tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84557162522549496662024-03-05T05:16:32.056-05:00UFO CraftingUnfinished objects, works in progress ... whatever you want to call it, this is the year to finish it!LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12205239781719426819noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8455716252254949666.post-17455661258532170762012-05-25T19:49:00.001-04:002012-12-13T09:49:12.817-05:00Survival BraceletsLearned to make these survival bracelets made with 550 paracord from a volunteer at one of our work events. Once you learn how to tie the knots, they are easy and fast to make!<br />
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Sorry for the long delay between posts. Crafting has been on the backburner lately, thanks to Doctor Who, lots of reading, trying to get to a healthy weight, and (of course!) work. I have been adding to my to- do list in the meantime, though. Haven't been updating the list on here ... I think I'm going to change the list to completed projects only. It gets too confusing to remember to update my list app and the blog, especially at the rate that I add new projects. (Thanks to Pinterest!)<br />
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Next up is a scrapbook for my soon-to-be-born niece. Hope to have it finished soon - check back for details and pictures!LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12205239781719426819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8455716252254949666.post-21014381410197970532012-01-03T20:21:00.001-05:002012-01-29T23:21:45.133-05:00Denim Cup Insulators!Only three days into the new year, and I can cross a project off the list!<br />
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Sure, they were supposed to be completed in 2011. And yeah, the only reason they are finished is because I need to snap a picture for a blog post at work. But the important thing is, they're finished!<br />
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Since my favorite hot chocolate dealer is stingy with handing out those disposable cardboard insulators it just makes sense to create reusable versions out of denim. Besides, it's a teeny, tiny small step towards making a difference, right? <br />
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The one to the left is gold metallic foil. I'm still not thrilled with how the foil turns out - it's patchy in places. Thankfully I went with a frayed edge for the denim, so it just gives an overall worn-in look. Or so I'm telling myself!<br />
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It didn't photograph well, but the middle one is embroidered. Since I'm still learning, it's just a simple backstitch. Instead of trying to transfer the design onto the denim, I tried stitching over tracing paper. It worked out great, and it was so easy to tear the paper away from the stitches.<br />
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The one on the right is just black screenprint ink. The ink bled under the freezer paper stencil a little, making the logo a little blurry. I need to figure out a better way to use stencils (or something) on fabric other than knits.<br />
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Since I only had three cups around, I snapped a quick picture of this insulator on it's own. To use both white screenprinting ink and another foil attempt, I created two freezer paper stencils - one for the white areas and one for the foil. I stenciled the ghost first, then once the ink dried and the stencil removed, I ironed on the stencil for the foil. Again, not wild about the foil, but I think it works okay.<br />
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I have two more insulators to embroider, but there isn't a rush since they're for my husband and myself. I'll work on them off and on the rest of the week. Next up, I need to make my husband's bracelet (I promised it back before Christmas) and continue working on the "c" afghan, "r" & "d" amigurumi, and the paper cranes. Luckily, these are all great projects for the cold winter months. I still want to work on that corduroy messenger bag and wristlet, but the idea of it is super-intimidating to this sewing machine beginner! <br />
<br />LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12205239781719426819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8455716252254949666.post-68843252625634001102012-01-03T19:55:00.002-05:002012-01-03T19:55:50.458-05:002011 In Review ...Another year gone ... here's to hoping this year will be better than the last!<br />
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To kick off 2012, it's time to set new goals. In order to update my "50 projects in 2011-ish" sidebar, I'll use this post to chronicle the crafts I did manage to finish in 2011. To recap:<br />
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<ol>
<li><a href="http://ufocrafting.blogspot.com/2011/08/hiatus-is-over.html" target="_new">agenda cover</a></li>
<li><a href="http://ufocrafting.blogspot.com/2011/06/altered-puzzles.html" target="_new">altered puzzle - Batman </a></li>
<li><a href="http://ufocrafting.blogspot.com/2011/06/altered-puzzles.html" target="_new">altered puzzle - DC</a></li>
<li><a href="http://ufocrafting.blogspot.com/2011/06/altered-puzzles.html" target="_new">altered puzzle - X-Men</a></li>
<li><a href="http://ufocrafting.blogspot.com/2011/06/altered-puzzles.html" target="_new">altered puzzle - Marvel</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://ufocrafting.blogspot.com/2011/02/pastry-pincushions.html" target="_new">amigurumi pincushions</a></li>
<li><a href="http://ufocrafting.blogspot.com/2011/05/red-amigurumi-car.html" target="_new">amigurumi red car</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=380327.0" target="_new">bead loom bookmark</a></li>
<li><a href="http://ufocrafting.blogspot.com/2011/02/granted-this-project-didnt-make.html" target="_new">beaded bracelet</a></li>
<li><a href="http://ufocrafting.blogspot.com/2011/07/craft-fail-and-tiny-win.html" target="_new">BSG tote (stencil)</a></li>
<li><a href="http://ufocrafting.blogspot.com/2011/07/craft-fail-and-tiny-win.html" target="_new">bubble wrap bracelet</a></li>
<li><a href="http://ufocrafting.blogspot.com/2011/03/two-boards-complete.html" target="_new">card techniques</a></li>
<li><a href="http://ufocrafting.blogspot.com/2011/04/make-it-work.html" target="_new">carved stamps</a></li>
<li><a href="http://ufocrafting.blogspot.com/2011/08/hiatus-is-over.html" target="_new">cassette tape bracelets</a></li>
<li><a href="http://ufocrafting.blogspot.com/2011/08/hiatus-is-over.html" target="_new">dinosaur field guide</a></li>
<li><a href="http://ufocrafting.blogspot.com/2011/11/two-new-projects-finally.html" target="_new">dinosaur memory</a></li>
<li><a href="http://ufocrafting.blogspot.com/2011/11/two-new-projects-finally.html" target="_new">iSpy toy</a></li>
<li><a href="http://ufocrafting.blogspot.com/2011/04/make-it-work.html" target="_new">kerchief - bleach dye </a></li>
<li><a href="http://ufocrafting.blogspot.com/2011/04/embroidery-attempts.html" target="_new">kerchief - embroider</a></li>
<li><a href="http://ufocrafting.blogspot.com/2011/04/make-it-work.html" target="_new">kerchief - freezer stencil</a></li>
<li><a href="http://ufocrafting.blogspot.com/2011/04/make-it-work.html" target="_new">kerchief - screenprint</a></li>
<li><a href="http://ufocrafting.blogspot.com/2011/04/make-it-work.html" target="_new">kerchief - sharpie dye </a></li>
<li><a href="http://ufocrafting.blogspot.com/2011/04/make-it-work.html" target="_new">kerchief - sharpie lines </a></li>
<li><a href="http://ufocrafting.blogspot.com/2011/08/hiatus-is-over.html" target="_new">little horror house</a></li>
<li><a href="http://ufocrafting.blogspot.com/2011/05/while-city-sleeps.html" target="_new">mural</a></li>
<li><a href="http://ufocrafting.blogspot.com/2011/07/craft-fail-and-tiny-win.html" target="_new">Mutant Enemy tote (stencil)</a></li>
<li><a href="http://ufocrafting.blogspot.com/2011/08/hiatus-is-over.html" target="_new">pop tab bracelet</a></li>
<li><a href="http://ufocrafting.blogspot.com/2011/07/pillows-and-dino-shirt.html" target="_new">sound fx pillow- Ka-BLAM</a></li>
<li><a href="http://ufocrafting.blogspot.com/2011/07/pillows-and-dino-shirt.html" target="_new">sound fx pillow- POW</a></li>
<li><a href="http://ufocrafting.blogspot.com/2011/07/pillows-and-dino-shirt.html" target="_new">sound fx pillow- WHAM </a> </li>
<li><a href="http://ufocrafting.blogspot.com/2011/03/two-boards-complete.html" target="_new">starghan</a></li>
<li><a href="http://ufocrafting.blogspot.com/2011/12/quick-crafting.html" target="_blank">juggling balls and pincushions </a></li>
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Wow ... I finished more than I imagined. Even though I didn't make it to 50, there's definitely a sense of accomplishment to see such a great list of projects. I didn't get those denim cup insulators finished for 2011, but they have the honor of being first on the finish list for 2012!LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12205239781719426819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8455716252254949666.post-72409158677881599552011-12-12T14:31:00.001-05:002011-12-12T14:31:22.730-05:00Quick CraftingStill not a lot of crafting going on - it's been difficult to get motivated. I did manage to whip up four juggling balls, a doughnut, and a cupcake for a stocking exchange at work:<br />
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The picture was snapped with my cell phone - not the greatest - but I didn't mind since I've been making the doughnuts, cupcakes, and juggling balls/hackey sacks for a long time. The other goodies in the stocking include a puzzle cube, two fun pens, two puzzle books, some suckers, and two lotions. The card is handmade - leftover from my stash of cards from Christmas past. I think this particular card is from 2009, the last year that I handmade our cards. The stocking is from Hobby Lobby - I wish they had more, I want one for myself!<br />
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So, I think this brings me up to 27 crafted projects in 2011! Even with my upcoming vacation from work, I know I won't meet my goal of 50 projects. But, it's okay. I'm proud that I managed to complete a little over half my goal. If I truly counted each item made (as in, each altered puzzle as it's own project) my total is 37 projects. Hmm, even better!<br />
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Even though I won't meet my goal of 50, I plan to complete a few more projects by the end of 2011. Starting this Friday at 4:30 p.m., I'll be on vacation until January 3, 2012, which means plenty of time to craft, and hopefully time to develop a healthy habit of regular exercise. Here's a mini-list of the projects I hope to finish by the time I return to work in 2012 (in priority order):<br />
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<ul>
<li>denim cupwarmers (Christmas gifts, and project for the blog at work)</li>
<li>cord bracelets (Christmas gifts)</li>
<li>messenger bag </li>
<li>wallet to match </li>
<li>accessory bags to match</li>
<li>afghan - "c" (need to finish by the end of February)</li>
<li>amigurumi "d" and "r"</li>
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I'm also going to do some baking this year. I've gotten away from baking in the past couple of years, but with all the time off, it's worth it to give it a go. Sugar cookies are a must, as are buckeyes. I won't bother with peanut blossoms this year - Husband doesn't eat them, and my mom's are always better anyway. I also found this recipe for <a href="http://www.howsweeteats.com/2011/12/chocolate-fudge-smores-thumbprints/" target="_blank">chocolate fudge S'more thumbprints</a>, so I'll give them a try. I think I'll try rice krispie treats again - my last attempt failed, but maybe I'll have better luck this time.LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12205239781719426819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8455716252254949666.post-72407943115119068792011-11-09T20:47:00.000-05:002011-11-09T20:48:23.872-05:00Two New Projects ... Finally!Life's been crazy, but I managed to finish a couple of projects for my nephew's birthday ...<br />
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An iSpy bag! There are over 50 objects hidden in the bag. Objects were grouped and photographed to make the little cards. I typed the items on the back so he can use the pictures to find items now, and the words when he's older. My sewing is getting better - straighter lines! The grommets are a first. I used the cement porch outside to hammer them in, and ended up with tiny rips in the fabric. Next time I'll use a towel between the cement and the fabric! A few little dabs of fray check seemed to hide the rips.<br />
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A drawstring bag for ...<br />
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Dinosaur Train Memory! The images were printed from official Dinosaur Train <a href="http://pbskids.org/dinosaurtrain/games/fieldguide.html" target="_blank">field guide</a>. Have you ever watched the show? It's so cute! And, check this out - Dinosaur Train <a href="http://www.pbs.org/parents/dinosaurtrain/geocachingchallenge/" target="_blank">geocaches</a>! I'd really like to get into geocaching and letterboxing ... do I really have time for another hobby, though?LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12205239781719426819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8455716252254949666.post-34935123343567233562011-08-28T12:14:00.003-04:002011-08-28T14:26:32.802-04:00Hiatus is Over!Wow, the craft hiatus is definitely over. Get ready for a long post, because I've got quite a few projects finished!<br />
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<b>Agenda Cover</b><br />
Okay, so this has been finished for a while, I just haven't had a chance to <a href="http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=389413.0">post pictures</a>. Even though the bias tape isn't stitched perfectly, I'm happy with the overall piece. It's a major improvement over the super-ugly brown color of my 2011-2012 calendar. The bad news - I'm a little sick of seeing the fabric, and it's the same fabric I'll be using to make the liner for the corduroy bag! Oh well, I'll like it again soon!<br />
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The pattern was provided by a co-worker. The original pattern is for a legal pad cover, and it took just a few modifications to get it to work as a cover for my agenda. Of course, there were quite a few mistakes in my mod planning! It was definitely a learning experience. I also added the business card holder and the extra flap pockets. I also added the cardstock monthly tabs - it's so much easier to flip between months now!<br />
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<b>Little House of Horrors</b><br />
It's finally finished, and <a href="http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=389411.0">posted</a>. I've been working on this project for over a year! Inspired by Knickertwist's amazing fairy and whimsy houses on <a href="http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=353043.0">Craftster</a>. Once I saw her amazing work, I knew I wanted to try my own version. We needed some type of Halloween decoration for our mantle and we love horror movies, so a horror movie inspired little house seemed like a natural fit.<br />
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Yes, this is the very same horror house project that sent my into my craft hiatus! I had stayed up super-late one night to try to finish the piece. My original plan was to glue sticks to the roof. The plan failed, and I gave up. Then, I found the moss at the bottom of the project bag. I had picked up the moss at the dollar store several months ago - I think I had originally planned to use it as carpet in the bedroom of the house. But, last night, I used it on the roof of the house. Not only does it add a little earthiness to the house, it also helps cover up the hot glue mess. Hooray!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNuWTnJM_crt7USuZWNGmD3Rg6f4oLFft0ZnxYkMJVVd2HMYVF2ROqki-YnGaoY1MLA7X6LkZJIPCImzSYVFC3Fv7lzveLgR7XyOHjFssGtB4ZGOPuRmNSTLXpAfhnb767yNr5JFeXM7s/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNuWTnJM_crt7USuZWNGmD3Rg6f4oLFft0ZnxYkMJVVd2HMYVF2ROqki-YnGaoY1MLA7X6LkZJIPCImzSYVFC3Fv7lzveLgR7XyOHjFssGtB4ZGOPuRmNSTLXpAfhnb767yNr5JFeXM7s/s200/019.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8VrJIEWgEd2BoZPs45rARllYBXIjt1BaCo0VWzvflhJT4N9FANtIGeV3A3LXGlZc6gmYZgCVyuNQGJ3OsVf7pzjbgA7HSvhtGrZ_94F6FXNqG07ciLMJ3n9EJun9krryDg_3bYXqaKKU/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8VrJIEWgEd2BoZPs45rARllYBXIjt1BaCo0VWzvflhJT4N9FANtIGeV3A3LXGlZc6gmYZgCVyuNQGJ3OsVf7pzjbgA7HSvhtGrZ_94F6FXNqG07ciLMJ3n9EJun9krryDg_3bYXqaKKU/s200/020.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoij2OVH9tL63Cb7F-m01l2NAVTbUohjQ_fQWGedYFDmTSxKTaROZv3zyRFYVDLlIDkPNKoqqdDTXYQvTpCBb_apFC1Sq-8jojqE9iiU6_B76rk3lcEPiHmL0peEGBvE9FWZBnHGatU9A/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoij2OVH9tL63Cb7F-m01l2NAVTbUohjQ_fQWGedYFDmTSxKTaROZv3zyRFYVDLlIDkPNKoqqdDTXYQvTpCBb_apFC1Sq-8jojqE9iiU6_B76rk3lcEPiHmL0peEGBvE9FWZBnHGatU9A/s200/018.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><br />
Inside shots:<br />
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<b>Upcycled Jewelry</b><br />
At work, we have a huge teen event coming up, and I'm facilitating an upcycled jewelry workshop. I needed to whip up a couple of samples - a pop tab bracelet and a woven bracelet using a kumihimo weaving wheel and cassette tapes. I also tried using an 8-track tape, I think the results turned out a little bit better - what do you think? (The 8-track is the thicker bracelet.)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFUn3dVjvjbSVFRUQ7cY1KK82OSaZ8WU2Qybajud_XNU_WMGgtKklbd6n5QOCZMGixMluVeuHC6UlzRc238eREVM4ZZhBbOHQUhVayldGdLzc3vZ0aOLYCxi7ywvcQTVBt3PE6Hv1S46k/s1600/pop+tab+bracelet1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFUn3dVjvjbSVFRUQ7cY1KK82OSaZ8WU2Qybajud_XNU_WMGgtKklbd6n5QOCZMGixMluVeuHC6UlzRc238eREVM4ZZhBbOHQUhVayldGdLzc3vZ0aOLYCxi7ywvcQTVBt3PE6Hv1S46k/s200/pop+tab+bracelet1.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhReN_0XxSsmtXZx4nboDdQS0ITiLimfxDci7XjzzWkqdKFEaxYuUMnML4vb6DUL5NNLxhM0NHSqU1bv3SFmDOhAGAZe2BR1Y6ZvVHi7E1p5LsyHiR8iBoYP2ZgBvMDJU7ZvUHFEd5MVQc/s1600/pop+tab+bracelet2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhReN_0XxSsmtXZx4nboDdQS0ITiLimfxDci7XjzzWkqdKFEaxYuUMnML4vb6DUL5NNLxhM0NHSqU1bv3SFmDOhAGAZe2BR1Y6ZvVHi7E1p5LsyHiR8iBoYP2ZgBvMDJU7ZvUHFEd5MVQc/s200/pop+tab+bracelet2.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaT1unkj1iP67easFvdDqUZViWkHidKdqAvClnCa0fJG-IWlteHXhSR92KvgGkZ-qDAIk6TVlkEMqHN_4XfYRszJsWXp7f_D07JZYxVahLCy0JTaLC6-Ul1JW5AVrz8S9s3X8oNR7nE88/s1600/cassete+tape+and+8track+tape+bracelets.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaT1unkj1iP67easFvdDqUZViWkHidKdqAvClnCa0fJG-IWlteHXhSR92KvgGkZ-qDAIk6TVlkEMqHN_4XfYRszJsWXp7f_D07JZYxVahLCy0JTaLC6-Ul1JW5AVrz8S9s3X8oNR7nE88/s200/cassete+tape+and+8track+tape+bracelets.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
No pictures, but I also finished a Dinosaur Field Guide and dinosaur memory game using printables from Dinosaur Train's web site. The two pieces will be gifts for my nephew's birthday. So happy the hiatus is over!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12205239781719426819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8455716252254949666.post-66678324568322358842011-08-22T10:11:00.000-04:002011-08-22T10:11:31.227-04:00Crafting HiatusWow, I can't believe how long it's been since I've posted. It's been a crazy few weeks. I did finally finish the agenda cover, but I haven't taken pics yet. The little horror house just did me in. I stayed up until the wee hours of the morning on July 31, hoping to finish the project. I've put so many hours into it, and I was determined to have it finished for the July challenge on the "50 Projects..." board. Around midnight, I realized I wasn't going to finish in time for the deadline, but I kept at it anyway. Finally, as I tried (in vain) to glue sticks to the roof, I gave up. I actually gave up. I think it broke me - I haven't crafted anything since.<br />
<br />
What happened? The hot glue was just messy, and it kept showing through the sticks. It looked terrible. Sure, the house project is supposed to be a little house of horrors, but that doesn't mean it should look sloppy. It just wasn't the quality I expect of myself. And, after all the work went into all the other little details of the project, it just doesn't feel right to put together a sloppy roof. I think I've found a solution, but I haven't been able to bring myself to go back to it. Hopefully this week I'll have it in me to give this new idea a try.<br />
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So, with this hiatus, I'm not sure if I'll be able to meet my "Post on every Craftster board..." goal. I'm going to keep trying, though!LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12205239781719426819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8455716252254949666.post-21906006890825250462011-07-08T21:28:00.001-04:002011-07-08T21:31:55.907-04:00Craft Fail and a Tiny WinLet's start with the fail - they're not horrible, but these stenciled totes definitely did not turn out like I expected. Here's where both bags started:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjnXXhup4ENfq4XYJRjjxdqbVO0Nxxsr9Nk2U5OQLskx519Kb2RT-WVLEveF8KvnzMJeOWxOtZXshj30Y3O2Vff0_KRdJF9XI1zqSyGkGRnJHkQjeD2nMOCSy_wmoodmO_NGKgenw1ybU/s1600/BSG+and+Whedon+bag+before.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjnXXhup4ENfq4XYJRjjxdqbVO0Nxxsr9Nk2U5OQLskx519Kb2RT-WVLEveF8KvnzMJeOWxOtZXshj30Y3O2Vff0_KRdJF9XI1zqSyGkGRnJHkQjeD2nMOCSy_wmoodmO_NGKgenw1ybU/s320/BSG+and+Whedon+bag+before.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Grabbed my seam ripper and took out all the embroidery. Then I traced and cut my freezer paper stencils. When I started ironing the stencils to the bag, I wondered if there would be issues. The bags are made from a canvas-ish type of material and the freezer paper didn't seem to want to stick very well, especially in the areas with delicate cutting. Anyway, here are the two finished bags:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHI3GpCffQcYIU01xzndM-tmz4B7VWt8Bf939u1d8uJUbMQw9M5vBt8NHVYwH0XJe0V1bhkZ_4i5ecddKIw1kumke_uhv3nuQ5DDayA5Xsh3ZaNsCcTk7uCXiWTOh8EIPqPL-HAos-oaY/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHI3GpCffQcYIU01xzndM-tmz4B7VWt8Bf939u1d8uJUbMQw9M5vBt8NHVYwH0XJe0V1bhkZ_4i5ecddKIw1kumke_uhv3nuQ5DDayA5Xsh3ZaNsCcTk7uCXiWTOh8EIPqPL-HAos-oaY/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggWQZQ0lhugzdBIOpHmtcHjRxRCXHrtBHHrnWfri1XY4iMy2w025evSd8PeYYCylvAnwb8jZ2sHvkVEo5muiVCLCnGLwTWEdR0NHDU6UFMWkKuKxTIkaGVk7TJtNUJJkOO3lRCyBJjCWU/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggWQZQ0lhugzdBIOpHmtcHjRxRCXHrtBHHrnWfri1XY4iMy2w025evSd8PeYYCylvAnwb8jZ2sHvkVEo5muiVCLCnGLwTWEdR0NHDU6UFMWkKuKxTIkaGVk7TJtNUJJkOO3lRCyBJjCWU/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
If you look closely, you can see where the paint bled under the stencil. No huge deal, but I'm not thrilled either. I'm also not thrilled with the paint itself. I usually use paint meant for screen printing fabric - I think it's by Speedball - but I didn't want to spend the extra $ to get the super nice metallic paint. Instead, I used Plaid's Simply Screen paints. The paint just didn't give me the solid metallic look I was hoping for. It could just be because of the canvas-ish fabric, or because the fabric is black. Oh well - the totes are just for organizing and carrying various craft projects. At least they weren't gifts for other people!<br />
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Here's the tiny bit of win - a <a href="http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=384786.0">fused bubble wrap bracelet</a>:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtNKpTsvgwDPmTnDClNhGrjc2CVqJu7reTV1igVO638ilaMhFCgrWpOZuByq6i2Iofg2NQBHKNzfA2xb_rJAXoz0ioPddv8Rdr25mghUCnCFze_0OxYbczOkgjxT-7fmdSFiSyRattZU4/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtNKpTsvgwDPmTnDClNhGrjc2CVqJu7reTV1igVO638ilaMhFCgrWpOZuByq6i2Iofg2NQBHKNzfA2xb_rJAXoz0ioPddv8Rdr25mghUCnCFze_0OxYbczOkgjxT-7fmdSFiSyRattZU4/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The bracelet looks kinda sparse - I think it needs some charms or something. Maybe later I'll turn this bracelet into the shrink art playbill bracelet ...<br />
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The technique is from this <a href="http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=378142.0">tutorial </a>on Craftster. After fusing the bubble wrap, I wasn't sure I'd be happy with the final look. It didn't seem to look as nice as the fused pieces in the tutorial's pictures. Once I punched out some circles, though, it was all good!<br />
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So, July has been going well. This weekend I plan to break out the sewing machine to tackle that tote bag, the wristlet, the agenda cover and maybe even a superhero monster ninni!LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12205239781719426819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8455716252254949666.post-17432787241070386232011-07-03T13:43:00.000-04:002011-07-03T13:43:38.486-04:00Pillows and Dino ShirtThe <a href="http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=384337.0">sound effects pillows</a> are finished! What an adventure - first time sewing piping, first time using the zipper foot, heck it's the first time I've even changed the foot on my sewing machine. Here's the finished product:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7BN4pl_QBkAlIxFW_kE4X-a8h0ztFSakitUMYVBkEz6jvD-ANIS5NncrqAWNXHOLxs4DtQIi1xgMbqm7XWX1XZCco02qxgnc9AbAaJ317GH5MkU0ySr40Z57rZuTJK2HOM1Dh1jrEkEo/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7BN4pl_QBkAlIxFW_kE4X-a8h0ztFSakitUMYVBkEz6jvD-ANIS5NncrqAWNXHOLxs4DtQIi1xgMbqm7XWX1XZCco02qxgnc9AbAaJ317GH5MkU0ySr40Z57rZuTJK2HOM1Dh1jrEkEo/s320/008.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>And, the close ups:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm29N7worIj-RzM1Fzkw72yEHfoYEIN41JXlz9bG6DCQLJQEG_OkTyOKB_OY7fwHjWmFic8Vpo7WvY0RGEpE70aO05Gj8UIDyGKhGS9t_flP31zn40yug2-ekjq8XPxmNkgfMv8nDpuG8/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm29N7worIj-RzM1Fzkw72yEHfoYEIN41JXlz9bG6DCQLJQEG_OkTyOKB_OY7fwHjWmFic8Vpo7WvY0RGEpE70aO05Gj8UIDyGKhGS9t_flP31zn40yug2-ekjq8XPxmNkgfMv8nDpuG8/s320/005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNWky-8lUvuMovhHgaFe9wf0XL8O6TM_QMyw1ppxejaXQ2hLCP6GdP4geg3K0Hsqe1aPOmJTPxVUzYOTLQfG0NGof9eAvrSJ1mCGtBGux7fo9S8rOmqdgvvIQaJZM5JoxxIJQE3j5ZFeY/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNWky-8lUvuMovhHgaFe9wf0XL8O6TM_QMyw1ppxejaXQ2hLCP6GdP4geg3K0Hsqe1aPOmJTPxVUzYOTLQfG0NGof9eAvrSJ1mCGtBGux7fo9S8rOmqdgvvIQaJZM5JoxxIJQE3j5ZFeY/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwNFSyP-vjbQJLVCZEavJvvykFZ3SW6-JeRw2ATNL5eYC8Fmzeh2z9kmRL1uWxG99RDD8TqPeQ3nZVbbenCHN2uLat0iBeApQ6mjlfcrqWRrMbYaGAePtziP1LEKQKQHV3QqI0Ng323Tk/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwNFSyP-vjbQJLVCZEavJvvykFZ3SW6-JeRw2ATNL5eYC8Fmzeh2z9kmRL1uWxG99RDD8TqPeQ3nZVbbenCHN2uLat0iBeApQ6mjlfcrqWRrMbYaGAePtziP1LEKQKQHV3QqI0Ng323Tk/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
All three pillows were supposed to have envelope backs. Unfortunately I was too cut-happy on the yellow shirt and I had to stick with a plain old regular back. After learning my lesson, I was able to use the envelope style on both red pillows.<br />
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The images are from the pillows at <a href="http://www.jellio.com/store/pillow.html">Jellio</a>. Who can afford to spend $60 - each - on those pillows? Mine are better anyway - black piping and colors that help tie the guest room together. Making and using the stencils was fun - I love the reveal, pulling off the freezer paper to find the crisp, clean lines is exciting!<br />
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This <a href="http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=384337.0">dinosaur shirt</a> isn't on the list, but I had a spare child-sized t-shirt and my stenciling supplies were out. My nephew loves dinosaurs, so crafting up a quick dinosaur shirt was a nice way to clear another supply out of my craft closet:<br />
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It's a size or two too large, but it'll be a great pajama shirt or smock.<br />
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Stenciling supplies are still out - now it's time to work on those tote bags!LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12205239781719426819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8455716252254949666.post-56370380426032515792011-07-02T16:22:00.003-04:002011-07-08T21:33:21.596-04:00July's ListThe moderator for the 50 Projects craftalong posts monthly challenges. The challenge for June was to craft something inspired by another post on Craftster. Most of my crafty to-do list is inspired from other posts on Craftster, so it should have been an easy challenge! Unfortunately the altered puzzles took longer than I anticipated and I didn't get a chance to participate in the June challenge.<br />
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Today, I noticed the July challenge - craft something for the holidays. I don't want to add anything else to my list at this time, but I could definitely finish the little house of horrors! After all, the plan is to use the finished house as a Halloween decoration. Trying to get the house finished will be challenge - there are other projects that have to take priority right now.<br />
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So, to help keep me on task and motivated, here's my July priority list:<br />
<ol><li><a href="http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=384337.0">dino shirt for nephew</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=384337.0">sound fx pillows</a></li>
<li><a href="http://ufocrafting.blogspot.com/2011/07/craft-fail-and-tiny-win.html">BSG tote</a></li>
<li><a href="http://ufocrafting.blogspot.com/2011/07/craft-fail-and-tiny-win.html">Whedon tote</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=384786.0">bubble wrap necklace</a></li>
<li>cord tote and accessory bag</li>
<li>agenda cover and tabs</li>
<li>wristlet</li>
<li>horror house</li>
<li>sound fx canvases</li>
</ol>I'd also like to craft a couple of Monster Ninnis while I have the sewing machine out. I have some leftover fabric bits from other projects, and I'm sure I'll have some leftover fabric from the matching bag/tote/wristlet/agenda set. But if the Ninnis aren't finished for July, no big deal.<br />
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The shirt for my nephew is a bonus project. The shirt was leftover from making the pillow covers and since I'll have the freezer paper stencil supplies out anyway why not stencil a dinosaur on the shirt. The shirt will be a little big, but he can use it for pajamas or a smock. The BSG and Whedon totes - I hadn't planned to work on those projects either, but since the stenciling supplies are out, why not?LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12205239781719426819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8455716252254949666.post-79332860342519367832011-06-26T19:20:00.002-04:002011-07-02T12:59:15.832-04:00Altered PuzzlesThey're finally finished! I wanted to create some kind of artwork to hang on the wall opposite the mural in the guest room. Inspired by the altered puzzles on <a href="http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=383835.msg4545139#msg4545139">Craftster</a>, I decided to create an altered puzzle series using comic book characters.<br />
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The first one made was the Batman themed set. Compared with the other three, I'm not as happy with the result - it just doesn't look as nice. But it's okay - it was my first, so it's to be expected that I wouldn't hit my stride until working on the other puzzles later!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1wv8mWN_b2nz3A-fWnAVsm4FZLc4d84OGrMj8GS_igzce7dondBBkw6wS6HqomnJPyyE-s7tbIkP_PyRZfXxj_tTThbSC2UXdmMrWb3w6TNbtw7M_tZEu_NJoEwyT9fZhtYrvHK-6zGc/s1600/Batman.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1wv8mWN_b2nz3A-fWnAVsm4FZLc4d84OGrMj8GS_igzce7dondBBkw6wS6HqomnJPyyE-s7tbIkP_PyRZfXxj_tTThbSC2UXdmMrWb3w6TNbtw7M_tZEu_NJoEwyT9fZhtYrvHK-6zGc/s320/Batman.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Next up was the set for the rest of the DC Comics crew:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ-UodAE1DD4b3xb6bvaPAusIaCYOluqulN4YA-ZEzj1ORLvFStpw1p7lmqNHHQx3Pf_ZAxyFnjkJTz20fNXybsOJe3gozJCgvU7i3JvzwC2qghe3zqbcaPlPutxOJYQnv9LLWz7OHa-0/s1600/DC+Comics.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ-UodAE1DD4b3xb6bvaPAusIaCYOluqulN4YA-ZEzj1ORLvFStpw1p7lmqNHHQx3Pf_ZAxyFnjkJTz20fNXybsOJe3gozJCgvU7i3JvzwC2qghe3zqbcaPlPutxOJYQnv9LLWz7OHa-0/s320/DC+Comics.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Then it was time to move to Marvel, beginning with the X-Men:<br />
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Finally, the rest of the Marvel gang. This one was started - and finished - yesterday:<br />
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Today, all four were hung on the wall in the guest room. The final result:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmNWqJwzbndEwnj3gHAP6u6NZmCDM4X6luNb3abzvEcX8Ht3UG7-JmbrI8gvL904uNeiBrfHcCanbxBsiT8c-RsQ75nS7doXld9l9egmTXh-PFCz4CDIhMtO2S1n86bVnuysO7yEWleB4/s1600/on+the+wall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmNWqJwzbndEwnj3gHAP6u6NZmCDM4X6luNb3abzvEcX8Ht3UG7-JmbrI8gvL904uNeiBrfHcCanbxBsiT8c-RsQ75nS7doXld9l9egmTXh-PFCz4CDIhMtO2S1n86bVnuysO7yEWleB4/s320/on+the+wall.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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I'm surprised at how low-cost the project was. The puzzles are from the dollar store and I used scrapbook paper already on hand. The pictures were printed on our printer here at home, using nice photo paper that has been stashed in the drawer for a few years. I already had two black 12x12 frames, so I picked up two more when they were on sale at Hobby Lobby. The most expensive pieces were the mats - I think they were about $6 each. Not too shabby!<br />
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Also surprising - the amount of time it took to complete. Finding (and choosing) the pictures took time. Cutting and trimming each character and the other papers used was very time consuming - especially filing the excess edges around each puzzle piece! The most time consuming part? Trying to figure out how to arrange the characters on the puzzles! I went through a whole pad of mini sticky notes and arranged (and re-arranged) the notes on the puzzle pieces at least three times. It was fun, though!LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12205239781719426819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8455716252254949666.post-87681518763136070432011-05-30T01:18:00.002-04:002011-07-02T13:01:20.659-04:00While the City Sleeps ... We've lived in our house for about eight years. Slowly but surely we've been working on making each room our own. The last easy* room to work on was the very small guest room. Not only is the room small, the previous paint was hideous - some weird shade of blue-ish white. Here's a before picture:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTx4klZwRaS9lcHShjn21W4WjmTLdKy713m4j5bregmtTS884AWH0x8EdYbMeKjPCu2IoehDxqHrlM3fJjS61ZgIuvsvbYuE3spr18_LwTo14y6A6bSo6nblsWMTClch-jTttRoVdGVqM/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTx4klZwRaS9lcHShjn21W4WjmTLdKy713m4j5bregmtTS884AWH0x8EdYbMeKjPCu2IoehDxqHrlM3fJjS61ZgIuvsvbYuE3spr18_LwTo14y6A6bSo6nblsWMTClch-jTttRoVdGVqM/s320/1.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After much deliberation, we decided on a comic book/superhero theme. I looked around online and couldn't find any bedding/wall art/accessories that fit my vision. We couldn't settle on one particular superhero. We couldn't even decide between DC and Marvel. So I went with a general comic book feel. Since husband was set on using our old full-sized bed in the room (instead of a twin) there really wasn't room to have a headboard. One morning, the idea of doing a comic book panel mural on one wall just hit. I'm not good at drawing things - especially on large scale, so at first I wasn't thrilled. Then, I realized that a panel featuring a city skyline wouldn't be too hard. I could sketch it on some graph paper and use my trusty ruler and level to transfer the design to the walls. Here's the original sketch:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-4xaBkwoPGe-RjUHDBjqwqBq6i09xTlRyfKZ1f1by_m4wIRsafEP69j0zI-kp7e9MgIe18o8IRjrtQvxFp_wPngSmSrADB_pRLG7-UTFsbMbHG3TM5eg57SR5EFJ8BCsGOKciLEGVUWU/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-4xaBkwoPGe-RjUHDBjqwqBq6i09xTlRyfKZ1f1by_m4wIRsafEP69j0zI-kp7e9MgIe18o8IRjrtQvxFp_wPngSmSrADB_pRLG7-UTFsbMbHG3TM5eg57SR5EFJ8BCsGOKciLEGVUWU/s320/3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The next step was paint. We chose a dark blue for the walls - drastically different from the earthy tones in the rest of house:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRYtQlCM0hyaOVaVbxnuOoty3fQwRAULNUAouI8PXyHG5zMnXJttL8dz0ng0IL6xiL2l_oI0cwIsZUnwigqn17hTrppmPFx77SG_NgYHUSLovBT3Lwrq0QGBgms7IWoeqTGjp22LyL2TY/s1600/4+after+the+blue.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRYtQlCM0hyaOVaVbxnuOoty3fQwRAULNUAouI8PXyHG5zMnXJttL8dz0ng0IL6xiL2l_oI0cwIsZUnwigqn17hTrppmPFx77SG_NgYHUSLovBT3Lwrq0QGBgms7IWoeqTGjp22LyL2TY/s320/4+after+the+blue.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
Then, the mural wall was prepped and painted Ultra-White:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_LM0Wh7g0DpSXVry_4cletiJBSD9T7xelbzO62Lfm8QlUm8Gzv-ReyFuTi2B-8U4klTctvkS7iYN3jzDz4-YoEDvoDIV-zi0CVDjQj2NG07idfAZ0CUcDG1rm7aZUHAUVYeGNWNXcLsA/s1600/6+ultra+white.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_LM0Wh7g0DpSXVry_4cletiJBSD9T7xelbzO62Lfm8QlUm8Gzv-ReyFuTi2B-8U4klTctvkS7iYN3jzDz4-YoEDvoDIV-zi0CVDjQj2NG07idfAZ0CUcDG1rm7aZUHAUVYeGNWNXcLsA/s320/6+ultra+white.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Next up - transferring the design from the paper to the wall:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvR6c-3oaBceVTmc1ZDjkfHR5kv3fRvn1b50iKOay2KxInrg6wsNAvwfMthNA6w8Kd5UeyHiJroR3J1mdmNMfG0DalxWTSGzV3HS4WvmVMHuoZhf83EeeTEJpVi0d-gDzohHCDq8M1Rxs/s1600/7+lettering.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvR6c-3oaBceVTmc1ZDjkfHR5kv3fRvn1b50iKOay2KxInrg6wsNAvwfMthNA6w8Kd5UeyHiJroR3J1mdmNMfG0DalxWTSGzV3HS4WvmVMHuoZhf83EeeTEJpVi0d-gDzohHCDq8M1Rxs/s320/7+lettering.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I used contact paper to make a mask for the moon and mixed the ultra-white and the blue to get various shades of sky:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZgkuO_jrbePbjjdMhHBdaUB8UUP5WtDz0xysmmLvSeeL6t-ZtSUUD3eDUW5K908TJPPT0mfcAAOj1v-G9OcJSvIwmY-Ky_83lz_nT-sKKNFAe96Y3zVHvnds8cYZw4e6LvyJUlulnzpM/s1600/11+painted+sky+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZgkuO_jrbePbjjdMhHBdaUB8UUP5WtDz0xysmmLvSeeL6t-ZtSUUD3eDUW5K908TJPPT0mfcAAOj1v-G9OcJSvIwmY-Ky_83lz_nT-sKKNFAe96Y3zVHvnds8cYZw4e6LvyJUlulnzpM/s320/11+painted+sky+2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Then it was time to prep and paint the buildings a rich black color:<br />
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Finally, it was time to paint in the windows. I thought about painting the windows white to keep a simpler color scheme, but I'm happy I ended up with the yellow:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCzI-36FM9ZkEpBWnND3XaDNfyZnplX9PWEuBKtCgwCF7mJtul5KHAMn-x4BgQ48Z_b2LiuM5QOTE2GQqBMRfpSkY53P40qjUOX3ud9tlOqg_GGZdqv8vK_PIkkD7MV0pqNJ6mDxfT-N0/s1600/16+finished+mural+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCzI-36FM9ZkEpBWnND3XaDNfyZnplX9PWEuBKtCgwCF7mJtul5KHAMn-x4BgQ48Z_b2LiuM5QOTE2GQqBMRfpSkY53P40qjUOX3ud9tlOqg_GGZdqv8vK_PIkkD7MV0pqNJ6mDxfT-N0/s320/16+finished+mural+1.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiefeZzPAaHr_gu8Bj0aHnp10h8PJSqhuRcRoWClW3MfA9SGXG7N-8NHrSeIc77IVGGOPupr6fPRQ5185xi8CNBM9ru_NwPWSeN6hTCAomU6QbtN5o2JJ6UnmgIoHd2i6p7OQwReBA-lPQ/s1600/17+finished+mural+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiefeZzPAaHr_gu8Bj0aHnp10h8PJSqhuRcRoWClW3MfA9SGXG7N-8NHrSeIc77IVGGOPupr6fPRQ5185xi8CNBM9ru_NwPWSeN6hTCAomU6QbtN5o2JJ6UnmgIoHd2i6p7OQwReBA-lPQ/s320/17+finished+mural+2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
For the finishing touches, I added brushed nickel outlet covers, curtain rod and hooks, and my husband installed a new brushed nickel light fixture. Also added black curtains and new bedding: <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiey0P7XifAKFt9IFUCIBxbTngphQk06EwviQxBYovzKc3wq0OOM9IBCfudXYznteYnebQshgCxyzKGuSyJMKotClsayw_KamtLVgAiWrauzFk9zEeqImz6lXYgS4wBYWa2tg6kZQ-B-ZY/s1600/19+new+light+fixture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiey0P7XifAKFt9IFUCIBxbTngphQk06EwviQxBYovzKc3wq0OOM9IBCfudXYznteYnebQshgCxyzKGuSyJMKotClsayw_KamtLVgAiWrauzFk9zEeqImz6lXYgS4wBYWa2tg6kZQ-B-ZY/s320/19+new+light+fixture.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWqNMB2G0799QtN4y72zqMxw9RCKFAU5_IA8EBCTUHzy-i2upt1DZFTIvXIVjAF2YI4kxOBhfoktrXCeA5Aailc28kLHFQI-c_sWjObigmy6LIf94bQFm9s_UEtsSQMG8J0FS_6pkGE1g/s1600/21.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWqNMB2G0799QtN4y72zqMxw9RCKFAU5_IA8EBCTUHzy-i2upt1DZFTIvXIVjAF2YI4kxOBhfoktrXCeA5Aailc28kLHFQI-c_sWjObigmy6LIf94bQFm9s_UEtsSQMG8J0FS_6pkGE1g/s320/21.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiMqfnl2NgtEAExi6GgpHANy_quqOdbCz5a_xnJGZpY9FouCc7bdqjFr_HDpRvP647RI_S6JJjoz58Y5ni6-SXE1F97vhlNCWznAXSNzqrKGCCO2EQ_HBxPROr1f_PBvZ2RkuK1Ytj5MI/s1600/22.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiMqfnl2NgtEAExi6GgpHANy_quqOdbCz5a_xnJGZpY9FouCc7bdqjFr_HDpRvP647RI_S6JJjoz58Y5ni6-SXE1F97vhlNCWznAXSNzqrKGCCO2EQ_HBxPROr1f_PBvZ2RkuK1Ytj5MI/s320/22.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
The room isn't totally finished - the four altered puzzles will be hung on the wall opposite the bed and I'm going to paint two 18x18 canvases to hang next to the window. I'm also going to screen print and sew three throw pillows for the bed. We also need some kind of shelving to display some collectibles (there was a painting fail yesterday trying to paint an old white bookshelf black). But, the room is ready for guests! And, here's a link to the <a href="http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=381680.msg4516973#msg4516973">Craftster</a> post.<br />
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*meaning not the kitchen, bathroom or laundry room!LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12205239781719426819noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8455716252254949666.post-19597531158926263702011-05-27T12:06:00.002-04:002011-07-02T13:02:18.054-04:00Red Amigurumi CarI started this little crochet car over eight months ago. To goal was to gift it to my nephew for his 2nd birthday. He was really into the <a href="http://www.hasbro.com/tonka-chuck-and-friends/en_US/">Tonka Chuck & Friends</a> toys, so when I found <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62083539/little-car-amigurumi-pattern?ref=sr_list_2&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=car+amigurumi+crochet+pattern&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade">this pattern</a> on Etsy I thought it seemed perfect:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh999w7EskvQw0j6rmbbFwQdY4nveamcBuY5Vf92Ip0FGDCpu_ej7B0b57PUbAmU0cfWS8x_RK49QxQxy4MHWj-CDnweIrLz8P8jorYElERKm17TYE09tXJ3E4v-NIhStNidSwA6vQVCp4/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh999w7EskvQw0j6rmbbFwQdY4nveamcBuY5Vf92Ip0FGDCpu_ej7B0b57PUbAmU0cfWS8x_RK49QxQxy4MHWj-CDnweIrLz8P8jorYElERKm17TYE09tXJ3E4v-NIhStNidSwA6vQVCp4/s320/005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9OqP0pFRbzgMEBMCRaDeo-tD1apSvkhN__DbU6Nd1xDCMrbSxxKLtuEElEq5TYOWhTWWYVSCNyor1spoiqIb2Dj5kyplFK6tpbgtPDqPZVd4JBnJ7-oumprJ2HUqQTItf2PLbQEreQhw/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9OqP0pFRbzgMEBMCRaDeo-tD1apSvkhN__DbU6Nd1xDCMrbSxxKLtuEElEq5TYOWhTWWYVSCNyor1spoiqIb2Dj5kyplFK6tpbgtPDqPZVd4JBnJ7-oumprJ2HUqQTItf2PLbQEreQhw/s320/006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Of course, between my work schedule and other projects popping up, the little car was put on hold. Most of the pieces were crocheted and stuffed - just needed to crochet the bumpers and the side/back windows and assemble all the pieces. I don't know why, but assembling projects like this always makes me nervous - maybe that's part of the reason why I put finishing it on hold? Thanks to this blog, I was driven to finish the thing, even though my nephew left his cars and trucks behind in favor of dinosaurs. And, here's the <a href="http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=381531.msg4514856#msg4514856">Craftster </a>post.LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12205239781719426819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8455716252254949666.post-66621693333427198402011-05-24T01:59:00.003-04:002011-07-02T12:56:43.021-04:00Time at home?This weekend - a holiday weekend - is work free for me. Thank goodness for the holiday weekend - no one wants to come to a program on a holiday weekend. If it wasn't for holiday weekends, I'd have had something scheduled every single weekend since the end of February! A few weeks ago, I decided to take some vacation time Thursday afternoon and all day Friday. My mind started racing, thinking about all the possibilities with my four-and-a-half day weekend. I can finally finish the mural wall in the guest room! Crochet! Altered puzzles! Spray paint register covers and the guest room bookshelf! The chance to cross so many projects off my lists and feel that sense of accomplishment! Heck, dh and I could actually go see a movie - like, a movie in the theater! Maybe we'll even see three! Oh, the possibilities ...<br />
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Maybe I just need to get some sleep. Lots and lots of sleep.LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12205239781719426819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8455716252254949666.post-88260564211921225162011-05-13T18:07:00.002-04:002011-07-02T13:03:40.535-04:00Ugh, so happy this is finished ...I'm pleased with the final piece, but this beaded bookmark was the project from hell! Now I remember why I got rid of the bead loom I used to own. I ended up crafting my own makeshift loom from a piece of cardboard and a photo storage box. It worked, but it was a pain to use!<br />
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My original plan was to buy a new bead loom - after all, they are only $5-$6. And with a 40% off coupon, it's definitely worth it. Alas, as hard as I looked in every Michaels, Jo-Ann's and Hobby Lobby, a bead loom was not to be found. Then, as I shopped at Hobby Lobby last night for work, I finally stumbled across a frakkin' bead loom - two days after finishing this wretched project! The icing on the cake? The loom came with pre-sorted beads and perfectly-sized needles. <br />
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Why are the beads and needles the so-called icing? Because I cheaped out and purchased the value bag of mixed colored seed beads for $3.99. After many hours sorting the beads, I began stringing. Why are the bead so cheap? The sizes aren't uniform, and the needle I was using didn't fit through the holes of many of the beads. Ugh.<br />
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So, after many hours - many more hours than I anticipated - here's the finished bookmark:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicNa2_mRBKf3KQq6sjweWd_ZIsORvIdlJojTmtiad4HzRRLu3kXdamKj2gEnOipl-mdFCvSphMz4nyXGWMQu2x2grtYN_p5UHweckC3PGWU2ZnX0uwmMxs92K9W6L6D3LF3y1yS26EV-0/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicNa2_mRBKf3KQq6sjweWd_ZIsORvIdlJojTmtiad4HzRRLu3kXdamKj2gEnOipl-mdFCvSphMz4nyXGWMQu2x2grtYN_p5UHweckC3PGWU2ZnX0uwmMxs92K9W6L6D3LF3y1yS26EV-0/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
And, here's the obligatory shot of the bookmark in use:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNLvn8R6wU3ESopnaSYsWN3DU246B-F8NhDpnfqy3vcTphf8PnG2WLTllRLt9tUd2bbSyA-T_ACY5JMpswBS8KwNT72pQKsTNL_1XF0Fu3OJNetCiA67Vfcj9aAkcF3OizrEHHyV3vLow/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNLvn8R6wU3ESopnaSYsWN3DU246B-F8NhDpnfqy3vcTphf8PnG2WLTllRLt9tUd2bbSyA-T_ACY5JMpswBS8KwNT72pQKsTNL_1XF0Fu3OJNetCiA67Vfcj9aAkcF3OizrEHHyV3vLow/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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And, here's a picture of the craft fail after dear husband pulled on one of the big beads:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuGVZ6ieenw4HRG7JieRUKaqd3ktJ8DblDADjJnvfw5Xv3VaA4OiUX1wahSk9oxz3hkpyO22_COZNcyBZ4l5WTE3IGNjFwCjN4T5_GVnrRxEK7RlHh9lFDGJ-4Ag9KDirX2FI_I_sH8Xw/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuGVZ6ieenw4HRG7JieRUKaqd3ktJ8DblDADjJnvfw5Xv3VaA4OiUX1wahSk9oxz3hkpyO22_COZNcyBZ4l5WTE3IGNjFwCjN4T5_GVnrRxEK7RlHh9lFDGJ-4Ag9KDirX2FI_I_sH8Xw/s320/003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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*sigh*<br />
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And finally, here's the <a href="http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=380327.msg4499280#msg4499280">Craftster</a> post.LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12205239781719426819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8455716252254949666.post-16500248276946369902011-04-19T22:43:00.001-04:002011-07-02T13:04:19.054-04:00Embroidery AttemptsAnother board (and another project) complete! Tonight I was able to post to the Needlework board - check out my first attempt at embroidery:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtjj6tu9bYpFooop_VFLVG-08QWgd_cveOLPom380Y4wA0ScTmZC9lJMHorJ7j7IVtAkUSjuIhimNpy0tb6m8KyFN6Ig8gTtsyTqTgmkZYG2FqLYvpHzyMlBrDr-qzKO8Zz6t5xT17N08/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtjj6tu9bYpFooop_VFLVG-08QWgd_cveOLPom380Y4wA0ScTmZC9lJMHorJ7j7IVtAkUSjuIhimNpy0tb6m8KyFN6Ig8gTtsyTqTgmkZYG2FqLYvpHzyMlBrDr-qzKO8Zz6t5xT17N08/s320/003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I'm not thrilled with the starburst/asterisk type thing in the middle of the larger stars and - even though I like the bolder look - using three threads on the outer border of the larger stars just doesn't look right. So, I tried the same design on the opposite corner of the handkerchief with just one thread:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9_U1Zgsbi9_lQRaI1ksni5bBiGabDndJNX1cNBvsq5QYfRNKZK7nTsVdVnTLMpLuFgecYBBTBmOlw_u1ZvHrEYGAt2T-gfEjdH8CYmedzDp1bCjd_Y11lrYUCyHfUvS-g3XiaqvWYt38/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9_U1Zgsbi9_lQRaI1ksni5bBiGabDndJNX1cNBvsq5QYfRNKZK7nTsVdVnTLMpLuFgecYBBTBmOlw_u1ZvHrEYGAt2T-gfEjdH8CYmedzDp1bCjd_Y11lrYUCyHfUvS-g3XiaqvWYt38/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I'm happier with the look, but I still need lots of practice. Fortunately, I really enjoyed working on the embroidery - it was oddly relaxing. There are so many different stitches to learn ... but anyway, here's the post on <a href="http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=378688.msg4475160#msg4475160">Craftster</a>.LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12205239781719426819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8455716252254949666.post-10340714660247851952011-04-06T22:03:00.000-04:002011-04-06T22:03:25.438-04:00Make It WorkOkay, so it feels a little like cheating ... but with my work schedule it sure is nice to combine my board completion goal with my job! By putting together some samples for a Project Runway program and our upcoming spring event, I was able to post projects on four more boards:<br />
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<a href="http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=377668.0">Other Image Reproduction Techniques: </a><br />
Carved stamps made from craft foam and Gatorade lids!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlV58JcjYlm59TjP9LsPtzWuYRDbVYiCipuBaQUZVYh3gAIlpzZwf6rFjJ8MdNbiQiZ585g5qfXsYu-lN2egJ1DfX0RPCr6NcGybyIC6iIiCHwptDk7j-TugsIHJ_Lmv5RiseYl2z2k60/s1600/stamps.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlV58JcjYlm59TjP9LsPtzWuYRDbVYiCipuBaQUZVYh3gAIlpzZwf6rFjJ8MdNbiQiZ585g5qfXsYu-lN2egJ1DfX0RPCr6NcGybyIC6iIiCHwptDk7j-TugsIHJ_Lmv5RiseYl2z2k60/s320/stamps.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=377670.0">Dyeing:</a><br />
Kerchiefs tie-dyed with Sharpies and rubbing alcohol! <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=377671.0">Silk Screening:</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was addicted to this inexpensive DIY technique a few years ago. It was fun trying it again and teaching it to girls!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip8XsuhEuF57iYhbcdKXv8IdFOHXZYEHzuPg9Zt8NCcXI72z0dtAoiPOi5-gUWTSRzmFn9T0FR-GD-Z9lvz06hNodWSOX7Lt-56PrJxvz0Q_RnjGetbjHjXzTHf8eyznDw30qXLdJsD8k/s1600/screenprint.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip8XsuhEuF57iYhbcdKXv8IdFOHXZYEHzuPg9Zt8NCcXI72z0dtAoiPOi5-gUWTSRzmFn9T0FR-GD-Z9lvz06hNodWSOX7Lt-56PrJxvz0Q_RnjGetbjHjXzTHf8eyznDw30qXLdJsD8k/s320/screenprint.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
And finally, <a href="http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=377673.0">Stenciling:</a><br />
My first time trying freezer paper stencils. I love the result - very crisp!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQohOyRkMDBP3KITLuIeZD5eiIcsolDZ1UozEERdBRV_5Ef8UXXMwb3Xh2bn_B2fFsNwd_jZtTt1qYuiEBhOwuEcptCZ__Zdmu9pgUtcW3bvasfZfViy-d2OpC8QxienPfkM3FokdAu40/s1600/stencil+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQohOyRkMDBP3KITLuIeZD5eiIcsolDZ1UozEERdBRV_5Ef8UXXMwb3Xh2bn_B2fFsNwd_jZtTt1qYuiEBhOwuEcptCZ__Zdmu9pgUtcW3bvasfZfViy-d2OpC8QxienPfkM3FokdAu40/s320/stencil+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I also tried Plaid's screenprint foil. It works okay (I think I need to practice) but the results seem kind of unpredictable ... which is unfortunate since the product is kind of expensive and the process is time consuming!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHtGGz3jReNATKmgcaSzbhz-837LQPdUyiLnLb-ksIsGSKOu9nr73PDuDM6ZYTdPnHbLzhbUzNuFaxigF8Dt2Hndqgm5AA4aYXz8WUA_X9YtWjYk2recfiVzCz1pq2k4tY3Wd7buCcwQs/s1600/stencil+foil.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHtGGz3jReNATKmgcaSzbhz-837LQPdUyiLnLb-ksIsGSKOu9nr73PDuDM6ZYTdPnHbLzhbUzNuFaxigF8Dt2Hndqgm5AA4aYXz8WUA_X9YtWjYk2recfiVzCz1pq2k4tY3Wd7buCcwQs/s320/stencil+foil.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I also tried Plaid's fabric glitter. The results are nice, but I seem to have misplaced the photo. Will try to snap a picture some time.LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12205239781719426819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8455716252254949666.post-23149177477759432322011-03-17T20:20:00.001-04:002011-07-02T13:06:31.270-04:00Two Boards Complete!In the midst of a crazy work schedule (and trying to finish redecorating the guest room) I was able to cross two more Craftster.org boards off my list!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5bTt-whfGrwqaSZHLm03PIc2ymurZ-6ySjHDJMpgSdXLfHB84xkH60ABE6ZyOg3DoRb36G_ZEGu6uh3QhRNj6TshYkKhvIgeXOC_w7asOoB36Sy9elOFdmyEo0lXS_oZID2jI-6E_Mmk/s1600/077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5bTt-whfGrwqaSZHLm03PIc2ymurZ-6ySjHDJMpgSdXLfHB84xkH60ABE6ZyOg3DoRb36G_ZEGu6uh3QhRNj6TshYkKhvIgeXOC_w7asOoB36Sy9elOFdmyEo0lXS_oZID2jI-6E_Mmk/s320/077.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Finished a <a href="http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=375779.msg4431882#msg4431882">starghan baby gift</a>! And:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh55LutOV6JgM13bidbbiFjYc7V5vmFIBe79BMO4izD8Fq0uaCM7OBhBgN3IJUs8tIlHGAqXgyrfwYWgSG4KGBS5Fgro8ooBU-x1lafWyhYCwRSvmfs36JTZe0nGLXC5E7GFhYAU9tRReI/s1600/065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh55LutOV6JgM13bidbbiFjYc7V5vmFIBe79BMO4izD8Fq0uaCM7OBhBgN3IJUs8tIlHGAqXgyrfwYWgSG4KGBS5Fgro8ooBU-x1lafWyhYCwRSvmfs36JTZe0nGLXC5E7GFhYAU9tRReI/s320/065.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><a href="http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?board=17.0">Two cards</a> for a cardmaking workshop requested by my co-workers! I'm pretty proud of the cards - there's no stamping involved! I didn't think it was possible to make a cards with my stamps! (EDIT: just remembered - I did experiment by adding the "happiness" stamp in the bottom corner of the dahlia fold card ... but I'm still proud!)LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12205239781719426819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8455716252254949666.post-59459313905050562202011-03-07T20:57:00.000-05:002011-03-07T20:57:53.215-05:00SlackingLots of stress should mean that it's time to craft, and with the way things went last week you'd think I'd have finished my entire list. Unfortunately, my stress was so time-consuming that I wasn't able to work on much of anything. I was able to add a few more rows to the starghan - and it's just a few rows away from completion! I also finalized plans for (finally) decorating the guest room. The stress of last week gave me the push I needed to schedule a couple of vacation days this week just to work on the room. I'm really looking forward to finally finishing the walls, hanging shelves and curtains, and even making some artwork for the walls. In fact, once the guest room is complete, I'll be able to cross three Craftster boards off my list!LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12205239781719426819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8455716252254949666.post-64192995990985928902011-02-22T22:21:00.001-05:002011-07-02T13:07:03.877-04:00Pastry Pincushions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One of my co-workers has been longing for a pincushion equivalent to the amigurumi cupcake paperweights on my desk. I finally had some time to make one for her! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu4br-Yui5ya2KWmg4nnWeGBGt_CBsQogwWYii1YIMyky2xRyyrZty9xI442rzNG1aorWAqKaK5IvrviaLEX3j5WjEIWDAxWuEIcxavc76ERF_Shr3CiIvdN29rIxOy2_hijaILxF9K9A/s1600/pastry+pincushions+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu4br-Yui5ya2KWmg4nnWeGBGt_CBsQogwWYii1YIMyky2xRyyrZty9xI442rzNG1aorWAqKaK5IvrviaLEX3j5WjEIWDAxWuEIcxavc76ERF_Shr3CiIvdN29rIxOy2_hijaILxF9K9A/s320/pastry+pincushions+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I also whipped up a doughnut pincushion to help make up for the long wait. It was my first time trying the doughnut pattern - pretty easy until assembly. But a little patience and it all worked out. Honestly, the hardest part was curbing my urge to add beaded sprinkles to the icings! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And, this takes care of the <a href="http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=373790.msg4400947#msg4400947">Amigurumi board</a> ... 2/40 complete! </div>LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12205239781719426819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8455716252254949666.post-89465133146012997512011-02-13T20:13:00.000-05:002011-02-13T20:16:13.652-05:00First project complete!Granted, this project didn't make the official project list, but it was in progress, and I'm able to cross my first board off my "Post a Project on Every Board" list. Check it out <a href="http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=373005.0">here</a> or below!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOyRir4hehzHM22jvfoPLb4nkBGSz7hbS8yazaX0A8q5gNT9KxRZagk_RRfEiYL4i5LPa9TI7DjcGWFToHIp7m4cp5d4yP_sS5F00gXyvZ6iTchS7EUzj5XOyLQedL__3cRL02fSK50Z4/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOyRir4hehzHM22jvfoPLb4nkBGSz7hbS8yazaX0A8q5gNT9KxRZagk_RRfEiYL4i5LPa9TI7DjcGWFToHIp7m4cp5d4yP_sS5F00gXyvZ6iTchS7EUzj5XOyLQedL__3cRL02fSK50Z4/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Not the best picture in the world, but it's a finished project!LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12205239781719426819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8455716252254949666.post-14338510367454000652011-02-10T18:26:00.001-05:002011-03-22T19:55:07.554-04:00Let's Try This ...I have a lengthy list of projects ... projects to finish, projects to start, project ideas, new skills to learn ... and there's a Craftalong on <a href="http://craftster.org/">Craftster.org</a> that would be perfect. The only problem? The Craftalong is to finish <a href="http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=366592.0">50 projects</a> in one year. My list is lengthy, but not 50 projects! Sure, if I think about it long enough I can probably come up with 50 projects. *EDIT* I have at least 50 projects now! But I'd rather focus on working through my current list! So, in effort to keep myself accountable without the Craftalong, I thought I'd try a blog. My list of projects and skills are listed, and as I work on them I'll update the list and post pictures.<br />
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The projects on the list cover a wide variety of craft techniques (and there's another Craftalong I've always admired) so I'm unofficially enrolling myself in the "<a href="http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=329582.0">Post a project on every completed board</a>" Craftalong.<br />
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Let's see what happens!LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12205239781719426819noreply@blogger.com0