Jewelry Designer

Can I just tell you how completely thrilled I am to introduce you to Maria Goti Joyas?! Her jewelry is uber amazing and she is ridiculously talented. Check out a few of her pieces throughout this posting, but be sure to check out her other sites as well.....every single piece is stunning. I'm humbled that Maria is willing to let us in on her life, inspiration, creativity and artistry.

Q: Tell us a bit about yourself
A: My name is María, I’m 25 and I live in a little town in the north coast of Spain called Navia. I studied jewelry and gemology for 3 years in the European Center of Gemology and Jewelry at Oviedo’s University. I’ve been working in my own workshop since I finished my jewelry studies designing and creating my own jewelry line. I do every piece one to one by hand, from the melting to its finish. I mainly work with silver because I love the variety of finishes, textures and contrasts I can create with it, combining it with gold, copper, pearls and natural gemstones. I love natural gemstones, especially raw and druzy. What I like the most is working with one of a kind and unique pieces.

Zen Garden

Create your own Zen Garden with House of Hepworths.

Level: Beginner

Time:  Less than an hour, easy!

Topic: Housewares

Materials Needed:Shallow glass dish or bowl
bag of polished stones filler
three 5" white or cream candles
twine

This is such an easy display to put together, but it has such a huge impact! I found my glass dish from goodwill, but I've seen them at Michaels and Hobby Lobby.

Tin Earrings

Constance, from Studio C Jewelry & Gifts has a wonderful Tin Earring tutorial for us today! Be sure to check out her beautiful items in her Etsy store here ....or next time you're in Baltimore go visit her shop at 4337 Harford Road, Baltimore, MD 21214!

How to Make Tin Earrings

Level: Intermediate

Time: Expect 1-4 hours

Topic: Jewelry

List of Ingredients:

Gloves

Tin Snips

Eye Protection

Oval and Round Plastic Templates

Various Pliers (Flat Nose, Padded)

Files

Tin Item (Plate, Canister, Tray, etc.)

Spray Cleaner

Paper Towels

Lint Roller

Sharpie Pen – fine point

Settings

Jewelry Findings

All of the above items can be found at your local hardware store, office supply store and on Etsy.

Step 1: Safety First!  Tin tends to produce lots of tiny splinters and shards, so wear protection!! 

Step 2: Clean the tin with the spray cleaner and paper towel, dry off before marking with Sharpie.

Step 3: Using your template, choose a design on the tin and mark your oval and/or circle with the Sharpie pen. 

Step 4: With the tin snips (I’m right handed, so I’m using the “go-left” snips that work for right hands – there are left-handed tin snips as well) cut through the tin and work as closely to the black line of the pen as possible.  Just so you know, some tin is really difficult to cut as it can be pretty thick and can be a bit painful.  Canisters are usually thinner than trays.

Step 5: Clean up any tin shards or splinters with the lint roller.

Step 6: Cut and file the tin to fit into the lace setting.

Step 7: Pull back the lace loop where you want it to hang from the earring finding and also where you might want to place a bead (though this step is optional).

Step 8: With the tin now in the setting, use the pliers in a closed position (hold them closed) to push the lace down over the tin without pushing it all the way down.  Use the padded pliers to crimp the lace on top of the tin.

Step 9: Open the loop on the earrings (I’m using leverbacks, but any earring finding will do) and place the tin on the finding and close the loop.

Step 10: If you are placing a dangle at the bottom, like I did, thread a bead onto a headpin and then loop it around the lace loop and wind it closed.

Step 11: File off any sharp spots from the setting, you’ll be able to feel the roughness with your fingertips.

 Final Step: Wear & Enjoy!

Repurposed Frames

Frames have been quite our theme lately, right?! Well, I adore frames and the various projects we can create! Shannon from Bless Our Nest has been gracious to visit us again....just can't get enough Shannon, right?! Seriously, check out this post and then head over to Bless Our Nest...super great content!

I also have been thinking we need another giveaway soon....right????!!! Please include in your comments what kind of giveaway you'd like to see (Dream big, but don't get your hopes up too much!).......AND HERE'S SHANNON....

Re-purposing Old Frames

Level: Beginner

Time: Expect 1 hour or less

Topic: Houseware

How do you like these beautiful pictures from the 1970's that my Grandmother gave me? I'm sure you are very jealous!

I knew I could do something with them, I just didn't know what. I thought about it for a couple of weeks and decided I needed something beside our bed. I had thought about printing out something that said "His" and "Hers" and then hanging them on each side of the bed but that just wasn't working.

Chalkboard Coat Rack

I'm Becky from Liberate Creativity. I'm honored to be visiting you all today! Two things you should know about me before I continue....

1. I'm constantly looking for updates and creative ways to spice up the norm

2. I'm addicted to chapstick


Wanna meet me?????



Okay, okay, this isn't a photo of me, but it just so happens to be a photo of my fav person in the entire world - my Gramama! Isn't she BEAUTIFUL???????
She's the woman who gifted me with my creativity and personality so wouldn't you prefer to see a photo of her way more than me????? Of course!!!!! Okay.....let's get on with this tutorial....

Distressed Wood Frame

Hello!  My name is Abby, and I have a little blog called “Artist for Hire”.  I really enjoy all things arts and crafts, and I also have a huge love of photography.  You will often find me chasing my two children around with my camera!  Today I want share a tutorial on how to create a distressed finish on a wooden frame.  A perfect place for all those photos!

Level:  Beginner

Time to Complete:  2 hours (including drying time)

Topics:  Painting techniques

Picture Frame Chalkboard

We're thrilled to have Laura & David from We Design Studios here today to let us embrace in some creativity! Let the fun begin!!!!!



Okay, maybe a better idea of what David & Laura look like!

 Picture Frame Chalkboard

Level: Beginner

Time: About one hour (plus 24-hours for drying)

Topic: Home Accessories

Hello! I’m Laura from WE Design Studios, a design and art education company dedicated to bringing out the creative genius in everyone! While recently re-designing my studio work space I repurposed an old mirror into a chalkboard so I could jot down notes and to-do lists. It was super easy to make. Today I will show you how you can make one using old picture frames.

Here’s what you need to get started:

1. A picture frame or mirror with a nice decorative frame (I got this one for $10 at an antique shop!)
2. Painter’s tape

3. Chalk
4. Newspaper
5. Glass cleaner

6. Chalkboard spray paint  (Note: You can also use the kind that comes in a can and is applied by brushing. I find the spray version coats more evenly. Both can be found at a hardware store.)

Step 1: Using glass cleaner and a rag or paper towel, wipe down your picture frame glass or mirror. Make sure the surface is clean and clear of any debris. The surface should be as smo <!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->oth as possible when you apply the chalkboard paint.

Step 2: Apply painter’s tape to the inside edge of the frame. Be sure to cover the entire frame but keep the glass exposed.

Step 3: Find a well-ventilated area to apply the chalkboard paint. Lay down newspaper to protect your frame from scratches and the ground below from the chalkboard paint. Outside is an ideal option.

Step 4: Place your frame or mirror on the newspaper and begin to apply the chalkboard paint. Be sure to read and follow the directions on the paint can. You usually need to shake the can vigorously for two minutes before spraying. Test out the paint by spraying on the newspaper before applying it to the glass.

Step 5: After 15 minutes apply a second coat of chalkboard paint.

Note: It is normal for the chalkboard paint to initially be reflective and glossy. Once it dries it will have the opaque, flat quality of a chalkboard. Just be patient!

Step 6: Allow the chalkboard paint to dry for 24 hours before using. Your particular paint may call for more or less time. Follow the paint label instructions.

Step 7: Once the chalkboard is completely dry prime the surface by rubbing the entire writing area with the broad side of a piece of chalk. Then erase the surface. Doing this will prevent permanent chalk marks from forming on the chalkboard.

Step 8: You now have your very own picture frame/mirror chalkboard. If you have left over chalkboard paint you can get creative and see what else you can make into a chalk board. Enjoy!

Thanks to We Design Studios for visiting....please be sure to check them out often and share with your friends!

The WINNER of the FUZZY NOGGIN PATTERNS!

Thanks to http://www.random.org/ for choosing the winner of our latest giveaway.

Evoors - You're the winner! I will email you with contact info to receive your prize!

Keep checking back for more inspiration of creative projects and of course, more giveaways!

-Beck

Dining Room Chalkboard

Do you have the same obsession that I do? If it's stalking scrolling through Shannon's blog, Bless Our Nest then we have one more thing in common! I soak in so much inspiration from her tutorials and ideas it's unreal. I'm thankful she's taken the time to come over and share  a tutorial with us today! I have an unhealthy love for chalkboard paint, so this tutorial is right up my alley! Thanks Shannon for feeding into my obsession, now I have to go buy another can of paint! Enjoy getting inspired!


Level: Beginner
Time: 1-4 hours, depending on skill level

Topic: Housewares, Repurpose, Furniture

I was completely inspired by Miss Mustard Seed's dining room chalkboard. I never would have thought to put a chalkboard in the dining room but hers looked great so I decided to try it. I'm so glad I did!

St. Paddy's Day Banner

Hi, I'm Kalleen and I blog over at Second Street. I'm a mother of four who loves making my house a home. I've always loved to create and design, doing it for my family in my home keeps me sane.


I especially like celebrating any and all holidays and wanted to share a how I made our St. Paddy's banner with you.  

These banners are super simple. It only took me about 20 minutes to make this one.

*No cricut was used in the making of this banner.

Here is how I made them:

First I cut large circles from card stock, one for each letter (mine are 4-1/2").

Then I cut circles the same size from tissue paper ( I had four layers of tissue paper).

Finally I cut and a third circle a couple inches smaller with a letter printed on it.

(I printed the letters on the card stock first then cut them out).

* I used a circle cutter to make it go fast, but you can trace bowls and such.

Scrunch all your tissue paper circles up into a ball, then smooth it out again into a flat circle.

Next I put applied glue to my first layer.

Then I placed my tissue paper on top and twisted the middle into a spiral. I did this by pinching the middle and twisting the paper. You don't need to glue each layer of tissue paper down twisting the paper will hold it all together.

I glued the top circle into place. I cut slits with a razor blade on each side, about an inch in from the sides. Then I strung ribbon through each slit.

That's it!

Richly Ruffled Dress

I'm ecstatic to have Jenn from A Jennuine Life today to offer a super duper fab tutorial! Be sure to check her out on her site and show her some Liberate Creativity Love! Come back soon Jenn!

Richly Ruffled Dress

Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Time to complete: Depends on ability, but you'll have fun doing it!

Topic: Clothing, Children, Sewing

Pattern Giveway from The Fuzzy Noggin

Adrienne from The Fuzzy Noggin is joining us today to throw some creative inspiration our way! Be sure to read the whole interview, as she's been kind enough to do a something special for our readers....

Q: Tell us a bit about yourself.
A: I am a 33 year old stay at home mom of 4 kids (8, 6, 4 & 2), enough said. No but seriously, my day is filled with all things that pertain to having kids and running a household, it is very glamorous. I drink way too much Dr. Pepper and don't work out nearly as much as I should. I love all things crafts and get such enjoyment out of seeing something transform from nothing to something! I have knit for about 8 years and crocheted for only about 2 years, but once I started to crochet I could not stop. I love blogging and I think I may be the last person on earth still not on Facebook.

Q: What events and/or people have led you to become an artist?
A: I have always loved art. My brothers were very artistic and I wanted to keep up with them. I took a lot of art classes in high school and college and actually started out as a dance major (but it was way too time consuming so I switched degrees). Anyway I have always created things mostly just for my own pleasure. I see something and wonder if I could make it, and usually it doesn't turn out too bad. So anyway as far as my crochet patterns go, one day I saw this adorable hat on a little girl and I looked at it closely and realized it was not knit so it must be crochet. I did not know how to crochet so I went and bought an "I Taught Myself to Crochet" kit, watched some video tutorials on Youtube and before I knew it I was crocheting. Not long after that a friend of mine asked if I could make a monkey hat for her little girl. I could not find any patterns I really liked so after a few trials and errors I came up with my own. I put the pattern for sale on Etsy and it was a hit. Since then I have not been able to create all the patterns in my head fast enough.

Q: How do you come up with your creative ideas?
A: I find inspiration everywhere...changing fashion trends, hats my kids want, holidays, different yarns and textures, colors, requests etc.

Q: What’s your quirkiest attribute?
A: I am a bit OCD about organization. It drives me NUTS when things are out of place. I used to have dinner plates in 4 different colors (4 plates of each color) and I would make my husband put them away in the cabinet in sets of 2 and in the correct color order. It is much easier for him now that all of the plates are white. Just typing this makes me realize I have issues.

Q: What would you say to someone who says they aren’t creative?
A: I hear this all the time and I don't buy it. My response is always the same...you will never know how creative you are until you actually TRY to create something.

Q: Where are your items available for sale?
A: Etsy, Ravelry, & Annie's Attic (on their website as well as their catalog)

Q: What project/s do you currently have on your plate?
A: I want to branch out from just hats, although I do have like 5 hat patterns in my head right now. I want to do some leg warmers, bags, and a couple of other accessory type things.

Adrienne has been kind enough to offer our readers a GIVEAWAY from her Etsy store, The Fuzzy Noggin! Check out The Fuzzy Noggin and comment at the bottom of this post sharing which is your FAV pattern in her store! Every comment will be an entry to Adrienne's giveaway for 2 FREE PATTERNS! HOT DOG!!! Comments will be accepted until Monday, March 14th. Be sure to include your email address so I can easily contact the winner.

Shamrock Button Shirt

Hi, I'm Valerie from Occasionally Crafty!  On my blog, you'll find fun projects for home decor, clothing, accessories, and more.  Today I'm going to show you how to make a cute St. Patrick's day shirt.  I know it's coming up quick, but seriously, this only took me a little over an hour to whip up!  And the great thing is, you can adapt this idea, using different shapes, for any holiday!


Level: Beginner
Time to Complete: Expect less than an hour
Topic: Clothing, Children & Sewing

Materials needed:
Shirt
Shamrock template (see below)
Green buttons- various sizes
Needle and coordinating thread, embroidery floss, or glue (if you don't sew)


Directions:
1.  Cut out your shamrock template to use on your shirt.  I traced a clipart image. You can print out mine by right-clicking on the image below, then save it to your computer, resize as necessary, and print.  Or just trace your own!

2.  Trace your shamrock onto your shirt.  (Shh---I used a pencil because I knew it would be covered up, but if that makes you nervous- go for the disappearing ink fabric marker from the craft store).

3.  Determine placement of your buttons.  I only had two sizes of buttons, so I had to adjust from my template a little.  

4.  Hand stitch each button to the shirt.  This is EASY but a little time consuming.  What worked best for me was to put a tiny dot of hot glue on the back of the button and press it into place.  Then, after all the buttons were adhered where I wanted them, I used a needle and embroidery floss to attach the buttons to the shirt.  Hot glue will not hold up in the wash, so this makes them secure.  Feel free to experiment with fabric glue and such if you don't want to sew!

5.  Put it on your little lass and let her dance around the yard.  Or snuggle by the heater if it's still cold where you live :)

Thanks for having me here today!  Have a happy St. Patrick's Day, and I hope to see you all around my blog soon!