As I am sure you have figured out by now, Sept 24 has come and gone. I posted an update on my facebook stating that I had recently opened my Etsy store, Website and was now blogging. I made a statement something to the effect of "I'm new to this so any input, advice or information would be much appreciated. By the next morning I had received 7 emails from friends offering very good advice. To all of you that have helped me out so much, and you know who you are, I really and truly do appreciate all of your help.

 

It seems as though I "put the cart before the horse" and didn't really walk it through first before publishing. Also, it seems I should have witten and posted many of the articles I have (in my head) for my website, before actually publishing my site. Oh well, live and learn. I'm just going to feel my way thru this process and see what happens. The fact is I have been crafting for a lifetime. I have, by trial and error, learned many hints, tips, shortcuts and money-saving ideas. I have made so many projects that I totally enjoyed making and I want to share my version of these projects with whomever is interested. Good News is I have no intention of ever selling anything on my website or thru this blog. Now I'm sure I will "mention" my Etsy store (www.etsy.com/shop/reneescrafts) as a resource from time to time but as a courtesy. Ok, that's not true. I'll mention it so you can by what you need for your projects. That way I get to keep the lights on and you get to continue getting lots of free crafting information. I'm kidding around right now but in all honesty, there is no obligation. This all started because I am busting out thru the seams of my shop and decided to sell some of my supplies. My advice would be to continue shopping where you feel comfortable but keep in mind that if there are items you need and cannot find else where, check my store. Maybe I will have it, you will love it and buy it, and we both win!!

 

I did spend my weekend working on my "Broken Canvas" project. So far it's coming out great and I've taken a lot of pictures and tons of notes. Then, I had to go and ask for advice...so, I stopped mid-stream because I was advised to first publish a "Mosaic How To" for people that have never tried mosaics and need to know the Basics. That will be posted very soon.  I have to work on getting the correct verbiage to post a disclaimer - like "don't blame me if you cut your finger off", etc.

 

I think the best advice I've gotten so far was to first introduce myself. To let you know who I am and why I'm starting websites and posting blogs. But mostly get to know what it is that interests those of you who have stumbled across my blog and took the time to actually read a line or two. That goes for both of you! Ha! So here's the deal. I'm going to talk to you exactly how I would if you were sitting in my shop having a cup of coffee with me. I joke around a lot but I would never intentionally hurt anyone's feelings. Sometimes, if you are not sure whether or not I'm kidding, I'll let you know right now, I'm sure the answer is yes.

 

Ok, so have a great night, thanks for your patience and I'll keep doing what I'm doing til something happens. Oh, and I wasn't teasing about the Broken Canvas project. I promise, it's gonna happen! But no more posting dates from me! - Learned that one the hard way. Sneak peak pic or two below. Happy Crafting!

 

 

 

Renee'

 

 

Making Your Own Ceramic Molds, revised completely with new pictures added. Click hereto read entire article then go make yourself some ceramic molds. I want pictures please! You can send them to me at info@reneescrafts.net

 

I hope you find this article useful and feel free to leave any comments below.

Happy Crafting,

 

Renee'

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Clearly getting off to a slow start today. Still learning about blogging. Just a little tip: if you decide

to start a blog on the topic of your passion, keep in mind that after you write your blog, and edit

your blog, and catagorize you blog, and save your blog, you must actually scroll all the way down

to the bottom of the very long screen and click on the publish button or it won't actually be seen

by anyone. Laugh now, but if I had known this sooner you would be seeing the entire month's

worth of blogs that were left unpublished by me.  I have said a thousand times, and you will

probably hear this from me many more times. A photographer nor a geek am I. I make no

apologies, just want to make that very clear so you are not disappointed in the future. I'm just

a chick that loves to craft. I'm sharing my projects with you because HGTV discontinued about

90% of their craft shows so I thought I'd help fill in the gap for craft junkies like myself, who

need a new project fix from time to time. 

Okay, Let's get down to business.

Click on this link "Broken Canvas Weekend Project" to bring you up to date on what

 I'll be working on today.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                

 

 

 

 

These are a few items that I may or may not use as well. The Kahlua

shot glass that I have my marbles in has a cook shape. I also have a

few seashells, broken cups and dishes (I have been known to pull

dishes out of my kitchen cabinets and break them accidently on

purpose if they suit a project I am currnetly working on.) I have a

broken antique parfait/float glass, and a collection of ceramic

tidbits and pieces, some of which I purchased but most of which

 I have made. I may also grab a few buttons, a broken jewelry piece

 or two. By the end of the day there is no telling what I will actually

 be using. The point is when you are working on a project like this,

 there are no rules. You need to give yourself permission to make

 changes along the way for two reasons; 1.) You may not like the

 items you have initially selected once you put them together and

 2.) Giving yourself permission to do whatever you want to reduces

 the stress of the project and allows you to enjoy each piece you make.

 I feel like enjoying it is the goal, afterall.

 

 

 

 

 

Now it's time to think about what I am actually going to create. I

grabbed a few items that I could use as background pieces. I have

a piece of wood that I had purchased a while back at Hobby Lobby,

simply because it was a great price and I knew that it could be used

for a dozen different things.Maybe I will make a sign to hang on the

wall. There are many bare spots so that would be a great item to

make. Maybe with an inspirational word or words such as, dream,

love, or believe or my fav tranquility.

 

 

 

 

I have a mirror tile. Not seeing the mirror in my head

just yet but since this will be going into a rather small

guest room (14 x 16) mirrors may be a good choice.

Mirrors tend to make small rooms look larger.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I also have a pair of arched frames that my Aunt gave me

several years ago and I love them but I'm feeling a redo

in their future.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So to recap, I want to make a project or two for my guest room, which I call "Emma's Room".

Emma is my grand-baby and I have crib in there for her. She loves to play in this room. The

room has bright lime green walls, (her mother's old room when she was in high school, lime

green was all th rage!) I have since slowly added several very feminine items to the room with

a very shabby chic feel, and with tea roses and delecate prints throughout. There is also a half

bath adjoining this room which is definitly not "off-limits".

 

 

 

Ok, heading back out to the shop to see what I can do with what I have. Remember, this is a

broken canvas project which simply means I am using items that no longer have a purpose,

are not being used, or quite literally are already broken. It's an extremely frugal way to add

items to just about any decor without spending a paycheck on decor items.

 

Tip: If you are just starting to build your "craft stash", in addition to the tools and supplies

(glue, paints, etc) you will need to have collections of items that you should be able to get

for very little money if you know where to look. The following is a list of where I like to

acquire stash items:

 

 1.) Garage/Yard Sales

 2.) Flea Markets

 3.) Dollar Stores, where everything is $1.00

 4.) Clearance Isles at Wal-Mart, Hobby Lobby, or any store that sells craft or paper goods.

 

 I once found a Hallmark store with dozens of greeting cards marked down to 10/$1.00.

 I stocked up because the images were so pretty and they are printed on such a nice

 cardstock that I knew they would come in handy.

 

I'm off for now. If you get bored today go to www.southernsavers.com and see what's gonna

be on sale tomorrow. Gather up a few coupons and save yourself a little money to use for

your craft stash!

 

Don't forget to add a post below and let me know what you think about this project or if you

need info or another project you may be interested in making. All the details of the projects

from this weekend will be posted no later than Monday.

 

Today is Wednesday, the 21st and I am starting to gather a collection of "stuff" that I have considered just throwing out but something keeps stopping me. That little crafting voice in my head that reminds me relentlessly, "Surely you can find something to do with that. Just hang on to it for now". Well needless to say a lot of what we are using this weekend are those very items. Let's see what I can come up with, and you gather your "not quite ready to trash" items. Keep in mind I'd love to hear from you so please feel free to join in. I'd love tohear your ideas or answer any questions you may have. See you Friday!

Time to get serious....

 

I've spent the last couple of weeks trying to tie up all those loose ends that tend to infuse themselves into our world. My birthday is in a few days so I have recommitted myself to my main objectives...

 

1.) Build a helpful website full of resources, links, instruction, and help for those who love to craft but don't really know where to start. I will also try to keep you caught up on great deals going on in stores and across the web.

2.) Offer many great items myself, in my Etsy Store because crazy as it sounds the light Company still wants to be paid even though I have explained countless times that I have crafting to do. You can check out my Etsy Store here; http://www.etsy.com/shop/reneescrafts.

 

Well the sun is shining, the air is cool and crisp with the first signs of fall all around me. I'm totally psyched about my new website, my first time blogging, my up and growing Etsy Store and my new birthday resolutions. I'm headed out to the shop to get my hands dirty. I will let you know what kind of trouble I get into today. I'll take lots of pics, take lots of notes and hopefully be able to share some helpful information for you on our next visit. I won't forget to include my trial and error tips. Believe me, over the years of being a life long, self-taught crafter/artisan, I have plenty of "Don't do this" items under my belt.

 

So go get crafty and I'd love to hear what you've been up to so keep in touch, http://www.reneescrafts.net/, info@reneescrafts.net, or renee@reneescrafts.com and let me know how it goes. Share tips and advice of your own because we all learn something new everyday. Also feel free to ask questions and I'm sure together we will find a great and fun way to finish your project.

 

Have a great day!!

Think about this quote today, it's my fav....

Imagine how quiet the forest would be if the only bird singing was the one that sang best.  Unknown