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Last month I told you that I submitted my Decoupage Quamut Guide to Barnes and Noble just before leaving for our June family reunion in Ohio. What I didn’t tell you is that, at the last minute, the editor contacted me and said, “Oh, by the way, we need you to ship all of the completed decoupage projects to our offices in New York for the photo shoot.”

Aaaaack! Two problems there. First, as I completed each project, I either gave it to a friend as a gift or sold it. So I had to call my friends and ask if I could borrow the gifts back. That was a bit awkward but they were very understanding.

Second, I couldn’t retrieve my decoupage candle holders because they were bought by an interior decorator for a client’s house.

So, in the midst of packing for the trip, I had to drop everything and do another fabric decoupage item. I was tired of candleholders, so I created the basket you’ll find at the end of the candleholder how-to article. Phew, without a moment to spare I shipped everything off to B&N just a half hour before the taxi for the airport came to pick us up!

Now the Decoupage Quamut is off my plate and onto someone else’s. LOL. Sorry Kristine.

July, in comparison to June, was pretty calm at The Artful Crafter; but still you’ll find tons of new projects and ideas. Read what’s new below.

Eileen

Decoupage

Decoupage can be very simple or very complex, as is illustrated in these Art Deco Boxes.

Do you know how to avoid bubbles when doing decoupage under glass?

What could be wrong when condensation develops between the layers of your decoupage project long after it has cured?

Eileen eats crow; which leads to an interesting discussion on decoupage for tabletops.

Where to find paper for large decoupage projects.

How to decoupage a beach memory box.

Wedding and Party Planning

How to make mint matchbook party favors.

How to make beautiful layered invitations using handmade paper and vellum accents.

How to use any text editing software like MS Word to print professional looking wedding invitations.

Crochet

How to teach a leftie to crochet or, if you’re a leftie, how to teach yourself.

Painting

Yes, you can paint a tile plaque for the garden that will stand up to UV radiation and the elements. Just be sure to use the right media.

Scrapbooking

I’ve added three more chapters to my Digital Scrapbooking Journal: my last two homework assignments from the Scrap Girls Dynamic Stitching Class I took (Fall and Winter); and a chapter about a layout I’m especially pleased with called Digital Art.

In Artsy Blogger Roundup #12 artist Heather Goldsmith from A Creative Journal challenged us to select one word and create an entire page or pages as if we were that word.

I chose two words – Digital Art. Heather said that was okay ‘cause rules are meant to be broken. I usually don’t have much journaling on my scrapbook pages, so this was bit of a stretch for me. Stretches are good – no matter what your craft or art.

My Digital Art journaling says, “Scrap Girls has inspired me to return to my artistic roots and find my bliss. I came back to art late in life – in my 50s. I started crafting for fun and profit and life was good.

Through two non-art careers and the years of raising our son, I had little time for the art I used to enjoy so much.

Finally I was sewing again, doing decoupage and paper art like card-making and gift bags. I learned wire sculpture and made beaded jewelry. I tried embossing and stamping, polymer clay and silk painting.

And then I found Scrap Girls. Wow! My life is new and exciting again. At 62, I’m pushing the envelope, challenging my synapses and accomplishing things I never thought myself capable of.

If I live to ninety, maybe I could become accomplished enough to make it to the ranks of the Scrap Girls Layout or Design Team.

I could be the Grandma Moses of Scrap Girls! In the meantime, I’m enjoying the Journey”

A Peek in My Mailbox

I just wanted to say that I appreciate what you do very much. Each free email newsletter I get helps inspire and affirm to me that it is possible to do what you love for a living.

I just sold my first necklace in a boutique the other day and after all commissions and such were deducted, it was the best $12.72 I ever earned!

Thank you! And keep doing what you're doing!

Raina

That's terrific! May it be the first of many sales.

I'm glad you're finding The Artful Crafter helpful. It was so nice of you to take the time to write and let me know.

Eileen

Back in the early 60's, my mother made a clay using cornstarch, (she thinks) and it dried opaque, she has been trying to recreate this, but, she can't remember exactly what she used. Any suggestions?

Lorie

I sure do have some suggestions.

Here's a whole article on Cornstarch-Based Clays.

Hope you find one that works as your mom remembers. I used these too as a kid - but that would have been in the 50s. Some things don't change ;-)

Eileen

Hi Eileen, I read your newsletter every month. This month, however, I really enjoyed your articles on organizing and crafting-for-profit which I'm thinking about doing. I've been reading Barbara Brabec's book: Homemade Money: Getting Started. So, maybe I'll live on the edge and try it. Anyway, thanks for the articles. They are very helpful. Regards,

Louise

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Hi Louise,

Thank you for writing to tell me. I am so glad you are finding my newsletters helpful. Barbara Brabec is a wonderful lady and has been an inspiration to me.

In her book Creative Cash she wrote: "Sometimes the easiest way to turn dreams into reality is simply to focus your energies on something you really love to do..."

In more than 30 years of working with and writing about home-based entrepreneurs and craftspeople, she probably helped thousands to realize their dreams.

Among her many other books are: Homemade Money: Bringing in the Bucks!; Handmade for Profit; The Crafts Business Answer Book and Resource Guide and Make It Profitable!.

I wish you luck with crafting for profit. Enjoy the journey!

Eileen