I recently made a purchase, a one for me one for you sort of deal. One Up Designs has some really fun pencils, notebooks and decals. Not only do I get some fun pencils for shopping there but I was also given a referral code that can get you 30% off your purchase. It’s a pretty super deal since the products are already really reasonably priced.
These little notebooks are super cute. I kinda regret not getting some, you know for my new pencils.
This fun owl decal is pretty awesome too.
I sent them some homework and asked them to answer this question, “How did you come to be living this creative life?” Here’s their answers, some fun pics and clicky links.
I have always been creative from a very young age. I come from a family of artists and crafters and was lucky enough to be surrounded by grandparents and parents who nurtured my creative and quirky personality. Over 25 years of creating art and I’m not teaching my mentors tips and tricks.
COUPON CODE: Friends (20% off in my shop)
Growing up, my mom was very creative. I would tag along with her to craft shows where she would sell hand-sewn rabbit dolls, hair bows, and various other items. She was always sketching and sewing around our home as well. As I aged, my home life and family changed quite a bit, and I turned to my creativity as a healthy way to express myself and to find comfort. Rather than taking band or choir in school, I took art classes and extra home-economics classes where I learned to cook and sew. I was the super cool middle schooler doing cross-stich as a hobby. In high school I joined more activities but continued taking as many home economics and art classes as possible and scribbling in my notebooks and journals in my free time. Since then I’ve earned an Associates of Arts and continued to take a class here and there, but have more so struck out on my own to see where my creativity can take me. I’m really excited to see and have plans of opening a handmade etsy shop in 2012.
Okie so here’s my doily table runner. Now I said last week this was super easy, “just get some doilies and sew them together”. Well I had a harder time than I thought. I fussed and fussed with the layout and even as it is I’m still not 100% happy. But you can always add more on the ends . . . . or something.
I really like how it looks on our dark table. Just have to work on getting the ripples out.
So I know I’ve blabbed about Keyka Lou and her patterns before but she also has some free tutorials and things you can learn on her site. I’ve got fabric and zippers set aside for this dumpling project already so let’s give it a whirl.
Posted in uncategorized
I’m sharing a pumpkin cake recipe over at My Girl Thursday today. It’s really yummy.
It looks pretty darn nice too.
Posted in recipe
Way back I made an eye pillow. It’s all full of flax seed and some nice smelly lavender. I thought I might use it here and there on my eyes, that’s what people do right? Savour the smell, relax and have some quiet thoughts.
What do I actually use it for?
I put my iPhone on it at night so that when it vibrates with email or a text or an early morning phone call it doesn’t sound like a jackhammer on my night stand.
Now what I intended it to be but hey, at least it’s getting used on a daily basis!
Did you see my cozy in the Etsy finds email? I’m the first little thumbnail!
That’s the second time I’ve popped up in the Etsy finds. I heart the community and sharing the love that goes on on Etsy.
Once again using a high tech system I have matched everyone up with a partner. Here you go ladies, emails to follow.
Nancy & Sara
Nadine & Stephanie
Tara & Taylor
Ok now, the numbers didn’t really work out so I had to round robin the last 3 names.
Nicole giving to Joanna
Joanna giving to Alfa
Alfa giving to Nicole
Tara & Sierra (kinda sorta swapping)
Please contact your partner and get their address. Feel free to share any other details that might help in making up a package. Remember it has to have 10 ounces of fabric, any other fun stuff is totally optional. Feel free to link up in my Flickr group when you get your stash and especially if you make a something with your new found fabrics.
Also, I’m really, really sick right now, some sort of evil plague flu thingie. If I’ve made a mistake please let me know. I’ve double checked things but my double checking abilities aren’t so hot right now.
Thanks for playing!
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Alright I actually did my homework quickly this time. I had plans to make this Saturday with a friend and it got me in the mood for it and even when she had to cancel I forged ahead and finished it.
For my 7 scalloped pieces I used vintage linen fat quarters I’ve been collecting for a bit. Most of them I got from this shop and some are from this one. I had plans for a quilt or something but it won’t hurt that I’ve cut into them a bit.
I made the rest of the bag with just plain black cotton, I liked how it looked with the flowery patterns. I also got fancy and added some interfacing and an inside pocket panel that I stitched to the lining to make with 3 sections. Sewing the scallops involved lost of needle in turning while sewing and when I turned my scalloped pieces right side out I had a lot of puckering, even after ironing. But I just strategically hid them with the other pieces and I picked the neatest one for the top row of scallops. I used some denim for the inside pocket and with the black inside a photo of this part wasn’t working so well.
Actually a photo at all wasn’t working so well. Home alone with 2 little ones it was tricky to get a great shot. As seen by these outtakes. Timer setting failed.
Mirror shot wasn’t working so well. So then I switched to an arty attempt, which is sort of silly.
I used the bag the next day when I took the kids to a birthday party and it got some attention. Thanks again to Kate for sharing such a fun tutorial. Be sure to check out the linky party to see all the great totes everyone made. Add your own of course.
Next on my list . . . a tablerunner!
I’ve admired these doily table runners for quite some time. I think with snowy weather coming for some of us it will make a great festive decoration. There’s a great tutorial here, but it’s pretty straightforward – collect a ton of doilies and stitch them together in a neat way. Oh and come back and share!
Posted in createalong, fun finds, repurposing, sewing, vintage
Until this book comes out?
And also this one, I want this one baaaaaaaad
Can’t wait!
Posted in crafty books, fun finds, sewing
Tagged fabric by fabric, one yard wonders, Rashida Coleman-Hale, zakka style
It’s time again to infuse your stash of fabric with some new to you bits and pieces.
Leave your name here, make sure there’s an email address/blog/contact info and I’ll find you a buddy.
Sign ups are open until Sunday night, November 13th, and then I’ll match us all up and let you know Monday who you’re partner is.
The keep everyone happy guidelines:
– scraps must measure at least 2 inches by 2 inches, there is no maximum size
– scraps must be clean and in usable condition
– scraps can be new fabric or vintage reclaimed pieces
– fabrics should be of relatively the same weight (cotton preferred) to allow for quilting, or mixing with other fabrics and use in the same project
– be ready to send 10-ish ounces to your partner by Monday the 21st at the latest (try to avoid too much holiday mail)
Swap is open to everyone so please be aware you may be shipping internationally unless you tell me otherwise.
