Showing posts with label new post. Show all posts
Showing posts with label new post. Show all posts

26/11/2021

Business in the Spotlight: A Treasured Something

                                          All about: A Treasured Something

Business in the Spotlight: A Treasured Something

Susan created  a small business called A Treasured Something. I spotted the gorgeous creations on Twitter and offered to do a blog post to showcase her business.

This is in Susan's words with some comments from me.

                                         Starting Out ....

Whilst I was at school I took Foundation Design and really enjoyed it. 
At the end of the school year, we were able to do exhibitions of our work and I put on one dedicated to The Teasle Family.  These were very much in during the early 1980s they were like little pompoms with a dress on and then a teasle head.  I then decided to make some stories with them and took photos on my old basic camera, had them developed at the chemist and put them in a book and wrote a little story about them living in my garden.  
I really enjoyed this and so did everyone who came to see my exhibition.

For many years then, art kind of fell by the wayside as work and gaining qualifications became more important. It wasn't really until about 10 years ago now that I started to pick it back up again, by looking into mixed media canvas paintings and decorating wine bottles and wine glasses.

                                                 My First Media Art Painting ....

I love this one so much because it reminds me 
of the sea with its wonderful colours and textures. 

I used a variety of mediums including broken 
jewellery, stamping and snow effects to give 
depth and texture to the painting.

It now hangs pride of place in my lounge to 
remind me of what I have achieved.


ME: I love the colours on this beautiful piece, it reminds me of the sea on a sunny day. 

Love the textures too, it's fabulous.

                

                              My Work Today .....


ornamental wine bottle and gobletOver the past 10 years I have done a lot of different art and crafts, mainly for myself.  
                                     
One of the more unusual ones was making ornament goblets.
                                                                                
As a few of my friends were into Game of Thrones, I decided to get a few ordinary wine glasses and transform them into ornate Gothic style goblets.



ME: Aren't these fabulous? They really look the part. Such a great idea.





I enjoy diversifying into a variety of different mediums some have been pebble art, creating greeting cards and one of my loves at the moment is making miniature teddy bears and furry animals.  




As an artist and crafter I have found it very important to diversify in my work as it gives me ideals and inspiration.



 One of my favorite pieces has to be this little teddy bear and that is because I lost my little Pekingese in March this year and I popped some of her fur inside the teddy bear I had made so I could remember Hetty as she was my soul mate and will always be close to me.




ME: Such a wonderful idea, 
I am sure others would love something like this to remember a beloved pet and feel that they are still close. 






Susan's LINKS: 

ETSY: A Treasured Something

Ko-fi.com: A Treasured Something

Twitter: A Treasured Something


What do you think?

Did you enjoy this post about this lovely business? Do go and have a look, there are many beautiful pieces. Check out the social media pages. Why not follow to keep up to date with new products?
I love everything but especially the gorgeous Teddy bears, such glorious colours and so cute. They are not toys but fabulous collectables for adults to enjoy.

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Your business:

If you would like to have your business in the spotlight contact me. 
You need to write out why you started your business and what your inspiration is. Your first creation, your favourite piece and why. Add pictures and all links.
Its a Pay It Forward because starting out I had help from other crafters.


04/04/2020

Candle Making fun






Natural Beeswax Kit
 HOUSE Of Crafts Natural, HHJ610

                                                Candle Making

Making your own candles is a favorite craft and/or hobby for lots of people. It can be fun to try different methods and get creative with colours and shapes.
Worth doing some research on the best types of wax to do if you are new to it. I think natural wax's, soy and beeswax are better purely because they give off up to 90% less soot so less polluting for your home. Using essential oils to scent them with is also better than commercial parfums.
Making your own can be more economical than buying them as good quality candles can be expensive.



Stress Reducing.

Any craft can be enjoyable and relaxing, excellent to do in times of stress. Also very good for the world situation as it is now with so many of us confined to our homes due to Corona virus. Lockdown is necessary but it can be difficult to suddenly have freedom of movement curtailed.
Losing yourself in the creative process can be very therapeutic.


What's available?

There are plenty of books on candle making that can provide everything from basic instructions, tips, and creative ideas to make beautiful candles. Many of the books will have an illustrated step by step guide with the instructions.
There are of course other resources, such as You Tube for instructions. The beauty of video of course, is that you can stop and start it as required.
Once things are back to normal, the library too can be a great resource and many areas will have candle makers that offer classes.


                     Crafting can reduce stress
                   even though it makes a mess.
                      The sheer joy of making
                     whether candles or baking.
                Try different crafts to find the one
                    that enthralls so you are gone
                    to a far away place of delight
            where your mind goes when it takes flight.
                Where imagination soars and leaps
              in a way that says, this ones for keeps!




This book published in 2018 is a good guide
with details on equipment, supplies and safety. Before going into the making process. 

It goes through the making of different types of candles as well as the best fragrances to combine and use.




Making Candles and Soaps For Dummies 



Instructions to make floating candles and herbal soaps. Learn the secrets of color, shape, and scent in an easy and enjoyable way. 
Whether you're a beginner or seasoned craft person, this fun book offers everything you need to make beautiful, professional-looking candles and soaps at home. 
There are practical tips on dyeing and scenting wax, using unusual molds and adding embellishments to your candles too.
Even some practical tips on turning your hobby into a business.
What more could you want.



House of Crafts Candlemaking Craft Kit



  • Make your own candles
  • This kit is packed full with creative new ideas within this ever-popular pastime
  • Ideal for gifts
  • Kit includes wax pellets, candle moulds, coloured dyes, fragrance oil, bulb pipette, wicks, wick rods, mould sealer and full instructions





Practical Uses.


Candle making can be fun to learn. Its wonderful to make your own candles and also give them as gifts. They can also be useful to make as part of the decor for a wedding. Making things you can use yourself gives great satisfaction as well as a sense of achievement.
If you continue to enjoy the creative craft you could even turn your hobby into a business. Especially going the eco friendly natural route as they are becoming so popular.

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Questions and comments welcome.
Thank you for visiting.