BS: Mudcat Crafters

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