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Niki Jin Crafts is Back!

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Last you heard from me (from this blog, anyway) was almost two years ago when I said goodbye and went exploring new directions. I started another blog (it ... didn’t last), and wrote a post here and there for my portfolio website, mostly talking about my professional art and design work. Nowadays I stick to posting mostly to Instagram.

So what have I been up to? Life has been busy, taking care of two young kids and building a freelance career doing book design and illustration. In between, I keep myself busy with various projects related to my art.

I let go of Niki Jin Crafts for a little while, but recently, it came back to my mind. I thought about what I want to do with this site. Just let it sit there? Delete it? Well no, I’m not ready to get rid of it quite yet! It could use a little updating, though, that’s for sure. I’ve given the site a new look (I hope you approve!) but that’s not what you’re here for, right? We need some new content, of course. I promise, new stuff is coming…
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More iPhone/iPad Apps

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So it's been a few more months since buying my iPad, and I'm still crazy about it. I use it just about every day. In fact, I'm hoping that if I can figure out how to create blog entries on my iPad, maybe I would post more often. So we'll see how that goes. This will be my first post created completely with my iPad.

Since we're speaking of the iPad, I thought I would highlight a few more apps that I've been using lately that I really like. I have included a variety of apps this time, and not just photography-related ones.

Magic Hour


Magic Hour is a photo editing app for iPhone that is similar it Instagram or Pixlromatic. Like these apps, Magic Hour uses filters to create retro-looking effects. What makes this app unique is the ability to tweak the settings to make your own custom filter. In addition, you can download filters that other users have created in the free filter market. I also like that you have the option to save higher resolution files.




TileDeck


I love patterns and prints, so I was super excited when I found this iPad app. It allows you to create your own pattern designs quickly and easily. First you choose a basic layout grid, and then you draw within a single tile of the grid. The app automatically repeats the tile to create the pattern, which you can then export as a wallpaper image or a repeatable tile.





ScrapPad


I've tried a few digital scrapbooking apps on my iPad, and this is the best one I've seen so far. It comes preloaded with a good selection of kits with themed backgrounds, borders, and embellishments. There are also additional kits available as in-app purchases. The interface is pretty intuitive and easy to figure out.





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New Etsy Shop and Free Pattern

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I opened up a shop on etsy.com today. I've posted some sweaters for 11.5-inch dolls (I hope to post other types of items in the future). You can visit the shop here. These miniature sweaters were very fun to create. They are all designed and handknit by myself.

Most of the sweaters are knit using size 10 crochet thread and sock knitting needles. I like using the crochet thread because it is relatively inexpensive, comes in a wide array of colors, and is readily available from any store that sells craft supplies.

Here is a free pattern for a basic sweater, for those who would like to try making one yourself!





**UPDATE - 2015** The miniature sweater knitting pattern has been revised.  View/Download the new pattern here:
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A gift tag template for creating a Christmas ornament from this sweater can be found on my Templates and Patterns page. Additional sweater patterns are available for sale in my Etsy shop.


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