Make: Cover a Container

Hi all! It's been a while since we've posted anything so here's a little make to keep you busy. Very simple, but a great way to reuse containers and packaging simply by covering with paper or fabric!

Originally posted on TomatoTea's Blog.

What you need:

• Container to cover
• Fabric or paper you wish to cover your container with
• PVA Glue
• Brush
• Scissors
• Fabric Pen or Pencil
• Ruler
• String or Tape Measure

1. First of all, you need to find out the circumference of your container. This is where the string (or yarn in my case. Being a knitter there's loads of this lying around) comes in handy. Of course, if you have a tape measure, you could just use that. Wrap it loosely around your container and have it overlap by say half an inch and cut.

2. Measure your bit of string and take note of the measurement.

3. Next, measure the height of your container.

4. Using these measurements, mark out on your fabric or paper the circumference measurement and height measurement to make a rectangle. I used a fading fabric pen here.

5. Cut this out as neatly and precisely as you can. Probably easier to do with paper as fabric has a mind of its own. Or it does when I cut it.

6. Apply PVA Glue to your tube, taking note to apply liberally around the top and bottom edges and where your overlap will be.

7. Apply your fabric or paper to your container, adjusting it so it covers all of the tube.

And there you have it. A nice little tube to pop in anything you like. You could even decorate the lid by drawing around the base and cutting out some pretty paper or fabric to fit into the top.

Pretty simple, but simply pretty. And useful too.

Busy Bees

Apologies to regular readers of the OOAK blog. Nicole and I have been snowed under with work for the past few weeks, meaning we have had very little time to dedicate to writing on the blog and other social networking sites.

So to signify our 'busyness' and spring time, here are some busy bees!

Echino Beehive from yunisacs: £11 - Yellow Bee Necklace from SpoiltPig: £12
Beehive Earrings from Rose and Raven: £7.50 - Amigurumi Bumblebee from Cute Designs: £6.50

OOAK my gosh...

Website

New OOAK items are in production, keep an eye on the website for updates of all our new One Of A Kind summer goodies.

Recruiting new sellers

The OOAK family is growing, we have taken on some new members... interviews coming soon.

If you would like to join us please contact nicole.ooak@gmail.com or katrina.ooak@gmail.com to get an application form.

Craft Fairs

We are hoping to hold our very own craft fair in the near future, which we are very excited about. The event will be in the South, probably in Bournemouth. Again if you fancy joining in, do get in touch.

Creative collaborations

We are still busy working with as many creative types as we can to try and promote artists everywhere and rid the UK of mass production.


Flower by Hearts and Skulls



That's about all from us for now. What is keeping you busy this Spring?



-Nicole xox

OOAK loves...Lizzie Jayne

Lizzie Jayne Designs

OOAKians meet Lizzie Jayne...

Lizzie Jayne is a talented London based designer who designs and makes her own beautiful and unique wedding dresses.



Lizzie Jayne designs are inspired by the 1950s, and are perfect for anyone who wants a wedding dress with individuality that you wont find anywhere else.

The dresses are available in many different luxurious fabrics and colours, and Lizzie works closely with each client to ensure every dress is a bride's dream come true.



Lizzie Jayne's latest addition to the collection is Grace. This simple and elegant design looks stunning with it's hot pink petticoat. A perfect summer wedding dress I think!




If you would like more information about Lizzie Jayne Designs, please visit the website


-Nicole xox

British Themed Crafts: Union Flag

OOAK loves the UK so I thought we'd celebrate our love by sharing with you some awesome British themed crafts. Its double the love too, as these items not only celebrate UK themed things, but are MADE in the UK!

This week, it's the Union Flag, so lets have a look to see what's on offer:

iPhone Pouch from EgoorEngland: £18 - Love Heart from ilovehearts: ~£14
Ceramic Coaster from The Mosaic Garden: £3 - Felt Brooch from LandBaby: £8.95
Needle Case from SewRecycled!: £6.50 - Hand Printed Cushion from HelkatDesign: £26

Meet the Maker: Shadows and Tall Trees

Today we Meet up with OOAK seller Charlie Poole of Shadows and Tall Trees to find out a bit more about her creative side.

Hey Charlie! Tell us a bit about you and your work.

I have always had a passion for arts and crafts and am always doing something creative in my spare time.

I went to Poole College where I attended an Art and Design Diploma course for two years. This course involved fine arts, life drawing, animation, sculpture, glass blowing and narrative image.

After leaving college I have still been very busy painting and creating clay ornaments and briefly had an arts stall at the Boscombe Underground.

I specialize in Icons and Movies but have recently been looking at masks and drawing my own designs which I hope to make soon. I hope to save up and get my own kiln so I can create more glass ornaments.

Doctor Who

How did you get into crafting/art?

Ever since I was young I have always loved to draw and make things. The only class I really enjoyed at school was art but after I left school I did not pursue this as I have always been told that I should get a “proper” job.

I went to college on an animal management course but soon realized that this was not for me and that to be happy in life I should follow my dreams and two years later, I quit the office to go back to college and get into art and design again. This was the best choice I ever made as I have learnt so much there and I am now drawing everyday and my skills are always improving.

Brian Molko

Who or what inspires you?

I am very inspired by music. I can just be listening to a song with a blank canvas in front of me and then an idea comes to me and I start drawing. Sometimes I don’t even know what it is until I finished and that’s the most exciting part.

I am also very inspired by movies and characters, I am a huge film buff so I love to paint my own interpretations of my favorite characters.

My artistic style is very unique, I do not worry much about proportions and perfection, making my work sometimes very quirky and surreal. I am very inspired by Tim Burton and his dark, yet beautifully gothic vision.

Dance of Death

When you’re not creating, what do you do?

These days it is very rare I am not creating. I have started to give myself my own projects to and I have been putting all my time into that.

I like to go to the cinema and out to gigs with friends as music and film are my other two big passions.

Cobain

Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

I hope to have produced lots of artwork and have my own little shop in Camden with some other artists. I also hope to start designing and creating my own clothing range.

Ziggy Stardust

You can find Charlie's work for sale on OOAK, or if you would like her to do a commission for you please get in touch.

OOAK Loves Siân Lister

Hello there! Please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about you and your craft.

My name is Siân Lister; I'm 20 years old and am a nature and portrait photographer from Dorset. Photography has always been a passion of mine, and I am entirely self taught. Over time, I have developed my own style and am always looking for ways to keep my work fresh and interesting. I pride myself on having all of my work produced locally, by small businesses, and love the personal touch that these businesses give to my photographs. I have won a variety of competitions, and also hosted my first solo exhibition in September 2009, which was a big success!

Colours of Autumn

How did you get into crafting?

I have taken photographs throughout my life, although I first really started showing a proper interest when I was 16. I was given a digital camera for Christmas, and that was it!

All My Love

Who or what inspires you?

Anything and everything! Shapes, colours, sounds, sights...absolutely anything will inspire me, and it usually happens at random. I don't go anywhere without a camera, just incase! When it comes to photographers though; I love the work of Izima Kaoru, Steve McCurry, and Horst P. Horst!

Durdle Door

When you’re not creating, what do you do?

I do a lot of crochet in my spare time, and love working on amigurumi projects! I also spend a lot of time out and about with friends, going for walks and just chilling out watching films. And when I'm not crafting or relaxing, I work in a women's fashion retailer.

Paradise

Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

I would love for Siân Lister Photography to be somewhere in five years. It is a dream of mine to one day own my own studio, and make a living out of my passion.

Rebirth

Find out more about Siân Lister and her passion for photography on her website!

Fancy being interviewed? Drop us a line!