10/12/2010

Tuesday tools of trade

Austria is famous for it's spectacular scenic beauty, you may well remember Maria running solo and with the children through the alpines in 'The Sound of Music' ... It's also the birthplace of Daniel Swarovski (he founded the Swarovski Crystal empire) and of course it's where 'Hasta la vista baby' Arnold Schwarzenegger hails from. There's another amazing (and super talented) Austrian I'm excited to introduce you to today, it's Renate of Kreativlink and we are headed there now to gain some insight into the tools she uses to create her incredible handmade journals (of which I own one or two and can certainly vouch for their beauty & awesomeness!) .. and if we are really very nice, i'm sure she might even treat us to some famous Austrian Kaiserschmarrn (soft fluffy pancakes - yum!) ...

Would you take us through the tools you use in your creative process?

Very few tools are needed for my bookbinding. Always on my desk is the bone folder for folding paper, an awk to make holes, a little hammer for when I punch holes into leather (though hubby says it's so tiny it's a toy and not a tool), scissors, pliers for when the needle is stuck somewhere, needles, linen thread and beeswax because I don't like pre-waxed thread.


My sewing machine (aka 'The Diva') is another important tool. I'd love to have a super strong industrial one but this was the best I could afford three years ago and well, so far she does her job well - apart from when she's having a 'bad hair day' ...

'The Diva'

Also needed is a big cutting mat, ruler and rotary cutter for cutting leather and fabrics.

Lastly, there's the painting corner with lots of fabric paints, brushes and all those sorts of things. A very important tool here is the blow-dryer. I'm not one to wait patiently until the paint is dry! :D




But wait - very importantly (although technically not a tool), is the TV opposite my desk. I'd go crazy if I had to do boring things like tearing paper, sewing in thread ends and such without having it (the tv) to keep me entertained.



What sort of monetary outlay have you had in setting yourself up with the equipment that you have?

Most of my tools are very affordable or were in the household anyway. The sewing machine was EUR 700 three years ago and the biggest investment so far.

What special care and/or cleaning is required to keep your tools running smoothly?

The Diva needs some hugs on her bad days. Apart from that nothing needs any special care.

Is there any special safety requirements for when you are making your journals?

No. Well, not really. But only because I don't mind ink stains and paint drops on my clothes ...

Renate, if you could own any kind of tools that aren't related to your own craft what would they be?

I'd love to have everything needed for making pottery. A pottery wheel, yes! Of course, I have no idea how to work with it as I have never tried it before, but I imagine it is a very sensual and wonderful (and in my case very messy) experience.

23 comments:

Renathe Schneider said...

Thanks Renate for sharing what tools you use. Love your journals!

baahar said...

Lovely interview !! I especially love the painting corner :)

Kreativlink said...

Thanks for asking me for this interview Kerrin. Not only was it fun, it also gave me the push to do some much needed cleaning in my studio :D

Krafty Max Originals said...

Beautiful work space...I want!!! ~KM

steinschmuckdesign said...

That is a lovely interview,
thanks so much for sharing Kerrin and Renate!!!
Love your Books and that you call her *Diva* is so wonderful :D

Viktoria said...

Yes your workspace is really presentable!
great to see....and I know your diva very well!..I own her sister...

Mami Made It said...

Great and informative interview! I envy you for your clear and roomy workspace!

StaroftheEast said...

Renate always manages to makes me smile, The dive with bad hair days is awesome :D

Pili said...

What a great feature! I've loved seeing Renate's work space!

Unknown said...

nothing better than a well loved Diva--. there's a beauty in the simplicity of the amount of tools your work requires-- so lovely to learn about your art-- thank you!

Kendra Zvonik said...

Wonderful! I love Renate's work so much--I have to get one of her journals! I have dreams of binding books myself so it is inspiring to see her studio. Thanks for another great feature, Kerrin!

Lee Wolfe Pottery OneClayBead said...

I love that the sewing machine has a name! I've enjoyed this look into Renate's world tremendously! Welcome back to dear Kerrin as well!
Lee/OneClaybead

Sarah John Afana said...

Excellent Workplace Share~
Thanks so much for letting us have a peek.

belinda marshall said...

can so relate to your main tool having a personality! you have to know them so well :)
thanks for a great interview ~ so fun to see your workspace too.

Annette Tait said...

great to read about your creative process Renate! thanks for sharing :)
ps I've used pliers with needles a few times too!

Victoria Webb said...

Another wonderful interview - thanks for sharing, Renate!
I loved seeing your space and miss having a sewing room.... your work is lovely.

Thongbai Tatong said...

Wonderful interview!! I like your idea of having a television in the studio. I only have a stereo set for news and music. Umm.. I should start looking for a spot between the rolls of fabrics for a TV;) Thanks for sharing, K. I love your work. Everything is well made and origina. And thanks for another great post, Kerrin.

IsabelAmyo said...

Bravo for your work very artistic. To share its own little corner is always intense emotion ...
Thank you

Anonymous said...

wow! i love this shop! thanks so much for sharing with us

Decorate the Diva said...

Awesome interview and a clean space too!

Unknown said...

Thank you for sharing this wonderful interview! Renate, your journals are gorgeous and I like how you've designated certain spaces of your workspace for different tasks or steps in the process.

Waterrose said...

Wonderful interview and I love seeing everyone's workspace and the tools they use. Seems many of them overlap with other creative efforts.

Audrey said...

Thank you Renate so much for sharing your workspace with us! I am drooling right now!
Lovely talent!!

Great interview!

AudreyGardenLady