Back engraving is available on these products for an additional fee. Click on the images to be taken to the listings. The breastfeeding necklace is available with or without the pearl. Coming soon to my Etsy shop. 🙂
I’m posting and dashing this evening. I’m desperately trying to catch up all while having a family vacation. The studio is still closed but the computer seems to be my constant companion when I can steal away a moment here and there. Off to work on my overdue newsletter…
Last week the fam & I had the privilege of attending the 2014 Maine Fiber Frolic. It’s been on our list of shows to check out for a few years now, but the timing has never lined up. We love Maine and love a chance to go visit, and this year we just so happened to be in Portland on the same weekend of the show. So we drove the hour and ten minutes out to the Windsor fairgrounds to check it out.
The show was absolutely charming. Totally chill and laid back like I would expect in Maine. It wasn’t at all as big as I had imagined, and I say this in a good way. As much as we love to immerse ourselves in the thousands of folk at Rhinebeck, We’ve always enjoyed a slower paced laid back show where we are free to take our time and linger looking at animals, exhibitors & vendors without feeling like we’re in the way.
Of course I enjoyed the fleece sale barn the most with the food vendors being a close second. 🙂
The family was in agreement – Stone Fox Farm Creamery is the *best* ice cream we have ever tasted – and best of all no egg, which my children are allergic.
Making friends with the goats – oh how I wish I could have these little darlings!
Although I did not get a ton of fleece this show (The NH Show was just in May and I came home with 6 big bags of fleece and roving from that one) I did nab 2 bags of raw merino to play around with. I love a challenge especially when it means I can get my hands on Merino at bargain basement prices. 🙂 Takes a little more elbow grease on my part but I love to see the progress from a dirty fleece to a clean one. 🙂
If we happen to be in Maine same time next year, we will certainly be checking out the show again!
Pearl option in silver (click to be taken to listing)
A customer recently asked me if I could do a pearl instead of a Swarovski crystal for her flower child’s necklace order. I had some 4mm freshwater pearls on hand, and I loved the result so much I decided to add it as a permanent option for both silver & gold versions of this product. Now added on the website and coming soon to Etsy (my Etsy shop is closed as I am currently travelling).
pearl option gold (click to view listing)
As an aside, I get asked every now and then if the blanks I use are black. What you are seeing here is the reflection of the camera lens. Often the glare is so bad on these very shiny blanks I cannot capture the detail in the engraving. Often times the best way to take a clear picture of the engraving is to have the reflection of the camera lens absorb the light. So in the closeups this is why sometimes the blanks look black. My photography skills leave much to be desired, I know. 😉 I try to post several photos to help best represent the piece so always browse through them all to get an overall feel for the product. Photos are so flat and one dimensional they do not do my work justice. I think most – if not all – online sellers are feeling my pain, here. 🙂
Last weekend, my family & I attended the New Hampshire Sheep & Wool Festival in Deerfield, New Hampshire. This is our 4th year in a row attending the festival, and has become a tradition that we spend Mother’s Day weekend at the show. We saw many furry friends, but my absolute fave was Praxis, a white alpaca who posed for pictures for me. If you look closely it looks like he is smiling. 🙂
Praxis before haircutPraxis after haircut (love that they kept his mohawk :))
In all I came home with 6 bags of wool: 5 raw to be processed from the fleece sale & 1 bag of roving of various colors. I think this year I am most excited to find a supplier of some (new to me) acid dyes courtesy of the good folk at Contented Butterfly Farm.
I had to rearrange the dye cupboard to make these fit – 13 new colors I am “dying” (ha ha) to try… 🙂oh la la crimp… 🙂
April 2014’s newsletter is now archived. You can view it by clicking on the above link. Look like something that interests you? I do a giveaway every month, and only put out one newsletter per month.
Sign up for the newsletter here. Cancel anytime. As always, my humble & sincere thanks for your support & interest in what I do…
My husband & children got me the USM (Ultimate Sweater Machine) by Bond America for my birthday this year. I have been researching and going back & forth as to whether or not to buy this tool for a couple years now. During a recent trip to Vermont, my husband, armed with a Michael’s 40% off one item coupon was determined to get me one. He found it at AC Moore, and did you know they will accept Michael’s coupons?? I’m so glad he inquired because Michael’s wasn’t carrying it and AC Moore had no great coupons that week.
The USM is a hobby knitting board, that is mostly made of plastic, which I admit was a turn-off for me at first, but you can’t deny that it’s affordable. I wanted a way to use up some yarn I’ve had laying around for quite some time that is perfectly fine but not all that exciting to me for hand knitting. I figured a knitting machine would help me make some simple projects in minutes thus helping me diminish the stash more quickly. The USM basically comprises of a plastic board with metal needles, a plastic carriage with 4 different keyplates for different sizes of yarn, clamps for attaching it to a table & a weighted hem. It also comes with an instructional DVD and pattern book, practice skein of yarn, as well as a few other small accessories like wax, hooks, etc. Some assembly is required but it is relatively quick and straight forward.
Here’s some tips beyond those mentioned in the DVD that I found helped me:
– After getting the board set up, do watch not only the DVD included but any and all videos you can find on YouTube. I find that watching how different people do the same activity helps me decide the best approach for me. This is actually how I learned to knit and crochet by hand. On Bond America’s YouTube channel, they have some really informative videos by expert knitter Vicki Howell. Her videos ultimately led me to success using the USM, as well helped me develop my own approach to learning, which I think is the key to anyone’s success.
– The cast on, followed by the first several rows, is the hardest. I found using waste yarn (WY) really helped, as I did not have to worry so much for these rows to be perfect. I also found casting-on with the needles completely pushed in, as Vicki Howell explains in her Tips for Casting on and First Row video way easier than lining it up the way indicated in the instructions.
– You will hear this over and over, but the right kind of table is key. Flat, solid surface with no lip or rounded edges. The USM does come with a non-slip mat for use with incompatible tables temporarily, but you will thank yourself to have the board securely anchored. Nothing like the board flipping forward or sliding away from you when you are trying to master the movement.
– Wax the keyplate really well. Like redundantly well, at least in the beginning. It says to only wax these 2 raised diagonal center pieces but once I waxed all raised middle pieces I found the cartridge would slide like butter.
– Before casting on, do run your finger across the hem to make sure it is snugly against the board and not in the way of your cartridge. Many times that I could not get the cartridge to glide along smoothly was simply because the hem was in the way.
– You don’t want to press down with a lot of pressure on the cartridge. Gliding it across the board is a firm, steady motion and many times you can slide it along with very little to no pressure whatsoever. I found concentrating the weight of the tips of my fingers toward the back of the cartridge helped, with the grip itself very light. It takes a bit to get the even pressure needed from start to finish. I found it really easy to drop stitches if I didn’t get firm, steady pressure from one end to the other.
– If you find like I did that you struggle with using every needle, try every other needle or even every second needle to start. As soon as I spaced out the needles I found I was gliding along smoothly. It was also very easy to see where I dropped stitches, usually consistently in the same place row after row, so then I knew where I would have to work on applying even pressure in these areas. Now that I have a feel for the USM, I have no problem using every needle and rarely drop a stitch.
– Work on a small area, with just a few needles rather than trying to use the whole board at first (ask me how I know this? ;)).
– Do use the yarn that comes in with the USM for practice. I have yet to try handspun on the USM but it seems that any smooth yarn will work. I think it would easily snag on bumpy or frilly yarns, like a bouclé, and definitely would not take any yarn with inclusions.
Once you get the hang of it and start knitting rows in seconds, you kind of get a little giddy, and the possibilities start racing in your head. I would never give up hand knitting, as it is a process that I enjoy, but hey, if you want the satisfaction of a quick project, I can see how this would become very addictive.
I found the tips on the DVD incredibly helpful and have not included them all here. But all in all, despite a small learning curve, I am impressed with what this little hobby board can do. I look forward to trying handspun on it, and I’ll report my success (or failure) on that in a later post.
Do you have a Bond USM or thinking of buying one? Questions, comments or tips? I’d love to hear from you…leave a message in the comments. 🙂
This time of year, you can frequently find a ladybug or two in our house. I thought, what better time to (re)lauch my ladybug necklace: old & new design.
Custom Engraved Lady Bug Necklace Gold: Personalized with Initial – bb3.ca
This is the original ladybug necklace (one of my best sellers), but with a fresh new look. I changed the chain to a gold-plated ball, and a new fresh font called “curlz modern”. The unfortunate thing is, my supplier is no longer carrying these pendants and I have had no luck finding them elsewhere. I have a limited quantity left, and once they are gone, this design will be retired.
Originally designed for kids, the necklace currently comes in 14 and 16 inch chain, but longer chain is on the way making this piece suitable not just for kids but for adults as well.
Personalized Lady Bug Necklace Silver – bb3.ca
The new design features an enameled ladybug pendant. These are wonderfully colorful and already available in chain length from 14 inch to 20 inch. On silver plated ball chain, and the engraving on a 15mm silver plated brass disk.
Which design do you like best, the gold or the silver? I’d love to hear from you in the comments… 🙂
I stumbled upon Purple Cat Designs while looking for a large case that could hold all my knitting needles & crochet hooks. I was absolutely sold on the pattern (it was called, “knit or die”! ;)), and the case itself did not disappoint. Very well made & easily fit all my needles, even the extra large ones. Now Elina who hails from Vancouver, Canada has changed her focus entirely to designing the most delightful children’s clothing. Read on to find out more about the new products, how the clothes are sustainable and why the switch to making children’s clothing…
How long have you been sewing?
I learned to sew when I was probably 6 or 7. First came hand sewing and making doll clothes, then at 9 or so I learned to use the sewing machine. I made myself a summer dress when I was 11, and have been sewing regularly ever since.
Floral Sleeveless Tunic, size 3T by Purple Cat Designs
What made you start creating children’s clothing?
I opened my Etsy shop in 2009. I started selling knitted gloves and scarves – I love knitting, and I was running out of people to knit for…
Then, in 2011, my son was born. Over the past year or so I’ve become increasingly frustrated with commercial children’s clothing. Most of the little boys’ clothes in the stores are dark blue, grey and brown! My boy loves colourful things, so I started to sew clothing for him using bright colours and fun designs, and little by little other parents started to comment on his clothing and place orders.
Dino Raglan T-shirt, Size 2T by Purple Cat Designs
What inspires your designs?
The more I talk to other parents the more obvious it is that I’m not alone in this frustration on kids’ clothing. One source of irritation to many of us is the overly gender-specific clothing. Boys aren’t supposed to wear anything that’s pink or purple, or otherwise pretty. Girls aren’t supposed to wear anything cool. I want to give options to those kids who love pink as well as construction machines, whether they’re boys or girls.
Most designs on the clothing are inspired by my son and his interests. Spending time with him, I’ve learned to look at the world around me on a different way. He notices the colourful leaves in the fall and flowers in the summer, and the construction sites all year round.
I’m also inspired to make sustainable clothing, that’s why I use recycled materials. I hope that my son will still have a planet to live on when he’s 50.
Vines T-shirt Size 3T by Purple Cat Designs
What are your favorite pieces to make/creations you have made? I’m especially happy with the cement mixer shirts and the dinosaurs. I have several more cut and waiting to be sewn. I also made a monster truck as a custom order, and I think I’ll need to make more of those!
Mushrooms Long Sleeved Hooded T-shirt, size 2T by Purple Cat Designs
Where do you sell your work?
Only on Etsy for now. I’ll be at local craft fairs here in Vancouver in the fall.
Flowers Long-sleeved Hooded T-shirt, size 2T by Purple Cat Designs
Do you accept custom work?
Absolutely! The monster truck was a great challenge, and I’m always open to requests and ideas.
Puddle Jumping Raglan T-shirt, 3T by Purple Cat Designs
Do you love Elina’s philosophy and aesthetic as much as I do? Be sure to visit Elina’s etsy shop to see more available clothing. Be sure to like her Facebook page to keep up to date with new products & happenings.
Are you an artist inspired? I’m looking to share your story here and in my monthly newsletter. Inspire me; inspire others! E-mail me or leave a comment below to be considered. All you need is an online presence (blog, website, Etsy shop, etc.) so that the international audience the internet attracts can get to know you & your product better. This is my contribution to the handmade/artist community, & I am honored to do so! Look forward to hearing from you…
I don’t know why it took me so long to merge the jewelry making with knitting accessories. It was about a year ago that I looked down at my knitting with the usual plastic craft store stitch markers and thought, “hmmmm….I bet I could make something prettier, and less hard to lose”. Not long after that knitting bling was born & I cannot churn the ideas for these out fast enough. They are such a cute little accessory for your knitting/crochet. If you spend a ton of time at these activities like I do, why not have something sparkly, fun & useful at hand?
More designs will be on their way in the future. I have a few in conceptual stage, as well as more engraved and personalized designs, which I would like to expand on more. How about your own monogrammed stitch markers?? Oh la la… 🙂
If there is any design or variation you’d like to see, leave a comment below…
I discovered Nicole’s Etsy shop back when my now 5 and 6 year old were baby & toddler, while searching for the perfect light weight sun hat. I was so impressed by her design aesthetic as well as fun & stylish fabrics. Soon came diaper holders and the life saving wet bags; all have proven invaluable over the years even now with my girls being 2.5, 5 & 6. In fact I am over due for a new purchase, I think I may have to get a crayon holder or two, as I can attest to Nana Browns durability and innovative design. Best of all: handmade in Canada!
Nana Browns sun hat circa 2010
how long have you been creating with fabric?
I have been designing and sewing for at least 20 years. It is my favourite form of creative expression and it always makes me feel connected to the women that have shared their knowledge with me over the years.
waterproof zippered wet bag by Nana Browns
what made you start creating with fabric?
Probably my grandmothers were the biggest influence. They were always sewing something when I was growing up. Quilts, doll clothes, special dresses – anything that they could imagine. I loved everything that they made and wanted to know how to make things of my own.
crayon wallet by Nana Browns
what inspires your designs?
My daughter is my biggest inspiration. She is 7 and her imagination is boundless. She does not believe in “can’t” so if she can imagine it she figures that mom can make it for her.
I am also inspired by the world around me. Colours, textures, the shades and depth in a sunrise or sunset …….
baby bib technicolor mushrooms by Nana Browns
What are your favorite pieces to make/creations you have made?
I LOVE to make things for my daughter. She is still so thrilled and excited that her Mom made it for her and the pieces I make quickly become her favourites.
I also like to make quilts. They are practical, but can be very beautiful and multi-dimensional depending on the pattern and fabrics used. When I see a quilt it feels like I am making something useful and lasting. I make several quilts every year and donate them to a local hospital for them to use as a fundraiser and I also donate fabric and supplies to a local quilting group that makes quilts for other local charities.
burp cloth bright floral by Nana Brown’s
Where do you sell your work?
I sell my work locally at markets and by word of mouth. I also have a shop on Etsy:
Organic Cotton Flannel Nursing Pads by Nana Browns
Do you accept custom work?
Yes I do accept custom work. I have a lot of fun working with clients to make something wonderful just for them
lavender sachets by Nana Browns
Don’t forget to check out Nana Browns on Etsy, or if you are local to Red Deer keep an eye out for her at local markets & shows.
Are you an artist inspired? I’m looking to share your story here and in my monthly newsletter. Inspire me; inspire others! E-mail me or leave a comment below to be considered. All you need is an online presence (blog, website, Etsy shop, etc.) so that the international audience the internet attracts can get to know you & your product better. This is my contribution to the handmade/artist community, & I am honored to do so! Look forward to hearing from you…
I’m really excited about these new fonts and keepsake necklaces, that I wanted to open up my monthly newsletter giveaway to the world wide web. Spring is just around the corner and since the bunny rabbit is a universal symbol for Easter I am drawing for one lucky winner!
Check out these new and revamped designs and leave a comment to have a chance to win one!
In an earlier post I talked about the addition of new engraving fonts this year, & that I would be adding or re-vamping some products. Here’s a run-down of 2 products now available.
I did a re-vamp of my Child’s Personalized Flower necklace. One of my best sellers, I felt it needed a face lift of sorts, & the new curlz text is a playful double line font which gives this piece the fresh new look I was hoping for.
Personalized with 1 initial & paired with your choice of Swarovski crystal birthstone color, the sterling silver chain comes in not just 14 inch child length but 16 & 18 inch as well. This piece could easily be enjoyed by a teen or young adult.
Also new is the addition of gold:
Sadly when I did my inventory counts back in January my supplier is not carrying the flower blanks anymore. Once I go through this wholesale lot, this design will be retired.
I’ve had this idea on paper for awhile now and I’m really happy with the finished product. It’s a keepsake necklace with your choice of charm, 1 or 2 initials, & type of curlz font (modern or vintage). I have butterfly, bunny, turtle & teddy bear in a culinary grade pewter charm. All are available in both silver & gold except for the bunny which is currently only available in silver. The necklace comes in a variety of sizes from child to adult thus can be enjoyed by all.
This collection is too cute for words & to welcome spring I have a giveaway for the month of March for the bunny option. Simply fill out this form to enter. I’m taking entrants until March 31st, 2014.
Here’s a quick run down of both the curlz fonts:
The curlz modern is brand new to me. The curlz vintage however, is a very old set that I obtained a few years ago, used. I don’t know what it is actually called, but since it is the same size and has a similar flow to the curlz font I just purchased, it only seemed natural to called it curlz vintage. 🙂
Don’t forget to enter the March giveaway of a personalized bunny necklace. And if you happen upon this post after the 31st, don’t despair. Simply leave a comment below of your favorite necklace, and I’ll draw for a random winner every time we hit 25 comments (from 25 unique visitors). That gives you a 1 in 25 chance of winning! Once we reach 25 comments & I draw a winner, I’ll announce it here and put a new comment so the fun can start all over again. 🙂
You know that feeling, when you know exactly what would be perfect to make your life easier but you have neither the time or the know how to make it yourself, & you wonder if you can even find it for sale if you go searching? When I started scouring Etsy for the perfect little pouches to store my knitting/crochet needles while traveling, Jessy Austin from Knotted Strings…and Beady Things seemed to be reading my mind.
Knitting Needle Fabric Storage/Travel Cases – Set of 6 – Polka Party by Knotted Strings…and Beady Things
Aren’t these just darling? Not to mention practical! I was so stoked when I contacted Jessy & she was able to ship these to me in Canada. When received they did not disappoint; exactly what I wanted & they accompany me on our frequent trips. No more misplaced needles/hooks, nor the need to bring the entire needle/crochet case.
I thought this was such a brilliant idea, I asked Jessy if she would do an artist spotlight for the blog. Not only did she agree, she generously offered to do a giveaway, as well. 🙂 Intrigued? Read on…
Knitting Needle Fabric Storage/Travel Cases – Set of 3 – Pink Polka by Knotted Strings…and Beady Things
How long have you been creating?
Honestly, as long as I can remember! My mom always claims she isn’t “artsy-craftsy,” but I have clear memories of her encouraging my sister and I in our creations and being a great teacher for basic crafting skills. My dad has always written poetry, my grandad was a musician, and both of my grandmothers dabbled in crafty pursuits….I guess it’s in my blood! =}
Knitting Needle/Crochet Hook Fabric Storage/Travel Cases – Set of 6 – Cheetah by Knotted Strings…and Beady Things
What made you start creating?
My first crafting memory is of making salt dough ornaments for Christmas gifts for our family….mainly because we had no money to buy anything! =} Most of my creative passions have started as necessity. I wanted new, trendy clothes in high school, but couldn’t afford them, so I worked on my sewing skills. I needed gift bags and cards for gifts after I moved out on my own, but didn’t have any money (this was before there was a Dollar Tree on every corner) so I started making them. I wanted special gifts for the new babies in our family, so I learned to crochet and, much later, to knit. I also love to give gifts and am very thrifty, so making the things I give is both fun and, usually, affordable.
Girl’s Striped Crochet Scarf by Knotted Strings…and Beady Things
What inspires your designs?
Everything! It can be something as simple as a flower or color. Other times, it’s the feeling inspired by a song or person. I’ve learned the most important part of retaining that idea is to write it down!! There have been too many lines of poetry or knitting chart designs that have just fallen out of my brain when I didn’t jot them down.
Natural Sea Glass Charm by Knotted Strings…and beady Things
What are your favorite pieces to make/creations you have made?
Most of my craft projects are gifts, so there have been only a few that I didn’t thoroughly enjoy making and giving. For myself, I love making shawls, scarves, socks…in fact, I have a pair of socks on my needles right now! For sale, I enjoy pairing fabrics for my needles/hook travel cases and creating beaded stitch markers and earrings…there are must so many possibilities!
Go Natural Stitch Markers – Set of 8 – Blue/Natural by Knotted Strings…and Beady Things
Where do you sell your work?
Most of my sales are from my etsy shop, Knotted Strings and Beady Things. I also have a few knit & crochet patterns available on Ravelry – with many more just waiting to be made presentable to the crafting community! =}
Striped Cup Sleeve by Knotted Strings…and Beady Things
Do you accept custom work?
I certainly do! I’m always happy to talk to someone about their idea and help bring it to life!
Gray Glass Bead Earrings by Knotted Strings…and Beady Things
***GIVEAWAY***
Leave a comment on this post, and we’ll randomly draw for a winner to choose a product of their choice from Jessy’s shop (up to $10 value BUT – if we can get 50 comments, as in 50 unique visitors I’ll be happy to make up the difference for any item you want in her shop if over $10). Note that like most blogs I get my share of spam, so moderation may be on when you comment, but rest assured I will approve them tout de suite. 🙂
We’ll take entries until March 12th, 2014…so feel free to share far & wide to get those comment up there to qualify for the bigger prize. 🙂
A sincere thanks to Jessy, and be sure to check her work out on:
Thanks again all! I had a lot of fun doing this and enjoyed all your comments. I hope to host more giveaways on the blog in the future. 🙂
Are you an artist inspired? I’m looking to share your story here and in my monthly newsletter. Inspire me; inspire others! E-mail me or leave a comment below to be considered. All you need is an online presence (blog, website, Etsy shop, etc.) so that the international audience the internet attracts can get to know you & your product better. This is my contribution to the handmade/artist community, & I am honored to do so! Look forward to hearing from you…
Would you like to host a giveaway on creativity inspired? I’d love to hear from you for your very own post, or feel free to leave your giveaway in the comments here if you are hosting your very own, & I’d be happy to repost it for you. Every little bit helps to get your art/handmade goods in front of admirers, and it is my pleasure to lend a hand.
Click the above image to read January 2014’s newsletter. To subscribe to the current newsletter & thus qualify for the giveaways & sales, subscribe here. It’s only once a month & I will only use your email to send you the newsletter: no spam, & you can unsubscribe at any time.
More handspun confetti yarn has been added to the website. I like to call this light & lofty yarn “confetti” because before I spin the roving, I card it with bits of leftover wool, silk & angelina fibers (for sparkle!). 🙂
One of the first yarns I made & knitted projects from evolved into what is now confetti yarn. Currently it is mostly made up of roving from a small mill in Maine that I re-card adding my own bits of fiber throughout. The dyeing/overall color has to be credited to the mill. Now that I am dyeing my own fleece confetti yarn will most likely evolve into a product designed completely from raw, but that still remains to be seen. So long as I can obtain the base roving at a decent price I’ll continue to buy it. Plus I could never replicate the colors seen here (nor would I try!).
If you enjoy a thick yet light feeling yarn like I do, you would most likely enjoy this series. I love to knit a winter hat or a scarf/cowl with this. It also makes a nice trim for projects. I normally us a US9 knitting needle.
I love to process my fleece from raw but there is something so satisfying about drum carding roving and being able to spin virtually right away. I used to spin this particular roving straight out of the package but I like to spread out the fibers even more on the drum carder as well as add my own flair.
As this is a wool mix and spins up quickly it is one of my least expensive yarns for sale. I can give a sizable discount if bought in person since I do not incur any shipping/packaging fees.
I have spun more yarn than I can ever use so I’m happy to share it for those interested in purchasing it. That said, I’m also happy to squirrel it away & wait for the inspiration to hit for a new knitting project. 🙂
As mentioned in a previous post the studio is open but you will see some favorite customizable products on the website missing. I have 2 new engraving fonts and thus am updating/revamping the missing products. I should have prototypes completed within the week, and barring the need to order in supplies we should see the new and improved products back for sale in about 2 weeks. I’ll reintroduce them one at a time here on the blog once ready, as well as on my newsletter where you can also receive discounts and a chance to win product.
I actually own many fonts for manual engraving, however not all are suited for the kind of engraving I mostly do. I usually do jewelry with one or two letters, or monogram initials, and some of the fonts I have are either too plain or not suited size wise or style wise for either. A couple products I offer now are on the time consuming side as I have to fiddle with the font to get it to look proper for one initial rather than a whole word. A slanted font will look lovely in text, but horrible as a stand alone initial. In this case I need to play with the size and the angle of the blank when I engrave. It’s a skill I certainly can do, but the more time it takes to engrave one piece the more expensive, essentially, the piece becomes. I am committed to offering my products at the best price, but this also means it has to be a fair price for me. I literally time myself when making a piece, and will always continue to look for ways to become more efficient without sacrificing quality. Time is money, as they say…
So here’s a peek at the 2 new fonts I am adding to my collection. The first one is called Curlz. It will replace most of the engraving on the children’s pieces:
It’s a fun font and on the larger template side, so suited for 1 or 2 initials for most of the work I do.
I also obtained an upright script, as I the script I use now is slanted, which as mentioned above needs a bit of play in order to look good as a stand alone letter. An upright script will alleviate the need for measuring and guesswork when engraving one or two initials.
I am also going return the use of the Old English font, especially on personalized bookmarks. I also already own a curlz type font that I am calling curlz vintage. It is very old and a collector’s item to me. It will be another variation available. Be sure to keep an eye out both here on the blog & on the website or sign up for my monthly newsletter & never miss an update on new and improved products. I look forward to sharing them with you!
I have several skeins of natural brown alpaca handspun yarn listed on the website. My first completed batch of alpaca yarn spun from raw. Unlike sheep wool, alpaca does not need to be prepared ahead of time to spin: shear and go! The fiber does not contain any oils and is relatively straight, so it can be easily spun without carding ahead of time. After this batch however, I have decided to give my alpaca a quick soak to remove excess dirt or mud as well as give it one quick round in the drum carder. I found it quite dusty, and find it a huge time savings if I can get most of the fiber going in the same direction. The batch I’m currently working on was pretty muddy underneath, to boot!
This is a 3-ply probably best suited for a US#4 knitting needle. This batch of fiber was obtained from a small producer in Upstate New York. Being alpaca it is on the pricey side, but I can offer a sizable discount if you can buy in person, since I don’t have to incur shipping fees.
As usual with my yarn I am reluctant to let it go, however, I have spun so much of it I’m happy to offer it for sale if someone is interested in taking it. Otherwise this will turn into a wonderful project for me down the road. 😉
I’m finally finished inventory & the supplies got a total overhaul as far as organizing is concerned…as in, they are actually organized! During the Christmas rush I was so annoyed at myself as it took way too long to find supplies needed for orders. So now everything is neatly put away & I have the “to reorder” list in hand.
You may notice certain products missing from the website. I pulled a few that I want to re-examine/revamp, either because I ran out of a component & it is either unavailable or not in a price point that works for me, or simply because I want to change it/freshen it up a bit. They will return shortly as soon as the new prototypes are completed. I have ordered 2 new engraving fonts & I am excited to relaunch these products new & fresh!
All that said, I did have to raise the prices slightly on some items. Nothing drastic, but with both the cost of supplies & shipping increasing this year, I have to adjust accordingly.
Here’s to 2014 and a brand new year of inspiration & creativity!
I have known Catrin, the artist behind Cat’s Wire for approximately 5 years now. Based in Göppingen, Germany, we “met” online in a jewelry group, & I have thoroughly enjoyed watching her art evolve over the past few years. I am passionate about beading myself, although have not done much in several years since becoming a mother, and her crochet wire sculptures are utterly delightful & fascinating. To be honest it took me forever to decide what photos to even showcase here, so be sure to follow the links to her work below, you will not be disappointed!
“Lips” by Cat’s Wire
How long have you been creating beaded jewelry/objects?
I started with my first wire crochet experiments in winter 2008. In spring 2009 I opened my first shop and got more serious about what I did as I found out that I was hooked and there was no way back.
Over the years I tried out several techniques, but nowadays I mostly do wire crochet, wire knitting with a crochet hook and bead looming.
Colorful Wire Crochet Star Earrings by Cat’s Wire
What made you start creating with wire/beads?
Unlike so many artisans I was not a crafty kid. I had a severe glue trauma and remember how I argued about a wire pendant with my art teacher once which is really funny if I think of it today. I dropped out of the crafts course and never learned to sew for example. I knitted a lot at times, mostly sweaters, but stopped doing it years ago.
Then I saw a report about Etsy on a German TV show about computer stuff. I checked it out and was drawn in by all the beautiful handmade items. I stumbled upon a wire crochet piece and after going back to it a few times I got myself a book from which I learned about wire gauges, but never did any of the projects. I bought some cheap wire, grabbed my only crochet hook and started experimenting which is actually what I still today. I do have more hooks now and the wire is not that cheap anymore, though 😉
Octopus sculpture by Cat’s Wire
What inspires your designs?
It would be easier to ask what doesn’t inspire them. It can be nature, a scent, a color or even once a bowl of soup (true story). More often than not you can’t see what inspired one of my wire pieces. Many times I don’t even know what a piece will end up as, a pendant can turn into a ring, a ring becomes earrings. I do have to plan most of my bead loomed pieces, however, as they are based on more or less exact patterns which I make myself.
Chinese Lantern by Cat’s Wire
What are your favorite pieces to make/creations you have made?
Difficult question. Often the piece I just made is my favorite. There are two hearts in my chest, one beating for the wearable art, the other one for my experimental pieces or sculptures. When I start one of them, I’m usually obsessed by the thought of finishing it, no matter how much my wrists or fingers hurt.
There’s my wire crochet glove or the octopus for example, and the wire knit Chinese lanterns that a friend inspired me to make, but also the wire crochet bowl with the wire knit vegetables that still isn’t filled up.
About making wearable art I enjoy not setting myself limits. I can make a clay and copper wire Joan of Arc ring, but also a fine silver and pearls pendant using a gorgeous knapped arrowhead or a silver basket pendant with colorful balls of copper wire “yarn”.
Bead loomed pendant Lurking Cat by Cat’s Wire/Heathercats collaboration
A new collaboration project that is very dear to my heart are the HeatherCats. My friend Heather, a New Zealand artist, does the most wonderful, whimsical cat paintings as one line of her work, and I turn them into bead loomed pieces of jewelry. It’s so much fun!
Bead loomed pendant Silhouette Cat – By Cat’s Wire/Heathercats collaboration
Are you an artist inspired? I’m looking to share your story here and in my monthly newsletter. Inspire me; inspire others! E-mail me or leave a comment below to be considered. All you need is an online presence (blog, website, Etsy shop, etc.) so that the international audience the internet attracts can get to know you & your product better. This is my contribution to the handmade/artist community, & I am honored to do so! Look forward to hearing from you…
This is last month’s newsletter. I do a draw for a giveaway every month for a product as well as offer the best deals for my products to my newsletter subscribers. Click here to subscribe. Click the image below to read. You will have to sign up in order to enter for the current giveaway.
