Tuesday, April 15, 2008


An update on the new rug...and it's an experiment with using my camera and trying to figure out GIMP to modify images. (so far, trying to fiddle with 'level's' and 'histogram' have been an utter bust)

If the sun is out tomorrow, I've got some jewelry to photograph.

For those that are interested, punch hooking is a marvelous way to make one of a kind rugs, and use up those yarn scraps that seem to accumulate everywhere. I use basic acrylic knitting yarns for this one. I think it's easier to run through the washer and dryer, there's no danger of felting with acrylic. It does pill a little, but a beard or sweater trimmer takes care of that nicely.

The technique is simple enough once you've done a few. Depending on your backing it can be really fast, or just fairly fast. I've done rugs on burlap, and that moves very quickly, but I find that burlap just isn't as rugged as I'd like, and can tear out before it's finished. So, this one is on cotton monks cloth. It's rugged, holds the yarn loops nicely, but it can be rough on the wrists and takes a bit longer.

If you're interested in it for yourself, Halcyon Yarns has the tools and supplies. I use the Oxford Plain punch needle for my work.

Have fun with whatever you're creating today.

Monday, April 14, 2008

I've finally got the banner and front page of my shop at Etsy set up! Woot!

In other news, I'm getting the camera figured out. Still nothing worth posting, but that'll change once I figure out the timer option thingie (I don't do well taking pictures when I have to press the button, my hand still tremors too much)

Also, the kitchen is clean, the living room is tidier, and the rug is coming along. It finally looks like something I'd admit to making. (I took out the vibrant lime green and replaced it with red. This doesn't make any sense, I know, but when I have a picture you'll understand ...I think)

If all goes well, I'll have a large batch of earrings listed on Etsy this week, and maybe an ACEO or two (calligraphy from Genesis, Chapter 1)

I still need to work on my profile there, but I'll get it figured out.
Hope your day has been good.