Diane Stafford's Posts - Art Hobby Crafts Creative Network

Glass Etching Pattern Tutorial by Eric

2009-11-19T23:37:33.000Z

Further to Eric's article blog here: Glass Etching

Eric is planning on preparing his glass etching pattern tutorial for members wanting to know more about it.

If you have a particular pattern that you want Eric to demonstrate, please let him know. Or why not pop over to his glass etching threa… Further to Eric's article blog here: Glass Etching

Eric is planning on preparing his glass etching pattern tutorial for members wanting to know more about it.

If you have a particular pattern that you want Eric to demonstrate, please let him know. Or why not pop over to his glass etching thread and choose one from his collection of glass etching patterns. He's provided a link in that article so you can take a look at the pattern options available.

Eric has a lot of Christmas etching patterns too but he'd prefer you made your suggested choices or preferences to make it much more fun and interesting to you.

Want to get your name etched in glass?

Wedding Cake Topper Decorations with Cold Porcelain by Katy Buck

2009-11-08T17:00:00.000Z

Congratulations to: AHC Member Katy Buck

Cold Porcelain expert Katy Buck has released her latest e-book. Her co… Congratulations to: AHC Member Katy Buck

Cold Porcelain expert Katy Buck has released her latest e-book. Her cold porcelain recipe book shares with you Katy's very best homemade cold porcelain recipe, some handy hints, tips and techniques for getting started.

If you've ever wanted to try your hand at Wedding Cake Topper Decorations, then the bonus e-book provides you with plenty of thought provoking small business start up hints.

Katy says: "With my easy to make cold porcelain recipe,you can get started for business or for pleasure straight away!"

AHC Members: Keep an eye on your inbox for a special offer for you, from Katy.
edit: if any AHC members have missed the special offer link, please message me or Katy for your link.

More details about Katy's bonus book "Make Wedding Cake Topper Decorations with Cold Porcelain"

Congratulations Katy, a lovely recipe book that I'm sure will inspire more people to take up this rewarding art and craft, whether for pleasure or business.


Diane

Creative Artists and Copyright

2009-10-24T18:33:58.000Z

Creative Artists and Copyright

Every artist has, or will, at some time during their creative career fall prey to having their work copied or even stolen.

I recall an artist finding her design being printed on tee-shirts in, I think it was New York if I remember correctly, and it was just by chance that her frie…

Creative Artists and Copyright

Every artist has, or will, at some time during their creative career fall prey to having their work copied or even stolen.

I recall an artist finding her design being printed on tee-shirts in, I think it was New York if I remember correctly, and it was just by chance that her friend saw them being touted on the streets.

The perpetrator had taken the artists photographic design off her online gallery listing/profile and simply digitally created a transfer for print onto their blank tee-shirts.

The artists work was stolen and the thief benefited financially!

I don't think the artist in question actually followed the matter up!

If you're not sure about copyright laws - if something hasn't been created by you, don't pinch it - you can read the articles on this copyright infringement lens:-

Really Useful Copyright Infringement Articles

The author shares his own experience of having work used without permission and the steps taken to rectify the infringement.

He outlines "The Intent of U.S. Copyright Law" and some other excellent resources that you will find worth reading.

I particularly love this:


You can test TinEye here:

Submit your image to TinEye to find out how it is being used, by YOU or ANYONE ELSE, check if there are any modified versions of the image exist etc...

If you have got artwork images out there on the web, this is a handy service that will become ever more useful to artists and hobby craft creatives as it grows.

It might not show everything up just yet, but worth keeping an eye on to make sure your artwork isn't being used without your permission!

happy photo hunting...

Featured Art Hobby Craft Member : Paula M

2009-10-24T18:30:00.000Z

Featured Artist : Paula M, from Leeds, UK

Paula has not been a member of art hobby crafts for very long, yet she delights us with her excellent drawings and painting.

She almost sculpts the human form with her pencil and paints, capturing the muscle tension and movement and the mood in her subjects.

View Paula's slideshow of her work:


Featured Artist :… Featured Artist : Paula M, from Leeds, UK

Paula has not been a member of art hobby crafts for very long, yet she delights us with her excellent drawings and painting.

She almost sculpts the human form with her pencil and paints, capturing the muscle tension and movement and the mood in her subjects.

View Paula's slideshow of her work:


Featured Artist : Paula M's PROFILE

1000 People Wanted Free Art and They Got It

2009-10-22T17:30:00.000Z

I didn't hear about this until it was too late, otherwise I'd have taken a trip down to London!

The Barbican Centre, held the Free Art Fair where over 50 pieces of artwork were exhibited, but with a difference;

On the last day of the show, the visiting public were be able to take away one piece of art of their choice for free.

Over 50 acclaimed artists give away their works for free in the last ever Free Art Fair

"A serious alternative to the commercial art f… I didn't hear about this until it was too late, otherwise I'd have taken a trip down to London!

The Barbican Centre, held the Free Art Fair where over 50 pieces of artwork were exhibited, but with a difference;

On the last day of the show, the visiting public were be able to take away one piece of art of their choice for free.

Over 50 acclaimed artists give away their works for free in the last ever Free Art Fair

"A serious alternative to the commercial art fair frenzy, it is a chance to remember that art is about more than just money."

The Free Art Fair was organized entirely without any budget, even the artworks displayed were responding to the idea of free.

Contributing artists were invited to create unique substantial pieces incorporating the concept of free, making the work they’ve always wanted to, without any commercial constraint.

"Marlene Dumas, Bob & Roberta Smith, Robin Mason, Harry Pye, Artists Anonymous and Geraldine Swayne are just some of the contributing artists, showcasing their works in the unique concrete interiors of the Barbican, alongside a programme of performance art curated by artists and curators Lee Campbell and Frog Morris."

Read More Here = Free Art Fair 2009

First they handed their names in. Then we drew them out the hat. 1000 people wanted art. Then they got a chance to choose a piece of art and they didn’t know what was taken and only got two tries! Because we wanted people to take home a piece they loved not just what they could get. Then they took home the art.… It was a brilliant day.

If only I'd known before hand..... opportunity missed!

Creative Membership Sites for Crafts People

2009-10-05T13:00:00.000Z

Creative Membership Sites for Crafts People I know a few AHC and other people who have thought about creating a membership site for crafts people, with a view to earning regular income or as many term, passive income. When I say 'passive' it doesn't mean that there isn't a lot of work involved in using a membership site path as your business model. This model works well in a tightly focused niche, where your members are going to be very interested in learning more about that specific crafts t… Creative Membership Sites for Crafts People I know a few AHC and other people who have thought about creating a membership site for crafts people, with a view to earning regular income or as many term, passive income. When I say 'passive' it doesn't mean that there isn't a lot of work involved in using a membership site path as your business model. This model works well in a tightly focused niche, where your members are going to be very interested in learning more about that specific crafts topic. Here's an article you may find interesting about "Knitting a Niche Business" that I wrote about niche marketing. Choosing your niche marketing model, say selling your ebooks or videos can be very lucrative if you have a sufficient number of people interested in that niche who want to learn from you. However, if you have thought about creating a niche membership site so that you can share your passion for your work, then you need to have a plan in place to carry that through. An Interview with Daniel Daniel, a resident of Brasil, although his membership site is not in the crafts market, the interview is really interesting as he goes through the process he took in creating his membership site and of course, the content for his members. Listen To The Interview Here: Membership Site Interview A basic overview: He did a very short membership site launch and within a few days had 200+ members paying him $48 a month. That's roughly $10,000 a month income stream he created in just one week. Apparently, Daniel did a lot “wrong” in the sense that he chose not to do many of the recommended steps, and yet he still had a great result. He took the parts of the system he was taught that he liked and made them his own, did a launch, but it wasn’t a huge launch and he certainly could have done a lot more, but most importantly, he got out there and did SOMETHING. Daniel had a great idea to help speed up the release of his site. Instead of being the sole content creator, he decided to recruit a team of experts to produce content for him. He went around and contacted some of the best in his industry and managed to convince quite a few of them to contribute. There are some great insights to be gained from this interview, so I recommend you sit down and have a listen to what Daniel did to launch his very first membership site training program. Listen To The Interview Here: Membership Site Interview Take some notes then have a serious think about your own specialist knowledge in your arts and crafts market and see how these membership site steps might help you create something more than an ebook. PS: There's also a FREE EBOOK you can downloadentrepreneurs journey too. Enjoy... Get Creative Diane [...]

Successful Candle Making at Home in Time for Christmas

2009-09-05T21:30:00.000Z

What on earth am I doing thinking about successful candle making at home in time for Christmas! CHRISTMAS! If you can't beat them join them? You may not know this, no, not candle making, but Christmas 2009 started in August in the North of UK in a small Town near Rochdale called Milnrow, where I happen to have been born incidentally. The Town's residents even made it onto the National news for being the first place in the UK to start off the Christmas festivities, well, h… What on earth am I doing thinking about successful candle making at home in time for Christmas! CHRISTMAS! If you can't beat them join them? You may not know this, no, not candle making, but Christmas 2009 started in August in the North of UK in a small Town near Rochdale called Milnrow, where I happen to have been born incidentally. The Town's residents even made it onto the National news for being the first place in the UK to start off the Christmas festivities, well, hang the Xmas decorations in the streets and put all manner of decoration in shop windows etc. It all looked very festive even if they started Christmas off rather early this year. Yet, as the kids get back to school, daylight hours decline and nights start getting colder, most of us start thinking of Christmas. About now is when I normally start lighting candles in the evenings for their warm glow and therapeutic aroma benefits. Makes us feel all warm and comfy at home. I love candles and buy plenty of them, especially in autumn and winter. I also save the ends, call me thrifty, as commercial candles never burn to the end. I'm sure they gauge them to stop burning early so that you have to go buy more candles from the store! Why save wax candle ends? I save the wax candle ends to that I can start candle making at home, in time for Christmas of course. When I have a suitable collection of wax candles, I melt them down. I'm not too precious about the colour mix or aroma mix, although I tend to make sure the mix is fairly complementary so as not to create something too 'smelly' and I make sure the candle waxes are compatible. I buy in the candle wicks to use for the new candles made from the 'meltdowns', and a range of waxes and gels and other supplies for making candles for Christmas decoration at home, and as Christmas gifts for friends and family. Making candles is really easy to do and can be rewarding on a creative hobby level, I just really enjoy making them, as well as burning them. Yet, silly me, I know, I know, hadn't given any thought to the potential of selling any of 'my' candles. That is until I came across this candle making tips sentence from a passionate candle maker, Sarah:- "I have been using to generate an additional $3223 each and every month, all from simply making candles. There's a few months to go before Christmas, so I'm wondering how much candle making at home in time for Christmas sales would generate if I started in September! Here's Sarah's Candle Making at Home course, if you'd like to take a closer look. At the affordable price of just $37 (it's on sale down from $79 and comes with a 100% guarantee). It's a bit of a bargain not to be missed Get Your Copy Here Also comes with some really useful extras on different topics that really add to the bargain. I'll be rounding the kids up in the kitchen, slaving over a hot wax melting pot! [...]

Drawing Perspective and The Art of Illusion

2009-09-03T10:30:00.000Z

Drawing in perspective can be a tricky challenge for beginners, and experienced artists when drawing even something familiar from a new or an unusual perspective.

This video although based on presenting the art of illusion demonstrates how despite the perspective of the table being different, the size of the table top, when drawing, is the same.


A little more about perspective:

In this video you can see how perspective is achieved. This drawing is for creating a room… Drawing in perspective can be a tricky challenge for beginners, and experienced artists when drawing even something familiar from a new or an unusual perspective.

This video although based on presenting the art of illusion demonstrates how despite the perspective of the table being different, the size of the table top, when drawing, is the same.


A little more about perspective:

In this video you can see how perspective is achieved. This drawing is for creating a room view, however, you can take the same principles and technique of perspective and apply them to drawing town scenes, country scenes and, well, just about anything where perspective matters to a finished drawing.


For additional video tutorials on the art of drawing perspective and for a wide range of excellent drawing tutorials go to Draw 23 I'm sure you will find these really useful for improving your drawing techniques and for using drawing as a base for your paintings.

Enjoy

Walter Ralston Oil Painting | Composition Dutch Style

2009-08-03T22:00:00.000Z

Walter Ralston, deceased, was related to our slightly famous relative John Ralston.

For more information about John Ralston read the earlier article here Manchester Artist John Ralston

This video shows you the Walter Ralston painting I mention in the John Ralston article.


The video is a little wobbly, yet I'm sure you can get a s… Walter Ralston, deceased, was related to our slightly famous relative John Ralston.

For more information about John Ralston read the earlier article here Manchester Artist John Ralston

This video shows you the Walter Ralston painting I mention in the John Ralston article.


The video is a little wobbly, yet I'm sure you can get a sense of the still life and composition of the art work.

Oil Painting Dutch Style, on canvas.

I love this oil painting and hope that you enjoy a peek at it here.

I actually know very little about Walter Ralston, apart from the fact that I was born on the dame day and month (not the same year, before you mention it lol :-) ) as him, so will be interrogating a few family members to discover more about him.

The Art and Craft of Recycling to Create Something New

2009-07-20T15:00:00.000Z

Do you recycle other resources in order to create your "new" art and craft items?

I'm asking because my friend Karen over at Pledging for Change is running an 'ethical business' competition which has kindly been donated by one of her members (Creatively Minded Design) - you can see the details here = Pl… Do you recycle other resources in order to create your "new" art and craft items?

I'm asking because my friend Karen over at Pledging for Change is running an 'ethical business' competition which has kindly been donated by one of her members (Creatively Minded Design) - you can see the details here = Pledging for Change Ethical Competition

I'd love to enter Art Hobby Craft into the competition, which, if we were lucky enough to win, would benefit all Art Hobby Craft Members - as many of you I know DO recycle a variety of resources in your work.

Here's a video clip of Laura about her views on the environment which forms the basis for part of her A level art project:


Before I enter us for the competition, I'd love to hear what resources YOU recycle in your work.

So, can you please add a comment below, telling us what you recycle, why and what new art and craft item(s) you make with it.

Let's see how 'ethical' arts and crafts can be :-)

thanks
Diane

Ron Gutman Arts and Crafts Slideshow

2009-06-18T00:27:21.000Z

Ron Gutman, featured member. Arts and crafts slideshow inspirations. I'm seriously considering moving country (again), as I'd really like Ron as a handy neighbor, art inspiration and 'art teacher'. I'd be one of those pesky type neighbors who drop by all the time... wanting to learn more .... I mean, who couldn't be inspired to take up a new art or craft when you see his work. Such talent and skill Ron, air dry clay flowers - gorgeous works :-) … Ron Gutman, featured member. Arts and crafts slideshow inspirations. I'm seriously considering moving country (again), as I'd really like Ron as a handy neighbor, art inspiration and 'art teacher'. I'd be one of those pesky type neighbors who drop by all the time... wanting to learn more .... I mean, who couldn't be inspired to take up a new art or craft when you see his work. Such talent and skill Ron, air dry clay flowers - gorgeous works :-) Find more photos like this on Hobby arts and crafts people art hobby handmade gifts [...]

Daisy Clay - AHC Member Releases New Air Dry Clay

2009-06-11T12:30:00.000Z

Art Hobby Craft Member Tarapat and partner of ThaiFlowerArt.com release a new air dry clay called "Daisy Clay".

As well as the Daisy Clay itself, Thai flower Art have a great range of How to ebooks, which aren't really ebooks as you might know them - they… Art Hobby Craft Member Tarapat and partner of ThaiFlowerArt.com release a new air dry clay called "Daisy Clay".

As well as the Daisy Clay itself, Thai flower Art have a great range of How to ebooks, which aren't really ebooks as you might know them - they have embedded video step by step instructions in the pages, so you can read the instructions and follow the steps for air dry clay flower making.

If you want to learn how to create fabulous air dry clay flowers then you will find Daisy Clay and their ebooks invaluable, and the techniques are transferable to other mediums. I'm trying these techniques in earth paper clay for a rose project.

Congratulations to ThaiFlowerArt for creating such a great air dry modeling clay and I hope you will join me in wishing them every success with their new product.

More details about Daisy Clay Here - OrVisit Daisy Clay Shop directly

Making a Statement in Blood for Art

2009-06-10T17:30:00.000Z

Great art video by a young artist Phil Hansen actually paints in his own blood, painted into plaster bandages to create one of his art works.

Chest painting.... erm, well, I guess not in public for me (bet you're relieved ) :)

Love the last piece, on a circular, spinning canvas.

This creates his self portrait, but with the words of ordinary people. Words that changed their lives.

How powerful art can be!

Enjoy

Di
Great art video by a young artist Phil Hansen actually paints in his own blood, painted into plaster bandages to create one of his art works.

Chest painting.... erm, well, I guess not in public for me (bet you're relieved ) :)

Love the last piece, on a circular, spinning canvas.

This creates his self portrait, but with the words of ordinary people. Words that changed their lives.

How powerful art can be!

Enjoy

Di

The Art of SEO - 7 Deadly SEO Mistakes and How to Avoid Them!

2009-05-25T14:58:49.000Z

As an AHC member, you should already understand the importance of the internet for reaching more people with the presence of your art and craft works.

If you have your own website or blog, you should know a little, if not more advanced, SEO and how it can help you promote your work online.

These… As an AHC member, you should already understand the importance of the internet for reaching more people with the presence of your art and craft works.

If you have your own website or blog, you should know a little, if not more advanced, SEO and how it can help you promote your work online.

These chaps, Andy and his team of SEO experts, have excelled themselves at moving the free line and have just released a fabulous seo course that you will find really useful...

... if you apply what you learn to your own website or blog.

Learn the Art of SEO through this FREE search engine optimization course:

7 Deadly SEO Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

... Not everyone can pay $10,000 a year to be a member of the Stomper Net Elite YES! They are "that" good at SEO!

That's why you can't pass up this chance
to learn from them now, for free!

Arts & Craft Challenge

2009-04-28T08:00:00.000Z

Allison has posted her Arts & Craft Challenge for Week Seven and for some strange reason, yet again, our 'easy to use' membership site is not allowing the feature blog post function, so please click through above link to view Allisons latest challenge jewelry item.

Oh what fun technology is.... lol :-)
cheers
Diane Allison has posted her Arts & Craft Challenge for Week Seven and for some strange reason, yet again, our 'easy to use' membership site is not allowing the feature blog post function, so please click through above link to view Allisons latest challenge jewelry item.

Oh what fun technology is.... lol :-)
cheers
Diane

Easter Feature Book ~ The Rat Trap

2009-03-25T23:00:00.000Z

Easter Feature Book "The Rat Trap"

A family collaboration took the story idea for a Childrens book, combined the written work with the artistic illustrations of Art Hobby Craft member Katy Buck to create "The Rat Trap". A mini adventure, delightfully written with beautifully illust

…

Easter Feature Book "The Rat Trap"

A family collaboration took the story idea for a Childrens book, combined the written work with the artistic illustrations of Art Hobby Craft member Katy Buck to create "The Rat Trap". A mini adventure, delightfully written with beautifully illustrated pages you can follow the antics of the main character in The Rat Trap. The first print run of this quality, self published, brochure style book sold out quickly with the second print run of The Rat Trap now being available. A lovely Easter Gift for your little ones, especially if you want to avoid the Easter chocolate options this Easter Holidays.

Buy Your Copy of Easter Feature Book Direct, from Katy Buck, Here >>

Jewelry Business Building Secrets

2009-03-05T16:00:00.000Z

**Brand New for 2009**

Jewelry Business Building Secrets offers an interesting collection of resources, tips and guidance :

How to position yourself and your je…

**Brand New for 2009**

Jewelry Business Building Secrets offers an interesting collection of resources, tips and guidance :

How to position yourself and your jewelry with Hollywood Celebrities, Movie Stars, Sports Icons, and Prestigious Peers that will give you that huge credibility boost, even if you're a totally unknown jewelry designer.

The sure-fire way to guarantee your pieces get into shops, galleries, and boutiques with ease. Using these proven methods, you can immediately have your pieces shown throughout the world, or locally in your own hometown area.

How you can make a lucrative living from home by making and selling jewelry on the Internet. No need wasting hundreds of dollars in gas each week, riding in bumper to bumper traffic, and working for someone else everyday in the office.

This business is set up to work FOR YOU in every way imaginable.

The beautiful joy of working with art, nature, and artifacts.

This is truly one of the easiest and most gratifying hobbies that anyone could partake in.

Learn cool new things, and creating innovative new pieces that bring smiles to all.

This jewelry expert aims:

"Her goal is to help artists who want to seriously take advantage of the internet and sell their jewelry across the world from the comfort of their own home."

Read On >> Jewelry Business Building Secrets

A useful resource for existing jewelry makers, and also suitable for you if you want to learn how to create jewelry as a business.

The Art and Craft of eCommerce

2009-02-10T02:00:00.000Z

The Art and Craft of eCommerce : Survey

If you could spare a couple of minutes of your time to complete this short survey it would really be appreciated as it's your experience and opinions that will make this a great resource.

Read the full… The Art and Craft of eCommerce : Survey

If you could spare a couple of minutes of your time to complete this short survey it would really be appreciated as it's your experience and opinions that will make this a great resource.

Read the full Art and Craft into eCommerce : Survey

As a thank you, we'll be looking for some Beta testers after we have finished compiling the package. This means that you would have complete access to the materials in return for your thoughts and opinions.

If you would like to be considered for a Beta test, please let Nikki know that you have filled out the survey and leave your name at the end of the article (in the comments) or leave your details on Nikki's page as we are not collecting any names or email addresses via the survey - it's completely confidential.

Full details here: Art and Craft into eCommerce : Survey

thanks
Diane

ps: if you are not a member there and are unable to comment, please let me know about your interest and I will make sure Nikki gets your details.

Handcrafted Writers Wanted for Valentines Day?

2009-02-07T18:55:14.000Z

Valentines Day is fast approaching and as Richard of Richard Ink points out "It seems to be that one little Holiday that just sneaks up on you -- and then -- BAM! It's here."

If you have had… Valentines Day is fast approaching and as Richard of Richard Ink points out "It seems to be that one little Holiday that just sneaks up on you -- and then -- BAM! It's here."

If you have had your eye on owning one of these handcrafted writers and you wanted it for Valentines Day, or are still hoping one will arrive as a surprise Valentines Gift - then I hate to upset you, but...

You can't have one!

Find out why here: "Handcrafted Writers Wanted for Valentines Day".

I'm so pleased I got mine at Xmas ~ writes and draws like a dream and has to be heavily guarded from teenage writers!

If you have missed out on getting that something exceptionally different Valentines gift this time, you can redeem yourself by pre-ordering with Richard for your love's birthday (if it falls after March)!

Art Hobby Craft Gift Shop

For original art, fine art prints, craft and jewelery items, view members works via our art hobby craft gift shop listings for additional special occasion gift ideas.

Advertising & Marketing Your Art Craft and Handmade Jewelry : Rules & Regulations

2009-01-30T22:00:00.000Z

Advertising and Marketing Your Art Craft and handmade Jewelry on the Internet: Rules of the Road

"The Internet connects advertisers and marke… Advertising and Marketing Your Art Craft and handmade Jewelry on the Internet: Rules of the Road

"The Internet connects advertisers and marketers to customers from Boston to Bali with text, interactive graphics, video and audio.

If you're thinking about advertising on the Internet, remember that many of the same rules that apply to other forms of advertising apply to electronic marketing.

These rules and guidelines protect businesses and consumers - and help maintain the credibility of the Internet as an advertising medium. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has prepared this guide to give you an overview of some of the laws it enforces."

As we have many handmade jewelry makers on art hobby craft, you may want to pay particular attention to this section = Guides for Jewelry

Those of you in textiles will find this useful = Descriptions & labeling of textiles

Warranties and Guarantees are seen 'virtually' everywhere on the internet, so before you offer a these to your potential clients and customers, do check out this warranties and guarantees section of the "Rules of the Road" link above.

NOTE: Check the rules and regulations for your specific country eg: the country or countries in which you plan to sell your art & craft items, as legal requirements may change from country to country and therefore you may need to comply with additional rules and rgulations.

Stay on the right side of the rules and you will enjoy trouble free advertising and marketing of your art and craft goods.

cheers
Diane
--------------
Diane Stafford

Your Art Hobby Craft Settings | How to Check and Change

2009-01-15T10:04:35.000Z

The video above is "How to Check and Change Your Art Hobby Craft Settings"

We had a little technical blip last night, thanks to those of you who responded to test the system. It appears to be working fine, therefore, Corbin, and any other member who is still experiencing some difficulty, please head over to your members page and select the 'settings' tab on the right hand side.

On the following page, you then select the email options on the left menu and tick or untick the i…
The video above is "How to Check and Change Your Art Hobby Craft Settings"

We had a little technical blip last night, thanks to those of you who responded to test the system. It appears to be working fine, therefore, Corbin, and any other member who is still experiencing some difficulty, please head over to your members page and select the 'settings' tab on the right hand side.

On the following page, you then select the email options on the left menu and tick or untick the individual elements there, having them turned on (ticked) will let the system undertake that particular action.

Follow the video if you are not sure quite where the menu items are.

You can click the video to play, then click through to you tube to watch a larger version. It's not the best quality as I did it quickly this morning, to get this out to you.

If you are still having problems after editing your settings, please do let me know and we will see what else we can discover that may be the issue for you.

Fingers crossed the above does the trick :-)

regards
Diane

John Ralston Manchester Artist : A Family History

2009-01-13T00:00:00.000Z

Manchester Artist John Ralston is an ancestor of ours. I thought I'd share a little bit about his background and his art. (Click on photos to view larger images) … Manchester Artist John Ralston is an ancestor of ours. I thought I'd share a little bit about his background and his art. (Click on photos to view larger images) John Ralston was born in Scotland in 1789 and was essentially a landscape and marine painter. He moved with his engraver father to Strines at the young age of 17, then to Manchester, living in Brazennose Street in the City Center. Although little was actually known about his life, he apparently had a love of landscape as well as music. In Manchester, he studied with Rathbone, who influenced John's work, and had 'made some good copies from Dutch Pictures' The following is an extract from my copy of the Collection "Views of the Ancient Buildings of Manchester - Drawn by Nature" "He possessed considerable musical talents, was an amateur violinist, and an original member of the orchestra of the Manchester Gentlemans' Concert." "His enthusiasm for music appeared to divide his thoughts, indeed often to distract his attention from Painting. Often while busily employed on a Picture the remembrance of some strain of melody, haply snatched from a symphony of Beethoven's rehearsed on the previous evening, would vibrate through his mind, when out came his fiddle, and adieu to all thoughts of his picture, 'Ah! Ralston', his friend Cudmore, the then leader of the Concert Hall orchestra, would exclaim, 'if it wasn't for that confounded fiddle you'd be a great man yet'". J Ralston's Art He was one of the founders of the Manchester Artists Drawing Society in 1829 and was a prolific artist. "Ralston seldom coloured from nature, but his pencil sketches were spirited, elaborate and faithful. He thoroughly mastered the details of marine architecture and his vessels are mostly well drawn and naturally poined upon the water. His taste in landscape was essentially picturesque; mouldering castles, ruined abbeys, and dilapidated cottages were frequent and favourite themes of his pencil." His topographical studies of what is now Market Street, Dr White's House in King Street, views of Blackfriars Bridge as well as his drawings of the slum dwellings in derelict inner City areas provide an invaluable record of Manchester at the turn of the 19th century. He died in poverty, aged 44, in 1833. ------- The Manchester drawings became well known due to their value as visual records of the changes to the inner City architecture of Manchester. I managed to buy a boxed set of limited edition prints in 1975, from which I've taken the above photos to show you. I've never seen any of John Ralston's Marine or landscape paintings. You can see some coloured prints of John Ralston Paintings here Additional family art history: Much later followed Walter Ralston, who was an exceptional still life and landscape artist. My parents have a beautiful original painting of his - alas I can't show you a photo as it's not handy, it is exquisite though and very 'old master' style. When I get the opportunity I'll photo it. [...]

Handmade Papercraft Project

2009-01-11T21:07:36.000Z

Laura (student) came round for a helping hand with her handmade papercraft project:

Her project was to make handmade paper and to have musical note theme elements embedded in the handmade paper:

Here, Laura has pulled her white handmade paper sheets, which are la… Laura (student) came round for a helping hand with her handmade papercraft project:

Her project was to make handmade paper and to have musical note theme elements embedded in the handmade paper:

Here, Laura has pulled her white handmade paper sheets, which are laid out on linen and under that is wadding etc to absorb the water (they were later pressed).

Laura also made some green handmade paper, from recycled paper, which she is shown here pressing onto a plain sheet in the shape of a musical note. She later pulled another thin sheet of handmade paper over the top to embed, or laminate, the green note, as below photo.

This is a close up of her green musical note, laminated between handmade paper sheets. The other musical note was handcrafted from Efa Plast (similar to delight) air drying clay, after pulling the first thin sheet of handmade paper the embellishments were placed on top of the first paper whilst still on the handmade deckle (amazing what you can make with a few bits of wood and some old net curtain). Holding on to the air dry clay note, she pulled another piece of paper over the top to 'trap' the note. The whole piece was turned out onto the linen and wadding, later pressed and dried.

There are 12 musical note themed handcrafted paper pieces all together, with a variety of internal embellishments sandwiched within. Laura is in the process of creatively joining these together so that they form an A1 size finished piece.

In addition Laura is extending her project with wire work, paint and various other techniques.

It was a fun time and I'll add updated photos when she has completed her main project.

Art & Craft of Formula Five

2009-01-09T15:00:00.000Z

Art & Craft of Formula Five How your art and craft business can benefit from the free information shared by highly respected Business Coach. Here are the details:- It's called MBA in a BOX, except it's a free downloadable report. The people who are using these techniques are growing the profits of their businesses right now - Yes, even in this awful economy...… Art & Craft of Formula Five How your art and craft business can benefit from the free information shared by highly respected Business Coach. Here are the details:- It's called MBA in a BOX, except it's a free downloadable report. The people who are using these techniques are growing the profits of their businesses right now - Yes, even in this awful economy... The MBA in a BOX report is 96-Pages FULL of "Plug In - Get Paid" projects that even average business owners can complete in less than 2 days. Once you Turn ON these Fast and Simple to do profit-generators, they keep growing your business over and over again. Techniques such as using the Law of Compounding and the small changes from your MBA in a BOX, you'll be able to: Defy the economy and make more money on every art & craft item you sell. Turn little sales adjustments into a 15%, 25%, even a 70% increase in profits Never AGAIN struggle to write copy for ANY product that you sell Embarrass your competition by offering YOUR customer FAR More Value without spending a dime. Put and End to being overwhelmed, unfocused, and wasting money running your business - for good.. ... And much much more. The MBA in a Box Report is absolutely FREE. Get it now, plug it into your art & craft business and profit. Art & Craft of Formula Five Here [...]

What's Your Biggest Arts and Crafts Challenge for 2009?

2009-01-03T14:38:04.000Z

The credit crunch is apparently upon us and is reportedly expected to worsen throughout 2009.

Some analysts believe that arts and crafts gifts and goods are going to be the last item on people's shopping lists this year.

I'm not convinced that they are correct. I…
The credit crunch is apparently upon us and is reportedly expected to worsen throughout 2009.

Some analysts believe that arts and crafts gifts and goods are going to be the last item on people's shopping lists this year.

I'm not convinced that they are correct. I'm confident that art and craft items that are well made and of good value are going to be much more interesting to discerning buyers who are looking for something of quality that is handcrafted and individual. Of course you will have to find positive avenues to make sure these potential buyers find your arts and crafts items, rather than finding your competitors.

I'd love to know your views on this issue as we enter 2009.

So, what do you think the affect of the credit crunch will be for you and your arts and crafts business?

What's your biggest arts and crafts challenge for 2009?

and

What would help you to overcome any potential challenges that you may identify?

Add your views on the credit crunch below

thanks
Diane

How Writing Articles Will Help You Market Your Arts and Crafts Business in 2009

2008-12-23T19:25:11.000Z

As a member of Art Hobby Craft, you already have a valuable tool available to you that will help you market, promote and potentially sell your arts and crafts wares. If you take a peek at the home page, you will see that any visitor to the site can immediately see… As a member of Art Hobby Craft, you already have a valuable tool available to you that will help you market, promote and potentially sell your arts and crafts wares. If you take a peek at the home page, you will see that any visitor to the site can immediately see several areas of the membership site, which is great of course. However, what you may not realise is that the search engines can also 'read' the code behind the home page.... ... and these search engine spiders will happily 'read' (crawl) your blog article - IF, you have one on the home page, and ... IF you have added a short author bio and included an 'anchor text link' leading to you own blog site or website, then they are highly likely to follow that too. How does that help you? It helps in several ways. It means that people who visit Art Hobby Craft will see your blog article, they may pop over to read it, find it useful information that entices them or interests them enough to visit your arts & crafts profile or your other craft blog articles or even go straight to your craft website to buy or at least find out more about you and your work. Content is king (an old saying I know, but it still holds true as we enter 2009). That is why writing articles is one of the most popular marketing media on the internet today. Internet surfers just can't get enough information on various arts and crafts topics. Providing information through your art hobby craft blog articles is a sure way to drive interested visitors and prospective buyers to your own blog or website. Here are the benefits that writing blog articles on art hobby craft can give your arts & crafts business. 1. It's absolutely free. All you need are your creative thoughts, your computer, and your hands. If you have those, nothing can stop you from typing to write and complete that blog. On which aspect of that process did you really shell out any cents? Ok, you have to spend some time to create your blog articles, type them in etc, but it doesn't cost you money! 2. Your website will be noticed in a shorter period of time. Submit that article of yours to art hobby craft to get more web visitors and in no time your own blog or website will be crawled. That is if you don't forget to include your resource box or byline, as mentioned above. 3. Obtain quick back links. When you submit your blog articles to art hobby crafts, with your authors bio and link, your site is automatically linked to from art hobby craft. Also you can add copyright terms for your blog articles, giving permission for others to use your blog article, if you choose to, provided they keep it intact and they use your author bio and your website link. By allowing them to use your article they will also be promoting your website and providing you with links back to your website. 4. Don't underestimate The Power of Improving Your Reputation. Conversion happens when your visitors convert to sales of your arts and crafts goods. You have to show that you are knowledgeable in your field. And what better way to show t[...]

Arts and Crafts Christmas Wishes

2008-12-23T11:45:48.000Z

Arts and Crafts Christmas Wishes To All Art Hobby Crafts Members and Visitors

It's now the 23rd. Are you experiencing the same level of excitement and anticipation as we are in our household?

You will surely be having a lot of family fun over the next… Arts and Crafts Christmas Wishes To All Art Hobby Crafts Members and Visitors

It's now the 23rd. Are you experiencing the same level of excitement and anticipation as we are in our household?

You will surely be having a lot of family fun over the next few days and I don't expect to see you here adding to the blogs or discussions, so would like to take this opportunity to thank you for being a member / visitor of art hobby crafts and to wish you a wonderful Christmas.

Enjoy.

I look forward to seeing you all after the holidays and to welcoming in the New Year with you here.

again, Have a Wonderful Time,

Very Best Wishes

Diane

Conspiracy Marketing Report : Arbitrage

2008-12-10T17:00:00.000Z

Conspiracy Marketing Report covering Arbitrage and how this marketing technique is being used to make an amazing amount of profit for some very… Conspiracy Marketing Report covering Arbitrage and how this marketing technique is being used to make an amazing amount of profit for some very successful individuals.

Definition of Arbitrage: "True" arbitrage requires that there be no market risk involved. Where securities are traded on more than one exchange, arbitrage occurs by simultaneously buying in one and selling on the other.

Arbitrage as outlined in Conspiracy Marketing Report is focusing on the "how to leverage arbitrage on the internet".

You can download your free copy directly from Conspiracy Marketing Report and after reading, take a little time to consider how you may apply these techniques in your arts & crafts business online.

As I write this : to download your copy of the report (if not showing on the home page) click through to their blog and you will find the download link at the bottom. You may want to listen to the audio and watch a couple of the videos there too.

One chap being interviewed is making $50,000 per day - that's NET Profit. Seriously! So, not to be sniffed at, as they say! Are you making that much profit per day?

Makes for very interesting reading.

Your thoughts?

Diane

How To Set Up Your Own Blog

2008-10-10T10:06:22.000Z

Art Hobby Craft members common question:

Q: I want to set up my own blog to write about and / or sell my arts and crafts, but I don't know how to, where do I start?

A: There are several options that you can use to set up your first blog, such as typepad, blogger, b… Art Hobby Craft members common question:

Q: I want to set up my own blog to write about and / or sell my arts and crafts, but I don't know how to, where do I start?

A: There are several options that you can use to set up your first blog, such as typepad, blogger, blogspot, wordpress etc.... and many of these options are free, some you have to pay for.

However, the very best option, particularly if you are planning to sell your arts and crafts work is a hosted version of wordpress.

Wordpress is free to download and has a great many plugin and widget options available to you to make your blog, or mini website, search engine friendly. Search engines love wordpress blogs and will happily revisit as you update yours on a regular basis, which makes for a much better business strategy.

If you literally have no idea where to start then start with these free videos =

"how to set up your own blog"

Your next challenge will be to obtain an affordable blog hosting account, prohostgold is a UK based hosting provider which offers cpanel hosting and fantastico "press button" wordpress installation.

Before making your decision, watch the free videos:
how to set up your own blog

If you have any further questions, let me know here and I will do my best to answer them for you.

Have fun
Diane
===================
small business marketing Chester

Castle Fine Arts Bronze Casting Foundry

2008-10-03T20:00:00.000Z

Castle Fine Arts Bronze Casting Foundry who have bases in Oswestry and Stroud, have recently ventured out 'on the road' in Yorkshire to demonstrate and share their casting skills to a wider audience. Art students at the University of Teesside were able to create their own artwork which was then cast into bronze.

Due to the success of these recent workshops, Castle Fine Arts are now planning two one week courses in the spring and autumn of 2009 at the invitation of the Yorkshire

…

Castle Fine Arts Bronze Casting Foundry who have bases in Oswestry and Stroud, have recently ventured out 'on the road' in Yorkshire to demonstrate and share their casting skills to a wider audience. Art students at the University of Teesside were able to create their own artwork which was then cast into bronze.

Due to the success of these recent workshops, Castle Fine Arts are now planning two one week courses in the spring and autumn of 2009 at the invitation of the Yorkshire Sculpture Park.

You can find out more about bronze casting over at :-

Castle Fine Arts Bronze Casting Foundry

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