Hearts and Flowers

St Valentines day, The 14th of February is fast approaching, so I have spent some time in the last couple of days thinking about hearts and flowers.  If you have been reading my posts over the last few months, you will know that I have a liking for simple black and white.  Either by creating black and white line drawings, or by paper cutting, I like making things where colour is minimised and pattern and form are everything.  I started my hearts and flowers theme along these lines.

Hearts and Flowers by Karen Mehta

Once the drawing was finished I wanted to experiment with some colour but keep the original black and white.  To do this I scanned the drawing into my computer and then used some software with my graphics tablet to add colour.

Hearts and Flowers 1 by Karen Mehta

Hearts and Flowers 2 by Karen Mehta

Here are two variations created in this way, and I have altered the size and shape of the background to allow for different greetings card dimensions.  Who will you be making Valentines greeting for?

Paper Cutting (2)

Hi All,
So in my first post this year I am picking up again with paper cutting.  I have been sorting through my work, and took a piece I cut a few years back to be framed.  It took around 100 hours to produce so it seemed wrong to hide it away.  This is a big deal for me!  Although I make all these things, I sometimes feel self-conscious about my work, and often when I finish something, it just gets put away and never sees the light of day again.  So taking the finished cut to the framers means definitely taking the step of hanging or or selling it, not sure which.  So here it is in all its framed glory… it's called English Orchard.

English Orchard by Karen Mehta

I have taken a couple of close-up pictures, so hopefully you can see that in the framing process we have sandwiched the cut between two pieces of glass.  Its not immediately obvious from a distance, but up closer you can see a subtle shadow that is cast by the cut onto the mount board, I really like the effect.

I'll be cutting some more in the next few weeks, I love the simplicity of colour and intricacy of form in the finished designs.

Paper Cutting

The big problem with being an enthusiastic crafter is the amount of space and storage it takes up.  There are some crafts however that can produce really pleasing results that require very little in the way of equipment and space.  All you need is time and patience.  I'm talking about the amazing art of paper cutting.  There are so many styles and versions of this craft, but I got the bug in Switzerland where I was lucky enough to visit some exhibitions of work by current artists.  It was a feast for my eyes! So much detail and skill I had to have a go.  This was my first attempt.  A really simple cut it took a few hours to draw and cut, but it was a great opportunity to learn how to handle the paper and the scissors and get a result I was happy with.

Paper Cut,  Karen Mehta 2004

My old faithful paper cutting scissors

The only special equipment I use are paper cutting scissors that I bought in Switzerland, and paper which is black one side and white the other.  Scissors are easily available on the web now, and many paper cutting artists use a variety of craft knives, scalpels and cutting mats to achieve their finished designs.  If you take a look on google you will find all kinds of resources.  I however like to use scissors.  It is simple and portable - I can cut a design on a plane, train, sitting by the pool on holiday, or on the sofa at home watching TV.  The white backing on the paper allows you to draw your design and then follow your pencil marks with the scissors.  The picture below shows how the design started out with some of the pencil lines still visible on the back, along with some parts of the design which I did not cut.  They were a bit too intricate for a first time exercise!

Pencil design is still visible

The other thing this picture shows is that the image started life folded in half.  This is a real help as you know that as you cut through the two layers, you are creating a symmetrical image - this is far less demanding on your drawing skills than doing the whole thing free hand.  In Switzerland they call the art Scherenshnitte.  If you google this and look at the images you will be amazed at what can be achieved with paper and scissors.  Have a go…doing one will make you brave and you will want to try again.  My second cut was a mixture of folk art designs, flowers and a spiders web.  It took about 40 hours, but I was  pleased with the results.  I have been cutting ever since!

Paper Cut Karen Mehta 2004

Christmas Preparations

I'm doing everything I can to get my Etsy shop ready for Christmas!  I thought it might be fun to create a seasonal shop header so I spent some time today drawing this…

It's been fun but quite time consuming!  It's not exactly the way I want it due to the limits of the software I am using, and I am sure the limits of my knowledge.  But I am reasonably happy.  I have also been busy creating a whole load of product photos to load up tomorrow, to add stock to the shop.  I have set myself the 1st of December to be ready for Christmas... I might just make it :-)

Tools of the Trade

Hi there.  I've been thinking some more about how I can share my experience and some of the skills I've aquirred over the years for creating and making.  In my experience the tools you use really matter.  So every so often I thought it would be good to share some thoughts on some of the tools I use to make the things I make.  Some times it will be things as simple as drawing pencils or glue, but today I am going High tech!

I'm going to share the joys of owning and using a graphics tablet.  In my case it is a Wacom Bamboo Create.  This is a great middle of the market product, which is consistently well reviewed.  It is a treat to use for those who would consider themselves in the beginner to intermediate category of digital painting, drawing or photo editing.  I love using it and I am learning so much as I go!


One of the things I am really enjoying is the variety of painting
and drawing options I have at the click of a button.  At the moment I am working on what would have been an ink on paper drawing of an angel.  I am drawing into my computer directly on the tablet.  It is a bit weird at first, whilst your hand is drawing you are watching the result and controlling the process by looking at the computer screen.  It is surprising how quickly this becomes second nature though.  I am using a technical pen from the range of presets that are available to me in the software I am using, but at the flick of two or three screen buttons, I could select a watercolour brush for wet on dry, choose a shade from the colour picker and be adding a watercolour wash to my drawing.  I might want to select an airbrush tool instead, and in a few seconds be wafting soft layers of colour cloud across my electronic page.  (The airbrush thing is a particular joy to me, because unless you have a professional set up and use them all the time, they are awkward, time consuming and wasteful of paint, which means my airbrush stays packed in it's box).

The other plus is that when I finish a piece of work I have it stored on my computer ready to use for any project I choose.  I might simply want to produce a limited run of prints.   I can select a print service and send them the art work.  I might want to print it locally and use the design for cards or some other project, or I might want to upload it to the web and share the file. (The Christmas tree giveaway a few blogs back was drawn this way).  So it gives great flexibility.  I drew this man on a rickshaw for a bespoke card, but having done the work, I can make use of it again in the future.  There are of course some drawbacks.  a painting produced this way means you do not have a real, hands on, 'see and feel the brush strokes' original, and sometimes that matters. But for the most part this is a great tool for me at the moment, and I am loving the opportunity to learn and use it. What are your favourite 'Tools of the Trade?'  Please feel free to share!  Bye for now.

Konnections Christmas Craft Event (2)

The Moon And The Sun at Konnections Craft Fundraising Event

Last Saturday was the Konnections craft event.  It was lovely to be there, and catch up with so many families I hadn't seen for quite a while :-)

It's quite a fascinating business analysing what people buy at events like this.   Over the last few months I have been to a few craft fairs, and the only thing that seems to consistently sell well is earrings!  At some events I sell cards or knitted items at others I might sell bracelets and Necklaces, but I always sell earrings.

I made quite a few pairs especially for this sale, and they nearly all went, so I will be making some more over the next few days to replenish my stock, and also to load up on to Etsy.  Maybe online shoppers will be looking for earrings too!

Anyway, well done to Anja and the Konnections team for all the hard work you put into organising the event, I hope you raised a good amount to continue the important work you do.

Sweet Treat for the Christmas Tree

Hi there.  On my last post I said that I had a make to share for the Christmas tree that also tasted good.  So this is it…  A basic patchwork piece put together to hold just one sweet treat, and ready to hang on your tree.

The idea for this came from my sister Tina, who was given one by her friend and work colleague Diane (Thanks girls!).  So I had a good poke and prod, and worked out how to put it all together.

First you need to cut 8 squares of fabric each 2.5 x 2.5 inches.  Choose some fun festive fabric, two  different contrasting prints.  Cut 4 squares from each piece of fabric.

Once cutting is done pair together one of each pattern and place them right side together.  Leaving a quarter inch seam, stitch around the edge of the square on three sides.  On the fourth side only stitch along half the side.  Do this to all four pairs of squares.  

Press each of the stitched squares.  Using scissors cut the points of each corner (take care not to cut your stitching!).  The square should now look like this.

 Now turn all four squares the right side out using the opening you have left down one side.  Take some care to work each corner out.  Tuck in the unstitched half side and press.

Put the four squares together, placing the open edges at the centre, and stitch each together, from half way along each side.  The stitching should form a cross shape.  This can be done by hand or use the zig zag stitch on the sewing machine.  By piecing this way the openings for turning the squares are sealed.

Now place the four square piece on the ironing board right side up, and fold the opposite corners of each square to meet each other in the middle. Press.  Do this to all four squares.

Stitch together the folded corners and stitch a bead onto the corners.  Now it's beginning to take shape!

Last thing to do is to draw together the four points stitching to secure.  The loop is made from 4inches of ribbon doubled and stitched into place.

Now all that's left to do is fill with your favourite wrapped chocolate ( Ferrero Rocher fit very well!), and hang on the christmas tree.

If you have a go at this let me know.  Happy making :-)

Konnections Christmas Craft Event

So hi everyone!  I've been away for a few days R&R down by the sea.  I had a very relaxing time.  Managed to visit some craft shops too...well it had to be done :-)

So back to making and blogging and trying to get my stock ready for an upcoming craft sale, The Konnections Christmas Craft Event taking place on Saturday November 9th starting at 5pm until 8pm at the K2 building at the Kerith Centre in Bracknell RG12 1EH.

Konnections is a cause very close to my heart.  It's a local organisation based at Kerith Community Church in Bracknell, Berkshire, UK.  Konnections provides respite care for disabled children, young people and their families.  The work they do is a life-line for so many children and families who would otherwise not get a break.  As well as offering respite Saturdays and days during school holidays, they also run a youth club which opperates for 11 to 16 year olds and then for 16 - 25 years.  They run a brilliant programme for siblings of disabled children called BandS (Brothers and Sisters) as well as a summer sailing project and a vital Mums support group.

Some of the work is funded by contracts with the local authority, but much of what is done relies on grants, donations and fund-raising, so if you can, come along on Saturday 11th November or find some other way to support the great work that goes on, such as making a donation through the Kerith website.

So in preparation for this important event... my sewing machine has been smoking hot, my crochet hooks are going at full pelt, my dipping pens are dizzy from dipping and I have been threading beaded necklaces and wiring earrings into the wee small hours.  I have to say I love every minute of it!

 

Still just over a week to go so lots more making to happen.  I have a great pattern for a really cute (and tasty) tree decoration to share with you in the next blog...see you soon.

Lavender Harvest

I love the smell of lavender, and at the moment my conservatory smells beautiful as this years lavender harvest is laid out drying in there.  It lasted a long time in the garden this year, and I don't like to harvest it too early, because it is bee central!  At any time during the day you can see at least 4 different types of bees buzzing around doing their thing.

It just seems wrong depriving them of such easy pickings until the nectar finally runs dry.
So it wasn't until the third week in September that we finally got around to cutting; and now it is all nearly dry ready to be used in all all kinds of things.

I like to make simple paper sachets and fill them with my lavender and a bit of stuffing, and then hide them away in draws and cupboards, ready for the lovely scent to waft out every time a door is opened.

I choose a piece of paper I like, the smallest you can manage with really is 15cm x 15 cm ( 6"x 6").

Then mark up 4 small corners to cut out.  I have placed mine so I will have a rectangular sachet.

Cut out the corners you have just drawn and then score between the points of the corners. 

Fold along the scored lines.  You can now see the sachet taking shape.

Stick 3 sides of the sachet together leaving an opening to put the stuffing and lavender. 

Stick down the last flap and turn the sachet over.  Finish the front as you please; I have just used a simple label.

If lavender is not your thing then try some coarsely ground mixed spice to bring some winter warmth.

Autumn All Wrapped Up

So they say that the cold weather is coming by the end of the week...and I'm not a big fan of the cold.  I've been working on a new scarf design - well I think my grandma would have called it a muffler.  Its shorter than many of the scarves around and works by simply crossing at the neck.  It is made with a combination of crochet and knitting with the crochet providing extra thickness at each end to keep the wind out.

I've chosen to make this first one in shades of brown, to reflect the autumnal mood.  Choosing the right wool is always challenging, but when I make something, I want it to be both attractive and practical.  So I think it is important that for most things I use yarn that is easily washable.  Both of these yarns are machine washable at 30 degrees.

For those of you that enjoy crochet, the stitch I've used is called The Squares and can be created as follows:


The Squares

This pattern is worked over an even number of stitches
Row 1: 3 chain * ^ wool round hook (wrh), insert hook,  wrh, draw through a loop,  wrh, draw through 2 loops ^, repeat from ^ to ^ 3 times into the 2nd stitch,  wrh, draw through 4 loops, 1 chain, miss one stitch*.  Finish row with one treble.

Row 2: 1 chain, * 1 double into space, one double into motif *, 1 double in last chain.

Repeat from Row 1

The resulting panel produced in this pattern is thick, stable and warm!

Once I have sorted out some photos, this scarf will be joining the other makes in my Etsy Shop.
Happy crocheting!

Just Starting

After years of making things for pleasure, as presents or for friends, I have set out on the adventure of starting an Etsy shop, and at the same time I'm back to blogging.  I'm told it helps people find your Etsy shop by creating spaghetti links out there in the cyber-ether...
I have sold a variety of my products at craft fairs  over the last few months, but have yet to make any inroads on the internet.

So what I've found is that there is quite a bit to this Etsy business.  Making things is just the start.  You have of course, to set up your Etsy account, and start constructing your shop.  You have to get the things you've made up on the site, which means decent photos, and that is a whole other art. Finally you have to decide what you will charge and where you will ship.  That's really hard, when basically you have only ever given things away.  That's the basic set up, but then something a little more scary has to happen.  People have to find you, and like your work, and buy it... and you have to do things like blog to help get you shop further up the google search engine lists...I think!

For my first post I'm going to  share a page from my creative journal.  It's just ideas and a diary in one really.  I have been working on some christmas stuff recently and this page tells some of that story.

In some ways it's just arty doodles, but it helps me to keep ideas together.  I wanted to draw my own christmas tree to use on some of my paper craft products this year.  I printed three copies of it  to use on the page.   I ended up folding two, trimming them a little, and sticking them one on top of the other to give a 3D effect.

Any way I thought it might be fun to give away a download of my tree.  You can then print it and use it to make your own cards, tags etc. It is a JPEG file, so it should be easy to use with most software.

Well that seemed  such a simple idea! But then I realised that blogger does not really support  downloads very well.  So I've loaded the image up to a cloud, and linked the download button to it...and hope it works!  Lots of other blogs do it this way, so it should be fine...but let me know if you have any problems! The Download Button will take you to a Wikisend page, and the file should download from there. 

 I hope my crafting journey encourages you to make things too.  I'm sure it's in us all, just looking for different way to find expression!!