Wings and Fences Crafts

Wonder Woman Underoos

2011-01-05T20:10:00.001+09:30

Wonder Woman Underoos
Originally uploaded by bigjefftoys

I practically lived in WW Underoos.
I was devastated when they decided to stop cranking these out.
Bring back Underoos...and make them adult sizes. :)

Tutorial: Create and Sew a Wacom Tablet Protector Sleeve

2011-01-04T04:06:00.002+09:30

I'm becoming slightly addicted to creating tutorials for Instructables.com.
"If I could save time in a bottle..." I'd never sleep, but my Instructables library would be most impressive. :)

I'm a sucker for a contest, but I really enjoy the creativity and encouragement from the community that
thrives on the site.

I'm wordy, and I try to make a tut that clearly explains how one can recreate the item I've made. It takes me quite a length of time to put an Instructable together. My latest involved a lot of sewing and detailing the instructions was a challenge for me.

I highly recommend you think about posting your tuts to Instructables. The interface is user friendly and so is the community.Give me a shout if you are on Instructables.

This is my entry for the Holiday Gifts Contest. Give a vote if you like. :)

Create and Sew a Wacom Tablet Protector Sleeve - More DIY How To Projects

Thank you, Wonder Woman, for your inspiration. ;) My beloved 1976 Wonder Woman doll.

These Are A Few of My Favorite Things...

2010-12-21T15:33:00.000+09:30

Feeling a little nostalgic about things I loved as a child as well as times past.

I've fallen in love with the "On the Road with Charles Kuralt" series. I can vaguely remember this series being on the air. If I strain, I can see my father sitting on the couch watching them.

I'm on the second DVD set as we speak. Time really has stood still in this set. You'll find yourself quickly transported back in time as you travel alongside Kuralt and meet average Americans who go out of their way to be anything but average, discover amazing places to visit you'd just as soon pass by, and bear witness to some of the greatest stories that would have otherwise gone untold. I love this series. I miss the clarity of life that shines so brightly in these taped segments. Check and see if your local library has them in stock!

Holiday Movies - Sure, I've got my vintage favorites, but I also love Olive the Other Reindeer. The sweet dog who yearns to make a difference. :)

Finally, there are some super sweet things at Bonanza that take me back and make me smile. Strawberry Shortcake and Wonder Woman....

Happy Holidays!

Wings and Fences Mummy Costume and Makeup Tutorial on Instructables

2010-11-04T12:12:00.001+09:30

Mummy Makeup and Costume Tutorial - More DIY How To Projects

The Halloween contest over at Instructables was just to good to ignore, so I've been busy putting together this tutorial on how you can transform yourself into a mummy. I love that this costume costs more in time than it does in money, so hopefully a lot of people will find some use for it. :) Hopefully it will be a winner at Instructables too. Either way, enjoy and I'd love to see any photos you take should you use the tutorial.

Do you have an awesome tutorial on Instructables? Share the link love!

Funny Classified Ad

2010-10-28T17:22:00.000+09:30

This silly post made me laugh out loud, hope it makes you smile too. I love the fact that the owner of the chair not only went to great lengths to provide full disclosure about the haunted issues with the chair, but provided a sketch as well. lol :)

We get a lot of funny local classified ads, I'll fold them in as posts in the future.

"I'm kicking this haunted office chair to the curb. I hate it because there is a scary ghost that lives inside. Sometimes it spins around by itself and when I sit on it, it starts shrieking and it just never. Stops. Shrieking. So come get it. It is free. Don't email me asking if it is really haunted; I assure you, it is."

Descriptors: Black and Haunted

Thank you anonymous classified ad poster. You made me smile.

Bonanzle Has Gone Bonanza

2010-09-23T06:49:00.000+09:30

Wow, I hadn't heard anything about it, but when I logged on today, I discovered that Bonanzle is now Bonanza.com and has acquired 1000 Markets.

I really like Bonanzle, so I'm excited to see the site growing. Between the ease of the site and the friendliness of the store owners and shoppers alike, I think you won't be disappointed if you decide to test it out for yourself.

Yeah, ~~Bonanzle~~, er... Bonanza...ok, so it will take some getting use to. :)

Welcome new store owners and shoppers!

Funny Craft Videos & Appreciation

2010-09-21T05:31:00.000+09:30

While she doesn't know me from one potato or tomato, I have to send out my congratulations to mADDmartha Megan for passing her Bar Exam. This is quite an accomplishment! I stumbled across Ms. mADDmartha a few months ago on YouTube, and I have to say, she has inspired me to get back into scrapbooking. :) So, thanks for that Ms. M, and good luck with law. I once contemplated law school, and I may return to thoughts of it again, until then I'll live through you. lol

Check out her videos, and while you are at it, check out these crafty song videos that keep me in stitches while I stitch. :)

Good day!

Creating a New Banner for Zibbet

2010-09-01T13:10:00.001+09:30

I am planning to test the waters over at Zibbet, a new venue for handmade products. If you sign up for a free account, you are limited to a banner that measures 640w x 120h (Etsy is 760w x 100h). They have a nicely detailed tutorial on the site that will help you build a banner in Photoshop, but it doesn't take into account that many Etsy banners were created as Microsoft PowerPoint slides.

Check out this image size calculator that shows you how to convert pixels into inches and inches to pixels.
Your Etsy banner may measure 10.63"w x 1.4"h in PowerPoint, but now you need to make that slide 8.54"w x 1.6"h (which means your finished slide will be 640w x 120h). I've actually made mine 8.53"w x 1.6"h and it loaded with no issues in Zibbet.

Hope that helps, and see ya at Zibbet!

Did ya hear...Books on the Horizon

2010-08-10T06:08:00.000+09:30

Sweet Valley Confidential: Ten Years Later is coming out March 29, 2010. Yes, I'll admit I use to roam the virtual halls of Sweet Valley High with my imaginary friends Elizabeth and Jessica Wakefield. I loved the series of books by Francine Pascal.

Now fans get the chance to find out what happened to the twins, and see what their world (in 2009) is like. Oh yes, the twins have aged right along with us. I've read the first chapter of the first book, and I'm intrigued. Want to read it yourself?

Find out more as you "like" them on Facebook

Three cheers for the Wakefield twins! :)

An Angel Policy on one shoulder...

2010-07-07T05:42:00.000+09:30

As of April, 2010, Provo Craft updated their Angel Policy for the Cricut personal electronic cutter machines to read as follows:

This new Angel Policy still does not authorize you to produce and sell individual, unassembled cuts using Cricut products (i.e., mass producing individually-cut letters or shapes to re-sell). It does, however, authorize you to sell up to 10,000 completed projects annually (i.e., cards, scrapbook pages, finished cakes), using cuts made with Cricut products. This revision offers the most flexibility possible to those who wish to create and sell projects made using any of the Provo Craft products, while also protecting the creative ideas and images of the independent artists with whom we work to produce art for our cartridges.

Before you begin to bask in the glow of the new policy, it is worth noting that on the official Angel Policy page, these changes have not been added. There haven't been any changes since my post in September.

The only change is a new line about the Cricut Cake, "Provo Craft content used in cutting edible material in connection with the CRICUT CAKE™ machine is exempt from the Angel Policy."

Again, I think the changes are great, but they haven't been updated on the official Angel Policy site (which is where most people who are searching for the information would look...), and unless they completely replace the original policy, there are still some changes needed (especially the online selling issue).

And while I believe the Cricut Cake may be the straw that breaks me to buy a personal cutting machine... I cannot stress enough to Provo Craft and other manufacturers that I think it is their responsibility to the consumer that they make this information accessible prior to purchase and easily found on their site.

I'll say it again...

Look, all companies have the right to state how their products can and cannot be used. I do take offense that companies who are creating tools and supplies for crafters are not making these copyright restrictions and "Angel Policies" a part of their own packaging. Let the buyer know prior to their purchase what you do and do not expect of them. Many crafters do not have a clue that such policies exist. Realistically, most people assume, hey, this is an item created for the specific purpose of being used for subsequent creations. Most don't stop and think that the manufacturer of the item would even dream of attempting to limit the creative process or the ability for the crafter to then make a profit on the item.

That's what she said. :)

Dunder Mifflin Office Love

2010-05-12T04:48:00.001+09:30

I'm a huge fan of the television show "The Office." I love both the British and American versions. I am not alone in my adoration. Here are some great tributes to the show and characters.

Find out more about Dunder Mifflin

That's What She Said by youwannatalkjive

There is no shortage of love for Dwight Schrute and his beet-loving heart.

Urine, it was urine... by JRoseArt

Schrute Farms by Totally Severe

Dwight Schrute Fact Pendant by badassbunny

However, those who love Jim or John Krasinski can feel the love (imaginary as it may be)

I want to know what love is and I want John Krasinski to to show me card by lemons with a pea

Mii Madness: The Office Characters by n1c2c8

TUT: Decorating with Childhood Memories

2010-03-17T01:51:00.000+09:30

The hubster has a number of old puzzles from when he was but a tot. Some are cardboard, but the majority are very thick wooden puzzles. I'm working on places to display these pieces throughout the house. They don't deserve to just sit in the attic without anyone to admire them.

One of my favorite cardboard puzzles is this butterfly-centric piece that will go great in the bathroom. The colors in the room are variations of green, brown, and white, with a focus on nature. Wood, birds, insects, and especially dragonflies and butterflies are little highlights throughout the room.

The great thing about this puzzle is that it already has a hole in it for hanging. Initially, I thought I might frame it, but we actually liked the raw puzzle look of it so we'll just hang it up as is. I did use my handy Mod Podge Matte-Mat to secure each piece, and protected it with a final coating of the Podge all over the surface of the puzzle.

The next puzzle, Peter Peter Pumpkin Eater, is one of my favorites because it probably started my husband's love of the redhead. While I think the original poem a bit odd, I do like this artistic translation.

The little boy on this puzzle had a damaged face, and I was able to repair it quite a bit with paints and colored pencils. You can still see where there was surface rubbing, but it isn't too bad.

For the pieces in this puzzle, I used a reusable sticky tack adhesive to adhere the individual pieces to the board.

The next one is a sweet puppy. Again, this puzzle is made of a heavy wood, so I used the sticky tack to secure the individual pieces and then attached a sawtooth hook on the back for hanging.

Just use as much or as little of the "sticky tack" that you need to keep the pieces down. My pieces are heavy, so I applied a good deal to each puzzle piece.

This is the sawtooth hanger I used:

I did have to snip off a bit of the nails that were included with the hanger or they would have poked through the front of the puzzle. I just snipped them with some pliers.

I love the idea of using these sweet mementos as decorative elements in our home. These pieces of art are just another way that we celebrate the stages of our lives.

YouTube Tutorials: Build a Light Box

2010-03-06T05:58:00.001+09:30

Tired of waiting for the magic hour in which to photograph the items you want to sell in your online shop? Then it is probably time to build a light box. I recently built one, and I love it. They really do make a difference, and if you watch the videos below, you'll see just how quickly and inexpensively you can have one of your own (or two or three if you so desire).

YouTube is used and watched for so many purposes, but my favorite use is to find helpful hints or tips on how to perform a DIY task, or learn a new skill or craft. A simple search term can return so many results. Who knows, you may just find a new passion.

My Experience:

I couldn't find any end caps in my local stores, so don't panic when you see them used in the videos and you discover that your local stores are also void of them. I think they add a little more stability maybe, but I'm doing fine without them.

I also chose not to use glue. I wanted the ability to move my light box and potentially alter it in the future. It does great sans adhesive. Unless you have it in an area that gets a lot of traffic or needs to be moved every night, I wouldn't worry about the glue.

I built a fairly large box. I needed a wide and deep one to accommodate large and long pieces. Base your measurements on the items you will be photographing.

I use a couple of floor lights and a clamp light for my lighting. I do use full spectrum fluorescent lights. They remain cool to the touch and cast a beautiful light. No more waiting on the perfect time of day to capture the needed sunlight.

A word about the videos:

The video from Tushygalore was the first one that I viewed. She tackles the project head on and does a great job of explaining the tools you'll need. Fair warning, Tushygalore is very funny and personable, you may just find yourself watching her large library of entertaining videos and falling behind on the photographs you need to be taking.

Speaking of entertaining videos, another helpful tutorial I just happened upon is from BuzzFisher. He had me laughing throughout the entirety of his three-part light box tutorial. He tackles the background image/fabric issue from a very creative angle, and I think many of you will find his method fits your needs best.

Documentary: Waging A Living

2010-01-26T09:08:00.004+09:30

What is the American Dream? I don't think it has anything to do with a picket fence or 2.5 kids and a station wagon.

No, I think the Wikipedia article on the "American Dream" that references the following quotation by James Truslow Adams is a pretty good summation of what the dream should be:

The American Dream is that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for every man, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement. It is a difficult dream for the European upper classes to interpret adequately, and too many of us ourselves have grown weary and mistrustful of it. It is not a dream of motor cars and high wages merely, but a dream of social order in which each man and each woman shall be able to attain to the fullest stature of which they are innately capable, and be recognized by others for what they are, regardless of the fortuitous circumstances of birth or position.

This phrase was first used by Adams in 1931 in his book, The Epic of America.

The documentary, "Waging a Living," fully embraces that ideal expressed by Adams and exposes the harsh reality that a huge portion of Americans do not and will not attain this dream. The "dream" is altered by a seemingly inescapable loop of poverty that forces Americans to stay stagnate in their earning capabilities.

The movie, by filmmaker Roger Weisberg, follows four people over a period of three years. The featured individuals and their families share their struggles with job searches, limited or non-existent household funds, health insurance and health care, and job security and advancement. They become the physical embodiment of the poverty statistics that are peppered throughout the film.

The movie does a great job of illustrating how very difficult it is for someone to "pull themselves up by the boot straps" and step out of the darkness of poverty. The featured individuals are hard-working, goal-seeking people who attempt to gain more education and experience in the hopes of getting ahead in the workplace and in their place in life. These are full-time workers who do not have the financial means to cover their basic needs.

A single mother of five who works full-time and attends college part-time in order to earn an associates degree, utilizes the social services that are available to her only to discover that every step she makes to become more self-sufficient keeps her increasingly dependent on welfare aid. She says she is "hustling backwards" and that it seems the system is doing all it can to keep her a member of the working poor.

Filmmaker Roger Weisberg states that the term "working poor" should be an oxymoron. I'll go one step further and say it shouldn't be a part of the American lexicon.

I was raised with the edict that if one works hard enough, they will see their dreams come true and will live comfortably. The ironic part of that lesson is the fact that the members of my family quoting that line were themselves a member of the working poor.

Filmed in 2005, this documentary reflects the struggles still apparent in 2010. We still don't live in a country where every person can attain "the fullest stature of which they are innately capable, and be recognized by others for what they are, regardless of the fortuitous circumstances of birth or position." Yes, life should be richer and fuller based upon the ability, desire, and application of one's work ethic. Unfortunately, this concept is not a reality for the more than 30 million Americans who struggle every day just to keep their lights on and feed their families.

What is your state's minimum wage? U.S. Minimum Wage Rates

Are you making a living wage? The living wage calculator is a great site that breaks down information by your county to help you determine exactly what you need to be bringing home just to cover your basic expenses or to "meet minimum standards of living."

Wings and Fences Crafts for Animals In Haiti

2010-01-19T08:13:00.000+09:30

Just as I had sit down to design a new line of brooches, Haiti was hit by a devastating earthquake. As fate would have it, the brooch design centered on the American Sign Language symbol for "I Love You." It only seemed appropriate to donate a portion of the profits from the sale of these brooches to the Haiti Animal Relief Fund.

I am a trained volunteer for United Animal Nations EARS Team – Emergency Animal Rescue Service. The UAN, as a participant in the Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti, is helping to provide financial support for a mobile veterinary clinic that will provide emergency care to the animals injured and displaced in Haiti.
I encourage you to check out UAN, and if you've ever been interested in volunteering with an emergency animal rescue, you should attend one of their training workshops.

To find out more about the fund: http://www.uan.org/index.cfm?navid=670

So, from Jan. 18, 2010 - February 18, 2010 I am offering the following:

Etsy & Artfire Wings and Fences Shop:

10% of the profits from the sale of my ASL "I Love You" brooches will go to the Haiti Animal Relief Fund.

5% of the profits from the remainder of the items in my shop will go to the Haiti Animal Relief Fund.

Etsy
Buy Handmade
wingsandfences

Bonanzle Wings and Fences Shop:

10% of the profits from the sale of all items in my shop will go to the Haiti Animal Relief Fund

One Pretty Thing, a highly addictive and beautiful site, is compiling a list of "Crafters for Haiti" who are raising funds for assistance to Haiti.

Anna Karenina

2010-01-14T08:16:00.001+09:30

Okay, so I've never been the biggest fan of Tolstoy, but I'm gonna give it a go. Sometimes you just need to put time and new experiences between yourself and an author or book to appreciate it.

So, while I don't follow Oprah's book club, I have heard rave reviews about the translators of the version she used for her club. Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky are considered premier Russian translators, and I am excited to see what their English translation brings to the story.

Here is a reading guide for the book.

Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy

Of course, I'm also trying to finish up another book. From the Notebooks of Dr. Brain by Minister Faust is an interesting read, and definitely a book I never would have considered ten years ago. The older I get, the more I'm in search of a superhero.

Have a Shelfari Shelf? Link up with me! Wings and Fences Shelfari Shelf

Ode to the Funny People That Keep My Head Out of the Oven

2010-01-06T05:43:00.001+09:30

How do I love thee?

It has been awhile since my last post because I've been battling a sinus infection that spread to my teeth and caused me to contemplate the removal of said offending teeth and just head straight into dentures. On top of this lovely mess, a filling replaced in November was done incorrectly, requiring additional dental work. Not a happy camper. Antibiotics and humor kept me sane over the holiday and through the healing period. Thus, a thank you to those keep me laughing and keep my head out of the oven.

Catherine Tate - My fellow red, you've taught me to not be bovvered by anything that doesn't make me laugh.

Matt Lucas and David Walliams - If ever I'm on a deserted island, I'm sorry, but you will need to accompany me. As individuals and a combo, I find you delightful.

King of the Hill - As a native Texan, I'm tickled when I see or hear glimmers of images past in the words and actions of the Hill family. Sadly, KOTH went off the air in 2009, and Brittany Murphy, the human counterpart to Luanne Platter, died in December.

Ricky Gervais - You slay me. You force me to watch your outtakes just to hear your silly laugh.

Graham Norton - You are hilarious, and you've created a show that can be filed under "can't miss" with the combination of actors, comedians, and musicians you invite to your naughty couch. I love the interaction you have with your audience--note to self: be careful what you volunteer for when you attend a GN taping.

Mystery Science Theater 3000 - My BFF in high school raved about this show but I didn't have the cable channel that aired it and had not a clue what she was talking about. Now that I can find the episodes on the shelves of my local library, I'm quickly catching up on the series. Question for Laserblast fans, Why is Billy's face the only part of his body that turns green? And, "Are you ready for some football?" :)

Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist - This is a series that I can watch over and over and keep laughing. I catch something new each time around. I love the relationship between Dr. Katz and his son, Ben. They are a sweet duo. Here is a great episode guide to the show.

Wanda Sykes - A little sass and a lot of fun. The social and political commentary in her stand-up comedy is spot on. I just love the fact that she isn't afraid to "go there" with her comedy.

French and Saunders - Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders are two very funny ladies. I can't get enough of their "recreated" music videos. Wish there were more female comedic duos.

Who keeps you laughing?

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-18T09:16:00.002+09:30

We've got a lot to be thankful for this year. Our furnace kicked the bucket last week. Thankfully, we were able to find a (fairly) affordable option and are enjoying the warmth from our new furnace. Never had a new furnace, always inherited a very old one.

The boys (our two dogs) are still with us and at 14 and 15 years old, are keeping us on our toes as we care for them round the clock. Sans the ability to turn back the clock, I couldn't think of a better use of time. Ms. Kitty is doing well and loving every moment she has to snuggle with her boys.

We've had a very wet summer and fall. Thanks to the chance we were given to dig out the "waterway" that runs through out property, our yard has not been flooded as it has in years past. It feels good to see something turn out right!

Our "traditional" vegetarian Thanksgiving will be vegan this year, as 2009 was the year we went 1000% vegan. Never felt better. We are preparing our menu now. I am looking forward to a few days of relaxation and fun with the husband and furry kids. We always try to cram in so much in a short period, but there are so many games to play, lights to put up, and dreams to hatch.

Yep, it has been a year of hard work and transitions, but at the end of the day, when the guys are running in their sleep, the cat is napping at their feet, and we are warm, dry, and loved, the world seems kinda perfect. Just don't turn on the news, the radio, the internet, or answer the phone. :)

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. I do hope you take stock of your life and gain a little perspective. We have a lot to be thankful for this year.

ETSY Apps - Help and Fun For Your Etsy Shop

2009-11-03T07:00:00.000+09:30

Are you aware that there are a number of applications you can use to highlight, improve, and link to your Etsy store(s)?

The Etsy Developer Community has a number of great applications you might find useful. Including:

Heartomatic - Makes your item and store "hearts" easily viewable and they also have a search feature that tells you if you've been featured in an Etsy gift guide or on the coveted front page.

has a list of amazing features, including Where Am I?, a tool that shows where your shop appears in an Etsy search. Some other neat tools include: copy listing (create a listing based on a current one), RSS Feedback (create an RSS feed of your Etsy feedback), and Shop CSV (download current listings to upload them into a spreadsheet). There are more tools listed, so check them out.

Yammi Handmade is a fun site that offers a lot of info. for the handmade maven. Not only can you be listed in the handmade shop directory, but they provide links to your blog, Etsy and Artfire shops, Twitter, MySpcae, and Facebook accounts, and more. My favorite tools are the gadgets/widgets you can plug into your blog that feature your item hearts, items sold, and items listed.

Here are a few other sites that will help you make the most out of your Etsy store:

Easy Etsy - They've created a great list of the tutorials and tools that Etsy experts use to help promote and improve their stores.

Etsy Wiki - Sometimes the information you need about how to best use Etsy can be difficult to locate. Not so with the Wiki.

Got any helpful sites you'd like to share?

Documentary: It Was A Wonderful Life

2009-10-27T07:38:00.001+09:30

I love documentaries. Many nights I can be found watching a documentary about any number of subjects and topics. Documentaries open up your world and your mind, who couldn't love them?

I just finished the 1993 documentary, It Was A Wonderful Life, a moving film about the "hidden homeless" population that highlights the lives of six witty, intelligent, talented, and homeless women.

While it may be from 1993, the film is no less relevant today. Not unlike our current economic situation, the recession of 1992 - 93 left many Americans without a job or home. As the women featured in the film attempt to find jobs and safe housing, my thoughts went to our local homeless who are fighting city boards as they take up residence in tents, parking garages, and their cars. Sadly, not much has changed in the struggle to be safe and warm when one is homeless.

The women in this film have so much to offer society. They are articulate, artistic, intelligent, funny, and inventive. They are not the stereotypical images of homelessness. These women are "every woman," and if you passed them on the street, would never guess they are homeless. It couldn't be made any clearer that anyone can become homeless when dealt a losing hand of circumstances that can arise from divorce, lack of health care coverage, and unemployment.

The daily struggles faced by these women are no easy tasks. Do you know where you would go if you were alone and needed a shower? How could you afford to keep your clothes clean? How would you keep your dignity intact when the world tells you that you don't matter?

After watching this film I guarantee you'll never again complain about going to the basement to do laundry. You'll think twice about being "too tired" to cook dinner. Maybe you'll remember to extend a smile to the woman you know is homeless in your town. The one who lives in the only sanctuary she knows, her car.

Jodie Foster narrates the film with an original musical score by Melissa Etheridge.
Director: Michèle Ohayon
82 mins. in length

Crafting a Confident Woman

2009-10-09T13:53:00.001+09:30

Glamour magazine has done an amazing job of bringing the topic of body-confidence for women to the forefront of conversation with their latest "beautiful bodies" spread in their November issue.Glamour promises to continue featuring "a wide range of body types" and celebrating the diversity of size, shape, and race.

Check out this screen shot of the online photo and article. Check out the link below to discover more about the models in the photo. Their stories are very interesting.I love this photo. Real women. Real issues. Real beauty. Kudos to you, Glamour!

Supermodels Who Aren't Superthin: Meet the Women Who Proudly Bared it All Health & Fitness: glamour.com

Shared via AddThis

Fall Flutterings

2009-10-05T14:07:00.002+09:30

Late this summer we noticed a plant pop up below the apple tree. It grew in a straight line and produced lovely yellow flowers that resembled the squash in the garden. Had we planted anything here? Nope. We had laid out a pumpkin last winter for the birds and raccoons to have their way with.

Apparently a few seeds took:

Our robins appear to have left us for the season. Oh, one or two will always stay behind just to taste the first cold snap. Friendships and nest mates are expanding as winter comes near.

The grey skies don't lie...fall is here.

And finally, the butterflies are floating among us as we go about day attempting to prepare for the colder weather ahead. It isn't hard to get transfixed as we stop on our way to gather more insulation, make needed repairs on the doors, and make a warm spot for the feral cats who will make their way to us soon.

How does fall look from where you are?

Fall Is In The Air

2009-10-01T05:42:00.001+09:30

The black walnut tree is naked.
Always the first to run nude into fall.
The other trees are just beginning to welcome fall as they display their yellow and red heads.
I'll post some pics. soon, until then, my quilled fall tree will have to do. :)

Crafty Listings at Bonanzle

2009-09-27T06:57:00.000+09:30

Check out my listings @ Bonanzle... I list a lot of vintage cross stitch pattern books and leaflets

Crafty Copyright Awareness

2009-09-25T08:15:00.001+09:30

AKA: It's Hard to Be a Crafter!

So, you are standing in the packed aisle of your favorite craft shop, and your hands begin to grab for all the tools and trinkets you need to restock your craft pantry. The packages of your favorite items list the contents, maybe colors and sizes, and their creation location, but did you ever notice what is missing? For crafters who want to sell their handmade items, the most important missing link is the copyright and/or "Angel Policy" for the use of the item.

Unless you've already done your research prior to your shopping trip, you best trot home and check out what the manufacturer states is an "approved use" of the item. You've got to do the footwork yourself because they fail to provide the information on the packaging (prior to your purchase) so that you can be an informed shopper.

For example, did you know that the extremely popular Cricut by Provo Craft carries the following "Angel Policy?" (red font color is my doing)

1. All Provo Craft products that incorporate, provide or utilize copyrighted material are copyrighted by Provo Craft and Novelty, Inc. and are protected under United States and international copyright laws, which means that they cannot be copied without the written permission of Provo Craft.

2. Any craftwork to be sold must not incorporate third-party copyrighted material. The craftwork must contain only Provo Craft products that are sold under the Provo Craft trademark.

3. The individual may sell or distribute personal craftwork at local community fundraisers, seasonal boutiques or bazaars, or other temporary craft events. Personal craftwork incorporating Provo Craft copyrighted material cannot be sold at a fixed retail location such as a store or mall kiosk, left in a store on consignment, or sold to other parties for subsequent resale, or sold via the Internet.

4. The use of the copyrighted material to be sold with a product, to enhance a product or to design a product on a regional or national level or for any mass production is expressly prohibited hereunder and requires a written licensing agreement with Provo Craft. (The definition of mass produced is more than fifty copies reproduced within a thirty day period of any one design or more than 200 copies per year of any one design. Multi-person assembly-line work counts as mass production.)

5. Quantities for sale of personal craftwork shall be limited by the production limits set forth herein.

6. The limited license granted herein is not a license of the Provo Craft name or any trademarks, trade names, trade dress or logos of Provo Craft and cannot be used without the express written permission of Provo Craft. In addition, the Provo Craft name or any trademarks, trade names, trade dress or logos of Provo Craft may not be used at any location where personal craftwork items are sold, nor may they be used in any manner to solicit sales of such items nor in a manner that states, infers, or implies an affiliation with Provo Craft.

7. You may not use Provo Craft and Novelty, Inc. copyrighted material for the purpose of creating logos, trademarks, trade names, trade dress or trademarks (e.g., company trademarks, product trademarks, product packaging, etc.).

8. Wherever possible, each item using or incorporating Provo Craft’s copyrighted material must be marked with “Includes Copyrighted Material of Provo Craft and Novelty, Inc.” in a reasonable size and location that gives reasonable notice.

9. Copyrighted material of Provo Craft may not be altered in any manner, including but not limited to, masking or overlaying portions in the overall design. Any other alteration will be considered an infringement of copyright. In addition, Provo Craft expressly reserves all moral rights in any copyrighted material.

10. Provo Craft shall, without limitation, have the right to terminate the limited license granted hereunder for any reason whatsoever. In the event that Provo Craft elects to terminate this license for any individual, Provo Craft shall notify such individual in writing of such termination. Upon notice such individual shall immediately terminate the copying, sale and/or distribution of any of Provo Craft’s copyrighted material or products or things that incorporate any of Provo Craft’s copyrighted material.

11. Persons creating personal craftwork items for sale are responsible for complying with any state and local business and tax regulations or any other laws or regulations governing the sale of goods.

12. Persons subject to this license assume all liability for suitability of their work and for any CLAIM OR cause of action arising as a result of the sale, offer for sale and/or distribution of their work and agree to indemnify and hold harmless Provo Craft and Novelty, Inc. and its artists from disputes arising from the sale, offering for sale and/or distribution of their work.

13. Provo Craft and Novelty, Inc. is a Utah corporation. The laws of the State of Utah govern this license. The state and federal courts of Utah will have exclusive jurisdiction over any proceeding arising from this policy. Any person that operates under this limited license expressly agrees to be subject to personal jurisdiction in the courts of the State of Utah. Any failure by Provo Craft to enforce any of its rights will not constitute a waiver of such rights.

This "Angel Policy" contains some very interesting information that I have noted with the color red. The statement makes clear that a crafter cannot sell their (Provo Craft) copyrighted images on materials that are offered for sale online or in a fixed location like a local boutique. Yep, that means you cannot take their cut out images, paste them on a card, and sell the card online.

Also, they expect you to give credit to them on your completed item. So, the cards you are selling at the approved craft fair should include the following statement, “Includes Copyrighted Material of Provo Craft and Novelty, Inc.”

And better yet, don't think about using any third-party copyright material alongside the Provo Craft materials. They won't share the space with other stamps, papers, or stickers belonging to another trademark.

Look, all companies have the right to state how their products can and cannot be used. I do take offense that companies who are creating tools and supplies for crafters are not making these copyright restrictions and "Angel Policies" a part of their own packaging. Let the buyer know prior to their purchase what you do and do not expect of them. Many crafters do not have a clue that such policies exist. Realistically, most people assume, hey, this is an item created for the specific purpose of being used for subsequent creations. Most don't stop and think that the manufacturer of the item would even dream of attempting to limit the creative process or the ability for the crafter to then make a profit on the item.

So, crafters beware, there are limits and limitations to most things in life, including the items you use to live a creative life. Always check with the manufacturer (via their web site, phone, snail mail, etc...) to discover what their policies in order to avoid any headaches and claims of copyright infringement.

For more information on Angel Policies, check out these links:
List of Rubber Stamping Companies with Angel Policies
Angel Policies of Various Companies by Paperlicious

Credit for post image