Crafting For Ourselves

I've been missing my crafting time lately so this morning I stole a few moments to work on a little something for myself.   Well, my bird friends actually, but anyway...it's a small project and I'll show it off later but it made me wonder what others have been making for themselves lately.  A look in the Crafting For Ourselves Flickr group made me feel really inspired.  Have a look and enjoy what these crafty souls have been up to.  If you haven't joined the group, please do!  We could all use a reminder now and then to take time for ourselves.

1. Old sweater-lamp with crochet, 2. Jenny: Spring Runner Sew-Along, 3. too much rain!, 4. Bread, 5. Fanciful Flower Potholder 1, 6. (wip) workshop spring cleaning, 7. Mother's Womb, 8. repairs, 9. Sheet Music Wreath

I'm back!

After taking a few weeks off to finish up some projects, hang with the kiddies, and play a little at home, I'm back in the swing and feeling a little refreshed.

On my break I finished a couple of projects that I had been asked to do for an upcoming crafty book. It's due out this winter and I'll share the details later. Here's a sneak peek at one of the projects I've contributed.

I made jam. Lots of jam. 25 jars of jam. Mmmm. Strawberry, rhubarb, strawberry-rhubarb, balsamic strawberry, and apricot cardamom (which I'm using on tonight's porkchops).

The kids and I walked the beach a little. Which of course means going in the water, no matter how cold it might be.

My 3 year old found an enormous Lake Superior agate in the yard and recognizing it as one of momma's favorite pretty rocks, washed it in a mudpuddle and presented it to me. It weighs almost 12 ounces, he should be very proud.

I treated myself by making 4 terrariums, all for me! I don't know about you other crafty types, but I never make things for myself. My creative energy is spent making things for other people, so this was quite a treat for me, indeed.

Have a great day, everybody.

A new road

I've been wanting to try my hand at wet-felting scarves for quite some time. I've gathered the rovings, pictured my pieces in my head (no, I don't keep a sketchbook, just ask my old prof. Used to drive her crazy), and just waited for the right time. That time came last night and although my first attempt had some flaws, I'm downright tickled with it.

My inspiration has been the calico-like patterns of the fall leaves. My friends and I used to go on a road trip to Devil's Lake in WI hiking each fall and sit on the bluffs admiring the foliage. It looked like someone had thrown a quilt over the rolling hills, and I loved it.

I attempted to capture this feeling with the scarf and it is a mish-mosh of a fall colored calico. Sure, this one has some holes and my technique needs some tweaking, but I must admit I really like it, holes and all. It was a road worth traveling and one I'm sure to be trying again soon.

Back in the saddle

Oh my, it's been quite a while since I've written. The last few months have been spectacularly busy. Between crafting, kiddies, and life, I've been up to my gills. I'll do my best to pop in here more frequently, if only for a quick photo post or observation.

I am so excited to have been chosen to participate in a special exhibit at The Bakken Museum in Minneapolis, dedicated to recycled crafts. The exhibit is tomorrow, July 24th. Sadly I won't be able to make the drive down, but just knowing that my work is in any kind of museum is enough to make me giggle. The Bakken is supposed to be fun and interactive for the kids so if you're in the area, stop on in!

This leather bouquet is something I created for the exhibit. It's made of reclaimed leather from purses, coats, and clothing pieces with vintage button centers.

I also sent some recycled felted wool items made from felted sweaters including some bird pins, a mushroom, a wallet, and some heart ornaments. I haven't had much time to sew lately and it felt really good to take a few hours for the quiet retreat.

Speaking of recycled wool items, please do check out my friend, Woolly Fabulous' work on Etsy, you'll marvel at her feltwork. She uses felted wool sweaters and creates the most detailed, amazing pieces. You'll love it.

Whirlwind

Whew! It's been a while since I've checked in here on my little blog. Seems the past month has been a blur of activity. I've been busy preparing for my biggest craft show of the year, No Coast Craft-o-Rama in Minneapolis on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, as well as finishing up some custom orders, trying to keep my etsy shop decently stocked, chasing the kids...etc. Then wham! Sickness in the house and my efforts were thwarted. We're all healthy again and I'm sewing my little fingers off. Yay! I've been working on a large order of birds, but had also been asked to create some owl ornaments. I'm glad that request came up, because I think they turned out nicely. I have a few new ideas in my head that I'm looking forward to working on too once it quiets down a bit.

I'll check in here more often, I promise, so please check back.

Enjoy your day!