OLYMPIC TORCH IN SEQUIN WASTE

This has nothing to do with Friendly Plastic but following on from my earlier blog about sequin waste I thought I had better have a go at making an Olympic Torch myself.  Here you have my interpretations of the Olympic Torch using Gold Sequin Waste.  Which one do you prefer?  I will let you into a little secret here - one was made by me and the other by my husband - depending on which one you prefer this could result in a domestic!!

The Olympic Torch on the left was made using a gold cardboard tube.  Cut a vertical slit at one end (only part way up) so it can be overlapped to form a slight cone.  It was then covered with the sequin waste.  I think you could use any colour tube here - but I would paint a brown one.  I think black could work quite well as it would show up the holes in the sequin waste well.

The Olympic Torch on the right was made using a stiff clear acetate.  Now it is much easier to cover the acetate with the sequin waste before you make the cone - as you are obviously covering a flat surface.  We used sellotape to attach it.  The cone shape was then formed and fixed using sellotape and then the acetate was creased at the top to make it more like the actual Olympic Torch.

In both cases I used pieces of net/chiffon to make the flame for the Olympic Torch (the Torch on the right could do with a little more flame!).  However if necessary Sainsburys carrier bags are the right colour!!

Make your own interpretation of the Olympic Torch using Gold Sequin Waste - click this link to take you directly to my webside:  5 metres Gold Sequin Waste

Don't forget to let me know which Olympic Torch you prefer.

SUMMER GIVEAWAYS!!!!!!

I have put together a special Summer Offer.  Its not very often I give something away (I am originally from Yorkshire!!) but I do try and do something special in the summer.  All you need to do is order a minimum of £20 of craft products (exc p&p) and you get the Goody Bag free with your order.  The photo is a good representation of what you will get - but odd items may change depending on availability.

Ever wanted to try Friendly Plastic pellets?  - now is the time to try because there is a trial bag of Friendly Plastic pellets included, together with 5 different colours of sequin waste.  Also in there are 3 sheets of stickers, plastic coated wire, feathers, crafty bits, and paper shapes.  Hope you enjoy playing with the goodies!!

To Order go to the Website http://www.theframeworkshop.co.uk/  and don't forget I do free 2nd class postage for all UK orders over £35.

Sequin Waste Update

Following my earlier post about the new colours of sequin waste I have now added even more to the range.  Having run out of the gold colour (yet again!! - I have lost count of the number of Olympic torches being made) I spoke to my new supplier again.  In addition to the new colours - there are now 12 - I have also been able to get a better price.  It is now from 50p to £1 per metre depending on the quantity you order - just follow this link and scroll down the page to see the discounts and the colours available.

Friendly Plastic & Sequin Waste

SEQUIN WASTE WITH FRIENDLY PLASTIC

Having been out of stock of some colours of Sequin Waste for some time I have changed suppliers.  They are now back in stock with new colours available - such as Holographic Black and a lovely Metallic Purple.

Follow the link above to see the new colours - priced from 60p per metre (just click on the product heading on the website to see the quantity discounts.

When used with Friendly Plastic lovely effects can be achieved for either card-marking or jewellery.  Very easy to achieve - just warm the Friendly Plastic, then lay a piece of sequin waste on the top.  Push in a metal cutter (this acts as a template) and the lift them and push from underneath so that the plastic goes through the holes of the sequin waste.  It will also 'dome' the piece at the same time.  It is best to work on tin foil as this is flexible enough to give way when you push up - it also helps to protect the thumbs!!!  Just one last thing - leave the cutter in until it has gone completely cold.  You can then safely remove the cutter.  You will need to trim around with scissors as the cutter will not cut through the sequin waste.  Have fun!!

Friendly Plastic Art Deco Brooch

When I was at Brighton the other week-end I saw that I had quite a few triangular scraps in my box and decided it was time I did something with them.  I thought a brooch would be a nice idea, which you can see below.

Having made it I used what I believe to be the most secure way to add the brooch back.  I softened a scrap piece of Friendly Plastic and pushed the brooch fastening well into it, and then left it to go totally cold.  When cold I just flashed the back of the brooch and the back of the piece with the fitting on, with the heat gun.  You will see the black go glossy and that is sufficient.  Then just put the back of the brooch to the back of the fitting and job done - the Friendly Plastic will fuse together making a permanent bond.  Have a look through your scrap box and see what you can make from your waste.

General Exhibiton Info

Well I think it is time for a little bit of a catch-up now the Spring Exhibition season has ended.  I am not out now until July when I am at Doncaster Racecourse on 14th & 15th with Stephanie Weightman (ex Create & Craft and now QVC). 

As usual it has been a very busy run of shows, which on the whole have proved to be successful.  Looking back there are always a couple of highlights and things that are remembered well.  It is always nice to see other people's work and one highlight was when Jacqui Mansfield brought her work to Maldon in Essex (there are photos earlier in this blog). 

For the first time at Olympia 4 of us rented an apartment (in Battersea).  Bit of a hastle travelling but one of our party (Mike of Linden Lady Chocolates) is a brilliant Chef for us!  We go prepared with the wine and he arrives with the food - it all seems to work very well.  The only worrying thing was that when any of us touched the dishwasher we had an electric shock.  I telephoned to complain and they actually said - yes, you will get a shock if you are touching the sink at the same time!  I was so taken aback I could not say anything.  After that we reverted to manual washing-up!  Needless to say we will find somewhere else next year.

I was a little disappointed at Belfast because I was hoping to go to the Titanic exhibition.  However due to problems at the Hall it was not ready for us and we could not get in until just before lunch.  We did however go for a drive after we finished the Show on one evening and I was able to get some photos - mostly taken from inside the van.  I am not normally a fan of modern sculpture but I was really impressed by the spherical structure - according to a local taxi driver nicknamed "the balls on the Falls".

The exterior of the Titanic Exhbition Building (I'll try again next year to get there)

These are photos of The Crown, which is right in the centre of Belfast opposite The Europa Hotel.  Its brilliant as it still has the original panelled cubicles - don't miss going there if you are in Belfast.  By the way, yes, one of the drinks on the table is mine!!

Then came Shepton Mallet where I made a new friend - of the 4 legged variety.  One regular visit each year is a special treat to a particular restaurant.  It is in Frome, Somerset and is really in the owners private house - downstairs is devoted to a small cosy bar area and separate restaurant looking out over their back garden.  Luigi (who is Italian) is the Chef and his wife Susan looks after the restaurant.  The food is lovely and if you are in Frome pay a visit - it is called La Bisalta.   You need to be cat friendly though as the 2 cats have the run of the place!

Last of the season was Brighton.  I had hoped for some nice weather for Brighton - particularly with the show changing dates from February to May.  However, Tues - Thurs it was more like February!  On the Friday it was a nice day and of course when we had to leave on Saturday it was lovely and Brighton seafront was packed.  When it came to Brighton I really did not fancy an early morning start so I cheated and left a day earlier.  This turned out to be a bonus though as I was able to unload the van on the Tuesday so on Weds all I had to do was set the start up and finish earlier!   At the back of my head I had already the thought of going to Brighton Pavilion.  I remembered going many years ago with my Parents when I was  little - needless to say I could not remember much at all about it.  I was really glad to make the effort to go and think it was the best £10 I have spent in a long while.  So stunning inside.  It is a shame interior photos are not allowed but I can understand why, so I only have exterior shots.

Now that I think brings my travels up to date! 
Now to return to Friendly Plastic.  I have some photos to do of new items which I will post in due course.

Friendly Plastic - Discontinued news
Unfortunately I have heard that the White Friendly Plastic is now discontinued.  Whilst I do have limited stocks, there is not a lot and the UK Supplier does not have any more stock left.  The prices of Friendly Plastic will also be rising on Monday (21st May) so if you are thinking of order now is the best time to do it.

3D Dimensional Medium for Mixed Media

I have only recently taken on, and been working with this product and I love it.  It is a 3 Dimensional Medium which when heated with the heat gun expands to produce brilliant 3D texture.  The sample photos show it 'splodged' at random onto Lutradur and then heated to cause the 3D and also distress the Lutradur.  I have then heated some Friendly Plastic and pushed the Lutradur into it - and it gives the impression that the Friendly Plastic has 'splashed' onto the surface (the Burnt Orange at the top left and the Deep Red at the bottom right of the top photo).

I coloured the piece after I had heated the 3D Medium on the Lutradur, using Shimmer Sprays (which I will be taking into stock in due course).  I then highlighted the 3D Medium with the Multi Surface Paints.  By the way if you want to build up very thick layers it is a good idea to build up several thin layers - heating between each layer.  It can also be stitched 24 hours after curing and also hand washed.  (Instructions are on the side of the pot)

I am currently working with the 3D Medium directly onto a canvas (the box canvas type).  When it is finished I will post the photo for you to see (but I cannot say how long that will be!!!)  And, by the way, it is not just restricted to fabrics/canvas it also works well on paper and card, and through stencils if you want a regular image.

Friendly Plastic with Cloud Clay

I made this Ball Pendant recently (during the last run of exhibitions) and the same practice would work equally well for beads.  The centre of the pendant is Cloud Clay which I have then painted with the Multi-Surface Paints.  Cloud Clay works particularly well for the centres of beads/pendants because even when it has hardened over 24 hours it is still very easy to push a hole through it.  I then heated some small strips of Friendly Plastic onto the ball and as it softened it took the shape of the ball.  Finally I added a few strips of peel-offs to add a little sparkle!  The ball was completed by adding an bead end cap top and bottom to push the pin though and make the hanging loop.  I have just realised that these would make very striking and economical Christmas Tree Decorations - I think I will now make some more to hang around the fascia of my Exhibitions Stand!

Molten Designs at Malden, Essex

This show has moved about a little - from originally Excel, to Braintree last year and then Malden this year.  I did wonder at first where I was going when I arrived to set up the show on the Wednesday (it seemed to be in the middle of nowhere) and on arriving things did not get better.  I was greeted by the Electrician saying he had not been able to do my socket because he could not find my stand - and neither could I!!!  However we did not panic and the problem was sorted out - but apologies to those who tried to find me on the invisible stand E06.

However my initial fears were quickly dispelled - what a busy show it was.  Thursday was a little on the quiet side but the Friday and Saturday were very busy.  Many people had not visited a retail craft/stitching show before and absolutely loved it.  I know there were a few parking problems with it being so busy, but I have every confidence the organisers will pay attention to this problem for next year.

One of the highlights of the exhibition for me was when one of my regular customers visited me and brought some of her work to show me.  I was overwhelmed by it and here are a couple of photos.  Many thanks for bringing in your work Jacqui.  Jacqui's mixed media work, incorporating Friendly Plastic, is superb.  She does undertake commissions, at I might add a very reasonable cost.  If anybody would like a commission let me know and I will put in contact with her.

Mixed Media work by Jacqui Mansfield incorporating Friendly Plastic and other mediums

Over the course of the exhibition 3 of us took the opportunity to say with friends (from the exhibition world) as they only lived about half an hour away.  Many thanks to them for their hospitality and relaxing evenings - good food and wine was enjoyed by all.  On the Friday evening of the show as were driving back I could not help myself saying 'stop the van' so I could take the following photo of a beautiful sunset over the reservoir.

Finally when the exhibition closed on the Saturday night the 3 of use drove to Coventry (not quite in convoy) where we stayed the night before visiting the Stitches Trade Show as visitors on the Sunday at the NEC.  From a lovely sunset on Friday to a very cold iced morning on the Sunday.  I could not resist trying to capture the pretty ice patterns on my van windscreen.