It's been a long time! - My newest creations, ideas and other fun stuff to share!

It's been several years since I posted, and I had actually forgotten about my blog, but it's definitely time to get it back up-and-running and share what I've been doing, as well as ideas from others.

I moved back to Columbia, MO in 2014. I haven't been teaching art for a few years, but that's ok because it leaves more time for me to create for myself and others. Most recently, I received an honorable mention for a digitally altered photo which I entered in the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia. I don't seem t really be able to focus on one medium, because I enjoy creating in so many!

I've included some of my most recent works, including an idea I'm working on for a postcard for Columbia and a commemorative poster submission for the city for the next year, as well as a items I've created as gifts, most recently.....

Puzzle I painted for a 5 year old for his birthday

Digitally altered photo submission for the MO State Fair 2018

Digitally altered photo submission for the MO State Fair 2018
(received Honorable Mention)

Retro postcard and poster design for the City of Columbia

Book cover created for my friend, Chris Clayton
(check out the ebook!)

Mosaic and river birch artwork submission 2017/2018

Unrelated to crafting, but I also do surveys to earn $ and gift cards, and sign up for lots of freebies. If you are interested in doing that as well, I've included a list, below, for you to sign up! I've earned gift cards for taking surveys, as well as $ sent to my Paypal, and I received lots of great free stuff all of the time! You might get some unwanted emails, but you can always unsubscribe. :)

Surveys:
https://www.oneopinion.com/

http://consumeropinioninstitute.com/     (this one sends me $5 bills in the mail to complete the survey)

https://www.rewardsurvey.com/Partner/RewardSurvey580   (earn free magazines)

https://www.shoppersvoice.com/sv/v/googlesearch?gclid=Cj0KCQiAieTUBRCaARIsAHeLDCSkUDQKN89EwHVTHE8taO-_2MqG5JtDuT7SkJjlUhA404ke47UxG3UaAvykEALw_wcB

Freebies and samples:

https://snagfreesamples.com/

james@justfreestuff.com

info@freebiesfrenzy.com

collin@freebiepanda.com

FreeStuff.com

FreeSamples.org

Freeflys.com

Freebies.org

Thanks for reading my latest blog; I plan to post more frequently. Please feel free to send me any cool ideas, freebie sites, creative happenings, and your creation pictures to share on here too - freesekim@gmail.com.Happy crafting!

Duct Tape and New Jewelry Ideas

It's been several months since I last posted on my blog (April!!!) Yikes! Sorry to be away for so long, but I come back with a bunch more ideas and inspiration for making new things!

My husband and I were in our first craft show in June and we had a blast! So much so that we signed up for the same craft show in the Fall, which promises to have several times more the foot traffic because it will be coupled with another popular craft show in the same area. :) My husband does woodburning, mostly animals and landscapes, and I make jewelry.

Most recently I have been making a bunch of cast resin pieces of jewelry using Envirotex. I am encasing charms, letters, glitter, candy sprinkles and candy in them and they have been a big hit!

I am also loving Duck (brand) tape!!! With the variety of colors and patterns they keep coming out with, the possibilities are endless! And a simple Google search will yield a ton of cool projects to do with Duck Tape, from making light sabers, to wallets, to flowers! :)

I purchased some clear IPhone cases which I am decorating with the tape, paint, and jewels. Then I will seal it with a clear acrylic coating to make it last longer.

I hope you enjoy the pictures! If you have any questions, would like to add your own ideas, or are interested in making a purchase, please contact me at freesekim@gmail.com.

Cast resin jewelry pieces

1st Iphone 4 case decorated with duct tape

Our booth at the June craft show

Happy Creating!!! :) :)

Creating the "Kitty" - Arts and crafts items with a feline theme

Just as my blog title and name suggests (as well as the name of my Etsy shop) I am a cat lover! Probably destined to be a crazy old cat lady. As I create jewelry, try new crafts, share ideas with fellow crafters and navigate other sites and blogs for other kitty-crafts, I thought this would be a great new subject for my blog. Following, you will find various items I have created; jewelry for my Etsy shop, items for a cat-themed swap, ATC cards, and more (and some pictures of my 4 furry children; Mamala, Ollie, Twinkie, and Fava) :). I would love to hear your comments regarding this article and also any links you have for kitty crafts or pictures of items you've created, etc.

A scissor cover and pin cushion created for a swap.                 I-pod cover custom-made for a friend.

 These items were made for a kitty-themed swap for a graft group to which I belong; I made the necklace from Shrinky Dink material and beads and the handle notebook using a composition book, scrapbooking paper, ribbon, and buttons.

"Hello Kitty" design jack-o-lantern, created (with assistance) by my step-daughter for last Halloween. The first one she ever carved! :)

 "Flat Cat", ATC's (Art Trading Cards) for a swap with a "flat pet" theme. I used friendly plastic to create the pets in different breeds.

Retro, glitter kitty rings and necklace for my Etsy shop.

                        White kitty necklace created from polymer clay and painted (for Etsy shop).

 This is Mamala (pron. mom-a-la). She is 17 years+ and diabetic. She is the queen of the house! Still very active and she loves to play with and talk to her 'milk rings' (that come off gallons of milk :)
Here she is, supervising some sewing!

This is all four of our cats, taking over our bed! LOL - Mamala is in the top left, Twinkie (her son) on the top right, Fava is on the bottom left, and Ollie (21 lbs.!) on the bottom right.

Thanks for visiting! Happy Creating!

Tutorial: Easy Satin Flower Pin

I started making these a little while back to add to my jewelry offerings on Etsy, and I decided it would make a great first tutorial, so I hope you find it helpful and as easy as I have! They're great little adornments for a plain t-shirt, sweater or hat -- you can even make several of the same or different colors and put them together!
I use a satiny material (doesn't need to be "true" satin) - in fact, I bought whatever I liked/was on sale that had a shiny and a dull side). 
For this tutorial, I used 1 color of material, but I have also created the flowers using 2 colors of fabric such as mocha and cream together. 


You will need the supplies shown in the first 2 photos: a small portion of the satin-type material, scissors, a pen, lighter, several items of various diameters to trace; paint bottles/spools, etc. (you can free-hand it too - the circles need NOT be perfect by any means), a straight pin, a bit of thread, glue, a pin back, and a few fake 'gems' or even a button for the center.

1. Draw/trace anywhere from 3-5 concentric circles on the fabric (the more circles, the fuller the flower) then cut out.

2.  For this step, you may want to practice on a scrap circle first. You will use the lighter to 'melt' the edges of the circle and keep them from fraying; this will also make the fabric pucker and curl, giving it more of the look of a petal. Move quickly! If you hold the lighter in one spot for too long, it will blacken the fabric. I have found if you glide it along the edge, a little at a time, this works best.


3. Assemble the petals the way you like them best, pin in place, and sew together with a few stitches. Then add the pin onto the back (I prefer to sew that on as well).

4. The last step is to embellish the center with a few little fake gems, pearls, or even a nice button!

I hope you've found this tutorial fun and inspiring! If you try it, please contact me! I would love to post photos of your results or a link to your page or blog!

Happy Creating!

Wearables: Tie-Dye Transfers and Bleach Pen Designs

Ok, I've been seriously slacking so it's time to share some new ideas! ............

Recently, I made a shirt design for a friend who loves chickens and tie-dye. 

After she posted the picture on my Facebook page, I was approached by someone to create another. 

So, being a feline lover, I've decided that my next design is going to be a kitty silhouette. And, I'm going to add a custom listing to my Etsy shop for anyone who wants to purchase a design like these.

($16.00 each for short sleeve, color or white up to XL. Above that size, $18.00 each -- plus shipping of course.)

Basically, I'm creating these using high-quality transfers and making custom silhouettes of the images which I hand-cut.

I have always enjoyed "wearable arts", which can be anything from jewelry to hats, scarves, socks, embellished clothing...... 

Another endeavor I enjoyed in the past is what I called "bleach pen batik". This involves using a *quality bleach pen to create designs on colored clothing. Notice I indicate a *quality bleach pen, because I tried the cheap ones and they just.don't.work. The good ones will give you an even line and won't be gloppy or stop-up so easily. This is one of the last pieces I have because I either gave away or sold the rest (which means I need to do some more!) :) 

This is a ginkgo leaf on a tank top. 

I did a Google search to find other examples of bleach pen designs and found this blog with some nice examples of t-shirt designs: http://www.frugallifeproject.com/2011/02/diy-beach-pen-t-shirts.html.

Shirt designs from Frugal Life Project Blog

To create a design with bleach pen, you first want to have a good idea of what you are going to do, because there are no "do overs"; the best you can do is make a mistake into a "happy accident". :) I use a name-brand bleach pen, and make sure to shake it well to mix the contents first. You will need to place a several layers of newspaper inside of the garment, to keep the bleach from penetrating to the reverse; unless this is something you want. I also have found that using a garment which is mostly cotton or a blend, and doesn't have much of a texture or ribbing works best. You will need to watch the design as it begins to "develop" on your garment. Leaving the bleach on too long with result in holes. Another thing to consider is the thickness of the fabric. The thinner it is, the more likely it is to develop holes easily and more quickly with wear and washing. Even if holes did not develop when you initially created your piece, remember the bleach has weakened the material and, over time, it will eventually deteriorate and create holes. I suggest practicing your technique and skills on scraps of material or rags before you move on to clothing, and even then, I have begun on used clothing or even items purchased at thrift stores or yard sales. I'm not giving instructions on drawing or making sure the bleach comes out evenly, that something you really have to 'feel' and practice first; and I figure you have some idea of how to do this already. When you're finished with the "developing", of course you need to wash your garment in soapy, cold/warm water immediately! I suggest hanging it to dry the first time.

Another fun way to embellish your bleached pieces is to add a bit of sewing around them or applique. I have only attempted this once, and it did take more time and thought.

I invite you to share your ideas for wearable art here! And if you create, or have created in the past, any bleach pen wearables, please post them here! 

Happy creating!

Crafting for Easter

Recently, several friends have posted links for some interesting and unique Easter crafts. *If I wasn't already involved in several projects, I would LOVE to make some of these myself, but instead, I thought I could live vicariously and perhaps some of you will post pictures of what you have made too!?

What follows are links and pictures for gifts for boys and girls; Easter baskets which can  be created from paper, felt or fun foam; little "bunny" sachets (which can also be used as shoe fresheners;

http://www.marthastewart.com/article/silk-tie-easter-eggs


http://www.allfreecrafts.com/easter/paper-basket.shtml


http://www.craftpassion.com/2011/02/sewing-bunny-sachet-pattern-tutorial.htm


http://www.holiday-crafts-and-creations.com/easter-craft-ideas.html


http://www.craftypod.com/2009/04/07/easter-crafts-as-apparently-its-that-time-again/


http://www.delish.com/entertaining-ideas/holidays/easter/easy-easter-treats


http://www.twoheartstogether.com/category/home-decor/page/7/


http://dailydesigndiscoveries.com/post/88921754/cute-d-i-y-baby-binky-bunnies-from-mmmcrafts


http://storesense.megawebservers.com/HS1964/-strse-269/carrot,-earrings,-garden,-farm,/Detail.bok

I hope you'll find something you like and add your own ideas as well as those from other blogs and sites!

Jewelry making; getting started, brainstorming and trying new things.

 This ring was made with a pin/button

... a cloth flower and a pearl

 a miniature pitcher set

 various button rings

 the owl is from 3-d scrapbooking stickers

 hummingbird is a thin laser-cut piece of wood

 bird is 3-d scrapbooking sticker

miniature dried seahorse encased in resin

When I very first began making *any jewelry (many years ago), it began with the traditional sort of materials like plastic beads, cord, found 'pendants' and even Shrinky Dink material. 
Now that I am creating jewelry, in an attempt to turn a profit :), I have found that several items and materials are beneficial - and having a wider variety helps me figure out which I am best at creating and which customers prefer. 
For instance, I have saved all of my broken pieces of costume jewelry or single earrings (when I lost the other). These pieces have come in handy as embellishments on other pieces I have constructed. A few example photos of these are posted. 
Other materials which are popular are buttons; plastic,  metal, and especially the vintage type. 
Cloth and ribbon have also proved to be useful; you can wrap strips of patterned cloth around a plastic bangle or use ribbon (such as organza) for the 'chain' part of a necklace. I have also recently found some new uses for ribbon and cloth in creating rings and necklaces by cutting concentric circles, 'burning' the edges to make it curl, and sewing one onto another. Adding a few crystals in the middle really dresses it up.
I have even tried stickers, which have worked even better than expected. With the wide variety available, and the highly decorative and layered type used for scrapbooking, you can make a very unique piece using a thick resin or acrylic sealer over the top.
Wooden cut-outs, as used for embellishing crafts, can be painted and used as pendants or earrings.
Miniatures have become popular as well, much like those traditionally used for dollhouses. The Japanese term "Kawaii", meaning "cute", used in a search on the internet, will yield a wealth of examples including pieces of jewelry using miniatures.
My best piece of advice would be, then, DON'T THROW IT AWAY! Even broken chains can go on to become portions of "chandelier" earrings or to help suspend parts of the main pendant or necklace feature. Try new things; look around - bottle caps, nuts, bolts, paper clips wrapped in colored paper, rolled paper beads..... the possibilities are endless and inspiration is everywhere!