Lao shoulder bag in cotton and linen

So when I lived in Laos many years ago I had bought this shoulder bag made from cotton and old textiles that were cut up and reused to make the bag. I loved the fabrics and textiles in that country. I love how they are handmade and the old rough feel, yet beautifully crafted bags are just so unique and represent what I love in a product. Well my bag wore out and I made a video of me repairing it (found here). I still love it and tried to at least create something similar to what I had by using interesting fabrics. I bought some khadi cotton fabric from India, and some hemp from Ukraine, and some other fabrics like linen that go with the feel of what I’m after. So I’ve recreated the idea the best I could for now. I hope to improve them with time. I did make a slight change to the overall design in that I added a 7” inch zipper pocket on the inside. Other than that the overall dimensions are the same as my original bag. It is very large and can hold a lot. Things might get lost in it, but I guess just don’t put so much in it. ::).

I didn’t realize how much work goes into making these. I think all the measuring and cutting is what takes the longest because there is so much fabric involved in making them. I’ll need to come up with a template if I continue making a lot more of these. I really like the Khadi cotton (handwoven cotton from India) and the natural colors and patterns it gives to the bags. This mixed with the linen and cotton fabrics are what I envisioned for these bags.

I really hope you like them too. Each one is unique and made one at a time. I do my best to create the best quality products. I am not a pro at sewing yet so you should be able to see the small flaws that go along with that. For me that just makes them that much better showing that they are not made by a machine. :)

I do plan on making some other sizes in the future. You can view what I have available at any given time in the craft section here on my site.

Cloth Bags

So I have been making these cloth makeup bags for a while and with every new one I make brings me joy. I get excited to make bags. I haven’t made tons of bags over the years like I’ve always wanted to, but when I get a chance I do. Although this makeup bag pattern is not my own, I still love coming up with the right color combinations. It’s just fun. I have designed many leather bags over the years. I use to make these leather back packs a lot when I lived over in Lao P.D.R. I still like making them, but don’t have much time to hand make them like I once did. I hope to eventually get a nice heavy duty sewing machine for leather work and make cool leather bags, but that is another subject for different day. I would like to create a few new ideas I have in mind. First off I need more materials. To me the cloth is important and I don’t like most of the fabrics at local stores. I try and look for fabrics from other countries that have unique qualities to them such as being handwoven or unique colors and patterns. As I slowly gather a collection of unique fabrics I will start building some new products with them. It sounds so fun to create new ideas with new colors and patterns. So Stay tuned for future cloth bags and other products that I can think of.

Zippers. I am using 7” nice quality zippers for my bags. They are metal zippers and I like incorporating them into my work. On larger bags I like to make side pouches and other easy to access areas. This way the little things don’t get lost in the larger more spacious bags. This is also a learning process. I love learning new things and this is not exception. I learn pretty fast so hopefully you’ll start to see some nice quality bags appearing on my site. If you have any cool ideas that you’d like me to build then run it by me and I’ll see what I can do for you. Art and crafts are what I love doing so don’t be afraid to ask. I just might be able to make it for you.

I know this is a short blog post. I’ll try to keep more coming more often just so you can see what I’m up to. Just updates and ideas for now. If you ever would like me to talk about a specific topic that is realated to what I do then feel free to let me know and I’ll share. Until next time this is Justin Thorup signing off. :)

Propagating and Grafting

So I love gardening and I know this has nothing to do with my art, but just a fun thing to do that I’ve recently started experimenting with propagating and grafting. How did this idea get started? Well I had a Modesto ash tree that had a disease. Over the summer all the upper branches died except for one and all the upper branches had very small leaves. It had no growth that season. At the base of the tree I allowed some new growth to start up above the graph. The leaves were three times bigger and they looked like how the tree should be. So I have since replaced the tree with a fan west ash. I took the Modesto ash and cut it down. I then took that new growth branches or scions and stuck some in the ground and some in a jar with water. I also took one and grafted it to the root stalk of the same tree. that is now in a pot.

To not get this confusing I’ll just list my other experiments.

Put into jar with water - bonito ash, modesto ash, apricot, nectorine
stuck into the ground or in pots - bonito ash, modesto ash, nectorine, grape vine, apricot
grafted - a branch of apricot to nectorine, a branch from the nectorine to the apricot, a branch from the bonito ash to the fan west ash.
as I explained about the Modesto ash I grafted into the original rood stalk it came from

I did not use any root hormones. I just used honey on the ones I shoved into the ground. I’ll have to do a follow up, but after over a month now looks like there is grown on the majority of the sticks. The grape vines and the Modesto ash are the two with the most growth. I notice in the jars that the upper growth is coming along just fine, but still no roots. I’m sure it’s concentrating it’s energy to new growth and not the roots, so I’ll wait it out and see if the roots will start at some point.

I’m so excited to see how all this works out. I’ll do a follow up in a few months.

So Many Patterns

Over the years I have been building up a library of patterned rings. I first started out doing these because I felt it was safe and cheaper than working with large diamonds that I could not afford. As time went on I have continued building these rings and have found a real joy in making them. I get inspired in many different ways and try to create a variety of styles hoping to have a little something for everyone. Although I’m not very known and have a long way to go, it doesn’t stop me from continuing to create what I love. Owning a variety of rings is fun and brings a different feel for different occasions.

Ok so lets get into passion. My hope is that other people will also develop a passion for this type of wearable art. When I create a pattern that works it uplifts me and makes me admire the beauty. I could say the same about any art out there. I guess if you are an art lover you can appreciate the talent, inspiration and hard work that goes into making a piece. I like to mention again wearable art. I love this concept because it means that you are able to keep it with you and enjoy it on the go. It doesn’t have to be something that just sits at home, but can be enjoyed in those small moments when you glance down and see the art right at your hands. I don’t just love what I do or create. I also love all those talented people out there that have their own passion whether it be music, art, crafts, engineering, gardening, or anything out there that someone just loves and has a passion for. When someone has a passion for something you can see and feel the affects of it reflect in their work. The attention to detail and the way it all flows together is magical and just uplifts the spirits.

As an artist it’s not always all that wow and powerful inspiration that explodes out and creates these wonderful works. More times than not I’m looking for inspiration and there are many days when you have to work hard for it and even then it goes no where. That is when all the hard work comes in because as I struggle to find what works the journey carries me to find something that finally flows together and it beautiful. Those are the moments when I feel the best. When I can look back and be happy with what I’ve done. Now there are times too when I look back at old pieces I’ve created and really don’t like what I’ve done anymore. I have to also admit that there are pieces of art that I’ve created that I’m not all that satisfied with, but I put it out there and move on from it. Interestingly sometimes other people find those pieces as something they like and are inspired to gravitate towards. Or I feel like this is the one and I so love it, but other people don’t seam to care for it. So I guess the best thing is to keep trying and trying. And that is what I’ve been doing over the years. As you can see I have developed a wide variety of patterns. Some are better than others, but when I look at this image and see the diversity in them I can’t help but to feel a sense of wow. Look at that. In those days of grinding and making I at times loose that sense of what I’m doing and when I look back I can now see it is mounting up to something.

I don’t know the future and don’t know if I’ll ever be successful at being able to do what I love full time on my own. I do know that I have a passion and that drive to keep going. So even if I keep going til the end of my life I’ll be satisfied with the knowledge that I at least tried and never gave up. That may be bad business practice, but as most artists this is more than a business. It’s my passion and I can’t stop and will always find a way to create some form of art that can be worn or shared with others. Inspiring and uplifting to the soul.

Hot Packs

So the idea has been around for a long time and I always loved the one I had bough years ago. Then I realized I could make some too. It has been a great decision in our home. We all love having one and on cold winter days we all line up by the microwave to heat them up one by one. My youngest can barley reach the microwave. She stands tall on her tippy toes while reaching up and pressing the lowest button “add 30 seconds”. She then presses it three times for her mini hot pack to be just right. After we are all done heating up our corn bags we go rest on the couch to cuddle with that heat radiating through the material. Some hot bags go on the thighs while others to the feet and others to just hold tight to keep hands warm. Such a great winter feeling. It’s like drinking hot chocolate and keeping your hands warm with the hot cup. Such enjoyable times with the family.

There are so many other ways this can be used. I love heating it up right before I got to work. My car is so cold in the mornings and just to have it on my lap with one had alternating on it, keeps me nice and warm. I also heat it up and use it while I go on morning walks. Holding it up against me keeps my stomach warm and my hands warm. These are just a few ways this handy little corn bag can bring joy to your life in cold times.

These corn bags are made to last. First the corn is pre heated to kill any weevil that might be there. Then a strong canvas bag is made to put the corn into. We all know that things get dirty with use, so I’ve created a nice softer cover that can be taken off and washed when needed. I have a variety of covers that can be purchased separate and many of them are Christmas themed. So directions do come with each hot pack, but I wanted to share how simple it is to use.

Step 1: Make sure your microwave is clean. You don’t want any old liquids or food to dirty up the cover while heating it up.

Step 2: On high, heat up the corn bag for a maximum amount of 3 minutes. If that is too hot for you, you can always just do 2 minutes or so.

Step 3: When done remove it and hold it close to keep warm.

That’s it. real simple to use. If you are looking for a great Christmas gift or one for yourself, you can purchase them through my site. Just click HERE.

Now hot packs don’t have to be for pure enjoyment. They can also be used for sore muscles. I like to use it on my back when I have back pains or a sore muscle. It works great. It’s also possible to put it in the freezer (inside a zip lock freezer bag) to then use it as a cold pack. It does not last as long cold as it does hot, but can be used for both. So if you need a little warmth then you know where to find it. :)

My Photography Development

Photography is one of those areas that I love and have always tried to improve on. I’ve always had the low end equipment so I’ve only been able to go so far. I’ll admit I get jealous when I see nice lenses or even a high end camera. I like to imaging what I could accomplish with one of those things. Enough dreamland… I do feel I can have decent results with my what I have. Better than the average, but nothing compared to a pro. I have recently, for the first time, bought a soft box with a flash. I always used natural lighting only before this. I have been practicing and wow it’s a whole new area to learn and to improve my shots with. There is no time like now (and that time is when ever you are able, when the opportunity is there). I have not tried any outdoor shots yet, just indoor for now. I didn’t realize how much lighting is so very important. Finally I have some clear shots instead of always being on the verge of blurry photos that need editing to get them ok. My mind is going all over the place thinking of all the improved photos I can now take. So fun. Here are a few shots of fun I had just testing the lights with my kids. Now it’s time to start finding a mood or feel for my photos by experimenting a lot. Wish me luck. If I get on a schedule and try and at least once a week set up and force myself to put in the time, I’ll learn a lot faster. Then I’ll know when I want harsh shadows vs soft shadows vs no shadows, etc. I don’t want to have the model wait patiently as I try and figure things out so once I get it all down it should be a fun smooth process to take portrait shots. I actually like taking shots of just still life, but people are harder and something I would like to learn. I love portraits so that is probably where I’d focus my learning. Group shots are not what I like doing either.

So for the equipment I’m using is a Canon Rebel ts6 and either my 28-135mm lens or my 50mm cannon lenses. The dome lights I’m using are the some cheaper gear “Neewer” from amazon. They do the trick and I love them as I don’t know anything else and anything is much better than what I had which is nothing. They are battery powered so I can bring them outside easily if needed.

As I learn and feel I’m good enough to share, maybe I’ll share my experience of what I learned along the way. I’m just happy that I have some photos that are sharp and not fuzzy from low lighting. That alone makes me really happy. :)

More about me

So I wanted to share a little more about who I am as a person and business. I grew up in Paradise California. It was a great place to grow up. I had a small creek behind my house where I play in a lot. I had friends within walking distance. Hills and trees everywhere making it a beautiful place to be. Early on I was interested in art. I remember going to Johnny apple seed day as a kid. I loved seeing the floats go down Sky Way and seeing vendors with handmade crafted items. I have always made little things out of leather or bracelets out of string. As I grew older I ventured into even more. In college I studied art and loved learning new techniques and new ideas to be more creative. I love camping too. I moved to Arizona to work at Anasazi Foundation which is a wilderness survival treatment program for youth. This is where I learned not only to help youth to see and hopefully find the right path in life, but to grow myself in new amazing ways. I also learned a lot more about primitive survival and crafts as a way of life along with leather working, pottery, bow making, flint napping, and survival.

When I got married to my beautiful wife I moved into jewelry making. I have never looked back. It’s fun and creative. I now design in CAD software where I’m allowed to be free to create anything and have it made into reality. I would love to turn my hobbies into a business, but I have never really had the time to make that work out. Lots of these crafts take up so much time that they really are not valued as they should be.

I have been making jewelry for over 20 years and still love it. For years I’ve wanted to make an about video to explain about me and my business. I’ve always wanted it to be more than just jewelry as I love so many crafts. I hope to share some of what I like and for you to get to know what I like. This way you might be able to understand me better as an artist. I did not include everything, but hopefully it captures a little something interesting about me. Enjoy!

Get to know me - Dana Arts

What are we doing with our time?

Some of us may be very busy working extra hard during these hard times while others are having a little more difficulty losing their work. I feel I’m in the middle. With some extra time that I have on my hands I have taken on many projects. The latest has been my coil cooking pot with clay I gathered from Honey Run Creek in Paradise California. It’s from behind the house I grew up in. So far the pot has taken shape and it seems to be great grey clay. The process is fun. I crush the clay into a powder and then I usually add sand to it, but testing this out I didn’t add anything to it (accept for water). I then mix it and knead it until it feels like the right texture and softness. I start with a base and then start adding coils. As I add each coil and smooth it out the pot starts to take shape. After each layer I analyze it and hit it into shape quite literally. As the bottom part dries I start smoothing it with a knife or smooth piece of wood. Once finished and the pot holds it’s shape, I start smoothing it out all over. When I’m satisfied I set it aside to dry for a few days. The next step would be to fire it in a fire. I like to use a combo of wood and cow dung. It then is hardened in the fire and can then be used to cook with.

In life we are like clay. The situations around us are happening and we choose how to react to those situations. We are getting molded and shaped and smoothed out. I feel as we make righteous choices we are able to progress in ways that help us grow into better people. Each coil is another layer that makes us closer to being whole or the best we can become. Serving others, helping when able, loving your neighbor, working hard in society, and just being kind are all things that will help us on our journey to becoming better. So what are we working on today? Are we improving ourselves? Are we growing in ways that lead us into something whole? Are we building and smoothing and becoming a completed clay vessel that is good and beautiful from within?

I hope to do more projects with more time on my hands. I feel it’s good to keep moving forward and building us and others up in good ways. Let us not stand still and waste our time away, but continue on a course of progression throughout our lives that will make us whole and as complete as we can be.

Ring Design

I recently had someone at the Arizona Bridal Show ask me what inspires my designs. I love designing rings. There are many ways to create or come up with a new design. Personally I go through stages and work with different methods to get ideas or to just jump in and design. I’ll try and explain a few of these stages I go though.

Lately I have not looked for ideas or inspiration and just open up something like sketchbook pro (which is now free to everyone) where I then turn on symmetry and sketch out a pattern. Unfortunately most of my drawings look better as a sketch than turned into 3d. Once in 3d though I can see it and make changes as needed as I develop the idea. This method is fun and my mind can be free. Most patterns sketched in this method just come from my head. There is no other way to put it. My ideas are inspired by more ideas as I just start sketching patterns.

So that leads me to sometimes just opening up my CAD (computer aided design) program and pull out a blank band to just start playing with ideas. This method takes longer at times. I sometimes just take old patterns and change them up and start to put them on the ring. From there things just start happening and I guess each object that I add develops into the next one until its done. This I feel I have lots of freedom to push and pull to my satisfaction. Zbrush is another program that I use to sculpt and am allowed to be free with my ideas.
Another method is to browse the internet. I love just looking at nature patterns. Some ideas come from floral wood carvings. Sculpture and other crafts that have great talented people. Lots of times these large pattern I see inspire me to make something similar, but on a smaller and more simplified way. you can only pack so much detail into such a small thing such as a ring.
Sometimes inspiration comes from just being with family or going out. As I see a pattern on someones clothing or I see a rug with a cool pattern, or a cool pattern in the tree bark. So many ways to come up with ideas. I will usually just try out and play with the ideas that jump out at me. That is called inspiration. I get excited and that is when I start to experiment with those ideas. From there it leads to one of the methods above like sketches or just jumping into CAD.

So there you have it. Those are some ways I design when inspired to create. Here are some rings that I will be adding to my site soon. I just need to photograph them and add them to my site. This does take a while, but then that gives you something to look forward to, right?

Some New Designs I have not fully added to my website yet.

Bridal Show and Craft Fairs

So I’m always trying to improve. I am always pushing and pushing to grow my business and most of the time feels like I’m having fun even if it’s not really growing. As long as I’m enjoying the ride, I think that is what’s important.

So I’ve decided to try something new. For those that have never seen my art in person, now’s your chance. December 21st 2019 I will be in a 10 x 10 booth over at the Queen Creek Family Market. 21802 S Ellsworth Rd., Queen Creek, AZ 85142 which is outside the Queen Creek Library. Come and enjoy looking around and pass by if you’d like to see some of my rings and other crafts on display. It’s open from 9am to 2pm and it’s a Saturday.

I will have some new makeup bags or whatever you want to put in them bags available along with many other products. I so wish I had more time to make more, but I’ll bring what I can. :)

Also I will be going to a bridal show over in the Phoenix Convention Center. This will be January of 2020 on the 11th and 12th. I’m in booth #644. Come by if you’d like to see or try on some rings. It will be a fun time. Mark your calendars. I think it’s $12 to get in.

This is something new to me and I don’t have it all figured out yet. This is one way I’m pushing myself to grow. I could use your support if you will be around during those busy times of year. I’ll post about this again as it gets closer to the event, but I just wanted to get this out early on so you can plan for it. :)