HEARTMADE

a guide on handmaking, customizing, and having fun :-)

HEARTMADE: VOLUME 1

Table of contents


introduction


There is something so special about making things; the process is relaxing, and having something tangible at the end gives you a sense of accomplishment...and nothing is more rewarding than giving your art to someone and seeing them light up !! This will cover some apparel projects that you can wear or give to a friend. All weirder materials are clickable links to Amazon for internet's sake, but if you can find it local/cheaper, do it!

shrink paper pins


materials:

STEP 1: design

Keep in mind the size of your paper, and that your pieces will shrink to about 1/3 their original size. Use a drawing software or art supplies and create!! It may also be a good idea to leave a margin around the design to make cutting easier.

NOTE

In my experience, when printing colors will get darker as they shrink. Make sure to adjust the lightness in your software before baking and your pins should be fine :-)

Step 2: Cut n' Cook

Carefully cut around your designs with scissors. When you're all done, place your pieces on a baking sheet. Place a piece of cardstock or parchment paper on top of your designs. During the shrinking process, the pins will curl up and may stick to each other or themselves; the paper will keep them flat!
Preheat the oven to around 350F / 176C, then place the baking sheet in the oven for 3-4 minutes. Then, take them out (always be safe and use oven mitts) and let them cool. After a few minutes you can pick them up.

Step 3: Assembly

Finally, you put everything together! Glue you pin to the pin post using super glue. After this, you should seal your art to prevent wear and smudging. What I do is anchor all my pins to a piece of rubber (like an eraser!) and pass over them with about 3 coats of glossy mod podge or top coat. It will have a unique rough texture on the top; if you want a smooth top, I suggest going over it again with a few more coats of sealant.
finished pins!
And that's it!! Shrink paper is great for other projects too, like keychains / earrings / charms ... go crazy go stupid wit it :-)

lino patches


Materials