Crafter in The Spotlight 46 - Itsy Bitsy

Thursday is here again. It’s time to introduce our ‘Crafter in the Spotlight’. This week the focus is on Akanksha Sharma from the Pink city, Jaipur but now she lives in Bangalore.  The relation between Akanksha and craft goes a long way. The colourful handicrafts of Rajasthan were her first attraction towards craft and later in life she chose to pursue craft as a career.

Like most crafters Akanksha likes experimenting with different kinds of craft. Playing around with clay and making new things is one of her favourites.

How did Akanksha get into crafting, what inspires her, what are her tips for fellow crafters, her favourite quote, how would she contribute to the crafting world if she had magical powers? Read answers to all these questions, discover more about her interesting journey and catch a glimpse of a step by step project by Akanksha in this interview. Don't forget to leave your comments for her.

Rashmi Closepet, MD, Itsy Bitsy: Tell us a bit about yourself & your background?

Akanksha Sharma: Hi, I am Akanksha. I am born and brought up in Jaipur. Now, I live in Bangalore with my husband. I am an engineer but I have always been interested in art and craft. After finishing my engineering, I started working in an IT firm but my heart remained with art. After trying hard to juggle my time between work and hobby for five years, I decided to pursue craft as a career. I am now running a small venture of making hand crafted goodies.

RC:How did you get into crafting?

AS:Growing up in Rajasthan, I used to find myself attracted to the colorful handicraft that I saw everywhere around me. I think that is where the fascination started. I started sketching and coloring in school and used to love the art class as a kid. In my school days, I participated in many competitions and loved playing with colors and got great satisfaction when people liked my craft. This became a lifelong passion. I started finding it difficult to grab time for this passion when I started working. I finally decided to take up craft as a career in May 2016.

RC:What is your favorite type of craft?

AS:I have fallen in love with clay modeling these days. I like making fridge magnets,name plates, photo frames and décor items with clay. I also love glass painting and decoupage.I always try to combine these elements together to create something unique.

RC:What are your favorite products at Itsy Bitsy?

AS:I love jute twine, burlap, handmade paper, polymer clay, flower embellishments and decoupage napkins that I can find at Itsy Bitsy. I also love the sculpting tools that are so difficult to find elsewhere.

RC:If you had magic powers, how would you contribute to the Crafting world?

AS:I think every crafter already has magic powers in his/her hands and creativity. We can contribute by learning and sharing our knowledge.

RC: Your prized possession in your craft stash from Itsy Bitsy?

AS: Handmade jute sheets and sculpting tools.

RC:How would you describe your style of crafting?

AS: I tend to like colorful stuff. My style is experimental. I like to try and learn new things by experimenting.

RC: How do you organize your time for crafting?

AS:I spend most of my time crafting and try to manage all my other responsibilities around it.

RC:Tips for people who want to craft

AS:You should put your heart into it without any inhibitions or fear. It is also important to share this passion with others as the appreciation acts as a huge motivation. Today, we can find lots of videos and blogs that help us learn. It is very important to find time for something you love and to keep doing it.

RC:Your all -time favourite quote?

AS:Be yourself, but your best self.

Here is a gorgeous project by Akanksha & step by step procedure:

Travel Themed Name Plate

Materials Required:

-         For Base: Wooden plank- MDF( 6 inches X 12 inches), Decoupage Glue (Mod Podge), Decoupage Brush, Decoupage Paper/ napkin, Sand paper

-         For Embellishments- Polymer Clay, Oil Paint, Acrylic Paint

Instructions:

For base:

1. Prepare surface: Make sure the MDF surface and free of dust to get a smooth finish.

2. Select the Decoupage Paper according to the theme.

3. Glue the paper using Mod Podge and sponge brush, smooth out any wrinkles and wipe away any excess glue.

For Embellishments:

Select the embellishments you want to make, based on your theme.

1.  Mix oil paint of different colors with clay balls.

2.   Use clay balls of different colours, sculpting tools and your creative mind to make the embellishments- Figurines, Taj Mahal, Camera, Burger, Chocolates, Books, Wine Glasses, Singapore Lion

3.   Use acrylic paints, dotting and sculpting tools for finish.

4.   Bake the embellishments as per instructions on polymer clay packet.

5.   Stick them on the base using Fevicol as per required design .

6.   Write the names with air dry clay.

7.   Let it dry and paint the letters with acrylic colours.

8.   Varnish the name plate once and dry again. Varnish adds gloss and also enhances life of the creation.

You are done! Happy Crafting!

Here are a couple of  Akanksha's other awesome creations:

1  Wall decor made with canvas board, air dry clay, polymer clay, oil colours, acrylic colours, clay modelling tools, paint brushes

Photo frame made with MDF base, guitar magnet, handmade flower, polymer clay, colours, jute sheets, twine, glass liner for message and more.

Nameplate made with MDF base, air dry clay, polymer clay, oil colours, acrylic colours, clay modelling tools, paint brushes.

Baby photo frame made with handmade yellow sheet, baby clay embellishments, polymer clay, clay modelling tools, paint brushes.

Many congrats Akanksha for being the CRAFTER IN THE SPOTLIGHT – ITSY BITSY!!

You will receive Rs.500/- Itsy Bitsy gift voucher 😊😊 & a Crafter in the Spotlight badge, which can be proudly displayed on the side bar of your blog and other platforms. Looking forward to many more creations, Happy Crafting!

Deco Decor

Hi,
Gopi here and I'm back with Decoupage my new obsession...
Decoupage can be done on a large variety of surfaces like wood, glass, metal, fabric, etc etc.... It is one of the way to alter things and also one of the way to create beautiful Home Decor articles.
Today's post is about creating some home decor articles... All the articles created are out of a single piece of decoupage napkin.
So let's get started....

Altered Wine Bottle

To begin with, I submerge the wine bottle in hot water for few hours and then scrubbed the label off it making sure no residues are left.

There after I selected my decoupage napkin and accordingly selected the base colour for the wine bottle. I have used Zebra stripes and white gesso. Apply 2 coats of white gesso making sure each layer of gesso dries perfectly well before the next coat.

Next I gave 2 coats of Itsy Bitsy's Decoupage Glue Matte using a wash brush again making sure each layer was dried well before the next one.

Then I cut the decoupage napkin to a desired size and peeled off the top ply. Using a damp sponge slowly started adhering the napkin to the bottle.

For the neck and bottom of the bottle I have wound the White Twisted cord .

At last I carefully applied 2 more coats of decoupage glue, only on the napkin, to finally seal it.

Then using the brick stencil and Modelling paste I gave a texture on the napkin area. Finally, I embellished the bottle using white lace, adhesive pearls and Blanche Carnation flower collection.

Pillar Candle

Decoupage on candles is very easy and fast but tricky too. Firstly out of the remaining piece I cut the decoupage napkin to the desired size. Candle decoupage is easy and fast as there are not coats of glue to be applied. Using a heat gun I started adhering the napkin to the candle. Now comes the tricky part. The heat from the heat gun has to be maintained otherwise the candle will start deforming. So I started by heating a particular patch. The moment the wax melts the napkin changes colour as being wet. Thats when with my finger I rub the napkin to fix it with the melting wax. Keep doing this in small patches till the entire napkin is adhered.

See the colour difference at the bottom part of the candle

Once the candle is covered with the napkin I embellished it with white twisted cord, white lace, adhesive pearls and Blanche Carnation flower collection.

And the candle is ready...

Canvas

The last article to this home decor set is a Canvas.

To start with I gave a generous coat of gesso to the canves and let dry.

Meanwhile, using the newly released Lamour paper pack I created the center part of the canvas. Using a wet paint brush I outlined the patch. Use good amount of water and let it seep into the paper. Then start tearing from the wet edges. This will give a fibrous edge which will help in merging the piece to the canvas well

Once this was done I applied 2 coats of Decoupage glue. After the glue was completely dry, I adhered the remaining pieces of the decoupage napkin to the canvas as desired with the help of a damp sponge. Then applied the same glue on the back of the pattern paper and stuck it in the center of the canvas.

Finally applied a generous coat of decoupage glue to the entire canvas to seal the napkin and center patch. Don't worry about any air bubble forming. it will settle on dry.

Once the entire canvas was dry I gave it a texture using the brick stencil and Modelling paste. 

At last I embellished it with white twisted cord, white lace, adhesive pearls and Blanche Carnation flower collection.

Thats how the entire home decor set was created!!!

For some more decoupage inspirations you can check my previous post here.

Hope u had the same fun reading this long post as much as I had creating these articles.

Supplies Used:

1. Wine Bottle, Pillar Candle (from my Stash)

2. Canvas

3. Decoupage Napkin Zebra stripes

4. White gesso

5. Brick stencil

6. Modelling paste

7. White Twisted Cord

8. White Lace

9. Adhesive pearls

10. Blanche Carnation flower collection

11. L'amour Paper Pack

12. Decoupage Glue Matte

13. Wash brush

14. Heat Gun

And the final click...

 Happy crafting!!!

ITSY BITSY CHALLENGE#3-2016

Hello Crafters!

Good morning & welcome again!

This is Tanvi, here to announce the last challenge of 2016. As always it is ANYTHING GOES using Itsy Bitsy Color Splash Sprays

Here are some guidelines to participate. Simple & easy to follow - 

ITSY BITSY CHALLENGE#3-2016

Theme - Anything Goes using Color Splash Sprays

1. Submission can be a card, box, tag, scrapbook layout, decoupage, altered art, home decor - anything as long as it is handmade and complies with the theme.
2. Please follow our blog to be eligible.
3. Turn off word verification to enable us to leave comments.
4. Entries can be submitted until 25th of each month. 
5. In order to submit your entry, click on the inlinkz button provided at the end of this post, add your image and link to your blog post containing the submission.
6. Each participant can submit a maximum of 3 entries. Please add numbers 1,2,3 while submitting multiple entries.
7. Please link to your post and not just your blog.
8. In your blog post, create a link back to this page. 
9. Only projects posted during the Challenge period are eligible (no backlinking).
10. Entries are welcome from all over the world however if you are the winner, we can only ship your prize to an Indian address.
11. If you don't have a blog and want to add your creation on Facebook, please upload it on our FB group page Itsy Bitsy Crafter's Cafe with the hashtag - #itsybitsychallenge316 & add the link here.
12. TWO winners will be picked through random.org who will each receive a voucher of Rs.500 , redeemable online at www.itsybitsy.in. Top 3 will be selected by the DT.
13. You may link up with upto 10 challenges including ours.

In my previous post here I used the Highland Greetings paper pack. My post today too focuses on papers. As crafters we all have different needs wrt the thickness of papers, patterns, colors & so on. A cardmaker may like a print on a decoupage paper & vice versa! Keeping this in mind Itsy Bitsy has introduced the same prints in 3 different qualities to suit the needs of all! Isn't that wonderful???

I will be using all the different Chevron Aquarelle papers in my post today.

 Let me warn you today's post is lengthy & picture heavy with loads of project!

CHEVRON AQUARELLE PAPER PACK (linen papers)

These are 12x12papers  priced at Rs.200 for a pack of 12 sheets This gorgeous paper pack is brought to you by Little Birdie. These fine quality linen papers are exquisite, classy and available in 6 colors. These papers are acid free too, perfect for scrapbooking, card making, banner making, DIY and other creative projects.

We are in the last month of 2016. Each year I make a calendar for my craft studio.  Sharing the 2017 calendar I made using the whitewash alterable photoframe. On the sides of the frame I used the chevron decoupage paper (will talk about this is detail in a while). Splashes & splatters of the berry blast color sprays added some drama to the monochrome colors, Stencils & modelling paste some textures! Embellished the front with pearls, diecuts & flowers.

          

Some closeups  

                                      

                                              

Glued a small wooden cloth pin to hold some notes & reminders!

                               

For the calendars months I have used all the 12 papers in the pack! A new look every month!

                               

DECOUPAGE PAPERS 

My next project uses decoupage papers from the Chevron Aquarelle Range. This paper is available in all the 12 prints I have used in the calendar. Sold as individual sheets at Rs.20, this 60 gsm paper is perfect & a must have for decoupage lovers! Wait until I share my decoupage project!

I first prepared my decoupage base by priming it with two coats of gesso, followed by dabbing several shades of acrylic colors to match uneven shades in the paper print.  I was very happy with the outcome! Later I trimmed the paper to size & decoupaged it on the base.

Added some stenciling in a darker shade for some added texture & layers!

CARD STOCK  CHEVRON AQUARELLE

Finally I am sharing a few cards I made using the card stock range of Chevron Aquarelle papers. Once again sold as single sheets of 12x12 in all the 12 designs, these are 250gsm papers, so perfect to use as a card base!

What I like about the cheron aquarelle range is the prints are so busy & colors so soothing & subtle creating a faux layered & textured look. 

This set of cards is simple & yet has so many details  die cuts, frame, stencil texture & don't miss the heat embossing on acetate!

This brings us to the end of this post. Remember you have until December 25th, 2016 to link up your entries!

 Do visit us again as we bring you loads of inspiration using Color Splash sprays.

Hugs,

Tanvi

Supplies used - 

Mont Marte dimensional paints 

Flexible knife

Handmade flowers

Silicon glue

Stencil

ColorSplash Sprays

Distress inks

Embossing powder

Stamps

Modelling paste

Versamark ink

Foam tape

Black card stock

Vellum 

Heat gun

Thinlits die set

Chevron Aquarelle

whitewash alterable photoframe

decoupage papers

card stock range of Chevron Aquarelle papers

wooden cloth pin

hemp cord

LINK YOUR ENTRIES HERE

An InLinkz Link-up

Decoupage & Resin

Hi friends, Gopi here after a long time. Hope u guys are doing great...
These days I'm super addicted to decoupage. Decoupage not only helps to create beautiful home decor items but is also useful to re-cycle old items likes vases, furniture, crockery, etc.
Today I'll be showing you how to decoupage wooden articles and then sealing & giving a final touch to it using Craft Resin.

Let's get started...

I will be using Wooden decorable coasters & serving tray.

Coasters

1. To start with, sand the coasters using a fine sand paper (readily available at any local paint store) to smooth the surface and edges.
2. Then give a generous coat of white gesso using a wash brush. Let this coat dry well (for about 4 hrs) and then give a second coat of white gesso, this time using the sponge daubers.

3. Next step is to select the Decoupage Napkins. I will be using Oriental Art.
4. To give a soothing contrast, I will paint the sides and the bottom of the coasters with baby pink gesso using sponge daubers. To make baby pink gesso, mix white gesso and Pearlised metallic paint - Carnation Pink. 

5. Next is to get the Decoupage napkin ready. Cut it slightly bigger than the required size from all sides. These napkins usually come as 2 ply or 3 ply. For decoupage we just need the top most printed ply. So once cut to size, peel off the unwanted ply.

6. Next apply a coat of Decoupage Glue - Matt to the top side of the coaster using a flat brush. Make sure the glue is applied well at the edges & corners.

7. While the glue is still wet carefully lay the napkin making sure no air bubbles are formed inside.

8. Now again apply a coat of decoupage glue, this time generously and carefully not tearing off the napkin. Let this dry overnight.

9. The next day once the glue is dry tear off the extra napkins at the edges using the sand paper. Now the coasters are ready for final touch of resin.

10. Using Silicon glue stick flat pearls(used from my stash) around the edge. Then wrap washi tape around the sides of the coaster. this will stop the resin from flowing down the edges.

11. While the silicon glue is drying lets prepare the Resin. I have used the fantastic transparent Craft Resin. The Itsy Bitsy's resin & hardener pack should be used in a 1:1 proportion.
I always prefer using disposable glasses to measure the resin & hardener and mix then in a disposable container. Use a popsicle to prepare the mixture. You can either prepare the mixture for 1 coaster at a time or all together. If all together the make sure you are quick enough to pour it.

12. Gently mix the resin & hardener using a Popsicle stick. This will prevent forming of air bubbles. Now using a disposable spoon start pouring the resin equally on all the coasters and spread it to the edges using the stick.

As visible here the coasters are placed elevated so any resin flowing out will not make coasters stick to the bottom.

Don't worry about any air bubbles formed while pouring the resin. They will eventually burst.

Let the resin cure overnight. 

Tadaa....

The coasters are ready.

See the clarity...

Check the glaze...

Finally paint the edges with Carnation pink.

Serving Tray

Repeat step 1 & 2.

3. For the serving tray I will be using Vintage Roses decoupage napkin.
4. To give a soothing contrast, I will paint the sides (in & out) and the bottom of the the tray with baby pink gesso using sponge daubers. To make baby pink gesso, mix white gesso and Pearlised metallic paint - Carnation Pink.

To protect the bottom white from staining, cover the sides using 1 inch masking tape. Once the colour dries remove the tapes.

5. For the serving tray I'm using a different technique of decoupage. Apply a generous coat of Decoupage glue - Matt and let it dry. Once completely dry, apply second coat. Second coat will help cover up any spots missed in the first coat or glue. Again let it dry, this time overnight.

6. Now cut the exact size of the napkin unlike the coasters. Lay it within the serving tray and using wet sponge (just wet, not dripping water) gently press the napkin to the base. Decoupage glue being PVA glue reactivates when in contact with water and turns sticky. This will help the napkin to stick to the base. Let this complete dry

7. After the napkin is dry apply a generous coat of Decoupage glue and let it dry overnight. 

8. The next day, once the glue is dry start preparing the resin & hardener mixture same way as shown above. Pour it directly and by tilting the tray spread it across the base. Let it cure overnight.

Look at the glaze and clarity after the resin cures.

9. For the outer side I will be using Cake decorating stencil - Flourishes and modelling paste. I mixed Pearlised metallic paint - Mint to the modelling paste and using palette knife stenciled it on the tray. Let it air dry for around 4 hrs.

 To give a final touch paint the top edge & handle holes with Pearlised metallic paint - Mint.

Tadaa....

The serving tray is ready...

Few things to keep in mind while working with Resin

1. Prefer to use disposable measuring cups, containers & spoons.

2. For every mix prepared use new containers.

3. Prefer to wear disposable gloves will working.

4. Always read the instructions and ratio before preparing. Every manufacturer has different Resin : Hardener Ration. For Itsy Bitsy Resin it is 1:1.

5. If you have resin on your hands, then wash it with Utensils Detergent Cake. Use the detergent generously.

6. While drying the resin make sure the article lays absolutely flat. A slight tilt with make the resin flow that side and dry tilt.

7. While drying the resin prefer to keep the article in a place dust free otherwise a layer of dust will lay over resin and kill the clarity.

8. Lastly by any chance if u find fumes & bubbles forming or resin getting too much heated, pls dont use it. Either the propertion is wrong or the product is too old.

The serving tray and coasters made can be cleaned using wet cloth but not under running water.

And the Final look...

I hope after this post you too will be addicted to Decoupage...

Happy Decoupaging!!!

Supplies Used:

1. Wooden decorable coasters

2. Wooden decorable serving tray

3. White gesso

4. Modelling paste

5. Pearlised metallic paint - Carnation Pink

6. Pearlised metallic paint - Mint

7. Decoupage Napkin -  Vintage Roses

8. Decoupage Napkin - Oriental Art

9. Transparent Craft Resin

10. Decoupage Glue - Matt

11. Cake decorating stencil - Flourishes

12. Palette knife

13. 1 inch masking tape

14. Silicon glue

15. Washi tape

16. Flat brush.

17. Wash brush

18. Sponge daubers