Tuesday, August 31, 2010

FREE Yudu Screenprinting Demo on Sunday, October 3rd at craftLAB!


There will not be craftLAB on Sunday, September 5th
in observation of Labor Day Weekend.

Join us at craftLAB on Sunday, October 3rd for a
FREE Yudu Screenprinting Demonstration
from noon-3pm at The Lunch Studio!


Bring shirts, tote bags, hoodies, kids' clothes, dog clothes or anything else you want screenprinted with the Flint Handmade knuckles logo! 


ONE item screenprinted for FREE per person!  Additional items are just $3 per screenprint.


As usual, you can also feel free to bring your own creative projects to work on or just join us for lunch!

Thursday, August 26, 2010

SAVE THE DATE! 2010 Holiday Craft Market!


SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2010!

4th Annual Flint Handmade
HOLIDAY CRAFT MARKET

MORE INFORMATION TO COME!

Vendor Applications will be available at
www.flinthandmade.com on September 1st!

Michelle, FH Director of Technology, with her lovely Aisle 3 table at the 2009 Holiday Craft Market.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

CRAFT TUTORIAL: 3D Children's Drawing Cards with Special Guest Milo!

Posted by Crystal

Meet Milo.  Milo is the cutest kid ever to walk the face of the earth.  And I'm not just saying that because he is the first baby in my life.  ;) 


Milo is Michelle's 2-year-old.  Michelle is the FH Director of Technology and the crafty temptress behind Aisle 3.  (Shameless Plug: You should follow her blog...it's GREAAAAAAAT!  <--- Props to Tony the Tiger!)

Anyway, Michelle recently celebrated a birthday, so I offered to take Milo for the afternoon to give this single mom a well-deserved break!

Please note that this was a momentous occasion for all three parties:
1) It was the first time one of Michelle's friends took Milo out on his own. 
2) It was the first time Milo left his mom for the afternoon with someone other than his dad or grandma. 
3) It was the first time I ever had sole responsibility for a toddler in my ENTIRE LIFE.

That's right, folks.  Somehow, I made it to almost 30 years old without ever having spent an a day hanging out with a kid on my own.  I just never had friends or family nearby with babies.  Milo was the first baby I ever even held!

Suffice it to say, this kid holds a very, very special place in my heart.  So, of course, I want to be the most awesome "aunt" ever!!!

And what does an awesome aunt do?

Well, after a fabulous day...

...playing with puppies...

...going to the park...

...and eating popsicles...

...you go to JoAnn's to buy craft supplies!

Now, I know what you are thinking.  She made that kid go to JoAnn's???  But, the craft supplies weren't for me!  They were for a gift that Milo was going to make for his mom for her birthday.  :)

And, since Michelle got a gift, you get one, too, blog readers!  Here is a a craft tutorial on 3D Child's Drawing Cards!

FYI: Since I was watching Milo while I made these cards, I didn't get a picture for each and every step, but I'm going to explain it the best I can. 

3D Children's Drawing Cards

Materials/Tools:
1) Newspaper or Butcher Paper (to protect your table)
2) Cardstock
3) Crayons
4) Paper Cutter (or scissors)
5) Corner Rounder Punch
6) Thin Permanent Marker
7) Double Stick 3D Foam Squares (available in the scrapbooking department of craft stores)
8) Cards (or cardstock to make cards)
9) Envelopes
10) Packaging Materials (clear bag, ribbon, etc.)

 Step 1: Cover your table with newsprint or butcher paper to protect it.  Set out a sheet of cardstock and a few crayons and encourage the child to color for as long as he or she wants.  Milo was done coloring after about 3 minutes. 

Dorky Social Science Sidenote: You may want to limit the number of crayons you set out because you don't want to overwhelm the child with too many choices.  In a study conducted by Sheena Iyengar, some shoppers in a mall were given a choice of 6 flavors of jam to sample while other shoppers were given a choice of 30 flavors.  Many of the shoppers only given 6 choices actually bought a jar of jam, but far fewer shoppers with 30 choices bought a jar.  This phenomena is sometimes referred to as the Tyranny of Choice.  A very accessible book on the topic is Paradox of Choice: Why More Is Less by Barry Schwartz.

Step 2: Using a paper cutter or scissors, cut the drawing into squares or rectangles for as many cards as you would like to make.  The drawing will probably dictate the size of the shapes as well as where you cut them out on the paper.  I was able to cut 4 rectangles about 2.5" x 4" each from the very center of the paper were most of the crayon marks were located.

Step 3: Using a corner rounder punch, punch the edges of all of your squares or rectangles.  I like Martha Stewart's Corner Punch...much love to M. STEEZAY!  Then, using a thin permanent marker, write the child's name and the year on all of the shapes.  I like Stabilo fiber-tip pens.

Step 4: Place adhesive 3D foam squares on the back of all of the shapes.  I used 5 squares per shape: one in each corner and one in the middle.  Peel off the backing and attach your shape to the card in a aesthetically pleasing way.  I centered the shape from right to left and cheated it a bit toward the top of the card.

 Step 5: Package your cards.  Purple was a dominant color in the drawing, so I used a purple ribbon to tie all the cards together. 

Milo and I stopped at Vogt's Flowers on the way back to his house to buy a flower for him to give to Michelle with the cards.  The lovely shop assistant at Vogt's let him visit the flower cooler so he could pick out the flower personally.  He selected a gorgeous red gerber daisy...not that gerber daisies are one of MY favorite flowers or anything.  ;)

I believe the shop assistant's name was LaTonya. She was absolutely wonderful. She asked Milo his favorite color. When he said "BAH-LOO," she gave him a blue balloon on a blue string.

  Milo was over the moon for this balloon! 

So, there you have it, blog readers!  If you make these cards with the kids in your life, email pictures to us at flinthandmade@hotmail.com.

And, here is a special message to my little sister who is going to be a great mom one day:  Sis, I think I have now proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that I am and will be an AWESOME aunt.  So, please, start having kids soon, ok?  I know you want them...and I want to do some crafty projects with them!  ;)

Thursday, August 19, 2010

TRY A NEW CRAFT: Stained Glass at Stallings in Swartz Creek

Posted by Crystal

So, I've been trying a lot more artisan crafts lately.  Blockprinting.  Glass mosaics.  And now, stained glass.

I fell in love with glass during my glass mosaics class at the Flint Institute of Arts.  I finished my glass mosaic tray and will post pictures of it very soon.

But first, I want to tell you about my new craft!  I signed up for a 4 week course at Stallings Stained Glass in Swartz Creek just west of Flint.  Our first project is a Victorian Suncatcher.

I used a lightbox to trace the pattern onto my glass.  A suncatcher pattern was provided for this class, but you could draw your own.  It's important think carefully about where you want to place your pattern under the glass because the color variations in the glass can be an integral part of the design.

I used cutters, braker/grozers and running pliers to cut the shapes out.  It's a good idea to cut the pieces into rectangles first and then cut out the shapes.

Starting at the top, pin the pieces into place as you work your way down.  The pattern is pinned to a work board to keep everything in place.  I know that this picture doesn't describe these steps exactly, but you get the idea.

If the pieces have jagged edges or don't fit together well, just grind them into shape.

Finally, all the pieces are pinned into place.  Next step: Soldering!  Stay tuned.... 

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Craftacular Saturday: The Blue House and I aRt Festival (Part 2)

Posted by Crystal

So, are you on the edge of your seat waiting for the conclusion to my Crafty Cliffhanger?  ;)

Good thing I have more Craftacular Saturday for you!

The Marquee of Redford Township hosted the I aRt Festival and all of the awesomeness you will see in the following photos!

Wanna splatter paint your bicycle?  Check out the Jackson Pollock Bike Work Shop!  I didn't meet the operators of this booth, but if it was YOU, email me at flinthandmade@hotmail.com.

Lori of Basement Art Creations takes fantastic point of focus photography...and turns it into awesome crafts like photo rings.  She also did a wonderful job organizing the I aRt Festival!

Kenneth of Paper Street Soap, Ltd. has excellent soap designs and scents.  We love a man who knows how to keep it clean and crafty!

OMG...this California Sweet Orange Body Butter by Paper Street Soap, Ltd. smelled so freakin' good!

Super cute robot and koala pouches by Lesley of Cozy Collection.

Very beautiful and intricate illustrations by Nicholas Wilson.

I love when adorable products are made even more adorable by fantastic packaging like these magnets by Christine of Christine Carol.

Shannon (l) of Comfortably Lovely and Michelle of Aisle 3 won the award for Committee's Choice Booth Winner at the Redford I aRt Festival!

Michelle (l) and I smile for the camera!  I love visiting my friends at their booths.  I'm so happy when they get compliments on and compensation for all of their crafty handiwork.  :)

Upcycled spark plug keychains by Brown Dog Welding.  Ingenious!

Show your love for Day-Twa with shirts by Detroit Manufacturing!

Gorgeous quilted bags, slippers and bibs by Sarah of Hip to Piece Squares.

Cutie owl buddies by Amie of enamor.

Finally, I met Ashley of Paper a la Mode!  You may recall that I met her mom at Baar Bazaar...much love to all the moms and dads who support their crafty daughters and sons!  When you get your Etsy, Ashley, let us know.  :)

Buttons by Jill of Barrel of Monkeys.  Mmmmm, so many lovely little buttons in lovely little rows...

Scottie of SEEDS Studio rocks an awesome Monty Python aesthetic for her new scrapbook supplies.

My haul from The Blue House and the Redford I aRt Festival: Crocheted Flower Brooch by Mitten Made, Detroit Shirt by Detroit Manufacturing, and Poppy Flower Card by Elevated Press.

I had a FANTASTIC time at I aRt Festival...can't wait to go again next year!

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Craftacular Saturday: The Blue House and I aRt Festival

Posted by Crystal

At long last...the post about my craftacular Saturday at The Blue House in Ann Arbor and the I aRt Festival at The Marquee in Redford!  I took TONS of pictures, so this is going to be a lengthy post.  Consider yourself warned.  ;)

As I expected, both events were fantastic...great weather, great locations, great vendors!

I started at MittenMADE at The Blue House in Ann Arbor.  The Blue House is a gorgeous handmade studio and consignment shop.

They have the most beautiful gardens on the property...

...and the cutest pennant banner on the porch!

Immediately upon entering, I saw these fabulous red earrings by Designs by Arielle and Pamela.

I met Marcy at the Sunday Artisan Market in Kerrytown last year.  I think her line of All Things Grow prints are so fresh and calming.

The adorable kitchen at The Blue House.  I love that farmhouse sink!

Stephanie of Always the Forest and her racks of amazing handmade clothes.

Whitney was the sweetest gal!  And her line of Whitney Crutchfield Hand-Printed Textiles were also very sweet.

I always love Nicole's display for Sloe Gin Fizz.  Those pennant banners are just too cute!

I am madly in love with the letterpress stationary from Elevated Press.

Michelle from Elevated Press smiles behind her sweet and simple table display.  The Vernor's box and open suitcase are perfect!

Allie of Mitten Made crochets while she vends.  It makes me smile when I see vendors working on projects at craft shows.  :)

I love like things.  I especially love like things all lined up in rows.  I could stare down the aisles of a library all day long.  I could stare at these gorgeous crocheted flower brooches from Mitten Made even longer.  I bought one in olive green to jazz up my winter coat.

How clever is this???  Allie, I am sooooo jealous of your ingenious idea!

Danielle from threesixfive had the cutest little chair display next to her table. 

Awesome soldered charms by Nichole of The Little Craft Closet.

Siobhan (l) and Marcy (All Things Grow) enjoying the beautiful porch.  Siobhan (pronounced sha-VON) is the owner/operator of The Blue House.  She is my handmade hero!

Finally, I bid adieu to The Blue House and headed for the I aRt Festival in Redford at The Marquee...

...but you'll have to wait until next week for me to finish the story!  BWAHAHAHA!  Crafty Cliffhanger, much!

In the meantime, you can get a craft fix at CrafterLot this Saturday, August 14 at The Blue House!  "Love local.  Support handmade."  We couldn't agree more!