Craft Enthusiast of the Week : Jeny Johnson + Altered Hoop Tutorial

Hello Craftpreneur's,

We bring this month's last featured crafter with us..."Craft Enthusiast of the Week : Jeny Johnson".... crafter by passion and software engineer by profession, she has never let that creative child lost in her and finds time to put her brain to some creative work, loving to make and gift her loved ones something handmade makes her feel contented in life.....Let's quickly dig in to know more about the crafting journey of our featured crafter for the day...

This is what Jeny speaks about her journey, some of her favourite projects done in past...and about her creative journey so far...

I'm Jeny Johnson from Kerala and residing in Bangalore.

I'm a crafter by passion and a Software Engineer by profession. I have about 9yrs of experience in IT industry. 

My memories for crafting starts way back from my childhood creating flowers, handmade cards, drawing and so on where my mother being always a motivator and giving ideas. The happiness I see in people's face when they see my work, urged me to learn new things and try different styles and techniques. I have never parted with crafting throughout the journey of my life till now even with my busy job. Nothing gives more satisfaction than making our own handmade gifts when compared to buying from shops.

How it’s all started? (My crafting Journey)

I started crafting from school learning the basic things in crafting and then gradually started creating for gifts. 

In the year 2010, I accidentally jumped into a craft exhibition, where I saw them selling handmade cards with quilled elements and personalised messages. I fell in love with that amazing work of art where strips of paper are curled and shaped into beautiful elements. I started digging for videos and instructions on quilling and was surprised to find out the big world of crafting. I then decided to learn more on different styles and techniques in crafting. This is when I started getting orders for greeting cards from my friends and so found time along with my job to bring my passion and professional life together.

What Inspired Me?

My inspirations were always from Pinterest and YouTube tutorials where I have seen so many crafters with such colourful and vibrant creations putting up a variety of elements. Since I love making flowers the most, with vibrant colours, I self-trained in various flower making techniques, one being quilling. I loved the way, the other crafters jump out of their comfort zone and play with colours and featuring even the minute details of their work. This is when I understood, crafting is not just a hobby or stress buster, but an entirely different world where we can grow professionally as well.

My most favourite crafts of all? 

I’m sharing few of my favourite projects I have made:

My style of crafting?

I love making greeting cards, photo albums and wall decors (using clay crafts and mixed media techniques), but would love to try all techniques that I could put my hands on.

My Future Plans?

To be a part of design teams for various craft companies as well as a tutor to help the upcoming generations learn and have fun with crafting.

Message for all Craft Buddies?

''Be an inspiration to all who look on to you, Never be hesitant in thinking 'Out of the box',Create from your heart ''

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A quick Inspiration : “Altered Embroidery Hoop" 

Step.1: To begin with, I took 2 embroidery hoops (1 large and 1 small), attached a cotton cloth along with thin chipboard sheet to secure everything in place. This will make the base sturdy as well. Then I applied heavy white gesso on both the hoops and let it dry.

Step.2: I took pattern papers from Craftangles - Wanderlust collection, cut it slightly smaller than the frames to fit inside it and distressed the edges with scissors and sponged all around the edges with Vintage Photo distress ink. To add texture for the base, I used modelling paste mixed with distress inks and applied it on both the pattern papers.

Step.3: I also coloured the frames with a mixture of white gesso and Peacock feathers distress ink. Once it was dry, I adhered the pattern papers securely to the hoop bases. I then secured the small frame to the larger one on the right hand side by gluing chipboard pieces beneath the small frame along with some thin wire to hold the frame from falling off.

Step.4: Next I applied one-step crackle medium around the frame border and once that was dry, I applied a coat of colour (white gesso + Amethyst metallic paint from Prima) on top of it. Later I used Papericious spritz in the colour Baby pink and sprayed over the base to tone it down along with the colour of the frame border.

Step.5: I took some die-cut pieces along with few metal and clay embellishments (primed with white gesso) and distressed the edges of all the elements using Seedless Preserves, Mustard Seed and Vintage photo distress inks.

Step.6: Here are the flowers and leaves I have planned to use in the project. I created them using Arianna blooms set and Delightful daisy set from Heartfelt creations and coloured them using Archival inks. The filler flowers are made using Oakberry lane set from Heartfelt Creations along with some other foliage die-cuts.

Step.7: After arranging and adhering all the elements, I used crystal clear glitter on the flowers and added some mixed colours of micro-beads around the frame. I then applied a coat of Vintage gold wax (Prima) to highlight the texture on the frame. Finally finished off by adding few clear water droplets.

You can reach out to “Jeny Johnson" on below social media platforms:

 

Facebook 

Instagram

Blogspot

Website