Knitting

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Giveaway: Artists & Makers Magazine

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win copy of artists & makers magazine

Congrats to Alicia, nan50 and Shelli.

Interweave/F+W have been releasing a lot of fun special issues of their magazines lately. Artists & Makers (retails for $9.99) is a special by the editors of Cloth Paper Scissors, but it’s great for creatives of all types who are interested in starting or growing a business selling handmade goods.

The magazine includes profiles of artists including Brooklyn knife maker Chelsea Miller, letterpress master Kevin Bradley, sculptor Gustavo Victor Goler and portrait artist Jamea Richmond-Edwards. There first-person profiles give insight into the artists’ inspiration, influences and the evolution of their work, as well as peeks into their studios.

There’s also information on nuts-and-bolts business skills such as using social media in your creative business, finding funding, dealing with hagglers at shows and arranging your studio space for an open house, among other things.

You’ll also find reviews of books on creative businesses, all sorts of creative tidbits, a look into a day in the life of furniture artist Greg Klassen and brief profiles of creatives whose businesses give back (including Nicole Snow of Darn Good Yarn, whose company supports the female craftspeople of Nepal who make her yarn and other products from recycled saris and other cast-off fibers).

This magazine is a lot of fun and should serve as great inspiration and motivation for anyone who wants to start or grow a creative business in the new year.

I have three copies to give away to people who leave comments on this post before the end of the day Monday, Jan. 5. If you already have a creative business, I’d love to hear about it, and if not, I’d like to know what you’re thinking about or what you might get out of this magazine.

Comments

  2. I am currently in business plan stages of a creative endeavor that brings “non-artisans” who are interested in crafting and making together with different local makers and artists… it’s a first go… a first jump – very scary and exciting all at the same time:)

  4. It is about time. I have been in business for 35 years and was ready to give up this year. I only sell retail in Utah and people here are so frugal it is hard to make a living. I designed a Tiny Tent in 1983, doll backpack, burp cloths, minky quilts and moving onto some purse and jacket designs. I want to sell only on line but have not as I am soooooo old school. I have had some designs published for recycling and several front page newspaper articles from working at home in the 80’s, copyright stealing, to refusing to sell finished products made in China.

  5. Ohhhhh…I’d so very much love to get a copy of this brilliant sounding magazine. I’ve looked in the shops here, but no one seems to have it. Understandably, as it’s new, but even when I asked them to check with their suppliers, they told me that it’s very unlikely that they can get it in for me. Boo to that!

    Please, please please enter my name into the draw/giveaway for this zine – I’d love to end 2014 on a creatively inspiring and motivating one. Thanks in advance for the very generous offer, even if I’m not one of the lucky ones who win it. 🙂

  6. Oops! I just realised I’m meant to leave a comment about what I’d like to get out of this magazine, if I won a copy. Well, I do have a small craft business, yes, and am looking for ways of taking it to the next level. I sell at markets and Christmas fairs and the like, but I want to expand on that.

    Thanks again for the generous offer of this giveaway. Fingers crossed I win.

  7. This looks a very interesting magazine, and would like to see the possibilities open to me as a possible newbie to business.

  8. New to the crafting business, my partner and I could use all the help and information offered. We believe this magazine could be the start of our education and welcome a chance to receive one of your copies. Thank you for considering us.

  9. I have just retired from my 9-5 desk job and I am looking forward to starting my business, using my creative side. I work in stained glass, quilting, and beekeeping. This could be a wonderful resource.

  11. Sounds like it would be a very good read. I am looking to start a home based business when I retire (hope that is soon lol) and I think I could get some good tips. Thanks for a chance to win.

  12. I’ve always wanted to have a clothing business…not sure what kind of clothes I’d make, but it’s something I’ve always thought about

  15. I’d like to see this magazine, looks interesting. I just like to learn how people make things and turn their craft into a business. Thanks for the giveaway.

  18. I am a graphic artist and think I would be inspired by this magazine and possibly get ideas to create my own creative business. Thanks for the chance!

  19. I would love to see this magazine. I create floral bouquets. I would be so appreciative to hear from others, as I am fairly new to the business. Thank Bels Bouquets

  21. I’ve often thought about opening some type of craft business, but don’t know really where/how to begin. This magazine looks really interesting and includes some wonderful artists. Thanks for this great giveaway!!

  22. I am Director of a small town library in Central Texas and would love to have a copy for display for our patrons. Thanks!

  25. I am thinking about selling the things I make, but it’s only an idea at this point. I’m interested in reading about it!

  28. I have started selling my creations both online and off. I do a variety of crafts including knitting, sewing, crocheting, and wreath and home décor design. I would absolutely love a copy of this magazine as it appears to have information that will be very helpful to me in trying to make this business work. Thank you for the opportunity!

  30. I like to read about how other people are living the dream of being their own boss. I dream of being able to support myself by buying and selling used furniture, antique or otherwise, that has been updated with a creative twist. Enter me in the drawing, please!

  31. So excited to read this new magazine! I have just started a new business for my own creative knitting needles and cannot wait to get up and running! I am a third year art student at RMCAD and will be happy to share the news with my FB and school friends! Would love to win a copy of my own!

Have you read?

Pencil Knitting Patterns

Getting ready for back to school makes me think about pencil crafts, so let’s take a look at some pencil themed knitting patterns! 

I recently made a pencil on a circular knitting machine, and it was a fun, quick, easy project that uses little bits of leftover yarn (and if you don’t have yellow you can make it a colored pencil using whatever color’s your favorite). And if you want to make a bigger version check out this pattern from Orange Olive Road on Etsy.

If you want to knit a pencil pillow by hand, check out Sketchy, available on Ravelry from Shana S. Cohen. This one uses worsted weight yarn and has two size options and the choice to make a pencil with an eraser or a colored pencil. 

Pencil scarves seem to be the most popular kind of pencil knitting pattern, and there are lot of cute ones. This one from Cosy Craft UK mostly uses garter stitch, with some welts to add texture and what looks like an I-cord edging. It calls for DK weight yarn. 

If you want to go all garter stitch try this version from Emsley Co Creations, which uses five colors of DK weight yarn and just a little shaping to make the point of the pencil.

There’s also this fun, mostly stockinette so it looks like it curls a bit, pencil pattern that looks like it’s worked in chunky yarn from Little Knits Studio. This one uses just a little garter stitch and easy shaping for the point. 

If you don’t want a pencil scarf, how about some pencil socks? The No. 2 Pencil Socks from The Yarn Enabler are available from Ravelry and use five colors of sock yarn. They feature wide ribs to mimic the texture of a pencil and have options to be worked from the top down or the toe up. 

Needs Sharpening by Alexander Walker is a free pattern on Ravelry that uses five colors of sock yarn to make a sort of shortie sock. The little bit of black at the tips of the toes inspired the name. These, too, can be worked in either direction and are available in three sizes.