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