Friday, December 21, 2007

Magically realistic flowers from clay - The Honolulu Advertiser - Hawaii's Newspaper

Magically realistic flowers from clay - The Honolulu Advertiser - Hawaii's Newspaper
The clay flowers of Kazuko Miyai and her daughter, Yukiko Miyai, are so lifelike that when you see a photograph of them, you think you're looking at the real thing.

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

RE: [OOAKbabysculpters] Etsy Now Has a Miniatures Category!!

I do agree about the economy Barb, certainly nothing to write home about. It is showing with everyone I know, not just those of us who sell crafts. Even those who sell new items and items which normally had done very well for them in the past.
 
I just pray the new year brings prosperity for all.
 
Also note, Etsy is not the only online place in which artists can sell their creations. There are several more I found but since I do not get paid to advertise for them and they do charge a monthly fee for membership I do not mention or link to them. Being that I support Handmade which you can find their banners on my website you can click and go to their website and see many they list to. One I found which is $10 a month does all the work for you and you keep 80% of the profits. They even take calls from your customers which I did not read on but I do not agree with. I think your business should be as personal as the things you create.
 
Its a bonus to my customers when they can talk with me (the artist) live. Course now if your busy and sell that much you cant spend time with your customers and think it will help and not hinder your business, go for it.
 
 
 -----Original Message-----

you are right Ebay limits it to 10 days, but I do like the auction style they have. I hope that Etsy does get more  popular Ebay needs more competition . When I get confident enough to do BIN or set a certain price for my babies I may list one there to see how it goes Ebay kind of stinks right now with the economy so bad
barb

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Making Memories® Embellishment Center & Desktop Carousel

Making Memories® Embellishment Center & Desktop Carousel

For my USA and Canada friends and readers (As Michael's is only in US and Canada) other do read on on as the same can be made if your handy with wood and or know someone who is....

I had to tell you about this since I just now got word of it and think its a very nice way to display your craft materials and supplies while keeping them where they can be seen in a nice organized way. I am all about organization and keeping things in sight so they can be used, I have learned the hard way from my past ways and don't want you all to follow in my old footsteps.

I did not yet find out the price and know I probably could not afford to get one even for myself this year, but if I could I would purchase one for all my crafty friends. Since I can not though, I thought why not at least let you all know about it so if you have those last minute lists for Santa you can add it, and or maybe the handyman in your life can make you one similar. It looks rather easy.

I have a few shadow boxes I already use in my work studio and aside from the dowel that holds rolls of craft ribbon which I don't have, everything else is pretty much the same less the decorative molding along the top. I have no troubles finding what I need and things now are actually being used while at the same time I am not running out for things I could have swore I already had but could not find and yet have that project that still requires it. So out to the store to spend more money to get whatever it is again. Don't you know I always find the ones I already thought I had once I have already gone out to get more!

My resolution for the new year is to be even more organized than I already am and to use up lots of the clay and other craft items I have laying around for that "Need it one day" situation BEFORE THEY ALL DRY OUT and get WASTED. I say the days are coming in the New Year, and 2008 is going to be a Craftabulous Year!!!(do not seek a definition this is a Cre8 Cre8ted word!!!)

Enjoy the holiday and the information. You get it at Michael's Crafts or make one yourself!
Oh yeah and carousel is also a nice way to keep you clay sculpting and other tools you need to keep handy. If you have a Lazy Suzan and some time, some cardboard roll tubes from toilet paper or even paper towels you can make your own!

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Credit cards lose their stand to PayPal

Internet-based payment services are gaining in popularity, capitalizing on the fear of identity theft and payment fraud with internet shoppers.
Article By Andrea Herrera

Playing the part of payment collector is eBay's PayPal. Companies like Gateway and Dell who typically lets customers purchase computers with their Visa or MasterCard credit cards. But with this new service, all payments go through a PayPal account.

"People are always seeking ways and means of using different payment options, especially when making purchases online. Looking at this one in particular opened up a lot of opportunities," as was said by Dell's own marketing director David Clifton.

An easier way to pay PayPal's payment service is more than likely to show up on a lot of unexpected and unusual web sites this holiday season. In mid-November, tools were released by PayPal that allow online shoppers to use its service nearly everywhere online, even in situations in which the online merchant does not accept PayPal. Internet shoppers can now download a tool bar that will allow them use of a temporary MasterCard number when making their transaction(s). Payments are then withdrawn from the user's PayPal-linked credit card or bank account. Payment is then processed through PayPal and the merchant never sees the buyers original account details. The system is designed to guard against identity theft and credit card fraud.

Senior director of financial products at ebay, Chris George says, "PayPal is the safest way to pay online because we don't share your financial information".

Credit cards lose their stand to PayPal

Internet-based payment services are gaining in popularity, capitalizing on the fear of identity theft and payment fraud with internet shoppers.
Article By Andrea Herrera

Playing the part of payment collector is eBay's PayPal. Companies like Gateway and Dell who typically lets customers purchase computers with their Visa or MasterCard credit cards. But with this new service, all payments go through a PayPal account.

"People are always seeking ways and means of using different payment options, especially when making purchases online. Looking at this one in particular opened up a lot of opportunities," as was said by Dell's own marketing director David Clifton.

An easier way to pay PayPal's payment service is more than likely to show up on a lot of unexpected and unusual web sites this holiday season. In mid-November, tools were released by PayPal that allow online shoppers to use its service nearly everywhere online, even in situations in which the online merchant does not accept PayPal. Internet shoppers can now download a tool bar that will allow them use of a temporary MasterCard number when making their transaction(s). Payments are then withdrawn from the user's PayPal-linked credit card or bank account. Payment is then processed through PayPal and the merchant never sees the buyers original account details. The system is designed to guard against identity theft and credit card fraud.

Senior director of financial products at ebay, Chris George says, "PayPal is the safest way to pay online because we don't share your financial information".

Friday, December 14, 2007

I have been blogged!!!

I just received this message from a member from in another group I am in. I am in shock and am so happy to.

Check it out.

Hi Andrea,

congratulations for being blogged on Polymeri Online!
In case you did not see it yet:
http://polymerionline.blogspot.com/2007/12/polymeri-online-131207.html



Mini Clayful ~Hugs~ Andrea "Cre8"
Cre8tor of Tiny Crafts - http://www.tinycrafts.com/
Friend and Moderator - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Air-Dry-Clay
& http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PCAWW/
Check Out My Lens http://www.squidoo.com/tinycrafts/

Friday, November 30, 2007

Standard Homemade Clay Recipes

Standard Homemade Clay Recipes
You've probably used a form of one or more of these age-old homemade clays in the past. If you use one, it will save you some money...can't beat that!!

Cold Porcelain Clay

1.  Combine in a non-stick pot*:

  • 1 cup polyvinyl acetate glue such as Elmer’s Glue All
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons baby oil or pharmacy quality mineral oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (lemon or lime juice is a great emulsifier)

2.  Cook on low heat, stirring constantly for approximately 10 minutes. If done, dough will come away from the sides of the pot.

3.  Remove from heat and allow to cool.

4.  Knead until it has a smooth, clay consistency.

5.  Seal in a container or seal-top bag and store in a cool, dark place like the refrigerator.

6.  Tempera paint powder may be used for coloring the dough. Most users actually paint the modeled item after it has dried.
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*Use a heat diffuser under the pot or use a double boiler. I use a smaller pot in a larger pot filled 1/3 of the way with hot water as my double-boiler.

 

Salt Clay (Victorian Version) 

1.  Mix in a non-stick pan*:

  • 2 cups salt
  • 2/3 cups water

2.  Stir constantly over a low flame heat for about 4 minutes (do not boil). Remove from heat.

3.  Quickly mix in another container:

  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • ½ cup cold water

4.  Add the cornstarch mixture to the heated mixture. If combined ingredients do not make a thick paste, place pan back on low heat and stir for about a minute until dough-like.

5.  Place dough on flat surface and knead dough until it is smooth and pliable.

6.  Place in an air-tight container in cool dark place like the refrigerator.

7.  It may take up to 2 days for a modeled object to dry at room temperature. For quicker results, preheat oven to 350 degrees F, and then turn the oven off. Place the modeled item in the oven, preferably on a wire rack, and leave inside until the oven has cooled off. I wouldn't advise putting the paper gingerbread house core in the oven though.

8.  Dried items can be gently sanded with a fine grit sandpaper.
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*Use a heat diffuser under the pot or use a double boiler. I use a smaller pot in a larger pot filled 1/3 of the way with hot water as my double-boiler.

Homemade Play-Doh

1.  Mix in a large bowl:

  • 1 cup of salt
  • 1 cup of flour

2.  Slowly add the following:

  • 1 cup of water (stop adding if consistency is good)

3.  To preserve the clay add the following:

  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 6 teaspoons alum

4.  Continue to mix, then knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic without being sticky.

5.  You may color with food coloring.

6.  Store in cool dark place in a sealed container.

Tuesday, November 06, 2007

Video Ray Charles, Jerry Lee Lewis - Fats, Domino, -, Boogie, live - Dailymotion

Very entertaining, a must see music video of the greats who got together and played on stage live together. Piano playing like you may have never seen before.
Watch:
Video Ray Charles, Jerry Lee Lewis - Fats, Domino, -, Boogie, live - Dailymotion Share Your Videos

Friday, September 07, 2007

Contributions Needed for Dollhouse Minis Blog

I am a contributor over at Dollhouse Minis another wonderfuly planed blogger.com blog. I have not contributed anything there lately because I need your help by telling me about things you see online that are miniature related and worth sharing with the world!


Dolls, dollhouses, mini foods, mini furniture, miniture artists, dollhouse kits, dollhouse suppliers, miniature how to videos, other wonderful dollhouse or miniature related blogs, free mini printables, miniture tutorials, miniture magazines, miniature yahoo groups, miniature forums, mini clubs and mini finds.


Even the tiniest bit of information can help and be contributed.


~hugs~
Andrea "Cre8"



Website Updated


Clay 101 is an informative page on everything you wanted to know about polymer clay and a few other wonderful supplies, tools and questions you may have but don't know who to ask or where to go to find the answers. I am forever compliling new information and adding so please bookmark my site and visit often.




New Chalk Board Paint Recipe,

You can buy the stuff from your local harware or craft stores, but only in green or black. How about a red, pink, blue, or even a purple chalk board. You can make it yourself and use any color you choose to create. Free from me to my friends and visitors. Check out my website tinycrafts.com!!!