Finland Handcrafters Team

DIY from Pinkkis World: Someone's been a very good girl! + a tutorial!

Pinkkis World: Someone's been a very good girl! + a tutorial!:

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I was asked (on my Finnish blog) for a tutorial on how to make jewelry. But since I do it as a business, I don't want to reveal my secrets, even though it's not really that difficult to figure it out how Pinkkis jewelry is made. Anyways, I wanted to make a tutorial of the process anyway! And I wanted to make it my way ;). Here it is.

Pinkkis Jewelry Tutorial

Materials:
One doll house, well equipped
One mischievous doll, preferably Blythe BL, Kozy Kape would be perfect
well lit area
desk

Step 1. Let the doll loose in the well-equipped doll house. Let her do whatever she wants. She's going to make a mess, that's for sure. But don't worry about that right now. You'll have time to clean up afterwards.

Step 2. Don't interrupt the doll! She knows what she's doing. It might look like she's ruining other dolls' tea party, but don't worry about that. You can comfort the other dolls later on. Buy them some clothes or something. They will be okay.

Step 3. DO NOT INTERRUPT HER. SHE KNOWS WHAT SHE IS DOING! It know it may not look like it, but just trust her this one time.

Step 4. Arrange her desk in a well-lit area. Make sure she's got everything she needs: glue, tools, beads and so on.

Step 5. Admire her little hands as she does her magic

Step 6. Ta-daa! Jewelry is done! Good job Polly!!

Have a beautiful and creative Wednesday!

xoxo,

Raisa

How to make a polymer clay cat bookmark by Nelli Kivinen

Nelli Kivinen shares with Finland Handcrafters Team this amazing tutorial posted on her Blog about how to make amazing polymer clay bookmarks. Enjoy!

Original post: http://nellinshoppi.blogspot.fi/2012/08/how-to-make-polymer-clay-cat-bookmark.html

Follow Nelli on Facebook here!

Here is how I make my polymer clay cat bookmarks, step by step:

Materials and tools that you need to make this:

Polymer clay

Toothpick or similar stick

Baking paper (to cover surfaces)

Lacquer (I use waterproof lacquer that takes 30 minutes to dry)

Your choice paper (I used orange, pink and golden papers as in the picture above.)

1-1,5mm thick cardboard (2 pieces, one for molding the cat, other for the bookmark itself)

Super glue

Paper glue or Erikeeper

Brush for the lacquer (and glue is you use Erikeeper)

Book (to help drying the cats)

For the cat you need polymer clay, wooden stick and
some thick cardboard.

Make a ball out of polymer clay. If the ball is
too big, the cat will be fat
if it is too small then it will be harder
to handle.

Slowly make the ball longer and evenly thick.

Slowly bend the clay and make it longer, while
keeping it evenly thick.

This is how it should look like now.

Pinch the ends of he clay with your fingers to
make small legs for the cat.

The legs should look like this.

Both side legs done.

Now attach the cat to the cardboard
and press the legs a bit so it
keeps the body still and stuck
on the cardboard.

Measure a small ball of polymer clay that is
the right size for the head.

Shape the head for the cat by hand. I like
to keep them simple.

Use the stick to attach the head to
make sure it sticks well.

Measure a tail for the cat. I like
them quite long.

You can model the tail like this to
see if it's a good size.

Shape the tail of the cat.

Use the stick again to attach the tail properly.

Remove the cat carefully from the
cardboard and it is ready!
If you can't remove your cat from
the cardboard, don't panic.
Put the cat in the fridge or freezer for a while
(15min) and it will be easier to take off.

This time I made four cats.

Bake the cats like it says in the polymer
clay instructions.
(I bake them for 30 minutes in 130 celsius)

I sand all my creations to remove the fingerprints
and other marks I don't want in the cats.

Sanding makes the polymer clay grey.

Difference between sanded and not sanded cat.
After sanding the cats its time to put the lacquer on.

You need a book, thick card board, brush and lacquer.

Use the cardboard when you paint the lacquer
on so you don't leave fingerprints on the cat.
Put 2 or 3 layers of the lacquer to
make it nice and shiny.

Use the book to leave them dry like this.

This is how my four cats looked like
after all the layers of lacquer.

You need cardboard for the bookmarks,
paper glue or Erikeeper
(I watered the erikeeper down about 50/50)
brush, your choice colored or patterned paper.

Put glue on one side of the cardboard
and glue it to the paper. make sure
there's no wrinkles. Then cut out with
scissors and make the other side too.

Use superglue to attach the cat onto the cardboard.

Done!

You can see more of my bookmarks and buy them here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/NellinShoppi?section_id=11767307

Yarn Creations from Sofia Sobeide

This is NOT your grandmother's crochet! Sofia from Sofia Sobeide has a fresh approach to her yarn creations. This young designer from Turku breathes fresh air into every piece she works on through her choice of yarns, colors, and patterns. She works hard to make wearable, fun products of a high quality that still have a cute twist to them.

She can keep you warm and cozy with soft, cuddly snoods, cowls, gloves and scarves. Yes, it is spring but the days are still cool here in Finland and scarves are worn pretty much year round. This lovely lacy scarf can be worn in different ways, and will definitely chase out the chill in the air and your heart.

Lacy Purple Scarf from Sofia Sobeide

Maybe you want something more whimsical or spring like? This lovely skinny scarf with its bright crocheted flowers just might do the trick and it will take you well into summer.

Skinny Scarflette with Flowers from Sofia Sobeide

How about something fun and bright? Sofia has this delightful big red bow on a soft cowl. She has thoughtfully attached vintage buttons to it so that you can adjust the length and wear it as a cowl or a headband.

Sofia Sobeide's Bright Red Bow Headband/Cowl

Sofia also has a knack for those fun amigurumi (think small animals in crocheted yarn) creatures. She has a growing collection of bears, birds, dragons and more. Some have been made into soft baby toys or rattles. Others are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. What baby would not enjoy this colorful snake? She also has patterns for sale.

Amigurumi Snake by Sofia Sobeide

She will help you decorate your home with pretty garlands, practical items for your kitchen, and a whole separate store of jewelry. All in all, this is one busy, talented artisan that you will want to visit again and again. We do hope you will enjoy her works.

Shop: Sofia Sobeide
Jewelry Shop: Sofia Sobeide Jewelry
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'Tis a Season with a Reason

Spring is slowly coming to Finland, and our thoughts are turning to flowers, Spring, and oh yes, EASTER! This is the season of rebirth, of freshness, and for many of reflection.

It's time put alway the drab old clothes and step out in beautiful new colors and accessories. We have a new member to our team that really understands what we all love at this time of year. Anna Matilainen paints her generously large silk scarves with the prettiest spring colors. Though she has custom knit cowls and scarves, it is her silk scarves that seem to satisfy the need for brightness the most.

Great for Spring!

Shop: AnnaMatilainenDesign

Anna's lovely scarves need pretty earrings to set them off, and Marina from Marina's Wishes has several delightful choices. These lovely iridescent white mother of pearl earrings will go with so many spring outfits without being a distraction. Not only are they gorgeous, but they are also free of nickel,lead, mercury and cadmium.

Iridescent White Mother of Pearl Earrings from Marina's Wishes

Shop: Marina's Wishes

This is also the season to muse or sketch. Sasha Kretova from Paper Plane Stationery has made a sweet floral book from 100% recycled materials and then hand-bound this book with a vintage floral fabric along the spine. What a perfect place to write your spring memories or even press flowers! It's a perfect size for your creative needs and yet still fits into a medium-sized bag.

Floral Bound Journal from Paper Plane Stationery

Shop: Paper Plane Stationery

Elina Mäntylä of ValonaDesign has a whole different perspective on Easter and has crafted this unique and powerful Crown of Thorns candle holder. Her listing tells the story, "I came up with the idea of crown of thorns -candle holder years ago when I first got interested in rusty barbed wire at my grandparents farm. It shocked me to realize that something that strong came out in my hands so lightly. This happened on Easter time. I felt that I understood little more of the Easter because of the process. It seems that by creating things I sometimes get more understanding."

Crown of Thorns Candleholder from ValonaDesign

While there is a deeply religious meaning to this candle holder, there is also a wonderful rustic air. It would be as much at home gracing your Easter dining room walls as it would in any casual western-themed room anywhere.

Shop: ValonaDesign

These are but a few of the spring and Easter items available from the Finland Handcrafters Team. We are a growing group of over 100 artisans based in Finland. Drop by and visit, shop, and enjoy!

Beanie on Helina - A Touch of Whimsy

Beanie on Helina is proof positive that well-crafted, sustainable lifestyle products don't have to be dull and boring. Kaisa Erkkilä works hard to combine good quality craftsmanship with great design and usability and adds just a touch of whimsy. She uses a lot of linen in her work. If you know this fabric, you also know that it just gets softer and more supple with every use. Her colors are a gorgeous range of neutrals with just enough color thrown in to keep things lively.

Delicious handcrafted turquoise linen pillowcover

This roomy, practical tote bag will certainly brighten your day as well as help you lug those groceries home. Who says functional has to be dull and boring?

A whimsical tote bag featuring a Couple of Pears

The pictures of each of her items are great. You can really see the detail and quality of each of her products right along with the passion and attention to detail.
One more touch of whimsy - the name! Kaisa says, "My shop name derives from a story from my childhood. When I was little girl I had a lovely pink beanie crocheted by my mom. I was quite a temperamental child and according to my dad, you could tell the mood I was in by the position of my beanie (if I was moody it was tilted, if I was happy it was on the back of my head...etc.) Also, my middle name is Helina." From her elegant designs and solid craftsmanship, her beanie is on the back of her head these days.

Kaisa has a regular website with beautiful pictures of her work along with a blog, written in both Finnish and English. Both are relaxing ventures into soft tones and just a bit of fun.

Beanie on Helina Website
Blog
Etsy shop

Buttoned jewelry: Featured seller InkaFinland

Nappikorvakoru is a Finnish term for a stud earring. However, the terms straightforward translation would be “a button earring”. This little sidenote comes to mind when looking at Inka’s cute creations. Her lovely Etsy shop InkaFinland is filled with sweet jewelry made out of buttons as well as resin and glass beads.

Crafting and craftsmanship comes naturally to Inka, who is an educated clothing artisan. The crafting bug bit the jewelry maker early on as she used to sew Barbie’s clothes with her granny’s sewing machine. Through the years she’s come to love jewelry making the most. “I started my Etsy shop five years ago encouraged by my friends. At first I made and sold little pouches and bags. Since then, I’ve got busier and now it’s more convenient to craft only jewelry; it’s quick to make and in a flash I’ll get new items in my shop. But who knows, someday I may go back to bag-making.”

The talented artisan get’s inspired by 80’s and 90’music, bright colors, stripes and polka dots and obviously by buttons. “I even have three buttons tattooed on my arm!” In addition, friend’s interest in her creations gives Inka a major inspiration.

Inka feels that the best thing about Etsy is meeting your peers. “I also love to take photos of products and list new items. And of course, constantly create new jewelry. It was also quite cool to end up on the front page of Etsy! “