Love Notes: Handmade Valentine Swap

Photo here.

I was searching for the perfect valentine yesterday when two women walked past and noticed the rows of pink and red hearts and lips.  They were less than thrilled that Valentines cards were already out.  Now I'm no fan of seeing it myself, on January 1, but it's only about a month away.  Ok, a month is a bit far, but still, these things sneak up on a girl if not adequately prepared in advance!

I'm not sure what I'm going to do for the husbie this year, but one super fun event I am going to take part in is a Handmade Valentine Swap from Lyndsey (aka Paper Girl) of The Stationery Place. Go here for more info.  It sounds super easy and fun, and c'mon, when was the last time your mailbox was filled with perfectly sweet handmade love notes?!

Knitting Antisocial

I attempted to go to my first knitting social at a great, newly discovered yarn store lastt week. I say attempted because here is how it went:

I happened upon super cute said shop where I learned of the upcoming Knit Night, which I quickly plugged into my mental calendar. I dreamed of mingling with like-minded women as needles clicked and words like worsted weight and cable and purl floated around the room, but truly, I wasn't sure what to expect.

So I packed up my yarn and did a drive-by peeking to see if there was anyone there. The bell on the door chime greeted the 5 women already sitting in the small shop, but no one looked up to welcome me into the fray. I surrepititiously browsed the yarn, waiting for some recognition of my presence until someone (I suppose one of the owners) finally sent a weak hello my way.

I continued around the store, touching, appearing to be busy, secretly eavesdropping and wondering if I would be allowed to enter the club, if even for a visit. I made a full circle without any acknowledgment of my presence, even nearly bumping into the owner-woman at one point, still being ignored.

So I left, thinking to myself that this was much less of a Knitting Social than it was a Knitting Antisocial. I also left feeling keenly aware of how easy it is to be a part of a clique and vowing to make a more concerted effort to not repeat this very high school behavior in my own life.

I will reach out to women who don't have a place at church, I will not let the unnoticeable students be invisible this year, and I will keep being friends with the underdogs.

What can you do to make sure an outsider is made welcome in your life?

MY Museum Tunic a la A.M.H.

Anna Maria Horner. Love.

Skipping across her blog recently I found this post with a tutorial on how to make my own Museum Tunic.
I whipped up this ditty with some spare threads from my stash, and I even wore it out on the town. A smashingly delicious gallery opening by my friend Wade Koniakowsky (more about that later) and then a great show by local band, Lesands.

Now, I wasn't aware that A.M.H. used 54" fabric, so when my 45 inch stuff wouldn't quite fit around my hips, I panicked! Never mind, I'll just add a triangular side panel.

It was so stinking easy that I made a shorter tunic and didn't add the elastic waist, but sinched up a wide belt instead. (Sorry 'bout the photo...camera phones work well for late night creativity).
Now go make one!

Oasis in the Bedroom

Well, despite every aspiration I had for being the world's best blogger this summer, my efforts have fallen by the wayside as I sift through the unending to-do list during these blissful months of play, rest and work.

I did mention in my last post that I would be busy, so here is a glimpse at some of the things I have tackled and am in the midst of currently.
The most time-consuming and rewarding endeavor is our (my) ever-progressing bedroom redesign. After painting the walls a sprightly shade of yellow and my childhood nightstand and dresser a dreamy ocean blue-green, a big change has already taken shape. New bedding thrown from our bodies on these warm summer nights is refreshing, and this pillow from Amy Butler is in the works.
Speaking of, did you know Amy Butler has a bedding line at Bed Bath & Beyond? I turned the corner and blubbered like a total idiot...I couldn't have been more shocked if she had been sitting there herself. I picked up the sweet ruffled pillow and the $40 price tag quickly reminded me that I have the very pattern at home. A trip to the fabric store afforded me the opportunity to snatch up this sweet print, and it will don my mattresses soon.
Headboard fabric has been purchased and is awaiting my eager hands for assembly, curtain and bedskirt fabric is *hopefully* in the mail, and a darling antique arts and crafts dresser is all sanded down in my garage, dreaming of the yellow stripes it will soon wear.

Even unfinished, some of our Swedish friends visited last night and I spied the Mr. peeking his head in our room and, sighing, said, "I love this room!"

You will too, once I post some finished pics!

Cotton Candy and Lollipops

When spring colors first start coming on the scene, I feel like I have to eat more candy, breathe more air, and go on picnics more. Fairs are around the corner, blossoms line the street on trees and sidewalks, and kites start to dot the skies.

Check out my springtime line-up now in the Etsy shop. There are a couple of super cute totes, one slouchy, one boxy. A snazzy felt "handkercheif" ring in it's own crocheted Tiffany box, and a hand felted peacock purse are lining the shelves in all their springy glory. Check them out today!

What lets you know it's springtime in your neck of the woods?

Making Time

Aside from being in escrow and trying to buy a house, thinking about having a baby and/or adoption, grandparents being sick, giving finals at school, catching up on routine doctor visits, and the final release of our movie, To Save A Life...
THIS is what I've been up to. Check them all out at the Etsy shop.

What have you been doing with yourself?

A Few More Newsies

New in the Etsy shop.

I haven't entirely crawled under a rock in my going back to work. Sure, being a full time art teacher is time-consuming, but friend, it has it's perks! I've still found a bit of time to be creative. If I can do it, so can you.

What are you going to do to be creative this week?

Just For You

Baby Bear Crocheted BeanieStrawberry Kiwi Felted Zipper Purse

Mini Harmonica/Bird Pendant

"Ode to Dad" Bicycle Felted Zipper Pouch

Summer Lovin' Beach Card- Original Watercolor

New in my shop this weekend. Have a lovely, full, summer weekend, everyone!

Papercuts, Furoshiki, and Cee

My cousin Cecily is amazing. In fact, all of the women in our family are quite incredible.
Cecily and I came out of a whirlwind of ribbon and paintbrushes with totally different skill sets. Here's the breakdown: She's a graphic designer, my mom and I paint murals and watercolor portraits, her mom gardens and designs one heck of a lovely home, as does our other aunt. Our cousin Tori puts the Ace of Cakes to shame, and my little sis is a master violist and musical genius. And nearly all of us sew, quilt, and craft.

One of my all-time favorite things to receive in the mail is a handmade bit of heaven from Cee, this time she helped me celebrate my graduation by sending me her very first papercut (as well as designing my dashing announcements). I was delighted beyond belief. She also included this great retro commencement card she dug out of a friend's grandmother's stash. I love finds like that! I have a few vintage cards of my own waiting to be used.And this little granola-girl from Oregon was green before it was cool. In junior high she was buying organic makeup and stopping on the freeway to pick up trash. So it's been quite some time now that she's been anti-wrapping paper and it's no surprise to get a little treasure in some type of alternative gift wrap, like this repro sugar bag.

I've been wrapping my gifts in fabric scraps for a while now too, even using inside-out chip bags and I just love the black and white gingham that See's Candy boxes come in.

So for your creative palette today, check out these papercuts:

Autumn Kiss by Tina Tarnoffpapercutdiecut

And try your hand at an eco-friendly alternative to wrapping paper, Furoshiki.

Whadda ya think? Are you going to try papercuts? All you need is an Xacto, a self-healing mat, and a steady hand.

Do you still use wrapping paper? Can you think of more items to reuropse as gift wrap?

Letterboxing and Bee Stamp Giveaway!

I have just loved reading your responses to my question, "What do you do for free?"

Some of my favorite responses were picnicking, reading library books, kissing, collecting pinecones, and playing board games.

But there was one that I admit, I didn't know what it was, maybe you don't either? So let's get introduced together to the fabulous world of Letterboxing. Tonya from Kotori said she's done this before, so I had to look it up.

From what I understand this is a treasure hunt of sorts, where people leave beautiful boxes in hidden places all across the country. Most of the best locations are found by word of mouth, and when you find one, inside is a stamp, usually handmade, for you to stamp your personal log book. You then use your own stamp to make a mark on the Letterbox's log book and leave it for the next person!
How cool is that?

I've been following Geninne's Art Blog and recently she made a great video of how to carve a stamp. She's got hundreds of stamps in all shapes and sizes. Personally, I like the birds and succulents the best.So the other day, I tried my hand at making one, and I do like the feather, but I also made a little honeybee. Go watch Gennine's video, or check out her tutorial, or read up on Letterboxing.

Do one of these and leave me a comment and I'll enter you in my BEE STAMP GIVEAWAY! Maybe you can use it to start your own Letterbox. If you don't win, you can always make your own Letterbox stamp and get started that way.

Edit: you can also check out Lori's tutorial from Elvie Studio on stamp carving; she also loved Geninne's video and was inspired to do some of her own.

Comments close Friday, May 22 at midnight. I'll do a random drawing and try my best to get it in the mail by Saturday.

Three in Three

On most social networking sites now there is a format for you to share your favorite music, favorite tv shows, favorite whatever. For me, my tastes are constantly revolving in such a way that I find it hard to commit to one list, nor can I figure out a way to have an all-inclusive label for my likes.

So I'd like to list for you three of each of my current three favorites partly to share my inspiration and partly to give props to the recipients.

Music
1. Regina Spektor--Not a new album, but I keep coming back to it
2. Blind Pilot radio on Pandora--Go turn this on before you finish reading this. Awesome.
3. Cat Stevens--I know, I know. I liked him pre-weirdo. Kudos, dad.

Artists
1. Kathleen Rietz--An awesome illustrator who works like a dog and looks like an angel.
2. JMW Turner--A revisitation by way of my current Art History lesson...the first impressionist, my favorite Romanticist.
3. My mom--She's amazing, taught me everything I know. She's been so busy "momming" recently that she can't find time to paint anymore. Can't wait to see her on Wednesday!

Blogs
1. City of Dionne--I've sung her praises here, but if you haven't made friends with this girl yet, now's the time, not just because her blog is awesome, but because she is.
2. Problogger--awesome tips on how to improve your blog
3. Dabbled--Great creative inspiration in a constant flow.
I'd love to know what your top 3 in 3 are. Please share and maybe, just maybe, I'll even post your list next!

Make Something Cool Everyday

Well, now it's been May for a couple of days, so I'm a bit behind in this here summary. Honestly, my mind is wrapped up in plans for visiting family, graduation (woo hoo! more on that later) and a beach party, the husband trying desperately to buy a used jeep, and as most teachers do (just like every student with "senioritis") I've been looking forward to summer. (Seriously, folks, the tank tops and flip flops are ready to go...not so much the swimsuit, though).

Anyway, last month I signed up for Dabbled's Make Something Cool Everyday, and I wanted to give you some *hopefully* inspiring highlights of my creative endeavors this past month.1.Teacup watercolor card 2.April Fool's day sushi 3.Springtime Frenchy Bag 4.Birdie watercolor 5.Felted "Pumpkin Pie" bowl for my Etsy shop 6."E. Lindsey, Handmade" watercolor 7."Lamb's Ear" felted bowl for my Etsy shop 8.Frenchies for Tiffany and Bethany 9."Blueberry Pie" felted bowl for the shop 10.Silk dyed Easter Eggs 11.Boots + Shells watercolor cards for my shop 12.Succulents watercolor cards also for the shop

What plans do you have for creativity this month? What is one creative thing you want to accomplish in the next few weeks? Tell me about it, then give yourself a deadline to finish it by; you'll feel so good when you get it done! And believe me, the creativity bug is addictive.

Pay it Forward Giveaway

Dabbled is an amazingly inspiring blog, and here's today's post, I thought I'd give it a whirl:

Artist (and Blog friend to Dabbled) Diana Evans posted this fascinating idea on her blog, and I jumped right in... it's time to get excited and make things!

The first five (5) people to respond to this post will get something made by me.

This offer does have some restrictions and limitations so please read carefully:
1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make. Whatcha get is whatcha get.
2. What I create will be just for you, with love.
3. It’ll be done this year (2009).
4. I will not give you any clue what it’s going to be. It will be something made in the real world and not something cyber. It may be weird or beautiful. Or it may be monstrous and annoying. Heck, I might bake something for you and mail it to you. Who knows? Not you, that’s for sure!
5. I reserve the right to do something strange.
6. In return, all you need to do is post this text on your blog and make 5 things for the first 5 to respond to your blog post.
7. Send your mailing address - after I contact you. (Be sure to leave a working email!)

IMPORTANT: This offer is null and void if I do not see you post your own blog to pay this forward. This text was used from Dot at Dabbled.

Sound like fun?

Jump in...first five :)
PS: if you see more than 5 comments, do it anyway, I must see that you're serious by posting this on your own blog!

Silk, Satchels, and Pam

My sweet friend, Pam, is a strong Marine wife and while she awaits the return of her husband in September from Iraq, she's been my crafting partner.

Over Easter weekend I had her come stay with my loud family while we dyed eggs with silk. I guess it's a big thing, as ushered in by the craft-fiend herself, Martha, but here is where I first saw it. If you don't follow Dabbled, you might want to add it to your list.We also made ourselves great Amy Butler bags and wore them to Easter Service.
Mowgli had a heyday in and amongst all our crafting. He laid on, played with, walked over, or ate everything that our hands were busy at. And Lilly, the wonderpup, also adopted this Marine wife for the weekend and loved her as her own.

Both of these projects were so easy, I'd do them again, maybe making a few more bags for some other girlfriends.

Today I'm painting some new cards for the Etsy shop, so stay tuned for those. Here's a hint: these BOOTS were made for walkin'.

Happy April Fool's Day!

Bet you never had sushi like this before!
These were made from Rice Krispy Treats, dried fruit, Mike and Ikes, and Fruit by the Foot. Bon Appetite!
Here's the husband with a hankie-'stache (in lieu of his regular one...'stache, that is). I've seen these all over Etsy, and instead of buying one, I thought I could make one for free!
And I sent off my package for Dionne's first annual Springtime Swap! Hope you love it, Stacey! I can't tell you what's inside, in case she might be reading, so I'll let her do that when she gets it.

Springtime Swap

I am so excited for a fun opportunity to share in my creative talents with like-minded artisans with whom I would not normally cross paths. I am talking about my friend Dionne's first annual Springtime Swap, where people like you and me sign up for a chance to swap a package, via snailmail, of $15 worth of goods, crafted items, handmade pleasantries, or other objects you know a creative mind would love to receive.

So whether you're a graphic designer, vintage shopper, craft-tool hoarder, painter, knitter, photographer, mom with good taste, or an all around friendly face, please join me in signing up for this great reason to share and communicate in a tangible, blithely delicious way.

You must sign up by MONDAY MARCH 16 and the "mail by date" is WEDNESDAY APRIL 1 (no foolin'). Check out Dionne's blog for more info and to sign up.

If you need a good item, check out my shop for several options under $15.

Felted Zipper Purse Tutorial

So I wanted to post a short tutorial...well less of a tutorial than a before/after shot of my felted pouches which you can purchase through my shop on Etsy.

WET FELTING

Crochet
1. I start with 100% wool (there are no substitutes...I recently picked up a 50% acrylic blend without knowing it, falling for the "will felt when washed" label. It did not.)
2. Using a smallish hook, I single crochet a large rectangle, folding it in half as I work, envisioning the finished size.3. To close the sides I slip stitch down one short side after I've folded it, then cut the yarn and slip stitch down the other. If I've added a handle I chain, then do two single stitched rows before closing up the sides. I do this with all one length of yarn, never cutting it until I close up the second side.
4. I then choose an alternating yarn to freehand the topstitched design and we're ready to felt.
Felt
5. With nearly boiling water, I work in the sink, with yellow plastic gloves (what do you call those???). Adding a little bit of liquid soap I scrub and agitate and rub and, well, all you can do here is elbow grease and sweat. The longer you agitate and scrub the pieces together, the more the fibers fuse.
7. What is happening here is the previously separated fibers are fusing, becoming one piece of fabric, one piece of felt.
8. Rinse the work and pop it into the microwave to dry for about 3 minutes. Done and done!
Alternately, you can wash it in the laundry on super hot, drying it on high as well, but this costs more in energy, and can shrink your clothes...what a waste to run it alone. I suppose if you have a very large piece and hand felting won't work, but I don't even think there is enough agitation or heat for it do work properly anyway.

Warm Wooly thoughts to you all, and make sure to look around my shop! Baa bye.

New Felted Goodies in My Shop

I've been crazy busy lately in the creative realm, but somehow found time to make a few new Felted Zipper Pouches to post in my shop. Two are camera sized (teal and white), one is perfect for coinage (navy).


Click on my Shop link in the sidebar, or click here to go to my shop on Etsy.

Recipe Card Holder and Sewing Lessons

On Tuesdays I have a few hours of waiting around for Bible Study, so Brianna and I started doing a few sewing lessons after school. She's in my Art 2 class and is an amazing artist, she's also becoming a great seamstress! So far we've crafted an adorable headband, a pencil pouch and now we're making an apron.
It was also Elisabeth's pre-birthday, so we grabbed some junk food and celebrated alongside the buttons!
After Sewing Lessons with Brianna I had an hour before I had to be somewhere...so I grabbed a couple of fabric scraps and I made this Recipe Card Holder from Anna Maria Horner, but with a few of my own touches.

Grand Opening of my Etsy Shop!

Welcome to my shop! I finally did it after much urging from my fan section. I'll often sell the little items I make to friends and family, but I thought I'd stretch my marketing wings and try this amazing marketplace of all things handmade, vintage, and crafty.

So far I've posted 2 Felted Zipper Purses and about 5 Valentine Gift Card Holders. I'll post more items as I make them, so check back often to see the latest and greatest.

I'm also considering posting a couple little paintings. I wish I could have a test group to see if the public would buy them right now!