Tag: handmade

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Split ring again

Long dark blue tatting earrings with beads and round natural stones on hand, fully made with split rings (SR), handmade by FairyLacefromElena

Split ring again, or how to embrace the immensity.

Hello, everyone! I was very pleasantly surprised by the popularity of my post and video on the topic How to make a split ring. Thank you all for your comments, kind words and questions. Therefore, your support helps keep my blog useful and interesting, I hope!

You may ask why there are so many different ways of weaving a split ring. Of course, all the time we can weave patterns only a ring and a chain in different combinations. I do not want to offend anyone, in any case. Of course, there is a special charm and appeal in simple patterns. But what about the desire for development and improvement? Don’t be afraid to learn and master new techniques. Perhaps you are not planning to make special lace right now. But the more techniques you master, the wider your range of possibilities will be. Therefore, you will be able to perform work of any complexity.

So what’s in my second split ring video. Hope you find it interesting!

1. Two shuttles for ring

First, you will see how to make a split ring with two shuttles and threads in two different colors. And I could not deny myself the pleasure of showing once again how I hide the threads at the beginning of work. Oh yes, I hate thread tails! In addition, you can swap the threads of the first and second shuttles. In this case, you will end up with a colored “snake”.

2. One shuttle

Then I decided to show Dora Young’s absolutely unique method for one shuttle. I really liked this method. Because the application of a split chain for the second half of a split ring is very interesting! Many thanks to the talented tatting master Muskaan. She told me where I can get acquainted with this method.

3. Shuttle and ball

The next method I call “false split ring”. Oh, just don’t throw stones at me! Ha ha! Perhaps I am far from the first master who applies this method. But maybe there is a special term in English for this method. It’s very easy! You will be surprised. I used arcs instead of rings, that’s all! You just need extra paper clips.

Split ring again
Split ring again

4. Tatting needle

And at the end of the video, you will see another way for tatting needles. In the comments on FB, I was asked to show how to make a two-color split ring with a needle. I am always happy to help! By the way, pay attention to this nuance: You can get identical rings or mirrored ones. It depends on whether you are making a knot when closing a ring or not.

Subscribe to my blog to keep abreast of updates. Also don’t forget to visit my store, I’ve made some new patterns! https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/
Like my video, comment and subscribe, please! Thanks! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nOMsstL15w&list=UU3dn4_9pp7tIKA2k564wLBQ

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How much does handmade cost

US dollars representing the cost and value of handmade tatting and artisan creations, by FairyLacefromElena

How much does handmade cost, or how to calculate the cost of a finished product.

Hello everyone! I know a lot of my readers are in the business of making amazing handcrafted items for sale. Of course, you know how to evaluate your work. And I’m absolutely sure each of you has heard these terrible words: why is it so expensive? I understand that we must be patient and tolerant with customers. And so I don’t want to answer: if this is dear to you, then do it yourself. (Ha ha!) But let’s calculate together how much any handmade product actually costs.

How much does handmade
How much does handmade

How much materials and tools cost

For example, you are knitting a sweater. Do you remember how much money you paid for threads of such a beautiful color and for the set of knitting needles that are most comfortable for you? I remember, but not always! LOL Therefore, you can take the average cost at the moment. Do you agree? And also don’t forget to add the shipping cost. Or the cost of gasoline, if you yourself went to the posh Hobby Lobby store (this is not an advertisement, but a metaphor!). Likewise, you can calculate how much money you spent on thread and embroidery fabric. Or how much does clay and glaze for ceramics cost. Etc. Sewing, crocheting, knitting, embroidery, painting, tatting and much more … Well, you get the point, I hope.

How to pay for work time handmade correctly

I remember how 10 years ago, on a large internet site for selling handmade products, managers instructed us: you must value your work and “pay yourself” at least $ 40 for every hour. But this is absolutely the wrong approach. After all, you want your products to be sold, and not lying at home, creating a warehouse. Did I guess? Of course, you can pay yourself $ 600 an hour. But will such a price be competitive? In this case, I suggest taking into account the average wage in your country. Or the salary that you want to receive.

How to evaluate the creativity of a handmade product

This is the most difficult thing, it seems to me. How can I appreciate the “pangs of creativity”? Or how much is originality worth? How interesting is the technique I used to bring my idea to life? And here we must also take into account the latest fashion trends. Oh, fashion is such a windy lady! But I hasten to assure you that handmade are always in fashion. In evaluating this criterion, you will have to “follow the competition”. It’s a shame if you see that a similar brooch (ring, dress, painting …) has already been made by another master. And then you have two choices: either abandon your idea, or make your brooch even cooler! That is, think of how your product can stand out from the crowd. Ah, you and I have come to the concept of a brand, a master’s handwriting, a recognizable style. Right?

How recognizable and distinctive is your master’s handwriting? Unfortunately, I do not have an exact formula for calculating this component. But if you constantly improve your skills, and master new methods, you will definitely gain your admirers and regular customers! Consequently, your brand rating will increase as well!

How much does handmade
How much does handmade

This is not knitting, this is tatting!

Finally, I want to explain why tatting is so much more expensive than knitting. There is such a definition. The fewer people can do a certain job, the more valuable that job is. Therefore, for example, the work of Leonardo da Vinci is estimated at hundreds of millions of dollars, in contrast to the primitive oil stains of a beginning artist. And do you know how many people in the world know the tatting technique? Have you heard about The Radcliffe Red List of Endangered Crafts? You can read an article on this topic on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HCA_Red_List_of_Endangered_Crafts

Hooray, tatting has ceased to be considered an endangered type of needlework. But the danger has not passed, unfortunately. Take a look at this page.

I don’t want to offend knitters in any way, but sooooo many people knit, even tough bikers!

How much does handmade
How much does handmade

And on the contrary, very few people know about the art of tatting, alas. Following the theory I just wrote about, tatting should be valued far more than other currently viable crafts. I think this is fair. Thanks to all experienced and budding tatters for promoting and reviving this amazing art! I really hope that my modest contribution to this cause will not go unnoticed.

Subscribe to my blog, comment, ask questions. I’m always happy to help.
Welcome to my store: https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/

Best name for tatting doily
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How to improve Karma

Soft lilac graphic scheme of Alba tatting lace earrings on a white background, symbolizing creativity and positive karma #FairyLacefromElena

How to improve karma, or why I am making patterns.

Hello everyone! Recently I read an excellent treatise on the structure of the world, society and the role of man in it. Yes, do not be surprised, because I am fond of philosophy and esotericism. Of course, only after class tatting! I will not tire you with long quotes. Just a few important thoughts, I think. Of course, you know what Karma is. This is a person’s destiny, a task that he must fulfill in his life. How to improve Karma? Of course, a person must do good deeds, be honest, kind. But the most important human task is creativity. This is what this clever book says. And I agree with that.

Creativity surrounds us everywhere. Is not it? The seamstress made a dress. The artist painted a picture. The manicurist made an incredible drawing on your nails. Mom cooked lunch and added a new ingredient to the salad – very tasty and new! Now tell me, are you tatting – is it a craft or creativity? This is creativity and art – I am sure you will agree with me – I believe that any activity can become a real art if you treat the work creatively.

And I really like to fantasize. Therefore, I create tatting patterns. Oh, how many ideas are running in my head! I also love it infinitely when my ideas take on a new look. By the way, this is how my customers improve their karma! After all, they do not just make a tatting from a drawing. They show their creativity! I love getting photos of your work. This makes me happy and inspires me for further creativity, of course.

Products according to my patterns

See how Elena added large beads to the pattern. Of course, the collar is great. Right?

And this slave bracelet ring Shakti was made by Marianne. She took white thread and got the perfect wedding accessory! Do you agree?

And these absolutely cute 3D bows were made by Christie for her daughter. Incredible creativity! I’m sure you will appreciate it too!

Recently Dawn stunned me. Yes, I did not expect such an amazing embodiment of my Mandala. Because it turned out to be a Dreamcatcher!

Thank you, thank you, thank you my creative buyers! And I really hope that new buyers will also show their creativity! After all, it improves our common karma 🙂

Welcome! https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/product-category/patterns-tutorials/

Also don’t forget to check my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PTRzbOJEfc&list=UU3dn4_9pp7tIKA2k564wLBQ&index=2

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Tatting is my passion!

Workspace with tatting shuttles and threads, showing a large pink vest in cro-tatting technique. Handmade lace project by FairyLacefromElena

Tatting is my passion, or why I love tatting.

Hello everyone!

First, tatting is very mobile. I can make lace anywhere. Secondly, this is a rather rare occupation. And it’s intriguing. Third, tatting allows you to constantly improve. Yes, I do not stop in search of new techniques and methods. Fourth, when creating new patterns, I express my creativity and feel like an artist. This is very flattering! Surely there are more – fifths, sixths and so on! But the main thing is the manifestation of one’s own creativity, I think. Therefore, tatting is my passion!

Summer will be over soon. My Summer Mood project should be ready. This collection is based on the use of long picots. You can watch a short video on my channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWPPlAbps5I&t=6s

I was thinking about which doily to add to complete this collection. Why not make something square? Round, pentagonal, 12 rays are already there. I think the square is exactly what I need! Of course, I tried variations, drew patterns. And I made a doily finally. But I’m not sure if she’s perfect, alas. Of course, I have another idea. But for now, I ask your advice. Please write in the comments your assessment of this pattern. Would you like to make a square like this? Plus, there is one mistake. This is what happens when I weave at night! Have you noticed?

Tatting is my passion
Tatting is my passion

But during the day I was busy. I had interesting projects. Here is one of them – an embroidered picture. I needed to prepare a present for a wonderful lady.
I first chose a design (I have over 40,000 embroidery designs so choosing is hard work, ha!) Well well! I choose a painting measuring 30 x 17 cm, 29 thread colors and over 83,000 stitches. I like to do paintings on bulky fabrics. It gives the composition solidity, doesn’t it? But this kind of fabric requires a lot of fixation, so I used three different stabilizers. Okay, my embroidery is neat, hurray!

I had to embroider at a slow speed. Because I used glow-in-the-dark threads for some of the fragments. It looks impressive (if the photo did not scare you, you will understand me!)

Three days of work and the embroidery is finished. I took a humble frame. After all, the main focus should be on the picture, I think. I hope my friend will like the gift!

I was completely off topic. Back to tatting! You know many reasons why you can love this type of needlework. (By the way, you can write about this in the comments). But I realized that thanks to my favorite pastime, I learn a lot of new and useful things. I searched the internet for articles about the square, it just came to my mind because of the square doily. And I was surprised when I found out about A Square Poem! Of course, I’ve read Lewis Carroll. But I read it translated into Russian. Because I don’t speak English well enough, unfortunately. See how symmetrically-squarely -logically all words are arranged! Reading this poem vertically (the first word of each line, then the second word of each line and so on) yields the same poem as reading it in the normal way. Wow!

I often wondered when I cursed,
Often feared where I would be—
Wondered where she’d yield her love,
When I yield, so will she.
I would her will be pitied!
Cursed be love! She pitied me …

So, I learned something new and extremely interesting!

Thanks for reading!
Welcome to my store: https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/product-category/patterns-tutorials/patterns-and-tutorials/

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Lace and music

Old piano sheet music with yellowed pages, inspiring lace creations by FairyLacefromElena

Lace and music. My favorite music.

Hello everyone!

I have a very short post today. I wanted to share a wonderful mood with you. By the way, do you remember that I am creating a collection of Summer Mood patterns? Check which patterns have already been completed: https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/product-category/patterns-tutorials/patterns-and-tutorials/

I have a wonderful craft room. And it’s not always a complete mess there 🙂 Remember? I shared with you what is going on around me when I create sewing projects. Fortunately, tatting doesn’t require a lot of space, a lot of materials, and doesn’t create a lot of clutter. Do you agree?

We have a very large music library. But our sons say that this is not relevant, alas. In the age of fast internet, you shouldn’t collect discs. Because we can listen to any music directly from the Internet. But to me it is like reading paper books. A special smell, rustling of pages, a beautiful cover. How can you compare this with a book on your phone?

I put a few music CDs for myself in the workshop. This is my favorite music: jazz, rock, soul, and of course classical music.

Lace and music
Lace and music

I am a musician. Therefore I understand and love classical music ( I think!). And today I listen to Mozart with pleasure. Divine music!

I want to share with you my mood, lace and music. So, one minute of video, welcome. And come back to answer a few questions, please. https://youtu.be/7PTRzbOJEfc

So, I invite you to answer a few questions:

Do you like listening to music when you tatting or doing other handicrafts? Or do you like working in silence?
Which music do you like?
Do you have a craft room? Or at least a small corner where you can be creative?

Take care of yourself!

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What to do at home

A soft handmade cat toy sewn from plaid fabric, created with love as a gift for a granddaughter — by FairyLacefromElena.

What to do at home. Or what kinds of handicrafts can you do?

Hello everyone!

I haven’t written an article on my blog for a long time. Some bloggers try to do this every day! But I will not bore you with my constant “presence”! Moreover, I have so little time to create content, alas.

First of all, I create tatting patterns. And I really love doing projects of other tatting masters. I like intricate and original patterns.

Secondly, I love sewing. I sew clothes for my family. This is one of my works.

These are dresses and denim bags for my daughter-in-law and eldest granddaughter.

Thirdly, I love to sew quilts with embroidery. And I make blocks in the hoop on an embroidery computer. This is an exciting activity! Because I like coming up with designs and creating compositions.

Do you like my big embroidered patchwork quilt?

This photo clearly shows the embroidered elements.

I also like to do macrame, knitting, crocheting, luma weaving, kumihimo. I have not forgotten anything? Also string-art.

But I do my drawings without nails. I do this on recycle DVD discs.

Oh, what a mess it is in my workshop when I sew or embroider.

Let’s call this a creative mess. Ha ha!

But in any case, I always keep one special place in my workshop in order. This is my “tatting corner”.

I pamper my back with this soft sofa.

This is my new doily from the Summer Mood collection. As usual, I need some time to describe and draw this in a computer program. But I will try to do it soon. Until then, you can check my patterns. Perhaps you will find a fairly interesting pattern for yourself. https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/product-category/patterns-tutorials/patterns-and-tutorials/

What to do at home
What to do at home

Don’t forget to subscribe to my blog. And also join me on FB: https://www.facebook.com/kozinenkoelena

Write in the comments what types of needlework you are doing. Perhaps you are not limited to just tatting. Because now the question is especially acute: What to do at home. 😀

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Tatting in resin

tatting in resin, handmade jewelry set

Tatting in resin. What is it? Perhaps I do not know the terminology very well. But the essence of the process is very accurately conveyed by these words: tatting lace frozen in resin.

Of course, fans of tatting for sure know the history of this beautiful kind of needlework. Some historians believe that the tatting technique originated in eastern countries in the 14th century! So over the years, tatting has undergone many changes and improvements. I already wrote about this in my blog. Nowadays, the art of tatting gets a new life. And this is very good! Do you agree with me?

Unfortunately, often we see antique tatting items in a deplorable state. So tatting is made of thread. The threads were not always of very high quality, I think. Alas, the threads are not very durable material. And the threads require careful care. But how to keep lace for long, long time in perfect condition? I decided to combine the old tatting technique with modern synthetic material – epoxy resin.

Oh, I had to do a lot of experiments! I messed up 1/2 liter of resin! I threw out more than 30 fragments of lace! If you are interested in how I achieved acceptable results, please write in the comments. I will make a series of articles on the topic of “tatting in resin” and share my experience without fail. The main difficulty when working with lace and resin is to achieve transparency of the resin and make very small pieces of lace. If we use big lace pieces, we need big molds. Therefore, the finished product will be bulky. Is not it? I made some patterns for little keychains. For example, “Rose Garden Alphabet.” Each letter is no larger than 1 inch. You can see this alphabet here: https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/product/rose-garden-alphabet-tatting-pattern/

Rose Garden Alphabet for tatting in resin

And I also made a short video to demonstrate some of my ideas for tatting in resin. Welcome, please! https://youtu.be/fHCUs5n3Gw8

Subscribe to my blog. Comment and ask questions. I will be happy to help with tips!

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Goodbye Halloween, hello Christmas!

Black tatting lace finger bracelet with two rings per finger, hands covering face, one green eye by FairyLacefromElena

I hope your Halloween was fun! You looked amazing in exclusive jewelry? But, Goodbye Halloween! And hello Christmas!

Christmas is the most wonderful holiday! Do you agree? And you still have time to prepare unusual Christmas gifts for your family and friends. So what are they giving for Christmas?

Dresses,

https://www.etsy.com/listing/724379510/little-velvet-mini-draped-dress-with?ga_search_query=christmas&ref=shop_items_search_1&frs=1

hobby items, https://lasergallery.ca/shop/medal-displays/dance-medal-display/

knitted cozy items, https://www.etsy.com/listing/478160876/hand-knitted-double-side-head-bandneck?ref=shop_home_active_40

toys, https://www.etsy.com/listing/744654695/polar-bear-doll-bear-doll-clothes?ref=shop_home_active_4&frs=1

cute hats, https://www.etsy.com/listing/707414108/women-fascinator-blue-mini-hat-hat-with?ref=shop_home_active_12&frs=1

dishes, https://marketplace.zibbet.com/randeshop/birch-wood-bowl-hand-turned-measures-18-5-cm-wide-7-8-cm-tall-finished-in-tung-oil-and-wax?fbclid=IwAR00EQ81tTeWoC7tdDX8KykqY6zxpXdOzCaFFHGFWTm5rTJJAvmzGG9VcGg

jewelry, of cource, https://www.etsy.com/listing/655610248/red-coral-necklace-bold-statement-red?ref=shop_home_active_3&pro=1

and too gadgets, bags, funny little things, home decor and much more.

So of course, everyone would like to receive an unusual, rare gift, one of a kind and made especially for you. Is not it? You can find such personalized gifts in many stores. But do all sellers give buyers the opportunity to be creative? And now you have the opportunity to create a personalized Christmas present. Unusual snow globe can not always be glass, it turns out! Come up with a unique design and say: hello Christmas! https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/product/snow-globe/

personalized embroidery snow globe
personalized embroidery snow globe

Subscribe to my blog. Comment and ask questions. I will be happy to help with tips!

Welcome to my YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3dn4_9pp7tIKA2k564wLBQ/videos?view_as=subscriber

My Christmas present for you – 10% discount on all patterns in my store. Coupon Code: PATTERNXMASDECOR

Hello Christmas!

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Tatting with beads and little trick

The photo shows white and blue earrings with beads next to red gladioli. Lace tatting earrings #FairyLacefromElena

Tatting with beads – a great way to decorate lace. Tatters are very creative masters. Do you agree? To create lace products, not only threads are used. For the realization of new ideas, tat-artists often use unexpected materials. For example, looks great tatting patterns with zigzag ribbon.

Else beads, rhinestones, and cabochons are relevant additions too. The desire to realize new ideas inspired talented artists to create new techniques in tatting. Angelina Rozanova, her daughter Ekaterina (Rina) Stepnaya and Anjella Safonova is talented masters and autors ANKARS tehnique. At present the works of ANKARS masters look further removed from tatting than at the beginning (some twenty years ago), and the difference lies in technique: innovative methods, new elements, and a new approach.
Nina G. Libin connected in new art form two elements widely used since ancient times – Beads and Knots . This is tehnique BEANILE .

I love tatting with beads too. Some projects cannot be imagined without beads. For example, this collar for dress. I called it “Sea glass.” Whimsical Pattern reminds me Whirlwind of Sea Waves. White Beads shine in the Sun.

Detachable blue collar necklace for Dress Sia Glass

I sometimes use beads with thin holes in my projects. It is difficult to put such beads on a needle with thread. Doubly folded thread does not pass through such a little hole. Maybe my little trick comes in handy. 🙂

You will need: PVA glue, scissors and 5 minutes of your time!

First step :

soak the end of the thread with glue.

Second step:

gently spread the glue over the thread, as if forming a needle.

Third step:

Hang the end of the thread vertically and allow the glue to dry (5-10 minutes).

Fourth step:

Cut the thread obliquely, imitating the tip of the needle.

Fifth step:

Carefully string the beads onto a thread, using the end of the thread as a needle.

So, voila! We are ready to create lace masterpieces!

Subscribe to my blog. Comment and ask questions. I will be happy to help with tips!

So, you want to buy a collar pattern “Sea glass”? Welcome: http:// https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/product/sea-glass-collar-necklace-tatting-pattern/

And finally, I invite you to my YouTube channel. I hope you will enjoy!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3U-z6wuzX08&list=UU3dn4_9pp7tIKA2k564wLBQ

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Three types of tatting

The photo shows three types of tatting tools: shuttles, needles, and hooks. The photo illustrates a blog post by FairyLacefromElena.

I have been tatting for over ten years and mastered well enough (I think 🙂 three types of tatting! A long time, right? I am happy to share my experience with beginning tatters.

Tatting is a technique for handcrafting a particularly durable lace from a series of knots and loops. There are three types of tatting : shuttle tatting, needle tatting and cro-tatting.

The first type:

Tatting with a shuttle is the earliest method of creating tatted lace. Historically, it was a metal or ivory pointed-oval shape less than 3 inches (76 mm) long, but shuttles come in a variety of shapes and materials. Shuttles often have a point or hook on one end to aid in the joining required in the construction of the lace. This method has a lot of possibilities and tricks. For example, shuttle tatting is good for making jewelry.

The second type:

The second type of the three tatting methods is the needle tatting . Use of the tatting needle became widespread in the 20th century. This method is good for creating large products. In my opinion it is easier to learn and faster. The result is similar to shuttle tatting but is slightly thicker and looser.

The third type:

Cro-tatting combines needle tatting with crochet. The cro-tatting tool is a tatting needle with a crochet hook at the end. In modern patterns, beginning in the early 20th century, the rings are tatted and the arches or chains are crocheted. Many people consider cro-tatting more difficult than crochet or needle tatting.
Cro-tatting is popular in Japan.

To show some tricks of these three methods, I made some videos. Welcome! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3dn4_9pp7tIKA2k564wLBQ/videos?view_as=subscriber


Subscribe to my blog. Comment and ask questions. I will be happy to help with tips! Welcome! https://fairylace.kozinenko.com/blog/