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!) ...

Fairy Tree Journal Notebook Diary

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.

Stripes Journal Diary Notebook

Friday: What are you working on now?

This week we have Bai of  ThongbaiTatong sharing her works in progress.  Bai creates 'wearable textile collage' that includes tops, bottoms, dresses, scarves and bags. Below is her description of a scarf in progress:

I have been making a new textile collage scarf. I put a lot of decorative elements together, such as cotton fabric, jersey fabric, silk/cotton, buttons, flowers, etc. All the fabrics used are very soft to the touch. I am geared up for autumn now I call it "Artsy Cozy Wrap - a textile collage scarf"

 What I love most about my work is the 'freedom' to create. I don't like rules and I am not good at adhering to rules. The only rule I have for my collage scarf is that you know how to work with the materials you use. For example, what kind of needles are best for sewing jersey fabric and if you bias cut the fabric it will not roll too much, etc. I enjoyed the freedom of putting the 8 different materials together, played with them, flipped them around, stitched here and there and voila my new scarf.

Thongbai Tatong: Original handmade items from the Netherlands

Artsy Cozy Wrap

Total width : 15 inches (38 cm.)
Total length: 80 inches (200 cm.)

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Next we have Teo from TeoStudio who creates paintings and art journals.  Last week I saw her blog post on painted book edges and I asked if I could share that process here as well.  The painted book edges are a relatively new addition to her etsy shop so this felt like perfect timing to see her process!

Fixing the book with clamps:

To paint the edges of a book, the block must be previously sewn and cut with an industrial guillotine. Step one: fixing the book with clamps as tight as possible so that the color stays on the edge and does not slip between the pages.

Step two: Sanding the edge with sand paper of different size, from rough to fine, and applying a thin layer of egg white. This must be immediately spread on the edge and absorbed with tissue paper, polishing the surface until it becomes glossy. This creates a layer that protects the paper from soaking any color.

Step three: Applying the color in different layers. Here is a brown decoration painted on golden background. I use acrylics so the color does not fade away with use.

Above: More book blocks with painted edges and leather journal with painted edges.

 TeoStudio from Portugal

 Earth Book Ocher Leather Journal with Painted Edges

The book measures 8.7 x 5 inches (22 x 12.5 cm).

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Thank you Bai and Teo for sharing your process!  If you are an Artisans Gallery Team member and would like to share what you are working on visit our Flickr Forum.