• Fold-out Inspiration From a Pop-Up Book Creator

    Fold-out Inspiration From a Pop-Up Book Creator

    Discover the pop-up books that inspired Silvia Hijano Coullaut to dedicate herself to them professionally Although modern pop-up book design might make us think that they’re a modern trend, the fact is that these fold-out publications have been around for centuries. Designer Silvia Hijano Coullaut, founder of the studio Libracos (@silvia_libracos), tells us about the books that have influenced her most, from stories that have come out in recent years to more surprising inclusions that are hundreds of years old. Ars Magna Generalis, by Ramón Llull The first pop-up books weren’t made for children, they were science books. This book, which dates back to 1306 and can be found in the El Escorial library in Madrid, is one of the greatest exponents of the earliest fold-out books. All kinds of calculations can be found inside and it even incorporates wheels that come out from the book itself in a slanted way, something that caught Silvia’s eye.

  • 7 Embroiderers You Need to Follow

    7 Embroiderers You Need to Follow

    Get to know these fascinating contemporary embroiderers and be inspired by their textile art Crazy for embroidery? These seven women are at the top of their game. Check out their innovative interpretations of this ancient craft - they may even inspire you to pick up a needle and try something different yourself. Lisa Smirnova Lisa Smirnova is a master of color and detail. Her threads complement one another and blend together to create her elaborate painterly designs and portraits.

  • Download Free: Star Wars Models for 3D Printing

    Download Free: Star Wars Models for 3D Printing

    Designer and maker Agustín "Flowalistik" Arroyo shares his models for 3D printing inspired by the Star Wars saga Designer Agustín Arroyo (@flowalistik),one of the millions of fans of the Star Wars saga, whose numbers seem to grow with every premiere, wants to share his 3D printing models inspired by Episode VII - The Force Awakens. Although he designed and shaped them some years ago as a treat for his friends–faithful followers of the saga like him–these models are timeless, just like the movies. This is a series of space toys for 3D printing, a fan art interpretation based on the characters of one of his favorite films in the series, that anyone can download and print to use as a decorative element. The files of these 3D figures inspired by the Star Wars saga can be downloaded for free and are ready to be printed, that is, they do not require any kind of support or postprocessing material. In Arroyo's own words: "These designs make the dream of pushing a button and let a machine manufacture your design come true, a vision so magical and at the same time one that seems so detached from reality."

  • What is Screen-printing and What Materials Do I Need?

    What is Screen-printing and What Materials Do I Need?

    Discover what tools and materials you need to make your own screen and start printing your designs at home. The word “serigraphy” (also known as screen-printing) comes from the Latin word for “silk”, sericum, and the Greek word for “to write” or “to draw,” graphé. It’s a technique that enables you to print a design onto fabric using ink and a mesh screen. You can reproduce this design onto different surfaces without losing any quality. While this artisanal process is usually carried out in specialist workshops, the truth is that anyone can make their own screen; screen-printing is a technique that is simple enough for you to try at home. All you need are a few basic materials. Here, we explain how:

  • Origami for Beginners: Materials and Basic Folding Techniques

    Origami for Beginners: Materials and Basic Folding Techniques

    Discover the basic materials and folds to get started in this ancient technique with endless possibilities This traditional and peaceful Japanese art is directly linked to the Japanese mentality regarding reconciliation between countries at the end of World War II. Origami is the art of folding paper without using scissors or glue to obtain figures of various shapes, many of which could be considered sculptures. “We associate origami with a children's game but it is also a contemporary design technique that inspires functional and decorative products in fashion, furniture, architecture or jewelry", explains Estela Moreno (@cartoncita), an artist that excels at giving modern touches to traditional artisanal techniques. Estela Moreno shares with Domestika some of the secrets that you should keep in mind when you start out in this ancient art: from the most appropriate materials to basic folding techniques that will help you start building complex creations in paper, like the great masters do.

  • Creative Ways to Reduce Climate Change

    Creative Ways to Reduce Climate Change

    We asked creative experts how we can continue to create while reducing our impact on the environment While the climate crisis has been at the center of international politics for years, it could be said that it is at its most crucial moment. It is an issue that increasingly dominates more headlines, brings together mass protests around the world, and fuels grassroots movements that hope to implement measures and put a stop to the catastrophic consequences that we’ve been told will occur, should things continue as they currently are. Climate change is a global issue that affects the whole planet, and while it is difficult to unify every voice around the world with regards to how (or if) we should try to solve it, there are many steps we can take as individuals–in our creative pursuits as well–that will help to reduce our impact and reduce the problem. To learn more about what we can do, we reached out to several creatives to discover how to be more environmentally conscious when it comes to designing, working, and creating. We are the most invasive species to have walked this planet, and now it’s time to show some gratitude and speak up. It’s time for human beings to contribute and be part of a whole, and not just see everything as theirs for the taking. Pablo Salvaje.

  • How to Present Your Craft Projects in a Portfolio and on Social Media

    How to Present Your Craft Projects in a Portfolio and on Social Media

    When it comes to creative professions, especially in the world of crafts, the creator can be responsible for multiple parts of the process Those who work in embroidery, ceramics, or textile art often oversee every stage of a project’s development, as well as handling marketing and building a global image for their brand. This is why it’s so important to stay up-to-date with new tips and tools that will help with all of the extras, such as knowing how to best present your work in a portfolio or on social media. Here, ceramic artist Paula Casella (@paulacasellabiase) and textile artist María La Biyux (@marialabiyux) share some of their top tips on how to get the most out of sharing your craft work online.

  • Embroidery Tutorial: Simple Flowers in 5 Steps
    Teacher Craft

    Embroidery Tutorial: Simple Flowers in 5 Steps

    Five simple steps to embroider flowers with Señorita Lylo, from design to the final stitch Loly Ghirardi AKA Señorita Lylo (@srtalylo) managed to unite her two passions years ago: graphic design and embroidery. She now threads between two styles: working with hoops and needles, and making unique designs. She loves to experiment and give all her projects a personal touch. This tutorial encapsulates what her craft is about. Discover Señorita Lylo’s 5 steps to embroider a flower.