Happy New Year

 A new year is knocking at the door.  2013 was a terrific year for me.  While I said good-bye to horseback riding, due to aging of both me and my primary horse, I said hello to new craft ventures.  I attended 2 art retreats which introduced me to lovely people, teachers and materials.  I took an online jewelry course  which launched me into a whole new set of tools, techniques and supplies. 

 I joined up with Operation Write Home to send blank greeting cards to our soldiers posted at far-flung bases.  I made over 100 cards for them and loved every moment of it.  Today I got back to it for the first time in 2 months.   It means a lot to me to give of my time and affection to others.  THANK YOU to Sandy and the OWH team of staff and volunteers for all you do. 

My crafting has evolved this year.  In addition to working on jewelry I gravitated to fabric collages.  I am already signed up to attend a metal soldering workshop with Terry Brush in January, plus jewelry and fabric workshops with Shea and Debbie at Art & Soul in April.  It's gonna be a very good year.  I hope all good things happen for you, too, my friends.  Happy New Year. 

Burlap Tattered Flowers

I did a little trial and error to make burlap flowers.  Burlap is hot now in everything from wreaths to gift bags to flowers.  I checked out some youtube tutorials...and ended up using my Tim Holtz Tattered Floral die. I used wide burlap ribbon I bought from Michaels; it disintegrated after being die cut.  Then I brushed on a coat of Mod Podge to both the cut flowers and the un-cut ribbon.  Using the Mod Podge before cutting produced the best results.  I also die cut some of these flowers from glittered silver tulle.  Stacked it up; glued it down; added a little center pearl.  They need a little sump'n sump'n, but I don't know what and I won't have time to get back to it until after Christmas.  Still, burlap, Mod Podge, dies are a good starting point. 

Small Fabric Collages

 I stepped on the accelerator to get a couple of these small fabric collages completed in time to either mail or take along as hostess gifts.  These are all inspired by Pamela Huntington's Romantic Token Pins from Spellbound.  I haven't worked much with fabric except for the odd bit used on an ATC or tag.  I began gathering up laces and old fabrics earlier in the year (2013 is almost over) so I had a decent assortment on hand. 

 I am particularly enchanted by old barkcloth and silk velvets.  I have very little velvet which gives me a reason to SHOP!!!  I even incorporated some embroidery stitches, using my Coats & Clarks book from 1967 that I've held onto for decades.  Some of my embroidery thread is probably that old, too. 

I found these small book boxes at Michael's recently.  Just the right size for a collage, tucked into some crinkled black shredded paper. 

These two are nearing completing.  I'm gonna miss the bustle of Christmas rush crafting.   How often can I whine "Honey, will you go get gas and wash my car 'cause I gotta get these Christmas presents made"?  I hope you all are having as much holiday fun as I am. 

Take An Idea and Make It Yours

 Arlene at  Butterfly Kisses Blog posted this adorable Gift Card Tutorial on the Graphic 45 blog recently.  It was just what I needed to kick start my own method for gifting Christmas cash.  Arlene is the Queen of More, but I decided to keep mine simple to coincide with my time and my energy level. Plus these are all going to teenagers and young'uns in the family.  They are not gonna appreciate a complicated, time-consuming process...they are gonna grab the money and run.  In place of the G45 large album tags I used heavy card stock from a Kraft Reflections paper pad.  (I've just started making another of these gluing together two pieces of medium weight paper; the paper warps a bit when scored/folded.) 

 I also decided that I would make my own inside pocket rather than use one of the pretty G45 pockets.  Like, are they too pretty to use?? 

 A few more added to the pile.  I just don't seem to be able to use Christmas papers/colors.  I'm gonna stick with it, though.  :) 

Again simple inside of the holder; making my own pockets.  Three done, three to go. 

Mini Hats

 Last night I made these two mini-mad hatter hats (ref my previous post for a pointer to the tutorial).  They were a little harder to make because the cereal board used wanted to crease instead of shape into a round hat crown.  Instead of corsage pins for the hatpins, I used sewing pins with a little white bead on top as they are a better scale for the mini hats.  Because I didn't like the look of tissue tape to hide where pieces join, I sprinkled on some mica for camouflage. 

Here is my collection of hats.  I want to use them as a table scape for my Christmas Eve party.  Ah, yes, that is a hot cider/rum/pear brandy mid-day pickmeup.   I think I'll stick to coffee from now on.  There is more crafting to do but now I want to nap. 

Mad Hatter Hats

 My BFF and I had a craft fest while she was here from Salem.  My dining room was awash with our stuff.  For dinner on Tuesday night we had to use our card table in order to have a place to sit and eat.  Still, all good things must end...with a roar.  We spent her last day here making these cute, cute, cute little Mad Hatter Hats. 

 Ellen's were more Christmasy and Victorian looking.  She didn't have quite the same challenge in getting the top of each crown to fit.  I ended up cutting my tops a bit too small, covering up the gaps with washi tape.

Then we pulled out my bead box and made the little hat pins.  This was all so much fun.  Just before my friend's visit I happened to see a picture of these hats on Pinterest and was able to track down the original artist.  She so generously posted a tutorial.  Check it out and have a blast.  Mad Hatter Top Hats  My friend suggested using these as place cards for her Christmas dinner.  A brilliant idea. 

Friends in All Things

 My bff took the train up from Salem, OR a couple days ago.  The next morning we set up our craft workshop on the dining table.  It is sooooo much fun to craft after morning coffee, until we need a mid morning break with a sip of schnapps, or maybe another cup of coffee, then pick up the iPad for a diversion until we get the itch to get back to our projects.  Yesterday we took a real break for a walk along the water on a clear and cold afternoon. 

I am working on two projects; a small album to celebrate my memories from Spellbound, and a couple of Romantic Token pins.  Today we are going to make something else entirely.  Stay tuned. 

Get Your Sweaters Winter Ready

Cashmere and wool doesn't grow on trees people!  They need just a little TLC to keep them in your winter wardrobe rotation.  This cashmere sweater had several (moth?) holes in it.  I washed it along with a load of other light colors in my front loader, air dried, and went to work. 

 I had some wool roving and felting tools on hand...'cause, you know, we crafters just gotta try it ALL.  I started off intending to use star shaped cookie cutters, but my felting tool didn't fit into the pointy tips of the star.  I went with free-form polka dots instead.  I also used the d-fuzz-it comb to take off the pills.  This tool is a quick fix that doesn't appear to damage the knit.   

An alternative for patching sweater holes are these Stella Neptune iron on appliques.  Since I was watching YouTube wool felting tips during the wee hours of the morning, I went with the roving instead.  Get yourself some of the metal open-type cookie cutter shapes ($1 at antique store), a felting needle and put some fun into that old sweater. 

MoRe SpELlBouND

 I have not forgotten the magic of Spellbound, at the Langham Resort in Pasadena, CA.  Can you even imagine such an Olde World relic on acreage in the middle of the LA sprawl? 

 The public areas were vast, meticulous and gorgeously decorated with fresh flowers, ample comfortable seating, murals, patterned carpet and huge old crystal chandeliers. 

 There were over 100 gals (all gals!) making magic at Spellbound, plus Shea, Debbie and their 2 young assistants who were so capable and dynamite "get-it-doners".  This beautiful young lady was in my Romantic Token Pins class with a huge stash of laces and trims.  She was very generous; that girl had some serious treasures.  She is also the master-mind who suggested that Kaari might want to host a little luncheon for us at The French General.  Heck yeah! 

 

 This team of a lady with her angel tugged at my heart.  Do you notice that the angel is missing a front leg?  This is one of those "why" questions in life to which there are no answers.  I felt such love and admiration for this pair. 

 OK, sniff, sniff, moving along...Here are the 2 Romantic Token pins I made, taught by Pamela Huntington.  I plan to make more using some bark cloth in place of the velvet base panel. 

 This necklace is gasp-worthy.  Taught by Shea and Debbie it makes me swoon just to look at it.  I am displaying it draped over a large apothecary jar in my office.  Above is the whole ensemble, minus the center reliquary medallion.  I am thinking of keep the medallion separate so that necklace won't be too fragile to wear. 

But I gotta show you the reliquary.  Mmmmm, Mmmmmm, Mmmmmm.  I have already signed up for 2 workshops that Shea and Debbie are teaching at the Portland Art&Soul in April; another of these rosary type necklaces and a fabric sampler.  I love that Gilded Life

Spellbound Classes

 I am home from the Spellbound art retreat in Pasadena CA.  Wow.  These instructors and kits were amazing.  Let's begin.  I selected 6 classes from a choice of 9 or so; 3 classes per day; each class lasted 3 hours; 9 hours of crafting on both Friday and Saturday.  Be still my heart.  The above necklace is the instructor's sample as I have not completed mine yet.  It is more fab than the pic shows.  When mine is ready, I'll post more about it. 

 Next was this darling little "Coco Lily" stuffed doll.  These are class samples by Pamela Huntington What a sweet and versatile artist she is.  Again, my own doll needs finishing. 

 Here is the bracelet taught by Terri Brush.  I loved this class because it is a whole new set of techniques to learn, and because the bracelet is beautiful.  I will do more of this; need new tools first.  Terri lives in Chehalis, WA which is about 2 hours away so I can zip down to take a workshop from her. 

 Here are class samples by Pamela Huntington for her "Romantic Token Pins".  These are so much fun to make.  Pamela was very generous with bits and bobs and fabric supplies to make 2 pins or more. 

 I completed one pin in class.  This pic doesn't show it off very well so I will post more about these fabric pins later.  I think they are really lovely. 

 The top altered book is Cathe Holden's class sample.  My completed book is on the bottom.  Cathe's instructions and kit were perfection.  If you know Cathe from her web site and from her Country Living projects, then you know what a good teacher she is.  So creative.  This was a lot of fun to make; I just love it. 

My last class was with Kaari Meng, making this beautiful beaded tiara.  This is my finished project, which I was able to complete in class.  I've had the opportunity to go to Kaari's French General shop twice, plus the privilege to take a class from her.  She is so sweet, generous and talented.  I am very happy with all the teachers and projects.  I would take everyone of these classes again, but of course next year will be all new selections. 

Bound for Spellbound

 

I am bound for Spellbound in Pasadena, CA.  I signed up for this many months ago then put it in the back of my mind.  Still, preparations had to be made!  I didn't sign up for any "swaps" but I did make bookmarks for my craft tablemates.  HA!  I just realized, like RIGHT NOW, that I will have different table mates at each of the 6 workshops I'm taking.  Unlike Enchanted Affaire where we worked at the same table throughout, all doing the same projects.  Oh, well.  No time to make more goodies. 

 I am mostly packed with my little airplane carry-on and my big suitcase.  We've been prepped to allow lots of suitcase space for the give-aways and for the shopping opportunities.  I am not going for the shopping (I say that now); though on the schedule is the Sunday Rose Bowl Flea Market, an outing to The French General, plus plenty of vendor wares during Spellbound. 

 Here are a few of the workshops I am taking.  This crown is taught by Kaari Meng from The French General.  Could you die?! 

 These are Romantic Token Pins taught by Pamela Harrington.  So pretty.  I'm taking some special bits and bobs from my stash to incorporate. 

This "Sacre Couer Reliquary" necklace is being taught by Debbie Murray and Shea Fragoso, the hostess for the event.  Really, I need my A game for these workshops.  Little ol' paper-crafter me. 

Bookmarks & Jewelry Making

A couple of months ago I bought an online course on jewelry making by Andrea Singarella.  I've watched the very informative and useful videos many many times, but I didn't pull out my jewelry tools until this week.   While I have a good supply of beads and findings, I had to look hard for the vintage bits to create the look I was going for.  I did need to order the ribbon clamps to make these bookmarks, and some velvet ribbon, and cabochon tags, and rhinestone chain crimps (Michael's had none of this)...s-l-o-w-l-y the supplies are coming in by mail.  While I wait for the ribbon, I spent a couple fun hours making these 2 bookmarks and taking apart old jewelry to create a few charms. 

 

Above is a photo of Andrea's lovely vintage bookmarks.  Her jewelry is so pretty and really inspired me to make some bookmarks for gifts.   If you have any interest in making your own bracelets, earrings and necklaces I recommend buying Andrea's workshop.  It is only $10 for priceless tips and techniques...but the course expires the end of December. 

 I had another vision for the "ribbon"...using old fabric.  My fabric stash is low on vintage barkcloth but I had a cotton floral print that also worked.  I find the process of making jewelry and making these fabric tubes requires manual dexterity which is not a strong skill for me.  Practice makes perfect?! 

Baked Mini-Doughnuts

 I do love a good doughnut.  Yet, it is a challenge to find good doughnuts these days.  They are all mass produced from who knows what ingredients. The notion of pouring lots of oil into a pan to fry homemade doughnuts, then disposing of that oil, does not appeal.  Well, how about those baked doughnuts that everyone is featuring these days?  I came upon a couple recipes that looked good. Now to find the pan.  Ah, I got the last mini-doughnut pan on the shelf at Kohl's.  'Cause, you know, I didn't want to wait to mail order a pan.   I wanted that doughnut NOW.  A few hours later, here are Apple Cider baked doughnuts with cider glaze.  Are they good?  Yes.  Are they great?  No.

I shall keep making them until I find a favorite.  I've got a recipe for pumpkin with maple glaze; browned butter with chocolate glaze and many more.  The mini pan performed perfectly.  I sprayed each well with a squirt of PAM.  I spooned about 1TBS of batter into each well; then using my dampened finger I mooshed it around to uncover the center "hole".  I followed advice to not over bake.  In my 350 degree oven 6 minutes was just right.  Best eaten same day.  Guess I better have another taste test. 

Jewelry Station

 My paper crafting area is set up pretty darn well to suit me.  Need I say that it is compact and therefore crammed with stuff.  It is dedicated to all things paper...no room for jewelry supplies. For jewelry making I use the kitchen table; there is good light, my supplies are easy to store nearby in nice tins, and the kitchen is close to where I spend a good chunk of time each day.  But, you know, using the kitchen table isn't ideal.  I am trying out this old secretary/desk that we inherited from my mother-in-law.  We moved it into the guest room recently so I can put some of my pretties into the shelves and, gosh, what can I store in those cubbyholes?! 

I practiced using the desk on this bracelet kit I bought months ago from The French General.  Adding that task light, and a kitten for company (the other 2 cats are on the bed) works pretty well. I can close the drop down desk and my guest room is ready for company. 

Whoops, one of the sleeping cats was waiting for her window of opportunity. 

Two for the Road

Today I mailed my 2nd box of cards to Operation Write Home.  I have been working on these 65 cards for around 6 weeks.  ONLY 10 cards a week on average!  I can hardly imagine doing more, though many of the card makers do.   For my last Christmas card I wanted to try the chalkboard look.  I followed a youtube video, sort of.  I don't have white embossing powder, or a white pencil, or even a stamp selection that lends itself to the look of chalkboard art.  These Tim Holtz Christmas and pine branch stamps were suitable.  I used white pigment ink and a white crayon. 

This card was fun to make.  I followed along with OWH sketch #156 and a little twist from Sandy.  I used black embossing powder on the typewriter and hello stamps.