To Win

October 12th, 2012

‘I Love Yarn Day‘

Is national day to declare your LOVE for yarn!

You can Knit it, crochet it, wear it, post it, tweet it, carry it, share it, give it, or bomb it!
Are you loving on your yarn?
Can you find yarn items throughout your house?
Do you shop for yard more often then you really need?
Even if you just Knit / Crochet / Craft / spin / weave / love fiber every now and then, it’s ok!

Help spread the word about I Love Yarn Day!
This day is all about spreading that good feeling people have about yarn and yarn-related crafts.
It’s for you to affirm your passion for yarn.
This year will be the second annual I Love Yarn Day.
To participate all you need is your yarn and maybe a couple of friends.

Get Involved

• Create an I Love Yarn Day badge
• Teach someone to knit or crochet
• Do something for charity
• Wear a knitted or crocheted item
• Give a gift of yarn
• Take your yarn to work day
• Host a yarn-a-bration party
• Knit, crochet and craft in public

Any money generated from gear sales will be donated to the Warm Up America Foundation.
A 501C3 charity that has been providing warm clothing and afghans to people in need for more than 20 years.

Knitting abbreviations

You can find knitting abbreviations here.

Crochet abbreviations

You can find Crochet abbreviations here.

Need more incentive to love on your yarn?
Why don’t you try and win some yarn!

WIN Show us your love of yarn!

Go on the facebook page
www.facebook.com/iloveyarnday
There are three ways to enter: on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!
Take a photo showing your love of yarn!
‘Like’ the facebook page and fill out the form to submit an entry.
You can find the entry form here.
Or enter from your mobile phones via Twitter and Instagram using hashtag #YarnDayContest.
Have all your friends vote on your photo.

Prizes

The Grand Prize winner will receive 365 skeins of yarn from prize sponsors: Bernat, Patons and Caron Yarns; Lion Brand Yarn; and Red Heart Yarns.
10 Runners-up will receive an I Love Yarn Day tote bag with a yarn-lovers’ collection of prizes valued at $300 each. Runners-up prizes are sponsored by All American Crafts (Knit ‘N Style, Knit 1•2•3 and Crochet 1•2•3), Annie’s (Creative Knitting and Crochet Magazine), Boye accessories, Clover Needlecraft accessories, Creative Partners’ books, Future US (Crochet Today magazine), Interweave (Interweave Knits, Interweave Crochet, Knitscene, and Knitting Daily TV), Leisure Arts (The Knook), Soho Publishing (Vogue Knitting, Knit Simple, Debbie Bliss magazine, Noro magazine), and TMA yarns.

How to Win

The 10 photo entries with the highest number of votes at the end of the contest period will each win the yarn-lover’s tote bag and prizes, and one photo entry will be selected from the Top 10 by a panel of Sponsor’s employees to win the Grand Prize, according to the following criteria: personality (33%), quality (33%), and representation of the I Love Yarn Day theme (33%).

Winners Announcement

Winners will be announced on October 26, 2012.

www.ILoveYarnDay.org

Enjoy!

Let’s create something!

You want to create your own buttons so it will match your design perfectly, what do you do?
Use Self Cover Buttons!

Instructions are simple and located at back of packaging.

Trace the right size circle to match the size of your button.
You can use a scrap peace of tracking paper.

Audition your circle on a small piece of fabric, trace and cut.

Now that you have your fabric circle, turn it so the right size of the fabric will face down.

Put button on top of your fabric.
The teeth are sharp so be careful not to hurt yourself.

You may want to use a pencil with an eraser to push the fabric into the teeth.

Start pushing your fabric into the teeth, first on opposite sides.

Then all the way around.

Put back plate on top.

Push down.

It will snap into place.

You are now the proud owner of your very own unique button!

To view another technique of how to create your own button: How To: Button Maker
To view another technique of how to create your own button: How To: Make a Button Using Your Fabric

Enjoy!

Let’s create something!

You created a gorgeous buttoned down shirt and you want to create your own buttons using your own fabric, what to do?

Get Buttons to Cover!

A look at back of packaging.
This is an old package with some advertising on it.

The instruction paper inside.

The parts you will use.

Use a paper to trace the size circle/button you would like.
You can use a scraps tracing paper from a pattern you use.
Cut out your circle pattern.

Use only need a very small piece of fabric.

See which part of the print you would like to use as the front of your button.

Trace and cut your circle from your fabric.

This White rubbery gizmo is called Miracle holder.
Place it with hole facing up.

Place your fabric on top.
Right side of fabric facing down.

Put button shell on top of fabric.

Put pusher on top of everything.

Press down.

A side angle.

Remove pusher.
This is what you will see.

Put back of button on top.
Make sure your fabric is all tucked in inside.

Put pusher on top.

A side angle.

And push down.

You are done!
Just remove the button and there you go.

A side view of your completed button made to mach everything you wanted.

To view another technique of how to create your own button: How To: Button Maker
To view another technique of how to create your own button:How To: Make a Button Using Your Fabric, Self Cover Buttons

Enjoy!

Let’s create something!

If you live in the bay area, CA you may be interested in The Art of Selling Online: Running Your Own Store, Soup to Nuts.

Here is what you can expect:

Whether you’re opening your first or your fifth online store, this workshop is for you!
At Storenvy, we’ve developed an inspiring set of walk-throughs and case studies to share today’s best practices for running your own online store.

When you leave, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to…

• Brand your own storefront, no coding knowledge required
• Manage orders simply & effectively
• Take better product photos
• Wow your customers with a great brand experience

This workshop will be given by Storenvy’s community manager, the one and only Adam Hendle.
The rest of the Storenvy team will be available to help you open a Storenvy store on the spot, and Adam will be happy to follow up via email, phone call or in-person meeting to answer any questions you might have.

We’re hosting this event after talking with many artists down the hall from us in Studio 17 and realizing how awesome it would be to share our expertise from working with the 15,000 merchants who use Storenvy to power their online stores.
We hope you’ll join, too.

Come for the beer, stay for the information.

When will the workshop take place?

July 12, 2012 from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Where will the workshop take place?

Event will be located in the Michelle O’Connor Gallery on the 4th Floor.

What will the cost of the workshop?

$5. Ticket costs will be donated in full to Homeless Children’s Network, a nonprofit in our building.

Where do I buy a ticket?

https://storenvy.eventbrite.com

What is Storenvy?

JoAnn Fabrics is running a fun new handmade nursery video contest!

What do you need to do in order to win?

Shoot a video tour of your nursery with handmade decor and you can enter to win!
Showcase your original baby-themed crafts, created for your child, age two or younger.

What is the prize?

You could win a $500 gift card from Jo-Ann by showcasing your baby’s handmade nursery.

When is the contest taking place?

The contest runs between June 1 to June 30 at 11:59:59 p.m. ET.

How will the winner be determined?

A winner will be chosen for nursery theme, originality and workmanship by a team of crafting experts from Jo-Ann.

Where do I enter Jo-Ann’s Simply for Baby Nursery Video Contest?

http://joannfabricandcraftstores.blogspot.com/2012/06/enter-to-win-with-your-handmade-nursery.html

Where can I see submissions?

Check out JoAnn’s contest submissions on Pinterest:
http://pinterest.com/joannstores/simply-for-baby-nursery-contest/

A new phenomenon out there, Cash Mob…

What is Cash Mob?
http://cashmobs.wordpress.com/about-us

On designated date folks go into small, local businesses and shop there, spend $10-$20 each on the goods and services offered. This helps the business owner and keeps our money in our community. The best way to promote and grow local businesses is to support and patronize them. Then head to the local restaurant, bar or pub to celebrate with your news friends.

First “Cash Mob” took place on November 16, 2011 organized by Andrew Samtoy, an attorney at Dworken & Bernstein. It was later on discovered that the first “Cash Mob” actually took place in Buffalo, NY, on August 5, 2011, and was organized by blogger and an engineer for Oracle Corp, Christopher Smith.

Looking for a Cash mob near you?
http://cashmobs.wordpress.com/near-you

If you know of another Cash Mob, let them know!
cashmobs@gmail.com

Looking for International Cash Mobs, check:
https://cashmobs.wordpress.com/international-cash-mobs

To follow on Twitter @Cashmobs
Bookmark www.cash-mobs.com

Mob Rules

Taken from: https://cashmobs.wordpress.com/rules-2

Here are the rules we’ve developed for running cash mobs.  THESE ARE JUST SUGGESTED RULES!!!

1. The mob date and meeting location must be announced at least a week in advance via Twitter, Facebook and/or email.
2. The amount to spend will not be more than $20, although people can spend more if they wish.
3. The business must have products that cost less than $20 for both men and women.
4. The business must be locally owned and independently operated.
5. The business owner must give back to the community in some way.
6. The business owner must approve the Cash Mob before the mob is announced.
7. The business must be within one block of a locally-owned watering hole.
8. Cash Mobbers must join us for celebratory drinks after the successful mob.
9. The cash mob will occur during the evening on a weekday or on a weekend.
10. Pictures will be posted to the blog after the CashMob.
11. Parking or public transportation must be available.

At the mob, there are three rules:

1. Spend $20;
2. Meet three people you didn’t know before;
3. HAVE FUN!!!

Saturday March 24, 2012 was International Cash Mob Day. Missed it? No worries, another one is coming up shortly.

Coming up:

International Cash Mob Day II: May 25, 2012
Where will you be?
Keep your eyes on twitter feeds, facebook pages, G+, blogs…
Start your own Cash Mob, support your local Arts and Crafts Mom and Pop store!

A behind the scene look, how to set up your booth for a craft show.

You’ll start off with a blank space.
Unless you order booth extras such as carpet, tables, table skirts, chairs etc.

Best to start off with hanging your samples/fliers on the walls of your booth.

Have gorgeous quilts? Use them as table covers.

Try out a few layouts as you’re spreading things out.

Use stands to maximize the table’s space.

Take boxes, flip them, cover with a pretty quilt and you’re got a one of a kind stand.

Play with placing your samples and wares.

Carousel stands are a great way to save on space.

Bring or rent a dolly, it will save you valuable time on trips into your booth.

Have a machine you want to demo?

Have everything set up in advance so folks can easily get a feel for the machines.

Bring your tools for any last minute adjustments.

Hang fliers so folks know what they are looking at and can refer to it.

Think about having enough clearance to walk around and several ways in and out of your booth.

Front of your tables is prime real-estate, use it!

A big thank you to ‘Always Quilting’ for letting me tag along!

Check out Always Quilting web site:
www.alwaysquiltingonline.com
To visit the store:
4230 Olympic Avenue
San Mateo, CA 94403
Phone: 650-458-8580

Bring fabrics to cover your booth at the end of the day.

The San Mateo Sewing and Quilt Show is FREE to attend!
You can find more information about the Quilt, Craft & Sewing Festival

Enjoy!

Valentine’s day fast approaching…
Want to create something special for your loved one?
Want it to last and not be tacked away somewhere?

Use a shadow box.
This way you are not limited to something flat and you can create something that has dimension.

Remove the back of the shadow box.
Most of the time you can just twist it to the side and it opens.
On occasion the screws are over tightened, you may need to use a screw driver.

The glass and backing are separated.
Notice the Black border around the glass, it will partially block the view of the design.
You can use part or all of the backing area for different style results.

Take a patterned paper and cut to the size of backing.
Paper can be as busy or solid color depends on results you want achieved.
In this case 7 * 9.5 inches.

Make sure it fits the backing of shadow box.
Attach to backing at this point.
Use double sided tap, Adhesive Transfer Tape or glue.

Pull out your Cricut machine.

All the designs are from Happily Ever After cartridge.

Put your paper on the cutting mat.
Silver color was selected as background color in this case.

Use the Cricut spatula to gently remove paper from cutting mat.

The Cricut spatula and Cricut Tool Kit will help prevent the paper from bending as you try to remove it from the cutting mat.

Play around with how you want to place everything on your backing.
Once you get an idea of where things will go start gluing the pieces together.
Use a Glue pen or use Create-a-Sticker Machine.

This is how it should look.
Now you have less pieces that you need to move around.

Take a Red piece of paper and cut it to a note card size.

Use Clear Choice stamp ‘I love you’ or any other stamps you would like.

Place it on a clear Acrylic stamping block.
Clear your stamp after each use.

Use different ink colors with the same stamp to create a 3D effect.
Use additional stamps, in this case the heart to create a pattern.
Add a White paper underneath it, to make it stand out more.

Add ribbons in Valentine’s theme.

Use flowers in different sizes and create a layers with different colors.

Use chipboard circles with a message as the focal point of the flower.

Use Valentine theme buttons as accent in your flowers.

Arrange all components in shadow box.
Don’t glue everything all around, this will add to 3D effect.
Hang or place shadow box with love.

Your Valentine shadow box is now complete.

Happy Valentine!
Let’s create something!

Buttons can be used for so many things.
To advertise something, as a focal piece of a broach, the possibilities are limitless.

As you open this Button Maker box you will find:
Instructions page

Various supplies that are needed to make your button.
This will enable you to create 72 buttons.

Button maker machine.

Two trays marked 1 and 2.

Nine pages filled with round circle shapes printed graphics.

I choose to use a Washi Japanese paper to create my button.

You can audition on the paper what part you would like to use.
As well as how many buttons you can get out of it.

The box comes with a circle template but that was no where to be found at this point so I made my own template.
I cut out one of the graphics circles.

Center the template.
Make sure your design is slightly smaller.
The edges of your artwork will form around the button.

Trace and cut your paper, your artwork.

To start creating the button, we will use tray 1.

In tray 1, put metal button cover with rounded sides facing up.

On top of that, put your artwork.

On top of that, put plastic cover.

Insert tray 1 into the button machine when the bar with handle on top is raised.

Slide tray 1 in.

Twist handle clockwise.
Stop when you hear a pop sound.

Twist handle counter-clockwise.
This will cause the bar to raise up.
Button parts stay inside the Button Maker machine.
Take out tray 1.

Take tray 2.

Take metal button backing with hole in center and place inside tray 2 with edges facing up.

Insert tray 2 into the Button Machine when the bar with handle on top is raised.

Slide tray 2 in.

Twist handle clockwise.
Stop when you hear a pop sound.

Twist handle counter-clockwise.
This will cause the bar to raise up.
Button is now in tray 2.
Take out tray 2.

Front of button is now finished.

Turn your button to the back side.

Snap plastic backing, pin into hole in button.

Snap pin into plastic backing.

Make sure you insert the part that doesn’t open!

Your button is now complete.
You can use fabric, magazine clipping or draw your own artwork.

Happy New Year!

To view another technique of how to create your own button: How To: Make a Button Using Your Fabric
To view another technique of how to create your own button: How To: Make a Button Using Your Fabric, Self Cover Buttons

Let’s create something!