Sunday, December 31, 2006
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Monday, December 18, 2006
Friday, December 15, 2006
Reggie the Raccoon
When I was about 12 years old, I took a Home Ec class that scared me away from sewing machines until my 38th birthday. :) I was so afraid of ruining the project, that I pretty much hand sewed the whole thing and my teacher helped me with the machine sewing. I know she was just trying to help, but i did not learn a thing.
So, the first thing I did after receiving my sewing machine for my birthday was to try and find the cartoon pillow kits we made in home ec that year. I could not believe it when I found them online! http://www.haan.com/
My project back in 1979/80 was the turtle. Today, I just finished the raccoon, and it was fun!
Monday, December 11, 2006
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
My first crocheted and felted tiny teddy!
He is only about 3" tall. I was always leary of trying to work with thread crochet as the tiny scale and hooks seemed difficult. I found this wonderful pattern on ebay, that you work with a G hook and regular 100% worsted weight wool yarn! It works up really fast and then you felt him down to a small, fuzzy size. I am really happy with him. The pattern is genius as you do not stuff him with anything except the long tails of yarn she guides you to cut for each piece. When you boil and felt him, he shrinks and is stuffed!
Monday, November 13, 2006
Photoshop Elements 4
I am taking a Photoshop Elements 4 class online, and it is so much fun! I am just starting session 2, and I thought I would post some of the fun things I am able to create. The online school is only $20 for 6 weeks of instruction! They have a ton of classes to choose from.
http://www.eclecticacademy.com/
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Crochet Hook and knitting Needle Cases
I cannot believe sewing rectangles could be so much fun! I am really happy with the new cases i made today. Using regular craft felt and cotton fabric, I made a case for my crochet hooks and scissors, a case for my circular knitting needles and a case for my straight knitting needles. I love them!
Friday, November 10, 2006
Monday, November 06, 2006
My New Sewing Machine!
My birthday present is awesome! I have always wanted to learn how to use a sewing machine, and now I have one! I have been busy having fun practicing with new projects. I made a sign for a Pug Notes display. I am so excited to be in an Art Walk show next week. Hopefully, it will be an eye catcher. I also sewed myself a checkbook and datebook holder with a place for note paper for my purse. I am sure my next sewing creation will involve creating some sort of pug... felt ... yes, I definitely see felt pugs in my future. :) Stay tuned!
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Monday, October 23, 2006
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Saturday, September 30, 2006
Friday, September 29, 2006
Knitted Purse with Crocheted Bottom
Circular knitting needles are the coolest! I used to use them when I made sweaters years ago, and i just got a new wooden pair that are size 10, 18" from tip to tip. They are amazing and inspired me to make this purse. I did not have a pattern. I just knitted a tube, crocheted a circular bottom, knit a strap on straight needles and sewed it all together. the great thing about circular needles is that you can knit in the round and do not have a side seam. I am very happy with how it turned out.
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
The Creation of a Painting
I had so much fun documenting the stages of my painting process. I have never stopped to capture each step from my initial sketch on wood to completed painting.I am excited to share it.
The painting is the latest from my Pug Pal collection.
I sketch each painting on a piece of hemlock wood that is 8 x 10 x 3/4. Then, I open up my box filled with acrylic paints and choose my colors. Each step is completed by a flow of energy that either keeps going or encourages me to take a break and step back to see what I have created. Now, for the first time, you get to see what I see when I step back.
Enjoy!