Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Episode 22: Flurry of Pre-Holidays Creativity (Video Version)



  • Hello stART listeners! In a pre-holiday episodes the Ridler Sisters are back to share our creative projects, inspiration and ideas for what we are working on, and projects for the future.
  • As always, there is some show and tell to the shows so make sure to listen to our podcast version if you prefer. We are keeping to creative updates and looking to what we are working on in the future, which keeps the video to about 30m inutes which has really been working for us - we hope you enjoy it that way too.
  • We would love to hear your thoughts on what *you* are creating and musing about these days!
Where to find us:


  • We also mention the Kickin' it Old Skool Blog-a-Thon that Jamie and Shannon are running this month; you are more than welcome to play along:


  • Tuesday, December 10, 2013

    Episode 22: Flurry of Pre-Holidays Creativity (Podcast Version)

    • Hello stART listeners! In a pre-holiday episodes the Ridler Sisters are back to share our creative projects, inspiration and ideas for what we are working on, and projects for the future.
    • As always, there is some show and tell to the shows so make sure to watch our video version which will be up here as well as on YouTube. We are keeping to creative updates and looking to what we are working on in the future, which keeps the podcast to about 30m inutes which has really been working for us - we hope you enjoy it that way too.
    • We would love to hear your thoughts on what *you* are creating and musing about these days!
    Where to find us:
  • We also mention the Kickin' it Old Skool Blog-a-Thon that Jamie and Shannon are running this month; you are more than welcome to play along:

  • Monday, November 25, 2013

    Crafters & Artisans at Hal-Con 2013

    Crafters & Artisans at Hal-Con 2013

    One of my favourite things in the world to do is check out the vendors at Hal-Con and see what creative projects they have been working on. I love to go as a shopper, a reviewer for Hexed and
    as a crafter gathering tools, treats and and inspiration.


    FELTastic Fashion

    Crafters & Artisans at Hal-Con 2013

    I was absolutely charmed by FELTastic Fashion. The artisan was so sweet and kind and showed me all sorts of work that she has done via custom order for so many people.

    Crafters & Artisans at Hal-Con 2013

    She sold kits, showed me how she does felting and her work is downright adorable.


    Amy La Loon Pottery

    Crafters & Artisans at Hal-Con 2013

    Amy La Loon Pottery stole my pirate heart! So geeky, creepy and perfectly my style.

    Crafters & Artisans at Hal-Con 2013

    Where else can you get mini pirate flagons? Cthulhu or Tardis mugs?

    Crafters & Artisans at Hal-Con 2013

    I brought home a skull Santa Christmas tree decoration and am going to turn it into a pendant thanks to Amy!


    Giant Robot Comics

    Crafters & Artisans at Hal-Con 2013

    Shopping at Giant Robot Comics is always fun but this year? Extra fun for me.

    Crafters & Artisans at Hal-Con 2013

    They had silicon molds! I realized lately I don't have enough geek jewellery so I got a fantastic deal on this Batman emblem mold for only $10.


    The Monkey Rodeo

    Crafters & Artisans at Hal-Con 2013

    The Monkey Rodeo had amazing spooky movie props made by Fox Henderson who was so much fun to speak with. A guy who makes zombie chickens just has to be a great conversationalist.

    Crafters & Artisans at Hal-Con 2013

    Intriguing jars of who knows what alongside shrunken heads? Everywhere you looked there was something weird and bizarre.

    Crafters & Artisans at Hal-Con 2013

    I came back and picked up a bitten brain keychain that I am going to turn into a pendant. Fun!


    The Quarrelsome Yeti

    Crafters & Artisans at Hal-Con 2013

    I found the coolest t-shirt at The Quarrelsome Yeti by Geordan Moore. This was my big Hal-Con purchase!

    Crafters & Artisans at Hal-Con 2013

    Yes, a Sad Broccoli t-shirt. I could not resist! He is such a cutie and will be perfect for my foodie videos. I was relieved when Geordan told me he actually loves broccoli.


    Eternal Elf Creations

    Crafters & Artisans at Hal-Con 2013

    Every year I look forward to visiting Eternal Elf Creations booth and seeing what beautifully gothic work she has put together. This year I was bewitched by these bluish green earrings and had to bring them home.


    Postcard Look

    Crafters & Artisans at Hal-Con 2013

    I hope you enjoyed this little postcard look at Hal-Con 2013. Another amazing year with so many talented artisans. I left with projects I wanted to pursue and tools I could use to create them. Not to mention getting to talk with so many fantastic people who I just loved hanging out with. Hal-Con, I will miss you.

    Thursday, November 21, 2013

    Creating a Simple Framed Cameo Pendant

    Creating a Simple Framed Cameo Pendant

    In Episode 20 of stART you saw me showing off my skeleton cameo pendant but I want to show you how easy it was to make. You can use anything you want as a frame and a subject BTW but here is where I got the skeleton cameos and the cabochons/frames.

    Creating a Simple Framed Cameo Pendant

    The hard part was really figuring out the combo I wanted. I like having pendants that really standout for my videos so I went with a hot pink frame and a white cameo on a black background. Lots of contrast but I love black and pink together. Edgy and feminine, like me!

    Creating a Simple Framed Cameo Pendant

    THE adhesive to use, always, is E6000. Because it is the toughest adhesive around. There is nothing worst than a piece falling apart. Just be careful, try not to breathe in the fumes and use gloves.

    I hate it when glue oozes out of something I am putting together so I just added a small dollop of glue to the middle of the frame and then smeared it a bit with a wooden toothpick but I left the edge clean.

    Creating a Simple Framed Cameo Pendant

    I lightly coated the back of the cameo with glue using a wooden toothpick. I pressed the cameo onto the frame to set.

    Creating a Simple Framed Cameo Pendant

    Once set I got a bail (the loopy thingy that turns the frame into a hanging pendant) and glued it on the back.

    Creating a Simple Framed Cameo Pendant

    My bail is a little crooked and the cameo is not perfectly centred but who cares? I made then pendant for probably less then $2.50 and I love it! I can not wait to turn it into a necklace. Cheap but not crappy jewellery is so much fun to make. No pressure, just crafty fun.

    Wednesday, November 20, 2013

    Episode 21: We're Legal Now (Everywhere) Video Version



    • Hello stART listeners! The Ridler Sisters are back together again sharing our creative projects, inspiration and ideas for what we are working on, and projects for the future.
    • As always, there is some show and tell to the shows so make sure to watch our video version which will be up here as well as on YouTube. We are keeping to creative updates and looking to what we are working on in the future, which keeps the podcast to about 30minutes which has really been working for us - we hope you enjoy it that way too. Our Musings portion has taking a bit of a break, but we may still share them as individual videos here and on our http://www.youtube.com/user/RidlerSisters page.
    • We would love to hear your thoughts on what *you* are creating and musing about these days!
    Where to find us:

  • We also mention the Kickin' it Old Skool Blog-a-Thon that Jamie and Shannon are running in December; we'd love for your to play along:


  • Tuesday, November 19, 2013

    Episode 21: We're Legal Now (Everywhere) Podcast Version

    • Hello stART listeners! The Ridler Sisters are back together again sharing our creative projects, inspiration and ideas for what we are working on, and projects for the future.
    • As always, there is some show and tell to the shows so make sure to watch our video version which will be up here as well as on YouTube. We are keeping to creative updates and looking to what we are working on in the future, which keeps the podcast to about 30minutes which has really been working for us - we hope you enjoy it that way too. Our Musings portion has taking a bit of a break, but we may still share them as individual videos here and on our http://www.youtube.com/user/RidlerSisters page.
    • We would love to hear your thoughts on what *you* are creating and musing about these days!
    Where to find us:
  • We also mention the Kickin' it Old Skool Blog-a-Thon that Jamie and Shannon are running in December; we'd love for your to play along:

  • Wednesday, November 6, 2013

    What I started after stART!


    Sometimes the magic happens after the show! In our post eps-20 conversation, the idea of a diorama was re-sparked in me! So, of course, I started right away! I knew I wanted to use one of these beautiful porcelain tiles we have leftover from our kitchen. I worried it would scratch the table, so I cut a placemat down to size.

    So there it was. I had my foundation.


    When I was out and about this mug caught my eye. I didn't know why but knowing that I was building this diorama I thought, why not pick it up? Only in the moment that I put it on the foundation did I think, "We had five kids in our family." It's amazing how significance is revealed in the process. I remembered that I can trust that.


    It wasn't long before the 5 had some company.

    I love this process. I think the meanings will be discovered and will shift and grow as the diorama takes shape. Thank you for the inspiration!

    Cheap (But Not Crappy) Crafting: Basic Big Pendant Necklace

    Cheap (But Not Crappy) Crafting: Basic Big Pendant Necklace

    I know what it is like to be overwhelmed and intimidated to make jewellery. I remember going into a bead store in Port Coquitlam out west and being too intimidated to talk to the staff. Which, if you watch me (Suzie) on stART, you know must be hard to believe.

    It was all too much! Where to start? What the hell is a finding? How many components do I really need?

    I want to say that jewellery can be as simple or complicated as you want it to be. Lately I prefer to make pieces as quickly, easily and cheaply as possible.


    Let's Go Shopping!

    Cheap (But Not Crappy) Crafting: Basic Big Pendant Necklace

    The weekend after a holiday is a great time to shop. Prices on holiday items are slashed! Halloween is my favourite holiday but imagine what you can do with snowflakes or Easter bunnies or glittery hearts after Valentine's Day?

    Cheap (But Not Crappy) Crafting: Basic Big Pendant Necklace

    Michaels carries art-1-cake by Amy Labbe and she is so talented! Her aesthetic is one of the best out there, at least when it comes my personal taste. It's whimsical with a slight touch of demented, LOL. This was originally $9.99 and I got it for $1.99 the weekend after Halloween.


    What the heck to do next?

    Cheap (But Not Crappy) Crafting: Basic Big Pendant Necklace

    First, you need cord. I use a thick black cord but you can use a shoelace. You will be surprised at well those work for necklaces and you can't get a better deal.

    I use a cord end or end cap to make fast and easy pendants. You put the cord inside.

    Cheap (But Not Crappy) Crafting: Basic Big Pendant Necklace

    You use pliers to ease down one side, then the other and them smoosh it altogether. You really can't go wrong here. You are just clamping it into place.

    Cheap (But Not Crappy) Crafting: Basic Big Pendant Necklace

    Using two pliers you open up a jump ring and then put it through the cord end. Do this on both sides.

    Cheap (But Not Crappy) Crafting: Basic Big Pendant Necklace

    Keep one open so you can attach a clasp. I just used a cheap one from a batch I got at the dollar store.

    Cheap (But Not Crappy) Crafting: Basic Big Pendant Necklace

    You do need pliers to close the jump rings so that the lobster claw has something to really grab to make it easy to put on and take off. Oops! I used a gold end cord, LOL. But who cares? Nobody is going to notice.


    Wear it!

    Cheap (But Not Crappy) Crafting: Basic Big Pendant Necklace

    Before I did all the detailing with the findings I did a loose and simple hanged man's noose to attach the pendant but you could literally just hang it on the cord and you are good to go!

    Inexpensive, fun, fast and simple! All it took was a few findings, tools and cord and you are ready to wear just about any awesome pendant you have. I did this in one sitting and I am not a fast crafter and wore it in my latest video post for my foodie blog already. Too funny! I was also wearing butcher knives earrings I made and the box was for Christmas!

    Ep 20: Home, Small and Fast (Video Version)



    Suzie's Shopping Notes from this episode of stART: Skeleton cameoscabochons/frames, button silicon moldteapot/cupcake silicon moodcrochet hooks and stitch counters. Happy shopping!

    • Hello stART listeners! We are again so back on our regular biweekly schedule and this week we not only get a chance to share what we've done and what we are going to be doing, as well as discuss what 'home' feels like to us.
    • As always, there is some show and tell to the shows so make sure to watch our video version which will be up here as well as on YouTube. We are keeping to creative updates and looking to what we are working on in the future, which keeps the podcast to about 30minutes which has really been working for us - we hope you enjoy it that way too. Our Musings portion has taking a bit of a break, but we may still share them as individual videos here and on our http://www.youtube.com/user/RidlerSisters page.
    • We would love to hear your thoughts on what *you* are creating and musing about these days!


    Where to find us:

    Tuesday, November 5, 2013

    Ep 20: Home, Small and Fast

    • Hello stART listeners! We are again so back on our regular biweekly schedule and this week we not only get a chance to share what we've done and what we are going to be doing, as well as discuss what 'home' feels like to us.
    • As always, there is some show and tell to the shows so make sure to watch our video version which will be up here as well as on YouTube. We are keeping to creative updates and looking to what we are working on in the future, which keeps the podcast to about 30minutes which has really been working for us - we hope you enjoy it that way too. Our Musings portion has taking a bit of a break, but we may still share them as individual videos here and on our http://www.youtube.com/user/RidlerSisters page.
    • We would love to hear your thoughts on what *you* are creating and musing about these days!
    Where to find us:
    •  Subscribe to the stART Sisters Podcast Here.
    • We've been back at our bi-weekly schedule, so we'll be seeing you again in 2 weeks for our next episode.

    Wednesday, October 23, 2013

    Ep 19... We're legal! (In Canada) YouTube Video




    • Hello stART listeners! We are so happy to be back with you in our regular biweekly schedule and this week we not only get a chance to share what we've done and what we are going to be doing, but also tangent off in a really interesting discussion about the tools that support our creativity.


    • As always, there is some show and tell to the shows so make sure to watch our video version which will be up here as well as on YouTube. We are keeping to creative updates and looking to what we are working on in the future, which keeps the podcast to about 30minutes which has really been working for us - we hope you enjoy it that way too. Our Musings portion has taking a bit of a break, but we may still share them as individual videos here and on our http://www.youtube.com/user/RidlerSisters page.


    • We would love to hear your thoughts on what *you* are creating and musing about these days!


    Where to find us:
    •  Subscribe to the stART Sisters Podcast Here.
    • We've been back at our bi-weekly schedule, so we'll be seeing you again in 2 weeks for our next episode.

    Tuesday, October 22, 2013

    Ep 19 We're Legal Now (In Canada)


    • Hello stART listeners! We are so happy to be back with you in our regular biweekly schedule and this week we not only get a chance to share what we've done and what we are going to be doing, but also tangent off in a really interesting discussion about the tools that support our creativity.
    • As always, there is some show and tell to the shows so make sure to watch our video version which will be up here as well as on YouTube. We are keeping to creative updates and looking to what we are working on in the future, which keeps the podcast to about 30minutes which has really been working for us - we hope you enjoy it that way too. Our Musings portion has taking a bit of a break, but we may still share them as individual videos here and on our http://www.youtube.com/user/RidlerSisters page.
    • We would love to hear your thoughts on what *you* are creating and musing about these days!
    Where to find us:
    •  Subscribe to the stART Sisters Podcast Here.
    • We've been back at our bi-weekly schedule, so we'll be seeing you again in 2 weeks for our next episode.

    Tuesday, October 8, 2013

    Ep 18 Keeping Our Creative Rhythm Strong (Podcast Version)



    • Hello stART listeners, we are back yet again for our regularly biweekly podcast schedule! It's exciting to be back to some normalcy, but that doesn't mean we've been slacking on creating - in fact we've been very busy and can't wait to share with you some of the creative awesomeness in our lives.
    • As always, there is some show and tell to the shows so make sure to watch our video version which will be up here as well as on YouTube. We are keeping to creative updates and looking to what we are working on in the future, which keeps the podcast to about 30minutes which has really been working for us - we hope you enjoy it that way too. Our Musings portion has taking a bit of a break, but we may still share them as individual videos here and on our http://www.youtube.com/user/RidlerSisters page.
    • We would love to hear your thoughts on what *you* are creating and musing about these days!
    Where to find us:
    •  Subscribe to the stART Sisters Podcast Here.
    • We've been back at our bi-weekly schedule, so we'll be seeing you again in 2 weeks for our next episode.

    Tuesday, September 24, 2013

    Ep 17 Continuing Our stART Rhythm






    • Hello stART listeners, we are back to our regularly scheduled biweekly podcast schedule!  And we have been creating and creating and creating over the past 2 weeks and it is our joy to share that with you.
    • As always, there is some show and tell to the shows so make sure to watch our video version which will be up here as well as on YouTube (sorry we didn't have video for the last 2 eps, but this time we will!). We are keeping to creative updates and looking to what we are working on in the future, which keeps the podcast to about 30minutes.  Our Musings portion maybe morphing to a different piece in our creativity puzzle, but if they appear we will sharing them as individual videos here and on our http://www.youtube.com/user/RidlerSisters page.
    • We would love to hear your thoughts on what *you* are creating and musing about these days!
    Where to find us:
    •  Subscribe to the stART Sisters Podcast Here.
    • We are hoping to get back to our bi-weekly schedule, so hopefully we'll back in around 2 weeks for our next episode.

    Tuesday, September 10, 2013

    Ep 16 Getting Back Together (Podcast Version)

    • Hello stART listeners and viewers and welcome back. It's been a long time since our last episode as life has brought us many challenges with the passing of our Mom earlier this summer. I'm sure she would be happy to see us back together creating again and sharing along the way.
    • As always, there is some show and tell to the shows so make sure to watch our video version which will be up here as well as on YouTube. And this week is updates and looking ahead, it's likely our Musings portion are now individual videos here and on our http://www.youtube.com/user/RidlerSisters page.
    • We would love to hear your thoughts on what *you* are creating and musing about these days!
    Where to find us:
    •  Subscribe to the stART Sisters Podcast Here.
    • We are hoping to get back to our bi-weekly schedule, so hopefully we'll back in around 2 weeks for our next episode.

    Tuesday, June 4, 2013

    srART Ep 15: We're Back! (Podcast Version)

     
    • It's been some time since our last episode, but even when life gets challenging it's still important to create!  We check in on what we've been working on and what we plan to look forward to as well.  There is even some show and tell so maker sure to watch our video version which will be up here as well as on YouTube. Please note, our Musings portion are now individual videos here and on our http://www.youtube.com/user/RidlerSisters page, and we would love to hear your thoughts as well as what *you* are musing these days!
    •  Subscribe to the stART Sisters Podcast Here.
    • Our schedule might be a bit different these days, but hopefully we'll be back in around 2 weeks for our next episode.

    Wednesday, April 17, 2013

    Episode 14: Shortest Episode Evah! (Video Version)


    Tuesday, April 9, 2013

    Episode 14: Shortest Episode Evah! (Podcast Version)



    • We had some crazy tech challenges which put our creative problem solving caps on and that makes episode 14 our shortest episode evah! But we still have the goods to share, and Jamie, Suzie and Shannon have creative updates on current projects as well as look to what is coming up in the future.  Please note, our Musings portion are now individual videos here and on our http://www.youtube.com/user/RidlerSisters page, and we would love to hear your thoughts as well as what *you* are musing these days!

    Thursday, March 28, 2013

    Start eps 13 ~ Suzie's Musing



    Here is my musing and as I started recording it I realized just how lost I am feeling about blogging right now. My question is about asking yourself why are you blogging? I really did not think finding an answer was going to be quite so difficult. Would love to hear why you blog though!

    Wednesday, March 27, 2013

    Tuesday, March 26, 2013

    stART Episode 13 podcast version: Creative Updates and What's Next


     photo start13_zps15627d38.jpg
    • It's episode 13 and Jamie, Suzie and Shannon are back and ready to share updates on their creative projects as well as look to what is on the horizon. Please note, our Musings portion has moved to be individual videos here and on our http://www.youtube.com/user/RidlerSisters page, and we would love to hear your thoughts as well as what *you* are musing these days!

    Wednesday, March 20, 2013

    stART Eps 12 ~ Suzie's response to Shannon's Musing



    Here is my response to Shannon's Musing this episode of stART! I share my journals I have even though I am not technically journalling, LOL.

    stART Eps 12 ~ Suzie's response to Jamie's Musing



    Hey! Suzie here! Made a video response to Jamie's Episode 12 musing about what it is I have been missing. It's not super creative but I'm loving it and hope I can keep doing it.

    Tuesday, March 19, 2013

    stART: Eps 12 Jamie's Response to Suzie Musings

    stART Eps 12 ~ Shannon's Musing ~ Choosing a Journal

    For episode 12 of stART, we are sharing our Musings outside of the regular show. Here is Shannon's musing about selecting the next journal, and trying to decide if on going with the same pattern or trying something new.

    Friday, March 15, 2013

    stART Episode 12 podcast version: Updates, What's Next and

     photo start12_zpsa673bb4c.jpg
    • In episode 12 The Ridler Sisters are here again with a shorter version of the show with an update, what's next for us and a change to the process. For musings we'll now be sharing them over at our YouTube page through the week, where you can watch and respond over at http://www.youtube.com/user/RidlerSisters.