Our areas of Expertise

[Former_Member]

Crochetgal started a Techniques and Materials thread which is an excellent idea. So I thought we could have a thread where we just give a hint of what we know. We all know more than we even imagine, as we see questions that we can answer. We're not limited by anything other than time to learn even more!

My sewing experience and fabric knowledge goes back more than 50 years. Technique, a little about machines including sergers, materials from silk and nylon to early rayon and present-day polyester faux fur.
Where to get such things in LA. Lace and ric-rac and all those non-vintage "vintage" buttons. How to make a bound buttonhole. stuff like that.

Of course there's a lot more, but I just thought I'd start with that.

[Former_Member]

Need coffee! This thread as a companion to Techniques & Materials. As a snapshot of knowledge, an Index, not really a question thread.

[Former_Member]

What do I know? Well, I do intuitive readings including some you can order through my shop ~ I've been crocheting since I was about 10 years old (that's over half a century with a crochet hook in my hand ;) ~ I'm also a mixed-media collage artist getting into digital art ~ and I write pretty dang well, too ;) I've had a career in conservation and natural resource management with the US Forest Service, and I'm a political junkie ...

Long story short: I'm just a Renaissance woman ;)


Blog:
http://jan4geo-glow.blogspot.com

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[ClosetGothic]

I'm a graphic designer by trade - have been for since Adam was a boy - so can help out with design technique related questions.

[ClosetGothic]

Also a general know-all :/

[Paperika]

Hm, I have been a scrapbooker since 2003. It was probably around 2004 or 2005 that I started making cards. I am familiar with tons of scrapbooking techniques, such as paper tearing(yeah it's simple but still it's a technique), color blocking, and a few others that happen to be escaping me at the moment.

Also, I do have knowledge of stamping and some techniques too. I can tell you the difference between pigment, dye and alcohol inks. I can tell you about masking, 2 step stamping (admittedly I haven't tried it yet), and some other techniques.

I also know that this is more related to graphics design, and also for photography, but I do use the rule of thirds when I create my layouts and cards! Can't think of anything else right now!

[miascloset]

I specialize in dogs..and dog stuff.

[simplestitches101]

I know sewing, bag making and quilting. I'm also in the process of opening a B&M quilt and yarn shop, and I've learned tons in the last month about taking the next step with your business.

[miascloset]

Just have to say...Paperika, your cards are awesome!

[Former_Member]

Hello, Runz! I'm here too. (Can I join as allthepreciousthings too??)
I'm also a lifetime sewing addict :)

[Former_Member]

I have sewing experience related to my business... I also have a fair amount of business experience based on previous work experience. As it relates to taxes, i CANNOT help you.

Where I'm likely most helpful is FERTILITY since that's what my degrees and work experience are in. You'd be surprised how useful that is on the Etsy forums. :)

[Former_Member]

I have a lot of book binding experience but I haven't been selling for very long!
Also if anyone has any paper related questions, I'm pretty much the paper encyclopedia. lol.

[Former_Member]

Hi everyone!

My area of expertise is also sewing. I ran a small couturier shop for years, specializing in really (and I mean crazy) high end fashion. Ironically my work pushed me away from fancy sewing and I developed a deeper interest and passion for more sustainable design that is easy on labor but heavier on problem solving. Which is why nowadays I am into laser cutting non-wovens and making home decor. So if anyone needs advice on either feel free to convo me. Im also a pretty good cook, I would be a chef if I had to do it all over again :)

My weakness is marketing and promotion. That's where I am always waiting for someone to come and rescue me.

[lv2cr8]

Oh boy I am a heinz. As in I have many hobbies, but all have taken a back burner to wire wrapping.

I have been creating cards for twenty years with stamps and such and scrapbboking for fourteen years. I can sew (used to sew my own clothes) and use to be a crosstitching addict. I knit, but just basic things like afghans, simple socks and hats.

If you are going to ask me anything right now it would be wire wrapping since that is where my head is at.

[Former_Member]

Hello! My craft room is insane because I do so many different arts and crafts.

Paper crafting - This is my bread and butter these days. I have been working with paper since early childhood. Collage, cardmaking, die cutting, scrapbooking, embellishment making, rubber stamping - All kinds of stuff. I am crazy about technique. I will spend hours on one card. I experiment with many techniques and variations, because I just love playing with materials. I usually make a mess in my room, but it's my room so I can do what I want. ^_^ Stamps, inks, embossing techniques, sewing paper - I try to learn as many new tricks as possible!

Sewing - I am self-taught. I have learned by tutorials and vintage sewing books. I would consider myself above beginner in general. Most of my sewing has either been quilting or accessories. I am working on teaching myself to make clothes using patterns. I find patterns incredibly difficult, though. I am more of a tutorial gal, lol. But hey, I'm trying!

Cross stitching - I have been cross stitching since my aunt taught me when I was in junior high. I am not constantly actively working on a project, but I do love it and work on it when other projects allow me to. I have experimented with using cross stitch in conjunction with my quilting. Much fun. I also do some other general embroidery work.

Painting - I use primarily acrylics, although I also work with watercolor. I do not work with oils, although I have long wanted to learn. Maybe someday.

Jewelry - I have dabbled a little bit into jewelry. Getting into it more heavily is on my todo list.

General craftiness - I will try to make anything and everything, lol. In the past I have also done ceramic work, stone carving, floral design, basket weaving, photography (*developing your work in a dark room type of stuff, back in college*), zinc plate etching (*again, college*), and all kinds of other stuff. I have crafty ADHD - I want to do and try EVERYTHING. Bookmaking is also on my todo list.

Our home is a money pit, but we are slowly turning it into our dream home. (*VERY SLOWLY*) We have been doing most of the renovations ourselves, outside of true "save it for the professionals" type work (*windows, siding, major plumbing, new roof, etc.*). However, I am handy with a miter saw, a cordless drill, and a plethora of other power tools and regular tools. I have done electrical work, minor plumbing work, crown molding installation, door installation, plus the usual sheet rock repair, texturing, painting (*latex and enamel work*), etc. I wear the tool belt in this house! lol ^_^

[LiteMyFuseJewels]

My husband says I'm a know-it-all. But seriously...I've been beading for more than 8 years and fusing glass for more than 6.

I'm also a freelance children's writer -- although that's fallen to the wayside the past couple of years -- but I have a decent amount of publishing knowledge. So if you want to know if you can use a quote from a book in your art...make sure you contact the publishing house of the book to get permission first. Even if the book is no longer in print the publisher may still own the rights.

[Former_Member]

I'm probably the oldest, that means the longest background. Professionally I spent the last of my working years as a national troubleshooter for High End copier equipment with a stint as a commercial technical teacher. I also wrote and developed service procedures and user manuals.
The first part in developmental prototype work.
I do auto restorations with everything except pure upholstery work. I leave that up to the upholsterers. Mechanics, body, engine and painting. I own 5 collector cars and two drivers. An accomplished wood worker up to a point and fairly good at it. I read extensively and my analytical skills have served me well.
I am Crochetgal’s partner and help her when needed.
I have two daughters both who have developed craft and repairs skills to be proud of and I am. I have determined over the years I am lousy at sales, good at fixing things and analytical when it comes to finding problems areas.
And can’t spell worth a dang.
I enjoy the skills of those on Etsy and their stores and as a shopper the experience and I have derived extreme pleasure from the capability of finding products that I can use, want or need.
I am not please with the direction Etsy has been traveling for about the last 18 months but that is another story even if it is part of today.
I don’t know where it is going, I don’t have a crystal ball. Only time will tell, but I am not holding my breath.
Thanks for the invitation.

[Former_Member]

Well..lets see what do I know Southern cooking (you can tell by looking at us), I sew, paper goods (I am teaching my self this so what I do is not as grand as some), in my past life I spent a lot of time working in Corel, I also know an alwful lot about Akitas. I don't think that will come in to much use here but you never know. Retail is my real line of work or was before retirement. Not sure what else I can say here, but if I think of anything I will add it.

[Former_Member]

Areas of expertise... I was a professional seamstress until I finished that degree in Physics, which I never used. I am also handy with all the knitting needles, some of the crochet hooks, and I am a master of saponification!! And, I am also quite skilled at the candy making, which the State of New Mexico says I can only sell out of the trunk of my car, not online. 'Cause that's not safe.

[LoveNYarn]

I'm a yarnoholic. Love yarn of all kinds and knitting. Don't know if I'd really classify myself as an expert, but I've been knitting for over 65 years and love it. Love making custom orders, new things, sweaters, scarfs, mitts, etc. Also sell excess yarns (so I can buy more), patterns, needles, and other supplies. Spent over 30 years sewing, but don't do much of that any more.

[GoTo]

I studied technical theater in college--stage management being my preferred job.

Now I dabble in a number of things but mostly stained glass. And forum chatting. :)

[Former_Member]

I know enough to know how much I don't know, but for experience if not expertise:

Vintage- 30 years experience, and tons of reference books if anyone ever needs a look-up for 'vintage' or an experienced opinion. (2nd career , off-etsy, as a freelance Certified Personal Property Appraiser)

Vintage Buttons- love them and love talking about them and sorting out puzzlers.

Otherwise, Master Gardener, Foster Parent, Hiker/Geocacher, Retired Educator USA & Europe, with a Minor in Commercial/Graphic Art/Adobe Photo Shop, and always willing to help.

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sweetsnthings says:

"....And, I am also quite skilled at the candy making, which the State of New Mexico says I can only sell out of the trunk of my car, not online. 'Cause that's not safe. "
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too funny!....*snort!*

[artinspiredlife]

i am an artist. i am not classically trained i have never been to art school. my mother does a lot of crafts and my father can draw.

on my fathers side, my grandfather; painted, wrote, and made airplanes out of soda and beer cans. i have one aunt who paints for herself and another aunt who teaches art and is very successful. my uncle can draw in a comic strip style. i have two cousins who paint, one is on etsy.

on my mothers side; i have an aunt who owns and runs a very successful art gallery and frame shop.

growing up as a child in this family i honestly saw no difference in learning art or learning to read, walk, talk, etc. i was surrounded by it and it was not unusual.

i paint, draw, and sculpt in all styles and mediums. my favorite is surrealism, and oils, but i am not tied down. the only things in the art world i am not at least a little familiar with are computer arts and using a potters wheel(i would LOVE to learn) i even apprenticed as a tattoo artist! it wasn't for me, made me too nervous and i can't handle the screamers :)

[PugcentricPursuits]

I am devoted to thread crochet and needle crafts in general. I love cross stitch, embroidery, hardanger, needle-woven jewelry--pretty much anything you can do with a needle or hook. The only thing I don't do, but really admire, is tatting.

Also, I have a website I created thru Weebly and can provide assistance with using their service. Weebly is free and has drag and drop templates for creating pages, building a blog, and even has a shopping cart feature.

I also know a little bit of html and can try to help with html code questions too...or at least point you in the right direction.

[Former_Member]

This thread is a terrific idea! (look at all the cross stitch addicts! And hardanger, pugcentric, I'm so impressed!)

I've crafted all my life. I, too am (was?) addicted to cross stitch & other forms of embroidery. I can crochet, but I'm no expert there.
I also sew, paint, & have done some floral arranging - all mostly for my own enjoyment. My artistic "hobby" is altering goodwill finds into wearable art. (My husband usually takes a step back & checks out what I'm wearing before he'll venture out in public with me.)

Professionally, my artwork falls under the blanket category of mixed media. I do collages, jewelry, and mixed media embellished "things" - crosses, vintage coathangers, boxes, etc. So have a pretty broad knowledge of materials - from paper to ink to glue & paint, to fibers, beads, etc. Much of my work involves some form of decoupage.

I also work at Michaels so any questions about stock or prices or sales I can ususaly help with.