Search results (tags) for: "gocco"

News from the Etsy Labs: Cupcake Craft Night

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 18:35:00 -0000

UPDATE: We have an exciting addition to this Monday's Cupcake Craft Night. Jill and Katherine of tinycupcakes will be leading a very special project: how to make a cupcake ornament! We look forward to seeing everyone at Craft Night this Monday for a sweet evening of cupcakes and crafting.

This article was originally published July 5, 2008.
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This week we are pleased to announce a very special edition of Monday Craft Night. The Etsy Labs and Cupcakes Take the Cake join forces to bring you an evening of cupcake-themed crafting. We will spend this sweet evening making cupcake-inspired crafts — which seem to be quite popular with shoppers on Etsy. We will demonstrate Gocco printing, buttonmaking, and sewing. You will learn how to print postcards, make pinback buttons, and simple plushie cupcakes. Or, let your mind run wild and create cupcake creations of any kind! Supplies are provided, though you are welcome to bring any special papers or fabrics to incorporate into your projects.

When: Monday July 14, 6-8pm

Where: Etsy Labs, 325 Gold Street, 3rd floor, Brooklyn, NY

Not in Brooklyn? Join us for a live broadcast and demos in the Treehouse room of the Virtual Labs. If you are joining us virtually for Craft Night this week and would like to craft along with us, you'll need to bring paper, pen, scissors, and fabric. Or, you may just want to come and watch, ask questions, and take notes.

Get your sweet tooth ready to feast on cupcakes and crafts!

Craft Night occurs every Monday at 325 Gold Street, 3rd floor in Brooklyn, New York. Each week the Etsy Labs organize a skill-sharing project. We provide supplies, tools, snacks, and know-how. Participants are also welcome to bring their own project to work on independently. Craft night is a time to make things, learn new skills, and hang out. Each craft night is also broadcast live in the Treehouse room of the Virtual Labs. All demos will be shown both in the Labs in Brooklyn and in the Treehouse online.

Will we see you at Cupcake Craft Night? Post in the comments below!

Would you like to lead a craft night project? Send your ideas to labs@etsy.com with "Craft Night idea" as the subject line.

Have you participated in Craft Night? Share your photos with the Etsy Labs Show and Tell Flickr group!

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Keep an eye on the Storque Events calendar for future updates from the Etsy Labs.

Want to learn more about the Labs? Check out our FAQs. Want to receive email updates? Join our Etsy Labs mailing list.

How-To Month: Week 1

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 15:08:00 -0000

We have a short but exciting week to start our How-To Month in the Virtual Labs. We hope you can stop by and pick up some new techniques this week to add to your crafting portfolio! These How-To's will be broadcast live from our new Craft Station in the Virtual Labs. If you haven't visited the Virtual Labs, check out this FAQ about how they work (or just come on by and we'll show you the ropes, they are very user-friendly and fun!)

New Crafting Station!

Tuesday July 1st - 7pm - Fusing Plastic Bags with Anda in the Treehouse of the Virtual Labs.

Supplies Needed:

Plastic bags (thin, flimsy ones work best)
Parchment paper, freezer paper or plain old copier paper
Iron (and your favorite ironing surface)
Scissors

& a well-ventilated area!

Extra Credit:

Fused plastic makes fun and easy-to-clean bibs! Download this pattern and cut out two pieces (one from the plastic and another from a pretty cotton fabric), pin together with 1/4" bias tape (you'll need about 48") and run a zip-zag stitch around the edges with your sewing machine.

Can't make it to this live How-To? Check out this Storque article with photos and instructions.

Wednesday July 2nd - 5pm - Print Gocco with Julie in the Treehouse of the Virtual Labs.

Supplies Needed:

Riso Print Gocco
B-6 masters (screens)
Print Gocco Lamp (bulbs)
Riso Gocco ink for paper
Riso Gocco pens OR photocopy images (no larger that 3.5” x 5.5”)
adhesive blocking strips (optional)
2 AA batteries
Gocco cleaner
blue filter (for use with photocopies)

Extra Credit:

If you already have a Gocco set-up, print out this Buy Handmade Postcard and make it along with us! If you don't have a Gocco but are curious about this printing method you should come on by and find out how fun and easy print Gocco is!

Can't make it to this live How-To? Check out this Storque article and video.

Thursday July 3rd - 2pm - Crafting with Acrylic Sheet with Daniellexo in the Treehouse of the Virtual Labs.

Supplies Needed:

1/8" thickness Cast Acrylic Sheet Scraps or Sample sizes
Jeweler's Saw
1/0 Saw blades
Bar of Soap
Bench Pin
Emery paper
Hand files
A simple silhouette to cut out
Dremel rotary tool or flex shaft motor with bits (helpful but not necessary)

If you don't have these tools (or have any idea what these tools even are) don't worry! Come check out the How-To and we'll explain the tools and how to use them. Then you can decide if this is a technique you might want to try!

Want to find out what the next round of How-To's will be? Have a peek at this article. We'll have more details on next weeks skill shares later this week, so stay tuned!

News from the Etsy Labs: 6/16 Craft Night

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 16:59:00 -0000

Have plans on Monday night? Well, you do now! Dust off your crafty pants and come join us for our weekly Craft Night at the Etsy Labs in Brooklyn. Each craft night is also broadcast live in the Treehouse room of the Virtual Labs. All demos will be shown both in the Labs in Brooklyn and in the Treehouse online.

Craft Night occurs every Monday from 4-8pm at 325 Gold Street, 3rd floor in Brooklyn, New York. Each week the Etsy Labs organize a skill-sharing project. We provide supplies, tools, snacks, and know-how. Participants are also welcome to bring their own project to work on independently. Craft night is a time to make things, learn new skills, and hang out.

This week's craft night falls just two days before Etsy's third birthday. In honor of our big day, we will be making birthday cards and recycled envelopes during our Monday, June 16 craft night. We will demonstrate a sampling of tips and tricks on folding your own envelopes, Gocco printing, and collage techniques. Come craft with us and make cards for all the upcoming summer birthdays in your life. Or, get started on that birthday card line for your Etsy shop!

If you are joining us virtually for Craft Night this week and would like to craft along with us, you'll need a few supplies: paper, scissors, thread, pens, glue, and any other embellishments you would like to use.

Would you like to lead a craft night project? Send your ideas to labs@etsy.com with "Craft Night idea" as the subject line.

Have you participated in Craft Night? Share your photos with the Etsy Labs Show and Tell Flickr group!

See you Monday!

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Keep an eye on the Storque Events calendar for future updates from the Etsy Labs.

Want to learn more about the Labs? Check out our FAQs. Want to receive email updates? Join our Etsy Labs mailing list.

Etsy Finds: Print Plush

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 13:00:00 -0000

Let's all together say that today, we've had enough of 2D drawings and would all like to see our art with some z-axis dimensionality for once. Just for today. In this spirit of things, I've found you a whole buncha soft screenprinted, gocco'ed and otherwise printed-upon objects for your perusal. And so here they are:

Supergirl

HeliS has been found before, and deserves to be found again. $11.50.

View item | View Shop | Add to Etsy Favorites

Doll Face Pillow

Pink screenprinted girl on tan fabric on one side, and a cotton floral print on the other. By runamok, $15.

View item | View Shop | Add to Etsy Favorites

Kinglet - Plush Doll

It's bird art you can hug. By BirdNerd, $12.

View item | View Shop | Add to Etsy Favorites

Muju Pale Blue Screenprint Plush Toy

A limited edition of 50 handmade & screenprinted toys by muju, $20.

View item | View Shop | Add to Etsy Favorites

Flip Cat Doll Red White and Black on Polka Dots

I am in love with these supercute arms-in-the-air nearly-flying kitties. I sort of want to zoom them around in the air and make airplane jet sounds with my mouth like a little kid. Zooooooom, kitty!!! Don't hate, I am really fun. By lookability $5.

View item | View Shop Add to Etsy Favorites

Liz Doll

This art doll of Queen Elizabeth the First is made using a hand drawn, hand pulled silkscreen and is from a limited edition of only 15. By alishagould, $14.

View item | View Shop | Add to Etsy Favorites

Bella - Mini Plush Doll

"The doll is referred to as a pindoll as initially they were created to be a crafter's companion as a pincushion. However they are too cute to remain hidden away and instead have a multitude of uses such as hanging on the wall, sitting in the bookcase or just being your best friend." By aliciaJane, $21.

View item | View Shop | Add to Etsy Favorites

JOSH

By peacefulprovisions, $12.50.

View item | View Shop | Add to Etsy Favorites

Mr. Monster

Ahh, so awesome. Buy it at whomadewho, $22.

View item | View Shop | Add to Etsy Favorites

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Etsy Finds: You're Invited

Sun, 30 Mar 2008 18:27:00 -0000

I must be living in synch with Etsy seller, twoguitars, because it seems like every time I type in a search term one of his beautiful cards pops up! As a fan of eating, dinner parties, and Gocco printing, I am definitely a fan of these lovely invitations. These cards make we want to get out my finest linens, dust of the china cabinet fineries, and uncork that vintage bottle of French wine that I've been saving for the occasion! (That is, if I owned any of the above. Maybe one day....)

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Be sure to check out the other hand-selected invitations featured in the gallery below.

Handmade Weddings: Invitation Options with Moontreepress

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 21:11:00 -0000

We invited Rebecca from Moontreepress to contribute a piece to this Handmade Wedding Series. Last year Rebecca guest-blogged for the design*sponge wedding series (see Grace from design*sponge's post on the Storque) and we were very impressed. Rebecca runs a custom letterpress shop in DUMBO, Brooklyn, and couples often come to her for their wedding invitations. Recently, she listed a custom invitations sample pack in her Etsy shop, which seems like a good idea for purveyors of fine letterpress who are trying to get the word out. Below, she highlights some great work by other Etsy sellers, organized by medium.

I'm really excited to be writing this piece on handmade wedding invitations: thanks so much to Etsy for having me. As someone who enjoys being crafty, I love the idea of choosing to make something over buying it. However, there are times when the scale of a project might be too much to take on — like making your own wedding invitations. In this cases, you still have the option of hiring an independent "maker" to help you out instead of going to one of the big "industry" type places of business. First off, I want to stress that the invitations I'm featuring here are just a random sampling of pieces I thought were nice. Luckily, Etsy has made it very easy to search various sellers, so I encourage you to search for your own favorites by doing a 'wedding invitation' tag search. Also there is so much content on Etsy — and it is constantly changing — so it's probably a good idea to check in periodically to see what new sellers and items have appeared.

The most important consideration for most buyers is usually the budget. For this reason I thought it would be helpful to break down the categories by process. Even though prices tend to vary within each category, it's safe to assume that a letterpress printed invitation is going to be more expensive than a laser printed invitation. Somewhere in between there falls screen printing (ie. silkscreen or gocco). On the other end of the spectrum, you can have your invitations designed and delivered via email as an electronic file, which you can then print yourself or take to a local offset shop, or you can go paperless for a more eco-friendly option.

Here is some lovely work that caught my eye. In addition to invitations, I also included some extra links to custom rubber stamp makers and calligraphers, because those are helpful to keep in mind for the envelopes.

Screen Printed:

MWilson

Vreelanddesign

Uglykitty

Silkscreen Laser / Inkjet Printer:

Dearestemma

Pinklilypress

fubabee

Charmingpaper

Letterpress:

Vertalee

Invited Ink

Blackbird press

Design Only:

Evapaul

Bluedogprints

Absolutecreations

OfficialInitial

Calligraphy:

2Inspire

As a letterpress printer, I'm pretty stuck in my own process when it comes to invitations, so it was fun for me to look around at what other sellers are making. I hope readers will leave comments and include their favorites too, as it's always better to get a variety of opinions when the field is so wide-open as it is with Etsy. Thanks again, happy invitation hunting!

For more letterpress and wedding invitation ideas, see Invitations and Papergoods by Poppytalk and Pushing the Envelope with Calligraphy by KisforCalligraphy.

Wedding Gift Guide | Wedding Category | Wedding Showcase | Handmade Wedding Series

Gocco Printing - Etsy Etsy Etsy How-To Video

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 01:25:00 -0000

It's an Etsy Etsy Etsy How-To Video with the wonderful Julie Schneider, aka julieincharge. Gocco printing is a way of printing that uses a kit from Japan. If you've ever wanted to do screenprinting but have been too intimidated, gocco is the way to go. I sat down with Julie and she walked me through how to make a sweet little valentine card.

MP4 | HD | Youtube | Blip

The first thing you want to do is make your design. You can do it on the computer or by hand, but you're going to want carbon to be in the ink of whatever you do, so you'll want to photocopy whatever you do or use a special pen. Some laser printers work too.

Once you've got your design it's time to make the screen. Make sure there are batteries in your printer and put the screen in with the blue part facing out. Load the flashbulb holder with two flashbulbs. Make sure to wash your hands when you're done since they are toxic.

Then flash your screen and you're all set to start printing. Apply the gocco inks to your screen. If you're going to use more than one color, use the foam blocker that Julie shows in the video to separate the different colors.

Then start printing! I was super impressed by how fast this whole process went! If you have leftover ink on your screen, you can put it in a plastic bag and keep it for later!

Once you've got your cards, get them set up in your etsy shop. A quick search for gocco cards will give you an idea of the amazing and wonderful possibilities that await you when you fall down the rabbit hole that is gocco printing.

I'm also on the lookout for gocco tips and tricks. The next time you do gocco printing and notice that you have a special way of doing things that isn't mentioned in the video, write us a note, leave a comment, or make a little video showing your gocco skills!

You may also notice the new intro and outros for this video. If you have any critisisms (or compliments) feel free to drop a note in the comments!

If you haven't subscribed to the youtube, channel, take a second to go click on the subscribe button here. That way, you'll stay up to date whenever you go to youtube with the latest Etsy news, howtos, and interviews!

Supplies Needed for Gocco Printing

**If you buy a new PG-5 kit, it should come with all of the above to get you started.

- B-6 masters (screens)
-Print Gocco Lamp (bulbs)
-Riso Gocco ink for paper
-Riso Gocco pens OR photocopy images (no larger that 3.5” x 5.5”)
-adhesive blocking strips (optional)
-2 AA batteries
-Gocco cleaner
-blue filter (for use with photocopies)

Applications & Ideas for Gocco
Greeting cards, postcards, business cards, notecards, envelopes, invitations, stationary, napkins, tags, labels, stickers, bookplates, art prints, zines, small books,…

Suppliers
PrintAddictJapan.etsy.com
alittlegoodness.etsy.com
FeltCafe.etsy.com
pearlpaint.com
Paper-Source.com
think-ink.net (They sell a great handbook called The New Gocco Guide by Claire Russell)

Other Gocco-related Websites
savegocco.com
www.gocco.com
www.flickr.com/groups/gocco

If you've got other suppliers or related websites you'd like us to know about, leave a note in the comments.

Etsy Finds: Cuckoo for cuckoo clock!

Sun, 16 Dec 2007 00:37:00 -0000

There's nothing I like better than a good idea, and this clock takes the cuckoo cake! I don't think either me or my kitty could stand the nusance of a REAL cuckoo clock, but this lil guy has that clean designy feel I love...turned into a practical, yet humorous wall clock. The folks over at the decoylab have Gocco on lock down. Keep it up, y'all!

Trends Special: Loco for Gocco

Mon, 03 Dec 2007 15:27:00 -0000

Gocco has become quite a buzzword in 2007 — I’m predicting there will be lots of Gocco-printed goodies tucked under trees & stuffed into stockings this season!

For the uninitiated, the Gocco is a small-format screen printing press originating from Japan. In the pre-PC 1970s, it was marketed as a household printer for the whole family (the word “gocco” loosely translates as “make-believe play”) but it dropped out of favour in the 80s & 90s as digital technology took hold. The 21st century has seen a revival of interest in the Gocco, with artists and crafters embracing its idiosyncratic, low-tech charm. Unlike traditional screen-printing, you don’t need a large workspace to use it — best of all, it’s FUN!

I’ve been Goccoing for almost 3 years now; when I first joined Etsy, a “gocco” search unearthed only a few pages of listings. It’s a different story these days: you’ll find a plethora of wonderful Gocco-made items that are as diverse as the artists who make them.

For art lovers on a budget, collecting signed, limited edition Gocco prints is a great way to own original artwork by your favourite artists.

Quiet by Multiplepersonality
Squirrel by Happymeat

Rain by juliabe
Goldfish by Mylittlestore

I have a particular love of Gocco prints incorporating different media (collage, paint, embroidery, etc) and printed on vintage papers, as it adds a unique depth and dimension.

Teatime mini quilt by Cakelove
Embroidered Head by selflesh

Peacock Volcano Collage by jessgonacha

Mini-Trend Alert: Brown Kraft. I’m seeing quite a few Gocco artists taking advantage of the beautiful textures of Kraft.

Ride On art card by twoguitars

Shoofly's Shadow Pods moleskine journal
Autumn Deer notebook by Cabin

One of the best things about the Gocco is its versatility — it’s not just for paper, you know! You’ll find Gocco printed fabric and ceramics too.

Red King Mushroom Pincushion/Air Freshener by Cutesypoo
Pink 10 Carat Felt Broach by myimaginaryboyfriend

Keyboard Pouch by TooToo

Ostrich with Serving Platter by porcelainandpaper

Pint sized Tumbler with Microscope graphisc by guymichaeldavis
12oz cup black flies by CircaCeramics

Anyone who has held a Gocco print in their hands will tell you how special it is. There’s something about the textures and print variations, which gives a Gocco print warmth, uniqueness, and that undefinable magic only handmade objects possess.

There’s a goldmine of Goccoed greeting cards and stationery available — a huge variety of all-occasion items, as well as cards and gift tags perfect for the holidays.

Artichoke artist book by deconstructartichoke
Set of Hello greeting cards by curtie01

Holiday tags by sarahparrott825

Holiday card axelhoney
Assorted pack of holiday cards by wonting

Create Peace tag by afavorite

Why not welcome the New Year with a Gocco-printed 2008 desk calendar?

by annecote
by paperbluebird

You can also buy your Gocco supplies from Etsy. What a great gift idea too — I’d love to find my Christmas stocking crammed with inks!

Bulbs from alittlegoodness
Inks from printaddictjapan
Set from Feltcafe

With its popularity booming, I’m pretty sure 2008 is going to be the Year of the Gocco. Believe me, once bitten by the Gocco bug, you’ll be loco for Gocco too!

Etsy Labs' Juliesincharge recently had a gocco class at the Labs!

Further Resources:

Loco for Gocco Street Team: http://team.etsy.com/profilest/gocco.shtml
Loco for Gocco Flickr group: http://www.flickr.com/groups/loco4gocco/
Loco for Gocco Blog: http://locoforgocco.blogspot.com/
Loco for Gocco IndiePublic Page: http://www.indiepublic.com/group/locoforgocco

Flickr Discussion Group: http://www.flickr.com/groups/gocco/discuss/

Inspirational Gocco Artists:
Scott Saw: http://scottsaw.com/index.html
Mizna Wada: http://www.hihou.net/mizna/
Julie West: http://www.juliewest.com/
Shu-Ju Wang: http://www.fingerstothebone.com/

How-To:
Multi-Screen Print Demo:
http://scottsaw.com/making_of_backwoods.html
Instruction Sheets & Videos:
http://www.nehoc.com.au/training/
Gocco in Action Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8uTiYOKSxQ
Printing Tutorial: http://www.thesmallobject.com/tutorials/GoccoTutorial.html
Printing Tutorial: http://www.jenleheny.com/archives/166

MagicJelly Bio:

MagicJelly is South Australian Illustrator & Artist Karena Colquhoun. She is a certified Gocco fanatic whose work is fuelled by cups of tea, old radio plays & jazz. Check out Magic Jelly’s blog: http://magicjelly.typepad.com/

Paper Night at EtsyLabs!

Fri, 14 Sep 2007 12:44:00 -0000

If you missed last Monday's Craft Night, you missed out on the junkiest junk food and good old crafting fun. Don't miss this Monday's paper themed night! We'll be doing Origami, Gocco, as well as anything else you'd like to try, whether its paper or paperless. Should I bring my Wii so we can play Paper Mario? You can take turns trying to beat me at Wii Tennis? If you can I'll give you a big bag of Etsy goods! Do not miss it.

xo
Danielle