Crafter in The Spotlight 56 - Itsy Bitsy

Hello arty-crafty folks,

It’s Thursday and as usual I’m back to share another crafter’s story with you. This week the talented Crafter to be in the ‘Spotlight’ is Shefali Agrawal, who originally belongs to Rajasthan but now is a resident of Bangalore.

Shefali is a true crafter at heart as she not only loves crafting but also enjoys shopping for craft supplies. What was earlier summer holiday fervor, turned recently into serious crafting passion for Shefali. She adores the art of decoupage and is also keen to try out different card making styles.

How did Shefali 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 Shefali 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?

Shefali Agrawal:  Hi, I am Shefali. I am from Beawar, Rajasthan, but I am staying in Bangalore for last 3 years. I am a software engineer by profession and a crafter at heart! I also love reading, travelling and shopping, especially for craft supplies.

RC: How did you get into crafting?

SA: I used to do a lot of art and craft during school summer holidays- like painting, ceramic clay work, up-cycling stuff etc. I got into serious crafting a year and a half back when I attended a stained glass mosaic workshop in Bangalore. That inspired me to try out other forms of crafting as well.

RC: What is your favourite type of craft?

SA:  I love decoupage. I am also trying my hands at card making.

RC: What are your favourite products at Itsy Bitsy?

SA: All the lovely stamp sets and the chalk paints.

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

SA:  I would definitely create infinite storage space for crafters. I am always looking for space to store new supplies and searching for the ones I know I have kept somewhere J So, I guess, creating huge storage space for crafters would make them utterly happy!!

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

SA:  Chalk Paints and Shaker elements.

RC:  How would you describe your style of crafting?

SA:  Whimsical. I like to try out whatever catches my fancy at that time and I am always looking for new things to learn.

RC: How do you organize your time for crafting?

SA: During the weekdays, it’s mostly in the evenings after work. Even I don’t have time to create something, I love to sit and watch videos of my favorite crafters on YouTube. On weekends I spend most of my time crafting J

RC: Tips for people who want to craft

SA: I would suggest that you don’t wait for something to strike your fancy. Start small if you will!! Make time for it as you can and keep trying.

RC: Your all -time favourite quote?

SA: “One day, or day one. You decide!”

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

Shaker Grid card using Happy Bird-day clear stamps set

Step 1: Take a white cardstock and draw a grid on it.

Step 2: Use a pair of scissors or a craft knife to cut out the inner squares to get a grid frame like this. I created two grid frames like this. In case you have a grid die, you can use that to combine step 1 & 2.

Step 3: Take the Clear Stamps - Happy Bird-Day stamp set from Itsy Bitsy and stamp 2-3 images of all the birds on a white card stock. Then color the images and cut them out. Also stamp and cut the happy bird-day sentiment from the stamp set.

Step 4: Cut out a background for the card. I used the green paper from chevron in Aquarelle cardstock and cut it slightly larger than the grid.

Step 5: Now its time to assemble the shaker card. I stuck one of the grids on the green base, and added double sided tape on it. Then I used some scrapbooking glue and used it to stick some bigger shaker elements to the base of the card.

Step 6: Next I added shaker elements from Shaker Sprinkles in red, green and silver and sealed them off using a piece of acrylic sheet slightly smaller than the grid window size.

Step 7: I used the other grid cutout to finalize the placement of the little birds on the card.

Step 8: I used some double sided tacky tape to stick this window on top of the acrylic sheet and then used foam dots to stick the little birds on top of that. Foam dots provide a nice raised look to the cut outs and I love the effect. At the last minute I also remembered to make space for the sentiment banner and added that as well.

Close up shots of the card:

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

Many congrats  Shefali 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!

Crafter in The Spotlight 48- Itsy Bitsy

Hello arty-crafty folks,

It’s Thursday, time to introduce another talented crafter and her story. This week’s Crafter in the Spotlight is Vasanthi Nayak, an architect by profession and a resident of Bangalore.

Vasanthi had interest in art and craft from her schooldays which later turned into her hobby. Altering and up-cycling things were among the favourite craft projects done by Vasanthi. Slowly she ventured into other craft styles and was always motivated by her sister, who also introduced her to Itsy Bitsy.

How did Vasanthi 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? Do visit our blog to find answers to all these questions, discover more about her interesting journey and catch a glimpse of a step by step project by Vasanthi in this interview. Do encourage your fellow crafter by leaving some love & comments for her.

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

Vasanthi Nayak:  Hi, I am Vasanthi. I am basically from Udupi, Karnataka but after marriage I am settled in Bangalore. I am an Architect by Profession. I always wanted to get into the creative field. Even in my school days I was good with drawings, sketching and crafts. It gives me immense pleasure to design and create beautiful pieces of art. I am also fond of photography.

RC:How did you get into crafting?

VN: Initially crafting was just a hobby. Whenever I was free, I used to try and make simple and useful crafts as I love up-cycled crafts. I used whatever available at home like chocolate boxes, bottles and jars, cereal box, plastic containers etc. My sister who is also a craft lover supported and appreciated my creations and also introduced me to Itsy Bitsy. Slowly I started exploring different forms of crafting inspired by my fellow crafters on facebook and also started learning from online tutorials. I tried altered projects, MDF boxes, paintings, fridge magnets, altered wine bottles, party décor, photo albums, journals, scrapbook, decoupage etc., as I love to learn and explore different type of crafts.

RC:What is your favourite type of craft?

VN: I make different types and styles but my personal favourite is vintage and up-cycled crafts and altered MDF boxes.

RC:What are your favourite products at Itsy Bitsy?

VN:  I love the wide range of craft supplies at Itsy Bitsy but my favourites are burlap sheets, vintage papers, chalk paints, embellishments, chip board shapes

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

VN: If I had magical powers, I would just think of all the awesome craft supplies in the world and it would appear in front of me so that I could make more awesome craft projects! I wouldn’t mind distributing them to my crafter friends because no one ever says …‘I have enough craft supplies’, right guys?? J

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

VN: My prized possession from Itsy Bitsy would be chalk paints, vintage papers and burlap sheets.

RC: How would you describe your style of crafting?

VN: I make all types of crafts but my favourite would be vintage style, and up-cycled crafts.

RC: How do you organize your time for crafting?

VN: I generally set targets. Within a particular time I need to complete a certain amount of work. I usually craft 3 to 4 hours a day, when I am free.

RC:Tips for people who want to craft

VN: I would like to tell new crafters that do not hesitate or even think that what you have crafted is not so good or that, you won’t be able to make as good as others. Always give it a try and learn from tutorials available online. Just start with simple crafts and explore more because everyone is unique and have their own style.

RC:Your all -time favourite quote?

VN: The ‘EARTH’ without ‘ART’ is just ‘EH’!

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

I thought of doing a step by step tutorial for a simple party banner, so that for your next in house party you can make your own banners! I have made a Bon Voyage banner, you can make similar birthday banner also.

Things you will need to make the banner

Card stock of any colour (I have used black)

A beautiful pattern paper of your choice

A thin satin ribbon

A punching machine to punch holes

Chalk paint of your choice of colour (available at Itsy Bitsy)

Mdf alphabets (available at Itsy Bitsy) can also use chip board alphabets or foam alphabets instead.

Paint brush no 12 from Itsy Bitsy, can use any similar brush

Silicon glue and craft glue from Itsy Bitsy

Cute embellishments to go with the theme from Itsy Bitsy.

Step one

Cut the black card stock into 5”x5” squares. Also cut the pattern paper 4.8”x4.8”squares.Cut as many numbers required. I made 10 each for ‘Bon Voyage’. I have also counted the space between the words as one square.

Step 2

Stick the cut pattern papers on the square cardstocks using craft glue. Make sure you get equal black borders on the sides. Do the same for all 10 pieces.

Step 3.

Now punch holes with the help of a double punch machine in each square. Two equidistant holes in each.

Step 4.

Now slide in a matching, thin satin ribbon through the puched holes. Make big knots on both the sides of the banner so they don’t come off the ribbon.

Step 5

Paint the Mdf alphabets using chalk paint. Do not dilute it the paint. I have used sailing sky chalk paint from Itsy Bitsy which is a nice Teal colour. Let it dry for some time. It dries soon.

Step 6.

Stick the alphabets on the banner in order using silicon glue. Don’t forget to leave the space between two words blank.

Step 7

In the blank square you can add embellishments to go with the theme. I have used an Eiffel tower sticker and hearts from itsy bitsy.If you are making a birthday banner you can use birthday stickers.

And the banner is ready! Wasn’t that simple.

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

 Handmade Mdf watch box decorated with vintage papers,metal charms, mdf shapes etc. Music and travel theme.

Photo frame using burlap sheets and jute alphabets, texture paper and heart embellishments from itsy bitsy.

Handmade Mdf jewellery box.Floral theme using floral pattern papers,lace,flower embellishments.

Handmade mdf watch box- bike theme.used vintage papers and chipboard gears,clocks,corrugated sheet,distress ink etc.

Many congrats Vasanthi 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!

Crafter in The Spotlight 45 - Itsy Bitsy

Hello arty-crafty folks,

It’s Thursday and time for me to introduce you to a talented crafter and her amazing craft skills. This week’s chosen one is Ashwini Vinayraj, a B.E in Computer science from DSCE, Bangalore.

Ashwini is a seasoned crafter and has been pursuing her craft passion for many years.  Art and craft gives her enormous joy and she is also a certified decoupage instructor from Bangkok. Some of Ashwini’s specialities are Tanjore painting and creations with water colours, which she is pursuing for twelve years.

How did Ashwini 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 Ashwini in this interview. Don't forget to leave your comments for her.

Here are excerpts of my interview with Ashwini Vinayraj:

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

Ashwini Vinayraj :Thanks Rashmi Harish, Anitha Mallesh and the entire Itsy Bitsy team. This is such a wonderful moment for me.  I am a certified decoupage instructor from Bangkok, Thailand. I have been doing Tanjore painting and water colours from 12 years. During my school days I have won many certificates for art and craft. Being an artist or a fashion designer was my dream and being an engineer was my parents dream. In fact both are fulfilled now. I wanted to create my own identity. For me, art and craft gave lots of happiness and it's a stress buster too. It gives me immense joy and it's my "SOUL".

I LOVE working with younger generation kids and older generation women. In the pretext of teaching, I also learn a lot.

My strongest support for crafting comes from my hubby, parents and sisters who always encourage and stand by my side.

RC:How did you get into crafting?

AV: My passion brings me here as a crafter. As I laid my hands on scrapbooking a Decoupage, it turned out well. I started trying on new techniques and getting new ideas. It made me so crazy that I started creating new themes with new ideas each and every day.

RC:What is your favourite type of craft?

AV: I love Decoupage and Scrapbooking. I also do mixed media, altered art and journaling.

I can work on any surface as a base for my project. I love to play around with colours and create textured looks. It makes me invent new ideas of creativity. Chalk paints are a ‘must’ in my games to play.

RC:What are your favourite products at Itsy Bitsy?

AV:Itsy Bitsy is the best place to walk in and pick up all the raw materials required for my creations. Of course chalk paints are my favourite. You heard me right!! More stuffs like paint brushes, gesso, colour paints colour sprays, DCWV paper packs, cardstock are also in the favourite list. Not to forget shabby chic burlap…

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

AV: If I had magical powers, I would really introduce art and craft as an equivalent subject to children in schools.

I would love to make them explore their creativity and make them LOVE themselves for being so creative.

There are many children who love creativity but lack behind due to time constraints and need of guidance. “I would love to support such children”.

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

AV: Chalk paints, stamps, dies, spray paints and papers.

RC: How would you describe your style of crafting?

AV: My way of working is quite simple and unique. My style of crafting means, "Best Quality, Perfection and Satisfaction to soul”. It's a true motivation to keep you going the miles……

RC: How do you organize your time for crafting?

AV: I work for about 3 to 4 hours a day. I work with lots of passion to get the quality of customization.

RC:Tips for people who want to craft

AV: Craft with passion with an expectation of SOUL satisfaction.  Keep it close to your heart as you put in your precious time and feelings.The seed (passion for craft) you sow,the fruit (satisfaction and success) you reap.

RC:Your all -time favourite quote?

AV: "Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time.Vision with action can change the world".

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

For making the tags, firstly I used a thick white cardstock measuring 3" × 6", Artists acrylic colours and colour splash.

Sprayed colour splash all over the paper. Dabbed with artist acrylic colours. Let them dry.

There after I embellished them with white linen cloth, burlap, black corrugated paper, flowers, beads, lace, butterflies and leaves. Stamped some sentiments.

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

Many congrats Ashwini 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!