BS: Mudcat Crafters

Subject: Mudcat Crafters
From: DonMeixner
Date: 31 Oct 01 - 11:58 PM

I just saw the pictures of Bill's craft fair set up in the Mudcat Chat thread. I saw a nice set up but its very hard to see the work. I'd like some close ups Bill. I'm with you Bill on the countdown to sanity. Christmas comes and I get a few weeks rest from the shop.

As many of you know I am a silversmith and a large amount of my time is preparing for craft fairs. How many of us are crafetrs? And would it be possible to do an on-line craft fair? Scanners could be used to do the displays. Casual sales or barters for goods would be cool with me. And a 10% kick back to the Cat maybe.

Any thoughts?

Don

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 01 Nov 01 - 12:00 AM

my, My, MY, isn't this a gay little group?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: DonMeixner
Date: 01 Nov 01 - 12:37 AM

You are right Gargoyle. What was I thinking? An opertunity for some first class craft artists to exchange wares among a gang that would appreciate talent, skill and artistry. And maybe throw some additional and unsolicited cash at Max to keep this forum up and running.

How dumb must I be?

Never mind Bill, I'll look for some spalted maple bowl and vase turnings at Wal-mart.

Never mind Spaw, I'll turn that Gold and Silver bracelet combination ito cash and we can skip negotiations for a new walnut and spruce Lap dulcimer.

Dopey me, another knaff idea from Up State New York.

Don "Still cheerful but not gay" Meixner

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Nancy King
Date: 01 Nov 01 - 12:59 AM

I'm not sure what Gargoyle's problem is, but I for one think this is a great idea. I am fortunate enough to see Bill's work -- not to mention Rita's! -- fairly frequently, and bought a nice piece at the Getaway. I would love to be able to see and buy crafts from other Mudcatters as well. Bring 'em on!

Cheers, Nancy

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Chris Amos
Date: 01 Nov 01 - 01:45 AM

Hi,

I think this is a great idea. Although I am not a craftsperson my self I am married to a potter and know how difficult it is to make a living through your craft. The long hours of work, the frequent dissapointments when the kiln is opened, hours stood behind stalls at craft fairs etc.. If Gargoyle thinks crafts are only done by the idle rich he should think again. Bog off gargoyle.

So would any one mind if I showed aome of Angela's work if this project gets off the ground?, by the way we are in the UK I seem to remember Gargoyle has poored cold water over my contributions before because of this.

Regards

Chris

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 01 Nov 01 - 01:48 AM

It's really VERY hard to photograph silver jewellry to its best effect.... I think it's a great idea though, and am all for it.

I make ties and waistcoats although I work to commission rather than get enough for a stall, and sometimes even that is a close run thing.....

Still, a nice handpainted tie in exchange for a leather bracelet... I could do that.....

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Llanfair
Date: 01 Nov 01 - 04:30 AM

I'm in, if it happens. I make small items for the garden from driftwood, mobiles, windchimes and stuff. Soon to be making willow plant supports.
Cheers, Bron.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: John Hardly
Date: 01 Nov 01 - 07:01 AM

It's certainly a good idea, and I'd love to see what others here do (you can see some of my pots on the mudcat photos page). I also do art fairs for a living (23 years and counting). Unfortunately, I don't do any shipping so I won't be participating, but I do hope this works out well for those of you who participate!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: DonMeixner
Date: 01 Nov 01 - 07:10 AM

I know what Liz is talking of. Silver jewelry, any jewelry is tought to photograph.

John, I like the pots I saw in the photo pages. I also have a pottery fascination, I have a family full of them.

I think we need to beat this up for a day or two. Maybe the Joe Clones have some ideas about how to impliment this. Maybe it can be done woth Blue Clickies?

Glad to see I'm not the only Loon in the lake.

Don

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Bill D
Date: 01 Nov 01 - 07:59 AM

*grin*, Don...my consignments to WalMart have been less successful than I'd hoped...(not thick enough plastic coatings on the burl, I suspect...).

I have LOTS of close up pictures, but most are just records of past glory...you want those, or just what is current? I could easily post some in the Photoloft site.

I do need to finally get a web page going, but your idea has a certain merit as an extra Mudcat fundraiser, too. I have had a couple little things in the auction, as have several others...what would we do differently?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: John Hardly
Date: 01 Nov 01 - 08:08 AM

Don,
Don't you already have lots of slides/photos for entering shows? There's any number of businesses that can scan those into whatever kind of file you need to post here. The guy who does my slides offers this as a service but so does my local print shop.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Donuel
Date: 01 Nov 01 - 08:10 AM

As another loon in the lake, I do only 3 consignments a year virtually at cost. I am already done for the year so this link is not a promotion but just for fun.
click

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Donuel
Date: 01 Nov 01 - 09:17 AM

click After all the work on the Green Celtic violin it went for $100 on ebay. Green violins are apparently not in great demand *G*

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Kim C
Date: 01 Nov 01 - 09:46 AM

Well hells bells, where was I when that green violin went up for auction? Hmmmmm? I don't think I could have paid much more than that BUT if I could have placed a bid, it might have driven the price higher. ;-)

I play with beads & such. I have an open house-type thing every year (it's happening this Saturday) where I put out all my goods and serve refreshments and the like. It usually does pretty well, but I'm not sure about this year. People don't seem to be in a big buying mood.

Anyway, my things are such that they can be placed on the scanner and just scanned! I've done it before. I will probably have some things left over from this weekend so I'd be game for joining in.

I also make soaps, and this year have added bath salts to my list of goodies.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: katlaughing
Date: 01 Nov 01 - 09:46 AM

Don, you know I love your jewellry and it does scan in pretty well.

I haven't made much gemstone, beaded jewellry in the past year, but one Catter who saw a piccie over a year ago, has kindly ordered a piece for his wife for Christmas.

As a JoeClone, I guess I could manage a specific thread, for links etc., whatever you all have in mind.

Alice might want to offer some of her stuff, too and I know we have others who are mighty crafty.

Oh, and maybe Gargoyle could bottle up some home brew and sell it.:-)

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: GUEST,Peter
Date: 01 Nov 01 - 09:51 AM

Kat,

Didn't you start a thread, with a similar idea a good while back?

Can't find it though...

Peter

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: CamiSu
Date: 01 Nov 01 - 09:54 AM

$100?!! Ouch! You couldn't have a minimum bid? I once had a tapestry I had sweat blood over go for barely cost of materials years ago. Never again.

I do jewellry as well, Gold, silver, copper and (often really ordinary river) stones. My inventrory is low and I'm going into the Christmas season... better get busy. And how does one post photos to the 'Cat anyway? This sounds like fun to me. Gargoyle doesn't have to come.

CamiSu

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: katlaughing
Date: 01 Nov 01 - 10:14 AM

Good memory, Peter, thanks. Yes, I had, but it took Homeless to remind me in a PM, because I'd forgotten. Here it is: Another Crafters thread with some ideas that might answer some of the questions in this one.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Deckman
Date: 01 Nov 01 - 04:26 PM

Interesting idea ...! I'm just getting back into my beautiful lathe turned bowls. When snow hits us here in the Pacific Northwest, it's damned hard tp build decks. CHEERS, Bob

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Bill D
Date: 01 Nov 01 - 06:18 PM

he sings, he turns wood!..a sterling fellow, indeed!

(got any pictures??)

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 01 Nov 01 - 06:53 PM

my craftwork can be seen in the Blacksmith section of dragonshearth.com... unfortunatly the site itself is still non functional as far as ordering and such... but the pics are there...

:-)

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: katlaughing
Date: 01 Nov 01 - 07:33 PM

If we wanted to get really serious, we could open a Mudcat store on eBay, BUT ya gotta have volume or make they know they are getting a ONE OF! No reason Camsco and Folk Legacy couldn't be part of it, which might help them out, too.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Nov 01 - 07:38 PM

yet another mudcat idea that won't come to fruition...

a shame

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: DonMeixner
Date: 02 Nov 01 - 12:07 AM

Guest, my intial thought is this,

"Bite Me."

My idea was to market our individual crafts among ourselves, maybe supply Max with some funding. As simple as Me sending photos to anyone interested or as grand as all of us sending scans of crafts and prices to a central location. Anyway you look at it it works on that level, I sell a bracelet or earrings to Kat. John sells me a Raku charger. Max gets some funding.

On second thought,

"Bite me."

Don

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 02 Nov 01 - 01:19 AM

Guest is in for some big meals this weekend then...

BITE ME AS WELL you old pessimistic spoilsport!

Could we call it the Mudcat Market maybe?? If the auction works online, then surely a market can....

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: mouldy
Date: 02 Nov 01 - 01:46 AM

Here am I, up before dawn to have time to finish off some more doughcraft for the fair in Tadcaster tomorrow. I am just thankful that I don't need to make a living doing what I do: last weekend I was one of the fortunate few who DID sell something during the 8 hours we sat and got bored - just enough to cover the stall rent of £20! Yesterday I did a small stall for the local playgroup and cleared £60 in 2 hours.

I make all sorts of things, but LTS and Tig will vouch for my Green Men!

Andrea (Mouldy Old Dough)

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 02 Nov 01 - 01:51 AM

And women!! And yes, I know I owe you... am trying to find the right design, because the original one I did for you got... appropriated by someone.....

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: GUEST,Kim C no cookie
Date: 02 Nov 01 - 10:02 AM

Well I think it would be fun to try, especially with the holidays coming on. All of my jewelry is girly stuff, but I have some nice soaps in Bay Rum and Spicy Lime - very nice for the gentlemens. :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Bill D
Date: 02 Nov 01 - 11:29 AM

I went ahead and uploaded an assorted batch of turned wood pictures in response to a couple of requests. I am thinking about how to set aside an item now & then for Mudcat auction or a crafts venue....who knows, we might surprise some 'guest' yet!

here is the address Turned wood

(a few of these things are current..some are long gone, I tried to pick decent photos)

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 02 Nov 01 - 11:49 AM

Some of Bill Sables leatherwork is included under his member photo on Mudcat Resources so check it out.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Bill D
Date: 02 Nov 01 - 12:06 PM

Bill Sables does fine work! I like those pictures...and..if Rick Fielding ever gets tired of playing the guitar, HE could make a living doing leather. The case his little Martin came to the Getaway in was wonderful!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Matthew Edwards
Date: 03 Nov 01 - 12:13 PM

Refresh, Some nice ideas being exchanged here, and it would be nice to develop this into some sort of Mudcat Market. I'm not a craftperson myself but I do appreciate good craftwork, and some of the examples shown on the links look very good indeed.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Ferrara
Date: 05 Nov 01 - 03:05 PM

A Mudcat Market is a very appealing idea. I'd like to see it take shape. This year we had a Marketplace at the FSGW Getaway and I'm hearing that there will be a lot more crafts there next year.

Here's my 2cents worth which may actually be worth considerably less....

1. I don't expect it (the Mudcat Market) to be a source of lots of sales, because musicians are interested in music first and foremost and will read all the music threads before they even look at the crafts market for the most part. Furthermore, many serious musicians, like serious crafters, are always broke.... It just seems to work that way.... Barter, now, I think that's very likely to happen.

2. I'd like to see something simple and maintainable. For example, a perma thread with links to photos and info about Mudcatters' crafts, including info if any of it is for sale.

3. For those who already have web sites, we should have a link to their site.

4. For those who don't, if you can get a digital or scanned pic of your work, you can set it up in one of the free album displays such as PictureTrail or PhotoPoint and the MM can link to it.

5. Whatever we do, we need a maven (katlaughing has volunteered) to help keep track. And we need to make sure that IT DOESN'T Make Any More Work for Max.

6. If we specifically set up that a percentage goes to Mudcat, I'd like to see a simple, foolproof way to have that happen. How is it done with the auction? If it's done by having the donor send Max a check, we can do that anyway, on a voluntary basis, no need for any mechanism or formal structure....

Or, have the BUYER send two checks, one to the crafter for x% of the price, the other, Mudcat's percentage. This way the buyer gets a write-off, which would be no use to the crafter anyway since it would have to offset an equal amount of income if you follow me....

Hope this at least stirs up some more discussion....

Rita

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: DonMeixner
Date: 05 Nov 01 - 11:32 PM

This is certainly what I had hoped it might become, maybe better than I hoped.

As far as book keeping is concerned, simplist is bestest. I think the honor system may be best. If I sell a $100.00 dollar bracelet to Mudcatters or through the Market, I'd simply send the agreed upon spiff (10% ? ) back to Max.

Of course a bartered deal creats a problem but not insurmountable I'm sure. We have too much imagination amongst us to fail at this because of details.

I hope to have my scanner up and running soon. When I am I'll scan in a selection of my stuff. Everything from Kilt pins to 14K Gold bracelets.

Don Meixner

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: GUEST,Kim C no cookie
Date: 06 Nov 01 - 09:47 AM

Don, I need a new kilt pin. I have a cheapie one that came with a skirt, which I bought a long time ago, and it needs replacing. :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: katlaughing
Date: 07 Nov 01 - 08:13 PM

Thanks, Ferrara, but I have to take my name off the list of volunteers. It has been brought to my attention that I've overextended myself and need to pull in my horns a bit to concentrate on other things. Sorry, folks, just a lot going on already.:-)

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 07 Nov 01 - 09:03 PM

BillD!

That is some seriously beautiful wood mate!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Bill D
Date: 07 Nov 01 - 09:27 PM

*big smile*...why, thank you, sir. You obviously have taste and discernment...

..I wish I'd discovered how neat polishing wood can be when I was 40 years younger.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Homeless
Date: 10 Nov 01 - 09:33 PM

It looks like I'm a few days late, but here's a link to some of my photography.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: katlaughing
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 07:09 PM

Time to revisit this and see what we all can do to help the Mudcat, imo.

Anyone have any more thoughts to add or want to take the ball and run with it?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Hawker
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 07:54 PM

Great idea! I can offer a few corn dollies ! Its gotta be worth a try - and Max has asked for a little financial help - a small percentage would be better than nothing - I'm game (that's GAME gargoyle NOT GAY!) !
Lucy

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Homeless
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 08:09 PM

I'll see what kind of site I can put together over the next few days. Starting tomorrow, because I'm getting ready to go run errands tonight. Anyone who wants in on the vendor side, PM me with your medium, contact info, URL, etc.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: wysiwyg
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 09:20 PM

If we could combine this with the possibly-annual Secret Santa program, so that Santa's did their purchasing via Mudcat-funding streams like this, and also if crafters could get in the habit of stocking the MudStore each fall for Mudcatters' Christmas shopping, it would be great. It would not need to be an auction-- straight sales from stock on hand.

We could run a Permathread called Now on Sale in the MudStore.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: katlaughing
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 10:53 PM

Homeless, maybe whatever you set up could be an adjunct thing, like Aine's Songbook and Alan's Tunebook, with crafters stocking throughout the year, as they were able. That way we wouldn't have to wait until just the Fall for the Santa thing, as Susan mentions. I like the idea of a Mudcat Store. Oh, and thanks for volunteering.:-)

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Sorcha
Date: 05 Jan 02 - 12:03 PM

Homeless, that is some serious photography there! Wow! Several I like a LOT!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: katlaughing
Date: 05 Jan 02 - 01:03 PM

I am the proud owner of a signed Homeless photograph, the signature one of the differently coloured leaves which is on his first page. It is gorgeous!!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Homeless
Date: 05 Jan 02 - 01:20 PM

Thanx Sorch. Hey, if you like them that much, pick out a few that you'd like to buy and hang on the wall *g*.

And as my part in the funds drive, any pictures I sell in the next week via the 'Cat, I'll give half the selling price to Mudcat.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Sorcha
Date: 05 Jan 02 - 01:52 PM

Homeless, I have un framed art behind furniture, in closets, etc. because there is NO room on my walls for more! I wish I had more wall space!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 05 Jan 02 - 04:01 PM

Max is already sitting on a veritable goldmine.I refer to the Mudcat software. There is no other discussion group on the net which is so user-friendly. (The software, I mean)

Try this site for a typical example of a commercial website with discussion groups which are an absolute nightmare to navigate round. And that site is typical of thousands of sites on the net. Heavy duty commercial sites, not shoestring enthusiast efforts.

If it is possible for the Mudcat software to be grafted onto sites like this in order to facilitate the dicussion groups, then Max is a potential millionaire. The only site I have ever visited which is anything like as friendly and easy to use is the MIMF Forum, and even that falls well short of Mudcat standards.

Murray

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 05 Jan 02 - 04:06 PM

I posted this before I saw the Mudcat Trouble thread. I will post it there too.

Murray

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Homeless
Date: 11 Jan 02 - 04:41 PM

Ok, I've got a bare bones site together and running. As of right now, it is only a listing of crafters and what their medium is. Any contact, sales, etc., needs to be worked out between the two of you.

If you want to be included in this, just PM me, or e-mail the address on the site. Anyone who is already on it, if you want to send me .jpgs, I put up pictures of your stuff. Or if you don't have a scanner, send me regular pictures and I'll scan them and put 'em up.

And so, without further ado, the Mudcat Market.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: JeZeBeL
Date: 12 Jan 02 - 11:24 AM

I also make candles. Decorative ones, aromatherapy ones, working candles, handpainted ones, just getting back into it to start at a few festivals this year. maybe i can offer my services?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: wysiwyg
Date: 12 Jan 02 - 11:35 AM

Homeless, the

MUDCAT MARKET

looks great! Good job!

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Aug 03 - 05:06 PM

I'm reviving this thread to ask about buying wholesale jewelry-making materials. My daughter and I are interested in learning more about making jewelry with stone beads (along the lines of turquoise, quartz, carnelian, jade) and findings. Caroline has been making chain mail necklaces with jump rings and small garnet chips--she first saw some of these down at Scarborough Fair. It takes a lot of jump rings and patience to make those. The most promising sellers of the beads we want to use sell only to established businesses, no individuals. The kicker is that until we try this out we won't know if we want to keep this up. I'm willing to go apply for the tax ID number, but (at least in Texas) they mentioned the need for reports (sales and taxes collected, I presume) and a possible bond (she wasn't allowed to give details on the phone, but there are various types).

I have the web address for the State office that handles some of this so will read fruther about the bond issue and legalities. But here's the question I need answered: of those of you who are beaders in the US, do you buy wholesale, do you buy materials from U.S. sources, and do they generally all require the same sorts of forms in order to sell wholesale?

Thanks!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Ely
Date: 08 Aug 03 - 06:30 PM

I sew and paint things in my (limited) spare time--I'd love to be able to give up at least part of my grim day job and do this more, but I don't see that happening. A friend of mine and I are contemplating developing some basic needlework kits to sell online. Still, I usually have things started. Maybe I just need more incentive to finish them . . .

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: katlaughing
Date: 08 Aug 03 - 07:35 PM

SRS, I've designed and made jewelery using stone beads and other "natural" parts (StonePeople Designs©) for over ten years and never had a wholesaler's license. I don't do it as much anymore, but when I did I bought a lot of stuff from Fire Mountain Gems. There's also Rio Grande. I also have a bunch of bookmarks of places online which have pretty good prices and do not have any minimum requirements or need for resale number. I wouldn't bother with it, if I were you, unless you get really serious and start doing a bunch of shows or a lot of selling to the general public.

My youngest daughter got into it with me, at one point, and we had a lot of fun sitting at the table seeing what we could create. Have fun! If you want any of those bookmarks, please let me know and I will post them. Also, if you need to find rockshops, certain kinds of stone beads, specialty ones etc. I had one client who bought over 30 custom designed necklace and earrings sets all of which had stone rabbit beads of some sort. She was nuts about rabbits, SO I know where to find stone critters of all kinds!**bg**

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Sam L
Date: 08 Aug 03 - 08:38 PM

Only thing I would mention, Rio Grande has catalogs for materials and also for tools, which they will send to anybody. And I'd carefully but skeptically peruse the tools, because there can be some unexpected time-savers. If you find useful tools, you may not want to buy them but check around for them among local crafters, who tend to be a network of nice folk. Also-- equivalent tools from other sources. For some reason if people think you're crafting or even just arting around with a tool, it costs more than the same tool for other purposes.

I wouldn't go to any lengths for wholesalers. You might not stay in the same mode long enough to make it worthwhile. You may want to change things, follow new ideas, you don't want to feel stuck with many big commitments in materials, just enough to get the ball rolling. Happy crafting!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Guy Wolff
Date: 08 Aug 03 - 09:31 PM

Anything I can do to help i will. I make 50,000 pounds of pots a year. I would love some to go to Mudcatters. <><>><>>< I can dropship. HA . Great idea. It makes me feel happy to think of it , almost , should I say gay at heart. All the best , Guy

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Aug 03 - 12:13 AM

We have in particular been looking at a few types of stones, comparing the quality and variety of beads, to get the measure of the various shops. We've looked at tourquoise, hechi beads, carnelian, rutilated quartz, aventurine, a nice spread of moderately priced but distinctive beads. By comparing, some places stand out as having a consistent stock, good findings and tools, others it's catch as catch can. Some have only a few types, or just small beads, etc. Yes, Kat, I'd love to see what some of your bookmarks are. The site that requires a tax id number is earthstone, but if you take a look at their rutilated quartz hardly anyone can hold a candle to their selection. Very nice hechi and tourquoise also. (Fire Mountain has a lot of types, but only two small rutilated quartz beads available, but I made sure to bookmark them.) Looks like a case of shopping around, the tourquoise one place, the onyx another. There's a place called with an interesting smattering of stuff, called Monsterslayer (this place is in New Mexico, and Monster Slayer was one of the stricken twins in Navajo mythology).

I suspect the forms may be a formality only. I don't want a public record of a "business" that may never get off the ground, just to enable us to buy the beads we're interested in. So thanks for the good suggestions. I agree with Fred about the tools--what I've seen in some of the online catalogs can probably be found as less expensive tools for other businesses. A visit to the local hardware and fabric store is called for!

Kat, do you have a preferred thread or wire for stringing stone beads? Do you knot between them if you use thread?

Maggie

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Neighmond
Date: 09 Aug 03 - 12:18 AM

I have been known to build custom clocks (not kits) from time to time. Perhaps some will find their way here.

Chaz

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Donuel
Date: 09 Aug 03 - 12:39 AM

http://www.angelfire.com/md2/customviolins/bushiter.jpg

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Donuel
Date: 09 Aug 03 - 12:41 AM

OOPPS here are the crafts   http://www.angelfire.com/md2/customviolins

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: katlaughing
Date: 09 Aug 03 - 12:59 AM

SRS, I'll take a look at those sites tomorrow and psot some more links. Of ta bed in a moment, but did wnat to let you know I use only the C thru B series of stringing wire/thread. I started out using Tiger Tail but if it doesn't hang or lie flat at all times or get any kind of kink in it, it is permanent and has to be restrung. The C thru B stuff is strong but won't kink, you can even roll it up, plus you don't need a needle to string with it.

BTW, I agree on the tools, too. I bought all of my locally except my crimper and jump-ring closer (can't remember the tech name for them:-).

Seeyatomorrowkat

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Aug 03 - 10:58 PM

Kat,

That beading thread you link to looks good. I don't see one that is "B series," just the grades of fine, extra fine, medium, and heavy. When you view that page, do you see the "B" designation or link? (My firewall sometimes doesn't let javascript through, so I may not be seeing the entire screen on my browser). Of those weights, what would you use for 8 to 10 mm beads? (She bought some that size in New York City when we were there earlier this summer. We were at an interesting but expensive shop called Bead World).

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Jeri
Date: 10 Aug 03 - 11:14 AM

Stilly, I order from South Pacific Wholesale. They sell to anybody with money, but there's a minimum $50, or there's a surcharge. I'm not sure what they need for tax info, but they may just look at what state they're shipping to. Anyway, there's a toll-free number, and the guy who runs the joint is great to talk with.

The website's a hoot, as are the occasional fliers I get from them.

I still use tiger tail - probably because I bought a fairly large spool of it.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Aug 03 - 12:20 PM

Thanks, Jeri. It looks like this place and Rio Grande are still print catalog driven. It also looks like there are many options when it comes to stringing beads. This place is certainly candid about their products. Here's their blurb on some stringing materials:

Everybody loves SOFTFLEX
Nobody loves the price.
That settled, we sell loads of it.
Softflex is a flexible, kink-resistant wire that can be knotted and tied. Please specify the diameter and the length of your spools.
It's a diameter, not a gauge, so it gets heavier as the number goes up. And all we have is clear, which really isn't clear.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Jeri
Date: 10 Aug 03 - 12:49 PM

News alert: Jeri absorbs clue. I have the Softflex, which is probably why I don't have any problems with tiger tail. It's also labelled 'clear' and it's not. It's sort of pewterish colored.

They sell on the internet, but it seems you still have to call to give them a credit card number because they don't trust the security of their setup. They also ARE brutally but humorously honest. "Carnelian. A goldfishy carnelian."

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Carly
Date: 10 Aug 03 - 05:51 PM

Don,I think this is a great idea. I am a spinner, weaver, sometime basketmaker and beader, and although recently I have not produced for sales, I am always interested in other people's work. Speaking of which, I am pleased to share living space with both Bill's and Rita's work; see it if you can, buy it if you are able!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: katlaughing
Date: 10 Aug 03 - 06:38 PM

LOL @ Jeri getting a klew!**bg** BTW, Jeri, I haven't forgotten about the beads, just finally going through some more!

SRS, I use the .19 gauge which is the "fine" of the C thru series. I'd call for Fire Mtn's catalogue, if I were you, there's a lot more there than at their website. They sell a lot of schlocky stuff, too, but their beads are really nice. The other thing I like about them is 1) their service and 2) they are very upfront about whether the beads are "enhanced" or natural. There are a lot places which are not as forthcoming, esp. when it comes to lapis lazuli, hematite, etc.

I used to have a bunch of different catalogues, but they went by the wayside when I quit beading so much. Also, my favourite rock shop which had gorgeous beads closed down.:-( That's another good place to look for beads, rock shops. I have some rutilated quartz 8mm and 6mm beads which are very high quality which I'd ordered from some rock shop years ago.

Here are some of my bookmarks. I've only ordered from the first one, but the others don't look too bad. I'll see what else I can scare up:

BeadaBeada good quality stuff;

The Beadsite;

Bead Merchant.

Something I haven't tried, yet, but friends have, that you might be interested in is Precious Metal Clay. Pretty intriguing stuff.


kat

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Dec 03 - 02:33 PM

What kinds of projects and crafts are people working on this time of year?

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 03 Dec 03 - 04:29 PM

Looks like

GUEST
Date: 01 Nov 01 - 07:38 PM

Was right when he/she/it said....

"yet another mudcat idea that won't come to fruition...

a shame"

Looks like an awful lot of people list here, but like not many at all checked out their wares...

Just another fine example of Mudcapathy.... You know... like when a member here announced that they've put out a CD... and no one (or very few) respond at all... Mudcapathy

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 03 Dec 03 - 04:35 PM

I thought there was a site?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: GUEST,Kim C no cookie
Date: 03 Dec 03 - 04:46 PM

I have been making tons of stretch bracelets. They are great for using up mismatched beads.

I get most of my stuff from Fire Mountain and Rio Grande. They seem to have the best prices of anyone, and you don't have to have a tax number to do business.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 03 Dec 03 - 05:04 PM

A site?

So where is it?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Bill D
Date: 03 Dec 03 - 05:09 PM

well, the holiday craft season is 'almost' over...*whew*...We (Ferrara & I) just had an excellent 3 day show last weekend, with one small one to go this coming weekend...

here are a few pictures I uploaded to show some woodturners recent work (most of which were sold last week!)....

They are kinda big files, but some stuff I am happy with.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 03 Dec 03 - 05:15 PM

I said it before, and I don't like saying this to men, but ya got some georgeous wood there BillD!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Dec 03 - 05:41 PM

The season is over if you're doing crafts for sale this time of year. I'm looking around at what people are doing so I can point my kids in interesting directions for their three weeks of christmas break. We will be doing some sewing, like the lap robe we sent MMario (last year's Secret Santa). My kids liked it so well they each wanted their own. We bought the fabric, but it has taken until cold weather set in again for them to remember that they now need to sew them. I gave my 15-year-old a mint-condition Series 15 Singer sewing machine for her birthday and she's happy to have excuses to use it. I love to sew, but have had a print deadline hanging over my head for weeks now. My weekends are eaten up with research.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: GUEST,Kim C no cookie
Date: 03 Dec 03 - 05:59 PM

Clinton, at one time there was a site under the Quick Links.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Bill D
Date: 03 Dec 03 - 06:34 PM

thanks, Clinton..I wish I'd have found how nice wood can be when I was 20, instead of when I was 50!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 03 Dec 03 - 07:59 PM

Basically, if anyone else has had a life like mine in the last 24 months, then they'll hardly have had time to fart, let alone create anything or attend Mudcat gatherings. I hadn't touched a needle for 18 months until 3 weeks ago, when an enforced extended break from work meant I was unable to do anything that involved lifting anything heavier than a skein of silk or moving faster than the average snail.

Still, there's always next year.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Bill D
Date: 03 Dec 03 - 08:07 PM

yep, Liz..I had an extended 'dead' period in the spring and part of the summer...party broken lathe, partly 'artists block'...just couldn't face it...But, yep...there IS next year. Fortunately, sheer panic and the help of a friend got me moving this fall in time to make just enough. Keep at it!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: mouldy
Date: 04 Dec 03 - 03:58 AM

Last 3 fairs this weekend - one school and 2 village halls. Just got to sit and paint the stuff now. Lack of storage space usually sees me working up to the last minute to keep stock levels up.

Andrea (aka Mouldy Old Dough)

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Dec 03 - 10:14 AM

I hope folks will post more photos or links so we can see what you make. BillD, those burls are spectacular. I have one I picked up on a beach many years ago that has travelled with me from place to place and usually sits artfully around the house. I should polish it--it's in it's "raw" state, about the size of a half-volleyball.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Bill D
Date: 04 Dec 03 - 02:08 PM

SRS...unless you know what wood it is, driftwood may be best left like nature gave it to you....but there CAN be some totally amazing grain revealed with some judicious sanding and polishing...(pick a spot underneath and cut/sand/polish a tiny area to decide) (Texas has some great woods...not all of which are well known)

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Dec 03 - 02:52 PM

This is a piece from the Puget Sound area. I probably picked it up along a river or in a clear cut unit on the west side of the Cascades back when I was working for the Forest Service.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Bill D
Date: 04 Dec 03 - 03:20 PM

ahh..sure! I forgot where you are from!..well, good woods everywhere! One piece I sold last weekend was a Madroné bowl made from stuff I carried home from Puget Sound area in my suitcase! (two heavy suitcases made the lady at SeaTac raise her eyebrows)

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Homeless
Date: 04 Dec 03 - 08:22 PM

Yeah, there is a site, accessable thru the quick links.
Unfortunately, the twits nice people at Brinkster have stopped serving the page because they say I don't check my email often enough. I've changed the email address on their records so hopefully the Market will be back up soon.
When it's back up, it will be here.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Dec 03 - 10:44 PM

Silly me. And I thought the forum was divided up into music/ BS threads to please Gargoyle. So what the hell is he doing in the BS s ection?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Dec 03 - 10:44 PM

The Socorro link at the bottom doesn't go anywhere now, but the rest of them are pretty interesting.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Tracey Dragonsfriend
Date: 29 Jan 04 - 01:49 PM

I do Pyrography (burning designs onto wood and leather) as a hobby, and will make/decorate items to order, with pretty much whatever design your heart desires. I've worked on leather bracelets, bookmarks, keyfobs, purses, glasses-cases, etc, and on all sorts of wooden things - spoons, spatulas, artist's palettes, turned eggs, boxes, plaques, pictures, keyfobs, and so on.

I haven't been here on Mudcat for ages, but I recently personalised a squeezy-purse for a musician friend (as a place to store picks), which made me think of Mudcat again, and wonder if what I do would be of interest to anyone here.

You can find my website, with lots of pictures of what I make, here :
Scorch's Pyrography
(hope this is OK as a link - never made a blue clicky before!), and you can contact me via the link on the site.

Cheers
Tracey

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Bill D
Date: 29 Jan 04 - 11:41 PM

my wife, Ferrara, (Rita) mentioned above, also does pyrography..just showed her some of your designs, which she said nice things about...she may look in tomorrow and say more..

we are 'just' beginning to work up a website something eXtree.com. We hope to have more soon...

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 30 Jan 04 - 04:29 AM

Well I make, to order, hand painted waistcoats (US - vests), ties, mediaeval gowns and the occasional wedding dress. In between orders I'm making cross stitched cards for Christmas but other occasions can be done if required. I'll also be introducing painted picture frames (clip frames painted with glass paints) hopefully, this year.

I'm already working on the 2004 Christmas batch. I reckon if I can make at least one a week until the end of November, I should have enough to put up a stall at my daughters' school Christmas fair. Another extended leave from work and I should be able to put some tree decorations too!

I've sort of made a committment to the British Heart Foundation for the profits for any stuff sold "outside" but if any 'Catters want something, I will put the percentage aside for the Mudcat instead. unfortunately I don't have any pictures available yet, but will get some soon.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: GUEST,Tracey Dragonsfriend (no cookie here)
Date: 30 Jan 04 - 08:26 AM

Thank you, Bill! Most kind...

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Tracey Dragonsfriend
Date: 31 Jan 04 - 03:35 PM

Did the Mudcat Market ever take off? It sounds like a great idea...

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: GUEST,Tracey Dragonsfriend (no cookie here)
Date: 08 Apr 04 - 07:04 AM

Update - I have a new website address : Scorch's Pyrography .
I seem to be doing a lot of traditional wedding spoons, and plaques for newborn babies lately.

I still think the Mudcat Market is a great idea, bit it seems as though it didn't take off...

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: GUEST,Tracey Dragonsfriend (no cookie here)
Date: 08 Apr 04 - 07:07 AM

Oops! That link should have been : Real link to Scorch's Pyrography

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: InOBU
Date: 08 Apr 04 - 09:05 AM

I build HUGE sailing models... problem is it takes years and years to build them, so I can't really afford to sell them... it would be nice if we had a made by mudcat page, similer to the photo's page, so folks can see what others make as well... and of course those who wish to sell some craft for the benifit of the cat can do so through that site as well... speaking of the photo page, I have to update the photo... being that I am clean shaven for the first time since I was 14... Genie, me wife, had never seen me without a stash...
cheers
Larry

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Homeless
Date: 08 Apr 04 - 09:29 AM

Tracey - Can you please define "take off"?

The Mudcat Market has been in existance for over two years - since January of 2002. It can be found by going up to the "Quick Links" box at the top of this page and choosing "Mudcat Market" and then clicking the "Go" button. If that's too much trouble, just click here, Mudcat Market.

From the market... "If you are a craftsperson who frequents the Mudcat and would like to be listed here and/or have your work shown, send Homeless a Personal Message on the Mudcat Forum."

The market has not blossomed with dozens of people listed, but that is due to lack of interest on the part of crafters. When I started that page I contacted over 20 people about being listed. More than half declined, some of the remaining never gave me information to list. Since the interceding two years, I have had three people contact me to be added.

If you (or anyone) would like to be added to the Market, just PM me with the information your want listed - your area of expertise, a valid email address, a paragraph about what you do, and either a URL to a web site or send me pictures I can create a simple site for you which will be linked to from the main page.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Tracey Dragonsfriend
Date: 08 Apr 04 - 11:10 AM

Oh, right... Wonderful! I was looking in an earlier post, and either followed the wrong link, or misunderstood the information, as I couldn't find anything about it at all. Hence the question about whether it did take off.

But it's great that it did... I love the idea of being able to buy things from within the Mudcat community.

I have to dash right now, but I will take a look at the Market from your link a bit later on, and get back to you with all the info you need. Thanks for the information - much appreciated.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: GUEST
Date: 09 Apr 04 - 02:24 PM

Ah, now I see... I was looking in the "Links" you get to from the blue text button, not the "Quick Links" combobox.

Data on my work coming up to you personally, and may I encourage all the other talented people out there to JOIN IN!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Tracey Dragonsfriend
Date: 09 Apr 04 - 02:29 PM

Oops, that was me, didn't realise my cookie had gone...

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 Nov 04 - 10:26 AM

Thought I'd bring this one back to the top since BWL has such variety and quantity of wood suddenly in his inventory (of dead and down wood, that is!). With a little networking, it might be possible for a small portion of his wood to be distributed by travelling Mudcatters to woodworking Mudcatters.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 Nov 04 - 10:34 AM

FYI: Here is the list of trees he lost in the hurricane, originally posted over on the MOAB thread



Okay. In fact, here are chunks of all the species of trees growing on my property that Hurricane Ivan uprooted, broke, split, crushed, or knocked over:

Slash Pine
Loblolly Pine
Spruce Pine
Longleaf Pine
Pond Pine
Southern Red Cedar
Laurel Oak
Turkey Oak
Water Oak
Post Oak
Southern Magnolia
Black Tupelo
Flowering Dogwood
Sweetbay
Sweetgum
Common Persimmon
Chickasaw Plum
Tulip Poplar
American Holly
Southern Bayberry
Florida Maple

And several others that I haven't identified.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Bill D
Date: 11 Nov 04 - 01:32 PM

wow...I had forgotten about this thread...No excuse, just old age and decrepitude. I get so wrapped up in DOING my work, I forget to market it, except in a tightly planned set of craft shows locally.

That is a fascinating list, SRS and BWL...I especially covet Persimmon (the bigger & older, the better), but all the Oaks, Maple, Dogwood and Holly can be quite nice. I don't expect to get to them, as wood usually 'checks' (cracks at the ends) and then rots, if not used or protected early on.....and I do have LOTS of wood already. It is nice to know what's there and to keep the topic alive...just in case. There will be a woodcollectors meeting in Florida (between Ocala & Orlando)in Feb....and 'if' I am able to attend..(23%) I might make side trips. I KNOW there will be tons of salvaged wood at the meeting.

I have made a resolution to get organized this year...right after the show season...*grin*...and see if I can tap into some of the resources mentioned here.

Thanks for remembering the thread... (those links to my stuff no longer work, but I will have more up soon....)

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 Nov 04 - 04:10 PM

BWL, as you clean up the area around all of your buildings, keep this group in mind and set aside the big intact pieces. Who knows, maybe you can sell or swap some of that wood before Mother Nature reclaims it.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 11 Nov 04 - 04:43 PM

I've talked with several area and regional wood turners at art & craft shows and they all have tree removal guys holding choice bits for them. They're mostly wanting non-indigenous fruit trees and such 'cause all the indigenous varieties are lying on the roadside for the taking. Good-sized pieces of cedar seem to be picked up just about as soon as they're put out.

I remember going to a show about a year after Hurricane Andrew went through south Florida and seeing some pieces the size of washing machines made from the big Norfolk Island pines which are so common down there. I don't imagine that's a tree that's way up on everybody's list of prime woodworking wood, but I guess availability leads to experimentation and the opportunity to work BIG is always enticing.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: katlaughing
Date: 12 Nov 04 - 12:58 AM

wow, I can't imagine Norfolk Island Pines that large! Mine is over ten years old and only stands about 3.5 feet with a trunk about the diamter of my two fingers. Of course, we have to grown them as inside houseplants here.:-)

I'd forgotten about this thread, too. nice to read it again.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 12 Nov 04 - 03:35 AM

"nice to read it again"

Yes but I still think...

Just another fine example of Mudcapathy....

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: kendall
Date: 12 Nov 04 - 11:09 PM

I don't know how many of you have seen Don Meixner's work, but I can tell you he is a real artist. He made Jacqui and my wedding rings with matching bracelets. If someone could post pictures, I'd e mail them.
The last time I wore a wedding ring it felt like I had stuck my hand into a fox trap, but these are so light I hardly know they are there.
'Stick your hand in that crack and you won't get it back, that's a Moray'

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Bill D
Date: 13 Nov 04 - 11:31 AM

ohhhhhhhh...big Norfolk Island Pine is wonderful stuff! I LOVED it the few times I had some. There is a guy in Hawaii, Ron Kent who turns almost nothing else!

drool..........

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: catspaw49
Date: 13 Nov 04 - 01:07 PM

Always good to mention this fine Mudcat Product from the past!!! Since it just came up in another thread, it was on my mind anyway.

Created by murray and inspired by Gordon Bok, the "Amish-Australian Pitchfork Moustache Tuner" is now available in 4 models and orders are being taken now. Be the FIRST in your session or local pub to possess this latest piece of musical gear. Works on beards too...or without them. You don't even have to have a moustache!!!

#########ORDER TODAY##########ORDER TODAY###########ORDER TODAY############

Place your order right away for the "Amish-Australian Pitchfork Moustache Tuner"!!! Choose from 4 fantastic models:

"The Cherry Handled Nosepick Special" --- Our Top Seller! Stainless prongs and the special nosepick attachment bring you the best in singin' and pickin'!!!

"Gordon Bok Special Edition" --- commemorates the inspiration for this fine device $49.95 US


"Collector's Special" --- Brazilian Rosewood handle is inlaid with red and green abalone depicting an Amish Farmer being eaten by a Blue Pointer. $69.95 US


"Environmentalists Delight"(Big ED) --- Cheap oak handle with the Amish Hat logo inlaid with glitter and Elmer's Glue. $29.95 US



If it says "Australian" its a "Must Have" and if it says "Amish" its got to be good!!! What could be better than the "Amish Australian Pitchfork Moustache Tuner?" GET YOURS TODAY!!! Send CASH ONLY plus $6.00 US Shipping and Handling to:

FLY-BY-NITE INDUSTRIES

411 Purvis Avenue

Bremen, Ohio 43107


ORDER NOW AND IT WILL BE SHIPPED THE NEXT DAY!!! This fine product can be on its way right away.....Whether or not it arrives is up to the god of your choice and Benny's Breakdown Bargain Courier Service. COMPLETE SATISFACTION OR YOUR MONEY BACK!!!!! Simply send back the product unused and Fly-By-Nite will return any of your money that is unused.

Spaw, CEO, Fly-By-Nite, Inc.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 14 Nov 04 - 11:40 AM

This is a long thread - I read the first few. Is there a site we can see all this stuff on in time for Christmas presents?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 14 Nov 04 - 12:05 PM

Weelittle Drummer - Just go to the "Mudcat Market" link in the Quicklinks. Several Mudcat artists and crafters have contact info there.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 14 Nov 04 - 12:07 PM

Several of them have contact info right here in this thread too...

:-)

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Bill D
Date: 14 Nov 04 - 01:26 PM

we...(Ferrara & I), regret that we have not gotten web connections and 'catalogs' set up this year...that is first on out list for next year. If you can get near Wash DC, we have two craft shows in the next 3 weeks...

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Apr 05 - 12:21 PM

Seems like a nice time to refresh this thread. What are 'catter's crafting nowadays?

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: CarolC
Date: 23 Apr 05 - 01:11 PM

I'm working on painted canvas table mats (place mats, coasters, and table runners) painted in designs from and/or inspired by the Arts and Crafts school of design from the first half of the 20th century. The mats are made in the same way as painted canvas floor coverings, which are a kind of floor covering that dates back to the colonial era in North America, and was a precursor to linoleum floor coverings. I'm still in the design stage, and I don't have an inventory built up yet, but I hope to begin production very soon.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: CarolC
Date: 23 Apr 05 - 01:14 PM

Correction: I should have said the the Arts and Crafts school of design from the second half of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: katlaughing
Date: 23 Apr 05 - 01:51 PM

I haven't been doing a lot, lately, waiting for health improvement, but I have enjoyed a new show on HGTV called Crafters Coast to Coast. Most of them craft at home and I've gotten some neat ideas for things to do when I have more energy. Some of them are kind of oddball or clunky and some are too involved for my situation, but they're still fun to watch.

I am sure Mudcatters would be more than qualified for inclusion on that show.

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Apr 05 - 02:08 PM

I agree--the few times I've watched some of that program there was a mix of really interesting and oddball-clunky stuff. They're trying to represent an array of tastes! I don't have patience to sit through the oddball stuff, so I don't think I've ever watched the program all of the way through (which tells you something right there).

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: bbc
Date: 23 Apr 05 - 10:21 PM

I make jewelry of semiprecious stone beads & chips, as well as shell. I don't sell much, but will sometimes make something by request.

bbc in NY

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: bbc
Date: 23 Apr 05 - 10:23 PM

P.S.--If you are interested in seeing photos of a few necklaces I made as gifts for my recent Korean trip, PM me your email address & I can send them to you.

bbc

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: John Hardly
Date: 24 Apr 05 - 10:26 AM

As a rule, I don't enter competitions (I won't bore you with why) but I did enter the Strictly Functional Pottery National this year. If you go down to the fourth artist listed, John Bauman, and click on the photo, you'll see one of my recent pots.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: wysiwyg
Date: 24 Apr 05 - 10:35 AM

John, they must have added some photos. It's there but a little farther down, in the 13th Annual's page, HERE.

It's beautiful!

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Donuel
Date: 24 Apr 05 - 11:54 AM

Nice pottery

I have been searching for a stone for 35 years.

It is a kind of opal in matrix that has a clear section you can look down into revealing what looks like reddish canyon walls.

Any help in buying such a stone from anyone here?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: John Hardly
Date: 24 Apr 05 - 12:44 PM

Thanks for the link correction, ~S~!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 24 Apr 05 - 01:15 PM

I spent last year making Christmas cards which raised £30 for the British Heart Foundation when I sold them at the school bazaar. This year I'm not at home so much (the medication worked and the dicky ticker has been fixed) but I'm still sewing several things at once and am presently making small gift boxes for a certain handfasting.....

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: katlaughing
Date: 25 Apr 05 - 12:29 PM

Donuel, rough in the boulder, or cut and polished? I've seen some good sources for all kinds of opals on google.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: GUEST,Ironmule
Date: 25 Apr 05 - 08:11 PM

Donuel, you want Mexican Opal in the matrix. It's commonly available at a lot of rock shops, and any gem show, besides online sources. I cut a bunch of it trying to make a set of earings for my Mother that matched an opal pendant I'd given her. I've got some at my elbow.

Opal is deposited in cavities in vocanic rock by superheated water, and the mexican localities are that soft red you refer to. The bad news from a jewelers viewpoint, is its softness and tendancy to crack. You won't have any trouble finding some though.

Jeff Smith

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Ironmule
Date: 25 Apr 05 - 08:27 PM

Looks like my cookie needed resetting. Lately I've been doing diamond point engraving of glass like shown here: at the Rijksmuseum but I don't have any images of my own work online.

It's neat that all you need is a $3 tungsten carbide scriber and some thrift shop crystal to produce beautiful works just like the museum pieces. Well,,,,if your hand is steady enough ;^)


Jeff Smith

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 26 Apr 05 - 06:42 PM

I've been doing mainly wheel-thrown pottery for years, but have recently gotten both a slab-roller and an extruder capable of making hollow forms. I'm looking forward to seeing in what kind of directions the new tools take my work.

I'm forseeing the possibility of some large sculptural pieces, especially since I have a large (roughly 40 cubic foot) kiln that I built several years ago. I've never fired it because it'd take too long to fill it up with the size ware I usually make. I'm wanting to load it with a dozen or so really big pieces and see if I can get to at least cone 6 using some of the firewood Hurricane Ivan made out of what used to be my trees.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: katlaughing
Date: 26 Apr 05 - 09:16 PM

Ironmule/Jeff, I hope you get some pictures of your work online, sometime. I'd love to see them!

Bee-dubya-ell, you, too! I am fascinated by sculpture.

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: John Hardly
Date: 26 Apr 05 - 09:41 PM

Bruce,

I'm currently trying to fire dozens of rather large pieces in my two 20cu ft kilns. I could sure use 40 cu ft about now! I'm firing 5-6 gallon jars and 20 inch bowls and they overhang every shelf I have. I end up cantelevering everything in the kiln just to get it all to fit.

Good luck with the extruder. I just donated my expansion box extruder to the local college. The stainless steel one I have is small but suits whatever I might use if for at this point. I still pull handles and the only thing I did use it for was an item I'm not making right now.

I have has some REALLY good luck with textured bats to throw slabs on and then put them on the wheel to shape the bottom ( I attach thrown feet).

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: jacqui.c
Date: 26 Apr 05 - 09:42 PM

I've just taken up crochet again after a break of about 25 years. I'm having fun making shawls and ponchos at the moment - nowhere near Mmario's standard of work though!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Apr 05 - 01:38 PM

I did a small search on some of these clay extruder devices. Seeing a photo of the device isn't helpful in trying to imagine what it is you're doing. And to use them, is there a brute-strength aspect when it comes to forcing clay through these things?

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: John Hardly
Date: 27 Apr 05 - 09:25 PM

Ha ha! mine requires brute force. It has a warning sign on the handle: "do not hang from handle -- use soft clay".

My old expansion box extruder used to have a handle that looped around the mounting pole. The loop would grab the pole as long as it was never perpendicular to it. If it was perpendicular to the pole the loop was then bigger than the pole (d'oh!). The loop could then slip on the pole and all the force one was exerting on the soft (yeah, right) clay released with full force on whatever was beneath the handle. Like my head, for instance.

Many of the DE-luxe versions (as I'm sure BWL's would be. after all, he owns a Santa Cruz guitar. He's a boo-teek man) are electric driven. To drive enough clay to make hollow pieces it almost requires it.

Expansion boxes are kinda cool though in that they actually have to divide the clay into four parts that get forced back together as they pass the die. They have to do that because the center part of the die still needs to be attached to the outer part of the die -- but not where it would divide the piece. I didn't describe that well.

Anyway, many a potter has bought an expansion box looking at the cool (and perfect photos) of pots beind spit out in perfect forms -- cylanders, octagons, fluted pieces.

Unfortunately, what you don't see from the photos is the the clay is still VERY soft and pliable as it comes out. It requires almost more care and finishing than throwing. If the design is worth the extra effort some pretty cool stuff can be done.

Every year Kohler Ceramics opens up their industrial ceramic facility to a few scholarship folk who get to have their hand at creating with the tools at Kohler -- things like huge industrial extruders that can extrude huge cylanders. I remember when I was a kid (in my 20's) Ceramics Monthly did a cool photo shoot from the Kohler experience -- young men and women with life-size pots, created and fired with equipment they'd never in their lifetimes ever get to enjoy like that again. Kinda like getting a chance to jam with the Beatles (or Tony Rice or Tim O'Brien -- you know -- a dream).

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Jun 05 - 11:50 AM

This is such a handy thread! Since replacing the stolen computer I've been struggling to replace my missing bookmarks. I was able to catch up with several I needed by perusing this thread.

I'm back to some of the bead work I was starting a couple of years ago. This goes in cycles.

I wonder if our Ms. Katlaughing is doing some sedentary creative crafts these days as she recuperates?

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Jun 05 - 01:05 PM

Checking in, to see what folks are up to. Katlaughing, what are you working on these days?

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: katlaughing
Date: 21 Jun 05 - 02:35 PM

Thanks for asking, SRS. Not much, though this week is exactly six weeks into healing and I finally am able to get my head around even thinking of doing something. Night Owl keeps after me to take up tatting, but I had an aunt who was ordered by her doc to give it up or lose her eyesight, so I don't know if that's something I want to do, though I don't think it'd do much worse than threading tiny beads on a string!

I do have lots more writing to get back to, plus real marketing of my book, and may try my hand at some more watercolour, but the latter is just for fun, I wouldn't show it. I have been designing some jewellry in my mind, but need a metalsmith to put it together sometime. Need to find someone who would like to collaborate on that as people really seem to like my design sketches.

Now you've got me thinking and that's a good thing!**bg** Thanks and what are you up to these days, craft-wise? That's neat that you found some old bookmarks. Yea, Mudcat!

katcomingbackslowlybutsurely

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Tracey Dragonsfriend
Date: 22 Jun 05 - 09:01 AM

Sounds fascinating, Kat - do you have a site where we can see your work?

I'm still pyrographing, and have a site all my own now, too! At www.scorchpyro.co.uk

Tracey Dragonsfriend (Scorch)

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Jun 05 - 09:47 AM

Great minds think alike, Kat!

I've been looking through online catalogs for various findings and have about come to the conclusion that I either need to learn some metallurgy myself or need to talk to a practitioner willing to humor me regarding the pieces I'd like to craft or have made. In particular, I finally found the perfect way to hold a crystal for jewelry, but I haven't figured out what it's called (it is a sort of sterling silver collar with knobs for the bail to attach to) or how to make them fit each particular rock. It's probably a trial and error custom to each crystal process. One I'd like to learn. I'd also like to learn how to make some of the interesting bails I've seen on pendants.

See if this link works at eBay to take you to the piece I'm talking about. I bought it (all of 99 cents) so I could get a closer look at it. This crystal is too perfect and polished, but that part doesn't matter. It's the silver portion that interests me.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Donuel
Date: 22 Jun 05 - 09:54 AM

Thanks iron mule.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: katlaughing
Date: 22 Jun 05 - 11:32 AM

Thanks, Tracey and congrats on your site! I don't have any of my former jewellry stuff online, anymore, but once in a while I put a simple "Y" necklace up in the Mudcat auction.

SRS, take a metalsmithing/jewellry design class if you can. I took it for a year at the local college in Casper and while I think the teacher focussed too much on finesse of design and not enough on the actual mechanics (plus she was a purist, so hardly any power tools could be use for the work which proved too hard on my shoulders), it was STILL a fantastic class and I learned a lot. I have a pair of earrings I need to have finished.

The link worked fine. It is my experience that with someone to show you how and some practice, it wouldn't take you long to be able to make those. I see them at all of the rock shops and fairs I go to.

The other thing I took which I LOVED was bronze-casting, but enamelling is my real love because I get instant gratification. Now, I just need to save up and get a tabletop kiln for doing small pieces. I'll put up a picture or two of the fish tiles I did.

Love this thread. Thanks!

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: katlaughing
Date: 22 Jun 05 - 12:03 PM

Okay, please keep in mind, these were two of the very first pieces I did in enamelling class. The dark green one actually cooked too long, but we decided it was kind of cool. My teacher thought it looked like a fossil. The other is realy elementary, but I love the blue. The neat thing about enamelling is you can redo it, very easily, just adjust and throw it in the kiln again!

Here ya go: craftwork.

(Oh, they are small tiles.)

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Jun 05 - 12:47 PM

Kat, is enamel baked onto a tile durable?

It makes perfect sense that this kind of crystal collar, whatever it is called, would be around at rock shops and such. I just don't know what to call it or I'd be able to do a search and figure them out. I'll poke around some online rock shops later and see what I can find in the odds and ends. Thanks for pointing me in that logical direction. I agree, taking a class in metal-working would be the best solution.

I've been clearing out and reorganizing our craft area during the past couple of weeks. I'm finding old projects, some finished and needing a frame, others works-in-progress, and then there are those things that are an accumulation of materials but the project never started. I think it's time to either do them or put them in a garage sale.

The kids will walk in the door any minute now, and I'd like to have some of this stuff out of sight if I don't plan to keep it. They're even worse packrats than I am, and might take it out of the trash or the garage sale pile again if they see some of the discards.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: katlaughing
Date: 22 Jun 05 - 02:12 PM

Well, it seems to be, on copper tiles, at least, SRS. Those have been dropped several times and, in class, we had a lot of mishaps, but no real breakage that I recall. I didn't get to work with them but they also have enamel watercolours which are baked on the same way. I have one my friend did of a winter scene by a river. Really remarkable stuff to work with and quite beautiful.

As near as I can tell and remember, the thing you are talking about for crystals is just called a "swivel or fixed mount."

If you don't already know about them, I'd recommend getting Rio Grande's catalogue;

taking a look at Lapidary Journal (I found a subscription well worth it, at the time);

and, getting a catalogue from Fire Mountain Gems.

Sorry if any of these are repeats from back when.:-)

Also, this doesn't look like the same cover as the book we used in class, but I know it is the same author. This would be an excellent book to get if you are really interested in knowing and learning more about metalsmithing, imo: The Complete Metalsmith by Tim NcCreight. That link goes to Amazon where you may look through some of the pages.

Have fun! My sister got rid of oodles of over-the-years craft projects last year when she packed up her house to store while she went to Alaska. Did well at a garage sale, too!

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Jun 05 - 04:05 PM

I retreived those links from this very thread earlier in the week, so I'm all set. And I guess, from all of the fishing gear I handled over the years, that I should have been able to figure out the "swivel" part. Oh, well. Yes, that's what I was looking for, and though I'd poked around at Rio Grande, I hadn't found it. I'll look through those later.

I've just finished re-configuring the wire shelves in my craft room. Moved the bottom shelf up enough to put buckets and baskets under it, then the six shelves are for various bulky home maintenance (paint, etc.) and craft (boxes of yardage) stuff. This will free up floor space in my laundry room and the entire bottom shelf in my long cupboard. Heaven forbid I throw anything out to accomplish the same effect!

Trash day is tomorrow. What are the odds that the children will voluntarily clean their rooms, fill bags with trash, then take them down to the curb and deposit them in the same can where the discarded craft stuff is? Right. I think I'm safe once that stuff is in the can at the curb!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Tracey Dragonsfriend
Date: 23 Jun 05 - 08:57 AM

Hey, Kat, they're very nice! Beautiful colours, and I like the fossil-y look too.

And I know what you guys mean about the STUFF! I bought a job lot of wooden blanks recently, and now I can't move! I use a corner of the dining-room to do pyrography and other crafts, plus an old table any my PC desk, and now there's boxes stacked just everywhere. Including in front of the radiator, and that's not gonna work past October or so...

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: GUEST,Stilly River Sage, in through the back door
Date: 23 Jun 05 - 10:33 AM

Kat,

What I meant by durable has to do with the bond. When it's heated it makes the enamel hard, but does it also make it stick indelibly to the tile? You said something about fixing it later--which makes me wonder if you can scrape it off? I know that when you apply paint to plastic, like painting a company logo on a plastic drink cup, that the paint can scratch off. But if you use paint (probably a different sort, but I don't know) on a mug and bake it for however long, that ink is there permanently. (I learned this in my newspaper days when I interviewed the owner of a new company setting up to print promotional items and containers). So is there a type of paint perhaps or a type of tile (or glaze on that tile) that works to bond it all together permanently?

Part two to that question--you've probably seen the tiles in gift shops and the airport, etc. that have a three-dimensional look because the paint is beaded on the tile surface. It is a low-profile contour that makes the colors stand out all the more. How is that achieved? Could you do it with your "fossil" tile by using a thicker mix of your paint and letting it dry that way before baking?

Just curious. I don't think I'm getting into tile painting now. But I am considering tiling my porch in the future and a few accent tiles would look good. You can buy all sorts, and just buying a few doesn't make them prohibitively expensive, but I'd like to have something unique to the house that speaks to the nature here. (I'd paint a few tarantulas and toads on tiles! I found a nice spider, but it's a mosaic, which isn't bad either.)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: katlaughing
Date: 23 Jun 05 - 06:19 PM

Tracey, thanks! If I ever find the other pieces, mine and my friend's, I'll post them, too. Your projects sound like fun, too!

SRS, I think we might be talking about two different kinds of tiling. Painting them, to me, means clay tiles which are then fired and yes, the colours are fixed permanently.

What I learned to do and still need to learn a LOT more about is more properly called "enamelling" in which glass is fused to metal using a kiln. We used copper tiles, cleaned them in "pickle" (an acid solution), then used a spray on glue/fixer before applying the sandlike glass colours. Each colour has to be done in a separate firing, but each one only takes about 1-3 minutes, sometimes more depending on size, etc. The beauty of it is kind of like watercolours. If you don't like the way it turned out, you can fiddle with adding more glass, more colour, etc., then fire it again.(Each time you heat it in the kiln, you can change it by how you place the powdered glass colours.)

One may also use forms of glass, for instance, the green tendrils of *seaweed* on the blue tile were just small rods of green glass which I cut to length and placed on the tile.
This might explain it better and has a gallery of some nice work.

As for the bumps, I do have one piece a friend did in which she used millefiori beads to create contour.

Good luck at keeping the kids outta the castoff bits!:-)

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Sep 05 - 10:05 PM

It's almost fall. It's almost secret santa time. We'll be bearing down on the holiday season very soon. So I'm bringing this favorite thread back to the top again, to see what folks are doing.

Kat, are you crafting more now that you've been recuperating for a while? What are you up to? What are our metal smiths doing, and how about our woodworkers? Sewers (that doesn't work!--how about "those who sew), crochet folks, those who tend to their own knitting. . .

I'm sick to death of political threads. Even below the line, Mudcat is so much more. I'm in the design stage of my beading. All of the beads and findings are here, except the final selections of wire/thread/silk/monofilament and needles. (Ha! As if that were nothing! I have a friend who has made jewelry for years, and we're going to go through some of my proposed projects and she'll make recommendations). There was a great article in Martha Stewart Living last spring that had a lot of good diagrams and examples.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 11 Sep 05 - 05:31 AM

Sure it was jewellery in the Martha Stewart magazine, and not picklocks and skeleton keys?!

(Sorry, couldn't resist... it's like Delia Smith being bound over to keep the peace for drunken hollering at a football match.... oh wait... that happened too!).

I've had a busy year sewing for various events - Limpit was a handmaiden at a handfasting and I made her dress, my costume, another concert gown, silk waistcoats etc...

I've also made various bits of equipment and orthopaedic aids for my mate who broke his ankle badly. It started with cut down trousers with velcro sides and progressed to strange shaped foam wedges for his physiotherapy and a little waist pouch (think market trader) for carrying things around his house. Now I'm working on some decent carrybags for our camping equipment (getting a bit sick of taking the cooker out of a toilet roll bag) and playing with flame orange ripstop.

Christmas cards will soon be available and I'll try to put a link up to a photo site if anyone shows any interest. I've still got a fair amount of stock from last year, and we're about to start making this year's batch in a variety of crafty ways. It seems the best sellers were the easiest to make so I'll go for another batch of them. As for last year, I got nearly £50 over my costs for the ones I sold at work and at Limpit's bazaar.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 Sep 05 - 10:16 AM

The article was about handmade jewelry in the May 2005 issue. I just looked--they didn't create a web version of the article.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 12 Oct 06 - 12:07 PM

The easiest way to find my site now is to dot com my name

ClintonHammond.com

:-)

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Jun 07 - 12:50 PM

I haven't done much more with my beading, but I did recently pick up some of the stringing materials and needles--I'm getting closer!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: CarolC
Date: 18 Jun 07 - 01:00 PM

Art Furniture

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: HouseCat
Date: 18 Jun 07 - 01:02 PM

Glad you brought back this thread, SRS! You're making progress! What's everybody up to now? I love hearing from fellow crafters. I make handmade paper out of fiber and leaves and grass and whatever else looks like it will grind up well in a blender.
HC

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 18 Jun 07 - 04:46 PM

I finally got sick of buying duplicate threads for my cross stitch and embroidery - so I spent 2 afternoons making a database of all my threads. Now I have a list of what number DMC threads, how many skeins, a colour name (although you probably won't find many of the names on any chart list) and whether it's in the box or in a project.

I'm making cards again at the moment. Flowers, this time. Little pansies in purple and yellow.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 18 Jun 07 - 09:32 PM

When I log off I'll be making 2 cards & a selection of bookmarks - one lot for a friend's birthday tomorrow (oops, gotta get my skates on & card into mailbox before end of day), the other for my old boss who is retiring on Friday.

I have far more Japanese paper & other paper & cardboard than any human can use in one lifetime, same with beads, & most other stuff I collect.

My papers & beads are perfect arranged (I do more arranging than using!)

Liz, I only have a large bikkie tin full of stranded cotton, but I do have 2 huge 3kilo jars full of blending filaments, & 8 perle, & a smaller bikkie tin of silk stranded threads, & an assortment of old bakelite lidded jars & 2lb coffee jars full of other threads like 3 perle, 12 perle, silk buttonhole twist, other silks, hand-dyed threads ...

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Jun 07 - 09:39 PM

Liz, I haven't used my DMC threads for a while, but I used to do a lot of crewel embroidery . . . (thinks fondly back to those evenings when there seemed to be time for that kind of thing!) I picked up one of those little hardware organizers, with 100 plastic drawers (or something like that) and arranged them by general color in each drawer. There may be various shades of a dark green in one, grays in another, all one type of blue (I bought duplicates also) in yet another. It's pretty to look at even when it isn't in use.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 19 Jun 07 - 04:01 AM

Same here Stilly... mine are kept in old Ferrero Rocher boxes (boy, did I have fun emptying them - the new ones are too small. I knew those little ambassador pleasers had gotten smaller!) and looking at them end on it's like little boxes of rainbows. Each box holds about 40-50, there are 8 boxes and an awful lot in project boxes around the house!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: jacqui.c
Date: 19 Jun 07 - 06:37 AM

I've neen making shawls and afghans. I've actually had some commisions for shawls recently, which is gratifying. Not a lot of cash but enough to fund the addiction.

I also started making cell phone holders to hang round the neck for those, like me, that can never find the darn things when they ring. That led to shot glass holders.....

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: HouseCat
Date: 19 Jun 07 - 09:49 AM

This year my fondest wish came true -we turned the spare bedroom into a craft room. I'm so organized that I don't know what to do. I have an old wardrobe that I turned into storage, and the TomCat built a couple of cabinets as well, bless him. I have a REAL worktable! And if I make a mess, I just shut the door on it. Heavenly.
Great hearing about what everyone else is making!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Jun 07 - 11:51 AM

I have a sun room that houses the lion's share of our craft and sewing supplies. At christmas a lot of eBay stuff was shoved in there and it still hasn't been all excavated. That's a summer project, when it's so hot outside that I'm looking for indoor tasks.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: rich-joy
Date: 20 Jun 07 - 02:07 AM

My main passion (apart from Singing, that is!) lies in Crocheting - not that clever, delicate, fine, doiley, kinda stuff - but colourful chunky creations!! (particularly headgear ...)

Oh, and I also have a wool/yarn addiction and my stash-size increases at a somewhat larger rate than my creative OUTput!!!
:~)))

I am trying to place crochet pics on my Flickr site, but it all takes TIME ............

I dream of the day when I can have my own "shed" (cum studio) ... my SO has just built his own big new Shed and now, can rarely be prised out of it!!!

The last weekend of this month is the 11th annual Beanie Festival, in Alice Springs (central Oz), and, to which I am FINALLY going!!!
I'm very excited!!!   
http://www.beaniefest.org/



Cheers! R-J

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Jun 07 - 11:15 AM

I was inspired by this thread to go through my beads and equipment and decide that what I need next is a little more guidance. I have lots of printouts and articles and web site links, but I took a gift card from christmas to a local book store and (along with the Calvin and Hobbes comic book for my son) picked up a couple of books that give detailed instructions on the types of beading that interest me. So many to choose from, so I found those that had some final products closest to what I want to make. For myself I like simple, elegant, not too long necklaces, some to compliment clothes, others to contrast, and I like the geologically-interesting semi-precious beads. I like how wire is used for some of the beads. Briolettes look so good that way, etc. I will learn with sterling silver, then switch to the gold-filled wire and beads.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: katlaughing
Date: 20 Jun 07 - 12:57 PM

Good for you, Maggie. I learned from a good friend and beading saved my sanity more than once.:-)

I was given a kiln, free of charge, recently. Wrote to my enamelling teacher and got the name of the book she recommends. Bought it a couple of weeks ago. Now to assemble the other parts I need, then I can have some fun!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Jun 07 - 02:21 PM

One of those books I looked at yesterday had some wonderful examples and very good illustrations of making enamelled metal jewelry. It takes time and patience but the results are astonishing. What are you planning to make? That book had some beautiful enamel buttons, something I wouldn't have thought about, but what a perfect way to customize a garment, whether one you've made yourself or one you modify.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Jun 07 - 11:55 AM

I'll probably move this after a little while, but for now, here is a glimpse of one of our talented crafters, John Hardly (aka Bauman). This was taken this spring at the Main Street Arts Festival in Fort Worth, TX. A juried show, so his work had to be very good to be accepted.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 21 Jun 07 - 12:09 PM

I've just finished crocheting a pram banket for Harry. I'm in the middle of cross stitching some pictures for his nursery, his Dad has already finished the one he was doing so I'm behind on that one! I've also started on a name plate for Harry's room!!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: HouseCat
Date: 21 Jun 07 - 12:40 PM

I've just sent some of my handmade paper to a paper-crafting friend in Scotland (I'm in Alabama). Does this make me an international artist? ;~) SRS, John Hardly's work looks beautiful.
HC

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: katlaughing
Date: 21 Jun 07 - 12:48 PM

SRS, I plan to get started with small tiles, first. It's been several years since I took enamelling classes, so I have some practice to do, first. My teacher, Donna Wilson, is well-known as a jewellery enameller. One day I hope to make something even half as nice as what she does.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: mouldy
Date: 21 Jun 07 - 01:34 PM

I still do the salt dough, although with all what's happened this year I haven't had the chance to do much.
However, I have also started dipping my fingers into making applehead dolls. They are still very much a work-in-progress, but I love seeing people's reactions to them! I don't think there can be many people making them here in the UK.

Also, jacqui.c, my shawl lives on my bed and I wear it every day!

When a lot of the necessary sorting out after Ian's death is done, I will have more space to work, and then probably feel more like it too.

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Jun 07 - 07:10 PM

Andrea, I'm still "sorting out" ten years after my parents' deaths. I'll just recommend that you not hold your breath waiting for extra space to arrive. It's one of those things like "nature abhors a vacuum." Things always manage to fill that "space" and so it never really is space.   :-/

I picked up another book at the used book store today. Same one as is still in stock at the full-priced store but about 1/4 the original price. It inclues information on enameling; and Kat, those enamels you linked to are gorgeous.

Oh, and the woman in the photo with John is his wife. I forgot her name, I'm sorry to say. Maybe if John pops in here again he'll tell us. I agree, his work was gorgous. If I weren't so broke that I don't have a pot to piss in, I might have bought a new pot from him! :)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Jul 07 - 06:49 PM

So, every time I think I have the bits and pieces to sit down and start practicing this beading business, I find some new aspect of it I hadn't thought about or didn't know about.

Today I was looking at nylon cord, deciding I'd practice with simple beads and make it look like stringing pearls, with a knot between each bead. When I was researching the weight of this thread (and there are others like it) I came across the admonition to wax your thread before using it.

Wax. Beeswax, actually. Okay, I'm sure I can find some beeswax.

But I have a question of you beaders out there--even though I've found sites that talk about this in general, how do you know specifically which thread or cord or wire is the right one to use with different types of beads? I've read about the problems of sharp edged beads cutting silk, etc. But is there a chart or book or something that describes the ranges of stringing materials and the types of beads and stones and how they can be used?

Also, I notice that Rio Grande won't let me look at the catalog. Was it always this way, or is that a relatively recent development? I don't mind buying it if they'll let me, but what does it take to be let into their club? I'm not looking for finished jewelry, I'm looking for a place to get the best selection of findings and tools and such. Is this it?

I expect I'll hear from Kat on these questions, if she isn't busy out putting out the back forty. Are the fires in that area also, or just the heat?

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 08 Jul 07 - 08:05 PM

I have both beeswax & Thread Conditioner & use both (depends on which one I have nearby)

comparison of thread conditioner, beeswax & others

I know I have info on thread types for different projects, but it's not in my "Encyclopedia of Beading Techniques" (Sara Withers & Stephanie Burnham, Simon & Schuster, 2005) & I don't have time to look thru my magazines & photocopies now as I have to go out.

I'll check in when I get back in a few hours & if Kat hasn't answered I'll go thru my collection.

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Jul 07 - 09:10 PM

Sandra,

That's handy--I've seen reference to both products. I wonder if the Beeswax lobby has a comparable comparison chart? ;-)

I've picked up a spool of beadalon to try with some crystal beads (Years ago I strung it myself, totally not knowing what I was doing, and it broke later both times). But beadalon seems awfully heavy-duty for other uses, and as some of these sites mention, how they hang makes a difference. (It occurs to me now that I have a string of small garnets on monofilament that I should redo before it breaks. Those sharp edges will get it sooner or later).

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: katlaughing
Date: 08 Jul 07 - 09:52 PM

SRS, sorry I didn't see this sooner. No fires near by, thank goodness.

About the ONLY thing I string on is C thru B which I usually get from Fire Mtn. It comes in different gauges and the beauty of it is, it is wire with cloth (silk?) over it AND it doesn't bind into a certain shape whichever way it is bent, unlike the stuff I used to use. Bend that stuff once and it was impossible to get it unkinked. I love C thru B! It also does not break.

More later...gotta go.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Jul 07 - 11:48 PM

But what about the things you want to bead with a knot in between--or do you simply not string anything that way? I'm thinking of pearls, in particular, but I have some other stone beads that I think would look great with the knots. That is, if I can figure out what the best thread/cord might be (for instance, I have some gorgeous turquoise and jade and carnelian and tourmaline that could go in various combinations, such as a carnelian string with a big turquoise tear-drop in the middle, and a combination of the jade and tourmaline in a simple strand, or a combination of jade and carnelian.) I have a variety of heishi, shell and stone, so could use a wire and put these in between the bigger beads, but in my mind's eye knots seem to suit the design.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Jul 07 - 12:11 AM

I went back and looked at your link to Fire Mtn. They say this stuff knots. Do you tie it in knots between beads, or is it more that you can tie a knot to hide under a bead cap at the end? Do you do a single strand or double strand when you bead with it?

My last question for the evening--have you used those twisted wire needles? They look ideal for threading for those of us with aging eyes. . . :)

SRS

Getting so close to getting started that I can almost taste it!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: katlaughing
Date: 09 Jul 07 - 12:58 AM

No, I don't ever knot it, but then I don't string pearls that much. If I do string them, I use fresh water pearls. Pearls do look nice with knots in between and if the stringing material breaks, the knots keep them all from falling off.I used to have some silk thread, but never used it.One of the things I like about C thru B is it lets the colour of the stones, beads, etc. show up nicely. If you use thread, use a colour as close to the beads colour as possible and it can make a nice enhancement, also.

I don't tie it off at the ends. I use crimp beads with special crimping pliers, then feed the C thru B back through the last few beads at each end. I then put a jeweller's glue on the crimped crimp beads. I will have already have put on the clasp and jump ring in the loops of the C thru B before pulling it taut and putting on the crimp beads, etc. If this isn't clear, let me know. I've never actually explained this in writing or without demonstrating before!*smile*

I'll see if I can make an example up and put a picture of it on line, if you'd like, along with pix of some finished pieces.

Another thing that looks nice between beads are seed beads.

Oh, and I don't like the long needle thingies. The C thru B is stiff enough it works as its own needle, plus I didn't find the needles all that stiff or helpful when I first started out, so just never used them.

Thanks for asking. I am going to have more time, now, to maybe get back into beading and I find I have missed it!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 09 Jul 07 - 02:41 AM

The Encyclopedia gives lovely clear illustrations of several ways of knotting between beads, but doesn't say what thread to use.

I've had a great time searching for pearl knotting info & found this well illustrated site & this one says use silk as nylon bead cord will tend to cut the pearls!

Kat, I hadn't heard of the C thru B thread which I obviously need! The fact that I'm not actually using my wonderful, beautifully arranged stash of beads & fittings is no reason not to get more supplies & fortunately I found an Oz supplier.

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Llanfair
Date: 09 Jul 07 - 02:52 AM

Blimey, this thread is still going!! I see I posted in 2001, and a lot of things have happened since then. I've had a market stall, Bron's Crafts & Curios, on Welshpool market for three years nearly, and that pays for the rent on my workshop, which is stuffed with junk and craft stuff, which I'm always trying to clear.

I sell unusual items, bits of pottery,treen, pictures, that kind of thing, plus the stuff I make. At the moment that's driftwood mirrors, decoupage boxes and trays, some pyrography, and the big seller, the cloth shopping bags, cheap and an alternative to the plastic bag.
I've acquired some raw fleece, and the next project is to do some felting. I bought a drum carder on e-bay, which will make life much easier, if I only had the space!!!

Oh, and I'm planning to start some classes in the autumn, teaching the skills I have.
Even with no patience and a butterfly mind, it's possible to produce some lovely stuff!!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Jul 07 - 10:39 AM

Llanfair, I hope you'll post some photos. Have you used Photobucket or one of the other hosting sites? If you have digital photos of your work it is a simple matter to upload them to the site then use their formatted text to paste individual photo links into this thread or make a "blue clickie" back to your pages.

Sandra, I see when I visit that "LandofOdds" page that I've been there before. I read about nylon thread but I hadn't seen the remarks about the silk with pearls. I hate to calculate the amount of time my mother's pearls have been on the same thread. Once I get a little practice I'll restring them. I have an even older set from a great aunt that look great but need a new clasp. I've been reading about the brands of thread and fibres also--I don't know if anyone could keep up with all of that, but I'll make myself a chart.

Kat, I have several diagrams, and after studying them for a while (I think I may have crossed my eyes to see if that helped!) I have figured the basic knot and the end of the piece and the bead caps or various ways to attach to the clasp. This page has a lot of information and a couple of clear sketches near the bottom. I hope you'll post photos of your finished work. So far all I would be able to post is a growing collection of little plastic bags in a couple of lacquer boxes! :)

I have a few books, selected after extensive hovering in the craft section at Barnes and Noble, that offer a range of techniques and sample projects. As I process this information those projects are becoming clearer.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: John Hardly
Date: 09 Jul 07 - 10:56 AM

Knotting between beads is a good thing. If the main reason for not knotting (that two word pairing was worth the whole post) is the difficulty, my wife used this
system for her hand-rolled beads. Did a nifty job of snugging 'em up.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Jul 07 - 04:31 PM

The photos are small on the 12-step page (sounds like a program for recovering beaders). Did you watch her use this, and did it look like the photos? Are the knots really knots, or are they tight loops? If they don't really hold, the device purchase would be all for naught. . .

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: John Hardly
Date: 09 Jul 07 - 04:44 PM

I actually learned how to do it myself. They are knots. And that little needle-at-the-end-of-a-wooden-handle tool really does a nice job of it. It places the knot as tight against the bead as possible -- barring some other scientific/metaphysical breakthrough wherein two things could actually occupy the same space.

(an experiment in which BZ has been almost exhausively pursuing ever since we brought him home -- seeing if he can occupy exactly the same space that Ariel already occupies. So far, only negative results. But not for want of trying.)

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Jul 07 - 05:36 PM

BTW--do you collect dog hair for weaving? I could send you gobs of it from the Blue Heeler (it's quite complex, the shorter, fuzzier inner coat and longer darker hairs on top) to add to the Malamute output.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: John Hardly
Date: 09 Jul 07 - 06:35 PM

I had a friend who was a spinner. We gave her bags of Malamute coat to spin and her assessment -- Malamute coat is too short to spin well. Samoyed is much better.

BZ seems to like to spin though. He'll chase 'round the yard -- especially anywhere Ariel (his goddess) leads him. I don't think it's the same kind of spin.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 09 Jul 07 - 07:03 PM

I take macaroni and glue it on old dishsoap bottles and spraypaint it gold. It is quite lovely. mg

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: katlaughing
Date: 09 Jul 07 - 11:22 PM

I've seen knotters similar to what John posted and they do work. I just never got into using knots, esp. with the wire I use.

Maggie, I can't find the contact sheet of the professional photos I had taken. I had just found them, recently, and put them somewhere "safe" wouldn't ya know?!*smile* I will scan and post when I find them. IN the meantime, I have a personal totem necklace which I will try to scan and a couple of others. They aren't really what I would consider representative of what I did for folks, on a professional level, though, as they are personal designs for myself.

It's been fun to have this thread come up, again. Thanks!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Jul 07 - 12:31 AM

Ha! I have things tucked away "safely" all over the house! Now if I could only remember what I considered safe at the time I did the tucking. :)

Serendipity was at work yesterday--the hobby store closed before I got there so I made a detour to run to the grocery store, my regular chain but a different outlet. And there in the strip mall was a bead shop. I didn't have time to run by today but I will tomorrow, and see what they have for comparisons.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: JennieG
Date: 10 Jul 07 - 04:04 AM

Several weeks ago I was looking through the Fire Mountain Gems site (as you do) and noted that they will send a free 530-page catalogue if you leave your name and address. They did too - all the way to Oz! And my friend got herself one also. It contains a lot of information as well as scrumptious beads to buy, and examples of jewellery made from their beads.

I have some lovely beads that belonged to my mother and grandmother, I couldn't wear them as necklaces as they were much too tight. Eventually I took them apart and now I am using them to make new jewellery.

That is, when I'm not sewing - or quilting - or knitting - or crocheting - etc -

Cheers
JennieG

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: JennyO
Date: 10 Jul 07 - 10:41 AM

Anyone want some dryer lint? I've got mounds of it.

SINSULL didn't seem keen last year when I was her Secret Santa, so she didn't get any ;-)

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Jul 07 - 11:29 AM

A guy sold some dryer lint on eBay a couple of years ago--quite a funny sale. I can also offer copious amounts of cat hair for the discerning crafts person. At any one go-round with the dust mop I can come up with enough hair to knit a new cat.

Thanks for the heads up about the catalog. I'll go ahead and order that.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: HouseCat
Date: 10 Jul 07 - 11:32 AM

I keep finding cat hair in my paper-making pulp and as soon as I screen the paper I have to pick it out while it's still wet. My sister says it's the secret ingredient in all her cooking.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 10 Jul 07 - 01:10 PM

Paul's in the process the making a cot for Harry. It's gorgeous and in a medieval/gothic style all hand made out of wood. I'm currantly working on and outfit for Harry for his Naming Ceremony, hopefully I'll get it finished in time, I would hate to have to buy him something!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Jul 07 - 03:32 PM

Success at the bead store! They had a variety of threads and cords to choose from and there are PEOPLE there who answer questions. :) They offer classes. After explaining that I know just enough to get myself into trouble and asking about cord and a couple of other things, I picked up the schedule and left before I wiped out my bank account with the beads and such. This place isn't as inexpensive as the big box craft stores, but they keep all of this stuff in stock, so it makes sense to shop here. And by the time I pay shipping through eBay, etc., again, it makes sense to shop here.

The woman I spoke with said she doesn't like waxing the thread and she hates the other thread treatment stuff, so she doesn't do any of it. Clearly there are wide variations in artist preferences to consider.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: jacqui.c
Date: 10 Jul 07 - 05:06 PM

I've just finished my first cross stitch on single crochet - making an afghan for my grandson. I was quite pleased with the result and it got good marks from an accomplished cross stitcher - Ranger1.

I've still got about five more projects to work on right now, including a couple of shawls and some cell phone pouches.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: katlaughing
Date: 10 Jul 07 - 06:16 PM

SRS, isn't it fun to find a good bead shop? I figure it is worth a little extra to be hands-on with my shopping, esp. for certain beads. The best place I ever went to was in Northampton, MA. THIS ONE isn't in the same building, but I think it is the same store. They had a fantastic selection. I left with a little Chinese takeaway box with about $100 of beads and findings in it the last time I was there.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 10 Jul 07 - 07:20 PM

I've just started beading an evening bag, but I'm not happy with what I've achieved so will take it to Craft Group today to get some outside opinions.

I'm often too critical of my efforts, especially when I'm doing something new. The main problem is whether sharp glass bugle beads are suitable for a silk evening bag. They look good over some of the sprigs, with seed beads over the stems, but ...

Recently I was (once again) unpicking uneven stitches on my patchwork cushion cover when I noticed imperfection in a quilt in a book on the table. The author has written lots of books & her points didn't always meet! It wasn't just one point, there were imperfections in several quilts, including the one on the cover!!!

I still undo stitches, but not as often.

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Jul 07 - 09:28 PM

This wasn't the largest bead shop, by any means, but it seemed to have a complete selection of beads and findings. The big ones in New York City are something to behold. And yes, you can leave with a little pouch of stuff that costs a lot of money!

They offer classes, so I'll pick take one of the beginner sessions and ask more of my questions there. I think I'm set to make a few samples with some of the plastic and glass beads left over from kid projects over the years. It's reassuring to have a human with hands-on experience right there to answer the question or see what it is you were trying to describe to ask about.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: GUEST,Jim
Date: 11 Jul 07 - 11:05 AM

/

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: katlaughing
Date: 11 Jul 07 - 11:17 AM

Good for you, Maggie. Have fun and don't be shy about asking the questions.:-)

Sandra, I think we all can see what we think might have been a better way to make something, but maybe it would help to remember traditional weavers deliberately leaving a mistake so as not to make something perfect and thus offend their god or claim to be an equal of their god. Or something like that...if memory serves.*smile*

Your bag sounds lovely. DO you have any pictures online?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 Jul 07 - 12:23 PM

Moonglow found a gorgeous beaded bag for pennies at a thrift store a few weeks ago. Taken out of that context and with a few quick stitches to reattach dangling bits, it was a perfect gift for a fashionable friend. It's great when you can rescue or reuse materials like that. (One of my jewelry making books advises trips to the thrift store to see what beads or buttons are on the rack to cut expenses. Being a sewer also, I would be torn as to whether I wanted to fix a garment or render it useless by taking off its beads and buttons. Maybe a swap would work, and I could wear the garment and use the original buttons as my jewelry!) :)

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: HouseCat
Date: 11 Jul 07 - 03:33 PM

Several years ago, a favorite aunt passed away and I found myself in possession of a whole load of her costume jewelry. Much of it was waaaayyy out of style, broken and probably worthless, but the beads were gorgeous, lots of beautiful glass and crystal. I took them apart and made bracelets to give to my sisters and cousins for Christmas. Lots of tears as we recalled the lovely old lady we missed so much.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: SINSULL
Date: 11 Jul 07 - 03:46 PM

I too have a large supply of dryer lint imbedded with both dog and cat hair. Stuff a toy? Spin it into yarn?
These days I have the attention span of a gnat and can't seem to get interested in a crocheting project. But I have been toying with the idea of setting up a place upstairs for me to watercolor. Maybe...

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 Jul 07 - 03:53 PM

You know, when one calls oneself a "sewer" in the context of sewing, it makes sense. But glancing back at the entry later, it pops off the page as the drain apparatus. Sewwer? Nope. I guess I need to refer to myself as "one who sews."

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: katlaughing
Date: 11 Jul 07 - 04:57 PM

Or, sew-er, sower with needle and thread, or sougher!**bg**

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: JennieG
Date: 11 Jul 07 - 08:35 PM

Or "sewist"?

Or perhaps go for "seamstress" - no, wait, that sounds like when I am wearing pants that are too tight and I am worried about the seams splitting!

I describe what I do as "mucking around with the sewing machine". The clothes and quilts that result from said mucking around are a bonus; the main idea is having fun.

Cheers
JennieG

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 11 Jul 07 - 08:57 PM

Kat - have you heard of the Japanese concept Wabi Sabi - it has many translations, including the perfection of imperfection. Another translation is the beauty of all things imperfect, impermanent and incomplete.

Since I read about it I've tried to be less critical about my own work, but decades of external & internal criticism are hard habits to break. Years ago I read a quote in a book about meditation that I try to remember - "If someone treated me the way I treat myself, I'd sue them."

I know I'll never be perfect but sometimes when doing something, I'm far too hard on myself.

I love imperfect things - back in 1975 I bought a stuffed dog that had it's muzzle sewn on off centre & a few years back I bought a Japanese plate that had split in the kiln, & always make my teddies with uneven smiles, & have many an old well-loved toy in my collection.

sandra

I've been thinking of a FLICKR account for a while, but haven't got around to doing anything about it

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: katlaughing
Date: 11 Jul 07 - 09:39 PM

Sandra, I have heard of that, yes. It seems there are so many traditions which include that edict for one imperfect thing in each human-made creation.

I know the Navajo believed in it. Here's a little bit I found: If the pattern is not a stripe, traditional rugs may have a spirit line--a single thread of yarn connecting the center of the rug with an edge--allowing the weaver to let her spirit out of that rug so that she can go on to create other rugs. Weaving a large rug may take 300 hours of work. Even though that doesn't stress the imperfection/perfection.

Also, I've heard that about Persian rugs.

Good for you for choosing to work to overcome the Inner Critic! I know I hear her, too, BUT I have learned to do the best I am able at the time and let it go.

Last year's NaNoWriMo taught me, very quickly, how to ignore the IC and just go for completing a 50,000 word novel in a month. It was LIBERATING! And, a not half-bad piece of work. (I work better with a deadline!)

Anyway...I'd love to see photos of your work. Have you looked at www.myopera.com? BillD and I both put our photos up there and it is easy-peasy.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Bill D
Date: 11 Jul 07 - 09:41 PM

an observation about beads and beading....I see the obvious attraction of the craft, but I'm worried that it is almost TOO popular...as a commercial enterprise, anyway.

Rita & I have been coordinators for the crafts area at our folk festival for the last 5-6 years. We have only about 25 booths, and one of our problems in recruiting is that we get way more applicants from jewelry makers than anything else, and in the last couple years, most of those have been from beaders.
As with all crafts, there are wide variations in style and creativity among applicants, and every show we have some beaders show up saying.."my stuff is just as good ..or better..than what you have. Why can't I be in the show?"...and it's hard to placate them.

If all one wishes to go is make stuff for themselves, or as gifts for friends & relatives, it's a great hobby, but it reminds me of the problem woodturners have with many, many makers of wooden pens from kits...(I made some myself for a few years, but now everyone is trying to sell pens to everyone else, and one company is pushing a little automated lathe which requires no skill...and they will sell you pre-made wooden blanks.)

What we WOULD like to find for the show...(and other shows we are in each year)...is folks who actually MAKE the beads they sell, whether glass, polymer clay, exotic woods, porcelain...etc. I know some of this requires more equipment and time than most folks have, but there is a need.

Again, I have nothing against an enjoyable hobby...and *IF* you happen to be the only beader in some general venue, you might have good luck in a small business.


Tricky stuff, huh? I'm sure potters and leather workers have some of the same issues.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Jul 07 - 01:37 AM

Bill D., I'm not going to be clamouring for a booth any time soon, probably never. This is a process, a personal interest (as much in geology as in jewelry making). As I've glanced at the larger field of jewelry making and have seen some very creative and unusual aspects discussed, like the one Kat mentioned earlier, the making of enameled pieces. Talk about detailed work! And some of the ceramic and lampwork beads are phenomenal.

Beading for me is like sewing or cooking or gardening. It's for my own pleasure and that of those who are in my immediate circle (or neighbors who look on, etc.) No reason to not do it just because a lot of other people are also doing it, but scarcity and complexity are always going to make some arts more desirable.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: katlaughing
Date: 12 Jul 07 - 11:12 AM

The first time I had a booth it was by invitation at an art museum so there wasn't much competition and it was somewhat prestigious >;). I only sold a couple of pieces, BUT I did gain a client who kept me busy for the next few years until I moved away. She went on to buy over 25 necklace and earring sets from me, all custom designed for her. She also paid me well for them!

That said, the few other times I tried a booth it was not worth it. Most folks liked my work but wanted it made custom for them. I found I didn't show well to the general public and was not into making cookie cutter, repeated designs for quick sales. I have too much of an affinity for my "StonePeople" and did not like people with rotten vibes handling any of my work!

Still haven't set up the enamelling, yet, but I am looking forward to it and think I may get into selling a bit once I get more practice. My teacher said I seemed to be a "natural."*bg**

kat of "StonePeople Designs"

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Jul 07 - 11:33 AM

That's funny--I've had the same experience as far as 'vibrations' from people who touch an object just to touch but seem to leave behind a negative feeling in the process. Sometimes if I'm wearing a piece and someone wants to handle it, or just reaches out and picks up a pendant, etc., it takes a while for that effect to "wear off."

I think you can pick up on that from sellers, also, the realization that they really would prefer you lean over and look close but not handle it. It's more than fingerprints.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: katlaughing
Date: 12 Jul 07 - 11:42 AM

I agree, Maggie. I could size people up fairly easily and send out "don't come near" vibes to them and watch them make an abrupt turn and go to another booth. I didn't do it too often as I did want to sell stuff, though!

There was one time I had some loose beads for sale. There were some nice 8mm hematite beads in a small plastic bag. A woman came over despite my vibes to leave me alone. She picked up that bag and immediately it literally flew out of her hand, back onto the table. Several people saw it and remarked after she had gone away. I took that bag off the table and decided I was not supposed to sell them after all. Hematite is a particular stone anyway. She and it obviously did not mesh!:-)I never did another public show again. It's just too personal with me, esp. as I *tune* into whomever I am designing for...I really get in a zone with the stones and it always comes out just right according to my clients.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: HouseCat
Date: 12 Jul 07 - 11:53 AM

I have had the same feelings - I make teddy bears from mohair fur, glass eyes, all sewn by hand, and by the time I'm done with one I almost feel as if he/she has a wee soul inside of it. (I make the heads first and prop them up in a teacup to keep me company while I finish the bodies.)Sometimes I encounter a person who will pick them up and handle them and I just want to snatch them back (The TomCat calls it my "your not worthy!" reaction.)It's not that I think them unworthy, well maybe sometimes, but just get a negative energy from them. I don't think it's an unusual feeling amongst artists. It's like my hating so much for anyone to ask to borrow my guitar.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 12 Jul 07 - 12:00 PM

Kat - I had a look at your opera link, it looks all right, & has lotsa' space, I assume lots more than Flickr.   

The site noticed that I didn't use Opera & offered me a link to the free download. I use Firefox & don't want to change browsers.

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 12 Jul 07 - 12:11 PM

oops, I forgot - I've changed my ideas twice for the black bag. The material is a thin black with velvetty sprigs scattered over it.

One of the craft group suggested using beads each end of the bugle beads to stop the likelihood of the thread breaking. So I undid the bugles, & sewed them back on with beads, & continued sewing beads on the stems of the sprigs.

I still didn't like the effect, so I undid it all & put a mesh of beads over the front instead! Its definitely hand crafted as the meshes are not all (mechanically) even. Same with the fringes.

eek, it's after 2am & I really must get some sleep. I'll take pics before giving it away, tho black bag, black beads ....

it was fun & I'll do more.

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: katlaughing
Date: 12 Jul 07 - 12:59 PM

I use firefox, too. You don't have to use opera to put photos on myopera.:-)

Can't wait to see the black dog!

HouseCat, the "you're not worthy" is exactly how I feel sometimes about folks looking over my work!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: jacqui.c
Date: 12 Jul 07 - 04:45 PM

I will sometimes make a shawl purely for the fun of using a new pattern/different yarn. When they are finished those ones go into a hatbox to wait for their owners and the right person for the shawl always comes along.

I have to make a shawl for someone I really am not 100% sold on - as much a political thing as anything - and I am finding it difficult to make a start on it. Hopefully I will never be in that position again.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: oggie
Date: 12 Jul 07 - 04:53 PM

May as well blow my own trumpet.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: oggie
Date: 12 Jul 07 - 05:00 PM

Try again as that went pear-shaped :)

I've spent the last 20 years on and off as a fretworker and toymaker. Currently on again and so far so good.

This is our temporary site, namejigsaws
we do a lot more stuff but the main site's down for a major rebuild, when we did it we had a dozen products, I've now lost count.

Over the years we've done craft fairs, country shows, supplied wholesale and had a shop (aka The Disaster), we now do markets and places with lots of people who I can cut names for, so far so good.

All the best

Steve

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 12 Jul 07 - 09:03 PM

wow! love those jigsaws, I look forward to seeing the rebuilt website.

what a wonderful way to make a living, is that why your son is heir to the family overdraft?

I've only ever met a few crafty folks who make a living from craft - most just make a bit of jam money.

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: wilbyhillbilly
Date: 13 Jul 07 - 08:02 AM

I'm glad this thread came up, I would like to update the Mudcat Market page and have been checking the links for various goods advertised and find that a lot of them no longer go anywhere. Below are the results. If the participants know of any reason why (i.e site no longer available etc.) could you please let me know so I can amend them accordingly.
Either PM me or email [e-mail] and I will try to solve any problems. Thanks.


Clinton Hammond OK
Bill\Sables      Link down. 404 Error
Alice Art       OK
Amos Pottery    Link down 404 Error
Don Meixner      Link down 404 Error
Bruce and Susan OK
Annamill         OK
Socorro          Link down
Tracy Dragonfld OK
Vinyl Transfer   OK
Camsco.com       Goes to Chemical Agents Monitoring Supply Company?
Folk Legacy.com OK

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: katlaughing
Date: 13 Jul 07 - 08:47 AM

Glad you posted that list, wilbyhillbilly. I've been posting Dick's addy for Camsco as you have it listed, as that is what I thought it always has been. That's weird. Anyway, here is the correct one which I found on google:

http://www.camscomusic.com/

Thanks!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 13 Jul 07 - 09:18 AM

Camsco.com       Goes to Chemical Agents Monitoring Supply Company?

I had that problem recently - couldn't believe me eyes. Eventually I found the answer.

Camsco Music website

If you want to contact Dick Greenhaus here's his email
dick at camscomusic.com

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 13 Jul 07 - 09:41 AM

hmmm, I must be getting old or something, Kat's reply was not on this thread when I posted!

well, that my story & I'm sticking to it.

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: wilbyhillbilly
Date: 14 Jul 07 - 12:59 PM

Thanks Kat, I will change it to the correct one.

Be nice to hear from some of the others too :-)

Know the feeling Sandra, thanks anyway.



whb

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Llanfair
Date: 14 Jul 07 - 05:15 PM

Going back to the ability of handcrafted items to pick up the vibes of people touching them, I have found that using my singing bowl nearby cleanses things for me.
Having a market stall in a tourist town is fraught with the dangers of insensitive people handling the goods. I mix my goods with antiques, reproduction items, and lots of curios, all of which have a "past" which seems to protect the handmade stuff.
Protecting myself, as an empath, is more difficult, but there are ways and means.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: oggie
Date: 14 Jul 07 - 06:00 PM

I've just clicked on the Mudcat Market page and got a Brinkster "This page cannot be found" warning.

All the best

Steve

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: wilbyhillbilly
Date: 15 Jul 07 - 10:42 AM

Thanks oggie, but I just tried and there wasn't a problem.
Don't know what happened to you, but I did have problems trying to access the Brinkster site yesterday, perhaps it was their problem, anyway it seems OK now.

whb

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: wilbyhillbilly
Date: 15 Jul 07 - 10:59 AM

Right, the change has been made to the Camsco link and it now seems to be going in the right direction instead of the chemical place.


whb

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: katlaughing
Date: 15 Jul 07 - 11:22 AM

That's great, whb. Thanks for keeping it all up to date!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: wilbyhillbilly
Date: 16 Jul 07 - 04:28 AM

I wish it was that simple Kat, half the links still don't work and no contact from the owners concerned as to whether they are still doing business or not.

It's a little bit frustrating!

whb

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: wilbyhillbilly
Date: 16 Jul 07 - 10:21 AM

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Mar 08 - 10:54 AM

I thought I'd bring this to the top to inspire all of us who are working on clearing up our houses. Once I get my house through this major de-cluttering, I plan to get back to some of the crafts that have been neglected.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Bill D
Date: 12 Mar 08 - 11:07 AM

Our site has been updated since Rita (Ferrara) has learned HTML to really design the site and is using it to promote her pyrography. She has some items available, and can replicate 'most' designs.

Now that I am back in the wood shop after several months being unable to work much, I will soon add some galleries of past work and one of 'current' pieces available. (I do very few commissions, as most of my stuff is "whatever happens".)

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 12 Mar 08 - 01:09 PM

I finished another cross stitch piece!!! AND it's less than 2 years old!!!

It's a fairy sniffing dog roses that Limpit found in a magazine and started... of course, I ended up doing a substantial amount of it, but it's our first proper joint project and we finally finished it this week!

We'd been busy making Christmas, Easter and greetings cards before, along with orange waistcoats for a dance team, so this is the first 'recreational project' sewing I've done for a while.

Now that the kitty paw prints have been washed out, we're looking for a decent frame for it... mounting it is the next craft project!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: katlaughing
Date: 12 Mar 08 - 01:26 PM

Good idea, SRS. MOrgan and I watched Nova last night on the origins of amber. I pulled out some amber beads to show him and the first thing he said was "can we make some 'jooree'?"

Bill, Rita takes miniatures to incredible heights. You are BOTH so superbly talented!

LtS, I read It's a fairy sniffing dog roses.. WITHOUT the "a" so I was just about to asking you what the heck kind of dog roses sniffed fairies! Or, even what the heck are dog roses!**bg**

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Mar 08 - 02:35 PM

"jooree" is one of the things I want to spend more time with. I have amassed a lovely collection of beads and have designs in mind and samples printed--but am not going to lay this out until I have a place that can be protected from cats curious investigations and the placement of unrelated objects on my work space. Nothing like small beads all over the floor to dampen the creative spirits.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: jacqui.c
Date: 12 Mar 08 - 04:58 PM

I'm still addicted to crochet - even managed to do some stuff on commission recently.

You can see some of my stuff here.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Mar 08 - 05:34 PM

Those are beautiful, Jacqui! You're very prolific!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: ranger1
Date: 12 Mar 08 - 06:50 PM

I've been working on a bunch of cross-stitch projects recently, trying to catch up on baby samplers for my brother's large brood and working on catching up on Christmas presents. I also completed a piece that will end up in the auction soon.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 12 Mar 08 - 07:00 PM

you certainly are, Jacqui - I've never seen so many shawls in one place, not even at a craft show!!

I'm currently busy making felt needlecases - dozens of them, some will be for part of the Goody bags at a convention in a few months, others will be sold (wealth - I'll be rich @ $5 to $8 per piece, ohhh, so much money will come my way!)

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: GUEST,LTS pretending to work
Date: 13 Mar 08 - 08:43 AM

I re-read it and twisted it into a dog sniffing fairy roses, which at least made sense....

Dog roses are what we call the wild English roses here, They're quite unlike tea or rambler roses, multiple flowers on one stem but each flower has only 5 petals. The Tudor rose is based on the English dog rose. It can come in three colours, a dark, fuschia pink, a pale, baby pink and white, all with golden yellow pollen in the centre. They're the ones that make the best hips for rose hip syrup.

Once I'm home, I'll press and mount it, then photograph it and put it on Flickr for everyone to see.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: GUEST,The Black Belt Caterpillar Wrestler
Date: 14 Mar 08 - 08:33 AM

Well, I suppose what I make comes under the general heading of "Craft". You could call it a sort of papercraft, or railway modelling, or 3D miniatures. I have a suspicion that most of the kits that I sell don't actually get assembled, there's a temptation with this sort of thing to buy it and put it away to do on a winter's evening by the fire!
My web site is at www.millimodels .co.uk and shows my kits and how to assemble them.
I sell them via ebay as that way I can control the time required to deal with posting them off etc. and fit them into our music dominated schedule.
I usually have a couple on sale most weeks. Should be a new model out in the next month.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: GUEST,The black belt caterpillar wrestler
Date: 14 Mar 08 - 08:35 AM

Don't expect a link to work with an extra space in:)

www.millimodels.co.uk

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 Mar 08 - 10:42 AM

You've been around long enough, black belt, why don't you just join Mudcat and stop with having to type in the long guest moniker?

I think you are right about models picked up to be done at another time. I can't tell you how many kits we've bought then somehow managed to never do or not finish, and they all end up in the trash.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 14 Mar 08 - 11:06 AM

I'm the same with cross stitch kits... I buy/acquire lots of charts, kits and patterns and they inevitably end up getting put to one side, or robbed for other projects.

I'm dangerously close to finishing another project - a woodland scene that I've been working for a year now... I'm at the stage where it's getting harder to see what is left to do, than it was to see where I needed to start.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 Mar 08 - 11:54 AM

My mother used to do cross stitch and various similar projects. She had quite a few when she died, and I don't do those, so I listed them on eBay. I sold them all, hopefully to people who will do them or pass them on. I have one last partial kit to run on eBay--it's the accumulated bits that, like you say, get robbed out of kits to make up shortfalls or losses in materials.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 06 May 08 - 06:51 AM

one of my collections listed on Secret Santa hints is info about crafts that I'll never complete! Naturally this includes kits.

However I've just finished dressing a doll in period costume (1875/8, collapsed bustle "period") - it took forever & is the prize for a raffle.

pics here

sandra

6 pics taken by Bob Bolton

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 May 08 - 10:44 AM

Did you dress all of those dolls, Sandra? What very fine work!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Llanfair
Date: 06 May 08 - 04:14 PM

I'm still recycling.....fabric bags, hats and wheaty bags, also patchwork throws.....I did some great ones using vintage sanderson samples. Also decoupage boxes and tables and such.

Unfortunately they are all in the van, and I can't get to market till my leg's better.

I can't even get to the van......!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 07 May 08 - 10:32 AM

yes I did, Stilly, thank you, history of fashion (European women's fashions) is one of my main interests, tho it's been many years since I dressed a doll. It was a very big job.

sandra

Llanfair, what happened to you leg?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: JennieG
Date: 08 May 08 - 03:23 AM

Sandra she is one gorgeous doll! whoever wins her will be very lucky.

Cheers
JennieG who still has a few childhood dolls....come to think of it Patsy could do with a new dress

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Llanfair
Date: 08 May 08 - 03:37 AM

I broke it, Sandra, about 6 weeks ago. I'm still non-weight bearing and am supposed to keep it elevated, so can only sit at the computer in short bursts.
Your dolls are lovely!! I'm making some peddler dolls for when I go back to market, they aren't as detailed as yours, but they are meant to be scruffy!!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: freda underhill
Date: 01 Oct 08 - 09:14 AM

what a great thread, thanks for the link SRS. years ago I used to do embroidery - my mother taught me when I was little. I made it up as I went, and only did a few pieces. Two highlights - one was a rising phoenix against a sunset & gum trees. The other I did as an exchange with an artist friend for one of his pictures. It was an embroidered pillowcase with a psychedelic face bursting into stars etc.

I've seen Sandras' period dressed dolls - very delicate work, and I'm the proud possessor of one of her felt loaded dogs!

freda

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Guy Wolff
Date: 01 Oct 08 - 09:39 AM

Hello Kat and everyone here.. I just saw this thread again and thought I would add the link to my new(ish) website.. Its just a little information site not a sales engine .. At least it gives people an idea on what I make (and what I design and don't make). I do have some throwing clips up on youtube as well if thats fun ..All the best , Guy

My website: http://www.guywolff.com/

On You Tube :

50 pound flowerpot :http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKHmWZwYb0U

12 pound Monticello pot : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHQhp767kXw

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 01 Oct 08 - 09:52 AM

Guy, it was a great surprise to open up today's edition of The Record, one of the largest newspapers in New Jersey, and see a lovely article about you and your art!

His flowerpots have blossomed wondrously

I'm guessing this article is probably in a few other newspapers around the country as well!   Congratulations!!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 01 Oct 08 - 11:54 AM

Jennie - the doll was won by a member of my Doll club who appreciates costume dolls. I had been worrying that a very young child might win it & want to play with it.

There's a picture of the loaded dogs here on my photowebsite

More crafty pics will be uploaded sometime soon!

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: katlaughing
Date: 01 Oct 08 - 01:08 PM

Guy! What a thrill to see you on youtube!! Thanks for the link and Hello to you, too!

After a many year hiatus, I have found I can still create custom designed jewellery for clients. There are two new ones HERE. I will be adding spacer bars to the second one, but the design will remain the same.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Guy Wolff
Date: 01 Oct 08 - 01:28 PM

Hey Ron thanks for the link I will have a look . Its one of those articles that you get a call from frezno asking if you want a framed copy .. Who would have thought ??



Kat : thanks for the years of friendship .. Love Guy

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Guy Wolff
Date: 01 Oct 08 - 01:32 PM

Hello Kat,
         The jewelry is stunning .. Congratulations .. Guy

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 01 Oct 08 - 01:45 PM

There was a beautiful picture of your pots that caught my eye... and then I saw your name! It was a nice surprise!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Dec 08 - 12:02 PM

What kind of crafts are some of you working on for the holidays?

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: jacqui.c
Date: 08 Dec 08 - 12:35 PM

Lots of crochet work, mostly for the grandbabies.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 08 Dec 08 - 05:05 PM

things wot i make

hope the link works

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: katlaughing
Date: 08 Dec 08 - 09:40 PM

Tam, those are beautiful!!

I can attest it Jacqui's crocheting....she made a beautiful blanket of Puss n'Boots form Shrek for my Morgan and he loves it, as do I!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: bobad
Date: 08 Dec 08 - 09:44 PM

A good use for old fishing nets.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Dec 08 - 10:54 PM

Very pretty! I've made butterfly wings for my daughter a couple of times and I made a set for myself years ago. Those are work, and an architectural challenge (getting them to stay put and not show how they stay put!)

You must be active with the RenFair activities? My daughter is minoring in Theater Arts in college so she can make costumes for a living (we shall see!) If she majored she'd have to study the acting, but she wants to do the behind the scenes stuff.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 09 Dec 08 - 03:18 AM

Had a patchwork craze since October... made 4 crazy patchwork Christmas stockings with cross stitched names for 4 children of varying ages (between 8 weeks and 12 years - guess who wanted the black one!) which I stupidly didn't photograph before I gave them to their new owners. Now I'm working on crazy patchwork cushion covers for our front room. It's taking some time.

I've also been making cross stitch Christmas cards again, not so many this year but some new ones which I should try and photograph before I (hopefully) sell them next week! I had another flurry of blackwork, but decided to put some colour into it. It turned out reasonably well I thought. I'll add photos later.

If you go to my Flickr site here, you'll see what I have on offer.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 09 Dec 08 - 04:05 AM

good stuff, Tam & Liz

I've been making felt angels & other felt stuff. I also created 3 wise men & a tablecentre with an assortment of reindeer

I've just spent several hour listing/cataloguing lots of my books, when i had planned to be making cards (one for a birthday on Thurs - invitation said NO PRESENTS! so I replied how about a card? & even if birthday girl replies NO CARDS! she's still getting one) the others for chrissy.

Must get around to it. Add to the mess on my floor or maybe even put some of it away. Nah, I like mess!

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 09 Dec 08 - 07:27 AM

Liz...I photgraphed the stockings you kindly made for my clan. I'll forward you a copy!

I've made all our Yule cards this year.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Dec 08 - 01:05 PM

Aren't those cards pretty! And lucky you can get photos of the stockings. Let's hope these stockings are the variety that don't go missing in the dryer. . .

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 09 Dec 08 - 05:18 PM

Liz....photo has been sent!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: GUEST,Eye Lander (not logged in) cos of SS.
Date: 09 Dec 08 - 05:25 PM

Whoa you clever peeps, maybe I should get some photos of my stuff.

Jillie

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 12 Dec 08 - 11:18 AM

Hey, craftfolk,

I have a frame, hooks, wool, and patterns for rug hooking purchased at Flora's, in Cheticamp, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. (See here for info.) I am never going to do anything with these, so I want to find them a good home. I'll happily give them to anyone interested for the price of shipping.

The frame is for small projects -- up to 14" width.

PM me if you're interested.

~ Becky in Tucson

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 12 Dec 08 - 11:23 AM

Actually, I was mistaken. Although there is good information and nice pictures at the link I gave above to Flora's, I think we got the frame from the Acadian Museum and Artisan's Co-op in Cheticamp. :-)

~ Becky in Tucson

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: katlaughing
Date: 12 Dec 08 - 11:46 AM

Becky, that is very generous of you! I'd love to learn how just because some of my heritage comes from NS, but how involved is it to learn? I've never hooked a rug before. Does a person need special legs/sawhorses/?? to put the frame on while hooking? Thanks for further info!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 12 Dec 08 - 12:42 PM

Kat,

It's just a little table-top (or laptop?) frame, made to hold your burlap taut, with 4 legs that are about 6 or 7 inches long. I don't think there's anything complicated to the actual hooking process; you just keep pulling little loops of yarn up through the burlap. My collection does include one piece of burlap with two simple pictures on it. Although there's pattern information, in French (!), I don't have more instruction than that.

~ Becky

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: ClaireBear
Date: 12 Dec 08 - 02:55 PM

For years I did excruciatingly exacting pen-and-ink work with CroQuil pen on eggs, paper, and wooden bowls...fussy, and prone to cuteness. I couldn't seem to escape the confines of delicate little lines and sweet subjects. But finally, I think I've found my medium. I have only ever done this one piece, but someday when I have more time I hope to explore in greater depth the art of cut paper.

The link is to a mediocre photo of a cut paper on canvas piece I did for a cooperative project at my church. Not the teensiest bit cute, or sweet. I've escaped at last! If only I had time to do more. As many here know, I have a pagan side too, and that side is itching to start creating greenfolk and mythical beasts in cut paper!

Cheers,
Claire

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Dec 08 - 04:07 PM

My mom did a few of those. Since we aren't into the same kind of craft kits that she was I've sold a number on eBay. So far it was the embroidery ones, but there is some rug hook stuff also. I don't think it was difficult or took too much space or equipment.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 12 Dec 08 - 05:06 PM

The whole rug-hooking frame is roughly 18" x 7" x 8" (guessing from work). Like , but scaled to a small, table-top model.

~ Becky

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 12 Dec 08 - 05:17 PM

Bagged up another load of cards for sale this evening... and repackaged last years.

I may never need to buy another Christmas card again if these don't sell this year as well. Bad positioning last year meant they weren't immediately seen and then people had their hands full so couldn't fish for coins... hopefully, this year, I'll sell more than 5.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 12 Dec 08 - 07:19 PM

Trying again on that link.... click. There's lots of other info and stories about rug hooking on that page, but this link will take you right to the picture of a floor-sized frame.

~ Becky

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: katlaughing
Date: 12 Dec 08 - 07:23 PM

Wow, thanks for the links, Becky. I'd be interested, but only if no one else comes in and is serious about it. I am always interested in trying new crafts and it's been awhile since I've done so, but if someone else really wants it, etc. I'd be okay not getting it.:-) Thanks!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: olddude
Date: 13 Dec 08 - 12:13 PM

Wonderful Amazing crafts folks
I could only wish to have any of the talent I have just seen

Good Idea Don

Wonderful Folks !!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 13 Dec 08 - 02:18 PM

Kat, you have a(nother?) Secret Santa who's faciliting your acquisition of a Cheticamp rug hooking frame. Have fun!! :-)

(I should note, I have this frame because the trip to Cape Breton was with my folks. My mother is a "likes to try different crafts" type of person who has trouble restraining herself in shopping opportunities like that... consequently, at 84 she has one room of their two-bedroom apartment that is packed with crafty stuff, that she is now trying to clear down so that they can even think about moving from the top of the hill in their retirement community to somewhere on the same level as the dining/library/etc. center, since Dad's (@ almost 88) mild Parkinson's is making it harder for him to walk...
   My sister inherited more of the creative blood (she spins, weaves, and knits), me, I can never finish a crafty project and so have learned not to start them. The music and dance are my focus, instead.
   I appreciate the fruits of others' labors, though!!)

~ Becky in Tucson

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: katlaughing
Date: 13 Dec 08 - 06:44 PM

??Becky< I don't have any Secret Santa this year, that I know of? I just meant if someone else wanted the kit that would be fine.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 Dec 08 - 10:47 AM

Another de-clutterer, Kat. We need to steer her over to the current de-cluttering thread.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 14 Dec 08 - 01:40 PM

That just follows, Kat, it's an extra-secret Santa! Ho! Ho!

As to de-cluttering, I probably should join a support group... but actually my astro (Michael) has been a good influence, and there's been a lot gone in the past year. The rug-hooking loom is in the last persistent pile in the bedroom -- of stuff that *must* go to a good home. Of course, he claims there's more to be done... ;-)

~ Becky in Tucson

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: katlaughing
Date: 14 Dec 08 - 02:49 PM

Well, if there's no extra secret santa, I am in! Just sent you a PM, Beckky. Thanks!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: katlaughing
Date: 14 Apr 09 - 06:21 PM

For those of you who enjoy beading and/or would like to learn more about it or get more ideas, I just found out, from an email, that Rio Grande Supply has a whole season of videos available online, for free RIGHT HERE. Might be worth checking out, eh?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: John Hardly
Date: 14 Apr 09 - 07:41 PM

Anyone else here have an etsy page?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: frogprince
Date: 14 Apr 09 - 09:23 PM

Anyone else who doesn't know what an etsy page is? : )

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: John Hardly
Date: 14 Apr 09 - 09:29 PM

Everyone knows what etsy is, silly.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 Apr 09 - 10:22 PM

I'd forgotten.

Etsy.com. Thanks, John.

And thanks for that link to the craft series, Kat!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: katlaughing
Date: 14 Apr 09 - 10:28 PM

Ya mean like THIS...for the longest time I thought it was just a quick way to say Sweet etsy from Pike!:-)

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 15 Apr 09 - 03:38 AM

Only been decorating recently, the front room is now done. Starting on Harry's room with a mural of Thomas the Tank Engine, it's going to take a bit of time.

In our spare time we've been working on some invitation designs. Got a few ideas we're working on. Paul's been asked to make some jewellry for someone so that's taking up most of his evenings at the moment.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: John Hardly
Date: 15 Apr 09 - 06:58 AM

Yeah, that's the one. So, does anyone else have an etsy page?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: John Hardly
Date: 15 Apr 09 - 07:01 AM

like mine

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Apr 09 - 10:52 AM

Looks good, John. You've worked hard, both on the pots and on the photography. Where are you showing/selling this year?

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: John Hardly
Date: 15 Apr 09 - 11:12 AM

Thanks, Maggie. You helped (the blogspot advice helped quite a bit).

I'm leaving for a show in Atlanta as soon as I finish this bowl of cereal. Then:

Springfield, IL
Cincinnati, OH
Lafayette, IN
Indianapolis, IN
Toledo, OH
Ann Arbor, MI
Lexington, KY
Milwaukee, WI
Naperville, IL
Louisville, KY

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Wesley S
Date: 15 Apr 09 - 11:45 AM

No Ft Worth visit this year?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: katlaughing
Date: 15 Apr 09 - 11:47 AM

He's been everywhere boys.....your list reminded me of that song. Beautiful pots and photos of them, JOhn. Are you pleased with traffic from etsy?

Maggie, I thought you might like that link!:-)

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: John Hardly
Date: 20 Apr 09 - 02:24 PM

Wesley,

No, no Fort Worth this year. It's a gem of a show, and everyone wants to do it. So it is a VERY tough jury. VERY tough. I'll keep trying, but I've talked to other potters who call it a "once-per-decade" show for potters. I hope they're wrong!

Kat,

Thanks for the kind compliments. Etsy has been VERY good for me. VERY good. About $5,000 in sales in my first four months with the site.

If ANYONE is interested in etsy, but a little confused about the "how-to" of getting started, just PM me. I'm always happy to help other artist/craftsmen get started with it. It can be immensely rewarding.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Apr 09 - 03:39 PM

You'd have been wet about 50% of the time in Fort Worth at this year's Main Street Festival. It came with the obligatory thunderstorms on Friday, passing over the top of town in series of storms. Saturday was drizzly. Of course the short 1/2 day was gorgeous.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: katlaughing
Date: 09 Mar 10 - 04:29 PM

I posted this to the folk shirt thread, but thought it would be a good way to refresh this thread, too:

Mudcatter Alice, an accomplished artist and singer, has made available her own design on shirts, mugs, etc. for Folk Against Fascism. Check them out. I think the design is classy. Thanks for letting me know about them, Alice!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Mar 10 - 11:57 AM

What have people been up to lately?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 10 Mar 10 - 02:53 PM

flower and jack frost fairies

more fairies

head dresses

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: frogprince
Date: 10 Mar 10 - 03:27 PM

Do you do Ren Faires, V.Tam?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 Mar 10 - 11:30 AM

I've been meaning to dig out old jeans, and pick up cheap worn pairs at the thrift store, and try some of the rug and comforter projects I've seen in Martha Stewart Living. They just look so interesting, and the colors and texture of worn denim is so appealing.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Mar 10 - 12:59 PM

Hey, Bill D, does your wood work extend to some of this kind of project? David Pogue forwarded the link today on Twitter.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Aug 11 - 02:24 PM

Been a while since this thread was up at the top.

How are our Mudcat artisans doing these days? I'm finally getting some of the beading done here that I've spent ages collecting materials for. It has been a matter of a good place to set out the work and be able to return to it without disassembling my work or disarranging a design not yet strung.

I see that Don Meixner has another silver bracelet in the auction. It's getting to the time of year for gift giving - I'm just thinking out loud, but since Mudcat had that big crash earlier this month this might be a good time to pull out anything that will be well-received, bid way up, and easy to wrap and ship and put it in the auction.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Bill D
Date: 27 Aug 11 - 02:47 PM

Ha! Just saw that post from last year. In fact, my brother sent me something about it. Nawww.... those guys are crazy.

I have been 'gearing up' in spurts..when there is not storms or 100° weather...for Fall show season...but I'm at maybe half what I'd like to have done. I'll try to post some pics when Irene allows.... **whoooosh***

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Aug 11 - 04:21 PM

It has been far too hot to work out in my garage all summer, so I understand!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: katlaughing
Date: 13 Oct 11 - 01:33 PM

Thought some might enjoy this video about ETSY

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 14 Oct 11 - 02:10 AM

thanks for posting it, kat

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Oct 11 - 11:35 AM

So what are people working on for the holidays this year? Many of my gifts will be of the food variety, consumable so it doesn't create clutter for the recipient, but there are a few things I'll be making. I really like using cloth tote bags for carrying stuff and I have a couple of good ones I use a lot. For color variation I've picked up some tapestry and canvas and will be making a couple for me and probably a couple for my daughter. I'm looking at the various well-designed ones from the LL Bean catalog for inspiration in addition to the models I have here.

What are you making these days?

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: jacqui.c
Date: 23 Oct 11 - 12:11 PM

Scarves that I'm hoping to sell to raise funds to keep my craft group going at the women's shelter.

Looking at shawl patterns and my yarn stash to see what appeals.

Got to finish SINSULL's afghan - that's been sitting for a while waiting to have the cats cross stitched onto it.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: katlaughing
Date: 23 Oct 11 - 01:18 PM

That must kinda hurt the cats, Jacqui!**bg**

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Bert
Date: 23 Oct 11 - 01:54 PM

Or at least make them cross.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: katlaughing
Date: 23 Oct 11 - 06:48 PM

LMAO,Bert!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: jacqui.c
Date: 23 Oct 11 - 07:29 PM

I think, in the case of Alice The Slut, that would go down well with Mary!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 24 Oct 11 - 03:48 AM

I haven't even thought about holiday stuff yet.

I'll be going to a craft retreat this weekend & am not interested in the workshops offered so I vaguely expect to take some of my newer felt toy books & supplies & make toys! For me, as samples for my craft class.

I assume I'll make small felt toys or chrissy decorations for folks again, tho as I now have 2 recipes (I'm not a cook!) I just might make them, too.

One is a bread pudding, the other a date slice. Both rely on dried fruit for sweetness & are simple. Recipes available if wanted.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Oct 11 - 07:16 PM

Today my daughter picked through some yardage that came from a friends house after we cleaned it out (before moving). She sews a great deal, and I used to sew a lot more. Lately it's mostly mending. I'd love to have a big holiday project to sew. I'd also love to have the time to sew it!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 13 Jul 14 - 11:29 AM

We used to talk about crafts and art more when Katlaughing was alive. I came across this thread while looking for something else.

I know we have a few folks who could add to this - LilyFestre has taken up quilting since last time it was brought to the top. I still have a lot of beading stuff around but haven't made much progress (I have, however, stopped buying supplies until I get started using the ones I have!) I see MMario putting up crochet patterns on facebook every so often. What else is going on out there?

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Bill D
Date: 13 Jul 14 - 11:42 AM

I have slowed a bit in my woodturning due to weather, problems with one lathe and general interruptions.(. both pleasant and not)........... but I am just about to shift into the highest gear I can in preparation for Fall shows.

If I can get a good site going, I'll post some images.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 13 Jul 14 - 12:20 PM

Flickr will give you a lot of space and Photobucket is very easy to use.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: jacqui.c
Date: 13 Jul 14 - 01:03 PM

I'm still making shawls and phone pouches, pink scarves for the Breast Cancer unit of our local hospital and scarves and hats for the homeless shelter this winter. I also worked out hats with a ponytail hole, which my stepdaughter thinks might sell, come the autumn, in the hair salon where she works.

I started teaching crochet and knitting at a women's shelter in Portland about three years back and that is going well.

I've been experimenting with making shawl pins. My daughter's father-in-law made some wooden pins for me, which I then stain, and I watch out for interesting brooches and pendants that might look good glued to the pin.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: GUEST,rumanci
Date: 13 Jul 14 - 04:21 PM

SRS - I stand to be corrected but I suspect most, if not all, of MMario's designs are for knitting and superb they all are and yes I knit with a vengeance these days.....

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 13 Jul 14 - 07:23 PM

I saw one of his patterns on facebook recently (a shawl) and guessed by the design that it might be crochet. But it was just a guess.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: GUEST,AllisonA (Animaterra)
Date: 13 Jul 14 - 07:51 PM

Don't know what happened to my cookie, nor do I find the "Membership Has Its Privileges" link at the top of the page, but it's me.

I'm a knitter, and am currently knitting baby socks for the current Afghans For Afghans campaign. My work-in-progress can be seen here..

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 13 Jul 14 - 07:52 PM

(PS Figured out the cookie thing. Not as dumb as I look, sometimes.)

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 13 Jul 14 - 08:40 PM

That page asks us to sign in. Have you posted photos anywhere else?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 13 Jul 14 - 09:30 PM

No, but I'll do so tomorrow. Off to bed for now!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 14 Jul 14 - 10:35 AM

I did sign in to Revery sometime back, but never used it (oops)

I've just finished a large project - a stripy rug & am working on my sister's 60th birthday pressie (a cushion cover with poodles! due last November), but I did send off her chrissy pressie - tea towels a few months back & also an in-betweener pressie (4 napkins decorated with the poodle wearing pink bow.)

She is owned by a gorgeous little black poodle & I've been collecting poodle images & appliquing them on stuff for her. When the cushion cover is complete, I'm making her a 1950's style hostess half-apron.

full details here on Cup of Kindness where Catters can discuss non-music stuff.

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: JennieG
Date: 15 Jul 14 - 09:29 AM

I have been sewing a stuffed toy wombat for our expected first grandchild - haven't made a stuffed toy before. It only needs eyes and it will be finished. Am also about to start a knitted jumper (sweater), and make more quilts and clothes......yesterday I finished block number 220 of what will probably the only quilt I make by hand. Only five more blocks to go, they they start being joined!

After having to take some months off sewing, knitting and other crafty activities following shoulder surgery late last year - it feels so good to be back creating 'stuff'.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Jul 14 - 03:19 PM

These days when just about anything wears out I send a note to my daughter (Moonglow). She makes costumes with a huge array of materials. Projects can involve fabric, but also things that come from the hardware store or the office supply store - and tons of stuff is purchased at the thrift store and remade for her needs. It's really something to watch a costume evolve.

I had a nice vinyl satchel handbag that began tearing at a couple of points so I let her know it's in her room (storage is at my house, she lives in the town where she is in graduate school). Next time she needs some costume part that looks like leather this bag will be dismantled.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Crafters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 16 Jul 14 - 10:18 AM

Perhaps more culinary than craft, I've seen photos of impressive cakes decorated by Catherine Manning (not sure her mudcat name now).

SRS