The Craft Room Podcast

Hello, welcome to The Craft Room Podcast. I’m so glad you’re joining me as we look at ways we can set ourselves up for Success for a new crafting year. I have ten tips that you might find helpful. I was live in my card membership group a while back, chatting about this delicious week between Christmas and new year. The festive, yet chaotic energy of Christmas has passed, and it’s my favourite time of the year. I’m in my pjs on the couch in front of the AC and Netflix, living off leftovers and cheese boards and I have no idea what day it is … living the dream! This is the week I use each year to set myself up for success for the following year, both in business and my personal craft projects. I talked about New Years crafting resolutions back in episode 32, so I’ll link to that episode in case you missed it (or want a refresher), but I thought I’d talk about some of my favourite things to do in the last week of December that will set me up for success in the year to come. LINKS Christmas Cards on Time limited edition box Marni’s foundation Paper piecing Rule of Three notepad Episode 32 Episode 36

Hello … welcome to The Craft Room Podcast. I’m so glad you’re joining me today, because we are talking today about the upcoming Card Maker Success Summit.  I’ve been attending these summits for the past few years, and even though I’ve been making cards for over 30 years, I still come away from the event having learned something new, and loaded up with inspiration. So imagine my excitement when an invitation to speaker this year landed in my inbox! At the time I was putting finishing touches on the All Occasions box, so when I saw the theme for this summit … Card Maker Success … saying yes was an easy decision. The theme completely aligned with what I was already working on. Now, after months of secret-keeping … I can finally talk about it! So today we’re going to cover a few things you might find helpful to know about this summit, including … What even is a card making summit? What does it cost? Who is the summit for? When is it happening? How to get the most out of the Summit experience? What is an All Access Pass? And most importantly, what’s in it for you. I’ll try to be concise, because it’s open for sign-ups now, and there are some important things to share before you go grab your ticket. LINKS The Card Maker Success Summit - get your free ticket here Stamp Me Some Love live YouTube videos World Time Buddy (time converter)

Happy new year to you, and I’m so glad you’re joining me today as I answer the most common question I’ve received so far this year, which pertains to glue. Way back in Episode 26 I talked a lot about glue, but I’ve learned a few new things this week, so I thought it was time to share updated information and answer a question that lands in my inbox almost every day … “What is the ETA on the Precision Glue Press”. I made a short video about this today, but there’s more to know, so while this isn’t a super long episode, it does have some useful information, about the product, and glue in general. LINKS Blog post (with full transcript) Precision Glue Press short video (YouTube) Precision Glue Press (in my shop) Pre-order form Video about the Precision Glue Press by MSP Jennifer McGuire’s review Simon Hurley’s YouTube review - (start at 1:05) Altenew StampWheel Waffle Flower Grip Mat collection Bearly Art glue Art Glitter glue 4oz Art Glitter glue 2oz Gina K Connect 59ml Gina K Connect 15ml Tombo Mono glue Make it By Marko glue holders Fine Tip Squeezy glue bottle Gina K Fine Tip bottles, 3 pk Bearly Art Glue short video

I’m so glad that you’re joining me for this episode, because it’s a wild ride. Even if you’re not into crochet (or parasols), I hope you’ll stick around for the thrilling tale of how a 34 second TikTok video sparked a crafting odyssey. I have some hot tips to share that you might find useful in your own crafting life. I’m sure I’m not alone in this … you know that moment when you see something on the internet and you just know in your heart that you HAVE TO MAKE IT. This is what I’m talking about when I say “obsession”. I’ve experienced this many times, though in recent years, not so much, as I’ve dabbled in most crafts already. However, mid-2021 I had a moment on TikTok where I saw a project, and I instantly became obsessed with it. I had to do it, and I knew I would do it, even though I didn’t know how I was going to do it. So today I will regale you with the tale of the crochet parasol. LINKS Original TikTok video Crystals & Crochet Mandala Madness pattern Mandala Madness YouTube My Crochet Parasol video on TikTok Hobbii Hobbii, Sultan Yarn cakes Helen’s Hookaholics FB Group Umbrellas & Parasols shop

Today we’re talking about an important crafting topic ... cost vs value. This is something I mention a lot on the podcast, but have never talked specifically about, so we’re going to talk about it today. In a nutshell, the cost of something is the price you pay for it. The value is what the product is worth to you. Todays episode is sponsored by Altenew. If you’re unfamiliar with them, Altenew have been around since 2014 and are renowned for their layering stamps, dies & stencils, detailed embossing folders, coordinating ranges and innovative tools. I am an Altenew stockist here in Australia, but I know that people are listening in all over the world, so the lovely folks at Altenew and I have put our heads together to come up with a special offer from each of us for podcast listeners. When you shop with either myself at www.dawnlewis.com.au or Altenew at www.altenew.com, you can use the code ALTDAWN10%OFF to receive a 10% discount on Altenew products. The code is valid up to 9th August 2023, and as a bonus for my Australian customers, I will extend that code to any Altenew pre-orders that are received and paid in full from today up until that date when you leave it in the comments section of your pre-order form (and if you already have an Altenew order in with me, if you send an email or DM mentioning the code, I will apply it to your existing pre-order). Those who have been shopping with me for a long time will know that this is the first time I’ve had a discount code like this, so if you’ve had some Altenew on your wish list, now is the time to add to cart or use the pre-order form. Huge thanks to Altenew for being part of the podcast today! LINKS Altenew category in my shop (for Australian shoppers) Altenew (for International shoppers) Pre-order form Blog post for Episode 35 (with photos, links and full transcript) Episode 28 - Stencils Episode 27 - Digital Craft Resources Creative Fabrica (affiliate link) My YouTube channel, digital tutorials The Big Birthday Box Amazon, What to Write Inside Birthday Cards book Amazon, Birthday Card Address Book

Today we’re talking about a couple of very important things you need to know if you have Copic markers, or are thinking about starting your collection … maintenance and handling.   I want to start by laying out my credentials … I am a certified Copic instructor, and an Authorised Copic Stockist in Australia. I have been using Copic markers for over 13 years, and I created the Copic Subscription Box as a way to help crafters build their Copic colouring skills, as well as their marker collection. And, while I do know a lot about Copic markers, I don’t receive updated information from the TOO Corporation, so I have to work a lot of things out on my own and keep an eye on various online forums and articles.   As part of my business I offer a Copic reinking service, and last year I noticed a marked increase in the number of extremely dry markers that were coming in for reinking. In every single case, extremely dry Sketch markers had a crack inside one lid, always the lid on the Super Brush nib end. In most cases the marker could not be reinked, and I was left with the awful task of letting each customer know that they needed a new marker. So, I started reading up on it, and I learned a few things … which is how this episode was born. I want to share that information with you so that you can make your Copic markers last for many years. Copic reinking service - https://dawnlewis.com.au/copic-reinking-service/ Article about replacing brush nibs - https://markernovice.com/copic/copic-replace-nib Previous Copic episodes - www.dawnlewis.com.au/podcast14 and www.dawnlewis.com.au/podcast15 Pre-order form - https://form.jotform.co/63050755145856

In todays episode let's talk about those crafting goals you may have set in January, and ways you can set yourself up for success.   LINKS Blog post - https://www.dawnlewis.com.au/podcast32 Ep 5 - Quilting - https://dawnlewis.com.au/podcast5/ Frankensteins Fabrics - https://www.frankensteinsfabrics.com/ Creative Fabric Fans - https://fans.creativefabrica.com/creators/dawn-lewis-imagery/ Unsplash - https://unsplash.com/ Minecraft Quilt pattern - https://www.kellifanninquilts.com/p/minecraft-sew-along.html Mario quilt pattern - https://angelapingel.com/category/quilt-alongs/mario-quilt-along Achieve (craft donations) - https://www.achieveaustralia.org.au/the-sewing-basket Gift Vouchers - https://dawnlewis.com.au/product-category/gift-certificates/ Copic Subscription Box - https://dawnlewis.com.au/product-category/copic-subscription-box/ Ep 20 - Craft Planner - https://dawnlewis.com.au/podcast20/ Helen Shrimpton's Crochet patterns - crystalsandcrochet.com

In todays episode I thought I'd catch you up on what's happening with international shipping. Between pandemic and Christmas levels of demand, USPS has become overwhelmed and suspended all shipping to Australia (and some other countries). I have some insights, as well as suggestions for alternatives to shopping overseas. LINKS Blog post - https://www.dawnlewis.com.au/podcast31

In todays episode I’m answering a question from my awesome friend Renee who wants to host a swap for her online community. She wanted to know exactly how it’s done, so I thought it would be fun to talk today about how you can be a great swap host, and also a great swap participant. I have talked about craft swaps in an episode previously, but this will be more about the technicalities of what goes on behind the scenes and what makes a swap great. There are lots of different types of craft swaps, which I talked about in Episode 17, but the style of swap that I host are where participants create multiples of a single design, send them to me, I do the swapping around, and send them back an envelope with the same number of pieces created by other swap participants. I choose this style of swap, because it’s the style of swap we did as part of OzSwapTillYouDrop, which was a tried and true method well before I came along. Sure, I have participated in one-on-one swaps, but sometimes people don’t come through, their partner misses out, and that leads to angry and upset folks who have put in a whole lot of work, but received nothing in return. So, while it is a lot of work, I stick with the host-swaps-out method. Today I’m going to walk you through the way I choose dates & themes, announce swaps, send emails, create graphics, swap out and handle the bad stuff like complaints and problems. For anyone who thinks they might like to host a swap, I have a free PDF host checklist that you can download over on my blog. I will link to that in the show notes. My final word of advice for hosts. Start small, find what works for you and your community and be very clear in your communication. Also, don’t forget to download your free Swap Host Checklist on the blog. And for swappers, read the information, ask questions if you need to and hit your deadlines. Most of all ... have fun with it, enjoy the process and be sure to do a little happy dance when your swap envelope arrives. If you are a card maker in Australia, and you would like to join one of my swaps, I have a new swap opening this month, which is helpful if you’re listening when this episode goes live. But if you’re listening later, and still want to join, you can always sign up to my email newsletter to be notified when a swap is happening. There is also a swap tab on the website where you can find the latest information, including the date of the next swap announcement. Episode 17 - Craft Swaps Episode 12 - Clever Craft Storage Solutions Episode 19 - Handmade Christmas Episode 5 - Top 10 things you need for quilting with Marni Franks Jotform Trello Newsletter signup Swap detail page on my website Unsplash Canva Affinity Photo Sample swap blog post  

Today, let’s talk about embossing. Breaking it down to bare basics, embossing refers to a technique resulting in a raised area on your project. For those of us in the paper-crafting world, there are two main methods of embossing that we can achieve an embossed effect. There’s dry embossing and heat embossing. They use very different methods and products, and there’s a distinct difference between the two. So, if a crafter in your life has hinted at a gift of embossing goodies, it’s important to know which method they’re referring to. Let’s talk about the differences between them. You can find a full transcript HERE. LINKS Altenew 3D embossing folders Blog post (for show notes) Episode 28 - Stencils Toaster embossing video  Embossing Powder Hero Arts White Satin Pearl embossing powder Jennifer McGuire heat embossing playlist Jennifer McGuire embossing folder playlist Distress Ink + Oxide ink pads Simon Hurley ink pads Watercolour pencils Watercolour paper Embossing ink pads LF Embossing ink pen Ink blending tool Ink blending brushes Mary Polanco blender brush video DD Abstract Triangle stamp Perfect Pearls Aquabrush Antistatic Powder Bag  i-C reverse tweezers Glass Media Mat WF Mini media mat Totally Tiffany heat embossing stand

I know it’s been a while between episodes, but Covid and lockdown have kept me extra busy with the shop. I’m excited to be back … thanks for tuning in!  Today, let’s talk about one of the oldest, most used, versatile and affordable pieces of kit that you can have in your crafting stash - stencils. Stencils are, essentially, a tool that helps you create a design quickly and easily by masking off the areas where you don’t want to apply your ink, paint or medium. There are lots of different sizes, shapes and types of stencils. You can buy them or make them, and there are a few different materials that are commonly used. These days, commercial crafting stencils are a thin flexible plastic, but you can make your own using specialty stencil plastic, acetate, a fused laminator pouch, cardboard or paper. You can cut them by hand or use a die-cutting machine using your dies, or a more sophisticated electronic cutting machine like the Scan N Cut, where you could scan any print or hand-drawn image then cut. Alternatively you could use a machine like the Silhouette or Cricut using an SVG file (and I will link to my favourite SVG file resource in the show notes). When creating your own stencil the most important thing to remember is that the openings of the design need to be bridged. There can’t be any loose pieces … the whole thing needs to be joined as one piece. LINKS Creative Fabrica SVG files Planner goodies Tia’s Pretty Creations (planner stencils) Stencils in my shop Flying animals with Balloons stamp set Layering Stencils Shifter Stencils Edge Stencils Planner Addicts Australia Facebook group Pink & Main Blending Brushes Altenew Blending Brushes Honey Bee Stamps Blending Brush i-Crafter, I-Brush mini brushes The Stamp Market Blending Brushes Make It By Marko Brush Buddies Purple low tack tape Embroidery monogram technique Hero Arts, Unicorn White pigment ink pad Cookie stencil TikTok video Mary Polanco Blending Brush comparison video Jennifer McGuire stencilling technique video Gina K Transfer Gel Duo video

Today I thought we'd talk about digital craft resources ... essentially the way that digital resources have changed and affected and influenced us in the crafting community. In the last 20 years, I have seen a significant shift away from traditional resources like books, paper patterns, and in-person classes to a very big influence and presence of digital patterns and resources and classes. And I see that it's affected us in the crafting community in three main areas. Accessibility Affordability Achievability If you have a computer, a laptop, a smartphone, a tablet, a printer, or access to one through a friend or family member or even your local library, you have access to digital craft resources now.  Zoom Tour Dates & Free Tickets Tours are now complete. Want to learn how to use cool digital files like these? Check out Digital Craft School, where I teach you how to turn digital craft resources into finished craft projects you can hold in your hand. CLICK HERE to learn more about Digital Craft School LINKS Blog post Copic Subscription Box Episode 4, trimmers & diecutting machines Mo Manning Digital stamps Ravelry Etsy Jasart Pencils Bin video & code Creative Fabrica Scarf Pattern Hand Holding digital stamps Mario Quilt pattern Digital Craft School

Today we are talking about adhesives, and there are so many different options, each suited for a variety of uses. Over the years I’ve found that adhesives fall into one of three categories … Spray adhesives Liquid adhesives Dry adhesives Having a sound understanding the strengths and weaknesses and the pros and cons of each different kind of adhesive is beneficial to all crafters. Having a good knowledge of what the different adhesives have to offer can help save your hard work and your beautiful project from a tragic end at the hands of poor glue choices. LINKS Episode 5 - Top 10 things you need to start quilting Episode 17 - Craft Swaps Marni's Blog Tombow Mono Liquid Glue Ranger Glossy Accents Ranger Multi Medium Matte Tonic Tim Holtz Glass Media Mat (Left Handed) Xyron Adhesive Eraser Double Sided Tape

This is happening … I think we need to talk about crafting in isolation. If you're listening to this as it goes to air, it is towards the end of April 2020 and we're in a pandemic. Whether you prefer to say that you’re stuck stuck inside or safe at home, self isolation is a thing. Now, I know you might be thinking, “Oh, she's going to tell us we should make the most of our time, seize this opportunity and do lots of craft.”. Well, yes and no. I do have a list of 14 things that you, as a crafter, might find useful right now. But they are only ideas. This list might be equally as useful to you in other situations, like if you find yourself confined to the house with a broken leg, recovering from surgery, taking annual leave … so it’s not all COVID-19 doom and gloom. If you just don’t feel like doing anything, I have some thoughts on that as well. 1. Make items for essential workers 2. Art Exhibition 3. Craft for Charity 4. Level up your craft skills 5. Organize your Craft Supplies 6. Finish Things 7. Teach someone your craft 8. Do a Challenge 9. Craft socially via Zoom 10. Catch up on Your Favourite Crafty YouTubers 11. Break up with a craft 12. Take an online class or course 13. Take stock of your Supplies and Shop Online 14. Prepare for Christmas Also ... do something ... or do nothing. What will make you feel better today? If you found this episode helpful, and wish to support the postcast, you can head HERE and make a small donation. LINKS: Episode 25 blog post Episode 22 - Crafting in Times of Crisis The Kindness Pandemic (Facebook group) Blog Post - Cardmaking Super Powers Free Digital stamps (pinned to top of Facebook page) Crafting for charity directory Episode 12 - Organising craft supplies Episode 7 - Should you Kondo your Craft? Cartooning YouTube Channel (Brad Colbow) Cartooning Class TikTok desk makeover video Episode 6 - Lost Craft Mojo Episode 20 -Set up a Custom Planner Episode 19 - Handmade Christmas

Last month The Craft Room Podcast had it’s first birthday, and I had my … something-th birthday, and that started me thinking about how tricky it can be to buy for crafters sometimes. Then the Coronavirus became a pandemic, and I’ve found myself sending cards and little gifts to people to brighten their day (and perhaps I bought myself some little gifts as well). During that time we had a blackout, and whilst looking for a book to read, I came across a rather old book called The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman. It got me thinking about how people show their affection for others, and how others actions make them feel loved and appreciated … and I realised that this could absolutely be applied to gifting crafters! So, for a bit of fun, let’s have a look at the five love languages, and how we can use them to figure out great gift ideas. Some of these were easy, a couple were rather tricky, and I’ll have some bonus suggestions at the end. It’s also helpful to note that most people have more than one of these love languages, which doubles your options in the way that you approach gift giving for them. Gifts Quality Time Acts of Service Words of Affirmation Physical Touch I have some other ideas as well, and you can find photos and links mentioned in this episode on my blog HERE. Pixel Power Design Fangirl Stitches Clouds Factory Episode 5 - Top 10 things you need to start quilting The Five Love Languages, Gary Chapman Gift Certificate to my store My YouTube channel My TikTok channel

In January 2020 I attended Creativation ... a craft trade show in Phoenix, AZ, USA. I have wanted to attend this show for over a decade, and the 33 hour travel time was 100% worth it. In todays episode I'm answering the questions people asked me before, during and after the show, sharing my take-aways and some behind the scenes stories. You can find a full transcript of todays episode and a whole lot of photos on my blog. LINKS Ep 23 Blog post Jess Francisco - Instagram The Perfect Stamp, UK - Instagram Pear Blossom Press - Instagram Heffy Doodle - Instagram RinaK Designs - Instagram Simon Hurley - Instagram Tim Holtz - Instagram Lynda Kanase / iCrafter - Instagram Darkroom Door - Instagram Jennifer McGuire - YouTube The Crafty Chica (Kathy) - YouTube Laura Bassen - YouTube Claire Reagan - Etsy

Before we get into todays episode, a quick content warning. I will be mentioning Australian bushfires, animal rescue carers and people who have passed away, including angel babies. It’s not a graphic discussion, it’s more part of the narrative about how we can help people in distressing situations. If these are sensitive topics for you, please take care of yourself when listening. Today we are talking about crafting in times of crisis. We crafters are really good at this … we’ve done it so many times before and we are doing it right now. Over the past few weeks, watching the craft community band together to make a very big difference to Australia's wildlife carers, I’ve felt very proud to be a crafter. I’ve had a lot of thoughts, a lot of emotions, and thought we could talk about ways we can use our crafting superpowers for the greater good. When someone is suffering … our friends, our family, our community, our country, our world at large … we feel, as human beings, like we wish there was something we could do. Obviously the go-to response is to make a monetary donation. But sometimes even if you do make that donation, you still feel like it's not enough. We wish that we, personally, could physically do something to help right now. And as crafters I think we are really lucky and privileged because there is often something that we can do with our own two hands right now to help out. Here are the top five ways that we, as crafters, can help in times of crisis. 1. Make physical items 2. Donate from your stash 3. Teach 4. Spread the word 5. Make to sell / fundraise Photo credit for podcast thumbnail (Joey in a hanging pouch) - Courtney White LINKS Article about crafting in times of crisis Animal Rescue Craft Guild FB group Rescue Craft Co FB group Knitting Nanas Against Gas Pussy Hat Project (Women’s Electoral Lobby) Angel Gowns for Australian Angel Babies HERE Knitting socks for soldiers - article Sewing For Charity Australia Website ... or ... Facebook page Craft Ministry Australia Website ... or ... 4 page directory

I went on a craft retreat with my friend Marni a couple of months ago. It got me thinking about all the amazing retreats I have been on, ones I would like to go on and the differences between them. Craft retreats come with different durations, different price points, different levels of structure and different kinds of accommodation. You can expect a different experience from different types of retreats. So I thought we could have a chat about them. 1. Day tripping 2. Cheap and cheerful 3. Mid-range retreat 4. High-end retreat 5. Conference 6. Craft cruise 7. Overseas tour You can find a full transcript of todays episode HERE LINKS FDAA (Folk & Decorative Artists Association of Australia) Unmistakable Creations Craft Cruises Darkroom Door India Tour My 6x6 template blog post (free) One Sheet Wonder PDF (free) Perfected One Sheet Wonder template Mario Quilt pattern & instructions (free) Minecraft Quilt pattern & instructions (free)

In today's episode, let's talk about ways you can set up a planner to help you become more organised. We're going to cover ... Christmas Planner Craft Planner Other ideas for useful planners Check out the blog for a full full transcript of this episode. https://www.dawnlewis.com.au/podcast20 OTHER LINKS Planner Addicts Australia, Facebook group Australian planner insert stores Aussie Planner Chick Tia's Pretty Creations Chasing Planner Peace Kourageous Studios Planners Anon Crazy Organized May Paper Co Kristina Werner Ink blending: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJ3Cah5esns https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLev1dSX2Ew https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfEI-qfcF9s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJ7OFrZIjSw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdOKqYW3eWI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3zBoE4jsk8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDTYeFp1bl0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTjMn1XkG6Y Waffle Flower, Colour Combo stamp & die bundle  Waffle Flower, Color Wheels stamps Waffle Flower, Combo Swatch stamp Waffle flower, Combo Swatch stamp & die bundle Planner supplies Copic Hex Chart by Sandy Allnock Tania Cordie’s Paper and Me 2 blog Episode 18 – Crochet