Iron Craft 2015 Challenge #10--E is for . . . (Updated)

In my attempt to get my post online in time, I left out some of the specifics regarding the envelopes. I decided to update the posting so people could understand the process.

The picture above shows the reverse of the envelope (or the face of the envelope if you are sending it out without the glassine cover). The top envelope is still awaiting its liner. The bottom envelope shows the liner. The liners are made up of pages that have product descriptions only (or pages that could not be used for envelopes).

As mentioned yesterday, many times I will place the envelope in glassine covers so I can send them out without ruining the image with an address label. I simply tape shut the envelope, throw an address label on the front of the envelope, place a stamp on it and send it out.

When I send the envelope without a cover, I simply tape shut the envelope on the flap side, throw an address label and stamp on the flap side (if you are using standard size envelopes you can use a regular priced stamp since no special handling is needed). By utilizing the flap side (the reverse), the main image is unaffected. Many times, I will send out my bills with these types of envelopes.

When I use a glassine cover, I include a blank address envelope so recipients can determine if they want to use the envelope for their personal use (I also include instructions).

Iron Craft 2015 Challenge #10--E is for . . .

Another letter challenge. This challenge was dedicated to the letter E. So E is for...envelopes. I have done this project before and I decided to revisit it as I need to use my stash of recovered Abercrombie & Fitch catalogs.

Someone posted on Craigslist that they were selling old A&F catalogs. After failing to find a buyer, the owner offered them to a good home as long as they would be recycled, reused or repurposed. I convinced the owner that I would put them to good use.

These are business sized envelopes. I am constantly amazed at the images used in these catalogs. These envelopes have been very popular with my friends. I usually send them in glassine outer envelopes so the recipient can reuse the actual envelope.

Iron Craft 2015 Challenge #9--Dragon Eggs

For this challenge we were asked to do something "faux." I took the challenge on a different direction. Rather than create something that looked like something else (faux painting, faux metalwork, etc). I decided to go with something that is truly fake--in other words, something that doesn't exist (well at least MAYBE doesn't exist).

I decided to make dragon eggs (a la Game of Thrones Dragon Eggs).

I took some leftover goose eggs that I have been hoarding for Easter Eggs and covered them with decoupage paper (which is a very thin glassine type paper). I used techniques similar to washi eggs but instead, I simply cut the fringe as it was attached to the egg. I will provide a tutorial when time allows. I went with wild prints to add to the fantasy of Dragon Eggs.

I wonder what type of dragons will hatch from these beauties.

Iron Craft 2015 Challenge #8--Mallory the Mallard

For this Challenge, we were asked to make something for the home. I decided to do a two-for-one for this challenge. My bathroom has a small window and ledge that I wanted to change out. There used to me a solid wood cabinet that would block the sun that would would shine through the frosted glass window. I purchased some wire shelves from the Container Store and placed them on the ledge. I also went to the dollar store to buy some containers to line the shelves.

The second feature of this challenge was Mallory the Mallard. She was a wooden fake decoy that someone had given to me previously as a gag gift at Christmas. She was a little worn out so I decided to re-paint her. I covered her with acrylic paint and freshened her up using Sharpie Paint Pens.

As you can see, I got a little sloppy with the white paint pen (or the pens leak--you choose) but I am very happy with the way she turned out. I still might go back and distress her a little bit but she is content guarding my bathroom supplies.

Mallory the Mallard (side view)

Mallory the Mallard (top view)

Iron Craft 2015 Challenge #7--D is for Decoupage (Eggs)

Decoupage Eggs (Washi Eggs)

I really struggled for this challenge in that I couldn't decide what I wanted to do. I thought about dinosaurs. I thought about dragons. I thought about doing another cut out but this season of Iron Craft, I wanted to start doing other projects without falling back to cut outs.

I was walking through the local craft store and I saw some decoupage sheets and Mod Podge so I decided to do something with decoupage. Since it was Easter, I decided to revisit these washi eggs. I have chronicled my attempts at washi eggs here, and here, and here.

I finally listened to my own advice and only used Japanese Washi Paper. Rather than use Mod Podge, I decided to use traditional bookbinder's paste. This paste dries clear and does not leave a gloss coat to the paper.

The first egg was a real duck egg that was blown out. Duck eggs are slight larger than chicken eggs. They are little more pointed at the top than goose eggs.

Real Duck Egg

The second egg was a real goose egg that was blown out. Goose eggs are a 1.5 times larger than duck eggs and almost 2 times larger than chicken eggs.

Real Goose Egg

The third egg was a paper mache egg that I had left over from a previous project. They claim that it is a goose egg but in reality it is between the size of a goose and ostrich egg.

Paper Mache Egg

I am getting closer to standardizing the process so I will be able to adapt to the size of the egg. I am getting fewer wrinkles and less bulk at the ends of each egg. Maybe by next Easter, I will have conquered the process.

Iron Craft 2015 Challenge #6--Noon Rise/Noon Set

Front Cover

For this Iron Craft Challenge, I decided to create a coloring book for myself from start to finish. I have always enjoyed coloring and find the zen like feeling of doodling and coloring very satisfying. I don't think that I have ever created a book for myself from start to finish. I have used some of my own books after they were completed but never truly designed a book for my personal pleasure.

This is a mandala style design. The front and back covers are different because the book can be viewed two different ways. With the orange side facing up, it depicts the rising of the sun (i.e, Noon Rise). The first page indicates moonlight, the second page indicates the sun rising to midday, and the last page indicates the sun at high noon.

With the blue side facing up, the book represents the setting of the sun (i.e, Noon Set). The first page indicates the sun at high noon, the second page represents the sun beginning to set, and the third page represents the setting of the sun into moonlight.

Moon

Rising/Setting Sun

High Noon

Back Cover

Noon Rise

Noon Set

Final Coloring Book

I have been spending a lot time finalizing the details of my handmade coloring book as I prepare to start selling them on Etsy. I have made several adjustments after sending them to people to use. The biggest dilemma I was facing was how to close the book. I finally decided to use an elastic band similar to a moleskin. I also thought about using a ribbon to tie it closed but decided against the ribbon due to the fraying over time. These are books that I want to last a long time.

The title page can be left blank (in case someone wants to send it as a gift and/or write something). The colophon will be a paper label that is glued in place. I also tested some different papers in hopes that I would find something that would withstand dry and wet media. I also wanted a paper that would be wide enough so I could use one continuous sheet rather than having to glue several sheets together to get the book length that I wanted. I decided upon a Fabriano 200g paper.

Other than the title page, there will be some options so people can personalize the coloring book design. Namely, if there will be coloring lines or not. In order to illustrate, I decided to color and test my own book.

Coloring Lines or Not

Also illustrated here are the results of an unlined coloring book and using markers.

Crayon Illustrated Pages (using Crayola 96 count crayons)

 (left side--without coloring lines; right side-- with coloring lines)

Watercolor Illustrated Pages (using Caran d'Ache Classic Neocolor II Water-Soluble Pastels--15 count)

(left side--with coloring lines; right side--without coloring lines)

Colored Pencil Illustrated Pages (using Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils--24 count)

(left side--with coloring lines; right side--without coloring lines)

I don't know if the paper has enough tooth to use pastels (of which I am not a fan) but with fixative I am sure that it would probably be OK. Also, I did not test it using acrylic or oils. Maybe that will be a later test.

Now the only decision I have to make is how much to charge for each book.

Iron Craft 2015 Challenge #5--Tie Dye Magic

The theme of this challenge was GREEN--either the color or green crafting--in order to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in the US. I chose the green crafting route--in other words: recycle, repurpose or reuse.

I wear T-shirts and I have a lot of them. I have a collection of graphic tees. I also wear colored tees. I practically live in basic white tees: crew necks, V necks and tanks. Since I am so hot natured, I love wearing tees because I can layer them in the winter or cooler months. In summer, I simply wear them as an outer shirt. The problem is that I sweat in them and they get stained; this coupled with the fact that I hate throwing out perfectly good tees that are simply discolored means that I have A LOT of tees.

So for this project, I decided to tie dye some of my tees that were a little less pristine.

I used some tie dye pigments that were left over from a previous project that I will share later--tie dye Easter Eggs. I used the Tulip One Step Tie Dye kit which makes the process a lot easier.

Shirt #1

Shirt #2

Shirt #3

I have always been a fan of tie dye and I am really happy with the way these turned out. What I am not happy with is the quality of the pictures and how bloated I look but I will work on those problems in the future.

Iron Craft 2015 Challenge #4--Flower Power Adult Coloring Book

Flower Power (pages 1 & 2)

For Iron Craft Challenge #4 we were asked to dream about Spring and remove ourselves from the Winter Doldrums. I have been working on large scale doodles each month and this month, I decided to combine my doodles with the Iron Craft Challenge.

I am calling these the Adult Coloring Book series because grownups are finding their coloring mojo again and the market is inundated with this style of coloring book. The premise is that the pictures should be more challenging (in design) to color. Many of these books are pattern/design books that replicate classic motifs (e.g., William Morris or Tiffany Stained Glass).

I am calling this book--Flower Power. It is a throwback to the Flower Power movement of the 60s and 70s.

Flower Power (pages 3 & 4)

Flower Power (pages 5 & 6)

Flower Power (pages 7 & 8)

Flower Power (pages 9 & 10)

These will be recreated by hand for those who purchase them and will be hand bound in solid covers. The pages can either come with coloring guidelines (like those shown above) or blank (as shown below). The structure is a bound accordion book. The overall dimensions are 50" (width) by 7" (height). That's right--that is over 4 feet of coloring. If you want to view the video, click here (open a YouTube video).

For the adventurous
(without coloring guidelines)

Almost Back

By the time that you read this I will have completed a one week stay in Los Angeles and will be returning back from Tokyo. It will have been a whirlwind of travel and while blogging has been on the wane, crafting hasn't been. I am still trying to catch up on some of the monthly projects and prepare for the Iron Craft Challenge that is due after my return.

Best Wishes and thanks for reading.

Iron Craft 2015 Challenge #3--Encaustic Collage

The Key to My Broken Heart

For our third challenge, we were asked to do "Something New." I was vacillating between several ideas until I read this post from Susi where she decides to revisit unfinished projects in her studio. Rather than come up with a new project, I decided to check my myriad of materials in my studio to see what new projects that I had already purchases materials but had never attempted.

I realized that I had all of the materials to complete a project that I had always wanted--an encaustic collage. The only appliance that I didn't have was a wax warming plate so I decided to use my electric skillet in order to melt and keep my wax at a constant temperature.

The board is a two inch thick 10 inch by 10 inch Encaustic Board. The background paper is a vintage Valentine paper. The hearts are cutouts there were left over from a previous project. The key is from my key stash. The wax was colored with oil paint sticks there were buffed out after being fused to the piece.

Bottom Detail

Top Detail

For my first attempt, I am very pleased with the way that it turned out.

This Week

This week is going to be a little bit slower than usual. I am still working on projects for the week and nope to have a new box structure to share. I am also struggling with ideas for my next Iron Craft Challenge.

More importantly, I have launched my new blog called Bento Love 2015. This new blog will illustrate my obsession with the Japanese boxed lunch called Bento. On that blog, I will be sharing my attempts to make bento every work day.

Please follow along when you get the chance.

Project 5--Final Insert Box

Last Insert Box

This is the final insert box that I will be sharing with you from the Bullets Over Broadway series. This is a special box because the brief that I received was that the person loved the color green. As I was going though my stash of papers, I realized that I don't have a lot of green materials. I personally don't have a lot of green in my wardrobe because it makes my olive skin look a little jaundiced.

When I was taking color theory classes, one of our first assignments was to go to our closet and find the most common color(s) and to then ask ourselves--Why do I have so much ______ (predominate color)?

Top View

Bottom View

The rest of the month will be dedicated to Valentine's Day boxes.

Iron Craft 2015 Challenge #2--Hipster Hat

My new hipster look

For the second Iron Craft Challenge, we were tasked with creating something for someone we love--including yourself. Well, I couldn't pass up making something for myself could I? I decided to make one of those hipster beanie/toboggan/knit caps that seem to be the rage in California. I had this jersey knit material in my stash waiting to find a use for it. I was going to make pillow cases out of it. The interior is lined with a black jersey knit but it was too wonky to share.

Basically this is two lengths of material sewn on the left and bottom edges with right sides facing each other. I then cut and darted the grey jersey to form the shape of the hat (and thus leaving the black liner still intact. You then repeat the process for the black/liner material. You sew the right seam to the left seam and leave an opening so you can pull it through the opening. You turn inside out so that the raw edges are inside the hat and sew shut the opening. Even though the hat is reversible, the grey/graphic side turned out better so that is the side that I tend to wear showing.

The better side

As you can see below, not all of the seams aligned themselves but until I am around really tall people this won't show.

Don't look too close

I am kind of proud of this hat as it was a total sewing adventure for me since I am still honing my skills with the sewing machine. I will say that jersey knit is the pits to work with.

This Week

This week is the reveal for the second Iron Craft Challenge. I haven't decided which project to share and I need to complete one of the two projects that I am considering.

Also this week, I will sharing the last of the Insert boxes from Bullets Over Broadway. I am designing some other boxes to share including a tissue box holder, a shoe box, and a box to hold the 365 Decorated Envelopes from last year.

See you during the week--dr(Russ)

Monthly Projects--Update2

The second project that I will be doing a monthly basis is the Lampshade Project. Because of the success that I had with the shoji screen lampshade from my first Iron Craft 2015 challenge, I want to design and make a new lampshade each month.

I want to experiment with forms and papers. I will also experiment with the bases but most of the shades will be based on the pre-existing base that was designed for the first challenge.

For example, how tall can the shade be and still provide adequate lighting? What colors of paper work best? What happens when you layer papers on top of each other before wrapping around the wooden uprights? What happens when you increase the height of the spanners and how much light will still be emitted?

There are many questions to explore and hopefully some beautiful lampshades will be made.

Monthly Projects--Update

Doodle Book
(waiting to be filled)

Today, I wanted to share with you one of my new monthly projects for 2015. Continuing the doodling project from last year (the 365 Envelope Project) I decided to do one doodle project per month. Each month, I will make a large accordion book (12 pages/surfaces). Once it is complete, I will bind each into its own case. Each month, I will also create a separate portfolio to carry the unmounted sheets as a protective device that will allow me to carry the doodle along with me.

The  beauty of this structure is that it allows you to play with the size of the doodle in that you can do one doodle per page, a two page spread, a four page spread, etc. As the year goes along, I hope to make larger books to allow for a super-doodle.

I am already behind but I hope to catch up in February. 

Protective Portfolio

To make a larger book, all you have to so is seam pages together until you get the length/size that you want. To get to the 12 pages, I simply glue two sections together using a one inch tab.

Two sections glued together

I hope that you follow along with the progress.