tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5566487577733326522024-02-06T19:35:20.213-08:00Block Print Me33 questionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16666730098950911948noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556648757773332652.post-7790390440859630452012-06-23T12:43:00.002-07:002012-07-15T14:24:16.874-07:00Simplifying Production<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Over the last couple of weeks, my new corner of the studio has evolved into such an efficient work area. <br />
I have actual files for <i>everything. </i>Bottom drawer = personal stuff, including my long lost college transcripts. Top drawer = everything Museware. It's a much improved collection of design, marketing, licensing, web site and showroom stuff. I've relocated my stamp making equipment from next to the sink to next to my computer, cutting miles off of my stamp-making-machine commute. <br />
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This is the view from my new area. I love it over here! The light is great and I don't have my back turned to everyone all day. Most of the 8' length of my desk is taken up by my technology, but this giant 5x8 table is completely free. Everything that once lived here is now on Nicole's Mobil Painting Unit, seen here in action.<br />
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We spent last week implementing the seriously <i>awesome</i> idea I discovered while researching block printing: Mounting our stamps on Plexiglas. Our 2nd most popular wedding platter takes forever to paint. It includes 14 individual painted and placed design elements. We've reduced that to five. The simple change cut labor on almost half our our designs by more than 1/2. Whoo hoo! We're all starry eyed over here! Shorter production time reduces costs, which is really good for the bottom line. It also reduces lead time, which is really good for business.<br />
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I do need to put some bragging on that stainless shelf on the production table. This is half of one of our glaze racks. It's strong enough to hold stock, tall enough to see through, stores everything we need and perfectly holds and displays our work orders. Work orders used to sit underneath each piece, forcing us to pick up the item in order to read the instructions and again to check accuracy. Every minute we save on production goes right to the bottom line. We're feeling kinda brilliant. <br />
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<br />33 questionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16666730098950911948noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556648757773332652.post-4949173060222143672012-06-02T10:54:00.000-07:002012-06-26T05:31:22.654-07:00Workspace Redesign<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVM6a25EHWBFxJrrne2Eu-hm-3OME6vvzLlcaK5PAfQ0hmYw0okND7k4TafSR9EE5aA1Eo8FKdGu9vUVZr2CyGw_NXHmU2r6tRDZr469rtbSQMAMO6Hb4TctwFigLYOsJ_VOiq7gnPUmI/s640/SAM_1368.JPG" width="640" /> Last week, I moved across the studio and took over Nicole's desk. It took the entire week. That's my new stand-up station on the end. I've spent every day, all day, for years - on my ass in front of a computer screen. Because heart disease & stroke are for other people. Now, I'm on my feet all day. It's 8 feet to my printer. My feet are killing me at the end of the day. It's awesome. </div>
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The plan was to move Nicole out of this space and into my desk. Even though it's way more space than she needs, it seemed a logical choice. After a full week of moving, rewiring, reconnecting and re-conceiving, I realized there was no way I was going to fit me and our textile factory in my new corner. I started eyeballing Nicole's new desk. When I told her I had decided to make it the stitching area, she looked so downcast and homeless that I knew I was going to have to make it up to her. </div>
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Keeping this desk meant that I did not have to clean out these full wall cabinets. With the exception of my vintage 1976 Kenmore machine (which I seriously found on the side of the road and it totally works) all of my sewing stuff from home has been relocated here. Which means I can walk through my living room once again. See the singer box? It's a serger on loan from my talented altered clothing friend <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ofishel-Designs/141272065915586" target="_blank">Diane Fishel</a>. So that the inside of my pillow covers will look pretty. </div>
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This wall used to house my 6' x 6' design library shelf. The library part took up a couple of shelves. The rest was an impenetrable wall of fabric, tiles, art supplies and junk. The shelf has been relocated to admin - the junk, to the shelf in my area. The displaced admin desk is now Nicole's new desk. I even moved our raggedy Ficus trees over there. They hang over her monitor like she's sitting on a veranda. Same with the chair. It's a very pleasant space. I surprised her with it when she came back from the long Memorial day weekend. When Sara saw it, she smiled and said, "Now all she needs is a frosty beverage." </div>
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<img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG9zxQbBTQqHeRlTq3D9w3xnRUD5BlStAJlHOt0awNRyZAaaLl-0ozvKDVa_9VhsumMFfm4MAE4DcmhK05-pnFHTzZfOvTqMvkorb-uo4N5XlKePepF-DBWdN-Xi0BpiXsdVGzMQPUPyM/s640/nr_2.jpg" width="640" />Here's my Number One, Nicole, sitting on her veranda. She's worked for me for years and this is the coolest space she's ever had. She even has her own printer. And, her phone and mouse are on the left hand side. You can't see it, but there's a frosty glass of iced coffee sitting on the counter. She's all happy and shit. Which makes me happy. Here sits the most loyal, hardworking employee/friend one could ask for. Lucky me. </div>
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<br />33 questionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16666730098950911948noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556648757773332652.post-10466899169729404732012-05-19T12:41:00.004-07:002016-06-09T04:44:35.278-07:00Sketching with Wacom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I can't face rearranging my printing area today. In order for me to set it up, I have to tear everything down. Which means I have to get dirty. My 39 year high school reunion is tonight and I don't want to have to do with a complete style reno before heading out. So that I can see people who knew me only when I was on my worst possible behavior. What fun. <br />
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So instead of keeping with the plan, I'm going with the flow. These silly little birds have been keeping me entertained for days. The top was drawn in my sketch book and edited in PS. The bottom number was born and raised in Photoshop. I sketched it using my very cool <a href="http://www.staples.com/Wacom-Bamboo-Capture-Pen-Tablet-CTH470/product_364781?cid=PS:GooglePLAs:Technology:Wacom_Tablets:364781:CTH470" target="_blank">Wacom Tablet.</a> My sketches have none of the unconscious charm of a child's drawing, though they are childlike. If I'm going to create bad art, I'm going to need to disguise the fact that it's all I'm capable of.<br />
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33 questionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16666730098950911948noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556648757773332652.post-59484884123875888252012-05-18T07:07:00.002-07:002012-06-26T05:22:51.435-07:00Designing with Photoshop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last week, I bought 2 yards of linen/cotton fabric and was sure I'd have a finished pillow by Monday. This did not happen. My tree stamp remains unmounted. And I have not ordered my textile ink. Plus, my print table is so loaded with junk that there's no room to print. Yet. I set printing aside and played with design.<br />
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The plan was to come up with three simple pillow designs that we can personalize. Instead, I got lost in pattern repeat. Using what I learned a couple of weeks ago from <a href="http://www.melsbrushes.co.uk/?p=252" target="_blank">this tutorial</a>, I created this design in Photoshop. I sketched these simple flowers, leaves and dots while watching Gator Boys. Go ahead. Judge me. I've already admitted to Toddlers & Tiaras. It's a short slide to the bottom. <br />
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I am not an artist. My drawings are primitive and uniformed - they call my style naive. I'd be embarrassed for anyone to see my sketch books. When I sketch, I rough out a design in pencil, go over it with my favorite <a href="http://artgraphic.fabercastell.com/products/product_detail.aspx?id=93AE8E0AD021495381C495ADB399EF7D" target="_blank">Faber-Castell B brush point</a>, then erase the pencil. I get great line quality that's easy to edit digitally. I have to
tell you, the silliest drawings take on a whole new life in Photoshop. Filled with color and texture, even bad sketches transform. <br />
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These sketches were pattern filled (edit > define pattern) with collages created created out of color, texture, overlays & even a little bit of clip-art. Once they were filled, I laid them out using the instructions on <a href="http://www.melsbrushes.co.uk/?p=252" target="_blank">this tutorial. </a> Viola! A cool new design. Creating repeats in PS involves cutting and reassembling layouts. Miscalculations result in visible flaws in the repeat. Like the slice running right down the middle of this design?<br />
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Our showroom & outlet is open to the public on the third weekend of each month. We take special order and give studio tours. It's supposed to be 85* this weekend. It will be very quiet. The plan? Rearrange the back corner of the studio. Last week, I was getting a new table. This week? I'm taking over the whole back corner of production. I've 100 pounds of crap to fit in that 50 pound corner, so it won't be pretty. But it will be mine. Mine. All mine.<br />
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After wandering around in circles for a couple of days, I've found a
direction. When we decided to open the showroom, I went on a pillow design
frenzy and made 20 pillows. The fabric store down the road cuts up their sample books
and sells them out of a grocery cart. The pieces are small, none larger than 15
x 15". There's usually enough of a single design to collage into 2, maybe
three pillows. They're all gorgeous, one-of-a-kind and I'd buy one in a heart beat. One of these days I'll put them on Etsy. <br />
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Since I have 18 forms left, I've decided that my first
design project is going to be an 18 x 18" a pillow cover. We do
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5GGN-ZISKQTKXdmqa5J2ssYjO8NM7cFCGyfndWFjN-TUHx1xS5yMja6HVlfpo6ZnUGlXy2JFs27jZIufNwhWnOJMFRn0VC5qxlBSkrK4r7FeBFZxH2Nkc4f2YT8f5deNeFfr2Ho0hbSM/s1600/tree_001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5GGN-ZISKQTKXdmqa5J2ssYjO8NM7cFCGyfndWFjN-TUHx1xS5yMja6HVlfpo6ZnUGlXy2JFs27jZIufNwhWnOJMFRn0VC5qxlBSkrK4r7FeBFZxH2Nkc4f2YT8f5deNeFfr2Ho0hbSM/s640/tree_001.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
I found this <a href="http://www.istockphoto.com/stock-illustration-14015069-mr-mistletoe.php" target="_blank">fun tree design</a> on iStock photo. iStock is a great place to
purchase inexpensive illustrations that translate well into fabric block print
designs. This one will cost me $15. I added the detailed leaves, figuring I
could heat carve the detail just to add a little interest.<br />
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Since the design was so large, I printed it on a couple of
sheets. Gluing the design to the craft foam paper back has turned out to be
brilliant and solves my image transfer dilemma perfectly. There's quite a bit of detail here. I applied the glue
more thoroughly and carefully on the second half and got better results. Giving it a couple of minutes to dry made cutting easier. <br />
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Half way through cutting the tree top, I found that my blade was crapping
out. Don't be lazy and cheap like me and wait until your blade acts up. Replace your blade regularly. By the
time it's dragging, it's already tearing the foam, leaving behind a lousy
edge which means you'll have to carve that piece again, Sheree.<br />
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New blade? Seriously huge improvement. On the first half, I carved around each little branch
and leaf. On the second half, I made a clean cut, chopping off the entire branch, cutting out the small sections separately.
The long cuts were much cleaner than the smaller, stop and go cuts.<br />
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When I was through, I reassembled the whole thing on an 18 x 18"
paper pattern. I'm heading out to the fabric store now to see what I can find.
Tomorrow, I'm going to print a pillow top.<br />
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<br /></div>33 questionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16666730098950911948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556648757773332652.post-580310897270741202012-05-12T11:52:00.004-07:002012-06-26T05:12:22.018-07:00How to Cut a Craft Foam Stamp<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaQpAYeChcO4flas-bPYpTsnfjIE96l08xETXdpja0TV1QvM4dX9lCSVW0lyhAflA6VnXZG36eJraCYRPu-sWOJCe8rgQ-RAyABfTo58xLDbvnpwiB0zPl8W_s0DrCOCK9qrne_WCPUUg/s1600/SAM_1275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaQpAYeChcO4flas-bPYpTsnfjIE96l08xETXdpja0TV1QvM4dX9lCSVW0lyhAflA6VnXZG36eJraCYRPu-sWOJCe8rgQ-RAyABfTo58xLDbvnpwiB0zPl8W_s0DrCOCK9qrne_WCPUUg/s640/SAM_1275.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
1. Join two sheets of self adhesive craft, leaving the paper back on one sheet.<br />
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2. Print your image right reading. Cut away excess paper. Glue stick the back of the image. Adhere face up to the paper side of the foam.<br />
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3. Using a sharp blade, cut out the image. Check the angle of your blade - keep it straight or angled slightly outward. When you're ready to mount the foam to Plexi, peel off the paper image, center and level the stamp on a mat. Center the Plexi over the letter and adhere. I used a regular kitchen rolling pin to apply equal pressure. <br />
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4. Do this 25 more times. Or, be like me and choose a wicked complex image, don't follow instructions and do it your way. Seriously.<br />
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<br />33 questionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16666730098950911948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556648757773332652.post-77895773551722239582012-05-12T10:36:00.003-07:002012-06-26T05:11:39.247-07:00How Not to Cut a Craft Foam Stamp<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR5ILC5JqsACV6iZTWU5s931uEPIKzBHdtzCvXgMD9QEiuvVq6u33wFWUOHnIJmAbSdP8R-SyBLD4XtJR5IXiWo3MSNyRV4mWA-cs8WTUhwN-IkxkCsjDcBgOwXneRtDn0cMubBOS-xmc/s1600/SAM_1271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR5ILC5JqsACV6iZTWU5s931uEPIKzBHdtzCvXgMD9QEiuvVq6u33wFWUOHnIJmAbSdP8R-SyBLD4XtJR5IXiWo3MSNyRV4mWA-cs8WTUhwN-IkxkCsjDcBgOwXneRtDn0cMubBOS-xmc/s640/SAM_1271.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
I just spent the last hour transferring and cutting out this letter. It did not go well. N is for Nope. Nay. Not. <br />
This tangle of yellow foam is all I have left to show for my first cut and mounted letter. Any other person would have chosen a simple letter, but no - I have to pick one with skinny legs and 15 cutouts. <br />
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I printed my letter in reverse, cut away the excess paper and taped the image to the foam side of a single thickness of craft foam. Cutting out the actual letter with a relatively new Exacto blade was pretty easy. Cutting out 15 little sections took forever and the results were clearly the work of a novice.<br />
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The next step was to mount this floppy, sticky contraption onto Plexiglas. Fail. The industrial strength adhesive on the back of this batch of foam made handing, placing & repositioning out of the question. Any attempt caused stretching and tearing. I gave up, pulled as much foam as I could off of the Plexi, rolled it up in a ball and considered plan B.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJqtLgNZ5-ZfZxuN26AeEegEU02VnlLifuy-vcuZ5REc4_0CWdt78xpaVAYz3INugyY1zsdTGTkuq6rEwIZkhexQrYcmHC0Q7ZU_Nf4EJ7Ehe7BalfarRJKTRO2y3iuBuxleKplrgswI/s1600/SAM_1273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJqtLgNZ5-ZfZxuN26AeEegEU02VnlLifuy-vcuZ5REc4_0CWdt78xpaVAYz3INugyY1zsdTGTkuq6rEwIZkhexQrYcmHC0Q7ZU_Nf4EJ7Ehe7BalfarRJKTRO2y3iuBuxleKplrgswI/s640/SAM_1273.JPG" width="640" /></a>This time, I printed the letter right facing and taped it to the paper side of <i>two</i> layers of craft foam. Made the large straight cuts. Wow. This is a nice, firm stamp. The skinny legs don't even flop. This thing will last forever and should be way easier to mount. Kind of like the pros have demonstrated during my research? <br />
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The next challenge was to cut these shapes and not ruin this gorgeous new stamp. I tried heat carving some scrap using two different tips. Both left a ragged edge and created a dubious trail of melt-smoke. I did figure out removing only one layer of foam would result in a recess deep enough to keep from filling with ink when rolled.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9RlO014qxDu77AX2X1Egcuqd6Z4ToCDxhdgfKZmKMkJO-syUS40IaTJQY1hzKLVcKqYKMUsLnQqkJQ0hmON4bmQihnBI6iR26-cTPR8MHD68aj4UVDzxIPKs6THn8b-08EuZudQX4HVg/s1600/mono_n3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9RlO014qxDu77AX2X1Egcuqd6Z4ToCDxhdgfKZmKMkJO-syUS40IaTJQY1hzKLVcKqYKMUsLnQqkJQ0hmON4bmQihnBI6iR26-cTPR8MHD68aj4UVDzxIPKs6THn8b-08EuZudQX4HVg/s640/mono_n3.jpg" width="640" /></a>This time, I used a glue stick to adhere the <i>reversed </i>image to the foam side of the stamp. I cut through one layer (often grabbing two) then peeled off the cuts. Really, if I hadn't been too lazy to look for a new blade, this might have gone better. It took forever and while the results were passable, they were far from professional.<br />
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In our process, every imperfection in a stamp becomes part of the image. I may find that thick and opaque textile inks make this not matter, but I'd rather just learn how to cut a clean stamp. <br />
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Plan C: A simple font. Right facing image attached to the paper backing with a glue stick. Two layers of craft foam. One sharp Exacto blade. TTYL.<br />
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<br />33 questionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16666730098950911948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556648757773332652.post-52187657210182784012012-05-10T11:59:00.000-07:002012-06-26T05:10:55.381-07:00To Russia, With Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello people from Russia. How is that so many of you have found my blog? Visits from your country triple those from the United States.<br />
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Does Block Print Me mean something in Russian that I don't know about? Well, welcome to my blog. I hope you found what you're looking for. Block Print Me. Love, <br />
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<br />33 questionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16666730098950911948noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556648757773332652.post-76947267073064887792012-05-10T11:29:00.002-07:002012-06-26T05:10:09.975-07:00Necessity. The Mother of Invention<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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See this junk covered table? It's the smaller of two production tables and is supposed to be where we personalize our completed designs. I say supposed to because it's been months since it's been used that way. This table is a quick chair roll away from my desk, giving me easy access to it. Which means this is where I pile all manner of junk. My production manager, Nicole, is very gracious about this. She has reconciled herself to working in a fraction of the necessary space and not once has complained about it.<br />
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Nicole has been with me for more than 5 years. She literally runs the show. I could die tomorrow and unless you'd read about it in the paper, you'd never know. She'd just keep on cranking out pottery without blinking a teary eye. She's fricken awesome.<br />
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This incredible woman has helped me grow Museware Pottery from a one woman show to a leader in the hand painted, personalized pottery industry. Over the years, Nicole has watched me revel in great delight as we've grown & collapse in despair when we nearly closed back in 2008. Every step of the way, she's been right by my side - my biggest fan and supporter. <br />
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The point is that no matter what I do, good or bad, on task or so totally off that anyone else would be searching for an ice pick, Nicole is right behind me. So back in January, when I started getting that starry look in my eyes and decided we were opening a showroom & gift shop - she didn't flinch. She ran around cleaning up behind me, bringing me coffee and feeding me lunch while I ran around like Chicken Little. Renovating the studio to make room for this big dream was expensive and time consuming. I was a little bit psycho and a lot stressed out, which means I was not always on my best behavior. Our new showroom opened April 19th, nine days after my 57th birthday. I felt more like 87. The 80+ smiling people who came to our opening loved our new place. Completely worn out, I found a chair and watched it all unfold.<br />
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Because I become so possessed, the completion of any big project always leaves me slightly adrift. I wander around listlessly, lost for purpose and feeling deflated. Without direction, I came in late and left early for an entire week. Sigh. I'd rendered myself redundant. <br />
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I started this blog on April 26th - a week after our opening. All it took was a single image of a <a href="http://blockprintme.blogspot.com/2012/04/how-it-began.html" target="_blank">Galbraith & Paul fabric stamp.</a> Once I'd seen it, my new purpose & product line was determined. Once again, I was a woman on a mission. <br />
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Painting fabric takes a lot of space. And if there is anything we are short of around here, it's space. Every corner of every room is stacked with stuff. Stuff we need. In a way that only The Boss can, I started eyeballing Nicole's table. Because she's my loyal rock, she began colluding with me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMiIWTbQB6bWDnJoSwwX5dJnw1SCljj_Q3ZCkP_oEBQsVJj9fdptVQfDUBsd6RzSWw5j3RIBJhOWnraHuHSG0Yb733AxymY584QWIVnOcR9yzjtzYWq3ctD2B5S2U-g5aKeajrBg6-6k0/s1600/mpu1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMiIWTbQB6bWDnJoSwwX5dJnw1SCljj_Q3ZCkP_oEBQsVJj9fdptVQfDUBsd6RzSWw5j3RIBJhOWnraHuHSG0Yb733AxymY584QWIVnOcR9yzjtzYWq3ctD2B5S2U-g5aKeajrBg6-6k0/s640/mpu1.jpg" width="640" /></a>See this cart? We call this fabulous little invention the EMPU (em-pew.) Our new Emergency Painting Unit houses our fonts, our most commonly used stamps, paint, cleaning stuff - everything needed to personalize every item in our line. It is one of the biggest improvements we've made to our process since we automated ordering last November (totally eliminating Leslie's job.) Because the personalization table was so cluttered with {my} junk, there was no room to actually paint on it. Nicole would stamp out the main design on the big table then stack everything on a cart, roll it over to personalization, do the damn thing, stack it back on the cart then roll it back over for glazing. Huge. Waste. Of. Labor. <br />
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Now, instead of juggling and potentially damaging plates, Nicole drags EMPU around the main table. She is practically giddy with pride and smiles every time she walks past it. And I smile each time I walk past my new, 5 x 8' block printing table. It's still heaped with junk and will be until I'm ready to wrap carpet padding with muslin and start printing me some fabric.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb38MpPhRp6fja2rDoAB4IA_mFkyapolVCmw-w3P5H9fR2EkPtjCbhilPQBuPIIyvWbVwKDbuxkhu8naOAQ5Szf-p4YynWQtdHOFFEpBDZrHpuuOAGsHu-P8vQQwIaMUNZ3Hv73FqFMhM/s1600/sheree_sig_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="76" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb38MpPhRp6fja2rDoAB4IA_mFkyapolVCmw-w3P5H9fR2EkPtjCbhilPQBuPIIyvWbVwKDbuxkhu8naOAQ5Szf-p4YynWQtdHOFFEpBDZrHpuuOAGsHu-P8vQQwIaMUNZ3Hv73FqFMhM/s200/sheree_sig_1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>33 questionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16666730098950911948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556648757773332652.post-22184586738079466282012-05-09T13:26:00.001-07:002012-05-12T16:16:55.401-07:00Fabric Repeats<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMsMyZCyDbWOpF0pCu0079mzC6UhhH4XoSEulL_Quntkg7U9X5TlFObboL75CtCW84u0AOH5fr2bhfvjkGx_CuWAxL07abxRci8QsG0RIfdoRAbekNSZaQgjO4mMzuNzl6aXSDKx_t5q0/s1600/repeat1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMsMyZCyDbWOpF0pCu0079mzC6UhhH4XoSEulL_Quntkg7U9X5TlFObboL75CtCW84u0AOH5fr2bhfvjkGx_CuWAxL07abxRci8QsG0RIfdoRAbekNSZaQgjO4mMzuNzl6aXSDKx_t5q0/s640/repeat1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Well, it's not Picasso but here is my first Photoshop generated pattern repeat. I figured out how to create this by following instructions from <a href="http://www.melsbrushes.co.uk/?p=252" target="_blank">Mel's Brushes.</a> The images are my own hand drawn sketches doodled while watching Law & Order re-runs.<br />
<br />
While I'm a reasonably accomplished designer, I'm a crappy artist. I can make cute little drawings like these, but ask me to make something look <i>real</i> and I'll tell you to <i>get </i>real. Like any skill, the art of drawing is developed only over time and requires motivation coupled with a liberal dose of natural talent. While I may be motivated, my skills lie in other areas. Fortunately for me, most block printed images, at least those that interest me, are based on simple lines and patterns.<br />
<br />
It will be some time before I can translate a repeat like this into a useable block, but I'm beginning to understand the concept. I can also see some texture easily created with my new <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Walnut-Hollow-Creative-Textile-Tool/dp/B000YZ8T9A" target="_blank">Creative Textile Tool. </a>I'll take it home tonight and see what kind of fun stuff I come up with. <br />
<br />33 questionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16666730098950911948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556648757773332652.post-13074597728092022092012-05-08T17:59:00.000-07:002012-06-26T05:08:59.419-07:00Craft Foam Wins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPdl1R3P2ItoPqgq_Bl44A5rdq0IHSRLkY5Tpf8Kz-gOJ4iLOIL-Jrt-G2V4ONWZOsyc-Lb6Ii99e0tWYHFnCLqJI9N2FAYNyvh4GQKju15aI4GIxEBDKcCwGCtAnt_7miVb6i99bo17c/s1600/a_d_galbraith_paul.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPdl1R3P2ItoPqgq_Bl44A5rdq0IHSRLkY5Tpf8Kz-gOJ4iLOIL-Jrt-G2V4ONWZOsyc-Lb6Ii99e0tWYHFnCLqJI9N2FAYNyvh4GQKju15aI4GIxEBDKcCwGCtAnt_7miVb6i99bo17c/s640/a_d_galbraith_paul.jpg" width="397" /></a></div>
In an earlier post, I said the fine lines in this Galbraith & Paul block design must have been made with something other than craft foam. This closeup, unpainted view shows I was wrong. It's also two layers of craft foam, making me doubly wrong. <br />
<br />
So I started wondering why two layers? Even though one layer results in a deeper stamp than any we use at Museware Pottery, there's probably a good reason to use two. First, the fluffy nap of this roller will hold much more paint than the dense foam of our rollers. And more paint means more of an opportunity for excess transfer. If you're printing a single yard, the loss is manageable. But if you're printing a 10 yard order, one 1/2" smudge would ruin the entire run.<br />
<br />
So, I'm back to the cutting mat, learning to perfect a clean, straight sided cut through two layers of craft foam, which is really just another technique to master. That will be the easy part.<br />
<br />
The hard part? Pattern repeat. After 5 days in bed with the flu, I spent the first half of my work day sorting through 100s of emails. The rest was spent trying to understand fabric repeat. I have a lot of learning to do. Photoshop makes creating pattern repeats relatively easy. Translating that understanding into a workable block print - that's another thing entirely. This blog could well go on forever.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb38MpPhRp6fja2rDoAB4IA_mFkyapolVCmw-w3P5H9fR2EkPtjCbhilPQBuPIIyvWbVwKDbuxkhu8naOAQ5Szf-p4YynWQtdHOFFEpBDZrHpuuOAGsHu-P8vQQwIaMUNZ3Hv73FqFMhM/s1600/sheree_sig_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="76" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb38MpPhRp6fja2rDoAB4IA_mFkyapolVCmw-w3P5H9fR2EkPtjCbhilPQBuPIIyvWbVwKDbuxkhu8naOAQ5Szf-p4YynWQtdHOFFEpBDZrHpuuOAGsHu-P8vQQwIaMUNZ3Hv73FqFMhM/s200/sheree_sig_1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>33 questionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16666730098950911948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556648757773332652.post-69688188980045004482012-05-03T07:46:00.000-07:002012-06-26T05:07:29.191-07:00Heat Carving<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGKfvIe44tjtZExniV8B8hhzBOKTUipRKkddXTBxevgdxSnQNglDzwoa6NipTbi4XcVL-u_3qss-qWl_HGCk6eTOGOGDiLKoskK8iJqaIGgG_ZJ73dbUzqTdbWCRK_9Mk0-mTCIG6cQS4/s1600/textiletool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGKfvIe44tjtZExniV8B8hhzBOKTUipRKkddXTBxevgdxSnQNglDzwoa6NipTbi4XcVL-u_3qss-qWl_HGCk6eTOGOGDiLKoskK8iJqaIGgG_ZJ73dbUzqTdbWCRK_9Mk0-mTCIG6cQS4/s200/textiletool.jpg" width="142" /></a></div>
Since the designs keeping me awake at night are large in scale and require more knowledge about block printing than I currently have, I decided to put design & block construction aside to play with a little detail. Using this <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Walnut-Hollow-Creative-Textile-Tool/dp/B000YZ8T9A" target="_blank">Creative Textile Tool. </a><br />
<br />
Last night while watching Toddlers & Tiaras (I know. Shoot me) I pulled this gadget out and plugged it in. While waiting for it to warm up, I learned a little about what it can do. Sort of a cross between a soldering iron and a wood burning tool, this tool can be used to emboss velvet, transfer laser-print images onto fabric, fabric applique, seam pressing, stencil cutting and more. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4hduJ7fuuIlnP8Pkc28v7ujcuRZB5KRmYUnjcze87Jl6bpN9dyLpePS6C0kBqH-jcsN7fMe6QYgxer7hLrVEkRjQsLXJSsgWtskQJA_ldTzpMHk08URMxGahG_vQhUJ5j1poiVs6I99s/s1600/SAM_1223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4hduJ7fuuIlnP8Pkc28v7ujcuRZB5KRmYUnjcze87Jl6bpN9dyLpePS6C0kBqH-jcsN7fMe6QYgxer7hLrVEkRjQsLXJSsgWtskQJA_ldTzpMHk08URMxGahG_vQhUJ5j1poiVs6I99s/s640/SAM_1223.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Since my drawing skills are limited to simple geometric shapes and badly proportioned interpretations, I thought I'd stick to the basics - circles and lines. The first thing I did was grab a large foam dot and melt some little dots into it. Stamped the results on scrap. Smiled. Little effort for a fun effect. <br />
<br />
Lines heat carved into craft foam are not smooth and clean like those made with a blade. Pulling the heat tool through the foam leaves a tattered, kind of jaggy edge that's kind of interesting.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7aAvUuPxw94LJto67Xkkc6b4nFhDwgWvhEKDvlyoj3zsrqpkiMFQkqt42-pC6R56AKnJOt1xQydJ7MU4OXltznbCxjYwPpeiU4iJEtd2nK1IdzZhseL35Zdyrw2EdSwqb7rPUkOYN_QQ/s1600/SAM_1222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7aAvUuPxw94LJto67Xkkc6b4nFhDwgWvhEKDvlyoj3zsrqpkiMFQkqt42-pC6R56AKnJOt1xQydJ7MU4OXltznbCxjYwPpeiU4iJEtd2nK1IdzZhseL35Zdyrw2EdSwqb7rPUkOYN_QQ/s640/SAM_1222.JPG" width="640" /></a>My next remarkable work of art was a square filled with
radiating circles and lines. Don't be jealous of my <br />
skillz. As lame as
it looks, the stamped results were fun and inspirational. The cuts were
deep enough not to fill with paint when rolled. I flipped it over. The cuts went down to the adhesive, but not through it. Which means the element won't fall apart when mounted onto Plexi. <br />
<br />
I've gained a new respect for craft foam in the last days. I have no idea how or what it's made of and hope that when I find out, the knowledge won't accompany a wave of guilt. This cool material can be heated with something as simple as a 75 watt bulb or heat embossing tool, then pressed into just about any textured surface you can think of. Once it cools, the texture remains until heated again. Buttons. Coins. Rubber bands. Corrugated cardboard. This journey just keeps getting cooler every day.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb38MpPhRp6fja2rDoAB4IA_mFkyapolVCmw-w3P5H9fR2EkPtjCbhilPQBuPIIyvWbVwKDbuxkhu8naOAQ5Szf-p4YynWQtdHOFFEpBDZrHpuuOAGsHu-P8vQQwIaMUNZ3Hv73FqFMhM/s1600/sheree_sig_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="76" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb38MpPhRp6fja2rDoAB4IA_mFkyapolVCmw-w3P5H9fR2EkPtjCbhilPQBuPIIyvWbVwKDbuxkhu8naOAQ5Szf-p4YynWQtdHOFFEpBDZrHpuuOAGsHu-P8vQQwIaMUNZ3Hv73FqFMhM/s200/sheree_sig_1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>33 questionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16666730098950911948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556648757773332652.post-87959927828951313772012-05-02T09:28:00.001-07:002012-06-26T05:07:05.249-07:00First Block Print<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZtrS_Dhuesgi2mCjiuHEI7xIT0PeC11D_UrHTqTLmjPEmG7YQ77YWq1d6qgGImCPAcTYKInkfbFy0e4ZZbcsS7NDsfCDt7I4p0h_uCWX_FGQ2rQu4GdfUksWP0Hif6S9S7dGQ9mrbYlc/s1600/first_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH3C0ven-YGekkY2jwPRQKomdoG7xwkkjddEGs_-dnMRPhXbEYqUta-tOnhYZ_iVW2U7EuOWZzcwWpw2ZlGFlz6tk23fYIbGGYzumSWup1pvtHvH6h2Y08xhXb8i7iRuTk6m4-EM1rYa0/s1600/print_1_002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH3C0ven-YGekkY2jwPRQKomdoG7xwkkjddEGs_-dnMRPhXbEYqUta-tOnhYZ_iVW2U7EuOWZzcwWpw2ZlGFlz6tk23fYIbGGYzumSWup1pvtHvH6h2Y08xhXb8i7iRuTk6m4-EM1rYa0/s640/print_1_002.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
I managed to test
the new block last night and man was it fun. Women Nicole & Sara had just finished glazing so they watched, handed me supplies (like a surgeon) and photographed the
process.<br />
<br />
For paint, I used on-hand Martha
Stewart multi-surface craft paint in Arrowhead, a dark steel gray. I poured out a thickish line of
paint and rolled it out with a foam brayer. The single layer foam stamp
was thick enough for a mostly clean application. Once I develop better technique, I'll learn how to avoid paint on the Plexi, which is easily wiped off, but adds labor and invites misprints and waste. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBHSE0hU1rZQyxkSY4pIdcw2QGcyskOwb8LoIcYWiKOoDJN96sEKcvhhQwTn5z9ou4SIwPawFbxxsLxCetC7DpN_0N7exBs7z19ENONgQSnZthuNrPwGUe4xP5tdE2H9zgsd-rLyZ1zrE/s1600/print_1_003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBHSE0hU1rZQyxkSY4pIdcw2QGcyskOwb8LoIcYWiKOoDJN96sEKcvhhQwTn5z9ou4SIwPawFbxxsLxCetC7DpN_0N7exBs7z19ENONgQSnZthuNrPwGUe4xP5tdE2H9zgsd-rLyZ1zrE/s640/print_1_003.JPG" width="640" /></a>This Plexi is part of the sheet given to me by my neighbor.
It probably came from some home store and is 1/32" thick. It has less flex
than the thinner Plexi I found at Hobby Lobby and might be better for large
scale blocks - less flex. Or not. I cut it by scoring it a couple of times with a blade, then breaking the cut on the edge of the table.<br />
<br />
We had Egyptian cotton four sack towels on hand, so I gave one a quick press and smoothed it on the production table. This
soft, thin fabric is not the upholstery weight cotton or linen I envision, but was
fine for experimentation. In the end, I'll have a cool towel. Maybe with a fabric binding. <br />
<br />
I didn't remember that my rolling pin (which has only seen action once in
its entire life) was at the studio, so I used the
palms of my hands to press my first block. The drawback to this method is that you don't know you've applied uneven pressure until you lift the stamp. There were a few areas
where the paint did not fully transfer, so I realigned the stamp (harder than it sounds) and pressed
out those areas. Since this is craft acrylic and not printers ink, my
impression had a thin, vintage appearance. Actual fabric ink would result in
a bolder, more opaque application. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYd9gKLpTjI_XKRxiRBrgUTKkTjYa9fRZdS2vKD_ovAw7ObUD5MfXWq32ktTUJvI-aG-0Fh8yUgHEjlbl3mz3Sp25Tzdz5UqMRlE7LR2MXMNx87TKGS_ULFitjPpSj3z-6bGRfeZsw8og/s1600/print_1_009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYd9gKLpTjI_XKRxiRBrgUTKkTjYa9fRZdS2vKD_ovAw7ObUD5MfXWq32ktTUJvI-aG-0Fh8yUgHEjlbl3mz3Sp25Tzdz5UqMRlE7LR2MXMNx87TKGS_ULFitjPpSj3z-6bGRfeZsw8og/s640/print_1_009.JPG" width="640" /></a>See
the depth of color on the top impression? I got the idea to layer a metallic
gray drop shadow over the original print. Fail. I just looks like a misprint.
Layering requires more pattern knowledge than I have right now. I'll focus on
getting clean, repeatable results then worry about design. <br />
<br />
Orange as the color of the day was unplanned, but
does
photograph well. The plates have been around since day
one. The
jacket matched my sweater. Driven by some subconscious design force, I
chose Martha Stewart's Geranium for my next stamp color. I also switched
rollers. I don't know where
I found this little foam roller but I'd like to find more. The soft
foam absorbed more paint, rolled more smoothly and applied more evenly.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiayhSeUIWEQ5bjszpF36waQHRc4tkvwRRBGVbmwyXFnuJQHF9G8gdTgNUCrzIv62aEkl-u5oDCH3YS3qgb3a4sX9cw_yk48S7LtlPvjxsFXMw-3zfzdNmflfI4zLeUTr8G-CeqN-Cp-k8/s1600/print_1_010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiayhSeUIWEQ5bjszpF36waQHRc4tkvwRRBGVbmwyXFnuJQHF9G8gdTgNUCrzIv62aEkl-u5oDCH3YS3qgb3a4sX9cw_yk48S7LtlPvjxsFXMw-3zfzdNmflfI4zLeUTr8G-CeqN-Cp-k8/s640/print_1_010.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
When I started this experiment, I was pretty sure that one layer of craft foam was too shallow to create a good stamp. Unless the results on thicker home decor fabrics proves me wrong, one layer works. I'm liking craft foam. It's inexpensive, readily available, cuts easily, makes a decent stamp and damaged sections can easily be replaced.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAe3fP4tevi47j36uyBeWkNeo7casgUCQlLfu-ptcWlgYbW5P3MLr2gAzMYRushFRK2BlRGo3NsUTasLoa6lh-qvr8tIRvOdAWapynsuYJZcoiVCAFDoivbYeHAlwQoRqn9l9kDP6VSpI/s1600/print_1_013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAe3fP4tevi47j36uyBeWkNeo7casgUCQlLfu-ptcWlgYbW5P3MLr2gAzMYRushFRK2BlRGo3NsUTasLoa6lh-qvr8tIRvOdAWapynsuYJZcoiVCAFDoivbYeHAlwQoRqn9l9kDP6VSpI/s640/print_1_013.JPG" width="640" /></a>Now that I know I can use it, I can get creative with how. I recently found out that craft foam, which includes flip flops, garden keeling pads and plumbers foam insulation, can also be heat embossed. Heated foam will take the impression of anything pressed against into it. Buttons. Crumpled paper. Rubber bands. Coins. Vintage printing blocks. This opens up a world of design possibilities.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb38MpPhRp6fja2rDoAB4IA_mFkyapolVCmw-w3P5H9fR2EkPtjCbhilPQBuPIIyvWbVwKDbuxkhu8naOAQ5Szf-p4YynWQtdHOFFEpBDZrHpuuOAGsHu-P8vQQwIaMUNZ3Hv73FqFMhM/s1600/sheree_sig_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="76" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb38MpPhRp6fja2rDoAB4IA_mFkyapolVCmw-w3P5H9fR2EkPtjCbhilPQBuPIIyvWbVwKDbuxkhu8naOAQ5Szf-p4YynWQtdHOFFEpBDZrHpuuOAGsHu-P8vQQwIaMUNZ3Hv73FqFMhM/s200/sheree_sig_1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>33 questionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16666730098950911948noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556648757773332652.post-16988792244764308302012-05-01T09:50:00.001-07:002012-06-26T05:05:40.004-07:00Stamp Construction<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMLUytL-9IZAVzT4lr9bTWnepUCOUNOEKHAoKyjhheUJ2g9X7BdU1XLse6TEDMbpEEnHeNb8_-93cZr0t_ck44rhmNthsLMZZ9s97HM7ic842Scum9rIg4Yiy-pYI1KttRJ_595EoXeBw/s1600/blockrow1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMLUytL-9IZAVzT4lr9bTWnepUCOUNOEKHAoKyjhheUJ2g9X7BdU1XLse6TEDMbpEEnHeNb8_-93cZr0t_ck44rhmNthsLMZZ9s97HM7ic842Scum9rIg4Yiy-pYI1KttRJ_595EoXeBw/s320/blockrow1.jpg" width="203" /></a></div>
I just spent the last hour laying out, cutting and mounting my first block. I Photoshopped an image I found online, turning it into this simple black and white. One copy was taped beneath a sheet of Plexiglas and set aside. The second was placed over a sheet of carbon paper and the foam side of a full sheet of adhesive back craft foam. Then I traced the whole thing with ball point pen.<br />
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The carbon transfer was too light to photograph but dark enough to see,
so I retraced the lines with ball point and cut away the extra foam. My cutting mat was the May 2012 issue of Money Magazine. I don't
know why I get this publication. I don't have money and rarely sit
still long enough to read a magazine. Either way, it was small enough to
fit on my desk and spin, which turned out to be useful. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhFzHF0T_R-PDdJ0m-ZremCUSKStZIw_dMR-9OOxmAqo4oT7QNHVxL58IgCpCBDthaHKZzi5cokq8R2UnDwijLq1zIFBKd4XJwH1KWQ8Zn_A7jeCYZFc3hamPGeHnIpdwXnpqdm3s7RMA/s1600/blockrow2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhFzHF0T_R-PDdJ0m-ZremCUSKStZIw_dMR-9OOxmAqo4oT7QNHVxL58IgCpCBDthaHKZzi5cokq8R2UnDwijLq1zIFBKd4XJwH1KWQ8Zn_A7jeCYZFc3hamPGeHnIpdwXnpqdm3s7RMA/s320/blockrow2.jpg" width="203" /></a>Using an Exacto knife with a newish blade, I cut along the lines and
through the paper back. My first cut, the little curly on the top right
was awkward and yielded a seriously back-beveled stamp. You can see it
in the 4th image. Stamps with inward beveled edges are weak and won't
leave a strong impression. Holding and spinning the foam with the blade pressed into the magazine
gave me cleaner cuts and made it easier to follow the curves. However, my edges were still beveled. <br />
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On the fourth cut, I angled the blade toward the image and ended up with
a really nice edge with a slight outward bevel. Now the pressure placed
on the plexi back will transfer to all surfaces of the front of the
stamp, resulting in a clean impression.<br />
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I peeled off the paper back and placed
each section on the Plexiglas pattern. This is so cool - I'm making my
first print block. I showed The Women in the studio and they said "Really? How come <i>we</i> didn't think of this!" We've had several such epiphanies in the last years. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxcQXJmg7CcfAi2HyvsNk-O4betYgMvjsjTaRRlnseFF_Zc38mA-JQ_HqlbhJ88LC-SQ2XV3qGM_jaOlK8Xrig7cKH0Mw72tkAY4nzFoZsB6pnPw3Hm4K6311ohR1qTmGoihM1qHfQfnc/s1600/print_1_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxcQXJmg7CcfAi2HyvsNk-O4betYgMvjsjTaRRlnseFF_Zc38mA-JQ_HqlbhJ88LC-SQ2XV3qGM_jaOlK8Xrig7cKH0Mw72tkAY4nzFoZsB6pnPw3Hm4K6311ohR1qTmGoihM1qHfQfnc/s320/print_1_001.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Here's the mounted stamp. I wasn't particular about the details, this is a rough prototype good enough to test the concept. I'll
need to re-carve all of the sections marked with an x. The cool thing about craft foam
material is that when you screw up a section, you just cut another one.
First print sample, coming soon.<br />
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</div>33 questionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16666730098950911948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556648757773332652.post-21463817542981278882012-04-30T07:12:00.002-07:002012-06-26T05:05:01.905-07:00Stamp Materials<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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At Museware Pottery, we make our own stamps. The process we use to transfer images to our pottery is very similar to block printing. The big difference is that each stamp is painted & handled individually.<br />
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Our first attempts at stamp production involved sending our black and white images out to stamp making houses and having them made into stamps. Wicked expensive, done by mail and slooow. Then I found <a href="http://www.dickblick.com/items/40419-1002/?wmcp=google&wmcid=items&wmckw=40419-1002" target="_blank">Speedball Speedy Cut</a> carving rubber. We used it to create this logo for the Mount Washington Hotel.<br />
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Speedy Cut carves like butter (you can pick it off with your fingernail) creates a wonderful impression and cleans up well. It even holds up to soaking. Image transfer is easy. Place an image from an ink-jet (laser won't work) print side down on the rubber. Squirt the paper with nail polish remover. Rub with a spoon. A reverse of your image transfers perfectly. It is somewhat fragile and shows signs of wear with long term use. We've remade many of our earliest stamps but still have many well preserved older stamps. Our very oldest have dried and yellowed, but still work.<br />
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One day I placed an order with Speedball and mistakenly ordered pink <a href="http://www.speedballart.com/our-products.php?cat=13#Blocks" target="_blank">Speedy Carve</a> rubber. We heart this rubber. It has all of the characteristics of Speedy Cut, but is not as fragile - you cannot kill this stuff. <br />
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In 2009, I found myself <a href="http://www.mhslicensing.com/" target="_blank">an agent</a> and entered the world of licensing design. A major giftware & home goods manufacturer wanted to license some of my best selling designs. Naive to the process, I thought I had to physically make each design they'd requested. Since the design request included new work not present in the Museware Pottery line, I had to figure out how to get the more complex designs in my head onto pottery. I purchased wicked expensive polymer stamp making equipment. Like thousands of dollars expensive. After spending money I did not have on equipment I did not need, I found out that all they really needed were digital files.<br />
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I knew nothing about digital design & didn't even know what jpeg or dpi meant. Got a scanner, brought images of our hand carved designs (painted on tile) into Microsoft Publisher - the only design program I'd ever used. It was like fricken <i>magic! </i>There was my hand painted work, in my computer! I still remember the day I created my first digital design featuring my own hand painted elements. I have made <i>fire!</i> I taught myself Photoshop and started sending manufacturers jpeg images at 300 dpi. The machine gathered dust. We learned to use it a year later. It's an integral part of our business now. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Q3-ckILyfuyzTSHm9fcFGNfuyYz58Mw1zZgXNR9oW7vKgkubAcxkL3dQqdnP6LT9vFE9HqDwgdSeOG4-lEgRgq5PLvf7LO4FkyxRBnY-KkarGhXW-gWmH8dkSTiWx8Xm56AajL_HKtw/s1600/galbraithandpaul007.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Q3-ckILyfuyzTSHm9fcFGNfuyYz58Mw1zZgXNR9oW7vKgkubAcxkL3dQqdnP6LT9vFE9HqDwgdSeOG4-lEgRgq5PLvf7LO4FkyxRBnY-KkarGhXW-gWmH8dkSTiWx8Xm56AajL_HKtw/s640/galbraithandpaul007.png" width="640" /></a>Long story short, when I saw this <a href="http://www.galbraithandpaul.com/" target="_blank">Galbraith & Paul</a> image, I knew exactly what I was looking at. I just have to figure out what material they're carving/cutting. I doubt it's rubber - that would be too heavy for blocks this scale. This much 1/4" rubber would weigh ton, making it hard to place with precision. Time to research.<br />
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Jenny Nelson of <a href="http://www.homesweetbyhand.com/" target="_blank">HomeSweet </a>uses adhesive backed craft foam sheets to create her bold and graphic block print designs. One of her printing blocks contains hundreds of tiny tear shaped elements. Each was hand cut out of what looks like two sheets of craft foam. Cool. We know craft foam. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin7x6BtNR4_pjVlWIFJ__eEQo_hFLCbyV-UFgojUfeciLuvrJSaRpTa8Nmc1WPE7ielZw-N9OZ4hbvaAzTGdekl9Jb3jkW6Ps6Xl__3jkP4T4ecsfZfYV2YBjeSa6dVF9dsb2R_r79uf8/s1600/stamp_foam1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin7x6BtNR4_pjVlWIFJ__eEQo_hFLCbyV-UFgojUfeciLuvrJSaRpTa8Nmc1WPE7ielZw-N9OZ4hbvaAzTGdekl9Jb3jkW6Ps6Xl__3jkP4T4ecsfZfYV2YBjeSa6dVF9dsb2R_r79uf8/s640/stamp_foam1.jpg" width="640" /></a>To get the feel for this material, I drew a simple design on the paper back of a single layer of black foam. I tried the lower left cuts using my smallest, sharpest scissors. I ended up with ragged edges and chopped curves. So I ditched the scissors and picked up an Exacto with a shiny new blade. The cuts were easy and resulted in clean lines.<br />
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Cutting a double thickness of blue foam with the Exacto was more than twice as hard, but could be mastered with practice. My first cuts were slightly beveled. A straight edged stamp gives a better impression and lasts longer. Some rough edges needed clean up. <br />
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I'm not convinced craft foam will yield the thin branches and delicate leaves of the Galbraith & Paul block, but think it could be perfect for larger, simpler elements.<br />
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Because block creation is so labor intensive, I have to wonder if G&P might be using a more "permanent" stamp material like unmounted lino block. I found this <a href="http://www.dickblick.com/products/blick-golden-cut-linoleum/" target="_blank">Golden-Cut Linoleum</a> at Dick Blick. According to reviews, it cuts easier than the grey unmounted linoleum and holds up well after repeated use. It does curl when wet, but not when attached to Plexi. I'll look for something local, now that I know such a thing exists. Something tells me it's going to be a while before I produce any fabric.<br />
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<br />33 questionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16666730098950911948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556648757773332652.post-52006885856536588822012-04-28T14:25:00.001-07:002024-01-23T09:44:21.600-08:00A Revelation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last week, the mixed media artist on the 3rd floor offered me two huge sheets of Plexiglas to protect our new wood countertop. I dismissed them as too thin, set them aside and forgot about them. Friday morning I saw this image, taken in the <a href="http://www.galbraithandpaul.com/" target="_blank">Galbraith & Paul </a>production studio. Shut the front door!<br />
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This is Plexiglas! With stamps mounted on it! Seeing this image was like hearing angels sing. Some of our designs include multiple stamps, each individually rolled, lifted, placed and stamped. I don't know if this will work for us but if it does, OMG, it's going to save us so much time! <br />
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I found a couple of craft-sized sheets of Plexi in Hobby Lobby and promptly bought them. I also bought a bag of pre-cut craft foam stickers - round, square, hearts, all in two sizes. Coming up with any print, even a lame one, would be fun.<br />
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<br />33 questionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16666730098950911948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556648757773332652.post-25069482052262279062012-04-28T12:29:00.004-07:002012-06-26T05:03:52.863-07:00Why Blog?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Starting a blog is a lot like starting a family. It's never what you think. It takes on a life of its own and you either care for it or it dies. I have three such <a href="http://www.opinionsofabroad.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">casualties</a>. While none are actually dead and still get traffic, they are starved for content and are sadly neglected. <br />
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As a businesswoman in a creative field, I've had to train my la-la creative brain to be businesslike. I'm a classic right brainer and business logic does not come naturally. I've had help. In this poker face business world, I've been lucky enough to know four generous people who shared both their creative & business knowledge whenever I ask. They've helped me develop a design aesthetic & business sense that's kept Museware Pottery growing & thriving, even in a tough economy. (Thank you <a href="http://visentineart.com/" target="_blank">Gayle</a> & <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LennyMud" target="_blank">Lorrie</a>, <a href="http://merrimackvalley.score.org/" target="_blank">John & Don</a> - you're awesome.) So I'm passing it along. <br />
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Block Print Me - I'll talk about business, mine & yours. Creatives in business face special challenges including how to price & sell without giving it all away and how promote & thrive without burning yourself out. I've learned a lot in the past 10 years. I'll share what I learn about the craft & business of block printing and introduce you to some of the leaders in the printed textile world. I'll practice a little self expression, self promotion & mentor-ship and go where I'm lead. <br />
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You'll find me a real fan of designer & blogger Jenny Nelson of <a href="http://www.homesweetbyhand.com/" target="_blank">HomeSweet</a>. Her well written blog begins with a declaration: This is who I am and this is what I'm going to do. She did it and shared her revelations along the way. Yesterday, I read her blog from start to finish, followed her links and found the coolest people doing the coolest stuff. Her generosity inspired me to share my process. I'm excited about it. It's kind of like starting a new relationship - all promise and possibility.<br />
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<br />33 questionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16666730098950911948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556648757773332652.post-1369651413479875762012-04-27T18:52:00.000-07:002012-06-26T05:03:34.354-07:00Where it Began<div style="margin-top: 10px;">
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I’ve been
a designer forever and pottery designer for nearly 7 years. It’s what I do. I’m also a licensed artist - my designs have been featured
on products like pottery, coasters & trivets, home textiles, greeting cards & checks. I design even when I’m not working and find inspiration just about
everywhere. So designing is actually my job. Which means I don’t have to feel
guilty about it. <br />
<br />
A few months ago I found this all fabric, all the time blog called <a href="http://www.trueup.net/" target="_blank" title="True Up Blog">True Up. </a>Which led me to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1607053551/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=theexcitement-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1607053551" target="_blank" title="True Up Book">this book.</a>
Which got me thinking about fabric. Now I cannot stop thinking about
fabric - designing for it, printing on it, stitching it into some new
cool thing. <br />
<br />
Early this week, I was on <a href="http://pinterest.com/musewarepottery/fabric-fun/" target="_blank" title="Museware Pottery Pinterest">Pinterest, </a>a site for collecting and categorizing the cool things you find on the internet. It's colorful and very visual and an easy place to lose an entire afternoon. In the last months, I've created dozens of boards filled with things that interest, amaze and perplex me. Today, I have literally spent the <i>entire</i> day on this site, following links everywhere. In the last hours, I
have amassed enough information about about block printing on fabric to
keep me awake for days. This is where I’ll talk about what I’m learning, instead of sleep or instead of doing my actual work.<br />
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</div>33 questionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16666730098950911948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556648757773332652.post-15585172614097920652012-04-27T18:25:00.000-07:002012-06-26T05:03:02.376-07:00Hello Me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I’m Sheree Burlington, owner and designer of <a href="http://www.musewarepottery.com/" target="_blank">Museware Pottery</a>. I design hand painted personalized pottery which we create and sell through gift shops and catalogs nationwide. We also maintain an online store. I
started Museware in September 2005 after three years co-owning a
trio of Paint Your Own Pottery studios called You’re Fired. I left an 18
year kitchen design career for self employment. My life has
never been the same.<br />
<br />
When I left my kitchen design job, people thought I was crazy. My career
was established and growing. I made great money. I loved my work. Why
would I leave all this to enter an arena where the majority failed in the
first 5 years? The warnings were the same when I sold YF to start
Museware Pottery.<br />
<br />
Deluded by images of personal freedom & more family time, I picked the 2 most misguided reasons in the world to quit a perfectly good job.
Self employment gives you neither. True, I can walk out the door to
deal with family matters any time I want. But I can’t punch out at the
end of the day. Or ever.<br />
<br />
Would I trade my shiny, self-made handcuffs for the relative security
of a job? No. I’ve been the boss of everything for so long, I’d make a
crappy employee. And when I look back on what I’ve created in the last
10 years, I’m proud but I’m also not finished. I've evolved from an artsy gal painting a
few platters a week to a full fledged production studio shipping
thousands of pieces a year to gift shops across the country. It’s been a
long and winding road.<br />
<br />
Now that Museware Pottery is acting like a real company, complete
with an awesome, loyal, hardworking staff (OMG. Finally!) I’m free to
look around, re-evaluate, consider the possibilities. That’s what I’m
going to do here. Figure things out. And I’ll share what I learn with
you. I’ll start tomorrow.<br />
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