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 43 - Itsy Bitsy

Hello arty-crafty folks,

Thursday is here again! Today I will introduce you to another passionate crafter for our weekly ‘Crafter in the Spotlight’. This week the lime light is on Riddhi Jani, a talented crafter who is originally from Ahmedabad, residing in Pune but is soon moving to the ‘City of Dreams’… Mumbai!!

Riddhi has completed her B. Sc with Biotechnology and feels that art runs in her blood. She loved painting since childhood but never imagined she would take up crafting as a career.

Some of Riddhi’s favourite are scrapbooking, paper crafting and mix media. She feels, Itsy Bitsy offers the best price and is the perfect place for craft shopping.

How did Riddhi 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 Riddhi in this interview. Don’t forget to leave your comments for her.

Here are excerpts of my interview with Riddhi Jani:

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

Riddhi Jani: Hello everyone! Thanks Rashmi ma'am and Anitha ma'am for this wonderful platform. I'm grateful that Itsy Bitsy gave me this chance.

Before I tell you something about myself, I would like to thank Itsy Bitsy for choosing me. It’s like a dream come true ❤.  I'm Riddhi Jani from Ahmedabad but right now I am in Pune. Most probably I will be shifting to Mumbai this week end. Though I have completed B. Sc with Biotechnology, art is in my blood. I can't stay without craft. I like o paint, sing and a dance a bit as well. Hey, forget to tell you that I'm a big big panipuri fan....lol 😜. I love to listen to music when I'm alone. Mostly, I like listening to slow songs with deep meaning.

RC: How did you get into crafting?

RJ: From my very childhood I loved to paint...But frankly telling you guys, I never imagined it as a career. It’s only possible because of my loving husband and mummy (mom-in-law). Without them, it would not have been possible. Really, words cannot explain the importance of craft in my life. I just can't stay without craft. I think every craft-y person feels like I do. Right guys?  

RC: What is your favourite type of craft?

RJ: Hmm...Mainly, I like to do scrapbooking and paper crafting. But I like to work with mix media projects also. 

RC: What are your favourite products at Itsy Bitsy?

RJ: Itsy Bitsy is like a perfect place for crafty shopping and with best price 😊. Though I love each and every product from the store, my favourites are Flowers, DCWV papers, Jute sheets and Butterflies.

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

RJ: If I had magical powers, I would like to change some thoughts about art in common people who do not value art and artists. Artists obviously work for money but more than that, artists want true appreciation. Am I right guys??

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

RJ: All the flowers, pattern papers and stickers❤

RC: How would you describe your style of crafting?

RJ: I will call it unique ❤ as I believe all craft-y folks have their own style...and they are unique in their own way 😊

RC: How do you organize your time for crafting?

RJ: I really wish I can craft all day...I have a little boy who is 18 months old. So, I only craft while he is sleeping. Therefore I can hardly craft for 2-3 hours. At this stage my family supports me a lot, if my baby wakes up, mummy or my husband handles him so I can complete my projects 😊 It really means so much to me. ❤

RC: Tips for people who want to craft

RJ: Craft from the heart guys…It’s not about crafting…I think it's about crafting with feelings ❤

RC: Your all-time favourite quote?

RJ: "Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations ❤"

Here is a gorgeous project by Riddhi & step by step description:

For the project you need all this stuff which is in the image.

Step-1

Take 4 ice cream sticks and fix them with the help of any strong glue.

Step-2
Fix 2 more sticks on top of the 1st layer. Then take 4 more sticks and arrange 3 of them in same line and cut 1 ice cream stick in to 3 parts. Then fix it just as shown in the image.

Step-3

Arrange it as shown in image. So it will make a little stand for our frame.

Step-4

Pick a colour of your choice. As I'm using one of my favourite colours from the store only. Let it dry, then, stick pattern paper to give the background a nice look.

Step-5
Give a little bit of shading on the first layer of the colour. I am using this pretty sentiment sticker from the store.

Step-6
Pick choice of flowers. I feel incomplete without flowers for my projects. Thanks Itsy Bitsy for the wide range of flowers within budget. I love them 😄

And yes it's ready!!! 😄

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

Many congrats Riddhi 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 42 - Itsy Bitsy

Weeks roll over so quickly, it’s Thursday once again and time to take a peek into another crafter’s story and her creations. Today I will introduce you to our weekly ‘Crafter in the Spotlight’. This week our talented crafter in the limelight is Rutuja Paranjape.

Now a full time mom, Rutuja is an MBA in Finance and has also worked as a graphic designer for a while. Even as a school girl, Rutuja always had a passion for art and craft.

She simply loves shopping from Itsy Bitsy and still remembers her first shopping experience from the store. Itsy Bitsy handmade flowers are among her favourites but she admires all kind of merchandise available at Itsy Bitsy.

How did Rutuja 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 Rutuja 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?

RP: I would really like to thank Rashmi Ma’am, Anitha Ma’am and team Itsy-Bitsy for selecting me as ‘Crafter in the Spotlight’ for this week. I am Rutuja Paranjape. I have completed my graduation in Commerce and pursued MBA in Finance. Speaking about my career, I was into the finance sector for a few years and I also got an opportunity to work as a graphic designer for a brief period. I left my job when my daughter was born and have been a full time mom and a crafter since then.

 RC: How did you get into crafting?

RP: Art and craft was something I have always liked. Back in the school days it was drawing, sketching, painting, knitting that I always enjoyed. I used to make cards for family and friends. But I will have to be thankful to my daughter, because of whom I had to take a break from my career and was introduced to this wonderful world of paper crafting. I am also thankful to my husband, who has played a very important role in motivating me to get into crafting.

My first ever craft shopping was from Itsy Bitsy, and I still remember how excited I was to get the stuff which was so quickly delivered to me!

 RC:   What is your favourite type of craft?

 RP: Scrapbooking and card making top my list of favourites in paper crafting. However, I am very keen to try my hands at mix media.

 RC:   What are your favourite products at Itsy Bitsy?

 RP: I love all the products at Itsy Bitsy......Stamps, Embellishments, Laces, Ribbons, Sprays, Stencils, Dies, variety of Pattern Papers and the list goes on. But my top favourite has to be the beautiful and gorgeous collection of handmade flowers. I just can't resist buying them whenever I visit the online store. I love all the products, they are so reasonably priced!

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

 RP:  If I had magical powers, I would definitely want to open more Itsy-Bitsy outlets and make the awesome crafty stuff easily available to all.

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

RP:    It definitely has to be my huge collection of handmade flowers! I always make sure to keep refilling and never run out of stock.

 RC:   How would you describe your style of crafting?

 RP:    I would say creative and simple would be my style. I try to make every project different from the other and I like to keep it simple.

RC:   How do you organize your time for crafting?

 RP:   I get time to craft when my little one is off to playschool. Sometimes, I also love crafting late at night. 

 RC:   Tips for people who want to craft.

 RP:   To all the people who want to craft, never doubt yourself, always be open to learning and trying out new stuff. Remember, unless you make it, you wouldn't get better at it, so keep crafting!

RC:   Your all -time favourite quote?

 RP:   My all time favourite quote is, “You are never too old to set a new goal or dream a new dream.” So always dream and work hard to pursue your dream. This is what I firmly believe in. 

 Here is a gorgeous project by Rutuja  & step by step description:

Here is a step by step tutorial for a Tag using supplies from Itsybitsy

First I coloured the tag with distress ink. Used a stencil to create a pattern over it, with another colour.

 

Then I stamped the sentiment and embellished the tag with a chipboard frame, flowers, lace and rhinestones

Finally, I punched a hole and fixed an eyelet for tying the ribbons and laces to the tag.

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

Many congrats Rutuja  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!