Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Doing it all by hand....



Back in this post, I talked a bit about beginning to use up all the bits and pieces I've been collecting over my years as a mixed media artist. Although it brings me sort of a giddy feeling to see all my supplies, it does get overwhelming. I decided before I purchased anything new, I would begin making a conscious effort to make or repurpose materials I already had on hand to fit the bill.

This first thing I ran out of was mailers and bubble wrap....so I began making all of my own stuffing and mailers.



Following that, I began preparing for Bead Fest, and the need arose for hangtags....



Next up, is a full size show banner......



Followed by bags for customer purchases....




While it is time consuming, I also find it very rewarding to have a hand in the process from the construction of my mailers all the way through to the tags that hold the prices for my beads.

By working slowly at building a distinct handmade look from start to finish (and it is an ongoing metamorphosis) I find myself making more distinct and informed decisions about the entire look and I'm really enjoying that process. Not only do I enjoy working on the repetitive process of it, but it affords me a different type of creativity than working with beads and jewelry.

11 comments:

stacilouise said...

I love it all! I love the bags, and how each one is unique, just like your work;) Its like getting a little piece of artwork along with your beads. Did you make your square stamp too? Because that is just genius to have that open and be able to customize it. Can't wait to see it all together!

Barbara said...

Staci, the square is actually a purchased element I already had on hand. They looked a little plain without it so I went digging around through my stash to see what I could find!

My Life Under the Bus said...

Love love love!!! As I am eyeing my first 2 day show my first thought was what am I using from my stash! Love the bags and I think I am stealing your idea - I am first going to use what I have and can make and resort to a purchase when I've run out of options - You have only added to my reserve!Thanks for the inspiration.

lunedreams said...

I daydream about doing this kind of stuff! But alas there would be no time left over to make any jewelry. I envy and admire you! Love all that kraft paper you use, I LOVE that look. Even your shredded stuffing is awesome looking! You could make a whole new business with just that stuff, it does have a really special look.

Mystic Indigo said...

You are giving me even more great ideas!!

Artisan Beads Plus said...

What great ideas! Thanks so much for sharing. I really should go through everything that I have and see what I can do with it. Right now, I am sitting here with my laptop surrounded by beads, wire, cord, papers.... ughhhh! Hopefully, no one will pop over!
MaryAnn

MiddleEarthsJewels said...

"..working slowly at building a distinct handmade look from start to finish (and it is an ongoing metamorphosis) I find myself making more distinct and informed decisions about the entire look .." very wise words indeed!

Libellula Jewelry™ said...

I love the look of handmade tags, banners, etc. It shows how intimately you are involved in *every* aspect of your work from top to bottom.

I had a custom business card stamp made for one of my businesses and it's saved me many a time when I've run out of Moo cards! And, I have to admit that I love my handmade cards just as much as the expensive Moos!

Lisa Chapman said...

I love your packaging Barbara. Did you have stamps made for the bags? They look great!

Barbara said...

It is a combination of three stamps lisa. The center colored stamps are all handcarved stamps I make for my beads. The square is a purchased plain stamp and the text is a DIY stamp kit purchased at the office supply.

Kelli said...

Love it all!!! I agree! Handmade tags just add a special something. I started out with them, and have kept up with the same color them throughout, as they match my business cards... Have been thinking about changing it up for a while now. Just have to find the time!!

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