The Craft Room Podcast

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.

1. Gifts
2. Quality Time
3. Acts of Service
4. Words of Affirmation
5. 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

In today's episode, let's talk about ways you can start preparing to get organised for a handmade Christmas.

We're going to cover ... Christmas Cards Christmas Gifts Christmas Decorations

Check out the blog for a full full transcript of this episode.

https://www.dawnlewis.com.au/podcast19 OTHER LINKS Art cards with a New Zealand theme by Jenny Latto Current card swap information Episode 17 - Craft Swaps Free One Sheet Wonder template Perfected One Sheet Wonder template (shop) 6" x 6" template & video

In today's episode, let's talk about the 7 essential items you need to begin crocheting.

1. Crochet Hook 2. Yarn 3. Pattern 4. Teacher 5. Scissors 6. Darning / Tapestry needle 7. Patience Check out the blog for a full full transcript of this episode.

https://www.dawnlewis.com.au/podcast18 OTHER LINKS Episode 7 - Should you Kondo your Craft? Crochet hook conversion chart Micro crochet example Crochet terminology conversion chart Symbol chart example Etsy - crochet Ravelry Seahorse crochet pattern Crochet heart tutorial video Crochet angel wings tutorial video My sister's Etsy crochet store Australian animal crochet patterns Angel Gowns charity

Today we are talking about craft swaps, which have actually been around for a long time. I've been personally doing them for probably 15-16 years. Today I thought we would talk about what a craft swap is, different styles and types of swaps that you can join, what you can do to be a great swap participant or swap host.

I'm also going to talk about a few of the pros and cons because when you join a craft swap, there are some things that you need to be aware of.

You can find a link to the full transcript as well as photos and links mentioned in todays episode HERE.

You can sign up for Dawn's newsletter HERE.

Find information about swaps that Dawn is hosting HERE.

Today I want to talk mostly about … what is scrapbooking? … how I got into scrapbooking … and the different types of scrapbooking. Because as much as I wanted this to be a 'here are the top 10 things you need to start scrapbooking' type of episode, there are different styles and forms of scrapbooking, and you need different things for each type. So … I AM going to give you my top list of needs, but we will also talk about the wants, because that's the fun stuff, right. I'm also going to talk about why we scrapbook, the importance behind it and share a couple of very important projects that I have done.

You can find a full transcript of todays episode as well as photos and links HERE.

Sign up for Dawn's email newsletter HERE

LINKS Photoshop substitute 3mm double sided tape 12mm double sided foam tape Tombow mono liquid glue (I will come back and add a link when it is back in stock) Dot runner adhesive Episode 4 – Trimmers Episode 12 – Storage Becky Fleck scrapbooking sketches