Silk-Painting Frames - more info

As there was a plenty of information in the last post I'd like to spend little bit more time on the information about silk-painting frames.

Javana Batik-Frame

Reasons why the frame must be adjustable (either through the elastic fasteners or in the length of the frame-arms).

1. when we paint on the frame, the silk needs to be stretched all the time to achieve even color-result. (you now know "the behavior" of the color pigments from our folding (faux sun technique). The pigment will travel upward and create darker lines es the paint is drying. If the silk hangs through, the paint will collect and build a puddle and unsightly spots.
2. the hand-rolled scarves vary in the exact measurements even being labeled as the same size, so you need to be able to accommodate the differences.
3. the silk will expand in the painting process and needs to be kept stretched

One level frame vs two level frame:

• both frames allow for adjustment
• the two-level frames are less expensive
• the one level frame sits more firm once you fasten the screws. 
• both types can be extended to a larger size (one-level frame requires specific connector, two level frame can be extended using another two-level frame material.

below you see in detail those two types and the difference.
Check the SPIN Facebook page to see what professional silk-painters work with. There is very inspiring information about the Silk Festival.

 Two-Level Silk-painting Frame

   One-Level Silk-painting Frame









Enjoy your creative journey:)
Happy Wednesday to you.

Silk-Painting Frames, Pins and Hooks.

Today we will look closer on ways to attach the silk to the frame.
As people say "one picture is worth 1000 words" below are detail pictures of two most common methods of attaching silk to a stretching/painting frame.

Above - 3-point pins on adjustable ONE level stretching frame.

Above: example of 3-points with the tool for removal.

Above: detail picture of 3-point pins on one-level, adjustable professional stretching frame (with knobs)

Above: detail of the submersible hooks, here on TWO-level stretching frame. The hooks have rubber elastic attached which regulates the pressure and adjusts without the need of adjusting the frame.

Above: Scarf stretched with submersible hooks (three-prongs in this case/ there are also new 2-prong hooks)

Three-point pins.

Pros:

• easy use
• safe to handle
• less expensive than the hooks
• tool for removing the pins is in the package

  Cons:

• the silk under the pin is not accessible for painting
• not suitable if you have many frames to pin (your thumb will feel the work/ you'll need a supporting tool )

Submersible hooks

Pros:

• easy to unhook and hook
• no frame-adjustment necessary as the stretching pressure of the rubber elastic adjusts itself, keeping the silk stretched 
• long lasting use

Cons:

• stretching the silk with hooks requires more finesse than the use of the pins (after few time you have your skill)
• more expensive than the pins

Still more options:

very easy is the use of special short sawing pins and push-pins which are inexpensive options. The use of sawing pins is less safe as the pin-head can break under your finger and cause injuries. The push pins are better in this regard, but the pin is somewhat thicker and your thumb will suffer as well.

The choice will depend on:

• your personal preference
• skill level (beginners are comfortable with the 3-point pins which are also safe to handle). 
• work you are doing (volumes and sizes)

Have a wonderful Tuesday:)

Silk Painting Frames

To move our skills to the next level, we will use  a painting frame to stretch the silk.
There are many types of silk painting frames, the picture below shows an assortment of frames offered by Art for Happiness which is my company but you can just browse the internet and discover the silk-painting frames that suit you the best.

Those frames above (brand: Javana) are made of wood as opposed to other brands that offer wood and metal frames.
Two important attributes of Javana wood frames:

1. The soft wood allows to pin the silk directly to the frame, which is easy to do therefore suitable for the beginners in the silk-art.
2. The frames are fully adjustable which allows to stretch silk in irregular sizes (most of the silk blanks are hand rolled therefore vary in the exact measurements). You will love this aspect especially when you work a volume and need to exchange the stretched work for another in the "same size".

There are several ways how to attach the silk to the frame and we will talk about those in the next post.

With the picture above you also see that silk scarves are not the only product you can create.
Scarves, wall-heangings and framed silk-art, pillows, clothing, garments, ties plus umbrellas, purses and and and.....where ever your immagination and creativity can take you - sky is the limit:)
Enjoy your Monday:)

Design Enhancement with Resist Paint.

Let's have some creative time to relax from the business theory and learn design enhancement to the three types of design we learned in this workshop.
the process is the same for blossom-, triangle- or random-design.
Take a look at those three pictures. Each one shows the original first application as you already learned it and the enhanced part of the design.

In this application we are using the natural pattern created in the first basic process.

• We stretch the painted and ironed scarf on a stretching frame (embroidery hoop or special silk-painting frame)
• With the help of resist paint, we bring out parts of the existing pattern to create completely new impression.
• The outlined areas are filled with silk-paint using a special silk-painting brush.

above: Blossom design is being enhanced after using resist paint to outline blossom-like pattern.

above: 8"x54" ponge 8 scarf previously painted in triangle-design is enhanced with pearl-blue resist paint and light blue and green Javana silk-paint.

Above: 8"x54" ponge8 scarf in random design in small enhancement with gold resist- and red Javana silk-paint.

Above: that's how it's done.

You see, the process is very playful and simple. We only need additional tools and materials to do it.
The next post will provide you with information about the materials and tools needed.

Enjoy your day:)

Sales Channels for Your Silk Scarves - Part 4

Lets talk about the wholesale as a sales-channel for your silk-art products.
Wholesale is the traditional way to sell manufactured products to a re-seller/ retail business.
As the word says the sales goes in whole units and totals larger volumes.
Example as to how and where would be: selling your products on trade shows or through a sales rep, where the clients are retail business partners.

As you can imagine the wholesale of your product can come into consideration once you are in a position of producing larger volumes of your product in best quality including packaging etc. (see post "quality work needs quality packaging" for details).

The critical aspect of selling in wholesale to retailer is to know that the retail partner expects to double your price to define his retail price. This fact requires very well calculated selling price on your part, a price that will be acceptable for the end-consumer on one side and that would generate profit on your side (your sales price minus material, labor and location cost related to the operation of your studio/shop).
If this seems difficult at the moment, keep reading as we will develop a product palette that will allow for larger sales and larger revenue as that is where I am going with this blog-workshop.

The Pros of wholesale:

• you know what you are going to produce is already sold (the greatest advantage of the whole process)
• you produce your sample package, sign the contract with the buyer and produce/deliver your product in a specified time frame as stated in the contract(4 to 6 weeks are very common)
• you get your money when you deliver your product* (vs. what we said about consignment where your inventory is with the outlet and you are getting paid for the items sold only)

* it is possible for the first time contracts/clients to ask 50% down-payment at the contract signing and the rest before you ship. Large companies and institutions will expect 30 days term. You should have the rules of your sale stated in the contract, so both parties know the responsibilities. Look on the internet for sample contracts or consult a professional.

The Cons of wholesale:

• The selling price (half the retail price)
• The need for buying/carrying larger volume of the raw materials (silk, paints)
• The presence on a trade shows is costly unless it is in your city or you can get free lodging with a friend while doing the show. The booth, lighting, and professional appearance are important and will generate larger first-time expenses.

In Summary

• Know your production capacity. Run a test how many scarves you can produce in a specific time. 
• Know exactly the selling price you can commit to
• promise only what you can commit to 
• have stationary prepared with your logo and contact info, business cards, check online tips on trade-shows. The company 4Imprint publishes newsletter with many interesting news about trade-shows
• Have brochures with your product info, prices and offers
• the trade-shows here in Canada run 2x/year starting in Toronto, then Edmonton and Vancouver last. each month one of those cities (January, February, March and for the Christmas business July, August, September). One of the Arts and Crafs Wholesale Show is called "By Hand" and is designed for crafts and art professional businesses (for the first time participation you will need to submit your product for evaluation/ professionalism is the criteria)

Wholesale and direct sale is what you are aiming for with your business.

This can be an example for the presentation of your silk scarves on a trade-show.

The next post will focus more on the products.

Enjoy your day:)

 

Sales Channels for Your Silk Scarves - Part 3

This is a little excursion into the world of retail stores before we go to the "big-boy" named wholesale, the third important sales channel (next post).

Retail Store

If you have your own retail store, your sales will be very easy to manage with the best profit margin. Once you grow in the sales volume (and the production), you will need to make adjustment as what part of the work you will delegate and what part needs to remain in your hands. To get a helper for the store and have your silk-art shop integrated (separated with a glass wall) would increase the attraction and boost your business..just as an idea.

Online Store - a viable option
Little bit more flexible is the operation of an online store. Nowadays there are very many options for your online sales-presence and certainly some easily manageable without any computer programming experience or big investment.

Check out following options: www.etsy.com, www.Miiduu.com just to name two entry level examples. Miiduu offers free online store which can be incorporated into your Facebook presence. You will need to pay fee from your sales as you can imagine.
Once you have more experience and inventory, you can invest in very professional shopping cart solutions, offered by so many, just search the web.
For now I am simply giving you information which you can use later on in your path.

Your first priority at this point is to polish your silk-art skills, material knowledge and business set-up. You need to produce inventory of a quality you are satisfied with and develop the best possible marketing tools (packaging, stationary etc. as discussed in previous posts).

Once you have your first products ready, begin to post on Facebook and create a Facebook Page for your business which is free of charge. Every time you have new scarf painted, post it on Facebook and let your friends and other network members know; add some details on material and design or little story about it. Connect to a Silk-Art Group on Facebook or Yahoo.

So this should be for today, now we have only the wholesale part to talk about and then we will work on the improvement of our skills, adding Design Enhancement Method to the basic design we learned.
Picture below is a small appetizer for you:)

Renatka, one of my very successful enthusiastic students, working on a 17" x 70" Ponge 8 shawl
Blossom Design - Enhancement,
Which will be our lesson after learning the pro and cons of Selling in Wholesale in the upcoming post.



Enjoy your day:)

Sales Channels for Your Silk Scarves - Part 2

Let's talk about the direct sale for your scarves.

As a manufacturer you can sell directly to the consumers in a variety of ways of which I will mention only the most common ones.

• consumers' shows
• farmers' markets
• craft fairs
• house parties

In all those cases you are wearing two hats the manufacture's and the seller's. At the beginning of your career as art and craft entrepreneur you can test those selling venues to collect experience and learn about your business.
The direct contact with the client is the most important factor. Plenty of valuable information will be provided to you which you will utilize to improve your product and more. People will tell you what they like and what is missing and you will be able to observe related types of businesses and how they present and sell their products.

For the start choose a place where your product fits best. Craft fair is a nice venue with manageable cost.

pros:

• you do not need to pay commission
• you have control over the sale
• you learn what the clients want
• you can take orders for custom work
• you can line up potential clients just in a small-talk at your booth or table

cons:

• limited revenue
• time-consuming 
• you might sell the best pieces at the beginning with no opportunities to get more inventory.

In Summary: 

Good opportunity to collect experience in direct contact to the audience, important learning experience.
Nice warm-up.

Center piece in silk-art: One of many options to utilize the technique you learned (enhanced Blossom Design which we will learn as well)

Enjoy your day:)

Sales Channels for Your Silk Scarves - Part 1

There are three basic ways of selling.

• consignment sales (today's post)
• retail sale/direct sale
• wholesale

Each of those sales is right for a specific situation.

• The volume you can produce
• The price your want to generate 
• The amount of money and time you can invest at this point in your business development.

Frankly, your choice will depend largely on how strong you'd like to enter the market.
I will discuss each of those three channels separately in the following posts so you can make the best choice for you and also see the sequence in which you can develop your sales volume.

Selling in consignment
is the most common way to get the products to the consumer when moving from hobby to a business.
What it means is that you allow a third party to sell your products in commission. Usually there is an agreement to sign which states the percentage from sales you will give to the selling party and the liability the seller will cover.
The percentage varies between 10 to 40 percent (mostly around 30%) and the liability varies from exclusion to the full liability (for loss or damage.)

Positive Aspects/Pros:

• it is very easy to find an outlet that will take your work for sale in consignment
• you will get you products out to consumer
• you will build your name and reputation as a silk-art business/ artist.
• you can test the market
• you can test what design is selling best
• you can improve your selling approach
• you will learn in a real-life environment :) what the sellers ask and request, which will improve your selling skills and marketing features of your product

Negative aspects/Cons:

• No control over the handling of your products.
• Little control over the display and placement of your product in the store.
• No control over the sale of your products. 
• Often only basic information of the inventory movement (from the payment slip you will get with your cheque, you will know how many pieces sold, but seldom get information about which design or particular scarf was sold/ which is very important information for your next delivery)

When is consignment the right approach?

• when you like to collect experience with selling and marketing of your products
• when you are building your reputation as an artist and business-person
• when you can somewhat regularly visit the consignment store and check on your inventory
• when you are introducing your product on a small scale 

What is important when selling in consignment:

• Sign a contract so both parties know the rules. 
• Choose a store owner who likes your product.
• Provide the seller with the information important for the sale. #1 are your business cards in a respective business-card stand/holder and if you have a brochure or a catalog provide those as well. The more information about you and your products you have in the store on display the better.
• Most important is to have you product delivered with all that needs to be said about it stated on the packaging or the certificate of authenticity - there you have 100% control of what information will reach the prospective buyer of your product. Do not count of the staff to provide information about your product, make sure your product speaks for itself.
• Identify your products with an individual code (Item ID) and list all items individually when putting together your package for the consignment store. You can print several copies of those delivery lists and ask the owner to mark the sales and send it to your with the monthly cheque. You will see how far you can go in the negotiation of this part.
• Visit the store and check your inventory regularly.
• Check if the inventory movement is correctly reflected in the payments your receive.
• Exchange the products that are not selling for new designs. Most of the consignment stores have regular clients who know the store inventory well and look for new arrivals.

In Summary:

• Consignment is the best and easiest starting point to get your products out to the consumer.
• for the first approach see the checklist below.

Consignment checklist:

• the best of your products perfectly ironed, packages and Certificate of Authenticity attached.
• Each scarf has a specific ID (marked on the certificate of authenticity or on the price label)
• inventory list
• business cards in a business card holder
• Know your price - how much you want/need to have from the sale of the scarf. The consignment store usually wants to know the retail price/ the price that is to be charged to the consumer and you need to concider how much will be left once the commission is taken of the amount.
• The retail price you can realize on the local situation, the store, its clients, other items sold, type of client etc. You can calculate your cost in a real-cost projection with your time and portion of the location cost or just for the easy start use a common rule of thumb and multiply your materials by 2.5 to 3x. NOTE: this calculation applies ONLY to this type of scarves as it is least labor/time intensive. Later when we will speak about more elaborate design techniques this rule will not apply to their pricing.

Tip:

• Have always your business cards with you 
• Have your sample package neatly(products and promotional material) prepared in a small suitcase or a quality box in your vehicle (for unexpected opportunities)
• Take your sample package with you when you make the first contact.
• When making the first approach in a consignment store, choose time in the day with least store-traffic. 

Live with the knowledge in your mind that

You have an amazing product, which can enrich the life of many people;

You are serving others through your talents in the business of the silk-art.      

Quality Work Needs Quality Packaging

You are creating high quality original silk-art. Your work is unique and one of a kind.
This is an exceptional aspect that needs to be highlighted.

Today you will add packaging and certificate of authenticity.

I have really good experience with the clear plastic packaging from Crystal Clear Bags.
Check out their online store and prices plus search for alternative- or a local-suppliers.

The type of scarves we worked on so far represents your entry product.
A high quality clear plastic bags, as those shown below, work well for this size of scarfs as they nicely display the design and protect your work. The size 8"x 54" scarf fits perfectly in one of the Crystal Clear Bags (when folded in half).

Your work could look somewhat like the picture below.

You will also see a small card attached to the scarf.
That is the Certificate of Authenticity.
Those important attachments can be easily designed with the already known printing service of Vistaprint. You can use their business card template and customize the content.

Below is, as an example, one of our (Art for Happiness's) Certificate designs.
Notice what information is placed on the front and on the back .
Use this example as inspiration and make your own improved version with your own logo, your own slogan and of course your business name. (Do not copy this one please/ copyrighted material.)

Have fun with this work and experiment; improve my suggestions - enjoy your creativity!!



You might also need more time to finish those steps, so I'll talk to you again on Monday.




Have a nice weekend :)

Getting Official

So far you learned that you can move to the start and operation of you new (for now home-based) silk-art business in just few weeks.

1. You learn about the materials, paints and silks.
2. You learned an easy silk-art method, which will allow you to create endless original silk-scarves-pattern based on three universal designs.
3. You explored the work of close to 1000 silk painters and saw where you can take your business.
4. You played with designs for your business cards and defined your business name.

Now you will make everything official.
You need to make sure that you comply with the regulations for the operation of your business. Check with the local authorities and just go through the motions.

As for the business form, for now you are a sole-proprietor-ship, which means you are personally liable for all business related issues, debt etc.
Once you grow your revenue the change to a different company form and location will unfold naturally.
To get started, you just complete the official registration and licensing to legalize your business operation now.

As for the next step, it would be good if you already created 5 to 10 attractive silk scarves, your first products.

I am leading you to a professional appearance of your product and your business.
In the next post I will talk about the importance of packaging of your product.

 Picture above shows another example of a Blossom Design applied on 30"x30" Habotai silk/ painted with Javana Silk Paints.

Have a great Thursday:)

Name your Silk-Art Business

I hope you are excited about this part - the name of your business. Think into the future where you are headed and how you/your business want to be seen and  perceived.
To get inspiration and ideas to contemplate, browse the work and names of the over 900 members-strong silk-painters community on Facebook Silk Painters International (The SPIN)

Most of the silk-painting entrepreneurs use the word "silk" in their business name.
Play with your idea of the business name, imagine it printed on business cards etc.
Imagine an advertisement for your business as it could appear in a newspaper; does the name of your business communicate what products or services are you offering?

If you feel good with computers, look into the different fonts that can be used. Imagine what font represents your business's character. You will get the feel of it once you write the name of your business say in a word document and copy and paste it to change the font and see both next to each other. I usually create several font samples on one page and pick what corresponds best to the specific purpose.
The next step can be a logo. It is not necessary right now, but it's good to start to look at business cards of other people to collect ideas for your own, unique business cards design.

If you like to go one step further check out Vistaprint Online printing service. They offer a wide range of designs for different industries and in different styles. You can browse the Vistaprint Website for Canada and check the different languages and countries they serve; I'm sure you'll find a Vistaprint service close to your location or an adequate option.

The next post will be about the first legal steps and basic set-up to get your products out to the world.

The easy and fun silk-art method you learned opens you a door to endless possibilities of beautiful designs like this one "Sunflowers" on 35"x35"Crepe deChine ( a fabric we will talk about once you are set on your business path and ready for more).

Have a great Wednesday:)

The Triangle Design

The last design technique you will learn for your start is the Triangle Design. The steps are similar to the  previous two works in "Random Design" and "Blossom Design".
The silk is only folded differently to create the triangle pattern.
For the detailed instructions, click: Scarves in Triangle Design

Here an example of this design:

8"x54" ponge 8 Silk Scarf in Triangle Design enhanced with wax crayons


With the Triangle Design you have now a solid base for your first production of scarves.



We will spend the next few lessons by getting you ready to sell your products in a professional manner.



You will learn about the importance of your professional business appearance and the tools that help you to achieve it.


Now get few colors of silk-paints, maybe the three primary colors (blue, yellow and red) plus black and paint few scarves in the size of at least 8"x54". Test different color compositions using the three techniques you learn. Useful tool is a color-wheel to see how to mix colors for different shades and tints. This tool will also give you insight to the color effects you can expect when painting in the techniques you know where two colors merge to a new one.
Be careful with the use of black. The right amount creates very dramatic effects, but too much of it will darken the other color(s) in your design.
Use one brush per color if possible.

Once you feel confident in the painting process the excitement of this duet between you, the artist, and the silk will inspire you and fuel you with new energy.
Your life becomes truly colorful :)

Have fun, you are on your way!

The intriguing Blossom Design

Now after you played the first time with the silk, you noticed the reaction of the color to the heat.

In the process of drying, the color pigments are traveling to the heat/surface and create (in our Random Design) patterns like leaves and other shapes that will call for your imagination and will bring the excitement everyone experiences with the very own first creation. 

Although the manual instructions describe drying with the heat-gun or hair-dryer, we in the manufacture of Art for Happiness, use the natural heat of the sun (for this reason I am calling this technique also the faux sun technique/ later on we will touch on the real sun-technique so you know the terminology and what is behind it).

Today I am showing you probably the most intriguing design in this technique - the Blossom Design.

This time the wet silk is arranged by twisting it to small or larger rosettes.

The complete manual Instructions can be found on my YouTube channel
for quick access: Instructions Blossom Design

left:  already dried piece/ Blossom Design










Finished products - your creations- can look like those below.

8"x54" ponge 8/ Habotai

35"x35" (90x90cm) ponge 5








Please play with colors and silk to gain experience as to how much paint to apply and the pattern you can create (use test pieces of silk to keep the cost down).
Have fun and feel free to ask.
The next post will show the last of the basic three designs for your first collections, the Triangle Design.
Have a great Monday.

Get ready for some action.

So far we learned about silk that we can use and the paints for our application.
Now you are ready for some creative action.

For your first creation you will need following materials:

• 2 to 3 small bottles of silk paint
• piece of silk (scarf 8x54 in Ponge 8 /or 5)

• 2 or 3 utility brushes with soft bristles  (check with your hand before you buy). Square brush in approx. width of an inch will work well. You can even work with one brush and clean it when you are going to work with the next color. For more detailed description click here for manual instructions. 

The design we will be creating is random on your part of the creation, but the silk with the paint and its application will develop an exciting design like with a magic hand (see samples below).

I have attached the complete manual instruction for this project on my website Workshops and Projects with Mila

Silk Painting is playful and easy. Each silk-creation as unique as the person who made it.

Happy faces are guarantied!

Have Fun with your first project. Don't hesitate to ask questions.


Wishing an exciting weekend:)

An All Time Favorite: Ponge Silk

The well known Ponge Silk has still many categories to know about.

In the last post you learned about the Ponge 8 (also called Habotai or China Silk).

as for the terminology,

• Ponge describes the flat weave of the fabric
• The number 8 refers to the weight of a silk fabric. On the market, you will find Ponge 4, Ponge 5, Ponge 6, Ponge 8, Ponge 10, Ponge 12 and Ponge 14.

The weight of the fabric is a very important information as it defines:

1. the spread of paint/ the lighter the fabric, the wider the color will spread
2. the color intensity/ the heavier the fabric, the more intensity the color you apply will have
3. transparency/ less weight, more transparency
4. durability/stability / the heavier the fabric, the more stability it has. Certain painting methods or uses require more stability than other (we will learn more about it as we explore the process of painting later on)
5. the use / Ponge 5,Ponge 6 and Ponge 8 will work well for most applications. The lighter Ponge 4 is more delicate, but is ideal where transparency is intended by high volume of fabric like pleated scarves or skirts and home drapery. The heavier Ponge 10, 12 and 14 will serve you well when creating blazers, vests or pillow covers.

Picure shows a Ponge 5 scarf in Blossom design (a technique, which you will learn in this blog-workshop)



Have a beautiful Thursday:)

The Silk.

There are countless kinds of fabric you can use for silk-painting or textile painting.

As we in this blog-workshop focus on the heat-set (iron-fix) paints, the fabric needs to stand the heat of iron in cotton setting, which means it needs to have at least 60% of natural fiber (silk, cotton or wool). Synthetic fiber will neither stand such heat nor bring the satisfying results we are looking for.

The basic knowledge about silk fabrics is the distinction in

• weight
• weave
• mixture of silk with other materials

The most common silk for painting is Habotai Silk or China Silk or Ponge 8 Silk. All those three terms refer to the same kind of silk fabric. It is a durable,medium weight fabric with versatility in application on silk scarves, garments, pillows, curtains, drapes and countless other items you can choose for your own products.
Take some time and check out the Internet and Facebook (to see what is possible in products, methods and pricing. (search: silk-art or silk-painting)

The multitude of products and services where you can apply your silk-painting skills and knowledge is the actual reason why I am introducing this possibility to you.
Silk art business is  from my own experience the most enjoyable, endlessly creative and satisfying way to make your living.

The next blog-post will provide more explanation around the three main criteria named above (weight, weave and mixture) .

This picture (16"x24"/40x60cm) was painted on Ponge 8 with Javana Silk Paints (in resist-technique)




Have a wonderful Wednesday:)

Paint is what you need.

The first thing to learn is that there are

• silk-paints and there are 
• silk-dyes. 

I am guiding you to begin painting with paints, but you need to be aware of the two basic kinds the colors you will be using come in.
Silk Paints are water-based thin paints that are heat set through ironing, which makes the paint "stick" to the fiber. After fixing, the painted piece is color-fast, light-fast and washable.
Silk-dyes are also water-based but the fixing is done by steaming after which the paint also is color-fast, light-fast and washable.

I am using silk-paints for the simplicity of the process and from now on you know which type I mean when using this term.

I often encounter those terms to be used incorrectly and the information of today's post will allow you to distinguish and buy the rigt product.

There are several brands of silk paints available on the market and your supply will depend upon your geographical location. The best source of information is the internet.

Here on the American Continent we can buy USA made paints and European Brands.

Some of those are:

• Dye-Na-Flow Silk Paints
• Pebeo Setasilk
• Javana Silk Paint
• Marabu Silk Paint

In the next post you will learn about the most common silk-fabric types.


Have a great Tuesday:)

Easy method for business start-ups.

From now on I will guide you through the start-up process with introduction to the skills, materials and methods.
As this blog focuses on business, the basic silk-painting methods will be introduced for your information and left for your further deepening.

This information will create a base from which you can explore your own creative preferences in methods, materials and products.
It will most certainly provide you with the knowledge necessary to create your first products.

I am teaching silk-painting to children and adults.
Without exception every participant experiences success in  the most playful way and so will you.

Everyone can start and develop a silk-art business if he or she loves to create and grow.
Tomorrow you will learn about the basic silk-painting materials.

This scarf below is one of those "easy to do" creations you will learn "how-to".

Have a beautiful Monday:)

Vision - Mission and Operating Principles

This is the closing part of the opening mental-preparation for you successful business.
You only can know if you are on the path if you define your path.
You also only can measure your success if you know what it is.
This post leads you to define the vision for your business, the mission of your business activities and the operating principles.
Just to clarify:
The Vision for you as a entrepreneur is defined as the definition of your venture including the dollars you want to make to live the life-style you desire. The Vision describes the overall goal.
The Mission describes the products and services you like to offer to make the revenue you require to live the life-style you desire. The statement should at least answer the "what" you are offering (your products and services) and "who" are your prospective clients (you target audience). More detail in your thinking process the better clarity you gain for your self.
The Operating Principles describe the acting ethics you and your employees will follow in you business activities.

After playing with those thoughts, extract the key sentences and write them down, so you can re-visit them. Make a personal version of it for yourself first and assemble a simple collage you can look at regularly (I am using my collage every day before I begin the hands-on work). This collage is an ideal anchor in times of confusion to help you get centered on your path.

If you enjoyed the process you can derive from your version the version for the public, mostly one sentence per each section. Such statement can be posted on you website or on your business cards and stationary.
Keep in mind that your employees will be able to make better contribution to your business if you will have for them those principles clearly stated as well - the employee's version. It will clarify the expectations right from the beginning.

The internet is full of wonderful examples and guidelines for creating those statements. Pick what serves you the best.
It is less about the words you will write down, than about the awareness and intentions that those words will represent.
With your vision in mind you will go through your tasks in enthusiasm step by step; knowing "why".
(keep in mind that your vision will grow as you proceed - so keep it updated!)

This is the beginning of a new phase in your life - from now on, you'll just open your creativity and play to expand into your full potential :)
(you now know what that is)










Have a wonderful Sunday!

The Big "WHY"

Life in inspired action is the most joyous and satisfactory way of living. The high energy associated with it opens possibilities and let the creative ideas flow. You want to have that and you can.
I wrote in the previous posts that you can transform any "have to" task into easy flowing inspired action that will complete in a smooth unfolding.
The key is to know WHY this task is now on your plate, so to speak.
Well, You want to thrive and those "have to" tasks are part of the picture. Once you make yourself clear that the task at hand is actually bringing you closer to your dream-life, the inspiration and even eagerness to do it will flow in.
Ask yourself "why is this task on my plate now?' and answer it. Do not stop after the first answer as this will not yet carry the energy you are looking for to ignite. Ask to each of your answers the next "why". After few sentences you will feel more interest flowing, nun ask "what could be even better than that?" and answer it. Add few more "what could be even better..?" and soon the energy of inspiration will get you off the chair and you will get on with this previously boring task and move through the actions with no effort.

Note: This process runs unnoticed when you are engaged in a project you were eager to do from the very beginning, so you know how that feels.

Now you have a tool to live this magic with every action and most importantly you will be always in control of how you feel.

Have a wonderful weekend:)

Motivation vs. Inspiration.

You are in an inspired action when the excitement of the task you want to accomplish is pulling you into action. All unfolds step by step and you feel playful and happy. Not only such actions are very pleasant to live, but also extremely effective as the positive emotional state flows in energy, persistence and inspiration that makes you go through the action steps smooth and easy.

Inspired action is a PULL : your goal pulls you into action and you act from emotions like joy and enthusiasm. The completed desire is living in your mind and firing you up; you flow through the steps with no effort. This is what you want to have.

Motivated action is a PUSH: your mind is pushing you into action; you have the goal, the steps and often the time-line in mind. it feels like work and sometimes even stress (especially as it is practiced in the corporate business world.) It does not need to be this way though.

As a proprietor in a crafts and art you will have some "love to do" tasks and some "have to do" tasks in your business life.
In the next post I will give you the key how to turn every action into inspired action and have more fun in all business tasks.

Have a great Friday!!

Little Exercise for Your Creativity.

How big can you think?
You can achieve anything you can think of  or: where you can go in your mind, there you can go in reality.
So how big can you see your business?
Follow those thoughts just for fun and fill in the .... Think for few minutes what you can imagine and what can be even better.
"I can imagine to have ..............................be.........................do........................
"Wouldn't it be nice to make ....thousand dollars a year and to have........
Play with this idea and see how your imagination can really take you to places where you did not go before, ever.
If you play this little exercise-game you will notice inspiration surfacing and ideas' filled eagerness rising.
You will experience the amazing energy of inspiration everyone is wishing for.

The next post will shine some light on the difference between inspiration and motivation.

Till then..enjoy your Thursday:)

From Hobby to Business

To play with your creativity in the area of a hobby is a good way to taste the waters and find out where your passion is.
There will be though a point in time when you like to get some financial rewards. That is the time you'll move from hobby to a business.
The criteria for the financial reality is a simple question:
If you are "feeding" it , it is hobby.
If it "feeds" you, it's a business.

In the next post you will read how to tip the scale!
Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Sun & Moon (detail) - silk-painting 30"x30"

Artist vs. Manager

If you are thinking of making living from your art you certainly need to believe that it is possible. This intention will then sit in your head when you will take the management tasks in your hands.
I noticed by some artist friends the benefit from having a partner who will take the business tasks and the artist can focus on the creations and all the related tasks.
If you are a true single handed entrepreneurial spirit you will certainly enjoy to take care of both parts.
There are many aspects of starting a craft business like regulations and requirements you need to comply with and the local authorities are the best source of information.
There is though one key aspect of your successful future and that is , you must have passion for the new adVenture. Passion and enthusiasm will connect you with energy, persistence and creativity.
You will live the life everyone dreams of!
Have an exciting Tuesday!

Silk-Art Business - Amazing Possibilities

Today I received an e-mail from someone who is looking for improvement of a home-based craft business.
This little e-mail inspired me to finally share my experiences about the start and development of a silk art business as I live and love it.
Textile art and craft has potential for growth and applications in countless products and services and this blog should inspire you to play, experiment and most of all grow the way you want to and beyond.
In the following posts I'd like to share what I learned and hope to connect, help and learn.

Paradise Garden - 35"x35"

Happy Monday to you:)