I arrived in the creative world via sculpture and I have a small gallery next to my home in south County Wexford, Ireland.
In the past I have enjoyed many crafts including paperrmaking but then came upon a course teaching silk papermaking and I was completely enamoured.
Silk paper is made from raw silk which is the first stage of unravelling the silk thread from the coocoon made by the silkworm. This raw silk still has the sericin in the fibre (that's how the worm makes the cocoon) so by wetting the silk fibres and basically painting with them, I am able to make luscious silky artworks is any colour imaginable.
Such fun.!
Then I found some gold leaf that I had been using in a piece of glass sculpture and started to lay the gold leaf on the silk. Looking Good.
The sheen of the silk thread and the gold leaft so compliment each other I just had to start making more and framing them. . And here I am, opening a shop on Etsy and SilkandGold had to be the name. Enjoy x
#ealtuesdaytryouts,
babyliss pro curling wand,
curling wand,
curls,
hair,
haircare
#ealtuesdattryouts BaByliss Pro Curling wand
9:43 AM
Hello lovelies,
Aideen here with a #ealtuesdaytryouts post-so at the weekend I attended my friends wedding and for the day I decided to pick up a new hair curler! Now I have a short bob style cut with the hair being shorter at the back and longer at the front and also very layered.
I had a look on the Argos website and decided to go for the BaByliss Pro curlng wand:
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Aideen here with a #ealtuesdaytryouts post-so at the weekend I attended my friends wedding and for the day I decided to pick up a new hair curler! Now I have a short bob style cut with the hair being shorter at the back and longer at the front and also very layered.
I had a look on the Argos website and decided to go for the BaByliss Pro curlng wand:
€31.24 available HERE
I wanted a curler that you didn't have to clamp the hair into as being left handed they are always more tricky for me! This wand was excellent value-I am pretty sure if you were to get your hair curled professionally it would cost more than this wand.
I found it super easy to use-you just press the power button on and select your heat setting-I have really coarse hair so I pumped the heat up to the max. The wand comes with a heat resistant glove which you use on the hand you are using to wrap hair around the wand.
So...I picked random pieces of hair wrapped them around the wand held for ten seconds and at the end I gave my do plenty of hair spray!!! (L'Oreal elnett).
Unfortunately I forgot to take a photo when I had my hair first done but I have a quick selfie I sent to Emily at almost 11PM so over 12 hours after curling:
I DEFINITELY recommend this curling wand and I know it's not a new product on the market but I just wanted to share it,
Aideen & Emily x
#ealmondaymakes,
art,
Finnabair,
gift,
gift idea,
handmade,
society 6,
tandiart
#ealmondaymakes have you seen Society6??
10:32 AM
Hello lovelies,
Today we just wanted to share an awesome website called Society 6 where you can buy amazing art work as all kinds of fun goodies!!
I found out about the site when I saw that the extremely talented Finnabair from Prima was on the site and was so excited to check it out. I ordered an 8 x 10 print of Finns and at the time that I ordered there was free shipping worldwide which is a nice touch and something that Society6 run from time to time.
This is the print I ordered:
And as I said there are other cool things you can get your print on from t shirts to cups, pillows to phone covers! Speaking of.... I am kind of in LOVE with this pillow right here:
Today we just wanted to share an awesome website called Society 6 where you can buy amazing art work as all kinds of fun goodies!!
I found out about the site when I saw that the extremely talented Finnabair from Prima was on the site and was so excited to check it out. I ordered an 8 x 10 print of Finns and at the time that I ordered there was free shipping worldwide which is a nice touch and something that Society6 run from time to time.
This is the print I ordered:
'Inviting the wind' available HERE
And as I said there are other cool things you can get your print on from t shirts to cups, pillows to phone covers! Speaking of.... I am kind of in LOVE with this pillow right here:
'Feel' available HERE
The quality of the prints is impressive and even on this pillow it looks so 3D and textured-this is on my wish list for sure!!!
I also would like to mention that our friend from last weeks #ealmondaymaker 'Tandiart' is also now on Society 6:
Your phone would stand out in this sweet cover available HERE
Do pop on over to Society 6 for a look as there are thousands of items available with something for everyone for sure!!!
Aideen & Emily x
#ealcraftyquestionnaire,
#ealmondaymaker,
altered art,
art,
artist,
canvas,
craft,
Galway,
handmade,
Slywia,
tags,
tandiart,
whimsical
#ealmondaymaker TandiArt
5:18 AM
Hello lovelies, today its time to meet another fabulous #ealmondaymaker and its the amazing Sylwia who is a Galway based artist-Tandiart! Sylwias art combines amazing eye catching colours with the cutest imagery and whimsical details. I am the lucky owner of a Tandiart piece and proudly display it in my home, enjoy, Aideen x
Over to Sylwia:
I started crafting in 2011, when I discovered mixed media tutorials on YouTube. They inspired me to play with different art supplies.
2. What made you start crafting?
3. Where can we see your makes?
On social media:
www.tandiart.blogspot.ie
www.facebook.com//TandiArt
You can also find TandiArt on Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter
4. Do you have an online store for your makes?
5. Favourite embellishments?
Prima Marketing, Faber Castell
8. Who is you main crafting inspiration?
9. Favourite season or holiday to craft?
Spring Time with flowers and birds
10. Favourite project you have made?
One of my first fairy girls with dark skin
11. Favourite type of project to make?
Mixed media fairies and gardens
12. Projects you are currently working on?
I am working on few mixed media canvas.
13. Any particular project or style of project on your to do list?
I want to do few LOs with my babygirl photos
14. Favourite colours to use in projects?
Turquoise!!!
The beautiful piece of TandiArt I own!
Over to Sylwia:
1. When did you start crafting?
I started crafting in 2011, when I discovered mixed media tutorials on YouTube. They inspired me to play with different art supplies.
2. What made you start crafting?
Desire to create, to find something which makes me feel happy
3. Where can we see your makes?
On social media:
www.tandiart.blogspot.ie
www.facebook.com//TandiArt
You can also find TandiArt on Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter
4. Do you have an online store for your makes?
5. Favourite embellishments?
Recently I am in love with all kinds of paper and fabric flowers
6. Craft tools you can't live without?
6. Craft tools you can't live without?
Vintage music notes, Inktanse Pencils, Washi tapes, Gesso, Acrylics
7. Favourite craft companies?
7. Favourite craft companies?
Prima Marketing, Faber Castell
8. Who is you main crafting inspiration?
Mindy Lacefield, Christy Tomlinson
9. Favourite season or holiday to craft?
Spring Time with flowers and birds
10. Favourite project you have made?
One of my first fairy girls with dark skin
11. Favourite type of project to make?
Mixed media fairies and gardens
12. Projects you are currently working on?
I am working on few mixed media canvas.
13. Any particular project or style of project on your to do list?
I want to do few LOs with my babygirl photos
14. Favourite colours to use in projects?
Turquoise!!!
Thanks for taking on the #ealcraftyquestionnaire Sylwia,
Emily & Aideen x
Hello Lovelies!
It has not gone unnoticed here at #ealHQ that our page has surpassed the 300 like mark! We are currently at 324 - can you believe it!!! So in honor of all our lovely Facebook Fans we are having a FAB Giveaway to thank everyone for their support. Take a look at the two prizes you can enter to win:
Prize #1 : A Forever 21 makeup bag stuffed full of goodies including : a pair of mint socks, a mint beaded hair tie, 2 beautiful bracelets, a set of makeup brushes, a mint eyelash curler, and two nail polishes
Prize #2: One Rita Ora Rimmel 60 Second nail polish in "Don't be Shy" and One Lasting Finish Color Rush long lasting intense color balm in "Rumor Has It"
It has not gone unnoticed here at #ealHQ that our page has surpassed the 300 like mark! We are currently at 324 - can you believe it!!! So in honor of all our lovely Facebook Fans we are having a FAB Giveaway to thank everyone for their support. Take a look at the two prizes you can enter to win:
Prize #1 : A Forever 21 makeup bag stuffed full of goodies including : a pair of mint socks, a mint beaded hair tie, 2 beautiful bracelets, a set of makeup brushes, a mint eyelash curler, and two nail polishes
Prize #2: One Rita Ora Rimmel 60 Second nail polish in "Don't be Shy" and One Lasting Finish Color Rush long lasting intense color balm in "Rumor Has It"
To enter for a chance to win one of these lovely pizes follow the instructions below. You can enter up to 2 times!
You must be a follower of both our blog and Facbook page to enter (so go on and hit that like / follow button! )
ENTRY 1: Leave a comment on this blog post letting us know which prize you would like to win!
ENTRY 1: Leave a comment on this blog post letting us know which prize you would like to win!
ENTRY 2: Head over to the EAL Facebook page and do the following:
1: "Share" the Giveaway post
2: leave a comment on the Giveaway post letting us know you shared the post , along with which
prize you would like to win!
Its as easy as that … the giveaway will close on Thursday 9/18 at 12 PM EST and winners will be announced on Friday Morning! Ready … Set… Go get those entries in!!!
Emily & Aideen x
#ealmondaymaker,
art,
etsy,
gold,
handmade,
silk,
silk and gold
#ealmondaymaker Silk and Gold on Etsy
10:33 AM
Hello lovelies and welcome to a new #ealmondaymaker here on #eal! Today we are visiting the shop Silk and Gold on Etsy... Here is Gillys shop description:
Silk and gold are not messy !
So now that we have met Gilly lets pay a visit to her shop 'Silk and Gold' on Etsy HERE where you can buy a really unique piece of art made with the most beautiful of materials.
Aideens pick:
I really enjoyed looking at Gillys pieces and love everything really-the colours of the silk fibres are all very pretty and eye catching and at the moment I am loving anything that has gold detailing!! I have to share my fave item from Silk and Gold:
This framed blue silk fire piece is so cool-I love the layout of everything and the blue and gold €22 HERE
Emily's pick:
Emily's pick:
Ok, so I know its a little early to start thinking about the Holiday's… but I couldn't help it when I saw this piece in Gilly's Shop. The beautiful green and blue fibers intertwined with the gold is so elegant, and this unique piece would definitely add a unique twist of a holiday themed mantle piece display.
Another lovely piece that would make a gorgeous present for any bookworm are the Silk and Gold bookmarks which are only €5!!
Thanks so much to Gilly for inviting us for a look around her shop! We had so much fun-would you like us to come and visit your shop?? Message us here or on our Facebook page,
Deep Sea Depths $31.89 HERE
Another lovely piece that would make a gorgeous present for any bookworm are the Silk and Gold bookmarks which are only €5!!
Emily & Aideen
Hello Lovelies!
Today we have Maeve Hunter taking over #EAL and we couldn't be more excited! So without further adieu … here's Maeve!
Dyeing with natural dyes, using plants mineral
and animals has been around since man began wearing and making clothes.
Synthetic dyes started in the mid 1800s. Synthetic dyes are easiest for the
beginner as you only need fixative and table salt with them to get started.
I find that people are afraid of textiles as an
art form. They don’t mind drawing on paper and throwing that away if they make
a mistake, but they seem to be afraid of fabric. But what’s even better about
dyeing is that you can dye as an art form, as part of interior design by
creating your own fabric for curtains blinds cushions, in fact any fabric
surface or for upcycling clothes to give your wardrobe a boost at very little
cost.
Go ahead have a go! Start with an old tshirt or
something and play with the dyes. I also find if you play with art materials
first and get a feel for them it’s the best way to understand them and gives
you greater confidence and control in the long run. Buy old sheets in a second
hand shop and cut them into pieces and experiment. You don’t have to spend a
fortune on new fabric or clothes. Most importantly have fun. Remember that the
fabric you dye must be 100 per cent natural to work best. If you are using
multiple colours work from light to dark.
In Ireland Dylon dyes are the most accessible
dyes. They can be bought in chemists, hardware stores and art supply shops.
Whatever dye you use, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Use
more water if you want a lighter shade. Always leave in the dye as long as you
can and remember to rinse with cold water until the water runs clear. Wet
fabrics are darker in colour, so if you are trying to match colours in an
interior remember to take this into account when you are comparing wet with
dry. Cold water dyes are the easiest to control especially when you are
starting out or if you are working with children and you can put your fabric in
and out of the dye as you so wish. Plastic buckets are the best utensils to use
and you can get plastic tongs for taking
your fabric in and out of the dye. They can be bought cheaply in euro or dollar
stores. Use rubber gloves and cover your clothes. Dye does dye your hands and
clothes if you don’t cover up !!! It will come off your hands eventually..
Using Resists, string, elastic bands and pegs
Wet your fabric first.
Then tie your fabric
with cotton string or elastic bands. Remember to tie as tight as you can,
because you are trying to stop the dye going where the string or bands are. In
other words the tied fabric is resisting the dye. You can retie the dyed rinsed
fabric to create different colours and shades of fabrics. Play play play !!!!
A sample of fabric tied with string
A sample of fabric tied with rubber bands
But remember:
Another easy resist is pegs.
Fold your fabric
and then use nice large plastic pegs and push them right into the fabric. You
will create squares and other marks, I love them ! You can choose the distance
you want between the pegs to create different designs. The fabric needs to be
folded a few times and to be fairly thick for best results.
But again, experiment,
find your own way of dyeing and using resists. Just enjoy and have fun, when
you are relaxed you create the best pieces.
About Maeve :
Maeve Hunter
I am an artist crafter and educator. I have a
BDes in Textile Design, a HDipADE in Art and Design Education and a Masters in
Visual Arts Education.
I love to create and I love to teach. Although I was always interested in art I
didn’t attend college until I was 36 and continued going for many years and I
don’t think I am finished yet! I first became interested in dyeing whilst studying
textile design. I used to spend hours in the dye room. I love its spontaneity
and the fact you are usually surprised with the results whether good or bad. I
usually dye my own fabrics for my textile work. I also use dye for interiors
and for my crafts. I have worked as a
dyer on several films and for the theatre. I have given workshops in dyeing
with children in Kenya and Namibia. Last year on an artist residency in
Namibia, as well as giving workshops to college students and children with
special needs, I had an exhibition of my textile work and dyeing was a major
part of this.
Thanks Maeve for the lovely tutorial ;) I think it is safe to say there are definitely some textile projects in both of our futures
Emily & Aideen x
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