Sew Tara | Inspiring creativity in me + you

Friday Create Along

Posted on March 30, 2012 by SewTara| 6 Comments

Now in the interest of being totally honest, I have to tell you I’m usually finishing my projects on Thursday nights. Which is ok with me, but usually leaves me scrambling for photos the next day! This week I was done my project on Saturday. Yes Saturday. Probably because it involved cracking open my copy of Zakka Style by this lovely lady and I couldn’t wait to get sewing.

I actually even made 2 kits since I’m involved in a handmade swap right now and I enjoyed the project a lot.

I hope she likes it! Anyone know where you can get awesome pins like those?! I can’t find any fun pins anywhere. These ones were gifts from Amy during the swaps where we happened to get each other, it’s happened twice.

Since I’m so busy this weekend, being away and all, I’m not going to choose a project for next week. I proclaim it a Create Along vacation. I’m allowed, it’s my blog.

If you have a copy of Zakka Style and are interested in a sew along there’s one going on over here. I’ll kinda sorta play along, I’m a free spirit and like to jump around and not follow directions exactly.

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Posted in crafty books, sewing

Tagged create-along, linen, Rashida Coleman-Hale, sewing kit, zakka style

Etsy treasury

Posted on March 29, 2012 by SewTara| Leave a comment

In honor of the symposium my friend Joanna from Life in A Lens put this together treasury.

‘The Brooklyn Bridge’ by LifeinaLens

The Brooklyn Bridge ialbert $25.00	New York Photograph… EyePoetryPhoto… $30.00	Brooklyn Bridge – l… lauramccabe $40.00	Brooklyn Bridge-Pot… MaryPotts $28.00
Brooklyn Bridge Par… michellehan $28.00	Ready to Ship – Bro… dlkdesigns $40.00	Brooklyn Bridge 12X… MJMFAP $150.00	Brooklyn Bridge – C… ruralpearl $20.00
Brooklyn Bridge Fin… GwenMeyerson $18.00	Brooklyn Bridge, Ne… jackslomovits $30.00	Long Elegant Wood B… frawn $25.00	Manhattan in metall… MattCervenkaAr… $35.00
New York Brooklyn B… metrobabycards $25.00	Cityscape Print Bro… HeatherGallerA… $24.00	12″ x 18″… bclinchphotogr… $50.00	Brooklyn Bridge, Ne… SketchAway $20.00

Treasury tool supported by website usability testing

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Posted in fun finds

Sometimes . . .

Posted on March 28, 2012 by SewTara| 4 Comments

when I’m buried in larger projects and I just want to make something fun start to finish I do just that.
The other day was one of those days, so I made these.

Technically I suppose Chewie should me much, much taller than R2 but hey, fingers only vary in size a teeny bit.

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Posted in fun finds, kid fun, scraps, sewing

Tagged chewbaca, chewie, felt, finger puppets, r2d2, star wars

Easy peasy peanut butter cookies.

Posted on March 27, 2012 by SewTara| 1 Comment

I shared this recipe last week on Margot’s blog and thought I’d share it here too incase you missed it.

My husband and I have changed the way we eat a lot lately. He of course has dropped loads of weight, I’m a bit farther behind but I did start later and have that whole girl disadvantage that seems to come with dieting along side a man! I was craving something ‘bad’ the other night and these cookies were it.
They’re super easy, gluten free and since you can substitute a banana for an egg (didja know that!?) they can be vegetarian too.

Preheat your oven to 350.
Mix 1 cup of 100% peanut peanut butter with 3/4 cup sugar/sweetener and 1 egg.
You could also pulverize real peanuts to make your own ‘butter’.
Bake for 10-12 minutes.
Should make about 20 cookies, give or take depending on how big you want your cookies.

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Posted in recipe

Happy dance and shout out.

Posted on March 26, 2012 by SewTara| 3 Comments

Hello everyone, just wanted to take a moment to fill you all in on some exciting things going on for me. I’m sure you’ve heard I’m heading to Etsy this week, I’m sooo exicted. Not only do I get to go spend a day with creative types at the Etsy HQ I also was lucky enough to receive one of the corporate ‘scholarships’ Etsy was given by some generous companies! So thanks to Outright a portion of my travel expenses are going to be covered, which is super great. They also interviewed me and will be featuring me on their site, and I’ll get to talk to them in person while in New York.

Along with that I’m just wrapping up some details on my contribution to a crafty ebook that’s coming out soon. I’ve been invited to NYC again in April for a special TV event, but I think I’ll wait to say more once things are finalized. I spent some time playing with this HTML stuff last night and I fancied some things up around here. Sadly, my programmer hubby went to bed before I did so I’m not sure what’s up with the ‘Contact’ page, don’t go there yet. I’ve updated my DIYs and hope to get to the CreateAlongs and Friends pages soon.

2012 is turning out to be a great year for SewTara and we’re only approaching spring! I can’t wait for more great opportunities.

That said I’d like to shout out for anyone wishing to hop on the train and be a sponsor on SewTara for April. Info and stats are here.

I’d be so thrilled to have you!

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Posted in uncategorized

Giveaway!

Posted on March 24, 2012 by SewTara| 9 Comments

Margot of Newfoundlander at Heart is generously offering some great items for one lucky reader.

Here’s what’s up for grabs:
– Large Ad Space for April (300×200)
– 5×7 print of winner’s choice from the shop.

Please visit the shop or her blog and let me know here in the comments what your favourite item is. I’ll choose a winner Wednesday night and announce on Thursday.

If you can’t wait there’s also a coupon code, you know, for being one of my friends, NEW20 for 20% off, in celebration of all the new items this month!

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Posted in uncategorized

Tagged Etsy, giveaway, photography

Friday Create along

Posted on March 23, 2012 by SewTara| 3 Comments

Here are the two Tooth Fairy envelopes I made from this tutorial.

Wesley’s already lost 1 tooth and has another that’s super loose. Nate’s still a while from losing teeth but I wasn’t going to leave him out. Plus I love their faces when they wake up to discover I’ve handmade them something.

Next I’m going to try another project from Zakka Style. This time the sewing kit on page 22. It’s also pictured on the cover.

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Posted in crafty books, sewing

Tagged turorials, zakka style

Mollie Makes and Keyka Lou – some of my favourite ladies

Posted on March 22, 2012 by SewTara| 4 Comments

Have you seen/read/held/drooled over an issue of Mollie Makes yet? I can’t even begin to tell you how great this magazine is! I have a digital subscription and the instant it arrives I plunge in. Sometimes I wish I had a physical copy to cut up and fill my space with inspiration, and then I think I couldn’t bear to cut it up. Great articles, fantastic photos and I always leave with a list of things to see/do. Here’s the little keyring from issue 11 I made. Once again, I changed things up a bit, but I assure you it started with their pattern. You can find the templates for each issue at their site.

Secondly, my favourite pattern maker has created a new camera pouch pattern and it’s really neat. It’s a super padded camera pouch in 4 different sizes that you can make following her quick and easy sewing pattern.

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Posted in scraps, sewing

Tagged keychain, mollie makes, pattern

DIY with loads of sharing

Posted on March 21, 2012 by SewTara| 1 Comment

You will need:

Some fabric scraps
Modge Podge
Knobs (screw pieces if they don’t have them)
Wall anchors

Cut a scrap of fabric and wrap it around the knob to cover it. Pour Modge Podge on the front and smooth it down saturating the fabric and gluing it to the knob.

You can secure it with an elastic to help it dry in place. Once it’s dry trim away the excess fabric.

The knobs I bought didn’t have screws on the end so I had to glue some in. If you’re repurposing cabinet handles you may not have to do that step. I choose 3 colours that would compliment my handmade art wall.

Decide on your spacing and drill holes in the wall. Secure the anchors and make sure they are flush with the wall. Then simply screw in the knobs.

The next step is the best, hang your accessories!

I used mine to display my growing tote/purse collection. Bags are from (left to right)
Kimmy Kingsbury, Hot Butter, and me!

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Posted in DIY, gifts, scraps, tutorial-ish

Tagged DIY, modge podge, purses, scraps, totes

Sharing the love continues, meet my sponsors.

Posted on March 20, 2012 by SewTara| Leave a comment

It’s been a pleasure to have these lovely ladies hang out on my blog for the month of March. Thank you all for taking time to contribute to this post, telling us all what you’re looking forward to this spring and for your generous coupon code and giveaway offerings!

Hi! My name is Shirley. I am a 29 year old from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. I am a wife and a mother of 2 exceptionally adorable children (though I may be biased in that opinion!). I own the creative business The Orange Windmill, where I sell leather journals and notebooks. I also run the blog, Trees.Hides., where I write artist features, inspiration, link-ups, finds, family posts and goofiness. Come on over – I would love to see you join in the fun!

Etsy Shop | Twitter | Facebook | Google+ | Pinterest

I am pleased to offer 15% off in my Etsy shop to readers with the coupon code: SEWTARA15

I am looking forward to being able to go outside without a heavy winter coat on. It was warm enough today to not wear a coat at all, and it was lovely!

Hi, I’m Margot. I’m a country living, want-to-be Newfoundlander, and soon-to-be new Mama. Currently, in between baby preparations, I spend my time sewing, baking, and getting my garden ready – I am so looking forward to the journey that lies ahead of me, won’t you stop by and say hello :)

Blog: Shop: Twitter:

Coupon: NEW20 for 20% off, because I have two new lines being added this month!

As we move into spring, as well as the beautiful blooms and bright colours, I am so looking forward to sandals, skirts and shorts. Bending over to put on socks/shoes is getting a little tired, and difficult. Only 8 weeks until the due date!

Hey! I’m Jessica, from My Love is Growing. I love making unwanted things look pretty and functional again. Last August, my husband and I purchased our first house, an 84-year old charmer that needed a little bit of love. Right now we’re working on renovating it into the perfect starter home. Follow us as we tear down walls, change out light fixtures, pick paint colours, install cabinets, well pretty much anything relating to a renovation… We’re learning a lot as we go and love sharing our story with you!

Twitter: Blog: Pinterest:

This spring, I’m looking forward to seeing what I can do with my house since it’ll be our very first spring! I’m hoping to plant new shrubs and flowers, give our front door a fresh new look and finally buy a bbq for grilling season!

Hi! My name is Celeste and I’m 29 years old. I’ve been married to my best friend for 5 incredible years now. No children yet, but we do have a cat and dog that we view as our kids. I love to create cute jewelry, adorable hair accessories, and lovable felt creations.

Etsy|Facebook |Twitter|Blog

Some of my jewelry is 50% off during the month of March.

This spring I look forward to my creativity to be motivated by the Spring weather. I opened my Etsy shop during the Winter, so I’m excited to see what bright colors and new creations will develop in my shop during Spring.

Please visit these lovely ladies, if you find something you like let us know in the comments!