Studio Blogging

We’re open! We’re open!

The Accidental Crafter — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 20:01:12 +0000

We’re open! We’re open! Yippee, the day has finally come and we’re ready to go! Workshops start tomorrow and we will have Runner Girl Fabrics in with all sorts of new fabric for sale by the end of the month. Look for our upcoming sewing event on our website!

The new Artist’s Co-op is filling up fast. We’re starting with eight artists (4 spaces left) as I want to make sure we have plenty of room to display everyone’s work. Here’s how it works:

Membership fee: $50-$75 per month
20% commission of sales to the gallery
2 days of work per month
Studio Manager assists with placement and displays

Please submit jpg images of your work or forward a link to your website to rebecca_clinger@yahoo.com

We want a cohesive group that will participate in Santa Cruz First Fridays, have shows and events at the studio as well as other ideas from the co-op. There are cabinets, floor room, and walls to display ceramics, jewelry, paintings, photography, glass or any other kind of art form! All skill levels and experience are welcome to apply. Whether you’re new to art or have had a lifetime of experience, the studio offers a creative venue to get you noticed and sell your work. We are a community of artists!

If you haven’t taken a look at our website lately, check us out and see what’s new! Our Encaustic Painting workshop on September 23rd is going to be awesome! This is a great workshop for painters, collagers (is that a word?), and anyone that would like to try a new art medium. What can be more fun than painting with wax? You can create translucent, mysterious and three-dimensional art using this resin beeswax medium.

Next Tuesday, September 7th is one of our most popular workshops, Photo Frame Pendants. I’m sure you’ve seen these gorgeous glass and silver pendants with photos or artwork inside. The skills learned in this workshop are the same used in creating stained glass. You’ll walk away with a finished pendant and awesome skills to use for two different types of crafting!

Visit us in person during our new hours, Tuesday through Friday, from noon until five.

See you in the Studio!

Rebecca
www.thecraftersstudio.com

Studio Talk – May 2010

The Accidental Crafter — Thu, 06 May 2010 20:16:44 +0000

If you haven’t already signed up for a workshop, there’s still time! As you probably know, The Crafter’s Studio will be closing it’s doors on May 31st. Unfortunately, we just cannot afford our lease. If we should sub-lease our space for a reasonable amount, there may come a time that I can re-open the studio in a different location. I guess we’ll see…

In the mean time, if you’ve ever wanted to take a workshop, make use of the time we’re still here and start crafting! Among the workshops we have on this month there’s Lampshade Making, Make Your Own Handbag, Beginning Enamel Jewelry, Learning to Wire Wrap, Screen-printing, Beginning Sewing Pajama Pants and Learning to Place Zippers. See our complete list of workshops at www.thecraftersstudio.com

I would like to take this opportunity to recognize my outstanding instructors, Amy Barragan, Evelyn Markasky, Danielle Lipson and especially, Heidi Flores. These women have been with me since the conception of The Crafter’s Studio. Their ideas, skill and talent are what makes the studio such a popular place to craft. They are not only my co-workers, but my friends and I’m so grateful to them for all they’ve done for me. My customers love you almost as much as I do! Thank you for a great 2 ½ years!

New Directions!

The Accidental Crafter — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 20:43:08 +0000

For those of you that know me, you probably know that I’m getting ready to go back to school in the fall. I have my youngest ready to go to college and then I’m all by my lonesome. Well, my husband will be there, but my mothering job has slowed WAY down. So, in an effort to better myself, I’ve decided to finish school and get my Bachelor’s ….. in something. Consequently, the Studio will be sold, but we’ll continue with crafting as usual as the sale takes place and I’m sure that the future owner will take the studio to new heights! I hope you all will continue to participate in our fab workshops and studio nights learning new crafts and being a part of our crafting community.

Check out this gorgeous shade made by Sally E. in our first Lampshade Making Workshop! Everyone walked away with such beautiful shades, and unfortunately, I can’t find the other pics you all sent to me! Trust me, they were to die for!

I’m so looking forward to the next workshop on March 30th. For those that participated, write and tell me if you just can’t stop now that you’ve done it. It’s a little tricky at first, but you have to admit, the result is just outstanding!

Screen Printing is coming up again for all you newbies that have always wondered about silk screening and want to give it a try! I just made a screen and printed a shirt for my daughter. I’m going to have her model it this weekend and will post the pic later. I figured out that I don’t have to use my whole screen for just one image. Maybe if I’d listened to the directions in the first place, I could have been making multiple images all along! Anyway, I just made an image with her nickname, Limey Girl, and used an illustration of a lime slice and she absolutely LOVED it. I think that this is what I love most about this workshop. You can personalize your images and then print on. I’m going to use this same image on gift bags for her grad party in June. I might even print my own invites! Try it, you’ll be amazed at what you can do!

Look at these sweeties with their collages! This was for a birthday party and you never saw such intensely focused girls! There are so many party options but this was the first time that collage was chosen. It was very cool the way the girls used wax and wool roving among other items to create their one of a kind art!

Speaking of collage…for we grown-ups, it’s almost time for Christina and Gay’s Collage and Journaling workshop. After attending their Watercolour Journaling workshop, I can’t wait to see what these ladies are going to show us for collage! I know it includes lots of new techniques including blender pen transfers, wax resist, spackle texturing, watercolor rubber stamping, tape transfer and more! Look at a few pages they’ve done themselves!

Finally, all of you book binders, here’s your chance! Lots of you have been asking about a book binding workshop and we’ve found the most awesome instructor, Sarah Trunkey! She’ll be doing a workshop just in time for you to make your own journals to use in the Collage Journaling workshop (or for anything else your creative heart desires!) April 17th is the day, so mark your calendars. This workshop is open to all adults and requires no experience. However, you’ll come out of it feeling like a super creative genius that can make journals for yourself and all your friends! Here are some of Sarah’s journals!

Okay, I’m starved. Time for some lunch. Hope to see you all at the studio!

Rebecca

2010! Two years and counting…

The Accidental Crafter — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 01:12:52 +0000

Wow! Christina and Gay can sure pack ‘em in! We had 24 people at the Watercolour Journaling workshop on the 30th. I wish that I could have stayed and enjoyed the workshop, but alas, my duties as mother/driver were needed that day. However, just take a look at our talented group!

Since so many people loved this workshop, we’ve asked Christine and Gay back to do their Collage/Journal Workshop next. I guess what I like about the look of their work is that it seems more “artistic” somehow. It’s less like an “altered book” and more like a piece of art. I just love it! Here’s a sample of some of their pages using blender pen transfers, wax resist and spackle texturing. It even sounds artsy!

Customers have been asking for some quick crafts to do with their kids, so here’s one idea that’s beautiful and that you can do yourself. My daughter absolutely LOVES the barrettes at Anthropologie (see below), but you can save yourself $18 and make your own! Next time you’re at the flea market, look for an inexpensive piece of junk jewelry and simply glue it onto a plain barrette. Voila’! Hair extraordinaire!

It’s time for us to clean up our inventory and you know what that means…SALE! On March 6th, all craft supplies and fabric will be 30% off! We’ll open at 9:00 am and close at 5:00 pm that day.

I have to show off these adorable girls and the results of their screen printing workshop with Heidi. They were amazing!

Shout out to our own Amy Barragan for closing a deal with Pacific Trading Company right here in Santa Cruz! Amy makes designer handbags and you will soon see her pieces being sold at PTC. Whoo-hoo! If you missed Amy’s last Handbag Workshop, check out our website as the next one is in March. You have to get her before she’s too famous for us! Don’t forget the little people, Amy….

Finally, if you’re interested in a workshop that we don’t offer, let me know! Maybe we’ll do it if we have enough interest! Thanks to all of you for your support in the last two years. This has been so fun and I love what we’re building here together!

Rebecca

Those charming Anthropologie lamp shades!

The Accidental Crafter — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 17:59:39 +0000

I’m in the middle of re-decorating and I’ve decided to go a new direction with lamps. Unfortunately, this means all new lamp shades for my gazillions of lamps. Let me say first, that I know I have a problem in that I cannot seem to pass up a glass lamp at any garage sale, flea market or craigslist deal, but I’m trying. Anyway, I was at Anthropologie and fell in love with this charming floral drum shade, and another that was linen. Now, as sweet as they were, I knew that at over $100 a pop, I was seriously going to be cutting into my lamp-buying budget if I had to buy shades at that cost. And let’s face it, why have a great lamp unless you have a seriously fabulous shade to go on it? I shopped around, but there wasn’t anything that compared. Thus, the new ‘Lampshade’ workshop was born at the Studio. Look at my finished work!

Drum Shade

Interested in learning to make a shade? Register here by clicking the link!

Watercolour Journaling is Coming to the Studio!

The Accidental Crafter — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 08:34:32 +0000

I took this amazing workshop with Christina Lopp and Gay Kraeger and now I’m an artist! Well, okay, I’m no Rembrandt but I can draw a bit now (more than stick figures) and my water colouring isn’t half bad. Judge for yourself! Here’s a little water color of my bocce ball court in our garden. The best part of this class is that there is absolutely no pressure, or expectations. Christina and Gay make it fun and are the most supportive girls you ever wanted to know. When I took the workshop, most of the participants didn’t have ANY experience (including me) and I was amazed at how everyone just GOT it and walked away with the ability to draw and paint. The instructors give you some crucial information about simple drawing that absolutely guarantees you can do it. For those people who have tried and failed at water colour, their methods are SO much easier and absolutely do-able.

If you want to try your hand at this workshop, click the link below!

Our Next Sewing Series

The Accidental Crafter — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 07:20:25 +0000

You’ve been asking and we’ve finally got another series lined up! This is our most popular workshop because it takes you from “I bought this machine but have no idea what to do with it!” to “I think I’ll whip out a skirt with an invisible zipper that is perfectly fitted to my exact measurements!”

It begins January 12th and will be on Tuesday evenings 6 – 10 pm. .

1/12/10 Pajama Pants
1/19/10 Zippers
1/26/10 Pencil Skirt Part 1
2/2/10 Pencil Skirt Part 2
2/9/10 Button down Shirt Part 1
2/16/10 Button down Shirt Part 2

We do have to limit it to six so that you all have lots of one on one time with the instructor!

Fee: $260.00

Craft Supplies Now Available

The Accidental Crafter — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 16:53:15 +0000

Did you know that The Crafter’s Studio now sells craft supplies? In addition to selling a small selection of the awesome Echino, Amy Butler and Moda fabrics we use in our workshops, we also have enameling kits, soldering kits, body product ingredients, scrapbooking supplies and jewelry fabrication supplies! Our new on-line store is coming soon! Watch this space for the announcement and special coupon!

Studio Talk – December 2009

Heidi — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 21:53:51 +0000

Okay, even though it’s not even Thanksgiving yet, I’m going to annoy you all by mentioning the winter holidays again. I just can’t say it enough; if you’re thinking about making your holiday gifts, NOW is the time to start! We’ve come up with an awesome, economical way to make holiday gifts for everyone! For example, in our Apron Workshop, your first apron is covered in the cost of the workshop. Then, assembly line style (cutting them out all at the same time, etc.) you can pay for just the supplies for each additional apron made in the workshop. Just fold up a cute apron (sewn by YOU), put it in a pretty mixing bowl with your favorite holiday recipe and you’ve got a creative (and thoughtful) gift! What about beautiful hand made soaps (again, by you), beautifully wrapped and given with a couple of pretty, white hand towels for guests? Check out all our “assembly line” ideas and workshops including, hand painted bowls, wrist warmers, imprinted initial necklaces, grocery totes, block-printed linens and more! You’ll get the workshop AND you’ll be able to turn out a lot of gifts at the same time! Come check out our window highlighting some of the crafts in these workshops!

Okay, I just have to show you this awesome embroidered, appliquéd tote made by Rachel H. in our Doodle Embroidery Workshop. It was so fun talking with Rachel and her friend and watching their doodle sketches come to life! This tote is perfect for books, knitting, and anything else you can fit into it. Well done Rachel!

For all those asking when the next Screen Printing workshop is available, don’t miss out! November 28^th is the day! There’s still a little room in the class and it’s just in time for holiday gifts and cards. The thing I like about making the screens myself is that I can make several different small images on one screen, then “block” the others when printing. That way, I have a variety of images to choose from when printing! Don’t know what I’m talking about? Try out this awesome workshop and learn how make your own screen, get your images onto it and then print away on t-shirts, totes, fabric and anything else in serious need of a printed update!

Hope your holidays are full of surprises, festive parties and lots and lots of yummy carbs.

Rebecca

P.S. For reading all the way to the end…if you register for a workshop before the end of November we will give you $10 off. Enter this code (010311109) and hit the recalculate button before going to check out when you register online.

Studio Talk – November 2009

The Accidental Crafter — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:44:40 +0000

How much fun did we have Re-Fashioning our old knit shirts? Imagine taking one of your t-shirts OUT of the Goodwill box and making a fabulous new, recycled shirt that you’ll want to wear! If you missed out on the first one, don’t worry, we loved it so much we’re going to do it again on 12/3!

Another new workshop I can’t wait for is Tailoring for Tots! Get out your measuring tapes and get ready to design. This is a two-part workshop where you’ll first create a pattern, specific to your child’s measurements, adjust it to create your own design and then sew it in the second workshop! Kind of like Project Runway except for children, oh and no competition….and no cat fights (although that could be exciting.)

Where are all those people that were asking me about Needle Felting? We’ll try one last time to put it on the calendar and see if we get any takers. Take a look at this picture and tell me that you don’t think it would be adorable to make little reindeer or Santa for Christmas ornaments or to tie onto packages. They’re SO fun to make and I guarantee you’ll love it!

: Needle Felted Raindeer

As always, our Sewing Series and Jewelry Series are the most popular workshops we do. I think it must be because it’s more economical to take the series if you’re thinking that you might like to do more than two of the workshops in either group. It’s so incredible to see our customers come in with absolutely NO experience, some having never even TOUCHED a sewing machine before, and have them leave with the ability to sew from a pattern, insert invisible zippers, and use the serger. Besides leaving with all sorts of clothing they’ve made themselves, they have a new found confidence that they’ve conquered sewing and skills they’ll have for a lifetime. Yay!!!

Finally, I know I sound like a pest, but if you’re thinking about making Holiday Gifts, the time to start is NOW! One of my favorite gifts to give are body products. On 11/5/09, we’ll be making Lotions, Scrubs and Balms! Join us and create your own for yourself or for gifts. It’s so fabulous to select the ingredients that best suit your body as well as the scents that make you swoon! My favorite is Brown Sugar and Fig. In fact, if I had a body product company, that’s what I’d call it. Anyway, they make luscious, inexpensive gifts and it’s FUN!

That’s what’s going on at the studio! I’d love to hear from you if you have ideas for workshops for the holidays!

Rebecca