The making of... creative

When I first started doing ceramics, one of the first things I did was raiding my dad's tool cabinet. There are such interesting tools you can use to apply texture to pieces and this hole maker has given me much pleasure so far. I use it to make holes into ornaments but also to apply to the feeling creative. When I make 'creative', I usually make a few as it's easier to work in batches. I always start with the biggest circles and last I make the smallest ones.
I always apply my logo and a number on the bottom. Creative is a popular feeling, it's together with curious one of the most bought ones.
The images are a bit off color but that's to blame on the lousy weather...

How to recycle clay?

I've been playing with porcelain the past few days and then a lot of dried clay gets chucked into a little bowl. As long as the clay is not fired, you can still use it, even though it's dry.From the bowl, it ends up into a plastic container and I poor water over it so it gets all soggy and soft again.
Of course, in this condition, the clay is too soft so from the container it ends up on a plaster plaque that sucks the water out of the clay. I spread it out with a credit card and then scrape it off again.
When it feels all smooth again, I knead it thoroughly with my hands so that there is no air in between.
And now it's ready to use again. It's a pain to recycle clay as the process takes some time and patience but it always feels great to recycle. :)

How to make a leather key chain?

A while ago, I got this awesome leather punch set van EviesToolEmporium as part of the Totally Tutorials Exchange program. The only thing I needed to do in exchange of receiving this set is to make a tutorial.
I did a tutorial with the leather punch set already and posted it on Poppytalk Handmade.This tutorial will be a bit similar but I'll show you how to use the leather punch in combination with the eyelet punch.

Here is what you need:
A leather & eyelet punch set, leather, pencil, paper,
thin metal wire, thread, black marker.
Make a drawing onto paper.
Trace it onto the leather.
Punch the holes with a needle so that you know where to place holes.
Cut out the design.
Punch holes.
Place an eyelet into the hole.
Place the eyelet tool onto the eyelet and press firmly.
Glue the head onto the body.

Cut a piece of thread.
Place it into the eyelet hole and make a knot at the end.
Add legs
Cut a little piece of thin metal wire.
This is to help pull the thread through the tiny holes.
Pull the 'legs' through the wooden bead.
Make knots at the end.
Hang your design onto a key chain.

A large key chain is much easier to find back your keys when you need 'em I think... :)

How to - love

I love this Etsy how-to, how about you?

How to make a spooky fingerpuppet?

These little ghosts are super fun to make for kids and adults.
You can keep entertaining and silly conversations between all of your fingers or just use 'em as decoration for you home, table or as a prop in your product listings.
You can whip 'em up in no time and they make great companions so here's what you need:

Plaster of Paris, Vaseline, little bowl of water,
a permanent marker and a plastic bag to protect your table.

Cut strips of 2cm or 1inch of the Plaster of Paris.

Cut a few squares too.

Put some Vaseline on a finger.

Dip a strip of Plaster of Paris in the bowl of water.

Put a few strips on your fingers.

It will take about 10 minutes to set.
Sit still and relax.

Take off the plaster fingers.

Dip a larger square into the bowl of water.

Place it on top of the plaster finger.Put the finger on the plastic bag and drape the Plaster of Paris a bit.

Let it dry.Draw with the permanent marker eyes and a mouth.

Your ghostly companions are ready for Halloween fun!

Guest post: Tutorial: How to Make a Paper Spike Bow

Note: If you would like to guest post @ ArtMind please contact me (mitsy@artmind.eu) and I'll send you the 'how-to-blog@ArtMind' -info.

By Amy from amarshall

This fun little paper craft is something my grandmother taught me to make as a small child. I usually make one when I want to add a special touch to a wrapped gift. They also look pretty sitting on a shelf or turned into a fridge magnet.

Here is what you need:
Wrapping paper or craft paper, glue- any craft glue that dries clear,
a sharpened pencil, scissors, a cup or other circular object to trace around,
a damp cloth to wipe up the glue that you are sure to get on your fingers!

Trace & cut out several circles from your paper, 5 or 6 should do. Fold each circle in half, half again, and again (you will have 8 sections).
Cut on each fold line about 3/4 of the way, leaving the center in tact. Roll each cut section by holding the pencil at an angle to one corner.
As you roll the paper around the pencil it will make a cone.
Add a dab of glue near the end. If your paper is heavy,
you may have to hold it in place for a moment so the glue can set.
This is where I get glue all over my fingers and
use the damp cloth to keep clean. Now you are ready to assemble your bow!
Layer each circle one on top of the next with a dab of glue.
Be sure to off set each layer so the points land in between the
previous layer's points. When you get to the very middle,
use the eraser end of your pencil to stick the last layer in place. What a nice way to top off a gift!

How to make a polymer clay brooch or ring?

Through Totally Tutorials, I've 'met' Michelle from EviesToolEmporium and she has been sending me supplies in exchange for a tutorial.
I find it awesome 'cause I get to play with new toys a lot . :) Thank you, Michelle!
She send me a Diamond Burr set a while back and I thought it was about time I made a tutorial for it. Normally, the diamond burr pieces are used for engraving in glass or ceramics. I'm going to use 'em in plaster . I have a love/hate relationship with plaster. As a ceramicist it's impossible to avoid plaster as it just makes your life so much easier. So I've learned to live & work with it.

Here is what you need:
plaster, water, a container for making the plaster, clay,
polymer clay, a diamond burr set, a pencil, a dry paintbrush, plastic.

Make domed shapes with clay and make
sure they are as smooth as possible.

Built a little wall around the shapes with clay so you can poor plaster in it.
Make plaster and poor it over the domes. Let it set and dry for a few days.

When the moulds are dry, sand the sides a little bit so that it feels smooth.

Draw a little something in the mould with a pencil.

Engrave the lines with the diamond burrs and
use a round shaped burr to engrave the little dots.
Because the set has so many different burrs it's
ideal to use for engraving in plaster as there is always
a perfect one to use for the thing you want to engrave.

When it's done, wipe excess plaster away with a paintbrush.

Then take a piece of polymer clay and press it into the mould.

Take another piece of polymer clay to take the piece out of the mould.

If you don't like the result, you can still adjust
the engraving until your satisfied.
Fire the piece of polymer clay and glue a brooch pin or a ring on the back.

I use this technique for my clay and porcelain work. I love engraving in plaster and you can get really fine details with diamond burrs. Try it, you'll be amazed at the opportunities it will bring you! :)