Firstly, if you celebrate Easter - Happy Easter, everyone!
So every now and then I do a Muse Fuel post--these are things I do to keep Muse, and by association, me(!) happy.
As an author, sooner or later, you run into the concept of branding. Having a website and participating on different social networking platforms you start to realise that the more cohesive your voice and "look" is, the easier it will be for readers to find you, recognise you and remember you.
When I was putting the website together, Muse and I were in our element looking at colours, font styles and photos that could provide background for both romantic suspense and contemporary romance books (I didn't want pink, yellow was too sunshiny, green too nature-y, monochrome too business-y etc., etc.). Wait, what do you mean people don't take it to that extreme?!? Um...okay--in that case here's a simple post about a bag I made, which by coincidence, happens to use my own branding and can be used to deliver my swag to writer conventions--or, you know, advertise the "writer me", wherever I go!
If you feel like doing the same you will need:
So every now and then I do a Muse Fuel post--these are things I do to keep Muse, and by association, me(!) happy.
As an author, sooner or later, you run into the concept of branding. Having a website and participating on different social networking platforms you start to realise that the more cohesive your voice and "look" is, the easier it will be for readers to find you, recognise you and remember you.
When I was putting the website together, Muse and I were in our element looking at colours, font styles and photos that could provide background for both romantic suspense and contemporary romance books (I didn't want pink, yellow was too sunshiny, green too nature-y, monochrome too business-y etc., etc.). Wait, what do you mean people don't take it to that extreme?!? Um...okay--in that case here's a simple post about a bag I made, which by coincidence, happens to use my own branding and can be used to deliver my swag to writer conventions--or, you know, advertise the "writer me", wherever I go!
If you feel like doing the same you will need:
A Linen Bag
Image Transfer Paste, or Iron-on Image Transfer Paper
Some scraps of material
Coordinating Buttons
Fabric Glue
Cotton/Embroidery Thread (optional)
Image Transfer Paste, or Iron-on Image Transfer Paper
Some scraps of material
Coordinating Buttons
Fabric Glue
Cotton/Embroidery Thread (optional)
Instructions:
1) Iron the bag to get all the creases out.
1) Iron the bag to get all the creases out.
2) Choose a copyright-free image. I used a photograph I created for my website. WARNING: transferring the image you've chosen onto your bag reverses the image so if you have text or an arrow you want pointing in a particular direction, you will need to REVERSE your image before you print it out or photocopy it. Using a photocopy ensures even colour distribution. If you want a more distressed look use Image Transfer paste with an inkjet printout. This way the ink is loaded straight onto the paper and when you remove the transfer the colours will bleed out more.
3) I used some Image Transfer paste that I had for transferring image onto fabric and printed my image from an inkjet printer to achieve a distressed look. Cut the image out and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully to transfer your image to the exact place you want it to appear on the bag.
4) Next measure the height of your bag and make a template of your web address using WordArt or by writing the text free-form.
5) Cut the letters out and tack them to your chosen material. I used denim and leather to match the colours in my image. Cut the fabric letters out.
6) Insert a protective layer into your bag. I used cardboard. Place the letters on your bag in your chosen postion. I used a tape measure to get straight lines and even spacing.
5) Cut the letters out and tack them to your chosen material. I used denim and leather to match the colours in my image. Cut the fabric letters out.
6) Insert a protective layer into your bag. I used cardboard. Place the letters on your bag in your chosen postion. I used a tape measure to get straight lines and even spacing.
7) Using fabric glue carefully fix your letters to the bag, making sure you leave a gap between the end of your name and "com". Glue over the edges of the letters to prevent the material fraying. You can also stitch around each letter using cordinating cotton or embroidery thread for a different look.
8) When the letters are dry choose a button to represent the "dot" in your web address.
9) You can either use coordinating thread to sew the buttons on or you can glue them on.
And voila: My Eve Devon.com bag!
8) When the letters are dry choose a button to represent the "dot" in your web address.
9) You can either use coordinating thread to sew the buttons on or you can glue them on.
And voila: My Eve Devon.com bag!
What do you think? I'd love to hear about some of the publicity craft projects you've done. Feel free to leave me a comment about them.
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