Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Craft Conspiracy Questionairre

Greetings, Conspirators!

I am so anxious to have our first real meeting!  In order to do so, I need a little input from those of you who would like to meet up.  If you are interested and live in the Augusta-Metro area, I need you to answer a few questions for me, so I know what you would like to see.  This is like voting, if you don't vote, you don't get a say, so vote already!

In order to plan what crafts we're going to teach, I need to know what you're interested in, as well as what you are able to teach.

Here are a few things that I can teach:
  • Paper Quilling - If you are interested in learning paper quilling, you will need a few tools.  I have plenty of paper to share, and the tools aren't really expensive.  This isn't a widely-known craft, which is probably why I love it. (I like to do "different" things.)  To see examples of quilling, check them out at Quilled Creations.  They have a shop and a gallery to look at.
  • Needle Tatting - I'm just learning needle tatting, but I've got the basics down well enough to get you started.  If you would like to learn, you'll need tatting needles (the only place I found them locally is Hobby Lobby).  This is also an obscure craft.  Lots of people don't even know what you're talking about when you say "tatting".  I'm planning on making jewelry with mine.  If you would like to see some really impressive work, check out Needle Tatting and other Nonsense.  Her video is what got me started with tatting, and she has some gorgeous pieces on her blog.
  • Crochet - I have enough yarn and different crochet hooks to lend during a session for a few people, but you will need your own if you plan to continue on yourself.
  • French Beaded Flowers - These flowers are absolutely gorgeous, and it's not terribly difficult!  It might not be something you want to do with small children underfoot, since you are working with wire and beads.  I learned a lot from Kimberly Chapman's site, including how to make a bead spinner.
  • Sewing - We can break up sessions based on the project.  I think a tote bag would be a good one, and maybe a child's dress for another.  If you have a request for something you would like to see, let me know.
  • Cooking and Baking - I used to cook for a living, you'll at least see me post recipes here from time to time.
  • Paper Cutting - The art of using colored papers to create a piece of artwork.  I don't have any pictures to show you right now, but I've done a few of these.  I'll tell you right now, it's slow and tedious, depending on the subject matter, but it's really rewarding.  Dude Craft did this tutorial for making a portrait, and I really can't wait to try.  I just have to find just the right picture and work on it in Photoshop for a while first.
  • Book binding - I've made a few hard cover blank journals.  Nice if you want something customizable for the cover.   
  • Fused Plastic Bags - I have finally figured out the right temperature setting for my iron, but I've only made one tote bag out of it.  I'm trying to think up a good way to use the plastic.  This would be a good brainstorming session.
  • Recycling Crafts - I've seen lots of things from making wall art out of toilet paper rolls (it didn't look cheesy, I promise), baskets made from newspaper or brown paper bags,  and all sorts of things made from magazine pages.  I'm all for the free craft supplies.
Now, here's a list of things I would like to get into.
  • Polymer Clay - I would particularly like to make some cute buttons.  They're so expensive at the store.
  • Stained glass/faux stained glass - It looks fun.
  • Knitting - I know how to knit and purl, but that's about it.
  • Quilting - I have made a small thing, but my corners just didn't line up all over.
Now it's your turn.  What would you like to see?

10 comments:

  1. I am interested, I would like to learn more...sewing, paper quilling, recycling crafts, crochet, needle tatting, knitting and am would love a good cooking lesson.

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  2. Kristin, Welcome!

    What kind of cooking do you need help with? Are you just looking for a few new recipes or do you need help with boiling water? ;-)

    Still no decision for what we're doing on Tuesday, but how about we all bring in something we've made and just show each other some things, get to know each other a little? I'll bring Rice Krispy Treats!

    Samantha

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  3. I am ok in the kitchen....I can put a meal together. And yes I can boil water, I interested in new recipes and cooking short cuts. : ) I had to laugh at your response cause boil water was about all I could do when I first got married 5 years ago.

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  4. I just like crafts in general so I too am easy to please. I am learning to quilt and sew at the moment. I have started making hair bow holders to hang up also. A little off topic but does anyone know a project I can do with Kenzie? she is 18 months old. I bought her the tadoodles markers but she holds regular markers better. I just can't wait to do crafts with her

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  5. i like to try everything! lol. but i would like to try the plastic bags and the book binding.
    Jessica: try finger painting, either with pudding or crayola finger paints. their non toxic. my daughter tried them when she was about 19 months and she loves it!
    -Brandie

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  6. PLUS:
    I need someone who really knows their way around a sewing machine to teach me. i know the basics but i want to get more in depth in it.
    -Brandie

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  7. Kristin - I have a few recipes in mind. The next time I make a certain chicken dish, I'm going to take pictures of the progress and post sort of a tutorial. It's super easy, only three ingredients, but it is delicious and looks pretty, too. I do intend to start posting recipes here, so keep checking back!

    Jessica - Has Kenzie grown out of putting things in her mouth? I can't wait for my two to be big enough to craft with, but Aby (13 months) still puts EVERYTHING in her mouth, so it's kinda hard to do anything. I've seen recipes out there for homemade finger paints and edible play dough (peanut butter, though. I stayed away from peanut products until Kaylee was 2). Maybe we can give that a shot. I also saw somewhere the recipe for how to make your own bendaroos. I'll have to hunt that up again.

    Brandie - I can show you a bit more about sewing. Big question: What kind of sewing machine do you have and do you have the manual? Different models are different, so it's always good to have the book. I have a Brother, so we'll have a look some time soon!

    Keep the comments coming! We'll get this ball rolling soon and get to know each other better!

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  8. Oh, and just a warning. Unless it's a baking recipe, I am TERRIBLE with measurements. I guess I've been cooking long enough that I add an ingredient until it "looks right" or "tastes right". This is why I haven't already posted recipes. The next time I make something, I'm actually going to measure things and write them down for you guys. ;-)

    -Samantha

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  9. for the most part she doesn't put things in her mouth.I tried finger painting but she freaked out when her hands got dirty.
    oh and I checked out that paper cutting...I want a bunch of my lil munchkin...Time to buy an xacto

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  10. Just a thought...if we're all working on/or want to work on something, we could meet up to just work on your particular craft, help one another when needed with ideas or specifics, let the kids play, and socialize

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