The Easter Dress…

…that didn’t get worn.  I know what you’re thinking, it wasn’t finished, but it was.  I used the button shirt to toddler dress tutorial from craftster.  BTW, it was really easy to do and it really made a cute dress.  I had bought the perfect shirt (from the Goodwill), so cute with pink and blue plaid, and it was going to be great.  I made my dress and ended up adding elastic to the top front to make it fit a little better, but other than that everything fit perfect and it was really quick to make.

The reason she didn’t wear it was that I didn’t like how the colors looked on her.  I know, that seems a little silly, but I really am picky about what the kids wear.  It’s okay, but it would have been a lot cuter on her if it was a brighter color or had a bolder pattern.  It might even look better this summer after we’ve had a little sun.  I thought about dying it, but I sewed it with polyester thread, so that would stay white, and I wasn’t sure what color to use anyway.  I’m still thinking about solutions.  I really like the style of the dress, the little ruffle straps are my favorite.  I would also look great with a petticoat under it.

I do recommend the tutorial, it was very easy and the results were great, just make sure to pick the right shirt!

Procrastination Knitting

I have seen the signs and it seems that I may be knitting to avoid my other crafty pursuits.  I have several projects waiting to be started and finished, including some new supplies that I just bought yesterday.  These are projects that I really want to do, but yet I am putting them off to knit.

What I have accomplished is this: two hats and matching booties for a relatives new baby,a smaller hat to go will the little button loafers, and I am half way finished with a manly yet luxurious (silk and bamboo yarn) scarf for my father in law as a belated holiday gift.I’m going to assume that my sinus cold/infection is causing me to be a bit lazy with my crafting, at least I am knitting while I veg out and watch TV!  I’m sure once I finish up that scarf I’ll be back working on my other projects, I’m feeling better already.

In other news it’s been a great week so far, I’ve sold my first instant cemetery of the year and my home made watercolor tutorial made the Best of Craftster 2009, I imagine it will only get better!

What I Do with My Free Time

As most of you know I love Halloween and the season has officially started, there are decorations and crafts in the store.  Every year I see some really great stuff, but it’s the same stuff everyone has.  This year I wanted to get something different, something crafty.

Last year craftster started a 13 days of Halloween swap (similar to the 12 days of Christmas), but because we were moving there was no way I could join.  This year I’m in, I missed the swap deadline altogether, but was able to pick up an angel spot and I am super excited!!!  You can read all the swap-y details here.

I have warned my partner that I will be posting projects to this blog, so if she wants to be surprised no peeking.  I have my days planned out and I am working on two projects (more on those later this week).  I am hoping to make duplicates of some of my projects, so I can keep one for myself, but we will see how that goes.

I also have been busy with new house stuff.  Our neighbors are going to tear down this adorable shed.They have said we could have it if we can move it.  I think we are going to have to rent some heavy duty equipment to pull this off, but I really like this shed, doesn’t it look like a chicken coup!  A coat of paint and a tin roof would make it super cute and maybe some window flower boxes.

I have been anxiously awaiting the announcement of the Crafty Chica Bag Contest winner.  I feel like I’m stalking Kathy on twitter hoping that any day they’ll say who won.  She tweeted yesterday that they were going to decide, but they haven’t announced anything yet!

And my son is going to start kindergarten this year, so we have been getting physicals and shots, it’s been fun!

If you have any Halloween suggestions or links please let me know and if you know the best way to move a shed I’d love to hear from you.

Project Wish List

If your like me you have some sort of collection of projects to do.  I have stacks of print outs, book marks and wists, so today I thought I would share some of the projects that I would like to tackle.  BTW if you beat me to them let me know how they come out.  This is a very small sample of all the projects waiting to be completed.

From left to right, top to bottom:

Skull Isle Pouch, Clothespin Dolls, Ric Rac Flowers

Indian Mirror Embroidery, Roll-up Kitchen Play Mat, Make Your Own Shower Cap

Make Your Own Underwear, Jewelry Organizer, Sewing Machine Apron

If you’re in the market for some fresh ideas visit craftster or oneprettything, I’m sure you’ll find something to add to your must craft list too!

Classy Pleated Clutch

I made this clutch purse using this tutorial on craftster using a vintage pillowcase and some rust colored cotton lining.

The instructions were easy to follow and there were pictures(aways helpful for a visual learner, like me). I ended up changing how the top band was attached and using a magnetic snap for the closure. I think it's a cute going out purse, but I'm not sure if your stuff will fall out, I like a more secure closure on clutch purses.

I have another one of these pillow cases that I've been saving because I don't know what to use it for, anyone have any ideas?

Bargain Hunter #6 Package Received

I received my package from MsMia today for the Bargain Hunter #6 swap on Craftster today.

First she crocheted me a capelet. I reminds me of a spiderweb when it's on, it's very lacy.

An Embroidery kit that is almost finished, see weird white shape on lower left, but the floss needed is in the envelopes.

Two cotton sweaters, an eyelash scarf, a butterfly hand puppet, 2 skeins of eyelash yarn, a belt with a great buckle, scrap booking chipboard pieces, a pillowcase, 2 plaid place mats, and 4 patterns. There were also some chocolate covered fortune cookies, but they have been carefully hidden away from the children.

And this is Pandora wearing the eyelash scarf (it's a tube scarf), we think she looks like a wookie :).

I have not sent her package yet, the last day to send it Monday, so that is what I will be working on this weekend. I actually still have some money to spend!

WWP Swap #7 Sent and Received

The WWP Swap #7 is complete for me! This was a fun swap and so far the gallery is amazing, so many ideas, so little time, sigh. Here's what I sent my partner:

There are 2 roses embellished candle holders, a fairy sculpture with a removable rose offering plate, a frog topped fairy house, and a mini tea set for her daughter to have tea with the fairies. BTW, thank you AprilDraven for taking this picture, I forgot to snap any pictures before I sent.

I received a journal for me, two mini books and colors for my children, 2 jar candles etched with the god symbol and the goddess symbol, a mini/portable alter (in the Altoid tin), a set of runes that are also etched, an alter cloth with tiny little rosebuds on it, and a Living Wicca book.

Fairy Wings and Pookie Fur

I have been working on stuff for my swap partner in the Witch/Wicca/Pagan Swap on Craftster and I know that my partner likes fairies, so I have been working on fairy wings.

These were made from wire, beads, glitter and transparent liquid sculpty, I used these instructions. They were easy to make and turned out well, but unfortunately I made 2 left wings, d'oh! I will be making at least 2 more (right wings this time) and I do plan on painting the back or something since they are plain and the beads are hidden by the sculpty. I have to paint the wingless fairy and then insert these wings and she will be finished. For this swap I need to make 2 small items, 1 medium, and 1 large (the size refers to crafting time, not actual size) and this is my large, I have almost completed the 2 smalls, (just a bit more gluing), but I have not started on the medium yet and the package must go out on Saturday.

On a non-crafty note, I have also been busy doing some cat grooming. My cat, Pookie, has super long, extra silky fur and every spring when she sheds her winter coat she ends up a matted mess. It is my fault for not brushing her properly and to fix this problem I usually shave her.

Here is the pile of fur (almost enough to make another cat) and unfortunately, there is still more that needs to come off. Don't worry, she actually likes being shaved and grooms (licks) me while I groom her, but it does take quite a bit of time to accomplish, I wonder if I could make something with the fur, she has an endless supply, anyone have an idea just let me know!

Bargain Hunter #5 Package Received

I got my swap package on Saturday, but I have been a bit distracted with other things to share, until now.

Here's the full package. There are several cup type organizers and 2 plastic divided organizers, 2 day of the dead hand painted skull canvases, an eyeball picture frame, a decoupaged coupon organizer, 2 vintage magazines, and a vintage crafty book.

Here's a detail of the skulls, notice the sequin accents and you can also see the top of the eyeball frame. (If you look close you can see where some of the sequins and eyeballs have fallen off.)

Here's a detail of the vintage book and magazines, the one in the middle is my favorite, it has several purse patterns and at least 6 apron patterns, yay!

This is the bottom of the box, as you can see there were a few casualties, but a little glue and everything will be good as new.

All of this for $5.00, wow ollieorange! I love this swap!!!

Strangest Project Ever, Update

Okay, my partner in the bargain hunter swap round #5 got her package yesterday, so now I can share. I had been having artist block when it came to this swap, I just could not find anything I wanted to make and finally, one night while I was playing with my kids and there new play dough toy it came to me moustache necklace.I used the little molds on the toy to make the moustaches and beard out of polymer clay. I don't know if it is something that my partner would actually wear, but it was made in the spirit of fun. As you can see she also received a gear pendant and the zombie bunny patches, I think I did pretty good for only having a $5.00 budget.

Strangest Project Ever

I have just finished working on the strangest thing that I have ever made. It is for my swap partner in the Bargain Hunter round 5 swap on Craftster. I will be sending this package out on Monday, so I don't want to spoil the surprise so I'll just say that it involved this:As soon as my partner receives I will post the whole story.

Altered Journal-A-long

PhizzyChick on Craftster has started an altered journal-a-long thread and I am going to join in. I bought a book at the local thrift store for $.25 and checked to make sure it was not valuable(internet sources indicated that it is worth $4.00 - $5.00). It's in decent shape, the corners are a bit worn and the pages are yellowed, but that just gives it character.



I really like the look of text behind the images so I decided to white wash my first pages using acrylic paint and water mixed half and half. I opened to a page near the front and was just looking it over when the word "climax" caught my attention. I decided that I would read the two pages and see if there were any other naughty words and phrases(yeah, I know I have a dirty mind). I found several and decided to mark them with squares. When I painted the pages I just left those words exposed.I'm now waiting for it to dry. As I was painting I was thinking about all the conversations I've had with several of my good friends about our significant others and all of the intimate details we've shared and that is what this page is going to be about, sex and friendship. I should get to work more on this later in the week, so look for an update soon.

A Swap for Knitters - Received

I absolutely adore the package I received from auntiem! Everything is just perfect.This is the full package there is a knitting bag with day of the dead fabric, yay!, size 15 needles, size 2 DPNs, The Knitters Bible, 8 skull stitch markers and holder, 8 knitted hair rollers from my wists, wrist warmers and the pattern, 6 finger cots and holder, 2 skeins of caron feathers yarn, 1 skein of denim tweed yarn, and the rest of the skein used to make the wrist warmers, some sheep magnets, and a pattern to make socks. Here's some detail shots...

The set of rollers are orange!!! and they match the ones that I have been making perfectly(pattern). The finger cots are so cool, I just started knitting a wool purse and they are saving my fingers and the stitch markers are also being used in that project. The wrist warmers are so cute I almost wish it was winter again, almost.

I love getting stuff in the mail. I have found that as a crafter I am always making stuff for my friends and family and often times I don't keep anything for myself so getting crafted stuff from my swap partners is always special.

A Swap for Knitters - Package Sent

I shipped my knitters swap package to auntiem today and am anxiously waiting for her to receive it. Here's the whole package.There is a yarn caddy made from a 2-liter bottle(pattern) and holding a skein of corn yarn, a circular needle holder(pattern), a row counting bracelet, some yarn bobbins, some stitch markers, and some patterns I found online. (Not pictured is a knitting book and some Workbasket magazines from the 1980's.)This is a detail of the bracelet, yarn bobbins and stitch markers. I use Swarovski crystal bead for the bracelet, the smaller beads are used to count the individual rows and the larger beads are for every ten rows, they each have their own elasticised silver markers. The bobbins and charms on the stitch markers are made from shrink plastic that I stamped with hand carved stamps that I made when I was in college. The shape of the yarn bobbins is inspired by bread ties, I just scanned one and enlarged it 400% and traced it onto the shrink plastic, they work great for holding yarn tails!I coated the back of them with a thick layer of diamond glaze (go here to get a form for a free sample) to make them super shiny. I love diamond glaze, but if there are any bubbles in it when you apply it they have to be popped or they will be there forever! I've had very good luck using my engraving tool on the right side of this picture.
This was a really fun swap, stay tuned for what I received!

Reusable shopping bag

I made two of these bags for my friend Lisa to use as a totes, one for her and one for her daughter.

I love this bag it is made just like those plastic bags that you get at the store only is fabric! They are lined and can even have a pocket to fold up into! The detailed picture tutorial can be found here.

I also made this one for the reusable shopping bag contest on craftster.

This is the front. I made the drawing with a regular black crayon and the leaves are rubbings. Once you are finished drawing, iron with a pressing cloth to set the crayon. This bag is machine washable, but no dryer!!!
Here's the back, you can see the pocket for holding the folded bag.

And here's the bag all folded up. I need to make more of these, they are really sturdy(they can carry 3 2-liter bottles). The tutorial also includes instructions for making button holes so the bags can be placed on the bag holders at the stores. This is a great way to cut down on plastic bag use and the design options are limitless!

Hiding Out

For anyone wondering where I have been, I have been hiding. Actually I have been a little under the weather, but never fear, I have still been crafting. In the past week my crafting ADD has produced this.A stack of record bowls. These are fun and quick, you just put the record in the oven at 250 for a few minutes and once they are soft you shape them. I am also working on a record purse, but so far it is just a stack of jaggedly cut vinyl.
Some crocheted scrubbies made from nylon netting that I bought last weekend at the city wide yard sale.Tawashis that are knitted and crocheted. I had never heard of tawashis until I joined the swap for knitters only at craftster and one of the other swappers mentioned making these with acrylic yarn. After searching the "net" and learning how to read the Japanese patterns these are what I came up with.A crocheted cupcake pincushion made from a plastic bottle cap. As you can see I'm still finishing the ruffle of icing.The start of some pop tab chain maile to make a purse. I purchased instructions from aluminus publishing.And finally, some more shrinky dinks for my swap partner. These are stitch markers and yarn bobbins to hold yarn tails modeled after bread ties. These are a practice run. I had a hard time getting them to shrink without sticking. When I make more I may shrink them with my heat gun so I have more control.

A Swap for Knitters

I have signed up for a Swap for Knitters on craftster and I have been stalking my partner. I have a pretty good idea of what I'm going to make, now I just need to make a shopping list and get started. I love doing swaps, it's so exciting and it keeps me motivated to keep crafting and to try new ideas

Finished!!! Knitted Shrug

I think that winter is finally over, at least I've convinced myself will be warming up now that I've finished my shrug. I had to use that black box to hide the dorky look on my face, my husband is known for the awful pictures that he has taken of me.
I am so excited that I'm done(except for the horns and I need a little more practice before adding those), this is my first finished knitted item(I'm not counting washcloths and scarves). I feel like I've learned a lot - increasing, decreasing, the mattress stitch, picking up stitches and the kitchener stitch! I really am thankful that I found knittinghelp.com the videos really made the difference for me.BTW I used size 8 needles and Caron simply soft yarn and this pattern as inspiration.

Still Knitting Away

Yes, I am still knitting on the sleeves of this striped shrug. I thought I had finally finished the sleeves and so I weaved all the ends in and seamed up the sides. I was so excited to try it on and when I did I realized that I hadn't made the sleeves long enough and the large buttonhole neck just didn't look quite right (probably why you're supposed to knit the sleeves separately, hmmmmm.) and I need some practice doing the mattress stitch to join the edges. So I did what I always do when a project doesn't work out, I threw it in a heap and ignored it for a few weeks, contemplating what I would do to fix it. It finally came to me, I would cut in apart in the middle and just add more stripes and then sew it together like I was supposed to in the first place.
Here they are separated and being re-knitted, I am still hoping to finish this before July. I have been learning how to knit from the Stitch and Bitch book and from videos on KnittingHelp.com.

Project: Beads from Plastic Bottles

I have had this project for making beads from plastic soda bottles bookmarked forever on Craftster and today was the day to try it. I just got a new heat gun last week at hobby lobby where they were on sale for $9.99.

I had everything else that I needed. I used mostly paint pens in black, white, silver and red, but I did experiment with sharpie markers too. My kitchen shears made it super easy to cut the bottles.

I stayed pretty abstract. I really liked the one on the far left before shrinking. Rolling the plastic up was slightly challenging, but when you heat the plastic up it shrinks down to make the holes smaller. The only difficulty I had was keeping the point of the triangles from sticking out. I ended up heating the point up and then rolling it on cardboard to stick it to itself. Next time I may try rolling them with the narrow end to the inside.

Here's the finished beads. I think that they look like cocoons. I cut the purple strip in half before shrinking it. This project went really fast.

I think that making lines or random dots is the way to go as more complicated designs are lost in the rolling and shrinking. If you want to make a coordinating set you could color the plastic before cutting it apart. I would also like to mention that to get the shapes even the beads should be rotated and the pliers should be stuck into both ends while melting or the beads tend to curve like crescent rolls. The paint pens worked well and give a more opaque look, but if you overheat the beads the color "burns" off the edges, I actually liked this look. Sharpies gave a more transparent look and the color selection is a lot better. This was just my first try and I will be making more of these beads. I really like how they turned out and I also like recycling. Now I just need some more colors of sharpie markers!