My Waxing Poetic class in Alexandria VA was moved to Feb 27th because of our giant winter storm last weekend. Here's the link to sign up and here's hoping that there's not another giant storm on the 27th!I am also excited to announce that I will be teaching at Creative Escape this August in Arizona! The lottery for registering for Creative Escape will be open ONLY until February 15, 2010. That's less than a week away! Check it out here so you don't miss it!MORE UPCOMING WORKSHOPS:February 18th & 19th - workshops in North Yorkshire EnglandA full day of Collage Discovery Workshop followed…
Crafts
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claudine hellmuth
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workshop updates
8 Feb 2010 | 7:14 pm -
snOMG! the Blizzard of 2010!
7 Feb 2010 | 4:24 pmI didn't think I'd be posting about another big DC snow storm so soon after our last one in December, but Old Man Winter managed to deliver an even bigger storm this time! We were very lucky that our power stayed on through the whole storm, some people are still waiting for power to come back.All over the Twitter-sphere the storm was tagged as #snOMG, #snOMGasm, #Snowcalypse, #Snowmageddon .... and my favorite #kaisersnowze for all you Usual Suspects fans out there.Here are a few photos we snapped from our camera phones of this historic snow!Poor Paul has no snow boots so we did the plastic… -
what happens next .. i don't know
4 Feb 2010 | 11:09 amIn November we got the news that Paul's office will be closing. We were told then that Paul and the other web staffers of The Guardian's DC office would continue working until Feb 5th. And after that, would officially a statistic of the recession.February 5th, seemed like a long way away, but Paul leapt into action immediately: resumes have been emailed like mad, networking like crazy, and even a few interviews.The cliche of saying it feels like a roller coaster ride is true. We are at the part in the ride where we are chugging up the steep hill, each day that has passed has moved us further… -
how to remove acrylic paint from your clothes
30 Jan 2010 | 2:10 pmA question I get asked over an over again is "how do you remove acrylic paint from your clothes?"All acrylic paints can be tricky to remove from your clothes once dry, but I have a little method that I'll share with you. While it's not foolproof - it works about 99% of the time. You can always give it a try! Hey your shirt already has paint on it, what's the worst that can happen!?Here's a jacket sleeve that I got a little bit of purple paint on. This purple is from my Claudine Hellmuth Studio line of paints. These paints were designed to be extra waterproof when dry so you can use them to… -
back from CHA
29 Jan 2010 | 10:37 amI am back from the CHA Show! What a fun and exhausting show it was! I compare CHA to summer camp. You get to see old friends, make new ones and there's never enough time to do it all.Here are some of the highlights:My product display at the Ranger booth.Purse I made using my Sticky Back Canvas.My demo table at the Ranger booth - the little blue bag is my collapsible water bucket!Me and my friend Carmi. She kept me sane and on schedule during the whole trip! She has lots of CHA updates on her blog. Don't miss them!Here's me doing my Make N Take bracelets on the first day of the show...... and…
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HELLOmynameisHeather
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When I'm Sixty-Four
8 Feb 2010 | 2:44 pmLook what Laura made for me. This is such a great idea. She took a silk purse from The Limited -- found on sale at TJMaxx or Marshall's(?) and heatherized it with handmade silk flowers and vintage buttons. I love... -
Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner
6 Feb 2010 | 3:43 pmEffie & Ollie are feeling the Valentine's-Day love. Today is office-chair day. We've hopped from one store to the next, gathering up enough chairs to outfit my new studio. It's amazing how much time it takes to finish each little... -
The Vintage Pearl
26 Jan 2010 | 12:53 pmWhen Erin offered to make me one of her silver, hand-stamped necklaces, I was all over it. Who in her right mind would say no!? What I didn't realize at the time was how much I would love my necklace... -
Spackled
25 Jan 2010 | 2:31 pmHey all. It's a good day. I'm getting a ton done. And there's a tower of amazing chocolate chip cookies in the kitchen, keeping me company. Miss Charlotte's birthday is tomorrow. But, last night, when I tucked her in, I... -
Elephantastico
18 Jan 2010 | 6:38 pmHenrietta and I have a new friend at the studio. Meet Effie, keeper of pink pins and patron of happy thoughts. Doing tricks and back flips is Effie's younger brother, Ollie, the circus star. Several religions claim that the world...
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Etsy Shop for hazelnutcottage
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Meet Me at the Sea, Beach Inspired, Stamped Silver Jewelry
7 Feb 2010 | 10:25 pm$78.00 *{THE DESCRIPTION}*This all .925 sterling silver hand stamped necklace features a hand-stamped pendant, with the words “OH MEET ME AT THE SEA“ on the bottom half of the rounded square. Pendant is approximately 3/4“ in diameter. Dangling from the round pendant are three reminders of the ocean: a genuine white pearl, an authentic semi-precious aquamarine faceted stone and an oxidized miniature starfish (approximately 1/4“ tall). These elements are suspended on a fine 16“ (choker length) sterling silver cable chain.Finished with a simple spring clasp. The entire necklace has… -
Let Love Be a Sea, Hand-stamped Jewelry, Oxidized Sterling Silver
7 Feb 2010 | 10:25 pm$86.00 THE MEANINGMay love wash over you like the waves of the sea; neverending, far reaching and powerful…THE DESCRIPTIONMATERIAL: .925 sterling silverPENDANTS: ONE 3/4" round disk, hand-stamped pendantMESSAGE: "LET LOVE BE A SEA"ACCENT: Tiny sterling silver starfish charm, blue green apatite semi-precious stone and three cascading white, freshwater pearls…yummy!CHAIN: 16" fine sterling silver cable chain w/simple spring claspFINISH: The entire necklace has been oxidized by hand to give it a rich, warm and slightly bronzed, antiqued patina...it is not "shiny… -
Waves, Surf, Ocean Necklace, Beach Inspired Handstamped Silver Jewelry
7 Feb 2010 | 10:25 pm$114.00 Three thin and dainty 5/8" rounded square hand stamped pendants in oxidized sterling silver read: OCEAN, SURF, WAVES. Silver will continue to darken over time--this is a naturally occuring process. (This is not 'shiny silver' and has been oxidized by hand to give the silver an antique patina). Each hand stamped pendant is given a brushed texture and is accented with three pretty accents—a genuine creamy white freshwater pearl to remind you of the foam of the surf...a sea urchin charm, to remind you of the creatures who call the sea their home...and a feminine blue… -
The Sea Remains The Sea. Beach Inspired Hand Stamped Jewelry.
7 Feb 2010 | 10:25 pm$96.00 **LIMITED EDITION, ONE-OF-A-KIND...I may be able to create this again, but if I do, it won't be for a while!***{THE DESCRIPTION}*This all .925 sterling silver hand stamped necklace features an oval hand-stamped pendant, with the words “THE SEA REMAINS THE SEA“. Pendant is approximately 21mm x 16mm.Accents include a genuine piece of polished white branch coral, genuine semi-precious aquamarine chunk and pink topaz briolette stone and a mini sterling silver starfish.Hung on a delicate 18" triple long and short patterned sterling silver chain, and finished with a lobster… -
Chosen, Cherished, Loved Hand Stamped Necklace. Oxidized Sterling Silver.
7 Feb 2010 | 10:25 pm$102.00 This all .925 sterling silver hand stamped necklace features THREE (3) delicate 5/8" rounded square hand-stamped pendants, with the words "CHOSEN, CHERISHED, LOVED" hand stamped along the right side edge of each pendant. Accented with a heart-lock and key to symbolize how love has unlocked your heart. A semi-precious garnet teardrop in a sterling silver bezel finishes the piece. Suspended on an 18" fine sterling silver cable chain; simple spring clasp.This hand-stamped, .925 sterling silver jewelry piece has been oxidized and is not "shiny silver". The…
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Tim Holtz
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QVC-Germany...
5 Feb 2010 | 6:04 pmwell bloggers, another adventure to report! tonight i was on QVC-Germany for the first time. as many of you know, i'm no stranger to QVC. i've been on QVC in the US, the UK, and now in Germany. of course... -
greetings from germany...
4 Feb 2010 | 1:59 amhello bloggers! well to say my schedule has been hectic since cha is an understatement. with just a few hours home between cha and heading back to the airport to fly to germany, once we landed in germany we hit...
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CRAFT
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Walnut Rattle
9 Feb 2010 | 7:00 amRanjit Bhatnagar is making an instrument every day in February. Some are electronic, some are mechanical, and some are both. This walnut shell rattle seems easy to make with a drill and some string, and makes a pretty satisfying jangle, suitable for weekend sock-clad marching band parades around the house. Read this article | Comment on this article -
How-To: Be My Valentine Boomarks
9 Feb 2010 | 6:00 amRegina of Creative Kismet shares a tutorial for making these Be My Valentine bookmarks. A few people are doing Valentine exchanges and I wanted do the same. I thought it would be fun to make something that you can use all year long, maybe as a marker for a project in your favorite sewing, art or craft book. Such a great idea! I especially love the free form stitching. Read this article | Comment on this article -
Felt iPad
8 Feb 2010 | 5:00 pmJason Guest has created a version of the forthcoming Apple tablet, rendered in 100% wool felt. The details are too awesome and my favorite is the little gear he cut and stitched for the settings! I've posted more photos after the jump, and here's a link to Jason's skeleton etsy site, so you can bookmark it and stay in the loop on his future work. "I stuffed it with 100% wool roving, the felt is 100% wool as well. It took 4 or 5 hours between two days, working on it here and there. I make little felt gnomes and needlefelted animals, but this week I wanted to make something that didn't fit into… -
Beautiful Hyperboloid Made of Skewers
8 Feb 2010 | 4:00 pmGeorge Hart continues to rock Math Mondays on MAKE, up this week is the skewer hyperboloid! Thirty two shish kabob skewers and 176 small rubber bands are all it takes to make a beautiful hyperbolid of revolution. This is an example of what is called a "ruled surface," meaning even though it is curved, it is made of straight lines. Read this article | Comment on this article -
Polka Dot Bicycle Helmet
8 Feb 2010 | 3:00 pmI was just catching up on my RSS reader and stumbled across this fantastic polka dot bike helmet on Oh Joy! She took a basic black bike helmet and added decals to turn what's generally a boring safety item into something quite stylish. Yay for safety! Read this article | Comment on this article
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not martha
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Cortona Cafe
8 Feb 2010 | 4:22 amHere are some pictures of the Cortona Cafe on a happy Saturday morning spent knitting with friends. These were taken with the S90 set on automatic (as I have not read through the manual yet). I love the menu wall. They have a guitar you can use if you'd like. On auto the pictures seem a bit dark to me. (And perhaps that means they are true to life whereas I'm used to seeing photos online being cheerily bright - ?) I'll just have to learn how to use the camera properly I suppose. -
Woe!
7 Feb 2010 | 9:47 amPlease allow me to be dramatic for a moment. I just found out that the Petrie sofa from Crate & Barrel is no longer available (sort of) and I'm upset. It was perfect, soft fabric, just firm enough, deep enough. Scott and I sat in a lot of sofas and it was clearly the winner for us both. People, I love this sofa and we've been saving up to buy one for two years. Just last week we talked about finally getting to place the order for it. We were excited, a milestone! We would finally ditch our futon and sit on actual furniture like real adults! (We can pretend to be real adults.) Today I was… -
my new camera, the Canon S90 (picture taken by my old camera)
5 Feb 2010 | 4:08 amYesterday I went to the camera store to hold both the Canon S90 and the equally-awesome Canon G11 in my hands. As people (thank you people!) reported when I last talked about this, the Canon S90 is far smaller. So we have a winner! I bought the S90. I was also enchanted by this boxy leather case for it, it's far quicker to get the camera out of it than a zippered case. (Just after I took the shot above my poor little Nikon ran out of power and reported "Battery Exhausted". Aw, cute.) I also bought the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Camera Lens that is recommended over and over again for Canon DSLRs. -
This is (yet another) test.
4 Feb 2010 | 11:41 pmHere is a second test of posting from my iPhone to this website by way of Flickr. Cross your fingers that it works. It worked! Thank you Flickr for allowing the fine tuning of how pictures appear on one's site. This is the view at the top of the hill that we climbed after filching a cup of tea from a fake chuck wagon after an unexpectedly long hike at Sun Mountain Lodge. That snow capped mountain you see in the way off distance is a corner of the Cascades. -
This is a test. You will not be graded on a curve.
4 Feb 2010 | 11:30 pmThis is a test. You will not be graded on a curve., originally uploaded by not martha. This is a test to see if I can post from iPhone to Flickr to Wordpress. Her goes. Yay it worked. Ok, this is a picture of a very special cup of tea. Scott and I were staying at Sun Mountain Lodge in the Methow Valley of Washington state and went for a short hike around the grounds. Or what we thought was a short hike. Turns out? The grounds are huge. And forested. Creepily forested. And we were there in October so Halloween was in the air. After walking far too long (like Hansel and Gretel!) we exited into…
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whip up
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seven kids bags
9 Feb 2010 | 5:07 amse7en (+1) has a whole slew of kids bags that she and her kids have been making – I love them – from jeans bags to handwasher bags to chair bags – lots of really fun and clever ideas. Similar Posts: Christmas craft zine for kids + giveaway | kids craft weekly – a giveaway | 50 activities for Kids | inside out – recycled softies | book: bags that rock | Share and Enjoy: -
table cloth (or cheaters quilt)
9 Feb 2010 | 4:56 amTrish sent in this stylish valentines themed table cloth: The fabrics are from French General [+ others] and perfect for Valentines Day. I’m a Mom and it’s meant to be a “cheat” on quilting – getting the look without all the work. Similar Posts: Free Digital Issues of Quilting Arts and Cloth Paper Scissors | ikea table hack | book: home sewn | quilts from kellie wulfsohn | book: color your cloth: guest post + free pattern + giveaway | Share and Enjoy: -
sock owl tutorial
9 Feb 2010 | 3:59 amThank you Grace for the sock owl tutorial – I love it: This is a simple tutorial for when anyone just fancy making something at the spur of the moment. It doesn’t require much material, just leftover or old socks will do. It’s also easy as a project for kids (old enough to handle a needle), a creative way to distract them when mommy needs some time to relax. Similar Posts: first ever Sock Summit | sock recipes | from the archives: sock recipes | sock family | tutorial: abraham owl | Share and Enjoy: -
free pattern: patchwork scottie
9 Feb 2010 | 3:36 amI almost squee’d out loud when I saw this. LOVE IT Denyse. Ripper. Link to pattern. Similar Posts: free pattern: marble champ | Free Crochet Pattern Amigurumi Love Birds | Denyse Schmidt Quilts and Fabric | diy: paper scrap recycling | coffee date dress – free pattern | Share and Enjoy: -
valentines fabric wreath
9 Feb 2010 | 1:50 amthank you maggie for sending in this lovely valentines wreath. It looks so romantic and pretty and it also doesn’t take much time to make :) This would also be wonderful for weddings by changing the ribbon color! Similar Posts: tutorial: fabric wreath | handmade holidays: summertime holiday wreath | whipup holiday guide: 30 best wreaths | kids valentines | valentines downloads | Share and Enjoy:
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SallyJean
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Celebrate Love
21 Jan 2010 | 5:51 pm1) Write a Love Limerick with the one you love. You write the first line, they write the second line, and so on and so forth. Fun to do with your children. Post each one on your refrigerator...or send them as Valentines. Love life and life will love you back. Love people and they will love you back. ~ Arthur Rubinstein~2) Make a play list of nothing but Love Songs. Include the silly ("I Think I Love You" - The Partridge Family"), the sexy ("I Feel Love" - Donna Summer), and the sentimental ("Something Stupid" -… -
Celebrate Christmas
22 Dec 2009 | 9:01 am1. Watch old classics: "Miracle on 34th Street"..."It's a Wonderful Life"..."How the Grinch Stole Christmas". 2. Wrap presents and tie springs from your tree to the top. Add glitter to the tips of the pine needles. 3. Hang Christmas lights outside, but concentrate them on just one tree, or one fence, or the pillars of your house. Make a huge statement in a small area. 4. Go to midnight Mass. 5. Have Christmas breakfast instead of dinner. Bake a ham… -
Announcing 2010 Workshops...
14 Dec 2009 | 10:55 amI am so excited to share my 2010 Workshop line-up! Yay!Not only will I be back in San Diego in March...I will bevisiting some great cities. Thank you to everyone whowrote letting me know where they would like to takeworkshops! March 8-12 ~ San Diego, CAApril 16-18 ~ Missoula, MTApril 29-May 2 ~ Dallas, TXMay 13-16 ~ Tampa, FLJune 10-13 ~ Philadelphia, PA If you would like to come play with me...and learn SOLDERING FOR VIRGINS or THE PERFUME BOTTLE PENDANT or THE ILLUMINATED HOUSE SHRINE (shown below) or TOTALLY… -
San Diego then & 2010
23 Nov 2009 | 6:11 pmWhat an amazing 11 days in San Diego...but who's counting (maybe Cheryl's husband-LOL)! I usually never venture far during the Holidays ~ but couldn't resist the temptation of Workshops in sunny San Diego ~ especially when the low temperature there is the HIGH temperature here! My girlfriend Cheryl hosted the six days of Workshops in her beautiful home and welcomed me with open arms (and Diet Coke)...I am grateful. Her home is gorgeous and her art studio is AMAZING (those who got to peek inside would surely agree...and there are still drawers I… -
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 -…
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OHScrap!
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getting scrap-pea
7 Feb 2010 | 7:25 pmI participated in my first online crop over at twopeasinabucket on Friday night. okay, so it was friday night in the central timezone, but afternoon for me over here in paradise. I missed the beginning because I was picking Jalen up from school. BUT, when I did get online, it was a fun, quick paced chat and scrap with some nice peas. For Jen Martakis’ challenge I scrapped about love. Have you heard that song by Jason Mraz and Colbie Callait? I swear, the first time I heard it, it was like it was written for my hubbs and me. (click on the layout to see it in the twopeas gallery)… -
cough cough.
6 Feb 2010 | 11:55 pmSo. after I dropped my camera, my 50mm lens would not auto focus. I had to send it in, thankfully I purchased insurance when I bought the lens through b+h photo, whew! I received a ups label via email, packed it up and sent it off. while I am awaiting it’s return, i am left with my wide angle (10-22mm) an18-55mm, a 105mm macro and a monster 100-400mm. My picture of the day project is somewhat struggling. on January 30th, I finally took the time to take down the Christmas tree and all the other decorations. The living room looks so plain and sparse. I need to add more art. -
savvy and maryann
31 Jan 2010 | 8:02 pmLast summer we went on Scott Kelby’s world wide photo walk and my girlfriend Lisa and her daughter Savvy came along too. She was so nice to let me snap a couple (zillion) pictures of her. and FabuLisa was sweet enough to agree to letting me scrap them with these lovely girly digi goodies from twopeasinabucket! Tricia Chapman’s Posh Baby Girl Papers MaryAnn Wise’s Basic Stitches No1 Curled White Frames Text Drops Brushes Kate Teague’s Life in 365 Jen Martakis’ Text Paths and right now, MaryAnn Wise’s goodies are on sale at two peas. I love those curled… -
welcome to the family
29 Jan 2010 | 3:29 pmSo. do you remember a few days ago i was telling you how i have two external hard drives? where I have the same information on both? Yes. you remember, the 10 years of digital photos, digi scrap etc… so one of those drives is an HP Personal Media Drive. It slides into a port on my desktop computer. It’s a 500Gig hard drive that I’ve had for several years and made the switch from my last desktop to my current desktop almost painless. It’s also the drive we carried with the laptop to Alabama so I’d have a place to store my photos and digi scrap if I got the… -
minty goodies
28 Jan 2010 | 12:07 amMiss Mint has done it again! another cute new digi release over at PeppermintCreative.com. Here’s my layout of Jalen and Jordan laughing their heads off in church. :) (click on layout to see it in the PC gallery and for full credits) she has also release some super cute iPhone/iTouch wall papers. I thought it would be cute to make a little slideshow to put on my iTouch and on my cell phone (you can use it on other phones too!) here’s one frame I did… I emailed it and loaded it onto my cell phone and my iTouch. The camera polarized filter is causing Jordan’s head to…
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Wee Wonderfuls
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geometric
7 Feb 2010 | 3:53 pmI'm feeling the angular these days. I think I want to try something pojagi-esque for my craft room window. I've been reading more about it here. being very inspired by:elisabeth's swedish patchwork book jen's photos of pojagi quilts from the quilt show, here and here and images from the library books I have out now -
to keep the goldfish safe and warm
4 Feb 2010 | 8:50 amsnack bag, trial number one. I've always been sidelined from making these by the whole good plastic/bad plastic debate. after consulting with experts I decided to just skip plastic altogether and go with all cotton. not wipeable but easy to throw in the wash. and can we get a close up on that glitter... I love this fabric! I'll try to remember where I got it. -
for the backapackas
3 Feb 2010 | 11:19 amIf I had a superhero power today it would be to create more time. I barely had time to shoddily (sorry jen! I should have let you do it) finish these up and now it's time to pick up Phoebe. I keep thinking it's lack of inspiration that's stalling me out, but honestly, I think it's the lack of free time to dig into a project. I have some good inspiration pics to share later this week. Planning is better than nothing. -
monday
1 Feb 2010 | 7:10 amever notice how the things you put up for inspiration just become background and you don't even notice them? I've put up a new header. it's more sparse than usual. I thought it'd be fun to fill it in as inspiration hits. hear me inspiration? I'm waiting for you. I'm drawing a big target right over my craft room. -
seeing shadows, a few days early
31 Jan 2010 | 9:39 amthe sun is shining through oscar's crayon hearts and leaving cute shadows in the living room
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iHanna's Blog
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The Photo Quilt is Finished!
8 Feb 2010 | 11:24 amGreen buttons, green fabric. Here is photo of the whole thing from above, it’s not giant, but not small either: What you get for helping out with quilting and sewing: Homemade chocolate! Deeeelicious! -
Free Postcard backside to print
4 Feb 2010 | 2:21 pmI was finishing my postcards for the swap today and thought I’d design a postcard backside that I could print. They turned out really great, and it fits two postcards to one page. Download the PDF, print it on cardstock and glue it to your finished and handmade postcard (or make your postcard directly on the cardstock you printed). Ta-da! Download and print I made two versions. One that’s for the DIY Postcard Swap, and one regular that you can use for your extra postcards over and over again in the future! Enjoy! * Download Postcard backside - for the swap! * Postcard backside -… -
How to sew a Photo Inspiration Quilt
3 Feb 2010 | 12:13 pmWhen someone I know are really creative and does cool things I sometimes have to share that on my blog though I primarily blog about what I create and do here. I’ve blogged many times about my quilting mom and her creations and mentioned my cousin Charlotta and her beautiful Sculptural Lamp before. Now we’re back with another school project from Charlotta! It’s a inspirational quilt with lots of photos that I call The Landscape Quilt. She came to me with the background fabric, the idea and found photos printed and ironed to fabric. We put it together in 1.5 day and today I… -
Art Journal play: Braving the elements
30 Jan 2010 | 1:24 amThis is where I’ve been sitting all day. On the floor with all my paints out. I’ve been working on my batch of postcards for the DIY Postcard swap I’m hosting (There is still some room, feel free to join! For inspiration Daisy Yellow has some great links to mail art on her blog!) but also a few spreads in my art journal just for fun. This is one of them: First spread: Braving the elements! My page turned out messy, but it’s an experiment. The most fun was finally using a spray bottle of water on wet paint and then blotting away the water with a tissue. This creates a… -
Valentine’s day around the corner
27 Jan 2010 | 8:00 amSitting here with a cup of coffee. I’m overwhelmed with the response to the postcard swap, and wow, thanks for all your kind comments on my Dixieland Tree Embroidery! I’m glowing with pride. Each comment you write makes me want to sew 100 stitches more! If you read my blog last year you might remember that I did two small ♥-quilts back then and promised to have them up for sale “soon”. Hmm, this is not soon but a year later I know! Well I think right now is perfect! I’ve decided that if I have a shop there should always be something fun to buy there, and…
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Vintage Indie
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Plan Ahead Events: Roulette Vintage Fashion Party Feb. 12th Downtown Carrboro NC
8 Feb 2010 | 10:38 amShop In Person Roulette Vintage Valentine's Fashion Party 118 1/2 East Main Street Carrboro, NC 27510 919.933.8836 Shop the Valentine's Party Online too! RouletteVintage.com -
Teach Me: How to - Chalkboard Wall
4 Feb 2010 | 9:17 amI've been meaning to share our chalkboard wall with you for awhile now. After Susan's chalkboard frame project it got me thinking that I should show you how we created a functional chalkboard wall in our home. Last year when we decided to homeschool chalkboard paint was all the rage. I researched and looked and finally came up with a design that I thought was both functional and stylish. We primarily homeschool in our dining... -
Handmade Crush: I need these in my life.
4 Feb 2010 | 7:35 amI can think of a special place for each one of these handmade ceramics and prints from Ninainvorm Ceramics. I can imagine the artist sitting in her studio just smiling at all of the cheerful colors sitting on a shelf together. I bet it is a beautiful sight. Photos Copyright © Ninainvorm Ceramics -
Organic Whole Living at Vintage Indie
3 Feb 2010 | 6:53 amWhether you believe in global warming or you believe that our world is a fallen place because it is stated as such in Genesis the first chapter of the Bible, I believe that we do have some control over what we put in our bodies and how we take care of our world around us. I started researching this organic whole living way of life over three years ago, and have since changed many products... -
Indie Wedding Guide & Directory - Seeking Submissions & Other News!
2 Feb 2010 | 10:44 amThe Indie Wedding Guide & Directory is your resource to turn to when looking to minimize waste and create your wedding with the idea of using indie designers, a do it yourself attitude and those famous three R's: reuse, recycle and reduce. This guide has been brought to you by Gabreial Wyatt editor of Vintage Indie. We are currently seeking submissions for the following. ♥ Vintage Bridal Shops, Gowns & Brides wearing vintage gowns ♥...
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A Little Hut - Patricia Zapata
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happy ending
5 Feb 2010 | 3:53 amThis was a really great week. I can't even tell you why and I will never be able to. All I can say is that, it is confirmed once again, that things happen for a reason. They just do. It's really quite amazing how frustrating certain events can be and all of the sudden the clouds clear and you 'get it'—there was a reason behind it all.Today I'm just grateful. So very grateful.On an unrelated matter and just because I happen to be arranging some things and found an extra calendar, I've decided to host a small giveaway. January has come and gone and February is upon us, so I know that almost a… -
during morning coffee
3 Feb 2010 | 7:55 amToday I thought I was going to show you part two of what I started on Monday. It turns out that part two came about during a spur of the moment idea I had this morning—and it's not even the same piece. I've gone up in size quite a bit.Materials - paper, Xacto, pencil, cutting mat, two wooden dowels (of the half-dozen I have around for who knows what reason), two push pins (fancy!).This sad bare wall is what our guests first see upon entering the house. Since moving back in, after the remodeling, I have yet to decide what to put there. I know for sure that I don't want a console/mirror combo… -
the start
1 Feb 2010 | 11:36 amThere is so much going on with my design projects that I've neglected my handmade work. I've decided to start on a small piece and just work on it a bit every day. So this is day one.I sketched something on the back of this but it's going in a completely different direction. I'm going with the flow... -
break
28 Jan 2010 | 3:08 pmSometimes I just need to take a break from 'real' work to play around a bit. It sorts out my brain and it feels like hitting the reset button. It also allows me explore ideas that are always floating around in my head. Lately I've had many and I've acted on exactly... zero. So frustrating and suffocating.The designs may look familiar. I'm reusing my, now sold out (thank you all!), die cut calendar images. Filing would definitely be a bit more fun with these.Here are two articles that have me really thinking about my current lack of 'going for it' mentality. - Push - As Paul says, we need to… -
I missed my Xacto
25 Jan 2010 | 9:41 amGhetto. That's the word that someone used, on another site, to describe one of my recycling projects. Ok... that's fine—it actually made me laugh. I understand that it may not be for everyone's taste. But that was just the incentive I needed to grab my blade and the same cereal box cardboard to make something new.At midnight, I ended up with a matchbox. It's really sturdy and I'm already putting it to good use. Clean lines, with simple materials—now that's my cup of tea.A tutorial? Yes, soon.
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Make and Takes
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My Baby is in LOVE with Babies
8 Feb 2010 | 1:51 amEverywhere we go, my baby is saying: “baby” (or “huh huh” as she’s not quite talking!) But she let’s me know where all the babies in the grocery store are with a pointing motion and a smile. Since she’s so happy looking at babies everywhere we go, I came up with a fun DIY Magazine Baby Book she can look at home or in the car. Supplies for DIY Magazine Baby Book: old magazines, preferably parenting magazines scissors small photo album, available at most stores for a couple dollars near the frames small paper and glue stick for the cover With this photo… -
Weekend Make and Takes: Football, Hearts & Chinese New Year
5 Feb 2010 | 10:00 amAre you ready for some FOOTBALL?! Well, here’s some yummy tailgating snacks to help round up the football fans! Citrus Guacamole by Recipe Girl (pictured above, yum!) Cheesy Spinach Bacon Dip by A Southern Fairytale Crab Stuffed Mushrooms by Furey and the Feast Teeny Tiny Tacos by Time in the Kitchen Here’s a few more fabulous crafts helping to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Scratch n’ Sniff Treat Bags by Frugal Family Fun Blog (pictured above) Little Valentine Treat Mice by Floral Shower Crafts Valentine Lacing Cards by The Mother Huddle Heart Shaped Glasses by Mom Tried… -
Valentine Pudding Pie with a Homemade Graham Cracker Crust
5 Feb 2010 | 7:38 amI’m contributing over at Alpha Mom’s – Once Upon a Holiday again. Come see how I’m making a yummy Valentine Vanilla Pudding Pie for dessert! Share and Bookmark: Related Posts:Chocolate Pudding Pie Homemade Graham Cracker Crust Valentine Tic Tac Toe Game -
Love is in the Air With Project 52: Dates Nights
4 Feb 2010 | 1:52 amGuest post by Tiffany of Simply Modern Mom I know we haven’t met yet, but can I make a confession? My husband Nathan and I haven’t been taking time to enrich our marriage ever since our oldest was born… three and a half years ago. You know how it goes. Kids seem to take over every aspect of my life. The few spare moments I have while they are sleeping, I try to get some things done or try to catch up on some sleep. Nathan, well he is the perfect dad. When he is not working or attending and doing stuff for graduate school, he is helping around the house and playing with the… -
There’s Never Enough Food Made With Hearts!
3 Feb 2010 | 1:42 amI love Valentine’s Day. Can you tell? There’s so many fun crafts, treats, and activities to be had. Here’s a fun after-school snack we made with our toast. Supplies for Heart Shaped Toast: one slice of bread butter heart shaped cookie cutter topping: sugar, cinnamon, or jam Toast your bread and butter it. Place on a heart shaped cookie cutter. Fill in the heart cookie cutter with your topping and Enjoy! *To color your sugar pink: Add 3 T of sugar and one drop of food coloring, and stir. * Share and Bookmark: Related Posts:When Art Collides With Toast Rosemary Peasant Bread…
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angry chicken
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previously seen holiday fun-
7 Feb 2010 | 10:59 amEvery Valentine's Day I seem to go back though my blog. And then I mention it in the post, and then I do it again—so it starts to become like a mirror reflecting a mirror reflecting a mirror. But why change now? Do you have a handmade card to give your sweetheart? If not, may I direct your attention to the heart in eMailrorder #8 ? It's a super easy paper-cut (directions included) and would frame up very nicely. Some previous Valentine's Day fun-Little felt hearts hang on this feather treeSpecial love notes on shrinky dink fillmA glitter banner that says "hugs &… -
The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. And the parts are dang good.
5 Feb 2010 | 5:40 amMexican Chocolate Bread Pudding with Warm Butterscotch SauceI made this over the weekend and immediately froze 2/3rds of it, without the sauce, because this type of food I can't really control myself around. I used homemade bread from the recipe Melissa is into. It's really good. I made two more loaves today and it turned out even better. It's amazing what reading directions will do for you. I had been thinking about bread pudding just as this first batch of wheat bread was getting a little hard and then I got a tip in my comments a bit back about this insanely easy and delicious… -
Lime Juice Dress (an Anthrocopy)
3 Feb 2010 | 4:49 amThe Lime Juice Dress got made. I ended up using the shift pattern in the newest Built By Wendy Book, Dresses, 'cause I had it in my hands (an early review copy) and it was near identical to the pattern I was going to use anyway. It's a great pattern. I added a ruffle collar with a non-functional bow. The ruffle edges are sergered with a rolled hem. The bust darts are a bit, um, perky—so next time I will adjust even more there. As long as I have my energetic bra on, we are good to go.Here are the shots from the Anthropologie catalog. I had to get the belt. HAD TO. l think… -
carotenoids & anthocyanins
1 Feb 2010 | 5:01 amI bought this book,The Tree Book for Kids and Their Grown Ups by Gina Ingoglia, last spring for the family and recently rediscovered it under the bunk-beds. I really really like it. I have often wished for a superpower that allows me to instantly identify any plant or animal. I always think of that scene in the Matrix when Neo wakes up and says, "I know Kung-Fu." I swear that happened to Grammie. Not with Kung-Fu but with gardening. When we were little she never grew a thing and then when I was away at college she started working in her yard and became this amazing landscape… -
peter-pan collar blouse in navy linen
29 Jan 2010 | 5:16 amThis blouse is made in navy blue linen. It's hard to tell in this photo. Actually, it's the same linen I used for this skirt. So, I could have some sort of suit if I were feeling matchy and a little insane. I usually buy about 4 yards of linen when I see it on sale and just keep it around to cut into. For this blouse I used Simplicity 2599. This is the second blouse I have made from this pattern and it's becoming a favorite. The first one is here. It's such a versatile pattern, I'm actually using it for dresses, as I will discuss in 3 paragraphs. I had a bee in my bonnet…
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thimble
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Built by Wendy Dresses
8 Feb 2010 | 7:35 pmI’m so excited to have a copy of Built by Wendy Dresses in my hot little hands. I was a big fan of the original Sew U, and a book all about dresses is a great addition to the series. Particularly because I recently made a vow to wear more dresses. For some reason I’m just not a dress person - even though I love looking at them and seeing other people wear them, I just don’t wear them often myself. But last summer I bought a dress that I absolutely loved and wore fairly often, so I think I’m on the right track. I’m hoping with the help of this book to come up with… -
flickr favorites
7 Feb 2010 | 8:03 pm1. [presépio 03, 2. A Masqueradeing Tiny Squirrel Plush, 3. Fawn, 4. Theegwart Pugwash, a pirate Jacabobbaloo 5. Block printing + embroidery / Estampado + bordado, 6. Feltidermy hair clips, 7. Winter Fairy Ring, 8. Red Snouts 9. wounded bear/forest queen, 10. handmade zakka for baby, 11. The Cherrybomb Family, 12. 2 more on the way 13. 090411a, 14. IMG_9736, 15. Shy guy, 16. Suitcases -
daffodils
5 Feb 2010 | 4:43 amA very nice friend of mine brought me this pot of daffodils - just what’s needed to bring a bit of spring time into the house, even if it is a bit premature. I had read elsewhere that forced bulbs won’t bloom again because they’re so confused, but my friend said if you plant them in the garden they might come up again in the fall. Thoughts? Also, Ian’s made us a new craft soundtrack which I’ve just put up (all legal mp3 downloads). There’s some good stuff there to keep you rockin out through the February blahs. -
ski day
2 Feb 2010 | 7:38 pmWe’ve been doing some cross-country skiing on the weekends. It’s been pretty fun (aching muscles and bruised behinds apres ski notwithstanding). The first time we went up it was beautiful and sunny, but a bit too warm on the trails. This weekend was grayer, but with lovely fresh snow. Makes the whole winter thing somewhat more tolerable to be outdoors doing something fun. -
calendar
30 Jan 2010 | 10:06 amAlthough I am glad to say goodbye to January and it’s bone-chillingly cold weather, I have been enjoying this page of my calendar. My very lovely and generous aunt got it for me for Christmas - the art is by Amy Rice, who’ve I’ve mentioned before. Although I think this print is pretty sweet, I’ll look forward to flipping the page to the next one because I haven’t even peeked at what it is yet!
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jane's apron
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strawberry apron
4 Feb 2010 | 6:41 amI sewed this. Those readers that have been with me a while know this is a big deal for me...to say I was an anxious sewist is an understatement. My strawberry apron came together not because of my sewing skills but because of my love of finding vintage things and putting them together. It works with glue and paper...and with fabric and stitching. I am so happy I took the leap and sent the apron to Apron-ology. The apron is a pretty one made even prettier in the photos. And...when you turn the page there's another apron that I sewed. I know...it's crazy. I'll be… -
heart happiness
2 Feb 2010 | 7:02 amThis post should be one of the "wordless" ones...where the picture says it all. But I always have to explain stuff. Three strips of scrapbook paper, the cutest sewing pattern girl ever, and a paper heart...total happiness. Adding the heart is a little paper trick (probably obvious but, again, I feel the need to explain). I used a craft knife to make two cuts at the top and bottom of the girl's arm and slipped the heart through. -
my birthday girl
29 Jan 2010 | 9:12 amEllen is 9 today. She's smart, funny, and even-tempered...and loves to do whatever I'm doing. If I'm baking, she's right there with her apron on. If I'm sewing, she's right there with her craft box. When I was sketching some ideas, she joined in and drew her own girl next to mine (on the lower right). And then she ran off and created a paper fish pond...with 3D flowers and motion lines around the fish. No sketches required. I believe I got schooled. -
ann, rita, and emma
26 Jan 2010 | 9:35 amMy kids receive a lot of religious trinkets from school and family and they usually just get stored away. I love the idea of bringing them out and making them a little more important...a little more visible. I created this pretty heart from a tattered vintage pin cushion. I blanket stitched around the edge in a golden-brown embroidery floss, added a belt of layered ribbon, a piece of lace, and two small medallions. One is St. Ann and the other is a tiny St. Rita that I found stuck in a piece of thrifted furniture. I have to say that I'm always a little freaked-out to find… -
posie posed
21 Jan 2010 | 7:08 amThe pose on this sewing pattern is so darn cute...so much drama for a dress covered in little flowers. I know my love for Valentine's Day stems from the color red but it also has to do with hearts. Can you have a "favorite" shape? Mine is definitely hearts.
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Simply Stated
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Inspiration Board: Love in Bloom
5 Feb 2010 | 12:14 pmWith Valentine's Day right around the corner and lots of spring and summer wedding showers on the way, it's safe to say that love is in the air! With that thought in mind, here's a new "Love in Bloom" inspiration board featuring one of my favorite "romantic" color palettes – pink & gray – and inspired by the oh-so-lovely Plum Blossom paper partyware collection. FEATURED PRODUCTS & RESOURCES:• Scarlet Fever FloralsRuby, burgundy and blush tones make for a seriously stunning floral combination! Featured here: red roses, majestic red… -
Placemat Crush
3 Feb 2010 | 1:00 pmI just can't get over the cute factor of these cheeky printed canvas mats from Anthropologie. Talk about setting the table! I'd probably use them at a casual dinner party, serving the food on clear plastic plates (hooray - no dishes to do), so the placemat design would be visible even after guests sit down to eat. Too cute to cover up! Bonus: they're machine washable. -
What's Your Entertaining Style?
28 Jan 2010 | 2:01 pmIn an effort to deliver useful and relevant Entertaining ideas and tips here, I'm curious to know - how do you Entertain? It is my experience that every hostess must find her own "entertaining style" - figuring out what types of parties you like to throw, how often you like to throw them, and what elements of party planning you're good at (food, decor, music). The best parties are always the ones where the hostess is at ease in her own skin, having a good time and enjoying time with her guests. She has her own "style" that has been cultivated over the years. I'm far from… -
Dinner for Two
24 Jan 2010 | 7:25 pmSince I often find myself cooking for two, I love coming across recipes that are easily cut. Recently I tried this Roasted Fennel and Red Onion Salmon, and it was a hit - the perfect weeknight dinner that's a step above the ordinary but still totally easy and quick to make (meant to serve 4, it's easy to cut in half). Bonus: it's a one-pot dish (love that). I love seeing real-life images of fellow amateur foodies cooking at home, so thought I'd take (and share) a few of my attempt at this dinner. I always wish there were "process shots" when I come across a great recipe in a magazine -… -
What's your favorite Wedding blog?
21 Jan 2010 | 3:11 pmIt's no secret that there is an entire blogosphere out there devoted to weddings. Due to a recent turn of events, I've become quite interested in exploring this fascinating world... You guessed it - I'm engaged! My wonderful boyfriend proposed last Friday, and it's been a whirlwind of celebrating, spreading the good news to family and friends, and occasionally pinching myself (is this really happening??) ever since. Needless to say, I'm over the moon with joy - I get to marry my best friend and throw a really fun bash?! Pretty darn great. I hope you'll allow me the…
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Misty Mawn
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my days have been spent...
7 Feb 2010 | 5:13 pmdancing with the rockettes,laughing until it's all ablur,playing hide -n- seek in the snow,watching great things being built from the ground up, photographing memories for us to hold onto forever more, mending a snow ballerina's tutu for the big Snow Ball, drawing the sea near, counting each and every last snowflake, trying to keep up with mr. francis, chopping and shuffling the taste of summer, taking a moments here and there to remind myself, guiding a beautiful group of artists to draw/paint… -
shoes that sing
29 Jan 2010 | 6:34 pmlk invited me to join in for iphone photo friday, of course i was game! i seem to take more photos with my phone than i do with my camera. what will it be next? a shoe that plays music, you never know! at first everyone will be skeptical, then curious, and then before you know it everyone will have music coming out their shoes. the only device i truly want more than any other is a device that will slow down time, when they come out with that i will be first in line! ;) i have been working on more icon art this week... the last week in… -
icon art & unicef
26 Jan 2010 | 9:51 am{9" x 11"on watercolor board} $250this piece has been taken, thank you Marianne {9" x 12"on watercolor board}$250this piece has been taken, thank you Alena.Both pieces have been paid for and $500 has been donated to Unicef. thank you from the bottom of my very full heart! it feels so good to be able to help. moving on to icon art, this week's theme for january art journaling. here are two pieces i worked on over the weekend. both pieces are up for sale. 100% of the proceeds will be… -
let it go
22 Jan 2010 | 11:05 amwhat do you do on days when you wake up five minutes late and everything gets thrown askew? you take the dog outside, under the gray rainy skies, to go to the bathroom, as soon as you get back inside he pees all over the floor! you plan on spending the entire morning and most of the afternoon working at the computer, while loading videos you find out you have NO more space on your hard drive, so you spend 30+ minutes deleting old files, hoping to make room, then you go and clumsily spill your cup of tea onto your laptop, it turns black right while… -
19 Jan 2010 | 9:20 pm
19 Jan 2010 | 9:20 pmrunning late on my pages this week. they have become less like journal pages, words just aren't flowing for me when it comes to art, thankfully the paint is flowing enough. regardless, here are my "inspired" works of art.... i loved this week's theme, i loved trying to vaguely imitate the work of artists i very much admire. now onto mixed media week...this week is all about using a different medium each day, from pencil, clay, inks, acrylic, nature, crayon, charcoal, collage, watercolors, to.... hope you are finding some time to be creative,…
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Craftastrophe
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Itchin’ Knittin’
9 Feb 2010 | 5:00 amThere are 15 more pictures where this came from…and not all of them are pretty. In fact, most of them make me want to run into a fire. Prepare to be REALLY itchy. Thanks Sara! Subscribe to the comments for this post? Stumble upon something good? Share it on StumbleUpon Tweet This! Share this on Reddit Share this on Facebook Share this on Linkedin Add this to Google Bookmarks Share this on FriendFeed Share this on del.icio.us Buzz up! Submit this to Script & Style Share this on Blinklist Digg this! Share this on Technorati Share this on Mixx Share this on Tipd Post this to MySpace… -
Bored at Work? Dead Fly Art Will Keep You Busy!
8 Feb 2010 | 7:35 am1. Kill a few flies. 2. Put them in the sun to dry for one hour. 3. Once they are dry, pick a pencil and paper… Let your imagination flow. Here are a few examples… Thanks Nicole! Subscribe to the comments for this post? Stumble upon something good? Share it on StumbleUpon Tweet This! Share this on Reddit Share this on Facebook Share this on Linkedin Add this to Google Bookmarks Share this on FriendFeed Share this on del.icio.us Buzz up! Submit this to Script & Style Share this on Blinklist Digg this! Share this on Technorati Share this on Mixx Share this on Tipd Post this to… -
I Don’t Even Know What a Hair Stick Is. But These Are Frackin’ Weird.
8 Feb 2010 | 5:00 amThanks Maegan! {source} Subscribe to the comments for this post? Stumble upon something good? Share it on StumbleUpon Tweet This! Share this on Reddit Share this on Facebook Share this on Linkedin Add this to Google Bookmarks Share this on FriendFeed Share this on del.icio.us Buzz up! Submit this to Script & Style Share this on Blinklist Digg this! Share this on Technorati Share this on Mixx Share this on Tipd Post this to MySpace Submit this to Netvibes Seed this on Newsvine Some more like this one:I Love (Silence of the) LampIt Takes A Certain Brand of Teh Crazy -
If You Like It Then You Shoulda Put a Trek On It
7 Feb 2010 | 1:22 pmBeam me upskirt…and Kiss Me: Thanks YooperGal! {source} Subscribe to the comments for this post? Stumble upon something good? Share it on StumbleUpon Tweet This! Share this on Reddit Share this on Facebook Share this on Linkedin Add this to Google Bookmarks Share this on FriendFeed Share this on del.icio.us Buzz up! Submit this to Script & Style Share this on Blinklist Digg this! Share this on Technorati Share this on Mixx Share this on Tipd Post this to MySpace Submit this to Netvibes Seed this on Newsvine Some more like this one:What ARE You Growing In That Garden?Christmas Vests:… -
Alfred Hitchcock Approves This Message
4 Feb 2010 | 4:24 amBlackbird sing in the dead of niiiiiiight…. Now I’m going to have that Blackbird song in my head all day. Bonus crazy bluebird: It kind of looks like it’s attacking her. Evil! EVIL! Now if you don’t think these will make you look like enough of a wingnut, you can also purchase a “caviar necklace.” Except the caviar are CostCo-sized. Thanks Judith! {source} Subscribe to the comments for this post? Stumble upon something good? Share it on StumbleUpon Tweet This! Share this on Reddit Share this on Facebook Share this on Linkedin Add this to Google Bookmarks…
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Sonji Says...
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VOTE FOR MUTOPE...
17 Jan 2010 | 12:06 pmVote for Mutope...and win a bundle! FYI, the works below are two watercolors by Mutope (I know, watercolors...can you believe that? He's amazing) Top image is entitled "Fences" and the bottom image is "Rivers". This is a blatant new media plea for an old school kind of man. Mutope J. Johnson, a dear friend of mine and a fantastic artist and person (great husband, father, brother, son, teacher, coach...you name it...as I write this, he is out of state as a volunteer track coach for his son's team. I, on the other hand, am still in my pajamas sipping tea and rambling...for a great cause of… -
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2010!! End of 2009...a quick-ish overview (if not quick-ish, then at least entertaining-ish)
13 Jan 2010 | 11:48 amI am not much for holidays (except for the overtime pay at work...love that each and every time), but I have always loved ushering in a new year, with the numbers changing and the idea of a fresh start for everyone all over the world (at least those participating in the concept...I realize some do not). Anyway, HAZAH 2010! And look at my head of hair to start off the new year...Yeah, it's been pretty ccccold, but this year I am not in need of a hat (which doesn't mean I won't make one). My hair is crazy warm! Plus, I appear to be about a foot taller than I actually am. My dream come true. -
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…
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pamgarrison
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more journaling
5 Feb 2010 | 1:46 pm{Thought I was over over over birds, guess not.} Making an effort to show you how pages progress. Here are a couple more spreads I'm still playing on. I liked the spread shown in the last post so much that I didn't want to work on it yet, so I skipped that page. Sometimes I'll leave a page that I like alone for a long time. Also, someone asked what I do with ugly pages. I never cut pages out of a journal. I always have pages that I don't like. Truly, the point of my visual journals is to play. My other journals have other purposes, but for me, my visual journals, art… -
journaling in progress
31 Jan 2010 | 1:23 pmMore journal pages in progress. Trying to be better about showing you the different stages, I know I like seeing that in other people's postings about journaling. So above is a background in progress. I am loving that crazy gray/blue flower. Taking Mary Ann Moss' Stencilry class as you might have guessed by the stencil painting above. It's not as easy as it looks; she's a master. I know, just when you thought I had finally stopped talking about her last class non-stop I mention a new one! What can I say? I'm loving her video inspiration. Here's the same page with left… -
still painting
29 Jan 2010 | 3:15 pmI've been working on 3 big pieces over the week. So fun. All are on wood art boards, all done with acrylics and watercolors. I have no idea where I'm going with all this, but I'm sure that it's somewhere that my bank account wouldn't like. I find myself wanting to order more wood art boards, more paints, more brushes, an easel...oh my! -
WIP
27 Jan 2010 | 9:46 amHaving fun playing with paint on a big wooden canvas. {Ed: I ordered Wood Painting Panels from dickblick.com} I'm finally at a place where I feel like there is hope for it, ha! It's sure to change from here, but I feel like it's found a direction. It's 24x24 and I'm really enjoying working in this large size. Gonna set this aside for a bit and gesso another one now. Not sure what I enjoy more, the feel of the paintbrush on the wood, or mixing up my own colors (acrylics and watercolors). Feeling very lucky that I get to play this way. Constantly trying to grow creatively. -
sunday 1/24
24 Jan 2010 | 11:30 amHere's the "finished" spread from the pages shown in yesterday's post. I put the word finished in quotes because, while it may not really be finished, I'm moving on from it. I wanted to show you how the page evolved. I used some really great images cut from the latest issue of the magazine Hi Fructose. It's a super cool (often way too cool for me), edgy, art magazine. I cut up the magazine so much that now I can't find the artist's names that created the pictures I used here (the doll on the right, graphic artwork at the top and bottom, little girl,…
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This Handmade Life
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Etsy Love Stories: Greenmandesigns
'Tis the season for lovesick sighs and pining for the one whose aim is true. Join us for another sweet and spicy edition of Etsy love stories. Today's tender and artsy couple is Cynjon and Charlie of greenmandesigns. Tell us about yourselves!Well, our names are Cynjon and Charlie. We're a somewhat oddball couple (kind of queer, kind of redneck, kind of artsy-fartsy, kind of punk) of almost 15 years who live quite rurally in a wooded valley in Tennessee. There we conspire to take over the universe, but are frequently distracted by shiny things, art-making, and building our home entirely by… -
Etsy Love Stories: Filzfelt
We're getting into the spirit of hand holding, salted chocolate truffles and declarations of undying affection with another round of Etsy love stories. Today's dynamic couple are besties, business buds and felt-loving ladies Kelly Smith and Traci Roloff of FilzFelt. Here's their friendship's origin story. FilzFelt was founded by felt-loving designers, Kelly Smith and Traci Roloff. "FilzFelt" is a combination of the German (filz) and English words for felt. (Since we’re Americans importing German felt, it seemed like the right fit!) This female-run business prides itself on simplicity in… -
There's No Place Like Here: Mid-Century Modest With Pam Kueber
MP4 | Youtube | Blip.tv | Subscribe in iTunes (Music by Bill Loose, Lineland, animation by JuliaPott) Pam Kueber of blog Retro Renovation was originally looking for the Victorian farmhouse of her dreams in the Berkshires, but for various reasons (price, location, size) she and her husband ended up falling in love and purchasing a 1951 Colonial Ranch house instead. Although the house has aspects of a modern ranch house — the step down living room, the open dining room — a large portion of the house feels more Colonial or, as Kueber coined, "Mid-Century Modest." As opposed to… -
Etsy Love Stories: Paulandkatestudio
There's a wealth of stories on Etsy, but the ones that truly epitomize the lifestyle of collaboration are the Etsy love stories. Paul Klassett and Kate Archie of paulandkatestudio answered a few questions for Justine of PlumeAdore as we prepare the rose petals and champagne this February. Tell us about yourselves!Paul and I have been together for 16 years and recently celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary. We met in Washington, D.C., moved to Seattle, and now are living in Richmond, VA. We love to travel and try to leave the country once a year. We have two cats, four nieces, and one… -
Celebrate Present Day
Turns out you don’t need to be a politician, a Hallmark executive, or a cult leader to start a new holiday. My friends and I created one last year. On the first Sunday of every month, we celebrate Present Day by spending the day free of cell phones and computers. If you haven’t heard of Present Day, you’re not alone. But if the thought of a day without your phone and computer sounds impossible, impractical or just painful, then Present Day is perfect for you. I don’t hate technology. I love my iPhone — perhaps too much. I carry it everywhere, safely stowed next…
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How About Orange
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Winged elephant papercraft
8 Feb 2010 | 10:21 amDo you like flying elephants? Of course you do. You can download and assemble your own fantastical pachyderm, or watch him come to life in a little stop-motion video right here. He's a sample of the work produced by the Curiosity Group, a Portland-based marketing agency.(Image by PaperKraft.net) -
What's your IKEA name?
5 Feb 2010 | 8:53 amOh, excuse me, I mean what name would you have if you were a product made by a famous Swedish furniture company whose corporate colors are yellow and blue? Find out here, if you'd like five seconds of Friday silliness. -
Pretty Twitter backgrounds
4 Feb 2010 | 7:56 amThe talented Alma Loveland has created some Valentine's Day freebies, including these sweet tiled patterns you can use as Twitter backgrounds. Now, I hear there are people out there who loathe Valentine's Day and the merest glimpse of a heart will make them nauseated. If that's you, I apologize for the ongoing seasonal posts, but dang it, Valentine stuff is so pretty. Perhaps you might help yourself to Alma's speech bubble pattern instead, and hunker down until Feb. 14 has passed. -
Photo fun
3 Feb 2010 | 2:11 pm"I love your nostrils." "I'm a teensy bit concerned about that ceiling leak."Last week I had the pleasure of a photo session with Anna Inabinet of City View Photography. Anna is completely delightful. We tromped around the aging St. Lukes Church in Logan Square and explored the back rooms and stairwells. You can check out her beautiful work on her website here or the latest photos on her blog right here (where I am talking on my imaginary phone and admiring my favorite shoes). Thank you, Anna! -
Modern Fabrics reclaimed textiles
1 Feb 2010 | 10:02 pmModern Fabrics is an online store selling designer fabrics rescued from the cutting room floors of high-end furniture factories. They scoop up gorgeous textiles from the likes of Knoll, Maharam, Architex and more—usually sold only to the trade—and then make them available to everyone at 50-75% off the list price. Some are still a hefty price tag for us commoners, but definitely better. And it's great to think that these could go live at your house instead of a landfill.
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The Soap Bar
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Etsy Elitist? No, It's Just Easy
8 Feb 2010 | 7:25 pmI'm guessing you've probably noticed that most of my soap porn finds come from Etsy. I know, so convenient isn't it? It's no coincidence though. I go to other marketplaces, but I find that Etsy has the most comprehensive search engine, at least since the last time I looked.These were the ones I knew about other than Etsy:ArtFire1000marketsBut now I find out there are so many more. I'm only going to name 4 of them and I'm not going to link to them because I am lazy today:poppy talkpaper n stitch shop handmadeDaWandaThey are all cute and I plan to use every one of them now, but I had to explain… -
Saturday Soap Porn
6 Feb 2010 | 7:20 amOh my gosh, as I was looking for soap porn I found this cute little baby that I couldn't resist sharing with you. Look at that adorable freaking HAT on that adorable little munchkin! Oooo!The LUKE Crochet Pom Pom Hat by Knot Just BowsI just can't even stand how much I want to just put my face up to that baby's face and rub cheek to cheek and smell the baby smell. Oh how I miss that baby smell and softness. (Don't even suggest I might be ready to start again, because I am NOT. Never happening. Not even possible anymore, so don't mention it.) I just love babies.OK, on to the PORN, baby!Winter… -
A Video Soap Tutorial by Tiggy Fiander (Future Primitive)
1 Feb 2010 | 4:47 pmI have been a big fan of Tiggy's since the first time I laid eyes on her soaps. Tiggy Fiander owns Future Primitive Soap - gorgeous handmade soaps... every one of her soaps are absolutely stunning to look at. My very favorite one is No. 11. with the black stripe in the center.No. 11So gorgeous, I want to swim in it.I didn't understand how it was possible to make a layer that thin. My layers were never that thin or successful. I approached Tiggy and asked her if she would be willing to do a video tutorial for this blog because I know we all want to learn new things. Her soaps are so delicate… -
For Strange Women
26 Jan 2010 | 4:53 amThis morning, I stumbled upon Etsy seller, For Strange Women, and I'm so glad I did. What fun it was to peruse her goods. I love the packaging... the containers, the colors and design of the labels. Each photograph in the shop is lit nicely with natural lighting that it was a pleasure to view every product. Tantalizing!Winter Kitty perfume oilmini vials mix and match set ~ natural perfume and meditation oilsGift Set ~ 3 natural perfume oils and 3 lip balms boxed in a hand-stained wood box filled with moss and flower petals Moss & Ivy Aromatherapy Meditation and Perfume OilNow, I wonder if… -
Are You A Drug Dealer?
25 Jan 2010 | 7:07 amThis article was written by Kelly Bloom of Southern Soapers. It has been reprinted here in its entirety with express permission. You can read the original on Kelly's blogAre you a Drug Dealer? Are you a small micro bath & body business? Do you sell lotions to prevent sunburn, or made to block the damage of the sun on skin? Do you sell products for diaper rash, acne blemished skin, eczema or psoriasis, hot flash sprays, anti bacterial products? All these items, and many more examples, are considered by the FDA as Over The Counter Drugs. Manufacturing and selling these products requires…
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Making Mini Scrapbooks Blog
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Vintage Images
7 Feb 2010 | 12:59 pmFree vintage images for you to use in your mini books and altered art projects -
Scrapbooking Techniques
29 Jan 2010 | 4:30 pmMini Scrapbooking Techniques -
Epoxy Embellishments
29 Jan 2010 | 4:26 pmHow to Make Your Own Epoxy Embellishments -
Recycled Books
16 Dec 2009 | 4:24 pmUpcycled and Recycled Books - A great way to repurpose materials in a new, fun way! -
Fabric Embellishments
9 Dec 2009 | 11:52 amMake your own fabric embellishments
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allsorts
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Unhappy news
7 Feb 2010 | 9:06 amWe just got some very sad news. Ro's mom passed away in her sleep this morning. It was not unexpected, but sad just the same. She was a wonderful lady, and we miss her a lot. In light of this... -
Bugs... a contest, and a contest!
4 Feb 2010 | 11:16 amI took the plunge and entered a fabric design in this week's Spoonflower contest. There's a link to vote on the Spoonflower blog. This week's theme was bugs! Of course, I don't do icky bugs, my bugs are more of... -
Playing with fabric
1 Feb 2010 | 3:51 pmWT97VP5RWTQR I'm intrigued with the idea of designing my own fabric and having it printed online. Anyone have experience with Spoonflower? I've been noodling around trying to get the hang of it with this design using my little Dutch doll... -
One last peek
27 Jan 2010 | 7:37 pmThe Christmas decorations are almost put away, but I promised I'd tell you all about the photo shoot last week, and so here are photos I took of some corners that weren't chosen for the shoot, like the white feather... -
The pattern is up!
22 Jan 2010 | 3:57 pmMy pattern is now available in the Craft Hope for Haiti shop on Etsy! 100% of the proceeds go to Doctors Without Borders to assist in their efforts to help the people of Haiti. Check the patterns section here to...
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oh my so cute
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Felt handcraft cuteness galore at Essie’s
31 Jan 2010 | 5:06 amCopyright © www.ohmysocute.com Aren’t these felt handmade goodies too cute? And they have to be in my favorite cupcake and owl designs! I definitely would love to get my hands on the Cupcake... © 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. -
Kawaii decorative wood animals and figures
22 Jan 2010 | 7:43 amCopyright © www.ohmysocute.com I love decorative wooden figures. In fact, I have a few wooden animal figurines at home and just the other day, I was wiping dust off them! I also learnt from a... © 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 handmade lollipop and candy resin jewelry
14 Jan 2010 | 6:01 amCopyright © www.ohmysocute.com It’s been awhile since I featured cute resin handmade jewelry so here are some today from Le Boutique Rouge to ogle at. Lots of flowers, lollipops, cotton... © 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 New Year cute stationery addition
3 Jan 2010 | 1:54 amCopyright © www.ohmysocute.com Over the New Year holidays, I went shopping at Parkway Parade and added some really pretty stationery to my collection. I’ll be honest that I have no use for... © 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. -
Have a fun and colorful 2010!
31 Dec 2009 | 6:31 amCopyright © www.ohmysocute.com Found this really cute 2010 art calendar at Crosti’s Place. It’s a limited edition collector’s item as only 50 items were issued! Each month comes... © 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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A Look Back at My DIY Wedding
7 Feb 2010 | 7:15 pmOver the weekend my husband and I celebrated our wedding anniversary. I had planned to share how we met but my husband "didn't want our story floating around the internet". So, I thought I would share about some of the items I made for our wedding.I apologize now for the pictures. The only good pictures we have are in our wedding album which would be difficult to scan.For the favors, we gave out chopsticks. I printed our names/date on vellum an tied the tags with mizuhiki cord. I think I was up until 3:00 in the morning making these the night before my wedding. Can you say procrastination.I… -
Cucumber Namasu Recipe
4 Feb 2010 | 1:02 pmOne of my favorite salads to make is cucumber namasu. It's a simple dish to make with minimal ingredients. It's perfect to serve in a bento or as an appetizer. Recipe below.Cucumber Namasu RecipeServes 4 : very small servings, appetizer size. Ingredients:1 English Cucumber1 1/2 tsp Salt1/4 cup Sugar1/4 cup Rice vinegarSesame seeds for garnish*Optional - add fresh shrimp or crab meat to saladPeel cucumbers and scoop out the center with a spoon.Thinly slice and salt. Marinate in the fridge for about an hour. Rinse excess salt off with water. Squeeze out any water from the cucumbers. Pat dry.For… -
Miniature shoes and more!
2 Feb 2010 | 3:32 pmIn case you missed my last Re-Ment post, I thought I would share about the miniature items again. Re-Ment is a Japanese company that makes miniature items such as food, Disney toys, clothes, etc. And I'm pretty much in love with everything. The pieces above are from the Petit Mode Collection. My husband surprised me with the shoe and handbag set (pictured above). You notice I said "me" and not "my daughter". Yes, these are my toys.I'm not the only one captivated by these miniatures. There's an awesome Flickr group dedicated to the items. Set 1 from Odekake Shoe & BagThe handbag is about… -
Rockin' Valentine's Day Cards
31 Jan 2010 | 3:35 pmHere at the Okui household it's all about the video game Rock Band 2. My son particularly is obsessed with the game. I find him making microphones and singing E-Pro. He even has a new nighttime ritual of brushing his teeth to "Eye of The Tiger", never saw that coming. So when it was time to make his Valentine cards, I knew just where to look for inspiration. Supplies:Hear Shaped LollipopsWhite Card StockScissorsHole PunchDouble Stick TapeRight click, copy and save the clip art onto a document such as word. It's designed to fit on a landscape (11 x 8 1/2) page. Print out on heavy card… -
Zakka Card Giveaway
30 Jan 2010 | 12:34 pmSince there was such a positive response from the last weekend giveaway, I'm hosting another one. This is a card I purchased at a Japanese store. What drew me to the card was that it folds into an open box (picture below). I hope you will find this card as charming as I do.To enter the giveaway, please leave a comment telling me what you will do with the card, give it away, keep it for yourself? One entry per household. Please leave an email address so I can contact you if you win. Contest ends Monday, February 1, 2010. I'll announce the winner Tuesday on this post and email them. If I do not…
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Geek Crafts
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Monster Chair
8 Feb 2010 | 7:36 pmGeek Crafts reader Diana Simpson submitted her super fun monster chair, George! Monster Chair -
Pac-Man Cake
5 Feb 2010 | 11:00 pmGeek Crafts reader Kathryn submitted this f-ing awesome Pac-Man cake from Jet City Cakes. Definitely worth clicking through to see more of their amazing work. Pac-Man Cake -
Crocheted Mega Man Helmet
4 Feb 2010 | 11:00 pmMore Mega Man! Craftster user talli_1985 crocheted this great Mega Man helmet. Crocheted Mega Man Helmet -
Geek Crafts at The Escapist
4 Feb 2010 | 2:42 pmWe forgot to mention - The Escapist did a great article called Max-Level Crafters and it’s all about geek crafts (the idea, not our website), but focuses on video game crafts. And… our little Geek Crafts blog was mentioned and our very own Renee was even quoted in it! Go now and take a read - it’s a great article! (We’re mentioned on the third page). Max-Level Crafters at the Escapist -
Comics Baby Sling
3 Feb 2010 | 11:21 pmThis comics-themed baby sling (handmade by Portuguese crafter Maria Cafe) is pretty awesome! I love the fabric she used — here’s a detail shot of it. You can find the sling (and tons more handmade crafts) in the craft hope Etsy shop. All crafts are donated by their makers and 100% of sales benefit Doctors Without Borders for their relief efforts in Haiti. Comics Baby Sling craft hope Etsy shop Maria Cafe
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creative little daisy
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Ice, ice baby and cooking for comfort
31 Jan 2010 | 12:13 pmWhile much of North Carolina got a nice blanket of snowy whiteness, we got a slippery, shiny layer of ice. It was magical this morning. The sun dancing through the trees, their frozen branches glistening in the early morning light. They looked as if they were made of glass. I tried to capture the moment with my camera, but the digital images pale in comparison to the real thing. With the roads blanketed in a layer of ice, I took the advice of all those giving advice on such matters and stayed in. Of course, I probably would have done that had it not been cold and dangerous out, but… -
If you consider yourself anything more than a novice in the kitchen
26 Jan 2010 | 3:15 amthis post is not for you. Move along. Are they gone yet? Good. Snickering at my sad attempt to post a recipe would surely hurt my feelings. Several years ago, Mitch and I had dinner with some friends and I ordered a pasta dish with angel hair pasta and a basil and tomato sauce. It had a fancy name, and a wordy description and cost around fourteen dollars. It was good enough, I guess, but for fourteen bucks I usually like something a little more substantial. A steak perhaps. What struck me was the simplicity of the dish. Something even I could make at home, in minutes, with ingredients I… -
What light through yonder (dirty) window breaks?
25 Jan 2010 | 1:32 pmIt is the late afternoon sun, casting golden rays of warmth across my living roomwhile emphasizing dust & dog hair on black painted furnitureand dirty little fingerprints on the television. * Now if you'll excuse me, I think I need to find a dust cloth and some windex. *(If you are 21 months old, you can not simply sit and watch Barney, you must also touch Barney.) -
I think I got the comment thing figured out
21 Jan 2010 | 6:48 amI'm dangerous behind the wheel of this blog, I tell ya. No license, no proper teaching... I just feel my way around blindly and hope for the best. I'm probably not telling you anything you didn't already know, but just in case, I'll share what I did. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, let me first catch you up. A couple of posts back, I asked a question about responding to comments. I like the interactive nature of responding right there in the comment section, as I've seen done on other blogs. Many times a response to one person may answer another… -
You get what you pay for
20 Jan 2010 | 3:45 amThat's how the saying goes, but I like to think sometimes you get more than what you pay for. I picked up an artificial flower arrangement last week at goodwill for a couple dollars. It was pretty sad, but I knew I could work with it. What caught my eye was how realistic the flowers (dried hydrangeas) looked. It was a large, ugly basket with dusty hydrangeas haphazardly sticking out from here and there. At one time I'm sure it was really pretty. Something you might see on a hearth in a home with country decor, but now it looked like it had been stored in a dusty attic under some…
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house on hill road
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Threadknits
6 Feb 2010 | 2:21 pmLibraries are the number one place where shh happensFatty and I are big Threadless t-shirt fans so I was very flattered and incredibly excited when they asked me to be one of the judges of their latest contest. Threadknits is a contest for knitters and crocheters. The gist is that you take your favorite Threadless t-shirt design and knit or crochet it in to something fabulous. Pretty cool, huh? The contest is running now through March 1, 2010 - still time for you to whip something up. You can read the rules and how to enter here. There are great prizes that included cash, t-shirts… -
Tea Leaves
4 Feb 2010 | 5:16 pmHere it is. My tea leaves cardigan. It's not the best photo, but I took a bunch and wouldn't you know that this is the best I got? Now it's dark so there is no chance of a re-shoot until tomorrow and I am afraid tomorrow I won't have time.I like this sweater a lot. The sleeves are a funky length - not 3/4 and not really full - but I'm okay with that since I ran out of yarn. I do wish it were a little smaller. The pattern goes from a 36 to a 40 and of course, I am a 38. I knit the 40 which was definitely the right choice, but a 38 would have been… -
I'm liking February so far
3 Feb 2010 | 11:21 amI have one sweater blocking. It should be ready for buttons tonight. And because I need a portable craft to work on while in the carpool line or music lessons, I cast on another sweater this afternoon. It, too, is for me. I debated between a charcoal gray and a medium brown for the main color. It was a hard decision. My first instinct was gray, but then I took a look in my closet and I have three gray sweaters and only one brown one. So, I went for the brown. It was an uncharacteristic choice, but it is going to look so good with the main contrast color: green. No surprise… -
Hello February, I've got my eye on you
1 Feb 2010 | 3:06 pmI'm not going to let this month get the best of me. No sir, not one bit. I've got flowers and hot cocoa with whipped cream and a quilt top. And it's only just begun. -
Progress is good
31 Jan 2010 | 11:43 amWould you look at that? I'm sewing today and it made me think of this post. That was 15 months ago and that sewing journey started six months before that day. So yeah, I've been working on this project for 21 months. And as of today, I've finished piecing 96 out of 96 single girl squares and pieced 24 pairs together. By the end of the day I hope to have one of two twin quilt tops put together. I think it's a great way to end the month of January.Of course, February will start with more of the same which is also good. I'm ready to put this baby to bed.
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Storque articles: How-To
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From Etsy's Merchandising Desk: Sprouting Up in March
It's that time again, and those of us behind the scenes at Etsy would like to share our merchandising plans for March. 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 February'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 February Keep abreast of the February seasonal themes, holidays, dates to remember, and trends in February's… -
Top 10 Tax Time Tips From Outright
Here in the U.S., we're coming up on that dreaded time of year: tax time. In the past few months, our bookkeeping partner Outright.com has added a host of features, streamlining your bookkeeping and lessening the hassle that comes with running an indie business and doing your taxes. We asked them to provide some helpful tips to get 2010 off to a good start. (This info may only apply to U.S. sellers.) More often than not, what sellers think of as a hobby, the IRS treats as a business. Every U.S. citizen who sells on Etsy has to file a Schedule C with their income taxes (unless they've… -
Seven Steps to Understanding Online Advertising
This guest post is by Amanda Steinberg, founder of DailyWorth.com. DailyWorth is a daily email about money for women — delivering practical tips, empowering ideas and the occasional kick in the pants. You've started your business. You're selling the cutest organically sourced, hand-crafted baby teethers on earth. Your shop is launched, your blog has a few comments, the teethers are good to go and the supplies are stocked. So where are the sales? Here's a gruesome reality to business that's learned only through experience: Nothing sells without a lot of pavement… -
How-Tuesday: Matchbox Valentines With Rachel Johnson
Whenever I encounter paper lace, glitter, rosy patterned paper, and all the trappings of a classic handmade valentine, I am immediately transported back to my elementary school days. I would sit at the kitchen table with my mother, armed with a bottle of glue and a pair of scissors, and methodically and democratically (and sometimes against my will) make valentines for every kid in my class. Each little missive would be deposited in our custom crafted shoebox mailboxes at school the next day, surrounded by a group sugar buzz. We had such a great time at Craft Night last night gluing and… -
Ecouterre's Tips for Snagging a Feature on Design Blogs
As the managing editor of Ecouterre, a leading online magazine about the future of sustainable fashion design, I get a lot of email, from random press releases that have nothing to do with the environment or fashion (think Jon Gosselin's latest whereabouts) to announcements about budget vacations in the Caribbean. I'm sure a lot of good pitches get lost in my desperate attempt to tame my inbox with my itchy "Delete" trigger finger. The good stories that I do see often come with issues that make me less likely to pick them up. Here, I've listed a few suggestions for businesses looking to…
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The Apronista - Aprons, Vintage Aprons, Apron Patterns, Tutorials
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Aprons at BlissDom?
8 Feb 2010 | 2:12 pmI can't wait to tell you about all the new people I met this weekend and the fabulous creative women I was blown away by. I also have a fabulous coupon code for one of my favorite aprons - check back in a day or two!! 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 -
Off to BlissDom!
2 Feb 2010 | 2:15 pmTomorrow I am off to Nashville to hang out with 500 of my favorite people. The Annual BlissDom Conference is an awesome chance to catch up with friends, make new ones, network, build your confidence in blogging, branding, and oh, yeah...Meet Harry Connick Jr. (swoon) (Yum-O) Where was I? Oh right...blissdom. It really is an awesome experience, and one of the reasons I will be there is to co-conduct a workshop on one of my other passions - photography. I decided when I get back I am going to plan a post (or 2 or 3) on photographing aprons - both for showing off and for selling. I am in… -
Apron Love Giveaway!
25 Jan 2010 | 12:35 pmApron Love can brighten the dreariest day. And when that gloom falls on Monday, there's nothing to be done but tie one on with an Apron Love Giveaway - a pre-release copy of the second edition of apronology magazine!!This giveaway is hostessed by me, EllynAnne at www.apronmemories.com. It's a quickie, so quick like a bunny, click here and enter.The 2009 debut issue of apronology presented the humble domestic icon as art and wear.The second edition, publishing February 1st, will continue the love. Just one lucky, lucky, LUCKY winner - can't be you if you don't enter!xxeaTie One On...an apron,… -
Apron Giveaway at Eli's Lids
23 Jan 2010 | 4:24 pmMy sweet friend Kara of Eli's Lids is hostessing an Apron giveaway this week! You could win a set of Rockets and Robots Aprons from Stringbean Company - This is too stinkin adorable...get on over and tell Kara I said hi!! 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 -
Flirty Apron Swap - Martini Madness
4 Jan 2010 | 3:55 pmM artini Madness Flirty Apron Swap Okay ladies, Guest Blogger Shawnee here, and I’m SO excited about my newest apron swap.But, I have a True Confession to make – I’ve never drank a martini in my life!I actually don’t like alcohol very much, just an occasional wine cooler.But, I LOVE the cute martini glasses!!I see them everywhere and I want to own dozens of them!And, the Flirty Apron Swap blog is all about the cute!So, I hope you’ll join in and sip “mocktails” if the hard stuff isn’t your thang.Since I’m new to this martini-thing, I really appreciate if you’d also include…
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Design Mom
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XOXO
8 Feb 2010 | 12:30 pmTwo more ideas for kids to give to classmates: these perfect XOXO pencils from Simple Song Designs.And these barely pink Lovemallows by Kelly. -
Ask Design Mom — Calendars
8 Feb 2010 | 10:08 amAsk-Design-Mom-Question:I'm looking for the perfect wall calendar that has beautiful pictures and squares for writing in each day. Have you found anything unique out there? Thanks! — CarolineDesign Mom Answer:Great question, Caroline. Embarrassingly, I am super late to the calendar shopping game this year. I mean, goodness gracious, it's February! Please excuse me. And now to your question. Since you're looking for squares to write in, here are four beautiful options:-This pretty patterned one by Letter C Design.-A colorful, illustrated calendar by Jess Gonacha.-Monthly illustrations… -
Ask Design Mom — Striped Socks
8 Feb 2010 | 10:06 amAsk-Design-Mom-Question: I am having a hard time finding some really cool striped socks for my husband. Any suggestions? Thanks. — Candace.Design Mom Answer:Thanks for your question, Candace! Stripey socks make me happy. I went straight to Ben Blair for suggestions and he sent me to Smart Turnout and JCrew for good-looking, colorful choices. Also, I noticed in a recent issue of GQ, Glenn O'Brien, the style guy, recommends both J. Press and Corgi Dear Readers, let's help Candace out. Do you have any terrific striped sock sources? -
Making Valentines
8 Feb 2010 | 8:58 amNumber one on my task list this week: making Valentines with my kids. You too? But first, I'm going to scour the interwebs for ideas. Olive really wants to give out candy so I think we'll go with these beautiful chocolate bar wrappers from Benign Objects (they offer tea wrap templates as well — perfect for your child's teacher!). If you're looking for ideas, here are three of the most successful Valentines we've made in year's past:1) Mad Libs (our most popular — a real hit for 3rd, 4th and 5th graders) 2) Friendship Bracelets 3) Bookmarks Other fun ideas from my archives:1) Japanese… -
A Few Things
5 Feb 2010 | 11:31 amWe're in the car, on our way to Copper Mountain for a ski weekend. The drive through the Rockies to the ski resorts is gorgeous. (The entire state of Colorado is gorgeous.) And this will be 3-year-old Betty's first time on skis — I hope she loves it.What are you doing this weekend? Anything fun? Here are some links to help you celebrate till Monday:-The NY Public Library has a flickr page? Oh. I could get lost here. via Swissmiss-Supermarket Sarah has the coolest shop ever. Right in her house. Would you ever do this?-NotMartha shares some photos of what has caught her eye lately. I LOVE…
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sweet jessie
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Let them eat cake
9 Feb 2010 | 7:20 amI have no idea why I was so incredibly excited to find the pink SnoBalls at the grocery store, but I felt like a kid in a candy store. I loaded up my cart with them. I just love how pink and perfect they are. I really had no intention of eating them but I had to have them. So I decided to have a little photo shoot with those marshmallow balls of delight, playing with some photography tips I recently learned in class... and when I got back to the computer to edit them, I noticed the heart. Have you found any sweet surprises lately that made you smile? -
Handmade Olympics
9 Feb 2010 | 7:02 amI just found out that Feeling Stitchy has been nominated for Event 8 in RikRak's Handmade Olympics: Favorite Blog with a handmaking Focus. Won't you please vote for us? Hugs and kisses to Tara of Scoutie Girl for nominating Feeling Stitchy! -
states united
7 Feb 2010 | 7:36 amLook what I won! I entered a Valentines Day Contest at Marta Writes, and I won this amazing printby Beauchamping (you can also buy it as a t-shirt). I can't wait to get it framed and hang it up in my living room. Thank you Marta! Thank you, Gregory! -
Inspiration Board
5 Feb 2010 | 11:48 amOur assignment this week for Blogging Your Way was to create an inspiration board. It wasn't hard for me to create because I've been a magazine ripper and treasure keeper for a very long time. The hardest part was finding all of my little piles and stashes of treasures in hidey holes around the house! It was really fun to put it all together, and get a better idea of what inspires me. I thought maybe you'd like to see it, too. In the second photo, I broke it down so you know a little bit about each item. What words come to mind when you see my… -
Today I love: Calligraphy
5 Feb 2010 | 5:07 amOne more thing to add to my to-do list (along with learn to crochet and play the guitar): take a calligraphy class - in the hopes that I could ever write like these lovelies, which just amaze me with their beauty.... Betsy Dunlap for Simplesong emilie friday neither snow
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every little thing
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Not a fan
7 Feb 2010 | 11:51 pmI'm breaking my blog silence to post unflattering pictures from the recent Masterpiece Classic rendition of Emma. That's right, I'm a jerk. Go back to Cuba where you belong, big face. -
Get your Christmas Kitsch On
18 Dec 2009 | 1:33 pmDon't forget to download this year's Holiday Obscura Christmas album over at the Chicago Public Radio Website! It's free until January 1st, then it's gone - so hurry! I was absolutely over the moon about last years album, (which I still have saved on my PC, if anyone wants is - just email me!) These old holiday songs are cazy, kitschy, groovy, often creepy, and always awesome. You gotta get in on this. God Bless you, Andy Cirzan! -
Oh by the way...HERE!
17 Dec 2009 | 8:39 amAmanda fun-fact: When I was 14-ish I was OBSESSED with finding a long nightgown exactly like the one Claire (Karen Allen) wears in the flashback scene of Scroodged. I never found it. -
Holiday Crafty Fun!
8 Dec 2009 | 11:44 amPass it along! I want everyone to make these cupcake ornaments this year, they are such fun! Tutorial and what-not on the Bake It Pretty Blog. -
Holiday Happenings
7 Dec 2009 | 11:03 amIs that a crafty project I spy? Wow, has it been a while - I've gotten pretty rusty. You should see the mess I made on the back of that thing! What tangles webs we weave. At least the front looks good (so far.) The winter village has outgrown the mantle and moved to the TV armorie-thingy - and it looks pretty great this year. We are all enjoying it. I need to take a new pictures, since I've hung little swags of vintage lace binding over the top. Pretty dreamy. The christmas cards are going out before 2010 and that is a major achievement for me. Yippie! And…
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Mayfly
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girls vs. boys
8 Feb 2010 | 10:14 amThe kids both had their friends over for their birthday parties this weekend, and the differences were pretty funny. She had a tea party, and he took a few friends swimming at the community center then headed back here for cake. Her: Fancy table with dainty snacks. Sipping tea & eating heart shaped sandwiches. Chit-chat. Good manners. Him: Swimming, sliding, dunking. Whooping, stomping, crazy nerf gun war, ganging up on daddy. Her: Hello Kitty craft kits, Barbies, flowery headbands and necklaces. Him: Nerf guns, flying helicopters, Nerf balls, more Nerf guns. Her: Pink cake, chocolate covered… -
the little red dress
29 Jan 2010 | 7:52 amBrian and little N have plans. There is a Daddy-Daughter Valentine's Ball to attend. There will be dancing and snacks and little girls in fancy dresses. When we explained it to her, I thought she might burst. Every morning she asks if it's the day of the dance. And then sometime later in the day she hollers, "NO! I will NOT _______!" (fill in the blank with any small request from us) and slams a door. Then we threaten to take the dance away. (Bad, bad parents.) But who are we kidding? You know she'll get to go. I have sprung into action in my way- styling the outfit. It's a Christmas dress… -
5 and 9
26 Jan 2010 | 3:19 pmI disappeared there for a little while. Sorry about that. It's been busy, busy: murals, treats to school(s), friends, family, sick kids, birthday parties, yadda yadda yadda. Today is the girl's birthday- her official entry into big-kid territory. She's five. I feel like a page has turned to a new chapter for us. SO corny, I know. But I've been feeling the sappiness of it all day. Five and nine. Big kids. And I'm their mom. It's a joy watching them grow and a great relief to be past toddler-hood, but enormously sad at the same time. I guess that's how it goes. I just keep thinking "so far so… -
winter distractions
18 Jan 2010 | 8:27 pmFirst the multiple dumpings of snow, then weeks of unrelenting frigid temps, and now we've been submerged into a cold, thick fog for days on end. It's been odd weather this year for sure. But we've found a few things to distract us. There was a birthday. A certain young man here turned nine. And I can't even believe it. And we've made a few things. N made a snow globe: We followed these easy directions. She made the funny little snowmen out of Fimo and we used water not oil. She insisted on the pink glitter snow. And I made a desert terrarium: I don't think mushrooms grow in the desert, but… -
dense fog advisory
15 Jan 2010 | 9:17 amHave a great weekend.
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Happy Zombie
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Dude, where’s my BOM
2 Feb 2010 | 11:23 amDone. D.O.N.E. Done. Not that I didn’t enjoy every minute of making Anne Sutton’s adorable A Tisket, A Tasket BOM blocks - I couldn’t wait to finish it and get it set and quilt it. Setting is still in the audition progress as I’m playing with two setting ideas. A fun dilemma to have, for sure. For an [...] -
I made something. Really.
28 Jan 2010 | 7:06 pmI’ve been having so much fun lately - talking my Rock-star friend Tammy into having the best ever lunch with me (and she said YES!), or hanging out on my twitter (how else would I know what Super-woman Camille plans on wearing at Market), or my daily yimmer yammers with Super-star PamKittyMorning…. that I actually [...] -
Something for Haiti, something for you…
20 Jan 2010 | 9:35 amIt’s been a few years since I made my Four Bean Salad with fabric from Allspice Tapestry by Fig Tree… and it’s traveled from Oregon to Iowa for star treatment at Better Homes & Gardens for the 2008 Summer issue of Quilts & More. Such a star… that Four Bean Salad has a celebrity [...] -
Do Something
19 Jan 2010 | 11:59 amDoing Something could never be easier. Or more fun. -
Winners. It’s what’s for dinner.
11 Jan 2010 | 1:05 pmYippeeyoodle… Thanks for playing in my Bow/No Bow contest. Thank you for your kind and hilarious comments! So a funny thing happened on my way to random.org… it didn’t want to give me a winner! I personally don’t comment on many posts with contests because I need to use what I have, [...]
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One more Moore
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I'm making it for her...
9 Feb 2010 | 12:01 amMy Aunt Cheryl is pretty great. Wonderful, in fact. I got to visit with her for a few hours when I was in Utah last week. She's been transfered to my cousins house now where they can care for her. My Aunt became ill over Thanksgiving and what was thought to be treatable has now turned into the worst. Words like 'terminal' have emerged and we don't know if we are looking at days or weeks or months. It all just seems unreal. What about 2nd opinions? What about a misdiagnosis? Surely they must have it all wrong. She is too young, younger than my own Mother. It just… -
I just wanted one picture...
5 Feb 2010 | 9:51 pmof Charlie, alone... fat chance. -
The funeral
4 Feb 2010 | 10:42 pmToday was my uncles funeral. He died very unexpectedly last Saturday and so I drove up to Utah with the children for the funeral. He is my third uncle who has passed in 11 months. All 3 were in their 50's. It's surreal. Anyway, it's a quick trip- we are heading home tomorrow. Been thinking about a lot of different things this week one of which has inspired a new project I want to start on Monday. I'll share with you then. Have a happy weekend. See you next week. -
Our space
2 Feb 2010 | 12:05 amI've been thinking a lot about our living space lately. I pulled the blinds down last week and promised Chris I'd put curtains up asap. I totally lied. The windows are still bare, but many stops to many different shops left us, well.... curtain-less. That's when I took matters into my own hands and headed downtown to look for fabric to make my own. Curtain fabric purchasing is no easy task I tell you. No.Easy.Task. We (Mom & I) went into at least a dozen shops. I took a photo with my phone of a very promising fabric and sent it to Chris "It's a bit old-lady if… -
The fullness of my hands
28 Jan 2010 | 7:58 pmDramatization- do not attempt at homeThere's something about going from 2 children to 3 that prompts total strangers to comment on the fullness of my hands (ex: it looks like you have your hands full!) Surely I am not the only person in the world who has 3 children under the age of 4.5 but really... that's not a lot of children. I don't know if they are just stating the facts or feel really sorry for me. Like the time I was walking into the shops last week with a sleeping Charlie in his carseat on one arm and pushing a drowsy Kate in the stroller with the other hand and…
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happythings
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A little bit of home
28 Jan 2010 | 10:23 amI made this travel blanket for David to take with him on his travels, oh, 3 years ago.. at least. I pieced the front (and part of the flannel back) as usual and just sewed them up pillowcase style and then added a zizag stitch around the outside. He's been using it since but I never finished it until today. All I had left to do was add some ties to secure it. The ties help keep the fabric from shifting when used and washed. (Which they have been doing for 3 years so the whole thing is kinda wonky now...) It is big enough to throw over yourself on a chilly airplane or… -
I've just created a new category: YARN
4 Jan 2010 | 12:10 pmYes, it's true - so I guess this yarn thing is here to stay for a while. I was even prompted by a friend's post today to join Ravelry. I didn't mean to become a knitting convert but here we are. It is the only thing I seem to be able to get done, craft-wise, these days. My mother-in-law taught me how to make this lacy scarf and I started it last February. I finished it in front of the fire last night. No, it isn't hard. I just had a short attention span and slow fingers (and brain.) But my fingers have improved and voila. It is the first thing I… -
Not that anyone really needs another ornament...
22 Dec 2009 | 12:29 pm...but, this turned out really cute. Bea and I bought a pack of these clear glass bulb ornaments at the craft store with the idea of gluing tissue paper on them but after a couple of those we discovered we liked to fill them up with stuff much better. We did a bunch of different things (pom poms, scraps of wadded tissue paper, sequins, beads) but this one, with little scraps of yarn, was my favorite. It turns out it is very difficult to photograph - but trust me, it looks really cool and a tree full would look really fab. Anyway, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and… -
The answer is Yes
2 Dec 2009 | 5:10 amYay! It was a stretch and required much sitting and knitting when I should have been doing other things, BUT - it was done on the 99th day and she loves it. Oh - and it was 84 stitches around and much less tall. Yay for 2nd chances. -
Umm
25 Nov 2009 | 9:48 amWell, now I know. 100 stitches is too big. I made Bea a "100 Stitches" hat to celebrate her 100th day of Kindergarten coming up on Tuesday. The good news is that I got it done in time. The bad news is self-evident. It is even huge on me. Well then - it will be another hat to donate to the Knitzvah for someone with a very large head and I will go back to the drawing board. Can I finish in time for Tuesday?
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Uncommon Grace
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February 3
3 Feb 2010 | 9:05 pmTonight I'm in need of some birthday opinions from you all. *James turns four next month, and I'm stumped on a gift for him. Any suggestions? Our criteria are: nothing electronic/battery operated, nothing plastic, and probably not vehicle-related (we have so much of that already). So those of you with little guys, what are some things that have gone over well? *Also with a four-year-old in mind: can you share some of your favorite books? We like to give one book for each birthday, and despite going over the Chinaberry catalog with a fine-tooth comb, I don't have any… -
February 2
2 Feb 2010 | 10:44 pmToday was the festival of Candlemas. Because we were out of town all of last week, preparing for it pretty much slipped my mind, so we just had a candlelit dinner and bedtime. Sometime later in the week, we'll make candles, too. Candlemas has never become a huge celebration in our family, but I really like the suggestions for its celebration in Mrs. Sharp's Traditions, I love to listen to this every Candlemas (it was written to be played at Candlemas). There are always small ways to mark the passing seasons, even when they are not big, fancy celebrations. Really, I spent most of… -
February 1
1 Feb 2010 | 9:42 pmHi there. Did you think I disappeared? I wouldn't be surprised if you did. I only posted a couple of times in January. There are three real reasons for this: enjoying some quiet home time, feeling a bit of blog burnout, and having severe, and I do mean severe, computer problems. We bought our computer brand-new not 18 months ago, and already by this past summer, we were experiencing lots of problems. Currently it doesn't even turn on. It makes me tremble just to think about it, so I won't say any more here. But I did finally locate my installation disk for the… -
A small difference
15 Jan 2010 | 2:30 pmHow are you all doing? I'm quietly enjoying a bit of a break over here. Today I want to talk a bit about Haiti, though. This week, Elisabeth came home from her class with this little lenten offering collection tin. The kids were encouraged to collect money before the beginning of Lent (coming up so soon!) to donate to the people of Haiti. We've been thinking about more ways we can help. And if you want to help, there are lots of ways. Some of my friends are arranging donations through etsy shops. Look at Melissa's beautiful work here. Craft Hope's AMAZING shop here. (One… -
2009, a retrospective {part 1}
6 Jan 2010 | 2:14 pmI hope you all are not tired of 2009 wrap-ups. I know I'm a bit late, but bear with me -- I've been so very sick for so long, it's making me feel really behind. Anyway, I have had a 2009 retrospective on the creating end of things in mind for a while now, but I still want to photograph a last couple of things, so I thought I would start with the life part. And of course there's some overlap. January Quiet days at home. Knitting the bunting. Visits with friends. Cooking, freezing, nesting. Sewing. Contractions. Waiting. February More contractions. More waiting. More…
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SouleMama
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my zimmermann year ~ the tomten ~
8 Feb 2010 | 5:01 amOh, the Tomten. I couldn't very well have 2010 be my Zimmermann Year without completing her classic Tomten, now could I? Truth be told though, this project began a long time ago - nearly a full year ago now. It's... -
SouleMama Sponsor ~ BABYBEARSHOP ~
7 Feb 2010 | 5:06 am~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I am pleased to welcome back BABYBEARSHOP as a Featured Sponsor today! In founder and CEO Diana's words, BABYBEARSHOP is: "Certified Organic skincare for mama + baby. Our products are made in the USA and are not plastic. We... -
Soulemama Sponsor ~ UNRAVELLING ~
6 Feb 2010 | 5:12 amSince Sponsorship began here nearly two years ago, I've had the pleasure of getting to know the owners, teachers, and shopkeepers who grace the sidebar here at SouleMama. I've been inspired by the way they run their businesses, live their... -
Friday, From the Archives :: This Week in 2009
5 Feb 2010 | 7:43 amIt's Friday - time for our weekly trip down blog memory lane! *** *** *** *** winter manifesto :: complete {Originally posted February 12, 2009} {view all the photos in the flickr set} A Winter's Manifesto :: 1. Follow the... -
slow knitting
4 Feb 2010 | 4:57 amA year ago, I cast on 220 stitches on a size 9 needle. Using leftover bits of worsted weight wool, I started knitting in garter stitch, changing colors when I felt like it or when a new ball of yarn...
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Yarn Harlot
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Pictures of a rest
8 Feb 2010 | 2:34 pmYesterday though, two rare things happened. First, I took a day off. A whole day off. Not that self-employed kind of day off where you just work less than you usually do and call it a day off, but a real, honest to goodness day off. Madrona happens this coming weekend, and as is my habit, I took a few extra days to work with Tina here on the west coast before we go. Saturday I flew in, she picked me up and we settled in one of our favourite places to be. We've both been under a lot of stress these last few months, and decided that we could use "a day off". (Actually, a lot… -
Packing
5 Feb 2010 | 1:48 pmThis here, would be the knitting-packing that I'm doing for leaving tomorrow. \The bag on the left would be the Bohus, which seems to me like it's perfect travel project... once I'm settled. (I have a sock for the plane, because juggling 14 little balls of yarn and a chart seems like a bit much.) On the right though, is a pretty awesome bag full of fun, or I hope it will be. I've decided to take Rachel H's comment to heart. When I was pondering whether or not the Knitting Olympics were something I wanted to do/host this year, she said this:So here's what I'm thinking. I enjoy… -
January Socks
4 Feb 2010 | 12:51 pmThe first months combo of my self-imposed sock club. Yarn: Handkraft "The sock who loved me" in Mangrove (70% Merino, 30% silk. Yummy.) Pattern: Sleepy Hollow.Verdict: I love these socks. Love them. I love the stripes up the backs of the legs (probably a throwback to some bizarre stocking seam association I'm making) and I love - no, not love... I am deeply satisfied by the heel.This sock is knit from the top down, and when you get to the time for the heel, you begin to work it in the traditional slipped stitch pattern, but you don't work it by itself, back and… -
Groundhog
3 Feb 2010 | 2:52 pmJust poking my head up to assure you all that I'm fine. I sort of like the way that if the blog goes dark for a few days, the emails start coming to make sure I'm okay. It makes me feel like if I'd ever fallen and couldn't get up that I wouldn't be eaten by my cat before my body was discovered. (I know that realistically I would be found by my family long before that happened, but apparently I was really shaped by one bad episode of Law and Order. Note to self. Maybe not watch that show.) All is well here, though I'm trying to power through family stuff to ready myself and them for… -
Plans. Best. Laid. All that
29 Jan 2010 | 11:46 amA little while ago, I put together my own sock club. I still belong to a sock club, but I wanted to make a point of burning through some of the stash and finally getting to a few patterns I've been thinking about for a while. Thing is, stuff slips off the radar. I get the yarn or the patterns and I think I'm going to get to it soon, but really knitting is sort of slow, and by the time I'm free to start something again, whatever that cool pattern and yarn were has sort of slipped through the cracks, down past the canopy of the stash and the next thing you know I've forgotten I'd ever…
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My Paper Crane
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foodies
8 Feb 2010 | 6:44 amToday is all about getting back into the swing of things. Kids are back at school, Thomas is going back to work. No more cooking big lunches together after sledding, no more cups of cocoa with our feet on the heaters….for now anyhow, winter is not over yet. They are calling for another (smaller) snowstorm on Tuesday, so we will have to see what happens. There was a lot of cooking during this extended weekend (Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) and I actually took some photos. One evening we made faux chicken, pineapple, spinach, and onions over rice. I made this butternut squash… -
Snow Day (day 2)
7 Feb 2010 | 7:05 amWe did so much shoveling yesterday, and had to shovel more this morning. It is times like these that we wish we had a much shorter driveway. Then we walked to the local park with the kids. The park is sort of down in a valley like area so it has great sledding hills all around that just slide you down into the park area. We sledded until we just couldn’t make the walk up the hill any more and headed home. Then I made hot chocolate and this maple pumpkin bread (left out the walnuts and used more maple instead of some of the sugar) and we played Uno. After dinner we watched… -
snow day
6 Feb 2010 | 6:42 amAnd this was just a trip into the backyard! The snow is still coming down! -
Betelgeuse Betelgeuse Betelgeuse
5 Feb 2010 | 2:33 pmThe kids had a planned half day today (because of the winter storm which is now pounding down on us) So I spent the free part of my afternoon packing orders (not a super exciting post right?) But I did want to share something we did earlier this week. On Tuesday night I took the kids and a friend of theirs to the planetarium in Hagerstown MD. It’s only about a ten minute drive, and even if your local you may not have known that Hagerstown has a planetarium! It is hidden inside the Board of Ed building and on the smaller side (seats 70) but it was such good fun! They do different shows… -
more Valentine’s goodies
4 Feb 2010 | 5:23 amMore goodies for the treat bags. I made these wooden heart pins using everything I had on hand except the wooden hearts. Those I found in bags of 4 for $1.00. I painted each with two coats of cheap acrylic, then glued eyes, pom pom noses, and pin backs on the back. I used a red marker to make the smiles. Next up are Valentine magnets, not sure yet if I will include these because I worry about kids thinking they can eat them. I might save these for our older friends instead. Just coat the candy with clear spray several times, all over. Then hot glue magnets to the back. I packaged up the…
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Apron Thrift Girl
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Summarizing Blissdom
8 Feb 2010 | 11:11 amRemember my what me afraid? post where I confessed about my fear of flying? Well after taking off and landing 4 different times, I'm still afraid. And my little heart raced crazily at the slightest hint of turbulence. I grabbed Cathe's hand so hard that I'm surprised she flew with me on the trip home. She reached out to me when I wrote my fearful flying post by offering to travel and look after me. I gotta tell you that she was my anchor during the trip. I honestly don't know if I could have done it without her. She made flying bearable to me. She's the reason I made… -
Heading Home from Blissdom
7 Feb 2010 | 9:21 amI just experienced three completely pack days at Blissdom. I'll admit my head has a wee case of information overload. But it's all good stuff. I'm looking forward to getting home to my family, continue to nurture my friendship with Cathe Holden (she is incredibly kind and so caring) and take all if this info in my head and figure out what to do with it. Feeling so inspired and blessed. I haven't been outside since Wednesday and I haven't thrifted a titch. Did anyone find an amazing thrifted item? Please share since I'm going through withdrawals. -
On the road to blissdom
2 Feb 2010 | 7:28 pmMy first mobile post using the typepad app. I'm on the airporter bus heading to Petaluma where we will pick up Cathe Holden. This is the first time that I've left the children ever. Cerys was exceptionally sad to see me go. My heart hurts a bit mixed in with some nervousness about flying and the excitement of the conference in front of me. On my way to blissdom. -
a sweet quilt - patchwork Haiti
2 Feb 2010 | 1:15 pmThis beautiful, sweet quilt was kindly donated by Cathe. It's perfect for displaying on a wall or perhaps placing on a small table. All proceeds from this auction will be for Haiti. Please see this post on Patchwork Haiti for details of how this auction works. The quilt measures 22 inches by 29 inches and is hand sewn. Approximate value of this vintage quilt is $35.00. The bidding is open until next Monday, February 8th at 11:00 am. There is no minimum bid. Thank again for your support for Patchwork Haiti. We have raised $200.00 so far. If you have a patchwork item to donate please let… -
light
1 Feb 2010 | 8:14 amIt's been a very strange few days for me. Last week sometime I accidentally had some gluten and it's left me a wreck. Stomach pain, depression, a little anxiety and a somewhat feeling of hopelessness. It's so weird to go from feeling overall normal and content to almost a different person just from a simple speck of wheat or gluten. It's also like seeing a shadow of my former self before I was diagnosed as celiac. I've struggled to work, struggled to eat and struggled to prepare for Blissdom. Yet even in my pain I still managed to thrift. I suppose the stubborn part…
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betz white
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Snow-my-gosh!
8 Feb 2010 | 6:57 amWhoa. What a winter weekend. Even after having grown up in the Midwest and living a large part of my adult life in Wisconsin, I have never seen this much snow in one fell swoop. The DC metro area was hit with a record breaking blizzard producing about 28-30" of snow. Keep in mind that this is an area that cancels school and activities for an inch or two of snow. So far school is canceled Monday and Tuesday and I'm guessing the entire week. We are walloped beyond belief!Many many people are without power. Our neighborhood was cold and dark for about 30 hrs, Saturday and into Sunday. Plowed… -
make two, they're small
2 Feb 2010 | 6:08 amWith February upon us I got working on a few things for the sweethearts in my life. I made a couple more baby mousies from my Squeak and Spike pattern, in Valentine colors. Just look what happens when you snuggle a pair of mousie friends up next to each other? They make a little heart shape! Two souls, one heart. What a sweet little set to give someone you love!Writing the words "next to each other" made me think of another cute thing to share with you. My youngest used to say the phrase "next to der chudder". As in, "I want to sit next to der chudder!" We still use that phrase today, just to… -
what can I say
28 Jan 2010 | 9:29 amI've been tinkering away at a new project and decided to give you a few glimpses of my work in progress. I'm not sure why, because I can't give you the full reveal or tell you anything about it for awhile. Ain't I a stinka? Well, believe me, it's agonizing for me not to blab about every little thing going on here in the BW Studio. (Just ask my husband how it is when he comes home from work. The poor dear.)The project involves delicious felted wool in yummy colors.......buttons, trims, little stitches......peeks of prints......whimsical touches....The good news is, I will be teaching some… -
building character
25 Jan 2010 | 11:39 amphotos altered by the iPhone app, LEGO Photo.Between bad head colds, days off from school and a husband working a lot of overtime, the past week or so has been discombobulated. Laundry has piled up, my work projects have come to a halt, and meal planning has gone out the window. Amidst the chaos there is one thing I am certain of: We are a household held together by Legos. Thank goodness for the hours of creative entertainment those little colorful blocks provide. The boys build, they play, they invent. They share (mostly), they pretend, they imagine...I feel compelled to write a little… -
nom nom nominated
22 Jan 2010 | 6:22 amWow! I've been nominated for a Poppy!The Poppies are a virtual awards event from the popular design blog, Poppytalk. There are 12 individual categories, like Favorite Handmade Textiles, Favorite Handmade Art, Favorite Photographer, etc. Now you can vote for your faves within each category. What a great way to celebrate the Handmade Community!I'd be super grateful if you would vote for Betz White for the Favorite Handmade Eco Artist category for The Poppies by Thursday, January 28th.This is the description of the Eco category from The Poppies:"Eco meaning products made with the environment in…
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Drawn! The Illustration and Cartooning Blog
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U900
8 Feb 2010 | 8:18 pmI don’t know what’s going on here and I love it and I could watch it over and over for hours. The music is by U900, a Japanese Ukulele duo. Let me repeat that because OMG I’ll never get the chance to type those words together again: Japanese Ukulele duo. If anyone knows who produced the animation and created the toys, please let us know! Posted by Luc Latulippe on Drawn! The Illustration and Cartooning Blog | Permalink | 3 comments Tags: Animation, Japanese, Toys, U900 -
Geoff McFetridge “Does”
7 Feb 2010 | 4:05 pmI feel like I got this flood of great Geoff McFetridge exposure recently. Last time I was in Seattle, I discovered his fantastic installation at the Seattle Art Museum’s cafe by the sculpture garden. Then I watched the great documentary, Beautiful Losers, where McFetridge appears among a bunch of other artists I love. Of course he also did lettering, titles, and other drawings for Spike Jonze’s Where the Wild Things Are. And finally, above is a great video of McFetridge talking about how he works and what he does, all while a video of him doodling runs on the screen behind him. -
Swatpaz
7 Feb 2010 | 3:33 pmIt’s tricky to pull an image from this all-Flash site, but the animations were too hilarious not to try. They seem to be a seamless mix of tiny puppets with digital animation of some kind, and they have the oddest sense of humor. Add in their bright candy-colors and strange hybrid creatures (the above characters are Francie, with “an apple for a head and a fish-finger body”, and Bertie with “a frog’s head and a fish-finger body”) and I’m wasting a good hour watching everything on the site. You have been warned. Bonus: the name “Swatpaz”… -
Matthew Albanese
7 Feb 2010 | 3:18 pmMatthew Albanese’s photos of dramatic landscapes are gorgeous, but they are not what they first seem to be. These are meticulously hand-made models. For example, the caption on this striking tornado photo reveals: “Tornado made of steel wool, cotton, ground parsley and moss.” This seems to me like matte painting taken to a new and strange (and pretty awesome) 3-dimensional space. Posted by David Huyck on Drawn! The Illustration and Cartooning Blog | Permalink | 7 comments Tags: landscapes, Matthew Albanese, models, Photography -
Minimalist Star Wars travel posters
7 Feb 2010 | 1:25 pmLove: minimalist Star Wars travel posters by Justin van Genderen. Posted by John Martz on Drawn! The Illustration and Cartooning Blog | Permalink | 4 comments Tags: Design, Justin van Genderen, star wars
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art for housewives
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this and that recycling
7 Feb 2010 | 12:47 amif you like embroidery, this is A Must See: Fil rouge--- this delicious embroideried dresses remind me of...Leggi ancora | Pubblicato da cynthiak | Commenti Tag: plastic bottles, bottle caps, tea bag -
t-shirt totes etc
4 Feb 2010 | 12:03 amlovely necklaces, Nakit od platna, ali ne moj... Leggi ancora | Pubblicato da cynthiak | Commenti Tag: t-shirts -
Home Decor & the Bower Birds
29 Jan 2010 | 12:06 amFOR pIERLuIGi ... Leggi ancora | Pubblicato da cynthiak | Commenti Tag: jewelry, decor -
reconstructed fashion
26 Jan 2010 | 10:45 pm¡poob ǝq 11ıʍ ı ʎɐpoʇ .... flip text write upside down via Julie...Leggi ancora | Pubblicato da cynthiak | Commenti Tag: reconstructed fashon, gloves, ethicall fashion… -
fibers........
25 Jan 2010 | 1:27 amfabric collage at something...Leggi ancora | Pubblicato da cynthiak | Commenti (1) Tag: patchwork, purses, textile, boro, plastic bags, quilts, gloves, pojagi
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Illustration Friday
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Topic: muddy
Enter your link! -
Roxana Soare
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Elissambura
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dt haase
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AshleySpirals
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Doll
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in cotton
8 Feb 2010 | 1:15 pma couple of things- a nice interview with me here at Hand/Eye. Meet-up this Wednesday at Starbucks in Davis Sq., Somerville, MA. Starts about 10 am. And, I made 2 more fish. I wanted to try the pattern in cotton fabrics- this one has repro barkcloth for its body, a corduroy head and the fins and tails are made from cotton knits. This one is made from quilt type fabrics- all woven cottons. I’ve gotten started on organizing the pattern and I want to make it as accessible to as many people as possible. I am trying the design out in cotton because it it so much more available then wool. -
2 more
6 Feb 2010 | 2:30 pmhere are the last 2, shown unfinished in that other post. I called up my neighbor and asked if I could take some photos in her much cleaner, whiter, brighter house. That was fun! And she took a photo of me with the fish- -
more fish
5 Feb 2010 | 2:21 pmHere is my desk this morning- The fish in the top photo got finished before the light ran out for photos. The 2 in the next pic aren’t done quite yet. These fish are so much fun to make. Firstly, they almost completely done on the sewing machine. My finger tips are grateful and healing from the tattoo man embroidery. Secondly, I am using sweaters and fabrics that I like, but some of them were never going to find a place in a doll- like that black and white grid and the wide stripes of the first fish. Thirdly, they are not fiddly at all. I have been concentrating on colors and shapes. -
visiting
4 Feb 2010 | 3:23 pmI spent the morning with Abby. It is so nice to spend time with someone who is actually interested in the same things as me- the topics of our chatter included seam allowance, stuffing tools, etsy selling, reasons for blogging, recent podcasts, pattern making, photography… we didn’t let up for a second. I’ll tell you, it is a relief- no explaining! We get to the nitty-gritty immediately! And of course, show and tell. I should have taken a photo of all her birds and animals, displayed on her shelves. Oops! Later, back home to work on more fish. I’ve gotten distracted… -
and a fish
3 Feb 2010 | 7:40 amI’d been thinking about this doll while I was making the men. It needed to be made as soon as I got them done. Doesn’t every chair or sofa need a fish? Some fishy love- We had a fun dinner conversation the other night about whether I should take the information from this dating site article and use it for my photos on Etsy. One week until the next meet-up- Everyone is welcome!
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vintage transfer finds
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Can't stop the veggie dancing
4 Feb 2010 | 3:01 amfree pattern - click to get larger size and print!Yet another homage to romance, to let you know my heart is not shriveled and withered... yet. I don't know, but there's nothing like the delightful spectacle of two veggies dancing to give me that loving feeling. You can keep your romantic comedies, Hollywood! Dancing veggies is where it's at.On my sheet are 3 large dancing vegetable designs: "Vegetable Polka", "Garden Waltz," and the "Vitamin Ballet." Also three dancing crockery motifs - a spoon, teacup, and wineglass all bear polka-dotted skirts and happy grins, representing "Silver,"… -
Bird Romance
3 Feb 2010 | 3:28 amfree pattern - click to get larger size and print!Now, let me just get something out of the way here - I am not a very romantic person. I mean - I believe in true love and all that, but my skin really crawls when people get all schmoopy on each other. In public. But with birds, a little schmoopiness, you know - it's totally acceptable. So, in honor of that totally overblown, give-me-a-reason-to-fight-with-you holiday we refer to as Valentine's Day, let me lay some cute PDA on you. You just tell these birds to get a room. They ain't listenin.Also on this sheet are 3 large designs meant for… -
Really, this won't hurt a bit!
22 Jan 2010 | 3:53 amfree pattern - click to get larger size and print!Ah, those sneaky saucepans, luring shy, innocent veggies to their saucy deaths! I, for one, was so shocked by this saucepan's behavior that I added a stern message below:free pattern - click to get larger size and print!In addition to the "death by saucepan" motif, there's a cute cooking boy as well:free pattern - click to get larger size and print!If you were around for the first time I shared this pattern, you may have been privy to our comments on the baker's generously-sized derriere. The baker pattern was hereby christened, "Baker got… -
Birds in the Brandy
21 Jan 2010 | 3:03 amfree pattern - click to get larger size and print!Oh yeah. This bird had a bit too much to drink. This sheet has 6 large designs for kitchen towels. 3 feature the antics of these cute little birds - a mama bird with a baby in a teacup for "China", a bird admiring its reflection in a silver pot for "Silver", and this one, with the bird sleeping one off, for "Glass." 3 other designs show a puppy with a teacup on its head (for China), a bear holding a champagne flute (for Glass), and a kitten holding cutlery (for Silver). What's oddest about these 3 cute designs is that not only are they cute… -
Be an Angel
14 Jan 2010 | 3:05 amfree pattern - click to get larger size and print!My envelope is in perfect shape, except for a little fading in the corner and I have one complete, uncut sheet, numbered 668. Here is the Thursday design - shopping for Angel Food and Star Dust! This reminds me of the time I tagged along to a parole meeting when I was 7 or 8, and the parole officer had written an enchanting list of substances on a chalk board, one of which was Angel Dust. I seriously thought they were all discussing pastries. Ah, youth. :)
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PaMdora's Box
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Knitting and Vintage Labels
9 Feb 2010 | 2:08 amWhat is it about snow that makes me want to knit?? Honestly, I don’t think about it for a year, then when the snow flakes start to fly, I’m digging around in the closet looking for some old project to resurrect. I guess I started this scarf one or two years ago. It’s a way to use up all your odds and ends by knitting a scarf on the long side on circular knitting needles. Just use a different yarn for each row, and leave the beginning and end long to make the fringe. I don’t have the original instructions, but by counting stitches, there are 175 stitches that I must… -
Night Snow Ball with Mochi
31 Jan 2010 | 8:54 pmA short video of Mochi playing with a basketball in the snow outside the studio tonight. I don’t know who is more exhausted after running around in the snow — me or Mochi. We both drank a lot of water after getting back inside:) In case you can’t tell, she’s trying to pop the basketball. She can with other softer balls by biting them, but not a basketball. I have to wear hard shoes when I kick it though, because it hurts my foot otherwise. -
Sitting in the back
29 Jan 2010 | 5:16 amWhen I go to videotape an event, I usually sit on the back row or in an aisle seat so I can easily get up and down as needed. The other day at the Creamery Arts Center, I sat in the back, only to be delighted to have the opportunity to draw some wonderful hairstyles while I was waiting for an event to start. Hair is hard to draw, so I’m working on it! -
Traveling Watercolors and Vintage Paintboxes
26 Jan 2010 | 4:09 amHere’s a fun little project using watercolor paints. I bought a traveler’s water color set last year made by Winsor & Newton. The paints are good, but I hated the box — it was all plastic, too fat, and yet there was no real room inside for anything but the half-paint pans, which although were form fitted in more plastic, still always stuck to the lid when I opened the box. The vintage paint box below is one I found somewhere (probably Ebay). Since it came to me empty of contents, I had been using it to carry paint brushes. So I took the Winsor Newton paints out of the… -
Three Kokeshi
25 Jan 2010 | 5:10 amThere’s not really much more to read here…. I just upgraded Wordpress on the blog and was trying out this new theme. I like the hand-drawn look, but will have to play around with how it works. More on my new travel watercolor set tomorrow!
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Penny Sanford Designs
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Fun with Food!
27 Jan 2010 | 4:00 pmPlease forgive me if I post pictures twice here (like I did yesterday). I get a bit befuddled sharing a quick picture and one sentence comment on Facebook (very fast), writing a longer blog post here, and then posting the pictures to Flickr. These are fresh, never-blogged-before photos about having FUN with our food! Food SHOULD be fun!Unc, now age 84, as of Sunday, January 24th. bakes from scratch biscuits every morning. He has been doing this for well over a year. This particular biscuit he made to look like a little Westie or Scottie! I could not bring myself to eat it! I think I am going… -
Care Packages for Soldiers
26 Jan 2010 | 4:21 pmWe've been sending care packages to our U.S. Soldiers deployed overseas for a couple of years now. It has been a delight and a privilege I'm not sure how to put into words.Some of these soldiers we hear from regularly and have gotten to know a bit. Some have moved onto different assignments as we hear from them only sporadically. I wanted to share the process with you. We joined as a volunteer with Soldiers Angels. The organization has grown so fast to now include Soldiers Angels groups for soldiers from other countries. Here is the one for Canada. There are sub groups within Soldiers Angels… -
Is a Love Affair With an Appliance Considered Cheating?
15 Jan 2010 | 10:44 pmIf I am having a spicy love affair with my new 8.5 quart slow cooker, is that considered cheating on my hubby?Santa delivered this new 8.5 quart beauty this past week, after Fed Ex held it hostage over Christmas! So, this new baby, bought here, has a stainless steel housing, a sleek black ceramic cooking pot and a glass and metal lid. Our soon-to-be-retired old slow cooker has peeling painted metal, the ceramic cooking pot was crazed (think leaking lead into food) and the handle on the plastic lid had broken, requiring us to use a lid from a stock pot.I've let the Easter Bunny know that I… -
Socks Made in America
15 Jan 2010 | 5:13 pmWhile I have been on a fling of socks...much more here in real life than in my blog, Facebook, Flickr and Twitter, Here is a site one of my Facebook friends shared with me that I want to share with you!It is a directory of socks made in the USA! It is worth it to me to pay a little more to buy something made in America. This site is full of other American made products! Check it out! Many of these socks found in the sites listed in this directory are the type that is helpful to our military personnel, which is something near to my heart. We send care packages to our troops via Soldiers… -
Well, Darn It!
13 Jan 2010 | 4:36 pmIt's cool again to repair, reclaim, repurpose! Have you Darned before? Here are some pictures to get you ready to jump in! After posting this photo on Facebook, I had some delightful responses from people who had darned socks, sweaters and even a towel! (I want to learn more about darning a hole in a towel!) This was a pair of wool content socks, so they were worth the small amount of time it took to darn this hole in the area of the sock for the ball of a foot. Actually, these are Unc's socks, but I have claimed them now...as much to test the comfort of the darned area, and because most of…
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Seamless Skin
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I really hate to loose something...
24 Jan 2010 | 10:14 amits not a doll, toy, watch, or even my lover man...but my current art journal with my assignments. yeah, i can replace it, but thats not the point. You mean "lose" right? signed...an old proofreaders persnicketyness persnickety proofreader. Now if the persnickety proofreader was just as good at channeling lost... -
oh-hum
20 Jan 2010 | 8:51 amoh, well, let me try again tomorrow...if you see the red ex, click on it anyway to see if you can see the actual image...i mean its a hot mess but for it not to even want to show itself??? -
Maybe I should give a name to my curriculum...????
17 Jan 2010 | 3:57 amI'll start my 3 week in my self-directed curriculum this coming week. Here is a peak at last week's activities: Mindful Meandering Visual Language Machine Embroidery I worked on a little machine felting and with the temperatures rising into the 50's I wondered if I should put the wool away... -
Spirit of the People
17 Jan 2010 | 3:25 amIt took me two days before I could sit and watch the coverage of Haiti. I took it in by listening to the tv while my hands were either stitching, cooking, typing, ironing. For the first 2 days of the tragedy I had to read the news online. Sometimes the... -
Art Alert!!!!
8 Jan 2010 | 11:49 amMachine Needle felted by Linda Kempshall
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Spirit Cloth
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making and marking corners
9 Feb 2010 | 5:37 am.....i am really starting to have a thing for cross stitch. probably because i am focusing on corners...because they are a meeting places... maybe places where tradition transforms. a place where things are redefined. (... like how the cross stitch over the crossed seams makes a star like thing) whatever it is, it seems important, also, to my idea of magic. maybe marking where things cross, crossover, where illusion might live. the panel of magic was slightly un-square, the old linen stretched when it was torn and so i have placed the cloth on a coffee table top ( actually the glass from… -
ragged love
8 Feb 2010 | 8:11 amlove gets ragged through time. sometimes it can seemingly wear out...yet it persists, begging only to be mended. long cloth is like a path through something or a collection of stories. and love is a long cloth.thanks for the comments on my last post...some additional pictures have been loaded on the article so do revisit... a long story thread has connected my work to those of other cloth makers.... i love that. and there is another related post over here in case you missed it. -
reassurance
7 Feb 2010 | 7:02 amtoday is a better day. my heart has reopened. for quite some time now...i have been in touch with a wonderful woman with a purpose... she has used my cloths for something very amazing. you can read her wonderful article here. i am honored to be included in her magic of mending hearts. a gift for me. -
time to imagine
6 Feb 2010 | 6:39 ami have some mental flu. did you ever get to that point where everything seems stupid? i need a bit of shelter from that storm... i might just need time to enjoy quietness and to listen to emptiness......or maybe some time to get buried in blue. i can find magic there. yesterday i gave my old ragged heart a new home to remind myself that it is only a patch for a longer cloth. snow if falling again. time for a snow ceremony. the kind where you sit and watch it fall and you keep doing that until it stops. all the while you consider that there is a possibility it never will. and it is ok. … -
reflection
5 Feb 2010 | 5:46 ami moved a small glass table near the window in the studio. i like how it captures the sky. i took the time to consider reflection and how it might also be expressed in terms of moving through things instead of just bouncing off. i feel a bit off today. maybe i am getting sick or maybe sick of something. not sure which. i need to take some time to consider that also.
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Craftster Community
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Re: Cloth Diapering/Eco baby Gallery!!
9 Feb 2010 | 7:48 amI received my package from 1boy1girl today cloth dryer balls, makeup bag/wetbag, cloth pads, cloth wipes and cloth wipe cubesThe fabric choices are perfect, especially the breast cancer awareness ones. Both my grandmas died from it so it's perfect ... -
Re: Dachshund Swap Gallery
9 Feb 2010 | 7:47 amQuote from: Metal Vyxen on February 08, 2010 08:53:27 PMI RECEIVED!It is amazing :O OOooooooo! Can't wait to see what you received!!Scarlet_nights - Alathea looks so cute sunbathing! I also hope there is another d... -
Re: Alice in Craftster-land Round 2 - signups 2/7-2/28/10 (sendouts 3/29/10)
9 Feb 2010 | 7:45 amRockDragon, I love me some Kingdom Hearts! -
Re: Obliterated craft section in Walmart?
9 Feb 2010 | 7:45 amQuote from: SkitzoLeezra on Today at 01:01:26 AMSeveral Lake Charles WalMart stores no longer have fabric but the Sulphur location still does.and hwy. 14 -
Re: Pygmy Hippo Baby Amigurumi
9 Feb 2010 | 7:43 amThanks for the nice comments, Everyone! Quote from: humboldtcherry on Today at 12:20:58 AMIt's adorable!!! I think I would get arthritis!!!Totally - my hands are still cramped from this project!!
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blankanvas
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nike true city
8 Feb 2010 | 8:29 amNike True City was declared last week. An iPhone app that reveals unique insights in the six cities of the Old World; London, Paris, Berlin, Milan, Amsterdam and Barcelona. This gorgeous video illustrates how the app works: This application is feels a little like foursquare, except a hell lot cooler. Going beyond showing cool stuff, users are also welcomed to update the content on their own, adding suggestions to Nike True City. Conceptualised and developed by AKQA, the app includes secret QR codes in each city. Yup, this is Nike for you. They don’t need to try to hard to be cool. They… -
the celebrated new miscellany of mr simon collison
7 Feb 2010 | 8:19 amQuite possibly, the best of both copy and art I have ever seen from a website. The copy dry as a glass of London Gin, the art warrants an arrest to the soul. Ahhhh. I would so produce a poster from this website, by Simon Collison, if it was not set in 72dpi. -
pat law by mrb
7 Feb 2010 | 7:08 amI should’ve shared this earlier and I’m sorry I didn’t. The narcissistic me wanted to immortalize my youth upon a canvas in the same manner to which Egon Schiele has done for himself. Recognising that I can’t draw to my own standards, I sought the help of one of Singapore’s best illustrators, MrB. Quite coincidentally, we share the same love for Schiele. What I can say? We have fine taste in men. Heh. Unlike me, he is straight by the way. And very much single. Holler over if you’d like to be introduced to my boi. -
day-ruining invoice notepads
6 Feb 2010 | 10:12 pmCheck out these Day-Ruining Invoice Notepads by the magnificent artist Jessica Hische that are promised to make any designer smile. The covers are letter-pressed on 100lb Cover French Paper (Steel Blue from their “Construction” line) with 2C offset interiors on 80lb ivory paper. They are bound with binders glue for easy tear-outing, and black binding tape… for fanciness. As though the notepads aren’t fancy enough. Heh. Via: swissmiss -
be 2010
6 Feb 2010 | 8:25 amThe premise is simple. Great ideas build great businesses. Great businesses build great communities. Great communities make the world a better place. With that in mind, RAPP presents Business Evangelism. It’s an annual exchange of ideas and knowledge in Asia. One that harnesses the power of the collective business mind. To change the way we think about business, people, and our lives. I am pleasantly surprised by the four speakers participating in this intellectual exchange. They include: Yes, seriously now. RAPP means business. The theme, interestingly, will be about the annoying, but…
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Wooster Collective
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Razzle Dazzle in Arnhem
9 Feb 2010 | 4:59 amFrom Rik: "Today I read your article about the razzle dazzle boats during WWI. I never knew about the history of these kind of paintings on boats. What I did know was a boat situated in Arnhem (the Netherlands), with exactly that kind of painting. It is called "De Boei" (the buoy) and is used for the day and night shelter for drug-addicts. I tried to find out why the boat was painted this way. Does the city of Arnhem want to "hide" these people? I did not find the answer on that. But I do think the opposite happened, a lot of people know about this remarkable boat." -
Ryan Spring Dooley's Home Part 2
9 Feb 2010 | 4:56 am -
Faith47 Goes Big in Johannesburg
9 Feb 2010 | 4:54 amMore from Faith47 here. -
Seen On The Streets Of Dublin
8 Feb 2010 | 5:22 am -
Shit We're Diggin': Kevin McGloughlin's Noises
8 Feb 2010 | 5:16 am
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mnartists.org: Articles
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Feeling Minnesota: "Speaking of Place"
3 Feb 2010 | 10:00 pmCamille LeFevre addresses the "critical regionalism" in Minnesota architecture -- building design marked less by a common style than by its "material, formal restraint, attention to craftsmanship and horizontality" in honor of our prairie landscapes. -
mnLIT presents: Alison Morse
3 Feb 2010 | 10:00 pmThis week's miniStories winner, "The Apartment" by Alison Morse, was selected by novelist David Oppegaard for the 2009 cycle of mnLIT.image: mnLIT: What Light Poetry Project and the miniStories flash fiction competition -
Building Bridges to Make "One Nation"
2 Feb 2010 | 10:00 pmWriter Eva Apelqvist previews the upcoming performance of selections from Kevin McMullin's "One Nation" - a symphonic marriage of orchestral music, by Minnesota Youth Symphonies, and the Native American drum songs of the Pipestone group.image: Kevin McMullinimage: Minnesota Youth Symphoniesimage: Northern Wisconsin drum group, Pipestoneimage: The Pipestone drum group with orchestra -
Episode 26, Some Assembly Required
30 Jan 2010 | 10:00 pmSome Assembly Required is a weekly focus on sample based music and audio art. Host Jon Nelson explores the world of sound collage via this weekly podcast of his nationally syndicated radio program. -
Episode 26, Some Assembly Required
30 Jan 2010 | 10:00 pmSome Assembly Required is a weekly focus on sample based music and audio art. Host Jon Nelson explores the world of sound collage via this weekly podcast of his nationally syndicated radio program.
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teesha's circus
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The Studio back issues
9 Feb 2010 | 7:15 amRecently found a box of old issues of The Studio and other publications when we were cleaning out one of our storage units. If you have been looking for certain issues, you might want to check here. To keep someone from buying them all and reselling them on ebay, I had to price them a little higher. I learned my lesson last time I did this. The Studio is a black and white magazine that was limited edition that I started about 10 years ago. Included are some old copies of the first few art & life's too. -
Always wanted to come to Artfest?
4 Feb 2010 | 12:23 pmI have a new attendee who signed up for my Artfest Retreat and she recently learned that she cannot make it. She wants to gift the registration to someone who can't afford to come and who is deserving. It is for "off campus" but I am going to include a shared dorm room for the recipient. You would be able to pick from any of the classes that are not full. If you have never been to Artfest because you couldn't afford it but always wished you could come, we want to hear from you in 100 words or less why it should go to you. Please include your full name and age. We will have a panel of people… -
Surrealized CD
3 Feb 2010 | 7:10 pmFor everyone who came to Journalfest and fell in love with the band, Surrealized, I thought I'd mention that they finally have a cd out. Find it here. -
this is getting fun.
1 Feb 2010 | 7:15 pm -
rocks rock!
27 Jan 2010 | 5:32 pmI found these rocks on the beach in the Olympic Peninsula. I was flipping out about the round rocks. They are just mysterious in how round they are. The rocks in the back were ones tracy collected to use in some "man" jewelry he's been making lately. They have holes that go all the way through.
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Anahata Katkin
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Valentine's Day Love or Grinch?
28 Jan 2010 | 7:45 pmYep! It's that time of year agin. Pink explosion is nearly here. As a designer I fight the Holiday themes I have to admit. Especially the color coordination part. ("Reeeeeed and Greeeeen"- yes I know!) But at PAPAYA we have... -
New Journal Pages
26 Jan 2010 | 4:29 pmI have recently dissected last years journal. I found the ambitious size to be too much for me. So I've been pulling pages and folding them in half, and adding them to a previous book. Translation? I now have a... -
Beautiful!
21 Jan 2010 | 7:39 pmWho could possible get enough of Rob Ryan's beautiful paper cuts and prints? Not me! Which is why I would love to get my hands on this beautiful silk screen piece from Soma Gallery in the UK. And! Have you... -
Inspiration: Feather Earrings
18 Jan 2010 | 6:54 pmA lot of my artwork is built up using faces and portrait style focus and then I just build onto it using things from the environment or fashion to inspire the rest. This week I'm feeling feathers in a fresh... -
Haiti Relief
14 Jan 2010 | 11:43 amI am struck to to tears by the intense tragedy in Haiti and hoping we can all support the efforts flooding to it's people today and beyond. Thanks to Facebook friends I see that World Vision Canada is matching every...
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Judy Wise
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Update
7 Feb 2010 | 2:45 pmThis is Shellie posting for my mom Judy. She wants you all to know that she had surgery yesterday for a torn retina, and is banned from reading, or being on the computer for 2 weeks. She woke up yesterday and had smeary blurry vision in the right eye. She then drove herself (that's just like her) to the urgent care where they told her she had a torn retina. They did cryosurgery and scheduled a follow up for Monday. She is going crazy because she loves the computer....in fact the only thing she loves more than the computer is her eyeball! We should have more information after her Monday… -
Finished Anima Sola
3 Feb 2010 | 8:32 amFinished the page I started a few days ago. Whew! Got that out of my system. Today; office supplies. Eeee, new pens, one of those long staplers and slow gazing at all the folders, papers, writing tools. If I were a pirate (which I am in my dreams and I love to talk like a pirate) my treasure chest would be full of Office Max. Arrrrr. -
Idyllwild and Squam
1 Feb 2010 | 10:10 amNo, this isn't a self-portrait but rather a subject I've wanted to interpret for a long time. A friend brought back a post card to me from a show he saw in South America somewhere (sorry, it was a long time ago) by an artist named Linnit DuFlor. She had the martyr sawing off her handcuffs with a hacksaw while the flames dances and she painted it in watercolor which I loved. I'm pretty sure the inspiration for the painting was first done in oils.During my last trip to Santa Fe I saw another interpretation done in collage with real chili peppers representing the flames. It was at the Museum… -
The Best of All Times
30 Jan 2010 | 3:07 pmSometimes life is just funny. You're sitting there in your roller coaster seat enjoying the scenery when the lights dim and your little canoe slides gently into a dark tunnel. Your ears prick up and you feel the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end.Okay, I love the drama, don't you? What happened to me this week was that I found out that I have a 4 cm paraganglioma that has to come out. Surgery scheduled, plans rearranged and scuttled, major turbulence. Lots of opportunity for deep thoughts and examination of priorities.Lots of lovingly talking to my carotid artery and vagus nerve… -
January Gratitude
24 Jan 2010 | 2:51 pmIt's been a quiet week; time for introspection and contemplation. John is fully engaged in putting up the fence around his garden that he has been dreaming of for years. I feel a little sad for the families of deer who depended on us for a nice salad now and then. How do the wild creatures live with so many of us on their grazing trails down to the Willamette River? But I understand; after putting so much work into the garden it is sad to see things crushed by hungry deer.This DVD arrived in the mail yesterday and I haven't had time to watch it yet but I know it is going to be delicious.
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sweetpeas & snapshots
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A "Vignettes" Valentine's...
8 Feb 2010 | 9:52 pmSweetpeas is lucky enough to be spending Valentine's Day with Miss Lori at "Vignette's" hosting a make-n-take. Sweetpea's make-n-take will be benefiting "Go Red" for Women sponsored by The American Heart Association. My Heart would love to see you there... XO Mary -
A Sneak Peek...
4 Feb 2010 | 11:47 amGet ready for a "Flirty" weekend with Sweetpeas... We will be creating beautiful canvases with Lovely Can-Can Ladies... Including Miss Josephine Baker... 4 Spaces are still available... sweetpeasandsnapshots@gmail.com XO Mary -
"La Maison Rustique" Barn Sale
4 Feb 2010 | 11:34 am"La Maison Rustique" "Barn Sale" this weekend... phone# 951-491-9315 La Maison Rustique 39195 Avenida Antonovich Temecula, CA 92591 Friday, February 5th-Saturday 6th I will be there tomorrow on Friday creating a "Make-n-Take" Spring Paper Favor for you to fill with goodies...I filled mine with a glittery bird's nest (not included)... A perfect treat for all those Valentine's Sweets... -
Heavenly Space...
1 Feb 2010 | 7:41 pmThis is my reason for being sOoOo elated. I am re-opening my store in a beautiful sun filled space in Santa Monica. This wonderful space is reminiscent of my first store but better... I actually looked at this property in 2003 before I opened on Pico Blvd. Really excited to start this new journey with many different concepts. My direction will be focused on Vintage Furniture, Fashion, Paperie... Events & Workshops...With a Cause... "Create it Forward" I have been so blessed through the years to… -
So Sunshiney...OoOh, I can't wait to ShArE my HapPiness...
31 Jan 2010 | 11:51 amTomorrow, Monday the first of February seems like the perfect day to tell you the reason why I am so BlisSful... Until then...Have a "Bright, Sunshiny Day"... XO Mary
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Cut Out + Keep
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Projects ≫ How-To's ≫ Stand Up Envelope
8 Feb 2010 | 9:41 pmCard, Envelope -
Projects ≫ Creations ≫ Ribcage Necklace
8 Feb 2010 | 9:41 pma shrinky dink creation! -
Projects ≫ Creations ≫ Cognitive Dissonance Afghan
8 Feb 2010 | 9:40 pmMade for a friend... 's boss -
Projects ≫ Creations ≫ Paper Beads
8 Feb 2010 | 9:39 pmMy First Attempt at Paper Beads! -
Projects ≫ Creations ≫ A Worthy Accident
8 Feb 2010 | 9:39 pmAvant-garde? Abstract? Not quite.
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WREN handmade
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Vintage craft file
1 Feb 2010 | 12:47 pmI've posted before about amazing craft stuff I luckily got from my aunt, who got it from the janitor's wife at her school. I'm still not sure how I exactly ended up with her craft files, but it's an amazing treasure trove. She filed them all in this accordion file, all labeled diligently. Lately I wanted to make a small afghan in the classic chevron pattern. So I turned to the files. Here is the progress. I received all this after she died, but I wish I could have met her. -
A few new necklaces.
21 Jan 2010 | 2:46 pmHi,I've had a hard time getting back in the swing of things after the Christmas break. I've finally finished a few necklaces and put them in the shop. I'll try to make more soon.thanks! -
Bauhaus show
18 Jan 2010 | 7:59 amOn Friday I went to see the MoMA Bauhaus show. If you are in the NYC area I totally recommend going to see it. Be sure to watch the video of the interiors, it's really inspiring. Here is a selection of my favorite pieces from the show. It closes January 25th. -
speaking of calendars...
12 Jan 2010 | 10:30 amI found this free calendar design from something's hiding in here. I printed it out on colored paper and then hung with a binder clip. Couldn't be easier! Hope you are having a happy new year so far! -
new calendar for 2010
6 Jan 2010 | 11:34 amI got this calendar for Christmas from Ben. I love it!
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Chica and Jo
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Giveaway – HP Deskjet printer
9 Feb 2010 | 4:08 amFirst, let me congratulate Brenda B. and Iisha, the two lucky ladies who won our most recent giveaway and will each be receiving a 2-piece set of non-stick scissors. We love these scissors and we’re sure you will, too! Now I’d like to announce our next giveaway. Jo and I are always joking about how we use so much white cardstock in our projects, because we’re always printing out tags, cards, and such. That also means we use our printers a lot, and we’ll bet you do, too. But what if you don’t have a nice color printer? Well, we’d like to help. We’ve… -
Pressed sugar hearts
8 Feb 2010 | 4:30 amChica and I were browsing through IKEA again last month and saw another one of the silicone ice trays we used to make our recycled crayons. This tray made cubes in heart shapes. I went ahead and bought it, knowing that I needed to come up with something to do with it for Valentine’s Day. I brought it home and promptly forgot about it until this past weekend. Then I remembered Chica talking about pressed sugar in the past. (Yes, we have weird, random conversations that involve pressed sugar, when we aren’t talking about The Bachelor, of course!) Apparently, you can make… -
Valentine’s Day cupcakes with our newest Cupcake Collars
7 Feb 2010 | 1:09 pmThis Valentine’s Day, why not celebrate your love with yummy, frosted cupcakes that look like flowers, hearts, and candy? You may think that’s a tall order, but with our Cupcake Collars, it’s a cinch. We’ve created five new hearts-and-flowers designs, just in time for Valentine’s Day. First, we’ve got roses in red, yellow, and pink. With a simple swirl of frosting (use a large star tip), they look like lovely edible blooms. Then, for the traditional Valentine look, we have a red heart with a lace edge. Just use a standard 1/4″ handheld hole punch to… -
Quick tip – Reuse an ashtray to hold paint
5 Feb 2010 | 4:36 amI recently discovered a new blog called Bird Crafts, and while there is SO much neat stuff for me to peruse there, I instantly spotted something yesterday that I just had to share with you guys. In the midst of the author’s post about her kitchen makeover (which is gorgeous), she revealed the most clever re-use of an old ashtray. She used an ashtray as a paint cup! The notches make perfect holders for the brush, and it’s easy to clean and so practical. I just love it! I remember as a kid when ashtrays were the default “make it yourself” craft for kids to give to their… -
Valentine popcorn treat bags
3 Feb 2010 | 9:01 pmI like to make special treats for Little Jo to take to her preschool class for Valentine’s Day. This year, I thought I would make some of Chica’s kettle corn and send it in in bags for each kid. Well, once I got started, I couldn’t stop. I kept adding to the prototype until I came up with cute little tags and kettle corn with a twist. Let me show you what I did! For the record, you can do this with regular popcorn, you don’t have to make kettle corn. However, I can tell you that the kettle corn is spectacular when you get to the end of this. I couldn’t help…
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Twisted Knitter
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Hearts
5 Feb 2010 | 7:24 amInspired by this and this, I made this: Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves like locked rooms and like books that are written in a very foreign tongue. Do not now seek the answers, which cannot be given you because you would not be able to live them. And the point is, to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps you will find them gradually, without noticing it, and live along some distant day into the answer. (Rainer Maria Rilke, Letters to a Young Poet) -
Ripple the second
29 Jan 2010 | 4:50 am[Ravelry] When I finished the first Ripple blanket in July, my sister mentioned that she wanted one in pink and brown, so I made plans to start one for her in the Fall. I fully expected to finish in time to give it to her for Christmas, but the shop ran out of one of the colors I was using. When the yarn arrived, I finished the afghan -- another "lap" size of about 38" x 52". It's the same yarn as the previous Ripple - Cascade 220 Superwash - and I actually washed this one in the washing machine and dried it on the lowest setting in my dryer and it fared very well, becoming noticeably softer. -
You may be right . . .
21 Jan 2010 | 6:39 amYou may be right I may be crazy But it just might be a lunatic you're looking for Turn out the light Don't try to save me You may be wrong for all I know But you may be right (Lyrics, Billy Joel, You May be Right) It was about four years ago that I finished my first pair of handknit socks and last night I had a dream about knitting socks -- particularly about starting a new sock when I already had single socks waiting for their mates to be knit (that's actually true, by the way). However, in my dream, I was experiencing the absolute joy and freedom of starting a brand new sock, shamelessly… -
My favorite accomplishments of 2009
18 Jan 2010 | 5:22 am1. Knitting a sock monkey 2. Achieving some personal goals 3. Learning how to crochet* Since getting some new books, I'm tempted to experiment with crocheting some garments first: Crochet Adorned, by Linda Perman -
Knit a Vest
12 Jan 2010 | 3:12 am[Ravelry] [Flickr] Yarn: Noro Retro Pattern: V-Neck Shell in Knitting Noro: The Magic of Knitting with Hand-dyed Yarns, by Jane Ellison I've been wanting to knit a vest forever -- specifically, a ribbed, v-neck vest. I cleaned out my favorites on Ravelry last night and noticed SO MANY vest patterns in my faves. (Of course, viewing my faves was a mistake . . . this entry would have been written last night had I not gotten sidetracked viewing my faves and your faves too!) But back to vests. I love them, but hadn't knit one yet. This was my first. I love that a vest keeps me warm but not too…
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Grace Violet
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The Key to My Heart
26 Jan 2010 | 2:30 pmI have a bit of a thing with keys and locks.I don't know when it started, but I love them.My jewelry collection is growing, but certainly not complete. Ha!(My girls love when I layer a key with a lock - they sit in my lap "unlocking" my heart - its perfect for getting my littlest to sit still in church!) Would you believe that this is my house key?!My husband had it made for me when we moved - -
Valentine's Day Photos
25 Jan 2010 | 9:50 amYou wanna know what's REALLY fun? Moving into your brand. new. house. and finally getting completely unpacked and settled - starting to feel like its really your home now - and THEN. one. month. later?Having to move to a hotel because your appliances are sitting in your living room under drop cloths due to wood floors that are being demolished with a jack hammer for 2 and a half days straight. -
Personalized Valentine's Day Stickers
14 Jan 2010 | 5:42 amValentine's Day is just around the corner, and I couldn't be more excited! Typically I loathe how early stores begin marketing for holidays (remember Christmas in June?!), but I make an exception for Valentine's day. Cards, flowers, candy, jewelry... what's not to love? I've mentioned my sister's store before, but wanted to highlight it again today because her products are especially perfect for -
How to - Lacy Shirt
8 Jan 2010 | 7:58 amAfter seeing several projects lately that used doilies, I was inspired to incorporate them into another craft:A Lacy Shirt.A round doily is the perfect shape to use as a stencil for highlighting a neckline, creating an adorable bib-like effect.Supplies included paper doilies, fabric paint, a foam brush and a t-shirt.I purposely chose a shirt with texture (sort of waffle knit)because I thought it -
How to - Icy Winter Wreath
6 Jan 2010 | 8:15 amAll remnants of Christmas were removed days ago (Ok, fine! I'm a scrooge and took it down on Christmas day once the gift opening and celebrating were finished. I love Christmas, but once it is over, I AM DONE), except on my front door, where the evergreen wreath remained. Because of its lack of any specific holiday adornments, I could have left there it all winter, but I wanted something new:
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whip up
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seven kids bags
9 Feb 2010 | 5:07 amse7en (+1) has a whole slew of kids bags that she and her kids have been making – I love them – from jeans bags to handwasher bags to chair bags – lots of really fun and clever ideas. Similar Posts: Christmas craft zine for kids + giveaway | kids craft weekly – a giveaway | 50 activities for Kids | inside out – recycled softies | book: bags that rock | Share and Enjoy: -
table cloth (or cheaters quilt)
9 Feb 2010 | 4:56 amTrish sent in this stylish valentines themed table cloth: The fabrics are from French General [+ others] and perfect for Valentines Day. I’m a Mom and it’s meant to be a “cheat” on quilting – getting the look without all the work. Similar Posts: Free Digital Issues of Quilting Arts and Cloth Paper Scissors | ikea table hack | book: home sewn | quilts from kellie wulfsohn | book: color your cloth: guest post + free pattern + giveaway | Share and Enjoy: -
sock owl tutorial
9 Feb 2010 | 3:59 amThank you Grace for the sock owl tutorial – I love it: This is a simple tutorial for when anyone just fancy making something at the spur of the moment. It doesn’t require much material, just leftover or old socks will do. It’s also easy as a project for kids (old enough to handle a needle), a creative way to distract them when mommy needs some time to relax. Similar Posts: first ever Sock Summit | sock recipes | from the archives: sock recipes | sock family | tutorial: abraham owl | Share and Enjoy: -
free pattern: patchwork scottie
9 Feb 2010 | 3:36 amI almost squee’d out loud when I saw this. LOVE IT Denyse. Ripper. Link to pattern. Similar Posts: free pattern: marble champ | Free Crochet Pattern Amigurumi Love Birds | Denyse Schmidt Quilts and Fabric | diy: paper scrap recycling | coffee date dress – free pattern | Share and Enjoy: -
valentines fabric wreath
9 Feb 2010 | 1:50 amthank you maggie for sending in this lovely valentines wreath. It looks so romantic and pretty and it also doesn’t take much time to make :) This would also be wonderful for weddings by changing the ribbon color! Similar Posts: tutorial: fabric wreath | handmade holidays: summertime holiday wreath | whipup holiday guide: 30 best wreaths | kids valentines | valentines downloads | Share and Enjoy:
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Craftster.org Blog
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Craft Challenge #47, Reusable Shopping Bag Challenge 2 – Time to Vote!
8 Feb 2010 | 9:21 pmChallenge #47, Reusable Shopping Bag Challenge 2, is ready for your vote! Check out all of the entries here http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?board=439.0. Vote now through February 15. Good luck to all of the entries! -
Foodie Friday: How to Make Dehydrated Fruit and Fruit Leather
5 Feb 2010 | 5:46 pmDehydrated fruit is delicious by itself and it makes a tasty addition to cereal, ice cream and even granola. Tanza shows us how to make dehydrated peaches, apples and nectarines. She also shows us how easy it is to make fruit leather! Check out her scrumptious process here. To see this project on Craftster click here: http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=336187.0 To see related projects on Craftster click the dehydrator tag here: http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?action=tags;sa=showtopics;tag=dehydrator -
As Seen On TV: The Mighty Boosh
5 Feb 2010 | 3:05 pmThe Mighty Boosh is one of those shows that everyone seems to talk about but I haven’t had a chance to see yet! Seeing this adorable “Little Vince” by LaFee makes me think I need to DVR it, quick! You can see more by viewing the Mighty Boosh tag. -
Creature Feature: Elephants on Parade
5 Feb 2010 | 2:54 pmElephants are a big favorite for a lot of crafters. They can be realistic or ultra stylized and they can be incorporated into virtually any craft. A purse in the shape of an elephant, a quilt with elephant fabric, even a cute little elephant charm on a bracelet, the possibilities are endless and a quick look at all the elephant crafts proves it! Here are just a few of the many elephant related crafts on Craftster. You can find more by viewing the elephant tag. -
February 03 2010 Featured Projects
4 Feb 2010 | 5:40 pmEvery two weeks we pick our favorite 15 featured projects that Craftster readers have voted for (with the “This Rocks!” button). Here are our latest picks which were lovingly and painstakingly chosen (so many amazing projects to choose from!) this time by sweets4ever. We hope you enjoy them! Labour of Love – Double Wedding Ring Quilt by kmb007 freaky-ish necklace holder by blupaisan Ugly bunny pincushion and bag charm (with patterns) by Wayuki Slap Chop Cross Stitch by beefranck Another Collage Fish wall hanging (img heavy) by teapotdnky The amazing feejee mermaid……
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Art Bead Scene Blog
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Silk Ribbon
9 Feb 2010 | 4:00 amOn the Bead Cruise we loved shopping with Bello Modo. It's so much fun to see things in person and discover things I would have never seen online! Among all the treasures that they brought was a box filled with the most luscious collection of hand-dyed silk ribbons. They feel so soft and the colors are unbelievable!Use them to hold a pendant or as accents where a little texture is needed in a design. -
Featured Designer of the Week!
8 Feb 2010 | 6:06 amEach Monday we feature the Designer of the Week. One of our editors pick their favorite from the Monthly Challenge entries. This week's featured designer is Drachenei with her entry, "Meet Me Down at Luna, Lena."ABS editor Heather Powers notes, "I love the perfect play between the art beads and the accent beads. The design is fun and festive with the twisting strands reminding me of confetti or ribbons. It's a lovely balance of textures and shapes."Drachenei is a fellow jewelry designer from Germany! You can see more of Drachenei's jewelry on her flickr photostream and her… -
Sundays with Cindy
7 Feb 2010 | 4:00 amGood morning, Beady Readers! Wondering what's going on in the bead and jewelry world? Take a peek at our links and see.....About.com Jewelry MakingCatch up on the latest jewelry web news from contests to free tutorials with this handy list of links. Art Bead Scene Searching for a way to achieve an etched metal look? ABS has a free tutorial for you! Barbe Saint John - New Jewelry from Forgotten ArtifactsAre you a follower? Barbe has a giveway for her blog readers. Beading ArtsA beautiful glass bead becomes the focal point of a Valentine's Day necklace! Carmi's Art/Life WorldCarmi did "knot"… -
Studio Saturday - Design Basics
6 Feb 2010 | 8:28 amWelcome to Studio Saturday! Each week one of our contributors gives you a sneak peek into their studio, creative process or inspirations. We ask a related question of our readers and hope you'll leave comments! As an incentive we offer a free prize each week to bribe you to use that keyboard. The following week we choose a random winner.This weeks winner is Valerie C., congratulations!You have won a ceramic clasp from Gaea, compliments of Lorelei Eurto. Please email Lorelei with your mailing address and she'll send that right out to you.Welcome to the Humblebeads Studio this… -
Findings Worth Finding - Viva Mexicana
5 Feb 2010 | 10:19 amTierraCast has a new line of beads, charms and findings called Viva Mexicana! The line is inspired by Day of the Dead, Mexican Milagros (Miracles) & Religious Iconography and Talavera pottery designs.I'm lovin' the Paloma connectors and beads! You can view the entire line at Rings & Things.Match this collection with your favorite sugar skull and flower art beads for a Fiesta inspired creation.Ceramic beads from Gaea
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Naughty Secretary Club
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Naughty Secretary Club Record Bowl Bags are Haute!
8 Feb 2010 | 10:33 amHave I mentioned lately how rad my mom is? So rad that her Record Bowl Bags are featured in the current issue of Haute Handbags. -
New Jewelry Every Day in February
5 Feb 2010 | 11:17 amDid you hear the rumors? I have actually started adding new jewelry to Naughty Secretary Club. The plan is to add something new everyday in February. Notice how I chose the shortest day in the year! All the goodies are handmade by yours truly and one of a kind, so once it's gone it's gone. Take a peeksie now and again to see what I have been up to. -
I Love to Create - One Man's Junk is Another Man's Robot
4 Feb 2010 | 5:53 pmI am currently spending the week at my parent's house with Tallulah which means craft party in the USA. Last time I was here visiting my mother was on a shell mosaic bender, this time around it is all about the recycled robots. No piece of metal is safe around these parts. I witnessed her tear apart an innocent vegetable steamer for her art with the ferocity of a hungry jungle cat jumping on -
Design Crisis to the Fireplace Rescue
3 Feb 2010 | 7:42 amThe lovely ladies of Design Crisis are trying to help me transform my fireplace from blah to badass, can it be done? Check out their blog post and help me weigh my options. -
Reclaimed, Revamped & Reinvented Craft Studio Storage Solutions
2 Feb 2010 | 5:25 amLast month I conquered cleaning my studio, this month I am determined to get it organized. I am finding the key to getting organized is finding the right storage solution for the right job. Sure I have just as many clear plastic bins as the next guy, but I have a few other fun things helping me sort my craft supplies. Like for instance this vintage wooden soda crate holding all my craft paint.
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Dabbled
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Heart Brittle Candies for Valentines Day
9 Feb 2010 | 6:15 amI’m visiting over at Dollar Store Crafts today, sharing my Flax-seed Brittle Hearts that I made for my sweetie for valentines day… So pop on over there and get the recipe and the directions! Observant readers will remember I tried (and failed!) at something similar last year.. Twitter It! Possibly Related (if you believe computers) posts:Halloween FoodBlack Heart Anti-Valentines Day Contest – v 2.0!Black Heart Anti Valentines Day Contest Roundup! -
Robot Cake, and more Linky Goodness
8 Feb 2010 | 7:01 pmI hope everyone had a lovely weekend? Ours was nice, if quite busy! Stay tuned tomorrow for a sweet treat tutorial, but today I have a few late night links and inspirations for you! Spotted in the Dabbled flickr group: Tutorial to make a Denim Flower Barrette Recycled Spray Can pendant lights at ManMadeDIY Cute stuff: Lovely heart sachets and Fun fingerless gloves at Tamdoll’s Workspace Make your own gummy candy Homemade Cake Makers unite! totally loving this fun fondant free Robot Cake! Chica and Jo have a great idea for Valentines: Popcorn Treat Bags — find out how! This looks… -
Fabulous Felt Snake!
7 Feb 2010 | 1:50 pmAfter seeing this in the Dabbled flickr group, I had to spotlight it here on Dabbled.org. Check out this incredibly cool felt sculpture by The Felted Chicken! Very cool, huh? I love the combination of airbrush and needle felting… Check out her other cool felt work at her shop… I love the felt sushi! Happy Inspiration everyone! Twitter It! Possibly Related (if you believe computers) posts:How to: Needle Felted GnomeThe Ghost of Guest Posts Past…Lovely things you may have missed -
Valentine Ideas for little girls
6 Feb 2010 | 7:02 amHere is a fun little idea I came up with last year, a cute valentines (or anytime) gift for a little girl. A stacked felt heart or flower pin. This was inspired by the fact that kids grow out of clothes so fast, and while I was going to make a shirt or dress with a heart applique, instead I decided to make this pin (and a few others) so they could be used for a longer time. This looks adorable pinned on a dress or jacket, and would even work pinned to a hair elastic for a cute hair accessory. You just need: felt – old felted sweaters work well for this, or even store bought felt. -
Valentine Sweet Treats Flickr Roundup
5 Feb 2010 | 8:02 amFor your inspiration and enjoyment, here’s some lovely valentine treat ideas, collected from around Flickr! Links are below the big picture–click through for more info on the creators and/or links to how to’s. 1. valentine westie cookie – red, 2. Engagement Cupcakes, 3. pink hot chocolate, 4. Valentine Fortune Cookies, 5. Hearts and Flowers for V-Day, 6. valentines day cupcakes, 7. Valentine Cake Balls, 8. Valentine Cake, 9. Valentine’s Day Cake Wanna share yours? Add them to the Dabbled Flickr group! Twitter It! Possibly Related (if you believe computers)…
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CraftStylish - All featured posts
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How to Add Fringe to a T-Shirt
8 Feb 2010 | 12:02 pmPosted by CraftStylish Editors Add a row of drapey fabric strips to a neckline for a fresh, modern take on an old top. -
Project Runway - Red Heart Challenge
5 Feb 2010 | 2:26 pmPosted by Victoria North Which designer was sent packing at the end of this week's challenge? -
Last Chance to Enter Winter Color Contest
4 Feb 2010 | 12:01 pmPosted by Victoria North Enter your projects before February 8th. You could win a great prize from OttLite. -
Necktie Place Mats and Napkin Rings
3 Feb 2010 | 6:00 amPosted by Diane Gilleland Neckties take a turn for the better as place-mat borders and napkin rings. -
Grammy's 2010 Fashion
2 Feb 2010 | 8:12 amPosted by Nicole Smith When it comes to the Grammy's, red-carpet attire tends to be more on the fun and shocking side instead of the glamorous looks you'll find at the Golden Globes or the Oscars.
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Tip Junkie
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Can’t Buy Me Love – But It Can Buy Me…
9 Feb 2010 | 1:01 amPayPal is doing a fun campaign this week called “Can’t Buy Me Love” Sweepstakes. They are doing some fun giveaways as well as giving away special offers from cool companies for Valentine’s Day gifts. It got me thinking: PayPal can’t buy me love but it can buy me… Headbands! I just adore headbands! I got this peacock one (above) and the black bow (below) from Sweetgrass Mill for the BlissDom Conference. I got the sweetest compliments. Here I am with Shannon & Tiffany at BlissDom Kimba, Me, Marie, and Allison rockin’ at BlissDom This green… -
Blissdom – Connecting With Your Community of Readers
8 Feb 2010 | 3:14 pmOver the weekend I attended BlissDom (a Blogging Conference). I had an amazing time as Barbara & Alli made sure there was fun and engaging events throughout the weekend. I made new friends, met several of my blog crushes, and finally met IRL long-time blogging buddies. With all the fun I had, what I didn’t expect was the real connection I felt with my fellow bloggers. It’s kind of a weird phenomena to know so much about a person but don’t really know what they look like! {{bwaaahaa}} I hope you’ll bear with me as today’s post is going to be a bit… -
A Fabulous Apron Giveaway
3 Feb 2010 | 6:25 pmThe Mom-preneur of the Week over on the TJ Community is Sugar Pie Chic. Head on over to the TJ Community to enter the giveaway – it’s easy – just leave a comment. (Not here on this post – but over on the TJ Community) Winner will be chosen Tuesday, February 9th around noon. A Fabulous Apron Giveaway is a post from: Tip Junkie Random Posts:Blissdom – Connecting With Your Community of ReadersComing UpMel, A Dramatic Mommy -
Your Personal Assistant – February
2 Feb 2010 | 1:04 amOnce again, Tip Junkie is here as Your Personal Assistant. Consider taking a day to really plan and organize your schedule to stay ahead of the game. Here are some things to do: 1. If you’re wanting to be more organized then print off the Executive Homemaker binder where you can keep track of everything in one place as well as printable worksheets to help keep you organized and on task. (Sorry, I still don’t have the 2010 calendars ready yet. I’ll get those done after the BlissDom conference.) 2. Check birthdays for the month, buy cards & presents, get them ready… -
Make Over Monday – Furniture Addition
31 Jan 2010 | 6:56 pmTip Junkie is here to take the drab out of Mondays with Make Over Monday. I’ve received some fabulous furniture make overs from Tip Junkie readers and I hope they’ll inspire you to turn your trash into treasure this week. Do you have a make over tutorial on your blog? Submit it so I can feature you! 1. Under $15 from country to modern 2. Tropical bar stools 3. Painted back porch (beautiful blue bench) 4. Jewelry box make over 5. Painted Dresser (I love all her accessories) 6. French door make over w/ chalkboard paint 7. Coffee Table redo 8. Door coffee table make over…
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greetingarts
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umi-ingenuity
4 Feb 2010 | 12:58 pmMy youngest is really into Nick Jr.'s latest educational kids show, Team Umizoomi, a math-related cartoon based on numbers and shapes. I signed up to "Join the Team" and got to print out a multiple-page activity pack, with a poster... -
what's cookin'
31 Jan 2010 | 11:16 pmThe girls had a birthday party to go to this weekend, a cookie decorating event with a really sweet (ha!) 8 year old. I had this great Michael Miller's Kitchen Gadgets fabric (bought quite some time ago), and using Joanna's... -
fix or flop?
24 Jan 2010 | 5:02 pmRebecca was given this perfectly nice pink and white sweater a few months ago, but it has proven to be completely unwearable. I don't know if clothing from other countries suffers the same fate, but a lot of stuff from... -
eptitaph for a peach
19 Jan 2010 | 6:59 pmNo, I'm not talking about the incredibly good book. Unfortunately, I think I've somehow become allergic (like, really badly!) to my favorite fruit of all time. Is this even possible? To not be allergic to a fruit your entire life... -
knitting along
13 Jan 2010 | 11:38 amYou already know how much I like KrisKnit's patterns. So when I heard about the January Knit-Along, I jumped right in. Wanna play, too?
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Tiny Talk | The Tiny Prints Card & Stationery Blog
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Tiny Pleasures: Organization
8 Feb 2010 | 5:06 pmThis past weekend, I finally conquered a major task on my to-do list and organized my closet. After spending hours shifting through clothes, shoes and accessories that I’ve had for years, I felt a huge sense of accomplishment when I had over four bags ready to be donated to my local Goodwill. Ah, there is nothing better than a clean and organized closet. a -
Mom Talk – Exercise Time?
8 Feb 2010 | 12:34 pmPost by Jessica R. My goals are simple – exercise 30 minutes a day, every day. Simple in theory, apparently impossible in reality. In order to be able to achieve those goals many stars have to align and in the last three months or so they haven’t aligned once. To be fair, I wouldn’t care much, but I can’t seem to fit into my jeans any more and my wardrobe is becoming more and more limited by the day. It’s not my fault, really. I keep trying to exercise, but my children are determined to keep me nice and squishy. Especially around the middle. Whenever I try to so… -
Meet the Winners of the Tiny Prints Talent Search!
8 Feb 2010 | 9:13 amThis past holiday season, we asked all of our customers to submit their favorite photos to be entered to win the titles of Cutest Couple, Cutest Child and Cutest Family as a part of the 2009 Tiny Prints Talent Search. Now we are thrilled to introduce you to the winners! Cutest Couple: Mark and Jennifer Wernig Our Grand Prize Winners Jen and Mark are coming out to San Francisco for their photo shoot in May. Mark is stationed at the Naval Academy in Maryland, so they have to wait till he has a leave. They just welcomed their second little girl Caitlin, and will be using their $500 Tiny Print…
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Diary of a Crafty Chica
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I'm walking three miles in honor of my dad's shoes.
8 Feb 2010 | 12:00 am(Father Heart, watercolor on paper)Today would have been my dad's 73rd birthday.To celebrate his life and all he taught me,I'm doing something to make a difference on February 27th...I'm joining my brother, sister, and my kids on team to fight heart disease and stroke by participating in theAmerican Heart Association's Start! Heart Walk!Me walk a marathon?I'm a plus-sized chica who spends way too much sitting - either at the computer writing, or at the art table tinkering. My dad used to love to do these things too, but he was also very active. He used to build ten-speed bikes from scratch… -
Crafty Chica classes in the Oceanside area!
7 Feb 2010 | 12:00 amMy friend Svea from Dancing Bear Indian Trader is holding two Crafty Chica workshops at her shop featuring Crafty Chica supplies!I'll be there in spirit. In fact, I'll work it out so she can call me and I'll say hi to everyone over speakerphone!Here is the first one - Crafty Chica Fancy Fedora, $20. The date is February 20 - so hurry and sign up!The other is August 14th and it is the Chihuahua Pillow project!Phone number: 760-726-BEAD (2323) Hours: 11am-5pm (Pacific) Tuesday-Saturday email: info@dancingbearindiantrader.com Store Address: 135 E. Broadway, Vista, CA 92084Don't forget, you can… -
Patrick made earrings!
6 Feb 2010 | 3:17 pmPatrick made earrings! Originally uploaded by craftychicaPatrick is performing at a big reggae festival tonight and wanted to make things to sell at a booth too. He has been working all week on making things. Today he said "How can I make earrings?" I told him what to do, and he did it. I attached the fish hooks for him. Real men use glitter!Subscribe in a reader -
Lyrical Love Song Pillowcase
6 Feb 2010 | 12:00 am(lyrics from Cameo's song, Sparkle)Don't you want to be the last thing on your significant other's mind before he/she falls asleep? Diamonds and roses are nice, but they won't do the trick. But a Lyrical Love Song Pillowcase will. Choose your favorite tune - maybe one from your wedding or first date - write the lyrics on a pillowcase, then dye it whatever shade you want. Imagine your sweetie snuggling up to your sentimental, romantic verses long after Valentine's Day has gone.This concoction uses fabric-friendly supplies to ensure the pillowcase will be soft and irresistibly huggable. Just… -
LOVE SHRINE Contest!
5 Feb 2010 | 6:48 pmCRAFT and iLoveToCreate.com have teamed up to present to you the Crafty Chica Challenge: Love Shrine! Kathy Cano-Murillo, the Crafty Chica, has been making love shrines for the past 15 years. Using everything from mint tins to cigar boxes to even kitchen drawers, she transforms them into colorful art assemblages filled with objects, trinkets, mementos and phrases she loves. Her themes range from exotic lands to her kids to her Mexican culture. But her favorite love shrines to make are themed around romance! In Kathy's new crafty-themed novel, Waking Up in the Land of Glitter, her main…
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Today's Creative Blog
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Get Your Craft On
9 Feb 2010 | 3:00 amGrab Our Button! (copy/paste into your own website or blog): <center> I never thought my linky list would get so big that I would have a hard time getting around to everyone. I LOVE seeing your crafts! I LOVE to be inspired by your talents. I LOVE getting new ideas to add to my never ending list. I will continue to try and make it around, but if you don’t get a comment from me, it either means, I was pressed for time, or I had to jump through too many hoops. Doesn’t mean I didn’t see it. So keep on posting. Guidelines: Please place my button on your… -
I love noodles
8 Feb 2010 | 3:00 amI am always amazed at the ingenuity of some of you creative bloggers out there. I came across Noodle Head………you better hold on to your pants, because I’m sure she’s eyeing them and imagining what she could make out of them. Like a cute bag out of a pair of cargo pants. So beyond my creative thinking. Even with the great tutorials she shows……I’d still be all thumbs. Anna is such a talented seamstress. She makes so many great gifts ……….. pot holders………and I’m not talking your mama’s pot holders……to pillow cases and zippy pouches. -
Winner Winner Super Bowl Dinner
7 Feb 2010 | 5:28 pmThank you for entering my Friday Giveaway! Angela H from Scrap Journal won the stamped jewelry from Cynthia Garrett. Thank you Cynthia for the Gift Cert! Angela……email me. krjdemmon@comcast.net -
Get your Groove on
6 Feb 2010 | 10:33 amValentines Day is drawing near. Time to either pamper ourselves or our boyfriends, husbands. Hopefully not both. :) If you’re like me, you only have a husband …….and I’m always caught off guard and try to throw something together for my special man. Men can be so difficult to buy for unless you head to Best Buy and plan to spend at least $500. I thought I’d look to a few of my sponsors for some great simple ideas. Second City Soiree is a gal who specializes in entertaining. She even has a video showing you how to make a chocolate bowl! … -
Fabulous Friday Giveaway!
5 Feb 2010 | 3:00 amGrab Our Button! (copy/paste into your own website or blog): <center> Thank God it’s Friday! Whew! What a week! Well, I know how you all feel about stamped jewelry……just can’t get enough. Cynthia Garrett…….a past feature of mine…….is giving a $50 gift certificate to her Etsy Shop. SWEET! All you have to do is leave me a comment and you get extra points for posting my Friday button on your blog……..it’s not for the side bar…….if you want a button for the side bar, it’s over there to the right. You’ll need to come back here…
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Vanilla Joy
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Easy Valentine’s Crafts for Toddlers
9 Feb 2010 | 5:00 amElliot is almost 3 and he’s now starting to be really interested in what we call “projects.” But they have to be simple, so here are some good simple Valentine’s crafts for your toddlers! A paper chain is always a good idea! Use white, pink, and red construction paper cut into 1/2″ – 1″ wide strips. The stapler isn’t too dangerous with a little supervision. Lacing cards are also another great decoration and activity for toddlers. Using craft foam, a yard needle, a hole punch, and ribbon, you can make a lacing card to reuse or decorate it and… -
Monday Giveaway – 3 Cricut Cartridges!
8 Feb 2010 | 12:31 pmTHE PRIZE One lucky reader will win these 3 Cricut cartridges! We have Paper Pups, Cuttin’ Up, and Doodletype, a total value of $170. Good luck! GIVEAWAY RULES Visit Robertscrafts.com Come back here and tell me your favorite Cricut cartridge before midnight Thursday, February 11. A winner will be selected and announced at the top of this post on Friday. Only one comment per person unless you earn extra entries. Giveaway open only to residents of the continental United States…sorry. Winners must email me to claim their prize within 5 days. EARN EXTRA ENTRIES You may earn up to 25… -
Weekend Giveaway – “Share the Love” with Seagate FreeAgent DockStar
5 Feb 2010 | 8:45 amTHE PRIZE One reader will win a Seagate DockStar with FreeAgent Go! (Worth over $200) MY REVIEW I takes TONS of pictures and love to share them with family and friends. I usually email them because I find uploading them one at a time to Facebook too time consuming. Recently I got to try out the Seagate DockStar, and it has totally changed photo sharing for me. With the DockStar, you can share any photos on your FreeAgent Go hard drive so fast and easily. Simply choose the folder or pictures you want to share and through the PogoPlug software that comes with the DockStar, you can post a link… -
Valentine’s Dinner Idea #2 – Dominican Beans and Rice
3 Feb 2010 | 5:00 amMy sister spent a semester abroad in the Dominican Republic several years ago and she got this recipe for the Dominican beans she ate all the time. We are a bean loving family, mostly pinto, but these are superb with black beans. This is another really quick and easy and delicious meal that could be fancy enough for Valentine’s Day. Think Tucanos… Dominican Beans In a saucepan, heat up a little olive oil and add several whole cloves of garlic, half a green pepper, and 1/3 of an onion. Don’t chop any of this. Add a big spoonful of tomato paste and 2 chicken bouillon cubes. -
Valentine’s Dinner Idea #1 – Calzones
2 Feb 2010 | 5:00 amIf you’re staying home for Valentine’s Day, tune in this week for some great dinner ideas! This first one is so delicious with plenty of Fancy Potential and it’s super easy. The recipe is from the America’s Test Kitchen cookbook…it’s fabulous! I used some of my canned chicken and it was delicious and just that much easier. America’s Test Kitchen Easy Chicken Calzones Basic Pizza Dough 4 1/4 c. bread flour 2 1/4 t. instant or rapid-rise yeast 1 1/2 t. salt 2 T. olive oil 1 1/2 c. water, warm 1. Mix 4 c. flour, yeast, and salt in a food processor ( I…
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house wren studio
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pieces of heart :: 21
7 Feb 2010 | 9:26 amAnother little felt ornament, this time embroidered- perhaps Austrian as well. (edit- it's Hungarian. Thanks Ros and Noemi!) This one definitely reminds me of my mother's Christmas tree in the 60's. It's really cold today. I'd hoped to get my... -
pieces of heart :: 20
4 Feb 2010 | 8:01 pmI used to spend lots of time thrifting and collecting. Not so much anymore as I need to reverse that trend. Over the years though, I have found a few of these stuffed felted hearts. Ornaments or pin cushions? I... -
pieces of heart :: 19
4 Feb 2010 | 8:03 am* Well, I completely forgot to add the text here that would explain what this image means to me. Sort of the point of this series, as before. The heart is from a sweater scrap left over from the Sessions... -
squam art workshops
1 Feb 2010 | 5:29 amJust wanted to remind you all that Squam Art Workshops registration begins today. I'm teaching at the Spring session June 2-6 and my classes are this Stitch & Stash Book for a half day on Saturday and the much-loved Felt... -
pieces of heart :: revisited
29 Jan 2010 | 6:37 amA few Februarys ago, I did a series of posts I called Pieces of Heart. They were snapshots of sentimental hearts and found images mostly discovered around the house. It surprised me that there were so many. Once I started...
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Southern California Potters
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Covert Potters Thinking Outside The Box
19 Jan 2010 | 8:44 pmThe Covert Potters Association and Amy's Patio Cafe in Altadena invite you to Soup's Up! on Saturday March 20th. There will be three seatings offered starting at 11:30 am then 1:00 pm and the last seating will be at 2:30 pm. All of the Covert Potters are hard at work creating beautiful bowls for the event. Amy's will be offering three different soups in addition to thier famous zuchinni bread and french rolls. Try one, try them all, it's all you can eat! As usual the guests will select a bowl that will then be thiers to keep to enjoy for years to come. The Covert Potters will also have… -
Architectural Ceramics Workshop With Travis Pellerin
1 Jan 2010 | 8:47 pmArchitectural Ceramics have embellished interiors and exteriors of buildings for centuries. From Entrances, fireplaces, fountains, bathrooms and gateways. This January 23 & 24 you can learn how to make a custom fireplace surround. Ceramic Artist and teacher Travis Pellerin is giving a workshop. Limited to 10 people, the cost of the workshop is $175.00 for two days of hands on instruction and breakfast and lunch is included! It is an incredible deal! If you are in the Southern California area don't miss it! The workshop will be in Winchester, close to Temecula. For more info email Travis. -
Folk Art Pottery At Clay, Art & Fire
7 Dec 2009 | 6:44 pmClay, Art and Fire will be held in Big Rapids Michigan and will be bringing together "Folk Art Potters" from all over the country. But one potter in particular hails from Southern California. Karl Kuehn is one of the featured potters at the event that focus's on face jugs. Face jugs can be found throughout history, in this country they became popular when used to scare children away from their contents, most notably moonshine! Face jugs have been used to scare away evil spirits and can be found as far back as the ancient Egyptians. Karl has set up a page on his website dedicated to Face Jugs,… -
Covert Potters Association And Ricky Maldonado
2 Dec 2009 | 9:17 pmThe infamous Ricky Maldonado will be joining the Covert Potters Association this coming Saturday for thier first annual Handmade Holiday Sale in Burbank California. The Covert Potters is a small group of potter friends who have banded together to promote thier pots. We are covert because we all have day jobs and secretly want to play in the mud full time!The sale is at 348 West Elm Street in Burbank CA, 91506 from 12;00 pm to 5:00 pm.Ricky will be showcasing his new jewelry, hope to see you there! -
If You Are Heading Out To Palm Springs...
22 Nov 2009 | 6:49 pmBe sure to go to Silica Studios for thier Bowl-A-Rama and Chili Cook Off! And do some holiday shopping at thier Open Studio sale! Remember, A handmade gift is better than a store bought gift. It is more personal and shows you care!
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Occasional Genius
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You Will Thank Me Later…Now is Fine Too
12 Jan 2010 | 10:21 pmI’m going to give it one more day before I give the answers to the pop quiz…in the event that a few folks might stumble in and realize the lights are back on. Until then, I have a few pass-alongs to share. As if the bathroom sessions of Barenaked Ladies weren’t enough to win your lifelong [...] -
Pop Quiz #1
7 Jan 2010 | 11:30 pmA few of you will have an obvious advantage on today’s pop quiz. Since I haven’t finished the prize closet and points thus far are of little worth…..not worthless mind you, but admittedly of arguable value…I’m going to allow a smidge of nepotism. It really has more to do with being in the same place at the same time, and [...] -
Last Chance…For Love
31 Dec 2009 | 2:13 pmA lot of thought goes into the title of a blog post. If you are the kind that can stand, even enjoy, the uncomfortable embarrassment of watching the audition episodes of shows like American Idol and You Think You Can Dance, you might be able to stomach a glimpse into today’s creative process. As I sat down to write this post, much earlier this [...] -
Can I Speak to the Manager?
14 Aug 2009 | 10:13 amSomeone really ought to complain about the poor service at this poser blog. It’s gotten completely out of hand. I’m not sure we can bring this baby back to life, but I am willing to give it another try. Life has been devoid of projects and parties since getting home from Girls’ Camp. What was at [...] -
Wheels
2 Jul 2009 | 7:30 pmFinally, we got the vehicle I’ve been pining over. My first 4WD! Granted, I won’t be driving it at slick-rock…but it will at least get me out of the driveway after a 12″ snow drop. I’m a happy girl! I don’t think I’ve been as excited about a new set of wheels since my first set of wheels. [...]
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Sommer Designs
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The Winter Market
8 Feb 2010 | 12:59 pmPlace: Palos Verdes Farmer's MarketDay: YesterdayThe colors: amazingThoughts: Love. I did not know Swiss Chard came in yellow. I am going through mass quantities of these little gems. Radishes - as big as the beets. Gorgeous. He bought some. For what, I have no idea, but we'll figure something out. They looked too delicious to pass. It's time for the blossoms again :) -
Friday Flickr Favorites {birthday edition.}
5 Feb 2010 | 6:41 amIt's my birthday! I'm 24 again! You believe me, right? Have a scrumptious weekend and lie about your age. -
2010: The Year of the Finished Object(s)
3 Feb 2010 | 1:36 pmThank you for the lovely comments on the sweater. It's such a labor of love, isn't it? Anything we make is, really. That's why, at this point, I only knit for myself. And because I'm selfish like that. But look! The nice thing about completing a project [that's been haunting you for months] is that it inspires you to pick up all those other loose ends and to try to bring closure to the remaining chaos around you! Case in point: The Monkey Socks. I started them in late November, and then got caught up in the holidays...events, life, etc., and they were pushed to the… -
FINISHED! Deep Breath Sweater
1 Feb 2010 | 12:23 pm'That didn't take long', she said sarcastically. Honestly, I think I could have achieved knitting completion nirvana long ago if I had chosen a different yarn. While I love Malabrigo, and while this yarn (Malabrigo Lace) is scrumptous and delicious, and, oh-so-soft, it is a slow, slow knit. In the last 2 weeks, I have quite literally forced myself to take this up whenever I've sat down for t.v. time. But now that it's completed, I can say, I love it. I love the simple lines and it's light enough that I know (in our climate) I will get a lot of wear out of… -
FIELD TRIP!
29 Jan 2010 | 5:15 pmKelley and I had a little outing today, so much fun! After dropping some work at our [shared] seamstress, we headed into L.A. to check out our dear friend Jenny's little store. Oh, how sweet it is! I am so proud of this little lady - it's simple and charming, and she has compiled a great selection of handmade goods and craft supplies, all while staying true to her vision and business model. She also has some awesome classes - here she is telling us about the Bookbinding class that I am really excited about. Kelley signed up for a skirt-making class that starts next week - I was…
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Frequently Wrong but Never In Doubt
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Sewing festival and almost finished
7 Feb 2010 | 9:09 amThis past week I took day off work and went to the sewing Festival at the Denver Merchandise Mart in Denver. fun! I sat at the Rocky Mountain Crazy Quilt Assn Booth with my friend Dianna and got some cool stuff:There's a fabulous lace guy there who brings some marvelous things. I was looking for small motifs for both my spirit dolls and crazy quilt. I also desperately needed silk ribbon (that's the box too) - which will be used to FINALLY finish my fairy (watch for that as my next ongoing project here). Oh! and I think I've got Dianna talked into trying Brazilian Embroidery! yay! While we… -
She's Finished! Now January can come to an end!
31 Jan 2010 | 6:56 amMaybe that's my problem, I think less about controlling time and more about it controlling me, but here I am finished with my BJP Spirit doll with a DAY to spare! ha ha. Actually the good news is I've already started on February.Just to recap:I created her as a composite of several spirit doll patterns I saw out there and loved her because of her matronly "mother earth" sort of persona. This doll didn't end up with the arms (except the suggestion in the cast ons) - but I will work on that more on future dolls.This one is a tribute to "going with it" and finding a spot and calling her… -
Touchy touchy - more embroidery!
28 Jan 2010 | 8:31 amMore progress on my Bead Journal Spirit Doll: I'm absolutely LOVING the textures I get with the crewel and the traditional embroidery. It's so fuzzy and tactile (which I love). Lots of embroidery, but the next stage is to add more beading (although I see one bitty spot I need to cover with embroidery - ha ha). The wheat ear stitch around her neck and down the back was a last minute decision last night and I like it. Oddly I'm not really loving the filigree at this point - I just wish it was easier to bead over, but it really isn't - so we'll see what happens when I add more beads… -
Bead Journal project progress
27 Jan 2010 | 9:14 amI think because it's my first doll, this one seems to be moving slowly, but whatever progress I make by the end of the week is where it finishes - it's ALL about finishing!So, here's my little spirit doll #1 - January. I'm playing with crewel thread - but doing traditional embroidery (feather, chain) and then down where the "arms" would be are little "shells" of cast ons - the ones on the left, I have sort of added beads that act as "pearls" cascading down - I want to fill both arm areas with these - so lots of those to do. I already have picked out the embroidery for the back, so it… -
Sharing every little minute detail of my life
19 Jan 2010 | 4:30 pmSo, one of my favorite area "Mom bloggers" made me stop and think today. Is it bad to share every detail of your life on the internet? Is there a point to it?Furthermore, if you "edit" like I tend to - are we just putting out an image that's perfect and unattainable for most people. I have to say, I feel this mostly in craft blogging (Mom bloggers are another subject altogether) but haven't you seen perfect pictures of people's houses, followed by adorable pictures of their kids and LOVELY finished craft projects and just wanted to wretch?Really? Are they perfect?However, back to "Mom…
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Gerdiary
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White noise
7 Feb 2010 | 9:03 amAlways good to be prepared... Yesterday therecently dyed jaundice yellow proofed to be justthe perfect little helper for putting my annoyanceabout undesired noises from upstairs into cloth... Wrote a haiku, too, including it, covered up with alayer of thin cotton:Life´s million noisesOnly way to shut them offSeems listening hardI´m sewing it to a piece of flower embroidered oldtablecloth - nice little may be meaning mish mash:threadbareness of domestic comforts meets praise ofpatience meets expectations of spring... -
Silent saturday...
6 Feb 2010 | 4:10 am -
Fabric puzzle
5 Feb 2010 | 8:59 amHaving bought this skirt in a thrift-store, for thefabric, cutting off the buttons...... I found small bundles of fabric behind them, onthe back side...... which, openend up and ironed...... revealed a young lady, ready for her afternoontennis match... -
Layers upon layers...
3 Feb 2010 | 2:44 am...of clothing (outside), and of cloth (indoors)...I have quite a lot of my pieces hanging here one overthe other, being short of other storage places......and a shark with a shawow......and a small booklet...A strip of the recently dyed fabrics made methink of this. I used that for the cover, addingpages from other bits and pieces and scraps. "The cold grows colder, even as the days grow longer, February's mercury vapor light buffing but not defrosting the bone-white ground, crusty and treacherous underfoot. This is the time of year that's apt to put a hammerlock on a healthy appetite, old… -
Turmeric hate-love
1 Feb 2010 | 5:40 amWhat were those abstract paintings on saturday?No, you´re right - no paintings, but anotherdye try - reminded by this of the bag of peelsI had gathered from the bottom of the onion cratein a health food store a while back, I went touse them.I threw in a few bits of a pot cleaner, to seewhether it would rust, a tablespoon of turmeric(can´t resist the stuff, ins spite of the factthat I dislike the yellow...), and a little vinegar...The blackish spots come from the pot cleaner bits, I guess (but it didn´t rust)...Did I mention I don´t like turmeric-yellow...?Well, on the other hand...P.S. Of…
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Try Handmade
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Winter Lights Clothing
9 Feb 2010 | 6:00 amWinter Lights Clothing: I specialize in original one of a kind clothes for chicks who aren’t afraid to show off their curves. I believe that every garment in existence would look 36,000,000 times prettier with corset lacing and ruffles. ^__^ I’ve been sewing for going on 10 years, and the past few have been devoted to clothing. I am self-taught and don’t care much for patterns,...(click through for more) -
Rainwater Botanicals
8 Feb 2010 | 3:00 pmHave you ever bought Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray or something like it? I have, and I love it for that messy just back from the beach look, but the price and mega chemicals leave something to be desired. Enter Rainwater Botanicals. Beachy goodness for your hair, and made by an actual person. Win win! Erika JurneyErika Jurney is the founder of Try Handmade. You can follow her on Twitter and Faceb...(click through for more) -
Houstina Summers, Cowgirl Heaven
8 Feb 2010 | 12:00 pmRose and Glitter Party Dress by Cowgirl Heaven: Go to the party in class, fun, and with a style of your own. This five layer dress is very cute and you’ll be sure to turn heads in it. The Waist is a black elastic band which can fit several sizes. This easy pull dress design is hassle free with no zippers, buttons or ties. Makes party going easy and memorable. Erika JurneyErika Jurney is ...(click through for more) -
Interview with Jennifer Sadler of jaykayknits
8 Feb 2010 | 9:00 amFirst seen on the blog, let’s hear from Jennifer about what it’s like being behind jaykayknits. What is your craft / art / creative endeavor? I’m a self-taught knitter. I love how knitting has made such a comback in the recent years and how it is being adapted to fit in with new styles. How did you get started? Have you worked in other creative areas before the kind of work you...(click through for more) -
You Said It
8 Feb 2010 | 6:00 amAnother week of your great words. Thanks for stopping by :) On Face Moisturizer and Body Cream: Jen Schroll: “I haven’t tried calendula, but I can vouch for lavender and tea tree oil. My husband loves any lavendar-based aromatherapy oils, candles, you name it. He finds it very soothing after a long day. One interesting nugget about my experience with tea tree oil – I used to work in an...(click through for more)
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Hammermarks
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Super Bowl Challenge 2010 Complete!
7 Feb 2010 | 2:06 pmI just finished my bowl for this year’s Super Bowl Challenge. I love the way it turned out! I must admit that I worked on it a lot yesterday since we were snowed in, but I did finish it up today. I have some images of the progression of the piece and then some of the finished bowl. Make sure if you decided to join us this year in the challenge to link to your blog posts here in the comments and join the SBC Flickr group if you like. I’m going to visit all the event pages, the photo group, and any blogs that link to here and post a bunch of images later in the week. I… -
Coffee, Art, and a Snowy Day
5 Feb 2010 | 6:59 amAwesome handmade Dragon mug by Mary Coover, succinctly tying up both points of this post Here in South Central PA it is supposed to snow today. Snow BIG. So I want to give you something to warm you up as you stare helplessly out the window at the growing blanket of whiteness. I’m talking COFFEE. I am a little bit of a coffee snob. I don’t care what you think about it, I just am. Life is too short to just make do when you don’t have to. And I’m not so addicted that I won’t survive without it. I don’t like McDonalds’ coffee. There, I… -
Sneak Peak at Super Bowl Progress
3 Feb 2010 | 7:16 pmOriginal Sketch for the 2010 Super Bowl View looking down on the nickel part of the bowl Here’s a sneak peak of what I worked on Tuesday in preparation for the big day on Sunday. I’m glad I started this part first. I forgot how hard it is to form nickel. My forearms were feeling it Tuesday night! This part is about 4.5″ diameter and maybe an 1″ or 1.5″ deep. Next I need to pierce this part and fold form the copper portions. Then make the foot for the bowl and rivet it all together. -
February Artist of the Month – Sara Westermark
1 Feb 2010 | 8:30 amRAD Mosaic 2 ©2010 Sara Westermark I came across Sara Westermark through the Etsy Metal Ring a Day challenge. Funky Mandala Ring ©2009 Sara Westermark Her rings were so amazing, that she inspired me to try my hand at making my own. You can see that she uses a lot of texture and patina in her pieces (remind you of anyone?) and she doesn’t limit herself by traditional ideas of what a ring should look like. Then I looked at her Etsy shop and discovered the rest of her work. Her pendants are just as interesting and organic. The stones she incorporates are beautiful and the edges to… -
Super Bowl Challenge 2010 Update
1 Feb 2010 | 8:07 amLess than a week left before the Super Bowl Challenge, and I’m feeling good! There have already been some bowls completed by participants. Check out the Super Bowl Challenge Flickr Group to see some of them. There has been some work completed on the Crafthaus site and on individual blogs as well. Once the challenge is over, I will highlight some of the participants here, and hopefully everyone will link to their blog posts, photostreams, etc. so everyone can check them out. I came up with the design for my bowl this year (no peeking!) and I plan on doing some preliminary work…
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Fidgety Fingers
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THE ULTIMATE COMFORT FOOD : MEAT LOAF. EASY WITH ALL YOUR LEFTOVERS IN THE FRIDGE
8 Feb 2010 | 10:05 amMeatloaf is one of the easiest dish to make and it is fun too. So far we have not made a meatloaf which is a failure. It is not only quick to make, it is also better the next day. So just make a lot of it. Always let your meatloaf rest before you slice it so that it can cool off in the shape of the pan. We love the regular loaf pan which makes it look like a loaf of bread. And always with -
MARGE IS THE PERFECT WOMAN TO HAVE MARRIED HOMER SIMPSON
8 Feb 2010 | 8:31 amMarge is generally a stereotypical sitcom mother, and she also plays the "long-suffering wife" who puts up with the antics of her children and her oafish husband.[2] While she usually takes her family's problems with good humor, in "Homer Alone" (season three, 1992), her workload and resultant stress caused her to have a mental breakdown. After spending time at "Rancho Relaxo", during which her -
SPRING CLEANING AND ANOTHER CHANCE FOR NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS
8 Feb 2010 | 8:05 amIt is that time of the year for us to spring clean again. We live in the tropics so spring cleaning in our dictionary is a bit different. It is also the turn of the lunar new year, which is the Asian turn of the year. It means stop being lazy, clean the whole house now! And also to throw out oldies and whatever you do not need. We stay in a big enough place with a lot of storage place so you can -
ROOIBOS TEA IS GOOD AGAINST COLDS
8 Feb 2010 | 6:24 amRooibos tea or "mother's miracle" has been known for more than 300 years the inhabitants of southern Africa on the plateaus of Good Hope, who organized the beverage needle leaves growing on the red bushes, known as "mountain tea" or "African red tea Gained fame thanks to its beneficial effect on infant body. Rooibos plant is specific in that it can grow only in South Africa, since it requires a -
COFFEE PROS AND CONS
8 Feb 2010 | 4:32 amMr Washy should read this : COFFEE PROS 1. Antioxidants. Coffee is rich in antioxidants like chlorogenic acid and melanoidins. Antioxidants help prevent oxidation, a process that causes damage to cells and contributes to aging. 2. Parkinson's disease. Regular coffee drinking reduces the risk of Parkinson's disease. A number of studies [1],[2] have demonstrated that people who drink coffee on a
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Bunny Tales
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Good Bye and Hello!
20 Jan 2010 | 8:18 pmWe've moved! You can find us at: www.bunnyhillblog.com -
Linen
10 Jan 2010 | 2:02 pmI’ve got this “thing” with linen lately. Well, not lately, I guess I’ve always had it. But now that French General linen is available from Moda I’m a bit more obsessed than I was before. I love linen and I’ve spent the weekend with it! I made myself a linen heart sachet to hang in the studio. Something simple. Something linen. It’s hanging on a wall next to my computer, from an old window. And then I made a new prototype bunny from my pattern “Five For Brunch”. She’s linen of course and I gave her lop ears. I… -
I love a good start to a New Year!
5 Jan 2010 | 12:14 amIt’s January 5th and I’m so excited I can hardly stand it! Jumping for joy over here at Bunny Hill! It’s time to introduce my newest Free block of the month! It’s my way of saying THANK YOU to all of you wonderful blog readers, customers, quilters, friends, animal lovers, and just plain nice people out there! Thank you for reading my blog, buying my patterns, buying my fabrics, putting up with my attempts at being funny, listening to me go on and on about my pets, my life, and myself LOL! Thank you dear readers for being who you are! Each of you unique… -
Welcome 2010!
31 Dec 2009 | 9:47 pmI really thought 2009 would bring a new addition to the studio. It was such a good idea, adding on an extra 400 square ft. of working space. I began to doubt it several months ago, when plans failed to arrive, deadlines weren't met, and frustrations began to build. When the plans finally arrived, and the bids came in, the cost was outrageous. Seems California will never change. Things here cost more. We haven’t learned a thing. It’s a crazy business this one called construction. Crazy. So we’ve said no to the addition with… -
Christmas Day
27 Dec 2009 | 7:01 pmChristmas day brought turkey, stuffing and those oh so good mashed potatoes. My son Doug and his fiancé Elke arrived from Germany on Christmas Eve. Luggage was lost, but the Christmas spirit was not. Lufthansa delivered the lost luggage to our house 6PM Christmas day! They tried really hard to get it here, and we live a good hour 1/2 from the airport! The Christmas table was set by Doug and Elke. The table cloth is a gift made by my friend Barbara, who blanket stitched trees, reindeer and Santa's around the border! And, next…
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Urban Debris Artlog
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Blogaversary Bracelet Winner
6 Feb 2010 | 4:45 pmAnnouncing the Winner of the Blogaversary Bracelet Giveaway! I used True Random Number Generator to pick a winner and the winner is... True Random Number Generator Result: 25 CONGRATULATIONS to Sketchbook Maggie! Please email me your contact information and I will get the bracelet in the mail for you. Here is my email: robinb@mail.com. Thank you so much for all the wonderful comments and links to your etsy shops. -
Scotch Tape Art
28 Jan 2010 | 4:36 pmCourtesy of MckLinky Stuff - FREE! Courtesy of MckLinky Stuff - FREE! -
My blogoversary is in 13 days - super charm bracelet giveaway
18 Jan 2010 | 9:49 amOn Jan 31 my blog will be four years old!! To celebrate I am giving away this "everything on it" charm bracelet. Prize Value: Bracelet, $20 + How Many Winners: 1 winner randomly drawn from comments on this post. End Date: Post by 01/31 at midnight Can Be Won: US Only Comment on this posting for one entry and tell me your blog or etsy shop link. Be sure and leave your e-mail addressFollow me on Twitter for another entry; come back here and comments on this post and tell me your Twitter id. Good luck! -
Free or creative or easy Valentines Day Ideas and a freebie download
17 Jan 2010 | 8:44 amA plethora of ideas from Skip to My Lou 12 Ideas from Tip Junkie Several ideas linked to New Nostalgia And a not so typical Valentine's Day free images collage sheet download from me to you:Download Urbandebris_vald (PDF) -
Upcycled Valentine cards
11 Jan 2010 | 3:22 pmNetflix origami http://blog.storenvy.com/tag/recycled-valentines/ Recycled Valentine's Candy Box Picture Frame http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2008/02/recycled_valentines_candy_box.html 7 Recycled Valentine's Day Gifts http://www.sevenof.com/?p=809
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The Best of DIY
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Blow a Kiss with a Flip Book
6 Feb 2010 | 1:52 pmLooking for a creative, handmade Valentines gift? Well look no further, blow a kiss to your loved one with a pocket sized flip book. Check out the tutorial on Color Me Katie. -
Advent Calendar Tree
12 Dec 2009 | 12:17 pmNice Package is a place where you can purchase creative packaging goods and customize them with your own brand. Nice Package also came up with this really neat way to display an Advent Calendar and posted a tutorial using their small manila envelopes. Inside each envelope there is a clue telling the person where to find the Advent Gift of the day. There may be two weeks left til Christmas, but it’s never too late to start counting down! -
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.
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Trans-craft-inental
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Whee! I'm Weaving!
31 Jan 2010 | 3:05 pmDear Shayne,For Christmas, I got the always appreciated gift of "go buy yourself something nice" (that is: cash). So I bought myself a loom. I've been wanting one for a long time, after hearing that it's faster than knitting and also uses yarn (of which I have... well, let's just say I have yarn and leave it at that.)The kit actually came with yarn for a first project, so I used that for practice. And look! I'm making woven fabric!So. Cool."Practice" is the key word for this project, as I am clearly having trouble keeping the edges even:So I either need to get a lot better at this or, you… -
Winter Purse
25 Jan 2010 | 5:46 pmDear Kelly,Jenny needed a new winter purse which was not in her budget, so we decided to be crafty and make one. (Apparently, I can't craft without her now :P )Important things to note are:We didn't use a pattern.We lined it. (Only had to rip it apart twice to get that right.)We only used what I had in the house. (Including braiding unhemmed fabric to make the handles.)She actually likes it enough to use it.Overall, a craft WIN.Love,Shayne -
It's calendar time!
23 Jan 2010 | 8:49 amDear Shayne,I love this time of year -- discount calendars! Not just for the usual purpose of figuring out the date, but for crafting (of course).When you were out visiting in May, we scored some $1 calendars at Chronicle Books. What a find! Then we spent some quality crafting time making envelopes. You made some from the Porn for Women calendar (Wow! 2010 is out of stock already -- looks like you won't be making a $1 score on that one this year...)Here you are cutting out the envelope (yup, a man scooping a litter box):And here's your finished envelope, complete with super-cute label:We both… -
Bill payin' record
16 Jan 2010 | 10:10 amDear Shayne,As I peeled the dots off of my bill payin' record at the beginning of 2010, I thought this was a simple little craft you might be interested in. Or not. It's pretty boring. But it sure does come in handy for a slacker like me.Several years back, I printed out a little grid that shows our utility bills across the top and the months down the side:I laminated it with the intention of using a dry erase marker to make X's when I paid bills. But then I went with little dot stickers -- it's neater than X's and the lamination makes it easy to pick them off at the end of the year.We have a… -
More mail!
15 Jan 2010 | 4:40 pmDear Shayne,I have recently read a couple of books that have inspired me to send more mail. One is a novel called The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. It's a sweet little book set just after the second World War and it's told entirely through correspondence. Very voyeuristic -- like reading someone else's letters. (Thanks, Mom, for recommending it -- soo good!)The other is Good Mail Day by the PodPost gals. It's an inspirational book about mail art -- making it, sending it, the history, etc. They also write about documenting the mail that you send and receive. Keeping records…
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Gabriela Delworth's Blog
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Learn with me…experience romance and a wedding in the 1300’s…during Medieval Times…
8 Feb 2010 | 12:00 amValentine’s Day is fast approaching…romance is in the air…Today I want to take you right back to the Middle Ages…and be part of a marriage ceremony in the 1300th century. Let’s go to Tuscany in Cortona, Italy. Feel Yourself… in the warm ambiance of Cortona, overlooking Lake Trasimeno and the Val di Chiana, originally fortified by the Umbrians, claimed by the Etruscans, touched by the Renaissance, almost unchanged for centuries, one of Tuscany’s jewels. Cortona is a little-known haven of Etruscan tombs, medieval alleyways, Renaissance art, sweeping… -
Feeling a little Rococo today…totally in vibrant pink…Marie style…
5 Feb 2010 | 10:00 pmHappy Pink Saturday! Today I feel inspired…by the colour pink in Rococo style, which is now widely recognized as a major period in European art. If you follow my blog you probably already watched my latest TV segment here? I had this tee on display with Marie Antoinette in pink Rococo and the cameras loved it! Isn’t it vibrant? Like modern Rococo… Did you know that Rococo appeared first in the decorative arts and interior design? And it got to Great Britain as the “French taste” but it was never widely adopted as an architectural style. Rococo was strongly felt in… -
A Flash From the Past…Follow Me…do you remember this song?
5 Feb 2010 | 12:50 amHappy Friday everyone! This week “took forever”! It seemed so long…but it’s over now. I don’t know about you but I always liked listening to music. I really miss my big bands and perhaps this feeling makes me a little old…that’s all right…I love Genesis, Phil Collins and all those fabulous songs…don’t you? They bring back very dear memories to my heart…Live concerts are the best, although I would rather watch them on TV or on Youtube. “Follow Me, Follow You” is one of my most favorite songs. Stay with me, My love I… -
Rock My Heart…Hand Painted Valentine’s Tee…and TV Segment to watch…
2 Feb 2010 | 9:00 pmRemember the latest Decorating Tees TV segment I did the past January 20th on Daytime York? Now you can watch it right here on my blog! Click on the image above and watch it on Explorer {it doesn’t open nicely on Firefox}. I don’t know about you but I love wearing my jeans all the time…cool and comfortable. How about wearing a Tee for Valentine’s Day? Of course, all depends on what you will be doing. Wings have been popular on Tees for while and I thought about incorporating them in a design with a heart-crown template and crystals. Glamorous! Make this project now… -
How to elevate a recycled envelope…a Valentine’s project for men…
1 Feb 2010 | 9:00 pmValentine’s Day is around the corner and many of us are rushing preparations for such a special event! Are you one of us? If you think most of Valentine’s craft projects are “feminine” oriented, aren’t they? But what about men? Don’t we expect them to impress us with romantic details? Well, then the last thing we can do to help “this process” is perhaps to share some tips with them… I love recycling and actually the challenge to think what to do with things. Today I am sharing a very simple project using materials you all have available if…
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3 Little Birdz Design Studio
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Cardboard Coffee Cup
8 Feb 2010 | 9:04 pmThis sculpture is at least 3 feet tall and hangs from the ceiling at CoffeeTalk in Kaimuki. -
Chinatown Celebration
7 Feb 2010 | 9:55 pm -
Chinatown New Years Celebration
6 Feb 2010 | 9:45 pm -
Kung He Fat Choy
5 Feb 2010 | 8:35 pmThe launch of celebrating Chinese New Year has begun! Welcome to the Year of the Tiger. -
Windward Islands
4 Feb 2010 | 4:39 pmIt’s not always sunny in Hawaii but it’s always beautiful. This is part of the view from hiking up the hill Makapuu lighthouse is on. It’s not a photo with great composition but the ocean was prettier than the photos that were.
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Knitting Naturally
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Jan 23, yarn doubled
23 Jan 2010 | 7:25 amI am attempting my first knitting project. I have to use doubled yarn throughout. I casted on my 95 stitches. Now When I go to knit do I pick up one -
Jan 23, shirley
23 Jan 2010 | 7:22 amI have been knitting for 45 years and am having trouble with a simple scarf. I am doing a stocking knit pattern. both of the sides have curled up a -
Jan 23, seamless knitting
23 Jan 2010 | 7:17 amIs there some structural reason for an underarm seam and sleeve seam in a sweater? Can I use circular or dp needles to make sleeves and sweater body? -
Jan 23, Loose tension in middle of row
23 Jan 2010 | 7:15 amI find that my stitches are looser in the middle of my row than they are on the ends. How can I make them more consistent? YOUR ANSWER Practice. -
Jan 23, What length do I make the foot of the sock
23 Jan 2010 | 7:12 amI am knitting socks for a friend who wears size 3 Mexican shoes . What length do I make the foot of the sock? YOUR ANSWER I have no idea, I don't
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ChristyNelson.net
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Trendspotting at CHA: Paper Flowers
8 Feb 2010 | 8:57 amPunched paper flowers were all around at CHA Winter this year. Almost every paper, punch, and scrapbooking booth had some on display. The flowers shown in the picture above were made using Punch Bunch paper punches. I love all the detail you can get in a flower using just a few different paper punches. This last picture reminded me of the hanging bouquet I made for my daughter. I may need to do another one using paper flowers! It would certainly be less expensive. -
CHA Report: Fiskars Portable Paper Trimmer
5 Feb 2010 | 1:32 pmI went to the Fiskars booth to get a quick run through on what's new and great from the company. They have some really fun new things (punches, scissors, and trimmers, oh my!). The thing that really caught my eye and become a "MUST HAVE" is this portable paper trimmer. Kelly Jo, one of the lead Fiskateers, gave me a quick demo. Some of my favorite features? How about the fact that the base is large enough to fit whole card? Cut line indicator? Awesome. -
Stuff I Like. Valentines.
4 Feb 2010 | 9:28 amI haven't done a Stuff I Like post in a while so I thought I'd throw one out there today. I've got valentines on the brain because I'm trying to decide what to make with my kids for their classmates. This etsy mini didn't help too much, but I couldn't help but share some of the pretty items I found while browsing. Enjoy. Is one of your products featured? Grab an I've Been Featured button! Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade christynelson.etsy.com -
CraftyCon Call For Speakers
3 Feb 2010 | 5:46 amWe announced CraftyCon just over a week ago! Today we've opened submissions for our call for speakers! Wondering what to submit? We've had to be a little bit sparse on the details as we're finalizing our plans with sponsors but we want to give you a heads up on what kind of content we will be providing. CraftyCon is "For Crafters, By Crafters." and we want to make sure you play a huge role in its success. We're looking for authors, designers, crafters just starting out with their businesses, etsy shop owners, etc... Do you have something you've learned the hard way in your craft… -
Epiphany Crafts Button Studio and Shape Studio
2 Feb 2010 | 12:27 pmWhen people ask me what products got me excited at CHA, I always mention the button and shape studio from Epiphany Crafts. It's difficult to tell what it does by looking at the contraption so I had them do a quick video demo on the product. I think you'll like it!
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luvinthemommyhood
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moments in the mommyhood - so that's what they get up to when i'm not around
9 Feb 2010 | 5:00 amfound these pics on the camera the other day and it was another of those "so that's what they do when i'm not around moments" when i wonder how the heck my little girl got so darn dirty......it's cute when you find the pictures but not so cute when they get home and you are the one who has to clean her once white, clean shoes and both of their sets of muddy clothes....is it just me or am i not alone in my thinking? at least the park picked flowers my hubby gets her to bring home for me take away some of the shock, hey wait, maybe that's part of their plan???well before i finish up, here's a… -
little boy roundup
5 Feb 2010 | 9:00 amwowwweee! hi everyone! if you're clicking over from "made by rae" for "celebrate the boy" thanks for stopping by! i guest blogged over there today and this was the post:image via hi there, i'm shannon from the blog luvinthemommyhood, where i dish on my attempts to sew, knit, craft, cook, parent and just plain survive (and love) life in the mommyhood. luvinthemommyhood is your source for a wealth of information ranging from handmade & repurposing projects, diy, mommyhood survival tips, to design, photography, music & books - i try to serve it up with humour and a dose of daily life in… -
weekend wishes
5 Feb 2010 | 5:00 amwishing i had a tent like this of my own to play in, it makes me think of the movie "the holiday"......hoping to eat some of this yumminess.....planning on doing lots of puzzles with my hubby and little girl.........and if i'm lucky, between games night, bday parties and swimming i'll get in a good nap....along with some knitting now that i have sorted all my wool - now that was a huge job i don't want to do again for a loooong time. i thought i was going to get lost in the abyss of wooliness that was my storage bins.what are your weekend wishes? knitting anything fun this week?all images via… -
makin' it in the mommyhood - i'm addicted to this darn bag!
4 Feb 2010 | 5:00 ami think i need help to get over my addiction to the margaret bag from oh fransson. after making two as gifts for christmas i desperately needed one for myself as well. i still have a few more to make too! i think it is seriously just the perfect sized bag/purse combo and double duties as a diaper bag for me too. i love it! looks like my little one loves it too!what have you been making this week? any projects you would like to share?(all images luvinthemommyhood) -
link luv roundup
3 Feb 2010 | 5:00 amvalentine's day is creeping up around the corner and i just adored this easy paper garland over on "how about orange".the purl bee's always manages to find the perfect projects to get my knitting needles calling out my name. why not make yourself a pair of these cozy leg warmers for valentine's this year?i'm in the horrible process of not having much luck of finding new bedding and was super happy to find this tute for making your own basic pillowcase over on "make it and love it".need to whip up some skirts for the kids fast? pop over to "at second street" to get this sweet tute that she…
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About.com: Beadwork
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Beadwork Blog List for Friday, February 5 2010
5 Feb 2010 | 10:06 amIt might be the middle of winter here in the U.S., but us beaders know how to keep busy and warm! Tapestry Beads - Jill Wiseman is in Tucson at the Best Bead Show and she has chronicled her journey and the first few days of the show for those of us that can't be there. Beadazzled of Oregon - Dini Alves has a brand new workspace that she has shared with us. Beadedbear's Nonsense and Complete Waste of Time - Sig Wynne-Evans has some ugly beads and she just does not know what to do with them. I think everyone has beads that look like these in their stash! Beadlust - Robin Atkins has finished her… -
Free Crystal Heart Pendant Video Tutorial
2 Feb 2010 | 7:13 amEri Attebery is offering another free video for a limited time. In honor of Valentine's Day, she is offering her video tutorial for her original design, the Flower Heart Necklace, free until February 15, 2010! Eri Attebery owns and runs the Jewelry Making Professor website. I met her at Bead Fest Philadelphia back in August, and was very impressed with her designs using Swarovski crystals. My personal favorite is her Color Gradation necklace, which also happens to be on sale right now. If you want to "try out" some of Eri's video tutorials, she also offers a full page of free videos that… -
The Greatest (Bead) Show on Earth
1 Feb 2010 | 12:49 pmWhat started in 1955 as a simple gem and mineral show at a local elementary school in Tucson, Arizona has evolved into the major gem, mineral, jewelry and bead show for hobbyists, collectors and professionals around the U.S. and around the world. The Tucson Gem & Mineral Show, referred to as just "Tucson" by many bead, gem and jewelry enthusiasts, starts this week. With hotels and conference centers around Tucson completely booked and people arriving by the hundreds every day, Tucson is the place to be for the first two weeks of February. It's not just a great place to buy beads -there… -
New Free eBook from Beading Daily
29 Jan 2010 | 12:45 amOne of my favorite beading resources, Beading Daily, is offering a new free eBook of great peyote stitch patterns. Beading Daily, run by Beadwork Magazine, has already offered a few really cool eBooks in the past that feature stitches like right angle weave and themes like readers' favorite bracelet patterns. This newest free eBook features five patterns all made with flat peyote stitch. The patterns are beautiful, and they include bracelets and a ring. The patterns themselves have clear directions, finishing suggestions, and full color graphs and charts. If you've never tried flat peyote… -
Second Annual Haute Couture Beading Contest
28 Jan 2010 | 10:34 amAre you ever inspired by some of the outrageous clothing designs from the world of couture fashion? I certainly am, and that's why this year, I am going to bead up a few pieces for the Second Annual Haute Couture Beading Contest. The rules are simple: pick a photo from the contest page and make a piece of beadwork inspired by the clothing. These fashion designs are full of color and texture, and even the shape of some of the outfits can be an inspiration for a piece of shaped beadwork. The deadline for entries is November 19, 2010, so you have plenty of time to get started on your…
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jcaroline's blog
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Jessica Levitt's Timber is here
28 Jan 2010 | 3:20 pmJessica Levitt's debut fabric collection for Windham Fabrics, Timber, is here. The design above is Dogwood and is offered in three colorways. She has some great colorings in this collection-- I vacillate between picking the blue/gray group and the brown group as my favorite. She is one clever designer and crafty person. Check out the darling construction-themed party she put together for her son and these darling felt owl ornaments she made for Christmas (which I say you could easily make and display all year round). And the darling nursery she did for her son… -
Yes, she did it again.
26 Jan 2010 | 1:11 pmThis photo has nothing to do with the story, but I think she looks cute in it. And no, she doesn't wear glasses, but apparently she thinks my reading glasses enhance her dancing. So, for those that have been around awhile, you may remember the story of her putting the potty seat on her head and it getting stuck. If you didn't read that exciting epistle, I'll wait for you to catch up.Last weekend we moved the jcaroline office and Thursday night I brought home a variety of Olivia leftovers that had been at the old office: videos, toys, potty… -
Help For Haiti at the Fat Quarter Shop
21 Jan 2010 | 9:23 amKimberly and friends at the Fat Quarter Shop put together the coolest idea to help raise money for organizations providing relief in Haiti. They are auctioning off donated quilts and other sewn items. If you win the bid, you need to provide proof that you donated your winning bid to one of the five agencies they list, and they'll send you the item. What a clever way to raise money and what a clever way for you to direct where the money is going. Shown above is the Fresh Laundry Quilt sewn by Kimberly herself. The entire list of items for bid is listed… -
Digital Designs
8 Jan 2010 | 7:00 amI discovered the world of digital graphic downloads last summer. I love that fact that great design objects are available at very reasonable prices to use in your digital scrapbooking, your blog or web designs or printed materials. (Read the terms of use for the license you are buying to see what uses are allowed.) Well, I found a new source called Design House Digital which just launched at the beginning of the year. I found this site through Melissa Esplin's blog ISLY because she is one of the contributing designers to Design House Digital. She has two… -
Is it 2010 yet?
5 Jan 2010 | 11:02 amDid I miss Christmas? And New Year's? No, I didn't but I haven't blogged in forever (as my mother pointed out), and I'm sure you've been missing the minutia of my life! First, I did attempt to get a good Christmas picture of the the little vixens, but as I discovered, two children do not make for ONE good picture: And yes, Henry looks frightened, because I think he is.I think the photo session is over- what do you think? Henry does look much more relaxed now that he has been released.We had a great Christmas seeing both sets of…
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Creating Keepsakes Blog
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Weekly Warm-Up: A Quick Valentine & a Free Download
8 Feb 2010 | 9:01 amWith Valentine’s Day fast approaching, love is definitely in the air this week. Why limit your Cupid creativity to one special someone when it’s easy to spread a little sweetheart-joy to the masses? This project idea is quick to create and requires only a few scraps and a bag of chocolates to complete. Let’s get started! Step 1: Prepare your scraps. Use a heart punch, stencil, or die cut to cut hearts from scraps of patterned paper. Fold 6″ x 3″ scraps of cardstock in half to create card bases, and cut scraps of ribbon to go across the front of the cards. Step 2: Add ribbon. -
More on the CK Scrapper Bowl Commercials
5 Feb 2010 | 4:44 pmThe big game is getting closer. And the CK Scrapper Bowl commercials are getting us even more excited. Check out this one—themed on “Why I Love Scrapbooking.” We love the humor. And don’t miss this commercial either—our team loves her thoughts at the end: there’s no wrong way to scrapbook, and every layout is a part of the page creator. So true! You can enter your own commercial for the chance to win a prize. But hurry—entries must be received by Sunday. Find out more here. To participate in the rest of the CK Scrapper Bowl events, visit here. —Brittany… -
CHA 2010: Trendy Looks
5 Feb 2010 | 2:00 amWhen it comes to trend spotting, the CHA show floor is a happenin’ hot spot of activity, with fresh trends as far as the eye can see. To wrap up our CHA Winter extravaganza, we want to share two of our favorite show-floor trends with you today. (Our Friday guest blog spots will reconvene next week.) Both looks we’re going to focus on are fashionably fabulous and sure to make any paper project shine. So trend trackers, are you ready to check them out? All right, let’s take a look at some of the hottest looks out there. Look #1: Handmade Flowers Spring was definitely in the air at this… -
All Aboard! It’s Time for CK’s CHA Cute Booth Tour
4 Feb 2010 | 2:00 amTickets. Tickets, please. This is the CHA Express, and we’re ready to embark on the 2010 Cute Booth Tour. This CHA, each of the CK editors in attendance (Brittany, Joannie, Kim, and I) selected our favorite happy places and captured short videos of some of the booth highlights. Plus, we added one bonus booth, simply because we couldn’t resist including one more dose of show-floor bliss. So grab yourself a seat near the window, and get ready to see some of the cutest booths on the CHA block. All aboard! Stop #1: The Girls’ Paperie, Joannie McBride’s pick This sweetie-pie place is full… -
Scrapbooking Tips & Tricks: The Organization Issue (with a special 20% Discount)
3 Feb 2010 | 2:00 amDo you have a friend who always knows exactly what you need? She knows precisely which style of earring best suits your face. She knows the perfect accessory to complement the new skirt you bought. She even knows when you need a Founder’s Favorite Gotta-Have-It sized ice-cream creation from Cold Stone Creamery. Yes, she’s amazing, and you can always count on her to deliver exactly what you need. At Creating Keepsakes, we aim to be that friend in regard to your scrapbooking pursuits. That’s why our team is excited to announce that there’s a new publication from the editors of Creating…
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Elizabeth Anne Designs Living
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Chevron, Zigzag and Stripes… Love it, or hate it?
8 Feb 2010 | 8:06 amI have been crushing on patterned floor tiles and graphic stone flooring for some time, but have not determined if I could be swayed into this sort of carpet. {Apartment Therapy} {Country Living} {Ann Sacks} {Making it Lovely} {Nate Berkus} {From the Right Bank} {Apartment Therapy} {West Elm} How do you feel about zig-zag, chevron pattern, and stripes on the floor? Do you love it or hate it? Please discuss. © Elizabeth Anne Designs Living, 2010 | Permalink | Comments | Add to del.icio.us | StumbleUpon It! Posted in: decor Join us here too! EAD Weddings, Message Boards, Bulletin Board, The… -
EAD Living In Your Mailbox
7 Feb 2010 | 1:58 pmHi everyone! I just wanted to let you know that you now have the option to receive EAD Living in your inbox. Simply click on the link below to subscribe – email is delivered via Feedburner once per day. Subscribe to EAD Living via e-mail You can also find the e-mail subscription link, along with links to subscribe via RSS, add to Google Reader, or follow my Twitter feed in the follow and subscribe section of the sidebar. I hope you’re having a wonderful weekend! xoxo, Ami © Elizabeth Anne Designs Living, 2010 | Permalink | Comments | Add to del.icio.us | StumbleUpon It! -
Sports Heaven
4 Feb 2010 | 9:59 amThose of you who have gotten to know me know that I am absolutely a sports freak. So this time of year is absolutely my favorite, because especially in an Olympic year, I am in sports heaven. We start off the year with the US Figure Skating Championships. The men’s championship blew me away. Although I am an Evan Lysacek fan, Jeremy Abbott has been growing on me. I adored his short program choreography and his long program simply blew me away (and blew the field away too!). If you are an Olympics fan, don’t you dare miss the men’s final, because it will simply rock… -
Pups and Their Food
3 Feb 2010 | 9:28 amAs you all know, I’m a mommy to the most adorable puppy in the world, Charlie. I am a firm believer that dogs should only eat foods that contain ingredients that are natural to them and should not contain any byproducts, antibiotics or hormones (I should preface this entire conversation by saying that Charlie eats FAR healthier than his father and I do!). Charlie’s favorite treats are chicken strips, and we have always purchased the Vitality chicken strips made by Dogswell. Recently, my mom and I were having a conversation about pet treats and food, and she let me know that… -
Dulce de Leche Cupcakes
1 Feb 2010 | 10:27 amI was perusing my recipe index the other day and decided that the cupcake section was too chocolate-heavy. Not that there’s anything wrong with chocolate, but I’m an equal-opportunity cupcake lover. So off I went to find a non-chocolate, non-fruity cupcake flavor. Dulce de leche has been on my radar for a long time (plus it’s all the rage right now), but I’ve always been hesitant to go through the high-risk process of making it at home. It involves boiling a can of sweetened condensed milk, bad news for accident-prone little me. So I decided to spend the extra dollar…
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WiNKELF
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Nursing Cover by crosscountrydesigns
14 Feb 2010 | 5:00 am"Nursing Cover Enables Breastfeeding Moms To Nurse Their Child While Spending Time With Their Family And Friends While Staying Modest. The Neck Line Is Made Of A Special Flexible Material That Allows Mom To See Baby While Nursing! The Neck Strap Can Be Completely Adjusted And Fitted Perfectly To Momm" Store: Cross Country Designs Category: Handmade » Baby Stuff » Nursing Domestic: Shipping is $2.99 USD within United StatesInternational: Shipping Available Price: $22.95 USD Add to Cart | More Info | Visit Store -
Nursing Cover by crosscountrydesigns
13 Feb 2010 | 5:00 am"Nursing Cover Enables Breastfeeding Moms To Nurse Their Child While Spending Time With Their Family And Friends While Staying Modest. The Neck Line Is Made Of A Special Flexible Material That Allows Mom To See Baby While Nursing! The Neck Strap Can Be Completely Adjusted And Fitted Perfectly To Momm" Store: Cross Country Designs Category: Handmade » Baby Stuff » Nursing Domestic: Shipping is $2.99 USD within United StatesInternational: Shipping Available Price: $22.95 USD Add to Cart | More Info | Visit Store -
Nursing Cover by crosscountrydesigns
11 Feb 2010 | 5:00 am"Nursing Cover Enables Breastfeeding Moms To Nurse Their Child While Spending Time With Their Family And Friends While Staying Modest. The Neck Line Is Made Of A Special Flexible Material That Allows Mom To See Baby While Nursing! The Neck Strap Can Be Completely Adjusted And Fitted Perfectly To Momm" Store: Cross Country Designs Category: Handmade » Baby Stuff » Nursing Domestic: Shipping is $2.99 USD within United StatesInternational: Shipping Available Price: $20.95 USD Add to Cart | More Info | Visit Store -
Tulips Earrings by jewelrita
9 Feb 2010 | 7:40 am" Earrings Made Of Charming Czech Flower And Fire Polished Beads On A Fanciful Heart Drop Charm. Lightweight And Perfect For Any Outfit. The Earring Post Is Antique Brass Toned Lead N Nickel Free Metal" Store: Jewelrita's Handmade Jewelry Category: Handmade » Earrings » Earrings Domestic: Shipping is $3.00 USD within HungaryInternational: Shipping Available Price: $15.00 USD Add to Cart | More Info | Visit Store -
Handmade Custom Knitted Pan Holders Or Cloth Pads by katsrevenge
9 Feb 2010 | 1:40 am"Simple. A Set Of Matching Pot Holders Knitted In Your Choice Of Up To Two Colors (more Colors Can Be Added At Cost, Pm Me With Questions) To Compliment And Enhance Your Own Kitchen. Other Uses Include Under Potted Plant To Provide Both Color And Texture While Protecting Your Wood Work, Homey Coaster" Store: The Kat's Revenge Category: Handmade » Home And Garden » General Domestic: Shipping within United States Not SpecifiedInternational: Shipping Not Available Price: $10.00 USD Add to Cart | More Info | Visit Store
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FaveCrafts
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12 Wearable St. Patrick's Day Crafts and Lucky Decor
8 Feb 2010 | 2:48 pmEveryone has the luck of the Irish on St. Patrick's Day, make a craft that will bring you luck! St. Patrick's Day crafts are popular as festive wearables in March, or cute home decor. Here are tons of St. Patrick's Day crafts that the whole family will en -
8 of My Favorite Crochet Patterns
8 Feb 2010 | 10:54 amFree crochet patterns are so much fun to find, but sometimes you just can't find what you're looking for. These are my eight favorite crochet patterns that you might enjoy too. -
In the News
8 Feb 2010 | 10:32 amFaveCrafts new and exciting updates on articles and eBooks. Find all your great patterns here. -
Red Heart Yarn Presents a New eBook Collection of Afghan Patterns
8 Feb 2010 | 10:28 amA new collection of afghan crochet and knitting patterns from Red Heart Yarn is free to download at FaveCrafts.com. -
Earth-tone Knit Afghan
8 Feb 2010 | 10:24 amThis Earth-tone knitting afghan pattern is great for those who love the environment. This pattern uses a circular knitting needle. This makes for a great gift.
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FaveCrafts Blog
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Gift Sunday: Party Time
7 Feb 2010 | 8:30 amIf you’re planning someone’s gift, then you’re probably also thinking about where the party’s at. Gifts and parties are like peanut butter and jelly – they just go together. So you might give a gift without attending a party, but you probably won’t attend a party without giving a gift! Well, depending on the kind of party anyway. The point is that the two are synonymous. Instead of getting a standard gift for your best friend this year, throw her a party with your small group of friends. A small gift can be easily forgotten or cast aside, but a fun time… -
Kids Saturday: Dolls and Teddy Bears
6 Feb 2010 | 12:03 pmThis isn’t your ordinary doll or teddy bear, you’re not making it from head to toe or head to bear foot. Instead, we have a few tips that will help you make fur for your teddy bear or hair for your doll’s head. If you like to make teddy bears we also have something on how to make a face for your bear. It would be neat to be a doll or bear-maker. If this is something that interests you then stay tuned. Attaching a wig to your doll- This states the obvious, learn how to attach a wig to your doll. Give her all kinds of crazy hair. Dye your Teddy’s Fur- This is a great… -
Product Review and Giveaway: Clover Sweetheart Rose Maker
5 Feb 2010 | 3:10 pmThis clever tool comes in three sizes and helps you to create perfect rosettes. The instructions are illustrated and easy to follow for the novice. Learn more and enter to win a rose maker here. Contest ends February 26, 2010. You can enter once daily, so return often to improve your chances of winning! Related Posts:Product Review and Giveaway: Slimline Storage BoxProduct Review and Giveaway: Spotty Cat Wall Quilt KitProduct Review and Giveaway: Bead SpinnerProduct Review and Giveaway: McGill Designer Series Paper PunchesProduct Review and Giveaway: Punch Needle Kit GiveawayPowered by… -
Scarves for Special Olympics
4 Feb 2010 | 2:11 pmWarm the hearts and fuel the spirit of the Special Olympics athletes competing in the 2010 Idaho State Winter Games! In 2009, the Special Olympics World Winter Games invited knitters and crocheters from around the USA and the world to create a special gift for the athletes of the World Games. The response was overwhelming with more than 55,000 hand knit scarves, and in the end created an incredible sense of welcome and well-wishes for the Special Olympics athletes, where the response and generosity is still spoken about today. With the 2010 Special Olympics Idaho Winter Games approaching in… -
Link Love: Your Favorite Craft Blogs
4 Feb 2010 | 11:30 amWe want to know, “What are your favorite craft blogs?” We asked some of our blogger friends to cast their votes. Some of the favorites are not really craft blogs, but they are pretty amazing nonetheless. Make sure to cast your own votes in the comments! Here are the answers: Ann DeOtte of Still Dottie I have to say that Craft: & Whip Up are my top two. I love the quantity & variety posted on Craft: – there is something for everyone there. Whip Up makes my tops because of it’s purposeful posts, every project has great style. Mer Mag is next. She isn’t only…
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My MiNuTia
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Beauty among the chaos
8 Feb 2010 | 9:46 amThe other day we were hanging this piece in my studio. It's the "finale" project for my E-Zine. Oh how much I love it! Anyhoo... The lighting was good (for once), and I'd share some pretty photos I snapped. That room is a mess right now, but there were some vignettes that made me smile... Hope you are enjoying your day. -
Bidding a good day to you
5 Feb 2010 | 9:16 amHave you seen the beautiful hand crafted items on Rebecca Sower's Haiti by Hand Blog. ? You should. And the Auction items! Oh my goodness. Rebecca keeps adding more things to the Etsy shop, too. Lovely things! I bid on a crocheted piece by Jenny Doh ....so excited! If I win, I'll tell my hubby his Valentine's shopping for me is taken care of. Hee Hee. On a serious note though, such good things will come from the fruits and labors of the contributing artists and to the recipients...the Haiti families that are so in need of help. They needed help before all of the hurricanes… -
That Valentine's Day Sampler
2 Feb 2010 | 8:18 amA personal art victory...I finally finished this Valentine's Day sampler! I showed a few photos of it in process here. Of course it took forever, but I only work on it a few minutes a day, and usually in the school parking lot waiting for my son or on car rides to their events. So, when you consider that, it did take a while. See the flattened penny like heart in the left photo? It says "Remembrance of my First Communion". Love that vintage charm.Here are a few close ups:I will admit to you that it's addicting if you've never made one. Because I carry it with me (in… -
Hand Dyed How To
27 Jan 2010 | 4:12 pmRibbons and things adorning this Valentine project. Another peek at one of my E-Zine projects. Having such a good time with this E-Zine! Feels great to be creating pretties these days. Sure helps me chase the Winter blues away! -
Those Ladies in Red
26 Jan 2010 | 6:15 amSaw them again this weekend. This time she knocked a couple seconds off her time from last week! Here was her last minute presto chango relay 4x4 team. And the swish... She loves this race! One girl on her relay team had an injury (prior to the race), so the girls found a replacement for her at the last minute. It either that or they'd have to withdraw their school from the race. So glad it worked out because it gave her practice and more confidence for next time! She was all smiles afterward, though you couldn't tell in this photo. We won't be able to go again for a…
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My MiNuTia
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Beauty among the chaos
8 Feb 2010 | 9:46 amThe other day we were hanging this piece in my studio. It's the "finale" project for my E-Zine. Oh how much I love it! Anyhoo... The lighting was good (for once), and I'd share some pretty photos I snapped. That room is a mess right now, but there were some vignettes that made me smile... Hope you are enjoying your day. -
Bidding a good day to you
5 Feb 2010 | 9:16 amHave you seen the beautiful hand crafted items on Rebecca Sower's Haiti by Hand Blog. ? You should. And the Auction items! Oh my goodness. Rebecca keeps adding more things to the Etsy shop, too. Lovely things! I bid on a crocheted piece by Jenny Doh ....so excited! If I win, I'll tell my hubby his Valentine's shopping for me is taken care of. Hee Hee. On a serious note though, such good things will come from the fruits and labors of the contributing artists and to the recipients...the Haiti families that are so in need of help. They needed help before all of the hurricanes… -
That Valentine's Day Sampler
2 Feb 2010 | 8:18 amA personal art victory...I finally finished this Valentine's Day sampler! I showed a few photos of it in process here. Of course it took forever, but I only work on it a few minutes a day, and usually in the school parking lot waiting for my son or on car rides to their events. So, when you consider that, it did take a while. See the flattened penny like heart in the left photo? It says "Remembrance of my First Communion". Love that vintage charm.Here are a few close ups:I will admit to you that it's addicting if you've never made one. Because I carry it with me (in… -
Hand Dyed How To
27 Jan 2010 | 4:12 pmRibbons and things adorning this Valentine project. Another peek at one of my E-Zine projects. Having such a good time with this E-Zine! Feels great to be creating pretties these days. Sure helps me chase the Winter blues away! -
Those Ladies in Red
26 Jan 2010 | 6:15 amSaw them again this weekend. This time she knocked a couple seconds off her time from last week! Here was her last minute presto chango relay 4x4 team. And the swish... She loves this race! One girl on her relay team had an injury (prior to the race), so the girls found a replacement for her at the last minute. It either that or they'd have to withdraw their school from the race. So glad it worked out because it gave her practice and more confidence for next time! She was all smiles afterward, though you couldn't tell in this photo. We won't be able to go again for a…
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Dude Craft
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T-Shirt War
9 Feb 2010 | 4:29 amI experienced a nice mix of surprise and delight when I watched this. If this thing isn't a meme already, it will be soon. -
Free Thinking - A Live Event on MakeandMeaning.com
8 Feb 2010 | 9:02 pmAttention all DudeCraft readers, there's been a lot of talk about the concept of free and what effect the gift economy is having on the business of craft. So much talk, in fact, that some of us over at Make and Meaning decided to host a liveblogging round table, centered around all questions that come up when we talk about "free". I hope you'll join us and jump into the conversation. Here's the official announcement:On Tuesday, February 16th, we’ll be hosting a live blogging event over at Make and Meaning, concerning the hotly debated subject of “free”. This is your chance to jump… -
The Complete Works of Taylor Swift - A Symbolic Analysis
8 Feb 2010 | 9:01 pmIt may not be a craft, but you have to respect the work that went into this. Besides, it's dang funny.via The Daily What -
The Melting Table
8 Feb 2010 | 8:04 amIt's okay! You're not having a flashback. DeviantArt member, back2root just made this trippy little side table out of recycled oak in his spare time. Nice job.via NotCot -
Another Place - The Work of Antony Gormley
7 Feb 2010 | 9:01 pmWow, am I glad I ran across the work of Antony Gormley today. So much variation. So much cool stuff. I especially love the giant garbage man and the shadowy figures made of what look like small pieces of wood, though I imaging its bronze.via Sepientia
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Etsy Shop for urartist
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Laptop Sleeve for 15 inch APPLE MACBOOK PRO or Any 15 inch Laptop
9 Feb 2010 | 7:27 am$35.00 Stand out from the crowd with this unique laptop sleeve. Protect your macbook or any 15 inch laptop with similar dimensions, while toting it in style. The cool lemon ochre color is sure to splash you with added inspiration in school or at work.Made of 100% 'So Soft Yarn' brand acrylic. Single crocheted with double yarn for durability and extra padding. It is durable yet has a soft feel to it. Just slip it on and put it in your bag. Then, get the 'wow' effect from your classmates and peers when it's time to pull it out.Machine washable, tumble dry low.Laptop sleeves… -
Going Green Fruit, Veggie Market Baggie in Orange
8 Feb 2010 | 10:57 pm$17.00 Love fruits and veggies? Then, you'll love these.Environmentally-friendly market bags for your fresh produce. Say 'no' to plastic and paper bags and say 'hello' to these fun and colorful mini-totes.This baggie may be small but it's packed with smart features:- Made with double-strand easy care acrylic yarn- Stretchable, super durable and strong to handle several ounces of produce- Close by slipping the handle in the adjacent loop- Stylish enough to be used in the mall, beach, park or on a date- Size is approx. 8 x 8 inches long (excluding handle), when laid flat… -
NEW Crochet Laptop Sleeve for 17 inch APPLE MACBOOK PRO or Any 17 inch Laptop
6 Feb 2010 | 4:05 am$39.00 THIS ITEM WAS FEATURED IN FRONT PAGE!Stand out from the crowd with this unique laptop sleeve. Protect your macbook or any 17 inch laptop with similar dimensions, while toting it in style. The cool colors are sure to splash you with added inspiration in school or at work.Single crocheted with double yarn for durability and extra padding. It is durable yet has a soft feel to it. Just slip it on and put it in your bag. Then, get the 'wow' effect from your classmates and peers when it's time to pull it out.Machine washable, tumble dry low.Laptop sleeves are shipped 3 days from… -
NEW iSkin for your iPhone or iPod Touch - Mustard Yellow
28 Jan 2010 | 10:41 am$14.50 Presenting the NEW iSkin from UrArtist. ______________________________________Protect your iPhone, iPod Touch or any phone or mp3 players of similar dimensions, while toting it in style. The cool colors are sure to splash you with added inspiration in school or at work.To put it on, insert the iPhone/iPod touch at the bottom first, then pull the upper part of the sleeve, then slide the iPhone/iPod touch in. It is stretchable so it will fit snug. When charging, just pull the lower part of the iSkin.______________________________________Made of 100% 'So Soft Yarn' brand acrylic. -
NEW Crochet Laptop Sleeve for 15 inch APPLE MACBOOK PRO or Any 15 inch Laptop
27 Jan 2010 | 7:11 am$35.00 THIS ITEM WAS FEATURED IN FRONT PAGE!Stand out from the crowd with this unique laptop sleeve. Protect your macbook or any 15 inch laptop with similar dimensions, while toting it in style. The cool colors are sure to splash you with added inspiration in school or at work.Made of Bernat 'Soft Boucle' yarn in Moss. Single crocheted with double yarn for durability and extra padding. It is durable yet has a soft feel to it. Just slip it on and put it in your bag. Then, get the 'wow' effect from your classmates and peers when it's time to pull it out.Machine washable,…
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Keiki Gifts, Crafts & Activities
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Japanese Bead Book
1 Feb 2010 | 12:42 pmI borrowed these Japanese bead books and created a few beaded charm project. The directions for the flower charms are taken from the book and they were very easy to make. I used recycled glass beads from a broken necklace and pearly charms for the center. The hanging ball charms are also made with glass beads and the design “inspiration” is from the bead book. Designs for beaded bracelets, necklaces, charms, rings, hair accessories and more are found in these books. The instructions are in Japanese but the diagrams are easy to follow. Technorati Tags: beads, Craft Books,… -
Magic Marshmallow Puffs
25 Jan 2010 | 1:49 pmHere is an easy recipe that turns crescent rolls into sweet yummy pastry ”puffs”. My kids and I prepared these tasty rolls together on several occassions. The final result is quite sticky but it is very very good. Ingredients: 1/4 cup granulated sugar 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 2 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent rolls (i.e. Pillsbury) 16 large marshmallows 1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted Glaze & Nuts for topping (optional) Directions: Heat oven to 375 F. Spray 16 medium muffin cups with non stick cooking spray** In small bowl, mix… -
If It Breaks…Make A Wish
23 Jan 2010 | 4:33 pmI love the acrylic letter beads that I purchased from the Best Craft Supply on Etsy! I purchased the beads on January 19 and received it today on January 23. Now that is fast service! I have already made a few bracelets/anklets to give away as fun little gifts. The bracelet will come along with a card explaining it’s “wishing powers”. When the cord breaks, the wearer can make a wish. If the bracelet is lost and then returned, the person who returns it is able to make a wish. Maybe the real reward from this bracelet will be friendship and honesty. … -
Lego Mujis
21 Jan 2010 | 3:34 pmI could not have asked for a more wonderful idea…Lego + Muji! It sounds like this gadget-building-paper combination will definately satisfy my creative side as well as the child in me. I am certain that it will be a hit with my kids too. Using a paper punch type tool, holes are made into paper and mounted on to the lego pieces turning it into a dimensional creation. You will be able to make toys, cards, ornaments and more! I don’t think you are able to buy this paper Lego products in the U.S. just yet but you can find it here online. Technorati Tags: craft,… -
Cute Japanese Charms
3 Dec 2009 | 12:07 pmI borrowed this book from the school library - I don’t know what the title is but it’s an instructional book on how to make cute Japanese charms. The school librarian took a trip to Japan and purchased some fun Japanese books for the children. She was gracious enough to lend me this craft book and I am so enamoured with it that I don’t want to return it! This 56 page book has colorful images and instructions on how to make many different kinds of charms using ribbons, beads or both. The instructions are all in Japanese, of course, but I followed the photo directions and was…
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Make it Do
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Breakfast Love
8 Feb 2010 | 9:43 amI love making a special breakfast on Valentine’s Day. And since Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday this year… there’s actually time to enjoy a leisurely morning. Here’s few easy ideas for showing your love with food this Valentine’s Day morning: Heart Shaped Muffins Using your favorite muffin recipe, place the batter in paper baking cups. Then add a marble between the paper cup and the tin. This makes a heart. Mine didn’t turn out quite as perfect as I hoped… I will use a little less batter in each cup next time, but they were still… -
Giveaway Winner
5 Feb 2010 | 6:53 amI loved reading all the entries for this contest… and one thing is for sure. We love our chocolate. Lots and lots of chocolate! But we also love thoughtful, handmade gifts and cards…. Both are my favorites as well. I’m hoping for funny and sweet handmade cards from my kiddos. And I wouldn’t be sad about a little box of chocolate covered raspberries from Cummings in Salt Lake. They are my favorite. And now for the winner: 20. Sarah King | February 1, 2010 at 2:18 pm A handmade (or well-thought-out) gift is my favorite kind! I just love the sweetness of… -
Sharon’s Valentine Caramels
4 Feb 2010 | 9:29 amDon’t you love when the door bell rings and it’s a friend on the doorstep with treats? Yesterday, as I was busy cooking a dinner for the teachers at our school, my door bell rang. And much to my delight it was a friend sharing her delicious homemade Cinnamon Caramels. They were so fun and delicious that I was surprised to find out they were made in the microwave… and take around ten minutes to make. Is that possible? Yes. And Sharon generously shared her recipe with us all. Thank you Sharon, they are absolutely delicious. And they are so pretty and perfect for… -
Make it Do- Valentine Hair Clips
3 Feb 2010 | 10:18 amLast week, when I was fiddling with making my Pom Poms and Hearts Brooch, I made some fabric covered buttons. I wanted to incorporate them into the brooch. But after fiddling, I decided they didn’t work. I had to find another way to use these cute buttons. And the obvious answer was to make hair clips. Which, as a mother of twin girls, we can never have too many of. Here’s how I made them: Using the template provided with the button kit, cut out your fabric of choice… remember to center the pattern in the middle of the circle, if you desire. Have you ever made fabric… -
Short Winter
2 Feb 2010 | 8:26 amSo the groundhog saw his shadow this morning. And we’re all a buzz about it at our house. No, there are no groans… they are all downright happy. They want to go snowshoeing again, and skiing. They want to build another snowman… this time a whole family of snowpeople. And they want to build an igloo… this time one that stands up and has a roof. And don’t forget the hot chocolate, Mom. If Winter was over, we couldn’t have any more hot chocolate until next Winter. Those who try to avoid winter find it long and cold. Those who enjoy winter find…
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Merriment Design
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Valentine’s Day Felt Heart Pocket Bracelet and Mini-Purse for Kids
31 Jan 2010 | 10:09 amHearts is the theme of two easy Valentine’s Day gifts perfect for spoiling the sweet toddler and tween girls in your life. First is a teeny pouch bracelet perfect for storing candies or tiny love notes. You can make it with either heart-shaped velcro and button closures. Next is a cute and simple mini-purse… Like the bracelet the flap is actually a heart! Here it is shown open and turned over… …and here it is open… Supplies: Kathy’s free template for the heart pocket bracelet and mini-purse for kids (PDF – this is for teeny toddler and tween wrists… -
Vintage-inspired Kissing Couple Box Wrapping
16 Jan 2010 | 7:06 pmMy friend Amy and I met in the second grade on the DeVaney school playground. She was the new kid and I asked if she wanted to jump rope. We’ve been friends ever since. Last weekend I was giddy to stand up as a bridesmaid in Amy’s Greenwich Village wedding to Jeff Hock. I needed to gift wrap a USB drive filled with music that I bought them to enjoy on their honeymoon flight to South Africa. And I needed to take the wrapped box through airport scanners. Years ago I bought a vintage kissing couple pendant at a Manhattan summertime flea market. I wore the sweet thing ad nauseum,… -
Family coloring book from photos
23 Dec 2009 | 5:02 pmMy niece Madison is universally and deservedly spoiled by all members of our family. I try to make her special handmade Christmas and birthday gifts like this one and that one. With our cross-country family — Madison in Arizona, me and Shane in Chicago and the grandparents in Michigan — I decided to make Madison a family-themed coloring book paired with a new box of crayons, lots of stamps and ink and other fun art supplies using my Amazon.com application on my iPhone (addicted). To make the book I gathered a bunch of photos and followed Jennifer Apple’s free Photoshop… -
2010 Sewing Calendar featuring MerrimentDesign.com projects
14 Dec 2009 | 5:39 pmI’m crazy excited to be a part of the Sewing 2010 Day-to-Day Calendar edited by Megan Smith. One hundred simple sewing projects organized in three-day increments fill this crafty calendar of the new decade. Featured MerrimentDesign.com projects include sewn poppy fabric invitations, bridesmaid’s applique handbags, Thanksgiving felt leaf placecards and napkin rings, and Chicago flag passport cover …and surprise! The back of the calendar box features my guest bathroom towels project. As you can see the calendar folds into a stand that props up the instructions while you work. -
Thanksgiving Retro Embossed Label Maker Placecards
24 Nov 2009 | 7:27 pmWhen Shane told me that he wanted to host our sixth annual Thanksgiving dinner I didn’t quite know what to say. Baby Elise was born on October 20th and I was crazy sore and beat. Flash forward a month and we’re all starting to get the hang of things as a family. So what better way to celebrate than to have everyone together for Elise’s first Thanksgiving? Ah, once again Shane was right… I saw this Dymo retro embossing label maker this summer and I just had to have it, not quite sure at the time what I’d do with it. It was just like the one I used to play with…
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handmade charlotte
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Etsy Finds: Valentine’s Day Ceramics
8 Feb 2010 | 5:37 pmEtsy shop PrinceDesignUK is full of wonderful Valentine’s Day gifts, all handmade and glazed by UK-based artist Elizabeth Prince. Up top is a pair of lovebird bowls ($39) and underneath is the “Full of Love Heart Bowl” ($23). -
Favorite Shops: Bianca and Family
8 Feb 2010 | 4:56 pmBianca and Family always has a delightful assortment of childhood treasures, both new and old. -
Etsy Finds: Crocheted Villages
8 Feb 2010 | 3:43 pmWonderful crocheted jewelry from Israeli Etsy seller Sashetta. Love the details! -
New Concepts in Children’s Furniture
3 Feb 2010 | 3:53 amThis concept was created by a student of designer Masahiro Minami (who obviously has great talent in teaching as well) at the Univeristy of Shiga Prefecture.The desk and chair match perfectly perched on top of the dresser, which has a refrigerator/stove/microwave motif. A sink is located underneath the pictured cooking surface.Hopefully this wonderful piece will make its way into production!via spoon & tomago -
Turn Something Old into New with Reknit
2 Feb 2010 | 6:43 pmReknit is a project by designer Haik Avanian that turns old sweaters into new objects, with a little help from Avanian’s mom. For the month of February, send an old sweater to Avanian’s mom and she will unravel it and turn it into a pair of cut-off gloves.From Avanian’s website:“Reknit was launched on January 4th, 2010 as a small project to share a resourceful family tradition with the world, and to encourage my mom to partake in her hobby more often. The project is based around the idea of reclaiming yarn from old clothes, and reknitting that yarn into something new and useful.
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Flower Girl Designs Collection
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Car Carryall
31 Jan 2010 | 2:44 pmThis is a new pdf pattern in my Etsy Shop, Car Carryall. It will keep everything orgainized in our vehicles for travel and everyday shopping. -
Organizing Insight
30 Jan 2010 | 2:59 pmKym, from Fabric Fascination has posted many items from Etsy shops for organizing your sewing space. She also, has a wonderful Etsy Shop, beautiful placemats and many other items. Stop by her blog and shop to check it out. My Organizer Cover for Coffee Cans is one of the items featured on her blog. -
A Banner to Brighten Up My Day!
25 Jan 2010 | 8:54 amI made myself a banner for my sewing studio, as you can see I had to hang it over the hallway leading down to the movie room. I'm a little short on wall space; I should have made three banners instead of two. But, I like it there, the ceilings are high and it brightens up my sewing studio. -
Rick Rack Candle Mat Free pdf Pattern
22 Jan 2010 | 3:56 pmThink Spring! I made this Rick Rack Candle Mat with Spring colors, I'm so tired of winter, I needed something that looked like fresh flowers. It is a Charm square friendly project, fun and very easy to make. My little buttons are bees and flowers; I purchased them, in store, at Joann Fabrics. I would love to see your finished Candle Mats, please email me some pictures and I will post them on my blog. Or, share in a comment and leave a link. The free pdf download is below the pictures. Enjoy! Featured on Craft Gossip, Thank you Anne Weaver! Download Rick Rack Candle Mat pdf Pattern -
Photos of Skylar
20 Jan 2010 | 5:17 pmHere are some updated photos of my little angel Skylar. She has been just a joy and with Cesar Millan aka the Dog Whisperer's help she is doing great. She goes everywhere with me, we are always together.
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Cucumbersome
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Hellooo, Dream Office!
8 Feb 2010 | 6:42 amYes, in my dream office there is no need for proper office chairs with, you know, lumbar support because they are ugly. There are also no cords and very little paper in my imaginary workspace. Fortunately, there are a couple realistic elements here. The paint color, for one. I love it when people give the specific names of paint colors in house tours (thanks, Laura!) and I think we’re going to give this one a try. We also do want some sort of wooden slab of a desk. Oh, and we did buy that little flip clock. The big Dinamac sign is great, isn’t it? We go into the store and visit it… -
Inside: Ace Hotels
5 Feb 2010 | 3:44 pmThe cataloging of my favorite interiors continues with the Ace Hotel. There are locations in Seattle, Portland, New York, and Palm Springs. Aren’t these photos just the perfect mix of modern, industrial and vintage? I would love to figure out how to achieve this balance. In my opinion, modern furniture can quickly become lifeless on its own. It can feel a little cold. But too many vintage, worn-down items can make a space feel like a thrift store or something. Maybe the key is simplicity. The Ace Hotels seem to be very utilitarian. Ryan and I really want to drive down to Portland soon… -
Sited: Here’s Looking at Me, Kid
4 Feb 2010 | 8:06 amAmanda Johnson, of the blog Here’s Looking at Me, Kid describes herself as “just a 20 something paper loving, thrift hunting, picture taking, beauty finding, healthy living, simple yet complicating girl”. I would like to add insanely inspiring and talented to that list. I have never been into scrapbooking, but this girl takes it to the next level. Each page is a little piece of art and they look more like magazine layouts than the scrapbook pages I have ever seen. She has put together a paper kit called “The Housewife” (shown below) that she sells in her paper… -
Inside: Parliament
3 Feb 2010 | 7:03 amEver since I came across this studio tour on Design Sponge, I have been so excited to create a new office space for Theory. I can’t get these photos (taken by the talented Lincoln Barbour) out of my head. There are more on Parliament’s site, including photos of the whole process. We’re getting the keys for our new place a few days early so we’re going to paint it up. Do you think they would be upset if we painted some walls of this brand new apartment charcoal? I don’t think so either. Also, we are so going to the salvage yard this weekend. -
Two-Faced Watch
2 Feb 2010 | 9:14 pmHow cute is this watch from Anthropologie? I also appreciate that these are pieced together from different vintage watches and not manufactured to just look vintage. The reviews are mixed, however. Some loved the unique watches that arrived in the mail, but others were really upset. To be fair, the disappointed customers are more likely to post a review (with photos) so it might not be an accurate gauge of the quality… but for $250 CAD, I’m not sure I want to take the chance. It would make for a fun project, though, wouldn’t it? I would really love to find some vintage…
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Aileen's Musings
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Fractured Cupid Tales
9 Feb 2010 | 6:00 amMeet Granny Cupid my newest whimsical character I just finished drawing and cleaning up. She's quite the teller of dented love stories. Just a bit of warning here her cupid's wand can get a bit wonky at times though she does have the best of intentions. . . Granny's arrived just in time for Valentine's Day! Visit My Zazzle Store & view my newest additions! -
Crafty Blogger Blurbs
8 Feb 2010 | 4:37 pmThe Artful Crafter How to make laminated tasseled bookmarks and personalize them for any occasion. And don’t miss Eileen’s follow-on tutorial on making your own tassels (should you run out mid-project as she did – lol). Mixed Media Artist Snow painting? Sure...go shovel up a small bucket full and meet Cyndi at her blog! Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery See how to make a Paper Flower with a quilling paper fringer inspired by one from the beautiful book- Home, Paper, Scissors by Patricia Zapata Crafty Princess Diaries Tammy is so excited! She has some new craft… -
New Neon Color Mists!
5 Feb 2010 | 9:58 amIntroducing our newest Color Mists Set:Electrifying Neons are vivid neon sprayable watercolors All 6 colors have a slight shimmer and opaqueness to them, so if your a fan of our Brite Lights, Molten Metals you'll love our new Electrifying Neons!As usual we need your help naming the new colors! To have a chance to win your own set VOTE for your favorite names below AND leave a comment with a valid email address. Post this to your blog and get 2 chances to win! pollcode.com free polls Neon Yellow: Techno Yellow Vitamin "C" Highlighter Yellow pollcode.com free polls… -
Mailable Valentine & Birthday Card Canvas Panel
4 Feb 2010 | 11:00 amHere are two cards I've made using canvas flower panels. One I created for Valentine's Day and the other for a special someone's birthday. I plan to mail these as is in the mail without envelopes. I have mailed many things as is in the mail from shoes to tins so don't let them tell you that you can't do it. After all if people can mail live chickens you can certainly mail a little ole canvas panel :-)Supplies Used Canvas Flower Panel (Can be purchased Here) Acrylic Paints StazOn Ink & Chalk Inks Stamps Foam Roller or Brayer White Paint Pen (Can be purchased… -
Junque Treasure!
1 Feb 2010 | 3:53 pmFor all you Altered Artists, Trash to Treasure and Repurposing Queens and Steampunk Artists out there you will appreciate this little treasure I was gifted with yesterday! Yesterday hubby brought me back an awesome surprise from a swap meet he went to! This use to be a Pacific Gas and Electric first aid box and he paid all of .50 for it! Inside had surprise rusted goodies as well and thebest thing of all is that it's already aged so I don't have to do anything else but figure out what to make out of it all:-) 15% OFF Mugs and More Use code: ZAZZLEFORYOU Visit My Zazzle…
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Stained glass and art glass patterns, designs, supplies and classes
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Stained Glass Quarterly Debuts New Website
1 Feb 2010 | 9:42 amStained Glass Quarterly Debuts New Website You can now find The Stained Glass Quarterly online at stainedglassquarterly.com! Right now, this site duplicates the information available on the www.stainedglass.org site, but in a whole new, more usable format. Future updates will be done at the new site. -
Tavern on the Green To Auction Off Stained Glass
7 Jan 2010 | 10:28 amTavern on the Green To Auction Off Stained Glass If you have ever been to New York's Tavern on the Green, you may know that it has closed its doors deep in debt. They will be liquidating their restaurant fixtures next week at a public auction. The location had a large amount of stained glass items, most of which will be auctioned off. Read the whole story here. -
World's Largest Medieval Window Saved From Fire
4 Jan 2010 | 8:10 amWorld's Largest Medieval Window Saved From Fire Fire crews have saved the world's largest medieval window from destruction after a huge fire broke out at the yard where it was being refurbished. The Great East Window from York Minster, thought to be worth more than $4.3 million, was undergoing repairs at the Minster Yard stonemasons, in Minstergate, when fire broke out shortly before 11.30pm on Wednesday. Read entire story here. -
A Look At Kokomo Opalescent Glass
18 Dec 2009 | 10:09 amA Look At Kokomo Opalescent Glass Here's a great article about Kokomo, the oldest manufacturer of opalescent and cathedral stained glass in the world. They have the ability to manufacture more than 22,000 different color/density/texture combinations in sheet glass as well as decorative giftware, custom castings, pressed jewels, dalle de verre (slab glass), and rondels. Read the entire article here. -
Cash Strapped Church To Sell Original Tiffany Window
7 Dec 2009 | 11:29 amCash Strapped Church To Sell Original Tiffany Window A Brattleboro, Vermont church may have to sell its original Tiffany window. Strapped for cash because of declining donations, attendance and collection-plate revenues, church leaders voted recently to seek bids and sell the 9-foot tall, 33-inch wide Tiffany window, using the proceeds to sustain the church and a wintertime homeless shelter it runs in its fellowship room. Read the full article here.
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Moda Bake Shop
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"Off the Grid" Sliced Nine Patch Quilt
8 Feb 2010 | 4:00 amI'm so excited to be back for my second Moda Bake Shop tutorial! This time I'll share a quick and easy quilt pattern featuring my variation on the classic 9-patch block. Finishing out at approximately 50" square, this quilt would make a great lap quilt, baby quilt, or dorm room quilt to send off to your favorite college student. If you're inspired, maybe you can even whip one up this week for -
Valentine's Bubble Skirt
5 Feb 2010 | 10:00 pmHi! My name is Tamarynn Bennett a.k.a. Tam from Sew Dang Cute. Come check it out! I'm having a giveaway right now, so make sure to stop by and enter. My loves in life are my wonderful husband and three beautiful children. They take up the majority of my time, however, I try to sneak in time for sewing, leisurely cooking, and triathlons. I am so excited to be part of the Moda Bake Shop crew, and -
Easy as Cake
3 Feb 2010 | 10:00 pmHi! My name is Konda Luckau from Moose on the Porch Quilts. I love making quilts that are quick and easy, and I love how precuts speed up the quilting process. Kate Spain's new line Verna is perfect for chasing away winter. I almost changed the name of the quilt to "Tut Tut Looks Like Spring," but I got a blank stare in response, I left the original name. In case you also have a blank stare, it -
Skinny Verna
1 Feb 2010 | 10:00 pmSkinny Verna 9" X 30.5" By: Vickie E SpunSugarQuilts • Moda Charm pack Verna sku#27000PP • or Jelly Roll Verna sku#27000JR • or Honey Bun strips/scraps Verna sku#27000HB • 1/3 yard Moda Bella Solid White border and binding sku#9900-11 • cotton batting 11" X 32" • 1/3 yard backing sku#2708 14 budding green Cut 40 pieces 5 inches X 1.25 inches. It is not critical for all the strips to be -
Vintage Inspired Bear Paw Quilt
30 Jan 2010 | 10:00 pmI was inspired by this Bear Paw quilt made by my great-grandmother to make my own version of this very special quilt. You can even see by the worn spots how much this quilt is loved. I didn't know my great-grandmother very well, but I know she was a very special lady by the way my mom talks about her and the fact that she taught my mom how to quilt when she was young. I love this quilt! I am
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How Does She...
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Welcome Idaho Statesman Readers!
9 Feb 2010 | 5:26 amWelcome Idaho Statesman Readers!!! Welcome to HowDoesShe! We are a site dedicated to finding out “How Does She?” by collaborating ideas on how to become the mothers, wives and world class women that we want to be! Check out the links listed above and have a fun time learning! Don’t forget to sign up so you can [...] -
2×4 to We love Daddy
8 Feb 2010 | 5:59 amIdeas for a 2×4 We Love Daddy!!! How about another idea for 2×4’s. Turn them in to a picture holder. How fun would this be to have on his desk at work? You could change it to ‘We love Mommy’ We love ‘Grandma’ We love Grandpa’…you get the drift. Hang pictures of the family and wala! [...] -
Actions Speak Louder than Words
6 Feb 2010 | 4:27 amActions speak louder than words! A simple way to SHOW the valentines in your life that you love them – service. We started a Valentine tradition in our family a couple years ago where we do service for each other to show our love. I made a heart bean bag for everyone in the family. After you do a service for someone in [...] -
Ruffles Ruffles Everywhere – 10 Projects
5 Feb 2010 | 12:11 amRuffles ruffles everywhere! I’ve been spotting this adorable trend all over blog world. 1. I had to get in on the fun and give Char’s famous Ruffle Butt Onesie a try. DIY ruffle projects are easier than they appear! What a relief for me {the girl who usually only attempts square projects}. {Ya, I know. Three very similar pictures,…I couldn’t [...] -
Valentine Card Idea with Crayons
4 Feb 2010 | 10:11 amFun, fast and easy valentine card idea with crayons! I had to try this out!!! My kids and I had so much fun making these. We actually did it twice because we learned a few things from the first time…see below. 1. Get the crayons and peel the labels off. (Hint: use nicer crayons…the old ones that [...]
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Crochet Baby Patterns...
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DOUBLE SCARF | Apparatusshoes24.25u.com
8 Feb 2010 | 8:36 pmWork in MISTAKE RIB pattern (below) until the scarf Berroco hand-knitting yarns are used to knit or crochet fashion sweaters, shawls, wraps, scarves, hats, coats, children and baby garments, throws and afghans. … Original post: DOUBLE SCARF | Apparatusshoes24.25u.com Related posts:Prudent Baby: Crochet Ruffle Scarf Since this crochet scarf pattern uses about half a skein... Bulky-Yarn Baby Hat, Scarf, and Mittens: Free Beginner's Crochet … Baby always needs winter gear. An extra hat, scarf,... Crochet Basketweave Rows – Square or Scarf | %KnittingHowTo.net% Technorati Tags:… -
Noahs Ark 3 Ply Cotton Afghan | Snorkelinggifts10.dnsalias.org
8 Feb 2010 | 8:36 pmLarger Noah’s Ark Blanket Noah’s Ark 3 Ply Cotton Afghan $47.95 Noah’s Ark for Baby Crochet Pattern Book. Noah’s Ark for Baby – #2964- Leisure Arts. Designed with a Noah’s Ark theme, it is adorned with. 3- Rainbows made in Worsted … Go here to read the rest: Noahs Ark 3 Ply Cotton Afghan | Snorkelinggifts10.dnsalias.org Related posts:Noahs Ark 3 Ply Cotton Afghan | Bicyclepologifts02.dnsalias.org Crochet, knitting & other craft supplies at Purplerlinda Crafts. Larger... GWI: Crocheted Cotton Baby Blanket & little Friend (With Pattern) (Ch 2, slip… -
Get Baby Crochet Patterns On The Internet | Craft Template
8 Feb 2010 | 8:36 pmIt really does not matter if you are a professional or a newbie when choosing a crochet pattern . As long as you know the guidelines or some. Go here to see the original: Get Baby Crochet Patterns On The Internet | Craft Template Related posts:Crochet Patterns That Are Not Exspensive On Internet? I was wondering if anyone knew some sites or books... Free craft patterns!: Craft tip: How to make your toy into a rattle Here I will show you and easy way of making... All For This Penny Craft Blog: Baby Moccasins Yes, baby booties. I scoured the internet looking for the... Related posts brought to… -
Learn To Crochet With Free Patterns And Video
8 Feb 2010 | 4:02 pmCrochet is becoming so popular this millenium all over the world. Especially young people are learning the craft so that they can design and make ther own trendy clothing or copy whats being strutt… Related posts:Free Video Based Crocheting Patterns – Watch And Learn! http://videos-about.com/cra… Come and learn how to crochet, or simply... Learn to Crochet and Knit â?? Keys to Success From an Easily Distracted Student I decided to learn to crochet in college. Crazy... Basic Instructions for Beginning Crochet Crochet is a popular craft around the world. For... Related posts… -
How To Crochet A Basket Weave Pattern : Starting Row 7 Of Basket Weave Crochet Pattern
8 Feb 2010 | 7:00 amKeep accurate count of your crochet rows for this pattern. Learn how to crochet a basket weave pattern in this free crocheting lesson from an experienced crochet artist. Expert: Ashlie “Axis” Pere… Related posts:How To Crochet A Basket Weave Pattern : Starting Row 1 Of Basket Weave Crochet Pattern Hide loops when crocheting a basket weave pattern. Learn... How To Crochet A Basket Weave Pattern : Starting “up” Section Of Basket Weave Crochet Pattern This step determines the height of your crochet rows.... How To Crochet A Basket Weave Pattern : Starting…
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talk2myShirt
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Compass Vibro Anklet – North Paw
9 Feb 2010 | 3:00 amNorth Paw is an anklet that tells the wearer which way is North. The anklet holds eight cellphone vibrator motors around the ankle. A control unit containing an electronic compass senses magnetic north and turns on and off the motors. At any given time only one motor is on and this motor is the closest to North. The skin senses the vibration, and the wearer’s brain learns to associate the vibration with direction, giving the wearer an intuitive sense of which way is North. The North Paw is a follow up on the Feelspace research done at the Cognitive Psychology department of the University of… -
weSearch – wearable electronic search engine
8 Feb 2010 | 3:00 amToday is a special day for talk2myShirt: we reached our 1000 posting. To celebrate this milestone we add another, hopefully useful, feature for our reader and members. Looking back to 1000 blog postings also means looking back to countless hours spending with Google, Yahoo and other search engines to hunt down all the news and information about wearable electronic floating around the Internet. While Google and other search engines are one of the most essential tools when it comes to researching information, they index every bit of information available on the world wide web. But having… -
Atlas Gloves – a DIY hand gesture interface
6 Feb 2010 | 3:00 amThis weeks wearable electronic DIY project introduction is not very challenging on the eTextile part but it is one of the most outstanding projects I have seen around the interactive glove topic. The Atlas Gloves, created by Dan Phiffer and Mushon Zer-Aviv at the ITP – NYU, act as a physical interface for controlling 3D mapping applications like Google Earth but the available documentation and software is highly hackable and can be modified to act like a mouse input device. The user/computer interface is a pair of illuminating gloves which track intuitive hand gestures like grabbing,… -
Interactive clothing gives goose bumps
5 Feb 2010 | 3:00 amNo other product we own comes closer to our body, our skin sensory feelings than clothing and no other personal communication is more intimidate than a soft touch that triggers goose bumps or sends a tickle along the spine. Combining both, Lina Saleem, in cooperation with the Fraunhofer IZM, designed the Hap.tickle GREETING dress which is able to give this intimate tickle feeling send by a friend or loved one via SMS from far way. The Hap.tickle GREETING will send a trickle through your body with the help of small, vibrating motors integrated into the back and sides of the garment. People… -
Not fashionable but functional wearable solar power
4 Feb 2010 | 3:00 amWearable electronic is often associated with being not fashionable enough, looking ‘geeky’ and functional. I have to admit some commercial products and concept designs confirm this association but there is a growing number of commercial as well as concept designs showing the fusion of technology and fashion can enrich both: the use of technology in new environments not possible without integrating it into clothing and the enrichment of fashion aesthetics with the use of electronic style elements. To underline today’s headline, let’s have a look to the solar vest from…
