Meet the Members Monday : Eva Maron

Eva Maron, of Faerie Tails

Tell us about your craft

I mostly make purses/bags etc. I frequently use up-cycled clothes to make them, lots of t-shirts, but I will use anything that looks good. I don’t always do this, many times I will use new fabric, or a combination of new and used fabric. I have been sewing since I was 6 years old. I always frustrated my mother when she was trying to teach me because I could not grasp the ideas behind using a pattern! I would always try to change something, or do the steps in a different order. I finally realized that if I stopped worrying so much about doing everything exactly right, I could become pretty creative with the things I make. I love making bags, though I do sometimes deconstruct and reconstruct clothing. I don’t like to sell clothes on Etsy, primarily because everything I make is very specific to the body shape of the person wearing it, and that is really hard to do online. The other nice thing about making bags is that it doesn’t matter what size or shape you are, you can always pull off an awesome bag! My bags are definitely not for everyone, but I like to think they all have personality.

I also spend some time painting. I use acrylic paint on canvas mostly, and I tend to be drawn to figure painting. I do sometimes do portraits, and I also love painting trees (which are surprisingly similar to figures!) I don’t do realistic paintings, and I love to use bright, bold colors.

What is your creative process like?

When I am turning a t-shirt into a bag, I always follow the pattern, print or picture on the shirt. I try to allow the shape of the garment to dictate the final shape, size and style of the bag. I try to make sure that the bag I make represents the original garment. When I am using brand new fabric, I try to picture what it would look like as a bag, and I take into account the type of fabric, the colors print or pattern. I almost never use the same pattern twice, and if I do, it’s always in a different fabric. Every single bag is one of a kind.

My paintings are generally inspired by emotions, colors and shapes. I love the curves and lines of the human body, and I love spending extra time on the highlights and shadows. I usually start with colors and a mood, and go from there.

What inspired you to start an Etsy shop?

I can’t remember how I discovered Etsy. I originally made faerie wings, out of wire, fabric, glitter and whatever else worked. (Hence FAERIETAILS) While I loved doing this, each pair of wings was a very long process and there is not a huge group of people looking to walk around wearing wings! I do still make some occasionally, but mostly when someone who knows I do it requests something for a costume or photo shoot. I started listing my bags on Etsy around the same time I moved to Rochester. I decided that I needed something to do with all the bags I was making, and any extra income from sales would be nice to have.

Favorite item from your shop?

http://www.etsy.com/listing/79844802/hobo-bag-tie-dye-pink-orange-and-purple

Its got the colors I love, and is just super cute!

Art/Craft tool you simply could not live without?

Without a doubt, my sewing machine.

What craft or skill have your always wanted to learn?

Sculpting. I have tried a few times, and failed miserably. I love the amazing things that people can make out of clay.

What artist/craftsperson/design inspires you?

I don’t know if I can name one specific artist that inspires me. I am constantly inspired by the unique people I know and their style. I am definitely drawn to more quirky, whimsical, bright colors, but I also love punk style and the steampunk aesthetic.

Favorite color?

Depends on my mood. Anything bright and bold. Hot pink, bright lime green, turquoise, bright purple, and bold orange. I also love the contrast of bright colors against black or white.

How long have you lived in the Rochester area?

I have only lived in Rochester since May 2010! I grew up in a suburb of Buffalo.

What attracted you to RNEST, and what would you like to bring to table?

I got very excited when I discovered RNEST. I had just moved to Rochester, and didn’t know many people. I wanted to find a group of people that would understand my sometimes insane hording of fabric and old clothes, my love of paint, and the desire to be successful at bringing our creations to others. I am not always sure what I can bring to the table, but I love participating in activities, and I am always willing to help out as best I can.

What do you do when you're not crafting?

In my free time I am addicted to all things fantasy and sci-fi. I watch all sorts of TV shows and movies, and I love to read. Books of all kinds make me happy. Every year I spend labor day weekend in Atlanta Georgia attending DragonCon, which is a huge (and I mean HUGE) sci-fi/fantasy/pop culture convention. I have done some amateur cosplay, but even when I don’t, I love the community and the completely different world I am in when I am there.

Career wise, I am a mental health therapist. I work with children and adolescents, though I am most comfortable with the teenagers. The kids I work with have all sorts of things going on, from ADHD, Bipolar, Depression, Anxiety and many of them have trauma. I love the kids I work with, but I also think that the heavy nature of my day to day job is why I seek out such whimsical styles and fantasy worlds in my outside of work life.

Pets?

I have five. Four cats Malcolm, Bella, Dexter and Squeakers. One dog, a 9 year old Golden retriever named Juno. Dexter is definitely my little sewing… helper. He loves to attack whatever I am trying to sew, lay on my fabric and generally get in the way. He also loves to stick his paws in wet paint, and try to run around the house!

Anything else cool / interesting about yourself that you'd like to talk about?

I think I about covered it!!!

Make-it Mondays : Handmade Envelope

If you have even the slightest flair for crafting and creative endeavors, you (like the rest of the RNESTers) probably have a tendency to hoard cool objects for unknown future projects. In this case, here's an idea for all that sweet paper you have sitting in a drawer.
And it's fast! This took me about 5 minutes.

Handmade Envelope

What you need :
-envelope to use as a template
-decorative / recycled paper
-pen (or pencil)
-scissors
-double sided clear tape (or a glue stick)


1) Open by your store bought envelope by carefully seperating the adhered edges and trace the shape on the envelope onto you decorative paper.


2) Cut out the form of the envelope.


3) Fold the side wing in and use double stick tape to adhere it. Fold to opening flap down as well. And, ta da, a fancy envelope!

Make-It Mondays: Match-bookmarks

I'm back with another tutorial, this time by me (buenahelena). For several months I have been using gutted, vintage matchbooks to make mini notepads. Recently though, I got really excited about another solution for my old matchbooks.....magnetic bookmarks! Naming this product however has been a tongue twister. Should it be Matchbook Bookmarks, Book Matches? Match-bookmarks seemed to work the best. Try making some for yourself!

You will need: Matchbooks, Clear heavy duty packing tape, Popsicle stick, Scissors, Adhesive backed magnet strips.

1. Carefully remove matches from the matchbook and lay it flat on the table.

2. Cut off a piece of packing tape and lay it over the flattened matchbook.

3. Flip it over and lay another piece of tape on the other side.

4. Use the Popsicle stick to press the tape onto the matchbook and remove any air bubbles.

5. Cut off the excess packing tape leaving a 1cm margin around the matchbook.

6. Fold the top/front of the matchbook.

7. Add two magnets: 1 on the inside back and 1 behind the front flap.

Now clip it over the page you're ready to read in your favorite book and keep your place with some vintage style!

Make-it Mondays: Home Baked Crayons

This is a project I have been excited to do for awhile. After teaching Art for a couple years, I have a big box of little Crayola stubs that I couldn't part with. So here is a fun way to reuse them. These make great gifts for small children and a fun art club project as well.

All you need is:

1. Broken, nubby crayons in search of a new home
2. A muffin pan
3. Paper muffin pan liners
4. Oven mitts
5. An oven

1. Divide your crayons by color scheme and peel off any paper. I like staying with analogous and warm or cool color families, but feel free to go crazy!


2. Place paper liners in a muffin pan and fill the cups up with crayon pieces. Most of the gaps will fill in, instead of overflowing.


3. Put your mitts on and the pan in the oven. I preheated my oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit and melt time took about 15 minutes. (Times may vary based on brand, so keep an eye on them!)

4. Once melted, remove the pan and let cool until they have solidified and feel cool to the touch.

5. Remove the crayons from the liners and have fun!

Post project thoughts: When the paper liners are peeled off, it is a good idea to rub down the tops, as the edges have thin, flaky pieces. You could also just leave the liners on the crayons to give them as gifts or even leave them in a cute, thrifted muffin pan that doubles as gift wrap and storage for your home baked crayons. The only downside to that is the tie-die effect isn't revealed until they are taken out of the liners. Side project options could be personalized coloring books/pages...mmmm, another tutorial perhaps?

Trash & Treasures Tuesday: It's Halloween time!

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. I love it all: dressing up, handing out candy and mostly, decorating! Here are some Etsy finds to help you get in the Halloween spirit...

Photo and item from vintagescrapshop

This upcycled dictionary page would be the perfect understated touch to any home decor. I bet it would look cute framed, too!

Photo and item from loda

Cut from a pop can, this little pumpkin pin is too cute.

Photo and item from petitefabrique

If you give Halloween gifts, these spiderweb tags would be a nice finishing touch!

Photo and item from 42things

I bet you could make a super cute fall banner from these upcycled leaves.

Have any good Halloween decorating tips? Find some good items on Etsy? Share 'em in the comments!

Peace & thanks,
Kaitlin

Trash & Treasures: Back to School

Does anyone else get nostalgic this time of year? Makes me want to bust out my Carebear lunchbox and sharpen my number 2 pencil. Sigh. I loved school. Let's see what Etsy has for back to school, Trash & Treasures style.

This cabinet door turned chalkboard would be perfect to jot down your last minute back-to-school-to-dos. Love the pop of aqua and the rustic door handles. Courtesy of halfpintsalvage. 

This journal was created from an old Reader's Digest Novel and is far cuter than the standard sketchbook. Courtesy of RagnazIdnar. I also love the nod to library books inside...

Cute!

When I was younger, I loved watching Charlie's Angels reruns. My mom was always on the lookout for this very lunchbox when she would go thrifting. Such a good momma. And here it is! Etsy is amazing. I'm this close to buying it. Courtesy of TeaPotHollow.

Anything that made going back to school fun for you? Any good finds on Etsy? Leave 'em in the comments!

Peace & thanks,
Kaitlin

Trash & Treasures Tuesday: Quick Hit

Hi all! This weekend was a little crazy, so I didn't get to the project I had in mind to share.... instead, I thought I'd share an amazing upcycle project I found on one of my favorite blogs, How About Orange.

From everyday newspaper to one-of-a-kind gift bag:

Photo courtesy of How About Orange.

This tutorial, like all of HAO's tutorials, is easy to follow and fun! Check this project out and some of HAO's other awesome upcycle projects.

Have a happy week!

Peace & thanks,
Kaitlin

Trash & Treasures Tuesday: Ideas for a Summer Party

Buying a new home means many sweet friends and family members will want to check out your new digs. We've decided to have an all-day, come for as long as you like, outside on the deck, enjoy some treats, housewarming party. I've been poking around Etsy for some ideas... here are a few of my favorites.

These upcycled glass jars with chalkboard fronts are perfect for some extra lighting in the evenings, or for some citronella candles to keep the buggies away. Courtesy of BragginBags.

I adore these coasters, made from upcycled wallpaper samples. They are even New York themed. Love! Courtesy of Burlap+Blue.

This vintage inspired pedestal is perfect for some summer desserts. Made from a candlestick and a plate - simple but so smart! Courtesy of Burlap+Blue, again!

I'm a sucker for garland. This cute set is made from repurposed fabrics and would be perfect on my deck! Courtesy of Green Hot Mama.

Any green tips for having a summer gathering? Leave 'em in the comments!

Peace & thanks,
Kaitlin

Make-it Mondays: Vintage Matchbook Notepads

Happy Memorial Day, from Buenahelena, everyone! We haven't done a tutorial in awhile, so here goes:

Matchbooks have become highly collectible because of their size, affordable price and nostalgic illustrations. The box I bought at the flea market last week range from ads for coca-cola to auto dealerships to to fancy hotels. They are also becoming rarer. With new smoking laws, like we have in New York state, the freebie matchbook at the bar or hotel lobby are slowly going the way of the payphone.

Once the matches are removed and paper added they make handy places to jot quick notes and lists throughout the day.

TUTORIAL:

Step 1: Empty out your matchbooks and gather paper, a ruler, x-acto knife and staples. I'm into graph paper right now and decided to try out some colored staples.

Step 2: Measure the matchbook to figure out the dimensions of the paper for the notepad. The space where the paper should fit is 1.5 "x 2". Cut the paper a little shorter, so the matchbook can fold over it easily. I measured out 1.5"x1.75" rectangles on my graph paper.

Step 3: Cut and separate your paper into stacks of 12 sheets. (Too many more and it becomes hard to staple.) Lay the stack into the bottom fold of the matchbook and staple high enough to catch the paper, but low enough so the opening flap of the matchbook can still be tucked in.

SO EASY!

Bonus Ideas:

1. Try different kinds of paper; handmade, lined etc...
2. Many matchbook come with illustrations or writing on the inside. If some don't you can stamp words inside; to do list, books to read etc...
3. Use the matchbook as template to create matchbook notepads from new paper in different sizes.

**Advice**: Vintage matchbooks can be brittle depending on age. It may be wise to reinforce corners with clear tape or spray seal the matchbooks while they are flat.

Trash & Treasures Tuesday: Lilac Inspiration

The Lilac Festival is one of Rochester's best events; there's everything from music and food to beautiful flowers and arts and crafts. While I'm planning on visiting this week, I wasn't able to see the arts and craft show this past weekend due to work obligations. So for this week, some lilac inspiration courtesy of Etsy!

First up is an amazing mobile from RNEST's very own creative.hodge.podge.

Sarah took cardstock, fishing line, a dowel and washers and reinvented them into a cute mobile. I love her unique style of upcycling (especially those books!) and for $12, it's a steal!

While these too-cute-truffles aren't upcycled, repurposed or vintage, they are definitely a treasure!

Made by RNEST's Duncan Creative, I just couldn't resist.

I've been seeing a lot of paper beads on Etsy and in stores (like Rochester's One World Goods), and these purple finds by Miss Woo Goo are just waiting for someone to scoop them up.

And last but not least, something lilac-inspired for your hair, thanks to DollfaceDeVille.

Made from upcycled t-shirts and recycled bottles, this hair clip is eco-friendly and cute.

Any lilac finds you'd like to share? Any upcycle projects you've tackled lately? Leave 'em in the comments!

Peace & thanks,
Kaitlin

Jack's Pick: Upcycled Quilted Denim Bowl by The Quilted House

Each Friday I select an item created by a member of the Rochester NY Etsy Street Team(RNEST). What criteria do I use? I look for great looking items that I think are well made offered for a great price!

Upcycling. What does that mean? According to Wikipedia, Upcycling is: the process of converting waste materials or useless products into new materials or products of better quality or a higher environmental value.

The Quilted House has taken some old legs of a pair of discarded cut-off black jeans, and some reclaimed read and black floral cotton fabric to make a wonderful quilted bowl. That doesn't sound like much, but look closely at the pictures. Can you see old black jeans? Not me!!!

I saw these bowls in person at the Mayday Underground Arts + Craft show, and I was very impressed by the workmanship. Michelle of The Quilted Shop does an incredible job, and I still can't quite figure out how these bowls keep the scalloped shape so well.

Notice how you can reverse them inside out and they keep that shape? That is quality. And $12. Are you kidding me, look at the stitching, this is a real bargain in my opinion.

Don't miss the nice picture of Michelle working in her quilting room from the article in the Democrat and Chronicle this week!

Trash & Treasures Tuesday: RNEST Upcycles

I mentioned last week I've really been into upcycling lately; many hours have been spent looking through Etsy's listings of all things upcycled. And, our RNEST team has some pretty great listings! Here are two of my favorite upcycled treasures posted by two creative RNEST artists, Buenahelena and Creative.Hodge.Podge.

Cigar box perpetual calendar by Creative.Hodge.Podge. Sarah has repurposed a vintage cigar box, wooden blocks and cardboard into a one-of-a-kind calendar. The numbers can be arranged for each month and can be used for years to come. So creative and clever. 

I have been Etsy stalking these earrings for a little while now. How sweet are they? Primavera Button Earrings by Buenahelena. Carol repurposed an embroidered vintage hankie into a pair of earrings. She has a few other sets of these cute earrings in her shop, so head over there quick (before I buy them all!).

So, from cigar box to calendar and hankie to earrings, these items have a new life thanks to some creativity and inventiveness by two very resourceful artists.

I've been tinkering around with some washers lately, so hopefully by next week I'll have something fun to share of my own.

Peace & thanks,
Kaitlin

Trash & Treasures Tuesday: Hello!

Welcome to our first installment of Trash & Treasure Tuesday! I’m very happy to be blogging for the fabulous RNEST team (of which I’m a proud member). First, a little about what ‘T & T’ will be about from week to week.

I recently bought a pair of earrings made from old typewriter keys. They caught my eye as a lover of books and words and stories (and because they are super sweet). When they arrived, I was amazed at the quality of craftsmanship. It seemed sad to think of all those discarded typewriter keys…. if only they knew they could be fabulous earrings, too.

 Bought from KeysandMemories.

This perked my interest in creating something new from something old. I know, I’m a little late on the whole ‘upcycle’ bandwagon, but still, it’s awesome. And, it’s everywhere! Etsy is full of talented artists and crafters repurposing the old into the new.

I’m also a lover of anything and everything vintage; scouring thrift stores and antique shops is a favorite pastime.

So ‘T & T’ will be a combination of all of that – upcyling, repurposing, finds on Etsy, finds in vintage stores, RNEST artist features, things I want to try, things I've tried, things I've made, things that inspire me… and probably lots more. I’m pretty new to Etsy, so we’ll dive in together.

Peace & thanks,
Kaitlin

If you'd like to know a little more about me, please visit my blog and/or my Etsy shop.

Make- it Mondays: Tea Cup Candles

From: Buenahelena

Happy Monday everyone! Let's have a little upcycling fun. I'm a sucker for thrift stores, flea markets and estate sales and one of the things I love to hunt for are cups. From souvenir shot glasses to silly mugs I've gathered a wide collection, so now what to do...

Option #1: The Tea Cup Candle


Materials you'll need:

• a variety of tea cups, mugs, martini glasses, whatever...
• microwaveable soywax
• a large microwavable plastic mixing bowl, preferably with a spout
• a variety of candle wicks with metal bases
• a small pin or needle
• scented oils and food coloring (optional)

Steps:

1. Clean and dry all of your cups. Who knows where, or who they used to live with.
2. Check the heights of your wicks to the cups. You'll want to use a wick that peaks slightly above the lip line of your cup.
3. Glue the metal base of the wick to the bottom of the cup. I use E-6000 glue for a solid hold.
4. Empty soywax into the mixing bowl and heat for 2 minutes or until completely melted.
5. Pour the melted soywax into your cup slowly, leaving about 1/4 " of space from the lip.
6. Place a flat support, this could be a butter knife or a chopstick, over the top of the cup to support the wax from bending or slanting to one side.
7. Use a needle to poke a few small holes into the wax while it cools re-hardens. This allows bubbles to escape and keep the surface of the wax smooth.
8. (Optional) While the soywax is still melted in the mixing bowl, add a couple drops of scented oil and food coloring and mix.

These candles make awesome gifts, especially for Valentines Day when you want a little sumpthin'-sumpthin' lighting. There are as many styles to choose from as you are willing to rummage for. I've found great 1960's, mod coffee mugs for $.50 and fine bone china cups for up to $7.00.


** I recommend using soywax in this tutorial although paraffin is also okay. They pro's of soy are that it is vegan, burns slower and cleaner than paraffin and burns completely. It's super easy to clean it out of the cups with some soap and water when your done so they can go to other uses.**