Craft
All about crafts, handmade products and traditional techniques
Craft
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Basic Materials to Start in Woodworking
Patricio Ortega shows us how to execute a home carpentry project using basic tools and materials Patricio Ortega is the founder of artisanal furniture workshop Maderística (@maderistica), where art and design come together to create unique pieces. He teaches the Domestika course Professional Woodworking for Beginners.
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Materials: Needle Felting
The designer Maria Filipe Castro, as known as droolwool, shows us the extensive list of tools and objects that she uses to make dolls with felt, wool, and lots of creativity Maria Filipe Castro is a toy artist, specialised in the design and production of characters and figures made with textile materials like felt and wool. She regularly exhibits her creations and sells them on her online store. In her Domestika course, focused specifically on the manufacture of toys and animals through needle felting, this designer, as known as droolwool (@droolwool), uses different types of needles, brushes, wool, cutters, scissors, and other tools. In the video below, droolwool shows us these materials in detail:
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A Brief Introduction to the Kantan Needle
Discover the origin of this needle and the different types of embroidery projects you can create with it As a creative discipline, embroidery offers endless possibilities. Enthusiasts will find great satisfaction in discovering new materials to create projects that go far beyond working with a traditional needle and thread. In this blog, designer, art director, and embroiderer, Koral Antolín (@koralantolin) presents the Kantan needle–a tool that will help you add unique touches to your designs.
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Transfer a Drawing to Fabric With This Simple Method
Learn a simple method to transfer your drawings to fabric to be able to embroider them easily When starting to embroider, no matter what method we want to use, having a pattern helps us know where to work, especially if we are just starting out. A common option is to transfer a drawing to fabric and then use it as a reference for our stitches. In the following video, the designer, embroiderer and art director Koral Antolín (@koralantolin) shows us a simple method step by step to transfer our drawings to fabric and embroider them easily. Discover it below:
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What is Amigurumi and What do I Need to Start From Scratch?
This crochet and knitting technique makes any day-to-day object irresistibly adorable While it’s practically impossible to pronounce this crochet technique’s name, anyone who tries falls in love with it. Amigurumi allows you to create sweet little characters and other items in a soft, adorable style. Something this kawaii and lovable had to come from Japan, but what is Amigurumi? And how can you start making such wonderful creations? We spoke to Leire Villar, aka Ameskeria (@ameskeria). This amigurumi and crochet specialist talked to us about the nature of her craft and revealed everything you need to give amigurumi a go. Discover her tips in the video.
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A Brief History of Pop-Up Books
Pop-up books started 800 years ago as a "philosophical machine", evolved into scientific manuals, and still survive today as a kids' favorite. The oldest pop-up books do not have dazzling illustrations of castles, forests, kings, queens, dragons, and fairies. They were made in the Middle Ages to facilitate the understanding of natural and religious phenomena. One of them is a Volvelle (a type of book containing rotating circles attached to the pages), handmade in 1250 by the English Benedictine monk Matthew Paris, which explains the relation between the moon's seasons and phases and religious holidays.
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Materials: Crochet
Steel & Stitch gives beginners a primer on the different types of crochet hooks and tools One reason why crafting can be intimidating is that it’s difficult to know where to begin. Before you can make your first stitch, it’s important to have selected the correct materials and tools since these elements will greatly impact the process, and result, of your project. The tools you use in crochet can do more than shape the yarn itself. As a repetitive physical motion, crochet can put stress on your wrist or tire your hand if you don’t pick wisely. In the video below, crochet and upcycling expert Emma Friedlander-Collins, also known as Steel & Stitch (@steelandstitch), gives a primer on the pros and cons of different types of crochet hooks, as well as other tools you can use to take your projects to the next level.
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What is Needle Felting?
Caro Indy answers some of the fundamental questions about the incredible world of needle felting These little furry characters have been created using only a needle and a ball of wool. The technique used to create them is called needle felting, and we talked to artist Carolina Alles–better known as Caro Indy (@caroindy)–, an expert on the subject, to find out more about what exactly needle felting is, what materials are needed to start, and what use they can have. Carolina has created countless characters out of wool fleece, many of which have starred in her various animation projects. They have answered our questions on needle felting for anyone who’s trying to get into the craft.
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Prowadzący CraftCyanotype Tutorial: Printing with Leaves and Flowers
Learn how to create cyanotype prints without using digital or manual photolithographs with Fábrica de Texturas Cyanotype is a monochromatic artisan technique for printing negatives; it requires a surface treated with a series of chemicals and an object to be placed on top of it (the object can be a photographic negative or anything else that covers the light). When the sun shines on it, the surface darkens, while the covered areas do not, thus leaving a mark with the shape of the object. This is a simple technique that requires few materials. If done properly, it will allow us to create original prints on pieces of paper, cardboard, fabric, and more. In the following video tutorial, Gabriela Rodríguez, from the DIY design workshop Fabrica de Texturas (@fabricadetexturas), teaches us how to get started in cyanotype using some simple elements such as leaves and flowers. Discover it below:
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What is a Scale Model and How Do You Create One?
The scale model is used to represent an object in a different size to the original object, taking into account the proportions When we talk about models, tiny or huge representations of spaces or objects faithful to reality, the concept of scale is basic. Understanding this system is essential to achieve good results and ensure all elements, whether they are drawn or built with any type of material, are in harmony with the real measurements. Scale, when we talk about models, architectural projects, or representations of spaces or objects in different sizes, is the relationship of proportion between the real dimension and the drawing that represents it.
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A Brief History of Botanical Printing
Discover the history of this naturalistic printing technique with Anabel Torres For any textile design enthusiast or anyone who loves DIY artisan techniques, botanical printing offers a world of possibilities. With it, you can decorate items of clothing, paper, fashion accessories, wall hangings, jewelry, decorative items for your home, and much more. Fashion designer and textile artist Anabel Torres (@anabeltorres) talks us through the origins of this artisanal technique, which can be used to dye any type of fabric with natural pigments.
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How to Choose a Ceramic Piece to Decorate
Patricia Lázaro, founder and designer of Chichinabo Inc, shows us how to choose the ideal surface to decorate with ceramic decals Creating objects full of style and personality, whatever the craft discipline, is obviously fashionable. Ceramic decoration lets you leave your mark on everyday objects that makes them stand out.
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L’Abu Studio: Where Carpentry And Embroidery Come Together
L’Abu Studio produces a unique range of custom handmade wooden pieces featuring detailed embroidery Estela Botello grew up in Madrid, surrounded by a talented family of craftspeople. Looking back on her childhood, she recalls picking up her first needle around the age of six and learning to embroider and crochet with her grandmother (an expert at making intricate tablecloths). Since picking up her first needle, Estela has rarely put it down. Estela is the founder of L’Abu Studio (@labustudio), producing a unique range of custom-made decorative objects combining carpentry and other crafts such as embroidery and macrame–from unique wall hangings to embroidered furniture.
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Julieta Álvarez: Ceramic Jewelry with a Flamenco Twist
Julieta Álvarez talks us through one of her latest projects: creating ceramic jewelry for Lladró While Julieta Álvarez’s passion for creating things out of clay dates back to childhood, this love truly blossomed when she discovered she could use it to make unique pieces of jewelry. Now, Julieta (@julieta_alvarez) has almost a decade of experience creating delicate handmade ceramic jewels under her belt. This career path has brought about opportunities to collaborate with international businesses and create collections for brands such as Lladró from Spain, a project which we had the opportunity to learn all about in the following interview.
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5 Embroiderers That Will Inspire Your Next Creation
Find inspiration in the work of these textile artists, who will soon start new courses at Domestika As a creative discipline, contemporary embroidery offers limitless possibilities. Throughout the world, embroiderers have created designs with unique expressive styles and singular pieces. Here are five wonderful embroiderers who will soon be sharing their knowledge with you in new Domestika courses. Get to know them all! Elena Obando (@e___l___o) Based in San José, Costa Rica, Elena is a designer, jewelry maker, and embroiderer. After working in design and advertising, she discovered her love for handicrafts while studying contemporary jewelry. By combining various techniques, she self-taught her way into the world of embroidery, leaning on what she had learned as a child. Currently, embroidery is her main media. Her unmistakable style of textile illustrations is inspired by birds and portraits she stitches on tulle.
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Cyanotype: Simple Materials to Print Images with Light
Learn about cyanotype, a low-cost, creative, and beautiful printing process that lets you print any type of image from scratch and the surprisingly simple materials and method to apply it Cyanotype. Sounds cool. But what is it? Cyan, as in the shade of blue, and type, as in printing: cyanotype is a printing process which has been used by artists, botanists, and architects for almost two centuries. A photosensitive solution that dyes objects blue when it comes into contact with light is used to develop images onto a whole range of surfaces, from paper to fabric, wood, and ceramics. For this article, Xavier and Gabriela from the design workshop Fábrica de Texturas (@fabricadetexturas), who teach the course Cyanotype: Printing with Light, have shared the materials and tools you need to embark on your own blueprint journey.
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These 10 Illustrators Use Ceramics as a Canvas
Ceramic artist Pepa Espinoza shares some of her references when modeling new pieces with clay Although Pepa Espinoza (@espinoza_mariajose) will be the first to tell you that her main inspiration is her grandmother, her work is influenced by an immense range of potters that work with ceramics in very different ways, imbuing their pieces with their personality. The list is long, but we have selected some of her favorites so that you can also enjoy their pure creativity: Sara Theron (@dodo_toucan) The distinctive feature of Sara Theron's work is, without doubt, color. This French ceramic artist creates everyday objects with simple shapes that give the enameling process and color palette the spotlight.
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What Is Punch Needle and How Is It Different to Other Embroidery Styles?
Embroiderer Laura Ameba tells the origins and characteristics of punch needle Laura Ameba (@lauraameba) is an embroiderer who started out in traditional embroidery and haute couture in Barcelona, Paris, and Kyoto. Her love for punch needle and embroidery has taken her and her art to exhibitions around the world. Here, she shares what punch needle is: a technique that allows you to create beautiful three-dimensional effects and rich textures.
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The History of Embroidery: From Tutankhamun to the 21st Century
Before the advent of machines, embroidery served as a language that helped us understand the world When was embroidery first used? And where? Although these questions may seem simple, they are very difficult to answer. Examples from different cultures have been found all around the world. It’s an intrinsically human art form, the techniques of which have remained the same throughout centuries. Having endured the test of time, in recent years we have seen embroidery make a comeback and its popularity soar. Traditionally, embroidery was labeled a “feminine” activity. This mindset meant that society viewed it as a simple pastime. However, at the same time, it became a very intimate activity: a way of recounting history in secret. Do you want to learn more? Watch the video below!
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What is Shibori?
Discover this traditional Japanese technique for dyeing textiles Costume and textile designer Carolina Raggio (@carolina_45) reinterprets ancestral techniques to achieve modern results. Carolina is the creative director of her own eponymous brand, for which she develops timeless garments and accessories. In this blog, Carolina explains more about the history of this technique and how you can experiment with it to create unique designs and patterns.
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What is Fabric Marbling?
Discover the secrets to this traditional technique that combines painting and design Fabric marbling is a process that involves floating paints on top of a thick solution. The paints are manipulated into patterns that are later transferred to an object. You can use this craft to dye fabrics and paper, while some people also use it to dye leather and ceramic pieces.
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Materials for Building Scale Models
Find out what materials are necessary to start building your own models with Julieta La Valle Whether it’s for an audiovisual project or an architectural one, models are one of the best ways to visualize a space. By reproducing an idea in three dimensions, even on a small scale, we can give form to our imagination and better understand the textures, proportions, and other elements of our concept. Sculptor, director, and art director Julieta La Valle (@julietalavalle) specializes in making miniature models for video and art projects. Below, she lists the materials you will need to make your own models.
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What is CNC?
An introduction to this automated manufacturing process CNC stands for computer numerical control. It refers to the automated control of machinery and tools–such as drills, boring tools, lasers, and lathes–to generate physical parts from CAD (computer aided design) files. This manufacturing process is much faster, incredibly precise, requiring very little to no human assistance or interaction. CNC machines have at least two axes, operating along an XYZ plane–X axis (vertical), Y axis (horizontal), and Z axis (depth)–following instructions from a computer. The number of axes usually determines the type of movement a CNC machine can perform. The instructions the machine receives are written in a programming language known as G-code. We can use CAM (computer aided manufacturing) software to automatically convert CAD files into G-code.
