the crafty cpa

me: which do you like best?

2012-01-28T07:45:00.000-06:00

Good morning lovely blog readers! I am seeking your opinion.

I decided to embark on my first blog advertisement. I will be advertising my shop on Elise Blaha Cripe's blog for the month of February.

I love Elise's style and posts. Her blog is one of my guilty habits during my lunch hour (or lunch ten minutes between running to meetings) at work.

So....I need to design an ad. I am so not a graphic designer. Sometimes I create something and love it. Other times I just can't seem to get it "right". (I use GIMP free software to edit all my pictures and create graphics.)

Which is your favorite?

Number 1

Number 2

Number 3

Number 4 (I don't like this one because I think the colors are kind of depressing, but I like adding the "handmade home accessories".)

Any winners? Or do I need to go back to the drawing board?

inspired by: one word

2012-01-24T18:42:00.000-06:00

I love words. I love fonts. I love typefaces. I incorporate this love into a lot of my projects; embroidering words, stamping words, or painting words.

Ali Edwards does a one little word project each year. Each word is just waiting to be turned into a crafty project. Here are some of my favorites:

awake . balance . breathe . build . do . dream . energy . expand . focus . forge . grace . join . leap . less . move . now . pace . prepare . prosper . quest . reach . relish . shine . stretch . strong . tend . try . uplift . whole . within . yes

And here's a little word inspiration from Etsy:

source

return on creativity: clay candle holder

2012-01-22T19:45:00.000-06:00

I dipped my toe into the genre of sculpture just barely and came out with what I'm going to call a candle holder... I'm considering this project a prototype that can use a little tweaking, but I love the idea of it and wanted to share it with you.

I started by rolling out some Sculpey polymer clay and cutting out a leaf design. I used these Wilton leaf cookie cutters.

I cut out four leaves and laid them on my mold (a metal one cup measuring cup).

Then I added a circle cut out for a base. I baked my sculpture per the clay instructions.

I put a votive candle inside to create a little sculptural candle holder.

I think if I can find a bigger candle to fill up the space a bit more it would be perfect.

Or just add a circle cut out to the center and enjoy my creation as a sculpture.

Give it a try, modify, perfect and let me know what you think. Thanks for reading and subscribing!

shop update: tales from a new shop owner

2012-01-17T19:43:00.000-06:00

My shop has been up and running for about a month now. I have been overwhelmed by the experience. Overwhelmed by the work needed to run a little shop and overwhelmed by the fact that people are actually buying my stuff.

My shop has far exceeded my expectations. This is thrilling and scary at the same time. I'm still adjusting my time management skills for blogging and shop running. I love my blog so much and still want to share many tutorials with all of you.

I thought it might be interesting to share some of the things I've learned from one month of shop running for all of you who might be thinking of starting a shop of your own.

Lesson #1 -- Luck helps. I have been tremendously lucky to be featured in Etsy's Home and Garden section, Valentine's Holiday section, and on the front page. I don't know quite how this happened, but I am very grateful for the traffic to my shop.

This is me on the front page, bottom row second from the right.

Here's my heart pillow on the Home and Garden page.

Here I am in the Valentine's Day section.

Lesson #2 -- Blogging for a year really helped me get my shop off on the right foot. Obviously my blog drives some traffic to my shop which is helpful. However, I think the bigger help is all the skills I have learned while blogging that I can transfer to shop running.

A year spent blogging was also a year spent developing products. When choosing what items to offer for sale I had a good feel for what items might be popular and what items might not resonate as well. Blogging gave me a big head start in product research.

Also I've had lots of practice taking pictures of crafts. Pictures are so important for online sales.

Lesson #3 -- Taking pictures is still not my favorite thing to do.

Lesson #4 -- I have a wonderful and supportive husband. I kinda knew this already, but after sending my hubby to the store for boxes or to the post office with packages I now refer to him as my VP of Distribution. I am very blessed to have a helpful husband.

Lesson #5 -- Just do it. I wanted to start a shop months ago but I was too worried about everything being perfect from day 1. My shop will never be perfect. It's an evolution. Just start somewhere and then start working on making improvements over time.

So far my shop has been a lot more work than I expected, but I love every second of it. I love making things for people. I love seeing the locations that my items are being shipped to. I even love packing boxes and printing postage.

I still don't like taking and editing photos.

return on creativity: star applique pillow

2012-01-10T20:10:00.000-06:00

I made this star applique pillow this weekend. It was so easy and fun. Here's how to do your own star applique:

1. Draw a star on a piece of paper (just like your grade school teacher did at the top of your papers!)

2. Trace around the star to create a template for your fabric.

3. Cut your star tracing out of fabric. I used felt since the edges don't fray.

4. Pin or hold your star onto your fabric and sew a star just like you drew in step 1. It's really pretty easy to sew because it is all straight lines! When you get to the end of one straight line leave your needle in the fabric, lift your presser foot and sew in the next direction.

Pretty fun and I think they look cute!

This pillow is available in my shop for purchase.

craft fail: polymer clay bowl

2012-01-08T19:12:00.000-06:00

It seemed simple enough, make a little polymer clay bowl. They looked too cute in this blog post. I rolled out my clay and cut a circle. Stamped the word "change" for a change dish for my honey. I found the perfect aluminum steel bowl to shape it on. I decided to cook the clay on top of the bowl so it didn't lose its shape.

It seemed to smell a little funny while it was baking, but this was the first time I'd cooked clay in my new craft room. Maybe the ventilation was different. I didn't really think anything of it. Until my bowl came out looking like this...

Yep, I burnt my first piece of clay. The bowl was too tall and my clay was touching the top of the toaster oven. I didn't realize it because the toaster oven was on the floor at the time (mid craft room move) and I just shoved my bowl in without looking.

By the way...burnt clay is really really stinky.

a big idea: art for inspiration

2012-01-05T19:49:00.000-06:00

It's no secret that I love doing applique. Here's some inspiration for applique designs from the art world. These images are all from Laura Nugent's website.

This would be a simple design to applique...all straight lines! Use two shades of green fabric to give the illusion of hills.

A beautiful blue bird on a gold patterned background. I love the bold colors.

These trees are so pretty. I think my fabric version would be fabric circles appliqued with hand embroidered leaf designs.

I think I will have to raid my fabric stash and give some of these a try in fabric form.

return on creativity: clay gift tags

2012-01-03T20:19:00.000-06:00

Do you love wrapping presents? I made some clay gift tags just before the holidays. They were so easy and I love the results. I think these would look so special on a wedding gift.

Here's how to make:

1. Evenly roll out some Sculpey oven bake clay.

2. Cut out a circle shape. I used the middle size of these Wilton circle cutters.

3. Press an appropriate sentiment stamp into the clay. The specific Making Memories stamp set I used is now discontinued, but this stamp set from Making Memories is very similar and has a lot of great "gift tag appropriate" sentiments.

4. Bake your clay per package instructions. I started using a toaster oven to bake my clay and it works perfectly for small projects like this.

5. Once my clay was baked I used my hubby's Dremel tool(the drill bit) to make a hole. Beware, this creates quite a mess (think hand mixer and uncontrollable cake batter)!

6. Make a bunch to have on hand for beautiful, simple, and elegant gift wrapping!

Think graduation and new job gift wrapping!

Birthday gift wrapping too of course!

Don't want to make it? Buy this is my shop, 645 workshop!

year in review 2011

2011-12-31T12:09:00.000-06:00

Twenty eleven has been a very busy year. This year I resolved to focus on being more creative and revived this blog. Here are some of my favorite creative moments from the year.

I think out of all the tutorials I have created this year, this pillow was my favorite to make. It is so simple and I just love the texture on the finished project. My most popular tutorial has definitely been the paint sample coasters.

I use this bag all the time and I get so many compliments on it. This project was made with upcycled materials; a vintage grain sack and a thrifted belt. I want to spend more time thrifting in the new year.

I started using polymer clay this year for various projects and I am so addicted. I enjoy working with clay almost as much as I enjoy sewing.

I really struggled with the decision to move my craft room. Now that I am (almost) moved in to my new digs I am so pleased that I finally decided to make the move. Today I sewed some pillow covers while looking out an actual window. So exciting!

So far I am really enjoying my new shop. This is another decision that took me a really long time to make. Mostly I was concerned about having enough time for work, blogging, and shop. I'm still not sure if I will have enough time, but I am enjoying running my shop so much that I am willing to sacrifice a little TV watching time.

I have been thinking of some goals for the new year, but I have to admit that I'm a little behind on goal setting. Hopefully that isn't an omen for 2012!

Have a safe and fun New Year's Eve and thanks for reading and subscribing!

another take: variations on love balls

2011-12-27T18:13:00.000-06:00

Remember these love balls? Click here for the tutorial.

This weekend I made some variations:

hug and kiss balls for Valentine's Day.

hope balls for a friend that could use a pick me up.

I intended to make some holiday themed balls, but just didn't get to it. (I also didn't put up a Christmas tree this year which is kinda sad, but I also don't have to take one down which is kinda happy!)

Stay tuned! I have an epic craft fail to share later this week!

merry christmas

2011-12-25T18:54:00.000-06:00

craft room redo: organizing fabric

2011-12-22T12:23:00.000-06:00

I will be the first to admit that I have a lot of craft ~~junk~~ stuff. I try to buy supplies only for specific projects, but somehow other ~~junk~~ stuff jumps right off the clearance rack or the remnant bin or even the regular price shelf and right into my cart.

As I move my ~~junk~~ stuff from the basement to my new craft room I am finding more and more items that I forgot I have. And here is the dilemma...in general I am not a pack rat, except when it comes to crafting supplies. With crafting supplies, I am not just a pack rat...I hoard. I agonize over what to throw away and what to keep. Every little thing seems to have value. Each scrap of paper or fabric or ribbon seems like it has a use...some day.

Even though I hoard craft supplies, I never thought of myself as a person who has a lot of fabric. I think this is because I don't sew with a lot of prints. I might buy muslin or linen by the bolt (with a nice juicy coupon), but I don't see myself as a fabric hoarder.

For the new craft room I bought four pretty milk crate baskets at Target to store fabric. I thought that should do...

and it did...

just barely...

That might not look like a lot of fabric to some. It's certainly less fabric than my grandmother has, but I was surprised at how much fabric I have. I also learned that I haven't met a red or red striped fabric that I don't like.

These milk crates will be stored on a shelf in my closet that is transforming into a desk area. Here's a progress shot.

I think I will like this storage better for my fabric. I can see what I have, which will hopefully lead to using more of the fabric I already own rather than buying new.

My bolts of muslin and linen will most likely be stored under my sewing table. The bin that I bought for scrap fabric is already filled to overflowing so I need to get to work on making some things out of scraps also.

What is the best thing to do with fabric you know you won't use? Will goodwill take it?

return on creativity: pair of hearts pillows

2011-12-20T20:31:00.000-06:00

I've been looking for striped fabric ever since I pined the beautiful striped bags in this post. I finally found what I was looking for at Ikea in red stripes and black stripes.

I'm a little embarrassed to admit where the inspiration for this pillow came from. I was flipping channels and landed on the movie, "Friday" long enough to see a character wearing a striped shirt with a heart on the front. I then quickly figured out that this was not my kind of movie (Wikipedia defines it as a stoner comedy-drama-buddy film) and moved on down the channel.

I guess inspiration really does come from the strangest places!

To make this pillow I cut a heart template from typing paper First-Grade-style by folding the paper in half and cutting half a heart.

Then I traced the heart onto some felt and cut it out.

I pined the heart in the center of my eighteen inch square of striped pillow fabric.

I set my machine to a zig zag stitch and sewed around the edge of my heart.

Finally I sewed my pillow top into a pillow cover with an envelope closure. I used white muslin for the back.

I think these pillows would look fantastic in a teen's room or a dorm room or even my room!

Rather buy it than make it? Purchase these pillows here and here.

clay alphabet magnet giveaway winner!

2011-12-19T20:42:00.001-06:00

And the winner is...

Email me at thecraftycpa(at)gmail(dot)com to claim your prize!!!

return on creativity: simple handmade gift wrap

2011-12-18T16:17:00.002-06:00

I have to admit that I can get a little obsessed with wrapping gifts. It is my favorite part of gift giving.

A few years ago I threw out all my wrapping paper, preferring to only store one roll of kraft wrapping paper that I decorate with stamps or paint or even just a simple ribbon. Of course I also keep a stash of gift bags and tissue paper to save the day when I don't have enough hours to get everything done.

Recently, I made a bunch of simple muslin bags out of fabric scraps to use for shipping in my shop. These little bags are great for gift wrapping small presents.

To Make:

1. Cut two rectangles rectangles of fabric the same size (large enough to fit your gift).
2. Serge or hem one side of each rectangle which will be the top of your bag.
3. Put right sides together and sew on three sides. Turn fabric right side out and you are finished.

I stamped my bags with letter stamps and Stayz On ink in black. I tied it together with baker's twine.

I whipped up this holiday version in about five minutes! So easy and a great way to use up fabric scraps!

P.S. If you like my "Happy Holidays" gift tag, stay tuned for another day! Thanks for reading.

me: all i want for christmas...

2011-12-15T19:55:00.000-06:00

Lomography Paper Pinhole Camera

Stash Happy: Felt: 30 Fun Projects for Felt (and Fabric) Lovers

Learning Resources - Jumbo Numbers & Operations Stamp Set

Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing

Moleskine 2012 12 Month Color A Month Daily Planner: Set of 12 Monthly Planners

Stained by Sharpie Brush Tip Fabric Markers, 8 Colored Markers

OK, maybe this isn't quite all. I always have a permanent spot for diamond earrings on my wish list. What crafty things are you hoping to get for the holidays?

craft room redo: workstation

2011-12-13T20:13:00.001-06:00

This is my favorite craft room update to date because I love how it turned out! I wanted to have a counter height workstation for cutting fabric and working on little projects without bending over a table. I searched far and wide (on the Internet) for a kitchen island that didn't look too kitcheny and was small enough to work in my room.

I found a bar height dining table that I thought might work, but then I saw this island at West Elm. It was perfect, although a little pricey...but I went for it. I couldn't be happier with the results!

Here's a view from the other side. You can see my spray painted curtains in the background.

Doesn't it look at pretty as a picture? Maybe as pretty as this picture?

source

I wanted to replicate the letters in this picture. I found my letters at Hobby Lobby ($5 a piece on sale), but they were ugly aged gold and needed paint badly.

I spray painted the AKE in black and the M in red. I love that the M is a different color because it is also my first initial!

To hang the letters I traced and cut them from newsprint, and marked where the hangers were. Then I taped the newsprint letters to the wall and adjusted as needed before pounding my nails. It was definitely worth the extra effort because the nails were in exactly the right place.

Slowly I have been moving things from the basement to the new upstairs craft room so I am to the point where I am really working out of two rooms now...not ideal, but I am making progress.

giveaway: shop grand opening giveaway and discount code

2011-12-12T00:00:00.006-06:00

I'm not totally comfortable with the idea of self promotion. I always thought that if I was forced to take a job in sales I would cry everyday. But part of pushing yourself to do new things is stretching and growing and getting uncomfortable. So here goes some shameless self promotion to celebrate the grand opening of my shop 645 workshop.

First, a giveaway...

I am going to giveaway one set of alpha magnets. These little magnets remind me of typewriter keys. I have a cute set on my fridge right now in "qwerty order".

Two ways to enter:

#1 - Like my shop's Facebook page by clicking the button on the right sidebar of my blog or on the right sidebar of my shop.

#2 - Pin your favorite item in my shop on Pinterest.

Leave a comment for each entry. I will randomly draw a number on Monday, December 19th at 8 PM central time.

Second, a discount code...

Now through Monday, December 19th I am offering a 15% grand opening discount in my shop by using code GRANDOPENING at checkout.

Whew, self promotion over and I survived! I have a really exciting craft room update to share this week, plus I made some stuff out of Ikea fabric.

A BIG Announcement: 645 workshop

2011-12-10T20:48:00.003-06:00

I am so excited to announce that I opened a shop! I wanted to do a year ago, but it always felt too overwhelming to get started. I'm not sure what changed, but suddenly I just did it!

I'm calling my shop 645 workshop in honor of June 4, 2005 which was my wedding day.

Some things for sale also have tutorials here on my blog. So if you don't want to make it, you can just buy it!

alpha magnets // shabby rose pillow
Some items are based on my drawings:

lady pillow cover // blog idea notebook
And some items are completely new:

number tacks // heart magnets
I'll still be making things and sharing tutorials here, but now I also have a shop! A shop! I'm officially a small business owner!
I hope you will visit, take a look, and tell your friends! Thanks for reading and subscribing!

return on creativity: holiday pillows no. 3

2011-12-10T15:44:00.005-06:00

Here's the final installment of my holiday pillow series. Check out the links below for more holiday pillows.

holiday pillows no. 1

holiday pillows no. 2

This pillow is red corduroy. The snowflakes are felt cut outs that I bought at Michaels. The cut outs are adhesive and I just stuck them on the pillow (easy). So far they are still very much stuck on after two years.

This is a small pillow that serves two purposes. The pillow is muslin with red fringe. I stamped "naughty" on one side and "nice" on the other.

I sewed jingle bells onto this red velvet pillow. This slippery fabric was hard to sew. I noticed this year that I am missing a jingle bell and I will have to do a repair.

I appliqued a tree onto this pillow and stitched on pearl bead "ornaments". I love the crumpled fabric for this pillow. The fabric was a smallish remnant making a petite pillow.

Thanks for reading and I hope I have inspired you to make an eclectic group of holiday pillows for yourself.

return on creativity: holiday pillows no. 2

2011-12-06T20:47:00.001-06:00

As promised here are some more of my holiday pillows. Every year when I get these pillows out of storage they make me smile.

For this pillow I stamped snowflakes on grey linen fabric and then sewed on red buttons for some color. Oh...this was also my first time putting trim on a pillow...such fond (not) memories.

This pillow is also stamped paint on linen. I used a foam stamp set from Making Memories from my scrapbooking stash. The stamp set is several years old, but has some great simple holiday designs.

I love this little snowman. I cut the circles out of felt and stitched them onto the pillow with beige embroidery floss. I added some buttons and button eyes. The orange nose is made of beads that I stitched onto the pillow.

I still have more pillows to show later this week. Check out the link for the first set of pillow below:

holiday pillow no. 1
holiday pillow no. 3

return on creativity: holiday pillows no. 1

2011-12-04T19:50:00.002-06:00

A couple years ago when I started sewing one of my first projects was making an eclectic bunch of holiday pillows for my sofas. I didn't own much fabric so I visited a decorating store, dug through the remnant bin, and found some beautiful linens and velvets.

These are all stuffed pillows, they fill three trash bags when I store them. I wish I had been brave enough to sew pillow covers because storage would be so much easier. I thought it would be fun to share some of my holiday pillows this week. Here are three.

For this pillow I cut circles out of adhesive green felt. I stuck the felt to the pillow (which is muslin) and stitched around the circles with red embroidery floss. I think this pillow is cute enough to have out year round, but the colors make it very seasonal. Note: The adhesive green felt was great because my circles stuck to the fabric, but it was difficult to stitch as my needle kept getting sticky.

The idea for this pillow got stuck in my head and drove me to make the whole bunch. I cut a Christmas tree out of the same adhesive green felt used above. I then stitched around the tree with red embroidery floss. I then sewed on red and white button "ornaments".

This pillow is pretty small, probably about six inches. I really just wanted to use the pom pom trim. Isn't it fun?!?! The pillow top is red corduroy and I cut the letters out of adhesive green felt (again). I did not stitch the letters down, but they seem to be holding up just fine.

More pillows to come this week. Thanks for subscribing and reading!

Check out the other pillows by following the links below:

holiday pillows no. 2
holiday pillows no. 3

month in review: november

2011-11-30T19:48:00.000-06:00

Where did November go? I feel like I have been doing a lot of creative work, but it hasn't made it to the blog yet. No tutorials this month to review, which kinda sucks. I've been working hard on my craft room. Yesterday I received some new furniture and once I had it in place I squealed with delight...seriously. I hope to hang some things on the wall and work on my sewing nook this weekend. I'll update soon!

Oh, and the most important thing happened today....the cable man installed cable in my room today. What? You expect me to craft without TV? What am I? A cavewoman? In all seriousness, sometimes I enjoy the quiet while I craft, sometimes I'm in the mood for music, but sometimes I just need to watch some Project Runway while I work. (Btw, have you been watching Bravo's Work of Art reality show about artists? I think I like it!)

Here's a little glimpse of what I was working on last weekend. I scoured all the Black Friday ads, and I was only interested in one thing; a toaster oven from Target for $20. I wanted it for crafting (of course) for baking clay. I never felt comfortable baking clay in the same oven that I use to make food (once in awhile). However, I wasn't willing to fight the crowds for a toaster oven. We happened to go to Target on Saturday afternoon. Low and behold there was one lonely toaster oven still sitting on the shelf. I swiped it and spent the rest of the weekend putting it to good use. It works great!

Did I mention that I'm not working on Fridays for the rest of the year? I love it when I end up with extra vacation days. I'm looking forward to getting caught up on some projects!

craft room redo: curtains

2011-11-26T21:09:00.000-06:00

After a slow start at my new craft room I feel like I'm cruising right along now. The curtains are done! I kept envisioning grey and white striped curtains, so I created some with muslin and spray paint.

I bought some white muslin and cut it to size. I hemmed the top and bottom. I knew I wanted to use curtain clips, so I didn't have to create a pocket. Since I had a selvage on each side I did not hem the sides...this was mostly due to laziness (hey, at least I'm honest).

Then I measured and created stripes with masking tape. The stripes are four inches high so I doubled up some two inch wide masking tape.

Then I sprayed away. I used a surprising amount of spray paint. Perhaps I used too much, but it took more than two cans.

Pulling off the tape revealed perfect stripes.

Here they are hung in my room. I only did one panel for each window because I don't want to block too much light (light is a major reason for moving my craft room).

I thought the grey and white could use a punch of color so I added a big red grosgrain ribbon.

The spray paint did make the curtains a bit stiff, but they still fold nicely.

I still have a lot to do before the big move. The next big "to-dos" are fun...shopping, shopping, shopping!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-23T19:00:00.000-06:00

We are traveling tomorrow for Thanksgiving with plans to be on the road at 7AM (yikes!) I don't really like to cook. I like to bake, but haven't done so since the great cupcake failure in February.

I bought one dip and made one dip. I bought one pie and made one pie. I think that's pretty good.

I made a peanut butter cup pie (no baking and it is delicious) and a fritos corn dip that I had at a party once (my husband tasted and pronounced it really really good).

I hope you all have a very happy Thanksgiving tomorrow. Travel safely and don't stress out too much if you are cooking!

me: doodling

2011-11-20T19:58:00.000-06:00

I've been doodling a lot lately in the evenings. It's so easy to grab a Sharpie and a sketchbook and go to town.

I've been looking into Alisa Burke's sketchbook for inspiration and even bought some watercolors to play with.

I used to practice my handwriting obsessively in high school. My mother used to say that my class notes looked better than papers she used to hand in when she was in school. Now I type way more than I write and I don't care for my handwriting much anymore.

I read somewhere that doodling helps you pay attention when people are speaking. I hope that's true because I am finding myself doodling in meetings lately.

I forgot how much I used to enjoy just doodling for no reason. Pick up a pen, grab some paper, and give it a try...it's a great way to spend an hour...

craft room redo: new floor

2011-11-13T18:46:00.000-06:00

I debated about flooring for my new craft room. I was trying to decide between leaving it as is or tearing up the carpet and stenciling the sub floor to look something like this:

source

Since we are getting new carpet upstairs in the next year or two I figured I could cover my stencils then if I absolutely hated it. My only hesitation was that I wasn't sure what I would find when I tore up the carpet (although I was pretty sure I wouldn't find hidden beautiful hardwood floors).

My husband suggested that I put down a laminate floor. Imagining myself wheeling my chair around my new room sealed the deal...laminate it is. And to save a few bucks, I decided to install it myself.

So that's what I did this weekend. I started on Saturday, promptly got very frustrated and decided that the installation charges didn't sound so expensive after all. I started again this morning and finished the job. I like my new floor, but I love that I did it myself.

I'll let hubby finish up with the trim while I move on to the curtains!

october in review

2011-10-31T19:41:00.000-05:00

Only three tutorials this month? tsk. tsk. I updated the tutorial library with this poor showing for October or you can click on the pictures above if you missed one of the October tutes.

I've been really engaged in a project at work lately, which is great because I haven't felt that way at work for a long time. However, it leaves little time for crafting which is a bummer. I guess that's how life goes, things ebb and flow at different times.

I finally got my new craft room painted a nice "blank canvas" color of white. I used spray paint for the first time this weekend for a craft room related project. Tony wants to change the flooring in the room, so I am kinda stalled again until we figure that out. But all is OK because it gives me more time to dream about the furniture I want to buy. I am a little obsessed with having some sort of counter height table or island so that I can stand and create. My current obsession is this island from West Elm.

Ironically, I had some money fall into my lap today (OK...so it was really a reimbursement of money I paid previously, but totally unexpected). The money would just about cover the cost of this island. So what do you think? Is this big enough to cut fabric on if I put some sort of self healing mat on top? Will I regret the metal top?

Here are the other things on my craft room re-do "to do" list:

Figure out flooring and install

Create a sewing nook out of the closet

Find the perfect bulletin board

Plan a weekend trip to Ikea to purchase a desk

Put together Ikea furniture

Source curtain fabric and make curtains

Buy and install a new light fixture

Transfer shelves and supplies from old room to new room

Whew...still a lot to do. I have to admit that I am least looking forward to moving all my ~~crap~~ supplies from the basement to my new second floor craft room!!!

return on creativity: scrap fringe pillow

2011-10-30T20:24:00.000-05:00

I love projects that use up fabric scraps. Fabric scraps remind me of projects and prints and colors that I love. I've been saving small scraps for awhile with this pillow in mind. Here's how I made it.

Cut scraps into long strips. Trim those strips to the same length. Mine were about four inches long.

Cut two rectangles of fabric for the pillow body. Cut half inch strips of Wonder Under and iron around the edges of the pillow (on the right side of the fabric). Pull off the paper side of the Wonder Under.

Loop scrap strips and start placing around the edge of the pillow (on the right side of the fabric). Your loops should face the inside of the pillow with raw edges matching. Iron strips down to Wonder Under and carefully stitch along the edge of the strips to secure them to the pillow.

Iron down another strips of Wonder Under and add another row of scraps on top of the first.

Iron the scraps into place and carefully stitch along edge to secure.

Continue around all edges of the pillow. Place right sides of pillow bodies together and sew around all edges leaving an opening to turn pillow right side out. Stuff pillow and stitch opening closed.

That's it. How you have a cute little pillow to remind you of past projects! Have fun and happy sewing!

inspired by: folk art

2011-10-26T21:35:00.000-05:00

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Last weekend I spent some time in a beautiful home. It was massively big (probably over 6,000 square feet, WOW!). The home was new, but built in an arts and crafts style. It was classic architecture and furnishings built for the way we live today with a large open kitchen, big bathrooms, and closet space.

I got to see some great pieces from a "folk art" company called Sticks. The company was new to me, but located in Iowa (shout out to my home state!). I saw the flag above (amazing) and a striking perpetual calendar.

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I couldn't wait to check out the website when I got home. It's a bit pricey, but I took away some great inspiration. I could totally see these designs interpreted as embroideries or appliques!

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I added an interpretation of this plaque to my sketch book with a Sharpie and some watercolors. The website is bookmarked as a source for future ideas.

an inspiring read

2011-10-24T21:14:00.000-05:00

read this. i found it super inspiring.

me: home from vacation

2011-10-17T19:43:00.000-05:00

We're back from our long weekend vacation to Eureka Springs, Arkansas. This was our second trip to Eureka. We love this little mountain town. Pretty scenery, Victorian architecture, shopping, history, relaxing massages; it's a great little weekend trip only a five hour drive from our home in St. Louis.

This town is all about levels. Nothing is flat. The sidewalks are a lawsuit waiting to happen.

We were hoping for more pretty fall scenery. Supposedly this is a bad year for fall leaves, but we did spy some. We stayed in a tree house (which is not as rustic as it sounds, it's really a hotel room on stilts in the woods.) These leaves were right outside our balcony.

The town has a really interesting history. This is supposedly the first neon sign west of the Mississippi. Is it just me or is this sign really phallic? I didn't realize this until I had taken a few pictures...then suddenly I felt dirty...

We also visited the War Eagle Craft Fair which is apparently a very big deal in these parts. (Did I see any of you there?) Luckily we are morning people and got there first thing in the morning. As we were driving out, the line of cars waiting to get in stretched a mile long.

a big idea: more things to do with yarn poms

2011-10-11T06:56:00.000-05:00

Wow. This pom pom garland puts my garland to shame. So pretty. I love the colors.

I love these pom flowers from creative jewish mom. P.S. She has a great linky party on Sundays, a great source for new ideas.

I really want to touch this wreath. It looks so soft and squishy.

These pom place card holders are really cute. Of course at my family parties they might become play toys...which actually sounds kinda fun.

This might be my favorite pom idea. I just love wrapping gifts and these poms are so adorable as gift wrap embellishments.

return on creativity: pom pom garland

2011-10-09T19:47:00.002-05:00

Several weeks ago I "repinned" a pictorial tutorial for making yarn pom poms. (Unfortunately this pin no longer links to a valid website that I can tell.)

I wanted my pom poms to be larger than those in the tutorial so I found this spatula in my kitchen and thought it would work perfectly.

I tied one end of my yarn to a tine to start off.

Then I started wrapping the spatula. Through trial and error I found that I got much nicer poms if I wrapped evenly rather than randomly.

I kept wrapping until I had gone around the spatula eight times.

Then I threaded yarn through a hole in the bottom and tied a knot.

After I worked the yarn off the spatula I tied the pom into a tighter knot with two ends of yarn. I left a long loop for hanging the pom (which you can see on the left side of the picture below).

Now the fun part...cutting the loops.

I also gave my poms a little haircut, giving them a nice round shape. I crocheted a simple chain of a cream colored yarn on which to hang my poms. (If you can't crochet, braided yard would look nice too.)

I hung the poms by the loops to finish up my garland.

I think they look great in a window, on a mantle, or as a fun party decoration. Hope you enjoy and thanks for subscribing!

Don't want to make it? Buy this is my shop, 645 workshop!

inspired by: supplies

2011-10-04T20:27:00.000-05:00

I need a creative laxative. I'm seriously blocked. It seems like creativity is feast or famine for me. Sometimes I have so many ideas that I can't decide which to attack first. My old boss would call that a "high class problem." Other times every idea feels forced and I'm never really satisfied with my finished projects. That's where I'm at right now.

I worked on half finished projects that had fallen by the wayside waiting for new creative ideas to strike. Nothing. I went through all my idea books and old project "to-do" lists looking for inspiration, but none came. I've left no Pinterest search or linky party gallery unturned in my quest to relieve my creative constipation.

Where does inspiration come from anyway? How is an idea born? While I work on unblocking I thought I would share some former sources of inspiration each week. Maybe it will help if you are blocked too.

Can you think of anything more splendid than strolling through a craft store on a Saturday afternoon? Maybe I could think of a few places I'd rather visit, but a craft store is definitely toward the top of my list. Generally I shop with a purpose, making a beeline for the fabrics. If I have time I will cruise through the scrapbooking aisles. Even though I don't scrapbook as much as I used to I still like to see what is new.

The scrapbooking aisle is where I got the idea to make my own decorative measuring tape. This was a total copy of an (in my opinion) over priced scrapbooking embellishment.

And I never would have tried this coin purse if I hadn't found the frame on sale.

When it comes to supplies, if I see something that I absolutely love and the price is right I buy it. I figure the inspiration will come later. Sometimes it works, sometimes I just add to the clutter in my craft room.

Last weekend I was wandering the aisles of a craft store and found myself in the stained glass and mosaics aisle. I wasn't ready to invest in a whole new genre of craft supplies, but I can't get those bags of colored tiles out of my mind...

Maybe I planted a seed for a future project. Only time will tell.

return on creativity: mod podge jars

2011-10-02T19:40:00.001-05:00

First let me say that I'm sure I'm not the first person to use Mod Podge to glue paper to jars. But here is my Mod Podge/glass story.

I was watching TV with Tony the other night and saw a pretty vase on a sitcom with rose circle pictures embedded in it.

"Hmmmmmmm...I wonder if I could make something like that with scrapbook paper and Mod Podge," I thought. Reluctant to potentially ruin an expensive glass vase I decided to start with some jars first (which were half off at Hobby Lobby and cost about $1.50 each).

I started with a jar, some Mod Podge, sponge brushes, circle paper punch, and scrapbook paper.

I punched some circles.

And applied them to the jar by painting on a little Mod Podge, applying circles, then a little more Mod Podge, then a little more circles, until I had gone all around the jar. When all the circles were stuck down I painted over the whole jar with a couple coats of Mod Podge.

Obviously you can see brush strokes which I am OK with. But (probably due to my paper choices) it didn't feel as modern as I would have liked.

So I looked around my craft room, spotted my paper punch and emptied out the contents.

I liked the colors and parts of type on the punches. I decided to give it a try with my second jar using the same technique. I dipped a toothpick in glue to pick up the small punches and apply them to the jar which was really easy and saved my fingers from getting too sticky.

month in review: september

2011-09-30T19:45:00.000-05:00

Is September really over already? Holy crap! What happened to the month? It all seems like a blur. I updated the tutorial library with my September tutorials. If you missed any you can click on the image above to access the tutorial.

Rather than look back at my blurry September I'd rather look forward to October. I love fall. I love sleeping with the windows open and cuddling under my down comforter. Tony and I have a long weekend away planned and I can't wait. I once again hoarded vacation days at work and they must be used by the end of the year so I may extend the long weekend even longer.

I got a great idea for a project tonight and I can't wait to get to the craft store tomorrow!

Happy October and thanks for subscribing!

return on creativity: frosty the clayman

2011-09-28T23:15:00.001-05:00

Our weather can't decide if it wants to be warm or cold, but I decided to make a snowman anyway...

I started with aluminum foil balls, just like with the clay love balls.

And wrapped them in Sculpey polymer clay.

I put the balls together and drew a little face, added some black clay eyes, a carrot nose and stick arms.

All ready for the oven. While he baked for an hour I crocheted a scarf with a "simple" chain stitch that took me almost the whole hour. I've just never gotten the hang of crocheting.

Oh no! My clayman took a tumble in the oven! Unlike Humpty Dumpty I put him back together again with a little Gorilla Glue.

And he's done (although not perfect) and waiting for winter...

Luckily I still have plenty of time to perfect my snowman making skills before spring.

another take: french knot circle pillow

2011-09-25T22:20:00.000-05:00

I found this variation of the french knot circle pillow on The Secret Life of D. I love the colors and how the lighter knots really pop against the dark brown.

Check out her blog for craftiness and more. I love the fact that she's lived in Waterloo, Iowa which is near where I grew up!

My original french knot circle pillow tutorial can be found here. This pillow is such a fun and easy project, seeing the pillow in different colors has inspired me to make more!

Hope everyone has a great week and thanks for subscribing.

a big idea: recycling t-shirts

2011-09-25T16:41:00.000-05:00

I have one t-shirt that doesn't spend much time in my dresser drawer. It's the first t-shirt I reach for on the weekend as soon as it comes out of the laundry. It's gray and goes with all my comfy weekend yoga pants and it is totally broken in. I love it.

But when I put my shirt on this morning it had a hole (in a very conspicuous and immodest place). Now I have to put my favorite t-shirt into retirement.

I know. I know. I'll be OK.

Here are some really cute t-shirt recycling ideas if you also have a favorite t-shirt that you can't wear.

T-shirt scarf from A Diamond in the Stuff

Jersey knit bracelet from V and Co.

return on creativity: knit net pillow

2011-09-21T19:31:00.000-05:00

Here's another stretchy knit pillow. I made this with the same green knit as the knit starburst pillow.

I started with a seventeen inch square of muslin and several strips of one inch wide and six inch long green knit.

I don't have many good pictures of the process because I got a little frustrated. When I started sewing and linking the knit I got "lost in the net" (which sounds like a movie from the early nineties).

I drew a not so good diagram of the process. Hopefully between the hand written diagrams and the sub par pictures you'll have some idea of what I did.

Here's a picture of a chain from step 1.

Connecting the chains in step 3.

Forming the net in step 4.

And here's the finished pillow front. I made the net kinda tight as the knit stretches and I wanted it to stretch across the pillow.

Then I sewed it all into a pillow cover with an envelope closure.

Happy sewing and thanks for following!

me: learning to sew

2011-09-18T12:47:00.001-05:00

When it comes to sewing I definitely have more enthusiasm than skill. Aside from a Jr. High home economics class and some pointers from my mother around the same time, I am a completely self taught sewer. Well, not quite SELF taught...more INTERNET taught.

You should have seen me trying to sew fringe on a pillow for the first time. Picture trying to sew pillow seams and fringe together all at once while trying to stitch close to a fringe edge I couldn't see (probably with the wrong sewing foot as well).

After that experience I thought to myself, "There has to be an easier way to do this!" A quick Google search had me shaking my head saying, "Why didn't I think of that?!?"

I still jump right in and try things with no idea of what I am doing, but most times I look for sewing tips on the Internet first.

Make It and Love It has some great sewing tips on her blog. I'm going to try her tutorial for sewing buttons with a sewing machine soon because I really hate sewing buttons by hand. I am also intrigued by the blind stitch tutorial.

Whipstitch fabrics has a great post about buying fabric online. I still haven't taken the plunge into online fabric purchasing, but I feel like I know a whole lot more about fabrics after reading this post.

Cool People Sew is a great blog filled with lots of basic sewing information. She has a great post about french seams and another one about covering cording.

I'm not quite ready to starting sewing my own clothes or anything, but I'm happily ticking off sewing techniques one at a time...

return on creativity: knit starburst pillow

2011-09-15T20:45:00.000-05:00

I woke up last Saturday and just felt like I wanted to play with some knits. You know how that can happen, right? I went to the fabric store and found a pretty green knit that was so so soft. After an afternoon of play (and a little frustration) I emerged from the crafting dungeon with this pillow.

Here's how to make it:

I cut a seventeen inch square of muslin as my pillow base. Then I went to town on my knit with a rotary cutter. I cut many strips of fabric about eighteen inches long and about a half inch wide until I had a nice pile. I just eye balled the width as I cut.

I sewed one strip of knit fabric into a ring with about a inch and half circumference. Then I started threading strips of fabric through the center ring and pinning the ends of the strips to the edge of the pillow.

I tried to keep my strips evenly taught (cutting strips to shorter lengths as needed) so that they would be tight on the finished pillow. Since knits stretch I kept them pretty tight which curled up the edges of my fabric.

Then I sewed around the edge of the pillow with a quarter inch seam allowance stitching down the edges of my strips.

Finally I sewed everything into a pillow cover with an envelope closure.

Happy sewing and thanks for following!

a big idea: embroidery hoop collage

2011-09-13T20:11:00.000-05:00

Problem #1: My upstairs hallway walls are white and bare. Blah blah blah...

Problem #2: I'm not sure what to do with my vintage camera embroideries and shift key sampler. They are all shut away in drawers.

Solution = an embroidery collage!!!

I love it when two problems present a really creative solution. Of course now I have to work on some more embroideries. Four hoops do not a collage make!

While I'm working on stitching up some more, here is a collection of my favorite collages.

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return on creativity: shift key sampler

2011-09-11T20:15:00.000-05:00

I love the history of embroidery samplers. Imagine little girls practicing stitches taught by their moms or grandmas (some undoubtedly enjoying it more than others); and women ~~showing off a bit~~ mastering their craft. I have a piece of old lacework that my great grandma made, but unfortunately no samplers...

This is an updated sampler with a modern, clean font (Arial). I'm seeing ampersands and @ symbols everywhere lately, so I decided to use the shift-key symbols rather than the alphabet.

This really is a practice piece, my first try at the satin stitch.

I used my light box to trace the symbols onto my fabric with a water soluble marker.

Here's my pattern.

To start the satin stitch I first backstitched around the symbol.

Then I completed my symbol with a satin stitch.

This was a great project for practicing the satin stitch; straight lines, circles, and negotiating curves.

a big idea: more bean bags

2011-09-10T22:11:00.000-05:00

Here are some more bean bag ideas that I love:

I want to make these triangle bean bags. They seem like the perfect shape to hold in your hand (and maybe even to throw across the room at an unsuspecting husband? Not that I would ever do that!)

What a great idea to use bean bags as paper weights.

Bean bags shaped like actual beans? So cool.

return on creativity: four seasons bean bags

2011-09-07T20:25:00.000-05:00

Do you ever have a project that you work on...then put away...then work on...then put away.... I've been working on this project off an on all year. When I started this project I didn't think that four seasons of bean bags would take me four seasons to complete!

To make these bean bags I first cut fabric for the cubes.

Front and Back - 6 inch by 4.5 inch
2 Sides - 6 inch by 4 inch
Top and Bottom - 4 inch by 4.5 inch

Then I embroidered four trees to represent the four seasons.

For spring I used a lighter color green for leaves...

Oranges and yellows for fall with falling leaves...

Summer fruit (or small red buttons)...

A barren winter trunk with beaded snow flakes (my first try at beading!)

Here's a sketch of my tree...

I sewed the fabric into cubes. Cubes are more difficult than you might think and I got pretty frustrated until I found this tutorial which saved the day!

I filled my cubes with split peas. Each cube took about two pounds.

I like that these bean bags give me a new way to display embroidery. They are the perfect size for a window sill or you can just place them on the counter top.

I think these would be cute in a nursery with some kiddie embroidery or maybe embroider a little house on each one and create a whole town?

craft room redo: inspiration rooms

2011-09-05T19:42:00.000-05:00

I love holidays. I love the day off work and I love the shortened work week that follows.

Today I...

...took the dogs for a hike.

...worked on a project that has been half done since March!

...took a nap.

...started working on my new craft room by clearing out the space and searching for more inspiration online.

Here are some truly inspiring rooms with links to posts with more craft room/organization to drool over.

link

me: labor day and non-crafty blogs

2011-09-03T06:52:00.000-05:00

I'm traveling this weekend to celebrate my mother's sixtieth birthday! I'm excited, but also bummed because the weekends are my best time to craft. I really look forward to long weekends with nothing ahead of me but time to dream up ideas and create. I'll be bringing along some embroidery work for the long car ride.

Since I don't have a project to share this weekend, I thought I would share some of my favorite non-crafty blogs.

Design Fetish: I just found this design blog a few days ago. It's a great archive of interesting design ideas and I am in love. Here are few of my favorites from the blog:

I want this camera lens pillow.

What a great idea for a personalized mug. I think it would also work hand embroidered on a crafty coffee cup cozy...

These are books. So beautiful.

Cake Wrecks: Maybe this blog is borderline crafty, but its really a comedy blog. I cannot stop laughing every time I read the post about the naked baby mohawk cakes (although I'm disappointed to see that I can't find the longer, funnier, original post on the site anymore?).

Post Secret: Who isn't curious about other people's secrets? This community art project is inspiring, raw, and addictive all at the same time. Fair warning, this blog can be a bit "adult" at times.

Dairy Burger: I was laughing so hard that I couldn't even tell my husband what I was laughing about the first time read the satirical retelling of Sweet Valley High books on this blog. Now that all the books have been retold, this blog has lost its way a bit, but the SVH archives are still hysterical. If you enjoyed the original books as a kid, you need to check out this blog.

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday weekend filled with beautiful weather and end of the season barbeques!

august in review

2011-08-31T05:00:00.001-05:00

Whew...August was a whirlwind. If you missed any of the projects above, just click on the picture for a tutorial. I've also updated the tutorial library.

My little blog had almost 60,000 hits in August (compared to about 7,500 in July) thanks to features on Craftzine, Craft Gossip, Tipnut, All Free Sewing, and Petite Hermine and many others. I love seeing folks who try out my tutorials! Most of the traffic to my blog came from Stumble Upon, a website that I still don't quite understand.

I finished my drawing class, but did not sign up for another class. Not right away. September promises to be even busier than August; milestone birthday parties, anniversary parties, and busy season at work.

I hope to do lots of work on my craft room in September, but at this point I am doing more hoping and dreaming and planning and not much "doing".

Luckily Tony planned a long weekend vacation for us in October. I think I will need it.

a big idea: pen and ink drawings

2011-08-29T20:32:00.000-05:00

Last post I showed you one of my inspiration pen and ink drawings and my fancy lady interpretation. Here are some other pen and inks that I love.

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I love this repeating pattern. It feels very seventies inspired.

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The detail in this hair is so pretty.

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I love all the detail in this feather.

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Can I ever get sick of vintage cameras?

work in progress: ladies who lunch - in ink

2011-08-28T19:23:00.001-05:00

The last medium we used in drawing class was ink. I wasn't crazy about pen and ink, but I did find that I liked using brush and ink. One of our assignments for class was to find inspiration ink drawings and practice copying them in order to learn different ink techniques. I loved this inspiration drawing and practiced it for class.

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I like how the eyes look like sunglasses because it is really hard for me to draw eyes. I thought this idea might translate well to an Audrey Hepburn big sunglasses look.

I won't claim that my painting look like Audrey, but she was my inspiration for my fancy "ladies who lunch". Of course I also had to try ink and brush on fabric, so I cut some muslin fabric squares and got out my bamboo brushes and india ink.

First I copied my original inspiration photo onto a scrap of muslin fabric so that I could see how the ink went onto the fabric.

Then I practiced some smaller Audrey inspired ladies.

My first lady was a little long in the face...

These lips got a little crazy, but I added a necklace which was nice...

Next, I just went for it and painted some bigger ladies on 17 inch squares of fabric.

My first bigger lady. I decided to do my next lady with a little tilt in her head.

I might wash my test ladies in the laundry to see how they hold up in the wash. I can't decide if I should make these ladies into pillows or bags. Maybe I'll do one of each.

Don't want to make it? Buy this is my shop (as a pillow), 645 workshop!

craft room redo: color scheme

2011-08-27T20:12:00.000-05:00

The new craft room is currently painted a beigey pink (not by me). A repainting is definately in order. I've always been a little color challenged so I few years ago I bought this book:

I spent today flipping through the pages and picking out some different color combination possibilities for room accents.

I'll still be using my three black bookcases for supplies storage and one wall will pretty much be dominated by black. I think I will paint the walls an off-white to maximize the light in the room.

I may paint the room "nook" or the inside of the closet a different color.

Color Combination No. 1: Light blue and red is one of my favorite color combinations. However, I am already using this combination in my guest bedroom. I do really like this robin's egg blue color.

Color Combination No. 2: Here's the same blue with orange. This color combination feels a little more hip to me (or is orange already "over"?) It also reminds me of my sister's college alma mater colors.

Color Combination No. 3: Pink! I never use pink in my house, but I am loving this pink and gold combination.

Color Combination No. 4: More orange, but it feels more subdued and earthy when paired with the green.

Color Combination No. 5: Red is my favorite color, so I almost have to include it in my craft room. I like it with this lime green, but is it too Christmasy?

How do you choose colors?

return on creativity: mens shirt messenger bag

2011-08-25T07:45:00.000-05:00

This bag tutorial was first posted as a guest post at Someday Crafts. I'm reposting here, in case you didn't catch it over there.

This bag is made from a man's shirt and has nice big manly proportions. To make this bag follow these steps:

1. Find a man's shirt with buttons and a pocket. I thrifted mine for $1.50. The size is XL.

2. Cut the front of the shirt out along the seams.

3. Cut the front of the shirt into a 16 inch square. In my square the buttons are intentionally off center so that I could include the pocket.

4. Cut five more 16 inch squares of fabric and eight 16 inch by 4 inch rectangles of fabric. I used a dark denim for the lining and the outer bag. I cut one sixteen inch square of fabric from the back of the shirt to use as part of the lining.

5. Sew one 16 by 4 inch rectangle of fabric to the top edge of the shirt front with right sides touching. This is the front of the bag flap. Sew another 16 by 4 inch rectangle to the top edge of one of the 16 inch squares with right sides touching. This is the back of the bag flap. All seam allowances are a half inch unless otherwise noted.

6. Sew the front of the bag flap to the back of the bag flap with right sides touching. Sew along three sides leaving the top open.

7. Clip seams and turn the flap right side out. Press and top stitch around three sides of the flap.

8. Prepare the outer bag and lining. Pin 16 by 4 inch rectangles (side panels) to one sixteen inch square (bag front) with right sides together and stitch. Next pin a sixteen inch square of fabric (back of bag) to one side right sides together and stitch. Fold right sides together and stitch last side together.

9. Keep bag inside out and pin a sixteen by four inch rectangle to bottom of bag and sew all four sides.

10. Repeat steps 8 and 9 for the lining.

11. Turn the outer bag right side out. Sew the top of the flap to the top of the outer bag with right sides touching. Use a 1/4 inch seam allowance.

12. Cut a 36 inch long piece of belting material for a strap and sew to the sides of the outer bag, raw edges together. Use a 1/4 inch seam allowance.

13. Place the outer bag inside the lining. Place the strap and the flap inside. Pin the tops together with right sides touching.

14. Sew around the top with a half inch seam allowance. Leave a three inch opening. Turn the bag right side out through the hole and push the lining into the bag.

15. Top stitch around the top of the bag sewing the hole closed as you go.

That's it. You now have a nice roomy messenger bag (with a built in pocket too.)

Try a more upscale bag with a man's white dress shirt and suiting material. Or maybe even button two different shirt fronts together for an interesting look.

craft room redo: the blank slate

2011-08-23T20:19:00.000-05:00

I've been researching and planning and dreaming about my new craft room. Before I start making changes I'll show the new room as it exists right now.

Here's a sketch of the room. Each long wall is about twelve foot long. I created the same type of scale sketch for my old crafting area and then made cut outs for the shelves and tables so that I could move them around on paper.

Here's a picture of the room from the door. As you can see, I wasn't lying. This room is not currently being used for anything. I think we had a single bed in here once.

My favorite part of this room is "the nook". I've always thought that this would be the perfect spot for a desk or a hidden easy chair. Right now it's home to my husband's old stereo equipment from college. I shudder to think where this stuff will land. I will never understand men and their stereos...

This long wall will most likely be the new home for some shelves.

Since this room is kind of small I need to use every available space. Right now I'm thinking that I will remove these closet doors and make a sewing area out of the closet.

That's the before tour. Over the next few months I hope to be able to show this room transformed!

a big idea: yellow pages

2011-08-22T05:00:00.000-05:00

Phone books intrigue me. Remember how important they once were? Remember looking up phone numbers?

Like most people I use the Internet to find phone numbers now and our lonely phone book is tucked away in a high kitchen cabinet. So I had a thought, why not use the yellow pages for crafts? Origami, specifically.

So I searched the Internet and found instructions to make this lovely flower.

Unfortunately I have never been gifted at what seems like it should be a simple task; folding paper into shapes. So I ended up with this:

Sigh.

Oh well, here are some more successful yellow page flowers I found online.

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I'd love to hear your ideas for crafty uses for the yellow pages. Hint, hint...

me: the crafting dungeon

2011-08-20T21:51:00.001-05:00

I currently do my crafting in our unfinished basement which I refer to as "the crafting dungeon". I blogged about it here a couple years ago during my first lukewarm attempt at craft blogging.

As far as dungeons go its not so bad (and I know that I am blessed to have a dedicated crafting place). There are actually some nice things about working in the basement:

1. I have lots and lots of space to spread out. Two six foot long tables are permanently set up in the middle of the basement for cutting fabric. I never have to take down my ironing board and I have lots of space to spread out and work on projects.

2. I am under no pressure to keep the space neat. Even the most extensive house tour generally doesn't include a stop in our unfinished basement so I am free to throw fabric around and leave Michael's shopping bags half unpacked for months. (These are theoretical examples of course, I would never do that.)

3. The dogs are scared to go down the stairs which are open in the back. I love my little pups, but see number 2 above. My curious pups just love to take advantage of a messy room and a distracted mom.

On the other hand the dungeon can be depressing and cold. I can't get a good radio signal so if my iPod is not charged I end up listening to the same sad Toad the Wet Sprocket CD over and over again while I work.

But the worst part about the dungeon? It's dark. No sunshine except two small little windows. My husband generously hung some overhead florescent lights over my work areas but I still feel like I'm working in the dark most of the time.

So I've been thinking about creating a new crafting place in a rarely used upstairs bedroom. I will sacrifice a lot of space, but gain a lot of sunshine. I will need to be a bit more organized, but will gain the use of a radio and maybe even a television. I will need to be a bit more cautious so that stray pins don't end up in puppy tummies, but will find more inspiration in a more cheerful environment.

Now I just have to figure out how to make it all work. I already have ideas, but creating a craft room that I love will take time and money.

What are your "must-haves" for a dream craft room?

another take: domesticated nomad paint chip coasters

2011-08-18T20:57:00.000-05:00

What's the best coaster tutorial post title ever?

Beer me! Go to the domesticated nomad blog and check out her take on my paint sample coaster using wood instead of tile!

And if your drink still hasn't found its perfect home, check out these great coaster tutorials...

Love these number coasters from Modern Cottage. Lately I find myself more and more drawn to more modern design elements.

This great tutorial from a thoughtful place proves once again that simple ideas are pure genius!

return on creativity: clay alpha magnets

2011-08-16T20:28:00.002-05:00

I'm so excited to share this project. It was a lot of fun. I hope you all love it too!

I conceived this project on the drive to work. I seem to get my best ideas while driving. Unfortunately I only have a ten mile drive to work. If I commuted farther I'd probably be a genius! Or maybe not...

Here's what you need for the alpha magnets:

Sculpey polymer clay

rolling pin

small circle cut out (I used one that came in this set for fondant)

circle magnets

Stayz On stamping ink in black

letter stamps (I used this set)

super glue

Here's how you make them:

1. Condition your clay by working in your hands. Then roll out the clay as evenly as possible. I wanted my magnets to be a little chunky so my clay was probably about a half inch thick.

2. Cut out circles.

3. Lightly press stamps into the ink. You only want to cover the top of the letter. Then press the letter stamp into the clay.

4. Bake per instructions on the package. I baked mine for thirty minutes.

5. Remove from the oven and let cool.

6. Glue on magnets with super glue. I found these circle magnets at Michaels and they were the perfect size! (Why oh why can I not use super glue without totally coating my fingers???)

7. Play with your new magnets!

Funny story: Whenever I bake clay my husband always walks into the family room from the kitchen and says, "There's something wrong with those cookies you baked." It's sort of our running joke. When I pulled these out of the oven he said, "What are you cooking this time? Typewriter keys?"

They do sort of look like typewriter keys...

Don't want to make it? Buy this is my shop, 645 workshop!

a big idea: things to do with scraps

2011-08-16T05:00:00.000-05:00

Fabric scraps remind me of my favorite projects from the past. I love new projects that use up old scraps.

Here are some great ideas...

A very scrappy lamp shade. You need to go check out this tutorial to see the pretty shadows this light creates.

There's no tutorial at the link for this curtain, but I think I could figure it out. I love the way the light looks through the seams of this curtain.

Don't fabric scraps look beautiful as high art? Check out this tutorial to make this canvas.

OK...this one is well beyond my skill level, but isn't it totally cool? There are more amazing scrap upholsterys at this link.

What do you like to do with your scraps?

return on creativity: patchwork coin purse

2011-08-13T20:05:00.001-05:00

I saw a purse frame at JoAnne's last weekend on sale and decided to buy it. I had no idea how it worked, but then I had a stroke of luck. Bethany at Sweet Bee Buzzings had a tutorial with the exact same frame.

I read through her tutorial a couple times and then decided to give it a try.

1. Trace the outside of the purse frame and mark the hinge marks just like Bethany said. Then I cut out my purse frame shape, but nothing below.

2. Fold the paper in half and then cut out a rounded shape keeping the bottom flat.

3. Tape this to another piece of paper and measure a quarter inch all around to create a pattern with seam allowance.

4. Use the pattern to cut two lining pieces. Mark where the frame starts on each piece with a water soluble pen.

5. Create a sandwich of Craft Fuse, then muslin, then Wonder Under and iron it all together. Use the pattern to cut two outer pieces from your "sandwich". Mark where the frame starts on each piece with a water soluble pen.

6. Grab a bunch of fabric scraps.

7. Peel the paper backing off the Wonder Under. Start cutting scraps and placing them on the outside of the purse. Iron them into place. Note: Where your fabric overlaps it will not be ironed down perfectly, but you just want to create enough hold to keep everything in place for sewing.

8. Sew your machine to a zig zag stitch and stitch along all seams.

9. Cut around the edges of the purse removing the scraps.

10. Put outer purse pieces right sides together and sew around the edges stopping where the frame starts. Do the same with the two lining pieces. Cut notches around the curves.

11. Turn the purse outer right side out and put the purse outer inside the lining. Pin and sew around the top leaving a three inch opening.

12. Pull the purse outer through the hole and push the lining inside. Top stitch the opening closed.

13. Now the "fun" part. Sew the purse into the frame hiding your stitches and knots as best you can. Enjoy your cute little coin purse!

a big idea: laptop case inspiration

2011-08-11T19:41:00.001-05:00

These laptop cases are definitely more successful than my craft fail.

Isn't this etch a sketch case so clever?

I love the simple grey of this laptop case with the pretty scallop detail.

A recycled sweater laptop case is such an easy idea. Probably as simple to execute as a cardigan pillow.

I pined this case awhile ago. Go to this etsy shop and it can be yours.

me: laptop case craft failure

2011-08-08T20:38:00.001-05:00

This is a heartbreaking story of craft failure. There's no doubt about it, craft fails suck.

I received a new laptop for my birthday. I love it and I wanted to make a beautiful case to carry it in.

First I pieced together some pretty scraps of fabrics.

I added some pretty zig zag stitching.

I appliqued a pretty corduroy Apple logo.

Then I sewed it all together and sewed together a lining.

I checked to make sure that my laptop fit, not too snug, not too loose. Just perfect.

And then it all went wrong...

I added some batting for laptop protection and sewed it all together. Adding batting made my case too small.

Duh, right?

Now I have a very pretty Apple logo "purse" that I can't fit my laptop into.

I guess I'll have to cut it down and try again, but I just don't have the heart right now.

Sigh.

Do you have a heartbreaking craft fail story?

a big idea: polymer clay creations

2011-08-06T17:02:00.001-05:00

I'm starting to really love polymer clay. It's like play-doh for adults!

Here are some inspiring creations and tutorials with polymer clay.

Here's a great idea to use polymer charms as gift tags. I can't wait to do this at Christmas time!

Check out this tutorial for making polymer clay bangles. I love wearing an armful of bangle bracelets. Such a cool idea.

This acorn is so sweet and this tutorial makes it look so easy. These are on my "to-try" list for sure.

Check out this awe inspiring bracelet. I'm speechless.

return on creativity: polymer clay charms

2011-08-04T10:00:00.000-05:00

There's no doubt about it, playing with clay is fun. If you haven't done it since you were a kid, you definately need to do it again.

Here's an easy tutorial for making a clay charm. Note: It's probably a good idea to keep tools used for clay and tools used for food seperate.

Make your clay into a ball and roll flat. I used Polyform Sculpey Original Clay for this project.

Cover with saran wrap and cut out a circle. Cutting through the saran wrap will create a beveled edge for your charm as shown below. My circle cutter was originally purchased for the fondant work, but is now dedicated to clay since I don't do cakes much anymore.

Press a rubber stamp into the clay to make an impression. Words are nice, but so are designs.

Brush lightly with some colored chalk to make your design really "pop". If you don't have colored chalk, try some old eye shadow. (I've not personally tried this, but it *seems* like it should work. Let me know.) Use something sharp to make a hole in the top of your charm.

Bake per instructions and let cool. Now you have a lovely handmade charm!

I just know that you will come up with lots of clever variations on this project. I can't wait to see them. Email me or post them to my flickr page.

me: blog header

2011-08-02T20:51:00.000-05:00

I love to work on my blog design. I wish I knew more about academic design principles, but I don't. I do know that I am drawn to simplicity, minimalism, vintage, and things that are lined up. I've always loved simple things. My wedding colors were white and taupe. (In retrospect the wedding probably could have used a little more color.)

During my blog updating flurry, I removed a lot of clutter from my sidebar, created a separate tutorial library page, and changed my blog header. I'd still not totally in love with where my blog landed design-wise, but at some point the carpal tunnel set in and I called it a day.

Here's a reminder of what my blog header used to look like:

Here are some drool-worthy blog headers that I admire:

Angela Hardison: This header is so simple and beautiful. It looks positively effortless. The photography on this blog is pretty amazing too.

Petite Hermine: I just love this sweet little drawing. I love love love this blog's striped background also (and I usually think that it's hard to improve on plain old white.)

Her Library Adventures: A beautiful photo and some text drew me to this blog header.

Smile Monsters: Simple and colorful. I need to learn how to do this.

Ballpoint + Pen: Aren't these wood grain letters cool?

What inspires you in blog design?

another take: clay herb markers

2011-08-01T10:43:00.000-05:00

I decided that it was time to make some markers for my little window herb garden. I found a great tutorial for making garden markers out of clay.

For details on forming the clay visit this tutorial.
Rather than using white clay, I started with Sculpey III clay that was tinted black.

I formed my clay and stamped with rubber letter stamps.

I rubbed in some white chalk over the ends of the clay to make the letters show up better. Before baking the chalk was not very visible (it sort of absorbed into the clay), but it showed up nicely during the baking process.

After baking some of the chalk rubbed off, but some was baked right into the clay. I haven't dunked this in water, but I did test getting them a little wet and it seems that the chalk is set into the clay, which is cool because I don't have to be careful while watering.

I love my new markers and they look so pretty in the little pots...

july in review

2011-07-31T07:00:00.001-05:00

I updated the tutorial library with my July tutorials. Four bags! I knew I was going a little bag crazy this month. If you missed any of the tutorials above, just click on the picture to take you to the post. I totally missed the fact that I hit my one hundredth post in July.

This month we did some camping, but not much because it has been so hot. We had a bit of a staycation at home. Work (as usual) was busy, and I went to drawing class at community college two nights a week. I played organized bingo for the first time ever which was quite an experience.

I have one more drawing class on Monday and Tony has returned to work. His kids start back to school soon. We had an amazing meal downtown to celebrate the end of summer vacation and ate the most amazing dessert, warm bread pudding with pecans and nice cold ice cream.

Hard to believe that summer is almost over, but I'm ready because the heat lately has been unbearable!

a big idea: paint sample inspiration

2011-07-30T07:35:00.000-05:00

So many things you can do with paint samples! Here are a few of my favorites...

source

work in progress: herb watch

2011-07-29T16:38:00.000-05:00

I have been dutifully watering and turning my herb pots so that they grow straight. Boy are they growing.

I didn't mark my pots with the herb names when I planted them. Is it wrong that I can't identify them yet. I guess I will have to google some herb pictures and figure it out.

Go little herbs, go!

return on creativity: paint sample coasters

2011-07-28T06:27:00.000-05:00

I've had this map coaster tutorial in my inspiration file for awhile. I wanted to make a set of map coasters for my brother; one coaster for each city he has lived in. The plan was to use an old atlas I had lying around, but all the cities were in the middle of the state, right where the atlas folded in two. Sigh.

So I decided to make paint sample coasters instead...

All you need is tiles, Mod Podge, spray acrylic, paint samples, and cork or felt.

Would you believe that this project was the first time I ever used Mod Podge in my life! I've led such a sheltered crafting existence.

My paint samples had rounded corners, so I first squared them off.

Then I measured the samples to fit the tiles and cut them into squares. I wanted the names of the paint on my coasters so I made sure to keep them when I cut.

Don't you just love a project where even the scraps are pretty?

I used Mod Podge to apply the samples to the coasters and then applied about five coats of Mod Podge over the top. I let each coat dry between applications and tried to keep each coat as thin as possible.

Finally I applied some spray acrylic.

That's it. I still need to apply some cork or felt to the bottom. Here are some things I learned that I would do differently next time:

Next time I would buy coasters without a beveled edge. The paint samples were stiff cardstock and it was hard to get the edges to bend and stick to the beveled edge of the tile.
If I can't find non-beveled edge tiles, I'll buy tiles where I don't mind if the edge shows and cut my paint samples smaller so that I don't have to deal with the beveled edge.
I bought matte Mod Podge and matte acrylic. It's OK, but I think I'd rather have a glossy finish.
After adhering the paint samples to the tile I would put a book on top and let it dry overnight. I did get a slight bubble in one coaster where the paint sample didn't adhere flat.

I think these would make a great gift. I plan on making a monochromatic set with various shades of green for my sister. Green is her favorite color.

drawing class: sketches at the campground

2011-07-27T09:00:00.001-05:00

Hubby and I went camping for the weekend. Camping is something we really both enjoy. We read, hike, take the dogs to retrieve in the lakes, and spend time decompressing from our busy lives. It was hot of course, but we had a lovely shaded campsite with a lot of trees.

This was the view looking up from my reclining lawn chair. It was so shady you could barely see the sky.

Camping gave me a chance to slow down and focus on some sketches. I'll definitely be bringing my sketch book along on future camping trips. Now I just have to figure out how to fit my sewing machine in our little pop up camper...

a big idea: feed sack furniture

2011-07-25T09:29:00.003-05:00

Here are some more feed sack ideas in addition to my feed sack messenger bag.

My parents ran a grain elevator and feed mill when I was growing up, so feed sacks are close to my heart. Of course in my time sacks were made of paper (bummer).

Here are some other cool feed sack creations found via Pinterest:

source

These all seem a little beyond my DIY abilities, but still fun to look at...

return on creativity: feed sack messenger bag

2011-07-23T19:42:00.000-05:00

Several months ago I bought some vintage feed sacks at an antique mall. I had no idea what I would do with them at the time. However, I always have faith that if I buy things I love, the inspiration will come.

Here's how I made this feed sack messenger bag out of a feed sack, a leather belt, and some denim lining.

First I cut the top off the feed sack to shorten the bag into the size I wanted for my messenger bag.

Then I squared off the bottom corners by turning the sack inside out and folding into a point and measuring from the point.

I drew a line across and sewed along the line.

Then I cut off the excess fabric.

I sewed a lining by cutting two rectangles of light denim to match the size of my bag (taking into account the needed seam allowances. I sewed three sides of the lining together with right sides facing and squared the corners of the lining using the same process of above.

To create the flap I cut a rectangle from the remaining feed sack material and a matching rectangle from the lining material. Sew three sides together with right sides facing and turn right side out.

Sew the open edge of the flap to the back of the feed sack bag with right sides facing and a quarter inch seam allowance.

Place the feed sack inside the lining with right sides facing and sew along the top. Leave a three inch opening on each side to sew in the leather belt strap.

Pull the lining through one of the openings and turn the lining into the bag.

Cut the belt in two making sure to consider where you want the belt buckle to fall in the strap. I wanted my belt buckle on the side.

Tuck in the seams of the opening and place the end of the leather belt into the opening and sew into place. Make sure you use a leather needle. My belt was pretty thick and I had to hand sew the leather in with my sewing machine by turning the wheel by hand. Sew the opening closed as you sew in the straps.

Finally I topstitched two rows of stitching around the bag opening getting as close as possible to the leather straps as I stitched.

That's it. I love this bag and I have been carrying it everywhere. I wish I would have put some smaller pockets inside for keys and a phone because I have been carrying it in place of my purse from time to time.

Go out searching for your own feed sack and leather belt to make into a bag. You won't be sorry. I have gotten many many compliments on mine already!

work in progress: herb garden update

2011-07-23T09:02:00.000-05:00

Things are happening in the herb garden. Exciting!

a big idea: inspired by flowers

2011-07-20T07:57:00.000-05:00

I got some "just because" flowers from my hubby at work the other day and I couldn't help but photograph them. I've never gotten "just because" flowers before. Sometimes I get "special occasion" flowers and they are usually red roses. I love this mixed bouquet so much more.

Feeling inspired by flowers, I rounded up some flower related craft projects...

This pillow just proves once again that I must give crochet another try.

This is an Anthropologie inspired pillow. I love projects that use up pretty scraps. I always forget to look to this store for inspiration until I see yet another funky knock off.

Check out these very pretty flower paper balls. I love the muted purple.