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Felt Beads!

When I was at the Fold on Saturday, I saw the wall of merino fiber in every conceivable color and homeschooling crafts came to mind!  I grabbed a bag and tried to get a bit of just about every color so that Maddie and I could try our hands at making some felted beads.  Aren't the colors gorgeous all piled up together?

I gathered the necessary tools, which seemed to be only dish soap, towels and a bowl for the warm soapy water.  (I just kind of surfed around the web a bit this morning to see if I could find some different "how-to's" to lead me in the right direction.)

What we did was this:

1. Chose the color we wanted and broke off a bit about twice the size of the finished bead.
2. Rolled it into as smooth a ball as we could manage and then dunked it into the bowl of warm, soapy water.
3. Fished it out and started gently rolling it between our palms to get it into a spherical shape.
4. When it got too dry we dunked it back into the warm soapy water.  When it got too soapy we dunked it into a bowl of warm, plain water.
5. Repeat 3 & 4 until the bead is the size you want or until you are plum worn out!

Here are the finished beads and the bowls of water.  Not much output, but we also tried some beads with some BFL and they just didn't work out at all.  And keep in mind -- you have to roll these for probably 5-10 minutes each (5 for me, 10 for Maddie who didn't use much pressure).  Maddie thought it was a lot of fun though, so I'm sure we will be doing it again. 

Oh -- and see her sheep up in the left hand corner?  MSL Kids had a section on sheep in the Winter Issue and this was one of the crafts.  Cute, huh?

So here is a close-up of our beads.  I'm thinking that I want to try some with other colors layered on top, or maybe I could embroider them after they dry.  I seem to remember seeing something like that somewhere.  Oh the possibilities!

Sashiko

I haven't had much time for crafting lately, but that doesn't mean I haven't been thinking and reading about it!  And my latest obsession has been sashiko.  Sashiko is a Japanese quilting technique, usually using white thread on an indigo fabric.  The patterns are usually very regular and symmetrical and quite striking because of the bright white thread against the dark blue fabric. 

I recently was able to get my hands on two books on the subject The Ultimate Sashiko Sourcebook by Susan Briscoe and Sashiko: Easy Elegant Japanese Designs for Decorative Machine Embroidery by Mary S. Parker. 

I found The Ultimate Sashiko Sourcebook to be more useful for what I would have in mind.  It starts out with a bit of history which is nice.  Following that is a very clear section on materials and tools -- I love the fact that it shows you what the Japanese characters for "sashiko" look like on all kinds of labels in different fonts so that you could identify them. 

Basic techniques are covered next and lots of photos are included.  These techniques are then shown off with some simple projects -- samplers, coasters, bags pillows -- and some more unusual projects -- greeting cards and a noren curtain.

A large section of the book is devoted to a pattern library that would keep you stitching for ages!  There are over 100 diagrams which include both moyozashi (pattern) and hitomezashi (one stitch) sashiko patterns.  Tips are given throughout the library section. 

The book concludes with a beautiful "inspiration gallery" featuring samplers, quilts, coats and curtains by contemporary artists. 

I would highly recommend this book if you are interested in learning about sashiko, or just finding out more about a different embroidery technique.  And if you are looking for sashiko patterns to use when machine quilting -- check out Sashiko: Easy Elegant Japanese Designs for Decorative Machine Embroidery.

A house full of Pocky & Japanese Craft books!

I've been to Mitsuwa again. . .

More on these lovely books & mags later.  If you like Japanese crafty goodness, check out Crafting Japanese.

Coffee Filter Snowflakes!

Yesterday afternoon Maddie and I made coffee filter snowflakes.  I love the above action shot  :)

Getting ready yo unfold the first one!

And our finished flakes!

You all know how to make these, right?  Buy some super cheap coffee filters, mine came in a package of 100 and were less than $1 at Target.  Fold them in half a few times and then snip off some bits here and there.  Unfold and you have snowflakes!

Coffee Filter Fun:

• Paper Snowflakes
• Coffee Filter Butterflies
• Coffee Filter Flowers
• Coffee Filter Fish

I found all of these from a quick search.  I'm sure there are lots of others -- super cheap and keeps the kids busy while they are waiting for Santa to arrive  :)

A girl after my own heart. . .

She's crafting!  Can you tell what she's doing in this picture?  If you guessed French Knitting, or Spool Knitting, you are correct!

I didn't think she was old enough for this yet, but her Farmor (father's mother, or paternal grandmother in Swedish) bought it for her for Christmas and she was great at it!  I was so proud. . . and so was she. . .

I had never heard this referred to as French Knitting, but I see after searching around a bit on the net that it is commonly called that.  It's also called Corking or Knitting Nancies.  Here is the kit Farmor got for her.

And here are some links:

• French Knitting Reels -- how to make your own knitting reel.
• How to use a knitting spool -- photos showing how to use the spool.
• Corking -- A book that tells you how to make corking toys, as well as what to do with all those knitted cords.
• Spool Knit Jewelry -- a Klutz kit for the slightly older child.  This one looks like fun and includes everything you need to make bracelets!

And now I'm off to Marshall Field's to see Santa and eat by the big tree in the Walnut room!

Crewel Embroidery

A while back I bought The New Crewel by Katherine Shaughnessy of Wool & Hoop fame.  I had been to her site before and when she came out with this book, I knew I had to have it. 

Back in the 70's I remember doing the little crewel embroidery kits my mom would let me get from the local craft store.  It seems that they went out of fashion and modern designs were not to be found.  Then comes The New Crewel,  Wow!  Shaughnessy has taken this craft and brought it totally up to date with her hip modern designs. 

It got me thinking about crafts, which is what brought on the craft post from the other day.  Sometimes I feel like I am stuck in a rut and I have to try something different.  This book kick-started me and I'm all excited about crafting again!

I went and purchased this kit from discountneedlework.com and they shipped it out quickly.  I got started on it last night. . .

Yeah, it's a very traditional design, but there is something in me that loves the very traditional.  More to come. . .

Owl Embroidery

Thanks for all the great crafting suggestions!  I have added quite a few to my list.  I'm sure you'll be seeing some new projects of all kinds on the blog in the coming months!

Speaking of new projects.  If you remember, I received a great backtack II embroidery kit from my backtack buddy Joelene.  I tried out a design from the Stitch-It Kit a few weeks ago.  Unfortunately I scorched the fabric when transferring the design.  On top of that, my stitches were pretty wonky, seeing as how I was taking massive amounts of codeine at the time.

So last night I pulled everything out and decided to try one of the cute owl transfers she included.  I was much more successful!  I think when I finish this I will make a little quilted pillow or something with this at the center.  Anyone know where I can get some cute owl fabric?

And since I am the book girl (I originally typed lady -- but it sounded so old!). . . I have to tell you about the Stitch-It Kit & the Embroidery Stitch Bible, both of which I am using to make my little owl.

The Stitch-It Kit is a great value, I think.  It includes a booklet describing techniques, tons of iron on transfers, the hoop, two tea towels, thread in various colors and a needle.  Really everything you need!  And the transfers are very hip -- having been designed by Jenny Hart of Sublime Stitching.  (Oh no -- Resistance is futile!  I just went over to her site to get the link and found some patterns I must have!)

The Embroidery Stitch Bible has a *lot* more stitch in it.  So once you learn the basics, you will want this book.  I just remembered that I actually reviewed this book back in August.  I had checked it out from the library, decided that I had to have it and then went and bought it.  I'm glad I did.

Up next -- Crewel Embroidery!  I have a kit on it's way from discountneedlework.com that I am hoping will arrive today!

And tomorrow Vickie Howell will be stopping by on her book tour.  Come see the great gallery of photos from her book!

Insatiable

I am an insatiable crafter.  I have tried almost everything.  Seriously. 

Don't believe me?  Here's a list:

• Knitting (duh)
• Spinning
• Dyeing wool
• Sewing
• Quilting
• Cross-stitch
• Crewel Embroidery
• Embroidery
• Needlepoint
• Crochet
• Jewelry Making
• Beading
• Metal Smithing
• Enameling (on metal)
• Metal Casting (sterling Silver)
• Tole Painting
• Ceramic painting
• Cake Decorating
• Book Binding
• Paper Making
• Calligraphy
• Temari Ball Making
• Needle Felting
• Rubber Stamping
• Scrapbooking
• Soap Making
• Lip Balm Making
• Bath Salt/Bath Fizzie Making
• Candle Making
• Preserving (making Jams)
• Origami
• Friendship Bracelet Weaving
• Plastic Canvas Crafting
• Decoupage
• Fimo Clay Bead Making
• Fimo Clay Sculpting
• Macrame
• Glass painting
• Glass Etching
• Ornament making (the ones with the sequins)
• Watercolor
• Drawing
• Pastel
• Pen & Ink Drawing
• Wreath Making
• Weaving
• Myriads of crafts kits as an adult and child
• Beer Making
• Wood Burning
• Stenciling
• Tie dying

I am positive that there are things I have forgotten.  In fact, I have all the supplies for lino printing & stamp making sitting on one of my work tables. 

So, what crafts do I still need to try?  Leave me a comment!  If you know of a good reference book for your craft, let me know about that too! (I am also an insatiable reader and book collector.)

And what crafts have you all tried?  Show me a list on your blog!!

Back-tack & Pain

My back-tack package arrived this weekend and it was filled with lots of great stuff sent to me by Joelene over at misocrafty!

She put together a great embroidery kit complete with a boxed kit, extra fabric, threads, an embroidered pincushion, a cute little needle book, beads and buttons.  The bag and pouch this all came in is fabulous too!  I especially love the variegated stitching on the pouch.

There is the cutest little owl patterns too!  Can't wait to try those out.  And she also included a great CD mix.  There is even a handmade book!  Thanks for everything, Joelene!

So this arrived on Saturday which was a very bad day for me.  Turns out, days 5-7 are the worst following a tonsillectomy.  So just when you think you are feeling pretty good -- BAM!  I'm finally starting to feel better today.

Therefore, I don't have much to report and don't feel much like reporting either.  Hopefully tomorrow. . .

Back-tack!!

My back-tack pal got her package from me and I think she likes it!  Go check out her blog -- One Good Bumblebee -- and see the cute stamps she's already made here.

I got her a linoleum block printing kit and I have to confess that I bought doubles of everything for myself too!  I'll be trying my hand at it in the next few weeks.

Maddie's Almost 5!

Maddie turns 5 at the end of October and she wanted a Halloween themed party.  So today while I was sulking because Renegade got rained out (or at least I'm guessing it did -- it was raining so badly here that we didn't attempt to go), I made the invites for Maddie's party. 

I printed up the details on white cardstock and attached that to some purple cardstock I had cut to match some envelopes I had.  Then I made all those little orange squares, stamped them and attached them.  I stamped the envelopes to match too.  Yeah for papercrafting! 

Aren't the stamps cute?  I sell rubberstamps -- did you know that?  I've had my stamping website since long before I started a knitting blog.  (Oh, it's www.stampingonline.com if you want to check it out.)  And I used to love stamping.  After a good chunk of my day started to revolve around the business aspect of stamping, I really lost interest.  I guess I saw all those stamps as work instead of crafty fun.  So it's kind of cool to do some stamping and enjoy it!

Two Cool Thing!

First. . .

Back-tack, or back tack II to be more precise.   The original back-tack was so cool and I have to admitI was jealous when I saw all the cool goings on.  You can see the goodness at the Flickr album for back-tack.

Now that you are interested, I'm sorry to say that this round is full, but they are going to have another one in the spring!  And you can always stalk the participants of II, just like I did for the original  :)

Next. . .

The Sampler!  Is this a great idea, or what?  A whole bunch of indie crafters send in samples of their work, they get advertising and a "sampler" in return.  Then other people (like me this month -- yeah!!) get to subscribe and get a bunch of samples.  It's $20 , but if you become a contributor you can get it for free (I'm thinking about contributing some patterns or something next month.)

Once again, I'm the bearer of bad news.  Subscriptions are closed for this month, but there's always next month!

Do you know about any cool things on the web?  Leave me a comment!

DIY Guy

We had to run to Michael's today and while I was there I picked up some Perler beads for Maddie.  We came home, she started to play with them and a few hours later all of us were sitting around the family room table having some crafty fun!  Even Pete, who is a self-admitted non-crafter, decided to join in.  He came up with this cool key chain -- pretty nifty, huh?  (He will be selling these for $2.50 each plus shipping -- order yours today!)

And a group shot of out finished crafts.  That's Pete's up in the corner.  Maddie made the face and the heart and the turtle is mine.

And for those of you unfamiliar with Perler beads, here's a picture.  Basically you get these little boards that you put the plastic beads on.  After you finish placing the beads, you iron them so the beads melt and your creation can live on forever.  When I was young we had Hama beads, which are pretty much the same thing as far as I can tell.  Great craft for the whole family!