If you want info on a craft or can offer info post here.

[beautifultemptress]

Hi I thought it would be a good idea if anyone who does crafts could give advice and tips to others who are interested in trying out a new craft. I do the following crafts,

Sterling silver jewellery
Soaps,
Candles,
Modeling,
Mould making,
Plaster casting,
Pottery,
Mosaics,
Water colour painting,
Oil painting,
Drawing,
Woodcarving,
Woodworking,
Sewing

So if anyone would like any hints and tips on the above, or you'd like to know what is involved in starting up in a craft just post a message here. And if anyone else would like to offer help and advice please post on here too.

Thanks

Jen

[designedbyfrances]

What a range, obviously a very busy lady :)

I might give you a shout regarding soaps & candles if I ever get the chance to give it a go.

[beautifultemptress]

Hi frances

I don't do them all the time. I tend to have a faze where I do one thing more than the others.

[glennis77]

If anyone wants any pointers in the Card making direction, I will be only too pleased to offer my help.
I do most aspects including
Embossing
Rubber stamping
Decoupage
Chalks
Sizzix
Watercolours (But only limited)
Well if it will go on a card, I generally have had a go at it put it that way lol

[noraya]

Hi everyone,

I do modelling, miniature scenery and buildings. I recently started doing plaster and stone casting. I have been collecting moulds. Yesterday I bought a mould for cherubs and I am a little confused on how to use it. The instructions say use Ceramofix, I checked this out and it is a casting powder. I thought I should be able to use stone or plaster casting powder instead. Upon inspection of the mould it is in 2 parts that fit together and you pour in the casting mixture. The problem is that the mould does not seal around the edges and there is no tube to allow the mixture to be poured in. My question is has anyone used Ceramofix? Is it possible to substitute stone or plaster? What is the best way to seal around the 2 parts of a mould to stop the mixture escaping?

[beautifultemptress]

Hi noraya

I have never used a 2 part mould so my ideas might be worthless. But could you use plastacine to seal the edges? Also could you use a funel to pour in the plaster or is there absolutely no hole in the mould? If there is no hole perhaps you need to cast it in two parts then stick them together. I'd need to see a pic of the mould to come up with any better suggestions.

Also have you tried to see if the company who made it has a website?

As for using plaster instead I'd have thought you could. But perhaps you ought to test a small amount of the plaster in the mould to make sure it'll come out.

Sorry I'm not much help.

[noraya]

Hi, Thanks for your response.

While I was waiting I thought I would try and seal it with masking tape and use a funnel (good suggestion). I waited till the plaster started to thicken as I thought it would be less likely to leak. Unfortunately it didnt work, it leaked everywhere. I quickly got some other moulds and poured it into them so I didnt waste it all. I have an awful mess on my work table at the moment.

I also found I couldnt get the air bubbles out of the mixture, there were loads!!. I did check the website but it wasnt any help.

I usually use latex or rubber moulds, I bought this one because I like plaster cherubs and thought it might be good to make some to sell for xmas.

Thanks for your reply. The plasticine is a good idea, I did think I could use clay but it would have to go between the two pieces and then they wouldnt fit together properly. I thought of casting the two halves separately but it dosent look like it will work as they are not flat. The maker of the mould is eberhard faber.

[beautifultemptress]

Hi noraya

Can you post a pick of the mould on here or direct me to the website if it has a pic? Is it hard plastic? If so you should be able to pick up some mini clamps made from plastic (or try clothes pegs). You could seal the edges with plastacine or bluetac then clamp it together. Or, if the sides are straight, you could use the plastic strips that are used to seal re usable vac bags and hold paper together along with the blue tac.

A great way of making sure the plaster goes into all the small gaps, if you haven't already figured it out yourself, is to submerge laytex moulds in water. Then shake off the excess and pour the plaster straight in.

Let me know how you get on and I'll try and come up with some more ideas for you.

[aries458]

Hi Noraya! I read your post and may be able to give a few ideas.
When mixing plaster, always measure the amount of water then sift the plaster into it, there are usually the amounts of plaster to water listed on the package.
As for bubbles in the plaster:
Mix your plaster slowly so as to not introduce air. If bubbles appear, tap the mould, it will bring the air bubbles trapped to the top and you can smoothe them out before the plaster sets.
I pour plaster moulds for my wheel throwing for large items and that's how I do it.
As for leaks, plumbers putty rolled into thin lengths and pressed around the spaces where the mould joins together will help prevent leakage. You may also need a mould rubber band. I work with plaster moulds and casting slip so I am assuming it works the same way.
Hope this helps :D

[aries458]

If anyone need help with:
paper making, Soap making, mixing your own perfumes with essential oils, printing, pottery,glazing,glaze recipes, kiln repair, firing, design ideas for pottery, horse hair pottery and other areas of pottery making just ask and I'll try to help as much as possible :D

[helymojo]

If anyone need help with:
paper making, Soap making, mixing your own perfumes with essential oils, printing, pottery,glazing,glaze recipes, kiln repair, firing, design ideas for pottery, horse hair pottery and other areas of pottery making just ask and I'll try to help as much as possible :D

Ooh aries you gonna get sick of me!!, :lol:

i do paper making but only the basic kind, would love to learn more about it!

and soap making!!

have bought some clay but it is still in my "to do cupboard" waiting for inspiration!! :lol:

[beautifultemptress]

Hi Aries I'd love some info on paper making if thats ok.

[shelly2]

Hi everyone,

I do embroidery but can't make clothes very well yet, I learnt to knit when I was four but keep that for cold winter evenings.
I love painting, watercolour mostly that's about it really, but I am interested in candles, soap, mosaics..

If anyone has the time to explain about the basics of card making I would be very grateful... I've always wanted to make cards, I have tried on the computer :roll: but I would prefer to make them by hand..
I haven't got a clue where to start..

[glennis77]

Hi there Shelly2

What exactly do you want to know?
Do you want to know the basics of rubber stamping (which I warn you now is addictive and you won't stop there!) or simple layering of card or paper on card,
Give me a clue and I will help if I can.
As a start to basic card making, I would advise you get 2 or 3 sheets of good cardstock, a couple of papers you really like, good glue or double sided tape, 1 or 2 sheets of Peel-Offs and just sit down and play!
Try cutting the card and paper in different sized rectangles and lay them one on top of the other so it looks like you have 2 or 3 borders around the centre piece. Put a Peel-Off you like in the centre of the smallest piece and when you are happy with the design, stick them all down onto your card. If you feel it's not enough, colour in the Peel-Off with ordinary pencils, or water colours. (Later we can discuss the merits of Stamping, embossing, glittering etc. haha)
You don't have to be particularly good at art, just look at cards in shops to get ideas. Your creativity is locked away in your head, it just needs unleashing!
Remember, you don't have to have a lot to start, but it will grow, believe me!
There are NEVER mistakes made in crafting, just because it didn't quite go the way you planned the 1st time, take it to pieces and put it on differently. Or use it on another piece another time!

Good luck!

[aries458]

Hi Aries I'd love some info on paper making if thats ok.
Hi Beautifultemptress :D
I was trying to get together a few directions on various catagories to post. Maybe it can spark some interests in some crafts/art.
I love your painting! Did you do it? (your avatar/pic) I have some great projects you may be interested in too for paper making :D


Ooh aries you gonna get sick of me!!,

i do paper making but only the basic kind, would love to learn more about it!

and soap making!!

have bought some clay but it is still in my "to do cupboard" waiting for inspiration!!
Hi Hely!
OOOOO! You have clay just sitting there? Break it out and I'll give you a few projects you can do in your kitchen. You don't need a huge area for it :D
I'm going to break out my paper making recipies and post some with some projects....I'll get them on here within a couple of days. Firing the kiln and pounding out pots so my energy level is wiped by the time I can get on here... :(
Anyone can PM me if they like :D

[aries458]

I had to post this...please forgive me....I entered my daughter's art in the county fair here monday...she didn't want me to, thinking it was ugly (aren't we our own worst critics of our art? :D )
I took a peek yesterday after the judging, the fair isn't open yet to the public until today....
Well, she won first place blue ribbon!!! :D :D
I am sooo proud of her!
Just bragging...sorry folks...

[beautifultemptress]

Hi Aries thats great about your daughters art work winning. She must be very talented.

I'd love any info on paper making you can give me. It's something I have always fancied doing but never gotten round to it.

My avatar is one I painted myself. There are two other pics I swap it with that I painted as well.

I wish I could afford a kiln. I love pottery but it's too expensive so I have to stick to cheper crafts at the moment.

[aries458]

Hi Aries thats great about your daughters art work winning. She must be very talented.

I'd love any info on paper making you can give me. It's something I have always fancied doing but never gotten round to it.

My avatar is one I painted myself. There are two other pics I swap it with that I painted as well.

I wish I could afford a kiln. I love pottery but it's too expensive so I have to stick to cheper crafts at the moment.If you entered the County fair here with your paintings, you'd surly win first place! It's wonderful!
I'm putting some ideas on my word program because this stupid ISP drops off in the middle of my posting sometimes... :(
As far as pottery, do you have a ceramic studio near your place? Sometimes they will rent out kiln time to the public, also schools will do the same. Look into it. You don't need a wheel or slab roller either. You can coil pots, which are more favorable to shoppes because they have a wonderful look, and you can make great plates and trays using a rolling pin and kitchen table! I started out by making wall pouches in a travel trailer! Easy to make and you can decorate them any way you like...OOOOO...now I have to write on "pottery in the home, without a wheel". I'll see what I can come up with.

[shelly2]

Hi Aries,

That is brilliant I bet you are proud! it's a good confidence boost when something like that happens, Does your daughter know yet? :D

glennis,

When I mean basics I wasn't kidding :roll: :lol:
what weight card?
what is sissix?
are peel offs the sticky back shapes?

When the card is folded, do you use anything to flatten the creases? because I always had trouble trying to get it the right shape & not twisted..

Thanks

[beautifultemptress]

If you entered the County fair here with your paintings, you'd surly win first place! It's wonderful!
I'm all embarrassed now :oops: :D .

Has your daughter discovered she's won yet? I bet she's delighted isn't she? You ought to post it on here so we can all see how brilliant it is.

I am actually going to try and do a pottery course this September if it's still running. It's at a local college. I went for two years a while ago and made loads of mugs and stuff, most of which have been dropped :( . I left as the teacher wouldn't show me how to do slip casting but then a week or so later he taught someone else how to do it.

Still I don't care even if it is the same teacher as I'll just teach myself stuff. Still I'd mainly be making mugs on the wheel. The best mug I ever made I gave away as a birthday present.

What is the horse hair pottery that you do? Also do you only use essential oils in your perfumes or do you make it from petals. I always used to try to make perfume when I was little with hot water and rose petals but it never worked.

[flyght-of-fantasy]

Hi everyone!

I too am a rubber stamper/card maker as well as indulging in clay, cross stitch (very rarely), glass etching, candle making, metal embossing, paper making, and various other things that I can't even think of now LOL.

I have my own room in the house that is dedicated entirely to my crafty stuff, although it tends to migrate to other rooms in the house, much to the hubby's disgust!

I also have my own line of embossing powders which I sell verrrrry cheap as compared to the stores! I'll be posting some on ebid soon, I'm just waiting for some kilos I ordered to come in!

I'm on a card-making group on yahoo called Creative Cards, it's an international group. We have over 1000 members and everyone there is wonderfully nice and we love to trade tips and techniques. The group does generate TONS of email though! We also have a swap group so that you can share your creations with others in the group.

Shelly... for folding creases you can get a special tool called a bone folder, or a Lace folding tool (that's 'lah-say' with an accent on the e but I'm too lazy to figure out how to do the accent thingy lol).

Sizzix is a die cutting machine with special dies that cut shapes from your cardstock/paper. You can check out the dies and other products available @ www.sizzix.com.


Valerie

[aries458]

Has your daughter discovered she's won yet? I bet she's delighted isn't she? You ought to post it on here so we can all see how brilliant it is.
I told her, she didn't believe me at first. I found out she won first place over all ceramic catagories :D I'm proud as a button. Went to the fair last night, but they just closed off the art section when I arrived. I'll have to go down tonight with my daughter and her kids. I want to see the look on her face. She needed the boost, was feeling down about herself lately.

I am actually going to try and do a pottery course this September if it's still running. It's at a local college. I went for two years a while ago and made loads of mugs and stuff, most of which have been dropped :( . I left as the teacher wouldn't show me how to do slip casting but then a week or so later he taught someone else how to do it.
I'll give you some recipes on here for a simple slip mix. It's easy, inexpensive and you can do it yourself without teachers :D

Still I don't care even if it is the same teacher as I'll just teach myself stuff. Still I'd mainly be making mugs on the wheel. The best mug I ever made I gave away as a birthday present.
You can still do pottery. If the college is near you, I'm sure they would let you put pieces in you make with the students pieces. Ours does here. If you are a student, then make as much as you can to get your £££ worth :D

What is the horse hair pottery that you do?
I use a smoothe clay for horse hair pottery. Then apply a clay by-product called terra sigilatta, it acts as a binder/glaze. Fire your pieces to a bisque, then re-fire them with the terra sig. I open the kiln at about 700 degrees (american measurements) and pull the pieces one at a time, out with raku prongs. The horse hair is applied to the piece when it's hot. The hair burns off, but the image of the burned area remains. It smells, but looks great! Another thing I'll heve to get pics of on here.
Also do you only use essential oils in your perfumes or do you make it from petals. I always used to try to make perfume when I was little with hot water and rose petals but it never worked
Most essential oils are steamed through something that looks more like a still...LOL
I had one (home made) but everyone thought I was making hooch!...LOL

[glennis77]

Hi there Shelly2,

Ok let's take your queries 1 by 1! :lol:

My personal preffered weight of card is 210gsm up to 300gsm. The heavier the weight, the harder it is to fold though.
For basic layering (which I described before) though I do use 160gsm so it doesn't make the front of the card "top heavy"

Sizzix is a die cutting machine that gives you ready made shapes to stick on the front of your cards. You don't have to go to the expense of buying one though, as many folk (including me) sell the shapes in packs for you! They give you the opportunity to make very simple cards as well as more involved ones. (More involved meaning you stick 2 or 3 shapes on instead of 1 :lol: joke)

Peel-offs are self-adhesive metallic outlines of pictures and words. You literally peel them off the backing sheet and stick 'em on! Simple, but oh, so effective!

To fold card so it doesn't buckle I find, if you put it down on something flat, then match your corners, put your finger in the centre of the edges and run it to the centre of where it will fold, press down and then keeping one hand one the free edges so they don't move, run your finger along to each edge from the centre, it is more precise.
You can use a bone folder, as has been advised.......obviously the right tool for the job etc, but I find that the straight edge of the plastic handle of my craft scissors gives me a good edge when I can't find the right tool!

If you have satellite TV watch the craft shows on QVC and Ideal World and Creat And Craft (channels 630, 635 & 695 respectively) You will pick up tips and inspiration very quickly. I suggest you by smaller packs than they offer to start with though, as it can get expensive!

Hope all that helps! Give a yell if you want any more info!

[AthenaNI]

My hobbies are......

surface embroidery
cross stitch
whitework
cutwork
hardanger
candlewicking
patchwork and quilting
knitting
crochet
latch hooking
ribbon weaving
rag dolls.

On the last one, the rag dolls, I make the rag dolls to order. I can transfer a photograph to the dolls face. These make very nice presents for Christenings, grandparents etc.

Hopefully in the next few weeks I'll have my personal website up and running with my work displayed on it.

[aries458]

My hobbies are......

surface embroidery
cross stitch
whitework
cutwork
hardanger
candlewicking
patchwork and quilting
knitting
crochet
latch hooking
ribbon weaving
rag dolls.

On the last one, the rag dolls, I make the rag dolls to order. I can transfer a photograph to the dolls face. These make very nice presents for Christenings, grandparents etc.

Hopefully in the next few weeks I'll have my personal website up and running with my work displayed on it.
Hi Jan! That's great! I would like to learn more about quilting. When you get you site going, be sure to let us know! :D

[busylizziecrafts]

Hi everyone

My hobbies are:

cross stitch
machine embroidery
knitting
patchwork
gardening (I've got my own allotment)

My interest in cross stitch has lead me to setting up my own website selling discounted kits and charts, I also sell kits and charts on eBid.

I quite fancy having a go at candle making one day.....

[gazlannathai]

Hi everyone,

Upon inspection of the mould it is in 2 parts that fit together and you pour in the casting mixture. The problem is that the mould does not seal around the edges and there is no tube to allow the mixture to be poured in. .... What is the best way to seal around the 2 parts of a mould to stop the mixture escaping?

Hi Noraya
There are several ways to do this depending on the volume of castings you'll be making.
For low volume, simply cut two pieces of hardboard to the same size as the side of the mound - put one each side and hold them there with rubber bands - it's a simple method that's quick to apply and remove and I use it when manufacturing the lures in my profile photo - they use a two stage casting involving molten lead and liquid polyesther resin - never have spillage from the lead, and only if I mess up the wire shaft positioning do I get leaks from the resin.
You may need to replace the rubber bands every few weeks - they dont seem to like being in contact with other rubbers - but they're easy enough to buy or collect.

Regards
Gaz

[SimonTemplar01]

Hello,everyone...anyone!
I have recently started dabbling with modelling clay. I have just completed my second figure ( in a running pose) and I would like to make a mould so I can make a copy for my friend.

I have lots of questions, firstly I have used air drying modelling clay, is this the right stuff (it seems to have dried ok). I was thinking of making a laytex mould for it, does the model need to be sealed first ( maybe with PVA glue ?) and then covered in talc or vasaline ?
when removing the laytex, around legs extra, will I need to break the model ?
Having got a mould how do I then use it, whats best to use plaster, plastic resin ?

told you it was alot of questions, any advice would be gratefully received.

Cheers. The saint

[celticqueen]

Hi, I paint on silk, make wooden jig saw puzzles,stone plaques,airbrushing,wooden mobiles, etc.... but I don,t know how to sell.All these crafts are relatively easy, but you need to splash out on a good jig saw for the wooden stuff.about £40 sterling.or if you think about airbrushing you need a compressor and an airbrush, which can be expensive. I am new to ebid, this is my first go at the forum although I am a seasoned ebayer. I agree with many of you about ebay fees , they are losing a lot of sellers with their greedy policies.

[buttons-and-bows]

Hi, I paint on silk, make wooden jig saw puzzles,stone plaques,airbrushing,wooden mobiles, etc.... but I don,t know how to sell.All these crafts are relatively easy, but you need to splash out on a good jig saw for the wooden stuff.about £40 sterling.or if you think about airbrushing you need a compressor and an airbrush, which can be expensive. I am new to ebid, this is my first go at the forum although I am a seasoned ebayer. I agree with many of you about ebay fees , they are losing a lot of sellers with their greedy policies.
Hi first thing to think about is, what is the lowest price you are willing to take for your item, when you have worked that out ( as it is what you may end up getting for it ) then list it at that price.
If you need any help there are some forums above that are help / support sections and you can post there and one of us will help you.
Welcome to ebid, nice to have you here.

[geckocards]

hi, i make cards, greeting cards and wedding stationery, and would be glad to help anyone with any questions they may have. i also have lots experience in knitting and embroidery but dont do them any more. i really enjoy all crafts, i do lots of cake making/decorating, and i've just bought a latex mould and decided to start making garden ornaments to sell. My daughter makes wedding tiaras and my sister is a dressmaker so i think it must run in the family. so anyone with questions on just about anything will be welcome

[BuyersDelights]

Hi to anyone interested
here is a great uk craft forum http://www.craftsforum.co.uk/index.php
well worth joining
just take a look

cc

[Lovetosell]

;) My hobby is machine knitting, I use a brother electronic 950 with garter carriage and a chunky brother 260 punchcard machine, both have ribbers. I would be pleased to help.:)

[kengillam]

For art advice I'll try and help :)

[celticqueen]

Hi, everybody. I restore old picture frames (when I can get hold of them ) using gold leaf sheets.It's fiddly but very rewarding.What about a space to write a review of how to do your crafty things ?Gazza, are you listening?:)

[tompkins40]

Hi -

My DD does fine art at college - and makes and sells some lovely unique pieces of jewellery - has had some in art galleries too.

She really wants to do a silversmith course - if anyone knows of one in the North/central London area, or Essex, please could you let me know.

Also - does anyone know how long such courses are likely to be - and costs etc.

thanks!

T40

[stampsulove]

Hi. My name is frank and I can offer advice on mounting unmounted rubber stamps as well as using rubber stamps for card making, collage work, polymer clay,fabrics etc I can also find out answers for pottery, clay work, glass painting,etc as my sister is a lecturer in arts and crafts at a local college just send a message

[auntysally]

Hi

Mostly I make embellishments for cards, make cards, do scrapbooking, encaustic art, beading, designing stamps, lots and lots of other things as well! i love playing with shrink plastic and also polymer clay!

[madelaine]

Frank, What do you use rubber stamps for with polymer clay, please?

[dracoiratus]

My DD does fine art at college - and makes and sells some lovely unique pieces of jewellery - has had some in art galleries too.

She really wants to do a silversmith course - if anyone knows of one in the North/central London area, or Essex, please could you let me know.

Also - does anyone know how long such courses are likely to be - and costs etc.

thanks!

T40

Hi Tompkins, It's not in the area you were asking for, but the Birmingham School of Jewellery does summer classes throughout the summer holidays. A few years ago I took various courses including Jewellery Making - Beginners (5 days) and Stonesetting - Beginners (5 days). There were all great courses and very well taught. If your DD could find somewhere cheap to stay for the duration (YHA maybe) then I would recommend them as a great starter.

For more info and to see this years brochure go to this page: http://www.biad.bcu.ac.uk/courses/short.htm#short_jewellery and then scroll down to the link to the Jewellery Short Courses pdf. For this year both the courses I took are £395 and you do have a list of tools you need to provide as well, although if you don't have them then you can pick them up locally as the School is in the Jewellery Quarter which is full of shops selling everything you could need.

She may be too late to sign up for some of the classes this year, places do go quite quickly, but it can't hurt to look.

BTW the guy who takes the Jewellery Making Beginners class, Carton Campbell, is absolutely brilliant.

[Indigo4]

Hi all,
I'm into photography and glass fusing jewellery

Auntsally, how the devil do you make anything with polymer clay, I saw it, thought yes i can make stuff with that, spent about £120 on products...took it home and after a frustrated week it's now sitting in a shoe box ready to be thrown out! SOOOO Difficult.

Also is there any one in London who can make porcelain jewellery, I'm desperate to learn it and can't find any courses...

Also trying to make stuff with precious metal clay but it's so damn expensive I'm scared to take it out of the packet...!

Melissa :D

[Indigo4]

forgot to ask..does anyone know of any cheap companies that print photographs and turn them into greetings cards, (in London/UK)
thanks v much
Mel