Let's get to know each other! Below are a few fun personality questions. Feel free to answer a few or all of them.


1. Do you play any instruments?
No I don't play any instruments. When I was younger I wanted to play the clarinet but never got a chance to. I did own a piano for several years but I never bother to learn. I just banged on the keys and pretended I knew what I was doing.


2. Who was the last person you called?
My kids at home. I don't talk on the phone a lot. I normally just call my house, my husband or my sister. In fact I think last month I only used 69 minutes! I use my cell phone more for texting and internet surfing.


3. Where do you plan on going for your next vacation?
We are saving to go on a cruise. Our kids are in their teens and we think this would be the perfect time for us to go. Its still a couple of years away but I am excited about it.


4. Who's your favorite TV attorney?
I love Alicia Florrick from the CBS show "The Good Wife". There is just something about her demeanor and personality that I really like. Its my new favorite show.


5. Where do you go for advice?
My husband :-) I know it might sound corny but he is truly my best friend. He listens to my mindless rambling and when I need advice he's always there.


Now its your turn...
Tell us a little about yourself?
My name is Taylor Lynn, but you can call me Taylor or even Tay. I’m an overgrown hobbit attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, with a closet it my dormitory that leads to Narnia, where I’m queen. "TheForestFaery" is just a pseudonym so the White Witch, RingWraiths and Death Eaters don't find me.

Of course, you muggles would just know me as a fourteen year old homeschooled vegan pursuing my dream of becoming a best-selling novelist. I love reading, writing, history, English and Language Arts, interesting words, blogging and taking photos, and someday (someday soon, I’m sure!) you’ll be able to walk into any bookstore and buy my novels. Until then, you can buy my photography and some handmade items in my Etsy shop, TheForestFaery!

Where does your inspiration come from?

My inspiration comes mostly from nature, and from fantasy. For instance, after watching the new Alice in Wonderland movie, I went outside to lock up our goats and chickens for the night. It had just rained, the air was cool and the sun was setting. When I came inside I got ready for bed, sat down with a notepad and pen and wrote down ideas for photos that had popped into my head out of nowhere while I was outside, still caught up in Wonderland with the soundtrack running through my head. It was rather fun! So if you ever want to give me photo inspiration, make me watch a good fantasy movie and then send me outside.
Who or what has been most influential in your craft?
My camera(s). Or whatever camera(s) are available at the time. Oh, we’ve been through so much together. They never complain when I kneel, squat, stretch, reach or lie on my belly/back in the grass to catch a good shot. They don’t mind getting up close and personal with mushrooms and toads. My dear camera(s), I couldn’t have captured those shots without you!

What does handmade mean to you?

That someone sat down and put something together using their own skill, own imagination and own two hands. (Or own two feet. Whatever works.) The small imperfections don’t matter, because they show that a human made it, not a robot. Handmade means that gifts are better quality and more meaningful, and handmade also means more personal.

When did you know you were an artist?
Can I tell you a secret? Before TheForestFaery, I had an Etsy shop called abenevolentbookworm. I sold bookmarks, and my shop FAILED. Why? Because while I’ve done crafts my whole life, I’m very fickle and don’t have much stamina for them. Knitting, quilting, scrapbooking, collage-making: been there, done that. I was once slightly obsessed with each one; now I do them occasionally, if at all. So even though I sold a few bookmarks, I got bored of making them and closed down abenevolentbookworm.

However, ever since I was a little kid I’ve known I wanted to be a writer. And in 2008 I discovered how fun photography is. So I’m creative, just not in the way many Etsians are – my creativity is expressed in writing and photography rather than handmade items, which is why TheForestFaery is all about photography. To keep it stocked up, all I have to do is relist and occasionally go outside to snap a new picture! No long-term stamina necessary.


How would you describe your creative process?

Step 1: The mood strikes. “I feel like taking pictures!” I think.

Step 2: I turn on the camera and no doubt have to switch the rechargeable batteries. Once that’s done, I’m good to go.


Step 3: I go outside and wander through my yard and my Grampa’s next door. If I see a photo opportunity I stop, drop and roll, or whatever it is that’s necessary to capture said photo.


Step 4: I import photos onto my laptop. Then I eliminate the bad ones, save the good ones, and they proceed to sit around for days or weeks in my computer until I get around to listing them.


Of course, sometimes this entire process is skipped if I walk by a window and see a totally amazing photo opportunity. Then I tear through the house, find the camera, burst outside barefoot or in someone else’s shoes, and proceed to snap ten or twenty photos of the same thing from different angles, provided the opportunity hasn't passed by already. True story.

If you could trade places with any other person for a week, famous or not famous, living or dead, real or fictional, with whom would it be?
If I was in a serious mood, I’d say Anne Frank so that I could see what it was really like for her in the Secret Annex.

But if I was in a random mood, I’d say Kate from the TV show “Lost” so that I could tell Sawyer not to fall in love with ‘me’ because ‘I’ will just end up being a complete jerk and using him.


Or Alice Cullen, because she is simply the most awesome character in the Twilight Saga. I’m starting Team Alice, who’s with me?!


Do you have a strange talent not many know of?

I wish I could say yes, but… no, not really.
That’s not to say I’m normal, though. I’m not really what you’d call “normal”, I don’t really try to be, and I don’t really want to be. Because the way I see it, where’s the fun in being like everyone else?

Visit TheForestFaery
Etsy Shop: 
www.etsy.com/shop/TheForestFaery
Blog: www.dreamsoffae.blogspot.com



PATTERN: Prayer Squares

in , , , , , by MyHobbyShop, 9:28 PM
About a year ago I crocheted a few prayer squares and donated it to a fellow CreateCrochet team member. She then sold them at a Relay for Life event to raise money. The items that she did not sell were donated to a local hospital.

Prayer Squares - pink

Prayer Squares

This is a fantastic way to use up your scrap yarn. Have fun with combining colors. If you make enough squares you can attach them to make a scrap happy afghan.

The idea behind these squares is that the person making them is praying while working on them. So the person receiving the square can be touched and blessed by your prayers.


Prayer Squares - 1


Materials:
Small amount of worsted weight yarn
Crochet Hook Size 5 (H) - or whatever size your comfortable with

Abbreviations/ Special Stitches:
Hook = HK
Chain = CH
Stitch = ST
Single Crochet  = SC
Puff Stitch = PS: YO, insert hook in next stitch, yo, pull through and bring yarn up to height of rest of stitches (3 loops on hook), YO, insert hook in SAME stitch, yo, pull through and bring yarn up to height of rest of stitches (5 loops on hook), YO, insert hook once again into the SAME stitch, yo, pull through and bring yarn up to height of rest of stitches (7 loops on hook).

Instructions:
Chain 12
Row 1: sc in second ch from hk and in each ch across. ch 1, turn (11sc)
Row 2: sc in each of next 3 sc, puff st in next sc, sc in each of next 3 sc, ch 1, turn
Row 3: sc across, ch 1, turn
Row 4-9: repeat rows 2 &3
Row 10: *sc in 1st sc, puff st in next sc, sc in next sc*, repeat to end
Row 11: sc across, ch 1, turn
Row 12-14: repeat rows 2 & 3
Row 15: sc in each sc across

Once your square is done you can use a single crochet stitch around to create a neat border.
If you have any questions regarding this pattern please let me know.

If you try this pattern I would love to see how it came out. Feel free to share your pictures with me.

Other Stuff:
I would very much like it if this pattern is used for charity and personal use only.
Please do not sell my pattern in part or whole.
If you post your creations on your blog, facebook, flickr or any other social networking site, please provide a link back to this page so others might be able to find this pattern.

Enjoy :-)

edited 8/13/13

Life Among the Believers

in , , by MyHobbyShop, 8:00 AM
"The Christian needs another Christian who speaks God's Word to him. He needs him again and again when he becomes uncertain and discouraged, for by himself he cannot help himself without belying the truth. He needs his brother man as bearer and proclaimer of the divine word of salvation. He needs his brother solely because of Jesus Christ. The Christ in his own heart is uncertain, his brother's is sure. And that also clarifies the goal of all Christian communities: they meet one another as bringers of the message of salvation."


~Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together

DIY Tutorial - Decorating Frames

in , , , , by MyHobbyShop, 7:10 AM
Guest blog tutorial provided by Armada from ArmadaVolya on Etsy.



My names Armada (or at least that's what I keep on telling people). I worked in many mediums and love experimenting with reusing/recycling. Most of the work I do now is drawing and painting, but every now and again I try to make my life more fun by finding new things to make. I've done pottery (it's actually my greatest passion, though I don't have potters wheel, so, so much for that), stain glass, paper mache, drawing and painting in almost every media out there, shoe-making, and much, much more. Here now, I'll show you how to make a boring frame look very unique and colorful. Frames decorated this way work really well for modern art, especially abstract and surrealism.




You will need:
  1. Flat frame (no ornate carvings or or anything like that, those I usually paint instead). The one I fave here was bought from a dollar store, so it's very simple.
  2. Old unwanted magazine, or anything else that has similar size and quality pages.
  3. Brush
  4. Mod Podge (glossy) or any other similar product.


Steps:
  1. Fold and cut paper into strips. Size of strips will depend on the frame, I needed ¾ inch strips for mine (1/16 of a page)
  2. Roll strips into tight rolls and make a ton of them. I usually cut strips and roll them while watching TV because it takes a a lot of time.
  3. Apply thick layer of Mod Podge to the frame. I usually do it one side at a time to leave less time for the glue to dry.
  4. Place rolls of paper on the frame next to one another.
  5. After the glue is dry, apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to the all exposed sides of rolls and frame.



Once it's all dry, you can start using it. Mod Podge will give a glossy finish and will protect it if you will need to wipe it with moist cloth, it also acts as glue keeping everything together.


 
Links:

http://artofarmadavolya.blogspot.com/
http://fromtheworldofart.blogspot.com/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ArmadaVolya
http://twitter.com/#!/ArmadaVolya
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Armada-Volya/199368443415926?sk=wall


*** If you would like me to publish your tutorial please feel free to email at myhobbyshop.etsy@gmail.com or convo me on Etsy. ***

Interview with Nellianna @ Etsy

in , , by MyHobbyShop, 6:49 AM


Tell us a little about yourself?
We are Nellianna & Kenneth. We live in The Netherlands with our 2 cats Ayla & June. As an architect and an industrial designer we love to create. We love to make things that work in a predictable way.

Where does your inspiration come from?
We like it very much to create a beautiful structure out a simple piece of paper. In nature almost everything depends on basic geometrical patterns, we use these as a starting point for our designs.

Who or what has been most influential in your craft?
My father (Nellianna) taught me the beauty of folding paper. It is because of his perseveance that I am patient enough to work on a piece.

What does handmade mean to you?
New chances for small businesses who have the possibility to produce products on a small scale. These products tell a story.



How would you describe your creative process?
Through creativity is always a mix of thought and working with your hands. Every lampshade is like a puzzle, when I start I can't stop I have to finish teh puzzle.

How do you get out of your creative ruts?
Go to the beach for a walk. Drink a cup of coffee with some good friends or relaxing with our 2 cats.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?
We don't know how to fold a crane bird :)

What is your biggest pet peeve?
Streets without trees.


Nellianna’s Shop:
http://nellianna.etsy.com/
Tumblr: http://studiosnowpuppe.tumblr.com/
Twitter:
http://twitter.com/#!/Snowpuppe



Interview with AmyBirnbaum @ Etsy

in , , by MyHobbyShop, 8:00 AM


Tell us a little about yourself?

I was born and raised in North Dakota and am happily married with six children. I am a certified interior designer in the state of Minnesota and worked in the architecture/interior design field for 14 years. I was laid off when the housing/building market came to a grinding halt. I also happened to be pregnant with our sixth child so it didn’t make a lot of sense to pursue another position at the time.

Where does your inspiration come from?

My inspiration originally came from the sheep we raise and my children and the interaction between them, but has branched out to many other areas as well. Now when I look around I am always looking for new scenes or objects that would make good paper cuts! The world is full of inspiration!

Who or what has been most influential in your craft?

Well I have my art teacher from college to thank for introducing me to paper cutting years ago. Recently I have my family and close friends to thank for their encouragement and feedback. Joe Bagely and other members of the Guild of American Papercutters have been inspirational and a wealth of technical information.

What does handmade mean to you?

Something handmade by me means – uniquely designed and very carefully created by my own hands out of the best materials I can find.



When did you know you were an artist?

I have always been a creative person. As a child I loved drawing and sewing. I took that talent and used it for interior design. This took up most of my creative energy so I didn’t do much in the artistic realm beyond this. When I was no longer doing this on a regular basis I needed something else to focus on. My children found my art portfolio from college and stumbled across a paper cut I did in an art class. They were fascinated by it. My husband made a comment that got the ball rolling. . .” Now that is something you don’t see every day! You could sell those.” I gave it a try again and was hooked! Now I have to tell myself to stop some days so I can get other things done. When I reached that point I knew that I was an artist.

How would you describe your creative process?

I am always looking for new ideas everywhere I go. I try to stay focused on one idea at a time, but often have several projects in progress at any given time. I start by looking at pictures I’ve taken or ones given to me by others to use. I print them off in black and white; then I partially trace and modify/sketch to get the pattern that I want to cut. Depending on what paper I am using I will either glue to back (with a repositionable glue) or tape with a weak tape to the paper to be cut. I use an xacto type knife and self-healing mat to cut the image. When done I glue it to a piece of art or illustration board.



How do you get out of your creative ruts?

I find a new subject to make a quick paper cut out of before tackling bigger more time consuming projects if I am not feeling motivated. So far I can only recall one day of really being in a rut. Usually my problem is staying focused on one item – there are so many I want to do!

What made you decide to start selling on etsy?

While researching the market for paper cuts, I came across several paper cut artists who sold their work on etsy. I was impressed with their work and it was obvious that they were able to sell on etsy. I checked out all the information for sellers and decided to give it a try.

What makes your items “unique”?

I create all of my own patterns and have from day one. I like to challenge myself to make the images realistic, detailed and artistic.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

Most people who don’t know me are surprised to hear I am a mother of six children.

Would you rather be able to fly or be invisible and why?

Probably fly – I love seeing things from the bird’s eye view.

Visit AmyBirnbaum:


Interview with Scarableu @Etsy

in , , by MyHobbyShop, 8:00 AM


Tell us a little about yourself?
I was born and raised in the Montreal area (Quebec, Canada).

I have travelled a bit, but I am in love with my city and get my inspiration for its streets. I love to draw, love art but I do not work full time in this field...yet! My dream is to one day become a children's book illustrator. That is definitely my favorite kind of art.

Where does your inspiration come from?I am inspired by the everyday people that cross my path, other artists, picture book illustrations, insects and plants.

Who or what has been most influential in your art?
I think my childhood has inspired my art tremendously. To me it was a magical time. Plants had feelings and felt pain when you uprooted them, clouds bore secret messages, and you could keep a pet ladybug in an empty margarine jar and was convinced that with the right equipment, you could fly a little when you jump off a tree branch.



What does handmade mean to you?
The beauty in imperfect uniqueness. Every piece is different and has a soul.

When did you know you were an artist?
I have been quite insecure about using the term artist but I guess in the last few years, after studying graphic design and getting a few illustration contracts I started to let people call me that.

How would you describe your creative process?
I just wait to get that feeling, rising in my belly that says: Oh man, I really feel like drawing!! I grab my lead pencils and just any scrap of paper lying around and let the images flow through the tip. Then I either use coloured pencils to fill in the spaces or use Photoshop to color it in.

How do you get out of your creative ruts?
I just don't stress about it. Leave it alone for a while. Taking walks around an unknown part of town helps.

What made you decide to start selling on Etsy?
I started looking at other shops, other artists and thought; maybe I could do this to! I felt I had nothing to lose and a few years later I had enough material to start posting it up.



What makes your work “unique”?
I really think that my creatures humanoids or animal...oids? Have a special look about them. I like the look of the bigger head on a round belly and longish limbs, I like to bring out the beautiful side of textbook unattractiveness.

If you had to describe your art as a fruit, what fruit would you choose and why?
Ummm I guess I could go with wild strawberries. The little kind, the one that you find unexpectedly on the side of a road, because I think my art can be like a sweet little surprise that makes you smile for a while.

If you could have dinner with anyone (living or dead) who would it be and what would be served?
I would love to have dinner with Daniel Johnston (of the: hello how are you t-shirts.). We would sing his Casper the friendly ghost song and eat European hotdogs, the ones with the huge sausages, sauerkraut and fancy mustard.

Visit Scarableu:
Etsy Shop - http://www.etsy.com/shop/scarableu
Facebook - www.facebook.com/pages/Scarableu/140235972695333
Blog - www.lizzyzilloz.blogspot.com




Interview with RutisRoots @Etsy

in , , by MyHobbyShop, 8:00 AM

Tell us a little about yourself?
My name is Ruti and I'm 26 years old. I was born and raised in Jerusalem. I am currently studying Occupational Therapy in the city of Haifa, Israel. I have always loved art – painting, sculpting, photographing, designing, beading and more. In most recent years I have been drawn to the magic of folding recycled paper and creating various works of art with them. This kind of art combines my passion for shaping and color-matching, with my love for nature, while attempting to preserve and reuse pre-existing materials.

Where does your inspiration come from?
My inspiration comes from nature, colors and music.

When did you know you were an artist?
Ever since I remember myself I create things using many kinds of arts.




How would you describe your creative process?
I use paper from many sources like magazines, prospects, tea bag paper wraps and more. I've learned this kind of art from my grandfather's Philippian caregiver about 7 years ago. Since then I always carry a few paper pieces in my pocket.

First I cut the paper to the right size, then fold it to triangles and separate them by colors. Then I decide which colors to use and what the pattern and shape would be like, then build the structure. I also use glue for making it durable and a low bottom made from cardboard.



Apart from creating, what do you do?
I study and work with a child with autism. I like travelling, reading, watch movies and listen to music.

If you could be a superhero, what would you want your superpowers to be?
I wish that I could move things using my thought only.



Visit RutisRoots:
Etsy Shop - http://www.etsy.com/shop/RutisRoots

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rutis-Roots/178675108809665?sk=wall

April Crochet Challenge

in , , , by MyHobbyShop, 7:48 PM
I have been collecting crocheted squares for over three years. Basically, anytime I have scrap yarn left over from a project I would whip up one of these nifty little squares. The problem is I never got around to deciding what I wanted to do with them and how to put them together.


I belong to a wonderful group on Etsy called the Create Crochet Team. This is a team for crochet lovers. We share our work, ask questions and have monthly challenges. The monthly challenges are for fun and allow us to learn new techniques and express our creativity.

In April, one of the challenges was to learn a new technique. So I decided to learn a new technique on how to join crochet squares. Normally I would just sew them together or so single crochet stitches all the way around. After a search on google I found a tutorial on how to do a flat braid crochet joining method.



I love the way the stitches came out and I think this will be the way I go from now on. I am still slowly joining squares and hopefully I will have this blanket done soon. So stay tuned for pictures!


If you want to take a look at some other new techniques my teammates learned, go to our team blog: http://createcrochet.blogspot.com/ or our facebook fanpage: http://www.facebook.com/CreateCrochetEtsyTeam
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