Fabricatedends

Drawings From Photographs

2012-01-27T05:35:00.000-05:00

I've been having a lot of fun playing on the computer with some of my photos. I"ve been taking my photos and opening them in Photoshop , and then drawing and painting over top of them. I"m really liking both the process and the end result.

I didn't feel like drawing my face in this one, so I just painted over it.

This is a picture of my adorable little cousin Ashley.

I just got a bunch of the scarf drawings printed. Snapfish had a great sale going on , so I got 99 prints for 99 cents and am using them as postcards. You can often find great deals for prints that are 4x6, so take advantage of it, order multiple copies, and then make your own postcards or your work, it's always a great way to make invitations.

A Week in Scarves

2012-01-26T05:27:00.000-05:00

So now that you've seen my outfits, I want to see yours! If you own a scarf, necklace, or any accessory made by Fabricated Ends, I want to see you wearing it. So get your out camera, put your favorite Fabricated Ends accessory, take a picture and email me amberkane1314@hotmail.com. If your photo is used on my blog, facebook, or a postcard, you'll receive a

surprise package.

I promise it will be full of lots of goodies. Want to participate, but don't own a Fabricated Ends accessory yet? Well what are you waiting for, place your order, and take a picture as soon as it arrives to your house. I can't wait to see photos of all of the stylish women out there.

How to Wear a Scarf

2012-01-25T05:48:00.000-05:00

I'm working on making videos that give you tips on how to style your scarves. Still have some things I want to work out, but here's the first one. The challenge for me, is that I am both video recorder, and the person being recorded. Hence why an intern would be helpful. Hope that you enjoy this, and that it makes you feel more comfortable and confident in wearing a scarf.

Student Intern Wanted

2012-01-25T05:39:00.000-05:00

Fabricated Ends Seeks Student Intern

Want to know more about Fabricated Ends

Blog: http://fabricatedends.blogspot.com

Fabricated Ends is an independently run and owned business. Fabricated Ends is owned and run by Amber Kane, who is a full time high school art teacher, and part time textile designer and artist. Fabricated Ends is growing and wants to share the journey with a student intern.

The student intern will do a variety of tasks, such as blogging, updating facebook, promoting Fabricated Ends to magazines and blogs, writing and sending out a newsletter. The student intern will also have the opportunity to help Amber teach a hands on workshop, attend and help sell at a craft show, and learn about Amber’s process. Fabricated Ends is located in Mechanicsburg, Pa and is looking for someone that lives within easy travel distance, as there will be times when we meet face to face and travel to craft shows and workshops.

The goal is for the student to learn from me, so some experience and knowledge is a plus, but not required. I’ll teach you as we go.

Responsibilities

• Conducts blogger and media outreach as directed

• Conducts research and analysis as directed

• Uses computer applications such as , word processing, calendar, blogger, and e-mail in performing work assignments

• Other projects and duties as requested

Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Professional manner

• Ability to work independently and exercise sound, pro-active professional judgment

• Ability to handle a variety of tasks and projects in a creative environment

• Commitment to responsiveness and customer service

• Eagerness to learn how to make and sell your craft

Education and Training: Some art background is preferred, as well as basic computer skills, such as word processor, email, and blogger

To Apply

To apply, please submit your resume and a brief essay discussing 1) why you are interested in interning with Fabricated Ends, 2) what you hope to get out of the experience, and 3) what you hope to contribute as a member of the Fabricated Ends team. Resume and essay should be emailed to amberkane1314@hotmail.com

A Scarf is Born Talking

2012-01-24T06:35:00.000-05:00

A talking Scarf? That may sound odd to you. I'm guessing that most of you have never had a conversation with your scarf. For me, it's a different story. I have a long and sometimes intense coversation with each scarf that I create. I feel that I can only take partial credit for each one of my creations, the rest of the credit goes to the material. When I begin making a piece, I have some kind of idea in mind of what I want it to be, but not a total plan, because I need to get to know the piece, and work with it, in order to understand what it wants to be. Just like any relationship, if either one of us isn't listening to the other, or if we're in a bad mood, that emotion shows in the piece. My hope is that each piece demonstrates the essence of the joy that took place between me and the piece as it came into being

Scarf Stats:

Name: Coral Dreams
Material: Cotton and Painted PVC Pipe
Time it took to create: However long it takes to watch Notting Hill and Erin Brockovich
Started: 1/15/2012
Finished: 1/22/2012

I come up with the idea of using the chain crochet stitch to create a scarf, quiet some time ago. I've made three of four using this technique to date. On January 15, 2012, Coral Dreams demanded that I gave it my attention and bring it to life. Once the scarf decides that it wants to be created, there's no ignoring it, it has to be done, or it starts pounding and screaming in my head, which is rather distracting.

So on Jan 15, I began the process of creating all of the chains for Coral dreams.

From winter line 2012

To begin I just really thin yarn, almost like thread, and wrap it around my warp board to measure out 8 yards in length. I wrap it 3 to 4 times, and then chain crochet it off of the warp board.

From winter line 2012

I repeat these two steps 23 times, until I have this.

From winter line 2012

While I was working on these chains, I was trying to determine how this piece was going to be finished. And it came to me, it needed a large tube to go through, and that tube needed to be curved so that it would lay softly on the body. So off I went to the hardware store. I spend a lot of time at the hardware store wandering through the plumbing asile. I have no clue what you are actually to do with the pieces that I buy, but I love to use them to create my textiles. So I found a piece of pipe that was the size that I wanted, and was light weight, but it was ugly. So next problem, how to make this pipe look good. I wandered into the paint asile and determined it needed to be painted a bright color. I'm normally night a big fan of pink, but the bottle of pink paint was practially jumping off the shelf at me, and I just had to ignore that part of me that doesn't like pink and bought it.

From winter line 2012

Once I had the pipe painted I knew that together Coral Dreams and I had solved a few problems and come up with a great new idea for scarf. I knew that the piece was finished , one because the amount of chains that I made fit perfectly into the pink pipe, and two because Coral Dreams was silent, and I felt joy.

From winter line 2012

New Tag Design

2012-01-23T10:43:00.000-05:00

The Workings of My Mind

2012-01-23T05:30:00.000-05:00

I have a lot of interests, which often makes me feel like I'm all over the place. Many of my interest have grown from the high school classes that I teach everyday. When people ask what I teach most almost fall over by the time I"m finished reciting all of the classes that I teach, jewerly/metals, sculpture, darkroom photography, digital photography, a sampler intro class, and the most advanced class where I help students in the medium of their choice, then I throw in that I am myself work in textiles. So my job alone sends my creative brain in 20 different directions.

All this to say that I think that my ever wandering mind shows up on my blog as well, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but I"m going to try to focus on the three things that are the most near and dear to my heart, and that are the best representation of who I am. My product, my process, and education.

If you still want to see images that inspire and interst me, as well as faces of adorable litle animals, then follow me on facebook ( http://facebook.com/pages/fabricatedends) and pinterest ( http://pinterest.com/velo) , where I will continue to explore the many things that bring a smile to my face.

Fabricated Ends goes to Philly

2012-01-22T09:28:00.001-05:00

Fabricated Ends accessories can now be found at Square Peg Artery & Salvage located on 108 s. 20th St, Philadelphia.

You can also now find Fabricated Ends Accessories at Aracadia Boutique.

I love the layout and feel of this store. It's worth going just for the experience.

New Drawings

2012-01-21T06:15:00.000-05:00

I decided to take some time yesterday to play with drawing tablets at work. They're really fun to use, and I can't wait to do more of these. I'm thinking of making these into fun postcards. What do you think?

Emerging Artist: Lexi Bonner

2012-01-20T05:42:00.000-05:00

I have some more student work to share with you today. Lexi Bonner is a senior this year, and is bursting with creative ideas and talent.

Artist Statement:

My experiences with art began at an incredibly young age. I have always been drawn to art since I could hold a pencil or crayon. At first, my love of art was created from encouragement from my mother to always be creative and find uniqueness. As I grew older, however, so did my passion for art. I realized that I wanted to become a professional artist in sixth grade when I began experimenting with more mediums. Throughout middle school, I created a simple comic book series for my friends. It was also a time when I bought my first digital camera. Within those important years, I became the family photographer, taking over 4,000 images.

I was introduced to graphic arts with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign at the beginning of high school. By using these different programs for designing, I was able to transfer my designs to a t-shirt, two mouse pads, a mug, stickers, a poster, and even magnets.

Photography has always captured my attention as well. I have owned and learned to use a wide variety of digital cameras. I completed two photography classes in high school that gave me the knowledge to adjust camera settings for even better images. Cameras allow me to permanently freeze a moment in time, and that is an incredible feeling.

I do not have one favorite medium to work with, but graphite and charcoal can be seen frequently within my 2-dimensional pieces. I focus on contrast with concept as well as values. I tend to use few colors within my artwork to keep it unified. In my experience, using too many colors becomes elementary and disorganized. I take pride in the work I create and often find myself motivated to finish a piece so I can see the results of the process. Like many artists, I am interested in the process of creating art and I do not stress about the unplanned.

I don't know about you, but I"m so inspired. Lexi works so hard, and continually produces amazing pieces. I can't wait to see where she ends up.

What I Wore

2012-01-20T05:39:00.000-05:00

From scarves

For a few years of my life my wardrobe seemd to overflow with black. While I still love wearing black I try to have some color in my outfits these days. Adding a nice colorful scarf is a perfect way to bring a pop of color to any outfit.

From scarves

Fashion Accessories: Entangled Grace

2012-01-19T05:22:00.000-05:00

From necklaces 2012

I've been having so much fun making these

Entangled Grace necklaces. I hope that you can tell. I knit the tube for each one, and then arrange blown glass beads on the inside. I choose blown glass beads for two reasons. One I like how they look, and two they are super light weight.

From necklaces 2012

Emerging Artist: Jake McClellan

2012-01-19T05:12:00.000-05:00

While I normally tell you about me as an artist, I rarely share my other side, me as an art teacher. This semester I had the privledge of teaching a wonderful group of students in our most advanced class, and over the next few weeks I want to share some of their amazing work with you. I"m so proud of each and every one of these students.

Today I'm going to share the work of Jake McClellan with you. Jake is a senior this year.

Here's what Jake has to say about his artwork.

I feel that my hard, twisted style is something that comes from many different things that I was exposed to in my life. When I was a kid, I feel that my imagination sparked when I would lie on the mustard shag carpet of my living room floor, and watch Tim Burton films for hours on end. The dark and eerie imagery of “Edward Scissorhands” was something that went straight to my core. It is interesting to see my ideas thrive on my past life experiences. I never realized how true I was to my childhood until I started creating art.

As I started getting older, around 6th grade, I started getting involved with local community theatre. I became indulged in theatre because it was an art I saw the hard work put behind. When I would go to museums or galleries, I would look at pieces and think I could never have that level of talent. I got to see, not just the finished product, but the struggle and work it took to perfect that final performance. With theatre, I feel I respected art more because of its hard work and dedication to such an alternative lifestyle, which is something that stuck with me for years to come. What I took away from performance art was a sense of community and passion to perfect your art.

It was not until my sophomore year, that I became active within the art department of my school. From there, I was introduced to wet processing photography which was fun for me because it was something I understood quickly. I don’t have strong painting or drawing skills but I can look at something through a lens and tell when it looks interesting. During my beginning interest of photography, I became very close with a group of friends who loved to play music and do crazy spur of the moment activities, and I documented that. It wasn’t until recently that I started using digital. I like to use digital more to tell a story artistically. I find it more challenging for me to use digital for the fact that it is not just a quick shot; it is very posed and unreal in a sense. Yet, the unreality and fantasy is something I am starting to enjoy about it. Yet, I still love film photography. It is very raw and has a stripped-down style that also reflects my own style. I like to stay true to the basic idea of black and white photography, to document, to document what I am experiencing as a free-spirited teenager in the small town of Boiling Springs, Pa

Fashion Accessories: Hats

2012-01-18T05:41:00.000-05:00

I love accessories, and these hats are so much fun. I don't think that I look very good in hats, but I would love wearing one of these lovely pieces.

I think that this one of my favorite. I like that it is more of a headband than a hat.

Check out more of her creations here: etsy shop

Creativity as a Practice

2012-01-18T05:39:00.000-05:00

“ I have practiced being creative, and practiced coming up with ideas all of my life.” Einstein says, “Whatever you reinforce you shall get more of”

American culture has developed the idea that you are either creative or not. And that you are lucky if you happen to be one of those select few that the gods choose to make creative. As both an artist and an art teacher I find this concept frustrating. I am good at art because I study art, because I practice art. I am creative because it is something that I work at doing well. Art and creativity are the same as everything else; some people may be more inclined to be creative, but they only blossom if they choose to practice it.

Inspiring: Kjoo

2012-01-17T05:36:00.000-05:00

I am love mixed media, and this piece is a great example.

I know that I've shared the work of Kjoo on my blog before, but I just really love looking at it. Each piece is so well made and so much fun. I love the hard work and creativity that is evident in each piece. To see more of her work Kjoo shop

How to Tie a Scarf

2012-01-17T05:30:00.000-05:00

Source: scarves.net via Sarah on Pinterest

Looking for some new ways to wear a scarf. Here are 12 fun ways. How do you like to wear your scarf. I'd love to see photos of your own scarf tieing ideas and styles.

Like wearing scarves, but have trouble styling them? I would recommend an infinity scarf by Fabricated Ends, these are designed to look great, and so easy to wear.

Creativity Takes Practice

2012-01-16T05:45:00.000-05:00

Creativity takes practice.

Students often tell me that they are not creative, as though it is that simple, you either are creative or you aren't. Creativity is like anything, if you wish to be good at it you must practice, and the more you practice the better that you will become.

Don't dismiss your lack of creative ideas, by saying that you were not born to be creative. We were all born to be creative, with only a few that choose to go through the hard and painful struggle of practicing creativity.

The practice of being creative is always searching for the perfect point where you have pushed a piece or an idea far enough that it is new and innovative. That it brings a new perspective, but that you at the same time, do not push it to fair and send it crashing over the edge.

If you want to be creative, practice, practice, practice, and then practice some more.

Goodmorning Monday

2012-01-16T05:35:00.000-05:00

Source: grahamten.wordpress.com via Amber on Pinterest

Source: zooborns.typepad.com via Amber on Pinterest

Winter Warmth

2012-01-15T07:31:00.000-05:00

I just purchased a great light from B&H Photography, and am having so much photographing my work. It's so much easier, and looks so much better when you have the right lighting. So now I"m working on giving my etsy shop a facelift by working on rephotographing and listing my work.

From winter line 2012

Winter weather has offically arrived. Why not embrace it, and stock up on some fun winter accessories. You'll love wearing these scarves so much, that you'll wish for winter to stay all year long. Well, maybe not. Even I , who wears a scarf everyday, get pretty excited when the warm weather comes around.

From winter line 2012

Sole Foodie by Dan Kane

2012-01-14T08:15:00.000-05:00

From dan cooking

I've mentioned my husband's cooking a few times before. I"m so blessed by his wonderful healthy cooking. And the fact that I never have to do anything in the kitchen, allowing me to stay in my studio. Dan just started a blog about his cooking and trail running, so head on over to Sole Foodie , and check out his wonderful culinary creations.

Entangled Grace Necklaces by Fabricatedends

2012-01-13T12:01:00.000-05:00

I've been waiting to launch a jewelry line for awhile, but hadn't come up with a design that I loved. I wanted to jewelry line to stay true to my style and my love of textiles.The idea of doing something with knitted tubes made it rounds in my mind, until I came up with this design, and am in LOVE. It's everything that I wanted.

True to my style, bright, fun, unique, and classy while at the same time incorporating my love or should I say obsession for yarn.

I also think a lot about weight when designing my pieces. I work with a variety of mediums, and strive to create the perfect combonation, that looks good, and feels good. Making the blown glass beads that I use work perfectly, these necklaces are so light, that you won't even know that you have one on.While designing my accessories I also strive to create pieces that you can dress up and dress down. I like to good, but don't like to put a ton of time into getting ready, and like to be comfortable. Add one of these necklaces to jeans and a t-shirt, and you just kicked your style and grace up a few notches.

From necklaces 2012

These are now tagged, and packed making their journey to Philly where they will be sold at

Square Peg Artery and Salvage,

along with some of my scarves.

From necklaces 2012

If you live in the Lancaster area you can find these graceful creations at the PA Guild Store, located at 252 North Prince Street.

From necklaces 2012

You can also order yourself and a friend one from my etsy shop

Add a Pop of Color

2012-01-13T05:39:00.001-05:00

From winter line 2012

I don't know about you, but I tend to be drawn to wearing dark colors and netural colors. So I decided it was time to make some bright, fun colored accessories, to add to my dark colored outfits. I'm having a blast making these, and am enjoying leaving the color palett that I usually work in. It's important to push yourself and try new things, something really great might be uncovered.

How to Tie a Scarf

2012-01-13T05:37:00.000-05:00

Source: capitolhillstyle.squarespace.com via Cheryl on Pinterest

The Nature of Creativity

2012-01-12T10:17:00.002-05:00

Source: honeybooo.tumblr.com via Amber on Pinterest

Source: margaretfeinberg.com via Amber on Pinterest

For those of you that don't know I've been working on getting my masters degree in Creativity Studies, and am so excited that it is almost at an end. I enjoy the learning process, but I don't enjoy all of the writing. I'm currently finishing my thesis and have decided to start sharing parts of my research about creativity with you, as I"ve really enjoyed learning about it.

The nature of creativity is that it is ever changing, evolving, adapting to surroundings, responding to inspiration, and searching for answers.

As the nature of creativity is that of change, it is challenging to put it into a pretty packaged box that explains what it looks like, how it acts, and where it can be found. The way that it looks changes, its behavior adapts, and it is like shooting at a moving target. However, when we see and experience creativity we are usually innately aware of its presence.

Paul Torrance, author of Education and Creativity, defines creativity

“as the process of becoming sensitive to problems, deficiencies, gaps in knowledge, missing elements, disharmonies, and so on; identifying the difficulty; searching for solutions, making guesses, or formulating hypothesis about the deficiencies; testing and retesting these hypotheses and possibly modifying and retesting them; and finally communicating the results”

Creative thinkers do not share an overall common list of character traits, it is hard to determine who will be a creative thinker and who will lose their creative thought ability as they mature. The word creative, as well as the creative person have always been challenging to define, as the only common quality is that creativity is every changing, and adapting to meet the needs of the moment.

Source: margaretfeinberg.com via Amber on Pinterest

What I Made

2012-01-12T05:32:00.001-05:00

Christmas break means time with family, but it also means lots of studio time. I have almost two weeks off from work and really use this time to create. I love all of the time in my studio, and can't ever seem to get enough. I find that the more I work, the more ideas I get. Here's what I did over break. I'd love to see what creative projects you've been up to.

From winter line 2012

If you like what you see, please share it, pin it, tell all of your friends about it.

Etsy Treasury Features

2012-01-11T11:00:00.000-05:00

The Perfect Gift

2012-01-11T05:27:00.002-05:00

I"m having so much fun making these infinity scarves, I also enjoy wearing them. They are so great to add some fun color and style to a simple outfit, and so easy to wear. Each of these are handwoven, the ends are braided to add some fun texture to the piece, and metal findings are added. Each scarf made by Fabricatedends is one of a kind, super soft, and super stylish. I wear a scarf to work almost everyday, and these are the perfect weight to add some extra warmth, but that you can wear at the office all day long.

From winter line 2012

Need to get a gift, but not sure what to buy.

Treat your friend, wife, mom, girfriend, sister, daughter, or yourself to one of these, and I gaurentee they'll love you forever.

From winter line 2012

Inspiring: Mariel Rojo Fashion Designer

2012-01-10T11:00:00.000-05:00

I learned about Mariel Rojo from RAW . I really love her work. My favorite pieces are the wonderful flowing skirts and dresses that she creates, the look like they would be so much fun to wear.

”frequently, my inspirations are within my dreams. Normally I am always dreaming. It is like living my dream awake now.”

Some info about Mariel Rojo: Mariel Rojo was born in Guadalajara, Mexico and graduated from Barcelona's fashion school "Instituto europeo de diseno," after graduation, she started working with an amazing photographer Honey Gueco. Mariel Rojo has a great ambition and desire for art. But this great love for art did not start suddenly. When Rojo was seven, she loved to design. She kiddingly says, “I used to make dresses with toilet paper!”

Fashion to her not only means the word fashion itself; it is creating, something like that of an artist. She also includes “creating stuff with fabric, that’s my passion, great new textures, volumes, siluetas..fashion just comes along.” All of her work is an accomplishment and a masterpiece. Her inspiration are the simplest things of life.

But the biggest inspiration that Rojo can receive is more in the night laying in her bed, her dreams. She says in Spanish ”frequently, my inspirations are within my dreams. Normally I am always dreaming. It is like living my dream awake now.” She believes in creating and transforming art into something for everyone to wear someday.

See more of her wonderful creations on her website

How to: Inkle Loom

2012-01-10T05:47:00.000-05:00

While I use a large floor loom to create all of my designs, there are a lot of variations on the loom, some larger than others and some far more complex. The inkle loom is a rather simple piece, and is easy to transport, but is limiting in both the size and complexity of the piece that you are creating. The inkle loom is good for creating straps, long thin pieces. It is also only capable of doing a tabby weave, which basically means the over under motion that most of us learn when we are first learning how to weave. 

History: 

A definition and brief history of inkle weaving
'Inkle' is the Old English word for a linen band or drawstring. The word "inkle" has been in use in the English language for over 400 years with various spellings.

If you are considering purchasing and or building an Inkle loom, below are two great instruction videos, that should help you to better understand the process.

Great video to learn how to set up your inlke loom

This is an excellent video that shows how to use your inkle loom from start to finish.

How to: Peg Loom

2012-01-10T05:45:00.000-05:00

Directions on how to make your own peg loom here directions

I must admit that I had never seen one of these before. The only peg looms that I was familiar with, where those most commonly used with younger children that have four sides and are used to make pot holders. This one would be perfect to make rugs, and I love that you make the piece whatever size you wish. I made need to make one of these. I also really like that I could easily use it outside, so during a nice sunny day I could be outside weaving instead of in my studio.

New Website launched

2012-01-09T10:07:00.001-05:00

I"ve been working on learning how to create my own website, and finally got it together, launched and ready to share. I"m pretty happy with how it turned out. I used godaddy.com to host my domain name, and wix.com to create the website. You can create your website through godaddy.com , but I didn't really like the templates that they had, and I found the site confusing and hard to work with so I transfered by domain to wix.com. Wix.com has really great and easy to use templates, and is super user-friendly.

Website

Goodmorning Monday

2012-01-09T05:31:00.000-05:00

Source: thedesigninspiration.com via Amber on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Amber on Pinterest

This weekend seemed to fly. I accomplished a lot, but I felt like Saturday came and went in the blink an eye. So now it's time to get myself geared up for work. I have a pretty full week ahead, lots of good stuff going on , Bible study, meeting with a new gallery, several new yoga classes at Om My Yoga, art co-op, and ladies craft night.

How was your weekend?

Paper Fold Jewelry by Lital Mendel

2012-01-09T05:27:00.000-05:00

I"m intrigued with both the complexity and simplicity of these pieces. The folds of paper create a unique form to adorn your hand. I love when something as simple as paper is turned into a wonderful work of art.

Who is Amber Kane owner of Fabricatedends

2012-01-07T07:33:00.000-05:00

Amber Kane’s creative process starts in her head. She lets ideas simmer; working out potential kinks and allowing the projects develop in her mind. When she can no longer contain it, she then gets busy with the actual handcrafting of the piece.

Kane has, even as a child, loved art, experimentation, and process. She learned the basics of knitting and embroidery from her grandmother. When she took her first weaving class, while attending Messiah College, studying Art Education, Amber found her childhood love of yarn rekindled to a roaring fire.

After purchasing her own loom, Kane attempted to follow patterns in a book, but was unsatisfied. When she walked away from patterns and rules and began to play, she found her artistic voice. She is fearless, abandoning many of the traditional rules of weaving, finding joy in the movement of the warp strings as they wrap around the take-up beam.

“I’ve always loved the process of creating, rules and patterns were holding me back. The freedom of just creating is liberating.”

Kane’s current work is a marriage of scarf and necklace. The scarves are woven and then braided with other embellishments, creating the perfect blend of cozy neckwear and cutting edge style.

About her work, she says, “I’m never sure where it’s going. I try to listen to myself and to the materials and see what happens.”

What happens is spectacular.

Valentine Shopping, Done Right, Done Early

2012-01-06T05:42:00.001-05:00

From winter line 2012

I know that we just got past Christmas, but Valentines day really is just around the corner. I don't know about you, but I feel like it I'm never ready by the time it gets here, but January alwasy seems to fly. So here's my reminder to both you and myself, make life easy and start shopping for that specail someone now. Gentleman I promise that the lovely lady in your life would be thrilled to get a gift created by Fabricatedends. So make her happy, and make your life easy, and pick one up now. I've been working on stocking the shop full of pink, red, and purple wonderfulness. So get your shopping done here , now. Avoid a panic attack on Feb 13th and give a handmade thoughtful gift this year.

From winter line 2012

Ladies you might want to give your man some hints, and kindly share this blog post with him.

Digital Photo Editing: Learn some basic tips to Make your Photos Look Great

2012-01-05T05:13:00.000-05:00

Digital Photo-Editing for Craftsmen – March 10

March 10 – Saturday, 9:30 am – 11:30 am

Location: Boiling Springs High School – Room 302, Boiling Springs (Directions)

Instructor: Amber Kane

Skill Level: Intro/Refresher Course

Cost: $65.00

Ever wish that you could make your photos look better, but don’t have the knowledge or the right programs on your computer?

Get exposed to two free photo editing software programs that you can download from the internet, and learn some fast and fun ways to make your photos look like you hired a professional! Bring your memory card along and together we’ll walk through the programs, and you will leave class with some newly edited photos and photo skills.

There will be brief introduction to Adobe Photoshop as well, to give examples of what a purchased program can do, that free online services cannot.

Supply List:

■Memory card from your digital camera, with photos on it

■Your camera, and camera cord to transfer photos onto the computer

Click to register or call 717-431-8706. For inquiries email handmade@pacrafts.org

January Calendar Design

2012-01-04T08:22:00.003-05:00

Click here to download the image: Jan Calendar

Well it's a new month and a new year, and time to get your act together. Whether your running your own buisness or simply have some personal goals you need to keep yourself organized and set goals. Set one big goal for each month, and develop an action plan as to how you are going to make that goal happen. Write your goal on your calendar so that you see it and are reminded of it everyday. If your running your own buisness and are looking to grow your buisness this year, who isn't? I"m challenging you to tell one new person about your work everday, that's not too hard right, just one person. By the end of the year you will have told 365 new people about your work. So get started. Check off each day that you tell someone about your work. Good luck. And hey why not start with me, tell me about your buisness.

Inspiring: Denise Julia Reytan

2012-01-04T06:03:00.002-05:00

Below is some information about how Julia Reytan creates these lovely pieces and why.

The fixation of pieces of jewellery and other

objects of peronal value I have collected by

way of the rather unconventional technique of

silicone casting, is a snap-shot of my time and

the culture I am part of, the culture of an often

unreflected consumers’ society, in which objects

become easily disposable.

With jewellery not the material but the ideal

value should come to the fore, so that the

personality of everyone can get expressed,

shaped and reflected. The idea of democratic

jewellery and of sharing my messages and

my collected and unique objects is important

for me. That´s also a reason why I choose the

silicone casting method.

There is a strong contrast between the material

of non-precious silicone, the cast precious

jewellery pieces and a very personal content.

By changing the original materiality of the used

objects into silicone or resin, a new harmony

of material, colour is created, a novel entity

My two weeks of Hybernation

2012-01-04T05:32:00.000-05:00

Christmas break is one of my favorite times. I am lucky enough to get about two weeks off from work. My days are simple, but filled with everything that I love. I wake up because I've had enough sleep, and not because my alarm is going off, have my breakfast, and head to the studio. Most days I don't bother getting dressed, it seems like a waste of time, so I"ll be in the studio all day. I emerge from the studio for meals with my husband, to refill my mug with coffee, hot tea, or hot chocolate, and say hello to the dog. Our cat squeezes herself behind me on my chair, and stays nuzzeled there as I weave. When my body needs a break from weaving, I wonder downstairs to the living room, light some candles and curl up to read. I used to read all of the time, but lately the only reading I do is for grad school. So it's refreshing to sit and just read because I want to. These days are perfect, making them very hard to say goodbye to, but always giving me something to look forward to.

Source: google.com via Amber on Pinterest

What is your favorite thing about Christmas?

Advertise

2012-01-03T05:32:00.000-05:00

I would love to help support all of the wonderful crafty, handmade business owners out there. You can advertise on Fabricatedends for just $10.00 a month, start at anytime, end at any time. If your shop is accepted to advertise your button linked to your blog or shop will appear on the sidebar. For just $5.00 more dollars a month you will appear as a featured sponsor and have a write about your work in the body of the blog. Fabricatedends, focuses on craft , and handmade goods. So if you fall into that category I would love to work with you. Email me @ amberkane1314@hotmail.com and we can get started.

Start the New Year out right and get your business noticed.

New Year New Logo

2012-01-03T05:28:00.000-05:00

With a new year I thought that it would be a good time to make a new logo. I wasn't in love with the one that I had and decided to sit down and take the time to make a new one. What do you think?

Is your logo due for an update? If you need help or want some feedback or ideas let me know. We can work together to give your blog a facelift.

Write your buisness plan now

2012-01-02T08:17:00.000-05:00

I"m not one for making new years resolutions. I love making goals, and enjoy checking them off even more, but I don't like making specific resolutions. But I will say that a new year, means time to review the old buisness plan and make adjustments. A few tips on running your own buisness.

--------WRITE IT... SHARE IT-----------------

1. If you don't write it down and tell others about it, you most likely won't do it.

This year my husband and I sat down together and discussed our goals big and small for our jobs and lives. We then wrote them down and discussed ways to keep eachother accountable. So come up with your goals, and share them with someone. You can share them with me, and we can dicuss how I can help keep you accoutable. If interested email me @ amberkane1314@hotmail.com .

----------GOALS AND ACTION PLAN---------------

2. Set your goals, and create an action plan, how are you going to make those goals happen?

It's easy to say that you want your buisness to be successful, or that you want to make more money, but how are you going to do that? I first determined how much money I would like to make from my buisness, I then determined how many scarves I would have to sell in order for that to happen. After seeing how many pieces I needed to sell to reach my goal, I created a schedule of how many scarves I need to create each week in order to even have a chance of meeting my goal. The numbers are a bit daunting, but very helpful. You also need to determine how are you going to let others know about your work. How much are you willing to spend on advertising each year?

--------MARKETING PACKAGE--------------------

3. Develop a marketing package.

You can't just expect people to come to you. You need to tell them about your work, and you need to do it in a professional manner. Make it easy on yourself and put time into creating a professional looking package, that with some tweaking you can send out to many different people to let them know about your work. Create a look book that presents a good sampling of your work, create it as a pdf file so that it's easy to send out. Make a professional cover letter, but make it personal, make it reflect your buisness. You can adjust the letter as needed when sending it out, but this way you have a template to start with.

---------------INVENTORY----------------------

4. Inventory: come up with an easy and effective way to keep track of your inventory. If you start selling wholesale and or on consignment you need to know what you have and what you've sold. Come up with a simple number system to label all of your work, this will also be helpful when creating a line sheet if you decide to sell wholesale, or an inventory sheet if you're selling on consignment.

Need helping making goals and keeping them? Email me so we can discuss how I can help you succeed this year. amberkane1314@hotmail.com

Entangled Grace Accessories by Fabricatedends

2012-01-01T17:49:00.000-05:00

From necklaces 2012

I'm always looking for new things that I can create through traditional textile processes. I'm connected to creating pieces that are functional, but I'm also always striving to create a unique and fun piece to wear. These necklaces are created by making a tube using my Knifty knitter, and then filling the tube with glass beads. The clasp are magnetic, as I hate struggling with clasp. I"m excited to see where this line of work will take me. You can pick one of these beauties up for yourself or a friend at my etsy shop

Experimenting with the Knifty Knitter

2011-12-29T17:39:00.000-05:00

Almost a year ago I purchased a knifty knitter and totally fell in love. I had one when I was a child and could never figure out how to get it to work. ( neither could my parents) This round , while the direction still made no sense to me, I was able to figure out how to get it to work. I really enjoyed the process, and made some fun pieces, however I also ended up in physical therapy at CPRS, because of using it to much. My forearms basically felt like they were asleep all of the time. So I took a break from the knifty knitter, and just picked it up again today. Here's what I created. What do you think?<table style="width:auto;">

From winter line 2012

From winter line 2012

How to fix your Mistakes

2011-12-28T06:26:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite parts about creating is the process. I enjoy experimenting and learning new things. It is also extremely important to me to use my materials wisely, and not waste anything, however there are times when things just don't work out well. I have learned to except that not everything is going to turn out as planned, but I try to never totally give up on a piece. I have a bin in my studio where I keep pieces that I'm not happy with, but still have potentional, and try to come up with ways to use them.

I've been wanting to experiment with needle felting and finally gave it go, after getting some supplies for Christmas. I decided to take an old piece that I crocheted and then boiled, cut it apart, and needle fet it onto the surface of a scarf. I really enjoyed this process and think that with more practice I could create some really interesting pieces. So here's my first try at needle felting, and an old piece rescued. What do you do with your projects that don't turn out well?

From winter line 2012

Below is another example of a piece that I just rescued. I made wove with scarf awhile ago, and for some reason was never totally in love in with it. So I was trying to think about how I could change it. I decided to give it a twist and sew the ends together to create an infinity scarf with a twist. I'm really happy with how it came it. It looks good, is easy to wear, and adds some extra warmth. Have you gotten the hint yet that I'm always cold? Anyway, my project for tomorrow is to make two more of these, different colors, but same style, so if you like this one, stay tuned, as this style will go on sale shortly.

From winter line 2012

Nervous System Jewelry

2011-12-27T08:12:00.001-05:00

I first head about Nervous System Jewelry on Design Milk . The jewelry is really cool, and totally affordable. Here are a few of my favorite pieces.

Here's the story behind these lovely creations: Nervous System is a design studio that works at the intersection of science, art, and technology. We create using a novel process that employs computer simulation to generate designs and digital fabrication to realize products. Drawing inspiration from natural phenomena, we write computer programs mimicking processes and patterns found in nature and use those programs to create unique and affordable art, jewelry, and housewares.

The studio consists of Jesse Louis-Rosenberg and Jessica Rosenkrantz who met as undergraduates at MIT where he studied math + computer science and she studied architecture + biology. They live together in a house by a stream in a forest in Western Massachusetts.

Treat yourself to Fabricatedends this Winter

2011-12-26T08:46:00.000-05:00

From winter line 2012

I"m working hard at getting my etsy shop up to date, and getting lots of new designs created over Christmas Break. So if you're looking for a place to spend some of the money that you got over the holidays this is the perfect place. Pick up a one of a kind scarf by Fabricatedends, and make the choice to both look good and stay warm this winter.

From winter line 2012

Ond of my favorite things about creating is coming up with new designs. I really enjoy experimenting and seeing how something turns out. Which design is your favorite?

From winter line 2012

Inspiring: Sandra Badlund

2011-12-23T07:38:00.000-05:00

I saw the work of Sandra Badlund on Design Milk . I am totally inspired by these amazing creations.

Extra Long, Extra Soft Scarf by Fabricatedends

2011-12-23T07:36:00.000-05:00

Since it's getting pretty cold outside, at least where I live. I decided that it was time to start making some super big scarves. This scarf is still light weight enough that it easily drapes over your shoulders as you wrap it around your neck, but is extra long and wide, give you lots of options on how to wear it. This scarf is also extremely soft, you 'll never want to take it off.BUY HERE

From video photos

Stylish and warm scarf for winter by Fabricatedends

2011-12-22T05:47:00.000-05:00

Scarf by Fabricatedends. Scarf is woven with super soft and warm cotton yarn and crocheted along one edge to add some flirty detail. The scarf also has tiny magnets sewn into the piece, so that you can use the magnets to keep the scarf perfectly in place.

I also had fun this weekend making some lovely leg warmers to wear under my boots. I like the extra warmth and pop of color that they add. Can you tell that I hate being cold.

You can pick this lovely scarf up in my etsy shop

Holiday RAWk Video

2011-12-22T05:46:00.000-05:00

Kristina Marie: Paper Garland Decor

2011-12-21T06:50:00.000-05:00

My husband and I are going home for the holidays, and I"ve been super busy lately so I didn't get around to decorating the house this year, but if I did, I would love to use the awesome garland by Kristina Marie. It would also look great wrapped around a gift. How did you decorate this year?

Here's how Kristina Marie decided to create the above lovely garland.

Although I always dreamt of being an artist as a child, my love for creating truly became manifest about 8 years ago upon taking my first college art class. Every new course and medium brought about new ideas and dreams as to what kind of artist I would become—I loved everything. Fortunately I had professors that placed worth in experimentation, encouraging us to develop concepts without feeling boxed into any particular medium. After a season of living in an Italian convent studying art, language and culture, I spent the culmination of my college career screen printing up a storm and creating a large silk mobile that took over 300 hours of hand-sewing! I learned that great work demands great work ethic, discipline and a heap of curiosity. I look back at these years with a big smile and a grateful heart.

I spent the next two years working any job I could obtain, mulling over life decisions and feeling creatively frustrated at my lack of direction in an unstable economy. Instead of creating art, I began creating tasty baked goods, lovingly tackling complicated recipes and teaching myself how to can and preserve. I love eating seasonally and attempting to understand how we ate before grocery stores and the boom of corporate food culture. It makes me feel more human and reliant on God’s provisions, a concept that has deeply impacted what and how I create.

So, why garland? In the Fall of 2009 I unleashed my entrepreneurial curiosity and set out to design, develop, manufacture and market a product independently. I chose to expand upon the decor concept of garland and bunting by creating a variety of garlands using recycled, sustainable and specialty materials—a fresh new approach to modern decorating. What began as an experiment led to a fascination with product design, material culture studies, branding and more importantly a love for creating work that initiates a smile and an appreciation for beauty in it’s simplest form. I’d like my clients to experience functional, decorative solutions that evoke old-world notions of simple pleasures and handmade values. I hope that this continues to be evident in everything that I create.

kristinatoday.blogspot.com

Maxi Scarf By Fabricatedends

2011-12-21T05:22:00.000-05:00

From winter line 2012

Check out the newest addition to Fabricatedends Winter Line. This Scarf is super wide and long, allowing you endless styling options and lots of warmth. The piece also has magnets sewn in, so that you can keep it in place. Buy this one todayetsy shop

From winter line 2012

Fun Bags

2011-12-21T05:20:00.000-05:00

Source: etsy.com via Amber on Pinterest

Source: ohjoy.blogs.com via Amber on Pinterest

Source: oililyshop.com via Amber on Pinterest

Source: anthropologie.com via Amber on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Amber on Pinterest

Animated photo

2011-12-20T05:28:00.001-05:00

I've been wanting to learn how to animate a photo for a while, and thought that I knew the basics. I asked one my students to give me some help today and this is what we came up with. I"m pretty excited to play around with this concept. The animation of the snow falling was create with flash.

What to Wear

2011-12-20T05:28:00.000-05:00

All Tops from Anthropologie, paired with a scarf from Fabricatedends

Goodmorning Monday

2011-12-19T05:41:00.000-05:00

Source: dontyoujustadore.tumblr.com via Amber on Pinterest

Photo from:http://dontyoujustadore.tumblr.com/page/5
I hope that you all had a wonderful weekend. My husband and I went away for the weekend. He did a 31 mile trail run in VA. Friday we walked around Williamsburg, and the rest of the weekend was pretty low key, as he was pretty soar after the run. But it was nice to lounge around, as we don't do that very often. I now have 3 1/2 days of teaching, and then Christmas break... I thnk that I"m just as excited as my students to have some time off.

What did you do this weekend?

Source: twigandthistle.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Photo from twigandthistle.com , please leave your name as a comment if you took this image.

RAW Awards Winners

2011-12-19T05:22:00.000-05:00

I wanted to share this video with you of the amazing artist, that won this year's RAW awards.

Yearly Photo book

2011-12-16T05:08:00.000-05:00

I don't know about you, but I take a lot of photos throughout the year, and wasn't ever really doing anything with them. I used to get them printed out, but would never get around to putting them into a scarpbook. So three years ago I decided that I was going to make one photo book a year, that reflected what we did that year. I've really had fun making them. They have become an easy way to share memories with family and friends. Here are a few pages from this years book. I always order them so that I get right before Christmas, and can take the book to share with family. For the last three years I have used snapfish, which is easy to use, and pretty well priced. But I'm thinking about trying something new. I used mixbook recently to make a wedding album and really liked it. It allows you to use your photos as a background image, and gives you more layout options. Do any of you make photo books. What is your favorite program and why?

Pretty Package Inspiration

2011-12-15T05:28:00.000-05:00

Time to get out the craft supplies and make your packages look just as good as the gifts that are inside.

Source: howaboutorange.blogspot.com via Amber on Pinterest

Source: poppytalk.blogspot.com via Amber on Pinterest

Source: howdoesshe.com via Amber on Pinterest

Source: issuu.com via Amber on Pinterest

Source: curbly.com via Amber on Pinterest

Source: caseybaudoin.blogspot.com via Amber on Pinterest

Source: anthropologie.com via Amber on Pinterest

Source: kikki-k.com via Amber on Pinterest

Pretty Packages

2011-12-15T05:27:00.000-05:00

I decided to take some time and get some gifts wrapped. This year I decided to create my own wrapping paper. I made some stamps and then printed them onto black craft paper. It was fun to make.

From video photos

Baby Hats

2011-12-14T05:30:00.000-05:00

It seems that I have hit the age where everyone starts to have babies. I feel like everyone around me just had a baby or is expecting one. So I decided to start making some baby hats as gifts, they are so cute, I love making them. Here are two of the most recent ones.

From video photos

I'm hoping to get some baby blankets done as well in the near future, but we'll see. I"ve been keeping myself pretty busy with teaching, making scarves, and finishing my masters thesis.

Reflection

2011-12-14T05:25:00.000-05:00

I was walking to the library the other day, and looked down at the bright colored scarf that I was wearing. I appreciated the scarf for the extra warmth that it was providing for me, as well as the wonderful pop of color that it brought to my outfit. It was keeping me warm, andmaking me feel good about my outfit. As I was enjoying my scarf I remembered when I was a little girl how much I hated scarves. I had totally forgotten about this fact until now. It made me smile as I recalled how much I truely hated scarves and could not understand there purpose. I was sure that they could not keep you warm. So I started thinking about how did I go from the little girl who hated scarves, to the women who designs them, makes them, and wears one almost everyday. I came to the conclusion that I first fell in love weaving, which led me to my love for scarves, and my understanding that they do really keep you warm.

While I was reflecting on how I got to where I am today, I also remembered two bits of advice that I was given by two different teachers. I can't say that the advice meant a lot to me at the moment that it was given, but I think about it a lot now. The first was during a critque or my work, one of the professors looked at my work, and pointed out that there was a grundy, not perfect, feel my work. She recommended that I stop fighting that and begin to find a way to embrace that in my work. I didn't really know what that meant or how to do it at the time. But I know realize that I really fell in love with weaving when I stopped trying to make everything "perfect" and began really embracing the process, and embracing my personality, which is free. The other teacher told me to never make art just because you think that it will sell. There are moments when I catch myself thinking about what scarf design I should make because I can make it quickly and I know that it will sell. But when I make a piece just because I know that it will sell, I find no joy in making or selling the piece. I create because one I enjoy the process, and two because I believe that I making a unique high quality piece that is going to make someone feel beautiful, make someone feel good about themselves as they walk down the street or walk into the office. That is why I create, money is a nice addition, but just creating for the money is no fun at all.

So all this to say, that it's good to look back and remember where you started and how you got to where you are. And follow your passion, don't fall into creating just because you know that it will sell. Create because it makes you and your customer feel good.

Winter Line: Look 1, when my muse returned

2011-12-13T05:42:00.000-05:00

From winter line 2012

I have to admit that for the last few days I felt like my creative muse had left me, and I was feeling a bit frustraed. Myself and this scarf were not getting along very well. It kept telling me that it wasn't finished, but was giving me no hints as to what I was to do to finish it. So first it went through the sewing machine to get some stitching detail, I liked it, but it still wasn't done, next I deceided to add a crocheted edge, I did one row, which took forever, but felt that it needed a second, so I did a second row, but it wasn't totally finished, so I then decided that it needed magnets sewn into it, so that you could wear it in all different kinds of ways, and then it felt complete. I think I still need to try to see what it looks like with a bow tie pin, but for the most part I'm satisfied. Actually I'm really excited, this piece took a super long time, but I'm really excited with how it looks and all of the different ways that it can be worn with the magnets. I'm picturing a wonderfully confident women walking down the streets adorned in this scarf and heads turned as she walks by. Is that women you? I love how an accessory can make an outfit, and can change your mood and outlook for the day. I believe that this scarf is one of those powerful mood changing pieces.

Good Morning Monday

2011-12-12T06:25:00.000-05:00

Source: weheartit.com via Amber on Pinterest

Source: katbeee.tumblr.com via Amber on Pinterest

Why Fabricatedends' Buisness is Growing

2011-12-10T07:13:00.003-05:00

I"m entering the Ultimage Entrepreneur Giveaway sponsored by Oh My Handmade Goodness. I'm really excited for this opporunity.

Why will Fabricatedends, grow and succeed in 2012? Fabricatedends has been growing in popularity since it's start three years ago, everyone that sees one of the lovely scarves that I have designed and created, falls in love. I have a lot of goals and visions for 2012, and believe that I can reach each and every one of them.

1. I plan to get a website up and running for Fabricatedends

2. I will acquire five wholesale contracts, getting Fabricatedends into more stores and into the hands of more happy and sylish costumers. I am currentlyin in the process of making this happen as I contact local boutiques.

3. I plan to create a catalog and look book of my newest designs. I met some great models through RAW, natural born artist, and hope to continue to work with some of them to really showcase my work.

4. I will increase online sales by at least 5% this year . I am in the process of working with some great blogs on advertising and having someone help with keeping up with social media networking.

5. I will continue to design and create unique and fashion forward textiles

And willing this giveaway could help jump-start the completion of each one of my above goals
Fabricatedends Etsy Shop

Two in One, multi colored scarf by Fabricatedends

2011-12-09T05:46:00.000-05:00

Here's the latest creation by Fabricatedends. I have to be honest, I really wasn't sure how this piece was going to look when it was finished. I had to keep adding different colors of warp strings, as the others ran out, so I decided to just go with it and see what happened. At the end I decided to had a section of the scarf that would be chenelle, this was either going to be a great idea or a really bad one,but I had to try. I'm really happy with out it turned out. The chenelle adds a new texture to the piece, and is super soft. It also made it so that you are getting two scarves in one. You can wear the scarf so that the bright colors are mainly showing, or you can flip it, so that the netural section is showing, make the scarf super versitile. This would make a great gift. You can pick it up in my etsy shop now.

From video photos

Holiday DIY Gifts and Decorations

2011-12-08T07:05:00.000-05:00

I'm a big fan of making all of my Christmas gifts. The only problem is that I tend to put it off, and end up doing everything last minute which makes it a bit stressful instead of fun. I"ve really been making an effort to not do that this year, and so far I would say that I"m doing okay. I have my dad and sister- in law finished, husband finished, I just need to determine what I am making for my mom and make it, and probably something for my mother-in- law. And then I have a hand full of little gifts to make for friends, I just havne't decided what I"m making yet. But I feel like I'm moving in the right direction. Nothing is wrapped yet, but I did make some wrapping paper, and am also going to use some of the scarp fabric that I have as paper this year. I normally don't do a lot of decorating one, because I don't have the time to make it look how I want it to , so I just don't try, and two we normally go away over the holidays.

So to help inspire you, I put together a collection of DIY decorations. I'd love to see photos of what you are making. And or some tips on how you get yourself to get everything done on time.

Source: potterybarnkids.com via Amber on Pinterest

Source: intimateweddings.com via Amber on Pinterest

Source: beyondbeyond.co.uk via Amber on Pinterest

Source: bhg.com via Amber on Pinterest

Source: creativetryals.blogspot.com via Amber on Pinterest

Source: rebekahgough.blogspot.com via Amber on Pinterest

Source: howaboutorange.blogspot.com via Amber on Pinterest

Source: flickr.com via Amber on Pinterest

Source: craftgawker.com via Amber on Pinterest

Source: getrichslowly.org via Amber on Pinterest

Source: marthastewart.com via Amber on Pinterest

Source: garnethill.com via Amber on Pinterest

Gift Guide: Gifts for Her

2011-12-07T05:32:00.000-05:00

Looking for the perfect gift, look no further. A scarf from Fabricatedends makes the perfect gift for any women in your life. Mom, sister, girlfriend, they will all love a one of a kind scarf from Fabricatedends. Buy the PERFECT gift today!

Photos by 528 Cresendo from Holiday RAWk

2011-12-06T05:57:00.000-05:00

There are very few photos out there of my husband and I , as Dan doesn't really like to have his picture taken, and I am normally the taking photos. So nice to have a good one of the two of us.

Green Organe and White Scarf

2011-12-05T12:26:00.000-05:00

I just finished this piece and am really happy with how it turned out. The scarf is extra wide and long, but is a nice light weight weave, so it drapes great around your shoulders. I also really hate when some of the warp yarn is wasted because of how the loom works. So I decided that on this piece, I was going to make the braids at the end, and wanted to play with them being uneven. I am very interested in high quality, but not perfection, so the even braids, add some roughness to the piece. What do you think?

From metal scarves

Philly RAW Artist: Holiday RAWk

2011-12-05T05:18:00.001-05:00

Last week I participated in Philly RAW artist Holiday RAWk, it was a really wonderful experience. I met a lot of great people, and it was fun to see my scarves go down the runway.

From RAW

Love the hair in this photo. It was really fun to watch these great hair styles emerge.

From RAW

Good Morning Monday

2011-12-05T05:18:00.000-05:00

Source: prettystuff.tumblr.com via Amber on Pinterest

Source: thisiswhyimbroke.com via Amber on Pinterest

Amazing mixed media Necklaces

2011-12-01T06:01:00.000-05:00

I came across these necklaces, and fell in love with them. I am a mixed media lover myself, and when I saw these I just couldn't stop staring. I love the combo of metals, gems, and basic yarn friendship bracelets all put together to create one awesome piece. I must say that these pieces really inspire me.

To buy one of these lovely pieces, or to check out more work by Frieda and Nellie, stop by their website http://www.charmandchain.com/collections/frieda-nellie

Magnetic Scarf by Fabricatedends

2011-11-30T05:41:00.000-05:00

I've been wanting to make a scarf with magnets for awhile, and it finally became a reality last night. My thoughts behind using magnets where that you can then keep the scarf in place by having the magnets touch eachother. I love wearing scarves, but hate when they move around and don't stay where I want them to while I"m working. I"m happy to say that it worked. This scarf is magnetic, and will stay in place all day long. Watch the video to see that process of the scarf being created.

Holiday RAWk

2011-11-29T10:55:00.001-05:00

Check out some of the great artists that will be showcasing their work, along with Fabricatedends at the very first Holiday RAWk, sponsored by RAW.

You can buy your tickets for the show here: http://www.rawartists.org/philadelphia/holidayrawk

Be sure to purchase your tickets by Thursday Dec 1st at 12:00 pm

Square Peg Artery and Salvage

Square Peg Artery &; Salvage is a handmade artisan boutique promoting over 300 primarily local artisans since 2008. Peruse our vast and eclectic selections of jewelry, garments, cards, bath and beauty items, bags, home decor, glass, reclaimed/reconstructed objects, kid’s things, fine arts, and more! Most of our items are one-of-a-kind (OOAK) and ALL are handmade. Check out our calendar for events like workshops, artist openings, and sidewalk exposés . Help support independent business and the unique artisans that bring beauty and mind expansion to Philadelphia and the world!

So, why buy handmade, you may wonder?

It’s more sincere… more meaningful… to treat yourself or loved one (or family member, best friend, kindred spirit, bosom buddy, chum, sidekick, crony, classmate, workmate, ally, associate, main man, main lady, mate, buddy, bud, amigo, compadre, homeboy, or homegirl) to something that was imagined and brought into tangible form by your fellow human being. It can make one feel uplifted knowing that s/he is supporting an individual’s skills and craftsmanship directly. It’s more personable to contribute and re-connect to a culture where thoughtful decisions are often made to upcycle, repurpose and reconstruct items that defy the mass production and box-chain mentalities.

Please consider buying handmade for yourself and the peeps in your life, and request that they do the same for you!

Tough Luv

Tough Luv is the creation of designer Elaine Lai. After attending OTIS College of Art and Design in Los Angeles, Elaine worked for several well-known fashion brands. It was through her work experience that Elaine fell in love with the process of garment dying and the endless possibilities that could be achieved when subjecting finished garments to hand treatments and dyes. Combined with an eye for fine details, and a passion for music and art, the groundwork for the brand was laid. Tough Luv was born to cross the bridge between modern edge and feminine flair, unquestionable style and undeniable comfort, deconstructed detailing with artfully washed, carefree knit fabrics.

Today, Elaine has taken Tough Luv to the next level. With distribution in Los Angeles, Dallas, and New York, Tough Luv is proudly made locally in Philadelphia, and is sold in over two hundred boutiques and specialty stores nationwide. Elaine transforms staple fabrics like American-made cotton french terries and tee-shirt jerseys into fashion forward designs without sacrificing wearability, comfort, or detailing. Tough Luv seamlessly blends edgy street looks with feminine touches, resulting in a line that is cool, flirty, and fun.

Deidre Grant

I am a Philadelphia born freelance makeup artist. As a teen, I discovered my love for the arts through fine art painting and drawing in high school. Growing up, I was never around makeup. After my aunt introduced me to M.A.C and gave me my first lipglass, an obsession began! Makeup quickly became my medium of choice.

In the beginning, I only did makeup on myself. You can be your own best advertisement! Friends began asking me to do their makeup for fun, and then it was for events, and later weddings. I started to enjoy doing makeup on others more than on myself. I wanting to learn more, so I studied and discovered YouTube J, purchased books and researched makeup artist after makeup artist. I became so inspired by artists like Sam Fine, Scott Barnes, Mylah Morales and the late Kevin Aucoin and that is to name only a small few.

I wanted to have professional training, so I researched and attended the Academy of Freelance Makeup in Manhattan, NYC, where I completed my combined foundation and advanced certificate. It was one of the best decisions I made; I have been trained in makeup from some of the best artists in the London and NYC freelance industry: Chi Chi Saito, Michelle Webb, Ingeborg, Lazarus, Mykel Renner, and many more. My training includes basic bridal and grooming, advanced print, runway and avant garde to body painting. Through AOFM, I have had the dream opportunity to work backstage at Couture Fashion Week NYC Fall ’11 and Global Fashion Awards ’11.

I consider my personal style to be “Clean”. I always aim for clean, blended application and perfected skin, no matter if I am doing a “no makeup, makeup” look or an extravagant theatrical style makeup.

I love the freedom and creativity that makeup artistry gives me. I also love that I get know and work with so many other creative people in the industry!

Fabricatedends by Amber Kane

Amber Kane is a fiber artist with her degree in art education from Messiah College, and is a full-time high school art teacher. Amber creates her work in her home studio located in Mechanicsburg; PA. Kane's work is deeply rooted in process and discovery. Her goal is connect to each piece and to learn through the process of creating.

Amber’s designs are inspired by a combination of nature, pure imagination, and response to the material. Amber abandoned the traditional rules of weaving after many failed attempts at following patterns. After utter frustration, she learned that the book that she was following was on recall as it was missing some pages. The missing pages turned out to be a blessing that totally freed Amber, and allowed her work to begin to truly reflect her honest and true spirited nature. Most of Kane’s designs result from figuring out how to fix a mistake. Kane uses a loom, crocheting, and felting to create her one of kind pieces.

An important part of the creative process for Kane is daydreaming, and she tries to allow at least a half an hour to daydream each evening. During these times is when most of her ideas begin to develop. She allows ideas to incubate in her mind before actually making them, trying to get problems worked out first.

Thanksgiving

2011-11-29T09:29:00.000-05:00

My favorite part about Thanksgiving is not the food, although we have some pretty amazing cooks in the family, but the time with family. My husband, parents and I traveled to State College to spend time with my aunt, uncle and counsins. It's always a good time.

From thanksgiving 2011

Amber Kane and RAW Holiday RAWk

2011-11-29T05:32:00.000-05:00

You can buy your tickets here:http://www.rawartists.org/view-artists/userprofile/fabricatedends

All of my work is created by hand with materials bought locally. I mainly work with weaving textiles, but often add machine or hand sewing for detail. I am extremely connected to process, and enjoy the discovery of what the piece turns into as the maker and the material work together to create a finished work of art.

I am a full time high school art teacher, and spend most of my free time working in my studio creating. I think that as an art teacher it is extremely important to also be a working artist, and share the process with your students.

Silk Scarf with embroidery and crochet detail

2011-11-28T12:24:00.000-05:00

I was super excited when I came across the site spoonflower.com. On this site you can design your own fabric, and they'll print it for you. I doodle a lot when I'm at meetings and conferences, it's the only way that I really pay attention. So I decided to scan my doodles into the computer and turn them into fabric designs. I gor the fabric a little bit over a month ago, but hadn't really had time to work on it. For this piece I cut the fabric into a square, so that it can be folded in half to form a bandana scarf. I then embroidered different sections of the piece to add some color and texture, and finally I crocheted around the edges and added tassels to make the edges look finished. And because I liked how it looked. I am a mixed media person, and can't seem to stop myself, I love combining materials, and am pretty happy with how this piece turned out. I'm really excited to get to the other fabrics that I designed.

You can get this lovely scarf today with FREE SHIPPING, just use coupon code monday at check out http://etsy.com/shop/amberkane

From silk scarves

Goodmorning Monday

2011-11-28T08:06:00.000-05:00

Source: weheartit.com via Amber on Pinterest

Source: imgfave.com via Amber on Pinterest

Treasuries with Fabricatedends

2011-11-28T07:04:00.001-05:00

Here are some great ideas as to where to start your cyber Monday shopping. Don't forget FREE SHIPPING at http://etsy.com/shop/amberkane use coupon code monday.

Fabricatedends and Holiday RAWk

2011-11-26T12:15:00.000-05:00

I"m excited to be a part of this great group of creative people. Come out for a fantastic evening of entertainment, creativity, and shopping. Not sure that it gets any better than this. You can purchase your tickets here. http://www.rawartists.org/view-artists/userprofile/fabricatedends

Cyber Monday: Free Shipping

2011-11-26T10:52:00.000-05:00

Nest Enameled Charm Bracelet Class with Jean Van Brederode

2011-11-25T19:00:00.000-05:00

Jean Van Brederode will be teaching her new "Nest Enameled Charm Bracelet" class at both VA and Portland Art & Soul in 2012, and needs your help :-))) She would like to hold a preview (test) class to make the pictured bracelet (below) from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM on Thursday, December 29, 2011. Jean needs to charge $20 for materials, but no class fee, and she needs to limit the class to ten students. All materials will be provided and each student will leave with a finished bracelet in your choice of colors. Tools required are listed below - bring what you can. jean has extras of everything to share!

chain nosed pliers

round nosed pliers

ball peen hammer

dapping block

disk cutter

various size hole punches for metal

small metal files

old wash cloth to fold and use under small provided pounding block

The class will do some basic metal-working and also torch and kiln enameling. No experience necessary (really!).

Jean also asks everyone to bring a lunch goodie to share. She'll provide pizza. We'll break for lunch from 12:30 to 1:30.

Jean will keep track of those who respond and let you know if/when the class is full.

Let me know if you have any questions!
javb2000@aol.com

Jean

Happy Holidays!

Black Friday Sale

2011-11-25T08:01:00.000-05:00

BLACK FRIDAY SALE TODAY, COUPON CODE BLACK FRIDAY

http://etsy.com/shop/amberkane

12 by 2012

2011-11-25T07:58:00.000-05:00

Well I am thrilled to say that I can cross another goal off of my 12 by 2012 list. I wanted to make 4 more scarves with metal and completed the number 3 and 4 over the weekend. Not only am I glad to have another goal complete, but I really enjoyed making them. Don't miss out, these babies sell out fast, and there are only 4 currently in stock. These make awesome gifts, or are also a perfect way to treat yourself and brighten your own day. Each piece is my own design and one of kind.

The story about how this design came to life: It was Christmas Eve last year and I had yet to complete my mom's Christmas gift. I know I should have started early, but just didn't. So I was in a bit of a rush. I was making her a scarf but trying a new design, not a good plan when in a rush. I totally miscalculated and took the piece off of the loom, with a lot of extra warp hanging from the end, too much to waste, not enough for what I had had in mind. I really try hard not to waste matierals, and my time, so I needed to figure out how to make this piece work. I decided to french braid the warp and see what would happen, and it ended up looking pretty cool. It also ended up being a great scarf to wear as it was light weight, and the braid made the scarf easy to tie into place.

So how did the metal get added. Along with being a textile artist, I"m also a high school art teacher, and teach a jewelry class. I love wearing necklaces, and also love wearing scarves, and often have trouble deciding which to wear. You can't really wear both as the scarf tends to cover the necklace. So I decided that I wanted to make a scarf that was both a scarf and a necklace. So I decided to try adding metal to the braided pieces, and the Chime Scarf emerged.

Nohing better than when mistakes turn into something AWESOME.

From metal scarves