Monday, August 30, 2010
Have no fear....
Toolbox : Corner Rounding Punch
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Material : Tie dye Duck Tape
Monday, August 16, 2010
Question : Making link buttons
Thursday, August 12, 2010
CRITIQUE: Scrap Feather Headbands
- This is a fall/winter product. I've wanted to create some new products that didn't scream tie-dye. Most of my current product is very loud (color). I'm worried that I am narrowing my market. The base of the feather is still created using leftover scraps from my tie-dye shoulder bags, but I wanted to incorporate other elements into the design to make it different enough to appeal to people who aren't necessarily attracted to tie-dye.
- It has to be made from at least 50% recycled materials. I recently became a member of Trillium Artisans, a local nonprofit that supports people with small crafty businesses. So far, the only product they are currently helping me sell are my God's Eye Pins (because they are over 50% recycled). I submitted these headbands to their product review board last week and they did not pass. Below is the feedback they gave me (click on image to enlarge).
The fabric and thread used are all scrap/thrifted. But the suede lace and elastic is new (which they say makes it only 30% recycled). They also didn't like how I finished the leather braid with fabric and glue.
They also didn't like that the edges of the feather are raw, and will eventually fray. I actually like this about the design. I think that some fraying fits with the idea of an actual feather and would still look nice.
So... what do you think? Here are some possible solutions I've been thinking over:
- Change the leather braid to a scrap fabric braid. (I don't have a clue as to how I'd find a source for enough scrap/thrifted suede lace).
- Change the fabric/glue on the ends to string wrapped around tight?
- Use better elastic (also try to find as much thrifted elastic as possible)
Any other suggestions? What do you think of the design as a whole? Would you wear one? Do you think that the fraying of the feather over time would be bad? Any help/feedback would be great! Thanks
♥ Rachel
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Critique : What's wrong with this blog?
Welcome! I thought a good way to start this Adventure was a review of the blog design. True to everything I've written here, I am now sick of staring at it. Do you see any bugs, spelling errors, or things that can be improved upon?
Our Contributors
Kat Duke
The best that Adventures can bring
Adventures in Design is here to address the fact that…
Sometimes you are too close to see that something is just a tiny bit “off.” Sometimes you might have overlooked a minor detail, or a huge one. Did you misspell a word? Leave out a letter? Miss a stitch? Break your template?
Sometimes you just don’t know how to finish a project. What tool should you use? What’s the best glue? Is there a program or code to do it easier?
Sometimes you are busting to share a finished project with people who can appreciate it. Sometimes you find something great in a place no one would think to look.
You will make this site (and each other) better by-
Sending your questions, problems and inquiries of all sorts.
Sending your projects to be looked at by the group.
Giving your feedback on each of the things above in the comment section of each post.
Sharing your resources for better answers, information, and inspiration.
Whether you are just getting started (with a project, a business, or a concept) or you are already in the throes, we are here to help and support you along the way. Please don’t censor your questions and suggestions– we want to see it all.
As I have said, this blog is an experiment, and it’s the addition of new topics and people that will make it a success.
A little bit about “Design Mommy”
Adventures in Making will always be “Design Mommy” in my head, and it will always be spoken in the voice of Rachel B. It all started long ago (I am an older sister and programmed to give my opinion) but what you really need to hear about is the seedling. I apologize for all the personal pronouns- but until this site it launched it's just an idea in my head. It is y'all who will make it great.
I was an avid critic in my design courses. I don’t think everyone appreciated it. I always got the most excited about projects that had obvious merit and just needed a little tweak. Outside of school I worked in jobs that would allow me to interact with people and give suggestions. I preferred creative outlets - fabric and paper stores for instance.
Finally, I was called “Design Mommy” by coworkers at my design job because of my willingness to give criticism and advice.
All of this implies I’m pretty perfect.
Well, here’s the secret. Every time someone asked me a question, it was like a puzzle. They had the pieces, and all I had to do was put them together properly. They did most of the work, and all I had to do was a little creative thinking, research, or opinion giving. (It’s cheating really.)
The best part: I learned a little something. I got a little inspired.
***
When I left my job about a year ago, I immediately missed the day-to-day interactions with creative people of all sorts. It’s easy to sit at home doing freelance and independent projects and forget that you need that daily infusion of outside help and inspiration. It’s easy to get stuck on those projects and end up with something you really don’t like.
So I came up with the idea of a blog community filled with all kinds of creative minds who are willing to look things over and address challenges while inspiring and supporting each other. Each time we help each other we are helping ourselves become more rounded and more inventive.
This blog is an experiment, but I have a feeling it could be great.