My crafts that I completed

Ok, so I have a huge confession.  I have been awful this last month about buying new stuff to make crafts out of, not completing works in process, or even new projects I have started.  : (

I did make myself finish up some dollar store crafts that I saw on www.dollarstorecrafts.com.

 This one is not really completed.  I need to add on ribbon for the neck and back tie.  It is an apron made from 2 dishtowels.  There are 2 front pockets.  I am giving this to my friend Sherine with her other stuff.

This is a $ store apron with a $ store towel that matches sewn on to create 3 pockets.  I am giving this to my friend Nathan, next time he grills out for me.

This is a kitchen set I put together.  You get the hot pads, 2 for $1 at the $ store.  I took one and folded it in half.  Then I gathered the tea towel in the middle and sewed it to the hot pad.  I added a button and use the hot pad loop to loop over the button.  Now, you can hook it to your stove, or cabinet, or where ever else you want.  The total cost was $3.

The apple set.  I did the same with it, but I had to use the back side of the hot pad, since the design is centered.

The grape set is my favorite, probably because I have a vineyard theme started.  I might keep these.

Did you notice my new pillows in the pictures?  Not really new.  Just my old throw pillows with $ store pillow covers.  I love these.  I was going to make a purse out of the one, but then put them on my throw pillow and had to get a second one to put on the other one.







But, this has to be my favorite couch accessory:

I just love my Clovie!

I actually entered the Holiday Gingerbread Competition at work this year.

My entry:

The competition:

I won 1st place and $50.  It was a really nice holiday surprise.

I need a new year.

I live with a teenager.  He closes out my windows "accidentally" when he uses my computer.  This has happened more and more lately.  I like to open projects to link to on my blog and then post them all at once.  Ugh!!!  That is why the posting has stopped for awhile.  Things will be getting better though.

Now on to project posts.  What?!?  Did you think I was done just because Christmas is past.  Lol.  Not even close.  I will post my Sunday projects next, so stay tuned.

Have you wanted a yarn swift, but didn't want to shell out the big bucks for one?  Here is your answer with 2 versions:
http://webeccasays.blogspot.com/

Spa Wrap
http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2009/09/diy-spa-towel-wrap/

Cloth Baby Shoes
http://sew-whats-new.com/profiles/blog/show?id=2031451:BlogPost:98477&xgs=1&xg_source=msg_share_post

Felt Pockets (I have to tell you, I love this woman.  So many great, easy ideas)
http://www.creativejewishmom.com/2009/12/get-organized-with-zippered-felt-pouches-to-hold-the-little-stuff.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed:+creativejewishmom/WbPb+(creative+jewish+mom)

Knee socks from tights
http://www.rufflesandstuff.com/2009/12/tiny-tights-to-knee-high-socks.html

Softee Mr. Potato Head
http://projectsbyjess.blogspot.com/2009/12/mr-potato-for-christmas.html

http://projectsbyjess.blogspot.com/2009/12/mr-potato-sack-tutorial.html

Cape from a $ store giant stocking
http://obsessivelystitching.blogspot.com/2009/12/christmas-leftovers-stocking-into-red.html

Felt Candy Conversation Hearts
http://miamoodesigns.blogspot.com/2009/12/felt-heart-candy-tutorial.html

Great Craft Recap
http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2009/12/craftalicious.html

Towel Pillow (No Sew)
http://theredchairblog.blogspot.com/2009/09/easy-diy-no-sew-pillow-tutorial.html

Keep for next Christmas season
http://howaboutorange.blogspot.com/2009/12/how-to-make-3d-paper-ornaments.html

http://madebystephie.blogspot.com/2009/12/punched-paper-ornaments-super-easy.html

http://www.simplymodernmom.com/2009/12/twirly-paper-snowflake-tutorial/

http://mysphereofdomesticity.blogspot.com/2009/12/make-it-monday-easy-bookmarks.html

Post 5 of our Christmas crafts

Man, I have been slacking.  Too much work overtime and a sick son.  Plus, I got an early Christmas present.  I dog.  Like I needed more animals, but how was I supposed to say no?  I have been wanting a fluffy lap dog for ages.

Meet Clovie.  She is a 2 year old Pekingese, Maltese, Min Pin mix.

Ok, now to our crafty links:

Homemade napkins

http://www.purlbee.com/mollys-handmade-napkins/

Argyle ornament

http://soseptember.blogspot.com/2009/11/argyle-applique-ornament-tutorial.html

BHG craft goodies

http://www.bhg.com/holidays/christmas/crafts/handmade-holiday-projects/?sssdmh=dm17.415590&esrc=nwd24_10a&email=1374550835

Cookie sets

http://bluecricketdesign.blogspot.com/2009/12/cookie-dough-gift-idea.html

Hidden message necklace

http://bluecricketdesign.blogspot.com/2009/12/cookie-dough-gift-idea.html

Dollar Store decorating

http://tidymomof2.blogspot.com/2009/12/dollar-store-holiday-decorating.html

and

http://ashleysthriftyliving.blogspot.com/2009/12/love.html

Paper Ornaments version 2

http://mandishandis.blogspot.com/2009/12/fun-paper-ornaments.html

Little baby quilt for doll play

http://wonderwomancreations.blogspot.com/2009/12/bunny-playmat.html

Candy treats/package decorations

http://spoonfullofsugargirls.blogspot.com/2009/12/candy-crafts.html

Ornament jewelry

http://thecraftychica.blogspot.com/2009/12/video-christmas-tree-jewelry.html

Picture blocks

http://kari-youcanmakeit.blogspot.com/2009/12/photo-blocks-tiles.html

Simple wreaths

http://shanty2chic.blogspot.com/2009/12/simple-winter-wreath.html

and

http://stillcraftyafter50.blogspot.com/2009/12/wrapped-up-wreaths-for-christmas.html

Gift card holders

http://thecraftychica.blogspot.com/2009/12/video-gift-card-book.html

and

http://justdevinestyle.blogspot.com/2009/12/christmas-gift-card-holders.html

Microwave heat pad

http://condo-blues.blogspot.com/2009/12/how-to-make-no-slip-microwave-heating.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+CondoBlues+(Condo+Blues)

(I make these with rice and long and skinny, so I can drape them around my neck.  This year, I am making some foot warmer ones that will have the heat pad covered in cotton and a fleece cover with a pocket to slip your feet into to warm them while watching TV, or watching a movie.)

Cupcake ornaments (super cuteness alert)

http://stillcraftyafter50.blogspot.com/2009/12/cute-cupcake-ornaments.html

Christmas card village

http://theoscreativecorner.blogspot.com/2009/12/christmas-card-village.html (I think I would turn them inside out, or paint them.  I like the simplicity of the design though.)

Well, I hope you are getting all those Christmas crafts wrapped up.  (pun intended)  Till next time.  Keep crafting!

Part 4-b

Snuggie
http://ilikethewayyoudo.blogspot.com/2009/12/makings-of-snuggie.html

Tons of ideas
http://spoonfullofsugargirls.blogspot.com/

microwave brownies
http://tarkheenacrafts.blogspot.com/2009/07/make-jar-of-microwave-brownie-mug-mix.html

People are so talented!  It makes me think that I should give up sometimes.  Then I think, I am doing it for the love of crafting, so who the heck cares.

Too many Christmas craft ideas for 1 post. Wow. Part 4-a

Christmas crunch time must be here, because EVERYONE has a craft post up lately.  I just keep plugging away at my crafts, but never post the pics, or any tutorials.  I am still learning this blog stuff, so bear with me.   Ok.  I would like to introduce you to today's craft links:

homemade lip balm, sugar scrub and soap
http://cathiefilian.blogspot.com/2009/12/quick-and-easy-gift-idea-lip-balm-sugar.html

crocheted booties for baby
http://crafterella.blogspot.com/2009/12/cutest-crochet-pattern-ever.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+Crafterella+(Crafterella) (has links to the pattern)

knitted washcloth set
http://crafterella.blogspot.com/2009/05/knitted-washcloth-gift-set.html

Make a stocking
http://olddaysoldways.blogspot.com/2009/12/dollar-store-christmas-stocking-4.html

Make your own mittens
http://sewcando.blogspot.com/2009/12/baby-its-cold-outside-mittens-tutorial.html

Microwave cake
http://theadventuresofroryandjess.blogspot.com/2008/11/cake-in-microwavehttpwwwbloggercomimgbl.html

Santa/Elf hat
http://vallieskids.blogspot.com/2009/12/santa-and-santas-elves-hats.html

peppermint tree
http://treasuresfortots.blogspot.com/2009/12/peppermint-tree.html

Christmas Craft Craziness. Part 3

Is your munchkin getting a doll for christmas?  It needs a small wardrobe to allow kids to dress and undress.
http://obsessivelystitching.blogspot.com/2009/12/easy-doll-pants-socks-hat-scarf.html
http://dollarstorecrafts.com/2009/12/doll-scarf-hat/

Maybe your munchkin needs a wardrobe of its own.
http://sewcando.blogspot.com/2009/12/looking-sweet-on-cheap.html

For the crafty child

http://www.livingwithlindsay.com/2009/12/teach-me-tuesday-creative-crayons.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+LivingWithLindsay+(Living+with+Lindsay)

A whole bunch of ornaments on the quick.
http://kari-youcanmakeit.blogspot.com/2009/12/karis-favorite-ornament-tutorials.html
http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2009/12/an-ornament-party/
http://thecraftychica.blogspot.com/2009/12/video-match-box-ornaments.html
http://ilovetocreateblog.blogspot.com/2009/12/ilovetocreate-victorian-snow-day-mixed.html

Decorate for a quick Christmas
http://shanty2chic.blogspot.com/2009/12/whitneys-walnut-wreath-tutorial.html
http://makingdowiththenotsonew.blogspot.com/2009/12/curtain-christmas-tree-skirt.html (another tree skirt idea)
http://limessweet.blogspot.com/2009/12/rag-stocking-tutorial.html

A homade Christmas. Part 2

Christmas is my favorite holiday to make things for people.  I love trying to think of things that people need that I can make.  I think that homemade gifts let people know that you thought enough of them to take the time to choose a gift and make it for them.  I want to try and make cloth wraps for my gifts this year.  

Let's get this blog rolling.  Warm their hearts and feet with this gift.

http://oneinchworld.com/blog/index.php/2008/11/making-bed-warmers-out-of-recycled-materials/ (I fill mine with rice and make a matching one that is long enough to hang around their necks.)

Do you have a little one who loves to be just like mommy?  How about making a kid sized purse for her.  Check out these color combos.

http://littlegirlpearl.blogspot.com/2009/12/invasion-of-purses.html

What about the candle lover on your list?

http://cathiefilian.blogspot.com/2009/12/alter-candle-to-create-quick-hostess.html

Barrette holder?

http://cathiefilian.blogspot.com/2009/01/make-it-barrette-holder.html

Drop cloths seem to be used for lots of things this year.  How about a tree skirt?

http://shanty2chic.blogspot.com/2009/12/whitneys-drop-cloth-tree-skirt.html

To finish off, I will leave you with this talented yarn artist.  You just gotta love her making her own patterns and sharing them.  I WANT those taming the butterfly wrist warmers!  Lol.

http://vallieskids.blogspot.com/

Till next post,

Happy holidays!

Need quick X-mas ideas? Post #1

Ok, so I have been busy crafting and not blogging.  Christmas is creeping up on us quickly.  Luckily I got most of my shopping done on Black Friday.  That was quite the experience.  In order to get last minute decorating, gift ideas, or wrapping ideas, I am going to post links to blog posts that I think would be quick and cute.

First idea
Turn your picture into a quick ornament
http://michellesjournalcorner.blogspot.com/2008/11/christmas-photo-ornament.html
I would use double copies of the picture and turn the other picture so they would be back to back.  Then when you assemble, the back picture would be placed so that when looking through the ornament it would be the same image.  It is hard to explain, but it would be like the middle of the outside picture would be the backing for the edge pieces and vise versa.

Second idea
Does your child like play food?  Make them some!
http://treasuresfortots.blogspot.com/2009/12/felt-tortelloni-pasta-and-tin.html
http://treasuresfortots.blogspot.com/2009/09/felt-pop-tarts.html
http://treasuresfortots.blogspot.com/2009/09/felt-bow-tie-pasta.html
http://treasuresfortots.blogspot.com/2009/09/felt-agnolotti-pasta.html
http://oneinchworld.com/blog/index.php/2008/11/felted-ravioli-tutorial/
http://oneinchworld.com/blog/index.php/2008/12/felt-lettuce-tutorial/
http://oneinchworld.com/blog/index.php/2009/10/lollipop-tutorial/
http://oneinchworld.com/blog/index.php/2009/01/felt-tomato-slice-tutorial/
http://oneinchworld.com/blog/index.php/2009/04/fillable-soft-egg-tutorial/ (You could make in white and brown and put in a yellow ping pong ball for the yolk)
http://www.flickr.com/groups/handmadefeltfood/pool/ (An overwhelming amount of ideas)
If you are more of a visual learner, I found videos that are awesome
http://video.google.com/videosearch?source=ig&hl=en&rlz=&q=making+felt+food&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=VBAcS6O5MIaVtgfd26zYAw&sa=X&oi=video_result_group&ct=title&resnum=4&ved=0CB4QqwQwAw#
http://www.flickr.com/photos/americanfeltandcraft/3652178751/ (more amazing pictures)
http://halfpintpixie.com/2008/11/09/felt-food-of-yumminess/
I could keep going, but you can google too, you know.  Lol.  Just 1 more idea: a felt food swap.  Find 9+ more people who want felt food for their kids to play with.  Everyone pick 1 food they want to make and make enough for everyone in the swap.  You can swap 2 ways.  1. each person sends out to the others themselves. 2. have a swap host/hostess to collect all the items and distribute to everyone and send out.  (I like the second one, since if people drop out, the hostess can either send you back your extras, or distribute them between all the swappers.

First couple of ferret bedding things done. (Pic heavy)

This is the bedding I made for the top cage, where the 2 teenage ferrets reside.

"Mom, you cleaned our room again!  Yuck!"

Notice the litter on the fleece flooring?  That is why I have to take pics before they get in.  5 seconds in and already messy.  Boys!?!

The cage.  You can kind of see the bottom cage set I started.  Dragons and Flames.  Cool!

Ignore the messy living room.  I have a teenager living with me you know.

Pieces I made and then decided to sell.  You should see their bedding stash.  Let's just say, they have a 30 gallon tote full of it.  Nothing matches though, so I NEEDED to make a set.  Lol.

One side.

Other side.

Both together.  This was made with 100% cotton Quilting Squares.  The red fabric was a little larger, so I cut off the extra and made loops to hook the binder rings to.  Each square of fabric cost about $1

Matching Napkin Hammocks.

Showing the back side.  This is only 1 layer with eyelets in the corners to put binder rings through.  These were from Kmart, I believe, for $2/pair.

Matching Placemat Hammocks.  Once again, eyelets in each corner to hook binder rings through.

You can see the backside here.  These were bought at a thrift store for $1.99/pair.  Nice heavy cotton fabric on both sides.

Even my son is crafty.

My son sewed this pouch to hold his new dice set.

**Notice the red embroidery**

Gift card he made with flowers he pressed.  Flowers are from my garden.

Baby gift

Ok. 3 down, 1 more to go. Cyndi is having a girl, so my boy stuff is done and I can do pink stuff. I was thinking diaper covers maybe. I found some great info here:

http://www.diaperjungle.com/sewing-cloth-diapers.html#Cloth Diaper Patterns for Purchase

and videos here

http://video.google.com/videosearch?source=ig&hl=en&rlz=&q=sewing+diaper+covers&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=9E-tSt6GCsX7tgeKz5ywCA&sa=X&oi=video_result_group&ct=title&resnum=4#

What do you think? I thought maybe sew some ruffles on the back for added cuteness.

Mug brownie mix

I can just see this as an awesome Christmas present for everyone at work.

http://tarkheenacrafts.blogspot.com/2009/07/make-jar-of-microwave-brownie-mug-mix.html

A knitted wig

http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEfall04/PATThallowig.html

Dollarstore Dolly Delight.

This is an adorable doll. Could have given more steps about how she altered the clothing though.
http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=237733.0

And site for creating this type of doll.
http://thesilverpenny.homestead.com/freeprojectdollheaddirections.html

Reconstructed T-shirt with doilies.

http://dollarstorecrafts.com/2008/11/99-cent-doily-t-shirt-recon/

What a great way to save a favorite T, or tank that is stained.

microfiber hedgehogs

http://darlingpetunia.blogspot.com/2009/05/introducing-eftim-and-eamon.html

Yoda Hat

http://dollarstorecrafts.com/2009/08/yoda-hat/

placemat bag

http://wonderwomancreations.blogspot.com/2009/07/easy-placemat-handbag-great-super.html

Martha a day!

Here is the maven of domestic arts:

http://www.themarthablog.com/

Budget Decorating

Great budget decorating. Appropriate for anywhere, USA

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/

Have you seen all the UFOs in my area?

Un
Finished
Objects

Otherwise known as my bin of works in progress. I was doing a good job of getting these pared down. I made a rule, that I couldn't start a new project, until I finished one. That would work, but I tend to lose interest in the middle of the project, or have 5-10 projects going at the same time. I also love to make stuff, but hate to do the piddly things to finish them up.

My biggest problems right now:

1. My craft area is a mess.
2. My totes are not labeled very well and aren't see through.
3. I have a ton of things that I have actually finished up, but they never had designated homes when I created them.
4. I am procrastinating taking pictures of the afore mentioned stuff to post on etsy to sell.
5. I have too many to do projects.
6. I have a really short attention span.
7. I LOVE to surf for new craft ideas/sites/supplies.

I think you get the picture.

This is the reason for this blog. I will be taking pictures of things I am working on, or have finished, so I can keep a record. Then, by this time next year, I want to be pared down to basic supplies, and less than 10 projects that are In The Works, or planned. I also want to start selling some of my stuff.

I will be posting cool new sites I find on the web too.

To start things off, my own business site:
http://www.pamperedchef.biz/tanyaspc