An Easter Tea with Katie Sanches
Hi all,
Our blog is a bit outdated, however, continue to work here full steam, which is why there is not much time for new posts. The Journal Marmelinhas Craft is coming in the tenth edition, and we are very happy with the success that she is doing! But whenever I have the time, I come here to talk to you.
In the rush of our day to day, there is not much time to meet friends, but the Internet allows us to be always connected, and it's wonderful. Another day, was seeing updates on facebook, when I came across a toy rabbit cutest ever! Our subscriber Katie Sanches was the one who created this cute.
I contacted her asking if she could send a picture of him for me to post on the site. She was so gentle, that instead of sending a photo, sent a package with two bunnies to me, and I had the joy of seeing them (and tighten them) personally.
The crafter Katie Sanches said he was inspired in Marmelinhas toys, but I think she went further, and created an entirely new and original piece. She said she always liked to tinker with clay as a child. And that since 2003 has been working with biscuit and perfecting the technique. She said it was difficult to find a profession that I liked, but she found the biscuit!
And many of us also find ourselves in the crafts we do not it? A meeting with himself, with the creative interior, with joy and personal satisfaction. But there is also an encounter between people, towards a common goal. As a tea, where each one takes a Comidinha all share experiences, socialize and display their creations.
The virtual world brings people together in times of rush, and allows for a tea meetings, where everyone, at home, enjoying his snack while chatting with friends through the computer.
Congratulations again to Katie , the cute little bunnies! The team at Craft Marmelinhas particularly liked the funny faces and big teeth that resemble cartoon characters. And with these friendly bunnies, I take to mean that the March edition comes packed with Easter sweets for you to enjoy. Wait!
Holy House, a love of the studio
I love walking through the quiet streets of Santo Antonio de Lisboa, which is a quiet neighborhood in the north of the island of Santa Catarina, or a special place in Floripa. This neighborhood still has some old houses, the time when the Azores - Portuguese immigrants - people came to the city in mid-eighteenth century.
Walking along the beach and watch the sunset is one of the things I enjoy doing. For those who like seafood, there has restaurants and bars that prepare dishes with these delicacies, and the best, always overlooking the sea. Some restaurants are chic, with beautiful architecture and decoration, others more simple, perfect for a snack. On Saturday afternoon, in the square of the historic center, has feirinha craft, known as Fair Implements, a nice ride to do as well.
Besides all the things I love about this place quiet and that leads us to other times, it has a very cozy shop, with works by various local artisans: Atelier Holy House. In this corner colorful and different, there is a diversity of products, made in wood, ceramics, lace and fabrics. There are boxes of all sizes, comics, postcards, and loucinhas vases, lamps, candles, key chains, mobiles and other options. To recall, there is also a school desk, those in which the chair is fixed to the table, remember? Whenever I go there, I'm dating this piece, wanting to bring home, but have not found an ideal corner to put it.
Anyway, whoever has the opportunity to visit this place, enjoy! But anyone be curious, put some pictures I took there. Hope you like it too.
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The First Steps ...
Hi all,
I write today to continue the story that started earlier, about how I started with the biscuit, as Disclosed and how were the first sales.
At the beginning I still had much to learn, after all, knowing the biscuit was a little time, and did only basic pieces, such as fried eggs, or flowers made with molds. So in the beginning who produced it was my boyfriend, I just helped in some detail. Gradually, I learned a lot, got a taste for material and was producing the most. And he began to devote himself to college studies and design work. Although I also did college of architecture at the time, never wanted to stop modeling.
But still the beginning, after a few pieces ready, a short list of different products manufactured, it was time to sell! To begin with, nothing better than to participate in a craft fair. The fairs are excellent places for promotion of the work, not always sales are high, but certainly a lot of people can see their work, and from there to many orders.
In our case, we searched in our city, which the fairs were available, and what they were doing the selection of participants. At that time there was only one that was in the selection phase, one was held inside a mall. We take our material to be analyzed and approved. This show was new, so there was still a very large number of participants, everyone was starting and being analyzed now.
However, if you are attending a trade show that has already happened long ago, and already has many participants, it is important to make sure the material you provide will not be a direct competitor of some other already on the market. There are some fairs that do not like to put more people in the same technique. Or, if this is the case, the ideal is to try to do something different with the same material, because there will be no direct competition and the commission may accept participation. Finally, in our case there were competitors with the same technique, because the show was beginning, although he had a reasonable number of participants, no biscuit was beyond us.
Some craft fairs have initial costs. In this case, the tables were borrowed by the organization were low costs, only for the purchase of package, and other such items. In any case, any initial cost in such cases is always an investment, and generally worth it.
Being approved our participation was time to produce. The fair took place every weekend, then had two days. Should have enough material to not miss, if sales were good. As the fair happened inside a mall, the products could be facing the city's public, ie not necessarily need to be for tourists, as visitors to the mall in general were city dwellers. Furthermore, we were not in summer season, which is when the city of Florianópolis is full of tourists.
All this should be thought at the time to participate in a craft fair. After all, is a trade, and you need to produce according to demand, ie, with consumer demand. Thus, we prioritize making utilitarian pieces, which had no necessary relation to the city, and that could be given as gifts or used by the consumer. You can use your creativity, however, worth remembering that at this stage, it is important to be consistent with the desires of those who will buy your product.
Our participation at the show lasted almost a year, and this time received some orders, sell enough parts, and test consumer behavior in relation to our product. We found advantages and disadvantages in a fair located inside a mall. The first advantage is that is protected from rain and wind, that is, no matter how is the weather, the fair is always the case, the bathrooms are accessible, as well as the food court for lunch.
However, there is not much freedom, because as the show takes place in the corridors of the mall, and are not tents or booths, tables and yes, the whole show is a whole rather than individual spaces of participants. Thus, it could lead banks or chairs, so we could not sit, could not do lunch on site, if you wanted to bring something from home, had to eat outside the venue, the packages were the responsibility of the fair, then we could not have somewhat customized to the client.
Finally, advantages and disadvantages will always exist. Each one, check which weigh more on the day of the show right? At that time, was paying off. Even so, we decided to participate in another selection for a greater show, which took place in two parts of the city. It was a fair valued and known. So do not think twice, went to the assessment and it worked again. But on this Monday, I count more later.
For now, the tips in this post are:
Check that there are craft fairs in your city or in neighboring cities.
What are selecting participants.
Find out if the material that you will offer is different from what already exists in the marketplace in which to participate.
Prepare pieces of fine quality and lead to selection.
Once approved your participation, get to know the visitors of the fair, to produce pieces that are in line with demand.
Have an affordable price, and according to the market, but this is appropriate as compensation to his work.
Note the customer feedback, exchange ideas with them, satisfied customers always come back and show someone.
Spring Pampering
Hi guys,
In this months edition of the Journal Marmelinhas Craft made a picnic to celebrate spring.
We thank our readers for the compliments and comments tender offer for you and the flowers that decorate this edition.
They are an exclusive Marmelinhas, developed by designer Ricardo Oliveira, and make beautiful scrapbooking papers.
They can be used to coat cans pencil holder, or wooden boxes.
They can decorate photo albums, or used to coat diaries or notebooks.
And if they can become beautiful laminated placemats. Or, can be used as background for photos, when you are shooting their parts.
So enjoy, just download the pampering session for subscribers, print and use the will!
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What moves you
Hi all,
I have received emails asking how I started making biscuit, as I did to promote, sell, participate in fairs. Thinking about it, I decided to tell here on the blog, share this story, which is a little long. So do some posts on the subject, seeking interim information with tips that I hope will be useful for you too.
Since childhood, I always loved crafts. Those good memories that are forever etched in our memory, are arts education classes in school. I remember to this day the glass jars Anelina inside the bookcase was beautiful with a colored transparent and alive! We used aniline to make paintings, I think it should be like a watercolor. Anyway, I have other memories of this era, such as collages with little balls of crepe paper! They were cute and embossed.
Over time, these classes were becoming more serious, but never walked away from manual labor. Whenever he could buy a magazine to inspire me and make all kinds of crafts. Made outfits for dolls up to a sofazinho with jeans I decided to do - was not those things, but it worked well for decorating the house of dolls. The pets with woolen tassels were also mania in a season, like clowns with little body of gossip.
I once saw in a magazine, a picture frame decorated with small roses all colorful. They were made in biscuit, and the colors were bright, the picture frame was very delicate. And now that I put in my head that I wanted to learn how to make biscuit! I can not remember exactly what year I saw this picture, but believe it was in the 90s. In mid-96, and remember to have tried to make a biscuit dough - at the time was made on the stove - and mine did not work. It was too soft, and when I tried to model a snowman to the Christmas tree, a ball is flattened on one little piece and it was tiny and the whole flat. This was my first experience with the biscuit, and definitely did not work.
Some years later I met my boyfriend, and coincidentally he made biscuit. From him I learned to do a mass, as is done today, in the microwave. And I also learned the first modeling tips. This happened in 99, and since then has never stopped modeling. At this time, got together to participate in some craft fairs, but this is a matter for future posts.
For now, the first tip is: "Observe what moves you!"
That is, within the universe there are many craft techniques and different materials, and we can move them all. But, somehow, you can find among many that most appeals to you. And observe this, will help to enhance a better technique, better understand the material and explore more and more possibilities it can offer. Working long with the same technique, makes sure you get your creative sensibility and consequently have more room to flourish. That picture frame that originated my passion, it has not been done, I ventured some roses, and alone. But the importance he had to choose the material with which work was very great, and so my memories continues to exist. Never forget also the colors of the pots of aniline art classes in school. And the colors really inspire me today!
We are made of small pieces of sweet memories. And they both bring us back to times past, lead us to create our future!
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Fair Order of Largo, an obligatory stop in Curitiba
Since I met "feirinha" Order of the Largo in Curitiba, in mid-2002, when I go to the city, visiting the fair is one of the mandatory stops! This is the largest craft fair I've ever seen. It happens in the historic city center, but not in just one street, but in several. That's right, it starts in one place, going up and even extends to the side streets. I did not find data on how many tents make up the show, but they are numerous. This last time I went, I could not take much, but to see the whole show took about 3 hours, walking a little faster and a little stop for a coconut tapioca, because no one is iron is not it?
This next photo is a postcard I got older. To give you an idea, yellow awnings are the stalls of the fair, and there's more down to the postcard failed to catch. In addition to tents, has a few shops in old houses, which sell handicrafts and manufactures materials for them. The show runs on Sundays from 9 to 14 hours. And it's always full of visitors, the city's residents or tourists. Depending on the tent, we have to wait emptying can look forward to, it's crazy!
We can find all sorts of artwork and crafts. There are porcelain painting, painting on canvas, furniture, baskets, antiques, wooden utensils for the kitchen, very patchwork, painting mdf boxes, clothes for dogs, slippers, soap, biscuit, vintage cards, jewelry, sleepwear, handbags, clothing, incense, toys, slippers, sculptures, snacks and cakes, codfish balls, acarajé, tapioca, etc.., and sure I am forgetting to mention something, because the variety is amazing!
Despite the move, I could take some pictures, I'm posting below. So when given the opportunity to visit, very worthwhile! Recalling that the good is to arrive early and go with comfortable shoes, and gives time to see everything without tiring too much.
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Quilt & Craft Show - Curitiba
Hi all,
This weekend I went to Curitiba / PR. I visited the Fair Quilt & Craft Show, meet some friends and ride around town a bit, which I love!
The weather helped a lot, did the sun in three days we were there. In this Friday, I visited the craft fair of the Largo of the Order, but this will be a topic for another post.
The Quilt & Craft Show is a fair Patchwork, Folk Art and Scrapbooking
The Patchwork is the art of uniting scraps of fabric, and is part of popular culture in the United States. Over time this technique has spread to other parts of the world. Working with Patchwork requires patience and planning, it is thought that at the end of the piece is smooth. Thus, it is important to observe and choose the right colors, patterns and textures of the fabrics.
The Scrapbooking is an activity to gather scraps of paper, places and memories of travel, tickets, and whatnot, to create different photo albums that tell stories not only from the photos, but it as a whole. Besides album is a kind of diary. The technique is also used to decorate boxes, cans, frames, picture frames, suitcases crafts, etc.. This technique is very pleasant to do, because it can become a fun and creative activity, and make her get in touch with their memories.
Folk Art, or folk art, a style of painting is characteristic of certain regions. An example is the Country Painting done in the United States.
The fair was beautiful work and materials specific to these three techniques. The majority of stands was Patchwork. There was very little about Scrapbooking. And I found there too, some other techniques, such as biscuit, crochet, biscuits, chocolates, cupcakes, etc.. In fact, I ate a cupcake Nha Benta, which had an irresistible taste, I literally lambuzei with marshmallow, lol. Moreover, there was plenty of material craft, fabrics of all types, models, colors and textures, buttons, sewing machines, magazines, etc..
It was worth the visit, we always come back with some inspiration and it renews our craft activity! So when you have the opportunity to visit fairs, visit, because something will always draw attention and somehow contribute to their work as well. I put below a few pictures I could take, since in many booths they are not allowed.
And to further inspire you, this post reminded me of two movies I watched and enjoyed it. One is super old, but ever present: "How to make American Quilt", with title in Portuguese: "Quilt." Women sew him a quilt that is considered from a pre-established themes. How do they relate topics to their experiences, the activity always becomes a moment of remembrance and renewal while emotions. It's beautiful and for me, whenever I see exciting, yes, because I've watched several times!
The other film is a very traditional American romantic comedy, the film is cute as all of this genre. But the part that most caught my attention is when women are working with scrapbooking, this occurs in some scenes of the film. The name is "Fresh Check" with Renee Zellweger. Watch and be inspired too!
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A time for a cookie
Hi all,
We live in a time that is all for today. We want the days last longer for more things to do. Time management is not always an easy task, because, sometimes you have to give up one or other activity so that everything fits in the time available. Therefore, for the days rushed, practicality is very welcome is not it?
Make a cake, for example, takes a while, but it is one of those activities that need not be sacrificed and left for later. Just a super recipe practice and in a few minutes, the smell of cake baking will spread through the house. So the day is with a different air, and in the evening, accompanied by a tasty breakfast, you can stop for a few minutes to relax and enjoy a cookie.
One of these days one of these recipes made friends of us! And to increase, baked in molds for cupcakes, and gave quite right too. Then share with you the recipe and photos of the steps. So, you can also prepare, and then tell me what you think.
Chocolate cake, the recipe:
260 grams of flour
400 grams of sugar
100 grams of cocoa powder
A pinch of salt
250 ml of oil
(Put everything in a bowl and stir).
Then add 120 ml of boiling water and stir.
Add 4 eggs and stir.
Finally, add 1 tablespoon of baking powder and stir.
That's it, just dump in shape and bake in medium heat, at the time of your oven. My baked for 30 minutes. It was time to put the kitchen back in order.
The cupcakes bake faster because they are small. And to decorate and not wasting much time, I used fresh milk paste, those who sell canned and a bag for candy. I put the cups for cupcakes Marmelinhas (which are available here for subscribers pats on the item) and presto, the cookies were looking like a party. And the taste, "huuumma" delight!
The remainder of the body placed in a forminha with small hole in the middle. I had some cookies that had been passed the point and very hard. Triturei in a blender and threw at the mass, was like a crumbly, increased when the cake was a nice effect, and gives a special flavor.
I hope you enjoy and do well, then just do not relish it?
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Crafter's Life
Always enjoyed much manual work. Since childhood, in my long school holidays - a month for a pre-teen is a long time is not we? - My joy was to go to the city center, buy a magazine, cross stitch, colored lines and embroidery doilies. I remember a Styrofoam house, snowy glitter, I made to decorate the house for Christmas. And that's without counting the gossip Satin, who turned legs and little arms of Pierrot. These and other activities meet a lot of my days off. It was good fun and a way to pass the time.
I never stopped making art, however, some things have changed. If before, the work served to occupy the idle days, and make the time pass more quickly, a few years ago, they turned work, and almost no spare time left over. And time, what? Need to be much larger and move slower.
Crafter's life is delicious, but like any self-employment requires discipline and organization. It reminded me of some large orders, and particularly one, which for lack of planning, almost was not ready on time. 500 dragonfly pendants were made in biscuit and all this amid the duties of home and college classes. It was a good experience, but tumultuous, who also served as teaching for the next work.
Before you put your hands dirty, per se, we had to buy the material. The hardest part was finding 9500 units of rhinestones. I had to look in some shops in town, the end to reach this amount. And it was precisely these pebbles that later absorbed most of the time available to perform the work. I had calculated the time in the shape of each dragonfly as it normally did, and had added a little more for the placement of rhinestones.
Lacked planning, before calculating the exact time, I should have made a prototype and calculated the full time of each piece, finished, etc.. However, I made an estimate. And when I got to the stage of the rhinestones colacação realized the actual time it took. But there were already established deadlines could not be changed because it was a birthday, due date and everything. And follow the order by mail, or had yet to send in advance to any problem does not happen late. Finally, the run was great, and after all done, you can imagine that I could not stand to see dragonflies in front of me is not it? I was tired but very happy to see things all ready. Was it worth it, but thanks also for learning. It is important to calculate all the steps, the time you will need and whether it is available, then do not mess up.
Crafter's life can be hectic or organized, it all depends on a little planning, some calculations and great disposition. Therefore, I would say, to keep life in order, the work on time, agenda, and head in place, here on the blog posts will be made with a slightly larger period between one and another. So I can better organize and yet still maintain our place on this day. See below photos of dragonflies, which I did in 2008. There were 100 units of each color, and I liked the most were green and pink!
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Toy art, fun for grownups.
Hi guys,
Some people ask me, where did the idea of making my toys? So I decided to write a little about them here on the blog.
The Toy Art is a contemporary art movement that began in 1998 in Hong Kong. An artist named Michael Lau, customizations made in dolls similar to former Falcon, changing their clothes for the army, adding more urban jeans and accessories. These dolls were brought to a toy fair, and made successful by being different from what had previously.
Gradually the idea of customizing dolls became increasingly more widespread in the arts and design. The doll has become a medium of expression for the artist. Therefore, the topics are varied, some are subversive, confrontational, comedic, violent, entertaining, ultimately depend on the concept or the idea that the artist wants to transmit. So some toys have a relatively simple format, and that changes are the themes discussed.
The toy art in general are collected by admirers of this art and these dolls. They are like toys for adults only.
I liked this idea so much, and the different existing models, I decided to create my own toys, made in biscuit. That's when everything started. And how in general have much interest in the playful side, and the fun use of color, the toys that I always try to create work with these issues. Also, I just came from one of these dolls I made. The sweet pink was chosen to represent the Marmelinhas.
It all started in mid 2008, when I made some models with the back flat, to use magnets on my refrigerator. Then I decided to expand its size and add feet. Gradually I was creating several different models. And they were also gaining dimensions. Nowadays the major I, which stand upright and measure 7-9 cm high mini which serve to measure only pendant and 2.5 cm high and 4 cm in height, used to be also collected. There are also those that are achatadinhos hairpieces for magnets or preachers. Finally, whether one kind or another, the fact is that making them is fun, since we can use creativity without limitations, and that's all good is not it?
Currently there are over 25 models, and other ideas have saved to be put into action! Below I show some of my toys, in their different shapes, sizes and models.
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