Sunday, November 01, 2009
Do you know?
scribbled by Carina 11/01/2009 11:09:00 AM
Please note: as of December 2009 this blog has moved to carinascraftblog.wardi.dk,
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Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Repairs and Restoration
Spread from my sketchbook with random magazine clippings. Well, not so random, more like carefully chosen to fit on the pages and sort of have a conversation. If pictures can have a conversation..? What would these pages say?Labels: sketchbook
Spread from my sketchbook with random magazine clippings. Well, not so random, more like carefully chosen to fit on the pages and sort of have a conversation. If pictures can have a conversation..? What would these pages say?Labels: sketchbook
scribbled by Carina 10/27/2009 09:06:00 PM
Please note: as of December 2009 this blog has moved to carinascraftblog.wardi.dk,
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Sunday, August 09, 2009
Ready for new adventures with pen and paper
On Friday I took delivery of a new bunch of new sketchbooks from Seawhite. They are the best sketchbooks I have ever used. And they are really, really affordable. I got that lot there, and the ink roller, for 20 quid including postage. They arrived real quick too.
The paper is nice and will even hold watercolour. Unless you flood them completely, then they start to dissolve. But it's not watercolour paper, so that is to be expected. And of course, now I am just rearing to break one of them in. But I am not allowed until I have finished my current one. Them's the rules!Labels: sketchbook, supplies
On Friday I took delivery of a new bunch of new sketchbooks from Seawhite. They are the best sketchbooks I have ever used. And they are really, really affordable. I got that lot there, and the ink roller, for 20 quid including postage. They arrived real quick too.The paper is nice and will even hold watercolour. Unless you flood them completely, then they start to dissolve. But it's not watercolour paper, so that is to be expected. And of course, now I am just rearing to break one of them in. But I am not allowed until I have finished my current one. Them's the rules!
Labels: sketchbook, supplies
scribbled by Carina 8/09/2009 02:07:00 PM
Please note: as of December 2009 this blog has moved to carinascraftblog.wardi.dk,
and commenting has been disabled on this version of the blog. If you would like to leave a comment please follow
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Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Random pages
I suspect the colours are a bit off on these pictures. I need something to prop up my monitor so I'm looking straight at it, not down at it. It may sound weird, but I think it really would make a difference to how I see colour and dark/light on it, if I'm not looking down on the pixels.
Don't ask me what made me stitch bits of fabric into my sketchbook. I have no explanation for it. But I like it. I amy have to do it more.
Pod and bud type shapes cut from a security envelope. Completely freehand. I like it. Also something I want to do more of.
Random colours, shapes and textures cut from various magazines.
Labels: sketchbook
I suspect the colours are a bit off on these pictures. I need something to prop up my monitor so I'm looking straight at it, not down at it. It may sound weird, but I think it really would make a difference to how I see colour and dark/light on it, if I'm not looking down on the pixels.
Don't ask me what made me stitch bits of fabric into my sketchbook. I have no explanation for it. But I like it. I amy have to do it more.
Pod and bud type shapes cut from a security envelope. Completely freehand. I like it. Also something I want to do more of.
Random colours, shapes and textures cut from various magazines.
Labels: sketchbook
scribbled by Carina 11/25/2008 07:23:00 PM
Please note: as of December 2009 this blog has moved to carinascraftblog.wardi.dk,
and commenting has been disabled on this version of the blog. If you would like to leave a comment please follow
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Sunday, June 22, 2008
Drawings for a Sunday
A couple of sketchbook pages. I apologise for the poor quality of the pictures. The true colour of the watercolour is much awesomer than what you see here. That one up there is just me having fun with colour and leaf shapes. Oh yes, I'm geeking out over cordates, tripinnates, obcordate...
And this may be the first sketch for my next gocco print. I'm liking it already. I think it's just a question of fine tuning it. :-)
I hope you've had a nice weekend!Labels: drawing, sketchbook
A couple of sketchbook pages. I apologise for the poor quality of the pictures. The true colour of the watercolour is much awesomer than what you see here. That one up there is just me having fun with colour and leaf shapes. Oh yes, I'm geeking out over cordates, tripinnates, obcordate...
And this may be the first sketch for my next gocco print. I'm liking it already. I think it's just a question of fine tuning it. :-)I hope you've had a nice weekend!
Labels: drawing, sketchbook
scribbled by Carina 6/22/2008 08:05:00 PM
Please note: as of December 2009 this blog has moved to carinascraftblog.wardi.dk,
and commenting has been disabled on this version of the blog. If you would like to leave a comment please follow
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Thursday, May 08, 2008
My little house is happy
Look, these are the ink pads I got at Hobbycraft at the weekend (they were on offer, £6.99, they'll go up to £9.99, but you might still be able to nab them at the reduced price, if you are so inclined. They are some lovely colours, huh?
This is what they look like in my sketchbook.
And speaking of sketchbooks -or journals- have you heard of the 1000 journals project (journals set free in the world for people to fill in and maybe they come home, maybe they don't). Now there's a new one, the 1001 journals where anyone can send a journal out into the world and you can share with anyone or a group of people.
So I was thinking, would some of you be interested in 'sharing' a journal (sketchbook, whatever you wanna call it)? You don't have to be able to draw or paint or anything. You can collage or write or embroider the pages..anything... Any takers? ;-)
Did I strike gold or what on Tuesday? I was walking down Berwick Street when I stumbled upon a lovely little art supply shop. Of course I had to go in! And look at this: 45 watercolour half pans for £20. Considering I paid 1.35 for a single one in Hobbycraft... Oh yeah, SCORE!
Anyway. The reason my little house is happy is that first it showed up on the fab blog allsorts (which I think you should read!) and then it popped up* on Cuteable (also fab and read-worthy!) It's funny, because it's ages since I made that little house, but lately I've been thinking of plush houses again.
The secret life of Star Wars action figures. Very cool. Can't remember where I found the link...
*Thank you to the lovely Kristal of rikrak for letting me know about this one! :-)Labels: colours, sketchbook, star wars, supplies
Look, these are the ink pads I got at Hobbycraft at the weekend (they were on offer, £6.99, they'll go up to £9.99, but you might still be able to nab them at the reduced price, if you are so inclined. They are some lovely colours, huh?
This is what they look like in my sketchbook.And speaking of sketchbooks -or journals- have you heard of the 1000 journals project (journals set free in the world for people to fill in and maybe they come home, maybe they don't). Now there's a new one, the 1001 journals where anyone can send a journal out into the world and you can share with anyone or a group of people.
So I was thinking, would some of you be interested in 'sharing' a journal (sketchbook, whatever you wanna call it)? You don't have to be able to draw or paint or anything. You can collage or write or embroider the pages..anything... Any takers? ;-)
Did I strike gold or what on Tuesday? I was walking down Berwick Street when I stumbled upon a lovely little art supply shop. Of course I had to go in! And look at this: 45 watercolour half pans for £20. Considering I paid 1.35 for a single one in Hobbycraft... Oh yeah, SCORE!Anyway. The reason my little house is happy is that first it showed up on the fab blog allsorts (which I think you should read!) and then it popped up* on Cuteable (also fab and read-worthy!) It's funny, because it's ages since I made that little house, but lately I've been thinking of plush houses again.
The secret life of Star Wars action figures. Very cool. Can't remember where I found the link...
*Thank you to the lovely Kristal of rikrak for letting me know about this one! :-)
Labels: colours, sketchbook, star wars, supplies
scribbled by Carina 5/08/2008 06:02:00 PM
Please note: as of December 2009 this blog has moved to carinascraftblog.wardi.dk,
and commenting has been disabled on this version of the blog. If you would like to leave a comment please follow
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Saturday, May 03, 2008
Mmm.. basil!
scribbled by Carina 5/03/2008 02:01:00 PM
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and commenting has been disabled on this version of the blog. If you would like to leave a comment please follow
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Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Hello new friend + a give away
Yesterday I started using a new sketchbook (at the Tut exhibition). These are the last couple of pages in the old one. Starting a new sketchbook is like meeting a new friend. You like the person, you have things in common, but you don't know what the future holds. You don't know where you will go or what you will see together.
But when you finish that last page in the book, it has become completely familiar to you. You know what is on, almost, every page. And looking through the book can take you back to times and places you were while you were using it.
I love my sketchbooks. They all have different personalities. I know, that's kind of weird, but they do; there's no other way to explain it. Maybe it's because I use different kinds of books. I'm still looking for the perfect one, although the one I just finished was pretty perfect. Big, but not too big and quite chunky which I really like in a sketchbook.
*** ***
I'm doing a wee give away for my birthday, so leave a comment on this post that you are reading right now to be in it to win it. You have until midnight on Saturday (UK time). What is in this draw you ask? That will be revealed on Saturday. ;-)
PLEASE REMEMBER to fill in the 'email' field when you leave a comment. I can't contact you if don't. So if you've left a comment already, but not left your email, please do! It won't be visible to anyone else but me and of course I will not share it with anyone.Labels: sketchbook
Yesterday I started using a new sketchbook (at the Tut exhibition). These are the last couple of pages in the old one. Starting a new sketchbook is like meeting a new friend. You like the person, you have things in common, but you don't know what the future holds. You don't know where you will go or what you will see together.
But when you finish that last page in the book, it has become completely familiar to you. You know what is on, almost, every page. And looking through the book can take you back to times and places you were while you were using it.I love my sketchbooks. They all have different personalities. I know, that's kind of weird, but they do; there's no other way to explain it. Maybe it's because I use different kinds of books. I'm still looking for the perfect one, although the one I just finished was pretty perfect. Big, but not too big and quite chunky which I really like in a sketchbook.
I'm doing a wee give away for my birthday, so leave a comment on this post that you are reading right now to be in it to win it. You have until midnight on Saturday (UK time). What is in this draw you ask? That will be revealed on Saturday. ;-)
PLEASE REMEMBER to fill in the 'email' field when you leave a comment. I can't contact you if don't. So if you've left a comment already, but not left your email, please do! It won't be visible to anyone else but me and of course I will not share it with anyone.
Labels: sketchbook
scribbled by Carina 4/23/2008 06:37:00 PM
Please note: as of December 2009 this blog has moved to carinascraftblog.wardi.dk,
and commenting has been disabled on this version of the blog. If you would like to leave a comment please follow
the link and use the archive or label links to find the post in its new place. Also, if you have followed a link or
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Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Invigorating my activity
I've been doodling in my sketchbook. Which is really good! Because, to be honest, a lot of what is in my sketchbook is lists of things to do or remember, but not that many actual sketches. Maybe I should start calling it my listbook...
I'm currently reading a book about Matisse, and I think that's where the inspiration for all those colours above have come from. Not that I'm comparing my doodles with Matisse in any way, of course...
It's nice to just let your hand and mind wander on the pages. There are no rules! If you want to cover the page in colour, do that! If you want to stamp the pages, go right ahead! Heck, even cutting little windows in the pages is all good!
At least I think so. A sketchbook (sorry, listbook) is a playground, it should make you happy to play there. Glue in some pretty pictures or pictures of beautiful girls and draw moustaches on them. It's silly and fun! I'm sure it spills over into other areas of creativity (and life?) And don't for one minute think that you have to be able to draw to have a sketchbook, you don't have to be an artist to have a sketchbook. But I'm pretty sure that if you play in/with a sketchbook (or whatever you call it), then you are an artist.Yes, you. :-)Labels: inspiration, sketchbook
I've been doodling in my sketchbook. Which is really good! Because, to be honest, a lot of what is in my sketchbook is lists of things to do or remember, but not that many actual sketches. Maybe I should start calling it my listbook...
I'm currently reading a book about Matisse, and I think that's where the inspiration for all those colours above have come from. Not that I'm comparing my doodles with Matisse in any way, of course...
It's nice to just let your hand and mind wander on the pages. There are no rules! If you want to cover the page in colour, do that! If you want to stamp the pages, go right ahead! Heck, even cutting little windows in the pages is all good!
At least I think so. A sketchbook (sorry, listbook) is a playground, it should make you happy to play there. Glue in some pretty pictures or pictures of beautiful girls and draw moustaches on them. It's silly and fun! I'm sure it spills over into other areas of creativity (and life?) And don't for one minute think that you have to be able to draw to have a sketchbook, you don't have to be an artist to have a sketchbook. But I'm pretty sure that if you play in/with a sketchbook (or whatever you call it), then you are an artist.Yes, you. :-)Labels: inspiration, sketchbook
scribbled by Carina 3/19/2008 02:39:00 PM
Please note: as of December 2009 this blog has moved to carinascraftblog.wardi.dk,
and commenting has been disabled on this version of the blog. If you would like to leave a comment please follow
the link and use the archive or label links to find the post in its new place. Also, if you have followed a link or
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Friday, March 14, 2008
Some sketchbook pages...
scribbled by Carina 3/14/2008 06:28:00 PM
Please note: as of December 2009 this blog has moved to carinascraftblog.wardi.dk,
and commenting has been disabled on this version of the blog. If you would like to leave a comment please follow
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Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Tutorial: Sketchbook cover
As promised, here's the tutorial for making the zippered sketchbook cover. This will be very lengthy, with lots of pictures and explanations of things which you might know already, because you're a lot smarter than me. If you have any tips for doing some of the steps quicker/easier in future, please leave a comment or email me; after all, I've never learnt to do this, I'm making it up as I go along. ;-) Also, can we just start out by having a giggle at the fact that all the pictures have '2007' on them, when clearly it's 2008?! I really can't be bothered to change that now! Anyway, on with the tutorial - and remember, if you have any questions or problems, just send me an email. Here we go:
What you need: fabric (I can't tell you exactly how much as that depends on your sketchbook, but you'll need enough to cover it twice (outside & lining) + 4 times the width of the side 'panels'), zipper, which obviously must be shorter than your sketchbook, elastic (optional), scraps of felt and all the usual stuff you need for sewing.
First wrap your outer fabric around the sketchbook while shut, cut the fabric so you have a piece that's about 1cm bigger than the sketchbook on all sides.
Now place the outer on the lining fabric and cut a piece the same size. Now you have two pieces!
Next you will need your measuring tape. Measure the height of your outside fabric + add a couple of centimetres. Write that number down. Yes, the sides will be taller than the outer fabric, this is exactly what we want.
First measure the width of your book, decide how wide you want the side panels to be. I think a little smaller than half the width is a good size, but it's up to you. Remember to add 1 cm seam allowance (x2). The sides are folded double so the actual size is twice the width of the desired width (if that makes sense). Now get your fabric and fold it in half and cut two pieces using the number from this and the previous step.
Ok, now it might get a bit daunting, we're going to add the zipper! Actually, it's not really that difficult, as you will see.
First, fold your outer fabric around your book and tuck in the sides with a couple of pins, just stick them in between the pages. Now place the zipper where you want it. Make a mark at each end of the actual zipper bit.
Next, draw two narrow triangles and mark a line between the points of the triangles.
Cut the two sides of each triangle (but for heaven's sake, don't cut the bases which are parallel with the top and bottom of the book) and along the line between them.
Now fold and pin the sides and triangles like in the picture above. If you're in a hurry, you can iron the folds or do like me and leave it for a little while and go have some lunch.
Alright, pin the zipper to the fabric, make sure that the fabric is about 3 mm from the zipper 'teeth'.
Go to your sewing machine and change the foot and quite possibly the settings on your machine. If this is the first time you're using the zipper foot, you probably want to check your manual. As a quick reference, above you can see the normal foot (1) and the zipper foot (2) for my machine.
Sew on the zipper, stitching a couple of millimetres from the edge of the fabric. When you get to the zipper pull, stop sewing and lift the foot with the needle still in the fabric.
Like so. Pivot the fabric so you can pull the zipper pull away from you. Straighten fabric, foot down and then continue sewing.
And there you have it, one zipper successfully installed. Don't worry if the ends are a bit wonky. We'll take care of that in the next step.
Cut a circle from your felt scrap, cut it in half and stitch on at the ends of the zipper. If you want to further decorate your cover, this is the time to do that as well.
Now you have almost all your pieces ready for assembly. Outside (1), lining (2) and sides (3&4).
You just need to cut your elastic -if you want one- measure the height of your book + the thickness x2 and that is the length of the ('relaxed') elastic you'll need.
Place your outer fabric with right side facing, place one of the sides on top with the fold towards the middle. Pin the elastic to the opposite side of the outer fabric, with 1 cm hanging off at each end. ~ This constellation means that the elastic will go on the back of the book when closed; if you want it to be on the front, reverse what you see in the picture above. ~
Place the last side on top of the elastic, place the lining on top of everything and pin it all together. ~ If your lining has a printed side, make sure that you put it wrong side facing you. ~
Turn and then sew everything together with the wrong side of the outer fabric facing you. Leave a gap at the bottom for turning. As you go over the elastic, go over it a couple of times to make sure it's attached properly.
Trim the fabric and cut the corners. Turn inside out and sew together the turning gap.
Put the cover on your book, close it and pin along both sides of the spine (or draw on it with a pen that will disappear). Remove the cover and go back to you sewing machine.
Sew down the middle between the pins. This is to stabilise the cover, but also to make the pocket on the front. I think it looks nice using a large stitch and a contrasting colour thread, but that's entirely up to what you fancy.
Repeat a couple of times (or more, depending on the thickness of the book) on both sides. And that's it. You're done! Hooray! Now pat yourself on the back and then send me a picture so I can see your cover. :-)Labels: sewing, sketchbook, tutorial
As promised, here's the tutorial for making the zippered sketchbook cover. This will be very lengthy, with lots of pictures and explanations of things which you might know already, because you're a lot smarter than me. If you have any tips for doing some of the steps quicker/easier in future, please leave a comment or email me; after all, I've never learnt to do this, I'm making it up as I go along. ;-) Also, can we just start out by having a giggle at the fact that all the pictures have '2007' on them, when clearly it's 2008?! I really can't be bothered to change that now! Anyway, on with the tutorial - and remember, if you have any questions or problems, just send me an email. Here we go:
What you need: fabric (I can't tell you exactly how much as that depends on your sketchbook, but you'll need enough to cover it twice (outside & lining) + 4 times the width of the side 'panels'), zipper, which obviously must be shorter than your sketchbook, elastic (optional), scraps of felt and all the usual stuff you need for sewing.
First wrap your outer fabric around the sketchbook while shut, cut the fabric so you have a piece that's about 1cm bigger than the sketchbook on all sides.
Now place the outer on the lining fabric and cut a piece the same size. Now you have two pieces!
Next you will need your measuring tape. Measure the height of your outside fabric + add a couple of centimetres. Write that number down. Yes, the sides will be taller than the outer fabric, this is exactly what we want.
First measure the width of your book, decide how wide you want the side panels to be. I think a little smaller than half the width is a good size, but it's up to you. Remember to add 1 cm seam allowance (x2). The sides are folded double so the actual size is twice the width of the desired width (if that makes sense). Now get your fabric and fold it in half and cut two pieces using the number from this and the previous step.Ok, now it might get a bit daunting, we're going to add the zipper! Actually, it's not really that difficult, as you will see.
First, fold your outer fabric around your book and tuck in the sides with a couple of pins, just stick them in between the pages. Now place the zipper where you want it. Make a mark at each end of the actual zipper bit.
Next, draw two narrow triangles and mark a line between the points of the triangles.
Cut the two sides of each triangle (but for heaven's sake, don't cut the bases which are parallel with the top and bottom of the book) and along the line between them.
Now fold and pin the sides and triangles like in the picture above. If you're in a hurry, you can iron the folds or do like me and leave it for a little while and go have some lunch.
Alright, pin the zipper to the fabric, make sure that the fabric is about 3 mm from the zipper 'teeth'.
Go to your sewing machine and change the foot and quite possibly the settings on your machine. If this is the first time you're using the zipper foot, you probably want to check your manual. As a quick reference, above you can see the normal foot (1) and the zipper foot (2) for my machine.
Sew on the zipper, stitching a couple of millimetres from the edge of the fabric. When you get to the zipper pull, stop sewing and lift the foot with the needle still in the fabric.
Like so. Pivot the fabric so you can pull the zipper pull away from you. Straighten fabric, foot down and then continue sewing.
And there you have it, one zipper successfully installed. Don't worry if the ends are a bit wonky. We'll take care of that in the next step.
Cut a circle from your felt scrap, cut it in half and stitch on at the ends of the zipper. If you want to further decorate your cover, this is the time to do that as well.
Now you have almost all your pieces ready for assembly. Outside (1), lining (2) and sides (3&4).
You just need to cut your elastic -if you want one- measure the height of your book + the thickness x2 and that is the length of the ('relaxed') elastic you'll need.
Place your outer fabric with right side facing, place one of the sides on top with the fold towards the middle. Pin the elastic to the opposite side of the outer fabric, with 1 cm hanging off at each end. ~ This constellation means that the elastic will go on the back of the book when closed; if you want it to be on the front, reverse what you see in the picture above. ~
Place the last side on top of the elastic, place the lining on top of everything and pin it all together. ~ If your lining has a printed side, make sure that you put it wrong side facing you. ~
Turn and then sew everything together with the wrong side of the outer fabric facing you. Leave a gap at the bottom for turning. As you go over the elastic, go over it a couple of times to make sure it's attached properly.
Trim the fabric and cut the corners. Turn inside out and sew together the turning gap.
Put the cover on your book, close it and pin along both sides of the spine (or draw on it with a pen that will disappear). Remove the cover and go back to you sewing machine.
Sew down the middle between the pins. This is to stabilise the cover, but also to make the pocket on the front. I think it looks nice using a large stitch and a contrasting colour thread, but that's entirely up to what you fancy.
Repeat a couple of times (or more, depending on the thickness of the book) on both sides. And that's it. You're done! Hooray! Now pat yourself on the back and then send me a picture so I can see your cover. :-)Labels: sewing, sketchbook, tutorial
scribbled by Carina 2/13/2008 11:14:00 AM
Please note: as of December 2009 this blog has moved to carinascraftblog.wardi.dk,
and commenting has been disabled on this version of the blog. If you would like to leave a comment please follow
the link and use the archive or label links to find the post in its new place. Also, if you have followed a link or
bookmark to this post, please update it as this 'old' version may not stay live forever. Thank you.
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