Sunday, November 16, 2008

Popsicles!!! And thread...

I'm getting really close to shooting the popsicle-stick purse video. I've actually finished with almost all of the over-the-shoulder shots. In the next week or two I'll be doing the shots from the front and then editing, so should have it up in early December.

And I'm working on the next project already! I've been figuring out how to make these threaded pendant/earings that I saw at a belly dancing show a few weeks ago and I think I've almost cracked it. Here's what the ones I've made are looking like:

[caption id="attachment_36" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="The threaded pendant on copper wire."]The threaded pendant on copper wire.[/caption]

Not bad! And pretty easy. So far, one of the biggest problems is that it takes really good eyesight. Luckily I can take my glasses off and see what I'm doing. Reminds me of the string art wall hanging things that were popular in the 1970s.

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Popsicle-Stick Project Continues

I'm sorry I haven't recorded a podcast in a few weeks! I've been trying to get the next video together and have been spending all of my time glueing popsicle sticks together. I keep learning more and more as I glue, so I hope the video will be really informative.

What I'm doing now is getting a bunch of projects together in various stages of completion so when I sit down to record the video in the next week or two, I'll be able to do the whole thing at once and won't have to wait for things to dry. I'll say, "Now you wait for this to dry," and I'll have one already dry that I can pick up and keep going. Just like a cooking show where you don't really see them cooking. They already have one in the oven ready to pull out.

My tally of popsicle sticks purchased is up to 3900! I've only used short of 2900 of them so far (all right, not that many because a lot of them are wonky and need to be pitched, or at least put aside for future use where wonky sticks will work). I'll have all of my prototypes finished in the next day or two, so then just a matter of when I have a free day and a good hair day at the same time so I can film the video!

My living room looks a little something like Santa's workshop right now. If Santa made everything from popsicle sticks...

I'll try to podcast next week. Or at least write a note to let you know how things are going and what I'm up to!

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Beginning Wire-Wrapping, YouTube Video

Here're my latest YouTube videos on beginning wire-wrapping. There is a lot I couldn't get into with the time restrictions, but I did my best to cover what you need to get started.

If for any reason the videos don't show up here, you can always go view them at www.youtube.com/CamilleSharon.



Sunday, October 19, 2008

I finished the purse!

[caption id="attachment_28" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="I finally finished the Popsicle-Stick Purse! Yippee!!"]I finally finished the Popsicle-Stick Purse! Yippee!![/caption]

Well, there it is. I haven't had time to do a podcast because I'm working on the video version of making the purse. Also started working on a video on doing wire-wrapped jewelry. That one will probably be up first, in a week or two.

The popsicle-stick purse took longer than I thought it would, but in general it was really easy. The main time-consuming part is waiting for the glue to dry. I used one of my mom's old clip-on earrings for the closure, which I'm really happy with. Not only is it sparkly, but it makes it really special in a sentimental way.

I think it looks really cool. The only drawback I've encountered is that my checkbook doesn't fit inside of it! Oh, well. I guess I can't take my checkbook with me when I use this one.

Sunday, October 5, 2008

The Popsicle-Stick Purse Continues...

Making some progress and learning some things about making a popsicle-stick purse.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="748" caption="This is last week's purse, a complete failure and is now two lovely bowls."]This is last weeks purse, a complete failure and is now two lovely bowls.[/caption]

Show Notes:

1. Popsicle stick count: 600 and still going...

2. This (see image) doesn't look like a purse, so guess what? It's now two bowls!

3. Two new approaches:

A. A purse - 12 stick square base with 4 stick overlay at 45 degree angle

B. Another bowl! I'm bowl crazy! My octagons are getting better.

4. More supplies: Another bottle of glue and a lazy Susan (big help)

5. More images and (hopefully) a finished purse next week. Stay tuned.

Monday, September 29, 2008

The Popsicle-Stick Purse Continues...

My adventures in Popsicle-Stick Purse Craft

Show Notes:
1. 3rd time's the charm
2. Building up becomes building down
3. Nearly 300 sticks down and counting!
4. More glue and a lazy Susan...

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="535" caption="This is how the purse looks from overhead, right-side-up."]This is how the purse looks from overhead, right-side-up.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="527" caption="This is how the bottom of the purse came together. Lots of sticks."]This is how the bottom of the purse came together. Lots of sticks.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="555" caption="This is the purse from the side. You can see how the sticks overlap."]This is the purse from the side. You can see how the sticks overlap.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="603" caption="And this is what the other side looks like -- a lot like the first side!"]And this is what the other side looks like -- a lot like the first side![/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="587" caption="This is the failed first try at making the popsicle-stick purse."]This is the failed first try at making the popsicle-stick purse.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="623" caption="And this is my second failed attempt. I'm doing much better now."]And this is my second failed attempt. Im doing much better now.[/caption]

Monday, September 22, 2008

The Popsicle Stick Purse Adventure

Making the Popsicle Stick Purse - Part 1

I saw an awesome purse made out of popsicle sticks and am now trying to make my own. It isn't going perfectly, but as always, you can learn from my mistakes.

Shownotes:
1. Shopping - Inspiration
2. Supplies (so far)
a. Popsicle Sticks
b. White Glue
3. Searching for patterns / pictures on-line
4. Starting: Top or bottom?
5. Rethinking supplies - Hot glue??
6. Rethinking supplies - 150 popsicle sticks might not be enough for me...

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Re-Covering the Cat Scratcher - The Video

As my cat sits on my lap, making cookies, I decided it was time to post this video here. I really didn't mind doing this. It was more fun than it looks -- just time consuming.



Sunday, September 7, 2008

The Cat Scratcher Blog - Part 2, Wrapping it Up

Cat Scratcher Blog - Part 2

Show Notes:

I rambled a little, but here's what I think I covered:
1. problems taking off the old carpet - how I hurt myself, how messy it was, how long it took
2. which carpet was easiest to use as the new carpet
3. which supplies I ultimately ended up using
4. how I had to revise my plan after working for several hours on the first plan
5. I think it looks better than before and the cats could care less

That's it. I'm ready for another project.

I'll paste the YouTube video here in a week or two.

Monday, August 25, 2008

The Cat Scratcher Project - Supplies and First PodCast!!

So here it is, my very first podcast. Enjoy!

Craft Chat 1 Cat Scratcher Supplies

Shownotes:

New Project: Re-Covering the Cat Scratcher
I. Inspiration
a. Cost of a new scratcher
b. I'm crafty!
II. Phase one: Assembling Supplies
a. Carpet Remnants
i. Stores not open on Sundays
ii. Dumpster Diving
iii. Area Rugs
b. Cutting Implements
i. Kitchen Shears
ii. Utility Tool – Saw, Wire Cutter, Shears in one
c. Pliers
d. Screw Driver
e. Staple Gun
f. Vacuum
g. Sharpie