wise craft

school house craft wrap up

What an inspiring weekend at School House Craft! We had a great turnout for the Blogging 101 class. I enjoy that class so much, to be able to say the word "blog" aloud (which surprisingly I do not do as often as you'd think), in a room, with folks who have come to learn more about doing just that, is such fun for me. I met new people and had the chance to catch with a few I haven't seen in a while. And Peter's talk about branding yourself on Sunday was so great, I actually learned so much (although I kept raising my hand, which made everybody giggle, and giggle more when he wouldn't call on me!). I have so much new inspiration and so much to think about as I move forward in what wise craft will evolve into. 

Back to regular posting tomorrow. In the meantime, I only took a few photos of the whole weekend, but here they are-

The Community Meeting Room at the Phinney Neighborhood Center was where we all gathered, regrouped, had food, and sometimes attended classes. The keynote speaker was Isaac Watson and he spoke in this room (I was able to catch part of the class on rejuvenating your creativity).

There's Peter, above, speaking on branding. I think he was worried and a little nervous (although he regularly gives talks like this to large companies like Amazon at his day job) but I assured him that this crafting community are some of the most supportive people I've ever had the pleasure of knowing (you are, you know). I think he felt that right away. Anyway, I learned a lot from him, and have some branding homework to do based on what he talked about. He and I don't talk business as it applies to me and wise craft much, in terms of how I want to nuture my own brand and thoughts like that, so it was enlightening to sit and listen to him in business mode.

Here's a quick partial room snapshot at our Blogging 101 class. We had an attentive, diverse group and I hope Marie and I gave them lots to think about (we even had visual aides this year, gah!). We talked about why blogging is important for any artisan or handmade creative business, especially when you are only able to grab your customer's attention through online sales (they can't touch, feel, or otherwise preview what you're selling in person). A blog creates a back story, a more personal side to that widget we've constructed by hand with care, we learn more about the story surrounding all of it through regular blog posts. I know I have purchased items online purely based on how much I like everything about what they do and how they present themselves online. I would love to hear thoughts from you on this subject. Its a big topic.

I also attended a great discussion on approaching shops and galleries as a handmade artist, led by Andie, Andrea, and Shalene of Portage Bay Goods.

Alright, I am completely inspired and ready to get back to work. Back tomorrow!

xo,

Blair

school house craft begins today!

 

(These are phone photos I took on Thursday while in Ballard at Curtis Steiner, one of my favorite stores. They are currently exhibiting a collection of paper sculptures by Ann Dunbar, which are intricate and amazing. If you are in the neighborhood, you should definitely stop in this truly one-of-a-kind store and see these sculptures.)

I'm afraid I'm a little too relaxed this week. Which would explain my absence, and the lack of a granny square afghan update post today. (There will be one next week, but in the meantime, don't forget you can still include your link in this post if you are participating in this project so it will get on the master project page.) I am having a relaxing time with Jenny, who came to visit (and look, she even sketched Gracie!) and to attend School House Craft. Which begins today! Are you going? I know Kristen and Andrea and everyone has worked hard to plan an amazing weekend. 

Marie and I will be leading the discussion of Blogging 101 for your business (Saturday, 2:45 4:15pm). I love what we've got planned, I hope to see some of you. Peter will be leading an informative discussion on Brand Development without selling out (Sunday, 2:45- 4:15pm) which I will be attending cause he's smart and I like him. Actually, I am hoping to stick around and sit in on as many discussions as I can. If you decide to attend at the last minute, you can buy your tickets at the door.

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And to you...

Thank you all for stopping by wise craft and sharing with me. As I was putting together my thoughts for our blogging class, I kept thinking about how grateful I am to have this space, to share with all of you, and for you all to care about it. The creative side of my life is so very important to me, and I truly value this space and all of you out there who share it with me. Hope to meet some of you on Saturday!

race number quilt

A while back, my husband Peter handed me a stack of his Tyvek race numbers, just a small collection accumulated over his cycling career, and asked if I would turn them into a quilt.

"A quilt? Really?"

"Why not? It'd be cool."

I should tell you that Peter loves this type of challenge. No doubt he would do very well in the Unconvential Materials Challenges on Project Runway. In his eyes, these Tyvek race numbers, all worn-in and well-washed, are perfect for a quilt. In my eyes? I tend to get a little squirmy at the thought of an Unconventional Materials Challenge. There's plenty of traditional materials I like just fine, thanks.

Plus, why would anyone want to cozy up on a cold winter night with a Tyvek quilt?

Alright. So, I left the stack of numbers in my studio while I thought about exactly how to tackle this project. I thought maybe they would make a nice blanket to use at the track, to claim a spot on the infield, sit on between races. He could roll it up and keep in his car (it would need some ties).

Its a small quilt (roughly 40" x 45"), but perfect for several cyclist-sized bums. I had thought I would use the back of the numbers in some spots, but Peter didn't like that idea. I pieced the numbers in strips first, turning and flipping some of the numbers, then pieced those strips together. I think I can call it a quilt because it is, in fact, quilted. I loosely outline-stitched/quilted some of the numbers using free-motion quilting and my Bernina Stitch Regulator. (I adore my BSR.) These were intentionally very loose and hand-drawn like. You believe me, right?

I also free motioned a bike on one corner. When the quilt is rolled up and tied, the bike is on top. The backing (and the ties) is a blue/black shirting weight chambray I had on hand, which I prewashed. I used Warm and Natural cotton batting. The binding is Kona cotton in a red that I also had.

Sewing with Tyvek is interesting. On one hand its just like fabric- it's sewable, ironable, etc. On the other hand, it is slippery stuff and doesn't like pinholes. I do not know what official rules there are for sewing with Tyvek, but I thought I'd share what worked for me on this project.

- Heavyweight denim or leather needles work well (100/16, 110/18, or 90/14).

- Change your needles often. I would start to hear the tell-tale sound of a teensy bit more effort being needed to push the needle through all the layers and stopped to change the needle immediately. I think this quilt used 6 needles.

- Use bulldog or binder clips instead of pins to hold things together whenver it made sense, otherwise, I pinned as inconspicuously as possible. As an example, when I layed out the quilt layers to make the quilt sandwich, I only pinned right at the seams. That seemed to help hide the pinholes a little, but be ready to commit if you're going to pin somewhere, the hole will stay.

- Tyvek can take pressing and a little steam, but only on low heat.

- I was able to draw the design of the bike directly onto the Tyvek with my favorite pen for this purpose, the FriXion pen. Once I'd stitched the bike, a quick blast of a bit of steam from the iron on a low heat setting and the pen marks disappear. (I have heard rumor that these marks may return later on, but so far I've never had that happen.)

- Baste the quilt around the edges on all 4 sides before binding. It helps everything stay in place a little bit more.

- I pieced the Tyvek numbers with a generous 1/4" seam, and the seam allowance was pressed to one side.

I finished this project and gave it to him just in time for our 18th wedding anniversary. This guy is so worth it, I'd happily stitch Tyvek all day long for him.  

guess who will be speaking at school house craft?

I already told you that I will be speaking at the School House Craft Conference again this year, but guess who else?

Peter is!

His class is Brand Development Without Selling Out, and will be on Sunday, September 23rd from 1:00-2:30. I can't wait to hear what he has in store for the class. He may look like a youngster and all, but this man has been branding retail identities for over 20 years, for the past 5 years as his own boss, and knows what works.

 

race number quilt

I have been commissioned to design and sew a commemorative quilt for someone who is a long-time, dedicated cyclist.

Hmmmm..... I wonder who that could be?

There are more than enough tyvek race numbers to make a sizeable quilt, but I have been told that this will be purely a display quilt, not to be used. Maybe a decoration for the Story Trading offices. Regardless, I'm actually quite touched that he's asked me to do this. Someone who's usually not quite as excited about my quilts as I am.

There is a history here that I want to somehow preserve, I'm just not quite sure how yet. I'm drawing out ideas, but haven't found the magic combination yet.

And what he doesn't agree with is that some of the best parts of these race numbers are the what's written on the backs-

("Dropped my chain 6 x's, ended up 11th, 9/5/05")

 

i have been remiss...

I haven't mentioned our little chocolate (make that Chockolate) brand in a while. A major oversight, as it is such a part of our everyday lives. Being that we are so close to Valentine's Day, let me right that wrong. For those who may not know, Komforte Chockolates was a brand that began in Peter's head a few years ago and became a reality after many many meetings, late nights, taste tests (many), homemade kitchen mixtures and concoctions, and trained professionals who finally got it right for us. Many stumbles (and small triumphs) later, these bars are still selling. Peter and our partners are very grateful for that. These bars are our little babies.

Last summer, two new babies/flavors were added to the mix, taking our original assortment from three to five. (Five!) I can't believe I've never mentioned these before now, but I guess that's how it is when days are heads down in our work.

We need to remember to look up.

The original flavors of "Ramen Noodle" (dreamt up by my Ramen noodle-lovin' daughter Emma when she was 11), "French Toast", and "Tortilla, Lime & Salt" all continue to do very well. People love the quirkiness of these mixtures (we have heard tales of the secret stashes kept by devotees), and are pleasantly surprised when they bite into a bar and realize that they actually are not only quirky, they taste good!

However, we were getting occasional feedback that folks were a little disappointed at the lack of the ramen noodle flavor packet powder in the ramen noodle bar. Yea, that's right, they wanted the chicken flavor packet in with the ramen and the chocolate.

I know, right??

Well, we had to consider. Did we feel this was necessary to develop? To put energy into creating this "new" flavor?

Heck yea! Power to the people!!! After all, it fits nicely into our "Savory Combinations that are Easy to Love" philosophy.

But, geez, it sounded kinda gross.

After a few taste tests, "Savory Ramen" was sent out into the world to earn its wings. Before you scowl (as I did) at the thought, let me tell you. It is good. I like it better than the original Ramen Noodle flavor. I can't believe I just said that. But tasting is believing. It is my favorite of all the five!

Our second new flavor developed last summer was "Apple Pie & Graham". This one we always knew was coming, it was just a matter of getting it right, which took a while. But after many taste tests (so many sacrifices we make!), we nailed it. This flavor is the only one with white chocolate added, an addition that makes it work.

So there you have it. Our ever expanding family of chocolates. If you'd ever told Peter and I that we would now be in the chocolate business ten years ago, we would have looked at you blankly and only asked "Why?" But somehow, here we are and we are very proud indeed.

I am giving away 1 set of all 5 Komforte Chockolate flavors to one person who comments on this post. Unfortunately, the winner won't get these in time for Valentine's Day, but what day isn't made a little better with chocolate?? Just leave a comment and I'll draw a name on Sunday night.

In the meantime, please accept our sincerest thanks for everyone who has become our friend on facebook, tweeted about us, finding our bars for sale in their local coffee shop or market, or has otherwise helped us spread the word. We have happily shipped our bars all over the country (our store locator list grows every day), and we are so excited to continue expanding.

The world needs things like quirky chocolate bars.

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Tutorial on the granny circles coming next week!

Have a great weekend!

B

Comments closed and winner chosen, thank you!!

busy teenage hands

(I can't believe I'm calling Emma a teenage, but there you go. It's the truth, hard as it is to admit.)

Emma kept busy while we were snowed in by sewing a friend (Jinx, 1st photo) to go with Patch (2nd photo) that was made before Christmas. She's quite obsessed with anything to do with Emily The Strange right now, and I have to admit, going through the many books she got for Christmas, I'm pretty taken with Emily too. Emily is a clever, sullen sort of girl with quite a goth look, probably the kind of girl many parents would worry about in real life.

The Art of Emily The Strange is a book we have all looked at since Christmas. It's great. Many artists have drawn their own tributes to Emily, and its a fascinating book for a budding artist like Emma. I love the idea that she saw pictures of Jinx and Patch in several of her Emily The Strange books and decided she would make her own versions. Just like that. She spent hours on Jinx. Sketching the shapes, making her own paper templates, cutting the felt just so, making felt colors work even though they weren't quite right because we couldn't go out to get more felt.

I was merely a consultant. I didn't contribute one stitch

I don't want to take her ability and her desire to make things for granted.

There are so many things girl's brains and bodies are taught at school, and in life. To be confident in who they are, be inquisitive, stand up for their beliefs and themselves. All this is very important for a girl.

But you know what I love? I love that when the day is over, or there's a little time to herself, Emma finds relaxation and enjoyment in picking up a needle and thread and making something she can see in her brain. I am grateful that Peter and I have limited her time in front of TV and computer screens and instead created an environment in which she needed to find a way to fill her time. We don't do many things right, many things. But this I think she will carry with her throughout her life.

Thanks for letting me show off her work. I'm so proud of her.

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And happy birthday to Peter. You, my friend, are amazing.

17

All done. And super comfy.

Tomorrow I will be celebrating, with the rest of us here in the wise craft house, the number 17. 17 years of marriage. I would do it all again in a heartbeat.

The traditional gift for year 17 is furniture and three out of the four of us have been trying to justify how a TV "is so furniture".

I think I'm going to give in.

On the subject of marriage, our friends Michael and Farrah finally tied the knot a few weeks ago on Bainbridge Island. You can peek at their beautiful ceremony here. Congratulations you two!

 

Have a wonderful weekend. Those of you on the east coast please be safe!

victoria, british columbia

Just got back from a trip to Victoria with the family, Peter's parents included. I've been there a few times before, but never with the kids. Canadians are such friendly folk, and the weather and food were outstanding (I highly recommend The Pink Bicycle for the best burger of your life, complete with truffle fries.)

I think one of the highlights of the trip was the Royal British Columbia Museum, the old school diaoramas in the natural history gallery in particular. Incredible! Dark, moody lighting, large animals right in your face but not moving... very cool.

Peter got really into snapping pictures (he took all these) and before long had us posing.

I'll be back tomorrow with a winner of the Tea Collection giveaway! There is still time to enter.

how to make your own anime mural wall

Peter did a little write up on his process of redoing the kids bathroom with anime images pasted to the wall, hopefully it all makes sense.

Before I start I must stress that this is for personal consumption only. Because you will be making copies of existing work and sizing them up as decoration its super important that this is for you and your family to enjoy, not for re-selling / publication.

1. That said, find an anime story or novel that has good contrast black and white content and think about how it might work when sliced and diced into sections. (The book our images are taken from is "Kekkaishi" by Yellow Tanabe, ISBN#978-1-4215-4029-0.)

2. Mark pages you like best, and then scan grayscale into photoshop. Play with the contrast in Photoshop and either "size-up" the dimensions in that program, or in Adobe Illustrator which is what
I did.

3. Next, make a pdf of the jpeg and e-mail or thumb-drive it to an Officemax, Staples, whoever has a commercial "plotter" printer. This is the type of printer that you saw in Exit through The Gift Shop.... It prints black and white only and grays tend to drop out so better for the image to be high contrast. It is super cheap to print on the plotter (about $7-9 for a 24x36 panel).

4. Once you have your prints, slice them up so they make some random sense for your wall section. For adhesion we used plain old wallpaper sizing (powder- mixes with water to make clear gel) and brushed the backs of the plotter prints and stuck them down. This works really well and shouldn't mess with the image.

5. Last step is to protect with a couple coats of poly acrylic and you are done.