I’m just delighted with how the Artsy Bloggers Group is developing. I introduced you to these crafty ladies in last month’s newsletter. In the interim we have enlisted a new member, Peggy Rowland at Junk Creation.

Sundays are now Artsy Bloggers Days at The Artful Crafter Blog.

These blogs provide links to the best of the best. We each submit projects we are proud of – at least I assume that’s what we all do!

We cover mixed media like collage and clock-making, quilting, repurposing and recyclying projects, sewing, creative journaling, knitting and crochet, scrapbooking and card making, decoupage … you name it.

I enjoy reading all of the links myself and always find something to inspire me. I’ve tried new techniques, learned about new materials and had fun connecting with some really talented ladies.

Please come visit Sunday to see the surprises the Artsy Bloggers have whipped up for you this week.

Eileen

Lazertran Waterslide Decals

Have you noticed that frequently one project leads to another and then another?

Lately, I’ve been enamored with Lazertran Waterslide Inkjet Decals.

It started with putting designs on Decorative Gift Soaps.

The soaps came out so pretty, I got the idea of creating Matching Bath Accessories ...

… which prompted a reader to write in asking how to create Model Plane Decals.

Handy little things – these Lazertran Decals!

Score with Scor-It

Tim Hammonds, president of the Hammonds Group which manufactures the Scor-It Paper Scoring Board (as well as several other clever craft tools), stumbled across one of my articles on scoring paper and card stock.

He kindly wrote and offered to send me a Scor-It Mini to try out so that I too could make “professional hinge scores”. I didn’t even know what a professional hinge score was!

If you’re looking to take your paper crafting to the next level, please read my review of the Scor-It Paper Scoring Board.

Artists’ Rights to Their Intellectual Property

I’m not a copyright attorney, so my understanding of the issues is that of an educated layman, but I am gratified to be able to steer other artists and crafters in the right direction when they decide they want to start crafting for profit.

This past month we had a copyright question from a crafter who wants to launch her own line of Christian Greeting Cards.

Copyright issues can be quite complex, but here’s a simple rule of thumb. Imagine you are the creator of the work in question. Imagine how your earnings would be impacted if anyone were allowed to take your design, make thousands of copies and sell it as their own.

Go through this thought process for any element you want to use, whether it be a print you find on the Internet or a graphic border available in your graphic software’s art gallery.

What Else is New on The Artful Crafter This Month?

Jill’s French Board is my personal favorite recent project, not only because it uses graphic design (my current favorite medium), but also because it was made as a gift for my delightful sister-in-law.

I was going for a totally different look when I started this Decoupage Glass Plate, but sometimes serendipity saves the day!

Do you know How to Shorten the Hem on a Tablecloth or drapes that are uneven or too long? It’s pretty much like pinning and shortening a skirt.

Homecoming Mums as Far North as Missouri? I predict you’ll see them in full bloom this fall.

Do you know how to procure a Craft Wholesaler’s Catalog?

Reader Letter of the Month: Kudos for our New Logo

Dear Eileen,

Your new logo is great - much fresher and cleaner looking and the scissors explain a lot.

Would you like to exchange links with me? My website is Art-in-Australia.

Cheers,

Jill Booth

Thank you, Jill. I appreciate any feedback on The Artful Crafter - especially positive ;-)

Your website is gorgeous!

Eileen

[You’ll find links to Jill’s site and many other wonderful craft resources in our Resources Section.]