Handmade Store: Diva Spectrum

I started crafting when I was a teenager. The craft was sewing 40 years ago. I was taught how to make a skirt. I wanted to do more, like making designer clothes using Vogue Patterns. My teacher did not sew Vogue Patterns. I had to learn how to read a pattern. As time went on, I learned how to make everything, from coats to hats.

Fifteen years ago I became interested in t-shirt design. My way of doing t-shirts is different from the way they are usually done. The most common methods today are silk screen, computerized embroidery and iron on applique. The iron on designs may get 5 years or so of wear. Silk screen will only last as long as the durability of inks used. Computerized embroidery is usually used for words or logos only because picture designs would be heavy, complex and expensive. My t-shirts combine the best of embroidery and iron on applique. I use an fabric as an applique which is easily customized with almost any pattern and picture. I mainly do jungle animals and water creatures. I am thinking about doing geometric designs in the future. If taken care of properly my t-shirts can last for many years.

The internet is a rainbow of many different creative ideas and forums for more ideas. There is so much to provide inspiration you cannot cover it all in one lifetime. My newest inspiration is jewelry. This is unusual since I have never been a jewelry wearer until now. My favorite is working with wire, natural stone chips and seed beads to make earrings necklaces and even buttons. I even got into re-purposing shoes. I have figured out how to turn a round toe shoes into pointy toe shoes which are my favorite. I have also written an e-book entitled, "Be Your Own Boss By Thinking Outside Of The Box" which can be found on divaspectrum.com. I am looking forward to sharing my creations with you.