent the rest of the day working on my embroidery sampler. I made progress on the second panel and I am for the most part happy with the results. I had finished the stumpwork Penstemon flowers last week:

Flower Plant Botany Petal Textile


Flower Plant Textile Petal Creative arts


And yesterday, worked on my Wood Poppies:

Flower Petal Creative arts Plant Art


The pink Erica flowers are next up, as well as the little honeybee. I get an hour or so in the evening to work on them when I am done for the day, and I am enjoying the learning experience.

Today I am cutting some wood orders to be mailed out tomorrow. I am also going to be beginning to draw my next scroll sawing project. I have a wonderful idea for an Easter project that hopefully will come out nice. I have been thinking about the construction of it and figuring it out while I was doing these other things and I think it should work out well.

Always so much to do! But what a fun life it is!

I hope you all have a wonderful week. We still have piles of snow here, with rumors of more to come. It doesn't bother me though, as I am happy with so much here to keep me busy and creative.

Happy Monday to you all!
Your creativity is endless. Have a good week
 

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