Here's my submission for this weeks illustration friday theme of "music"A little too much to get done today to create something new for the topic but I have this piece that I created earlier that fits the theme. This is a photo of myself when I was little.When I created this I was thinking about my grade school violin lessons. I am terrible with music and practically tone deaf so it was a nightmare for me and all who listened to me play. To make matters worse, at my recital I got my bow knotted in my violin and I had to stand there while everyone else finished playing.Have a great weekend…
Crafts
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claudine hellmuth
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illustration friday: music
20 Nov 2009 | 4:18 pm -
new from my studio!
19 Nov 2009 | 5:42 pmHere's a new 16x20 custom canvas order that I just finished up!I had a great time working on this piece. Love the theme of everyone out for a bike ride! For more info about placing a custom artwork order using your photos, click here! -
Florida here we come!
10 Nov 2009 | 5:24 pmTomorrow (Wednesday) morning at the crack of dawn, Paul and I will be loading up the car for a 14 hour drive to Orlando FL. The cat sitter will be here taking care of the kitties so we won't have to worry about Stan and Mabel!I'm teaching at the Daytona Beach Art League on Saturday. Space still available! I'll be updating via Twitter as we travel and while we're away! see you next week! -
when it rains it pours!
8 Nov 2009 | 12:22 pmJust when everything is going along smoothly, life likes to throw a speed bump (or two) your way to see if you're awake. It is safe to say I am definitely awake now!We've had two developments this week that I am going to post about in hopes that someone reading this might have a connection or contact. It's all about six degrees of separation right!-------ON MONDAY WE LEARNED:Our renter in our home in Orlando is breaking her lease to move to another city. If you or anyone you know may be interested in renting it, please contact our Property Manager, Kim Cochrane kc@leasingorlando.com. And here… -
it's holiday time!
3 Nov 2009 | 3:43 pmNovember is here and the holidays will be here before you know it!I couldn't believe it when I looked on my calendar this morning, only 5 more weeks of art making time before Christmas! All my custom orders ship the week of December 14th to make sure they get there in time. The clock is ticking! Every year, I'm like one of Santa's elves working away in my workshop to make sure everything gets finished on schedule.Here's a 16x20 custom canvas order that I just finished up, what a fun piece this was to work on. Even the dog gets to go skiing. Love that!Orders placed now will be first in line…
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HELLOmynameisHeather
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Easy-Peasy Palette Packs
19 Nov 2009 | 2:04 pmYou asked for it. Felt palette packs are now available for faster and easier shopping -- and cheaper. Five palettes: Reds/Pinks, Blues, Greens, Oranges/Yellows, Neutrals -- and a limited-edition Holiday pack. The five staple palettes cover 25 of the available... -
Couch-Plop, Flip-Flop, House-Mop, Non-Stop
16 Nov 2009 | 10:27 pmThis weekend, I relaxed at a cabin in Pinetop with six girlfriends and one agreeable little baby. All we did was talk and eat sweets. My new quilt & I claimed the fat, fuzzy recliner. (Ugly never was so beautiful;... -
Yee-haw
6 Nov 2009 | 12:51 amArizona neighbors! You will seriously miss out if you don't make your way to downtown Mesa, AZ this weekend for Blissfest 2009, presented by my ever-fabulous friends at Domestic Bliss, Kristin & Dan Alber. Stephanie Nielson and her husband, Christian,... -
Pumpkin & Dot
28 Oct 2009 | 2:31 pmMeet Betty Boo's friends, Pumpkin & Dot, two more sock doll kits to go with the free Betty Boo Sock Doll pattern download. It's a toss up which is the cutest. Both Emily & Lindsay are both partial to Dot,... -
Did a Bat, Bat Thing
26 Oct 2009 | 7:18 amWelcome to Trick-Or-Eat at HELLOmynameisHeather.com. Today, nine favorite food, craft & lifestyle bloggers await behind nine haunted houses -- with an array of holiday tricks and treats to greet you. At the end of this post, you will find two...
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Etsy Shop for hazelnutcottage
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Branching Out.
20 Nov 2009 | 11:41 am$72.00 *{THE MEANING}*“Be as a bird perched on a frail branch that she feels bending beneath her, still she sings away all the same, knowing she has wings.” ~Victor Hugo quotes*{THE DESCRIPTION}*Oxidized sterling silver branch bracelet, accented with sterling silver blossom. Bracelet chain is hand-wired with semi-precious amanzonite. Clasps with a lobster clasp in the 'front' of the bracelet (attaches to a jump ring from the branch).*{NOTE}*Each hand stamped necklace is made one-by-one, given a brushed texture and oxidized by hand, so do allow for minor differences in finish and… -
CLEARANCE SALE Bloom. Hand stamped necklace, FREE SHIPPING ON CLEARANCE ITEMS
20 Nov 2009 | 11:41 am$54.00 *CLEARANCE SALE* REGULARLY $64, NOW $54 + FREE SHIPPING!**{THE MEANING}*“I hope you will go out and let stories happen to you, and that you will work them, water them with your blood and tears and you laughter till they bloom, till you yourself burst into bloom.” ~Anon*{THE DESCRIPTION}*PENDANT: 3/4" roundMESSAGE: BLOOMACCENTS: Pink faceted oval sapphire, blue green amanzonite faceted teardrop and pretty sterling silver flower.CHAIN: 16" fine 1.1mm sterling silver cable chain, simple spring clasp. The entire necklace has been oxidized by hand to give it a rich, warm… -
Friends at Heart Necklace, Handstamped Jewelry, Oxidized Silver
20 Nov 2009 | 11:41 am$44.00 THE MEANINGNo matter what the season of life is, a friend will come alongside you and just let you be yourself. In friendship, two hearts come together to stand against the world, to watch each other’s back, to listen, empathize, rebuke, and always love. We are friends at heart.THE DESCRIPTIONThis all .925 sterling silver necklace features a 5/8" rounded square hand-stamped pendant, with the words, “FRIENDS AT HEART“. A simple sterling silver double heart accents the piece. Suspended on a fine 17“ sterling silver cable chain with a modern toggle clasp (see last photo). The… -
Sweet Memories Vintage Inspired White Topaz Teardrop Earrings, Oxidized Sterling Silver
20 Nov 2009 | 11:17 am$82.00 THE MEANINGThere is something about this piece that feels sweet and innocent, old fashioned but a little bit glam, too. It feels like a childhood memory or a lingering sense of sentimentality. Sweet Memories...yes.THE DESCRIPTIONTailored sophistication...this earring would make everyday jeans a bit more glamorous, but would also be equally smashing as a beautiful finishing touch for your wedding day!Complements the tiny white topaz teardrop accent on many of the handstamped necklaces in the shop, too!MATERIAL: Oxidized .925 sterling silver with LARGE, *LIMITED QUANTITY* white topaz… -
You Grew In My Heart Necklace, Handstamped Jewelry, Oxidized Sterling Silver
20 Nov 2009 | 11:17 am$86.00 *{THE MEANING}*The true womb of a mommy resides deep in her heart. However your babies found their way into your arms—through birthing them yourself or through adoption—they are yours now and forevermore, even if only as a precious memory. A quiet, but powerful sentiment for all mothers everywhere.*{THE DESCRIPTION}*This all .925 sterling silver necklace features a delicate 1" long by 5/8" wide teardrop shaped handstamped pendant, with the words "YOU GREW IN MY HEART". The teardrop shape symbolizes the tears you shed before and after you actually held them for…
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Tim Holtz
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left without...
17 Nov 2009 | 4:04 pmHey bloggers... So here I sit at the airport in Texas waiting for our flight to Florida for my visit to Advantus to finish my book up. Only now I'm traveling quite a bit lighter. I'm blogging from my iPhone... -
let's stamp...
13 Nov 2009 | 12:19 pmhello bloggers! so we've just landed in sunny california for the weekend to demo at the original rubber stamp show in carson, california. i'll be in the stampers anonymous booth doing free demos on saturday and sunday so if you're... -
something random...
12 Nov 2009 | 9:15 amhello bloggers! the comments i'm reading about that doll are cracking me up - seriously... so today's post is just one of those random things i found on my iphone. i took these pictures back in october when we went... -
who knew?...
11 Nov 2009 | 8:23 amwell bloggers, it seems we have more than creativity in common? we also seem to have our love for supplies and our challenges to keep them all organized. that's okay, whatever works for you is all that's important. the funniest... -
the dig...
10 Nov 2009 | 9:26 amso bloggers, have you had those moments when you're making stuff that you just start looking through other stuff for more inspiration? i call it "the dig"... when you're just digging and scouring around looking for just the right thing...
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CRAFT
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How-To: Bake a Turkey-Shaped Cake
20 Nov 2009 | 5:00 pmBake a Turkey-Shaped Cake By Cathy Callahan How about cake instead of pie this Thanksgiving? I don't mind pie but am really more of a cake person. This turkey-shaped cake is a fun way to introduce a cake to the dessert table and is also fun for kids to make for Thanksgiving. And if the "pie people" turn their noses up at it? At least it can also double as decoration for the table. With the big holiday just around the corner I'm sure many of you are starting to pour over your favorite cookbooks in search of recipes. I really don't own many cookbooks and am an advocate for just having a few… -
How-To: Homemade Crescent Rolls
20 Nov 2009 | 3:00 pmWith Thanksgiving less than a week away, I'm already starting to drool over all the amazing food that we'll be having. These homemade crescent rolls from Calli of Make it Do look like they would be a mouth-watering addition to any holiday table. The pictures are making me so hungry! Read this article | Comment on this article -
CRAFT Pattern Podcast: Katalin Möbius Wrap & Wristlet Set
20 Nov 2009 | 12:00 pmThis week's CRAFT Pattern Podcast is the Katalin Möbius Wrap & Wristlet Set by Shannon Okey of knitgrrl, featured in CRAFT: 10. This cozy pair knits up fast and looks best in any multicolored yarn you like. Catch up with Shannon on the Knitgrrl blog and check out some of her beautiful fiber, spinning tools, and patterns in the Knitgrrl shop. Download the Pattern PDF | Subscribe in iTunes Read this article | Comment on this article -
Martha Stewart's Vegetarian Thanksgiving
20 Nov 2009 | 11:00 amVegetarians need gourmet Thanksgivings too! I personally am thankful for Martha Stewart and this sensational meat-free menu plan. I will never forget the Thanksgiving when my mother made broccoli salad for my vegetarian boyfriend at the time, complete with plenty of chopped bacon. I chalk it up to true lack of knowledge about non-meat eaters. In her mind, broccoli wasn't a meat, and the bacon added flavor! This menu is a beautiful meal that needs nothing to shine except fresh vegetables made with love! Read this article | Comment on this article -
Knifty Knitter Loom-Along: Alice Wrist Warmers - Let's Get Started!
20 Nov 2009 | 10:00 amWell Twi-hards, the time is here. That special day in November when you no longer have to dream of powdery white skin and the smell of blood (and teen angst) in the morning. You can live it, man. Well, vicariously through the screen presentation of the much anticipated debut of the Twilight Saga's New Moon. To celebrate, we've ditched the not-so-vamp-friendly knitting needles for a kinder, gentler (read: can't be used as a stake) yarn tool: the Knifty Knitter Flower Loom, to make the Ode to Alice Cullen wrist warmers. Gather 'round, Twi-sters! Read this article | Comment on this article
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not martha
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Gaufres de Liege, the waffle that has made me forget about all others
20 Nov 2009 | 4:48 amI have come down with a cold, so yesterday I amused myself by making Gaufres de Liege, known to me as Belgian sugar waffles. These are amazing, and have left me uninterested in most all other waffles. They are made from a yeast dough and studded with big coarse sugar that melts and caramelizes as it cooks. They are so, so good. I had my first one of these at Arosa cafe here in Seattle. (If you live in Seattle you can read more about Arosa's two locations and Hans, whom everybody loves, here at Voracious.) Even when not fresh (I brought it home and heated in the oven for a moment) it was… -
links: shopping and beauty
19 Nov 2009 | 12:13 pmWhat do I need to know, nowadays, about buying a Wii? | Ask Metafilter. A question for the ladies about comfortable bras. | Ask Metafilter. HerCut Long Layers Catalyst, at Outblush. How can a guy dress more sexy? | Ask Metafilter. -
Altitude Design Summit, and a few congratulations
18 Nov 2009 | 12:45 pmWell look at that, I'll be a speaker at the Altitude Design Summit conference this January. Those Kirtsy ladies, who are behind the creation of the event, are so charming that they got me to agree to speak in public. I'm terrified. Come watch me lose my composure! If you were considering attending Alt this might help you make up your mind, they are offering their Early Bird pricing through November 20th, it's a whole $100 off the normal price. Also Sundance will be taking place during the summit so there is a chance of celebrity spotting, and you might want to stay and attend a few… -
weekend in Portland
17 Nov 2009 | 4:25 amLast weekend Buick loaned me a car for the weekend* to drive down to Portland and attend the Northwest Food and Wine Festival. Scott was busy being a rock star with Explone so I took my friend Maggi, I couldn't have had a better partner in crime for the weekend! We ate so, so very well. Buick put us up at the Benson Hotel which has a beautiful lobby and a very comfortable bar in the lobby that invited a little lingering. We checked in and headed to Fenouil for a hosted Tweetup. Fenouil is fantastic and and full of energy, and the upstairs has a nice view down overhead the kitchen. The front… -
links: christmas
16 Nov 2009 | 4:12 amCulinary Concoctions by Peabody – Santa Baby….. A chocolate and crushed peppermint dipped rim for this mug of cocoa, beautiful. RobertSabuda.com: Simple Pop-Ups You Can Make!. via Kirigami T-Rex » Curbly | DIY Design Community « Keywords: Kirigam, origami, pop-up, cards. Make a pop-up paper garden! » Curbly | DIY Design Community « Keywords: paper, folding, greeting_cards, flower. Gingerbread Caramels, marthastewart.com. Amazon.com: Nordic Ware 3D Christmas Tree Pan: Home & Garden. Oooh! Holiday Cards by theironcurtainpress on Etsy. Iron Curtain Press are the people who made my…
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whip up
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how-to: chocolate bowls
20 Nov 2009 | 6:59 amCareful. This one could get messy! Link to bowl making. Similar Posts: martha stewart: cinnamon bird ornaments | quilted bowl tutorial | fabric scrap bowl | fabric scrap yarn | how to make a collapsible pet dish | Share and Enjoy: -
a week of “glee” – day four….a cluster of glee
20 Nov 2009 | 4:54 amThis is so flamin’ appealing. Love it. Thank you! Link to tutorial. Similar Posts: how-to: lavendar & hay wreath | how-to: make an ice wreath | how-to: cardboard chaise for your kitty | diy: beaded chandelier | how-to: wool felt applique in hoop frame | Share and Enjoy: -
book: manga cross-stitch
20 Nov 2009 | 4:24 amManga Cross-Stitch: Make Your Own Graphic Art Needlework by Helen McCarthy. Andrews McMeel Publishing; Har/Cdr edition (August 1, 2009). ‘Stitchers often get stereotyped as middle-aged ladies in cardigans, anime and manga fans as geeky teenage misfits. Both stereotypes are equally inaccurate – because both groups are just people who love beautiful things and want to create and enjoy beauty in their own way.’ Helen McCarthy With a compelling voice, Helen McCarthy, reaches out to those with a curiosity for everything Manga and needlework. McCarthy is a well known writer and… -
how-to: easy cd case….no glue
20 Nov 2009 | 1:49 amA terrific little idea! And as the unnamed person that sent this to me said “great use for all that scrapbooking paper”, though she wasn’t as polite as that! Link to video. Easy Cd Case ….NO Glue …. For Everybody…. – Funny bloopers R us Similar Posts: recycle: CD Jewel Case | how-to: make your own paper cd cases | inspiring words: a tutorial | sweet valentine idea | how-to: customize a pillow using rub-ons | Share and Enjoy: -
how-to: sew with laminated cotton
19 Nov 2009 | 10:49 pmNot to be confused with oilcloth. Great tips by Kathy at Pink Chalk Studio. Link to tips. Similar Posts: oilcloth – pantry project | lesson – adjusting patterns | book: crafty Chica’s guide to artful sewing | tutorial: double-fold french binding | fall quilt market [pt.2] | Share and Enjoy:
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SallyJean
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Lucky! 2 Spots open in San Diego Workshops!
28 Oct 2009 | 11:16 amSan Diego Workshops are set for November 6-8 and November 11-13. Lucky news for those that couldn't get into them when they were first launched. A couple spots have opened in each of the Workshops (except November 12). If you would like to join me and some very creative, silly girls for a festive soldering adventure, now is your chance. To register, click on the Workshop you would like. They are available on a first come-first served basis.November 13 - Two Turtle DovesNovember 11 - Soldering for Virgins/Holiday OrnamentsNovember 8 -… -
For the Love of Robin's Egg Blue-ooh-ooh....AT ROUND TOP!
13 Oct 2009 | 10:53 amYes...the REAL ROUND TOP! I am just thrilled to have gone to Round Top, Texas for the most amazing antiques hunt ever! If you don't know about Round Top...it is a compilation of more than 35 different antique shows with thousands of dealers from EVERYWHERE held in the middle of no-where between Austin and Houston Texas. For nearly 2 weeks (twice a year)...dealers and shoppers and shop-owners who are shopping and dealing tolerate mid-90-degree Texas heat for the sake of vintage junk (and not junk) that is irresistible.I set off for 8-days with my girlfriends Bonnie, Cheryl… -
Ho Ho Holidays!
12 Oct 2009 | 8:58 pmI always envy those that can create Holiday art at Easter! The earliest I have succeeded was Christmas in July...but I was in my 20's and the police were called. Seems the other residents in my condo complex didn't like Bing Crosby and Christmas Lights mid-summer. But I digress...as usual. So better late than never...I am happy to have launched Christmas 2009 ! I am especially smitten with the black & white with polka-dots...but then again...the colored pieces are so festive! Most of all...though...are the Santa's...which I think… -
Additional San Diego Workshops...Yay!
17 Sep 2009 | 10:51 amI am so excited to say that I will be staying a little longer than planned in San Diego! I have just added an additional 3 days of Workshops to my November schedule.SOLDERING FOR VIRGINS ~ HOLIDAY ORNAMENTSSOLDERING FOR VIRGINS ~ HOLIDAY HOUSE NECKLACETWO TURTLE DOVES NECKLACETo find out more and/or Register, click here! http://sallyjean.com/2009/Pages/WorkshopsSanDiego2009B.html -
For the Love of Robin's Egg Blue-ooh-ooh
21 Aug 2009 | 9:30 pm1. French Modern Dining Room...Exquisite 2. Box that looks like a book...for secret treasures3. Felted River Rocks...softer than stones4. Candies you won't mind counting the calories of 5. Kitchen of my dreams...even though I don't cook6. Mercury Glass Balls...you can never have too many balls7. House of Color 8. Of course Sally Jean Charms are in Robin's Egg Blue9. Buttons, Buttons, who's got the Buttons?10. Even Martha loves this color11. Man-Candy12.
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OHScrap!
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thankful for family
19 Nov 2009 | 5:28 pmLast week Jalen was assigned the task of bringing in a family photo. I grabbed my remote and camera and drug all the members into the living room and asked them to squeeze in on the chair… this was the best shot of the group… we were all laughing about something, I can’t even remember. Today I give thanks for my family, that we are all mostly healthy and we are together. What are you thankful for today? -
Congratulations!
16 Nov 2009 | 2:06 pmCongratulations: Cyn // Nov 14, 2009 at 12:48 pm (Edit) I love your cards and you’ve shot them beautifully! May I ask what techniques you used for photographing them? Always looking for tips from talented people. Mahalo! (Please send me your mailing address Cyn! ) Thanks for your sweet comments ladies! I do love simple cards. I tend to make the kinds of cards I would buy in the store. I am a big fan of papyrus cards :) When I photographed these cards, I set up a blue clipboard next to a lamp, near my open front door. here are some goodies I wrapped up for a secret santa: I also like to… -
Operation Write Home
13 Nov 2009 | 2:00 pmAloha to my new readers via the Operation Write Home Blog Hop and welcome back to my “old” readers ;) I am so glad you are here. Operation Write Home is such a great organization that sends cards from cardmakers like YOU to our country’s deployed heroes to write home. If you would like to start at the top of the Hop, here is the link. My name is Joscie. {That rhymes with bossy, not jozzy, not joe-sy. Just so you can say it right in your head ;)} My husband is in the US Navy and stationed aboard a ship at Pearl Harbor, HI that just returned from a short 3 month… -
Hello November
9 Nov 2009 | 12:30 pmI can’t believe it’s November. NOVEMBER! It was just september wasn’t it? We had a great Halloween, all of us in our wizard wear, and we got a lot of cute, oh look, it’s the Harry Potter Family comments. Dressing up is so much fun! I had a thought that we should institute a all celebrations should be dress up events… but then we don’t really throw parties in our family. Maybe I should change that too. ha. we had so much fun. I am not happy with the rushed pictures we got on Halloween Night, so you know, I’ll be dragging the costumes out for… -
family of four once again
28 Oct 2009 | 9:00 pmSunday was a very busy day, we took a little trip down to China town to buy lei for Troy’s homecoming and a little snack too. Our favorite Lei Store was called sweethearts back in the day and then re-emerged as Po’ohala a few years ago, same family, new name. I always go there to buy lei for our friends who are visiting or those like Troy, who are coming home. The boys were able to choose their own lei to give to dad, Jalen chose a tuberose and orchid lei, Jordan chose a lantern ilima and tuberose lei, and I chose a hala lei for Troy. While we were down in China town, we…
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Wee Wonderfuls
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thanksgiving crafts
20 Nov 2009 | 12:43 pmOscar went from naysayer to convert. It's like Halloween never existed. He's so gung ho crafty these days I can barely keep up. I'm actually a little scared of the Christmas season. pinecone turkeys (via martha) pipe cleaner turkey paper crafted first thanksgiving (everything but the teepee is from toymaker)and don't worry. if you're thinking "but I need to see more turkeys!" -- which I know you are -- there are more to come! -
if you happen to have a lollipop in your pocket
19 Nov 2009 | 12:01 pmI received my mary not martha order last week and was able to make this pretty dang cute flowery headband for Phoebe. I kept the flowers in a bunch and twisted their wire stems around a plastic headband. I clipped off the stems, bent the sharp edges up away from the head and then doused the thing in tacky glue and waited 2 days for it to completely dry. It's probably not all that secure but for the 2 seconds she'll actually keep it on her head it works fine. Of course you have to have a lollipop on hand or she won't cooperate at all. I think I'm inadvertently training her… -
oh pig
18 Nov 2009 | 11:44 ampig, originally uploaded by Hillary Lang.here she is, small pig to go with small duck. nothing but trouble, this pig. nbt. didn't want to go together right. didn't want to sit still for a photo shoot. but duck's happy now that he has his friend. I'm still on the fence on these two though. I feel like maybe they need to be even smaller. she's gone from 11" to 7" and she's a real cute size but I feel like I want them to be tiny. maybe it's because I want to skip over them and work on ornaments. christmas is coming my friends and I don't even… -
Farm Folk X-Stitchettes
17 Nov 2009 | 7:48 amNow in the shop! x x x o o -
lamb ears
16 Nov 2009 | 8:51 amHow about we start the week with a little something I like to call.. the cutest hat I've ever seen!! I spied it at the counter in the Kline Creek Farm gift shop and could not pass it by. Not like Phoebe needs another hat (in fact, I think I have a few more projects to share that fall in the category of Phoebe headgear) but man oh man. It's all nubby and crocheted in organic cotton and the ears! It's made by DayLee Designs for the San Diego Hat company. Sorry, I can't find a good site online to link to. Phoebe says hat, schmat, what she really wants you to see are these…
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iHanna's Creative Space
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What to do with wallpaper
19 Nov 2009 | 7:44 amWallpapers could go on the wall, but nah… that’s not what I’m talking about here! There are many fun things to do with ye’ ol’ wallpapers. For example, instead of using ugly envelopes I sometimes wrap things that I’m sending in the mail in wallpaper, like this: Sending stuff is much more fun when you have flowery wallpapers and lacy deco tape! These went out last week. Wallpapers are thick and durable, and often decorative. I have a neat little collection of wallpapers going, one of my favorites is this yellow tulip wallpaper, but in my collection I have… -
Peak in the Art Journal: Orange cat + autumn colors
17 Nov 2009 | 12:50 pmArt Journal spread: Smilla love - on a page with a clear sense of autumn orange and autumn leaf inspiration. I used both pressed leaves collected on one of my walks, and half transparent stickers with leafs! To view this spread in more detail and leave a comment click on… A cut out gold fish illustration in the Acrylic Ocean… Wanna come swim? Store gift tag with the message that You look great!, a science book illustration and my newest addition to the deco tape collection bought at Syfestivalen (in one of the scrapbook booths). It has pink text and I love it! Another detail; a… -
Knit time: stock up yarn for winter days
13 Nov 2009 | 10:07 amI’ve cast on for a pair of socks that I’m going to knit a bit on this weekend. Right now it ain’t much, but it looks like this so far: I bought this yarn recently at Syfestivalen, and lots of more wool with close up pictures because yarn is so beautiful. Even in these photos you can tell how soft it is: The pile of yumminess…. And some close ups; Unlabeled mulitcolored wool The gray is eco ull/wool from Marks & Katten. Pink from Debbie Bliss. And cheese cloth from the shop Canvas (in Göteborg). Yes, finally I’ve found some cheese cloth (ostduk) for… -
Practice how to draw in your Art Journal too
9 Nov 2009 | 6:49 amThose who do not want to imitate anything, produce nothing. /Salvador Dali I did not accomplish my goal to fill my handmade Art Journal this summer, but I’m about half way through it now. I’m using it to learn it to learn how to draw and paint from other artists. There is so much to learn from their style, and once you know something more you can make it your own. My book with it’s watercolor paper is perfect for sketching with pencil. This is where this summer I’ve been painting SuziBlu inspired Petit Doll Girls quite a lot, both in acrylic and watercolors. I love… -
Random Act of Kindness
7 Nov 2009 | 12:24 pmThe Random Act of Kindness (RAK) like those of Amelie in the fabulous and beautiful movie Le Fabuleux destin d’Amélie Poulain does, are selfless acts performed by a person wishing to either assist or cheer up another individual. One RAK, for example, is to send someone a nice gift without expecting to get anything back - just out of the blue because you want to, like TJ in Germany did for me recently. I was blown away buy all the cute stuff she sent me, knowing about my love for owls, papers, pens and fun decorations. She writes that she wanted to give a token of gratitude for linking…
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Vintage Indie
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Handmade Crush: Dove Dessert Plates by OneClayBead
20 Nov 2009 | 12:37 pmMy heart pitter patters with the sight of doves during the Christmas season. These handmade dessert plates are one of my most favorite finds. The designs are pressed in with lace making each one unique and one of a kind. ♥ Blue and White Dessert Plates ♥ ♥ OneClayBead ♥ -
The Daily Swank: The Blue Jar
20 Nov 2009 | 10:26 amI'm loving this fresh new shop on Etsy. I have my own collection of the Ball blue jars and I adore them. You can find a slew of these at The Blue Jar as well as some other fantastic chippy vintage items. { SHOP } THE BLUE JAR -
What You Make Of It: I’m Dreamin’ of White Bottle Brush Trees
20 Nov 2009 | 8:35 amLast year when the bottle brush trees were bursting the internet, I had trouble finding them! Get a head start this year with bottle brush tree projects with our lovely Contributing Editor Elizabeth Holcombe. You see them in craft stores, those pretty deep green bottle brush trees. Nice color but you may want to change them up to suit your winter holiday décor. It’s super simple. Here’s how: You’ll need water, bleach, and a large... -
Deck the Halls 2009: A Nature Inspired Christmas
19 Nov 2009 | 10:35 amYes, it is true. I love Christmas. A nature inspired Christmas is very close to my heart. My first tree was very rustic in style and reminded me of the grapevine wreaths my dad used to make when we lived in the country. These nature inspired picks, take me back home (which isn't far from where I live now) in memory. Rustic Gift Tags inspired by nature from Little Black Forest Hand sewn up-cycled vintage... -
Vintage Indie Kids Review: Mama K's Play Clay
19 Nov 2009 | 9:35 amVisit Vintage Indie Kids today for our most recent product review of Mama K's Play Clay!
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A Little Hut - Patricia Zapata
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hooked
20 Nov 2009 | 7:12 amLast night I felt like crocheting a bit and tried it with paper raffia for the first time. I barely had enough for a quick coaster but it was enough to keep me entertained (and awake!) while I took care of some laundry (ahhh... the joys of house chores).Crocheting, much like knitting, gives me such a warm feeling of stillness and peace. I think that because I learned to do both when I was young and only used them in a carefree way to make play things (like clothing and blankets for my dolls), those feelings have and will always be there. That's a comforting thought.Now I just need to remember… -
simple paper hurricane cover
19 Nov 2009 | 10:40 amI've finally come to the realization that I have a thing for paper lamps. I had to go through some old photos and I came across this really simple project that didn't make it into the book. It's super easy and it dresses up a glass hurricane in minutes.When I have too much to do, simple projects like this one satisfy my hands-on craving. I don't know about you but if I go to many days in a row without making or designing something I don't quite feel like myself.Materials:- 2 sheets of letter-sized office paper (height is determined by the glass hurricane that you have)- ruler- craft knife or… -
grateful
18 Nov 2009 | 3:30 pmI don't think this is particularly tied in with the fact that Thanksgiving is right around the corner but I have to say that I am overwhelmed with a sense of gratitude right now. I can hear my little C singing in her room (a song she's making up as she goes along), D is doing homework (without any of the usual prodding) and Mr. Z is at the grocery store right now, saving me a trip of getting a couple of things we need—and all of the sudden I'm just grateful. That's it. Plain and simple. I'm so easy to please.I posted this photo a while back, but I just found it again and I have nothing new… -
baby favor boxes
16 Nov 2009 | 11:13 amWell posting without writing didn't quite last—did it? For anyone that knows me personally I'm definitely a talker. I've been a bit more quiet around here because our house is still a huge mess and it's not very conducive to creativity. On the flip side I've been getting a lot of reading done. I hadn't done that in such a long time—so refreshing.I've had this set of boxes made for quite some time now and I just got a chance to put them together. I opted for the neutral colors imagining a more natural shower or party theme but they can be printed on any color of paper. They're available at… -
dots
16 Nov 2009 | 7:18 am
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Make and Takes
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Giveaway: Photo Jewelry Kits
20 Nov 2009 | 11:24 amI’m happy to have one of Make and Takes sponsors Photo Jewelry Making offering a fabulous giveaway today. These jewelry kits are the perfect “make and take”, creating fun memories you can wear all year long, and they’re giving away 3 kits to 3 winners! These kits are the perfect way to preserve your cherished photos. Whether you have something old or new, they can be placed in a photo necklace and worn all around. There are all kinds of styles: dog tags, glass charms, circle bracelets and more. Or you can even purchase a home business kit to make multiple photo charms. -
Homemade Roasted Pumpkin Puree
18 Nov 2009 | 1:43 amFall is the best time for pumpkin recipes, I think it’s my favorite ingredient. I’m showing how simple it is to make your own fresh pumpkin puree. It’s really easier than you think, and then you’ve got it ready to go for some fall time recipes! Recipe for Pumpkin Puree: a Pumpkin – but needs to be a “sugar” pumpkin or “pie” pumpkin spoon, knife pan blender or masher 1/4 cup water This recipe makes about 2 cups of pumpkin puree First you’ll want to scoop out all the seeds, but save then as we’ll roast them along with the… -
Twilight: Enough Already or Bring It On?
17 Nov 2009 | 1:27 pmWhether you are a fan of the Twilight Saga or now tired of seeing Bella pine over Edward for the 100th time, the movie is still coming… in just 3 days!! I’ve gathered a few craft related articles for your enjoyment, helping to celebrate the movie release if you happen to be throwing a party. New Moon Printable Iron-ons by All Things Thrifty (pictured above) Alice Wrist Warmers by Craftzine Twilight Zone Wall Hanging by Super Flash Photo Twilight Fans Stop Making Crafts by Craftastrophe Twilight Flickr Group Utah Twilight Giveaway by Tom and Lucy’s Art Shoppe Have you had… -
Thankful Magazine Collage
16 Nov 2009 | 2:49 pmI recently guest posted over at U Create, sharing a craft for Thanksgiving. Head on over there to learn how we’re sharing what we’re thankful for at the family dinner table. Share and Bookmark: Related Posts:Gimme a T, Gimme an HGetting Your Holiday Guests InvolvedCrafts From Thanksgiving Past -
The Incredible Painted T-Shirt
16 Nov 2009 | 1:37 amOh look, another post where Heather paints something random with acrylic paint! What can I say, acrylic paint is one of the cheapest and most versatile art/craft supplies around! This time, we’re painting t-shirts and onesies. You don’t need anything special to paint clothing – don’t bother checking out the fabric paint section at your craft store. You can use that regular old acrylic craft paint, and it will stay permanent and vibrant! My three year-old son and I had fun decorating t-shirts with this vintage stamp set we have. We even decorated a onesie for his new…
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angry chicken
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toy theater out of a moving box
19 Nov 2009 | 5:23 pmI had two fixations in my head this last month—making a toy theater and making stuff out of old moving boxes from the garage. I made a crown and sword for Halloween out of these boxes and found it so thrilling (just using masking tape and a utility knife) that I immediately starting thinking bigger. I have made small theaters before (and there is a pattern for a cloth one in my first book) and I also had plans to make one using these images, but in the end—I went for a totally homemade one.I just winged it for the design and started hacking away. What I love about making this out of an… -
oh, I love pens.
18 Nov 2009 | 5:35 amHere's a cool online shop shout-out:I got a chance to sample an assortment of items sent to me from Jet Pens and I am so happy with them in that 4th grade school supply way—these are so fun. The girls are partial to gel pens, (these ones erase!) I love white pens on dark paper and also am really happy with the black ink brush pen I tried. Brush pens normally can be very lame, and I love using a brush and real ink, but with the kids around at all times, I just can't deal with the sumi ink clean-up accident waiting to happen. So, I am trilled when I find a good brush pen. I know… -
Mailorder #5 re-issue! Now a PDF!
16 Nov 2009 | 5:18 amI am excited to re-release Mailorder #5, in its entirety, as a PDF you can print at home! You can buy it right here! And you can see examples made from this issue here in the Mailorder Flickr group.This is a fun issue that is all about cross stitch. And don't worry if you haven't done it before—it includes a helpful how-to, perfect for beginners.Here's what you get: Official Mailorder Sampler counted cross-stitch chart (shown in the first photo above) 3 small and equally charming counted cross-stitch mini-charts (perfect for the holidays!!) Mailorder recipe card Marvelous and… -
just some napkins.
13 Nov 2009 | 5:19 amThese are my grandmother's salt and pepper shakers. She had many more sets, but theses are the ones I have. These colors are so her. She found her true design sensibility in about 1965 and never strayed from that aesthetic. I thought they looked lovely with the napkins I made the other day. Serging a stack of fabric squares was the best thing I did that day. So relaxing. I thought (briefly) about serging all my fabric into napkins, to give away as gifts, just so I could keep doing this serging of squares. This sounds insane, but I don't have a ton of fabric (it's true, my… -
Sincere Shrimp Sandwiches
11 Nov 2009 | 2:33 pmSadie is obsessed with peanuts (as am I) and she was given this book recently (thank you Emily) and it's so good on so many levels, I can't stop looking at it.It's used, this hardback copy is from 1970. Oh, the book design packs a wallop. Outstanding.It's got a recipe and comic per page. It's taking all my will power to not hide this away. I think I need to get a mommy copy.
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thimble
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Left Coast
14 Nov 2009 | 10:36 amWe’re just back from a few days in Vancouver visiting friends and family. It’s always nice to go back and visit old favorite places and also see what’s changed. It’s been over a year and a half since I was there last and it seems very different in a lot of ways - new buildings everywhere you look. Luckily also a few great new places to eat and drink - like Bandidos, Grub, burgoo, and six acres. -
November is here
3 Nov 2009 | 4:20 amNovember once again, nearly the end of fall when you can start to feel the winter coming. Blech. Good thing there’s a new soundtrack posted in my right column to keep us distracted. These are all free and legal mp3s to download and listen to - from one of my favorite Flight of the Conchords songs to some classics like Nirvana’s about a girl (brings me right back to 1993) and Carly Simon’s you’re so vain (guaranteed to be stuck in your head all day). Plus some great newer bands like Fleet Foxes. Enjoy! -
Slow Cooker Chili
27 Oct 2009 | 8:37 pmAfter many years of discussing the merits of owning a slow cooker, we finally decided it was time to invest in one. Our first slow cooker adventure was a pot of chili, which turned out beautifully. We are scheming for all kinds of slow cooked meals this winter - stews, soups, curries…. I am looking forward to walking in the door after work and having dinner all ready to eat! -
October Books
20 Oct 2009 | 6:28 pmSome great books coming out this month! Fall is the best for new books and perfect for starting new projects as we all start spending more time indoors….. One-Yard Wonders Appliqué Your Way Free & Easy Stitch Style Carefree Clothes for Girls Felting for Baby Design-It-Yourself Clothes Perfectly Fitted Twinkle Sews Carry Me: 20 Boutique Bags to Sew The Knitter’s Book of Wool Reversible Knitting Itty-Bitty Toys Kata Golda’s Hand-Stitched Felt Haiku Knits Kaffe Fassett’s Quilt Romance Rowan’s Greatest Knits -
fall colours
18 Oct 2009 | 7:48 pmI pulled out our Digital Rebel this weekend, which I haven’t used in months. It felt nice. We biked through the park on our way home from running some errands and I stopped to take a few pictures of the leaves changing colours. It’s a bit cliche maybe, but also really pretty and one of the nicest things about living in southern Ontario, I think. In addition to the brilliant blue skies this time of year, it’s pretty picturesque.
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jane's apron
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vintage avon
18 Nov 2009 | 10:05 amMy most blog-worthy item from our recent church garage sale...vintage Avon perfumed talc. There was a whole box of Avon stuff but I didn't pay that much attention to it for the first few days. I finally really looked at the items while waiting for my daughter to look around. I'm not even a "pink" girl but this pink is pretty and the "Here's my Heart" graphics are sweet. My mom is always buying dangerous lawn chemicals at estate sales...saying stuff like "You can't buy this anymore". hmmm....I wonder why Mom? I think it might be… -
bench monday - a clue
16 Nov 2009 | 7:55 amMy attempt at a 'bench monday' shot...it was way harder than I thought...lots of questions and a refusal to take a photo of me. Do you know where it is? The first one to guess the right answer wins a prize...how about the clipboard from my previous post? Well, guessing where was way harder than I thought too...sorry about that! So, here's a clue...My son Ross and I traveled to Memphis last weekend for a soccer tournament. I know you don't have to pay money for memories but this is one that I know Ross will remember...ordering food without having to share with… -
patchwork clipboard - a tutorial
12 Nov 2009 | 10:39 amPatchwork clipboards are really easy to make. Of course, they can be made in many different ways but this is my method...they are pretty, simple, totally usable....and very gift-able. I hope seeing a few steps sparks some ideas that you'd like to try. First, gather the supplies: standard (letter-sized) clipboard 6x6 paper stack or paper scraps decoupage glue strong craft glue sanding sponge old magazine or catalog foam brush buttons and twine Cut the paper stack or scraps into several 3x6 and 3x3 pieces. I used a paper stack this time...it's an easy way to work with… -
certifiable
11 Nov 2009 | 6:42 amI got the good news last week...I'm a certified math teacher. Big sigh of relief (and a big thank you to everybody for the always positive input). I know the whole teacher + apple thing is probably annoying to most teachers but I couldn't resist this apple at the thrift store. When I have my own classroom, it will be cute. Thanks for the Penny love this week. Things are settling down a little bit with our other dog and two cats...slight downgrade in the growling and hissing. I've done a little shopping for Penny on etsy and will share the tiny treasures… -
penny
9 Nov 2009 | 6:42 amLogic can't be applied to some decisions. Like bringing a new dog home. But we do it anyway. Penny came home with me after a somewhat random stop at the Humane Society last week. We've been talking about getting a "little dog" and she fits the bill at three whole pounds. The picture is a crazy blur taken with the MacBook within minutes of the kids meeting her. Her cuteness cannot be put into words...letters maybe...like ooxxooXoXXx.
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Simply Stated
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Giving Thanks - A (Very Big) Family Affair
20 Nov 2009 | 1:08 pmThanksgiving is one of my favorite Holidays. In addition to all the yummy food that comes with it, I'm a fan of any occasion that makes me stop and think about all the things for which I am so very thankful. This year, it's all about family. This year, I'm particularly thrilled because my entire (gigantic) extended family (on my mother's side) is going to be celebrating Thanksgiving together - dozens of aunts and uncles and cousins and even a few new babies that have arrived this year are all flying down to Florida, and my mother (being the saint that she is) is hosting Thanksgiving… -
Book Review: Simply Elegant Flowers
20 Nov 2009 | 7:52 amI’ve recently been on a flower arranging kick and have really been wanting to learn some new techniques and tricks to take party & event centerpieces to the next level. It’s amazing how much more creative and capable you feel in a certain area with a little bit of education, and just learning more about a few of the different types of flowers florist tools that are available has already helped so much! Hands-on education is always the best, and one day when I have the extra time and money, I’d love to attend one or 2 of the sessions at the SoCal-based Phil Rulloda School of… -
Seven Tips for Dealing with Difficult Relatives During the Holidays.
17 Nov 2009 | 1:45 pmFor many people, Thanksgiving is a joyous holiday—but some people dread it. Why? Difficult relatives. Here are some strategies for keeping Thanksgiving dinner pleasant: 1. Ahead of time, spend a few minutes thinking about how you want to behave. Don’t just react in the moment; consider how you want to act. If you’ve had unpleasant experiences in the past, think about WHY they were unpleasant and what YOU could do to change the dynamics of the situation. You may tell yourself that you want everyone to get along – but if so, you need to do your part to contribute to a harmonious… -
3 Contemporary Thanksgiving Tablescapes
13 Nov 2009 | 10:19 amWant to bring something new to your Thanksgiving table this year? Here are 3 different contemporary tablescaping ideas & color palettes – each inspired by a stylish linen or dinnerware pattern – to help get your creative juices flowing! Digital inspiration boards are a great way to help visualize what you want to do before you start purchasing things. Try websites like polyvore for help on creating these boards. Thanksgiving Table #1The Inspiration: Foglia Print Napkins and Tablecloth from Crate and Barrel ($4.50 - $43.95)Color palette: mustard yellow, burnt orange, chocolate, and… -
Gift Giving Made Easier
12 Nov 2009 | 1:53 pmReal Simple just made my holiday shopping a heck of a lot easier - introducing: On The Go Gift Guides!I'm not sure which genius on staff is responsible for this lightbulb moment, but I'm sure glad they came up with it. It's reason enough to start your holiday shopping early this year and avoid that last-minute mad dash to the mall... On my To Do list for tonight: finally updating my iPhone with the new 3.whatever software so I can download Real Simple's first ever iPhone App - Holiday Gift Guide. Oh the possibilities... Not only will I be able to search Real Simple's annual 50 Gifts…
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Misty Mawn
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november rain or shine
20 Nov 2009 | 10:33 am...a few photos from yesterday, my walk in the rain in search of poke berries for my son's class. they are dying fabric using onion skins, poke berries, tea bags, & walnut husks today... i can't wait to hear all about it and feel inspired to give it a try here at home... in my free time (yes, i am laughing... free time? one day i will make free time to do so. i bring all this on myself, i know). and a few self portraits.... i have decided to go back to my natural hair color, hence the scarf. my days have been full, many hours spent working on my online… -
farewell, rain
14 Nov 2009 | 10:19 pmafter many days of pouring rain the sun finally came out today. this is how we celebrated... have you heard? the band 'the album leaf' so pretty. -
love, peace, & silliness
8 Nov 2009 | 8:36 pm"it is a happy talent to know how to play" - Ralph Waldo Emerson it was 81 degrees here today, a summer day in November, how strange. of course i loved it and spent most of the day outside playing and working. and i L O V E my new polaroid camera...the instax mini by fuji & the cute little mini photos it takes. i love tucking these mini polaroids in places for others to find. my kids love it, too...it's magical watching the image appear. they both took turns taking photos today & i loved watching… -
{ fall } ing into place
6 Nov 2009 | 9:58 amonly the first week of november and i am already noticing signs of winter here & there. brrrr. i am also noticing my many moods & just how easy it is to make up a story in my head & believe it completely. it's amusing to me how surprised i am when it turns out not to be true. made up stories that make me question too much, stories that sit on my shoulder and poke in my ear, pull my hair, and grind their teeth. i don't know why i let them get there in the first place. i am trying more and… -
happy november
3 Nov 2009 | 9:47 pmso far november has started off as beautiful as ever with temperatures in the 70's here. where the earth's floor has been gently covered with a blanket of orange & yellow leaves. each and every time i look or go outside i am reminded again why this season is so spectacular. but i don't like that it is so dark come five o'clock, that is going to take awhile to get used to. another page in my sketchbook...if you have signed up for my online workshop & have not received an email from me, please, please email me & let me know.
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Craftastrophe
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Countdown to Thanksgiving: Not a Craftastrophe
20 Nov 2009 | 4:00 amLadies and Gentlemen, Turkducken. GENIUS. WANT. {source} Subscribe to the comments for this post?Stumble upon something good? Share it on StumbleUponTweet This!Share this on RedditShare this on FacebookShare this on LinkedinAdd this to Google BookmarksShare this on FriendFeedShare this on del.icio.usBuzz up!Submit this to Script & StyleShare this on BlinklistDigg this!Share this on TechnoratiShare this on MixxShare this on TipdPost this to MySpaceSubmit this to NetvibesSeed this on NewsvineNot the same, but still fun:TIMES UP! TIMES UP! TIMES UP! CONTEST: Win a Brother P-Touch Label… -
Mah Frienz R Gonna Be Sew Dang Jelus
19 Nov 2009 | 8:42 amI love mah teef necklace, dontchu? See what I did there? Dontchu? Don’t chew? Thanks Kerrie! {source} Subscribe to the comments for this post?Stumble upon something good? Share it on StumbleUponTweet This!Share this on RedditShare this on FacebookShare this on LinkedinAdd this to Google BookmarksShare this on FriendFeedShare this on del.icio.usBuzz up!Submit this to Script & StyleShare this on BlinklistDigg this!Share this on TechnoratiShare this on MixxShare this on TipdPost this to MySpaceSubmit this to NetvibesSeed this on NewsvineNot the same, but still fun:TIMES UP! TIMES UP! -
Countdown to Thanksgiving: Not a Turkey
19 Nov 2009 | 4:00 amI don’t know WHAT this is, but despite what the crafter says, it’s ain’t no turkey. It’s more like Toucan Sam getting buggered by something who lives near a pineapple under the sea. WTF? {source} Subscribe to the comments for this post?Stumble upon something good? Share it on StumbleUponTweet This!Share this on RedditShare this on FacebookShare this on LinkedinAdd this to Google BookmarksShare this on FriendFeedShare this on del.icio.usBuzz up!Submit this to Script & StyleShare this on BlinklistDigg this!Share this on TechnoratiShare this on MixxShare this on… -
Somehow I don’t think Jimmy Choo would approve
18 Nov 2009 | 5:48 pmNew! Jimmy Choo! Because nothing says Choo like used beaten up shoes with a feather glued to it. Get your pennies out! All 7,500 of them. {source} Subscribe to the comments for this post?Stumble upon something good? Share it on StumbleUponTweet This!Share this on RedditShare this on FacebookShare this on LinkedinAdd this to Google BookmarksShare this on FriendFeedShare this on del.icio.usBuzz up!Submit this to Script & StyleShare this on BlinklistDigg this!Share this on TechnoratiShare this on MixxShare this on TipdPost this to MySpaceSubmit this to NetvibesSeed this on NewsvineNot the… -
Breakfast of Champions (or Pimps)
18 Nov 2009 | 9:00 amI’ll have two eggs, over easy. Toast, white, and three slices of bacon. Oh, and make my bacon pimp, please. {source} Subscribe to the comments for this post?Stumble upon something good? Share it on StumbleUponTweet This!Share this on RedditShare this on FacebookShare this on LinkedinAdd this to Google BookmarksShare this on FriendFeedShare this on del.icio.usBuzz up!Submit this to Script & StyleShare this on BlinklistDigg this!Share this on TechnoratiShare this on MixxShare this on TipdPost this to MySpaceSubmit this to NetvibesSeed this on NewsvineNot the same, but still fun:TIMES…
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Sonji Says...
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Appropriation Police...to the bat cave!
10 Nov 2009 | 2:02 pmAlma Woodsey Thomas, Watusi (Hard Edge), 1963, acrylic on canvas, 47-5/8" x 44-1/4", Hirshhorn MuseumI was spending some time catching up on my "movers and shakers" art blogs (it keeps me all worldly and informed and some such stuff) and found that I had missed out on all the foolishness regarding one painting, of two, by Alma Thomas, that was...then wasn't, going to be on loan to the White House in Michelle Obama's office (surely, the grammar police will be after me because of that sentence-ish...well. probably most of the sentences-ish, in this entire post...the whole blog, if we want to be… -
As is...$9.00
8 Nov 2009 | 5:03 pmLast month, I found this hand pieced and tied patchwork quilt at a local thrift shop called Value Village. What a find. It is the oddest patchwork I've ever seen, because of its unusual construction. I've always dreamt of finding a cool quilt at the thrift store. I'm not much of a shopper, though, and was in that store purely by accident because we were entertaining Xenobia Bailey, who had a day off from her Kohler residency (click here to see the installation of her fabu work). Della, Xenobia and I just stood there petting it, the two of them saying "oh, you better get it now". The following… -
As the sidebar logo announces...
2 Nov 2009 | 12:14 pmI have been chosen as a finalist for a 2010 Niche Award in the Fiber Art/Art Quilt category. Hurrah! This is the nominated piece. I have to say that if personified, Medallion Structure I would be jumping for joy. She is well traveled and has been the recipient of quite a bit of press over the past year. And now this. If her parts weren't sewn on so securely, she might suffer from the same fits of fancy and downward spiral as some of those other overly photographed media divas (who shall remain nameless).The winners in all categories will be announced in mid-February, 2010 and of course I will… -
28 Sep 2009 | 6:30 pm
28 Sep 2009 | 6:30 pmFall has arrived! You know I love my chilly weather and it is here today. Rain, wind...brrrrr. What if all snowflakes were this colorful? I wonder if I'd love snow as much. Little bit of embroidery today. Oh, it takes a long time to do such a little bit, but I'd like to get back to adding some. I used to be excessive about it, then went spartan. Perhaps, I've learned some moderation. On this part I will do the blackish area and then some coiled marks on the yellow. I haven't decided if I want to add a bundle or to make a dimensional icon for the center. I'm leaning toward the icon and I'd… -
In Case You Missed It...
4 Sep 2009 | 11:09 amMy "One From Wisconsin" exhibit is over now. Thank you to everyone who went to see it. Many of my friends really went out of their way to show me that support and I greatly appreciate it. When I was participating in "The Moment" event at the museum, a lovely woman told me that she came back to see my work three times and brought new people to see it each time. My eyes got all watery-happy when she was telling me this. It's nice to hear that people like the work. So, for those of you who were unable to attend...I stood in the middle of the room and pivoted so you could view each wall.
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pamgarrison
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silver bella '09
19 Nov 2009 | 4:21 pmTeresa has gone and done it again! Another Silver Bella event has come and gone. I was a teacher along with these other great gals. Silver Bella is a whirlwind weekend of community and crafting and celebrating the season that is now upon us. It is always fun to see the reuniting of old friends and the making of new ones, the over-the-topness of gifts and booths, and supplies and outfits. It's such a festive feeling from start to finish. How cute is T in her flowery necklace? Very. I didn't take a ton of photos but I did remember to take a few. I have stopped traveling… -
fun day sunday
9 Nov 2009 | 12:40 pmAs seems to be becoming my standard M.O. , I took not one photo to share. Bad blogger. Thankfully, Jenny took these, and Heather took tons too. Heather's a professional photographer after all, so I knew she'd capture the fun beautifully. I think Amy captured some good shots as well. Check their blogs in the next couple days for more glimpses of the fun. And fun we had. Here are some of the lovely ladies that came out to shop the Rose Bowl flea market with like minded creative friends old and new. And to those of you that came late, left early, or were just plain camera shy, we… -
congratulations to
7 Nov 2009 | 6:05 pmKaren Johnston I love your blog. A friend recommended it to me. That book is amazing, if you haven't done the draw please put me in:) Thanks Karen. Please email your addy info to Dawn Sokol, the author, at dawnds@qwest.net and she'll get your signed book on it's way to you!I'm sorry for everyone else that was hoping to win the book. That is the no fun part about give-aways. I truly wish I could give one to everyone!!!! Now that would be fun. Looking forward to meeting up with some fellow flea marketing bloggers tomorrow morning 9am in front of the Rose… -
new fall flickr favorites
5 Nov 2009 | 11:57 am{If you are interested in the book give-away, be sure to leave a comment in the post below titled "more journaling fun" before midnight Friday...and, don't worry, if you mentioned your comment number and it's different. Because there is a delay in comments published, your comment number may not be what you thought it'd be when commenting.} 1. {Echo} Week 1 - Emerge (2), 2. antique petit point purse, 3. night flys, 4. Untitled, 5. Heaven can wait 2, 6. Untitled, 7. leaves for fall, 8. a nice beret is what we all need, 9. Monster Zora, 10. #449, 11. -
the prepping for silver bella continues
4 Nov 2009 | 4:15 pm{If you are interested in the book give-away, be sure to leave a comment in the post below titled "more journaling fun" before midnight Friday} I'm in the thick of finishing up the Silver Bella kits...the fun begins next week!!!!
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Ma petite theiere
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Fabric Journals
20 Nov 2009 | 9:08 amENG/ Hello Friday people! Hope you had a great week. Thanks a lot for the comments on “Winter Wonderland”, and the greeting cards! I’m here today to blog about my fabric journals, to show you some pics and to let you know when they’re going to pop in the shop. Just the once won’t hurt (because I usually don’t share my suppliers, I’m sure you can understand that), I wanted to share my favorite fabric supplier on Etsy: Yarnahoy. Manasi, the owner, is so wonderful to work with. She carries some of the most pretty and delicate fabric scraps, and she… -
Winter Wonderland and greeting cards!
19 Nov 2009 | 10:50 amENG/ Hello everybody! Some of you have already seen it on Twitter or Flickr, but today I wanted to share with you one of my latest illustrations, “Winter Wonderland”. Every year I try to create something new on a Christmas/Holiday/Wintery theme, so this is my 2009 interpretation! Last year I received lots of requests from people who’d like to see greeting cards in my Etsy shop during the Holiday season. I’m really happy to announce that this year, you will find my very first greeting cards ever! I sincerely hope you will like them – I’m personally in love,… -
FredBean’s Nook, Handcrafted jewelry
16 Nov 2009 | 5:02 amENG/ Hi everybody! I’ve been quite busy lately with work and family visiting us, hence my lack of news here! I will have a few things to show you this week, but let’s start with a spotlight: Fredbean’s Nook! I first virtually met Emma, owner of FredBean’s Nook jewelry, when she sent a conversation at Etsy and asked for a custom illustration for her new business. I must admit I’ve probably been a pain for her because I was so busy that I finally ended up sending the finished illustration almost 6 month later (or more?). Anyway, Emma just launched her Etsy shop a… -
THANK YOUUU!!
6 Nov 2009 | 1:56 pmENG/ Yes, Thank you VERY MUCH for the amazing response to my shop update, it was amazing this time again! Half of the necklaces sold in just 4 minutes, and then everything quickly flew away.. It’s a great great support and I can’t thank you enough! Now to speak about your orders, I will send revised invoices through Paypal to those who bought multiple items in separates order and I will refund any extra shipping charges too. I will come back to you through the weekend, either by Etsy convo or by email, with your orders details. FR/ Un grand grand MERCI pour cette vente qui a… -
Next shop update Friday Nov. 6th : few more pics!
5 Nov 2009 | 10:54 amENG/ I just added few more pics of necklaces that will be available at tomorrow’s shop update (more infos here). Please visit my Flickr gallery to see them all! Thank you again for the wonderful words and compliments in my previous post, it warms my heart! See you tomorrow, hugs FR/ J’ai ajouté de nouvelles photos de colliers qui seront disponibles demain soir lors du shop update (plus d’infos ici). Il suffit de visiter ma galerie Flickr pour les voir tous. Et merci beaucoup pour tous les compliments dans mon dernier billet, je suis très touchée! Rendez-vous demain,…
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This Handmade Life
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Trading for Art and Odd Objects With bARTer Sauce
Rosalie Gale, a.k.a. UglyBaby, is a waterproof shower art maker, stand-up comedian and blogger, who is currently obsessed with German board games (Settlers of Catan, anyone?) and embroidery. She likes to ride bikes that fold up into small pieces and develop websites (like the Seattle Street Team site) in Drupal, an open source, database-driven, content management system that is currently her true love (along with her human husband, Doug). bARTer Sauce is an experiment in trading for art and odd objects. The idea behind the project is that whatever I get, I trade for something else — and… -
Our Thoughts and Gratitude Go Out to Veterans
With the backdrop of two active wars and the recent tragedy at Fort Hood, our hearts, thanks, prayers, and sadly our condolences, go out to those in the military and their families this Veterans Day. Veterans Day, formerly known as Armistice Day, was originally set as a U.S. holiday to honor the end of World War I, which officially took place on November 11, 1918. In 1938, November 11 was "dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be hereafter celebrated and known as 'Armistice Day.'" As such, this new holiday honored World War I veterans. After both World War II and the Korean War,… -
Shop Local Philly With Sarah Lockard of Around Main Line
Around Main Line CEO and ePublisher Sarah Lockard was born and raised in Philadelphia’s western suburbs, known as the Main Line. Around Main Line is Philadelphia’s very first emagazine, celebrating the people, places and events of the region — exclusively online. Today Sarah shares her favorite Etsy finds from Philly and the surrounding suburbs. You can find more of Sarah's picks in her Around Main Line series, Etsy Phavorites. As a big city with a small town feel, we are fiercely loyal and supportive of each other. That’s why I decided to launch… -
Artistic Endeavors: Matt Revelli of Upper Playground & Juxtapoz Magazine
Upper Playground is a design force for a new generation, where underground artists emerge and art shows up on T-shirts, baseball caps, online videos as well as gallery walls. Bridging art and fashion, Matt Revelli, creative director of Upper Playground (which he founded in 1999), recently took on the additional role of editor in chief for Juxtapoz Magazine. It's hard to describe just how influential its pages have been for artists who insist on breaking down the barriers between fine art and pop culture. Matt is a mixture of brain and athlete, "the last of the bohemian jocks." "Dear Mr. -
The Collectors: Boopsie Daisy's Pez Dispensers with Rikrak
I just love seeing what folks are collecting. I guess I feel it tells us just a little bit about what inspires them, what they love, and what they choose to surround themselves with in their homes. Today I'm delighted to present the next installment in an ongoing series here on The Storque: The Collectors. First presented on my own little blog, the rikrak studio, it's 11 and a half quick questions with a wonderful artist on what they're collecting (apart from their art supplies!). Oh October! How I love you! And I just adore this month’s featured collection, too! Like Halloween,…
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How About Orange
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Things gone awry
20 Nov 2009 | 9:03 amI think of this blog as my vacation getaway, a happy diversion from commercial graphic design work. (Except for the occasional logo quiz, of course.) But I'm compelled to mention a hilarious site which designers everywhere will appreciate. Clients From Hell is "A collection of anonymously contributed client horror stories from designers." Welcome to the wonderful world of graphic design! (Via Coudal.) -
Logo memory game
19 Nov 2009 | 8:39 amIf you've got some time to kill, try this logo matching game. A fun way to look at logos if you're interested in design. I could have used this diversion during the short breaks in my jury duty this week. The case ended yesterday, so now I'm tending to the backlog of logo, stationery, and signage projects that piled up while I was gone. How come I don't have a "time-saver" category for posts? -
Felt gingerbread ornaments
17 Nov 2009 | 3:31 pmFriday's Chicago Craft Social was lots of fun. The theme was handmade gifts and holiday decorations, like these felt gingerbread ornaments. I made the half-eaten gingerbread man using Elsie Marley's free pattern, available here. The tiny houses are based on Betz White's design in the e-book Crafty Tree Trimmings: Six Festive Holiday Ornaments to Make, for sale right here. -
Printable 2010 calendar
16 Nov 2009 | 6:18 amIf you're the type to plan ahead—way ahead—you can download this free printable 2010 calendar by Erika of Gleaux at Love. Obsess. Inspire. I'm an expert procrastinator myself, so I don't need this until at least mid January. -
Mini printable stationery set
13 Nov 2009 | 5:49 amHere's another free printable, courtesy of Amy Moss at Eat Drink Chic: a mini greeting card, envelope, and stationery set. Help yourself to this quirky little man with a candy cane right here. He says "holiday" in a subtle way. Well, actually it looks like he says "Greetings." But you get the drift.(Image by Amy Moss)
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The Soap Bar
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Laundry Soap Tutorial - Any Volunteers?
20 Nov 2009 | 7:39 amI have been asked my a few people how to make laundry soap, so I ask you, the soap people out there in Bubble Land... would anyone like to do a tutorial on making laundry soap?I do know I have heard a lot of REALLY good things about Carrie Garvin over at Under The Willow Gifts and her fantastic laundry soap. Customers here have also asked if I would make some for them. They buy my soap, now they want me to wash their clothes. How 'bout that? Next they'll want me to wash their hair, their dog, their house and pay their mortgage...;)Any volunteers? -
Bad Soap, Bad!
19 Nov 2009 | 5:24 amMy previous post about my horrible experience with 16 pounds of failed soap made me mad and this is a follow up on what's happened since. So if you haven't read Sixteen Pounds Of Heart Breaking Soap Do-Overs Or Throw-Aways? then you might feel lost reading this.***My dear soap has been put to bed.{Stupid head}I cooked that sucker with oil and water and some coconut milk and I stirred and stirred and I stirred and it started to look like a beautiful vat of cooked fudge. My hopes got high and my spirit lifted, but the smell wasn't right... almost ammonia-ey. I tongue tested and zapped myself… -
Sixteen Pounds Of Heart Breaking Soap Do-Overs Or Throw-Aways?
18 Nov 2009 | 4:37 amI had a really busy time last week with retail orders, wholesale orders, and preparing for a my son's school craft fair fundraiser. I needed to crank out loaves of soap for a wholesale customer as well as for the shop so I prepared the lye mixtures (two sets for two 8 lb. batches) and set them aside to cool. The day I mix them went fluttering by like a turbo butterfly, as usual, and the day came to an end. I looked at the two lye mixtures and thought they'd be fine to use the next day. I've done that. It works. Well, that very next day scurried by even faster like Runaway Ralph (a famous… -
Botika Closes Its Doors ~ Supplies Available
17 Nov 2009 | 4:31 pmVicki Martin, of Botika Candles, asked me to list her company's supplies to anyone who might be interested because she has decided to close her candle business. The list below has prices listed and her phone number. She is located in Texas so keep shipping costs in mind as you peruse.I wonder if those wooden gift crates can be used as soap molds. I will be measuring mine when I get to the shop!Vicki, I wish you the very best luck in whatever you choose to do. =) A B C D 1 Botika Candle Equipment Detail Call 806-687-1480 or 806-687-1655 2 Prices subject to change and prior sale! Quantity… -
No Smoking, Get Clean!
12 Nov 2009 | 5:41 pmI have always been a bit mystified by hemp products. Hemp is derived from marijuana but it is not marijuana. Hmm. okaaaayyyy. Honestly, I have never cared enough to ever look into it ---although, the whole hemp clothes thing stumped me years ago. How do you make clothes out of pot? Whatever. Again, I tell you. I don't care enough to look it up, and I look up everything that puzzles me. I am an information hog.So I decided that I haven't touched on hemp oil here. The wonder oil in soaps. I still haven't tried it raw or in a soap, but in looks nice. Wonder what it smells like. Pot-ty?Here are…
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allsorts
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Ears to your 'elfies
20 Nov 2009 | 9:41 amGuess who's come out to play again? It's the Christmas Elfies embroidery pattern, now available in my etsy shop. And I've added some extra treats, like a candy cane and a little prezzie! And something else is new, this time... -
Let it snow...
18 Nov 2009 | 8:58 amI'm still buried under an avalanche of work, so I've been terribly remiss in posting. (Get it? Avalanche? Snow?) Well, anyways... here is some inspirational eye candy for you to snack on while I shovel out from under the last... -
Ho ho ho!
8 Nov 2009 | 7:23 pmTada! The blog has its new look for the Christmas season! I also dusted off the Gingerbread House and Zoe Holiday Dress-up buttons over there on the right sidebar. So.... let the festivities begin! Cheers, Jenny -
Trick or Treat!
31 Oct 2009 | 3:38 pmIf you stopped by Allsorts sometime yesterday or earlier today, you were given an unintended sneak peek at some behind the scenes experimenting with my blog design. So,have a Jolly Halloween indeed! wink wink Cheers, Jenny -
Poor neglected Allsorts
27 Oct 2009 | 7:43 pmAll the action is over at Owlsorts! Cheers, Jenny
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oh my so cute
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Indie fashion finds with cute designs at ModCloth
14 Nov 2009 | 11:54 pmCopyright © www.ohmysocute.com I just checked out ModCloth.com and found bags and tops with really cute designs. They even carry a couple of Shinzi Katoh bags and a Rootote in a design I’ve... © www.ohmysocute.com. If you're not reading this as a news feed, this site you're reading is a splog guilty of copyright infringement. This feed is for personal non-commercial use only. -
Interesting baby onesies with cute printed designs
10 Nov 2009 | 6:11 amCopyright © www.ohmysocute.com Cute babies would look even cuter in these interesting onesies with special printed designs – XY chromosones, neurons, little robots, crawling ants, and more!... © www.ohmysocute.com. If you're not reading this as a news feed, this site you're reading is a splog guilty of copyright infringement. This feed is for personal non-commercial use only. -
Cute ninja wallpaper and tees
5 Nov 2009 | 3:10 amCopyright © www.ohmysocute.com Singapore has talent! Design talent specifically! Here’s a cute HIROBOT ninja wallpaper designed by Tactical Urban Gears – a company based in Singapore... © www.ohmysocute.com. If you're not reading this as a news feed, this site you're reading is a splog guilty of copyright infringement. This feed is for personal non-commercial use only. -
My pretty little fabric cosmetic pouches
25 Oct 2009 | 4:53 amCopyright © www.ohmysocute.com Yesterday, I came across these cute pouches at a shop in Thomson Plaza. I was surprised they were going for a song. I bought the small one at S$4.80 and the larger... © www.ohmysocute.com. If you're not reading this as a news feed, this site you're reading is a splog guilty of copyright infringement. This feed is for personal non-commercial use only. -
Play food hand sewn from felt to whet your appetite
19 Oct 2009 | 4:04 amCopyright © www.ohmysocute.com If it’s food, it gets my attention! Here are some hand sewn playfood I found on Flickr. And it hooked me up to Felt Collection, an online store based in... © www.ohmysocute.com. If you're not reading this as a news feed, this site you're reading is a splog guilty of copyright infringement. This feed is for personal non-commercial use only.
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zakka life
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Deadline: Post-It Stop Motion
20 Nov 2009 | 10:34 amClever stop motion video using post-its.Happy Friday. -
Japanese Paper Doll Card
18 Nov 2009 | 3:04 pmAwhile back I found a lovely tutorial on how to make Japanese Paper Dolls on Kimono Reincarnate. As soon as I saw the dolls, I knew exactly what to make with them, cards. Above is one of the cards I made. They're really easy to make, just head over to this tutorial and make the dolls. Then layer alternate sized paper onto a blank card and you're done. Wouldn't these Japanese dolls look pretty covering a Christmas tree? -
Craft Project: Miniature Stuffed Animals
16 Nov 2009 | 1:00 pmI recently got some fabric designed by Kokka. It was so pretty that I didn't want to cut into it. Do you ever find yourself with this problem? Well, I was trying to think up the perfect project because the last thing I wanted to do was waste the fabric. As I analyzed the print, it reminded me of all those fabulous handmade stuffies. That thought translated into miniature stuffed animals for my daughter's doll house. So I made a mini stuffed animal, then another, then another and I couldn't stop! They're just so addicting. I'm already thinking of making mini ornaments, child brooches, and… -
Kid Craft: Twinkle Pom Pom Ornament
12 Nov 2009 | 2:25 pmHere's a simple, inexpensive and quick Christmas ornament for kids (and adults) to make. My four year old daughter made the one pictured above in about ten minutes. I did have to help her for one part which I share in the directions. An older child could do this completely on their own. They could even make the ornament more complex by creating a pattern with the pom poms. There's lots of possibilities with this project so get creative and have fun! Supplies:One styrofoam ball with a 2 inch diameter50 small twinkle pom poms (approximately) - you could use regular pom poms as well50 straight… -
Banana Magic Trick
10 Nov 2009 | 1:50 pmI bet you can't tell this banana has already been cut. And if you turned it over on the other side, it would look exactly the same. So here's the story behind this. Long ago my brother received a magic trick set for his birthday. Now like a typical brother, he wouldn't let me play with anything. However, there was a book that came with the kit. Oh yes, one glorious book that I was able to get my hands on. In this book were directions on how to cut a banana while keeping the peel intact. The trick did not require any of the toys that came with the kit so I was able to try it out. It worked! To…
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Geek Crafts
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Washington, DC Craft Show
20 Nov 2009 | 11:22 amIf you live in the Washington, DC area, stop by DC Craft Mafia’s Holiday Heist tomorrow. There will be over 30 vendors selling their crafts, workshops, a raffle to benefit the Washington Humane Society and a dog adoption event from 3-6pm. DC Craft Mafia Holiday Heist -
Where the Wild Things Are - 10 Crafts
19 Nov 2009 | 11:00 pmMuch to my dismay, I still haven’t seen Where the Wild Things Are, but I’m enjoying all of the crafts to be found. For costumes, just search Craftster or Etsy for a ton of great ones. 1. Amigurumi by Alliecat30 2. Shadow Puppets by SaltyandSweet 3. Wall Mural by Red Fork Hippie Chick 4. Needle-felted Max by cuteCLOVER 5. Hand-drawn bowl by Robotragicomedy 6. Painted onesie by bennaka1010 7. Polymer clay monster by pinkpoodle230 8. Max illustration by NanLawson 9. Monster t-shirt by Stephanie1016 10. Amigurumi by ZaneyMcBanes -
Mario Mushroom Stencil Art How-To
18 Nov 2009 | 11:00 pmCrafter extraordinaire Vickie Howell recently made this Game Boy stencil art piece for her son, who loves to play video games. She used a stencil from Ed Roth’s Stencil 101 Decor collection and freehanded the Mario image over it — she shares a complete tutorial for making your own version. This isn’t Vickie’s first Mario-inspired craft project — check out her pattern and tutorial for knitting up a pair of Mario Mushroom Wrist Warmers as well! Game Boy Stencil Art Mario Mushroom Wrist Warmers -
Shaun the Sheep Crochet Doll
17 Nov 2009 | 11:00 pmI don’t know how geeky it is, but when we were visiting my in-laws in England, my father-in-law showed us several episodes of Shaun the Sheep (by the same people who did Wallace and Grommit) and I just fell in love! It’s a great little claymation and Leelou has done such an amazing job recreating Shaun in this adorable Shaun the Sheep Crochet Doll that she posted on craftster. Shaun the Sheep Crochet Doll -
Cross-stitched New Moon Needle Book
17 Nov 2009 | 11:00 pmCraftster user Krafty_Karasu cross-stitched this handy needle book to look like the cover of New Moon. Cross-stitched New Moon Needle Book
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creative little daisy
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Pillow Talk
9 Nov 2009 | 4:31 amAre you wondering if I'm going to sew something for Sew Something Month? I am. I did. How about some cute Christmas pillows- tutorial included. I'm so excited, this post can also be found at Life In Grace as part of Edie's 12 Days of Handmade Christmas. Perhaps the easiest way to get your feet wet in the sewing waters is by making simple pillow or cushion covers. Once you know the basic construction, you can get as fancy as you wish with embellishments and trim. You can update the look of a room quickly and inexpensively by simply adding some pretty throw pillows or… -
Don't question a mama's intuition
8 Nov 2009 | 4:24 pmMy nephew, Mackenzie had to have surgery yesterday. Emergency surgery to repair a bowel obstruction. Not the way most fourteen-year-olds like to spend a Saturday night.It started in the wee hours of the morning Saturday. He awakened his mom, my sister Erica, crying out in pain. She went to him and comforted him and asked all the questions a mama asks. She determined the whole bag of blueberries he had consumed was not agreeing with his stomach, but she kept him in her bed the rest of the night so she could keep a close watch- just in case it was something more serious. He was not feeling… -
Sew Something in November: OK, lets get started!
4 Nov 2009 | 6:25 amHow do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. Don't expect to sit down at your sewing machine for the first time and whip up a tailored slipcover for your sofa. It's not going to happen like that. Sewing, just like any other skill requires some degree of practice and patience. That's why so many choose not to. I know that was my reason. I am an instant gratification type of girl, so I never had any interest in learning to sew. Then out of what I felt was necessity, I made some roman shades for my kitchen. Yes, it was a necessity. I wanted roman shades, in my kitchen and… -
I'm declaring November "Sew Something Month"
2 Nov 2009 | 9:09 amHow do you like that? Just like that, a public declaration. Tapping the mic and clearing my throat- ahem... anyone out there? Squinting at the bright spotlight in my eyes... ahem, like I was saying, November is officially Sew Something MonthYou can tell your friends, spread the word. Even if you've never sewn a stitch in your life, I want you to do so, this month. If you took home-ec in school but haven't picked up a needle since, this is your month to get your Martha on. If you have a sewing machine hidden in the back of the closet in the spare bedroom and you made your own drapes… -
Rainy Saturday
31 Oct 2009 | 8:38 amI've just been tinkering with the blog design this rainy Saturday morning. I'm not at all knowledgeable when it comes to such things, I just wing it and do lots of google searching. Excuse the off-centeredness, I'm trying to figure out this whole custom css stuff. If you know of any good sites with tips for typepad users, I'd love to hear about them or if you can tell me how to center my photos in this main column. I changed to a fluid pixel format for the main column, but I'd like the photos to be centered. I also added one of those google friend connect widgets. I…
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house on hill road
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Party favors
19 Nov 2009 | 3:04 pmI made these little notepads for Kate's birthday party favors. The second graders started learning cursive last week so I thought it would be fun to have a little practice pad. And stickers. And a gel pen. I mean, who doesn't like a gel pen?Making these got me thinking about who else on my list could use some notepads. The teachers for sure. And I already whipped some up for the nephews who can write/scribble and some for Jane's friend that has a birthday today. They were fun and fast to make. I am thinking about putting some in the shop next week if there is… -
Color Your Cloth
18 Nov 2009 | 12:26 pmI started following Malka Dubrawsky's blog, A Stitch In Dye, after I happened upon a photo of this quilt on her flickr stream. At first glance, I gasped. The colors are so vivid and the pattern is so interesting - there was nothing about this quilt that I didn't like. After a moment or two of gazing, a few of those fabrics looked familiar. Upon closer inspection, I realized that she didn't piece those circles into those squares. The fabrics were dyed! A whole world of possibility opened before my eyes. Dyeing printed fabric? Wow. How did she do it? Well now I… -
The celebrations continue
17 Nov 2009 | 10:06 ambecause today is Fatty's birthday. While I could go on and on, I'll keep it short. I'm blessed to have him in my life. He's a great person and good father. He's funny and smart. He's loving and patient (oh so patient!) and isn't afraid to tell me when I'm acting up. And I need that.Happy Birthday Fatty! Here's to the next forty-four. -
The requisite birthday shirt
16 Nov 2009 | 1:56 pmEvery year, I make the girls a birthday shirt. It's always appliqued and I now know that it needs to be short sleeved and a size too big so it will fit all year round. This year I wasn't feeling extremely creative. Or more to the point, I wasn't sure how I could top the tally mark shirt from last year. I asked Kate what she wanted and she didn't have a preference. Fatty came up with a couple of good ideas and I was ready to use one of those when it hit me. Of course. It's perfect for my girl. -
8 is pretty darn great
12 Nov 2009 | 6:25 pmShe is full of energy and full of life. She wears her emotions on her face - you can always tell if she is happy or sad or excited. There is no hiding it for her. She is stubborn and determined - if she wants something she won't quit until it's hers. She is funny and good at making puns. She is kind and helpful, almost always willing to do what I ask. She is messy and doesn't like to put her clothes away. She does like cleaning toilets, though. This past year she learned to ride her bike and multiply and divide. She likes the colors pink and purple the best. …
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Storque articles: How-To
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Seller How-To: Get Involved With Black Friday and Cyber Monday Promotions
Black Friday through Cyber Monday is a recognized shopping weekend that has quickly gained a reputation as the best time of year to find promotional sales on gifts for the holidays. For businesses, it is recognized as one of the most profitable weekends of the year that officially kicks off the busy holiday rush. We want to get the word out about shopping on Etsy for unique handmade and vintage gifts — instead of waiting in lines at the mall! The buzz about special Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales is ramping up on Etsy, and we hope to connect sellers with otherwise stressed out… -
Seller How-To: Plug in the My Etsy Facebook Application
The new My Etsy Facebook app is here and ready to help you share your shop with a new audience! This app not only provides a great way to share your Etsy shop and Favorites with your Facebook friends, but also lets you include a feed from your own blog and will alert you and your friends when your item is featured on Etsy's home page or in a Gift Guide. I'm here to share helpful links and tips for using this as a social networking and promotional tool for your business, without being too spammy. I'll be hosting a follow-up chat in the Virtual Labs on Wednesday December 2, 2-3 p.m. ET, where… -
How-Tuesday: Rolling Balls From Magic Books & Paper Toys
As a lover of both books and crafts, I have a very difficult time letting my coffee table volumes or National Geographic issues sit on the shelf for long before I'm ripping, cutting, folding, and gluing. Pages sticky with mod podge, my collection of paper transforms into a vault of materials and inspiration. Paper guru Esther K. Smith will be hosting Craft Night at the Etsy Labs next Monday, November 23. As a teaser, she shares her Rolling Balls project from Magic Books & Paper Toys for this week's How-Tuesday. This would make a great project (with or without the kids!) as you get ready… -
From Etsy's Merchandising Desk: December Festivites
It's that time again, and those of us behind the scenes at Etsy would like to share our merchandising plans for December. As we continue to plan Etsy’s calendar for the year ahead with thematic merchandising, we will be incorporating many of the concepts you shared in response to November's report and continue to welcome your input. It is our goal to create a healthy balance between promotions for traditional holidays, seasonal changes, and lifestyle trends. Rounding out November Keep abreast of the November seasonal themes, holidays, dates to remember, and trends we are looking to… -
Seller How-To: 5 Tips for Item Descriptions
Do you have writer's block when it comes to crafting your Etsy item listings? You're in luck! Optimize your shop with the following five tips for effective and descriptive prose in your product listings. You'll have a way with words in no time! 1. Create an inverted pyramid. The most important information about your item should be first in your description — not only because shoppers want the details on your items as soon as possible, but also because it's a smart way to optimize the way your description displays in Google search results. Tip: Always use the Google search results…
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The Apronista - Aprons, Vintage Aprons, Apron Patterns, Tutorials
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White Christmas Flirty Apron Swap - Christmas Carol Creations
10 Nov 2009 | 10:02 amH i Apronistas! Guest blogger Shawnee here to invite you to join my Christmas Flirty Apron Swap!! I love everything about Christmas ... the lights, decorations, parties, special church pageants and plays, how everyone is just a little nicer, and I especially love the sounds of the season. So, in this year's winter swap, participants will put on their creativity caps and create an apron representative of their partner's favorite carol! I hope you can join in the fun. (click on an image to register) Deadline to Register: November 15 Partners Sent: November 17 NEW Swappers: mail to Shawnee… -
Ok, so it's not an Apron...
2 Nov 2009 | 12:22 pmb ut one of my online BFF's, Jen of Her Southern Charm, is sponsoring a giveaway at the Nesting Place - you could win one of Jen's most popular items! What are you still doing here?? Go GO! : ) Please Visit The Apronista's Amazing Sponsors Not Quite June Cleaver - Aprons, Pies and More! Skin Botanica - Natural, Organic and Vegan Skin Care Girly Aprons - For the Girliest of Girly Aprons For all of your practical Apron Needs -
Suzy Homemaker
23 Oct 2009 | 7:47 amI love vintage commercials, and as soo as I saw this one I knew I had to share it with you all - listen to the narrator's voice - it makes housework sound SOO appealing, doesn't it? Can you believe - burners that heat up?? Please Visit The Apronista's Amazing Sponsors Not Quite June Cleaver - Aprons, Pies and More! Skin Botanica - Natural, Organic and Vegan Skin Care Girly Aprons - For the Girliest of Girly Aprons For all of your practical Apron Needs -
Mad About Plaid Aprons from Tie One On
16 Oct 2009 | 7:00 amAre you mad about plaid? Then you will just die when you see the gorgeous Aprons in Amy Karol's latest Apron challenge - I love all the great pictures too!! Don't forget about Amy's next theme - Peppermint Candy! How perfect for Christmas!! Please Visit The Apronista's Amazing Sponsors Not Quite June Cleaver - Aprons, Pies and More! Skin Botanica - Natural, Organic and Vegan Skin Care Girly Aprons - For the Girliest of Girly Aprons For all of your practical Apron Needs -
Super Easy Rhubarb Pie
14 Oct 2009 | 7:00 amposted by Ali at Divine Domesticity Not only is this pie super easy, it is super delicious. It has got to be my favorite pie recipe of all time. Sweet and tart, totally perfect in my opinion. Enjoy! Super Easy Rhubarb Pie Makes several servings 4 cups chopped rhubarb 1 1/3 cups white sugar 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon butter Ready made pie dough 1. Preheat oven to 450-f degrees. Place first dough in baking dish and form to your liking. 2. Combine flour and sugar in a separate bowl. Add 1/4 of mix to the bottom of your pie crust. Add chopped rhubarb then add the rest of your…
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Design Mom
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Cardstore Giveaway — Two Winners!
20 Nov 2009 | 2:00 pmToday's Giveaway has perfect timing. Cardstore is offering 2 winners each a $100 gift certificate good towards Holiday Cards and Invitations. Lovely. I know cards are on your mind. Because it's late November. And because our clever Guest Aunt Lyndsey has been showcasing beautiful stationery selections all week. And now two of you will be able to order your holiday cards for free!I think you'll love Cardstore's vast selection. Tons of greeting cards. Tons of photo cards. Tons of invitations. You'll find exactly what you need. Leave a comment on this post and you're entered to win. Have a… -
Oscar + Betty + New Clothes = Rad
20 Nov 2009 | 1:49 pmThis post is for Ben Blair. Who is out of town. And missed the darling-ness that was Oscar and Betty dressed for preschool this morning. Ben, these clothes arrived from Toobydoo yesterday. I probably should have saved them until Christmas and put them under the tree, but they were too cute to wait even a minute more in those (admittedly stylish) boxes.Also. You don't have to believe me, but I did not pose either one. I pulled out the camera and they were instantly in rockstar mode.I love all the details. The leather zipper pull. The fringe on the skirt. The ruffled cuffs and collar on the… -
A Paper Holiday: Best of the Press — by Guest Aunt "Papergirl" Lyndsey
20 Nov 2009 | 12:00 pmHello again friends! Today’s my last day posting here on Design Mom, so I thought I’d go out with a bang. I’m a major sucker for anything letterpress, so here’s a little roundup of some of the cards that have really caught my eye this holiday season. The awesome holiday postcard, pictured at top, is a chic alternative to your typical folding card. Parrott Design Studio prints these using vintage wood type and hand-mixed ink onto the recycled chipboard card; the back is printed with an old-fashioned postcard graphic to add a little extra fun to your seasonal greeting.I also love the… -
Spread the Word about Alt
19 Nov 2009 | 6:10 amHave you heard about Alt? It's possible — because I posted about it a couple of weeks ago. Basically, Altitude Design Summit is the first conference geared toward Design Blogs and Lifestyle Sites. And it's going to be amazing. It's happening the same weekend as the Sundance Film Festival in Salt Lake City — which means attendees will be able to go back and forth between the two events — and fit in some (free!) world class skiing in their spare time. : )The speaker list is pretty fantastic — Design*Sponge and OhJoy! just signed on — and the list of superstars grows all the time. But… -
A Paper Holiday: Eco-Friendly — By Guest Aunt "Papergirl" Lyndsey
18 Nov 2009 | 6:00 amHello friends! I’m back and ready with a slew of new and different holiday cards to inspire your imagination. Today, let’s talk about being green. Of course, when I say “green,” I don’t mean your holiday cards need to be printed in forest or lime green ink – I mean finding an eco-friendly card solution! We all know how important it is to protect our environment even in little ways, and a great way to contribute is by sending green holiday cards this year.I adore the woodgrain cards and gift tags by Night Owl Paper Goods (pictured above). This is a real wooden card, made from…
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sweet jessie
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sparkle and shine
18 Nov 2009 | 10:28 amI just added these darling engraved pencils to my etsy shop... wouldn't they make the sweetest little stocking stuffers? I'm hosting an open house this weekend for local artists, crafters, and business owners to sell their wares, and after that I hope to list a few more items in the shop for the holidays!Wishing you a lovely day...xoxo -
I need a nap
16 Nov 2009 | 1:16 pmDid you have a nice weekend, friends? Mine was kind of brimming with fun! On Friday afternoon, I helped my friend set up her new yoga blog (and get this - the name she chose, Madhuri Yoga - means sweet!). On Saturday, I had a booth at a Holistic Women's Holiday Faire (sandwiched between my old friend Melissa and my new friend Kim), then went to see a movie with some friends, and stopped off for a glass of wine afterwards. On Sunday, I puttered about the house hanging lots of pictures I've been meaning to hang, set up some of my new lighting equipment, and … -
winner winner, chicken dinner
12 Nov 2009 | 5:23 pmI am ever so pleased to announce the winner of the One Yard Wonders book....Jenn, please email me to claim your winnings (and if you want to thank me in pumpkin whoopie pies, I'd be ever so pleased about that, too)!! Thanks again to all of you that entered. It's so fun to read your comments! Look for more giveaways soon!!xoxo -
inspired by Free People
12 Nov 2009 | 9:51 amFind more inspiration here....xoxo -
home again, home again
10 Nov 2009 | 5:05 amI'm home from Minnesota, and the trip apparently exhausted me, as I climbed into bed last night at 7:30 pm to finish a book and head into sweet dreamland - thanks to my sweet husband putting the kids to bed for me! Did I tell you I brought them with me on this little adventure?Well, the book signing was so much fun - there were a dozen or so contributors to the book milling about (as well as a publicist from Storey), and we all got to chat quite a bit and sign each other's books - and sign some other people's books, too - I really think that everyone should have a day in their life…
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every little thing
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Haunted Gingerbread Cottages
2 Nov 2009 | 8:47 amThe Witching Hour has come and gone, but I can't resist sharing a few pictures of our Haunted gingerbread House Making party last Friday! -
Another First
25 Oct 2009 | 5:40 pmI didn't expect this to be such a big thing, but my goodness. The boy sure is growing up fast. That missing tooth has really catapulted Max into big-kid territory and I am never prepared for these milestones, as awesome as they are. I had the honor of pulling the tooth out myself (though it was barely hanging on by a thread,) and witnessing the shock and pure joy on his face as he cupped that baby tooth in his palm. Magic. -
Getting Spooked
17 Oct 2009 | 1:38 pmGod bless google. I had vague memory of a free Halloween banner print out from years ago, that I spotted on someones blog. After a speedy internet search, ten pieces of cardstock, and 20 minutes of cutting: I had a fantastic, free banner that looks perfect on our mantle! You can find the free print-out letters here on the Allsorts blog. It's neat that all the letters & numbers are available so you can make up your own, spooky messages. Max is working on his own mini-banner that just says "BOO!" I used black ric rack to string the letters (just like Jenny… -
Barely Blogging
11 Oct 2009 | 11:14 pmWhat? Bears don't hang out in your front yard at 5pm on Mondays? One of the cubs was quite the climber. Look at him go! Be careful up there, little bear. (And bring me down some honey!) Sadly, Max and I were not at home for the bear parade, but luckily Mike and Ben were there to witness, photograph, and gawk at the little, furry family. Krissy had a broad-daylight bear sighting while she was visiting over the summer, too. We're used to them prowling around the garbage cans at night, but seeing them in the daytime is pretty crazy. What a strange place we live. -
Happy Weekend!
25 Sep 2009 | 5:52 pmThey Might Be Giants played a kid's concert in Raleigh last weekend and we missed it! I didn't even mention it to Max, he would have been crushed. The rest of their shows on this tour are just a little too far away. So sad. Max, Mike, and I have all been big fans for some time now. At lease we have youtube! Hope you all have a great weekend!
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Mayfly
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trying my best
18 Nov 2009 | 2:31 pmI'm single-handedly trying to keep economy in the pooper. Just kidding. Sort of. I've started making my handmade gifts. I keep hearing on NPR about how spending is up a bit and consumer confidence is rising, blah blah blah, but I don't get it. I'm certainly no economist, but isn't that how we got into this mess to begin with? All the overspending? I want my friends who have lost their jobs to find great new ones, and I'd love things to improve for my own small business. But as a simple (also cheap) girl in a very consumer world, I'm just going to keep doing my thang this holiday season and… -
desperately seeking sanity
16 Nov 2009 | 6:14 amGood Monday to you. It's quiet here this morning. I just finished eating an egg while listening to the cold rain fall. So we had a terrific weekend. There was a birthday (ahem. yes, mine.) and it was fine. Very fine in fact. My good friends came and we ate pizza and salad and laughed and they gave me gifts! Heeee! The rest of the weekend was filled staying inside between cold and wet soccer games and filling our tummies with grilled cheese and tomato soup and a homemade chicken pot pie. Things are finally slowing down for us. It has been holiday family photo season for me, and of course I… -
good morning!
10 Nov 2009 | 7:56 amHello! How are you? I'm enjoying a little breakfast chocolate cake this morning. I don't have much to share, but I've been missing stopping into this space once in awhile. We're all just fine- still too busy- but that will slow down soon. Of course I didn't get the stuff ready for my shop, but there's always hope for this week. : ) I have begun thinking and planning and making for holiday gifts. Maybe if I start early it will help keep our holiday season more peaceful. Brian and I have decided that we have hit critical stuff level. He's taking the day off tomorrow and we're having Great… -
time flies
27 Oct 2009 | 6:45 amFall is flying by here. There are still lots of beautiful trees out there, but there are lots of brown ones as well and falling crunchy leaves everywhere. I am feeling utterly overwhelmed with the number of things I need to get done in the next week or two, so I will be stepping away from the computer for a little while (except for the Noticing Project.) I intended to get a couple of very fun little things into my shop for the first week of November, so maybe I can get those done too. I'm spending most of my time these days taking portrait photographs and editing, editing, editing... Have a… -
a first
22 Oct 2009 | 10:37 amMoments after the boys loaded into the car for school, the phone rang. It was them calling- practically still in the driveway. "We want chili for dinner tonight." It's really rainy again and predicted to get colder all afternoon. Yum. I tell them I can't make promises (I don't want to go to the grocery again. I just went.), but I'll come up with some kind of soup. I think I can pull off the chili if I quick soak some black beans. Even though I've never found anything except a few odd shaped beans, I always sort dry beans because it says so on the bag. Every time I think about just dumping…
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Happy Zombie
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Eat. Win. Quilt.
14 Nov 2009 | 12:30 pmLITTLE did I know when asked what everyone was having for dinner on the previous post… that I would actually MAKE someone’s dish. I was all settled in after treating my hubby out to a fine Kosher meal (the Costco hot dog stand), reading all the wonderful comments left for me… and then I read [...] -
Quiltmaker’s 100 Blocks - Sew Happy Together
12 Nov 2009 | 2:58 pmThere’s only one thing more fun then being in Quiltmaker’s 100 Blocks issue… and that’s being featured with lots of friends and rock-star quilters - and I’m so honored to be amongst them! I kind of fudged a little… I’m using the alternate cover image that features Camille, Laurie, Elizabeth, Pat, Pam and me [...] -
Dancing With The Chairs
9 Nov 2009 | 11:02 pmIt’s so hard to think of words as I bask in the afterglow of the most amazing quilt retreat ever. Our hostess Karen set up the most amazing retreat in what can only be called paradise. Our retreat was at the Falls Creek Conference Center near Raymond, WA. Sarah, Sarah’s mom Kirsty [...] -
Cracking the WIP
3 Nov 2009 | 4:15 pmI’ve been asked by Karen to do a demo at her quilt retreat this weekend - and I thought I’d be a smarty and post a tutorial ahead of time. I have a tendency to teach/demo in Can’t-you-read-my-mind-glish. This way in case anyone forgets to bring their English to Can’t-you-read-my-mind-glish translator… there will be [...] -
How do you say “Trick or Treat” in Russian?
30 Oct 2009 | 12:51 pmMy inspiration stares me in the face each and every day. As does my mysteriously constant desire for 2/99¢ Jack in the Box tacos. Inspiration on the design wall… so close it could bite me. A quick trip to Joann’s… some budget “felt”, some floss, a coupon and a twenty… I smell a Halloween costume. No plan, [...]
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One more Moore
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Nesting & Naming
19 Nov 2009 | 4:58 pmI think I'm nesting. Monday turned out to be a day of nearly 10 loads of laundry, (and for the record, I will jump for joy when the day comes that I don't have to pay $2.50 per load of laundry), washing & setting up the co-sleeper and washing the car seat & all the baby clothes. I'm still recovering. Does anyone have any good suggestions on drawer organizers? The baby clothes are so small folded in that dresser and when the piles start to inevitably topple over it's going to be a mess in there. Let me know. Still no hospital bag packed, BUT major progress on… -
I really shouldn't...
16 Nov 2009 | 1:30 pmHospital bag packed? Nope. Co-sleeper set up? Nah. Baby clothes washed? Fughettabout it. Car seat installed? um...No. I decided at 9:00 last night to start a quilt for the baby. With less than a week until my due-date I'm feeling like I should only be required to do things that fall into the 'fun' category. I'm not really sure what I'm doing here but baby quilts are small and I'm confident that I'll have this thing finished in no time at all. I may not have a hospital bag packed, but I will have a cute baby blanket. That's all that really… -
Saturday Love
14 Nov 2009 | 9:12 amA sure sign of a good night of sleep (which is very welcome after a week full of massive ear infections & teething for this little one.) Happy weekend. The Christmas tree is going up. Oh no you didn't. Oh yes, we did. -
Apples of the littlest variety
12 Nov 2009 | 2:08 pmCrab apples. They are so small. I spotted them at the market and had to get a dozen. I love miniature things (i.e., cake stands, individual s&p shakers, etc.,) and thought they'd be perfect dipped in caramel. Like a bite-sized caramel apple. Yum. So today we dipped. By we, I mean I. I don't think I've ever eaten a crab apple. I hope they are delicious. We have some Thanksgiving projects on the agenda. Any good ideas for kids? Henry asked to make these again (and holy cow-look how little Ms. Kate has grown!) How about a turkey hat? Will they think I am racist against… -
Lisa Love
10 Nov 2009 | 12:05 amI am so thrilled to announce that I have decided to open the blog up for sponsorships AND that the very first sponsor here at One More Moore is the incredibly lovely and talented Lisa Leonard of Lisa Leonard Designs. Lisa has been making the most gorgeous hand-stamped jewelry for well.. ages. I am the very proud owner of Lisa's beautiful work and am completely in love with my initial necklace (see look how prepared i am, I even have a charm for the new little one!) The quality is wonderful and she has an amazing selection of jewelry so be sure to check her out (and what a perfect gift…
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happythings
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Hats!
5 Nov 2009 | 7:55 amMy first knit hats are done. Finally. They took FOR.EV.ER. But the good news is that I am now quite proficient at rib stitch! I was inspired to learn to make hats for a local Knitzvah (cute, eh?) project. Last year it was scarves (notice no purling.) This year it was hats - for distribution to homeless people during the December holidays. I searched the internet for the easiest hat pattern I could - one that used just regular straight needles since that was all I had. This one is what I used. The pattern said it was one-size-fits-all and it is true it really does… -
Bea's first quilt
14 Oct 2009 | 4:49 pmBea and I collaborated on this little sampler quilt as a result of reading Quilt Block History of Pioneer Days by Mary Cobb. This book caught my eye at the library because I like the idea of teaching history from the point of view of home life - women/children etc. The book includes activities for kids to do but they are paper/coloring/scissor type quilt blocks. Here at the happythings home, we can do better than that! Bea picked out the all the fabrics and puzzled the blocks together after I cut them. Log cabin, rail fence, 9-patch, shoo fly, album, and modified square in… -
Quick (if a little stinky) craft with the girl
4 Oct 2009 | 3:06 pmWe have done these sharpie "tie-dye" circles before. They really are fun and addictive and so easy. Bea and her friend were big on concentric circles this time and they all turned out cool. This link will take you to the instructions that we used - basically you just color a design on fabric with sharpies and then add rubbing alcohol to let the colors bleed out. We decided to make a t-shirt with it - her friend had made one before so Bea needed one too! I drew the stems of the flowers on after it dried. I'm thinking that a very cool quilt could be made from these… -
For some reason, I decided to learn to crochet...
28 Sep 2009 | 6:27 pm...and I do like it. Really - I love it. Doing it anyway. It's fast and fun and it makes SO much more sense to me than knitting does (which is not saying much... but still.) And when I make a mistake I instantly see it and I can take it out and fix it, unlike knitting where I have to solicit help or abandon the whole thing. It is important for me to be able to fix my own mistakes for I do make them at a rapid pace! I require fluency with a stitch before moving on so after I "got it" with a few small projects -- doll house blankets/rugs, wrist cuffs, little… -
New.
23 Sep 2009 | 6:46 amMegan and I have conspired to re-energize our Equinox project in honor of the new season. New things are exciting. Sorry, but Typepad keeps crashing when I try to insert a picture here so I guess you'll have to go there to see it.
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Uncommon Grace
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Friday reads: The Secret Garden
20 Nov 2009 | 7:58 pmI've been meaning to share this book with you all for a long time. (In fact, it's the reason I decided to start doing a series of book reviews here.) The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett, and illustrated by Inga Moore. Elisabeth and I read it last spring. Now, The Secret Garden is neither my favorite piece of children's literature, nor my favorite read-aloud book of all time. (I mean, the phonetic spelling of the Yorkshire dialect? Wow. What a way to turn an excellent aloud reader into a stuttering mess.) The story has some pretty dark elements (I had to omit a few… -
Mama.
19 Nov 2009 | 10:28 amMama. It's a big word, for being so small. And it's a big job: so scary, uncertain, frustrating, maddening. You have a new baby. You're filled with love -- and other emotions, too. Emotions as complicated and delicate as the hormones of pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding. The emotions, like the hormones, are interconnected and complex. Your baby grows. You are still filled with love -- and all the other emotions, too. Every day brings new fears, and new jubilation. Your child stumbles. You stumble. But you go on, motivated by this incredible love for your child. It never… -
Martinmas knits 2009, part 3
18 Nov 2009 | 4:54 pmSorry I wasn't able to post sooner today, the day just got away from me. So, I guess I've unconsciously saved the best for last. Elisabeth's 2009 Martinmas knit is the Children's Poncho (also by Knitting Pure and Simple). The yarn is Malabrigo worsted in Hollyhock. This is the most beautiful thing I have ever knit. As I was knitting it, row after row, increase after increase, it seemed a bit tedious, and it was always bunched up in my knitting bag. But oh, my goodness. The moment I saw it on my little girl on Martinmas morning, I almost gasped. The color is so amazingly rich, in the way that… -
Martinmas knits 2009, part 2
17 Nov 2009 | 11:00 amToday a have a little violet sweater to share. This is the Baby Sweater on Two Needles, aka "February Baby Sweater" by Elizabeth Zimmerman. The yarn is Peace Fleece worsted in Violet Vyehchyeerom (which means "evening", and I love that). The buttons are extremely cool and I wish I could tell you exactly what they're made from, I can't recall (some interesting kinds of wood), but I purchased them locally and the heart (the top one) is dyed with henna. And oh, how I loved knitting this. (If you're contemplating knitting this, or the grown-up girl version, don't let anyone scare you… -
Martinmas knits 2009, part 1
16 Nov 2009 | 1:44 pmWe have the tradition of giving each child a new warm piece of clothing for Martinmas. I like them to be handknit by me, although some years they haven't been (we've done these in the past, for example). So, this year I had the ambitious (to me) goal of knitting three sweaters. And I succeeded! The first of this year's completed Martinmas knits is James's. His was actually the last one I completed, but I'm sharing it first. Disclaimer: Normally I wouldn't let my child play in the snow without being bundled up, but we were only out there long enough to get these…
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SouleMama
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Friday, From the Archives :: This Week in 2008
20 Nov 2009 | 5:02 amIt's Friday - time for our weekly trip down blog memory lane! *** *** *** *** standing s t i l l {Originally posted November 18, 2008} *** *** *** *** A Note Today: One year ago - almost to... -
right now
19 Nov 2009 | 4:14 amOne thing I have always loved - and will someday remember and miss - about this house, is the way the light shines right through from one side to the other at certain times of day. Old, worn wood and... -
food bits
18 Nov 2009 | 4:16 amI think about food a lot anyway (how can I not, when most of my waking hours are spent in the planning/making/eating/cleaning of it?). But in the events of recent weeks and months, I've found myself thinking about it even... -
making plans for Harper
17 Nov 2009 | 4:43 amHe Who Sports The World's Most Awesome Cowlick (we do declare) is about to turn ONE. I know. Crazy. Crazy and true. The planning has begun - by a whole lot of people. Five very motivated and excited family members... -
Shalom!
16 Nov 2009 | 4:58 amThis sweater has already been everywhere with me. I've found myself - often with little ones in tow - sitting outside of a doctors office desperately seeking some grass and trees and sky and fresh, fresh open autumn air. I've...
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Yarn Harlot
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Problem Solving
19 Nov 2009 | 2:47 pmYesterday, I cast off those pretty socks, smirked for a bit and then realized that for the first time in a long time... I didn't have another pair of socks on the go - or not here anyway. (If I was home I would have had another few choices, as I have the basket of abandoned sock projects that I can rifle.) Luckily for me I'm travelling with Tina - who usually has a fair bit of sock yarn on her, but before I decided to break into her car and look for a little skein of something pretty, we noticed that the fridges level of beer was getting perilously low, and we decided to go to town. … -
Weekend Report
18 Nov 2009 | 2:07 pmThe little retreat is over here at Port Ludlow, and it was simply wonderful. The only thing I could have wished for was better weather, since it has been rainy and windy, enough so that the wind kept some knitters up at night, so fierce was the noise. It's also fierce enough that Tina and I have waged a constant war with the wind to keep it from throwing our deck chairs into the sea, and they're heavy metal chairs, not the plastic ones that are just toys to the wind. It's windy enough that it stopped some ferries and closed or badly slowed bridges (adding an element of excitement to travel… -
Happenings
13 Nov 2009 | 4:34 pm1. I am at Port Ludlow, and the knitters arrive today. I'm pretty excited about that. 2. I admit that at least part of the fun comes from the staff at the resort trying to act like a whole hotel full of knitters is absolutely normal and they aren't flipped by it at all. It's charming. 3. There is not a single room in this hotel rented to anyone but a knitter. 4. It's like the world of my dreams. 5. I can't wait until the store is open to the public on Saturday afternoon and even more knitters come. 6. It is not often that we outnumber them this way. 7. I can't wait to see how they feel… -
Telegram from an Airport
11 Nov 2009 | 2:25 pmFinished Nutkins last night so I could wear them on the plane going to Port Ludlow. Stop. They are as sparkly as I hoped. Starry yarn very much so. Stop. 2% silver does not bother metal detectors at Airport. They didn't make me stop. Stop. Mirrored cables, and changed toes. Otherwise, knit as instructed. Have more sparkly yarn in suitcase, as I'm worried that I can't stop. Stop. Was knitting socks on plane when seatmate remarked that I seem to knit all the time. He said "you look like you never stop". I said nothing. Stop. -
All Sparkles All The Time
9 Nov 2009 | 12:28 pmI don't really know what came over me when it came to this sparkle yarn, but I'm a smidge obsessed. (I know. It's so unlike me.) It came into our local shop a few weeks ago, just one skein in each colour, and the competition was immediately stiff. (If by "stiff" you understand that a group of people who love and care for each other a great deal were inexplicably reduced to hoarding and hiding skeins within minutes.) That day I only scored one skein (I could have done better, but refused to lower myself to do what it would have taken) and I've been very busy knitting it up into…
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My Paper Crane
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and more cupcakes…
20 Nov 2009 | 8:43 pmand more and more cupcakes…this time making patterns with cupcakes made from paper… I had all my paper out to make an invitation to a crazy Christmas sweater party, and then I couldn’t stop there. So cupcakes upon cupcakes. We went to Book Bingo at the library, it was lots of fun and we won 4 books! The bakesale seemed to go well, but I only sold 4 cupcakes haha. People seemed to want brownies-there were two batches of those and they sold out. You just can’t beat chocolate brownies. It was even what my own kids wanted! Oh well it was fun making them and now the kids… -
cupcakes
20 Nov 2009 | 8:44 amSo I finally checked the book Hello Cupcake out of our library. I had seen photos online and really wanted to be able to look through the whole book, and it is awesome. I was really hoping for an excuse to make some of the cupcakes, and tonights library bake sale was the perfect excuse! We made the tv dinner cupcakes from the book. Except since the cupcakes are going to be sold individually we left out the chocolate pudding ones, and simply made six of each of the others. The mashed potatoes and peas + carrots are my favorites, they are so funny. I decided to make little tv signs to explain… -
Fabric?
18 Nov 2009 | 5:52 amI ordered some fabric using the mushrooms. I’ve wanted to for quite awhile but I had put the scanner away in the attic when we did the whole “studio re-do” and hadn’t had a chance to dig it out, until today! I hope the fabric comes out nicely! If it does I am going to make some pillow covers I think :) -
turkeys
17 Nov 2009 | 1:58 pmThe little one and I were going to make Thanksgiving cards this year based on our families hands–into turkeys of course. We only made one in the end, haha because it was a little time consuming. I think if you shrunk the hands down it would make it quicker and easier to do on paper you might have on hand. We needed a big sheet to fit all of our hands one right after another. Then we added words and beaks with construction paper and feathers with colored pencil. I think we will use it to decorate our table since it stands so well. I forgot to add these mushroom/tree stump prints with the… -
evening walks
16 Nov 2009 | 11:39 amThings have felt very hectic this past week or so. There was so much to get finished for the update, etc. We still managed to carve out time for very nice evening walks. The weather has been pretty mellow. It gets dark so early that we have to head out shortly after homework is finished and then we usually arrive home to darkness. The little guy and I spent some time this weekend making hand turkeys together. His brother had gone to spend the night at a friends house, so he and I had a lovely walk in the woods, a dinner date, and then made hand turkeys…quite nice.
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Apron Thrift Girl
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glimpses of the past
19 Nov 2009 | 6:22 pmOne of those great thrifting moments is when you stumble upon an unadvertised yard sale on a Sunday in the middle of the afternoon. Keiran and I sneaked out to the last day of an estate sale where everything was discounted by up to 50% off. After spending a half hour at the estate sale we started our drive home. That was until I saw a "Sunday Only Yard Sale" sign and started following the trail of signs on various streets to a very small but fabulous yard sale. The woman was selling items from either her grandmother or her husband's grandmother. I don't remember exactly… -
to market to market
18 Nov 2009 | 7:57 pmI've read each of your replies about my art question and I really appreciate hearing about your own experiences. I think I have a better picture of how to go about pricing my work. Speaking of pricing, I've spent all day in my office going through bins of vintage items in preparation for Saturday. Pricing vintage items feels far more comfortable than pricing my art. Second hand is my own language so the hours spent pricing were enjoyable. I thought I would share some of my tips on how to prepare for a market.Like so many things in our culture, presentation and first impression is… -
pricing art
17 Nov 2009 | 9:30 pmI went to a beautiful craft show on Saturday. I walked around with Keiran and we looked at each booth and admired everything. Of course I wanted many items but I walked away with having spent $5.00 on 3 enameled pennies. When you are a thrifter you start to get a mindset at the cost of items. Or maybe I should change that to the price that I want to pay. That isn't to say the artists don't deserve every dollar that they charge. They probably should charge even more. I personally have a hard time spending money on well....anything that cost a lot. I love handcrafted items and I am… -
a new outlet - Santa Rosa Goodwill
16 Nov 2009 | 6:34 pmThe 138 boxes of our things in the garage are starting to drive me a little crazy. When I packed the house up months ago I really didn't want to see my things again. At least not until I recovered from moving. Of course now that it is November I keep remembering things that I desperately want. The two things I wish most for: a little white tree (for the Vintage Holiday Boutique on Saturday) and my numbers rubber stamp set that I use for pricing. Both are missing and I just don't have the heart to go searching through all of the boxes. At the weekend I did bring in three boxes… -
entertaining once again
15 Nov 2009 | 9:29 pmIt's been months and months since we last entertained in our home. I adore inviting friends over to cook a warm hearted meal for them. Once we started packing up our Bainbridge Island house we realized that our house was not fit for guests. It was barely inhabitable for us let alone inviting friends over for a meal. Tonight we invited new friends into our home and shared the English tradition of a Sunday Roast. Since this was our first meal with our new friends we went with our staple let's-hope-to-impress-our-friends meal. Fingers crossed that it worked. I've relaxed a lot…
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betz white
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Holiday Hints: Scarves
19 Nov 2009 | 7:45 pmAnnouncing a new feature on my blog: Holiday Hints for Handmade Gifts!Throughout the next month, I will be posting a selection of projects to make for the people on your list. Giving a handmade gift is like sharing a little bit of yourself with the ones you love. :)Today's Holiday Hint theme: Scarves! So easy to personalize, and they always fit!Don't let the name of this fool you, the Boyfriend Scarf is great for anyone. It is simply constructed by stitching long strips of felted wool sweaters together. Pattern available in my book, Warm Fuzzies.The Tween Hooded Scarf, also from Warm Fuzzies,… -
Luv and Hug
18 Nov 2009 | 7:20 amThank you so much for your luvs and hugs on my last post. Your words mean a lot to me, and I'm grateful that you take the time to share them. I'm feeling better about things and I'm ready to move on...And speaking of Luv & Hugs, it's getting to be that time of year again. Isn't this a sweet image? It's the invitation to the 3rd Annual Luv-able and Hug-able handmade plush show at gallery Hanahou in SoHo. I'm thrilled to be participating again this year.Here are the deets:Luv-able and Hug-able New 2009 theme: medium and mini!December 3 - January 9Opening party: Dec 3, 6-9 pm RSVP… -
be good to you
16 Nov 2009 | 9:20 amLast week was a not-so-good week for me. Nothing tragic, mind you. Just things like major car repairs, intellectual property theft and a big fat dose of heart-breaking rejection. That hurt.Now, I know that in life, happiness can often be determined by how you look at a situation. Finding the silver lining. Looking on the bright side. Being able to put a positive spin on things can serve you well. But man, it is not easy. Yesterday, when I was feeling particularly low, I listened to my friend Marisa's podcast on dealing with adversity. She's a smart cookie, that one. I do believe that… -
Spot-on Scarf [Flickr]
betz_white posted a photo: My scarf design was a featured project in the Fall'09 issue of Stitch Magazine. It's made with a recycled cashmere sweater and organic cotton from my Indian Summer print line. Betz White -
My Indian Summer organic fabric collection [Flickr]
betz_white posted a photo: Betz White
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Drawn! The Illustration and Cartooning Blog
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Best Use of Exploitative Tactics
20 Nov 2009 | 9:05 amBest Use of Exploitative Tactics by Curtis Baigent and Sean Dekkers. Never has animated fruit been so, er, uh, evocative. Posted by John Martz on Drawn! The Illustration and Cartooning Blog | Permalink | No comments Tags: Animation, food, video -
Challenge Your World
20 Nov 2009 | 8:03 amEnjoy this short promo for yesterday’s Challenge Your World event in Montreal. Created by Yann Benedi and Céline Desrumaux, I like the combination of 2D and 3D techniques, and the nod to An Inconvenient Truth. Check out Céline’s blog for some process drawings. Posted by John Martz on Drawn! The Illustration and Cartooning Blog | Permalink | No comments Tags: Animation, environment, video -
Ty Wilkins
20 Nov 2009 | 7:54 amDesigner and illustrator Ty Wilkins (founder of Type Theory) has a small (but hopefully growing) collection of animal illustrations made up of a nice mix of vector shapes and hand-painted textures. Posted by John Martz on Drawn! The Illustration and Cartooning Blog | Permalink | No comments Tags: animals, Ty Wilkins, Typography, vector -
The Red Shoes by Sun Young Yoo
20 Nov 2009 | 5:48 amOne of the most eye-catching books in the bookstore this season is The Red Shoes [Amazon Link] – illustrated by Sun Young Yoo. The book is a re-telling of the classic Andersen fairy tale with lush linework. It’s dark illustrations evoke Edward Gorey with a touch of Manhwa (Korean comics). Definitely check it out if you can. This is my favourite page… the hair becomes a river. The book is published by Ammo books who just released the popular edition of Charley Harper’s ouevre (our review here). Looking forward to more from Ammo. Posted by Matt Forsythe on Drawn! The… -
Drumskin art by Aimée van Drimmelen
19 Nov 2009 | 9:26 amTotally check out these amazing drumskin paintings by Aimée van Drimmelen. And Etsy shop! Here’s another… Posted by Matt Forsythe on Drawn! The Illustration and Cartooning Blog | Permalink | No comments Tags: Aimée van Drimmelen
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art for housewives
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for Fabiola
19 Nov 2009 | 1:41 amFabiola is one of my son's best friends. She recently posted me regarding Michel Gondry's film, The Science of Sleep,...Leggi ancora | Pubblicato da cynthiak | Commenti (2) Tag: softies, stitching, lauri faggioni, lauri faggioni… -
furniture, stitching, and things that have been mended
11 Nov 2009 | 12:29 amLeggi ancora | Pubblicato da cynthiak | Commenti (1) Tag: fashion, patchwork, craft, furniture, boro, socks, mended -
stitiching
10 Nov 2009 | 1:26 amblue rags and...Leggi ancora | Pubblicato da cynthiak | Commenti Tag: african, stitching -
elsa schiaparelli and wearable art & gloves
4 Nov 2009 | 12:04 amPierluigi and I spent the weekend in Tuscany....I'd forgotten how beautiful the countryside was in autumn. When we arrived, we had a great and simple lunch of pecorino cheese, Leggi ancora | Pubblicato da cynthiak | Commenti Tag: fashion, gloves, schiaparelli… -
recycle your socks
25 Oct 2009 | 5:08 am10 flu-fighting foods sock puppet tutorial a must see__ Leggi ancora | Pubblicato da cynthiak | Commenti Tag: socks
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Illustration Friday
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Topic: music
Enter your link! -
Dan Stryker
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Claudia Horsey
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Shannon Keane
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kerri
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Doll
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09 autumn girl
20 Nov 2009 | 1:07 pmThis is one of those randomly finished dolls I was speaking of in that other post. The poor girl has been waiting around for way too long- I had to get her done while it is still Autumn. Very different from 08 Autumn girl. I made her a little leaf pin to hold her shawl closed. And a seasonal purse. -
and a bunny
19 Nov 2009 | 8:07 amI had a hard time staying on task while I worked on the kitty pattern. One distraction was that voice telling me- Hey! If you just change one thing, you could go in some completely different direction! Hey! Wouldn’t that be much more fun! Hey! LISTEN TO ME! Usually I quiet that voice by listening to audiobooks- which somehow manage to busy up that brain chatter and I can focus on what I am doing. But, I couldn’t work on the pattern and listen to audiobooks… I had to make a drawing or even a pattern and tell myself- I will get to that when the pattern is finished. Well, the… -
last kitty- 6
19 Nov 2009 | 7:14 amKitty #6 is the last one for now. These were the kitty dolls I made while working on the pattern. These finished dolls are not all exactly like the pattern- particularly with their clothes. I love how this photo makes the kitty look like he’s glowing! -
kitty 5
18 Nov 2009 | 11:44 amand the next one- None of these are in the shop quite yet. I have to get my inventory sorted out for the Boston Handmade Downtown Crossing store. I’ll probably take a few things out of my shop, add some of the new stuff- a general shuffle. It is that time of year. Anyway, there should be new dolls in the shop by Monday. -
kitty 4
17 Nov 2009 | 10:34 amHe is made of a heavy coat wool- not so easy to work with. But, oh, isn’t he cute?! What a pair! I will post more photos of her, but the ones I took on a light background were no good so I need to reshoot.
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PaMdora's Box
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Late Minute Painting before Winter
19 Nov 2009 | 9:32 amIt always seems to be same each year, that last minute dash to get the outdoor things done before cold weather hits. November has been remarkably mild, so I’ve been outside every available sunshiney minute for the last few weeks, trying to get our old studio repaired and repainted. This is our old studio before moving to the peanut butter factory, and the place where Russ built the Kinetic Man (in smaller pieces.) There’s still a vintage pachinko machine on the wall, a neon face and letters that say “shop.” There’s some kind of weird light fixture stored… -
Stitch Me a Story
10 Nov 2009 | 9:09 pmClever name for a show, huh? Wish I’d thought of it. I didn’t — Mary O’Shaughnessy did. You may remember Mary, I mentioned her and Charlie (both artists) in a blog post a couple of years ago when we visited their gallery/studio/workspace/sculpture garden in Chicago. Mary curated “Stitch Me a Story” for the Noyes Cultural Center and asked me to send her some photos of my quilts. She chose five to exhibit, but honestly, I was more excited about Danny Mansmith’s contributions to the show than my own. He’s having waaaay too much fun with clothes pins,… -
Creative Space and Time: Podcast with Ricë Freeman-Zachery
6 Nov 2009 | 10:32 amTo write Creative Time and Space: Making Room for Making Art, Ricë Freeman-Zachery worked all last year getting a ton of information and tips out of twelve artists (including me). She also got great photos of artwork, drawings, quilts, sculptures, collages, sketchbooks, and studio space from everyone. For my contribution to the book, I think I wrote about 20 pages of answers to her many questions and submitted upteen photos of drawings, quilts, sketchbooks and my studio. The finished book is densely layered with the photos, tips, challenges, and personal stories from all of the artists and… -
Candied Fabrics Video
3 Nov 2009 | 4:29 amCandy and I have been corresponding via Twitter and blogs for a while, so I was happy to find her new YouTube channel. This free-motion stitch demo is from her blog showing her cool bedroom display of other botanical sketches. Also check out the abstract 3-D houses here. Related posts:TwitterMoleskine Tour (detour)Candy PaMdora on YouTube -
The Haunted Hairdryer and other Halloween Constructions
31 Oct 2009 | 3:36 pmWe get a LOT of kids at Halloween at our house — something like 500+ each year the weather’s good. So we have to budget for our Pyramid of Candy carefully. Also decorating is very fun. Two years ago it was “KaBOOki – The Haunted Sushi Bar” and here’s another set of photos from that year – Evidence of Ghosts. This year, with help from two of our Chicago artist friends Mary and Charlie, the theme is “Domestic Nightmares.” It’s a work in progress as we’re working on the spotlighting for after dark, but here’s a sneak…
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Penny Sanford Designs
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"Peeling, Slicing and Cleaning Tomatoes fresh from the Garden"
26 Oct 2009 | 11:44 pmHere is some footage I shot of Penny during this canning season. She and her Uncle Charles (age 83) have been happily making preserves and Penny has been absorbing as much as she can about the various ways one can preserve tomatoes, pears, etc... A big hit has also been something new, one of Penny's blog friends translated a new delicacy to english and Penny was eager to try it. What was this new sensation you may ask? Tomato Jam! Neither had heard of it before but upon further examination, both love it and Mr. Charles has been proudly giving away some of it and has had great feedback from… -
Cooking with Ghosts
12 Sep 2009 | 10:35 pmI felt them today. The ghosts of my mother, my grandmother, my great-grandmother, and my great-great grandmother. Women who have cooked for their families on this farm, established in 1837 by my great-great-great grandfather James C. Hamer. Gordon and Unc had gone to town to run a few errands, and I was alone in the kitchen ...probably alone on the whole farm. I was cooking Southern fried chicken in Grandma's cast iron skillet and watching a pot of pink eye purple hull peas, also prepared the same way I had watched Grandma prepare it. A third very large stock pot held a bubbling cauldron of… -
Doesn't Your Dentist Sell Tires in His Waiting Room?
8 Sep 2009 | 1:31 pmGordon's root canal was scheduled for 10 a.m. this morning. However, at 10 a.m. this morning we were sitting in THIS waiting room.This waiting room was cleaner than most medical waiting rooms I have been in. It smelled better, and Gordon could bring me an ice cold diet soda to sip on as I stitched! You can't do THAT in a doctor's waiting room (can you?).So what happened? We had not made it out of the county when a wreck on the highway just ahead of us dribbled debris on the highway that was impossible to miss. We had one blowout, right front tire, and one nail in the right back tire. -
Tomato Jam Recipe!
8 Sep 2009 | 1:09 pmThis recipe comes from Anina of Twiddletails ( http://twiddletails.blogspot.com/ ) Anina translated the recipe and converted it from metric measurement for me. Thank you, Anina! We LOVE this Tomato Jam!! --------------- Pick small, firm, ripe tomatoes. Wash and weigh them.**We used a low acid cherry tomato, small and sweet. Yellow tomatoes would be fantastic for this recipe too!** Pierce skins with a thick needle. Soak tomatoes in salt water for 20-30 minutes (1 tablespoon salt to 1 gallon water) Rinse well.**Unc did not want the peel of the little tomatoes to be in the finished jam (it's a… -
My Tea Party Mini Quilt Design now on T-shirts, etc!
4 Sep 2009 | 8:40 pmI've been so moved at the response to my new design, Tea Party Mini Quilt Pattern! At least one of you has told me that your husband will be carrying a big flag/banner made from my design in Monday's Labor Day Parade. Oh, I HOPE to see a picture of that! Others of you are making items to sell. You graciously asked permission first because my pattern did not have any statement preventing it. Here's my thinking on that: If you are making this design and putting it on jackets or making mini quilts, etc, you are not only spreading the word about our concern for this country, but you are also…
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Seamless Skin
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Small joys; Great happiness...
18 Nov 2009 | 8:37 pmMost of my handiness goes into the making of art that when it comes time to get it properly photographed, hung, and even submitted to exhibits, I find I'm left deft and confused and tired. Multi-tasking has never been my strong suit and in fact I find it over-rated. The... -
Laid Back Sewing and Design
17 Nov 2009 | 2:53 pmAfter clearing off my paint/cutting table, which didn't take me that long, there was no need to wait until Monday to start sewing. I meditated first and then selected some blocks that I've had for some time and dibbled and dabbled with for a few years. I purchased these hand-dyed... -
A Peek at The Basement Workshop
16 Nov 2009 | 4:32 pmI'm declaring the space ready...come Monday I'm stitching something! -
Its Show Time!
14 Nov 2009 | 2:10 amAHHH, MY FIRST VIDEO! -
Enough is Enough!
12 Nov 2009 | 11:01 amThats what I said to myself...all the impatience, all the lamenting, all the self-doubting...so what if I will not be able to pick up the groove where I left off in July, stop complaining about how dry the well is when all I have to do is turn around and...
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Spirit Cloth
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recovering purpose
20 Nov 2009 | 6:24 amthe last month of the year is always transitional for me. a shape shifter. maybe this year seems more so. i will be in and out of coma and on and offline without schedule.. .a few things will be put in the shop simply because they are still hanging around in my head and i will finish them and move on. i am not sure about the shop thing going forward. the one thing i am sure of is i need build on what i am doing... and for this reason i have chosen to change the shape of my focus. i enjoyed the dot, the range of its natural occurrence and its playful dance among friends. but next year i have… -
whatever
19 Nov 2009 | 3:04 pmonce again, i have allowed myself to become distracted. this time by the memory of an early snow. you know ... the kind that is unexpected. -
did i imagine a path?
19 Nov 2009 | 7:10 amthe way back in will be a lot more complicated than originally imagined. ...it may take a lifetime. -
undoing communication
17 Nov 2009 | 3:03 pmi have the rare privilege of being alone for a while. and so i am going in. back to the center of coma. i should come out eventually. -
coma and dot diary - holes
17 Nov 2009 | 6:10 amtoday i am thinking about dots as holes. and holes as viewfinders. eyes. and viewfinders as masks. and masks as choices, and the difference between looking from the inside and from the outside. and then the sameness of that when a narrow opening in concerned. and how getting rid of the mask can increase vision from either direction. how real vision is a bigger experience. a view after all is a limited idea. a point of view is a tiny hole. i am working on the second long cloth because it has become coma related. it is about stepping outside oneself and discovering many eyes.
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Craftster Community
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Re: Wax Supplies
20 Nov 2009 | 10:44 pmif it's for carving my favourite brand is Matt. Their purple wax is quite nice. Hard without being brittle, and not gummy like their blu wax can be. -
Re: Something Fishy - IMAGE HEAVY
20 Nov 2009 | 10:39 pmThis rocks!! I LOVE the turtle and the little nemofish -
Re: Weekend swap for the Holidays?
20 Nov 2009 | 10:36 pmthis sounds really intriguing. I'll be watching! -
Re: Cork board, cork board on the wall, who's the fairest of them all?
20 Nov 2009 | 10:34 pmgreat job! i especially love that you have that sandal ad as one of your inspirational pieces. i LOVE the colors in their ads -
Re: Fall 2009 Swap a Medium Flat Rate box of supplies Gallery
20 Nov 2009 | 10:34 pmI received from Teffy yesterday, and I cannot wait to start using all of my goodies!!Everything all togetherSome amazing fabric pieces...
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blankanvas
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touma’s baby knuckle bear for christmas revealed
20 Nov 2009 | 10:22 pmChristmas has came early for Baby Knuckle Bear fans. Today, in fact. Check out the exclusive 3″ Baby Knuckle Bear by Touma, which will be released at mixi-bang! in Pasadena this evening, a stone throw away from DesignerCon. Limited to 50 pieces only. I hear as well that Touma will be signing at mixi-bang!’s DesignerCon booth from 1330h to 1400h. 36 W. Colorado Blvd. #5 Pasadena, CA 91105 626.507.8095 -
gaycakes make me happy
19 Nov 2009 | 7:40 amGaycakes is a bespoke cake maker whose aim is to make your celebration personal, with a chuckle or two. When the time comes, I want them to be designing my wedding cake. -
the answer is on facebook, mr watson
18 Nov 2009 | 9:49 amConceived by digital rockstars AKQA, this campaign promoting the upcoming movie Sherlock Holmes has left me conceptually stunned, humbled and absolutely impressed. Don’t take my word for it. Try this game out. Hire a Facebook friend to help you as Watson (or Holmes, depending on your preference) and off you go. Don’t just watch the movie. Be part of the damn movie. Nice touch there with the partnership with Tweetdeck. The refer-a-friend tactic is sneaky but oh so witty. I would pay top dollar for an Agency to produce such a gorgeous digital campaign that leverages on social media… -
paper pack
18 Nov 2009 | 8:58 amFresh from the shelves of Tokyomade. Paper Pack by MicroWorks is a A4-size document folder curved from one polypropylene layer and holds your briefs, contracts, estimates and pens without making any fugly holes. Fold it and ta-dah, you have a brief case. Perfect for today’s Ad Man (and Woman) who recognises that style resides not only in luxury designer labels. Available at only USD15.00 each. -
words watch
18 Nov 2009 | 8:47 amIf this concept comes to life, I’d be the first in line to purchase it. Inspired by Objectpark’s FuzzyClock, Korean graphic designer Junghoon Park hatches time in words. Brilliant.
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Wooster Collective
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Catchin' Up With Raquel Sakristan
20 Nov 2009 | 5:32 amFrom Raquel: "After painting big size with many artists (mainly boys), I am beginning a serial of collaborations with women that don´t work on the streets or whose regular lives are very far from art circuits. First one: with a girl that makes everything you can imagine with crochet. And the second one with my mother. She is recycling materials around the house to build headdresses for my surmas. She is a regular spanish housewife ,that is beginning to discover street art because she wants to understand what her daughter does in life. ;)" -
WK Interact - A Video Introduction
20 Nov 2009 | 5:19 amFinal Vid from Joshua Gibson on Vimeo. -
One Not To Miss: Kelsey Brookes at Quint Contemporary Art
19 Nov 2009 | 5:03 amKelsey Brookes @ Quint Contemporary Art from Zack Nielsen on Vimeo. Sezio.org previews Kelsey Brookes : Bigger, Brighter, Bolder -- opening Friday, November 20th at Quint Contemporary Art in La Jolla, CA. -
Sean Martindale's Park in Toronto
17 Nov 2009 | 3:59 amFrom Sean Martindale in Toronto: "For some time now, the spot in has been relatively empty aside from mud, waste and strewn garbage. There's an application to build condos on the site. It has remained undisturbed since Monday and I watered it yesterday because there hasn’t been any rain lately… Grass is pretty resilient, so it should survive and take root unless/until somebody removes it. Joe Clement assisted me with the install" -
Fresh Stuff From 999 in Turin
17 Nov 2009 | 3:53 am"Opulence Project: A series of posters (create by stencil media) that represent the opulence of modern age, a rich, big and old shit woman is my inner idea of this status." (click to enlarge) "Polluted city: I live in Turin with a grey sky. This situation condition my life, children have fun in a black black world." More from 999 here.
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mnartists.org: Articles
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To Appreciate or to Feel? That is the Question
17 Nov 2009 | 10:00 pmLightsey Darst elegantly deconstructs her experience of "The Good Dance," as envisioned by Brooklyn's Reggie Wilson and Senegal's Andreya Ouamba; in the process, she offers trenchant insights about the varied ways art may work on the viewer.image: Photo from "The Good Dance: Reggie Wilson/Andreya Ouamba"image: Production photo from "The Good Dance"image: "The Good Dance: Reggie Wilson/Andreya Ouamba" was on stage at the Walker, November 12-14 -
mnLIT presents: Elizabeth Dingmann
16 Nov 2009 | 10:00 pmThis week's mnLIT-winning piece, "Double Bound" by Elizabeth Dingmann, was selected for the 2009 cycle of mnartists.org's What Light Poetry Project by poet Leslie Adrienne Miller.image: mnLIT: What Light Poetry Project and the miniStories flash fiction competition -
aE Issue 47: Art for All
12 Nov 2009 | 10:00 pmHighlights include an extensive listing of Holiday art sales and shows, a newly commissioned mnLIT story, two profiles of notable MN poets, and a review of Mixed Blood's "Ruined."image: Banner artist Brian Nickilaimage: One for the Road: FEAST MPLSimage: SUBSCRIBE to access+ENGAGE -
Hard Rhymes
11 Nov 2009 | 10:00 pmBritt Aamodt delves into the story of a recession-era poet and a fateful, life-changing phone call -- she chats with Bryan Thao Worra about poetry, the uncertain terrain of personal history, and the day he heard from the NEA.image: BARROW by Bryan Thao Worra (Sam's Dot Publishing, 2009) -
mnLIT Original: "The Four Hermans"
3 Nov 2009 | 10:00 pm"The Four Hermans" by Brian Beatty is the first of our newly commissioned pieces by the 2009 mnLIT grand prize-winning poets and writers. Each work will be accompanied by a curated selection of work drawn from mnartists.org's vast database of artists.image: Ruben Nusz, "Naturaleza Muerta #11 (Tear Down These Walls)"image: Joseph Sinness, "Lot of You Left In Me"image: Mark Davison, "Three-Faced Clown Box"image: Benny Moreno, "Reply to Marx"
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teesha's circus
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Come to Winter PLAY!
12 Nov 2009 | 8:23 amSo last sunday, I finally got a mini lesson in polymer clay from Tracy so I could help teach it at our Winter PLAY retreat this january. He used to teach this class in cleveland and everyone would leave thrilled with what they made. I'll admit to a dislike of polymer clay (sculpey/fimo) but this left me wanting to play with it more...ALOT more! I experimented with using a resin that Tracy recently learned about from Susan Lenart-Kazmer. You can't see it here but the eyes are filled with resin as well as the background. It is a really cool medium that we'll be playing around with at… -
lettering video #2
10 Nov 2009 | 5:47 pmlettering video #2 -
lettering video #1
10 Nov 2009 | 5:43 pmlettering video #1I decided to just add a link to the youtube video because it is a little bigger and easier to see than when I embed it here. These aren't the best videos. I did them at night...not my best time of day. -
my boom
6 Nov 2009 | 1:37 pmIn Japan, it is hip to say "My boom is....(and then insert what you're into at the moment)". SO, my boom is masking tapes. These all come from Japan and I have just recently started playing with them. Look for MT tapes...that is the brand. They are slightly see through and I will be doing a video on using them soon. Certainly NOT something you need but if these look like your cup of tea, you might want to search some out.of course you can find colored masking tapes around here too... I don't collect too much but I seem to be obsessed with tapes lately.and lastly forgot to mention… -
journaling materials - misc.
6 Nov 2009 | 1:25 pmSo, the woman behind these PanPastels emailed me after stumbling across my video where I used them. Come to find out, her company is just her and her husband who do it all. I was thrilled because I love to support smaller, non corporate companies. I really think their product is cool and am excited to use them more in my paintings and other ways. Anyway...each color comes in a tint and a shade and a regular. After I had bought 2 or 3 singly, I purchased the whole set of "shade" colors and really like them best for what I do in my journal. I really haven't found much use for the…
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Anahata Katkin
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Color Change
19 Nov 2009 | 4:37 pmA lot of what I've been working on lately is oddly more concept base. Colors, textures, spaces, moods. Less about making art pieces and more about art spaces or marketing environments. Fun! This image above represents my color palette if... -
Home At Last...
13 Nov 2009 | 12:02 pmDoing art pieces has been my first love. But I'd say I've had a love affair with interiors since I was a child. To me the idea of home and the interest in personal spaces goes hand in hand with... -
Chinoiserie Crazed!
9 Nov 2009 | 4:37 pmIt's time for a whole new trade show booth reinvention. I've gathered up knee high sources of inspiration. Much of which has seemingly stemmed from rather stuffy, aristocratic interiors. But the thing that really has me with ants in my... -
Studio Visit: Flora S. Bowley
6 Nov 2009 | 12:19 pmI recently had an exciting chance to visit Flora S. Bowleys art studio in Portland, Oregon. I became a fan of Flora's this year when I met her at a showing at Bohemia Gallery here in Ashland. (I shared her... -
Home Sweet Home...
3 Nov 2009 | 2:16 pmThis weekend I moved into a new bungalow craftsman home. I'm finally revisiting my things and tracing my footsteps over and over around the house. Tinkering, decorating, organizing and trying to imprint myself into the old house. I feel like...
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Judy Wise
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Face Toot
9 Nov 2009 | 6:01 pmHa ha. All I want to do it play and blog. So okay, two in one day. I thought it would be fun to paint a face and record the steps. On this one I start by gluing down a scrap of cotton fabric in my little book. I think it was a frog's foot; I got it at the Goodwill bins and there were dozens of them - someone's softy project gone south.Then I draw the face on with my Aquarelle stabilo pencil. It draws on anything.Next I cover it over with a layer of Folkart Parchment paint. It could be any color but I'm trying to be accurate.I add a little pink to the cheeks and tip of her ear and mouth.Hair… -
Little Book of Faces
9 Nov 2009 | 2:36 pmFor several days I've been considering what to put in the little 4x4" modified accordion style book that I showed how to make here. Finally I realized that I wanted to fill it with little paintings of faces; lovingly rendered and realistically drawn. Here is my progress so far.First of all the cover. I decided to start by painting the first face on the cover. I am going to get out my yearbook when I run out of inspiration. Some of these faces are from models; some free drawn from my imagination.This is from my imagination and how I usually draw. Directly on the paper and blended. Boring to me… -
Artful Journey
5 Nov 2009 | 11:43 amOne of my clearest memories from my art school days was a compliment I received from a beloved teacher (Jim Hibbard) who commented that one of my drawings showed invention. I'd never thought about that before; that making art was inventing new ways of doing familiar things and new ways of thinking. I thought about that moment this morning as I folded laundry and as I imagined the class I'll be teaching at Artful Journey in July of 2010.In this unusual class (3 entire days to revel in one subject!) we'll be inventing a lot. Bringing to life little dolls and then recording their stories,… -
On This Day
4 Nov 2009 | 12:05 pmI have big plans for the winter. Every day I chip away a little more at all that I want to accomplish. Of course as I do one thing nine others pop up wanting attention. But little by little. Caught up my taxes in the last 2 days. Just doing that much gave me such a lift. And thank goodness for friends who write and visit and lighten the load.Of course my journal keeps me entertained as I wade through the ups and downs; it is my friendly companion who accepts all my opinions and experiments. I do a little here and there as I go about the day. Eventually a page is filled.I think maybe I should… -
Spirits on the Land
31 Oct 2009 | 10:08 amCan you feel it? All around me the earth is slowing down, tucking in for a long rest. Only the spiders and spores and decomposition are active, bringing an end to the gift that was summer of 2009. Halloween always feels like the end to me. If I could choose, I would say that New Year's Day should fall on November 1st as that is the day the clocks turn the wrong way for an hour and we begin something altogether new. And strange.I am behind. Deadlines I cannot meet. So far traction has eluded me as I try to catch up on all that I've neglected all year. Friends I want to visit, e-mails I've…
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sweetpeas & snapshots
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Vintage Hair Whimsies...
20 Nov 2009 | 5:46 pm...made with all Vintage Millinery, Hats and Jewelry. tomorrow.... or at the December La Maison Rustique Special December Surprise... Shhhh.... -
72 hour Whirlwind...
20 Nov 2009 | 12:46 pmBack to L.A. Tired. Happy. Hands hurt. Over 1500 Divine wired bundles of directional signs adorned with silk ribbons, sugared fruit and the most realistic faux flowers I have ever worked with for Parade route and Macy's gifting suites. I love New York..I miss the East Coast. Would my life be different? Maybe. Could my life be different? Maybe. Bi-Coastal Babe? Maybe I will be at The Ocean Park Flea Market tomorrow selling my beautiful mess. My heart will be somewhere else. Entirely. Stop by if you are in town. XOXO Mary Hi Cynthia Lovey...I hope to see you! -
Hmmmm...
17 Nov 2009 | 2:35 pmRain...? Snow...? ..or just happy in NYC... XOXO Mary -
Silverbella Birthday Shoes for a Princess...
17 Nov 2009 | 1:58 pm...Only fitting for our Gypsy Bella Tricia. They are as delightful as cotton candy... Tricia's "Vintage Bliss" Vendor table from the event... I heard from all my gals it was as Holiday Sparkly as ever.... Oh, well...there's always tomorrow. XOXO Mary -
A "Sunday" Morning at Huckleberry...
17 Nov 2009 | 9:59 amSweets for the Sweets... Oh, you know these two chicas are up to utter sugar eye candy....You will find out soon ! You may know Sunday Hendrickson as the creative director for many of our favorite publications. Sunday wore this t-shirt in my honor of my trip to Arizona...Cute. This picture reminds me of all my Gypsy gals...drinking Perrier. Of course... Huckleberry is a must visit for all you ladies who have a sweet tooth. The decor and vibe took me back to my Grandma's kitchen. Mmmmm, I can smell the pumpkin pie.
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Cut Out + Keep
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Projects ≫ How-To's ≫ Surprise Photo Explosion Box
20 Nov 2009 | 8:17 amphoto box, gift box, surprise, honeymoon, christmas, anniversary -
Projects ≫ Creations ≫ Fully Loaded Charm Bracelet
20 Nov 2009 | 8:17 amExtra charming:) -
Projects ≫ How-To's ≫ Crocheted Redneck Beer Bottle Koozie
20 Nov 2009 | 6:51 amA great project for that favorite redneck in your life! -
Projects ≫ How-To's ≫ Goth Lolita Phone Pouch
20 Nov 2009 | 6:49 amGoth Lolita Phone Pouch -
Projects ≫ Creations ≫ Button Flower Bouquet
20 Nov 2009 | 6:47 am
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WREN handmade
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My favorite spot.
16 Nov 2009 | 6:24 amYesterday we had kind of a lazy afternoon. Even though the weather was beautiful my husband had work to do so I did some new crochet stitches and then I took a nap. I'm hoping to be a super productive this week getting ready for holiday sales and orders!By the way, don't forget to put in your order now for a custom doll by Christmas. I'm going to stop taking orders in the next few days. Thanks. -
Fantastic Mr. Fox
13 Nov 2009 | 6:11 amI can't wait to see this new movie. The making of the puppets and miniatures looks amazing. -
Tune in to the Martha Stewart Show tomorrow.
9 Nov 2009 | 12:58 pmTomorrow the Brooklyn show will be airing on the Martha Stewart Show. I am going to be in the audience so it should be fun. It will highlight the food and craft sellers at the Brooklyn Flea from a few weeks back. You can find local listings for the show here. -
wow.
7 Nov 2009 | 2:14 pmThis is a beautiful installation by MAV in Portland Maine. I love everything! -
New items in the shop!
7 Nov 2009 | 5:54 amA quick note to let you know that I've updated my shop with some new items. No dolls yet but I am working on it.
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Chica and Jo
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Feature Friday – Printable holiday checklist
20 Nov 2009 | 4:24 amI’ll be hosting Thanksgiving for my extended family this year, so I’ve got a lot of planning to do. And then there’s Christmas shopping that I haven’t even started yet, and all sorts of things I need to do during December. Usually I make myself a list to get organized, and I was planning to start one this weekend, but then last night I found the coolest alternative, and I just had to share it with you guys! Amberlee, over at Giver’s Log, has made a printable holiday checklist that is equally adorable and useful. She has a version with all of her tasks filled in,… -
Santa’s mailbox
18 Nov 2009 | 8:26 pmI can always tell when Christmas is approaching at my house. No, not because of a Christmas tree or stockings or eggnog or other normal signs of the season. It’s because of glitter! When I find that everything I seem to own is covered in glitter, it means it is time for Christmas! Actually, the sparkle and shine of the holidays is one of my favorite parts. I can’t resist anything sparkly. My most recent glitter project involved a mailbox. Little Jo started asking me about mailing her letter to Santa the other day. I know there are lots of options for getting a letter to… -
Make a carved apple turkey for Thanksgiving
18 Nov 2009 | 5:13 amJo didn’t believe me when I told her I could make a turkey out of an apple, but she was pleasantly surprised with the results. With a little bit of clever and simple fruit carving, you can, too! The art of fruit carving is centuries old, and there are tons of books and tools out there that can help you learn how to do it. I’m sure you’ll agree that the really extravagant examples of fruit carving can be as intimidating as they are gorgeous, but some simple techniques can lead to amazing results if you just give it a try. This turkey is a great example of that. I usually make… -
“Good Mail Day” interview and giveaway!
17 Nov 2009 | 6:31 amUsually, when I go to my mailbox I am greeted by 15 pieces of mail asking me to apply for a credit card, 8 bills and anywhere from 1 to 38 catalogs depending on the time of the year. I could go days without getting my mail and be perfectly happy in my life. However, there is the rare occasion when I receive something different in the mail. I feel like a happy kid when I find a pretty envelope addressed to me. It is so exciting to receive an unexpected card from a friend or relative amidst all the junk. Well, Carolee Gilligan Wheeler and Jennie Henchcliff apparently agree with me… -
Make a bread cornucopia for Thanksgiving
16 Nov 2009 | 4:13 amThe cornucopia (or “horn o’ plenty”) is one of the most iconic images that comes to mind for Thanksgiving (second only to the turkey, I think). It is a symbol of abundance and food, which makes it perfect for a gut-stuffing holiday like Thanksgiving! You can find cornucopia centerpieces just about anywhere, but this year I challenge you to join in the Chica family tradition and make your own out of bread dough. I admit this is not one of my easier projects, but the results are so awesome that it’s worth it. The main ingredient for this masterpiece is simple…
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Twisted Knitter
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November knitting, crochet, and more
15 Nov 2009 | 7:18 amThe things I want to finish . . . . . . so I can start these: I've had a difficult month trying to figure things out and rearrange some priorities. However, knitting and crocheting have been among the few calming things I get to do -- when I get to do them. One of the milestones I've hit is that as of the first of November, I've worked at Twisted Yarns for 5 years. In a month, I'll have been knitting 6 years. In the scheme of things, I've not been knitting very long at all, so it surprises me when non-knitters make assumptions about me based on my hobbies. There's still a lot more to me than… -
Which Ewe are You?
2 Nov 2009 | 7:05 pmTake the Which Ewe are You? Quiz -
Holiday Ornaments :: FREE Patterns
27 Oct 2009 | 8:01 amThis morning, I've been searching Ravelry for some fast and easy holiday ornament patterns and thought I would share a few of these with you: * Fetching Knits' Cheers Mini Sweater [Ravelry], by Cheryl Niamath * Hogwarts Mini House Sock Ornaments [Ravelry], by Marie White * Miniature Knitting Bag Ornament [Ravelry] by Sharon Spence * Holiday Bird Ornament, by the Purl Bee (Thanks, Kim!) In addition to using them as actual tree ornaments, you could also use them as gift toppers. I'm in the midst of holiday gift knitting and other deadline knitting, so there's not much I can share here… -
Erica's Granny Square Blanket :: WIP
20 Oct 2009 | 10:20 amAlthough Erica's crocheted Granny Square blanket is still a WIP (work-in-progress), I just had to share it with you -- I'm really loving it. Since this photo was taken, she's added another skein of Noro Taiyo and will likely do one more after that. I think she's up to 6 skeins now and is choosing them randomly. She's also planning to crochet a border around the entire blanket -- approximate finished size is expected to be 36" x 36". My co-worker, Ann, taught Erica to crochet in early June (Ann's also the one who taught me to crochet) but Erica took to Granny squares a lot more quickly than I… -
Finished Mondo Cable Cap :: Mystery KAL
12 Oct 2009 | 10:09 amThe Mini-Mystery KAL is complete and I am thrilled with the outcome. It's a slouchy hat designed with large ("Mondo") cables. I used one skein of Cascade 220 Heathers (mine was colorway 2453) but any worsted weight yarn with comparable yardage would work. Bonne Marie released the pattern in three phases (three consecutive Saturdays beginning September 26, 2009) to the knit-along participants and once the knit-along was complete, the pattern was made available at Chic Knits to purchase: Mondo Cable Cap. I love the large, simple cables: And I'll definitely make another . . . . . . because this…
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Etsy Shop for momomatic
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Snow Queen Vintage German Glass And Oxidized Brass Necklace
14 Nov 2009 | 6:46 am$26.00 This necklaces is spot on gorgeous! The featured gem is a luminous white glass with a wonderful texture. It has a sheen like new snow. I've placed into a brass ox setting that contrasts with the white so very well. Then I dangled both the snowy gem and a handmade (not by me)brass teardrop that's been fire-oxidized with a hand torch to bring out all the warm colors of the metal.Both hang from a 17" mother-son chain with lobster clasp. If you would like an extender added, or the length taken up I'm happy to do so for you at no charge.Thank you for looking! -
Blue India Vintage Etched Lucite Bead With 14K Gold Filled Chain
14 Nov 2009 | 6:46 am$20.00 I've used a washed aqua colored bead with an etched design and gold highlights. Wrapped it onto a gold toned headpin and then strung it onto a 20" 14K Gold Filled cable chain with a lobster clasp. Simple and striking, the blue stands out against any skin tone and the gold has a warm patina. I'm happy to alter this to suit you, just let me the length you desire.Thank you for looking! -
SALE Cozy Beads Antiqued Copper And Resin Bracelet
14 Nov 2009 | 6:46 am$8.00 Vivid, burnt orange beads are made of cut resin. I've strung them using a copper toned wire and matching copper shamrock shaped chain links. The matte orange of the resin beads contrast prettily with the shimmery grassy green glass beads near the clasp. The lobster claw clasp is larger and easier to open and close. And I've put a tiny Mom O Matic charm right beside it.The bracelet is 8.5 inches in length - but because of the chunky bead shape, the fit is closer to 8 inches. Links can easily be added or removed if you would prefer a different length.
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Grace Violet
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Impulsive Imagination
17 Nov 2009 | 9:44 pmHave you ever gone into a craft store with no plan in mind whatsoever?And whilst browsing, have you come upon an everyday craft item, (that just happens to be on a great sale) and spontaneously devise a plan to create a new project around that item?Then do you hurry home to implement your idea IMMEDIATELY?Hmmm.Have you ever done that?I never have.Ha.Actually that is the basis for so many things -
Sparkly Mirror
16 Nov 2009 | 7:37 amI came upon this idea from Better Homes & Gardens, and have added it to my current list of things-to-make (a list that is entirely too long as it is!).And it can be enjoyed far beyond Christmas! Its "ice-y look" is perfect for the whole winter; which is great for me because, truth be told, holiday decorating is something I yearn to do, but this year will probably be a little sparse. If all goes -
Scraps
30 Oct 2009 | 8:09 amIt has been a while since I made a skirt for my two girlies, but after seeing Vintage Fern's scrappy skirt, I was inspired again. Dresses and skirts are always a hit at our house; and since I have an abundance of leftover fabric in my stash, I plan to make a couple and give them to the girls for Christmas along with some bright tights. It will be fun to see how each skirt turns out - you never -
Coffee Cozies
28 Oct 2009 | 8:18 amPumpkin Spice Latte Season has provided ample opportunities to employ the gift I won from Sara at Red Owl Designs - the coffee cozy she gave away has made feeding my caffeine addiction an even more pleasurable experience!I knew these would make perfect little gifts for the upcoming holidays, and was happy to come across this pattern from House on Hill Road. Wanting to use really large buttons, I -
Things I'm loving right now (or wish I had right now!)
19 Oct 2009 | 8:03 amFall break has already come and gone. We spent the long weekend with our church's college group on a retreat in the "mountains" (most people would call them hills, but in the vast prairies of Oklahoma, they qualify for that title!). Our girls loved having the attention of so many "big kids" and thrived on the fresh air and exercise that the time away afforded. A hike to the top of the "mountain"
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Stamps
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Coronation of HRH Sultan of Negeri Sembilan Stamp
25 Oct 2009 | 10:16 amStamps in honour of rulerThe first day covers and stamps to commemorate the installation of the 11th Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, will be launched today.The commemorative stamps and first day covers launch will be held together with a royal exhibition at the Istana Lama Seri Menanti here.The month-long exhibition, organised by the Negri Sembilan Museum Board (LMNS), will display photographs of the royal family and historical materials from the days of Tuanku Muhriz's father, the late Tuanku Munawir Tuanku Abdul Rahman.LMNS director Shamsudin Ahmad… -
1 Malaysia Stamps
31 Aug 2009 | 6:45 amUnity will now be portrayed in stamps.Pos Malaysia will be introducing limited editions of first-day covers of the stamps featuring three designs – One Malaysia, Unity and People First. These will have a value of 30 sen each and only 400,000 copies of each design will be sold at post offices.The One Malaysia design shows a 3-D image of the 1Malaysia logo while the background shows the official 1Malaysia logo arranged in the shape of a map of Malaysia.The Unity stamp illustrates the various races and ethnic groups united as one. The national flag is depicted in the shape of a heart to… -
Tuber Plants Stamps
22 Jul 2009 | 11:37 pmThe term tuber plants or root crops is applied to plants which produce subterranean structures that are used as human or animal foods. These perennial plants have organs which store plant nutrients. In many cases the storage organs may be a root or a modified stem, for example a swollen rhizome or corm, or a tuber such as a potato or a swollen root as in carrot or sweet potato. All these swollen underground organs are commonly spoken of as tubersRoot crops are the second most important source of carbohydrates in the worlds food, the most important being cereals. However, in the tropical… -
Traditional Houses Stamps
8 Jul 2009 | 9:21 pmTraditional houses are a part of the valuable architectural heritage in Malaysia. There are a variety of traditional houses that can be seen throughout the different states in Malaysia. Traditional houses in Malaysia are reflected by the architectural designs that focus mainly on the styles, culture, skill, creativity, purpose and craftsmanship in building a place for shelter using the raw and organic materials that are available during the particular era.This collection of 16 stamps depicts the different houses of the states of Malaysia. Each traditional house differs in the architectural… -
Engineering Excellence in Nation Building Stamp
19 Apr 2009 | 9:32 pmEngineering has been an integral part in the development of many nations. Great strides have been made in the development of Malaysia ever since we gained our independence in 1957.Closely associated with the nation's progress is The Institute of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) which was established in 1959 with the intention to reflect the independence of Malaysian engineers professionally.In the last 50 years since its inception, IEM as the prime mover of nation building, have strived to promote sound professional engineering practice amongst its members and enhance sound professional engineering…
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whip up
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how-to: chocolate bowls
20 Nov 2009 | 6:59 amCareful. This one could get messy! Link to bowl making. Similar Posts: martha stewart: cinnamon bird ornaments | quilted bowl tutorial | fabric scrap bowl | fabric scrap yarn | how to make a collapsible pet dish | Share and Enjoy: -
a week of “glee” – day four….a cluster of glee
20 Nov 2009 | 4:54 amThis is so flamin’ appealing. Love it. Thank you! Link to tutorial. Similar Posts: how-to: lavendar & hay wreath | how-to: make an ice wreath | how-to: cardboard chaise for your kitty | diy: beaded chandelier | how-to: wool felt applique in hoop frame | Share and Enjoy: -
book: manga cross-stitch
20 Nov 2009 | 4:24 amManga Cross-Stitch: Make Your Own Graphic Art Needlework by Helen McCarthy. Andrews McMeel Publishing; Har/Cdr edition (August 1, 2009). ‘Stitchers often get stereotyped as middle-aged ladies in cardigans, anime and manga fans as geeky teenage misfits. Both stereotypes are equally inaccurate – because both groups are just people who love beautiful things and want to create and enjoy beauty in their own way.’ Helen McCarthy With a compelling voice, Helen McCarthy, reaches out to those with a curiosity for everything Manga and needlework. McCarthy is a well known writer and… -
how-to: easy cd case….no glue
20 Nov 2009 | 1:49 amA terrific little idea! And as the unnamed person that sent this to me said “great use for all that scrapbooking paper”, though she wasn’t as polite as that! Link to video. Easy Cd Case ….NO Glue …. For Everybody…. – Funny bloopers R us Similar Posts: recycle: CD Jewel Case | how-to: make your own paper cd cases | inspiring words: a tutorial | sweet valentine idea | how-to: customize a pillow using rub-ons | Share and Enjoy: -
how-to: sew with laminated cotton
19 Nov 2009 | 10:49 pmNot to be confused with oilcloth. Great tips by Kathy at Pink Chalk Studio. Link to tips. Similar Posts: oilcloth – pantry project | lesson – adjusting patterns | book: crafty Chica’s guide to artful sewing | tutorial: double-fold french binding | fall quilt market [pt.2] | Share and Enjoy:
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Craftster.org Blog
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Foodie Friday: Homemade Chocolate Swirl Marshmallows
20 Nov 2009 | 7:42 pmWildeHeart2105 previously shared with us her ever-so-scrumptious homemade vanilla marshmallows. Now she is back and she has kicked them up a notch with chocolate! These chocolate swirl marshmallows look absolutely divine. I imagine them wrapped in clear cello bags, tied with a fabric ribbon and dangled with a handmade gift tag for the holidays. To see this project on Craftster click here: http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=328091.0 To see related projects on Craftster click the marshmallow tag here: http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?action=tags;sa=showtopics;tag=marshmallow -
Love to Read? Love to Craft? Finding it Hard to Do Both? You Need Audio Books!
20 Nov 2009 | 3:16 pmMany Craftsters love to read, sometimes as much as they love to craft. The problem with loving both of these rewarding activities is that it’s almost impossible to do them both at the same time. Many of us have to budget our time nearly as carefully as our money. Luckily there is a solution to this vexing problem: Audio books! You can focus your eyes on your craft, and unlike TV you won’t need to look away. This is especially great for crafts like embroidery and needle felting - ouch! The nice folks at Random House Audio were kind enough to send over some audio books so that I… -
Fresh Bread for Your Feast
20 Nov 2009 | 1:58 pmNothing smells as delicious as fresh baked bread. Why not make some for your holiday feast? There are lots of recipes on Craftster that are sure to fit in with your menu. We have picked out a variety of delicious recipes: traditional and no-knead bread, pumpernickel, dinner rolls, sweet breads, corn bread, soft pretzels, even plated made of bread! When making bread you can form the roll or loaf into shapes such as the ear of corn and little piggies shown here, or the turtle bread posted in a previous blog. One year I made grape clusters by rolling dough into small balls and sticking them… -
Free to Be Crafty: Sasquatch! Agh!
20 Nov 2009 | 8:31 amWho wouldn’t love this sasquatch? From his face to his cute little bellybutton, he is a sasquatch to be hugged. Averyg created this beauty, inspired by her love of cryptozoology, and the cryptozoology swap. She was very generous in sharing her pattern on Craftster, and now you can make one, too! It would be a great gift! Click here for the pattern. Thanks, Averyg! -
CrafTATstic: Crafty Tattoos - Roethke’s scissors
19 Nov 2009 | 2:12 pmSimple but beautiful! That’s Roethke’s crafty tat. Her black and white sewing scissors span her inner forearm with amazing shading detail! Gorgeous! You can a larger version of the picture shown here and one additional picture of her tattoo here.
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Art Bead Scene Blog
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Twilight Jewelry
20 Nov 2009 | 6:08 amAn ode to my favorite vampire/werewolf love triangle!Tesori Trovati2nd Hand RoseThe Venerable BeadThe Bleeding Heart - Aka Cindy Gimbrone -
Sentimental Journey
19 Nov 2009 | 12:19 pmPendants from Sentiment Redesigned, a new shop on Etsy. Artist Sue Reiten describes her process: I first draw the image, and then refine it on the computer. Then I make a photopolymer plate of the image and transfer that to PMC. From there, I shape and carve and shape additional elements into the design. The result is a collection that is called Sentiment Redesigned. I have had a number of the designs cast in bronze and in sterling silver. Each pendant is given a patina with liver of sulphur to bring out the depth of the details. -
Inspiration: Jewelry that tells a story
18 Nov 2009 | 12:31 pmA few magical ingredients: a key for secrets locked awayelements from the forest branches that sway a mysterious messengerExpedition DLynn DavisHumblebeadsHumblebeadsShowcasing work from Art Bead Scene editors Heather Powers & Lynn Davis. -
The Lore of Gemstones
17 Nov 2009 | 11:00 amToday's post is brought to you by guest blogger, Andrew Thornton.The magic of gemstones is not lost on jewelry makers. In their hands, gemstones are woven, wrapped, set and strung (among other things) and whether they know it or not, each rock, stone and mineral has a tale to tell. Ellen Steiber, author of A Rumor of Gems, wrote an article augmented by artwork by Joe Novak and a wealth of photographed examples in the Spring of 2005 for Endicott Studio's Journal of Mythic Arts called The Lore of Gemstones. The article also appeared in the June 2005 issue of Realms of Fantasy magazine. It… -
Designer of the Week - Prairie Emporium
16 Nov 2009 | 9:52 amNOV ABSOriginally uploaded by Debbie / Prairie EmporiumEach Monday we feature the Designer of the Week. One of our editors pick their favorite from the Monthly Challenge entries. This week I've picked Prairie Emporium's earthy necklace for this month's challenge.Great choice for a focal bead! Lynn Davis' pendant works perfectly for a woodsy fairy-inspired pendant. I also like the mix of natural elements with the cord for a rustic feel and the addtion of the silver balances out the work for a polished design.Visit Debbie's flickr photostream to see more of her jewelry.
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Naughty Secretary Club
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I Love to Create -Customized Ice Cream Cartons
19 Nov 2009 | 9:06 amToday is an ice cream double whammy. I warmed you up (or maybe I should say cooled you down) yesterday with our Top 10 Favorite Ice Cream Posts roundup. Today we have an all new ice cream craft, two of them actually. First up you can pop over to Craft Magazine and read my post about how to make homemade pumpkin pie ice cream. My husband and I make this frozen treat every fall and it is always -
Top 10 Favorite Ice Cream Related Blog Posts
18 Nov 2009 | 8:45 amI'm one of those weird people that prefers ice cream in the winter over the summer. Call me kooky. Check the blog tomorrow for a fun ice cream related craft project and an ice cream recipe on the Craft Magazine blog. In the meantime to kick things off I thought I would do a round up of some of my favorite ice cream related blog posts through the years!Ice Cream Cone TightsArt Trends: There is -
Trendy is as Trendy Does: Animals in the Army
16 Nov 2009 | 10:40 amI wanted to follow up on Thursday’s I Love to Create post with a few pictures from the Heads and Holgas art show. The necklace I made was a big hit. So much so I gave it to my sister Hope as an early birthday present, seeing as how it was pictures of her art it only seemed fair.This weekend after the art show I found myself on Etsy looking for new art prints and noticed a trend, somewhere along -
I Love to Create - Tiger Art on the Walls and My Neck!
12 Nov 2009 | 1:31 pmLord knows I love a good theme. I'm one of those people that is likely to read Memoirs of a Geisha, while eating sushi and wear a kimono while doing it. Tonight my amazingly talented sister Hope Perkins (check out her I Love to Create interview about glitter) is having an art opening and you bet your bottom dollar I am working a theme with my outfit. You can look at the walls or my neck to see -
This Sunday - Turn on the Radio and Take a Class!
6 Nov 2009 | 9:24 amThis Sunday I would love you forever if you listened in to Inspired at Home on Blog Talk Radio. I will be chatting with Tiffany Windsor, daughter of Aleene Jackson. Ya as in Aleene's Tacky Glue. We are going to be talking about all kinds of stuff from crafts to crafty business. Not to mention there will be a roundtable discussion afterwards with a whole gaggle of awesome crafters! 6pm
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Dabbled
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Illustration Friday: Music
20 Nov 2009 | 2:36 pmI’m making up for lost time apparently this week. This is the fourth (or third, depending on how you look at it!) in the black and white series… Related posts:New Watercolor: The CreatorIllustration Friday Sketchbook – "Resolve"An Illustration Friday Robot- on an actual friday, no less! -
The Crafty Octopus
20 Nov 2009 | 6:42 amAnother in the series from yesterday… A re-run for those of you on Twitter who saw it yesterday, but maybe I’ll get another one out for you today, I’m really liking this look! (see the flickr set) Related posts:A more realistic Twitter icon for your site…Agent P! The Boy’s Perry the Platypus costumeSocial Media for your Crafty Business, by Diane Gilleland -
An Unbalanced Robot
19 Nov 2009 | 7:16 amI was playing around last night, and came up with this guy. I think he’d make a cute t-shirt! (I like this style, it reminds me of the Tracer Bullet strips from Calvin and Hobbes!) Related posts:Salute the Robot Nation!Robot Bathtime – or an excuse to try out my new watercolor pencilsDoh! -
Dabbled buttons for your linky goodness!
18 Nov 2009 | 7:11 amReader Lindsay, of the lovely blog Shrimp Salad Circus, emailed me the other day asking where my link buttons were. Well, I’m embarrassed to say that they have been MIA since the move to Wordpress months ago. So, I figured I’d through a few up here for your stealing pleasure, both standard linking buttons, and “I was Featured” buttons. Let me know if you want a different size of any of them, the sizes are noted below each thumbnail… “Link to Dabbled” Buttons If you just want to share the Dabbled Love, or just like the idea of a cute robot gracing… -
Holiday Cookies – Christmas Tree
16 Nov 2009 | 8:17 amThis is a fun and impressive cookie project that makes a great gift. This project is from last year, but I figured it was worth repeating for this year! These little Christmas trees are stacks of iced sugar cookies, with a Reese’s cup on the bottom for a stem. Thanks to Aunt Denise and Aunt Barb (and family) for including me in the process of making them last thanksgiving, and letting me take pictures for posterity! (If you like these, you’d probably like the wedding cake cookie version that they made previously, too!) For all the steps, go here! I think these would be lovely iced…
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CraftStylish - All featured posts
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How to Create a Rustic Centerpiece
20 Nov 2009 | 10:45 amPosted by Nicole Smith With Thanksgiving just around the corner, this tutorial by the folks over at Design*Sponge helps you get your table guest-ready with items from the grocery store. -
Project Runway: Season 6 Finale
20 Nov 2009 | 8:35 amPosted by Victoria North We have reached the "make it work moment." Which designer is the winner of this season of Project Runway? -
How to Make Stuffed Pumpkins
19 Nov 2009 | 2:00 pmPosted by Nicole Smith These stuffed pumpkins by Danielle Thompson make the perfect decoration for this holiday season and beyond. -
Check out the Threads Halloween Contest Winners!
19 Nov 2009 | 12:16 pmPosted by Nicole Smith This year Threads challenged you all to create the ghouliest, scariest, most creative, and coolest costumes for a chance to win a prize pack from Threads. Check out who won. -
How to Make No-Sew Place Mats
18 Nov 2009 | 11:07 amPosted by Nicole Smith Dress up any dinner party with these gorgeous no-sew place mats.
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Tip Junkie
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12 Days of Junkie – Day 10
20 Nov 2009 | 7:46 amThe 12 Days of Junkie is to give a little back to you as well as feature some of the amazing women who have joined the Mom-prenuer Shop-a-thon, where there will be two winners every day! Check the 12 Days Winner Page to see if you’ve won. On the Tenth Day of Junkie, Laurie gave to me… {{singing off key}} 1. A personalized baby wipe case with your child’s photo At Chubby Baby you will find fun, Luxuriously Soft, Baby products for a Delicious Life. Coleen strives to make durable, lasting products using only the highest quality fabrics and threads. 2. An insulated wine tote… -
12 Days of Junkie – Day 9
19 Nov 2009 | 2:50 amThe 12 Days of Junkie is to give a little back to you as well as feature some of the amazing women who have joined the Mom-prenuer Shop-a-thon, where there will be two winners every day! Check the 12 Days Winner Page to see if you’ve won. On the Ninth Day of Junkie, Laurie gave to me… {{singing off key}} 1. A Luster Finish Painting (one person) in an 11×14. Picture to Portrait takes your pictures and digitally turns them into precious keepsakes to last a lifetime. Talk about a fabulous gift this Christmas! Shop: Picture to Portrait Blog Follow on Facebook 2. A Reversible… -
Design Dazzle Blog Party
18 Nov 2009 | 6:24 amI became a fan of Design Dazzle the moment I laid eyes on their beautiful kids bedroom ides. Holy cow – talk about the holy grail of bedroom decor. I call it major eye candy. To celebrate their 1 year blogiversary Design Dazzle is hosting a party and giving away $500 in prizes! {{hola}} All you have to do to enter this fabulous giveaway is vote for your favorite Design Dazzler nominee. (A comment is considered a vote) Don’t wait - You only have 3 more days to enter to win $500! {{squeal in delight}} See what you’re missing! Head on over to Design Dazzle and… -
12 Days of Junkie – Day 8
18 Nov 2009 | 4:38 amPlease help me get to know you better by participating in the “Tell Me About Yourself” poll for Tip Junkie readers. This way I can tweek the blog next year to better suit your needs. {{cheezy grin}} Turns out 5 Dudes read Tip Junkie – who knew!?! {{hey boys!}} The 12 Days of Junkie is to give a little back to you as well as feature some of the amazing women who have joined the Mom-prenuer Shop-a-thon, where there will be two winners every day! Check the 12 Days Winner Page to see if you’ve won. On the Eighth Day of Junkie, Laurie gave to me… 1. A… -
Christmas Gift Ideas from Mom-preneurs
18 Nov 2009 | 3:57 amIt’s the seventh week of our Tip Junkie Holiday Shop-a-thon where I spotlight the most popular products from a few of the stores in the Tip Junkie Mom-preneur Shops as gift giving inspiration. The Tip Junkie Challenge: To buy your gifts from women & fellow bloggers and ask others to do the same for you this holiday season. Your friends and family are going to be blown away by your thoughtful gifts this year! Angel Ellie’s painted tile coasters, tile magnet sets, painted tile trivets and custom photo coasters are just some of her favorite things to make. Wholesale and…
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greetingarts
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red crochet
17 Nov 2009 | 11:41 amThe yarn for my new project arrived yesterday, in record time. 22 balls of 100% DK weight wool from Elann.com that I ordered late Thursday afternoon. So great! I'm working on something to give my sister when the baby comes.... -
fun and games
8 Nov 2009 | 4:05 pmEver since we won the Game Night raffle basket at Rebecca's Open House last year, we've been trying to play board and card games regularly as a family. And since my husband has been spending more time with us these... -
it all got done
2 Nov 2009 | 4:22 pmSomehow, we managed. Target didn't have any plain white knee high socks or tights in Rebecca's size, and on Wednesday night I was kind of panicking when I remembered an old pair of the girls' footless tights that had a... -
change of plans
27 Oct 2009 | 6:39 pmLast Wednesday night, as I was methodically knitting away on Rebecca's second stocking, I suddenly realized that Jessica's preschool Halloween party was two days away (they don't have school this week), and I had yet to start her Hello Kitty... -
getting over SSS
20 Oct 2009 | 12:59 pmSounds like a bad cold or something, doesn't it? But actually, for you non-knitters out there (and maybe for you knitters who haven't been bitten by the sock bug yet), SSS stands for Second Sock Syndrome. The affliction that sets...
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Tiny Talk
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Mom Talk: Road Trip! (with Kids)
20 Nov 2009 | 4:57 pmPost by Jessica R. Well over half of the people traveling for Thanksgiving are going to do so by car, which is all fun and games until someone in the back seat starts to whine and cry. Then the trip stops being all “Yay! Over the hill to Grandmother’s house we go!” and starts being way more, “Don’t make me pull over!” Your trip doesn’t have to end that way. Not if you follow these tips. 1) Plan your departure time wisely. If you child still naps and naps well in the car, then leave just at nap time. If your child never sleeps in the car then… -
Adorabe Baby Pics – Miles
20 Nov 2009 | 9:45 amMeet Miles – our adorable baby of the week! Miles is 6 months old His favorite book is “Touch and Feel Baby Animals” His favorite toy is his dog blanky His favorite thing to do is splish-splash bath time a -
You Tell Us: Oprah’s Big Departure
20 Nov 2009 | 9:41 amBy now, you’ve probably heard that the rumors are true—Oprah will be ending her talk show, which has been one of the most influential and enduring television shows in history, on September 9, 2011. The news has loyal fans from around the world surprised and saddened by her planned departure. Check out this homage from fellow talk show host, Ellen Degeneres: What do you think of Oprah’s departure from television? Will you miss her show? Do you have any favorite episodes from throughout the years? What do you think she will do next? You tell us! a
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Diary of a Crafty Chica
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Flocked Iron-ons as Farbic Stamps!
20 Nov 2009 | 12:00 amHere is a sneak peek at one of the demos I'll be doing in San Antonio this weekend!LINKBasically, you iron on the design, and then save the plastic backing, coat it with paint and use it as a stamp for fabric! Not only do you get a fancy embellishment, but you can also upcycle the packaging as well! The front of the packaging can be used in decoupage projects too! I'm a big time recycler, so I made sure each product has a lot of use in it!Peace, love, and glitter!Kathy :-)P.S. Check out my new book and product line!Subscribe in a reader -
The power of positivity
19 Nov 2009 | 12:00 amLast month when I was at iLoveToCreate headquarters, I noticed happy signs hung up all over the building. This one is my favorite! Every time I walked by it, I smiled. Even if I just spilled paint on my new $50 blouse, I'd glance at this message and was reminded me of the good things in life.I know, I know, it is just a piece of cardboard with a corny saying, but it works for me. I'm not sure who chose to hang up these colorful affirmations, but it's genius. The more we surround ourselves with words and images of things that make us happy, the more the bad things won't seem, well, as bad.It… -
A glittery kind of night
18 Nov 2009 | 9:18 pmI've been busy prepping dozens of samples, prizes, and demo step-outs made for my trip to San Antonio this weekend. I'll be at Michaels showing it all off and giving away some prizes!Detour...Don't forget to check and see if there is a Michaels near you that is carrying the line! If there is, pretty please share the news with anyone and everyone to shop, shop, shop. I'm just a tiny speck of glitter in the huge universe of craft supplies, every little bit that sells helps so much! My dream is to be the underdog that conquers. *Clears throat, closes eyes and puts palms facing out*My vision is… -
San Antonio, 48 hours away!
18 Nov 2009 | 7:22 amBoth myself and my daughter Maya will spend the weekend in San Antonio to demo the new Crafty Chica products! We'll be there from 7-9 p.m. on Friday, and from opening to close on Saturday and Sunday. Bring your kids, family, neighbors, co-workers and come join in the fun!Store # 8794 San Antonio/Culebra RD 5347 W Loop 1604 N, Ste 103 San Antonio, Tx 78253-7301Here is a pillow I made using one of the Chihuahua Flocked Iron-Ons. I'm going to show "10 Ways to Use a Flocked Iron On". And not just ironing on, I have a bunch of other tricks to share with these versatile embellishments! Wow, I sound… -
Outlandish Ottoman
17 Nov 2009 | 12:01 amToday I'm trying to work magic with a decorating a Snuggie, so I'm re-running an old fave!(New projects coming soon!) Need a dash of whimsy to brighten up a corner? If you don't want to scour the aisles of your neighborhood furniture store to find a perfect match, take matters into your own hands -- literally.This handmade accent piece doubles as a comfy footrest and is as easy to whip together as it is fun. Those gushing with creativity can replace the printed fabric with faux fur or leather, or paint or stamp their own designs before assembling the ottoman. Adjust the size to your liking as…
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Today's Creative Blog
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Fabulous Friday Giveaway!
19 Nov 2009 | 3:53 pmGrab Our Button! (copy/paste into your own website or blog): <center> You know…..these baby items are so cute, I’m about ready to tell my husband I want another baby just so I can buy these. I don’t remember clothing THIS cute 10 yrs ago. Where were you Apericots? I got robbed! It was SO hard to find darling baby clothes back then. It was either a big ugly dump truck or opt for stripes. My son wore LOTS of stripes. Anywhoo……Apericots is giving away a $25 gift certificate to their online store. Their clothing is organic and so so soft, you’ll never want to take your baby out of… -
la* T * da
18 Nov 2009 | 3:00 amGirls, girls, girls……..It’s going to be a quick one today. The Thanksgiving Cram is hitting the Today’s Creative Blog household. Why do holiday’s get so crazy busy? la * T * da is a new blog…..but boy howdy…..she has wasted NO time in showing off. I think I originally found her when she linked to my Get Your Craft On. So many great links. Thanks for playing. Of course the burlap caught my eye…….this pillow is perfect for the Thanksgiving holiday. She walks you through her tutorial. TUTORIAL!!! Keeping the kiddo’s busy on… -
Get Your Craft On
17 Nov 2009 | 3:30 amGrab Our Button! (copy/paste into your own website or blog): <center> I love Tuesdays…..you know why? Because it’s you doing the work today….I just get to sit back and enjoy…..ahhhhh. So link up your latest creative project that you’ve created. After you’ve linked, I hope you’ll post my very cute button letting everyone know you’ve linked up. I love seeing what everyone is working on. Amazing talented women that you are! -
Tatertots and Jello
16 Nov 2009 | 4:00 amOh My Stars! Apparently I’m not the only one in love with burlap. Apparently I AM the only one who hasn’t sewn anything with it………BECAUSE I DON”T SEW! But if I did, I would make this……..even if I don’t have a round table…..but I do have a chair with this exact fabric!!! I’m cool, I’m cool, I’m cool. Back to the Burlap….I love burlap! JenJen has many many projects she’s completed using burlap. And guess what? She has lots of tutorials! TUTORIALS!!! Oh happy day! Lickity split, you’ll have yourself a brand new table cloth! If you sew of course. Tatertots and… -
Crazy for Collars
15 Nov 2009 | 8:00 amSuzanne sent me an email awhile ago saying I needed one of her collars for my “amazingly, adorable gifted Labradoodle pup”………OK, well maybe she didn’t say amazinglly, adorable gifted Labradoodle……but I know she meant to. So I hopped on over to her etsy shop and blog Crazy For Collars and you know what? I did need one of her collars…..a holiday collar! I mean if you’re going to treat your dog like a real member of the family, she’s going to need some new duds for the holidays……right? Maybelline….we call her Mabie…… isn’t so sure about the bow,…
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elemental
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Typography for your iPhone, or Desktop
13 Nov 2009 | 5:30 amA few favorites from the nifty designs from Typenuts -
Typography
28 Sep 2009 | 12:13 pmSometimes it's all about the type.Fabiano Hikaru HigashiKasperRobin Libbrecht -
To each their own, right?
18 Sep 2009 | 5:10 amOkay, so maybe this is a little creepy... and perhaps it gives you the heebie jeebies and whatnot... but can you deny the beauty of these steampunk insects?Yes, they're real insects (I believe found, not killed) outfitted by Mike Libby with tiny watch, sewing machine & typewriter parts to create tiny sculptures.I think they're quite breathtaking. You may disagree, but to each their own, right? -
Hip Housewares!
13 Sep 2009 | 2:22 pmI don't think I've ever wanted to to do household chores quite so much! Available from Alice Supply coSpotted on Hostess with the Mostess -
Social Justice
8 Sep 2009 | 6:17 amWell the semester is back in swing and after a few years in the real world, I'm officially a fulltime student again... oh, and I'm also employed fulltime... and this means A HECTIC semester. Never fear, I'm loving what I'm doing and that makes it all worthwhile... but it also means that my normally crafty-blog may take a quick turn towards all the Graphic Design stuff that's currently rattling around in my head. But thats okay right? Its all about shapes and colors and messages and ART. The older I get, the more my interests blur into one big mass of LOVE.And speaking of things I love... I…
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Vanilla Joy
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Thanksgiving Coloring Pages
19 Nov 2009 | 5:00 amI made up some more coloring pages with my Cricut and markers, and I wanted to share! Click here to view and print a PDF with these 3 Thanksgiving coloring pages from Paper Doll Dress Up. Thanksgiving is coming fast – I have to get my turkey and figure out what we’re going to have for dessert! Any ideas??? Similar Posts:Cricut Craft – Custom Coloring Pages Thankful Turkey Thanksgiving Collage Best Kept Cricut Secret Revealed! Removing Permanent Marker -
Thanksgiving Collage
18 Nov 2009 | 5:00 amToday we did Thanksgiving collages! I used my Cricut, Paper Doll Dress Up cartridge, and some construction paper to cut out some of the Thanksgiving designs, gave Elliot a glue stick and some paper, and he made this beautiful Thanksgiving collage! If you don’t have a Cricut, don’t let that stop you from doing holiday collages. Find pictures in old books or magazines of Thanksgiving food or just things you’re thankful for. We’re really trying to make Thanksgiving special and fun this year, and doing just a little something each day to remind us of all the things we have… -
Thankful Turkey
17 Nov 2009 | 5:00 amOur family is young and I’m wanting to start some fun family traditions, especially for Thanksgiving and Christmas. The thankful turkey is a tradition we ‘re starting brand new this year! Starting the Monday of the week before Thanksgiving, we’re going to write down something we’re thankful for on a feather and add one each day until Thanksgiving. I cut out the turkey with my Cricut Expressions using the My Community and Paper Doll Dress up cartridges. If you don’t have a Cricut, you can print a turkey here or here. Another tradition I’d like to start when… -
Book Talk: Elantris
12 Nov 2009 | 5:00 amAfter I finished this book last night, I handed it over to my husband and told him HE HAD to read it. I like me a good fantasty book, and Elantris is a must read. The story is very unique with some really inventive and creative elements and some great characters. Although one of the main characters is a strong willed, intelligent, and courageous woman, I felt like this book was perfect for both (teenage) boys and girls to read. Brandon Sanderson created a world of political and economic uncertainty, prejudice, magic, holy war, love, and lots more! I loved all the characters (at least the ones… -
Easy Dessert – Mint Brownies
11 Nov 2009 | 5:00 amOne of my favorite sweet things in the world is mint brownies. YUM! I’ve tried several mint frosting recipes, and they all end up tasting a bit too much like toothpaste. The easiest way I’ve found to make mint brownies is to use a regular brownie mix and sprinkle mint chocolate chips generously over the top. Bake according to brownie instructions and you have yourself some fab mint brownies! Similar Posts:Easy Dessert – Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies Day 4 – Make Goody Plates Cupcake Pops Tutorial Easy Dessert: Ultimate Turtle Cookie Bars Kraft Foods Recipe Review
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house wren studio
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silver bella mobile class
19 Nov 2009 | 6:36 amBefore I get too far away from Silver Bella (the unpacking and putting away continues), a quick recap of the second day of teaching at SB - two sessions of the Mobile class. That lucky bit of scheduling worked out... -
silver bella hat class
17 Nov 2009 | 6:08 amSilver Bella was as much fun as ever this year - in and out of class. My first day of teaching was 2 sessions of the Hat Class. I will admit that I was worried that the project - making... -
looking up and away
10 Nov 2009 | 7:32 amPacking everything for Omaha tomorrow and getting very excited now to go. Old and new friends, teaching, learning, enjoying. Thanks for the suggestions regarding the ramp .... one way or another, we'll make it work. Thinking about that sent me... -
house and home
9 Nov 2009 | 2:25 pmFinishing up the last of my houses to take to Silver Bella in a few days. And wrapping up some designs for new classes TBA. They have helped to fill the gaps of time here. Thank heavens for needle and... -
happy birthday, sweets!
8 Nov 2009 | 5:10 amFor Momo, our little sweetheart. We love you so very much! Happy Birthday!
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Southern California Potters
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More From Muddy's Wood Fire Classic
18 Nov 2009 | 6:50 pmHere are the rest of the images I took at the Muddy's Wood Fire Classic. Be sure to check out the Muddy's Website for more info! -
Do You Know The Way To Santa Fe?
14 Nov 2009 | 7:14 pmThen get there in the next week! My friend Carol Aronowsky will be in the New Mexico Potters and Clay Artists Contemporary Clay Fair next weekend, November 21 & 22. If you happen to go, be sure to say you read about it on So Cal Potters! -
NBC Promo For The ACS Clay Fest 2009
11 Nov 2009 | 4:58 pmView more news videos at: http://www.nbclosangeles.com/video. -
2009 ACS Clay Festival This Weekend!
9 Nov 2009 | 4:44 pmCome on out this weekend, Friday night November 14th is the opening reception with free admission at the Arboretum. Saturday and Sunday the admission is $8.00 to enter the Arboretum. Shop an incredible selection of ceramics then wander through the gardens at the Arboretum! What a way to spend a day! I will be there selling my stuff, hope to see you too! The festivities start Friday night at 6 with appetizers by the artists! Then the show continues all day saturday and sunday. -
Muddy's Wood Fire Classic
8 Nov 2009 | 10:39 amLast night my friends and I ventured deep behind the orange curtain to the Muddy's Wood Fire Classic at Muddy's Studio, Orange County's Premier Ceramic Studio. I hadnt been out there and was excited to see it. Kevin Myers started Muddy's and has done an incredible job. Seems like a great space to foster the ceramic arts. The Wood Fire Classic was juried by T Robert and John Pacini. I have never participated in a wood firing but was very inspired by the work on display and look forward to developing a body of work for a possible firing next year. Enjoy the pictures! Will post more in a couple…
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Crafters Craft
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Make a Lost Screw Finder
15 Nov 2009 | 3:00 pmFrank Ford and Make shows you how to use a plastic CD spindle and a PVC pipe to make a lost screw finder. The screw finder hooks up to a shop vac so you can insert it in hard to reach places and suck up any lost screws. Take a look: Permalink | Our News Feeds -
How to Make a Werewolf Costume
24 Oct 2009 | 7:00 pmThis instruction video from Howcast teaches you how to make a werewolf costume. This video shows you how to make a werewolf mask. The ingredient list is long but the result looks good. You will need someone to help you make this. The second video in the series can be found here. If you wanted to save time you could make the Werewolf legs and arms described in the second video and wear them with a store bought mask. Permalink | Our News Feeds -
Domino's Halloween Pzza Slice Costume
20 Oct 2009 | 1:00 pmYour child could be a slice of Domino's pizza for Halloween. You will need iron-on transfer paper to make these work. Obviously, this is a way to get you to transform your child into a walking billboard for Domino's pizza, but it is kind of clever. You can find the instructions and downloadable Domino's pizza toppings here. Permalink | Our News Feeds -
Turn a T-shirt Into a Halter Top
11 Oct 2009 | 4:00 pmMegan Nicolay, the author of Generation T: Beyond Fashion: 120 New Ways to Transform a T-Shirt, explains how to turn a t-shirt into a halter top with just two cuts and no sewing. Megan also knows how to turn a t-shirt into a pillow. Permalink | Our News Feeds -
How to Make a Mushroom Shelf
30 Sep 2009 | 4:00 pmFinderMaker has provided a Mushroom Shelf Tutorial. The tutorial teaches you how to make a cool little mushroom shelf, like the ones pictured above. You first have to find your shelf - a mushroom that "appears shelf-like and feels solid and woody." Then you have to dry it, trim and mount it. It's not a quick process but the end result is a unique mushroom shelf of your very own. (via Boing Boing) Permalink | Our News Feeds
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Sommer Designs
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Ojai Holiday Home Look In Event
20 Nov 2009 | 5:45 amIt's 5:30 a.m. on a nice, cool Friday morning and I'm almost out the door! I know, it's warped, but I have to *try* to miss that wonderful Los Angeles freeway traffic! This weekend, starting today, I'll be at the Ojai Holiday Home Look In, benefiting the Ojai Music Festival. More information is here for you local peeps! Have a great weekend! ♥ P.S. The Marketplace is open to the public!! -
Right on schedule.
17 Nov 2009 | 8:22 pmI can't believe tomorrow is Wednesday. This week is already getting away from me, but I've accomplished a ton in the last two days (see what happens when you stay away from the computer? Interesting observation.). The picture above was my set up on Saturday at St. Martin of Tours Fall Festival. I had not done this event before and was pleasantly surprised - nice people and nice venue, and I was right next to my pal. That helps immensely. Sunday was another trip into LA, but this time Hollywood for Temple Israel of Hollywood Hanukkah Boutique, which was a little slower, but… -
LAST DAY to save 20%
13 Nov 2009 | 7:17 amHello! What a week! I'm just popping in here right quick to remind folks that today is the LAST DAY to save 20% on my website with promo code SWEET - here's the pretty graphic: I know, I repeat myself. It's the Jewish mother in me. ANYWAY, sorry it's been quiet here, I'm getting ready for back-to-back events this weekend! Saturday, I'll be at St. Martin of Tours Fall Festival Boutique (11955 Sunset Blvd., LA - near the intersection of Bundy, I think), from 11 - 5 pm; and Sunday at Temple Israel of Hollywood Hanukkah Boutique (7300 Hollywood Blvd., LA - between… -
Workshop Overdrive
10 Nov 2009 | 9:56 amThis past weekend was my last weekend off until about December 12, unless I decide to do a last minute Farmer's Market (not counting Thanksgiving weekend). Isn't that nuts? The holiday event season totally crept up on me. Or, rather, time is going by waaay too fast, and here it is, almost mid-November. I wish I could say I took the weekend off, but I didn't. I did plenty of resting, but I did plenty of cutting, pressing and sewing also. [And a little bit of knitting too!] I'm not in the mood for handbags lately. Inventory is fine with those anyway. I've… -
GAH! Website Down!
7 Nov 2009 | 11:00 amYes, good morning, I know. There's nothing like your website going missing on a Saturday morning just as the holiday shopping season begins, right? I'm in touch with my host and hoping that it will be up again soon! Please check back later! Remember, 20% off already reduced prices with promo code SWEET. Luv, Sommer Designs
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Frequently Wrong but Never In Doubt
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I'm Giving away an IKEA basket with cool stuff in it! (thanks Glade!)
17 Nov 2009 | 7:05 amDo you remember my post on my nice night out courtesy of Glade? Here I am in all my fuzzy glory holding the basket that CAN BE YOURS! That fuzzy lump in my hand includes an IKEA basket, an IKEA blanket, a glass container with chocolate and marshmellow drink mix, one of the really cool (more about this in a sec) Glade "Sense and Spray" starter kit with one refill. The blanket color is kind of my favorite color right now! Here's the cup I decorated - front (It says "I love Crafts"): And back (that's supposed to be a quilt):Which washes off! :D - I'm not really sad if you wash it up and use the… -
Ooooo! Me Likey!
13 Nov 2009 | 8:06 amSo excited about this: I've been reading "Sense and Sensibility" and finished a while ago "Pride and Prejudice" - Rex claims everyone goes through a "Jane Austen" phase! And I ran across this on Craft Magazine (had I known I could win a copy I would have hopped right on it!) and so now have put in an "order" with my brother in England to get me a copy - it's crazy expensive here in the US. Anyway, right up my alley with historical needlework and crafts! I can't wait! Thanks for ALL the support (here and on Facebook) for my writers block. I finally got up at 5:30am this morning and just… -
Writers block
11 Nov 2009 | 7:41 amSo, I'm working on a HUGE article for a new online publication (I will announce it when it's published in all it's glory) and yikes! I'm having a hard time.Writers block!Ok, that's not quite right, but everything I write seems stupid. I'm sure it will look better with some editing and some rewrites, but does anyone else ever have this problem?Last night I had a FABU time at Morton's with the Mile High Mama gals! What a fabulous group and in a really short time (2 months?) I feel like I'm getting to know all of them really well!Still waiting on a picture for my great giveaway from last week's… -
Crafties and Freebies!
8 Nov 2009 | 4:35 pmWhew! It was a crazy busy week, and just when I was preparing this post, I opened my Etsy store and a busy weekend just became busier!! ha ha!On Thursday night I was totally flattered to be included in a Glade Bloggers event at the Warwick Denver! The food was lovely and the company even more lovely!I was thrilled to win this fabulous centerpiece!:The great news is that in the next week I'll have a wonderful giveaway that I put together for all of you there! (just for you!). So, watch for that - coming soon!Then on Saturday I was SO excited to take a card making class with Missy C. It was a… -
my Etsy shop gets off to a rolling start
8 Nov 2009 | 1:43 pmWell, I really was going to take some time to write this post, but the first two items I put up sold in like - well 10 seconds. So, I figure I better go ahead and post it's existence. I'm putting up extra supplies, UFO's and more finished projects and kits as I go along! :)
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Gerdiary
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November eternity or: Lucky me
19 Nov 2009 | 9:34 amCaptured the last light of today...... with, from another window, a slightly confusinginside-out effect...Made a winterly Calmer, on a crocheted woolenbase (more of those to come)...... and, last but not least, received a wonderfultextile heart from Carolyn at Love Stitching Redas part of her recent Give-away. She calls ita "rock pool heart", inspired by the coast atSt. Ives. And she very generously added about ahundred other wonderful things, including littletext snippets she cut out for me, all about grey... "A day is a miniature eternity."(Ralph Waldo Emerson,borrowed at Thinker online) -
November time
17 Nov 2009 | 6:30 amHere´s a little thing I made last saturday night,while babysitting...Just took a few scraps with me, including a tinyone dyed pinkish, with an old laundry tag, anda page from an old book...Wouldn´t have been bad to pack an overnightbag instead and beingBut that doesn´t seem to be on the agenda nowadays...So what - there are other ways to gain ... stitching being one of them...Are the days flying by as fast out there as theydo here...?"There is no time time is man's skin it cracks and crackles and shrinks in life's passing-by in the fire of being telling the hours then letting them be in… -
Silent saturday...
14 Nov 2009 | 6:48 am -
November quilt or: Printed matters
12 Nov 2009 | 6:30 amOn it´s way: November contribution to myprivate little monthly callenge...The (late-)autumn leaves to the left onthe first picture stem from a (more or less)local swap of hand printed fabric squares...That´s what I got from (left to right)Suschna, Floh (both Berlin based) and Tally(Hamburg) -
November day or: Cuffs
10 Nov 2009 | 7:25 amHere are a couple of cuffs/ornaments I made,using some of the turmeric-tea batik I dyeda while ago... The machine writing says: To sit, to think,to sleep, to dream and: Hold on to nothingtoo long."Nebel,der alles verschlingt:Jedes Haus, jeden Baum, jeden Strauch.Ein Kind schreit vom Balkon:»Bin allein,endlich allein auf der Welt!«Und aus dem Nebel die Antwort:»Ich auch!«"(Hans Manz: Novembertag/November day)Fog,swallowing up everything.each house, each tree, each shrub.A child shouts from a balcony:"Am alone,finally all alone in the world!"And out of the fog the answer:"Me too!"
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Try Handmade
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Holiday Shopping for Artisan Made Gifts
20 Nov 2009 | 9:32 amThe holidays are coming up fast for many of us who have committed to having a Handmade Holiday. Now’s the time to find and order those handmade gifts that will bring originality to your holidays as well as brighten the season of the artists you’ve chosen to hand make your gifts. But where to start? There are innumerable blogs and sites with handmade gift choices, but you can spend hours browsing before you find one that gets you. I personally am partial to the markets of 1000Markets in part because the curators/market managers tend to pick the best available handmade work in… -
Interview with Saria, Beauty by Saria
20 Nov 2009 | 6:00 amSaria lives in a suburb of Milwaukee, WI only 45 minutes away from where she grew up. She’s a Cheesehead born & raised! Go Pack!! Saria loves living in Wisconsin, having grown up on snowmobiles in winter, ATV’s in the spring & fall, with summers saved for a jet ski, boat or riding horseback; she wouldn’t want to live anywhere else! She lives with her husband, Neil and their son, Nathan, along with their three cats – Little Man, Baby Girl and Naughty. Saria describes herself as a little bit crazy, but with a big heart. She loves her family, friends and working with… -
te. by temono
19 Nov 2009 | 12:00 pmAnother fantastic find in the Gallery. Gorgeous leather bags and wallets from te. by temono. Erika Jurney is the founder of Try Handmade. You can follow her on Twitter and Facebook, or learn more about her love of the handmade. -
Chilli Crab
19 Nov 2009 | 9:00 amMy favorite thing about the Try Handmade Gallery is that I know that every day I will be surprised by something wonderful. A perfect example is Chilli Crab. What wonderful intricate creations. Chilli Crab: i am a german expat happily living in singapore with my husband and two sons. i really enjoy the freedom of being engaged with the things that i have been doing for more than 6 years now. the biggest influence on me becoming a creative person definitely comes from my parents and my mother-in-law. my mother loved to do any kind of handcrafts, from knitting, crocheting to silk painting and… -
Corsets for the Plus Sized
19 Nov 2009 | 6:00 amI am one of those plus sized people who has no Bust. I also have a belly that falls from just under my non existent bust due to pregnancy and genetics… I find that sometimes this causes clothing to make me look pregnant, I do get asked every now and again when I’m out and about with my 2yo “When is the next one Due.” Which is a little embarrassing for the person asking the question, I’m sure. I therefore ‘LOVE’ the look of corsets, either as underwear or overwear. As a plus sized woman though, I’ve tried many different sorts, and it really…
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Hammermarks
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Does History Matter?
20 Nov 2009 | 11:35 amWood, Elements #8 ©2009 Wendy Edsall-Kerwin How important is the history of a piece to your enjoyment of it? How important is the cultural environment surrounding an artwork—the when and where of its creation? I was at a meeting of the Creative House of Lancaster last night and we were participating in a grad student’s project involving a free-form discussion based on different theories. There was a series of quotes taken out of context for us to riff off of. One of them particularly struck me and made me think of the questions at the top of the post. Even the most perfect… -
AEDM: The Saga Continues
17 Nov 2009 | 9:22 amHere are my latest doodles for Art Every Day Month. I also took some nice sunset photos the other day. -
Fun Times In the Studio
15 Nov 2009 | 3:34 pmIt Looks Like Old Lava Flow I managed to get studio time in on Friday. I hammered a pillow shape that I had suspended using pitch, but didn’t use Jeez, I look so serious! the pitch while chasing. I chased over air instead. I wanted to see how this technique would work out on a larger form. (It’s the same technique I used in my fold formed brass/nickel collar that looks biological.) I really like the way it turned out, especially on the underside. Too bad there’s not really a market any longer for ashtrays, it’s the perfect shape and size. Plus I… -
AEDM, 12 Days of Cuffmas, and Gnome Madness
13 Nov 2009 | 9:29 amI have tons of stuff to share with you today. First, I want to let you know about the Twelve Days of Cuffmas. From December 1st – December 12th I will be donating $10.00 from every cuff purchased at the site to Heifer International. Each cuff includes free gift wrap if you would like and will be shipped to either you or a gift recipient via Priority Mail going out by December 15th. I’m trying to sell enough that we can donate a goat. For more info about Heifer International follow the link. Gnomie Ornaments Second, I am now a 2010 board member for the Lancaster Designer… -
Recently Helpful Articles I’ve Read
11 Nov 2009 | 8:54 amSome of these were from newsletters that I subscribe to and some of these come straight from blogs. I hope that you find them as useful and enjoyable as I have. Hone Your Artist Statement from Alyson B. Stanfield’s Art Marketing Action Newsletter The Only Way to Become Amazingly Great at Something from Zen Habits The last couple of articles from Christine Kane’s newsletter were about bad moods and Winter blues, but I can’t find them online. You can find a ton of other helpful articles on her blog. The Crafted Webmaster offers great links for artists via twitter. Every…
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Fidgety Fingers
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SAVE ABOUT 10% FROM BUYING USED CARS ONLINE
10 Nov 2009 | 10:33 pmAt FF, we are really into our online shopping. What happens then when you want to buy something big like an apartment or a used car? Researching and purchasing such stuff online helps with not haggling with tough sellers and avoiding scams. We seriously think that online prices are non-biase because they are put next to their competitors. Best used car advice on the net are everywhere. You just -
ANTI THEFT SANDWICH BAG
1 Nov 2009 | 6:02 amAnti-theft sandwich bags with mould printed on it. Ha! Love it. -
SOME PEOPLE SAY LEFTOVER CUT ONIONS ARE NOT HARMFUL, WHICH IS IT?
31 Oct 2009 | 3:50 amChemist Kitchen says this: Reason 1: Nothing is a bacteria magnet. Firstly, bacteria have minimal mobility. They usually travel in water droplets, if at all. Sneezes, for example. Moulds can release spores which get blown around but bacteria usually grows in moist environments and are slimy, making getting airborne difficult. Secondly, if there was such a thing as a 'bacteria magnet' it would -
DON'T USE LEFTOVER ONIONS
30 Oct 2009 | 6:49 amWe have used an onion which has been left in the fridge, and sometimes we don’t use a whole one at one time, so save the other half for later. We should really buy smaller onions in the future.Onions are a huge magnet for bacteria, especially uncooked onions. You should never plan to keep a portion of a sliced onion. It’s not even safe if you put it in a zip-lock bag and put it in your -
DON'T USE EXTRA OLIVE OIL FOR COOKING
24 Oct 2009 | 6:00 amThis is a bad habit for some of us because it boils down to convenience. Extra virgin can actually be worse to cook with as opposed to the "lower grades" of olive oil. Extra virgin has a lower smoke point and cooking with it can result in greasier tasting dishes. Use regular olive oil if you intend to fry things with it. Only use extra virgin olive oil for drizzling and dipping breads.
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Bunny Tales
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I’m skipping Thanksgiving
19 Nov 2009 | 3:18 pmI’m think I might just skip Thanksgiving. Haven’t told my family yet, but when they all show up, wouldn’t it be great if I handed each one a box of Christmas decorations? Get to work and they’ll get a “bite” to eat later; maybe a pizza or something like that. These little guys are just waiting for them, along with hundreds of other ornaments packed away in the garage! Think how fast it would all get done! No dreaded day after Thanksgiving, when my husband drags himself out to the garage, groaning the whole time, to get… -
Photographing Chelsea
17 Nov 2009 | 8:48 pmDigital Cameras are so wonderful! They open up a new world! To think that we can take as many photos as we want, and simply delete the ones we don’t like. I was working away at the computer today and I happened to look over and see Chelsea sleeping about 2 ft. away. I decided it was a photo moment. Camera was right next to the computer so I grabbed it and did some practice shots!Here she is, sleeping in her little bed. Cute photo, but too many distractions in the background. That sewing machine cord looks unattractive and yes the window is blurred, but still not the best frame for the… -
I Love That Color!
14 Nov 2009 | 1:29 pmWhat’s in a color? Amazing when you think about it! Do you say “I HATE that color” or “I LOVE that color”? Click here and see how you respond to this color wheel. (There’s an iPhone color app on this link too!) Have you painted a room one of these colors? Are you a brave red type or a shabby pink? As the new studio addition draws near, I’ve been thinking about wall colors. Lurking nearby in the garage, we have CANS of paint. Palest of pinks, the freshest blue, a green I’ve decided I “Hate”. Test colors, used colors, colors we bought too much of. My… -
Project week
11 Nov 2009 | 8:48 pmIt’s project week at Bunny Hill. The tables are a bit cluttered, and there’s fabric everywhere, but that’s a good thing. It means I’m working! I never have enough room. If there’s a spare inch of table space I fill it with something. Things look orderly in my photos, but if you could see what I copped out you’d laugh! Here’s the fabrics for a new quilt I’m working on. It’s the new line from the French General & Moda Fabrics called “Rural Jardin”. I’ll add some basics and a few other fabrics and maybe, just maybe,… -
Super Squirrel!
7 Nov 2009 | 7:56 amOk, she’s not really a squirrel, but that’s our neighbor’s nick name for Chelsea. She’s about the right size, and I have to admit she’s beginning to look like she’s storing up for winter! Yes, I’m still trying to control her eating and I’ve added two walks a day. Walks as long as those little legs can go. Both Chelsea & Bitsy are loving all the names coming in for the real Bunny Hill squirrel. Some clever names out there! I’ve received lots of emails with the cutest stories! Seems feeding squirrels is a popular past time. Amazing how many of you have them eating from…
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Urban Debris Artlog
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Recycled sweater totes - Canadian Living
19 Nov 2009 | 4:36 amGive old sweaters a second chance by turning them into one-of-a-kind handbags. By Leigh Radford, with instructions adapted from her book, AlterKNITS (Stewart, Tabori and Chang, 2005) Tote pattern located on this page. -
I Am Thankful Scrollby Susan K Gaylord
18 Nov 2009 | 3:35 pmAs Thanksgiving approaches, it is a time to reflect on what we have to be thankful for. This month's project is a new version of the Wish Scroll which makes a great "I am thankful" scroll for Thanksgiving. See insturctions on her blog here. -
Artella is saying “Happy Artsgiving”
17 Nov 2009 | 7:06 pmArtella is saying “Happy Artsgiving” and giving away art supplies and eBooks, plus 50% off all vintage goods. Cool deal - take a look! -
Beautiful Blue Bird house
16 Nov 2009 | 4:39 pmBlue Bird House from Lollychops -
Great gift for a good cause - Art Bra Calendar
15 Nov 2009 | 8:01 amA Way to Women's Wellness ArtBra Exhibition will be at the 2010 Houston International Quilt Festival! To order calendars please visit www.artbra.org Proceeds from the calendars will be donated to Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia, PA for the mobile mammography van. Sign up for a Blog Give-away and have a chance to win an ArtBra Calendar! Winners announced November 29th! http://www.itsonlyribbon.blogspot.com/
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The Best of DIY
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Thanksgiving Placemats
19 Nov 2009 | 7:04 pmI remember making Thanksgiving placemats every year when I was in elementary school. One placemat had the hand print on it where you turn your fingers into the turkey’s feathers. Well this apple placemat is easy enough for a kid to do, but it looks so stylish! Instead of an apple you could make one with a bunch of fruits and veggies, a cornocopia or a turkey. Check out Book Hour Craft Projects blog for the full tutorial. -
[me] and goji DIY Cereal
19 Nov 2009 | 6:48 pmMake your own custom granola mix or cereal, name it and have it sent to you all packaged. Check out [me] and goji to make your very own creation. You can pay $5 to get a picture put on the label. But, I think it would be cool to create your own label design and paste it on there. These could make great holiday gifts. Hmmm…I feel like having some shredded wheat with raisins and cranberries, with a little bit of ground cinnamon. -
Snowman Kit
11 Nov 2009 | 4:15 pmLooking for a diy gift to give this holiday season? Make a Snowman Kit this year! This is such a cute idea, and would make a great gift for someone who lives up in the snowy states unlike me! I can’t get over what a cool idea this is, all you need are some buttons, a scarf, top hat, black rocks, and a fake carrot. Package it all together with a note attached saying “Just add snow!” Check out Make it Do for an official tutorial. -
Origami Koi
1 Nov 2009 | 7:54 amCheck out Mabona Origami’s stop motion video to learn how to make origami Koi and make your own koi pond. Also, check out Mabona Origami’s website to see more amazing and beautiful origami creations. -
My Own Creation: Halloween Wreath
1 Nov 2009 | 7:03 amI hope everyone had a happy Halloween! I made my own last minute Halloween Wreath after seeing A Forest Frolic’s wreath. Michael’s had run out of most of their Halloween section so I had very little to choose from, luckily I found a little plush vampire and witch to put on my wreath, with spiderweb ribbon and black roses. This project probably only took me 1hr to complete. I can’t wait to put it up again next year!
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Trans-craft-inental
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Wedding invitations
18 Nov 2009 | 12:40 amDear Shayne,As my lack of posting would indicate, I haven't been too crafty lately. Amazingly, I think I'm still recovering from our wedding in July. I hope to get back to more frequent crafting soon (especially with Christmas looming).In the meantime, I realized I still haven't shared many of my wedding crafts here. So let's take a look at our invitations!After the somewhat crazy Save the Dates I had made, I figured the invitations could be simple. To that end, they were a basic card that I Gocco'd with a design I created and the straightforward "Here's where to be and when" info:One of my… -
Bridal lust: I want this!
5 Nov 2009 | 8:59 pmDear Shayne,I know I shouldn't lust after such a frivolous item, but I cannot help it. I just can't. Remember the awesome kitty print I bought at Maker Faire? (Blogged about here.) I've been following the artist, Brittney Lee, ever since. She makes such sweet stuff!The current object of my adoration and desire? This awesome bride paper sculpture:Isn't she bee-you-ti-ful? Look at the details! The doily and paper cut skirt layers! Swoon!I know I won't be a bride forever, but it's still so close to my heart that I cannot resist drooling over this amazing piece. Imagine it with a red mat instead… -
It's a miracle!
5 Nov 2009 | 6:27 pmDear Kelly,Jenny and I have started going through my craft room! I'm getting rid of tons of stuff, including a billion rubber stamps that I have no need of. Would you like either of these:I have a feeling we'll need to have a giveaway soon for our lovely readers :)Love,Shayne -
Fruit roll up
31 Oct 2009 | 11:32 amDear Shayne,As I have mentioned in previous years, I love to wear my skates to work on Halloween (or, this year, the day before).It started one year when I dressed up as Wayne Gretzky and was so fun that I had to do it again (and again!) It has since evolved into my Mini Cooper ( -
Chandelier Shades
29 Oct 2009 | 7:26 pmDear Kelly,I actually finished a home decorating project! Well, Jenny did most of it, but I helped. I've had a very plain Ikea chandelier hanging in my dining room:We took five of these:And covered them with black and white gingham and then trimmed them with black rick-rack:I am SO happy with them. Maybe this will motivate me to do some more decorating.Love,Shayne
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Gabriela Delworth's Blog
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Marie De Fête Day Three…Marie Antoinette Christmas Inspirations…More…
20 Nov 2009 | 12:00 pmWhile making my Marie De Fête Globes I have placed Marie Antoinette at her favorite places such as the Hameau, The Petit Trianon, Le petit Théâtre de Marie-Antoinette to name a few. I decorated the mini-scenes with ribbons, flowers, millinery flowers and trims. She loved gardening…Marie’s gown and pouf are embellished with glitter and rhinestones for an extra glamorous look. This is a new tradition of celebrating the Queen… Marie Antoinette during the Holidays or anytime of the year…I will be announcing The Surprise Giveaway will be announced right now! One of you will… -
Marie De Fête…Day Three…Marie Antoinette at Christmas time…
20 Nov 2009 | 8:00 amWelcome to Marie De Fête day four! When I announced this event, I emphasized that it was a Holiday event. Well…have you ever wondered what Marie Antoinette did during Christmas time? She was from Austria…and one of the things she introduced in France was the a sleigh. But I am going to let my very well-known writer friend Chaterine Delors, the author of Mistress of the Revolution, to tell you in her own words the whole story…She contributed with the fabulous image above. Catherine says: Christmas in the 18th century was not the holiday we know these days. Of course, the… -
Marie De Fête…Day Three…Marie Antoinette Christmas Inspirations…
20 Nov 2009 | 12:00 amWelcome to Marie De Fête day three! Christmas is a very special time to me…it reminds me fun time spent with my Mother as a child…One of my most dearest memories was putting a big Christmas tree up with her…She collected so many antique and handmade ornaments in boxes that it took us a couple of hours to decorate the whole tree. I even remember adding fake snow! It was listening to my Mother’s singing that I learned my first French words… My Mother had a beautiful nativity scene called crèche in old French. La crèche, appeared in 12th century France in the… -
Marie De Fête…Day Two…French pâtisseries…
19 Nov 2009 | 6:00 pmWelcome to Marie De Fête, Day Two. This post is dedicated to the famous Macaron…This traditional French pastry dates back to the 1800’s. Its origins are still debated…some say they came from the city of Nancy in France, others say that Maria De Medici introduced them from Italy…some say that two Carmelite nouns sold them during the French Revolution…to support themselves. It is also said that King Louis XIV from France served macarons at his wedding. But it wasn’t until 1862, when baker extraordinaire Louis-Ernest Laduree turned the little cake into a cookie… -
Marie De Fête Day Two…Marie Antoinette love for music…
19 Nov 2009 | 2:00 pmMarie Antoinette loved music, she is playing the Harpsichord on this painting. A harpsichord is a musical instrument played by means of a keyboard. It produces sound by plucking a string when a key is pressed. The harpsichord was widely used during the Renaissance and Baroque music period. During the late 18th century it gradually disappeared from the musical scene with the rise of the piano. But it made a resurgence in the 20th century used in historically performance of older music, in new (contemporary) compositions, and in popular culture. During the first day of Marie De Fête dedicated…
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Knitting Naturally
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Nov 18, Lap Quilt
17 Nov 2009 | 5:34 pmI am making a lap quilt and I need to make the entire length wider. I was thinking I would just knit a panel and add it on. The problem is I don't -
Nov 18, Changing a pattern to fit your yarn
17 Nov 2009 | 5:30 pmI have sport weight yarn and the pattern I have uses a worsted weight yarn. Is there some formula for adjusting the number of stitches required? I -
Nov 18, Divide and armhole for Cardigan of Love
17 Nov 2009 | 5:16 pmI am trying to knit this cardigan: LW1660 - WM0312 Cardigan to Love. I am confused about this part:- Divide for fronts and back: Next row: Using -
Nov 18, Circular needles
17 Nov 2009 | 5:04 pmI've trying to knit a babies jumper and with the circular needle the pattern says to join when starting the first row. I've tried three different -
Nov 18, C2B
17 Nov 2009 | 4:59 pmI have a pattern, I don't understand. It is a pattern for a knitted Newsboy Hat by purplekittyyarn.com. The pattern is: Rnd 1: P3 (4),CB2, P8, CB2,
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ChristyNelson.net
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How to Make a Tooth Fairy Pillow
18 Nov 2009 | 12:27 pmMy son has a lot of loose teeth and has already shed most of his front ones (top and bottom). He never really quite got the concept of the tooth fairy (he has autism) when he started losing his teeth at age 4. In fact, he lost most of his teeth at school and would throw them in the trash. When we were at the dentist yesterday, I asked them if they would just nudge the loosest one out. They presented it to me in a little treasure chest. "My" first tooth! My son now understands the tooth fairy and was looking forward to placing his tooth under his pillow. I decided to make him his… -
Soutache Embellishments
17 Nov 2009 | 6:36 amOne of my greatest regrets from my trip to Chicago is that I didn't get a chance to see the Soutache Embellishments store in person. I did, however, get a chance to see their booth at the Sewing and Quilt Expo. Soutache has an amazing supply of ribbons, trims, buttons, and embellishments. I was so impressed with what they had available at the booth and then I saw some of the pictures on their website. A whole wall full of ribbons? Sign me up. If you are in the Chicago area, go and check them out! The chief (that's seriously what it says on her business card--love it!), Maili, took… -
Pilloz at the Chicago Sewing and Quilt Expo
14 Nov 2009 | 10:01 amThis week I'm in Chicago doing all sorts of fun crafty things! I spent one morning at the Sewing and Quilt Expo and found some new things that I think you'll be interested in. This booth caught my eye immediately. Pilloz.com offers complete photo pillows or just the fabric with your images printed in high quality. I wish my little point and shoot camera could to it justice. If you've ever tried using the printable fabric you find in craft stores, you know how amazing this is to find such a high quality product. Can you tell I was impressed? I took a short video of Arnold, the general… -
Christmas Sweater Contest
11 Nov 2009 | 6:19 amimage via flickr Christmas is coming and I'm sure you're all on the lookout for that perfect Christmas sweater. The most outrageous, the better, in my opinion! This year, I need your help. I love Neil Diamond. What does that have to do with Christmas sweaters? Well, this year Neil (we're on a first name basis after our "encounter" a couple of years ago) is holding a contest and the prize is a trip to his private Christmas party! Meeting Neil Diamond is on my short list of things I would do almost anything for. Lucky for me, I have a chance to meet him and all I have to do is take an… -
Stuff I Like. Place Mats.
10 Nov 2009 | 9:06 amI am so in the market for new place mats. We recently purchased a new dining room set and I want to keep it looking nice for as long as possible. photo image from Sears.com I have a tablecloth but the kids are prone to hanging on it and then the whole dinner comes tumbling down. I'm pretty sure I'd like to make my own place mats but I went searching on Etsy for some inspiration and ideas. There are so many great things to see! Some of these match my home perfectly. Some are just really, really cool. Did you notice the paper pop up one? Others would be great for every day. Is…
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Knit*Six
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Knitting is Fun...Right?
19 Nov 2009 | 10:37 amI meet many knitters--usually, though not limited to, advanced beginners--who become frantic about real or imagined mistakes. They rush up, breathless and anxious, saying they "don't know how to fix it," they "don't know how to 'go back'," or even that they "think it's ruined" ("it" being their projects).More often than not, the real problem knitters face is their agitation, which prevents them from really seeing what's going on and how best to address it. Honestly. Once a knitter progresses past the ultra-beginner stage, he or she possesses the power to diagnose and fix 90 percent (or more)… -
Toesicles: A new (unisex) sock pattern!
14 Nov 2009 | 3:02 pmLuxurious. Toasty. Sexy. Well, that last one depends on your point of view.But, hey! These socks are perfect for holiday gifts... They knit up quickly, look impressive, and fit frosty feet of the female and male varieties!And I'll bet, if you ask my husband, he'll say warm toes are sexy any day of the year. (Since the alternative tends to be my warming them on him.)The pattern is new -- I just posted it on Ravelry today, so pop on over and pick up a PDF of your very own. You know you want to...Not a Ravelry member? That's OK -- you can use PayPal. Drop me a line at KnitSix@gmail.com, send… -
Lace Knitting Tutorial
18 Sep 2009 | 11:37 amKristi (from Shalimar Yarns) and I put together a lace tutorial for her blog this week. She snapped some awesome pictures, and I helped craft some clear (we hope!) instructions for basic lace knitting.Here's a sample (using Zoe Sock in Blue Raspberry):K2tog tbl (an alternative to SSK): This is a left-leaning decrease. Insert your right needle tip into the first two stitches on the left needle from right to left (back to front)...... and knit them together.To read the rest of the Lace Tutorial, just head on over to Shalimar Yarns' blog. Enjoy!Site Feed -
Kamille Socks: New pattern, new photos
17 Sep 2009 | 11:41 amPhoto courtesy of Shalimar YarnsHere's a photo of Kamille, which debuted at Sock Summit. This sock was knitted up inShalimar's Zoe Sock, in the Damson colorway. Another, in Saffron, is being knit even as I type, so I'll have a new picture for you soon.By the way, Kamille is spelled with a K because it's a Norwegian word, meaning Chamomile.I also have some lovely new photos of my Villette socks:Kristi from Shalimar Yarns modeled the sock, while I snapped pix using her wonderful camera (it makes every picture look good).Here's a close-up of the heel flap detail.Both patterns are available from… -
On my way home...
4 Sep 2009 | 12:32 pmHello, friends,I've been away for a while, visiting family on the other side of the continent. Time goes so quickly when you spend it with those you love. It will be hard to say goodbye.BUT...I also have the most wonderful husband in the Universe, and cannot wait to be back in his arms, to give him a big hug and kiss. Smooch.So hold tight and be patient. I promise I'll return to my blogging soon -- and even have some brand new patterns to show you! (There's nothing like travel to clear your creative channels.)Meanwhile: Happy knitting!BTW: I was just reminded of this story -- about rescued…
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Paper Shop Ink
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Paper Creatures
4 Nov 2009 | 6:01 pmAren't these adorable? You can purchase the template for these little guys on etsy. With your purchase you receive a pdf file to print and full instructions are included. It's getting pretty cold here in Ohio. This might be a good project for a night in when the snow starts falling. -
Halloween Stationery
12 Oct 2009 | 6:00 amHalloween is probably my least favorite holiday. I'm not sure why but I just don't get excited about candy and costumes. It is a fun time to look at stationery though. Here are a few of my favorite designs I found on etsy.Boo invitation from the etsy shop of Letterpress Light.Halloween coasters from Vermilion Star Press.Printable Notecards and Gift Tags from Ali Design. -
Where I've been ...
29 Sep 2009 | 6:53 pmIn Greece! Back to regular posting soon. -
Win 9SpotMonk ecoModern Letterpress Invitations
10 Sep 2009 | 5:30 pmClayton Invitation from the 9SpotMonk ecoModern® Custom Wedding CollectionWe're excited to announce the launch of our newest custom wedding album - 100% letterpress and 100% eco friendly!Enter for a chance to win 100 custom letterpress invitations through Oh So Beautiful Paper. Once you enter your favorite design at OSBP, comment on this post at Paper Shop Ink and I'll include complimentary return address printing for the winner.Good luck!- Vivian[photo credit: 9SpotMonk] -
Amy Butler Rugs
10 Sep 2009 | 5:49 amHave you seen these gorgeous new rugs from Amy Butler. They are incredibly beautiful in these photos. I can't imagine how they must look in person.There are 19 rugs in the new collection and each one is handmade. The design is hand-carved into each rug. I'd love to see this process. That is some serious talent, and patience I would imagine!All rugs are based on previous Amy Butler patterns. They are available in two sizes, 5' x 7' 6" and 7' 9" x 10' 6". You can purchase on Amy Butler's websiteThese two are my favorite but I wouldn't mind owning any of them. Which one do you like best?
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luvinthemommyhood
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weekend wishes
13 Nov 2009 | 6:00 amwishing you a weekend filled with.....via maggie lochtenberg, haeshusummer dreams,via kara o'keefecozy, warm mittens,via under glass, kristine mayfall strolls covered in bright, cheerful leavesvia kid currypinecones galore,via atomic turqoiseboakand cute shoes perfect for those new tights you got.don't you just love fall? as much as i am missing summer sunshine the bright fresh leaves are keeping me smiling. we plan on doing some xmas shopping this weekend, cuddling with cozy strolls, lots of laughts and hopefully some knitting on my part. i have a new project almost done that i am dying to… -
mommyhood moments - we've been busy cooking
12 Nov 2009 | 6:00 amsome folks have been asking for pregger belly shots lately, so here ya go! i've been busy cooking up another member of the cook family. i'm now almost 16 weeks and looking pretty darn huge already if you ask me. i'm hoping that i'm not the only one on baby #2 who notices just how much faster that darn belly seems to be baking the wee one. people keep asking me if i'm having twins - eek!!!! i don't have too many pics of the belly yet. i have to admit we have been quite forgetful and lazy in the belly shot department this time around. i really do have to get on the ball and start recording this… -
etsy monday in the mommyhood
9 Nov 2009 | 5:00 am"you will alwasy be your child's favorite toy" ~ by vicki lansky1) wanda the little weirdo by susarto2) two peas in a pod #31 by green pea studio3) custom handmade fox toy by bird and little bird4) mini dachshun designer orla keily fabric by alice applei've had softies on the mind with the new baby on the way. i just can't seem to resist those little faces and soft smiles - these little creatures on etsy just stole my heart! i'm excited to make some softies for the new wee one and for the toddler running around the house as well, but in the meantime, these would do quite nicely! -
handmade holidays is here!
6 Nov 2009 | 6:00 amohhhhh, how i love this time of year! sew mama sew has their yummy handmade holidays going for the whole month of november. each day they show a different category of scrumptious holiday gift ideas! the best part is they aren't just suitable for xmas. i refer to their gift guides all year for project ideas, inspiration and just to plain drool.this year i was friggin over the moon to receive an email asking me to be part of it - needless to say i said yes!!! you'll be able to check out our very own tute from our newbie sewing series for making yoga capris from shirt sleeves on saturday,… -
etsy monday in the mommyhood
2 Nov 2009 | 5:00 am"feeling fat last nine months but the joy of becoming a mom lasts forever." ~ nikki dalton1. autumn muse by lemuse2. ladylike wool wrap coat by aftonriver3. dalby jean jumper by makool4. batwing shirt by duende5. bubble sundress or tunic by anuchkaoh the joys of maternity shopping. if you are like me this can be a pleasant and horrible experience at the same time. finding things to fit my tummy, butt and giant boobs can be trying to say the least.so with baby #2 on the way i decided that this time instead of hitting the mainstream stores i would take a peek around etsy to see what i could…
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About.com: Beadwork
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Inspiration
19 Nov 2009 | 1:06 amOne of the things that I most enjoy about being a beadwork artist, and being an artist in general, is the seemingly endless supply of inspiration that surrounds me. Once I was able to tap into that part of my mind that I refer to as my "artist brain", I found it easy to find inspiration for beadwork in pretty much anything that I see. The bracelet and earring set in this photo is a recent creation of mine, inspired by one of my many sessions perusing the online catalogs for the big auction houses like Christie's and Sotheby's. Many of the jewelry collections include works by well-known… -
My Fabulous Glass Fish Focal Bead by Ofilia Cinta
17 Nov 2009 | 8:12 amEver since I started learning the art of making glass beads, there are a few lampwork artists whose work has fascinated me. Ofilia Cinta is one of those lampwork artists, and this past summer, I got to meet her and purchase one of her incredible glass fish beads. Ofilia's glasswork is inspired by her rich heritage and her memories of childhood trips to Mexico and Texas. When you look at her richly colored hollow glass fish, her signature creation, you find unexpected depth in the layers of glass and light. Sometimes she includes small patches of dichroic glass or copper mesh to give texture… -
Beadweaving Blog Love for Friday October 13 2009
13 Nov 2009 | 5:00 amSome great weekend reading for you in the world of beads and blogs: Tapestry Beads - Jill Wiseman is gearing up for her last show of a very busy year. Beadazzled of Oregon - Dini Alves shows off some incredible new beaded chevrons. Beadedbear's Nonsense and Complete Waste of Time - Sig Wynne-Evans has a day off from her day job and gets ready for BABE. Etsy Beadweaver's Team - the November challenge entries are in and are open for voting. Some beautiful work based on the theme "Beauty of the Flower". Ramblings on Jewelry Making and Life - Jean Campbell talks about reinforcing your beadwork to… -
Fabulous Focals
11 Nov 2009 | 8:58 amWhile I was at Bead Fest Philadelphia this past summer, I treated myself to a number of beautiful focal artist beads, something that I haven't done since I went to the first Bead Fest in 2003. For the next few days, I will be featuring each of the artists from whom I bought a focal bead with a little information about the artist and links to where you can buy your own miniature work of art. Kristie Roeder of Artisan Clay creates beautiful, one of a kind hand-thrown ceramic beads, pendants and donuts. At Bead Fest, I bought two of her glass and stoneware cabochons and a smoke-fired donut. -
My Muse
6 Nov 2009 | 8:05 amIn addition to the many, many other things that I have going on this week, I am finishing up my entry for Scarlet Lanson's Use the Muse III competition. Here is a sneak peek: That's all I can show you right now! The space in the center between the two flowers is where the Muse component will be placed. If you like the flowers, you can try your hand at making your own Russian style netted flowers. I'm very happy with the warm colors I chose to use in this project. All of the beads came from my shopping spree at the Beyond Beadery booth at Bead Fest Philadelphia this past August. (Can you even…
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jcaroline's blog
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Fabric Sightings
6 Nov 2009 | 8:25 amJessica Jones brought some star sightings of Amusement Park to my attention. Yes, Nordstroms has it in the form of a laminated diaper bag. Cool, eh? They are made by a company called Reese Li Baby who uses Jessica's canvas and other cool prints in a laminated form. I had to get one and I love it! And our friends at Land of Nod have it on a child's chair. It's a "limited edition" which must mean it's extra special!Fun! -
Henry's Halloween Costume- FAILURE
3 Nov 2009 | 7:03 amOkay, so I didn't get Henry's costume until Saturday, which is Halloween day, if you didn't remember. So I ran to Target and they were limited on 3-6 mo. sizes, so I got this. The picture on the package looks pretty cute, doesn't it? So, at about 5:30, I put Henry in above pea pod costume, but it is about 10 inches too short. Never fear. I have these: So, I cut leg holes. So, Henry's was not dressed as much as a pea pod as… -
Inspirations Added to Jcaroline Home
2 Nov 2009 | 10:59 amI don't know if this is what I should have been working on Friday, but I spent all day on these pages and thoroughly enjoyed myself. I love picking out paint colors! And I can't guarantee I'm good at it, but it at least gives you a starting point!My fantasy would be to pick out paint colors every month, paint one wall and make someone else finish and clean up and then the next month we would start again. I wonder if the walls would actually get thicker if you repainted that often? In theory, I think they would, so would you have to scrape them down after… -
Happy Halloween!
30 Oct 2009 | 2:49 pmI've never been much of a Halloween fan, but it does help to have an enthusiastic child at home!She got to wear her costume to Mother's Day Out on Thursday. Henry is there in the background, not terribly impressed by the whole thing. Whoa-- where did that hook come from? It's dangerous to have a resident pirate. Better get Henry an eye patch.Since some of the children only come to Mother's Day Out on Friday, they got to wear their costumes again today. However, Olivia decided to mix it up and be a princess out of her dress-up box. It was chilly this… -
Jcaroline Home has covers for the Harry Chair
26 Oct 2009 | 9:21 amWe just added the chair cover for the Ikea Harry Chair to the jcaroline home website. The Harry Chair is a fairly new addition to the Ikea lineup. It has a slimmer profile than their other padded dining chair, the Henriksdal chair, so it fits better in small dining spaces. (And never fear, the Henriksdal cover is in the works!) I especially love it in the new fabric we just added to the site, Turquoise Henna. A nice mix of turquoise, deep green, deep orange on a linen background. Sophisticated without being boring. (You DIYer's-- that…
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Creating Keepsakes Blog
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Special Guest Blogger: Brenda Arnall
20 Nov 2009 | 2:00 amHey, y’all! (That’s Southern-speak for “Hi, everyone!”) I’m Brenda Arnall, former Contributing Editor with Creating Keepsakes magazine, and I’m so happy to be here as the guest blogger today. I may have left the world of deadlines and trade shows behind, but I’m still scrapbooking in retirement. With Thanksgiving just around the corner, I can almost taste the turkey, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie. Even more, I love having all the family gathered around the table, enjoying the meal together. The holiday is a fitting reminder of how much we have to be thankful for. Have you ever… -
CK & Me
19 Nov 2009 | 2:00 amThere are few things our CK team likes more than seeing how you’ve taken a layout published in CK and transformed it into your own beautiful design. That’s why it’s my pleasure to bring you this month’s “CK & Me” post, highlighting a few talented readers. Check out how they’ve used projects found in Creating Keepsakes as starting points to create their own amazing layouts! Our first example comes from Andrea Kuhle. She found inspiration in this page by Rita Shimniok, which was featured in our November 2009 issue. Check out how Andrea took Rita’s general page design and… -
Scavenger Hunt: December 2009 CK
18 Nov 2009 | 2:00 amHello, Friends! We’ve had the first snowfall of the season here in Utah, and it’s put us in the perfect mood for the release of our December issue. As you read the issue, sit back, relax and grab a pen as you search for the answers to our scavenger hunt. Just find the answers to the questions below. 1. In “CK Hot Spot,” which embellishment from Kelly Purkey’s “They Are the Best” layout is particularly in fashion this season? 2. Which room does Cindy Tobey use to house her scrapbooking supplies? 3. What type of jewelry does Megan Hoeppner suggest making for a loved… -
‘Tis the Season for Giving
17 Nov 2009 | 2:00 amWe’re moving into a wonderful time of year. During the holiday season, our days are filled with family get-togethers, gratitude for the many blessings in our lives and gift giving to those we care about. Here at Creating Keepsakes, we love the holidays! We’re so excited about this time of year that we’d like to offer you a gift (it’s a bit early, but we hope you enjoy it just the same). It’s a 2-for-1 subscription offer for current and new subscribers of Creating Keepsakes. That’s right, renew or sign up for a subscription, and you can give a gift subscription to someone you care… -
Weekly Warm-Up: Creative Tree Accents
16 Nov 2009 | 6:49 amAre you one of those people who trim the tree the day after Thanksgiving? Or perhaps your tree is already up and dressed to the nines. Either way, our “Festive Techniques for Trimming the Trees” article in the December 2009 issue is going to get you in the spirit to not only decorate your home’s spruce but also to create bitty handmade trees for your layouts. We have layouts featuring beaded trees, flocked trees, fabric trees, glittered branches, blinged beauties and so much more. Here’s a sneak peek of what you’ll find inside the article. It’s a layout by the very talented…
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Elizabeth Anne Designs Living
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On the first week of Craftmas…
20 Nov 2009 | 7:21 amWelcome to the first installment of Craftmas (or Craftukkah or Craftzaa, whichever you celebrate)! I don’t know about you gals, but we are super tight on money this year and that is ESPECIALLY true around the holidays. However, like many, I have some creepy Martha Stewart desire to decorate our house in everything tinsel, and I squeal with glee anytime I see something covered in Santa Clauses. Hey, I’m not proud of it, but there you go. So during my daily Anthropologie browse a couple weeks ago (ah, but to dream), I stumbled upon a beautiful tree ornament. I won’t show… -
Sew Much Fun
19 Nov 2009 | 12:37 pmIn high school, I took a home economics type class. I made a lop-sided duffle bag and a deformed chocolate chip cookie pillow. I had a such a terrible time making both projects that I didn’t sew again. I’ve always been envious of my friends who can sew. All the craft shows that I’ve been to in the past year have inspired me. I decided that I wanted to learn/relearn is how to sew with a sewing machine. I want to do basic things like make decorative pillows, maybe some pajamas. I used trusty Yelp.com to find sewing classes. My search led me to Sew L.A. It’s this hip… -
Get your crafting hats ready!
19 Nov 2009 | 8:49 amI’ve been MIA from the blog recently…but with good reason, I promise! I’ve been busy creating a whole slew of DIY crafts (oh, 6 or 7!) for decorating your house on the cheap for the upcoming holiday. I like to call it…Craftmas. Though I suppose you could always call it Craftukkah or Craftzaa. Anyway, I’m getting ahead of myself. Get ready for installation #1 of Craftmas in the next day or so. Little hint: it’s a replica of a pricey little item sold at a store that rhymes with “shmanthropologie.” Much love, -B © Elizabeth Anne Designs… -
More Nursery Progress!
18 Nov 2009 | 7:18 amI have so many nursery projects to share with you readers! My inner Martha Stewart has really come out for this event and even if you aren’t the most crafty person in the world, I think you could do a few of these projects without too much trouble. Making the nursery personal and yet inexpensive is one of my top goals for the room (besides making it totally awesome and modern and bright….those are good goals, too, right?). So I knew we’d do a lot of DIY projects and I’d hunt for gently used pieces of furniture that just beg to be refinished. So far, so good. My loving… -
Baked French Toast with Praline Topping
17 Nov 2009 | 12:00 pmAllow me to introduce you to my first foray into the wonderful world of Paula Deen. Baked French Toast with Praline Topping. I could probably say this about all of her recipes, but I can’t imagine a richer, more decadent, and more delicious way to start my day than with a hunk of this stuff. Making this recipe was an interesting exercise in editing. I found it on the Food Network website, where, last time I checked, the recipe had 1,277 comments. While the overall rating of the recipe was 5 stars out of a possible 5, fans had lots to say about how to improve or tweak this dish for the…
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WiNKELF
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OOAK Green Dragon Barette
20 Nov 2009 | 10:30 pmThis 4 long french clip barrette is 2 3/4 tall and looks like an old brick wall. The bricks have a pitted texture and perched atop the wall waits a mischievous dragon with amber colored glass eyes that seem to follow you from side to side. His finely scaled skin seems to shimmer with blues greens and yellow. His dark green wings have brown edges and fine veining. The dragon is an OOAK polymer clay creation made without the use of molds. I did use a texture stamp I made myself for the bricks. Thi -
Fenghuang
20 Nov 2009 | 10:00 pmTony Allen writes in The Mythic Beastiary There was no sight that gladdened the heart of a Chinese emperor more than a fenghuang. The birds were propitious appearing only in times of prosperity and peace. He adds Their presence was a sign that the ruler through his judiciousness and wisdom had won the approval of the gods. The fenghuang symbolizes harmony. It balances the forces of yin and yang in its own body. My representation of this fantastic bird was crafted from polymer clay without the us -
Turquoise and Brown Hair Bow
20 Nov 2009 | 9:30 pmThis is a hair bow made with 1 1/2 inch turquoise and brown striped grosgrain ribbon. The bow measures about 4 inches across. The bow is attached to partially lined alligator clip and all the ends have been heat sealed to prevent fraying. If you prefer fully lined clips or if you would like no slip grippie at no additional charge please note either or both options in the notes to seller section when you check out. All my bows will come clipped to a card making them suitable for gift giving. I am -
Black and White Soccer Ponytail Holder
20 Nov 2009 | 8:30 pmIf it doesn't have a daisy it's not a Dazie All Dazie bows have a daisy on the back of the bow. Black and White Soccer Ponytail Holder. -
Set of 3 PINKS and GREENS Infant Baby Snap Clips
20 Nov 2009 | 8:10 pmWhat an adorable set of snap clips for spring and summer Tiny snap clips for your baby lined with coordinating grosgrain ribbon in pinks and greens. Super sweet These clippies are 1.25 inches long the perfect size for babies or toddlers. The 3rd picture shows the size comparison between the snap clips and the usual hair clip. All my bows will come clipped to a card making them suitable for gift giving. I am more than happy to do custom work for you so please let me know if there is something tha
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FaveCrafts
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Get Paid for Crafting
20 Nov 2009 | 4:26 pmSubmit your craft projects to FaveCrafts and get paid. -
Christmas Craft Fairs
20 Nov 2009 | 3:48 pmChristmas craft fairs are wonderful events, full of holiday cheer, handmade festivity and hopefully, plenty of mulled wine. Here are some reasons to attend Christmas craft fairs and tips for selling. -
Friends
19 Nov 2009 | 10:10 amCozy on up with your friends and start your cross stitch. This friends pattern is cute with its little heart teacups and flowers. This would make for a great apron. -
Luv Your Cross Stitch
19 Nov 2009 | 9:18 amThis luv pattern is great to embellish small things like a purse or a pillow. Using a size 24 tapestry needle you can have this free cross stitch all to yourself. This also makes for a cute birthday gift for a little girl. -
Cute Winter Snow Bear
19 Nov 2009 | 9:00 amEmbellish a pillow with this beautiful free cross stitch pattern. A cute winter snow bear is perfect for the winter season. Makes for great home decor. It's stitched on 14-count white aida.
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FaveCrafts Blog
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Craft for a Cause: Pine Ridge Reservation
20 Nov 2009 | 6:30 amAround the holidays, it’s easy to focus on the excitement surrounding family gatherings and gift giving; hoping Santa brings you exactly what you wanted this year. And in the crafting world, it’s easy to focus on the crafts we’ll create for our loved ones - for grandma, sister and best friend. Naturally, we focus our energy on ourselves and the people we love during the holiday season. If we pay attention, the holidays also remind us of the stark difference between a privileged life vs. an unprivileged life. Some families don’t get excited about Christmas for the same… -
Product Review and Giveaway: Nunn Designs Jewelry Findings Sampler
20 Nov 2009 | 3:00 amThis jewelry findings sampler kit includes five focal charms which are meant to be filled. Use photos, crafty inserts such as Friendly Plastic or select one of the color images from the sheet included in the kit. Create a necklace or bracelet with the links, chains, pins and other findings included in the kit. Learn more and enter to win the jewelry findings kit here. Contest ends December 4, 2009. You can enter once daily, so return often to improve your chances of winning! This is a post from: FaveCraftsBlog Product Review and Giveaway: Nunn Designs Jewelry Findings Sampler Related… -
35 Days Till Christmas: Crafts for Entertaining
20 Nov 2009 | 3:00 amMany of you will have guests this holiday season. Whether you are hosting all 20 cousins or just a few friends for a dinner party, you want your guests to feel comfortable and have fun visiting your home. Homemade decorations are a great way to create a festive environment at low cost. I have picked out some some crafts specifically for Christmas entertaining. Here are my favorite five Christmas crafts for entertaining this season: Sparkling Snowflake Tray- Serve up egg nog, gingerbread cookie and other Christmas treats on this sparkling snowflake tray. This tray is quick and easy to make… -
Guest Post: Home is Where the Art Is
19 Nov 2009 | 3:00 pmBy Lynn Toomey for DivineCaroline We recommend that as parents you make your home a creative, colorful environment where exploration and curiosity is embraced. This is when the “magic” of creativity really happens. You don’t have to consider yourself creative or artistic in order to do this for your child. It’s easy. So lose the electronics and engage in a delightful pastime sure to be perennially popular with the whole family. How often do you find that kind of universal palette pleaser? Here are some proven ideas to inspire you: Be an Example: Let your own creativity… -
22 Free Crochet Patterns Roundup
19 Nov 2009 | 8:02 amWho doesn’t like crocheting? It’s one of the most popular hobbies at the moment and who wouldn’t want to make crochet patterns? There are so many free crochet patterns out there, you just have to find what matches your personality best. The fall season is here even though it hasn’t felt like it yet, but the cold weather is on it’s way and soon enough it’ll be snowing. Who wants to think about that, I know. But now is the time to prepare yourself. Start making those cozy warm afghans and sweaters to wrap yourself up in. They also make for great gifts. Here…
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My MiNuTia
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Victorious Medals Workshoppin'
20 Nov 2009 | 8:27 amThis year I taught two workshops (same one twice). It was a full house in that room! I was so impressed at what direction the students took with their Victorious Medals Swags. Here are a few peeks at their works in progress: "Noble" will be added to a ribbon. This gal "get's" it doesn't she though? Great word choice. We used Jenni Bowlin Studio Rub Ons, to customize things. Thanks Jenni for your generosity! Here is the classic Jenn Hayslip garland in progress. Gorgeous! Love this rich and refined color combo: This green makes me go ga-gaaaaa:… -
So we did a bit of shopping before Silver Bella
18 Nov 2009 | 4:48 pmOn Thursday morning, some of the teachers headed out to do some antiquing. It's always fun to shop in another part of the country, right? Kaari and Charlotte (top), Kaari and Heather (bottom left)Pam and Charlotte (left), Dawn (center), and Rebecca (right) modeling some huge fur gloves! Pam, Charlotte, Rebecca and I. Kelly and Cori. I loved how this photo turned out. With models like these, how could I not take a bad photo? So photogenic.Here's a few shots of my gatherings from the day. Nothing too amazing purchased (well except for that… -
I had the time of my life and I owe it all to you-oo...
17 Nov 2009 | 8:25 am(pardon my Patrick Swayze moment there) but Silver Bella was amazing this year...I think every year it can't possibly get better. This year it did, and it was with the help, blessing, smiles and hard work of so many. The students and instructors...all incredible! Wow. I'm still soaking it all in, but have some photos to share.Let's just start at the beginning. A few shots of the Welcome Center. That Sassy did a marvelous, sparkly winter wonderland theme. Her snowflake like garland:For details on how to make them, she says to just Google "Finnish Snowflakes". The huge… -
More than 700 miles later
8 Nov 2009 | 4:44 pmand the cross country season's come to a close. She finished her freshman year! Pretty hard to believe. Another beautiful day for a meet. This was a funny looking photo. She was jumping, but it looks like she's in mid-air or something. I always love the looks on their faces right before the gun goes off... Congrats girls, on a great year! -
A quick hello
5 Nov 2009 | 12:10 pmand a lil peek at a project that's almost done. I've loved this quote for forever: This was taken with my phone (no time to drag out the camera). Things are ever busy at Silver Bella HQ...which is the best feeling. This time next week we will be kicking off the best and the biggest art weekend in the midwest! Gaaaaaaaaaaa!!!! I can't even believe it's almost here! Locals can still get tickets to Bella Market! Order those here. For a complete list of the vendors, go here.Hoping to pop in again in this next week. I can't wait to show you my Workshop Kits. We'll see.
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My MiNuTia
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Victorious Medals Workshoppin'
20 Nov 2009 | 8:27 amThis year I taught two workshops (same one twice). It was a full house in that room! I was so impressed at what direction the students took with their Victorious Medals Swags. Here are a few peeks at their works in progress: "Noble" will be added to a ribbon. This gal "get's" it doesn't she though? Great word choice. We used Jenni Bowlin Studio Rub Ons, to customize things. Thanks Jenni for your generosity! Here is the classic Jenn Hayslip garland in progress. Gorgeous! Love this rich and refined color combo: This green makes me go ga-gaaaaa:… -
So we did a bit of shopping before Silver Bella
18 Nov 2009 | 4:48 pmOn Thursday morning, some of the teachers headed out to do some antiquing. It's always fun to shop in another part of the country, right? Kaari and Charlotte (top), Kaari and Heather (bottom left)Pam and Charlotte (left), Dawn (center), and Rebecca (right) modeling some huge fur gloves! Pam, Charlotte, Rebecca and I. Kelly and Cori. I loved how this photo turned out. With models like these, how could I not take a bad photo? So photogenic.Here's a few shots of my gatherings from the day. Nothing too amazing purchased (well except for that… -
I had the time of my life and I owe it all to you-oo...
17 Nov 2009 | 8:25 am(pardon my Patrick Swayze moment there) but Silver Bella was amazing this year...I think every year it can't possibly get better. This year it did, and it was with the help, blessing, smiles and hard work of so many. The students and instructors...all incredible! Wow. I'm still soaking it all in, but have some photos to share.Let's just start at the beginning. A few shots of the Welcome Center. That Sassy did a marvelous, sparkly winter wonderland theme. Her snowflake like garland:For details on how to make them, she says to just Google "Finnish Snowflakes". The huge… -
More than 700 miles later
8 Nov 2009 | 4:44 pmand the cross country season's come to a close. She finished her freshman year! Pretty hard to believe. Another beautiful day for a meet. This was a funny looking photo. She was jumping, but it looks like she's in mid-air or something. I always love the looks on their faces right before the gun goes off... Congrats girls, on a great year! -
A quick hello
5 Nov 2009 | 12:10 pmand a lil peek at a project that's almost done. I've loved this quote for forever: This was taken with my phone (no time to drag out the camera). Things are ever busy at Silver Bella HQ...which is the best feeling. This time next week we will be kicking off the best and the biggest art weekend in the midwest! Gaaaaaaaaaaa!!!! I can't even believe it's almost here! Locals can still get tickets to Bella Market! Order those here. For a complete list of the vendors, go here.Hoping to pop in again in this next week. I can't wait to show you my Workshop Kits. We'll see.
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Always Kawaii
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Printables set – Gingerbread Pals
10 Nov 2009 | 8:50 amI just added this Printables set – Gingerbread Pals to my shop! Pre-designed printables such as note cards, gift bags, gift tags, wrappers and so much more for you to print right from the comfort of your own home. You can be creative simply by using your computer and printer to make fun crafts and wonderful [...] -
Advent Calendar from Muffin Tin
8 Nov 2009 | 1:28 pmShare this on del.icio.usDigg this!Share this on RedditBuzz up!Stumble upon something good? Share it on StumbleUponShare this on TechnoratiTweet This! -
Christmas Craft Idea
31 Oct 2009 | 11:37 amI found this nice craft idea from Amy at flickr ,it uses patterned paper, buttons and pins to make trees or ornaments. Beautiful! Share this on del.icio.usDigg this!Share this on RedditBuzz up!Stumble upon something good? Share it on StumbleUponShare this on TechnoratiTweet This! -
Printable Halloween Favor Box
26 Oct 2009 | 11:56 pmFind these adorable printable halloween favor boxes on Cottage Industrialist Share this on del.icio.usDigg this!Share this on RedditBuzz up!Stumble upon something good? Share it on StumbleUponShare this on TechnoratiTweet This! -
Halloween fondant pumpkin tutorial
19 Oct 2009 | 5:41 amThese are easy to make and don’t require any equipment beyond fondant, orange dye and toothpicks. (And green and brown dye if you want to make stalks, leaves and vines.) Read the tutorial here ! Share this on del.icio.usDigg this!Share this on RedditBuzz up!Stumble upon something good? Share it on StumbleUponShare this on TechnoratiTweet This!
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Life as Me
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Ahem
18 Nov 2009 | 6:29 pmBack online and i'm loving it!All moved house now, almost unpacked and many changes have taken place in our lives...all of which will be revealed soon as I catch my breath with it all.The blog is undoing some css facelifting after deciding to stay with them until further notice so thats why its looking a bit erm bare?So much to tell, so much to share and so much to show.....bookmark me and come back soon, i'll be updating on Friday and revealing the next competition!! ;)~*~Debs~*~ -
Typepad v Blogger
5 Oct 2009 | 4:57 pmI've been stressing over the lack of my personality on this blog pretty much since I decided to switch from blogger to typepad and while typepad is a very good host with lots of wonderful things I just dont think it is really what I want. Yes there are some fun backgrounds but nothing that I can edit/adapt to my style/needs. I want to choose what my blog looks like, what is on the sidebars, what the title bars look like etc and unless I am prepared to learn CSS I am pretty much dictated to by typepads own contribution. Call me ungrateful but i'm paying for this blog, and while the service is… -
The best lunch boxes ever!! :)
5 Oct 2009 | 4:43 pmLast week Charley started staying at schools for lunch. This has always been a challenge for me because I like to watch over when he eats because far too often he is just too eager to get onto the next thing and often food is the first thing to be raced through. Then I had an idea as I was working through what foods to actually put in his lunch box to entice him to finish up. (How did my lil dude get to be so grown up anyway?)So whilst browsing Tesco for some healthy but fun snacks I decided that I can do this pretty easily, cheap and more attractive and with less wastage at the end of it. -
13 Articles of Faith
5 Oct 2009 | 4:18 amTaken from About In 1842, the Prophet Joseph Smith wrote 13 brief statements summarizing some of the basic doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He then delivered the statements to Mr. John Wentworth, publisher of the Chicago Democrat, for publication. However, the statements were never published in the Chicago Democrat. They were instead published in the March edition of the Church newspaper, Times and Seasons. Then, in 1851, the articles were published in the first edition of the Pearl of Great Price and became official doctrine of the Church in 1880 when the Pearl… -
Today is a good day :)
1 Oct 2009 | 4:16 pmOriginally I was going to post 41 facts about me today, given that its my 41st birthday.But today is my total day of rest. Ok, I am going back to bed after waking up with one cracking headache that feels like i'm being electricuted! So i'm not going to post, much.The kids have plans. Not sure what yet but I have been informed to steer clear of the back of the manor for a few hours.I'm not worrying though. Charley is in school and i'm going to my bed to die for a while.Maybe i'll do the 41 facts later.If I live.~*~Debs~*~
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Dude Craft
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Luke Butler's Star Trek Paintings
20 Nov 2009 | 9:01 pmWhat's that noise? Oh, it's my fanboy-geek alarm, obviously set off by this series of schweet Star Trek paintings by Luke Butler. See the rest of the set over on SprayBlog. -
My Mom Featured on CraftyPod
20 Nov 2009 | 3:48 pmMy mom is blowing up the blogosphere again, this time with her Pine Cone Turkey project, being featured over on CraftyPod. Cute, huh? Now, I ask you, who wouldn't want a pine cone turkey for their Thanksgiving table? Click on over there and get busy! -
Christoph Niemann's Unusual Varieties
20 Nov 2009 | 7:25 amI'm loving Illustrator, Christoph Niemann's leaf series that is featured over at the Jailbreak blog this morning. Niemann, a prolific children's book illustartor and New York Times contributor appears to be "branching out" (ouch) into other media. Makes me really wish a Millenium Falcon tree was real. linkvia flavorwire -
Cathe Holden's Gift Making Guide
20 Nov 2009 | 5:36 amI'm sure, at this point, you have already begun to think about the handmade projects that you are going to attempt for this holiday season. Perhaps you are wracking your brain trying to remember all the cool projects you saw this year or clicking through vague links in your bookmark list one by one. Well, you can stop now because Cathe Holden has just gathered forty-two (forty-two!) of the great projects from her blog, Just Something I Made into one big post, and there's something here for everybody. Oh, did I mention it's FREE? Dig in, people. -
Crazy 3D Pool Art
19 Nov 2009 | 1:09 pmRobert Vogland creates some pretty spectacular Trompe L'oeil swimming pool art. Working without a single power tool, he crafts each piece using a mosaic technique of his own devising. Spectacular, no? See the whole gallery here.
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Etsy Shop for urartist
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FOUR SEASONS, Welcoming Winter - Original Acrylic on Canvas Painting w/ Certificate, ACEO, Mniniature Art
20 Nov 2009 | 1:53 pm$39.00 I want to welcome youInstead of being blueThe fluffy snow you bringMakes my heart singSo here's a cheerTo a lovely winterInspired by the poem I penned this winter.The entire painting and finishing process took almost a whole day. It may be small but it's intricate details makes it a masterpiece on its own.Acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas.Size is 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 inches. An ACEO (Art Cards Editions & Originals).Coated with triple layers of archival UVLS (ultra-violet light shield) finish spray.Packaged professionally.Certificate of Authenticity enclosed.This lovely artwork comes… -
FOUR SEASONS, An Autumn to Remember - Original Acrylic on Canvas Painting w/ Certificate, ACEO, Mniniature Art
19 Nov 2009 | 9:04 am$39.00 This is our first fall in our new home. I wanted to capture, not just the colors, but the memories within every shade.Painted today, inspired by the beautiful fall colors as seen from our backyard. The entire painting and finishing process took almost a whole day. I painted gold acrylic paints as an accent.It may be small but it's intricate details makes it a masterpiece on its own.Acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas.Size is 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 inches. An ACEO (Art Cards Editions & Originals).Coated with triple layers of archival UVLS (ultra-violet light shield) finish spray.Packaged… -
Lush Green and Sparkling Red Crocheted Coasters - Set of Two
13 Nov 2009 | 6:12 am$18.00 From my 'Modern Must Have' Crochet Series.Brighten up your home with these modern upcycled coasters. Durable acrylic yarn is crocheted over and inside hard plastic coasters (sanitized and cleaned thoroughly). A great conversation piece, one would wonder how it was made. Durable yet lightweight.Coaster's diameter is about 4 inch and depth is about an inch.Use it also to store jewelries, keys, clips or just about anything that needs to be stored and organized.It's a must have you shouldn't live without. -
Trees on the Valley - Luxurious Wool Chunky Crochet Scarflette, Cowl, Neckwarmer
9 Nov 2009 | 12:42 pm$33.00 ~~~Be among the first to own these original creations, soon to be featured in a Book!~~~Make ordinary days special with this beautiful neckwarmer. An original design. A lovely hand embroidery of trees and mountains makes this piece truly one of a kind. Hand crocheted with luxurious blended wool. Closes with two sets of ties with lovely round ends. Be creative, loop the ties in different positions and create your own style.This is yet to be the most affordable luxury women must have. Can be worn in so many ways - it's like having multiple neck pieces. Fits women of all… -
Thank You, Thanksgiving Limited Edition Art Print
7 Nov 2009 | 7:36 am$9.00 What better way to express gratitude than with a fine piece of art. Perfect gift for anyone, for any occasion.Fine art print of my watercolor painting 'Thank You'.Each letter in the phrase 'Thank You' was illustrated with related images:T - TreeH - HouseA - AbacusN - NightK - KangarooY - YolkO - O CerealU - Utensils. - daisy as period/ dot.This is a 5 x 7 print on 8 x 10 acid-free artist stock. This will look great matted and framed. This fine art print is limited to 250 editions.Each print is sprayed with archival spray with UVLS (ultraviolet light stabilizers) for…
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Keiki Gifts, Crafts & Activities
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Homemade Lemonade
9 Nov 2009 | 12:00 pmA fun and timeless drink recipe that the kids will enjoy making and love drinking! Homemade Lemonade 6 Lemons 1 Cup Sugar 6 Cups Cold Water Squeeze the lemons to make 1 cup of juice. Hint: Firmly roll the lemons between your hand and counter top before cutting in half and juicing. In a gallon pitcher combine 1 cup lemon juice, 1 cup sugar and 6 cups of cold water. Stir. Adjust water to taste. Chill and serve with ice. Technorati Tags: homemade lemonade recipe, Keiki Activities, Tutorial -
How To Brush Your Teeth
3 Nov 2009 | 1:11 pmHow To Brush Your Teeth 1. Rub 10 times on left hand teeth. 2. Rub 10 times on right hand teeth. 3. Rub 10 times front teeth. 4. Clamp your teeth then rub 10 times. 5. Do every one once more. 6. Do behind your teeth 10 times. 7. Brush your tongue. 8. Then brush 3 to 2 times. 9. Floss Thada Technorati Tags: Brush Teeth -
Handmade Superhero Note Cards
21 Oct 2009 | 3:22 pmHere are superhero note cards that I made from my child’s drawings. No need to spend a lot of time on making these. The images come from your child’s imagination and you can embellish it just a bit. These multi-purpose cards come in handy. It’s also a fun way to share your child’s work. These are the materials I used: Superhero Drawing by KAT * Card Stock * Decorative Paper * Colored Pencils * Glue Stick * Glitter Glue * Fun and Imagination Technorati Tags: handmade note cards, kids craft, paper crafts -
Halloween Costume Patterns
17 Oct 2009 | 2:15 amAre you still looking for your child’s Halloween costume? I am! The kids have a costume parade at their school every year and it’s great to see the creative costume ideas. I especially like the handmade costumes. I like looking at blogs and web sites for pattern ideas. You Can Make This has costume patterns and accessory patterns to download. I have a witch to dress this year and a lion and while it would be easier to go to the store and pick up a costume, maybe this year I’ll put my sewing machine to work and come up with something a little more unique. Technorati Tags:… -
Embellished Mini Photo Albums
16 Oct 2009 | 1:37 pmHere are mini photo albums that I embellished using Creativity for Kids Photos and Friends Party Pack Decorative paper Buttons and Beads Ribbons Double side stick tape The party pack is a party favor kit that kids (or adults) can decorate and it includes the following mini photo albums and key chains, stickers and thank you postcards. The kids decorated the photo albums in the “traditional” way using the foam stickers provided in the party pack but I wanted to cover my entire plastic album. To decorate the photo album I used the same steps as I would to cover a composition book.
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Make it Do
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Homemade Rolls for Thanksgiving
20 Nov 2009 | 3:00 amOne of the things that really seems to daunt home cooks is making homemade rolls. But many recipes are actually quite easy, and there is nothing quite so good as hot rolls right out of the oven. This recipe for crescent rolls has been a staple at my family’s Thanksgiving table for many years. They are light and the crescent shape is elegant enough for a special occasion. Here’s the recipe: Mom’s Crescent Rolls 2 Tbsp. dry active yeast 1/2 cup warm water 1/2 cup butter 1 cup milk 1/2 cup sugar 1 tsp. salt 3 beaten eggs 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 cups all-purpose or bread flour… -
Make it Do Gift: Peppermint Popcorn
19 Nov 2009 | 3:00 amThis gift idea that doesn’t cost much and is so easy to make. It’s Peppermint Popcorn. After receiving a bag for Christmas last year, my husband asked me to figure out how to make it. I took the recipe for White Chocolate Popcorn, and simply added the crushed candy cane… and the result was festive and very yummy. Here’s the recipe: 1/2 cup unpopped popcorn (16 cups popped) 2 cups white chocolate chips 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy canes 1. Start by popping 1/2 cup of popcorn. I use an air popper and 1/2 cup is the size of my measuring cup on the lid. … -
A Game for Thanksgiving
18 Nov 2009 | 3:00 amSince our kids were little, we’ve bought a game each year for Thanksgiving. It was a tradition that came from my husband’s family. His grandparents gave them a new game every year when they came for Thanksgiving dinner. Since everyone is on a holiday from school and work, a new game is always a hit over the long weekend and perfect cold weather entertainment. Here are a few of our favorites: Blokus is pretty much our favorite game. It appealed to our kids when they were as young as 5, and to my husband and I as well. There aren’t a lot of games that can span that age… -
Giving Thanks
17 Nov 2009 | 3:00 amThere are lots of ways to express gratitude. But I sometimes I need an exercise, something visual, to help me really think about the things that matter to me most. The answer this year was a Gratitude Tree. It all started with a need to prune my Contorted Filbert Tree. It was blocking the pathway next to our home. Yay, I thought. That’s one of the reasons I bought the tree almost 7 years ago, so one day it would need to be pruned, and I could bring the limbs in the house to decorate with. I cut down the crooked limbs, removed the leaves from the branches. And placed them in my… -
Make it Do Gift: Felt Poinsettia
16 Nov 2009 | 3:00 amYesterday, my girls and I were working on a few Christmas gifts for their friends. One thing led to another and I found myself making yet another flower pin. This time a Poinsettia. I loved this project and ended up making two for my girls, and plan on making more. They are perfect as a broach or as a hair clip. Here’s what you will need: Small amount of red wool felt (I used scraps from another project.) Very small amount of green wool felt (also scraps) button pin or hair clip freezer paper template here is my simple template, but I also found this wonderful template from…
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Merriment Design
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Scrabble Letters Word Book for Kids
12 Nov 2009 | 11:46 amMy coworker Danielle recently came back to work after the birth to her first child, son Otto James. We work together at a web design company in an industrial part of Chicago near Oprah’s TV studio and the legendary Chicago meat markets. So I thought it would be fun to make a book for Otto called “Where My Mommy Works” using photos of objects both inside our office as well as around our unique neighborhood, spelling out the words using Scrabble board game pieces. I was inspired by others who have made personalized word books in the past (like this one by Non Dairy Diary and… -
Gathered Dust Ruffle Bed Skirt for Cribs and Toddler Beds
31 Oct 2009 | 2:49 pmWe’re in the middle of converting our den into a baby’s room. We’re keeping it simple — borrowed our niece Madison’s crib, kept the room painted light gray — and have begun accenting with oodles of girly fabric. This project focuses on how to make a dust ruffle bed skirt for a crib or toddler bed. Below is what the crib looked like before… Voila! All the extra diapers, humidifier and accessories are now hidden under a wall of pink below… The biggest challenge making this dust ruffle project is dealing with the volumes of fabric. But overall,… -
Paper and Fabric Leaf Fall Wreath
14 Oct 2009 | 7:35 amHappy Fall! I love this time of year …changing leaves, football, pumpkins, cider, late-afternoon sunshine, scarves. And fun fall crafting, of course. This paper wreath took me all of about 15 minutes to make because I started with the fabric wreath base I made last year for the Polaroid urban photo wreath. Below I’ve included full instructions but it’s worth bearing in mind that once you make the fabric base you can just switch out elements year after year to make a totally new wreath. Alternatively, you can buy a kit that contains leaves and a wire wreath, but I like the… -
Planes, Trains and Automobiles Burp Cloths
12 Oct 2009 | 3:52 pmHere’s an easy, fun and practical gift for new arrivals: Planes, Trains and Automobiles burp cloths. Friends Tamara and Jon recently welcomed Lucas, little brother to adorable Sienna, and I made these especially for him. Now while this craft has little to do with the classic movie, the idea of using it as a theme made me smile anyway. I reused my airplane shape for this project and drew two new shapes for the car and train. One sewn, I rolled each burp cloth and wrapped with an orange satin ribbon. Del Griffith would be proud. Supplies: Kathy’s free planes, trains and automobiles… -
Australian Weet-Bix Banana Chocolate Chunk Muffins
6 Oct 2009 | 7:19 pmIt’s been 10 years now since I lived in Sydney, Australia. Recently we received a gift box (yay!) filled with heaps of Australian beer and food – including my favorite biscuits, Arnott’s shortbreads – as well as a box of Weet-Bix, self-proclaimed “Australia’s favourite cereal.” Never a huge milk and Weet-Bix breakfast fan, I thought I’d try to make a recipe using Weet-Bix as a primary ingredient instead. This muffin recipe adaptation is based on an Artarmon Public School original and subsequent comments at Taste.com.au. It’s a rainy day in Chicago, the perfect type to…
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handmade charlotte
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Etsy Finds: French Vintage via My Red Boots
20 Nov 2009 | 3:45 amEtsy seller My Red Boots has a beautiful collection of vintage items for children, mostly found while scouring flea markets and yard sales in and around Strasbourg, France, where she lives. She has... -
Gorrinucha Piggy Bank
19 Nov 2009 | 11:50 amThe Gorrinucha piggy bank was designed by Milrayas & Ceramics San Gines for a contest in Spain. Originally it was never planned to be put into production, but the demand has been so high that... -
Children’s Furniture from Biscuit
18 Nov 2009 | 12:08 pmChildren’s furniture from Biscuit, inspired by the idea of children playing with a cardboard box longer than the toy it once contained. Related posts:Vintage Swedish Furniture for ChildrenVintage... -
Spanish Playground Creates A Startling Aerial View
16 Nov 2009 | 6:39 pmParque Gulliver, located in Valencia Spain, is a playground based around the figure of the mythical Gulliver, tied to the ground by the inhabitants of Lilliput. Gulliver’s body morphs into slides,... -
Classic School Desk Revisited
16 Nov 2009 | 6:20 pmDutch design firm Wurk took a break from designing office furniture to create these playful variations on the classic school desk. The Wurkchair turns the seat back parallel to the floor,...
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Flower Girl Designs Collection
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My Life. In Pictures. Day 3
18 Nov 2009 | 10:51 amAmber from Everything Except the Grill is hosting My Life. In Pictures. Today's picture is Touch. I wasn't sure what I was going to take a picture of today for Touch. My cat was sitting by my computer as I was going through a list in my head and looking so sweet. So, here is Sabrina, she is 11 years old and part of the family. She has a wonderful soft coat, but as I took the picture I noticed she is getting some gray hair, but shhh I didn't tell her. HaHa -
My Life. In Pictures Round 3
17 Nov 2009 | 11:03 amAmber is hosting Round 3 of My Life. In Pictures. this week at Everything Except the Grill. This time we are taking pictures of the Five Senses, today's picture is hearing. My picture is of my beautiful Parisian Frilled Canary, I love to listen to him sing, it is so relaxing! -
Holiday Fabric Banner
10 Nov 2009 | 2:18 pmThis is a Holiday Banner, I made up with my Accuquilt Cutter. It was so much fun and easy to make, with the cutter. I plan on cutting many more for friends and family to sew up. -
Hand Sanitizer Cover and Card Holder pdf Pattern
3 Nov 2009 | 7:04 amNow that it is cold and flu season, I always carry a bottle of hand sanitizer and it is usually at the bottom of my bag. I made up this pattern, so I can hang the hand sanitizer on the outside of my bag. The pattern also, has a card holder; they both could be used on a key ring too. You can find the pdf pattern in my Etsy Shop. -
Accuquilt Studio Fabric Cutter
31 Oct 2009 | 10:31 amI just purchased an Accuquilt Studio Fabric Cutter and I love it. I got it a few days ago and I have been doing lots of cutting, it works great. I read about it in a magzine then I checked out their web site, watched all their videos and read all the reviews. I was still wondering if it works as good as their site said it would and yes, it cuts great, everything comes out perfect. Everyone I talked to at the company was wonderful, so helpful and happy to answer all my questions. The picture below is some of the appliques I cut out, I could never with scissors cut them out so perfect.
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Cucumbersome
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Japanese Masking Tape + Eva
13 Nov 2009 | 11:47 amLooking for a reason to buy some (more) Japanese masking tape? Yeah, me too. I covered these tiny binder clips with some of the tape and they are pretty adorable. Almost makes me want to get organized. Almost. Maybe these would help, too: These clothes pins made by Whitney of Whisker Graphics remind me of ones by SusyJack. Whitney also used the tape to label her files. The very clever Merilee of Mer Mag made these great invites: And while we’re on the subject of garlands: These decorations from Project Wedding (they have great party ideas even if you’re not getting married) use… -
Grey Suede Shoes
4 Nov 2009 | 11:45 amJust wanted to share this great tutorial that I used to make these tiny baby shoes for Piper. The easy-to-follow tutorial took me about one hour from start to finish and was generously provided by Joanna of Stardust Shoes. I want to make more, maybe with some cuter fabric. I used really soft white leather for the soles (left over from this necklace project) instead of the bonded fleece recommended, which worked out quite well. So if you are looking for a baby gift and have a bit of sewing experience, check it out. I wonder if I could convert the pattern and make some slippers for… -
Downsizing
2 Nov 2009 | 6:43 amI’ll admit it. I get a little emotionally attached to clothes. It’s not like I cry each time a sock goes missing (although that sure does happen a lot), but I have a tendency to hold on to things past their prime if I have fond memories associated with them. This skirt is a prime example. The eyelet had ripped off in one area and I had stitched it back on. The lining was threadbare in places, and a couple of the side seams were starting to pull apart. I have had this skirt for at least five years, three summers of which I wore it to death. It served me well in Mexico because it… -
Small Luggage
30 Oct 2009 | 7:40 amThis post is a little homage to The Darjeeling Limited, because the Louis Vuitton collection of luggage featured in the movie would be ideal. Number four (of eleven), shown above, is just what I have been looking for. But, alas! These were auctioned off, likely for many thousands of dollars. So I must look elsewhere. Here are the runners-up: Clockwise from top left: Billykirk Waxed Cotton Leather Tote, $356; Warsaw Bowler Bag, $85; Carga Industrial Felt Weekender, $345; The Brothers Bray & Co Weekender, $98. Clockwise from top left: Billykirk Mason Bag in Striped Ticking/Black Leather,… -
A Two-Part Plan
24 Sep 2009 | 1:46 pmMy ideas are often a little too grandiose for my skill set. Seriously. I have these projects stuck in my head, and no clue how to follow through. Instead of taking the time to learn, I tend to run ahead to the next project, leaving behind a messy path of tools and supplies. Not good (especially in a tiny apartment - I wasn’t kidding about the messy part). I have a two-part plan. Part one: organize. Part two: learn some real skills. Part one has been sort of dull, just sorting my woven fabrics from my knits and that kind of thing. I’ll spare you the details. Part two is definitely…
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Aileen's Musings
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Erosion Bundle Project
20 Nov 2009 | 1:49 pmI'm participating in a creative challenge calledThe Erosion Bundle Project. The idea was borrowed from Seth at the Altered Page.The idea is to create small bundles out of whatever you like (paper, metal, cloth etc.) then hang, bury or submerge your bundles and watch mother nature have her way with them. The due date for hanging your bundles is Jan. 1, 2010. We have such mild winters here in California that I decided to get mine now so they could have longer out in the weather. We'll then remove take pictures of their progress along the way and remove them April 15th, 2010. Once we remove our… -
Freebie Vintage Images
19 Nov 2009 | 7:03 pmIt's been awhile since I've added new freebie images so here you go:Click HERE to view freebie images--download, save and print them to use in your art.Visit my Zazzle Store &view my newest additions! -
Felt Christmas Banners Galore!
19 Nov 2009 | 6:09 amSorry so quiet I've been sick and finally this morning I'm feeling half way normal again...whew~ I hope your not getting too tired of all these felt banners, but I'm trying to get as many made before the Christmas boutique. Here's a couple more I had done but finally took pictures of. The great thing is that I'm able to use up bits and pieces of Christmas embellishments left over from the last several years.Visit my Zazzle Store &view my newest additions! -
Crafty Blogger Blurbs
16 Nov 2009 | 3:59 pmAbout Family Crafts Come play along with this Make-It-Over craft challenge! What can you make out of candy? This is a great way to use up any left over Halloween candy. About.com Cross Stitch Connie's added a new pattern collection - Four Ways to Say Peace. These designs will make great holiday ornaments. Cathie Filian Cathie shows you how to make a kids felt book. The book are perfect for airplane trips, car rides and rainy days. They make great gifts! Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world Over on the Craftside blog there are how-to ideas for casting and making a silver metal… -
Another Christmas Felt Banner Flag
11 Nov 2009 | 1:13 pmHere's another large size banner I finished. Click HERE to view my other bannersVisit my Zazzle Store &view my newest additions!
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Stained glass and art glass patterns, designs, supplies and classes
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Church Restores 110-Year-Old Stained-Glass Window
17 Nov 2009 | 11:51 amChurch Restores 110-Year-Old Stained-Glass Window This week marks the completion of the six-month-long project to restore a Stamford, CT 110-year-old window that crowns the south transept of the Main Street church. The renovation of three stained glass windows at the church cost about $500,000, said Alison Chaltas, the senior warden at the church. Read the whole story here. -
Corning Museum of Glass Hosts Tiffany Exhibit
6 Nov 2009 | 8:12 amCorning Museum of Glass Hosts Tiffany Exhibit The exhibit, "Tiffany Treasures: Favrile Glass from Special Collections," opened this week and features nearly 60 hand-wrought pieces designed by Tiffany during what the museum calls one of Tiffany's most fertile periods of artistic ingenuity. The pieces on display were made at his glasshouse in Corona, a section of Queens, between 1895 and 1920. The decorative vases and functional vessels, including floral vases and cameo and Cypriot works, were made with Tiffany's signature Favrile glass, distinguished by its deeply toned, rich colors and often… -
American Glass Guild Scholarshipa Deadline Approaching
2 Nov 2009 | 4:00 pmAmerican Glass Guild Scholarship Deadline Approaching The deadline for the American Glass Guild's James C. Whitney Memorial Scholarship is fast approaching. All materials must be submitted by March 15th, 2010. The scholarship funds will be used to fully or partially pay for tuition in the areas of, training workshops, conference attendance, and fine arts classes related to a career in stained glass, both in the US and internationally. The scholarship monies will be sent directly to the class instructor, workshop, conference, or school. Learn more at the AGG site. -
Frank Lloyd Wright House Of Worship Open House
2 Nov 2009 | 11:32 amFrank Lloyd Wright House Of Worship Open House There will be an open house at one of the few Frank Lloyd Wright houses of worship on November 15 in Elkins Park, PA. Beth Sholom Congregation was Frank Lloyd Wright's only synagogue and the last project that he completed before his death. Here are some pictures from their site. -
Glass Craft & Bead Expo In Las Vegas
27 Oct 2009 | 10:25 amGlass Craft & Bead Expo In Las Vegas The Glass Craft & Bead Expo will be held at the South Point Hotel & Casino, located at 9777 Las Vegas Blvd, South on April 7th through the 11th 2010. Class and hotel registrations for the 2010 Glass Craft & Bead Expo is now open. More information can be found on the official web site.
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eleen.com
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Setting up shop
28 Oct 2009 | 9:50 pmI dare say that this has been one of the craziest busy weeks I’ve had in awhile! But I had to take some time out to share a little of the progress I’ve made inside the store. First, we had the walls painted! Goodbye yellow and pale green (not that we didn’t like you, just that you wouldn’t quite match our decor)… Hello, blank canvas white! We chose to go with Behr’s Interior Flat Enamel in Decorator White to keep it simple and let the focus be on the fun, colorful products we’ll be carrying. It’s amazing what a fresh coat of paint will do. The… -
Introducing…Modern Mouse!
22 Oct 2009 | 11:35 pmAll’s been a bit quiet on the home front over here lately, but it’s only because I’ve had some crazy exciting fun in the works! Ya see, the thing is…I’M OPENING SHOP! I’M OPENING SHOP! EEK!!! Yup it’s true. I hardly know where to start, but luckily this has all really only been brewing for…the past 17 days, if you count today. And if you count from the day I actually made my final decision to open up shop, then that narrows it down to 11 days. And heck if you count from the day that I signed the lease and got the keys placed in the palm of my… -
I Like Your Colors. My Artfire shop does too.
1 Oct 2009 | 9:17 amI’ve found a slew of new color tools, thanks to 99designs’ morning tweet about this awesome and very thorough blog post on Different Methods for Choosing Color Schemes in Web Design! In it, web design agency Vandelay Design introduces a great selection of tools and articles to help web designers generate color palettes for their design projects. The post highlights, among other things, online tools for: Researching color palettes made by other users or generated by you (I used a bunch of these during my wedding planning daze) Generating color schemes from photographs (I love the… -
Want a Big Fat Check? Try Ebates. For reals.
14 Sep 2009 | 10:02 amI’ve been telling my friends about Ebates since I first signed up in 2006, and having just received yet another cash back check from them in the mail, I thought I’d spread the word about them again! What is Ebates? Ebates is a website that helps you earn up to 25% (but usually more like 4-6%) cash back when you shop from any of their participating online retailers. All you have to do is sign up for an account (preferably through the link I keep providing so that you’ll oh-so-kindly help me earn a $5 referral fee if you do =), then begin your shopping session from their site. -
Name that color!
11 Sep 2009 | 10:30 amrainbow lorikeet photo by mrclean1982 This post is inspired by my friend and neighbor Adora, who sent me a note last night in which she happened to say: “My dream job is to name colors… like, colors of paint, nailpolish, lipstick, etc. My friends randomly point to objects and I tell them what color it is!” I had to pause at that and think: wow, that would be my nightmare job, cuz I’d be like, “Uuuuuh, that one is…dark green with sort of muddy brown undertones. And that one? Oh, that one’s more like bright green, slightly neonish maybe but not…
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Moda Bake Shop
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Journal Covers
18 Nov 2009 | 10:00 pmby Roslyn Mirrington of BloomJust in time for Christmas giving, cook up a journal cover (or ten!) from a single honey bun. The two covers in this tutorial are made from Minick & Simpson's elegant new line, Wiscasset.1 x 'Wiscasset' honey bun (Product code: 14640HB)1 x fat quarter of coordinating fabric for lininglightweight fusible fleece (I used Vilene H 630 made by Freudenberg)For Journal #1:12" coordinating ribbonDMC six strand embroidery floss in the following colours:#347 very dark salmon#611 drab brown#760 salmon#3750 very dark antique blueFor Journal #2:1 x fat eighth linen… -
Stripey Skinny Seasonal Table Runner & Stripey Tiny Tree Skirt
16 Nov 2009 | 4:00 amHi there! It's Melissa Mortenson from the Polkadot Chair, today I am going to share with you a tutorial for a Christmas Tree Skirt & Runner. I think this is my favorite project for Moda Bake Shop yet.Stop by my blog and say hi, ask me questions or let me know what you think!Do you have a cute little table top Christmas tree? Why not make a quick and easy tree skirt for it? Plus you will have enough fabric left in your honey bun to make this cute table runner to match!1 Figgy Pudding Honey Bun1 Figgy Pudding Turnover or Charm Pack1 Moda White Jelly Roll2 yds white fabric for backing1/4"… -
Gobble Gobble Challenge Winner
14 Nov 2009 | 7:09 amWe are happy to announce the Gobble Gobble Challenge Winner!Broobar wins the Grand Prize.. yeah!And Pat Sloan (http://www.patsloan.com/) has given 2 prizes to 'Jewel's Arm Candy'and another prize to 'TheaM1' We would like to thank All the people who entered quilts in the Gobble Gobble Challenge.You can view them over at the Flickr group (http://www.flickr.com/groups/1209315@N24/pool/ ) -
Jelly Roll Cover Up
10 Nov 2009 | 10:00 pmLike so many quilters today, I have an extension table attached to my sewing machine. So I designed a sewing machine cover using a Jelly Roll that can be adapted to fit any machine with or without an extension table.While my sewing machine is average in size, every machine has different measurements so please measure your sewing machine before you cut your strips. Featured Fabric Collection – Aster Manor by Three Sisters for ModaOne Moda Jelly Roll3/4 yard backing20” by 34” batting1/2 yard bindingSix buttons After measuring my sewing machine from end to end to determine the number of… -
Fabric Wreath
9 Nov 2009 | 5:01 am1 honey bun {essence by sandy gervais is featured.}12" wire wreath frame {found at your local craft store} yall will start by cutting your honey bun strips into 5 1/2" long strips.it's at this point where you can choose to leave the selvages on or not.{i left mine on this time.}note: feel free to use scissors because it doesn't have to be a real accurate 5 1/2" strip. basically what i did was take the already folded honey bun strip,fold it in half, then fold it in half again, and cut at the folds. pick a color pattern that you like.example: purple, red, cream, green, gold, aqua then cream…
