New Fused Glass Decals

They are in stock finally!  18 new cards of decals for fused glass art . . . or whatever type of glass you would like to decorate.  To the left is our new dance card featuring ballet, jazz, waltz, jitterbug, rope, hula, belly and pole dancing.  Too Fun!

 With the nick name Grandma Cat, a card featuring cats had to be designs.  I tried to create a versatile card with some of the basic cat silhouettes that you would expect as well as some humorous ones and some rather frightening felines.

For all of you dog lovers out there, I've put together a card with 25 recognizable dog silhouettes along with some fun phrases.  The curved 'My Best Friend' fits nicely over the dogs and can be positioned at the angle that looks the best on the piece it is being applied to.

 
We've got all the new decal designs listed on EBay, Artfire and our website www.captivedecals.com.  Of course, due to the fees EBay and Artfire charge, you'll find the best price on our website.  No matter where you choose to purchase our decals, shipping will be $1.75 anywhere in the USA for any number of decals you select.


I hope you have as much fun using these decals as we had designing them.  I would love to see what you decide to do with them.  Pictures are always welcome!

Until next time, Happy Crafting!
              
   Captive Illusions            Captive Embroidery
                 &                                              &
   Captive Decals                 Crafty Family

From THIS to THAT with Adobe Photoshop

I like to play.  When I can play at work, I'm happy.  This morning, I'm taking a bit of time before the grandkids get up to work/play.  I'm working on the Victorian theme for the next fused glass decal printing.  I found this cute little girl standing on a chair from VintageFeedsacks.  It looks like the little girl is reprimanding someone or something.

 I decided to solve the mystery.  I opened the file in Adobe Photoshop and enlarged the canvas to make room for the mystery guest.  I moved the girl and the chair to the right with cut and paste.  I opened my file of Captive Decals 5" X 7" Rodents and Reptiles and copied a mouse that would be cute in the picture.  Normally, I do not think mice are cute.  I then pasted him on the floor next to the chair.

Unfortunately, it looks like the little girl is looking beyond the mouse.  I did not want to put him further away from the chair as the finished decal would have too much blank area.  So, I outlined the girl from the waste up, opened a new Adobe Photoshop file, pasted her upper body in the new file, rotated her 30 degrees clockwise, then copied and pasted her back into the original file.  I had to do a bit of fill in on her lower arm and a gap at her waist, but the results were worth it.

Mystery solved just in the nick of time as Skyler woke up; which means his twin brother and older sister will be waking up soon.  And they will be asking for pancakes.  I've got pancake shapes of a butterfly, rubber duck and Mickey Mouse.  The grandkids love 'em.  Gotta go.  Hope you have a wonderful Sunday.

Until next time, Happy Crafting!
              
   Captive Illusions            Captive Embroidery
    Captive Decals            Crafty Family

Featured Crafter: Cynthia Thomson

This week we would like to introduce Cynthia Thomson and her ArtFire store: Fools and Jewels. Along with the other crafts she enjoys, Cynthia has been crafting up jewelry for about 7 years, and makes some very lovely pieces. She is a native of northern Minnesota, and now does her crafting in Kansas.

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How long have you been making jewelry, and how did it start?

I have been doing different crafts for so long.... it's hard to remember when they started. Jewelry making for me started in the winter of 2003. I was at a Michael's with my mother during Christmas break and saw a jewelry tool set. I thought they looked interesting, purchased them as well as some wire, a design book and some beads. I didn't do anything with those supplies until Spring break that year when I injured my ankle, the first day of spring break no less. I sat on my couch all during break and played with the tools and wire an d beads. The rest is sort of history.

What is your favorite medium to work with?

I'm a big fan of copper. I love the color of it. It's also very easy to bend, flex and shape.

Have you done custom designs for your jewelry?

I LOVE custom orders. I've done quite a few and try to NEVER do the same design twice. I just like the idea that when someone purchases a piece from me, they know they have a one-of-a-kind piece of wearable artwork.

What inspires you?

Everything.... my freinds, family.... nature... the seasons.... new trends.... combining new ideas with old ones.... recycling and upcycling.... I find inspiration literally in everything and everyone.

Do you enjoy any other crafts?

I do just about everything.... knitting, crocheting, sewing (I have a custom costume shop on Artfire as well), singing, dancing, acting, drawing, cross stitching, embroidery (by hand not machine), bead weaving, canning and preserving.... cooking, baking, lampworking beads, glass fusion and slumping.... You name it, I've probably tried it out.

If you had no other obligations, how much time would you spend crafting?

A lot. I would estimate about 6-8 hours a day.

Have you ever hurt yourself making jewelry?

All the time. I tried chainmaille once. I loved the end product but it hurt my hands and I got poked and pinched a LOT. I only do chainmaille now by request... and for a price.

Anything new and exciting with your jewelry making to share?

I'm beginning to work with flat wire and working on using more pieces of broken vintage jewelry and watch parts into my newer pieces. Makes for an interesting collaged effect.

What does the future hold for you?

More of the same I think. Teaching music by day, crafting in my "spare" time.

Anything else you'd like to share?

I also have a costume shop on Artfire, Gypsy Threads and if you'd like to place a custom order in time for Halloween... act NOW. I fill up quickly.

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Cynthia, thank you for sharing so much of yourself with us.

You can find her on Facebook and Follow her on Twitter, watch for sales and new pieces!

Check out her blog to keep up with what she's up to.

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

De'Anna