Margot Potter

Introducing 2KGrey

2012-01-28T00:01:00.000-08:00

2KGrey Caletco V Jean

You probably didn't know that I have two smart, savvy and immensely talented younger sisters. Well...I do!
My sister, Karen Lipp, is a world renowned Dressage rider and trainer. She is launching her new line of couture denim 2KGrey this Spring! My talented, smart and savvy mother Sharon Scanlin designed her logo. Yup, we are all designing divas. Visit my sister's website and check it out!

Karen Lipp

I am so proud of her, she's a shining example of doing what you love and never, ever, ever giving up. From the time she could walk she knew she wanted a horse and she made that happen starting with her first horse at age 11 and moving up through the ranks of the Dressage world. Now she's combining her passion for horses with her love of fashion and her talent for design.
Go Karen!

xoxo
Margot

Calypso

2012-01-27T00:01:00.000-08:00

Here is one of the designs I made to wear to the shows. I have named this Calypso. It is made from gunmetal, silver plated wire and a plethora of SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS. I don't know where it will end up afterwards, but I am LOVING these Beadalon Artistic Wire Wrappers! DELISH!

The winner of the Fiskars Scissors and my book is Sarah of Saturday Sequins!: Email me at margot@margotpotter.com with your snail mail and we will get your prizes to you at the start of February.

If you're on Facebook, please visit jewelry designer and fine artist Andrew Thornton's new page for his latest endeavor, Allegory Gallery. They're trying to get enough 'likes' to gain some free advertising on Facebook. It shouldn't be hard to like them as they're quite likeable!

xoxo
Madge

CHA and Tucson Shows!

2012-01-26T05:36:00.000-08:00

It's that crazy time of year when I head off to LA and Tucson for the big shows. Tucson and CHA overlap this year, so I only have one day at CHA. I'll be doing a meet and greet in the iLoveToCreate blogger's lounge. If you're there, join me for the fun on Sunday January 29th from 1-3:30! If you're going to Tucson for the gem show, I'll be with Swarovski at the Westin La Paloma. They've just announced an awesome deal on the full day Design and Creativity Challenge here's a link to the video if you've not seen it yet. If you take 75.00 in other classes, they will take half off of the cost of the challenge! That's HUGE! Plus the first prize is now worth $700.00 and the other two prizes are worth 200.00 each! How cool is that?! I'm also teaching two other classes. How to get your work into magazines is a class on submitting designs that sell and creating great relationships with editors. The other class is how to sell, write and publish a craft book, which is something I know a lot of folks want to know since this blog gets searched for that topic on a daily basis.

Here is the schedule for the iLoveToCreate booth at CHA, what a fabulous group of talented women!:

Sunday, January 29th
10:30AM - 12PM Alisa Burke, Reinvent Creativity
12PM – 1:30 PM Heather Mann of Dollar Store Crafts, Crafterminds
1:30PM – 3PM Margot Potter, The Impatient Crafter, Craft.You.
3 PM – 4:30PM Kathy Cano-Murillo, The Crafty Chica
4:30PM – 6PM Corinne Leigh, Threadbanger, Craftovision

Monday, January 30th
10:30AM - 12PM Ashley Hackshaw, Lil Blue Boo
12PM – 1:30PM Angela Daniels, Guilty Crafter
1:30PM – 3PM Kristen Turner, Glitter ‘N Glue
3PM – 4:30PM Traci Bautista, Creativity Unleashed

Tuesday, January 30th
10:30AM - 12 PM Jennifer Hadfield, TaterTots & Jello
12PM – 1:30PM Tiffany Windsor, Cool2Craft
1:30PM – 3PM Pattie Wilkinson, Pattiewack blog
3PM – 4:30 PM Valerie Marderosian, iLoveToCreate Senior Vice President & Chief Creative Officer, iLoveToCreate®, a Duncan Enterprises Company
4:30PM – 6 PM Alexa Westerfield, The Swell Life, FontCrafts

The Bloggers' Lounge (booth #1818) is going to be the coolest spot at the show...we are offering up a fun and crafty badge make and take with some of the hottest bloggers in the craft and DIY industry! We'll also be serving up some super crafty refreshments and offering recharging stations for attendees to charge up their phones and tech gadgets!

xoxo
Madge

iLoveToCreate Teen Crafts: I Heart U Valentine

2012-01-25T06:05:00.000-08:00

iLovetoCreate Teen Crafts
I Heart U Valentine
Avalon Potter
"Teen crafted, Mom approved."

My mom has been making super cute Valentine's lately, so I decided to make one of my own! I love this pretty pink patterned paper and there were some left over scraps from the glittered gift bag she used for another project. You can use whatever papers you like, maybe even recycle some old Valentine's or use book pages...it's up to you. Aleene's adhesives make it easy to make wonderful projects super fast!

Materials
Patterned paper for heart
Gold glittery paper for arrow point and feathers (you can use gold paper and add Tulip glitter if you like!)
Pale pink cardstock
Black and white patterned paper for arrow staff
Small white doily for background
Aleene's Tacky Sticker Sheet
Aleene's Acid Free Tacky Glue

Tools
Fiskars Graduate Heart Shape Template System (Or hand cut a heart)
Paper friendly scissors
Craft knife
Ruler
Computer and printer to print out I (Heart Icon) U.

1. Print out I (Heart Icon) U on a computer. The heart icon is a less than symbol followed by the number 3. I used a French Script MT and sized it at 48. 2. Cut out the large heart and small heart using the template and shape cutter. The large heart is the largest on the template and is 3.5"x3.75". The small heart is 1"x1". 3. Use scissors to cut the arrow shaft to 4"x1/4". Cut the arrow feathers to 3/4"x1 1/4". 4. Cut out words and cut a frame out of the pink paper as a background. 5. Cut a small slit a little bigger than 1/4" diagonally using the craft knife at the top and bottom center of heart. The distance between the two slits should be about 2.5". This is where your arrow will go.

6. Thread arrow into slits.

7. Attach doily to back of heart using sticker sheet. Attach arrow point and feather with Aleene's Tacky Glue and allow to dry overnight.

8. Layer words and frame and attach to center of card. (Write your sentiments on the back of the Valentine.)

Runway Design Reveal

2012-01-24T06:25:00.000-08:00

A while back I shared a sneak peek of a runway project for a manufacturer and today I'm revealing the whole shebang! This is not for the shy or retiring. It features huge freeform tendrils organically wrapped with large vintage faux pearls and SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS. I made the necklace and earrings and Drew made the coordinating bracelet. It was a wonderful, intuitive process. I really didn't want to go into it with relentlessly specific plans, I just started playing with the wire and eventually got to this. What's great about this thick gauge of wire is that it's much more forgiving and looks fabulous hammered. I can't wait to see pictures of these on a model!

To make something similar, you need 10 gauge tinned copper Artistic Wire, 22 gauge silver plated German style wire and an array of large and small faux pearls and crystals. Then bend, hammer and wrap to your heart's content! The core of the necklace is Remembrance memory wire, which is perfect for heavier necklaces because it's tempered steel.

xoxo
Madge

Daring DIY for the Discriminating Diva.

2012-01-21T10:06:00.000-08:00

Since returning to the land of the living after my year abroad. Har har. I have been tweaking and tweaking this old blogger blog to get it up to date and in the flow with what's happening on the web. In case you didn't notice...it's not just a blog anymore, it's my website! I tried a bit of this and a skootch of that...and kept getting closer...but not quite there.

Today it all came together. I love when that happens!

Think of this as DIY for those of us who pay attention to fashion trends, but have developed our own fabulous sense of style and quite frankly, don't give a fiddler's flock if stripes are "out" or glittered pasties are "in."

Or is that stripes are "in" and glittered pasties are "out?"

Six of one, half a dozen of the other. Hmmm...glittered pasties...

Welcome to the new and improved www.margotpotter.com! Daring DIY for the Discriminating Diva.

Love
Madge

Hugs and Kisses, Madge

2012-01-20T06:53:00.000-08:00

I don't like the term 'hopeless romantic.' I prefer 'hopeFUL romantic.' How can one be romantic and hopeless? That's just silly.

Above is a romantic design I made a few years back, if you follow this link you can get the step by step instructions! If you haven't signed up for the FABULOUS Fiskars Giveaway yet, follow this link for the 411!

Xoxo
Madge

Kaleidoscope AND a FISKARS Giveaway!

2012-01-19T00:01:00.000-08:00

A while ago on Project Runway a contestant created a design featuring the combination of teal and vivid orange. I LOVED it. The judges, not so much. In fact Ms. Klum and another judge claimed that blue and orange didn't compliment each other.

Insert record scratch...here.

Blue and orange actually are complimentary colors! Doh.

I happen to adore the combination and use it often, here with some splashes of yellow for good measure.

This design is in my new book New Dimensions in Bead and Wire Jewelry. I used vintage and reproduction plastic components from The Beadin' Path. You can actually purchase this fabulous design in my Etsy Shoppe for a song! It's kinetic, the smaller elements spin and move. You can also see this on Color Guru Brenda Pinnick's new site Color Cafe!

Speaking of ORANGE, which is the color of the year as all fashion savvy folk know...I have a little giveaway! It's the 45th anniversary of everyone's favorite scissors FISKARS! WOO HOO! If you leave a comment here telling me what you love about the color orange, I will select someone next week to win a pair of Fiskars class orange handled scissors AND a signed copy of my new book New Dimensions in Bead and Wire Jewelry with a little piece of ephemera from my personal collection tucked inside.

PS: Tune in today to JTV's Jewel School from 10am-Noon EST if you want a super shopportunity! And when I say super, I mean...SUPER DUPER!

Love
Madge

Evolution of a Design

2012-01-18T06:32:00.000-08:00

I created this necklace for one of my design clients. I began with 10 gauge tinned copper wire, hammering and forming it into a simple choker, then added a sprinkling of SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS sew on stones attached with a thinner gauge of wire. (This is the design I'm wearing in the Create Your Style video.) I was really going for something simple, striking and primitive here with a big nod to Alexander Calder's wire jewelry work. Unfortunately the client didn't like the first version and asked me to cover up the wire wraps and the exposed hammered wire at the front of the design. I had to work and rework and rework the piece because it's all secured with tension and has to be wearable or it's pointless. Yes, I can be patient, though it usually involves a smattering of juicy expletives. The two arms of the thicker wire actually create the tension that secures the necklace around the neck, so the smaller stones had to be out of the way of that action. The large stone had to go, unfortunately, but that gave the design a more curvilinear feel. Honestly, I like both versions, but they're very different. Alas, after the rework and though the client genuinely liked it, they asked me to scrap this one and start over using different techniques and materials. So...I'll be wearing this at some upcoming events. This is part of the deal of being a freelance designer, not my favorite part, but one that can't be avoided I'm afraid.

What do you think, the first version, the second version or neither?! What do you think about editing your work? How do your designs evolve?

That's a prompt for you to converse with me! Be not afraid. Oh and, Tune in tomorrow, I've got a giveaway!

Cheers,
Madge

iLoveToCreate Retrofabulous Crafts: No Kiddin' Around Upcycled Valentine

2012-01-16T09:22:00.000-08:00

No Kiddin' Around Upcycled Valentine Margot Potter for iLovetoCreate

iLoveToCreate Retrofabulous Crafts
No Kiddin' Around Upcycled Valentine
Margot Potter

Today's Retrofabulous Craft is another upcycled vintage Valentine idea. I took new scrapbook paper, a glittered gift bag from Christmas, red cardstock and combined them with a section of a vintage card. You can substitute any used Valentine here, it's a great way to re-purpose them! I had a blast making layered hearts with the Fiskars paper cutter and Aleene's dry adhesives made putting it all together a breeze! No waiting for glue to dry. I added some Tulip Beads in a Bottle gems for dimension using Aleene's Acid Free Tacky Glue (I recommend this for paper crafts.)

Materials
Red cardstock
Black and white striped or patterned papers
Small doily
Gold glittered gift bag (or just use Tulip Glitter on gold paper for the same effect.)
2 Red Tulip Beads in a Bottle Studs and Crystals
Aleene's Tacky Dot Runner
Aleene's Acid Free Tacky Glue

Tools
Fiskars Graduated Hearts Shape Template (or measure and hand cut graduated hearts)
Fiskars Interchangeable Scalloped Edge Punch
Bone folder
Paper cutter

1. Cut red cardstock to 7"x11".

2. Fold card in half to 7"l.x5.5"w. Use bone folder to make a sharp crease in edge.

3. Use edge punch on top edge of card.

4. Cut out layered hearts with papers.

5. Cut out your layered hearts. Before you cut, make sure you center the image you want to use! I stacked the 4" heart followed by the 3.5" heart and finally the 3" heart for the center heart. The top right heart stack is 1", 1.25", 1.5" and 2". The bottom left heart stack is 1", 1.5" and 2". For inside of the card stack 1.5", 1.25" and 1" hearts.

6. Print out your sentiments. I wrote "No kiddin' around, Valentine." and "I love you." using a vintage style font.

7. Layer a doily and the center hearts using Aleene's Tacky Dot Runner. Add the top right and bottom left heart stacks. Attach a faux gemstone using Aleene's Tacky Glue to the center of the top and bottom heart stacks. Allow to dry.

8. Cut out your sentiment and layer it on one of your papers, cut and adhere to bottom right of card front using Aleene's Tacky Glue Runner.

9. To make the inside of the card, stack your hearts and add the sentiment to the center.

Put a Bead on It...and Other Ramblings.

2012-01-14T06:46:00.000-08:00

Fashion Craft Needle and Yarn 1963 (Madge added a little text...)

Ah yes, the pom poms continue marching on! This is for Your Grandmother's Crafts, if you've not been there yet, go check it out! It's mostly eye candy at the moment, but there will be more to come!

I have been BURIED under a mountain of samples, literally. I still have mountains more straw to spin by Monday, but thankfully my husband has been helping or it would never all get done. I just wanted to give a couple of quick shout outs!

I'm international! The fabulously talented Jean Yates just emailed me a copy of her book review for New Dimensions in Bead and Wire Jewelry from Australian Beading Magazine! How delightful is that? Jean writes the best reviews by far! Thank you! (Did you know that you can get a signed copy of the book on my Books Page here for only 17.00 including shipping with a piece of ephemera from my collection tucked inside? Well...you can!)

Put a BEAD on it! Designing diva Cyndi Lavin has a new bead embroidery e-book: Three Bezels Plus a Bonus! Though we all know I lack the patience for this kind of bead work, but I have a deep and abiding admiration for those who can do it. Cyndi is a fabulous designer, writer and teacher, you simply have to go check it out!

I'll be back Monday with a new Retrofabulous project for iLoveToCreate...that is if I can get this straw pile spun in time! Wish me luck!

Love
Madge

Create Your Style Tucson Show Design Challenge and Event!

2012-01-12T06:28:00.000-08:00

Here's a super fun, short and sweet Promo Video for the Design Challenge and Event at the Create Your Style Tucson Show! Feel free to share!

If you're going to be at the Tucson Gem Show on January 31st, please consider signing up for my all day Design Event and Challenge class! It is going to be so much fun and people of all skill levels are invited. Don't be intimidated by the contest factor, we just wanted to spice things up a little, ultimately this is about you exploring new avenues and approaches to creativity. I'm all about inviting everyone to the party, not sending out exclusive invitations, so no matter your skill level, everyone who attends will walk away with tons of swag, great ideas and inspiration. Believe me when I tell you, it's going to be well worth the money. The first prize is now worth 700 dollars!

There will be fabulous prizes given out during the event; PLUS a TON of sensational swag from a huge list of who's who in the jewelry making segment along with a bevy of Swavorski Elements and other materials with which to play. Meals included. The class is on January 31st from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., leading to a champagne reception and award ceremony at 5:30 to announce the 3 winners. Create Your Style runs shuttles to the Westin La Paloma from the bead shows, so no worries about transportation either!

And this class is only part of the fun, Create Your Style is hosting THREE DAYS of fabulous classes with world class instructors at the Westin La Paloma with shuttle service running to the event all day every day!

Also don't forget my seminars on Getting Published in Magazines and How to Sell a Jewelry Making Book!

Big thanks to Eileen Bergen, Tammy Powley, Aileen Roberts and Jean Yates for posting about this on their blogs! I TRULY appreciate the support!

If you've got any questions about the event, shoot me an email! You can do this! It's going to be a BLAST!
margot@margotpotter.com or theimpatientcrafter@gmail.com

Here is a list of our sponsors:

Alacarte Clasps
Beadalon
CraftOptics
E.H. Ashley & Company, Inc.
Fire Mountain Gems and Beads
Fiskars
Frabels, Inc.
Halstead Bead Inc.
House Of India
Jewelrythings, Inc.
JK Findings
Lisa Pavelka
Merchants Overseas, Inc.
Out On A Whim
RBC Industries
Rings & Things
The Beadin' Path
TierraCast
Tim Holtz
WireLace

iLoveToCreate Teen Crafts: (P)upcycled Valentine Card

2012-01-11T06:33:00.000-08:00

(P)upcycled Valentine Copyright Margot Potter for iLoveToCreate

iLoveToCreate Teen Crafts:
(P)Upcycled Valentine
Margot Potter for Avalon Potter
“Mom crafted, teen approved”

Avalon was buried in school work this week, so I’m stepping in for a little retrofabulous infused teen craft. This can be either a card or an invitation to a Valentine's Day party! You can upcycle any old Valentine you may have in your collection. I had this adorable little vintage card in my coffers that was begging for a new life. Arf, arf. I loved the way the edge punch looked centered on each of the four sides of the pink square, gave the layer purrfect doily style appeal. Tulip Glam-it-Up Crystals and Beads in a Bottle gave it all a little dimension and Aleene’s glue made quick work of putting it all together. Nothing fishy about it, this is, as Avalon says, “Adorbs!”

Materials
Red Cardstock
Baby pink Cardstock
Tiny Heart Scrapbook Stickers
Fish Scrapbook Sticker
Printed Letter “u” in Campbell or similar vintage style font
Upcycled Valentine
Aleene’s Acid Free Tacky Glue
Aleene’s Tacky Dot Runner
Tulip Beads in a Bottle Pink Glitter
5 Tulip Glam-it-Up Crystals

Tools
Chain Nose Pliers, Tweezers or a Crayon to pick up and place crystals
Scalloped Border Punch
Ruler and Scissors
Pinking Shears
Word Bubble Punch

A sampling of some of my collection of vintage Valentines.

1. Print a letter ‘u’ in Campbell or a vintage style font size 14.

2. Cut your cardstock to 5.5”x5.5” or dimensions that work with your Valentine.

3. Use pinking shears around edge of pink cardstock.

4. Center border punch and cut out scallops inside of all four edges of paper. (Don’t punch the edge off, this is just to add a little doily style window. Save punched dots to use with word bubbles.)

5. Punch or cut word bubbles, I cut the little talking tag from the bottom since these are thought bubbles in this card.

6. Use glue dot runner to attach pink layer on top of red background and card to center bottom of pink layer.

7. Attach heart sticker to card.

8. Use pliers, tweezers or crayon to lift crystals, dip into glue, tap off any excess and place on card. Crystals go in each of the four corners and in center of the small heart.

9. Attach word bubbles with tape runner. Add hearts, fish and ‘u’.

10. Punch one scallop out of the white paper you used for word bubbles and save the tiny punched out circles. Use a toothpick to dab a small amount of glue on card where you want your paper dots leading up to word bubbles to be placed and gently place dots on card.

11. Use Beads in a Bottle to add dimension to edges of the pink layer on your card.

12. This is a flat invitation style Valentine, you can opt to make a folding card if your prefer.

Queen of Hearts Wire Earrings

2012-01-10T06:17:00.000-08:00

Queen of Hearts Earrings Copyright Margot Potter

(Make sure you click on the pop up window of this image to read the text.)

Queen of Hearts Earrings
Copyright 2011 Margot Potter

Ah, Valentine’s Day. Love it or lump it, you can’t escape it! Love may come and love may go, but friends are forever. Why not remind your best girlfriend how much she means to you this year with a lovely pair of wire and crystal earrings and a funny card to make her smile? Attach the earrings to a card for a two for one by punching a small hole for each ear wire using a pin and threading them on the cover!

The image is from my personal ephemera collection, and I couldn’t resist adding a little text...

Materials
20 gauge annealed iron wire
6 8mm fuchsia SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS faceted rounds

Tools
10mm dowel
2 pairs chain nose pliers
Chain nose pliers
Memory wire shears
Chasing hammer
Bench block
Bench block pad
Spool of thread

1. Cut off a 5” segment of 20 gauge annealed iron wire with memory wire shears. Don’t use regular wire cutters, this wire will eat them up!

2. Use chain nose pliers to bend a sharp bend in the center (this is the pointed side of your heart.)

3. Round the wire ends into a heart shape, use something round to maintain the curve, an average sized spool of thread works nicely here!

4. Use round nose pliers to turn a small loop in both ends.

5. Use a small segment of wire to bind the loops together as in photo. I wrapped them three times, cut the excess wire and tucked the tail under with chain nose pliers.

6. Hammer the shapes flat using your chasing hammer and steel bench block.

7. Create matching ear wires bending a 1.5” segment of wire over a 10mm dowel. Turn a loop in one end and make a small curve in the other using round nose pliers.

8. Hammer front side of ear wires flat with chasing hammer and bench block.

9. Thread each crystal with 22 gauge gun metal wire, loop one end and coil the other.

10. Use the 10mm dowel to create two jump rings with the 20 gauge black wire. Hammer these flat using your chasing hammer and bench block.

11. Attach the ear wires to the top of each heart using chain nose pliers. (Attach them on opposite sides to create a left and a right earring.)

12. Attach the jump ring and dangles to the bottom of each heart using your chain nose pliers to open and secure the ring closed with tension.

Beadalon's Wire Mesh

2012-01-09T06:35:00.000-08:00

This is a design I created recently for Beadalon to showcase their fabulous new Artistic Wire mesh and their stunning antique brass finish chain. Oversized SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS polygon beads gave it a little sparkle to reflect the understated metallic color palette. It was a very intuitive design born from play. Some of my best work comes from not having an agenda. I'm quite pleased with how this turned out, very bold, simple and striking. These mesh poppies would work nicely on accessories: headbands, shoes, hats or purses. I used felt to back them and give them a little stability. (I'd sew around the edges with a 26 or 28 gauge matching wire to keep them from fraying if using them on a bag or shoes.)

Love
Madge

Linky Love Sunday!

2012-01-08T06:49:00.000-08:00

Time for Some Linky Love!

I am beyond thrilled to be featured on Color Guru Brenda Pinnick's FAB new site ColorCafe today! I'm working in a more understated palette here, but there is still whimsy to be found in these wire mesh poppies. Follow this link to see more and check out the rest of the folks featured on the blog. Lots and lots of great inspiration to be had there, Brenda is a fine artist with a true gift for color. You're going to LOVE HER SITE!

I resisted it for as long as I could...but I have fallen under the spell of Pinterest! If you're there, come play with me! http://pinterest.com/margotpotter/ As you can see...I love color too!

Speaking of color...check out the rainbow of crafty goodness this week from the Crafty Bloggers!

Internetiquette with Real Simple

2012-01-07T06:56:00.000-08:00

REAL SIMPLE KICKS OFF THE FIRST-EVER

“BE NICE ON THE INTERNET” WEEK

JANUARY 9-13, 2012

The ever charming and craftacular Ms. Jennifer Perkins clued me into a very timely and exciting event being sponsored by the folks from Real Simple Magazine this week: "Be Nice on the Internet" Week. (Click on the title to visit their site and find out more! It's all about internet-etiquette and elevating our online discourse and Ms. Madge(rs) and I are delighted!

Thankfully my blogs are mostly nasty comment free as I have some of the friendliest readers around, but my YouTube and Amazon pages...not so much. I think it fascinating how people feel this strange sense of power through anonymity which results in having absolutely no compunction about leaving nasty grams all over the internet. Perhaps this should be dubbed online sociopathy. One wonders if these Johnny Crappleseeds truly do feel some sort of twisted pleasure in being so cruel. It is hard to say, but anyone with a blog or online presence can attest to just how much these kinds of comments can wreck an otherwise perfectly lovely day.

I decided after one too many mean spirited comments and reviews from people who obviously had issues that went far beyond not liking a video or book or blog post, that I was no longer going to allow these internet trolls to have power over me. Thusly, I began responding to their reviews and comments in a quippy, humorous way. Eventually I decided to turn this idea into a blog and it's been a delicious experience indeed! The love child of Miss Manners and Dorothy Parker, Ms. Madge(rs) is on a mission to clean the internet one dirty comment at a time. If you have nasty comments you'd like to send to her for a thorough cleansing, please do at margot@margotpotter.com! Let's spread the word about Real Simple's simply fabulous initiative! Here's to championing civil discourse and online courtesy, huzzah!

Cheers,
Madge

Your Grandmother's Crafts

2012-01-06T06:41:00.000-08:00

Ya gotta problem with that?

I didn't think so.

Yesterday I finally launched a site I've been toying around with for a while here. Eventually there will also be fabulous vintage and vintage inspired crafty goodies for you to purchase, but for now it's just fun crafty food for thought to remind us all of the great debt we owe to the women before us who could, quite frankly, craft circles around most of us.

So here's to the end of the notion that creativity has an expiration date at Your Grandmother's Crafts!

xoxo
Madge

Valentine's Day Dollar Store Craft: Sweetheart Foam Necklace

2012-01-05T06:57:00.000-08:00

Sweetheart Foam Necklace and Earrings Copyright Margot Potter 2010

I have plenty of romantic projects in my crafty coffers, so I'll be bringing them out over the next few weeks and introducing some new ideas as we lead up to the oft dreaded holiday of St. Valentine. This one is so quick and easy and of course, depending on which foam stickers you select, can be adapted to suit any occasion! You can find the step by step instructions with lots of pics here. What's not to love about that?

You can find these foam stickers at the discount chains, craft and dollar stores.

If you'd like the original set, it's for sale for a song in my Etsy shoppe!

Love
Madge

SPARKLE ALERT!

2012-01-04T06:12:00.000-08:00

SPARKLE ALERT! Will you be in Tucson on January 31st for the Gem Show? Do you think you have what it takes to push your design skills to the limit in a high fashion, fast paced, no holds barred, all day competition and emerge victorious? We'll provide inspiration items, crystal, materials and tools, meals, a champagne reception and prizes, you bring your imagination and competitive spirit! It's an 8 hour intensive event where you'll go from concept to finished design while competing to win fabulous prizes. You get to keep your Haute Couture masterpiece and we're working with some other companies to sweeten the pot, so the swag and prizes will be even bigger!

Get the 411 on the show and the contest...here! AND I'm also teaching two two hour seminars to help you take your jewelry making to the next level. How to Get Your Work Published will be an intensive boot camp on presenting your work for magazine publication, you bring images of your work and we'll talk about how to see results. How to Write and Publish a Jewelry Making Book will be an in depth lens into creating a cohesive concept, presenting an enticing query and getting that book deal you deserve! You bring some concepts and pictures of your work and we'll work on fine tuning the seeds of an idea you can present to publishers. We'll also be discussing contract negotations and everything else you need to know AFTER you sell your book.

Sparkling Kisses,
Madge

The Case of the Neon Pom Poms.

2012-01-03T06:22:00.000-08:00

Let me preface this post with the acknowledgment that nothing below amounts to a hill of beans in the big picture, but it's some food for thought as we endlessly traverse the Brave New world of the interwebs and we navigate the complexities of inspiration versus intellectual property infringement. So what I'm sayin' folks is, I'm just puttin' it out there..

Image from Styleite.com

SomedayNewYorker Pom Pom Dress, Nicki Minaj Pom Pom Dress

I wrote a weekly Teen Crafts column for iLoveToCreate for a year. It was fun and challenging coming up with DIY ideas I thought teens would enjoy. It helped having a super awesome stylish teen at home off of which I could bounce my ideas. She's since taken that column over and as you know, and I'm now focusing on Retrofabulous Crafts. A while back I saw a picture of rapper Nicki Minaj sporting a colorful pom pom encrusted ensemble at New York Fashion Week. At the time I mentioned it to my husband, because it reminded me of the Pom Pom bib necklace he helped me construct back in July of 2010, see pic below. This design is kinda funny for many reasons. I just had to make it, even though I knew it bizarre and it has been an oft searched post on my blog for the past few years. It lives on the mannequin in my studio and makes me laugh every time I look at it. I knew it was so out there people would either love it or hate it.

Margot Potter Playful Pom Pom Necklace July 2010 for iLoveToCreate

This blog gets a lot of interesting traffic. You'd be surprised who lurks behind the scenes here. Big manufacturers, retailers and design folks you would surely know if I named them. They are, like many of us, always out there looking to see what is new, what is happening, who is doing what and...they are seeking inspiration. My work has been copied, I've seen it in catalogs, magazines, blog posts, winning design contest entries and even in showrooms in NYC. Does it burn my biscuits, yes, a little. It would be nice to get some credit, but at some point things just get out there and no one knows who thought of it first. What can I do. I just keep coming up with new ideas.

Gluing pom poms (or alternately pom pons) to felt and making it into jewelry is not an amazing feat of creative ingenuity. I admit I thought myself rather clever and it did take some thought figuring out what substrate would work best for both strength and comfort, how best to array the bib of felt circles, what adhesive made sense and how to connect it all together so it hung properly when worn, but it's really not a giant design stretch. And let's face it, most folks would probably not follow through with an idea this...well...utterly defiant of good taste. Lord knows, I am not afraid to dance on the edges of Tacky Town. I have had pom poms in my crafty coffers for years and this idea was rolling around in my head for a long, long time before I finally decided to try it. Had I seen this idea anywhere else before posting this project? Nope. If I had, I would have credited the inspiration source. It's how I roll.

So imagine my surprise when I Googled 'Nicki Minaj pom pom outfit' yesterday and found a slurry of articles from this past October including this one on Perez Hilton's Coco Perez site in which another designer very publicly accused Minaj of pom pom plagiarism. You can see the two outfits side by side above and it's obvious there are distinct similarities, but also some notable differences. Nicki's vest looks almost like a funky version of a traditional costume you'd see somewhere in Russia or Mongolia with patterns and stripes in various colors, the top next to it has more of a funky club kid vibe and is all from the same bag of pom poms (I know because I have the same bag.) You will also note the similarities to my bib necklace. Ms. Rogers claims that she was contacted by Minaj's stylist, sent pics of her work for review, never heard back and then saw this outfit in the fashion pages. So there is a thread there and reason for concern and I have no way to substantiate her claim.

It is completely possible she and I simply looked at a 100 pc. bag of Darice Variety Pack neon pom poms and thought, "Those would be fun to wear!" Or it's possible that this concept is not that much of a design stretch. I know I had not seen her idea before I made my necklace.

So what to think? Hmmm...

Reading my stash of vintage craft magazines is really making it clear to me that so much of what we think of as new and fresh and unique is really not. If you can stitch it, glue it, collage it, attach it, layer it, adorn it...well someone has probably had the same idea somewhere along the way. Try coming up with new names for websites or products, every clever little thought you have you will probably be able to find in a search. Ideas are, in my opinion, out there. We often tune into their frequency without knowledge of anyone else doing so or having done so. Some folks look at a bag of neon pom poms and think..."ACK!" Others look at the same bag and think, "Ooooo! FUN!"

What do you think? Is it a coincidence, this convergence of pom pom-ery? What constitutes an original design idea and does this idea fall into that category? Can one own clustered and glued neon pom poms, really? Does any of this matter, even slightly...probably not. Still it's good food for thought.

Hmmm...

Oh and if you'd like to put together your own playful pom pom necklace, here is a link to the tutorial!

Love
Madge

iLoveToCreate Retrofabulous Crafts: Pulp Fiction Thank You Cards

2012-01-02T00:01:00.000-08:00

iLoveToCreate Retrofabulous Crafts: Pulp Fiction Thank You Cards
Copyright Margot Potter
"These are your grandmother's crafts, ya gotta problem with that?"

The glitter has faded, the confetti swept away and it's time to start a new year filled with possibility. It's also time to take a moment and thank your friends and family for the lovely gifts they sent. What better way to say, "Thank you" than these Retrofabulous Pulp Fiction cards? The covers are scanned from my collection of ephemera, you can easily find similar books on eBay. I dragged them into Photoshop, color matched the fonts and added some new words to the mix, sized and printed and layered them with coordinating scrapbook papers and cardstock. Tulip Glam-it-up metallic crystals on the corners were the perfect touch of dimension. My first attempt to frame them with glitter was not so fab, so I started over. I've added coordinating sentiments inside. Aleene's AWESOME new glue dot tape runner made quick work of putting it all together.

Materials
Vintage patterned scrapbook papers (I used my fav Carolyn Gavin papers from K&Company)
Coordinating card stock
Tulip metallic Glam-it-up crystals
Aleene's Tacky Glue Dot tape runner
Aleene's Acid Free Tacky Glue

Tools
Paper cutter
Bone folder
Ruler
Scissors
Chain nose pliers or tweezers

1. Use photo editing software to add sentiments.

2. Use Word or similar software to create sentiments for inside of cards.

3. Print. I printed my images at 536x774dpi 150 resolution. It's easy to drag these into publishing software and put them side by side for printing.

4. Cut out images. You are stacking them on a solid cardstock and a patterned paper, each one gets slightly larger. I eyeballed using a paper cutter, you can measure them at 1/4" increasing margins, mark and cut.

5. Fold your card stock, crease with bone folder and cut off 1" from bottom.

6. Layer images starting with patterned paper which is straight, solid card stock on an angle and image straight. Use Aleene's Tacky Glue Dot Runner Tape to attach to card.

7. Cut out a sentiment, add a slightly larger coordinating cardstock paper frame, layer and attach to inside of card on an angle using tape runner.

8. Squeeze out a small amount of Tacky Glue. Use tweezers to careful pick up crystal, dip back in glue (don't over do it here) and attach to corners of image on card. Press gently with finger tips.

Crafty Bloggers Round Up

2012-01-01T12:40:00.001-08:00

It's a little linky round up for New Year's. Hoping this year brings us all joy, love, laughter and abundance...

Retrofabulous Holiday Craft Round-Up!

2011-12-31T05:52:00.000-08:00

Here's a smattering of the most popular holiday craft posts on The Impatient Crafter blog! If you haven't watched our new YouTube video, it's a hoot in a handbasket! Have a wonderful New Year's Eve and remember (before you put too much pressure on yourself) that every day, every moment really, offers us the opportunity to shift our lives for the better. So if you resolve and you fall off of the wagon, just hop back on. No worries, no pressure! If you wander over to Craft. You. you can read yesterday's post about having a HAPPY new year. Take a gander, join the party and stay tuned because we'll be launching the first class over there in the new year.

xoxo
Madge

Retrofabulous New Year's Fascinator

2011-12-29T09:54:00.000-08:00

Copyright Margot Potter 2011

Well heck and howdy doody, it's almost New Year's! I absolutely can not wait to bid this year adieu and welcome in 2012, how about you?! We whipped up a little video with a Retrofabulous New Year's Fascinator tutorial below. I sing, I craft, I act like a dork...what could be more festive?!

xoxo,
Madge

iLoveToCreate Teen Crafts: New Year's Necklace by Avalon Potter

2011-12-28T09:41:00.000-08:00

New Year's Necklace
Avalon Potter for iLoveToCreate Teen Crafts
"Teen crafted, mom approved."

My mom has been working a new video tutorial using black and white scrapbook papers. I loved her project and wanted to do a variation. Since it's almost New Year's, I added lots of sparkles so it would feel just like the day itself. This project is very easy to make and when you are done you will have something that you can wear on New Years or any day of the year!

Materials
Double sided black and white toile scrapbook paper
Large jump ring
Mini-ribbon bow tie
Aleene's Tacky Line Roll
Tulip Dimensional Fabric Paint glitter in gold
Tulip Fashion glitter in light gold jewel
Gold chain

Tools
Scissors
Ruler
Bone folder

Instructions

1.Take your black and white paper and cut out a piece that is 2.5"x6.5".

2.Take the piece and start to fold back and forth on the long side making each fold about a .5" wide. use a bone folder to make strong creases.

3.Once you have folded the whole piece fold the ends together from the center point making a fan.

4.Where the fan edges meet adhere Tacky Line Roll all the way down then pinch the middle pieces together.

5.Next put a thin line of Dimensional gold glitter on the folds and on the bottom. Then shake more gold glitter on top of that, tap off excess and allow to dry.

6.On the top attach a little white bow using Tacky Line Roll.

7. Take a large jump ring and string it through the top where the fan meets.

8. Slide a chain through the jump ring. You now have a fun and festive New Year's necklace!

New Year's Eve Jewelry Idea!

2011-12-27T06:51:00.000-08:00

"You must remember this,

A kiss is just a kiss,

A sigh is just a sigh.

The fundamental things apply,

As time goes by."

As Time Goes By by Herman Hupfeld

I'm quasi-back to work today, we're shooting a new project video for New Year's Eve! It's a really cute one, so stay tuned! It would look perfect with this New Year's silhouette necklace I made for iLoveToCreate a few years back. I show it every year, but this piece is still a top holiday traffic driver on the blog, imagine that! You can find instructions for it here.

Avalon has a super fun paper crafted jewelry project for you tomorrow, until then...craft on with your bad selves!

Cheers
Madge

Merry, Merry, Happy, Happy! The Final Craft of Christmas! Huzzah!

2011-12-24T06:51:00.000-08:00

Retrofabulous Holiday Necklace Copyright Margot Potter 2009

Wow! It's Christmas Eve! We made it! Huzzah!

I did not manage to whip another retrofabulous project out of my...hat. Actually I did, and it actually is a hat, but it's a New Year's project and we decided to make it into a video. So stay tuned! Until then, here is one of the most popular holiday projects on the blog. Click here to get instructions!

I hope that whatever you celebrate this holiday season, it is merry and bright. I'll be back on Monday.

Love
Madge

The 12 Retrofabulous Crafts of Christmas: When Vintage Crafts Go Terribly, Terribly Wrong.

2011-12-23T07:09:00.000-08:00

Click on picture pop up to read text, just do it. Read it all, you will be glad you did.

Well at least they offered a caveat...

Well, whatever, McCalls.

Today's whimsical holiday craft illustrates the dark side of my stash of vintage craft magazines. Perhaps not so retrofabulous, this is what happens when good crafts go terribly, terribly wrong. McCalls, what were you thinking? If anyone makes these masks, I will do a happy dance. I have included the instructions for your edification and entertainment. I will even send you a set of my books and some studio swag and I will model it in a The Impatient Crafter video. That is if you make one for me. If you make one for you, well good luck with that.

Please take a moment to carefully read these pages as something is awry...or Madge has spent far too much time playing with fonts in Photoshop. Which is pretty much the same thing.

I am off to see the Hair Fairy and get the roots done. I am so, so feeling the red hair vibe...

I pull one last crafty trick out of my arse tomorrow, but I am taking Christmas off, people. I have seriously earned it!

Cheers,
Madge

The 12 Retrofabulous Crafts of Christmas: The Audacity of Audacity

2011-12-22T06:22:00.000-08:00

Earrings Copyright Margot Potter 2011

Some of you will note that something is awry with the text in this photo...hmm...

The 12 Retrofabulous days of Christmas are marching on...and Madge is getting just a little silly. I mean, how many retrofabulous ideas can one woman be expected to whip out?!

I was asked to create three coordinating jewelry pieces for a runway event. There is nothing I love more than making ginormous Haute Couture creations! It's a matter of scale and proportion. Yes, that's it, scale and proportion. They're a skootch heavy and intentionally organic, but I love the bold simplicity of them. The set has a Calderesque appeal, if you've not seen Alexander Calder's wire jewelry, you simply have to check it out, stunning stuff that. His work was a huge source of inspiration in my new book New Dimensions in Bead and Wire Jewelry! I'm not sharing the set just yet...here is a teensy weensy sneak peek.

If you'd like to learn how to make similar earrings, I just happen to have New Dimensions in Bead and Wire Jewelry available for purchase for $17.00 on my Books Page AND if you order it from me, it comes SIGNED with a little piece of ephemera from my collection. Shipping is included, BTW (US only, sorry.) How cool is that? IKR? (That was for Avalon who thinks her mother painfully uncool.)

If you'd like a chance to WIN a FREE SIGNED copy of the book with a free piece of ephemera...just leave a comment here. Tell me something AUDACIOUS about you! Be bold! Be not afraid! Toot that horn 'cause ain't nobody gonna toot it like you, Louis Armstrong. I will pick a winner on New Year's DAY next Sunday! Make sure you leave an email contact with your comment so I can let you know if you win!

I was feeling a little frustrated and discouraged yesterday. I was also feeling a little melancholy, grumpy and bitchy, for good measure. I was even feeling a little freaked out and panicked. But in my defense, it's been a crazy ass roller coaster ride for the past few months. Sometimes a little audacity and cheeky good fun is just what the doctor ordered.

In fact, I'm going to be talking about audacity today at one of my other sites, Craft. You. Have you checked it out? Why not get on board for the new year? It's all about making your goals, plans, hopes and dreams into reality, it's all about lifecrafting. I am going to launch classes soon...I'm just sayin'...

Love
Madge

12 Crafts of Christmas: Retrofabulous Pop Art Andy Warhol Ornapendants!

2011-12-21T06:20:00.000-08:00

Andy Warhol Ornapendants™

A Gleefully Ebullient Andy Warhol Photographed by William John Kennedy

Has your ho lost it's ho ho,

From the holiday slog?

Is your mistletoe lonely?

Is your egg lacking nog?

Has the tinsel gone crinkly?

Did you burn the yule log?

Well here's a little something festive to cheer you up! Deck the halls? Sure. But what about you, Jingle Bells? What about you and your halls getting a little Pop Art makeover?

Nothing says Ho Ho Ho like an Andy Warhol Ornapendant™!

If you'd like the 411 on how to turn your garment and accessory tags from trash into treasures, just click here and you will magically be transported back in time to the original post.

Cool, huh?

Oh and CHECK OUT our fab new Zazzle shop where you too can be the BQOTU™ (Bead Queen of the Universe) and you can get your Super Girlie Good Power™ in spades! Now that should cheer you up! Yay!

xoxo
Madge

The 12 Retrofabulous Crafts of Christmas: Instant Ancester Victorian Style Frame

2011-12-20T06:21:00.000-08:00

Instant Ancestors Beaded Frame Copyright Margot Potter 2005

You will be SHOCKED to hear that I collect old black and white Victorian era photographs.

I know, right?!(Or IKR as my super texty kid says)

I love pondering on the people in the pictures, wondering where life took them. Fascinating stuff, that.

I would also like to state for the record that if they made those shoes in my size, I'd be all over them like glitter on a glue stick.

This project was published in a magazine a few years back. The idea is to buy a cheap metal filigree frame at a discount store, they have tons of these at Target, TJ Maxx or Home Goods. Then you use 20-24 gauge Artistic Wire (soft copper based wire works best for this) to attach SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS crystals and pearls and swags of chain. I grasp the wire ends, wrap and twist them tightly, cut off excess and tuck the tails under with chain nose pliers. If you can't find this style of crystal chain, any gun metal or aged brass chain will work, just add a few dangling crystals to give it some sparkle. If you have some actual old pics of your ancestors, use those! If not, make up a good story about your new ancestor to go with the gift.

My Great Grandfather was a well known Philadelphia area photographer who specialized in hand tinted photos. His work is in the collection of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Unfortunately, I only have one of his pictures and it is not hand tinted. So I just took a pic from my ephemera collection, scanned and colored with cotton swabs and powdered pigments. The colors here are honestly a bit too heavy handed, I find eye shadows work well to give a more subtle look.

This project should take about an hour, so if you're looking for a last minute idea...here you go!

Cheers!
Madge

12 Crafts of Christmas! iLoveToCreate Retrofabulous Christmas Craftabration: Upcycled Bingo Card Ornament

2011-12-19T07:48:00.000-08:00

"Games People Play" Upcycled Bingo Card Ormament Copyright Margot Potter 2011

iLoveToCreate: Retrofabulous Crafts

Games People Play

Upcycled Bingo Card Ornament

Margot Potter

"These are...your grandmother's crafts. Ya gotta problem with that?"

I have ~~hoarded~~ gathered lots of little vintage goodies over the years. As I move often, larger items are given away, but the little trinkets and treasures come along for the journey. It is fascinating how these tiny momentoes of days past have survived. Who tossed these dice? Who scooted this little scotty dog around a Monopoly board? These little doo dads, they've seen things. They carry a small piece of history in them. I have always felt like I was born in the wrong era. Vintage things fascinate me. From my first visits to rummage sales to my years of thrift store trolling, to my years of wearing vintage head to toe, I am enamored with and deeply smitten with the past-yet firmly rooted in the present. It's a dichotomy to be sure.

Speaking of presents, variations on this theme make lovely gifts. I have stacks of old BINGO cards, with crisp and clean graphics and they make the perfect background for all sorts of fun collages. In this case, I used old game parts, letter beads, tinsel and more to make a lovely ornament with a truly vintage appeal. Add as much or as little, glitter or no, make this yours...or more aptly...make it suit the recipient. Note that all number elements on this card have something in common...what could it be? Hmmm...

Materials

Vintage or new BINGO card (you could opt to use cardstock and adhere a copy of an old card, buy a repro set or look for these on auction sites, they're fairly easy to find.)
Various small vintage or new game pieces. I used a bingo chip, a Monopoly game piece and dice (Old games are easy to score at thrift stores, flea markets or on auction sites)
Plastic letter beads to spell: "Merry Christmas"
Small chipboard scrapbook pieces 2 5
Wired red tinsel to form hanger
Silver tinsel to decorate top of card
Tiny wooden clothespins to attach tinsel hanger
Wooden star
Tulip Beads in a Bottle crystal color (or Traci Bautista's Collage Pauge Sparkles)
Tulip Metallics 3-d paint silver
Aleene's Quick Dry Tacky Glue
Aleene's Tacky Line Rolls

Tools

Scissors
Tweezers or chain nose pliers
No stick sheet to protect work surface

1. Cut red tinsel long enough to form a large bail on top of card. Mine is 6". Cut smaller tinsel to fit space at top of card where red tinsel attaches at the top.

2. Use Beads in a Bottle in crystal to color the dice, scotty dog, plastic letters, tiny clothes pins and paper elements.

3. Stipple the silver paint on star and paint around edges using foam brush. Allow all elements to dry.

4. Attach silver tinsel to center top of card using Tacky Line roll.

5. Use glue to adhere larger elements.

6. Use glue and tweezers or chain nose pliers to place plastic letters across bottom of card.

7. Attach red tinsel to front top of card on both sides with tiny clothes pins.

Copyright Margot Potter 2011

The Twelve Crafts of Christmas with the Crafty Bloggers!

2011-12-18T06:11:00.000-08:00

Okay so there are only 11 links, but I'm hosting 12 DAYS of crafts so we're good, right?

Thanks to those brave souls who dared to leave a comment yesterday. It's so much work hosting several blogs and they don't really pay the rent, in fact they don't really pay at all. So it's nice to get that little friendly pat on the back now and again!

Cheers,
Madge

My Linky Tools are MIA, but I have paid them ~~off~~ and am hoping they release my images and links asap!

The 12 Crafts of Christmas: Retrofabulous 3-d Foamcore Toile Christmas Tree

2011-12-17T07:08:00.000-08:00

Retrofabulous 3-d Foamcore Toile Christmas Tree!

Fab DIY trees from 1960 Better Homes and Gardens Christmas Ideas!

Oh magazine, you are so big and bursting with fab ideas you can't fit on my scanner!

I know you're out there, but you're all so LURKY. Talk to me! Don't be afraid! I'm nice and funny! I like sparkly things! I talk to everyone in real life, it drives my daughter nuts. Standing in line, walking through a store, waiting for a plane, riding in a cab, yelling obscenities at them in my car when they drive like idiots. It would be so lovely to hear from you. Just a little, 'Hi Madge!' or 'Thanks for the weird but kinda cool projects' would truly maketh my day. No woman is an island, though this woman would like to live on one, in the tropics, got that, Santa?

Retrofabulous Foamcore Toile Christmas Tree
Copyright 2011 Margot and Andrew Potter

Okay so here it is! The big reveal! Our 4' foam core 3-d Christmas Tree! I was inspired by the funky crafty trees in this 1960 BHG Christmas helps! Too fun! Just so you get the full vision, if this was a shop window or a set there would be three of these in varied sizes. There would be faux glittered snow piled around them and large glittery filigree snowflakes hanging from clear fishing line. I would make a vintage ribbon style banner that read, "Joyeux Noel" and there would be a big black and white blow up of the Eiffel Tower in the background. I would be wearing a red beret embellished with big shiny pailettes, a black and white striped full skirted, wasp waisted Dior style dress with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS lined up on the edge of each stripe, a large patent leather belt, a jet beaded black bolero style 3/4 sleeve jacket and some fabulous sparkly Madge style jewelries with red lips and thick cat eye Audrey Hepburn style eye liner or the mannequin would be wearing that. I can't spend all day in a shop window.

If you'd like to know how we made this kitschy creation...below are pics and instructions! Yes, it's another EPIC 12 Days of Retrofabulous Christmas Craftabration post! YAY! Good GRIEF, Charlie Brown...is it Christmas...yet?!

Materials

2 32"x40" white foam core sheets
1 slightly larger cardboard box (for template)
Krylon Black Spray Paint
Krylon Silver Glitter Blast Spray Paint (We recommend you consider painting the tree forms silver first, we did not and had to use three cans of this stuff...also this is incredibly stinky and glittery so do this OUTSIDE or in the garage.)
Large swirly Stencil (I have had this for years, but you can find similar at the big box craft chains or easily make your own or free hand the swirls if your super crafty like that.)
4" wide round shape for tracing (We used a ramekin.)
White garland
Tiny battery operated 20 LED light strands
Large rectangular shoe box
Coordinating silver wrapping paper (We used decorative kraft paper, which is really thick and sturdy.)
Glue sticks (We used about four big sticks!)

Tools

Utility knife
String to measure arcs
Tape measure
Hot glue gun
Scissors
Pencil or marker for tracing
Hot Glue Helpers

Head Elf at Studio Madge: Drew "Archimedes" Potter doing the math!

Look, Ma, a template!

1. Make a template for tree using cardboard box. Tree should be full length of foam core and the bottom branch area the full width. You have to do some math and use string and pen to get consistent arcs. Here are some arc drawing tips. It helps if someone on your team can do the math, I would dive in and eyeball this sucker, but thankfully Drew did the math. Math is fun! Have fun! Now give yourself a 'mathy' nickname like Pythagoras or Archimedes! Yay!

Trace and cut!

2. Trace template on foam core and cut out trees with utility knife. Be careful, these knives are super sharp.

3. Measure to the center point on both trees, use utility knife to cut 1/4" slot from top to center of one tree and from bottom to center of the other. They slide together to form an x.

Spray outside!

4. Spray trees with Glitter Blast...outside.

4. Use your round form to trace and cut out circles, these fall at the same spot on each branch in a straight line from each other. Use a ruler to center the circles before you mark and cut. Cut 12 total circles, we did this after glitter blasting, but you can do it before. Either way!

Stencil and Spray!

5. Stencil tree, mask area around stencil to prevent over spray. Line up the stencil on each side so they will line up when tree is assembled. You may want to have two or three stencils. You have to stencil 12 times. We did one side on each side and flipped stencil and repeated on other.

NOTE: There are no more step out pics, as we were both busy making the rest of the tree from here on out...but I think it's all fairly self explanatory!

6. Wrap box like a present, don't worry if it's not perfect, no one will unwrap it. As long as it looks good on top, that is all that matters. You may use a bone folder and do math if that's your thing, I just dove in and went for it. Leave the lid off, you don't need it.

7. Place tree in center of box, trace and cut out x form with utility knife leaving a little space for the lights to come through.

8. Secure battery packs to inside corners of box using hook and loop tape. Thread light strands thought points of x form on box, one per form, these will be glued to the edge of your tree.

9. Insert tree. You can glue it down if you like with hot glue or just insert. FYI: you won't be able to take it apart once you add lights and garland.

10. You need two people to do the next part and I recommend Hot Glue Gun Helpers because even with them I burned my fingertips about four times. Damn you, hot glue! So the lights are attached from the bottom up curving along the arcs with hot glue. You have to turn the tree over and it is awkward. Don't worry about attaching them to the bottom of each arc, pull them taught and attach to the tops and then when you add garland you can secure the bottom lights.

11. Add garland, I did full glue on top and glue dabs on bottom where each light hit on the strands. This secures it all to the tree branches. This is kinda stressful and you will get burned, so if you like wine or beer or perhaps a nice snifter of wassail, you may want to bust it out along with some lidocaine cream.

12. We were on a big deadline, so we added a ribbon topper. If we had time, we'd have done a 3-d star. If you want to make the flower ornaments, the instructions are here.

13. Phew.

Happy Holidaze!

The 12 Crafts of Christmas: Crystallized(tm) 3-d Paper Flower Ornaments

2011-12-16T07:22:00.000-08:00

Layered Crystallized Die Cut Paper Flowers pre-grommets-love, love, love these K&Co. papers!

This magazine is so big, it won't fit on my scanner! Yay! Christmas Ideas 1960 Copyright Better Homes and Gardens

I will be making one of these eventually, but I was in a HURRY and the die cutter saved the day! Isn't this yummy?!

This is part one of a two part post. My DH and I crafted up a storm the past two days and made something super fun together. Okay, I came up with an idea and stood over his shoulder directing while he executed the first half of it. Then even with Cathie and Steve's Hot Glue Gun Helpers, I managed to burn the ~~f*%$~~ four letter expletive beginning with the letter 'f' out of my finger tips working on the second half. Yay! What fun!

This is part of what we made...but tune in tomorrow for the BIG REVEAL! I do mean B I G.

Did I mention it would be big? I just want to be sure you understand the scope and scale of this. Bigger than a bread box, smaller than a car big.

But I digress...

In my stash of retrofabulous craft magazines, there are so many fabulous paper ornaments it would make your head spin. We all think ourselves clever, but honestly our grandmother's could craft circles around us. However we do have some knifty tools she would have LOVED. There is so much good stuff in these mags, I could spend most of next year just on Retrofabulous Christmas Crafts. I am particularly smitten with the paper flowers, the tissue kind we *all used to make when we were kids. (*Meaning all of us of a certain age.) So taking a cue from the paper ornament idea, and bringing in some modern convenience for the impatient crafter...I had this stack of gorgeous double sided paper from K & Company, a Sizzix layered flower die and a Big Shot and away I went.

Fun, fast...fabulous!

Crystallized 3-d Paper Flower Ornaments
Margot Potter

Materials:
Double sided scrapbook paper (something of a nice cardstock weight)
Sizzix Flower Layers #4 655370
Flat back SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS (I used Swarovski sew on twist 3221 and flat back checkerboard 2493 Crystal 001 foil backs)
Small dimensional foam stickers
Aleene's Dry Adhesives Tape
Gunmetal or black grommets
Traci Bautista's Collage Pauge Sparkles or Ranger Stardust Stickles
18 or 20 gauge stainless steel wire

Tools
Sizzix Big Shot
Crop-a-dile
Foam brush or fingertip
Pencil or pen
Wire shears
Round nose pliers
Chain nose pliers

1. Select papers, mine were dark background with white accents on one side and white background with dark on the other, that way I could layer them alternating the backgrounds for dimension. Die cut your flowers, you will only need the largest and medium sized layer. You'll need two medium layers for every large layer.

2. Use a pencil or pen to roll the petals of the smaller flower into a curved shape. Repeat for all smaller flowers.

3. Use a foam brush or finger tip to add glitter to the lighter background layers. Allow to dry. You can opt to glitter it all up or even add dimensional glitter, totally up to you! We had a quick deadline, so I schmeared and moved on with my day.

3. Adhere layers together on both sides using glue tape.

4 Place dimensional stickers on back of your flat back embellishments, I used four for each square and two for each circle shape. Attach to center of flower on both sides.

5. Attach a grommet to the longest petal on each flower. This helps give the paper strength.

6. We used steel wire to create s-hook shapes so the flowers could hang. Use shears and not cutters on steel wire or your cutters will die a sad death. For a standard tree, you can make a regular hook with a larger loop to accommodate petal.

The Twelve Crafts of Christmas: Wine Bottle Gift Tag Wreath

2011-12-15T00:01:00.000-08:00

Will the Retrofabulosity EVER stop?!

No. No it won't, galdangy!

You can get the step by step instructions for this kicky little wine bottle ornament right here, just click on the text! If you don't have any mini-wreath forms, just use 18 gauge wire and make one yourself. You can do it, don't fret, my pet.

If you'd like to know what Madge wants for Christmas, a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc sounds FAB-U.

xoxo
Madge

The Twelve Crafts of Christmas! iLoveToCreate Teen Crafts: Super Cute Santa Mini Canvas

2011-12-14T06:41:00.000-08:00

Super Cute Santa Mini Canvas Copyright Avalon Potter

(Mom here: Ho ho ho! It's day two of the 12 Crafts of Christmas at The Impatient Crafter blog! Huzzah! Miss Avalon made an adorable retrofabulous mini-canvas using a permission free Dover clip art image and some collage elements including an acrylic letter, rubber star stamp and a wooden snowflake. It's all put together with Aleene's Tacky Glue and made sparkly with Traci Bautista's Sparkles Collage Pauge. Love, love, love that stuff. I made my own version with a Victorian era postcard image from my ephemera collection, a vintage bottle cap, some new vintage themed collage elements, stacked stars and a sprig of tinsel. These are so incredibly fun to make...we got the canvases with coordinating easels at Michael's. You could glue the canvas to the easel, add some wire and make some super cute artist ornaments!)

Super Cute Santa

Avalon Potter for iLoveToCreate
Teen Crafted, Mom Approved

Recently I was out shopping with my mom when I stumbled upon these miniature easels and canvases. I immediately knew that I had to use them for a project because they were so cute. So I bought two, one for me and one for my mom. Since Christmas is right around the corner I added Santa , a snowflake, and the rest is history. I hope you enjoy it!

Materials

Mini canvas and easel
Permission free sized image (Mine is from Dover Books Holiday Clip Art)
Acrylic letter
Wooden snowflake
Tiny star stamp
Traci Bautista's Collage Pauge
Aleene's Quick Dry Tacky Glue
Scribbles 3D Paint Pens Primary Colors (red)

Tools

Computer with publishing software
Printer
Scissors
Foam brush

Instructions

1. Select a bold image, size to fit canvas on a computer and print.

2. Cut image out with scissors.

3. Take your decoupage medium and paint it on the back of your Santa using foam brush. Put the Santa on the canvas and apply more decoupage medium, on top and all over the canvas. Let dry.

4.While that dries paint your snowflake red. Let dry.

5.Take your letter and attach to the bottom right of your canvas. Apply glue to the back of your snowflake and attach to the top left of your canvas.

6.Use your red paint and little star stamp to stamp the top right and bottom left of your canvas.

7.Enjoy!

Victorian Mini Canvas Copyright Margot Potter

(So many sparkles, I couldn't get a clear pic! Go Sparkles Pauge!)

The TWELVE (Retrofabulous) Crafts of Christmas! Day One!

2011-12-13T05:23:00.000-08:00

Make Christmas Pretty...With Balls! (And Brini, Madge and MaryEllen)

Yup, I'm all over it like glitter on a glue stick! Welcome to the Twelve Crafts of Christmas here at The Impatient Crafter blog. Today's kick off is a video produced by my dear friend Brini Maxwell. We met up in her former Manhattan flat a couple of years back and had a blast playing with balls! Deck the halls...with balls! Huzzah! Brini's alter ego, Ben Sander, has launched a fascinating new site called The Obscurity Factor, if you love movies and kitsch...you have got to go check it out.

Stay tuned for more holiday retrofabulosity, Avalon has created a tiny masterpiece for tomorrow's post.

Cheers,
Madge

Retrofabulous Christmas Craftabration: Suzy Snowflake Snowlady

2011-12-12T07:42:00.000-08:00

Here comes Suzy Snowflake...

This is perhaps one of my favorite projects...ever. I spent three full days carefully working on this, waiting patiently for the layer upon layers of material to dry. There was one craftastrophic moment with her nose, which I fixed with a few new layers of faux snow and a bead...PHEW! She is a little kitschy crafterpiece inspired by a project in a 1966 Better Homes and Gardens Christmas Ideas magazine and I am completely smitten. She was a labor of love. Not for a book or a magazine or a manufacturer, but just for the love of making. I know, she's funky, she's weird...she's...well...totally Madge.

I used a variety of materials including a generous sprinkling of SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS (check out her tiny jewelries and her arms), fabric flowers, Aleene's Glitter Snow, Aleene's Quick Dry Tacky Glue, pink and snowflake sequins, tinsel ball chain ribbon, pink bubble and glitter organza ribbon, head pins and eye pins, Aleene's Fabric Fusion tape, 20 gauge Beadalon German style wire...and Stickles glitter glue in Stardust from Ranger. I used Sharpee pens to color in her facial features. I scored these peppermint beads a few years back at my friend Stan's shop. I don't know if he has any left, but his url is www.greatcraftworks.com. I got the mini-flocked trees on close out a few years ago, just added glitter, sequins, ball chain and a peppermint bead tree topper. If you make something similar, be sure to use steel or hard tension armatures, she needs stability, regular craft wire will not work. There is an armiture wiring her body together and a second armiture wiring her to the styrofoam stand. She needs to be free from the stand during the embellishment process.When you glue headpins with embellishments into her or the stand, make sure you dab some Tacky Glue on the stem of the headpin. This keeps them from working themselves back out over time.

Suzy Snowflake Copyright Margot Potter 2011

A crafty angel donated a HUGE plethora of vintage craft magazines to Studio Madge this weekend. There is so much inspiration inside my head is spinning! Huge thanks to Erin Holloway (and Ms. Phylma.) You are at least seventeen different kinds of awesome! (Check out Erin's tatting work, a ma zing!)

Stay tuned for more Retrofabulosity from Studio Madge for the Holidaze and beyond! And if you've not heard this lovely holiday song yet, below is a YouTube video with the incomparable Rosemary Clooney singing Suzy Snowflake. Divine.

Cheers,
Madge

Getting Crafty with The Crafty Blogger's Gang!

2011-12-11T09:30:00.001-08:00

It's time for the Linky Love to spread across the blogosphere yet again with the Crafty Bloggers Gang. We've got glue guns and we're not afraid to use them!

Thankful.

2011-12-09T07:33:00.000-08:00

Drew Potter-copyright Margot Potter

In the fifteen years that my husband and I have been together, he has been my number one fan and supporter. Every kooky, cockamamie idea I have had, he has championed without wavering. He cheers me on, he cheers me up, he wipes away the tears, he puts bandages on the bruises, he takes care of the familia when I'm swamped with deadlines, he hands me a glass of wine when I need to unwind.

He designs, wraps, packs, ships and is the head elf at Margot Potter studios.

He has helped me make at least a gazillion audition videos.

Videos for show host auditions, videos for home shopping host auditions, videos for TV show auditions, videos for YouTube, videos for contests, videos for clients...

When I was a semi-finalist in a national American Music vocal competition, he drove me and our then infant daughter from Philly to Savannah. When I freaked out the judges by actually singing country music without an opera interpretation and was cut from the competition in the second round, he assured me they were insane and I was fabulous. I did get a standing ovation...and Margaret Whiting assured me I had a future in Country Music.

One of these days I'll get back to that career, I mean, who am I to argue with Margaret Whiting?

When I was a host finalist at QVC...three times...and did not get the job...three times...he was there. When I was asked to create a jewelry making show for a home shopping network and it got dropped after months of hard work...he was there. When my product line with a big manufacturer fell through after a year...yup, he was there. When I had to resign from a big job because of a miserable situation...he helped me find the strength to do it.

When I was on the "short list" to host a big craft show...three times...and jumped through endless hoops to make it happen...and they did not hire me...he told me it was their loss.

When other people have shut me down, used me, talked crap about me, knocked me over, stepped over me to get theirs and effectively kept me out of the party (even the ones to which I helped them score an invitation)...he has helped me keep it real. When I lose heart, lose faith, feel battered and defeated...he is there.

Yup. Without him, I'm not sure I'd be here.

He reminds me to keep shining, keep trying, keep heart and keep faith and he never, ever, even for a moment doubts that I will succeed.

So today, I am thankful for Drew. Yay Drew! I love you, honey.

Love
Margot

Retrofabulous Christmas Craftabration: YouTube Video with Bonus Gift Card!

2011-12-08T00:01:00.000-08:00

Ta da da...da! Retrofabulous Christmas Craftabration Presents:

It took three days, lots of juicy expletives, edits, edits and more edits and a crew of two and here we are...the latest The Impatient Crafter video. We're a little rusty around here and we only have one camera and mediocre editing software, but hey, we do what we can with what we've got! Plus, it's free people. Free!

Below please find written instructions for the Gift Card. You can get the written instructions for the Retrofabulous Stocking here. Ho, ho, happy holidaze!

Retrofabulous Holiday Gift Card
Copyright 2011 Margot Potter
"These are your grandmother's crafts™" You got a problem with that?

Materials
Red or other colored card stock
Vintage or new used card with small Christmas icon on back
2 stackable vintage or new buttons, top button needs indent for crystal
Tulip Glam it Up Crystal
Thin decorative ribbon
Grommet
Tiny vintage or new icon image from back of greeting card
Sizzix window gift card die (Unfortunately, they no longer carry this die, so the next best bet is to cut one out yourself and score with a bone folder and use a Fiskars square punch to make a window!)
Aleene's Tacky Sticker Sheets
Aleene's Tacky Glue Dot Singles
Aleene's Fast Grab Tacky Glue

Tools
Sizzix Big Shot
Fiskars 1" Block Party Squeeze Punch
Fiskars scissors
Crop-a-dile

1. Use die cutting machine and die to cut a small gift card with tiny window. Fold in half along the crease. You can also measure, hand cut, use a bone folder to crease and use a square punch to make the window (You'd need two square punches so the image inside is bigger than the window.)

2. Use Fiskars 2" square squeeze punch to center and cut image from back of used greeting card to fit inside window. (If you are using two punches, use the 1" size to create your window.)

3. Place back of image on sticker sheet, compress and remove. Adhere to inside of gift tag, centering image as you'd like it to fit inside of the window.

4. Layer buttons and crystal. Start with largest button, placing a single glue dot on back and adhering by one of the bottom corners of the window in the tag. Next add the second button with glue dot on the back.

5. Add a dab of Aleene's Tacky glue inside of the second button, use finger tip to gently pick up and place crystal inside. Wipe off any excess glue carefully.

6. Set grommet with Crop-a-dile in upper corner of gift tag.

7. Attach pre-cut ribbon.

8. Feel free to stamp the card, add glitter, add more embellishments and make this yours!

Live Handmade.

2011-12-07T10:23:00.000-08:00

I'm about to open a can of worms...so get ready.

Here's the thing...I think the 'Buy Handmade' idea is slightly flawed. Not that I think buying handmade is flawed, because I think it brilliant. What I think is flawed is that it only speaks to part of the equation. If we want the idea of the value of handmade to keep expanding, we have to get people excited not just about buying stuff someone made, but about making things themselves and about giving handmade things they've either bought or made as gifts. Oh and finally, we have to get people excited about getting handmade things as gifts!

So here's my thought:

Make handmade. Buy Handmade. Give handmade. Live handmade.

Until we get people excited about the whole spectrum of handmade, aren't we kinda missing the point? Plus, 'Buy Handmade' seems like a directive. It feels like it's being dished up with a side of guilt. BUY HANDMADE! But if you add all of these other thoughts above to the mix and it feels like...an invitation. You are cordially invited to the joy of handmaking! Yay!

So here comes the can of worms...how many people make stuff, ask folks to 'Buy Handmade', sell stuff...and then take their money to Target or Anthropologie or Restoration Hardware and don't think twice about it?

Does everyone with the Buy Handmade button really and truly walk their talk? Is it okay to not always buy handmade if you take the pledge or do you have to skulk about secretly if you want to buy something not handmade?

Look, I buy finished mass produced goods, I'm not going to lie. I also buy handmade, vintage and thrift. I used to own a retail gallery and most all of what we sold was handmade, so I have a deep appreciation for the value of handmade. Still, I can't say that everything I buy this holiday season will be handmade, though most of what I give will be. I am making handmade gifts because our funds are low for buying in general. It is what it is, and one of the pieces to this career was a handmade ornament I gave as a gift when funds were low years back.

Okay to take this further, how do we get beyond preaching the value of 'buying handmade' to the choir of handmakers and getting the masses excited about making? If they don't get what it takes to make it, they aren't going to want to pay much for it. This is the dilemma I think most handmakers face and is why a lot of folks like me end up making stuff and selling for publication or tutorials. We can't compete and we can't undervalue our talents. If we charge what it is worth in terms of time, materials and labor people are going to do what my customers did and say, "I saw that at Target for much cheaper."

Because to them that slick and perfect mass produced knock off is actually more appealing. They simply don't know what it took to make the original handcrafted design or why something made by hand has so much resonance and richness.

When I was a kid, my mother, grandmother and father made all sorts of things. Costumes, pillows, clothing, bent tin lanterns, upcycled jewelry, recrafted furniture, collage, handpainted objets d'art. I have these stacks of vintage craft magazines filled with idea after idea sent in by readers who made all sorts of wonderful things using all sorts of techniques I have not seen in years. There are even things in these magazines everyone knew how to do back in the day I have never seen. Why? What happened? I know there are many, many makers out there, but most of the folks out there are not makers. I think until we get them excited about the making, it will be hard to get them excited about the buying.

Maybe I'm delusional. These are just thoughts. Do you like my button? I made it myself. Feel free to spread it about like crafty manure.

Look, a squirrel!

We have a new video coming, I swear. It has been an editing nightmare. We should have it up tomorrow morning, but we make no guarantees.

Cheers,
Madge

iLoveToCreate: Retrofabulous Christmas Craftabration Bedecked Christmas Stocking

2011-12-05T09:17:00.000-08:00

Madge and Her Retrofabulous Christmas Stocking!

Better Homes and Gardens 1966 Christmas Helps (Note the doodle someone did on the candle flames back in the day...hee.)

The stockings are hung...inspiration from BHG 1966 Christmas Helps

iLoveToCreate Retrofabulous Crafts
Vintage Inspired Christmas Stocking
Copyright Margot Potter
"These are your grandmother's crafts™...ya gotta problem with that?"

Ho, Ho, Happy Holidaze! It's time for another Retrofabulous Christmas Craft project inspired by the crafts of yore! Huzzah! This project was inspired by a simply lovely set of burlap stockings from a 1966 Better Homes and Gardens Christmas Helps magazine. I used a pre-made wool felt stocking and some vintage inspired trim and within moments (and without a sewing machine) had a simply fabulous stocking with a little help from Aleene's Fashion Fusion products! We have a brand new The Impatient Crafter video coming with both the stocking AND the gift tag project (featuring Aleene's AWESOME Dry Adhesives) included...so stay tuned!

Materials
Fabric Christmas Stocking with plain folded top
Ribbon trim thick enough to fit top of stocking (mine was 2.5" and from a big box craft chain)
Fuzzy trim (I used wired trim from a big box craft chain, but you can also use faux fur here)
Beaded tinsel trim (you could also use pearl swags or any similar trim, mine came from a big box craft chain)
4 red tinsel pom poms
Aleene's Fashion Fusion Glue Pen
Aleene's Fashion Fusion Peel and Stick Tape
Aleene's Fashion Fusion Peel and Stick Sheets (These can be used in place of tape)

Tools
Scissors (mine are Fiskars holiday themed scissors)
Ruler

1. Begin by measuring, cutting and applying your thick ribbon to the top of stocking. The ribbon will overlap in the back, be sure to leave enough to fold so you don't have the end exposed, this will prevent it from fraying. Use the tape or the sheets to attach. The handle of your scissors can help as you press the tape or sheets down to create a strong bond.

2. Measure and cut a length of fuzzy trim to fit around top of stocking. Use tape to adhere.

3. Measure and cut your swag, my stocking was 7" and the swag was 14". Remember to leave space between swags for pom poms.

4. Place swags under the cuff of your stocking, use glue or tape to adhere stocking cuff over swags and secure them in place.

5. Use glue or tape to adhere your pom poms. Depending on the porosity of your fabric and how much of the glue it sucks up, you may need to use Aleene's Fast Grab Tacky Glue!

Bonus project on video...coming soon!

6. Use a vintage card to make a matching gift tag...stay tuned for the video!

Linky Love Crafty Blogger Style!

2011-12-04T07:03:00.000-08:00

Scroll down as there is more below!

xoxo,
Madge

So many ideas have been bouncing around in my noggin' all week, I just need to clone myself to make them all happen. I have some thoughts...which I will share later this week even though I'm chomping at the bit to share them now. Let's just say it starts with this idea: Give Handmade. (Make Handmade. Give Handmade. Live Handmade.) That's all for now...more to come.

Okay so I'm geeked out about this nifty new widget I got today. Thanks to the fab folks from CraftCult! So much cuter than a plain ol' Etsy widget, no? Woot!

Craftily Ever After...

2011-12-03T05:56:00.000-08:00

Folks, meet my holiday banner.

Holiday banner, meet my readers.

Talk amongst yourselves.

Snort.

I am trying learn more about making banners and websites and I'm really proud of this little guy. Plus who doesn't love a knee hugger elf? I mean...really.

I was feeling beat up this week. I mean beat up like a fading prize fighter in the ninth round beat up.

Yup. Then I woke up yesterday with a fire in my belly and I got to work. I bought a url, and I made a fresh banner for the site and we soft launched. My pals Mark Montano and Stefanie Girard are in on the fun too and we've got a couple other folks who should be joining the party in the very near future. But here's a little peek at what we've got going on...eventually the site will be filled with big juicy pictures of projects linked to each of our blogs that you can review when you need a little crafty inspiration so keep checking back!

Welcome to Crafternity (n.): Where truly charming crafts go to find their happily ever after.

We hope you like!

Don't forget to check out my holiday giftables! I have books at 17 dollars each with a signature and a piece of ephemera tucked inside AND the FABULOUS jewelry I've put in my Etsy Shoppe at sale prices to make room for new! I will never sell my jewelry at this kind of pricing again, this is a once in a lifetime shopportunity people, even if you just take the pieces apart you are getting amazing values on the materials! Check back because I'm adding some Secret Santa goody bags for the holidays packed to the gills with studio swag!

xoxo
Madge

Do What You Love on Craft. You.

2011-12-02T08:03:00.000-08:00

Today's post on Craft. You. is a good one and if you've ever thought deeply about what the life of an entrepreneur is like, you might enjoy this one.

Stay tuned because I'm launching classes on Craft. You. to help you turn the dream of doing what you love and loving what you do into a reality.

Retrofabulous Frosty the Floam Man!

2011-12-01T06:31:00.000-08:00

I created this rather large and somewhat lumpy snowman for an appearance on QVC several years ago. I was selling the mysterious substance known as Floam and had to whip up some samples to show folks what to do with it. I have to admit, it's a rather fun medium! It's particularly suited to Styrofoam, but you have to work with it to get it to stick.

Floam has the dubious distinction of being 'possibly the most hated toy ever'. It may be a dreadful toy, but it's a truly fun craft medium. If you search, you can find recipes to create your own, or you can dig around and find some to buy pre-made.

This is the most popular project on my blog right now and I can see why. It's got a shabby, country, folk art friendly appeal. Alas the original Frosty the Floam Man has probably been dumped into a landfill somewhere and I am fresh out of floam, enthusiasm and giant Styrofoam balls to recreate him. Still I can print him out as a lovely photograph and sigh wistfully and you can follow this link to get the instructions to make a Frosty of your own! Huzzah!

Sigh.

Tune in for more Retrofabulosity to come!

xoxo
Madge

Retrofabulous Christmas Craftabration: Dollar Store Christmas Stocking

2011-11-30T06:50:00.000-08:00

This is a tricked out dollar store stocking I created last year using yet another scanned vintage postcard image from my Victorian postcard stash. The postcard was really beat up, but a little work in Photoshop and a quick resize and it looks simply fabu! (Do not be afraid to get the 'crafter's lot' of vintage post cards on eBay, there are diamonds in the rough lurking there!) I printed it on a sticky back canvas sheet and adhered it to the stocking adding a smattering of various and sundry gee gaws and doo dads I had around the studio. A few judiciously placed glitter accents...and...it was ready to go to the local VA Hospital and hopefully cheer up a vet for the holidays.

I like clean and simple design, a few too many gee gaws or doo dads and you've lost me. It seems hard to believe, I know, that someone so over the top likes simplicity, but it is true. I believe it was Coco Chanel who advised that before you leave the house you remove one accessory. Yes, well, same with crafts. Less is more. Well, more can be more too, but it all has to make sense and have synergy. It's hard sometimes to see things objectively when you've been staring at them for a while, but try taking away one thing and see if it doesn't bring it all to life.

Or perhaps, if you're afraid of gee gaws and doo dads, add one more. All things in moderation, including moderation.

Either way, a dollar store stocking can look quite rich with just the right combination of gee gaws and doo dads. That is all I am trying to say. Perhaps an editor is in order?!

Doo dad, doo dad.

Yes, I am officially losing it and no I have not been drinking egg nog.

Mistletoe Kisses,
Madge

Holiday Gift Giving...SOLVED!

2011-11-29T06:50:00.000-08:00

Yes, I have solved your Holiday Gift Giving needs. No need to thank me, it's what I do. I have several options for the discriminating designing diva...or divo. Perhaps a signed copy of one of my books with a piece of ephemera from my personal collection tucked inside? Did I mention the books are being sold at a discount? Just a click on the book and a quick trip to PayPal and...shopping is finished!

Beyond the Bead: A Mixed Media Wonderland Filled with Fun and Easy Projects You Can Make with Ingredients You Already Have at Hand!

New Dimensions in Bead and Wire Jewelry: An Architectural Three Dimensional Exploration of Shaping and Beading Wire.

Bead Chic: Learn How to Customize Your Jewelry Using a Variety of Approaches to Design.

Sparkletastic: Dazzling Designs for the Discriminating Diva

Bead and Wire Jewelry Exposed: A Trio of Talented Designers Show What Happens When You Expose the Elements That Usually Remain Hidden

Margot Potter The Impatient Crafter on Etsy

Or if you'd like a one of a kind handmade work from one of my books...please do visit my Etsy Shoppe where I am adding these treasures at outrageously affordable prices daily! Huzzah! Let the holiday cheer spread forth with abandon!

Retrofabulous Christmas Craftabration...Operation Smoky Mountain Christmas!

2011-11-28T06:34:00.000-08:00

Operation Smoky Mountain Christmas has begun at Casa de Potter. I ~~obsessive compulsively collected~~ purchased a few (cough, cough) vintage Shiny Brite ornaments a few years back. You can find them on eBay, but the really spectacular ones cost a small fortune. I settled for the semi-spectacular due to budgetary constraints and the knowledge that breaking something that expensive and that old would be tragic. I'm what you might call...a bit spastic. Quel suprise.

Vintage Shiny Brite ornaments in clear glass jars (got the jars at Michaels last year)

Various and sundry greenery and stuff...methinks this needs some garland and lights yet...

It's part of that whole impatient thing, which is not just a gimmick. It's truly who I am. So here is a sneak peek of where things are at the moment. There is more to come for the tree, I will share when it is complete. We have garland to drape along the loft and stairs. You know if I had my way the entire house would be dipped in glitter, but I shall show some restraint. There are so many vintage ornaments, I am running out of containers, but I shall soldier on and find more places to display them. We are on a budget this year, so I gathered some ever greenery from outside and spray painted some gathered twigs gold.

Tree in progress...

My husband insists the tree is filled with ornaments, but really, there are PLENTY of branches yet to adorn. As you can tell, the dogs completely agree with me.

Hmmm...not sure we like this holiday decorating hub bub...we will get back to you after this nap.

The Retrofabulous vintage inspired canvas above was a project for iLoveToCreate a few years back. I collect vintage post cards and this spectacular image is from the turn of the last century. I just plopped it into Photoshop and sized it to fit the canvas. Then I attached some broken rhinestone jewelry, vintage lace and vintage buttons. You can get the instructions to make something similar here, you can find vintage postcards on eBay. If you don't need them to be perfect, you can get them for a song. I just fix any flaws in Photoshop. Oh and I am a big, big fan of mini canvases!

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

Cheers,
Madge

Crafty Blogger's Link Wrap Up!

2011-11-27T06:33:00.000-08:00

Here's your weekly dose of crafty inspiration from the Crafty Blogger's Gang. We've got glue guns and we're not afraid to use them!

iLoveToCreate Teen Crafts: Technicolor Turkey Card

2011-11-23T10:01:00.000-08:00

iLoveToCreate Teen Crafts
Technicolor Turkey Card
Copyright Avalon Potter

I needed to make a thank you card for my Mom Mom and with Thanksgiving coming up, a Turkey seemed like a great idea! My mom helped with the pattern and I picked out the papers, embellishments and colors and put it all together. It's really simple to make a card like this, one big circle, one oval, rounded and pointed feathers, a funky hat, half circles for wings and bird feet are all stacked together using Aleene's Dry Adhesives. We added a few 3D embellishments for fun. It's easy to make this project your own with a few changes, have fun with it!

Materials
Coordinated patterned scrapbook papers
Cardstock in light and dark pink and light and darker green
3D embellishments (googly eyes, spoon and fork charms, paillette and Tulip Beads in a Bottle Studs and Crystals)
Aleene's Tacky Sticker Sheets
Aleene's Tacky Dot Roll
Aleene's Tacky Line Roll

Tools
Scissors
Paper cutter
Bone folder
1.5" circle punch

1. Fold an 8.5x11" sheet of dark pink cardstock in half and crease edge with a bone folder. This is the base card.

2. Use circle punch to create light pink card stock turkey head.

3. Fold any paper in half and cut oval body shape, trace this on light pink card stock and cut out.

4. Cut feet out of darker green card stock.

5. Cut hat shape out of patterned paper and make a hat band out of light green card stock.

6. Cut the feathers, there are rounded and pointy feathers, the round go on top and the pointy in between them. Cut beak and wings out of light green card stock and gobbler out of patterned paper. Cut a bib out of patterned paper to fit center of body.

7. Attach the beak and gobbler on face using sticker sheet. Add googly eyes with Tacky Dots. Attach hat to top of head adding hat band with sticker sheet and add embellishments with tacky dots.

8. Attach the bib to the front of the turkey using sticker sheet. Attach wings on either side of bird followed by the head at the top with sticker sheet.

8. Attach feet with sticker sheet. Use Tacky Line Roll to attach silverware.

9. Build feathers around the back of the card using the sticker sheet to attach. Layer the pointy feathers in between the rounded. Attach the turkey to the base card using the sticker sheet.

DIY Beaded Headband!

2011-11-22T06:20:00.000-08:00

A cheap plastic headband makes a perfect base for beaded headbands and tiaras. You can score these at any drug store. The great thing about this project is that it's absurdly simple, endlessly versatile and makes a one size fits all, fabulous giftable! All you need is a plastic headband, 20 gauge soft wire and an array of 3-4mm beads and you're ready to roll! (I used hematite and Czech glass with an a/b finish.) Start by wrapping the wire around the bottom of the 'teeth' in the headband. Tuck the wire under with chain nose pliers. Thread enough beads to cover the exposed part of the headband, wrap tightly and continue making your way around using the teeth to secure the wires. The layered flower is thick craft felt I die cut my Sizzix Big Shot machine. I wired it on using a 22 gauge wire which I strung with beads and looped in the center, threaded into two holes I punched in the all three layers of felt, then wrapped around the headband base, you could just as easily attach a store bought flower here.

This same technique can be used on all sorts of items, I've seen silverware, tea pot handles, barrettes...

Cheers,
Madge

Retrofabulous Christmas Craftabration: Upcycled Holiday Cards

2011-11-21T06:13:00.000-08:00

Christmas Helps 1966-Family Circle

From Christmas Helps 1966-Family Circle

iLoveToCreate Retrofabulous Crafts
Upcycled Holiday Cards
Copyright 2011 Margot Potter

Today's Retrofabulous Christmas Craft is a simply delightful upcycled card project. In the original project from Christmas Helps 1966-Family Circle they used tissue paper, but I love using recycled magazine images in my work. Can you guess what the images are on the Christmas balls and candles? The trees use some old scrapbook paper scraps and text from a magazine. You could easily cut up last year's Christmas cards, wrapping paper, ad flyers...it's truly endless! Aleene's new paper friendly glues make quick work of these cards. Have you seen how expensive cards are?! This saves money and gives a personalized touch to your holiday greetings.

Materials
Cardstock in holiday colors
Recycled magazines
Aleene's Tacky Sticker Sheets
Aleene's Tacky Line Roll
Aleene's Tacky Dot Roll
Tulip Glam-it-up Crystals
Paillettes
Wired tinsel
Fine marker

Tools
Bone folder
Scissors
Paper cutter
Circle punches in graduated sizes

1. Select papers for card. Cut card to size on paper cutter. Fold paper in half and use bone folder to make a sharp edge on card.

2. Cut images into shapes (I used graduated circle punches to make the Christmas balls.)

3. Adhere large images to card using Aleene's sticker sheets.

4. Use Aleene's Tacky Line Roll for wired tinsel and Aleene's Tacky Dot Roll for small embellishments. I used a fine tip marker to draw the thread on the Christmas balls.

Upcycled Holiday Card Detail

Upcycled Holiday Cards Detail

Crafty Bloggers Weekly Round Up!

2011-11-19T08:11:00.000-08:00

Trying something new for this week's Crafty Blogger Round Up, a little visual appeal! Tune in tomorrow, I made some really cute Retrofabulous upcycled cards for iLoveToCreate!

xoxo,
Madge

Retrofabulous Upcycled Holiday Place Setting!

2011-11-18T05:37:00.000-08:00

Scrabble Place Markers Copyright Margot Potter

Thanksgiving is next week and we're always looking for fresh and fun ways to dress up the table! I came up with this idea a few years back for Crafts 'n Things Magazine. I collect ephemera and have lots of old game parts I mine endlessly for craft projects. This was so easy to do and it looks really lovely on the table. You can score old Scrabble games at thrift stores, yard sales, flea markets or on eBay. I used SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS crystal ab flat backs here with a two part epoxy. (Be careful what kind of glue you use with crystals as some will cloud the finishes. I recommend a two part epoxy.) The silver was applied with a metal leaf pen, Krylon makes them. They're also great for edging shrink plastic, chip board, grungeboard and wooden mixed media pendants, LOVE!

xoxo
Madge

Have Yourself a Twilight Little Christmas-Bella and Edward Silhouette

2011-11-17T05:51:00.000-08:00

Twilight Inspired Silhouette Pendant Copyright Margot Potter

Twilight Inspired Silhouette Ornament Copyright Margot Potter

I am pausing for a moment from the Retrofabulosity to re-share a holiday project from a couple of years back that is perfectly suited to this holiday season. With the new Twilight film coming out, this could be a perfect gift for a Twilight fan on your gift list. The image was made from a real silhouette of Edward and Bella. You can opt to make this as an ornament, or size it smaller to make a pendant.

The silhouette is ready for download on the old post along with detailed step by step instructions. Enjoy!

Cheers,
Madge

I Did It!

2011-11-16T06:51:00.000-08:00

Okay I confess, this is only part of the insanity, there is more in the garage...

E...gads.

A while ago I made vague promises about becoming one of those 'fancy studio people.' I have been climbing over boxes and living in a state of denial ever since. That is until this past weekend when I finally did something about it. Yes, at least until I manage to mess it up again, and I will, I am a fancy studio person.

Insert trumpet flourish...here!

Ah, order!

Yes, there was a desk under there!

Take that, tiny little bits and pieces!

Okay so the desk is not so fabulous, but it's clutter free at least!

Beads managed.

Wire, adhesives, paints...and more space to fill with that stuff in the garage I mentioned earlier!

PSST: Great Stuff Happening at Craft. You. and Internetiquette with Ms. Madge(rs)

2011-11-15T07:48:00.000-08:00

I have been a busy little bee these days as I restart my freelance career. As many of you know, writing is my guilty pleasure. So please allow me to introduce my alter ego: Ms. Madge(rs). Think Dorothy Parker meets Miss Manners with a generous helping of unfiltered Madgeisms...and you have my new blog. Internetiquette with Ms. Madge(rs) is a bastion of civility in an increasingly uncivil world where those nasty internet trolls get their comeuppance and we all get to have a little giggle in the process. If you have a dirty comment that needs cleaning, please feel free to send it to margot@margotpotter.com and I'll have Ms. Madge(rs) address it lickity split, along with a link back to your site.

Lots of stream building over at Craft. You. as I work towards launching my first in a series of classes! Check out this inspiring interview with artist and producer Avelino Pombo.

More Retrofabulosity is looming as well, so stay tuned.

Cheers,
Madge

Retrofabulous Christmas Craftabration: Tinsel Kickin' Wreath

2011-11-14T06:12:00.000-08:00

It's another dose of retrofabulosity inspired by McCall's Christmas circa 1968. This is one of my favorites, it's really easy and fun to make. I replaced the cut tin with softer and fluffier tinsel garland and added vintage ornaments from my personal collection along with some handcrafted pretty pink accents. For the directions follow this link! Stay tuned, more retrofabulosity to come! Just dug out more mags yesterday. Tune in tomorrow when I reveal my newly decked out studio, it was a pleasure not having to climb over boxes on the way to the computer this morning!

Love
Madge

Crafty Blogger's Round Up

2011-11-12T05:43:00.000-08:00

I'm really excited to be back with the fab folks from the Crafty Bloggers group! Tune in every Saturday for a link wrap up chock full of inspiration for your crafty edification.

xoxo,
Madge

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world This week at Craftside there is a tutorial on how to cut and lay a recycled end grain wood floor, a tip on how to cut tissue paper easier, a recipe for vegan white and milk chocolate and some wild crochet designs.

Crafty Princess Diaries Tammy shares a hand-made gift that someone else makes that is perfect for pet lovers.

Eileen - The Artful Crafter How to make a tubular wine bottle tote from a cardboard mailing tube.

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery How to crochet a cute striped Christmas tree skirt

Mixed Media Artist Cyndi decides to make a companion piece to the hand painted and stitched silk quilt she just finished. Time to get painting again!

Margot Potter The Impatient Crafter Retrofabulous Christmas Craftabration Returns to The Impatient Crafter Blog! Madge makes a retro inspired upcycled gift box!

Craft. You. An inspiring interview with Crafty Mastermind Mark Montano!

Create Your Style with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS Tucson Show 2012

2011-11-11T05:48:00.000-08:00

Hey Howdy Hey, Sparklenistas!

Super excited to share the news that I'll be teaching two classes and hosting an all day design event for the fab folks from Create Your Style with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS at their Tucson Show! If you're going to Tucson, check out the awesome array of classes they are offering. I'll be teaching two classes: How To Write and Publish a Craft Book and Getting Published (this is focused on magazine work.)

How to Write and Publish a Jewelry Making Book with Margot Potter

How to Get Published (in Magazines) with Margot Potter

Creativity and Design Challenge All Day Design Event with Margot Potter

But if you want a real challenge, join me for the all day design challenge event! We will provide you with materials and images for you to design an 'inspiration board', from there you'll create a concept and a finished design. There will be challenges, there will be sparkle, there will be tears, there will be drama and three talented designers will emerge winners! Come and play with us!

Here's a link to the 411 on the show.

In other news, I'm back on the Beadalon Design Team! SO EXCITED, I just can't hide it! My little engine is building up steam...huzzah!

Sparklingly yours,
Madge

Retrofabulous Christmas Craftabration: Perky Pixie Ornaments!

2011-11-10T06:21:00.000-08:00

Madge's Inspiration: McCall's Christmas Pixies

Madge's Perky Pixie

Oh yes indeedy do, boys and girls, it's all kinds of kitschy craftacular here at The Impatient Crafter blog this holiday season! Today's Blast from the Past is one of my favorite holiday projects! Follow this link for instructions on how to make your very own retrofabulous Perky Pixie. You could make a slightly smaller version into jewelry...I'm just sayin'!

Love
Madge

Avalon Potter for iLoveToCreate Teen Crafts: Onesie, Twosie

2011-11-09T08:23:00.000-08:00

iLoveToCreate Teen Crafts: Onesie, Twosie
Avalon Potter
"Teen crafted, mom approved."

I was asked to decorate a onesie for an upcoming Baby Shower. I knew right away I wanted to use a Tulip Iron On transfer and the phrase: "Little Love Muffin." I know lots of teens have babies in their families and it's really easy and fun to make onesies using products from iLoveToCreate. My mom was so impressed with my design, she made one too!

Materials
Washed cotton baby onesie
Tulip Fabric Markers
Tulip Iron on Transfers
Tulip Letter Stencils
Small cardboard form to slide inside shirt while decorating

Tools
Tulip Mini Fashion Iron

1. Wash the onesie to remove the sizing. Slide a piece of thick cardboard into the onesie to protect the back from the inks. You can also use a book for this because onesies are so small!

2. Use an iron to attach applique to shirt. Allow to cool.

3. Use the fabric markers and the stencil to write your words.

4. Mom used the Tulip Beads in a Bottle paint to add dimension to her wings, halo and hand written words.

Mark Montano on Craft. You.!

2011-11-08T06:01:00.000-08:00

Don't miss today's inspiring interview with Crafty Wunderkind Mark Montano over at Craft. You.! PLUS we have a book giveaway over there!

Love
Madge

Retrofabulous Christmas Craftabration: Upcycled Holiday Gift Boxes

2011-11-07T00:01:00.000-08:00

Retrofabulous Upcycled Holiday Gift Box Copyright Margot Potter for iLoveToCreate 2011
Inspired By:

Images Copyright McCall's Magazine

(Anyone who knows me knows that I love all things retro. I have been thrifting since I was 19 and have a rather large collection of old paper. I have post cards and magazines dating back to the Victorian age and all the way up to the 1970s. I love old fonts, ads, images...it is all intriguing and wonderful to me. I did a series on my blog called Retrofabulous Craftabration a couple of years ago and now I’m teaming back up with the folks from iLovetoCreate to bring you a dose of retrofabulosity on the first and third Monday of every month.)

Retrofabulous Craftabration: Upcycled Holiday Gift Box
Margot Potter for iLovetoCreate

This project was inspired by a 1968 McCall’s Christmas magazine. They took old shoe boxes and upcycled them into festive holiday gift packages. How funny are these?! Also, whatever happened to that awesome thick yarn?! It totally makes me want to make pom poms and hair bows! Note to self: get awesome super thick yarn....stat.

To update this idea, I used some scrapbook paper, sparkly trim, a sentiment cut from a vintage greeting card, odds and ends from the studio and a favorite vintage pic from a 1964 calendar combined with the new Aleene’s paper craft friendly dry adhesive glues to create a kitschy upcycled package. This is a great way to reuse old boxes and to give a gift a fellow crafter can use for festive storage in their studio. You can use wrapping paper, fabric, scrapbook paper, newspaper, magazines, catalogs...add paints and dimensional embellishments... I’d love to see what you do with this idea, if you make a retrofabulous inspired upcycled package leave a link in the comments here!

Materials
Image (I scanned and sized mine)
Old sturdy box
Paper or fabric (I used scrapbook paper)
Trims
Embellishments (buttons, beads, old broken jewelry bits...)
Aleene’s Tacky Line Rolls
Aleene’s Tacky Dot Singles
Aleene’s Quick Dry Tacky Glue
Aleene’s Tacky Double Stick Sheets
Tulip Beads in a Bottle Glitter Paint (I used pink to coordinate with my papers)
Double sided craft tape

Tools
Scissors
Pencil
Decorative edge punch (optional)

1. Select a box-it should be sturdy enough to be used as a gift package and later as storage. Begin by covering the box with paper or fabric. I traced the box panels on paper, cut paper and attached the sheets to each panel using Aleene’s Double Stick Tacky Sheet. Just attach sheet to back of paper, cut to fit and then peel backing off and adhere paper to panel on box. I covered the entire box.

2. To hide the corner edges where papers meet, use decorative trimp. I ran double sided tape along each edge, and attached the trim folding it along both sides of the edge.

3. Add an extra layer of trim on each side of the edges. Measure trim to fit and cut. Place along the Aleene’s Tacky Line and cut glue to fit. Peel up trim and attach to box. You will need to put trim along all of the edges on all five exposed panels. I used two styles of trim, one for the side panels and another for the top panel.

4. If you want to add more paper embellishments to the top of the box, attach them using the Aleene’s Double Stick Tacky sheets. I added an image and also a decorative trim using coordinating paper and an edge punch. This also gave me a place to tuck a sentiment that can be removed later.

5. I had some wooden scrapbook embellishments that coordinated with the project and worked perfectly to conceal the four corners where the trim met on the top of the box. You can use buttons, old jewelry components, scrapbook embellishments, bows...whatever you like. Just one Aleene’s Tacky Dot Single does the trick.

6. I like sparkle, so I used a thin schmearing of Tulip Beads in a Bottle in pink on the background paper on the top of my box. You could also use Collage Pauge in Sparkly to get the same effect. While it is drying the paper will bubble up a little, do not freak out. It will flatten again, I promise!

Out with the Old

2011-11-03T10:49:00.000-07:00

Howdy Happy Campers

As I gear up to get the studio back in shape and refocus on my freelance career, it's time to let go of some of my old baggage. I literally have bins filled with old samples from books, magazines, blogs and freelance work and although I love them all, I'm running out of room to store them and I need to turn them into capital I can use to buy new supplies. Out with the old, in with the new!

I am listing a TON of samples on Etsy. Most of them are far below the retail value of the components. They have already paid for themselves and I don't have time to deconstruct, so I'm excited to send them to new homes.

Follow this link to visit the shop!

Keep checking the shop over the next couple of days as I keep adding new, well over a hundred pieces total all at silly good prices.

Love,
Madge

We Are the Dreamers of the Dream

2011-11-02T08:16:00.000-07:00

I've been really busy over at the new site and I think you might enjoy it over there. There's a cool creative challenge up for this week, I've revamped the site design and posted our first interview with our Logo designer and my brilliant mom, Sharon Scanlin.

As this new adventure is unfolding, I am constantly being reminded that there is a sacred geometry, a divine architecture if you will. The very fabric of reality is a dimensional creation. There is a convergence of science and spirituality happening these days. I am endlessly amazed at the beauty of all of it, even the tragedy. It is so much larger than you or I or the minutiae of our day to day existences and yet each of us is an integral part of the whole and every little action and reaction impacts the whole.

We are crafting our lives, each of us. The more we become aware of that, the better life becomes.

"We are the music makers,
And we are the dreamers of dreams,
Wandering by lone sea-breakers,
And sitting by desolate streams;—
World-losers and world-forsakers,
On whom the pale moon gleams:
Yet we are the movers and shakers
Of the world for ever, it seems."
Authur O'Shaughnessy

Cheers,
Madge

Bring The Tinsel On, Baby!

2011-11-01T07:29:00.000-07:00

Is it obnoxious to jump from Halloween right into Christmas? Is it? IS IT?

IS IT??!!

Or not? Hmmm...

Either way ~~and regardless of how the rest of the world feels about it~~, here at The Impatient Crafter we're in full on Holiday mode! Huzzah! I'll be sharing a variety of holiday themed projects throughout the season and next Monday I'll be starting the weekly Monday Retrofabulous Christmas Craftabration! Every Monday tune in for my updated version of a vintage craft project mined from the huge stack of vintage craft magazines I scored on eBay a few years back.

Follow this link to get the instructions for these super simple Bindi Tin Recrafted Diorama Ornaments!

So stay tuned. There will be non-holiday posts too, so fret not my non-holiday loving pets.

Love
Madge

Day Eight of Halloween FaBOOlosity: Baba Yaga Necklace

2011-10-31T05:47:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it! Halloween is here! Huzzah! Hooray! My favorite holiday!

For my final piece, I am sharing one I have shared several times before. Why? Because of all of the many, many projects I have made over the years, this is by far and above my favorite. I put more of my heart and soul into this piece than any other. It is an exploration of the archetypal crone witch figure, the wise woman who can be terrifying or comforting as she chooses. The Baba Yaga is a figure from Slavic Folklore. She lives in the woods in a house that stands on chicken legs. She flies in the air on a giant pestle and kidnaps and consumes small children. In that function, she is a very scary figure indeed. Yet she is also a source of wisdom for those who seek her. That dual nature makes her a most complicated and fascinating creature.

When the Create Your Style with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS team invited me to design pieces for their Brazil Russia book, I knew immediately that I wanted to create designs inspired by Slavic fairy tales. Mythology fascinates me and that Joseph Campbell/Jungian inspired archetypal lens is very resonant for me.

When I made this piece, it was a moving meditation. Each of the 75 handcrafted polymer clay chicken bones, every knot, every crystal moon and star, every bone skull I added reminded me that the crone comes for all of us. That we will, if we are lucky enough, one day become the crone. That was a powerful meditation indeed. It isn't easy to embrace the crone, she is quite frightening, but in allowing her in, allowing for the duality of joy and sorrow, of loss and triumph, of bitter and sweet, we can become whole. When you embrace her fully, you will be overwhelmed by her beauty.

Follow this link for the 411 on how to make your own Baba Yaga Necklace.

Happy Hallowe'en.

Goulishly yours,
Madge

Halloween FaBOOlosity Day Eight: Halloween Hootenanny Card

2011-10-30T05:47:00.000-07:00

It's Day 8 of Halloween FaBOOlosity at The Impatient Crafter Blog. Today's offering is a fun little invitation that can easily be customized to suit your style. Owls have become so iconic over the past few years they seem to be staying around. Woot woot! Or is that hoot hoot? Wah, wah. This could easily be made into a cat if you aren't an owl person.

You could use any variety of papers to make this an every day card. Follow this link for the instructions!

Speaking of invitations...I'm working on something new and I want to invite you to join the party. The site is a work in progress (it's very pink and candy shop looking right now, but that will change!) and there will be a lot more to see, do and explore in the coming weeks, but you have to start somewhere. Craft. You. A place for dimensional visualization, a place to stop dreaming about change and start doing something about it. A place for us to craft a life of joy and success and to share that with others.

Craft. You.

Sound like fun? Come play with me!

"What we call the beginning is often the end
And to make an end is to make a beginning
The end is where we start from." T.S. Eliot

Love,
Madge

Halloween FaBOOlosity Day Seven: Crystal Web Necklace

2011-10-29T06:16:00.000-07:00

Today's Halloween FaBOOlosity is currently the most popular download on my blog. I made this way back in 2008 for Create Your Style with Swarovski Elements. This necklace took patience, but the idea was such fun my excitement overrode my impatience. I get a little obsessed sometimes.

Follow this link for the instructions!

Hauntingly yours,
Madge

Day Six of Halloween FaBOOlosity: Glitterati Skull Earrings Video!

2011-10-28T05:55:00.000-07:00

What the what? Can it be? Day SIX of Halloween FaBOOlosity?! Huzzah! Today's spookcraftular selection is a video we made way back when...one of our first...and it has perhaps about 57 too many sound effects. There's a fun dance break and Avalon makes an ADORABLE cameo. Now that I know more about UTEE, I would not recommend stirring it like I do in the video and I would suggest adding some UTEE Flex. Though I still have the jewelry I made that day and it all looks great!

Lots of stuff happening here at Studio Madge, so stay tuned!

Spookily yours,
Madge

Day Five of Halloween Faboolosity! Morticia Invites Miss Havisham to Tea Invitation

2011-10-27T06:19:00.000-07:00

It's day five of Halloween Fabulosity...and only yesterday afternoon did it occur to me that it should have been Halloween FabOOlosity. Duh. Oh well, you get the point either way. This is part two of the Morticia project (I ran part one two days ago.) I have a particular affinity for narrative design, because I'm a writer and I love telling stories.

Follow this link for the instructions to make this tombstone inspired invitation. Join me tomorrow for Day Six! You will be able to click on the image in the original post to see it in close up detail.

Hautingly Yours,
Madge

iLoveToCreate Teen Crafts: Hallowe'en Jack-o-lantern Earrings

2011-10-26T00:01:00.000-07:00

Hallowe’en Jack-o-lantern Earrings
Margot Potter for Avalon Potter for iLoveToCreate

Avalon was busy with school this past week and I had some free time, so I agreed to make her project for her. We love Halloween around Casa de Potter, but Avalon isn’t into scary stuff. These little vintage jack-o-lanterns were so cute; they seemed like the perfect fit for a flirty seasonally apropos pair of earrings. Permission free images are easy to find and decoupage on Grungeboard allows you to create water resistant and lightweight jewelry. A little touch of Collage Pauge sparkly and some Glam it Up Crystal accents add the perfect dash of sparkle!

Materials
Grungeboard plain sheets
Permission free jack o lantern (image can be downloaded from here)
2 Small Glam it Up crystals
2 10mm silver tone jump rings
2 silver tone ear wires
Traci Bautista’s Collage Pauge sparkly
Traci Bautista’s Collage Pauge glossy
Aleene’s Fast Grab Tacky Glue

Tools
Hole punch (I used a Crop-a-dile)
Sharp craft scissors
Foam paint applicator tool
Computer with publishing software
Printer

Download this permission free pumpkin image to use for your project!

1. The image should be sized correctly, but if you want to print multiples you can size it and put it into publishing software before printing. Print a sheet with at least two jack o lanterns on it. Cut out two.

2. Use glossy decoupage medium to attach images to Grungeboard. Smooth any wrinkles gently with finger tip and allow to dry.

3. Use crop-a-dile to punch a hole in the top center of each jack o lantern.

4. Use sharp scissors to cut out dried jack o lanterns.

5. Paint two thin layers of sparkly decoupage medium on each earring. Allow to dry.

6. Adhere crystals to eyes using glue. Allow to dry.

7. Attach ear wires to earrings using the jump rings.

8. You can decorate the backs of your earrings as you wish, I painted some sparkly dimensional fabric paint on the back of mine.

Halloween Repost: Morticia Invites Mrs. Havisham to Tea Choker

2011-10-25T06:23:00.000-07:00

Today's dose of Halloween Fabulosity is dished out with Gothic Style courtesy of an imagined meeting between Morticia and Mrs. Havisham. This is part one and part two will be served on Thursday.

Follow this link for instructions to make the Morticia Invites Mrs. Havisham to Tea Choker. I don't think these pendants are out there anymore, but it should be fairly simple to whip up a little mixed media pendant to go with using some clear acrylic tiles and decoupage medium.

xoxo
Madge

Halloween Repost: In Case of Emergency Necklace

2011-10-24T05:07:00.000-07:00

Today's Halloween fabulosity is the sequel to yesterday's design. This is one of the most downloaded projects on my blog. I like that the tables are turned on the villain here and it was fun writing short stories to go with the projects. These first two are actually springboards for a novel I have been working on since.

Follow this link for the instructions to: In Case of Emergency.

xoxo

Madge

Halloween Repost: Drop Dead Gorgeous Necklace

2011-10-23T10:27:00.000-07:00

Dang. Halloween got away from me this year. I have been feeling so lousy, that although I said to myself, "Self, let's re-post some great Halloween projects on the old bloggy." I did not post them.

Until today.

For the next eight days I will post a link to one of my favorite The Impatient Crafter(tm) Halloween projects...except for Wednesday when I will post a new project by Avalon for ILovetoCreate.

It has been thusly decreed. 'Oh frabjous day...calloo, callay!'

Today's link is to a short story and project with a Vampire theme...

Hauntingly yours,
Madge

Week as Art

2011-10-22T08:29:00.000-07:00

I don't quite know how this slipped past me, but I have been under the weather and things have been hectic around Casa de Potter. I was recently asked by my publisher to create a week's worth of art for their Week as Art feature on the Create Mixed Media website. I created some digital collages using deconstructed images of women from fashion magazines, the idea here is that we have become so fragmented by the media that we often see ourselves as the parts rather than the sum of them. Beauty is dictated to us. We live in an age when still, after all women have fought to achieve, we are earning less money than men and treated with less respect. Still. We are still second class citizens even in this country. What women endure in other parts of the world is even more tragic.

It is easy to get so caught up in the miasma of our day to day lives that we forget how many women around the world are suffering and that we forget what is real. I think it is easy to get so microfocused on things like our weight or our wrinkles or our cellulite or our blemishes or the multitudes of things that are 'wrong' with us physically, we can no longer see ourselves truthfully. Believe me when I tell you that fashion models aren't all perfect either, you would be amazed what they can do to alter photographs digitally. That being said, I am all for a little architectural preservation or for anything a woman wants to do to feel better about herself. I think we all need to give each other a lot more breathing room. Still, I have to re-mind myself that I am a fierce, fabulous, smart, savvy, funny and beautiful creature and that is the profound truth of who I am. No clothing or make up or Botox can change that. We are all perfect creations and powerful beings.

If you follow this link you can see the collages. And if you are a woman, take a moment to look at yourself in the mirror and embrace what you see. You are a fierce, fabulous, smart, savvy, funny and beautiful creature and that is the profound truth of who you are.

Love
Madge

Play Nice

2011-10-19T09:43:00.000-07:00

If I have learned nothing else in this lifetime, what I have learned is that the point of all of this is to be kind.

That's really the only point.

If I ever become so beaten up, so disenchanted, so selfish and so cynical that I start thinking it is okay to be unkind for any reason at all, I will have completely lost my way.

I may be here sharing my love of making stuff with you and I truly do have a deep passion for the power of creativity, but what I'm really here to share with you is that we all deserve to be cherished and that the simple act of creating anything is unfathomably powerful. I am here to share the truth that every one of us is a uniquely fabulous creation, every one of us has endless potential, every one of us has something of immense value to express and the more we shine freely and shine that joy, that pure unconditional love on everyone around us, the brighter the world becomes.

There is enough joy, enough success, enough abundance for every single one of us and more...infinitely more. All of the worst aspects of human interaction can be directly attributed to living in a place of lack and fear. As soon as we let go of that, as soon as we open our hearts to abundance, everything shifts.

That is what every master came to tell us. That is the key to my and your and everyone's happiness.

I am re-minding myself of this today and sharing it with you, because perhaps Gentle Reader, you needed to be re-minded too.

There is room enough in the sky for every star to shine. Don't doubt it for a moment. Shine on, super star.

Love
Madge

Cake Teen!

2011-10-17T07:23:00.001-07:00

AWESOME AVALON AND HER STAR 102.1 CAKE ENTRY!

I wanted to share something with you today. My kid never ceases to impress and amaze me. As you may know, she loves making cakes. She hasn't had a single class in cake decorating, but from watching Cake Boss and other cake decorating shows she has figured out how to make some really cool looking cakes. I can take not even a shred of credit, this is all her. She spent the entire day yesterday working on this cake for a contest on a local radio station Star 102.1. Her dad drove her down there this morning to enter. The Cake Boss is coming to Knoxville and she really, really wants to meet him.

Some of you might remember that we drove to Hoboken once to go to Carlo's Bakery, here is a pic from that trip, but Buddy was in PA doing a speaking tour. Avalon made him a 3d card we handed to Mary, but she never heard from him. I am sure he gets a lot of presents. So flash forward to today, she was the only kid to enter this contest and I was really hoping she'd win, but alas she did not. I think Buddy would be blown away. She held her own against professional bakers. YAY AVALON!

You know, we have to try. We have to keep trying. If we keep focused on our goals and we keep working hard, we get there. It may not have worked out today, but Avalon will meet Buddy one of these days and when she does, I think he will be duly impressed. She's a smart, kind, funny, talented and amazing kid and I am blessed to be her mother.

Truly.

Rock on, Avalon.

Love

Mom

Avalon goes Geek Chic!

2011-09-28T09:10:00.000-07:00

Avalon does it again! Check out her "Geek Chic" nerd glasses for iLoveToCreate! Get the instructions at the iLoveToCreate Blog!

Cheers,
Margot

Art and the Zen of Chaos

2011-09-20T10:21:00.000-07:00

(Don't forget to enjoy the soup! Bead Soup Blog Party, that is!)

Several years back I separated my 'personal writing' from my 'craft industry related writing'. I have mostly, with the exception of a few moments when the personal and professional converged wildly, stuck to that formula. I think in some ways that has served me well and in others it has not. The truth is, my art is a direct expression of my personal reality and I built a brand based on transparency and personality. I can't compartmentilize these things neatly, art is chaos. Chaos is the sticky, icky, messy, complex material that pulls it all together and sends it flying apart, often simultaneously.

In chaos, lies truth...and truth is endlessly subjective.

I am what I am and what I am is ever shifting and changing. It's physics, change. I try to live my life with grace and compassion. I admit freely when I lose track of those values. I am ever and always striving to love more and judge less. I like to think I'm one of the good guys. Most of the time, when I keep my ego in check, that's true. I'd like to believe that in the final analysis, nice guys finish first, because 'winning' isn't about having the most toys or getting there first in spite of who you step on to do it. Winning is an illusion anyway. We are all winners or losers depending on our perspective.

I am trying these days to breathe. Literally and figuratively. It isn't always easy, especially when a few turns in an uncertain direction can leave you standing in some rather strange neighborhoods. And when the goldenrod blooms...all bets are off. I am learning to trust that even if what surrounds you seems utterly insane, you don't have to lose your mind.

The key to finding the Zen mind is to remain calm in the face of chaos, to freely embrace it and let it simultaneously tear you apart and put you back together.

...and remembering that playing nice matters immensely.

This is a little sneak peek of a project I am working on...seemed apropos.

Love

Madge

Bead Soup Blog Party! Isn't it Romantic?

2011-09-17T00:01:00.000-07:00

Visit the rest of the Bead Soup Blog Party HERE!

I did a fair amount of ruminating about my soup. What should I leave out? What should I leave in? How many dashes of my own spices should I add? How much is too much...how little is too little?! It was a conundrum, indeed.

After several weeks of ruminating, I started the process of cooking my soup. I wanted to showcase the lovely pendant Suzann made for me and not clutter it up with too much around it, but I also wanted to add some drama and color in the core design, so I used the colors that kept it light and romantic without too many of the heavier colors. Just a dash of steely metal in the chain and hematine to ground things and some SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS to add a little bling. I think overall it turned out nicely. Simple, pretty, feminine but fun. I liked my little v-shaped wire solution to getting the pendant to hang in between the rosary style chain links. Simple, pretty, feminine...

No, it’s not necessarily full on funky Madge style, but I hopefully served the components well and made something somewhat appealing. That, gentle reader, is for you to decide. Alas it was a gloomy few days here in the Smokies, so the lighting gods were not with me, but I did effort! If I can manage to get a better shot today, I shall post!

To see what the VAST INTERNATIONAL gallery of Bead Soupers have cooked up for your delight, just take a peek here!

Go Check out what my partner Suzann S. Wilson of Beadphoria created with the sparkly soup I sent her and thanks to the amazing Ms. Lori Anderson for hosting Bead Soup Blog Party. You both rock!

xoxo
Madge

ILovetoCreate Teen Crafts: Tag, You're It! Customized Upcycled Locker Sign

2011-09-14T00:01:00.000-07:00

Tag, You’re It! Customized Upcycled Locker Sign
Margot Potter for Avalon Potter for ILovetoCreate Teen Crafts
“Mom crafted, teen approved”

Avalon and her Dad were away all day on Saturday and I decided to surprise her with this upcycled name tag she can hang on the door to her room or in her locker at school. She has had a lot of homework lately, so I stepped in to help again so she can get ahead of the curve on her upcoming projects. She really loved this sign, which makes me very happy!

I am simply mad for the new Aleene’s dry adhesives! The double sided tape is super strong and the glue dots give just the right amount of lift to dimensional elements. All of the letters were upcycled from magazines and distressed with a disposable nail file for a vintage appeal. I have a true affinity for damask print, but you can switch up the backgrounds and color palette to suit your style.

Materials
Letters upcycled from magazines to spell name
Coordinating black and white damask background papers (I used scrapbook paper here, you can opt for cardstock if you like even upcycling greeting cards, just be sure the paper has some weight to it for structure.)
Cardstock black for background (again you need something with a little structure)
Tulip Beads in a Bottle Clear Glitter Gemstone Collection
Tulip Beads in a Bottle Studs and Crystals Gemstone Collection
Aleene’s Tacky Glue Dot Roll
Aleene’s Tacky Tape Runner

Tools
Sandpaper or small disposable nail file
Scissors
Paper cutter
Ruler (I did this freehand, but measuring is always nice, you will note the lack of perfection, but I am The Impatient Crafter after all!)

1. You will need to determine finished size of sign before selecting letters. My sign is 3”hx11.5” wide and has six letters that are varied in size and overlapping.

2. Cut letters from magazine using sharp paper scissors or paper cutter for more exact cuts. I used letters with black, red and blue to match the crystal accents we will add later.

3. Place letters on black cardstock and cut a frame around each letter of about 3/8”. You can freehand this or mark it and cut with paper cutter.

4. Adhere letters to cardstock, making sure they are centered using Aleene’s Tacky Tape Runner.

5. Use file or fine grit sandpaper to gently distress surface of letters.

6. Place letters on patterned paper and mark cutting freehand or with a paper cutter and leaving about a ¼” border.

7. Adhere letters to patterned paper backgrounds using Aleene’s Tacky Glue Dots in each corner of letters.

8. Map out placement of letters on a background, mark and cut leaving a border. Mine is larger on top and thinner on bottom and sides. About ¼” for the largest first letter and 3/8” on sides of first and last letter.

9. Adhere letters, overlapping as you go from left to right using Glue dots in each corner of letters.

10. Use Beads in a Bottle to add dimensional accents to each letter and to adhere coordinating crystals and gemstones. Allow to dry.