Sunday, March 18, 2012

March 18th Treasury Contest Winner, Liz K Zook

'Earthy Finds' by afteryourheartart



Flower brooch, fabric a...
$18.00

deer print, woodland ea...
$18.00

Live Moss Glass Hanging...
$35.00

Sale - Leather Cuff Bra...
$39.00

Lichen and moss eco res...
$30.00

4" Moss Ball-Beaut...
$6.50

ONE 20" Handmade M...
$30.00

Modern Globe Manzanita ...
$50.00

Money drawing charm and...
$15.00

Preserved Roses, Hydran...
$112.00

Ruffle Chiffon Flower s...
$18.99

Ends of the Earth Silk ...
$24.00

Earth Wreath - Green Ri...
$33.00

Small Soldered Glass Te...
$25.00

Artisan Handmade Earth ...
$51.00

Wood Stacker Toy Wooden...
$25.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Large Hole Beads: The Easiest Way To Make Jewelry


Large Hole Beads On A Snake Chain
Getting started with personalized jewelry couldn't be easier with using large hole beads. Also known as European style or by the brand names Pandora and Troll, these types of beads have large diameters and can be strung on special chains that have screw-off ends. Simply unscrew the end cap, place the beads you want on the chain, and screw the cap back on- anyone can do it!

Widely available at gift shops and jewelry supply stores, you will have no problem finding the chains and beads for sale. Many jewelers offer the brand name beads in birthstones and other special occasion themes. Unfortunately, most of the retail and brand name beads and chains are expensive. You can buy beads and accessories at craft stores or online from China, at a low price, but the brand name chains might be more durable. I have found no difference in quality between the brand name and craft store beads though, with the exception of the metal cores not being made of sterling silver. My preference is to buy the beads used, that way I can support small independent sellers that might need money. Ebay and Etsy are great places to search for used beads. Search for "destash beads" or look for lots of beads labeled, "Fits _____ Style Bracelets". There are also metal and charm beads available.

In Middle TN, I have seen the beads for sale at Reeves Sain pharmacy on Memorial. They also sell necklace and earring blanks for the beads. The average cost of one bead there is 6.00 dollars. Used bead prices range from fifty cents to about 3.00 dollars each bead, although you can score a real deal if you search the destash lots online. 


The End Is Removable

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

How To Make Shabby, Fabric Ribbons

Wrapped Favor With Handmade Ribbon
Have some spare cloth and a rubber stamp? Well, then take five minutes and make some fashionable ribbons. Don't have these items? In that case, luck is on your side- plain muslin fabric and stamps are incredibly cheap. In fact, I got this the Eiffel Tower foam stamp block for 1.00 dollar at Michael's, and the cotton is free scraps leftover from a friend's sewing project. Any craft store or quiling supply should have a good rotary cutter for around 10.00. They are very sharp; be careful!

Simply lay out your cloth and use a stamp and ink to cover the muslin with images. Smaller stamps work better for this. You can use multiple stamps or colored inks. Then, take your rotary cutter, and cut the cloth into 1/3 inch wide strips. There you go!

Pile of Ribbons


Foam Stamp, Ink, Rotary Cutter, Dye Ink


Stamped Muslin Strip

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Rockvale Art Barn- A Must-See Local Business, Serving The Art Community

Recently, I visited The Art Barn, an amazing haven for the arts and crafts in Middle Tennessee. It is a rustic home and studio where classes are offered and there is a wide variety of handmade goods and artwork for sale. It is run by the resident artist, Dawna and her husband, the "head engineer", Joe. There will be an outdoor fair and live music on March 31st; however, there is fresh coffee and tea available everyday- just make sure to leave a donation to support the arts! The Art Barn is located 10 minutes outside Murfreesboro, on New Salem Hwy. See this link below for directions, class schedules, and much more:
http://theartbarntn.com/Home_Page.html

Dawna has 2 Etsy shops as well for purchasing her items online:


Now, let's get to the fun stuff and look at the homey interior and some of the arts and crafts available for sale! Please note that Dawna, the owner and artist in charge of The Art Barn, is the creator of many of the works below, but there are many other local artists represented.

The Art Barn Outside Murfreesboro

Look For The Metal Sculpture on New Salem Hwy.

A Variety of Classes Available
Churp Birdhouses

Polymer Clay Decorated Table
Ma Belle's Goat Milk Soap
Decorative Tray
Landscape
Sewing Lesson Area
Girl In Ski Har
A Local Jewelry Artist, Mary Santos Bailey, Takes a Sewing Lesson
Old Bar From Bell Buckle With Complimentary Coffee
Fabric Owl
Handmade Wine Rack
Hats and Hair Accessories
A Work In Progress Upstairs in Dawna's Studio
Children's Mural on Storage Container

"The Poet"- A Painting Available For Sale

Portriat of Joe, Dawna's Husband













Thursday, March 8, 2012

It's For The Birds...Errr, And The Squirrels! Get Your Spring Feeders Ready

Kitty Watches Nibbles at the Feeder


The weather is getting warmer and all the stores are putting out the gardening products and seeds- that means it is time to start thinking Spring! This short post is inspired by a window feeder I put out last week. I all ready had a visitor the next day, and one VERY happy kitty. Now, I am thinking of building  or assembling from a kit, a new, wooden feeder or birdhouse. There are plenty of designs to choose from; even ones that are supposed to thwart the squirrels (HA!). I think I am going to choose an unpainted one I saw at the hardware store and paint it. If you want to be adventurous, you can also find hummingbird feeders, squirrel snacker stations, and gourd birdhouses. Whatever you decide, start working on your project soon, to get ready for Spring.

Ktty Wants to Eat Nibbles