Opinion + Design how-to : There’s decoration and there’s decoration

opinion, the crafted object, tutorials

There’s decoration and there’s decoration, and seriously, it’s not just a matter of taste. What do I mean? I mean the thoughtless sticking on of stuff, just because “it’s-popular-therefore-it-must-be-good” or even “it needed...

Opinion : Hot or Not?

about me, illustration, opinion, surface design, the crafted object

Yippee! SO excited about this new segment on tractorgirl. What I’m going to do is pick a current trend in craft and design, review it, and pull it apart to see if it’s worth having as a trend. Whadya reckon? Be warned, the vagaries of my personal taste are...

Opinion : handcraft and community ~ it’s not as good as you think

about me, opinion

  There’s something quite lovely about getting together with a friend and making stuff. Sewing, knitting, cutting, filing. Your hands are busy, and your mind has space to enjoy the peace and conversation. And there is the added bonus of a fresh set of eyes...

Small Biz : 7 good reasons to not discount your wares

opinion, small biz

7 good reasons to not discount your wares. So much of how our society works is based on money. It’s a useful tool for sure, providing a common medium of exchange between various people and/or businesses. And because it’s at the core of business (otherwise...

Opinion : Why do we need art in our lives? and who’s going to pay for it?

about me, opinion

Why do we need art in our lives? A little while ago, my partner was talking to one of our acquaintances who had seen some of my work in a show. She was openly excited and enthusiastic: “I love Julie’s work, it’s fabulous, she’s so...

Opinion : Sharing images on the internet (Part ii) : What do you do if someone copies your work?

opinion, small biz

    Oh my!!!! After my last post on the subject of copying and copyright, “Sharing images on the internet – it’s easy, but is it good?” I have been overwhelmed by the responses on this very vexed question. It is such a minefield, and...