Archive for January, 2011
I got the idea in my head to make bracelets for a few special gifts. Years ago Ryan got me a leather cuff that had an imprinted piece of tin on it that I loved. It snapped together and fit snuggly. Somehow I managed to lose it, but Id been thinking about it lately and wanted to try out making a cuff. I was inspired by some rather large natural stones on some of my own jewelry and am really happy with how these came out. I didnt get pictures of the few I made, but this is the one I made for myself. It””s amethyst, turquoise and a pink stone I had on hand.
Ive been busy working on some projects for babes about to be born–things Ill have to keep secret for a spell. I do love making baby things–so tiny and whimsical and cute!
Update: I sewed on the beads with quilting floss and used metal snaps to fasten the two ends. I found the leather at a leather store on Aurora. They had a really nice selection, including some metallics; it was hard not to go for the shiny silver leather!
January 25th, 2011
I became somewhat obsessed with a wreath that Wisecraft made and went out and got materials to make my own that very same day. It took flippin forever to wrap the wreath forms with the yarn. Next time I would most definitely pick a nice, think yarn to use. After that, the laying out and leave-making went super fast. I set out to make one for a friend, which I did not get a picture of. I liked it so much I decided to make one for myself, too.
The ornament wreath that I made a few years back fell completely apart. I wasn””””t storing it right and I used hot glue, which has such a short shelf life. So I was in need of a new wreath. That, and I””””m a little wreath crazy…
Proof 1
Proof 2
Proof 3
January 15th, 2011
I was inspired by some really sweet felt ornaments I saw some place–maybe West Elm–and whipped these up. This was one of my first forays into felting in the washing machine. I found this tutorial really helpful. I was having a hard time coming up with the oblong shape of the penguin, so I went out in my backyard and gathered the perfectly shaped pine cones, wrapped some black wool around them, tied them up in some tights, and sent them through the wash. Most of the pine cones turned out, and I added their felted bellies and parts by needle felting them on. These were really fun to make.
We had a great holiday break–lots of family time and chill time. My MIL sent me a copy of this ridiculously cheesy detective series that I”ve gotten really into. I also got a Kindle for Christmas (um, how did I not realize this equates into all-hours bookstore in my home?), which equals four books in less than two weeks.
My sweet little one is turning into such a kid. I”m so thankful for how grown up he is, and, my heart breaks a little at the same time. Dang that mothering sentiment! Ulysses talks all the time and can say just about anything; I understand about 60 percent of what he says. He loves to read and read and read. He is so thrilled with his little playroom. I haven”t taken any pics yet, but I will post them soon.
January 10th, 2011
