I’m so proud to announce the rollout of my new upcycling series of classes at CraftArtEdu! To introduce the series, a free class on upcycling ephemera into postcards. And for your first foray into creative reuse I created a class teaching you how to upcycle neckties into stunning bracelets!
In honor of these brand new classes, CraftArtEdu is putting on a fantastic sale for all of my classes! Mixed media, inkjet printing, fabric art, and smartphone photography, check them all out at discounted prices through Friday April 14th — and if you see this post after that I’ll be glad to get you the same sale price, email me at heidirand [at] gmail.com.
And now … taa daaa! I’m blushing at this super promo piece from CraftArtEdu!!
Creative Reuse!
Heidi Rand loves to work in mixed media. She also loves upcycled art. In her two new classes (one is free!), she will show you how to take some materials that would normally be discarded, and put them to new use. In other words, they are upcycled into new creations!
Heidi loves photography, too. Be sure to browse through her classes on that, as well, especially if you feel a bit challenged in this area. They are full of easy-to-follow tips, tricks and techniques.
All of Heidi’s classes are at special prices through Friday, so be sure to take a peek at each one! You’ll find lots of idea boosters and creativity.
Cheers!
Donna Kato
Founder, CraftArtEdu.com
“All you need is a necktie, needle and thread, and a button!”
Upcycling Neckties into Bracelets with Heidi Rand
Learn to take a long forgotten necktie – or perhaps one that has very special meaning – and turn it into a simple, yet fashionable bracelet. These bracelets are addictive to make, and make wonderful handmade gifts for friends and family.
As noted, the materials you’ll need to make these bracelets are few: a necktie, some needle and thread and a button. That’s it! Heidi will walk you through the steps including how to:
- Choose a necktie for your bracelet and figure out which part of the tie will work the best.
- Measure, cut and sew your bracelet.
- Select a closure to use – Heidi goes into lots of detail here.
- Make your own unique buttons from leftover necktie scraps.
Now that you see how easy and fun it is to make these bracelets, put your own twist on them by adding beads, embroidery or handmade buttons!
Preview and Purchase Upcycling Neckties into Bracelets
All Levels | $13 | $10 through Friday!
Sew many ties (and closures)!
Send a little upcycled happiness!
FREE CLASS: Upcycled Postcards with Heidi Rand
Create mailable art and conserve resources by upcycling old paper into miniature mixed-media masterpieces! Heidi’s instructions guide you through the steps to make postcards from books and ephemera that would be tossed or recycled. Upcycling also saves money you’d pay to buy new postcards and art supplies.
Watch Now!
Attention iPhone and Android Users!
Watch the Vimeo Version of Upcycled Postcards
Look for more upcycling classes from Heidi soon!
Taking Great Photos of Your Artwork and Crafts with Heidi Rand
Follow along with Heidi as you master the skills you need to create images that showcase the beauty and originality of your artwork in order to sell it online. Heidi takes the mystery out of so many potentially intimidating yet essential product-photography skills such as styling, lighting, and composition, and breaks them all down into easy-to-follow steps.
Heidi’s wealth of information is divided into four sections to cover everything you need to know, including how to:
- Choose the equipment and setup you’ll need to ensure professional images of your work, whether it’s 2- or 3-dimensional.
- Prepare for your photo shoot, choose the location and type of lighting you’ll need, and stage, style and use props to enhance your work.
- Efficiently edit your photos so they accurately show your work and fit the requirements of the sites you’ll post them to.
- Decide where to sell and market your work online and make use of the powerful marketing tools found on many social media sites.
This entire class is also chock-full of time-saving tips and DIY solutions to help you save money. And while Heidi provides a comprehensive list of optional equipment, all you really need to get started is a camera, artificial lighting (if you do not have a good consistent source of natural light), a tripod, and an image processing program. Heidi makes the entire process foolproof and fun!
Preview and Purchase Taking Great Photos of Your Artwork and Crafts
All Levels | $25 | Save over 30% | $17 through Friday!
Taking Great Photos with Your Smartphone with Heidi Rand
If you have a smartphone with a camera, then you know how convenient it is to take hundreds (or thousands) of photos! But if you’ve been less than thrilled with the results of your smartphone photos, then this class is for you! You CAN take great photos with your camera phone, and Heidi will show you how.
There are dozens of camera phones on the market. Heidi goes over the common options and settings found in all smartphone cameras and how to set them up to take great quality photos quickly.
If you’re experienced with using a digital point-and-shoot camera, Heidi will show you how to use your skills with the different options, limitations, and advantages of smartphone cameras.
If you’re a newbie to taking photos, this is your chance to learn from the ground up – starting with the basics and moving through more complicated aspects such as:
- Optimizing your phone settings.
- Learning the rules of composition.
- Having fun with special effects.
- Editing your photos.
- Recognizing the advantages and disadvantages of a camera phone.
- Finding apps that help overcome the disadvantages.
- And more!
The only equipment you need for this class is a smartphone that has a camera. Heidi also covers a range of fun tools and equipment you can use to make taking pictures easier and more fun. By learning more about your camera’s features and with Heidi’s guidance, you’ll find yet another way to express yourself creatively!
Preview and Purchase Taking Great Photos with Your Smartphone
All Levels | $20 | Save 30% | $16 through Friday!
Save 50% or MORE on these mixed-media classes from Heidi!
This offer ends midnight CT, Friday, April 7, 2017. | Not valid with other discounts.
The glorious heart of the event is the hundred-foot display of roses — everyone from expert cultivators to people with a few roses blooming in their yard bring cut roses to show. They’re grouped and arranged by type, the result an intoxicating display of scents and colors. 
You can buy heirloom and hard-to-find roses from specialty nurseries, and rose experts will be there to answer your questions. While supplies last, children can get a free rose plant courtesy of the Heritage Rose Group Bay Area. Along with the roses, there’s an array of arts & crafts and rose-related goodies for you to view and buy as gifts for someone special or for yourself!
Plus, while it lasts – a new batch of our sublime local honey. Many people swear by it to help their seasonal allergies.
Garden Delights Arts & Crafts blog 