Life has been busy and definitely not been as crafty as I had hoped. Mostly, the new job has me channeling my creative juices in other directions at the moment. Not to say that I haven't crafted - I had to finish a couple of gifts, but the Etsy shop is still not open. The dop kits for father's day aren't finished. Thankfully, my wonderful husband says as long as open by the end of the year, he'll be happy. So I feel a little bit less pressurized to open.
Recently my creative juices have been in overdrive at work. I am still settling into the new job - nearly two months in now. I am seeing what I need to make the desk easier for me to navigate; how to organize my days and my desk for optimized efficiency. The biggest draws on my creativity have been two events that I had to coordinate this month.
The first was the 3rd Annual Day of Remembing, where my office and two other offices host a memorial service for any patients who have passed away at our hospital in the past year. When I first heard about the event, I wasn't sure what to expect, but after experiencing this one, I am even more in love with my job. We provided a safe space for the patients' families and friends to gather and remember their loved one who have died. There was lots of crying, a little bit of laughter, and a whole lot of love and support. It sounds odd, but I came away from the service feeling renewed and a little giddy. I was so happy to have helped to create this beautiful, safe space for families. And I was touched by the gratitude from the families to the doctors and staff at the hospital.
The second event was our 2011 Awards Ceremony, where my office selects individuals, clinicians or staff at the hospital, who have shown outstanding patient care. We have official titles for these awards, like Champion of Innovative Spirit or something, but at its core, it's to celebrate outstanding efforts by staff and medical professionals to provide the best, most caring service to our patients. Again, I was renewed and energized by the luncheon and learned of a new quality improvement model called Assertive Inquiry, which focuses on the positive rather than what's wrong, and saw in action. We gave the award to a supervisor, and in turn that supervisor recognized that the wonderful feeling he got from receiving the award should be felt by his staff. So now that supervisor is contemplating his own awards for his staff.
Both of these events were 50% planned by time I started my job, so there wasn't a whole lot of decision making needed. However, the creativity came in different ways. For the Day of Remembing, I started even before the event officially started, on a list of things I would do differently - pick a different caterer, arrange things slightly differently if possible, add a list of names to be read in the program, etc. This year I took the left over programs, inserted a pretty list of the names of patients we read at the program (whose families who weren't able to attend, or who didn't want to speak) and composed a letter describing the service and will be sending out to the families who requested a name to be read. For the Awards Ceremony, I realized my predecessor was not really into a lot of design and next year I will be finding better ways to create the awards. First purchase, I think will be a circle cutter to make much nicer circles and hopefully other additions.
While life was settling into a routine the last time a posted, I've since realized that I need more structure to my routine: split the breakfast and lunch making duties, schedule the chores. Otherwise, I won't participate in these important but tedious activities. So we are in the works of implementing a schedule and part of that schedule will be a night that I can devote to my sewing machine. Which isn't to say I can't craft other days of the week. No, I hope to do some crocheting and maybe even try my hand at knitting again on other nights and other projects that I can do at home, in front of the TV.
So plans for an Etsy store are still in the works and I am finding new outlets for my creativity. Once we're on a schedule, life at home will be less hectic as well.
Happy crafting to all.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Settling In
Life is finally settling back into a routine, slowly but surely. Last week was my first week at the new job without training wheels, ie my predecessor, to make sure I didn't forget anything. Aside from one or two little mistakes, the week went well. My parents came back from their vacation and none to soon as Dare Bear came down with a cold and had to stay home from day care on Thursday. He promptly gave the cold to Tiger Daddy, who then developed a sinus infection. It was also Dare's second week at the new day care and he's begun to settle in there too. So I am at little more at peace and life is a little calmer.
We had planned on going camping, for the first time this year, but due to the germ ridden men in the family, we canceled the trip. While it's disappointing that we have not yet had our first camping trip of the season, it turned out to be a blessing. We had beautiful weather and the kids got to play out in the backyard with my dad this morning. Then Nana Bear got to go visit my grandmother, and unexpectedly, got to go to a friend's birthday party, which just happened to be at the playground my dad took her to after the visit.
Meanwhile, I got to get some prepping done for some projects that have been on my to-do list. I have a baby shower to attend next month, so I worked cutting the fabric as neatly as possible for a blanket. My mother-in-law's birthday is coming up next weekend and I need to finish her present. And finally, I have set a goal of June 1 to "open" Etsy shop, so I cut the fabric for my products and all have have to do is sew them together. Well, that's not all I have to do: I want to make tags for products, brand them, if you will, so I have to come up with a least a start-up logo. Oh, and must determine prices... math, bleh.
The baby shower present:
Hopefully these will turn out to be dop kits for the men or make-up bags for women...
So all-in-all, this weekend home, so far, has been very productive and relaxing. Hopefully tomorrow I'll get to finishing some of my Etsy products.
Happy Crafting!
We had planned on going camping, for the first time this year, but due to the germ ridden men in the family, we canceled the trip. While it's disappointing that we have not yet had our first camping trip of the season, it turned out to be a blessing. We had beautiful weather and the kids got to play out in the backyard with my dad this morning. Then Nana Bear got to go visit my grandmother, and unexpectedly, got to go to a friend's birthday party, which just happened to be at the playground my dad took her to after the visit.
Meanwhile, I got to get some prepping done for some projects that have been on my to-do list. I have a baby shower to attend next month, so I worked cutting the fabric as neatly as possible for a blanket. My mother-in-law's birthday is coming up next weekend and I need to finish her present. And finally, I have set a goal of June 1 to "open" Etsy shop, so I cut the fabric for my products and all have have to do is sew them together. Well, that's not all I have to do: I want to make tags for products, brand them, if you will, so I have to come up with a least a start-up logo. Oh, and must determine prices... math, bleh.
The baby shower present:
Just my fleece/flannel blanket, but this time I am attempting to personalize the blanket using some of the left over fleece.
My Etsy project:
Hopefully these will turn out to be dop kits for the men or make-up bags for women...
So all-in-all, this weekend home, so far, has been very productive and relaxing. Hopefully tomorrow I'll get to finishing some of my Etsy products.
Happy Crafting!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
The Art of Juggling
The euphoria of the quick crafting at the end of last week has worn off and I find myself in need of another fix, but yet, quite unmotivated to go after it. In part, I am waiting for some supplies for my Father's Day dop kits. But mostly, I am just feeling tired and unsure. Unsure about my ability to craft, unsure about my ability to do my (new) job and unsure about my ability to parent. As I sit here writing, I feel as if I am madly flailing about trying to keep all the balls in the air.
As mentioned in the last post, I just started a new job and when I left my old job, I only had a week to train someone in my duties. So that last week of the old job was extremely stressful as I tried to get someone up to speed as well as get as much done as humanly possible. Then, of course, came the stress of starting the new job and trying to learn every detail in two weeks.
In that last week of work, I also learned that Dare Bear's daycare provider had a medical emergency and would be unable to watch him indefinitely. So we also had to find a replacement daycare provider (THANK YOU MOM) and then, had to make the decision to find a new daycare provider as well as find said daycare provider. The hardest part was probably the fact that we felt extremely guilty for leaving our injured daycare provider. But, while we were fortunate enough to have my mom available to watch Dare, she went on vacation for 10 days this past Sunday and it was a choice of starting a new provider hunt two weeks ago or start it next week. We chose the former to minimize the stress to all parties, but still there is some guilt about leaving our former daycare provider who watched Dare for the past 2 years. Thankfully, our first two days with the new daycare provider have been absolutely wonderful - Dare has come home happy, adjusted very, very quickly, and seems to be blossoming before our eyes. It helps that some of the things we didn't like about the old daycare are not an issue here. When we pick up Dare, we get to go into the house and see Dare interact with the other kids. Drop-off and pick-up time is quick, efficient and informative. So this was all-in-all a very good change, but the ramp up to the change was a little fraught.
The new job is awesome - awesome co-workers, awesome clients, awesome environment. I couldn't be happier in this position. I will be mixing my administrative knowledge with client centered care/front line social work, taking what I have been doing and mixing it with what I used to do just after college. But as I train with my predecessor, my insecurities have blossomed. I have gone from knowing that I was rocking a job to not knowing whether I will rock this job as well as my predecessor. Logically, I know I will make this job my own and I know that it's not a competition. My predecessor is me at my old job. Whoever takes over will have big shoes to fill. And after late nights, fitful sleeps, and other confidence issues, there's the little voice of doubt growing larger and larger.
The sphere of parenting... I fully admit that I should be a better parent. I need more patience - and sleep would help that immensely - and I need to play more with my kids. My relationship with Nana Bear can be contentious - I see too much of myself in her and I want her to be better than me. I want both of them to go farther, travel more, be more than me. Getting them there - that's the challenge. Maintaining a sense of calm is a struggle. I wish I could just let things be...
Finally, my crafting. I find great joy in crafting for my friends and family. I find great joy in coming up with my own patterns, no matter how simple they may be, and no matter how unprofessional the results may look. And I would like nothing more than to put an item for sale on Etsy. But again, the doubt bubbles to the surface as the opportunity to actually put an item on Etsy presents itself. The "What ifs" abound in my head making it hard to sleep. What if it doesn't sell? What if someone buys it but doesn't think it's well made. What if, what if, what if... So on and so forth until the crafting what ifs merge with the parenting what ifs merge with the job what ifs, etc.
I told my cousin recently, there is no greater fear than fear itself, and that is certainly true. Hopefully when the world settles down again - when I find the rhythm of the new job, when I actually start going to bed on time - I will find the space to silence the fear and to move on with my crafting. But until then, I need one less ball to juggle and to focus on the things that are truly important - my family and friends and my job (because without that there would be a whole lot more to be stressed about).
As mentioned in the last post, I just started a new job and when I left my old job, I only had a week to train someone in my duties. So that last week of the old job was extremely stressful as I tried to get someone up to speed as well as get as much done as humanly possible. Then, of course, came the stress of starting the new job and trying to learn every detail in two weeks.
In that last week of work, I also learned that Dare Bear's daycare provider had a medical emergency and would be unable to watch him indefinitely. So we also had to find a replacement daycare provider (THANK YOU MOM) and then, had to make the decision to find a new daycare provider as well as find said daycare provider. The hardest part was probably the fact that we felt extremely guilty for leaving our injured daycare provider. But, while we were fortunate enough to have my mom available to watch Dare, she went on vacation for 10 days this past Sunday and it was a choice of starting a new provider hunt two weeks ago or start it next week. We chose the former to minimize the stress to all parties, but still there is some guilt about leaving our former daycare provider who watched Dare for the past 2 years. Thankfully, our first two days with the new daycare provider have been absolutely wonderful - Dare has come home happy, adjusted very, very quickly, and seems to be blossoming before our eyes. It helps that some of the things we didn't like about the old daycare are not an issue here. When we pick up Dare, we get to go into the house and see Dare interact with the other kids. Drop-off and pick-up time is quick, efficient and informative. So this was all-in-all a very good change, but the ramp up to the change was a little fraught.
The new job is awesome - awesome co-workers, awesome clients, awesome environment. I couldn't be happier in this position. I will be mixing my administrative knowledge with client centered care/front line social work, taking what I have been doing and mixing it with what I used to do just after college. But as I train with my predecessor, my insecurities have blossomed. I have gone from knowing that I was rocking a job to not knowing whether I will rock this job as well as my predecessor. Logically, I know I will make this job my own and I know that it's not a competition. My predecessor is me at my old job. Whoever takes over will have big shoes to fill. And after late nights, fitful sleeps, and other confidence issues, there's the little voice of doubt growing larger and larger.
The sphere of parenting... I fully admit that I should be a better parent. I need more patience - and sleep would help that immensely - and I need to play more with my kids. My relationship with Nana Bear can be contentious - I see too much of myself in her and I want her to be better than me. I want both of them to go farther, travel more, be more than me. Getting them there - that's the challenge. Maintaining a sense of calm is a struggle. I wish I could just let things be...
Finally, my crafting. I find great joy in crafting for my friends and family. I find great joy in coming up with my own patterns, no matter how simple they may be, and no matter how unprofessional the results may look. And I would like nothing more than to put an item for sale on Etsy. But again, the doubt bubbles to the surface as the opportunity to actually put an item on Etsy presents itself. The "What ifs" abound in my head making it hard to sleep. What if it doesn't sell? What if someone buys it but doesn't think it's well made. What if, what if, what if... So on and so forth until the crafting what ifs merge with the parenting what ifs merge with the job what ifs, etc.
I told my cousin recently, there is no greater fear than fear itself, and that is certainly true. Hopefully when the world settles down again - when I find the rhythm of the new job, when I actually start going to bed on time - I will find the space to silence the fear and to move on with my crafting. But until then, I need one less ball to juggle and to focus on the things that are truly important - my family and friends and my job (because without that there would be a whole lot more to be stressed about).
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Mother's Day
Happy Mother's Day, friends! I can't believe it's been 3 weeks since I last posted. Life has been very unscripted and I have been unmotivated to craft until a few days ago, when I realized in a panic, that I was ever so unprepared for Mother's day.
Since my last post, Nana Bear recovered from her bout of Strep, Dare Bear developed pneumonia, I had to train my replacement at work in 1 one and I just finished my first week at my new job. Dare Bear's pneumonia was particularly challenging for us as there was a moment of uncertainty about whether he needed to be hospitalized. Luckily, he responded well to antibiotics and was practically his normal self by Easter. So crafting took a back burner to life. Then came Wednesday night when I realized the only gift I had planned on was for my mother-in-law: a version of the make-up bag with a beautiful French themed upholstery fabric. But I had no clue what I was going to do for her mother, Tiger Daddy's paternal grandmother, my mother or my grandmother. By that time I knew we would have very, very little time to shop between Thursday and weekend.
Luckily I had some left over Avery photo fabric (printable fabric) and of course, an ever growing stash of fabric. I envisioned a quilt bookmark with family pictures for the squares. I perused our library of digital pictures of the Bears and other close family members. I cropped the pictures and re-sized them to 1.5 inch squares. I made 4 sets of 3. In Adobe Photoshop, I arranged the squares on a 8.5 in x 11 in canvas (the size of the photo fabric).
I had intended to sew the photo fabric to the border fabric, but when arranging in Photoshop, I forgot to leave a quarter inch around each square. But the photo fabric is iron-on, so it was ok and actually was for the best because these bookmarks ended up being no-sew. I found some light fusible web that I planned to use for another WIP. I took the scraps from some fat quarters, that I used for my placemat project detailed below, and cut two rectangles about 3 inches wide and 7 inches long. I cut the fusible web the same size and place between the two pieces of wrong-facing fabric. I ironed the fabric together and arranged my photo fabric squares on the rectangle fabric and iron those on two. I cleaned up the edges (ie cut about 1/4 inch off each side) and voila! a no-sew photo fabric bookmark.
Things I would change about this project: Considering I was using 3 in by 7 in fabric, I probably would have made the photo squares a bit bigger, maybe 1.75 or 2 inches. Given more time, I would have taken the time to center each photo. And finally, I need to invest in a pair of pinking shears to make the edges less pedestrian. Hopefully, I will do a tute and post some pictures at a later date. I was rushing through what ended up being three projects that I neglected to take pictures and was too exhausted to take pictures of the finished products. :(
Thursday, I had a second idea to make placemats with family pictures for Tiger Daddy's maternal grandmother. Seemed like a simple enough idea and it only took me about two hours from start to finish. Because of the time constraint, I only used one picture per placement and sized them to about 5 in x 8 in. I printed the pictures on the photo fabric as well. I took 4 coordinating fat quarters (same pattern, different colors), cut them down to 17 inch x 13 inch. I chose 17 inches because my iron-on vinyl comes 17 inches wide and I wanted to minimize wasting the vinyl.
I first ironed the picture the fabric, centering by eye, and then ironed on the vinyl. I then sewed the vinylized fabric to some white broadcloth that I had in my stash (also cut to 17 x 13), right sides facing. Note: sewed just three sides around. Then I turned it right-side out and sewed the 4th end and top stitched around. I ironed the back of the placemats again and also iron the front, using a fat quarter on top to avoid melting the vinyl.
Things I would change about this project: I would make the pictures bigger and all the same dimensions or I would do a collage of pictures per placemat. I would coordinate the backing with the color of the front fabric... Either use the same fabric for front and back, or a coordinating color. Basically, I would have planned this further in advance. I might use a heavier weight fabric next time, either for the backing or the front or both. The vinyl helps to stiffen the placemats, but they aren't as stiff as I would like. Not that they have to be, just a personal preference.
The make-up bag: My mother-in-law loved the fabric and even offered to put a couple in her antique booth. I was 95% happy with the final product. I accidentally left on side of the zipper showing on the inside and I forgot to add the handle this time. I was going to attach it differently than last and completely spaced making the handle as I was rushing. I liked the upholstery weight fabric and how it made the make-up bag more substantial.
Again and again, I never seem to learn that rushing is the root of all mistakes. But everything turned out beautifully and was appreciated.
Happy Mother's Day to All!!!
Since my last post, Nana Bear recovered from her bout of Strep, Dare Bear developed pneumonia, I had to train my replacement at work in 1 one and I just finished my first week at my new job. Dare Bear's pneumonia was particularly challenging for us as there was a moment of uncertainty about whether he needed to be hospitalized. Luckily, he responded well to antibiotics and was practically his normal self by Easter. So crafting took a back burner to life. Then came Wednesday night when I realized the only gift I had planned on was for my mother-in-law: a version of the make-up bag with a beautiful French themed upholstery fabric. But I had no clue what I was going to do for her mother, Tiger Daddy's paternal grandmother, my mother or my grandmother. By that time I knew we would have very, very little time to shop between Thursday and weekend.
Luckily I had some left over Avery photo fabric (printable fabric) and of course, an ever growing stash of fabric. I envisioned a quilt bookmark with family pictures for the squares. I perused our library of digital pictures of the Bears and other close family members. I cropped the pictures and re-sized them to 1.5 inch squares. I made 4 sets of 3. In Adobe Photoshop, I arranged the squares on a 8.5 in x 11 in canvas (the size of the photo fabric).
I had intended to sew the photo fabric to the border fabric, but when arranging in Photoshop, I forgot to leave a quarter inch around each square. But the photo fabric is iron-on, so it was ok and actually was for the best because these bookmarks ended up being no-sew. I found some light fusible web that I planned to use for another WIP. I took the scraps from some fat quarters, that I used for my placemat project detailed below, and cut two rectangles about 3 inches wide and 7 inches long. I cut the fusible web the same size and place between the two pieces of wrong-facing fabric. I ironed the fabric together and arranged my photo fabric squares on the rectangle fabric and iron those on two. I cleaned up the edges (ie cut about 1/4 inch off each side) and voila! a no-sew photo fabric bookmark.
Things I would change about this project: Considering I was using 3 in by 7 in fabric, I probably would have made the photo squares a bit bigger, maybe 1.75 or 2 inches. Given more time, I would have taken the time to center each photo. And finally, I need to invest in a pair of pinking shears to make the edges less pedestrian. Hopefully, I will do a tute and post some pictures at a later date. I was rushing through what ended up being three projects that I neglected to take pictures and was too exhausted to take pictures of the finished products. :(
Thursday, I had a second idea to make placemats with family pictures for Tiger Daddy's maternal grandmother. Seemed like a simple enough idea and it only took me about two hours from start to finish. Because of the time constraint, I only used one picture per placement and sized them to about 5 in x 8 in. I printed the pictures on the photo fabric as well. I took 4 coordinating fat quarters (same pattern, different colors), cut them down to 17 inch x 13 inch. I chose 17 inches because my iron-on vinyl comes 17 inches wide and I wanted to minimize wasting the vinyl.
I first ironed the picture the fabric, centering by eye, and then ironed on the vinyl. I then sewed the vinylized fabric to some white broadcloth that I had in my stash (also cut to 17 x 13), right sides facing. Note: sewed just three sides around. Then I turned it right-side out and sewed the 4th end and top stitched around. I ironed the back of the placemats again and also iron the front, using a fat quarter on top to avoid melting the vinyl.
Things I would change about this project: I would make the pictures bigger and all the same dimensions or I would do a collage of pictures per placemat. I would coordinate the backing with the color of the front fabric... Either use the same fabric for front and back, or a coordinating color. Basically, I would have planned this further in advance. I might use a heavier weight fabric next time, either for the backing or the front or both. The vinyl helps to stiffen the placemats, but they aren't as stiff as I would like. Not that they have to be, just a personal preference.
The make-up bag: My mother-in-law loved the fabric and even offered to put a couple in her antique booth. I was 95% happy with the final product. I accidentally left on side of the zipper showing on the inside and I forgot to add the handle this time. I was going to attach it differently than last and completely spaced making the handle as I was rushing. I liked the upholstery weight fabric and how it made the make-up bag more substantial.
Again and again, I never seem to learn that rushing is the root of all mistakes. But everything turned out beautifully and was appreciated.
Happy Mother's Day to All!!!
Friday, April 15, 2011
Struggling with Cherry Blossoms
Tonight I did some crocheting as Tiger Daddy listened to music. Finished another Easter Egg and then decided to try my hand a making a cherry blossom flower... hahaha!!! FAIL!!! I am trying to get the petals just right and boy am I struggling with it. If the petal looks right, the flower itself looks too squished and the center is ginormous. If the flower isn't squished, then the petals just don't have the proportion I am looking for. (I'll try to post some pictures tomorrow. Right now I'm exhausted)
Well, on the bright side, for us Cherry Blossom ends this weekend with the (2nd) final weekend of the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival. So I fully accept that I will have nothing for this weekend. I hadn't planned on it so, no big disappointment there. So, I'll have a whole year to keep working on an original crochet pattern for a cherry blossom.
Variables to work with: Right now my blossoms are coming out looking chunky instead of delicate. I am using worsted weight yarn. I am thinking of trying out something lighter, not as chunky. Play with hook size.
Yet another project to add to the list.
Well, on the bright side, for us Cherry Blossom ends this weekend with the (2nd) final weekend of the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival. So I fully accept that I will have nothing for this weekend. I hadn't planned on it so, no big disappointment there. So, I'll have a whole year to keep working on an original crochet pattern for a cherry blossom.
Variables to work with: Right now my blossoms are coming out looking chunky instead of delicate. I am using worsted weight yarn. I am thinking of trying out something lighter, not as chunky. Play with hook size.
Yet another project to add to the list.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Past Project: Christmas 2007 Amigurumi Dolls and Photo Collage Boxes
The amigurumi dolls were crocheted from patterns I found at Lions Brand (boy pattern here and girl pattern here), but I changed the colors to suite the recipients. I love to crochet because I can pretty much do it anywhere - on the bus, at work, in front of the TV. And these dolls were pretty easy to make.
The photo collage boxes were a lot more work because I went through hundreds of digital pictures as well as scanned dozens of older pictures from my in-laws. I can't remember what exactly inspired this box, but I did not use a how to, just winged it.
The basic design is fairly simple:
1) Get a photo archival box (as it would acid free and the recipients could store pictures in it if they choose). I got 3 boxes of $10 or so at a photo store that has since closed.
2) Measure the dimensions of the area to be covered for both the top and the body of the box. I have to admit that I did not cover the bottom of the box.
3) Choose the pictures you want and print on acid free paper.***
4) I used Mod Podge to glue it to the box.
5) Once dry, spray with clear gloss to protect - I used some Krylon product with a matte finish.
Sounds simple enough, right? Well, in my anal desire to make everything fit just right, I used Photoshop to make 1:1 digital templates of the surface that needed to be covered. Then I took the pictures I wanted put on the box (tailored to the recipient) and arranged them on the template to make sure important areas of the pictures were not cut off. I resized pictures as necessary. On the band of the cover, you'll notice that pictures fit the height of the band almost perfectly. In Photoshop, each picture was a separate layer. After I got everything arranged just the way I wanted, I copied each picture and pasted them onto 8 x 11.5 templates, so I could fit as many pictures on each page. I had my husband print them from a laser printer on acid free paper (he was smart and made 3 copies of each page). I cut the pictures out and using my original template as a guide, I mod podged the pictures to the box.
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But, this is potentially a very easy project, if you don't sweat the small stuff like I did. And in the end, I was very, very pleased with the results. My only disappointment was that I chose not to cover the bottom of the boxes, and that is a minor disappointment.
Thanks for going down craft memory lane with me.
Happy Crafting everyone!
Linking this to:
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Reunited
I was reunited with my crochet bag this weekend. Tiger Daddy inadvertently left it has his mother's house before we went to Reno in an attempt to be more space efficient. So all of last week I had to fight the urge to buy some new hooks and yarn. I knew that we would be visiting again this weekend to celebrate Tiger Daddy's grandmother's birthday, so I could not rationalize buying new equipment and yarn.
Since being reunited with my crochet bag I worked on some of Easy's Easter Eggs and Measured by the Heart's spring flowers:
The eggs are for Nana Bear's class and hopefully I'll make plenty for the family as well.
The spring flowers are being sewn onto ponytail holders. I had made a few just before vacation and gave them to Nana Bear and the Wild L's daughters, Red and Sosie. I was afraid they might be too big in proportion to the girls' heads, but they looked fine.
My eggs don't hold a candle to Easy's, but I'm happy with them. Dare Bear is very fond of them. This afternoon he spent rolling them around his in little yellow school bus and squeezing them in and out of the door. I think I'm going to invest in some yellow yarn and a multicolor yarn that is more suited for boys.
Tiger Daddy and I have been once again pondering my opening of an Etsy shop. The problem is I need to finish some salable product. I think I am going to start with my hand warmers and maybe some of the ponytail holders... I also need to start pricing. Fingers crossed that we open shop in the next couple of months.
Linking this to:
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Today's Inspiration: Magic Wishing Stones at Craftbits
It's been awhile since I've published "Today's Inspiration" as vacation and the back to work and life busy-ness took over. But today I was at Craftbits and saw this post: Magic Wishing Stones. I like their idea of taking natural rocks and making them magical and special. I think Nana Bear's classmates would enjoy them.
However, my delusions of grandeur self envisions something slightly different. Instead of making a wish and throwing the rocks, I envision using flat marbles and gluing icons to them, such as a heart for love, holding hands for friendship, an airplane for travel, etc., and people can rub or hug or sleep with them under their pillow. I could even make a small pouch for storage. hmm... inspiration.
Well, I probably will do the Craftbit rocks for Nana Bear's class - I can just see them throwing the rocks and giggling. But I am somewhat enchanted by the bigger project... I can't believe there are only 6 weeks of school left.
Happy Crafting!
However, my delusions of grandeur self envisions something slightly different. Instead of making a wish and throwing the rocks, I envision using flat marbles and gluing icons to them, such as a heart for love, holding hands for friendship, an airplane for travel, etc., and people can rub or hug or sleep with them under their pillow. I could even make a small pouch for storage. hmm... inspiration.
Well, I probably will do the Craftbit rocks for Nana Bear's class - I can just see them throwing the rocks and giggling. But I am somewhat enchanted by the bigger project... I can't believe there are only 6 weeks of school left.
Happy Crafting!
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Fabric Hunting
With my crochet projects and needles in Sacramento, my crafting is a little blocked. I like to multi-task, and in this day and age of Facebook, Twitter, TiVo, I have found myself with a short attention span. So I often have two or more projects in process at a time (and sometimes dream up more to do add to the list). Right now I have my crochet eggs, flower ponytail holders, and a number of sewing projects. To sew, I have to go to my parents, where my sewing machine has space to live. They are only two doors down so it's not too bad, but it means I can't watch TV with Tiger Daddy at the same time.
So last night, we watched Castle and NCIS: LA and I perused the Fabric.com site for fabrics for future projects. After such success and ease of sewing with the make-up bags, I decided that I wanted to make them into dop kits for the men and that I wanted to try using vinyl or laminated fabric instead of the iron vinyl. So I searched through Fabric.com's vinyl, indoor/outdoor, and oil cloth sections and found some combinations for the guys and lots of fabrics for make-up bags. Then it dawned on me that I could use the indoor/outdoor and heavy weight upholstery/home decor fabric for these bags. They would be heavier duty and easiery to clean on the outside too.
With taxes due the middle of the month, I'm in a look only mode for fabric right now. But with the new job starting in May and the corresponding, if not ever so slight, wage increase, I can look forward to purchasing some in May - in time to craft for Father's day gifts.
Don't you love it when the light bulb goes on and you come up with some good ideas? So re-energizing.
Happy crafting all!
So last night, we watched Castle and NCIS: LA and I perused the Fabric.com site for fabrics for future projects. After such success and ease of sewing with the make-up bags, I decided that I wanted to make them into dop kits for the men and that I wanted to try using vinyl or laminated fabric instead of the iron vinyl. So I searched through Fabric.com's vinyl, indoor/outdoor, and oil cloth sections and found some combinations for the guys and lots of fabrics for make-up bags. Then it dawned on me that I could use the indoor/outdoor and heavy weight upholstery/home decor fabric for these bags. They would be heavier duty and easiery to clean on the outside too.
With taxes due the middle of the month, I'm in a look only mode for fabric right now. But with the new job starting in May and the corresponding, if not ever so slight, wage increase, I can look forward to purchasing some in May - in time to craft for Father's day gifts.
Don't you love it when the light bulb goes on and you come up with some good ideas? So re-energizing.
Happy crafting all!
Monday, April 4, 2011
Home Sweet Home
And we're back to our regularly scheduled programming. Our spring break was wonderful, surpassing our expectations. We managed to drive to Vancouver, WA in one day and got to see our very lovely friends, The Wild Ls, for two nights. Mr. Wild has been friends with Tiger Daddy since high school and they were groomsmen for each other's weddings. They have two daughters age 8 and 6 (well almost) who got along famously with Nana Bear - they had Princess Fashion Shows, built forts, and basically had two nights of slumber parties. Dare Bear, while not as involved with the girls, had a wonderful time with them too, being that Mr. Wild is also a train enthusiast.
The Wild Ls took us to the Oregon Zoo in Portland, which is fabulous. One of the most gorgeous zoos I have seen (not that I have seen many). Their Northwest exhibit is awesome as it winds down the natural landscape. They have a little creek running through the exhibit and at different points talk about the salmon spawning, the insects supported in the ecosystem, the types of tracks you would find, etc. The piece de resistance is their Eagle exhibit. They have two bald eagles and the creek empties into their habitat. The creek contains live fish for the Eagles to feast on. Next to the Eagle habitat is the otter and beaver habitats and you could see the otter having a grand time jumping into the water and swimming about. It was a drizzley day, so after the Northwest exhibit we rode the train. After exiting the train, we were met with a sudden downpour and quickly hightailed it to the car. Dare was so tired from all the activity, he fell asleep on the way back to the car.
After our wonderfully relaxing visit with the Wild Ls, we went to Portland, where we stayed at a gorgeous hotel. As part of the deal, we got upgraded to a suite. We put the kids in the main bedroom area, on a nice King sized bed and we slept on the pullout sofa. Sounds a little backwards, but we got to sleep together on vacation for the first time in a while. Usually, Dare Bear and I take one bed (as he is quite the mommy's boy) and Nana Bear and Tiger Daddy take the other. So I was very happy at the sleeping arrangements.
We visited with Tiger Daddy's family, which was lovely. We hadn't visited them in quite awhile so it was quite nice to see everyone. Tiger Daddy's brother and sister-in-law had flown up the day before and we got to introduce her to the rest of the family.
On Monday, we went to OMSI - Oregon Museum of Science and Industry - where everyone had a great time playing with all the hands-on science projects. It is like the Exploratorium but more polished. The kids did not want to leave.
After Oregon, we went down to Sacramento to visit Tiger Daddy's mom and relax a little before we picked up my mom and headed to Reno, where we spent the last few days of our vacation. No one won big, but the kids had a great time at the arcade, where the family won 1,046 tickets.
Not much crafting was done - a lost my yarn needle and forgot my batting at home. Now my crochet equipment and WIPs are in Sacramento... So this week may be light on the crafting.
All in all it was a great vacation, but I am glad to be home. I have a month at my "old" job and then I start my new job at the beginning of May. So lots of tidying and organizing before I leave.
The Wild Ls took us to the Oregon Zoo in Portland, which is fabulous. One of the most gorgeous zoos I have seen (not that I have seen many). Their Northwest exhibit is awesome as it winds down the natural landscape. They have a little creek running through the exhibit and at different points talk about the salmon spawning, the insects supported in the ecosystem, the types of tracks you would find, etc. The piece de resistance is their Eagle exhibit. They have two bald eagles and the creek empties into their habitat. The creek contains live fish for the Eagles to feast on. Next to the Eagle habitat is the otter and beaver habitats and you could see the otter having a grand time jumping into the water and swimming about. It was a drizzley day, so after the Northwest exhibit we rode the train. After exiting the train, we were met with a sudden downpour and quickly hightailed it to the car. Dare was so tired from all the activity, he fell asleep on the way back to the car.
After our wonderfully relaxing visit with the Wild Ls, we went to Portland, where we stayed at a gorgeous hotel. As part of the deal, we got upgraded to a suite. We put the kids in the main bedroom area, on a nice King sized bed and we slept on the pullout sofa. Sounds a little backwards, but we got to sleep together on vacation for the first time in a while. Usually, Dare Bear and I take one bed (as he is quite the mommy's boy) and Nana Bear and Tiger Daddy take the other. So I was very happy at the sleeping arrangements.
We visited with Tiger Daddy's family, which was lovely. We hadn't visited them in quite awhile so it was quite nice to see everyone. Tiger Daddy's brother and sister-in-law had flown up the day before and we got to introduce her to the rest of the family.
On Monday, we went to OMSI - Oregon Museum of Science and Industry - where everyone had a great time playing with all the hands-on science projects. It is like the Exploratorium but more polished. The kids did not want to leave.
After Oregon, we went down to Sacramento to visit Tiger Daddy's mom and relax a little before we picked up my mom and headed to Reno, where we spent the last few days of our vacation. No one won big, but the kids had a great time at the arcade, where the family won 1,046 tickets.
Not much crafting was done - a lost my yarn needle and forgot my batting at home. Now my crochet equipment and WIPs are in Sacramento... So this week may be light on the crafting.
All in all it was a great vacation, but I am glad to be home. I have a month at my "old" job and then I start my new job at the beginning of May. So lots of tidying and organizing before I leave.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
We're in the Pacific Northwest visiting Tiger Daddy's family. So far it's been a wonderful trip: we saw lots of Rainbows - even huge double rainbow, we got to play with some cool kids, eat some good food, and have good visits with family. And the icing: I was offered a job that I interviewed for a few weeks ago!! Super good vacation.
Also if anyone ever visits Portland, OR, two must sees: Oregon zoo and OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science & Industry).
Thursday, March 24, 2011
National Craft Month Coming to a Close
There's a week left to March, but for me National Craft Month is coming to a close. Tomorrow we will be heading to the Northwest to visit Tiger Daddy's family. I will be bringing some crochet projects with me, but as Tiger Daddy is vehemently opposed to me crocheting the car, I don't know how much crafting I'll get to do. On the flip side, I'll probably get to finish The Wizard's First Rule (Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth Series Book 1) and at least start the 2nd book.
This month has been pretty successful considering how sick I was at the beginning of the month. My goals of the month (revised due to the illness) were pretty low key:
*Complete shamrock keychains for Nana Bear's class -found a cute pattern at Lion's Brand Yarn used Sarahndipities' shamrock bunting pattern and modified to be a fourleaf clover (see my post here with the modifications)
*Finish Dare's blanket
*Finish diaper pouches
*Finish make-up bags
*Blog at least once or twice a week.
Then as the month went on I added:
*Finish Nana Bear's blanket
*Make blanket for Tiger Daddy's grandma
*Make 1st b-day gifts for friend's twins
Of the above the only two goals I didn't meet were finishing the diaper pouches and the birthday gifts. Also, I had to "fix" my sewing machine - a pin got stuck inside and I had to open it up and find the pin (not really a fix, but I was a little apprehensive about opening up the machine for the first time... I also cleaned it for the first time too) - and worked up enough courage to try the pressure foot to sew the zippers for the make-up bag. So, I'm growing my crafting skills.
I found a wonderful crochet Easter Egg pattern at Easy Makes Me Happy (click here to see the awesome embellishments she added to her eggs) and hope to finish crochet flower ponytail holders (Crochet flower pattern from Measured By the Heart) for our friends' daughters, who we will be visiting on our trip. So all in all, National Craft Month has been very crafty for me. I hope to continue at this pace - I would like to make Easter Eggs for Nana Bear's class and for others and I still need to finish the diaper pouches and the birthday gifts (we missed the party due to scheduling conflict). Ideally I would like to make some more blankets, some child size, some adult size, and a scarf to sell. Just need to remind myself not to rush.
Happy Crafting!
This month has been pretty successful considering how sick I was at the beginning of the month. My goals of the month (revised due to the illness) were pretty low key:
*Complete shamrock keychains for Nana Bear's class -
*Finish Dare's blanket
*Finish diaper pouches
*Finish make-up bags
*Blog at least once or twice a week.
Then as the month went on I added:
*Finish Nana Bear's blanket
*Make blanket for Tiger Daddy's grandma
*Make 1st b-day gifts for friend's twins
Of the above the only two goals I didn't meet were finishing the diaper pouches and the birthday gifts. Also, I had to "fix" my sewing machine - a pin got stuck inside and I had to open it up and find the pin (not really a fix, but I was a little apprehensive about opening up the machine for the first time... I also cleaned it for the first time too) - and worked up enough courage to try the pressure foot to sew the zippers for the make-up bag. So, I'm growing my crafting skills.
I found a wonderful crochet Easter Egg pattern at Easy Makes Me Happy (click here to see the awesome embellishments she added to her eggs) and hope to finish crochet flower ponytail holders (Crochet flower pattern from Measured By the Heart) for our friends' daughters, who we will be visiting on our trip. So all in all, National Craft Month has been very crafty for me. I hope to continue at this pace - I would like to make Easter Eggs for Nana Bear's class and for others and I still need to finish the diaper pouches and the birthday gifts (we missed the party due to scheduling conflict). Ideally I would like to make some more blankets, some child size, some adult size, and a scarf to sell. Just need to remind myself not to rush.
Happy Crafting!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Rushing is the Root of All Evil
I finished Nana Bear's blanket (far left) and Tiger Daddy's Grandma's blanket (middle) tonight. I am happy to have finished, but was reminded that rushing can ruin a project. When I compare tonight's blanket's with Dare Bear's blanket (far right), I could really see a difference in precision. I rushed when I was cutting the pink blankets, was imprecise with my cutting, and I rushed tonight when sewing, so my seams are not straight, etc. Not at all saleable. Whereas Dare Bear's blanket, seams look even and top stitch is pretty even (at least 3 sides around) - much more professional looking.
The blankets are by no means ruined - Nana Bear will love hers and I hope Grandma will appreciate her's too. Just not as close to perfect as I would like. Cause of rushing: worried about all the other things that need to get done before we leave for our trip on Friday. Wanted to make our friends' daughters some pony tail holders, need to pack my clothes and finish a couple more loads of laundry, but I don't want to stay up too late tomorrow and don't want to rush around stressing that I will forget something. Of course, I'm somewhat stressing already.
Must remind myself: Just breathe and the rest will come...
Happy Crafting everyone!
Monday, March 21, 2011
My Creative Space: Easter Eggs
This week I have two creative spaces. First is Easy Makes Me Happy's Easter Eggs:
Saw a link for these Easter Eggs at Easy Makes me Happy and liked them so much I just had to try it at lunch today. My results:
Saw a link for these Easter Eggs at Easy Makes me Happy and liked them so much I just had to try it at lunch today. My results:
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| My two eggs: One with the Red Heart Tropic Fruits and the other with Rainbow Brights. |
Weekend Crafting w/ Pictures
My (Weekend) Creative Space: I'm cheating this week and posting twice to Kootoyoo. Sorry, but while the week has been consumed with crocheting Easter Eggs, my weekend was a whole different animal, but probably much more satisfying crafting. I got to tick off another goal and make progress on another goal. Yippee!
We were pelted with rain and hail and lots of wind this weekend, but it was a fun, productive and ultimately beautiful weekend for us. We were busy bees with a lunch with my grandmother for her birthday, Nana Bear's school had a fundraising Auction, and lots of errands and chores to get ready for our upcoming vacation starting this Friday.
Saturday morning I hurriedly sewed a silk/fleece scarf for my grandmother. She is currently living in an assisted living facility for Alzheimers. This was the first birthday since she moved. I did visit her on Friday, her actual birthday, and brought mini cupcakes (store bought) for her, the other residents, and the staff. But on Saturday morning, while Tiger Daddy changed the oil on the car, I decided I would make the scarf for her to wear when she goes for walks to help keep her warm. It's been quite brisk here even though it's now officially Spring. It was not my best work by any stretch, but the fabric is beautiful and suites my grandmother well. It is a pink kimono silk printed with cherry blossoms. Typically, kimono fabric comes in 14-15" widths, so I got two yards and cut the fabric into two 7" strips. I have one more strip and was thinking that I might embroider beads onto the fabric on the printed blossoms. We'll see.
After lunch, while the Bears napped, I finally finished these make-up bags from Sew Like My Mom. I had intended to give them as gifts at Christmas but lost the iron vinyl and really ran out of time. Of course, a week after Christmas I find the vinyl, but not the time to finish them. These bags are truly simple to make and come out looking quite nice. Some notes about the tutorial: 1) Iron-Vinyl is not really my thing - it is very light weight and doesn't feel durable to me, so next time I think I may try regular vinyl. 2) The vinyl is slippery, so you do have to be aware when sewing. 3) When cutting the corners, cut 2.5" from the end with the seam and 2.25" from the folded end to get an even line when sewing the corners. 4) Being such a rudimentary sewer, I did use my zipper/pressure foot. 5) I added a handle. I think that I will try these for x-mas again, but this time for the guys as they look like dop kits. I will use heavier weight material, possibly oilcloth and vinyl combo depending on the patterns available. This is a great tutorial - very easy to follow.
Saturday night was Nana Bear's elementary school fundraiser. She is part of a special program through the public school system that teaches the children about Japanese culture and language in addition to the normal school cirriculum. I went through the program when I was in elementary school as well. The program has evolved into an even better experience and I have been extremely happy with our experience. While the program gets some extra funding, each year it seems that the public school budet gets slashed, and in order to keep the unique properties of this program intact, there is an auction. In addition to items familes donate, each class does an "art" project to auction off to the parents. Each child goes home and tells their parents they must have the project and begs them to get it for them. Well, Nana Bear's class project went for $650!!! Tiger Daddy and I agreed that one year we would set aside bucco bucks to bid on one of her class projects in earnest, but it wasn't going to happen this year.
Japanese Relief: In addition to raising money for the school, we also raised money for the relief effort in Japan by holding a Jan Ken Po (Rock, Paper, Scissor) contest at the Auction. I've never seen a more lively game of Jan Ken Po in my life. It was quite fun. Combined with individual donations for the relief effort, the school raised over $3,000 to send to Japan.
Sunday: This Friday we leave to visit Tiger Daddy's family in the Northwest. His grandmother was recently diagnosed with cancer AND had a stroke during surgery. She is on the mend and her prognosis is good, but a visit to her home and to see the rest of his family is long over due. I was going to make a photobook for her on Shutterfly, but now there is no time to get it shipped before we leave. So I have been wracking my brains to figure out what to bring her. I finally decided that I would make one of my fleece/brocade blankets. So off to Joann's we went, found beautiful sari material (a poly blend, but beautiful and soft) on sale. I pinned her blanket and Nana Bear's blanket, which for me is the hardest/ most time consuming part. Next, will have to find time during the laundering and packing to sew both blankets before we leave. Pictures also forthcoming.
Meanwhile, I hope everyone else is enjoying the first days of spring and celebrating with a little crafting.
We were pelted with rain and hail and lots of wind this weekend, but it was a fun, productive and ultimately beautiful weekend for us. We were busy bees with a lunch with my grandmother for her birthday, Nana Bear's school had a fundraising Auction, and lots of errands and chores to get ready for our upcoming vacation starting this Friday.
Saturday morning I hurriedly sewed a silk/fleece scarf for my grandmother. She is currently living in an assisted living facility for Alzheimers. This was the first birthday since she moved. I did visit her on Friday, her actual birthday, and brought mini cupcakes (store bought) for her, the other residents, and the staff. But on Saturday morning, while Tiger Daddy changed the oil on the car, I decided I would make the scarf for her to wear when she goes for walks to help keep her warm. It's been quite brisk here even though it's now officially Spring. It was not my best work by any stretch, but the fabric is beautiful and suites my grandmother well. It is a pink kimono silk printed with cherry blossoms. Typically, kimono fabric comes in 14-15" widths, so I got two yards and cut the fabric into two 7" strips. I have one more strip and was thinking that I might embroider beads onto the fabric on the printed blossoms. We'll see.
After lunch, while the Bears napped, I finally finished these make-up bags from Sew Like My Mom. I had intended to give them as gifts at Christmas but lost the iron vinyl and really ran out of time. Of course, a week after Christmas I find the vinyl, but not the time to finish them. These bags are truly simple to make and come out looking quite nice. Some notes about the tutorial: 1) Iron-Vinyl is not really my thing - it is very light weight and doesn't feel durable to me, so next time I think I may try regular vinyl. 2) The vinyl is slippery, so you do have to be aware when sewing. 3) When cutting the corners, cut 2.5" from the end with the seam and 2.25" from the folded end to get an even line when sewing the corners. 4) Being such a rudimentary sewer, I did use my zipper/pressure foot. 5) I added a handle. I think that I will try these for x-mas again, but this time for the guys as they look like dop kits. I will use heavier weight material, possibly oilcloth and vinyl combo depending on the patterns available. This is a great tutorial - very easy to follow.
 |
| My first attempt w/o a handle. |
 |
| My second attempt with handle. |
Saturday night was Nana Bear's elementary school fundraiser. She is part of a special program through the public school system that teaches the children about Japanese culture and language in addition to the normal school cirriculum. I went through the program when I was in elementary school as well. The program has evolved into an even better experience and I have been extremely happy with our experience. While the program gets some extra funding, each year it seems that the public school budet gets slashed, and in order to keep the unique properties of this program intact, there is an auction. In addition to items familes donate, each class does an "art" project to auction off to the parents. Each child goes home and tells their parents they must have the project and begs them to get it for them. Well, Nana Bear's class project went for $650!!! Tiger Daddy and I agreed that one year we would set aside bucco bucks to bid on one of her class projects in earnest, but it wasn't going to happen this year.
Japanese Relief: In addition to raising money for the school, we also raised money for the relief effort in Japan by holding a Jan Ken Po (Rock, Paper, Scissor) contest at the Auction. I've never seen a more lively game of Jan Ken Po in my life. It was quite fun. Combined with individual donations for the relief effort, the school raised over $3,000 to send to Japan.
Sunday: This Friday we leave to visit Tiger Daddy's family in the Northwest. His grandmother was recently diagnosed with cancer AND had a stroke during surgery. She is on the mend and her prognosis is good, but a visit to her home and to see the rest of his family is long over due. I was going to make a photobook for her on Shutterfly, but now there is no time to get it shipped before we leave. So I have been wracking my brains to figure out what to bring her. I finally decided that I would make one of my fleece/brocade blankets. So off to Joann's we went, found beautiful sari material (a poly blend, but beautiful and soft) on sale. I pinned her blanket and Nana Bear's blanket, which for me is the hardest/ most time consuming part. Next, will have to find time during the laundering and packing to sew both blankets before we leave. Pictures also forthcoming.
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| The wrong side of the sari fabric for Grandma's blanket. If the wrong side looks that good... |
Sunday, March 20, 2011
From my iPhone
Went to Joann's to buy brocade for a special blanket for Tiger Daddy's grandma and found all brocade was $4 off! Bought this beautiful brocade and pinned it to raspberry fleece today. Must finish it by Thursday.
Trying out the posting feature using the SMS feature on my phone. Tried to send a photo, but that didn't work.
Trying out the posting feature using the SMS feature on my phone. Tried to send a photo, but that didn't work.
Keyboard Mishap
On Friday night, the Dare Bear spilled the last bit of my drink onto the keyboard, which makes posting a little difficult (at this moment I am at my parents' computer). While we do use a laptop, we have it plugged into an external screen and keyboard and it is quite awkward to type on the laptop keyboard in this configuration. Combine this with our upcoming vacation to the Northwest at the end of next week (and the needed prep this week), posting will be quite intermittent.
But, crafting has been in high gear this weekend. Will post more of my activities at a more convenient time.
But, crafting has been in high gear this weekend. Will post more of my activities at a more convenient time.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Creative Space: Happy St. Patrick's Day
Finished! Get to cross off another goal for March. My four leaf clover key chains turned out well. However, they aren't really key chains as I used book rings because they are easier and cheaper (on short notice) than key rings. They are for Nana Bear's class so I thought that it would be easier for the kids to open these than prying the other key rings open.
So far the luck of the Irish has been with me this week. In addition to these faux key chains, I cut the fabric for two placements for my college roommate's twins who just turned one.
I used the yellow chick from the above (Scribble Panel Pink from Fabric. com) and will applique it to a pink background for their little girl.
And the Puppy in the boat (One The Move Panel also from Fabric.com) and will use a yellow background for their little boy.
At first, when I saw these panels, I wondered what people could make from them. And then a few weeks ago the light went on and eureka! I got it. There are so many applications for these panels. The individual squares can be used in a variety of functions, including to decorate placemats and t-shirts. I'm a little slow and unoriginal, but I get it now. So I'm very excited to use these panels in other crafts.
On a personal note, interviewed for a very interesting, higher level position yesterday and today. The interviews went really well and more importantly, I find the position very exciting. It would utilize my administrative skills while allowing me to stretch my social work/counseling skills again. And since it would be a higher level position, I should also be bringing home more money too. EXCITING!! Even if I don't get this position, it's great to know that there are these types of jobs available - I just have to find them. All-in-all a much better week than last.
Happy St. Patrick's Day to all - hope you are blessed with the luck of the Irish as well.
For more Creative Spaces, visit kootoyoo
Alzheimer’s disease on the rise - Chicago Sun-Times
Alzheimer’s disease on the rise - Chicago Sun-Times
My grandmother has Alzheimer's. And there is no truer statement than, “The toll on families is devastating.” (Beth Kallmyer, senior director of constituent services of the Alzheimer's Association) For years my mother (her daughter-in-law) and my grandfather took care of my greandmother at home - toileting, bathing, feeding. My mom took early retirement to take care of her. My mom is 4'7" and weighs 80-ish pounds. My grandmother was a tad bit over 5' tall and weighs about 125 pounds. It would take both my mother and grandfather to get my grandmother to walk to and from the car and up the stairs.
My grandfather passed away a little over a year ago and mom finally said she could not take care of her mother-in-law by herself. My Aunts and father stepped in to help, but still it wasn't enough. My grandmother would fall off the toilet (a caregiver was always present) and spoke less and less, slept more and more.
At the end of last year, my family finally agreed (or did not fight) that assisted living would be best action. The first time I visited was difficult to see her there. While the staff were nice and friendly, the overall decor was inpersonal, which really is what one would expect at a facility like this, and not like home. But I did see my grandmother was more alert and recently, she began speaking again.
As much as we would like to take care of our loved ones at home, sometimes it is better for everyone not to. When we visit my grandmother now, we are going with the intent to see and interact with her. Before, we were going home for dinner and we would say hi and talk to her a little, but there was always something else to be done too - dinner to cook, laundry to do, kids to watch. Now the focus is entirely on her when we see her.
It's still difficult to see her living at the assisted living facility, but when I look at the overall benefits to everyone in the family, I know that this is the best solution.
My grandmother has Alzheimer's. And there is no truer statement than, “The toll on families is devastating.” (Beth Kallmyer, senior director of constituent services of the Alzheimer's Association) For years my mother (her daughter-in-law) and my grandfather took care of my greandmother at home - toileting, bathing, feeding. My mom took early retirement to take care of her. My mom is 4'7" and weighs 80-ish pounds. My grandmother was a tad bit over 5' tall and weighs about 125 pounds. It would take both my mother and grandfather to get my grandmother to walk to and from the car and up the stairs.
My grandfather passed away a little over a year ago and mom finally said she could not take care of her mother-in-law by herself. My Aunts and father stepped in to help, but still it wasn't enough. My grandmother would fall off the toilet (a caregiver was always present) and spoke less and less, slept more and more.
At the end of last year, my family finally agreed (or did not fight) that assisted living would be best action. The first time I visited was difficult to see her there. While the staff were nice and friendly, the overall decor was inpersonal, which really is what one would expect at a facility like this, and not like home. But I did see my grandmother was more alert and recently, she began speaking again.
As much as we would like to take care of our loved ones at home, sometimes it is better for everyone not to. When we visit my grandmother now, we are going with the intent to see and interact with her. Before, we were going home for dinner and we would say hi and talk to her a little, but there was always something else to be done too - dinner to cook, laundry to do, kids to watch. Now the focus is entirely on her when we see her.
It's still difficult to see her living at the assisted living facility, but when I look at the overall benefits to everyone in the family, I know that this is the best solution.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Today's Inspiration: homework's papermache Eggs
I'm pretty much giving up Facebook during the days. So to fill those long, never ending holds that I am inevitably placed on during the work day will be filled by perusing my craft sites. Today's inspiration comes from Carolyn at homework: papermache eggs. I can't wait to try this with Nana Bear for Easter. I think it will be great fun for her to pick out the paper and make the eggs and I think the family will be happy not to have a dozen hard boiled eggs to eat. Not that there's anything wrong with hard boiled eggs, but, um, a dozen is a lot for us.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
More Progress: Shamrock Pattern
So I am slowly but surely working on this month's goals. Nothing to completely cross off tonight, but progress as been made on two fronts: Nana Bear's blanket and Four Leaf Clover Key chains.
Tiger Daddy took the kids food shopping this evening, giving me unfettered access to the nice clean floor in the kids room. At the moment, it's the only clean space, large enough for me to lay out the fabric for the blankets. I am using a double sided, pink ultra cuddly fleece (from Fabric.com) and a make-up, girly pink flannel. I do have a single-sided rose fleece, but this time I opted for the double-sided since Nana Bear runs cold (as do most women vs. men). So got the pieces cut and now I just need to pin them together and sew. Looks like I'll get it done before our trip.
For the key chains, I was going to use the pattern I found on the Lion's Brand Yarn site, but it calls for making the leaves individually and then chaining them together and, well, I just don't like having to fasten off so much. So I remembered that Sarah at Sarahndipities had a pattern for a shamrock garland, which worked much better for me and my laziness.
The major changes to my pattern was 1) to chain 5 initially instead of 3 because I was having a hard time finding the center of the ring with just a chain 3 (pathetic, yeah?), 2) I wanted four leaf clovers, so I added a leaf, and 3) I lengthened the stem and single crocheted back towards the center and the slipped stitched to the center ring. I made the stem thicker since I will be attaching the key ring to the end of the stem and wanted it to be stronger.
My Pattern:
Abbreviations:
Chain - Ch
Slip stitch -sl
Single crochet -sc
Double crochet - dc
Treble crochet - trc
Ch 5, sl to first ch to form a ring.
1 Leaf: Sl into ring, ch 3, trc, dc, trc, ch 3, sl into ring *repeat to make as many leaves as you like - shamrocks have 3 leaves, and, of course, the mythical Four Leaf Clovers have 4
Stem: After last leaf is made, chain 10, sc into 3rd ch from hook and into each chain all the way back down the stem, sl to ring. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Thanks Sarahndipities for the pattern to work off of.
Tiger Daddy took the kids food shopping this evening, giving me unfettered access to the nice clean floor in the kids room. At the moment, it's the only clean space, large enough for me to lay out the fabric for the blankets. I am using a double sided, pink ultra cuddly fleece (from Fabric.com) and a make-up, girly pink flannel. I do have a single-sided rose fleece, but this time I opted for the double-sided since Nana Bear runs cold (as do most women vs. men). So got the pieces cut and now I just need to pin them together and sew. Looks like I'll get it done before our trip.
For the key chains, I was going to use the pattern I found on the Lion's Brand Yarn site, but it calls for making the leaves individually and then chaining them together and, well, I just don't like having to fasten off so much. So I remembered that Sarah at Sarahndipities had a pattern for a shamrock garland, which worked much better for me and my laziness.
The major changes to my pattern was 1) to chain 5 initially instead of 3 because I was having a hard time finding the center of the ring with just a chain 3 (pathetic, yeah?), 2) I wanted four leaf clovers, so I added a leaf, and 3) I lengthened the stem and single crocheted back towards the center and the slipped stitched to the center ring. I made the stem thicker since I will be attaching the key ring to the end of the stem and wanted it to be stronger.
My Pattern:
Abbreviations:
Chain - Ch
Slip stitch -sl
Single crochet -sc
Double crochet - dc
Treble crochet - trc
Ch 5, sl to first ch to form a ring.
1 Leaf: Sl into ring, ch 3, trc, dc, trc, ch 3, sl into ring *repeat to make as many leaves as you like - shamrocks have 3 leaves, and, of course, the mythical Four Leaf Clovers have 4
Stem: After last leaf is made, chain 10, sc into 3rd ch from hook and into each chain all the way back down the stem, sl to ring. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Thanks Sarahndipities for the pattern to work off of.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Goal Completed: Dare Bear's Blanket
Finally, some real crafting done this month. Tonight I finished Dare Bear's Flannel and fleece blanket. Rather simple, but he will like it.
I have been buying different fleece to get an idea of texture and weight. I used a cuddly, one-sided fleece. I didn't realize that it was one-sided when I purchased online and was a little disappointed when I received it. However, upon completion, I see the advantages of one-sided fleece. Since the blanket is flannel on one side, there is no need for the fleece to be double sided unless I wanted a much heavier blanket. The one-sided fleece is much lighter than the super cuddly, double-sided fleece. It makes this blanket a little more versatile, since now I can use it pretty much year round either on his bed or on trips.
Next blanket will be Nana Bear's flannel/fleece blanket. Hopefully I will get it done in time for our trip Northwest at the end of the month. But, next on the to do list will be the shamrock key chains or pins, not sure which yet. First, I need to turn some out so I can see what would look best. St. Paddy's Day is just around the corner, so I better hop to it.
For more Creative Spaces, pop over to Kirsty's kootoyoo.
So Much for the Good Intentions
So much for my goals for the month of March. My ickies went from bad to worse last week and I was ko'd for the week with a triple whammy: virus, strep, pink eye. Even after a few days of antibiotics, I was still hobbling on Saturday and Sunday. So crafting was light. I did start sewing Dare Bear's flannel/fleece blanket, which I hope to finish this week.
Modified goals for March: complete shamrock keychains for Nana Bear's class - found a cute pattern at Lion's Brand Yarn, finish Dare's blanket, finish diaper pouches and make-up bags, blog at least once or twice a week.
Modified goals for March: complete shamrock keychains for Nana Bear's class - found a cute pattern at Lion's Brand Yarn, finish Dare's blanket, finish diaper pouches and make-up bags, blog at least once or twice a week.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
National Craft Month
Apparently March is National Craft Month, so I'm going to try to post every day this month, save for our spring break vacation at the end of the month (during which time internet accessibility will be sporadic). I hope to craft a little bit everyday this month too, which maybe a tall order since I'm starting this month out with a bout of the flu. My crafting goals for this month are to make shamrock pins for St. Patrick's Day, layout and order photobooks from Shutterfly, and finish my sewing WIPs.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Today's Inspiration: Fabric Stitchy Bookmark
Today's inspiration was brought to me by Craft Leftovers Fabric Stitchy Bookmark (via Craft Zine's Craft Daily). I've been wanting to play around with the other stitches on my sewing machine and this is a great way to use scraps. Waste not, want not. I think I will be adding this to my Christmas project list as stocking stuffers. Changes I may make: using photo fabric to incorporate a picture to personalize each bookmark.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Today's Inspiration: Quilting with literature
I was over at Kirsty's, as usual (I wish I had more hours in a day to get to all the Creative Spaces each week), and at link #1 was Kate's One Flew Over and her beautiful quilt. Not only is it a beautiful piece of craftswomanship, but I really liked the printed word sections. I'm not sure how she found/made those sections, but I am inspired to work pieces like that into my work. Pick a favorite or interesting passage from a novel, cookbook, etc., print it onto printable fabric and add it to a yet to be determined creation...
All these wonderful inspirations floating around and so little time. How do you all do it?
All these wonderful inspirations floating around and so little time. How do you all do it?
My Creative Space: Household Insanity
No pictures for this week's Creative Space yet. We might update a little later with pictures from yesterday. Our household is usually pretty crazy, but this week has been pretty insane. Dare Bear had a cold last week, which he gave to me. While I have not been overwhelmed by it, I do have this nasty cough that just won't go away and has been interrupting my sleep.
Then Nana Bear come down with the flu on Friday and spent the whole three day weekend fighting a 104 fever, which is by far the highest her fever's been in years. So yesterday she and I stayed home. It was mostly a pleasant day. She watched TV and then inventoried her new arts and craft supplies from school. She was very taken with the index cards and practiced writing between the lines on a bunch of cards. I took this time to use the nice clean space on the floor of her room to cut (and pinned) some fleece and flannel for a blanket for Dare Bear as well as cut some flusible fleece for another project.
Then came the lunch time meltdown. Ka-boom we both went complete with tears and yelling. Finally we both found some quiet space and had lunch. Both our moods improved significantly and after a little more TV, Nana Bear took a nap without any fuss. While she slept I ironed the fleece to my project, and vinyl to another project. So, overall a very crafty day and except for the midday meltdown, quiet peaceful.
So the weekend was spent keeping the kids calm and restful. I did do a little crocheting this weekend and want to try crocheting with beads to emblish my bracelets and pins. Also did get to see The Mechanic (Jason Statham is just so... yummy) with Tiger Daddy too, while my mother-in-law watched the kids.
Today, I have a minor procedure scheduled this afternoon, so we'll see how I feel later and how much crafting that I get done for the rest of the week.
For more Creative Spaces, head over to Kirsty's.
Then Nana Bear come down with the flu on Friday and spent the whole three day weekend fighting a 104 fever, which is by far the highest her fever's been in years. So yesterday she and I stayed home. It was mostly a pleasant day. She watched TV and then inventoried her new arts and craft supplies from school. She was very taken with the index cards and practiced writing between the lines on a bunch of cards. I took this time to use the nice clean space on the floor of her room to cut (and pinned) some fleece and flannel for a blanket for Dare Bear as well as cut some flusible fleece for another project.
Then came the lunch time meltdown. Ka-boom we both went complete with tears and yelling. Finally we both found some quiet space and had lunch. Both our moods improved significantly and after a little more TV, Nana Bear took a nap without any fuss. While she slept I ironed the fleece to my project, and vinyl to another project. So, overall a very crafty day and except for the midday meltdown, quiet peaceful.
So the weekend was spent keeping the kids calm and restful. I did do a little crocheting this weekend and want to try crocheting with beads to emblish my bracelets and pins. Also did get to see The Mechanic (Jason Statham is just so... yummy) with Tiger Daddy too, while my mother-in-law watched the kids.
Today, I have a minor procedure scheduled this afternoon, so we'll see how I feel later and how much crafting that I get done for the rest of the week.
For more Creative Spaces, head over to Kirsty's.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Today's Inspiration: Everyday Exercise
I was browsing My Creative Spaces at kootoyoo and found Keep Cate Busy. Her post for February 16, 2011 was regarding everyday exercise and how to increase the amount of movement we do and I found inspiring. My favorite tip: she dances with her daughter everynight before bed. Love it and so will my kids. Can't wait to start doing this... Thanks Cate!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
A Little About Me
It's been almost a month of posting on this blog and it's been quite enjoyable and fun. Thank you to those have visited and especially those who have left comments and well wishes. I really enjoy the crafting community and finding such wonderful inspiration from you fellow crafters. You all inspire me not only with new ideas, but to keep crafting on a regular basis.
Just a little bit about me and crafts:
I was blessed with crafting grandmothers and aunts and an inventive mother. For almost as far back as I can remember, probably when I was about 5 years old, my mom and I would make holiday themed gifts - valentine cards/gift baskets, Easter baskets, Thanksgiving place cards, etc. These would usually include stickers, glue, pipercleaners and other "easy" crafts as my mom would say. While my mom denies being crafty, she underestimates her creativity to keep kids busy. She was a preschool teacher so I think that really helped.
When I was a little older my grandmothers taught me how to crochet, bake, quilt, and various other crafts, and my mom and I did some basic sewing together. I have to say that I am quite an uncoordinated person and not very precise so most of my projects didn't turn out quite they way I had envisioned them. Quilts rows/columns didn't quite match up and my dresses and skirts just didn't look great. I was more successful with baking and it is one of the things I love to do with Nana Bear.
After the carefree days of college (read: when I had time during the day to goof off), I only crafted when necessary, ie Christmas time and for my wedding. I'd say for the past 10 years I would start thinking about Christmas gifts that I could make in September and October. Then I would have a rush of crafting adrenaline in November and December as I rushed to finish my projects. Each year the projects have become more and more elaborate and more and more projects go unfinished. But, those that get done have been quite rewarding. Finally, last year I decided that my crafting skills are much improved since my childhood and my crafting imagination has begun to blossom as well and here I am, blogging about crafts.
The Players:
Tiger Daddy - my wonderful, extraordinarily-good-to-me husband. The man is like MacGuyver, so he can pretty much think me out most jams. And he has be super supportive as I embark on this journey to open an Etsy shop or some similar thing.
Nana Bear - my precocious, exuberant 5.y.o daughter. We fight like cats and dogs at times. She is wise beyond her years and people say she is a carbon copy of me, which scares the dickens out of me. She loves arts and crafts and yearns for the day I will teach to crochet.
Dare Bear - my little 2 y.o. daredevil son. He loves trains, planes, and automobiles and basketball. He speaks his own little Darelish language, which we have only partially figured out, much to everyone's frustration.
We are happy, tired little family creating wonderful memories together.
Just a little bit about me and crafts:
I was blessed with crafting grandmothers and aunts and an inventive mother. For almost as far back as I can remember, probably when I was about 5 years old, my mom and I would make holiday themed gifts - valentine cards/gift baskets, Easter baskets, Thanksgiving place cards, etc. These would usually include stickers, glue, pipercleaners and other "easy" crafts as my mom would say. While my mom denies being crafty, she underestimates her creativity to keep kids busy. She was a preschool teacher so I think that really helped.
When I was a little older my grandmothers taught me how to crochet, bake, quilt, and various other crafts, and my mom and I did some basic sewing together. I have to say that I am quite an uncoordinated person and not very precise so most of my projects didn't turn out quite they way I had envisioned them. Quilts rows/columns didn't quite match up and my dresses and skirts just didn't look great. I was more successful with baking and it is one of the things I love to do with Nana Bear.
After the carefree days of college (read: when I had time during the day to goof off), I only crafted when necessary, ie Christmas time and for my wedding. I'd say for the past 10 years I would start thinking about Christmas gifts that I could make in September and October. Then I would have a rush of crafting adrenaline in November and December as I rushed to finish my projects. Each year the projects have become more and more elaborate and more and more projects go unfinished. But, those that get done have been quite rewarding. Finally, last year I decided that my crafting skills are much improved since my childhood and my crafting imagination has begun to blossom as well and here I am, blogging about crafts.
The Players:
Tiger Daddy - my wonderful, extraordinarily-good-to-me husband. The man is like MacGuyver, so he can pretty much think me out most jams. And he has be super supportive as I embark on this journey to open an Etsy shop or some similar thing.
Nana Bear - my precocious, exuberant 5.y.o daughter. We fight like cats and dogs at times. She is wise beyond her years and people say she is a carbon copy of me, which scares the dickens out of me. She loves arts and crafts and yearns for the day I will teach to crochet.
Dare Bear - my little 2 y.o. daredevil son. He loves trains, planes, and automobiles and basketball. He speaks his own little Darelish language, which we have only partially figured out, much to everyone's frustration.
We are happy, tired little family creating wonderful memories together.
Today's Inspiration: Scrabble Tile Art from Waste Not, Want Not
A few months ago an auto mishap (no one was injured) made cleaning out my parent's garage imperative. During the clean up I found many treasures from my childhood through college years - letters from old friends, pictures, greeting cards from various occasions, etc. I also found two boxes of board games my parents had boxed up and saved for me, which had completely forgotten about. Of those games was Scrabble, which I have since replaced in my own home, but I could not let those wonderful letter tiles go.
Since finding it, Scrabble has sat atop my dresser waiting to be used for some crafting purpose. I've considered doing wall art or jewelry, but nothing has really clicked. (ie I have not gotten off my butt to do anything with it)
Today's inpiration comes from Waste Not, Want Not and her 20 Min Craft Project. I love the simplicity of the project and the sentiment of her words. Lovely, lovely, lovely. It pushes me back towards a wall art project. Still need to find an occasion... but the wheels are turning again and hopefully the light bulb will go off brightly.
Since finding it, Scrabble has sat atop my dresser waiting to be used for some crafting purpose. I've considered doing wall art or jewelry, but nothing has really clicked. (ie I have not gotten off my butt to do anything with it)
Today's inpiration comes from Waste Not, Want Not and her 20 Min Craft Project. I love the simplicity of the project and the sentiment of her words. Lovely, lovely, lovely. It pushes me back towards a wall art project. Still need to find an occasion... but the wheels are turning again and hopefully the light bulb will go off brightly.
Monday, February 14, 2011
My Creative Space: Valentine's Day Insanity
Last night was another last minute scramble, this time to make sure that Nana Bear's Valentine's and class gifts were all ready for this morning. We started on most things weeks ago, but really the final details and last minute ideas just bogged me down. Nana Bear's homemade valentine's were simple enough: red construction paper folded in half and a white heart shaped doily glued down the middle inside. Nana got to decorate the cover anyway she wanted. We did 22 over three separate weekends. She can only do 6 or 7 before she gets tired. I had wanted her to do some for the family as well, but it was just too much for her overall.
I had found a great Instructable to make paper flowers and with a modification or two, I embarked on making flowers bouquets for her teachers. While the flowers were easy to make, when thinking of trying to do 24 of them at such a late hour, they became almost a herculean task. I ended up doing 12 and saving the rest to do today for my grandmother and mother.
But I am overall pleased with the results.
Happy Valentine's Day! Hope it is filled with lots of love and crafting.
For more Creative Spaces, see Kirsty at kootoyoo.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
New Project Idea: Dry Erase Board Carrier
Dare Bear, just turned two last month, loves to draw... espeically on dry erase boards. For Valentine's day, I bought him a Backyardigans travel dry erase board. I have yet to see the product, but I got to thinking during my lunch break, that I could make a portable dry erase board set, similar to a crayon caddy. It's still in the brainstorm stage, but I think it is very doable. It wouldn't be "cheap" to make since I would need to buy the dry erase board - though you can buy uncut/unfinished, so to speak, dry erase board for fairly cheap. I don't own or have space for an electric saw to cut it on, however.
My first thought was to cover a binder with fabric. On the left hand side would be pockets for a number of the fat dry erase markers and on the right side would be where I would attach the dry erase board. My thought with the binder is that the dry erase boards are heavy and would need something heavy duty to hold it. However, as I type, I'm thinking I could detach the writing surface, the actual board from the case and it would be lighter and then the entire product would be lighter. The right side of the carrying case could be a window that I slide the board behind. I think I will cover the fabric with vinyl so if the markers bleed or Dare decides to dry outside the box, as he often does, it will be easy to clean. hmm... ideas, ideas... I can't wait to spec this out!
Edited: I can't believe my luck! This evening when I got home a Discount School Supply catalog was waiting in my mail box and in it, double sided dry erase boards - one side is blank and the other side has a space for drawing and have two ruled lines for writing!!! What perfect timing. They are $2.79 each, so way cheaper than I had first anticipated. Also found dry erase makers and crayons in the catalog. So now I just have to figure out my design, which is easier said than done apparently. A big part of the problem is I am spacially uncoordinated - I have a hard time figuring out how objects will look when rotated in any direction without physically rotating it. So, when it comes to how to sew this together, I have a hard time figuring out which sides I want to keep unsewn and what layer and direction to place the handles. It makes me cross-eyed. But I have a rough plan and just have to get some measurements and finish the nitty gritty.
My first thought was to cover a binder with fabric. On the left hand side would be pockets for a number of the fat dry erase markers and on the right side would be where I would attach the dry erase board. My thought with the binder is that the dry erase boards are heavy and would need something heavy duty to hold it. However, as I type, I'm thinking I could detach the writing surface, the actual board from the case and it would be lighter and then the entire product would be lighter. The right side of the carrying case could be a window that I slide the board behind. I think I will cover the fabric with vinyl so if the markers bleed or Dare decides to dry outside the box, as he often does, it will be easy to clean. hmm... ideas, ideas... I can't wait to spec this out!
Edited: I can't believe my luck! This evening when I got home a Discount School Supply catalog was waiting in my mail box and in it, double sided dry erase boards - one side is blank and the other side has a space for drawing and have two ruled lines for writing!!! What perfect timing. They are $2.79 each, so way cheaper than I had first anticipated. Also found dry erase makers and crayons in the catalog. So now I just have to figure out my design, which is easier said than done apparently. A big part of the problem is I am spacially uncoordinated - I have a hard time figuring out how objects will look when rotated in any direction without physically rotating it. So, when it comes to how to sew this together, I have a hard time figuring out which sides I want to keep unsewn and what layer and direction to place the handles. It makes me cross-eyed. But I have a rough plan and just have to get some measurements and finish the nitty gritty.
Today's Inspiration: Random Acts of Kindness
Today's inspriation is not craft related and is from a friend, an old friend, who now lives in Texas. I have redacted his name to protect his privacy, but his Random Act of Kindness is both inspiring and humbling. This friend and his wife worked with Tiger Daddy and I almost ten years ago. We lost touch with them and I recently found this friend, who I will call Outdoors Dad, via Facebook. The weather in their area is below freezing temps. This morning he posted this:
Random Acts of Kindness
by an old friend on Thursday, February 10, 2011 at 8:44am
Last night Aubrey, Owen and I made breakfast tacos and drove out to down town Austin to give them to the homeless who were unable to get indoors. I can not tell you how humbling it is to see the fear and despair in the face of a fellow American who is hungry and freezing. Randy slept under the bridge at I-35 and Elmhurst last night as temps. dropped to 20 degrees. I had to unwrap the taco and feed it too him as his hands were already too cold to use at 7:30pm. Tonights low will be 17 degrees or less. I spent $9.49 on 2 dozen eggs, 40 tortillas, 1 pound of bacon, and a bag or hash browns. The kids helped me cook and wrap the tacos and hand them out. We were home and in bed by 8:15pm. The pride in the face of my children will warm my soul for years. It's more than just a bumper sticker my friends, so tonight please consider to "practice random acts of kindness."
Again, I was humbled and inspired by this post. Humbled because I reminded how much more my family can do for others and inspired to do more. I was also proud that we were allowed to be apart of such good people's lives, however briefly, in the past. They are truly, truly good, giving people. It doesn't take a lot of money or time to do good things for other people. Be inspired.
Again, I was humbled and inspired by this post. Humbled because I reminded how much more my family can do for others and inspired to do more. I was also proud that we were allowed to be apart of such good people's lives, however briefly, in the past. They are truly, truly good, giving people. It doesn't take a lot of money or time to do good things for other people. Be inspired.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
My Creative Space: Practicing Loop Stitch
After a fun filled weekend, I loathed to go back to work and chores. Instead I caught up on the craft blogs I follow. At One Pretty Thing, I found this link to Craft Passion's Sheep Earmuffs. The loops stitch intrigued me, so after watching her demonstration, I started practicing it. Here is my result:
I made the loops with my index finger. As you can see, the results are lacking... I'm still trying get my loops to be more uniform. The middle stitches are bit more uniform, but the loops closer to the edge aren't. But this was my first try, so I've lots of practicing to do. I like learning a new stitch, but I'm not sure what I would make with it. The earmuffs at Craft Passion are very cute.
For more Creative Spaces, visit Kirsty at kootoyoo.
I made the loops with my index finger. As you can see, the results are lacking... I'm still trying get my loops to be more uniform. The middle stitches are bit more uniform, but the loops closer to the edge aren't. But this was my first try, so I've lots of practicing to do. I like learning a new stitch, but I'm not sure what I would make with it. The earmuffs at Craft Passion are very cute.
For more Creative Spaces, visit Kirsty at kootoyoo.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Today's Inspiration:Twig and Toadstool's Heart Stamps
One of my favorite sites to visit is Twig and Toadstool. I love how Maureen gets so much inspiration from nature and uses many natural supplies. I also just love the simplicity of many of the crafts. This post from Maureen is Today's Inspiration. It's amazing how three little potato heart stamps can be used for such beautiful effects. The top photo is valentines Maureen and co. made using gold metallic paint and the bottom photo was made (again by Maureen) with glue and sprinkled with plenty of red glitter.
Beautiful no?
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| http://twigandtoadstool.blogspot.com/2011/02/potato-print-valentines.html February 3, 2011 Potato Print Valentine by Twig & Toadstool |
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| http://twigandtoadstool.blogspot.com/2011/02/potato-print-valentines.html February 3, 2011 Potato Print Valentine by Twig & Toadstool |
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