a craft revolution

Etsy Treasury!

2012-01-12T12:35:00.000-06:00

I was really happy today to find that TheTerriersClub had included my print of good ole Dexter in her treasury.

Here's a link to all the awesome goodness she put together. She called it A Terrier's Nightmare! Personally I think the boston burgler and the cat burgler are my faves!

Several prints are available in my etsy store here : betty blue and locally in Dallas at Dolly Python.

Comments appreciated, as always!

Whadda ya makin' now?

2012-01-10T18:07:00.001-06:00

I make stuff.
Jewelry. Art. Furniture. Toys. Puppets. Costumes.
It's what I do, and if I do say so myself; I'm pretty good at it.
And now, I'm embarking on a whole new project.
Making a movie. A documentary, to be exact.
I'm hoping to raise funds through Kickstarter. You can read more about this and follow my progress here: the-history-of-the-lyons-carnival-club.
It's a little ambitious, taking on this project without any training or money. If you would like to help, all donations, EVEN A SINGLE DOLLAR, will help.
Today I built this shoulder rig for my camera.

The materials cost just under $14.00. I hope to make the most of every cent. I have a few modifications still, like some hand grips and weights, but so far, so good.
And if you're thinking of donating, or already have-THANKS!

New Earrings!!

2012-01-04T10:28:00.002-06:00

Lots of new earrings getting stocked today! A couple of old faves, and many new ones.

All earrings under $15 and free USA shipping

My Greatest Beading Achievement So Far...But Not For Long

2011-12-28T19:26:00.000-06:00

I made this beaded bracelet handbag about 10 years ago. It was my first attempt (go big or go home) at peyote stitch. It's actually my only attempt at peyote stitch. I'm a big fan of square stitch, mostly because it looks like you did it on a loom. I also like the fact that you pass through each bead 3 times, so it is stronger than peyote stitch. Back to the bag, it took forever, I would work my butt off on it, for 8 hours; and I would accomplish 4 rows. Not exactly a project that fits with my attraction with immediate gratification.

It was also one of my first posts to craftster. Shortly afterwards, I had a computer crash and lost the ability to access my profile. I finally gained access a few weeks ago, and was incredibly surprised to find this bag had made the Best of 2008 list. I'm even more proud of it now! I haven't worked with seed beads for some time, but I think that it will make a resurgence in my life soon.

THE POWER OF FRIENDSHIP or HOW FACEBOOK SAVED MY DOG'S LIFE

2011-12-26T12:24:00.003-06:00

Happy Holidays everyone!
It's been pretty crazy around here. One of my dogs, Dexter (he's the guy in my profile pic), managed to poison himself with a whole bottle of aspirin. There was also the stress of being unemployed, and no immediate means to take on this debt.
I asked my friends on facebook for help with an emergency vet who would work a payment plan with me. I was led to someplace (biting my tongue) that asked how much I could pay today? I had $30 on me, and they said the only thing they could do for $30 was PUT HIM DOWN. Needless to say that was an unacceptable answer, and reached out on fb again. I was led to Metro Paws and my friends called ahead, so not only were they expecting me, they knew I had no money. That put all the focus back on Dexter! His prognosis was poor. Dr. Robson did not have high hopes and honestly he couldn't stand up, and it was freaking me out! I had to leave him overnight and hope for him to show some sign of progress in the morning. Back to facebook, where I asked my friends to think good thoughts for him; to pray, chant, light candles, do whatever they do for some universal healing. I had many comments and responses. I also noticed that my friends were reposting, offering to loan me money, give me some work (I freelance) and front me the cash. I even saw that a friend was selling his fridge to help raise money. It made me feel so loved and supported, I wanted to channel all that positive energy to Dexter. The vet called me late in the night with some encouraging words, but also reminded me that we were not out of the woods. Updated my friends, asked again to keep up the good thoughts, it was working, and I would see him in the morning. The morning phone call brought good news!

He was standing up, and wagging his little nub!!! I don't think I can accurately describe how great I felt at that moment. I went to the vet, where they made me comfortable, and invited me to stay as long as I wanted. They gave me a stool to sit at by his cage, and I held him and petted him for about 45 minutes.

I had spent the previous night doing Dexter related artwork, and printed a thank you piece for the clinic. When I left, it was hopeful that I could come back and get him at the end of the day. Making my payment arrangements, I found that someone had come to the vet the day before and paid $20 towards my bill! I thanked the anonymous donor on facebook, also giving everyone the good news.

Then came an overwhelming rally of unexpected support. People started posting links to my artwork and jewelry, telling my story of the help I needed. I started selling a few items. I had an offer to sell my prints at the coolest store in town! That afternoon, I was able to pick him up, and when I got there, my bill had been reduced considerably!!
Much like the Kmart layaway angels, I had my very own group of layaway angels!!!
I'm still riding on a cloud of relief and joy.

9x12 block prints

This week I will have new block prints of Dexter and some Thank You cards I have printed for sale here: bettyblue

Of course, all proceeds will benefit his ongoing treatment. (There is still a possibility of liver and kidney damage).

I'm still printing, and after it's dry, I'll start listing. Dallas folks, they will be available locally at Dolly Python. (Thanks Gretchen!)

I'm incredibly thankful for the support of friends, near and far. If you have a need for thanking anyone, please consider one of my hand printed cards. Dexter and I will be eternally grateful!

Thank You cards. In white and ivory.

This week has been a true testament to the power of friendship. It has brought me to tears MANY times over the last few days.

Inside message and back or envelope

To those who helped (I know who most of you are!), you have my UNDYING FRIENDSHIP AND LOYALTY!!

I also have HUGE THANKS to Dr. Robson and all of the Metro Paws staff!!

Stay tuned, I love you all!............Karen

Dexter and Dulli wish you Happy Holidays!

I would also like to add, there has been interest in how I print my suminagashi papers. Soon as this project is complete, I'll make more WITH A TUTORIAL!!!

Friday's Giveaway

2011-12-16T08:31:00.001-06:00

Friday's Giveaway is handmade chain maille, a continuous 28" strand that can be worn multiple ways. It's made from light red and silver anodized aluminum. Enter on my facebook page PunkRock-Paper-Scissors and comment under the pic of this necklace.

Thanks and good luck!

Reduction Print

2011-12-15T15:53:00.000-06:00

This is the first time I have tried cutting a reduction print. If you are not familiar with this process, it is a form of lino-cut or wood block printing. The main difference in just cutting a block and then printing it, is you cut, print, then cut some more off the same block and print again and so on. I also like to print my lino-cuts on papers that I have previously made, so the paper itself is unique, therefore subsequent prints will be unique. This technique did not work well for me, this time out; it may have been due to my original color choices. I tried to create a brown stained, sepia looking paper. The blue ink I used for the first pass looked terrible, so I printed with gold on white papers. Basically, all I cut out for the first pass will end up being the highlight (paper showing through) on this print. Sorry I don't have a pic of the gold pass by itself.

After you print a sufficient number of papers with the first pass, you wash the block and continue cutting. At this point, I cut a more significant part of the design out. Printing the second color covers up some of the first color and provided the shadows,

As you can see, my original color choices did not work well, I'm glad I had the forethought to print a different color on the first pass. In this method, there is NO GOING BACK.

Also, I do not have a press, so my prints are hand rubbed, and leads to somewhat uneven results. Not exactly a tutorial, but I hope this gives you a better idea of how I created this print.

RIP Jay.

Hai Kitty Kitty

2011-12-14T23:28:00.002-06:00

Thursday's Holiday Giveaway.

Linocut print on suminagashi paper.
Go to my facebook page for details on how to enter PunkRock-Paper-Scissors
Like it, and comment on today's pic for your chance to win.

Kickin it Old School

2011-12-14T09:14:00.000-06:00

Wednesday's Giveaway
Super 80's retro pair of earrings.
Go to my facebook page PunkRock-Paper-Scissors
Like it, and comment on today's pic to enter to win!

Gouge Away

2011-12-13T11:08:00.000-06:00

Tuesday's Giveaway
A linocut print of the Pixies. Go to my facebook page, "like" it, then comment on today's pic for a chance at making it yours.
PunkRock-Paper-Scissors

"Like" Me!

2011-12-12T20:36:00.000-06:00

It's about time. PunkRock Paper Scissors has a facebook page! I will be continuing my holiday giveaway there. Please "like" my page and follow along all week to win FREE stuff delivered right to your house!

PunkRock-Paper-Scissors

Today's prize: enter by midnight CST

TEXAS

2011-12-10T10:19:00.001-06:00

SKULLYS!

The first batch is ready to go out the door. They are all lifesize and weigh between 10-12 lbs. You can contact me through email or facebook for more info. punkrockpaperscissors@gmail.com I'm posting pics, I'll give you guys a more detailed posting after I've slept some.

Green Thumb $85

Black Star $85

Glamour Puss $85

One-Eyed Willie $85

Hypno $85

Nekomimi $85

Undead Barbie!

2011-10-27T13:13:00.006-05:00

This year for Halloween, I was scouting the web for some crafty and thrifty ideas. I stumbled upon many craft ideas at the Savers website . Who knew a thrift store had a website http://www.savers.com, much less one with some decent ideas.
Some tips from my experience to help you along.
Do not use spray paint, the plastic that the head and legs are made from, will NEVER dry. Prime with gesso first, or just use craft paint. Speaking of paint, I found that nail polish will dry (see bloody legs for example). I did not try the spray paint for plastic.
I stuck my dolls on a block of foam, a cardboard box will also work well. I also painted some twigs and leaves from the ground and stuck them in the back.
The idea page suggests dolls with blonde hair, I actually think the ones with dark hair sprayed with white paint look creepier.
For clothes, I used a white plastic shopping bag. Pull, stretch, tear and wrinkle for effect. I also tore small pieces of a bag and stuck them on for a mummy/peeling skin look.
I found dolls at the dollar store, two bags of three for $3.98 each. I bought 2 cans of 99c white spray paint. I already had the block of foam. Materials I used included, paint, nail polish, hot glue, markers, plastic bags and some wire bent into doll stands.

BOO!

Most of the dolls you find at the thrift store are more generic, not necessarily Barbie. This can add to the weird factor. As far as composition goes, I twisted a wire around the waist and then stuck in into the foam. The dolls with straight legs and arms, I mostly stood upright, the only other option is the one sitting down (left side on pic). I had another doll with bent arms, so I cut her legs off and stuck her in a hole like she was climbing out. The ones with articulated arms and legs give you the most options for posing.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Mardi Gras

2011-05-13T11:48:00.004-05:00

I went to New Orleans for the first time in March, to meet friends for Mardi Gras. I took a gazillion pictures, shot a bunch of video and even went shopping for some local music from an indie record store. Add up all of those things and you get my very first video diary. It's not exactly crafty, however if you know me, you know I like making stuff, ALL kinds of stuff.
Hope it makes you happy this Friday the 13th!
BTW, working on a new tutorial, stay tuned....

www.vimeo.com/21112880

Deja Vu

2011-05-06T10:35:00.004-05:00

Wow, it seems like I have been here before...
My fingers are creaking around the keyboard. Really rusty. I'll start out by announcing the opening of a new etsy store called bettyblue. It will be featuring my block prints, screen prints, and photography. I've been experimenting with suminagashi prints and then using those individual papers to print my linocuts on, making each one a monoprint. Take a look- www.bettyblue.etsy.com
More soon...

Joey Linocut

2008-11-08T11:38:00.003-06:00

I love The Ramones!! I have been a little obsessed crafting with Joey. Painted him, made jewelry with him and now the linocut. This is the first print I've pulled. I'll probably be trying 2-color printing with this block.

Wine-O's and Holiday Time

2008-10-20T22:32:00.010-05:00

Nothing says the holidays like Wine-O's. Secret Santa? Holiday parties?
These Wine-O's are perfect for gift giving. My faves are the guitars, and the horror movie posters. Hope you like like them too.

Stay tuned kids, working on a new tute for a holiday craft.

Support Change!!

2008-10-02T11:07:00.008-05:00

Not gonna EVEN start on this subject except to say
SUPPORT CHANGE!

and I hope everyone of age has REGISTERED BY NOW!!!!

and just in case you would like to show your support, you can rock these!! This is a free market capitalist society after all. Available now at www.punkRockPaperScissor.etsy.com

Clothes, Yoga, Break dancing and me

2008-09-30T16:17:00.007-05:00

On Saturday I had a small jewelry show of sorts. Nikki from lululemon athlectica had seen some of my work on craigslist, and asked if I was interested in showing during their first anniversary party. It was kind of last minute, but hey I really need to work on promotion. lululemon is a yoga apparel store, with some really cute clothes at reasonable prices. There was a free yoga class for kids, break dancers and another yoga class later that evening. I had a nice time, made a few sales and some new friends.

The Great State Fair of Texas

2008-09-24T14:15:00.006-05:00

Howdy Folks and Welcome to the State Fair of Texas!
Hey Kids, It's Fair time!!
In honor of the Great State Fair of Texas; I'm having a Texas-sized Sale.
Everything in-stock is now 50% during the Fair. Shop early, many things will not be replaced until after the Fair is over!!!
www.punkRockPaperScissor.etsy.com

Etsy Treasury West

2008-09-18T16:56:00.004-05:00

Snagged my first Treasury West on Etsy.
It's all about the tattoos, rockers!! Great gift ideas for the whole family. Check it out.
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=26210

Tattoo Necklaces!!!

2008-09-08T16:18:00.009-05:00

I made these over the weekend. Tattoo style necklaces, some with dangles, some without (that just made me think of star-bellied sneeches). I call the first one "Swallow Superstar" (but I may change the name to star-bellied swallows). The second one is "Derby Poison", and the last one is of course, "Gunz -n- Roses". Anyway, hope you like them, tell your friends, and stop back by soon. peace-k

Introducing My Awesome Pets!

2008-09-02T23:53:00.007-05:00

So here's my awesome pets. Betty Blue the dalmatian just turned 11. Smoky Joe, my cat will be 6 in October and Dexter the Boston just turned 2.

Back To Beads

2008-08-21T11:10:00.007-05:00

I've really been into Shrinky Dinks lately, I'm seriously addicted to them; and have neglected other crafty ventures, especially my first love, beads. So I stayed up late last night, and made these necklaces while watching Chris Angel MINDFREAK.
I love these copper plated glass beads.

Faux FusedGlass -My First Tutorial

2008-08-15T21:17:00.002-05:00

I really appreciate all the interest. So here goes, I'll start with some basics. *All of the Shrinky Dinks in this tute are made with the Frosted Ruff-n-Ready style.* I use permanent markers (Sharpies, mostly) and Prismacolor colored pencils to draw and color. I punch holes with 1/4" standard hole punch. I DO NOT use a heat gun, it's not recommended by the manufacturer, and it really produces very uneven results. I use a toaster oven. On with the instructions.

Color and cut out various shapes, scraps are excellent for this project.

Next, shrink your pieces and a base(you will assemble your pieces on this base later). Follow manufacturer's directions, (mine bake at 325 deg.F for about 45 seconds). Here is a baking tray lined with parchment paper with assorted small shapes to shrink. Note the color as most colors darken in the original shrinking process.

These are the same pieces- before and after shrinking. Flat pieces are better for this project; I flatten pieces right out of the oven by pressing them with my pyrex dish.
You can also reheat at this stage to flatten and straighten.

Now comes the designing stage. I like to group my pieces by color before I start. Carefully place your pieces on your base. I use a bamboo skewer to help me nudge pieces into place. In this stage I put the base frosted side up and place the pieces on the base frosted side down. Note that colors in this step fade and the frosted piece will turn clear. Placing the colored pieces frosted side down will help to "capture" the color in between the plastic. My experience is that markers at this stage turn clear like a transparent piece of glass; and colored pencils look like color under a piece of glass. *The white in the star pendant is Bright White Shrinky Dink* After composing your pendants, place them in a glass baking dish,(I use a pyrex casserole dish).

Raise the oven temperature to 450 degrees F. Carefully put pan into oven trying not to disturb any pieces. Fusing is complete when all edges are rounded or melted. This step could take 10-25 minutes - depending on the oven and size of piece. I recommend looking at them AT LEAST every 5 minutes. Small pieces can round over pretty quickly, just keep an eye on your work. I let my pieces cool in the pan after taking them out of the oven. They can easily be misshapen at this point. Once the pan is cool to the touch, remove your fused shrinkies. The back edge (flat against the pan) will have a sharpness to them. I like to round this off by lightly filing and sanding.

Well, there you have it, my first tutorial. Now you how I make Faux FusedGlass. Hope I made it understandable and clear. Comments appreciated. Here's some more samples of my work, don't forget it's available at my etsy store. www.punkRockPaperScissor.etsy.com

PunkRock Paper Scissors - Hell yea!!

2008-08-15T11:53:00.000-05:00

Opened a store on etsy. www.punkRockPaperScissor.etsy.com
So far, so good. I've sold a few personalized dog tags- one all the way to Paris, France!! That's right I'm conquering the world one dog tag at a time. Love making my art rock pendants (that's MY ART rock pendants, not art-rock pendants!!haha). Posted some of my faux fused glass pendants on Craftster and received some awesome feedback. I listed two of them at my etsy store and they sold the same day!! I will probably continue to make them, but there is a lot of interest in a tutorial, so I will be working on that after this post. peace-k