ILovetoCreate Teen Crafts: Floral Stacked Bib Necklace

Floral Stacked Bib Necklace Copyright 2011 Margot Potter

ILovetoCreate Teen Crafts
Floral Stacked Big Necklace
Margot Potter for Avalon Potter
“Mom crafted, teen approved.”

Avalon had a mountain of school work this weekend, so I agreed to step in and make this project and let her focus on her school work. This project was really easy to execute and came together quickly using some fabulous new ILovetoCreate products mixed with Grungeboard from Tim Holtz. The fabric paints went on easily in two quick coats and the grey background softened the neon colors just enough. I LOVE the new Aleene’s Fabric Fusion Tape, no more waiting for glue to dry! I am impatient, have I mentioned that? Adding texture with the super easy to use Beads and a Bottle brought it all together perfectly. I think I’ll be borrowing this necklace myself in the near future. Just because it’s teen friendly doesn’t mean Mom can’t sport it too. Avalon squealed when she saw this, so I'm thinking...we have a winner here folks!

Materials
Scribbles brush on fabric paint in blue, green and pink neon
Tulip Beads in a Bottle Semiprecious in sparkly pink, turquoise and bright green
Aleene’s Fabric Fusion Peel and Stick craft tape
Plain Grungeboard basics sheets or other thick substrate
2 7” segments gun metal chain
Gun metal toggle clasp

Tools
Die cutting machine
Stacked flower dies
Scissors
Hole punch
2 pairs chain nose pliers
Scribbles paint brush

1. Use die cutting machine to cut flower shapes out of Grungeboard or other substrate (you could use canvas or denim here if you stiffen it with Aleene’s fabric stiffener spray to give it stability.)



2. Layer flowers in segments of three and then on top of one another to create a bib using Aleene’s Fabric Fusion tape to adhere the layers together.


3. Use Beads in a Bottle to add texture to flowers following shapes of petals. Start with the bottom layers and work up, taking care not to crush any of the beads as they are drying. If you have any mishaps, use paint brush to gently remove bead and add a new one.


4. Let beads dry overnight.

5. Create two u-shaped tabs to attach to top of bib segment on each side using glue tape. Use hole punch to create a hole in each tab for attaching chain.

6. Open and close chain links with chain nose pliers, sliding the bottom link on each chain into the holes on the tabs. Attach clasp to open ends of chain using pliers. Make sure chain links are fully secured.


Margot Potter For:

It's My Birthday and I'll Pout if I Want To!

Young Madge Looking Deceptively Ladylike!

Well here it is, another birthday. Hooray. It is strange to think that I have been on this planet for 48 years. That's not long at all in the grand cosmic scheme, and yet pretty far along in my small not so cosmic scheme. Still there is so much left to learn, explore, see, feel, express, know, do...and there is a sense that I don't have enough time to fit all of it in. Fear not, gentle reader, I will give it my best shot.

I am feeling a little blue today, which is rather self indulgent and silly. My husband has been sick for days and the birthday weekend was a wash. I had held out hope that he'd rally today, but alas he has not. Unfortunately, I'm still not feeling terrific either.

Am I lame for being a little sad? Is that a fully selfish and ridiculous thing to feel? Should I perhaps instead be feeling sad that my poor husband is sick? Should I be making him tea and patting him on the head softly instead of sitting in my studio typing this self indulgent blog post?

Yes, were I a better person I suppose I should and would. Alas, I am not a better person, though I truly strive to be. I mean, in theory and on paper I like to think I am, but here I am all pouty and teary eyed because I can't get dressed without waking him up. So instead I'm sitting here in my not very appealing pajamas posting drivel on the internet in an ill fitting fleece jacket from Aeropostale I borrowed from my daughter's closet because I was cold. Wow, that was an impressive sentence in a Bulwer Littonesque way. I did, however, curl my hair. So at the very least my Leonine mane looks fabulous even if the rest of me does not.

Now on the bright side...well...it's a day! I'm here! The sun is shining! My hair looks great! I already said that! I am redundant! I live in a vacation paradise with my very awesome family! I got a lot of really nice birthday messages on my Facebook wall! My mom and my mortgage company both sent me birthday cards!

Yes, it's all true!

Now lest you think me completely silly, please know that I have far too many blessings to count and I am fully aware that this is just another day. Life is large, indeed. And on that note, I must away to dig out that tiara and get over myself before I drive my husband to the doctor's office.

Love
Madge

The Audition

I wrote the original version of this post several years ago, but recently did some editing and fine tuning. I like going back to things and reworking them, sometimes when you stare at something for too long you lose perspective. I just thought, it was time to remember how far I have come from the awkward young person I once was to who I am today. It's been a fascinating journey and I still have pee pants moments, but I've learned how to laugh at them and keep on keeping on. I hope, perhaps, this little tale inspires someone who is feeling a little beaten up by life feel a little better about it...

The Audition
Copyright 2011
Margot Potter
All Rights Reserved

When I was in seventh grade, I was...well...unfortunately different on many levels. I had oddly frizzy hair, super skinny legs, no boobs, funky teeth and ghostly pale skin. I was a book worm, a nerd and a social outcast. I did not in any way, shape or form ‘fit in’ and I spent most of my time staying under the radar when I wasn’t being relentlessly mocked by my cruel and uber wealthy school mates. The Main Line in Philadelphia was at that time (and is perhaps still) a bastion of unparalleled snobbery.

Regardless of my social ineptitude, I knew that wanted to be on stage. I wanted it so much that when the auditions for Annie Get Your Gun were posted in the hallways, I was determined to get cast. I’d just finished a highly successful run as both Glinda and The Tin Man in our neighborhood production of The Wizard of Oz, it seemed the logical next step.

I showed up the afternoon of the auditions to a full auditorium of starry eyed hopefuls. I was wearing a delightfully stylish outfit comprised of sky blue polyester bell bottom pants with a pattern of tiny machine embroidered orange and green tulips and a matching blue short sleeved polyester t-shirt with an oversized tulip in the center. I believe, but don’t quote me on this, I was also wearing navy blue suede wooden soled clogs and white tube socks.

As the afternoon progressed, my nerves began to get the better of me. These other kids were so pretty, so popular, so talented and so absolutely beaming with self confidence. What was I doing here? How could I hope to compete? Then, without warning, I suddenly felt an overwhelming urge to empty my bladder. At this point, I was standing back stage in line and there was no turning back or I would miss my turn.

My need to pee became so strong; I knew I’d better find a bathroom and fast. Before I could make it out of the stage door, the dam burst and it was all she wrote. So, there I was, The Duchess of Dorkdom, in a pee soaked pair of sky blue polyester bell bottoms. I had two choices. Either bow my head in shame and skulk out the back door or scrape up my last bastion of dignity and audition anyway. I took the walk of shame to center stage, held my head high and I auditioned. I was beyond humiliated and so nervous I could barely squeak out a note. I was politely thanked for my time by a voice in the dark and slinked offstage to find a bathroom so I could clean myself up. Shockingly, I did not get a role in the show. Obviously they could not see the incredible talent that was hiding under my pee soaked polyester. I was, due to some pity on the part of the director, given the most important duty of page turner for the show organist. I took this role very seriously. Each night when I took my bow, I swore to myself that next time I was going to be onstage.

The next year, at a new school, I got the leading role in their production of The Pajama Game. After that, my theatrical career continued to thrive and I never peed myself onstage again. I did once leak copious amounts of breast milk in a very sexy evening gown before going on stage to perform my Cabaret act...but that is another story for another day.

If you have a dream and a talent that simply must be shared, you must follow it no matter what. It is easy to lose heart and lose hope and even the most talented, smart, capable and beautiful people have had a pee pants moment or two in their day. Still, they succeeded because they didn’t let that moment or any of the other countless little disappointments or obstacles or naysayers or nagging doubts stop them. If you want something bad enough, not even a pee soaked pair of polyester pants can keep you from it.

Love,
Madge

Book Review: Modern Expressions by Fernando DaSilva

Book Review
Modern Expressions by Fernando DaSilva
North Light Books
January 2010

Fernando DaSilva has a fabulous flair for cutting edge design and a uniquely fashion savvy eye that informs every aspect of his work. He is one of the most innovative designers in the DIY world, with a true gift for seeing the potential in materials that most others miss. His is the only DIY designer to have been written up in Women's Wear Daily magazine and Harper’s Bazaar and is the only male Ambassador in the Create Your Style with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS initiative. One can see why when paging through his book Modern Expressions, it is a virtual feast of eye candy that will delight the senses and inspire the reader to break out into exciting new directions in their work. There is no other book in the jewelry making market like it, which is what makes it an absolute must have for anyone who is serious about learning how to think like a designer.

The book has an Haute Couture vibe with gorgeous fashion sketches that suggest how to wear the pieces and lots of style tips from the Brazilian born designer. There are a wide variety of techniques explored including knotting, wire wrapping, exposed wire work, metalsmithing and endlessly creative variations on stringing techniques. You will find an array of interesting materials here including velour and clear plastic tubing, plastic beads, chain and components, various chains, fibers and more. Fernando has a terrific eye for unique combinations of fresh and interesting beads put together in fresh and interesting ways.

Some stand out designs from the book include Rock the Haus, a Bauhaus inspired thoroughly modern study in color and form. The combination of clear acrylic tubing with vibrant yellow sponge beads and simple rounded shapes in silver, white and brown is absolutely breathtaking. Fiesta in Wonderland, a vibrant confection of candy colored lampwork beads with a truly brilliant stacked acrylic pendant is whimsical and wonderful and is dedicated to this humble reviewer. Monsier Laurent is a mod homage to the work of Yves Saint Laurent, elegant in its simplicity. This piece introduces the reader to using copper sheet metal to create a chic segmented crystal embellished pendant. Perhaps my favorite design (in a book filled with favorites) is Back to the Future. This runway ready asymmetrical piece features SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS bicones threaded through crystal clear acrylic tubing combined with sleek silver chain for a stunning effect. It is truly hard to pick favorites because every design has so much to offer in terms of concept, color, execution and idea.

If you’re stuck in a design rut and looking for a book to jump start your creativity, look no further. Fernando DaSilva will take you by the hand and lead your work into fascinating new directions. Viva la Fashion! Viva Fernando!

The Simple Joys

I am home bound here for the next few weeks working from the studio. At first I was feeling a little like The Bubble Girl. Now I'm on a roll!

It has been a revelation being able to fully focus and get things done! I have had time to stop, consider, think, act, reflect, unwind, rewind, catch up on deadlines, get ahead of the curve. I have had time to re-mind myself of all of which I am capable of doing and all of the wisdom I have gained through years of hard work. I have had time to get a considerable amount of work done every day.

I love getting things done. I love making plans and making them real. I get a stupid big kick in the pantaloons out of problem solving.

There is a delicious sense of accomplishment at the end of each day. Yes, I did that and yes I solved that and yes I put that puzzle together. Huzzah!

I spent an hour on the phone brainstorming with a long time colleague on some ideas for a big event next year. It felt so good to bounce creativity back and forth and fine tune something together. It felt good to have someone listen to me and get excited about what I had to say and to in turn listen to them and get excited about what they have to say and to turn those ideas into a concrete plan. I love collaboration with people who are open to possibility and willing to co-create. It's a very, very good thing. It is also a very, very rare thing and so I truly treasure it when it comes along.

I've actually started sporting a wicked little grin for no reason and humming happy little tunes and remembering the lovely little joys of being alive and being effortlessly creative.

Ah, good stuff indeed.

It is easy to forget who we are in the day to day rush of living. Sometimes just taking a moment or two to pause is all it takes to remember. Now if I could just kick start my lungs back into the game, I'd be ready to rock and roll!

Until next time...craft on with your bad selves.

Love
Madge

ILovetoCreate Teen Crafts: Cake Flower Folder

Mom says, "Avalon made a cute tank top for me this summer using 'cake flower' techniques. I love the look of these and think they have absolutely ENDLESS applications for designs. The dimensional fabric paint is perfect for this, because like a bead of icing it gives you enough color to spread and create this embroidered look. Very cool, Avalon!"


IlovetoCreate Teen Crafts
Back to School Cake Flower Folder
Avalon Potter
“Teen crafted, mom approved.”

I love to decorate cakes. One of my favorite techniques to use on cakes is called brushed embroidery. I was messing around with some Tulip paint and found this technique works just as well with paint as it does with icing! So being that it's back to school where I live I thought what better way to trick out my folder than to use my new technique. I have also used this technique on t-shirts and it works really well there too!

Supplies
Yellow paper folder
Pencil
Practice paper
Tulip Slick Dimensional Fabric Paint: Bright Red, Yellow, Lectric Lime
Small flat paint brush

Instructions


1. On your practice paper trace out your flower, then use the paint to trace over the flower.

2. On the stem use lectric lime, use yellow in the center, and red on the petals. Then take your brush and brush the red petals inward about half an inch.

3. Once you have the technique down trace out your flower on your folder then paint over it. Use your brush embroidery technique on the petals.

4. On the top write your first name and first initial in red. Let dry.

Wire Crochet with Madge

Quattro by Margot Potter for Beadalon Copyright 2010

My new book plays with wire crochet and spooling and this is a piece I created for Beadalon while working on the book using a super huge crochet hook. Of course I had a super huge crochet hook handy because I am impatient.

Have I mentioned that?

The cool thing about using the super huge crochet hook with two 22 gauge colored wires is that you can pull the stitches taut after crocheting them so you get a long, lean, woven, two tone effect. I made four strands like that and braided them. Thusly, the piece is named Quattro. I then added some super awesome beads from the super awesome Lori Greenberg aka Bead Nerd. She makes seriously super awesome lamp worked beads in small production runs.

I really love how this design turned out and I'd forgotten about it until I got to CHA and saw it in the Beadalon booth. Then I remembered it again while poking around in my computer files just now. Apparently I need to start taking Gingko Biloba.

If you haven't started weaving your wire, you simply must try. You will have a blast with it! Also check out my new book for some other fab and different ideas for playing with wire. Yes, that is what you call a shameless self promotional plug. Tee hee.

xoxo
Madge

More Chances to Win a Copy of My New Book! Huzzah!

Amphora from New Dimensions in Bead and Wire Jewelry by Margot Potter Copyright 2010

This is a project from my new book and I wanted you to see the whole piece clearly. You'll actually learn to make every element in this design link by link! I am mad for the 16 gauge wire these days, now I need to get my hands on the 10 gauge. Insert mad scientist laugh here.

Have you won a copy of my new book yet? If you haven't...and you haven't buckled down and bought one...there are more places you can go to leave comments and try to win! Who doesn't love free stuff?!

For a chance to wine a free copy of the new book please visit A Bead a Day Blog and Snap Out of it Jean, There's Beading to be Done! Both Lisa and Jean gave me terrific reviews too. Love that people are getting my vision. Books are a huge undertaking, kind of like a little birthing with lots of birthing pains. Then you send them off into the world and hope that they are embraced. It's a strange thing, really.

You can also get a great deal on a bundle of three of my favorite books at JTV! Don't forget to check out my first Series Two Jewel School DVD: The Art of Making Earrings while you're there.

Until next time...craft on with your bad selves!

xoxo
Madge