In the Studio (#1)

Bits of String Too Short to Save

News Flash! We’ve got a new topic category here at Make Great Stuff Central. (Well more accurately, here at  Jackson Street Studios, because that’s the actual name of my business–Make Great Stuff is the name of my blog…But I digress.)

I realized recently that I accumulate bits of news, make exciting plans, run across neat links, read insightful magazine articles, etc. (with the emphasis on etc.) that I’d like to share with you, my readers, that feel too short to be separate blog posts on their own. But together! Now that’s a blog post.

And these together-y blog posts would give us a chance to get to know each other better anyway. So I decided to create a special category for these friendly, semi-regular, rambling-general-sorts-of-blog-posts. I’ve dubbed them “In the Studio“, and this is my first one.

Let the sharing begin!

Tiny Techy Troubles for Make Great Stuff

This week, ahem, In the Studio, I’ve  recently noticed that the emailed versions of my blog posts do NOT contain the videos and sometimes don’t even contain the images that I’ve embedded in the actual posts–so sorry if that has created any confusion for anyone. I’m looking into to how I might fix that or change the way I write my posts so it’s clear somehow if there’s a video missing that might need to be watched on the blog itself.

So if you receive a post that feels perplexing–this is might be why, and there might be a fab video or interesting pic for your viewing pleasure  on the blog itself.

Creativity on a Deadline

On a personal art making note, I’ve been going a little crazy getting ready for a small show I’m doing (with another artist) in October at Bishop’s Stock Gallery in Snow Hill, MD.

This means I’m creating several new pieces of my digital collages on glass, am way behind schedule, and feeling big (read, slightly neurotic) pressure to get them all done! So keep your fingers crossed for me (or say a prayer, wave your magic wand, maybe do the hustle–I’m extremely flexible).

An example of one of these pieces is pictured at the top of the page. (if you don’t see it, and you’re reading this in your email, you’ll have to visit the site until I have that figured out!) I’ll  also post more images somewhere other than Facebook soon, in case anyone would like to see what my other ones look like. (I’m working on revamping my portfolio site, and it’s just taking longer than I thought it would..)

So if you’re on the Eastern Shore of Maryland on October 2nd, stop by the gallery opening and say hello!

FaceBook

Speaking of Facebook, (we were, weren’t we?) I recently created a fan page for Make Great Stuff.  I’m planning on offering some special deals for my FB fans in the coming months, so if you’re on FB and aren’t a fan yet, please stop by and say hello!

Coming Up on the Blog!

I’m also working on some great holiday kits–my first two are fun holiday ornaments I think you’ll love to make. They involve lots of fabulous glitter, wonderful color, and a little bit of decoupage.

Of course, they each need their own how-to video, and that always takes me a while, but I’m hoping to get the first one up in a week or so (probably closer to ” or so”).

I also watched a bunch of great felt-making how-to videos created by a felting artist friend in Orlando, and I’m compiling some good links and tips for a new post on felt making that should be done in the next week or two as well.

Cool Stuff You Might Want to Check Out

I also got my October/November issue of Vogue Patterns magazine last week and I must say that it’s above average–maybe because it seemed a little craftier than usual and even some of the fashion pattern pieces had a crafty feel. Maybe it felt like they offered more do-able projects than usual, or maybe the issue as a whole was less like a big ad for all the new patterns.

They had some good info on sewing sequins and fun project ideas for making handbags and recycling sweaters which had honest-to-goodness, concrete directions and handy tips. There’s a fab fake fur neck ring on the cover and it actually seems like a great first time fur sewing project that I might have to try as well as couple simple scarf sewing projects that could make great holiday gifts. Have you ever sewn fur? Please send me any tips you have, and I’ll make sure to share them with everyone.

My latest Threads also arrived, and they have a great article on sewing gloves, which is something I haven’t tried but have always wanted to. If anyone tries to make a pair, please let me know!

And then a great friend of mine who’s an incredible knitter (and decorative painter and historic wood preservationist) brought me to a cool little store in Williamsburg, Brooklyn called The Brooklyn General Store filled with wonderful yarns and wool roving as well as bolts of fabulous new and vintage fabric, really special bark cloth (not just the usual suspects), and neat 50′s plastic fabric. Sometimes I get a little jaded and think I’ve seen it all, but they had so much fun stuff that felt new and fresh. I just loved it and wanted to pass the info on to you.

More Potential Blog Posts!

It also made me realize that I should write a blog post about all the great places to both get inspired and buy fabulous art and craft supplies in New York (and how to get there on the subway) because it’s not all Broadway shows, museums, and restaurants for goodness sakes.

So keep your eye out for that one, especially if you’re planning a vacation to the Big Apple and would like some supply shopping fun.

Okay, so that’s it for now as I have to rush off to make more work! How are things for you? Are you making anything? Meeting a deadline? Reading anything great or trying something new? Leave a comment and let us know!
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