tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91371637251838391282024-03-05T07:51:26.181-05:00craft:nosisHeidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08068882612201073792noreply@blogger.comBlogger154125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9137163725183839128.post-37871954646580343852013-03-11T07:30:00.000-04:002013-03-11T07:35:32.392-04:00cardinal love...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Just to be clear - this post is not about the cardinals who are vying to be the next Pope {i'm sure that was what you were thinking}. Rather, I am referring to some charming little birdies who graced my brother and brand new sister-in-laws wedding cake. How lucky am I that I got to make something so special for them!?<br />
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Let me tell you about this happy little couple {here they are at the World of Coca-Cola on their honeymoon}. I am just pretty sure they would be content spending the rest of their lives sitting in their apartment, drinking tea, and watching movies together. They're pretty relaxed and chill - which is difficult for the type-a perfectionist in me. Beyond wanting cardinals (and NOT 2 male cardinals) I was given free range. I made 3 different toppers for them to choose from.<br />
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I'm not sure why it's so much fun to dress up animals - I loved making the top hat and veil, adding in all the feathers and little details... I modge-podged a page from an old poetry book onto the lid for a papier mache box. Their cake was a single layer, so they asked me to cover the bottom of the box as well - the finish product made it look like they had a little second tier on their cake.<br />
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There is alot of touch-up work that goes into these birds. If you've ever purchased these craft birds, you know what I am talking about. Trimming feathers, painting beaks, repairing wire legs, the occasional lop sided eye :)<br />
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Need some birds for your wedding? I will be taking on a couple of special orders for cardinal cake toppers in <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/126046341/mrmrs-cardinal-cake-topper?" target="_blank">my etsy shop.</a><br />
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<br />Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08068882612201073792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9137163725183839128.post-8385487331520210342013-02-08T07:12:00.001-05:002013-03-11T07:34:20.836-04:00sisterhood of the traveling pinnie...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Months ago I joined in a <a href="http://craftnosis.blogspot.com/2012/07/finish-long-part-3.html" target="_blank">finish-a-long</a>, and while the deadline has long been in the rear-view mirror - I am still busy at work completing projects! My first <a href="http://www.small-good-things.com/archives/2544" target="_blank">llama pinnie</a> encounter was on pinterest {I have some friends who own a llama farm, and quite frankly I just think they are among the coolest of animals!} It was love at first pin; I needed to have one of my very own. I don't know about you, but I have found myself with an abundance of pinnies over the last few years. Wonderful to look at, lots of fun to create, but rarely used in my sewing space. I'm okay with that - a painting isn't utilitarian, and people collect art, right?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Anyways - once I made my way to Tractor Supply Company to purchase a Schleich llama, I found an overwhelming number of other small animals begging to be made into pincushions. 'Pick me!' said the cow, and the deer, and the pig, and the squirrel, and the bison, and the giraffe, and the t-rex... and the tiny donkey! I couldn't just leave him there, right?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My mother in law - who is an amazing crafter - needlefelted 2 small spheres to coordinate with the little blankets I had made for them. Hot glue was my friend for this project - especially to attach that little ball trim!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So first up were pinnies that (if they were real animals) could travel, and in keeping with that theme I wanted to share this pinnie I put together for when I travel. It's made with an old metal salt/pepper shaker that had lost it's top. I spray painted a jam jar lid, and attached a vintage crocheted flower I found to the top.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The underside of the lid is fitted with a pincushion (just a circle, gathered at the edges, stuffed, and then held in place with stitches in a star pattern over the top). Lots of odds and ends fit inside: a seam ripper, mini scissors, needles, thread, and a tape measure.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Now I need to actually travel with a project! I always end up spending so much time packing clothes, that I lack the time to pick a project out to take with me.</span>Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08068882612201073792noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9137163725183839128.post-29834150762151627972013-02-06T19:12:00.003-05:002013-02-06T19:13:25.005-05:00a crafty affair...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I plunged into the craft fair world last fall {and it has only taken me months and months to find a minute to blog about it!} For the past two years our <a href="http://www.younglife.org/" target="_blank">Young Life</a> area has put on a craft fair to raise money - crafters pay a fee for their booth space and a table; in turn they keep all the money they make. I learned a few things about craft fair's along the way:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">1. the web, blogs, and pinterest have tons of GREAT information - steal it, take in all the vast knowledge and previous experience of those who have gone before you in the craft fair world. <a href="http://pinterest.com/xdenikax/craft-fair-tables/" target="_blank">Here</a> is a board I particularly loved.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">2. it's really hard to have exactly what people want. years working in a LQS taught me that. people ooh and ahhh over the samples and beg to buy them, but when the same thing is up with a price tag on it, they are suddenly not so sure. i sold a decent amount of items, but went home with a moderately full car. any advice out there? is that pretty normal?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> 3. designing a booth and props is fun! part of the crafting process for me was to create a little awning out of pvc pipe and some stands for display. i think presentation makes a big difference in sales {people really wanted to buy my props... see item #2 above}</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">4. people might not come with alot of money to spend. it seemed like this - and other fairs i have visited - are often visited by the casual browser and NOT the big spender. perhaps the ease of online shopping has made bigger purchases a little easier to shop for. i could be wrong, but most people are in the market for smaller dollar items - not the hand pieced and quilted queen size quilt or the hand hooked 100% wool room sized rug. buyers tend to plan for those items rather than see, have to have, and buy them on the spot.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">5. enjoy it. though some use craft fairs as a primary income source, i look at it as a little extra fabric money and a chance to visit and get to know other crafters. {i think i spent most of my income at other booths}</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I have included a few photos of my craft fair items to break up the text and give you some color to look at. Check out <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ylheidi?ref=si_shop" target="_blank">my etsy</a> {the online craft fair} if you are interested in acquiring any of them. If you see a 'must have' in the booth picture at the top but not in my etsy, email me and I may still have 1 or 2 :)</span>Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08068882612201073792noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9137163725183839128.post-23635267913094060062012-11-13T20:15:00.001-05:002012-11-13T20:19:31.434-05:00a pinnie for your thoughts {round 2}...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Something new on my blog - I know, it's a shock! Life has a way of getting busy, complicated, and overwhelming. There has been alot going on in my little corner of the world, life has been full and there has even been some crafty adventures happening {including my first craft fair booth!} If you're reading this, thanks for sticking with me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My latest project has been round 2 of the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/1931653@N23/">Fab Little Pincushion Swap</a>. Last round I made <a href="http://craftnosis.blogspot.com/2012/05/whoooooo-doesnt-love-pinnie.html">this owl</a> and received <a href="http://craftnosis.blogspot.com/2012/07/finish-long-part-3.html">this amazing little dog</a>. I've said it before; I have a love/hate relationship with swaps. I love thinking up ideas, I love getting something from a new crafty friend, I love getting to know other crafters. I hate deciding if what I am sending will be loved by my partner. So after several drawings and drafts, this is the pinnie I decided on.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A real combination of my partners likes and my current bunting obsession. This was the first time I have tried my hand at wonky/free form log cabin triangles. Lots of fun picking out what piece of fabric would be highlighted in the center. The pictures make it hard to see, but there is a quilted cloud outline in the background. I made a couple of bird pin toppers {seemed fitting for the clouds}</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Hope to have another post soon!</span>Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08068882612201073792noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9137163725183839128.post-52159285665605209852012-07-12T07:10:00.000-04:002012-07-12T07:17:46.800-04:00finish-a-long part 3...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
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Isn't he darling - a sewing machine's best friend! He is the newest addition to my steadily growing pincushion obsession. My <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/1931653@N23/">FLiPS</a> partner <a href="http://www.gocksfrocks.blogspot.com/">Kristen</a> was reading my mind - he came with <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gocksfrocks/7257256540/">a box full of goodies</a>, including another pinnie [or rather, pin sharpener as it was filled with sand]. Probably one of the best swaps I have ever been in. Though, I have been one lucky crafter as far as swaps go! It has been great playing along with Rhonda's Finish-A-Long! It's officially the third quarter and I wanted to share with you the creations I will [fingers crossed!] be finishing this time around.</div>
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1. Another quilt needs binding!! I can't wait to share more of this Kaffe Fassett pattern very soon, the next time you see it, it will have the binding and hanging sleeve attached. This will be in our forever-being-rennovated kitchen :) I have the perfect spot to hang it up!</div>
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2. The final installment in my little venture into the circus world is all cut out. The lion ringmaster needs stitched together and embellished. He will have to keep the unicorn, mouse, seal, monkey, and elephant in line :)</div>
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3. I have two funky pincushions that have been sitting on my sewing table for too long. All I can say is, be careful, pinterest inspiration can strike at any time.</div>
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4. Finally, last quarter I finished <a href="http://craftnosis.blogspot.com/2012/04/finished-flock.html">The Flock</a>. This quarter I am hoping to whip up some of the coordinating pillows and pillowcases. Feels good to finally be using the fabric and pattern I bought so long ago for their intended purpose. </div>
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Now all that's left is to get down to the business of sewing! The weather is cooperating for a little craftiness, it has cooled off this week. Last week it was 104F outside with no air conditioning inside - the thought of sitting in my upstairs craft room made me break a sweat :)</div>Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08068882612201073792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9137163725183839128.post-73695739886203793842012-07-05T08:34:00.001-04:002012-07-11T10:05:46.022-04:00UFOs no more...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
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The second quarter of the Finish-a-Long hosted by <a href="http://www.quilterinthegap.com/p/2012-finish-long.html">Rhonda</a> has come to an end. I am excited to report I finished all 3 of the previously <b>U</b>n<b>F</b>inished <b>O</b>bjects that I posted about <a href="http://craftnosis.blogspot.com/2012/04/its-zoo-finish-long.html">here</a>! I shared <a href="http://craftnosis.blogspot.com/2012/04/finished-flock.html">The Flock</a> quilt with you earlier, above is a picture of the spring/summer wreath that I finished.</div>
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After I made <a href="http://craftnosis.blogspot.com/2011/12/copy-cat-holiday.html">this one</a> for Christmas, I kind of got wreath fever. [I think Pinterest should take some of the blame for this one] I was scouring the internet, looking through my yarn, and dreaming up color combos - but the only progress was a sad looking styrofoam wreath wrapped in yarn. I think it's come along way since then! The felt flowers are lots of fun to make and I think they would be great for headbands. You can check out my other wreath <a href="http://craftnosis.blogspot.com/2011/12/copy-cat-holiday.html">post</a> for links to the tutorials I used.</div>
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Also making the deadline were 2 more additions to my <a href="http://craftnosis.blogspot.com/2012/04/its-zoo-finish-long.html">Circus Life collection</a>. The pattern was for a horse, but currently I am loving all things unicorn. A little paperclay horn, and voila!</div>
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[This is not the best picture I have ever taken, I know] The wool felt I used for the seal may have been a little dark - it's difficult to see his eyes/features. Being able to find just the right color is tough - I am limited by a) the colors actually produced and b) the colors my LQS carries. The underside of his flippers have a cute vintage-feel teal print, unfortunately you don't ever see it because, well, it's on the underside. I have animal to make before my adventure in circus land is finished: the lion.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I am off to dig through my pile of unfinished objects to prepare for the third quarter FAL. You should join in too - imagine the satisfaction of actually finishing projects + the chance to win some wonderful prizes!</span>Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08068882612201073792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9137163725183839128.post-78419159863153519702012-05-24T08:00:00.000-04:002012-05-24T11:58:00.741-04:00whoooooo doesn't love a pinnie?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There are probably a million punny titles for a blog post about a pincushion owl :) I have been in love with owls for quite a while now and it seems everyone else is too! I just finished up this round of FLiPS - Fab Little Pincushion Swap. You need to run over to the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/1931653@N23/">flickr group</a> and check out some of the beauties that are now circling the globe on their way to new homes. Mailing deadline was Wednesday, so of course I mailed mine on Wednesday. Call it part procrastination, part failed first attempts - whatever it is I am always down to the wire sending things. I had more than a couple of ideas and one seriously botched, then abandoned pinnie before inspiration really hit. This little owl is what I came up with.</div>
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Her body is made of wool felt, but most of the rest of her is 100% hand-dyed wool. I find the wool felt is just a little stiffer and great for structure. I added two washers in the bottom so that she stands up straight - wish human posture correction was that easy!</div>
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Yep, I fell victim to the decorative pin trend. Her little rose on her neck and the leaves around it are also pins. These are not that complicated, but they were fun to make and I think add a little whimsy. Plus I'm not sure how many times I have pinned something in place, it looked perfect, then once it was sewn in place it had moved position or didn't look right. Decorations that are re-positionable pins are a great alternative!</div>
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I hope my partner loves her - as I have mentioned before, there is always that stress that what I make isn't really their taste or style. Fingers crossed! If I have enough interested commenters, I might be persuaded to put together a tutorial.</div>
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Hope your spring is going swimmingly and your garden has less weeds than mine :)</div>Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08068882612201073792noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9137163725183839128.post-85950471038170504592012-04-20T10:20:00.002-04:002012-04-20T10:29:04.940-04:00the finished flock...<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7059/7096196217_e89fbd0c16.jpg" style="font-family: arial;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7059/7096196217_e89fbd0c16.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 265px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 398px;" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">I am off to a quick start with all of my finish-a-long projects for this quarter! Do you have any of those projects that can only be described as 'a long time in the making'? My flying geese quilt that I have dubbed 'the flock' is the very first full size quilt top I completed [it's a queen size], and probably one of the first big sewing projects I worked on. As I look through my stash I am reminded about my 'urgency' when it comes to buying things, especially fabric. I found this pattern in a quilt magazine in 2001, determined to make it, I bought all the fabric necessary along with ample fabric for pillows, pillowcases, even enough green solid to make a flat sheet. How ambitious, yes the quilt is FINALLY finished, but the pillow and bedding fabric remains folded or on bolts :)</span><br />
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<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7236/6950123184_ca954ce355_z.jpg" style="font-family: arial;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7236/6950123184_ca954ce355_z.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 597px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 399px;" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">This was before my 'modern' phase, so the colors are a little darker and distressed. It was also before I really knew what I was doing, so there are quite a few squished beaks on the geese.</span><br />
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<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7087/6950124196_6abe0fa760.jpg" style="font-family: arial;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7087/6950124196_6abe0fa760.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">LABELS: If you don't do this, you need to! I have quilts that my grandma and great grandma made - I think. There is no label, no information, no remembrance of when or for who. It is kind of sad to know that every quilt has a story, but it can't be known or told. This is a little big, but I like it all the same :) I used printable fabric; for more ideas on labels, check out <a href="http://craftnosis.blogspot.com/2010/01/make-your-mark.html">this post</a>.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.fatquartershop.com/store/stores_app/Browse_Item_Details.asp?sid=835247316258352&Store_id=499&page_id=23&Item_ID=66163&Parent_Ids=" style="font-family: arial;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.fatquartershop.com/store/stores_app/images/images_499/HopeCove-bundle-450.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 399px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 399px;" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">Robyn Pandolph [who still designs, though not for Moda] designed this grouping called Morning Glory. The line included prints and homespuns [woven plaids] - which makes for an awesome assortment of textures. Still creating wonderful floral prints, you can pick up some of her newer RJR fabrics over at the <a href="http://www.fatquartershop.com/store/stores_app/Browse_Item_Details.asp?sid=835247316258352&Store_id=499&page_id=23&Item_ID=66163&Parent_Ids=">fat quarter shop</a>.</span><br />
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<a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5347/7096197093_ef1bf2573d.jpg" style="font-family: arial;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5347/7096197093_ef1bf2573d.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 265px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 398px;" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">Quilt Started: 2001 / Binding Finished: 2012</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial;">Only 11 years to finish - do you have any projects that have been hanging around your craft area that long [that you're willing to admit]?</span>Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08068882612201073792noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9137163725183839128.post-68791230984159543242012-04-10T09:45:00.003-04:002012-04-10T10:12:53.887-04:00it's a zoo + finish-a-long...<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7088/7063066123_7e8c3e9898.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7088/7063066123_7e8c3e9898.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">My name is Heidi and I love vintage kitsch. There is my confession. I enjoy my small, but lovingly currated, collection of vintage pyrex. When we cleared out my grandparent's farm before auction, I picked the items no one else wanted {furniture with "character", bits of old fabric, christmas ornaments in disrepair, rusty bits and bobs}. When I saw the </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.indygojunction.com/patterns/">Indygo Junction patterns</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> for these little circus performers, I knew my shelves needed them!</span><br face="arial"><br face="arial"><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5198/6916991908_07e1f3a991.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 398px; height: 265px;" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5198/6916991908_07e1f3a991.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">The elephant came first... I think he is adorable with his little stick legs. That sparkly bauble is a button salvaged from my grandma's house.</span><br face="arial"><br face="arial"><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5311/6916986706_a985b0370c.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5311/6916986706_a985b0370c.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">This little piggy went to the circus. The elephant and piggy are similar in construction. I really enjoy the decorating and detail work on them - choosing that perfect trim or paper for their hats.</span><br face="arial"><br face="arial"><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7070/7063070963_88623884a1_z.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 399px; height: 266px;" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7070/7063070963_88623884a1_z.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">Mouse in the house. She is just adorable. What's cropped out in this picture is a little pink balloon made out of paperclay. Paperclay is a wonderful air-dry clay that is easy to work with and acrylic paint friendly. If anyone has some great suggestions on how to store paperclay long term, I would love to hear them. I don't use it often enough and it seems I am always throwing some dried-out bits away no matter how many ziploc bags I use.</span><br face="arial"><br face="arial"><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7056/7063068289_7bcc9acd85_z.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 399px; height: 598px;" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7056/7063068289_7bcc9acd85_z.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">Monkey see monkey do. I love this little juggler - again with the help of paperclay! In case you wondered what the rest of the monkey {& mouse} look like, </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/craftnosis/7063069669/">here</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> is a full photo. The legs are pipecleaners wrapped with floral tape and then painted - a new technique for me!</span><br /><br style="font-family: arial;"><a style="font-family: arial;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh53fbF3cja5V-evfPx8lhP7N3b7Dz0vDrh9vDg7mSrj8dFVSg-Bx4k1mDo7X5AWJJyfwPiSd7VqFY9SXTvU758G7REB-SSgDQwCc4LrCPez6h2hyphenhyphenlvDZyPdjCl_rinUqWt_CV7Z2XD59QL/s1600/FAL+button+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 125px; height: 125px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh53fbF3cja5V-evfPx8lhP7N3b7Dz0vDrh9vDg7mSrj8dFVSg-Bx4k1mDo7X5AWJJyfwPiSd7VqFY9SXTvU758G7REB-SSgDQwCc4LrCPez6h2hyphenhyphenlvDZyPdjCl_rinUqWt_CV7Z2XD59QL/s1600/FAL+button+2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">This post is two-fold: I wanted to show off my circus folks, but also share with you the Finish-A-Long happening over at </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://gapquilter.blogspot.com/p/2012-finish-long.html">Quilter in the Gap</a><span style="font-family:arial;">. I have long talked about my box of unfinished objects {UFOs}. Each quarter you share what you plan to finish, link up to her site, then add links to your finished projects at the end of 3 months. I'm excited to get to work + there are great prizes at the end of each round! Worst case scenario, I get some work done! So my first hope-to-finish is the last 2 circus animals that I want to make - a lion and a horse {possibly a unicorn}. I have all of the supplies out to make them - even little legs and arm</span><span style="font-family:arial;">s all painted up for Mr. Lion. But these little guys are pretty time consuming with all their details.</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5331/7063074753_03f10d0de9.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 398px; height: 265px;" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5331/7063074753_03f10d0de9.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">Next up is this wreath. I had grand plans to get it finished in February for valentine's day. I want to make a variety of felt flowers just like I did for the </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://craftnosis.blogspot.com/2011/12/copy-cat-holiday.html">Christmas wreath</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> I made.</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7118/6916993128_8f2ceecfc9.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7118/6916993128_8f2ceecfc9.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">My last hope-to-finish is the binding on this queen sized quilt. I don't want to reveal too much until I am completely finished.</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">I hope you are enjoying Spring - it always seems like the best time of year for a fresh start!</span>Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08068882612201073792noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9137163725183839128.post-22859804829067517512012-04-02T09:58:00.000-04:002012-04-02T09:59:18.245-04:00giveaway winner + shop news...<a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7012/6738470559_1962c37feb.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7012/6738470559_1962c37feb.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">In the last two weeks...</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">- I've been sick... CHECK</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">- I've had technology issues... CHECK</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">- I've had more work than 24 hours could hold... CHECK</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">- I've had some personal challenges to work through... CHECK</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">- I've been waiting for the promised delivery of the book I am in... CHECK</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">- My sewing machine needed serviced... CHECK</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">- Life has made me too tired to look at editing pictures and writing up posts... CHECK</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Now that we are finished with the excuse portion of this post, now on to the apology section. I am so sorry that I have been a poor blogger! I ask your forgiveness for not posting a giveaway winner as I promised. To shed some light on my absenteeism, crafting and blogging are part of a very slim category in my life known as 'hobbies.' Crafting is a stress reliever, not work, something I like to do, just for me - I try not to step into the treacherous territory of 'having' to sew or blog. I really enjoy sewing and blogging, and I would like to keep on 'liking' them :)</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Anyways... onto the WINNER!! The proud new owner of a copy of Seaside Home is [drumroll please] </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://so-sue.blogspot.com/">Susan</a><span style="font-family:arial;">! [special thanks to the random number generator!] Please email me your mailing information, and I will throw in a little something along with the book since you were forced to wait on this announcement. Thanks to all who read my blog and entered! If you didn't win, </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/96669915/seaside-home-25-stitched-projects">the book</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> is available NOW in my etsy shop :)</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Also, as pennance, if you use the code SUMMERFUN you can get 25% off any pillow in </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ylheidi">my shop.</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> Hope to blog with you all again very soon!</span>Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08068882612201073792noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9137163725183839128.post-19220962679477095552012-03-14T09:10:00.004-04:002012-03-14T09:34:08.594-04:00nittany round up...<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7202/6981950259_3c6302c71f.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 360px;" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7202/6981950259_3c6302c71f.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">{note: 1 more day - today - to enter into the drawing to win a copy of Seaside Home! Just leave a comment on </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://craftnosis.blogspot.com/2012/03/exciting-news-giveaway.html">this</a><span style="font-family: arial;"> post.}</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">So, I think March 14th officially means that 2011 is over :) I finished these blocks some time ago, but wanted to share the last few months of the Nittany Block Swap. I really enjoy block swaps, but because of time [coupled with the fact that I didn't find a new swap that seemed interesting AND was looking for a new member] I am not currently participating in a monthly swap.</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7210/6835780996_8af3917191.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 399px; height: 315px;" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7210/6835780996_8af3917191.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">September: Kelly was going for more of a modern look. It was fun to have boundaries but still be allowed some artistic control. I am sure this will look amazing when she finishes with it!</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7056/6981907669_f9979d315f.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 398px; height: 401px;" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7056/6981907669_f9979d315f.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br style="font-family: arial;"><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7199/6835783618_8d528bdd1e.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 398px; height: 402px;" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7199/6835783618_8d528bdd1e.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">October: Tammy wanted a </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.modabakeshop.com/2011/08/road-to-tennessee.html">Moda Bake Shoppe</a><span style="font-family: arial;"> pattern. The fabrics are GREAT; I really like the secondary pattern that forms when you put these blocks together.</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7202/6981910667_d2822e27c1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 399px; height: 399px;" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7202/6981910667_d2822e27c1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br style="font-family: arial;"><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7060/6835785504_d335f5a6a8_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 239px;" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7060/6835785504_d335f5a6a8_m.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">November: Shari is into upcycling men's shirts right now. I am a huge Kaffe Fasset fan, so the finished look is right up my ally. Some of them are still a slight bit wonky despite my best pressing and cutting efforts. Cannot wait to see all those shapes come to life in a finished quilt!</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I have to get back into the project that the ladies helped me with!! The center is pieced, it just needs some borders and a few blocks for said border and it will be complete!</span>Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08068882612201073792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9137163725183839128.post-80684813999187320472012-03-13T11:20:00.000-04:002012-03-13T11:27:06.197-04:00ruffled feathers [tote tutorial]...<a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7156/6738523569_d4caac7dab.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 398px; height: 265px;" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7156/6738523569_d4caac7dab.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">**note: there is still time to enter in the giveaway for new Seaside Home book! Comment on </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://craftnosis.blogspot.com/2012/03/exciting-news-giveaway.html">this</a><span style="font-family: arial;"> post! I will announce a winner on the 15th :)</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I was thinking the other day that sometimes it is loads of fun to ruffle someone else's feathers, but very rarely fun to have your own feathers ruffled. [I think alot of kids have figured this out] I am a fan of ruffles - and apparently I am not the only one - they are showing up everywhere! Not wanting to disappoint a trend, I made up this little tote.</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7159/6738525809_64910c358a_z.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 399px; height: 597px;" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7159/6738525809_64910c358a_z.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7011/6738520959_e3551601c9.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 398px; height: 265px;" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7011/6738520959_e3551601c9.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">Sweet and simple, I put together a little tutorial - here is a link to the </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B1Gp63SggRN_cjQ4LVR0V09SdUNoWk8wbGVUMzVTdw">pdf</a><span style="font-family: arial;">.</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Hope your day is going well - here the sky is blue, my windows are open, and I can hear birds singing! Goodbye grey skies! [at least for the moment!]</span>Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08068882612201073792noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9137163725183839128.post-76857375116935388472012-03-01T07:45:00.002-05:002012-03-01T07:46:27.573-05:00exciting news + a giveaway!<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7012/6738470559_1962c37feb.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 399px; height: 399px;" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7012/6738470559_1962c37feb.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">I am pretty darn pleased to announce that my </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://craftnosis.blogspot.com/2010/11/of-benedryl-pillows.html">little crabby pillow</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> has made its way into a book!! The soon to be released book </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.stashbooksblog.com/products/seaside-home-2/">Seaside Home</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> will contain one of my very own original patterns. I can't hardly believe it :D</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4129/5191575339_1932420bbd.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 398px; height: 265px;" src="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4129/5191575339_1932420bbd.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">Did you see my crabby cover girl in the upper left hand corner? Here is a bigger picture I took in case you missed it.</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7013/6738467535_e9ff012a4e.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 399px; height: 399px;" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7013/6738467535_e9ff012a4e.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">There are so many wonderful sea-inspired projects - don't you love that little beach house?! To roll out the red fabric for the book, I would love to giveaway a copy of the book. Just leave me a comment on this post to enter. There is also a blog tour in the planning stages. More details to follow; I will draw a winner on March 14.</span>Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08068882612201073792noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9137163725183839128.post-29053789978457873352012-01-20T14:17:00.004-05:002012-01-20T14:29:40.560-05:00put a pin in it...<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7019/6732110619_c765239b4e.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 398px; height: 265px;" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7019/6732110619_c765239b4e.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">Just a little post to prove to everyone that I am still alive! I have been traveling through one of those almost-too-busy-to-breath periods of time. Life is good, just a little overwhelming. I wanted to share some cute wrist pin cushions I made to sell a little while ago.</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7173/6732111987_33ede9f49c.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 398px; height: 265px;" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7173/6732111987_33ede9f49c.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">Fairly simple and straight forward: They are a 2.5" strip of fabric and some batting, folded in half wst, stitched and turned. Add a circle that has been basted, stuffed, and tied shut. I used a felt circle to cover the opening after I added the thread and buttons. [also, there is a cardboard circle in the bottom of the pin cushion to prevent pinning yourself] Velcro does the job of keeping it on your wrist and offering a custom fit.</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7018/6732114025_469da31457.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 398px; height: 265px;" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7018/6732114025_469da31457.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">This is a <a href="http://birdinthehandprimitives-robin.blogspot.com/2009/04/by-request-zinc-jar-lid-pin-keep.html">tutorial</a> that I find pretty helpful, offering basic pincushion instructions. I do have some exciting crafty news to share with you! Check back here in the next few days :)</span>Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08068882612201073792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9137163725183839128.post-50261662694555402052011-12-26T20:48:00.006-05:002011-12-27T08:41:13.494-05:00copy cat holiday...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: arial;" href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7021/6581255599_dcce37e959.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 398px; height: 265px;" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7021/6581255599_dcce37e959.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">Imitation is the best form of flattery, right? I hope so. I fell in love with </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://cuttopieces.blogspot.com/2011/12/felt-flower-wreath.html">this</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> beautiful wreath that Angela put together. Normally I am not into making exact replicas, but I liked the color choices, the positioning, and the types of flowers she used. I also got to experiment with some felt flower tutorials. Specifically, I used </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.craftinessisnotoptional.com/2011/11/rolled-felt-flowers.html">rolled</a><span style="font-family:arial;">, </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.craftinessisnotoptional.com/2011/12/circle-felt-flower.html">circle</a><span style="font-family:arial;">, and </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.creativejewishmom.com/2009/12/make-a-gorgeous-rose-bud-bouquet-from-felt.html">rose bud</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> flowers. I am so thankful that she shared her project!</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: arial;" href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7029/6581251929_dd3d29cf4a.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 398px; height: 265px;" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7029/6581251929_dd3d29cf4a.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">This was a wonderfully economical project - the yarn I used was some I found when we cleared out my grandma's farm before the auction, I had some of the felt, and of course I had spray glitter [how festive, don't you think? :] Normally I prefer 100% wool or wool felt, but all of the greens in this wreath are plain old regular craft felt. The bright colors are just not readily available in wool felt. Since this won't receive any washing and only light wear & tear, I am certain it will hold up.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: arial;" href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7165/6581259745_188f13a3c5.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 398px; height: 265px;" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7165/6581259745_188f13a3c5.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">It is hanging on the door to our pantry in our kitchen. Though I had dreamed that it would find a home on our front door, the doors are too close together and the flowers ended up smooshed. [at least it is hanging on the front door for my pictures]</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: arial;" href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7033/6581262105_cd13337929.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 398px; height: 265px;" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7033/6581262105_cd13337929.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">Here are a few of the crafty Christmas gifts that I actually finished. I made a few festive tea towels; this deer is a copy of </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://craftnosis.blogspot.com/2011/01/framed.html">one I did last Christmas</a><span style="font-family:arial;">, which was a take on a paperchase design.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: arial;" href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7032/6581248259_dc56d1ccb6.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 398px; height: 265px;" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7032/6581248259_dc56d1ccb6.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">I also made some string block hot pads. I like the scrappy look of them, hopefully their new owners will enjoy them as well! I hope that you all had wonderful holidays - and perhaps there is still some holiday merriment in your near future)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">** perhaps an important note: this wreath is just for my personal enjoyment, it's never proper etiquette to copy someone else's ideas and then sell them :)</span>Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08068882612201073792noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9137163725183839128.post-9546761115737641572011-12-05T22:23:00.004-05:002011-12-06T07:01:36.853-05:00around the house [in way less than 80 days]...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7025/6428404347_9af84d5e88.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 398px; height: 265px;" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7025/6428404347_9af84d5e88.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">This post goes out to those home dec/improvement projects that [sadly] do not warrant a whole blog post all to themselves. Above is the last of my outdoor-furniture-recovering-extravaganza. Again using my </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://craftnosis.blogspot.com/2011/07/loot-warrant-crook.html">crazy low priced JoAnn's fabric.</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: arial;" href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7031/6463752515_961be3c856.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 399px; height: 409px;" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7031/6463752515_961be3c856.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">My New York Beauty is finally quilted, bound, and hanging in its rightful place in our dining room. I still love the 'I-Spy' of it all - seems like a treasure hunt every time I walk by it! I have the pattern and the fabric stack for a pickle dish quilt, but it has to get in line behind my pile of UFOs. Also not quite ready for another intensive paper piecing project. [You can read all about my adventures with NYB blocks </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://craftnosis.blogspot.com/search/label/new%20york%20beauty">here</a><span style="font-family: arial;">]</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: arial;" href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7174/6463722027_626e01f3a7.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 399px; height: 450px;" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7174/6463722027_626e01f3a7.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">New curtains for the bathroom! The former curtains were faded and on their last leg, so it was definitely time for a change.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: arial;" href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7175/6463720435_c65a1148cf_z.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 399px; height: 599px;" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7175/6463720435_c65a1148cf_z.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">This is the first time I have made a shade that operated like this one - fairly simple, but looks and works well. I used the same book that I did to make my roman shades in </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://craftnosis.blogspot.com/2009/07/something-little-shady.html">this post</a><span style="font-family: arial;">.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Currently have some top secret Christmas projects in the works. Hoping to share an update on my quilt swap blocks this week.</span>Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08068882612201073792noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9137163725183839128.post-24636990606712989812011-12-02T06:45:00.002-05:002011-12-02T06:49:36.558-05:00yes, my house is aqua...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: arial;" href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7172/6428401001_55316008af.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7172/6428401001_55316008af.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">Did you ever [temporarily] forget that you live a small rural community, with traditional little houses painted white, tan, or grey? Where even a yellow house is a bold move? Only to drive home and see the 2" swatch of color you chose is now the entire side of your house? No? It's only me that thinks beach houses can exist in the midwest [hours from a lake, let alone the ocean]?</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: arial;" href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7025/6428390919_5a39b96a40.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7025/6428390919_5a39b96a40.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">This summer our house underwent a transformation from unnoticeable to unmistakable. The house has received mixed reviews - but we get quite a few compliments and people seem to think it 'looks like me.' [hopefully this does not mean I look like a 2 story aqua house]</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: arial;" href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7030/6428393181_9dbbac05b0_z.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 399px; height: 517px;" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7030/6428393181_9dbbac05b0_z.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">These are just a few of the before and afters I took. We had the front porch completely ripped off and rebuilt to look like the original. [on a funny note - at the 'porch ripped off stage' one of our neighbors shared how nice the house was looking... hmm wonder how bad the house looked before :]</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: arial;" href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7030/6428396945_c1a5ef3ecd.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 399px; height: 308px;" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7030/6428396945_c1a5ef3ecd.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">We only intended to replace the floor, but apparently the two bricks serving as a 'foundation' do not meet current construction standards. It was fun to see the porch come back to life!</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: arial;" href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7165/6428394903_80ecf900ca.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 399px; height: 309px;" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7165/6428394903_80ecf900ca.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">It may be worth noting that the 'before' pictures were taken after our house was power-washed - so we the paint was definitely in need of a new coat, but not as bad as in these pictures.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: arial;" href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7007/6428398817_ee52db4b38_z.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 399px; height: 517px;" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7007/6428398817_ee52db4b38_z.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">Lookey, lookey - no more suicide door! The former owners ripped a decaying balcony off the house. So for years we have been living with a door to nowhere.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: arial;" href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7035/6428402675_090c96ab18.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 398px; height: 265px;" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7035/6428402675_090c96ab18.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">We are enjoying our porch - as is Miss Sophie :D {new cushions for our wicker furniture made with my 60cent/yard home dec fabric courtesy of </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://craftnosis.blogspot.com/2011/07/loot-warrant-crook.html">JoAnn's moving sale!</a><span style="font-family:arial;">}</span>Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08068882612201073792noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9137163725183839128.post-28349420512233728692011-11-30T07:00:00.000-05:002011-11-30T07:07:57.125-05:00past presents [aka aprons i made]...<span style="font-family: arial;">Here I am - blogging; astonishing really... Between two full time jobs, a part time job, technical issues, and a variety of other things [known as life] I have sadly neglected my blog, as well as my online persona. So let's give this a try - really, I have things to blog about, heck, I even have pictures edited of things to blog about :D Let's ease back into this, a few pictures, brief descriptions, nothing fancy...</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: arial;" href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7148/6428386567_11eb91450e_z.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 399px; height: 598px;" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7148/6428386567_11eb91450e_z.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">I like aprons. I like to wear them. I like to make them. I like to gift them. The folks in my FCS classroom [I am long term subbing currently] think aprons are a strange, foreign concept reserved for black and white pictures of grannies. I however, know better - they are clothes savers and even fashion statements in their own right. Above is the one I made [for myself] that I wear when we cook in class. I love those crazy veggies! The </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://sewliberated.com/products/emmeline-apron-sewing-pattern">Emmeline Apron</a><span style="font-family: arial;"> is easy, fabulous, and reversible! This one has a Sweetwater floral print on the back.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: arial;" href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7030/6428379873_75cd0caf3c_z.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 399px; height: 597px;" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7030/6428379873_75cd0caf3c_z.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">Yes, it is another Emmeline Apron [I actually made 3]. This is my best pal Jordan - she works at a coffee shop and needed an apron [though she decided she didn't want to bleach it up, so she doesn't actually wear it to work...]</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: arial;" href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7002/6428375375_e788bd8c60_z.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 399px; height: 599px;" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7002/6428375375_e788bd8c60_z.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">Nope, I don't know what pattern I used to make this apron for my sister's housewarming gift. I think it's super cute with a vintage vibe.</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Well, that wasn't so difficult - hope to be back online Friday with some more things to share! Thanks for sticking with me :D</span>Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08068882612201073792noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9137163725183839128.post-26107725559530358012011-10-30T16:11:00.003-04:002011-10-30T16:19:04.363-04:00back online!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://mrslwilliamswses.pbworks.com/f/Computer%20clip%20art.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 270px;" src="http://mrslwilliamswses.pbworks.com/f/Computer%20clip%20art.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">for the past few weeks I have had a 6" black line running vertically down the screen of my computer... a new display later and I am back in business! It was incredibly hard to do anything, let alone edit photos in photoshop, so I am excited to share what I have been up to!</span> <span style="font-family:arial;">talk soon :D</span>Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08068882612201073792noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9137163725183839128.post-22290797460091357482011-09-23T06:11:00.002-04:002011-09-23T06:21:03.666-04:00our first fair!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6162/6174909888_52cd2bf651.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 399px; height: 299px;" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6162/6174909888_52cd2bf651.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">For all of my local readers... We are having our first Handmade with a Purpose Craft Fair to raise money for </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.younglife.org/">Young Life</a><span style="font-family: arial;"> in our area. There are lots of great vendors lined up and it's for a great cause - so it would definitely be worth stop by to check it out!<br /><br />Here are the details:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">When? Saturday, September 24, 2011</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">What Time? 10am-5pm</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Where? </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&channel=s&hl=en&biw=1220&bih=695&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=miller+avenue+elementary,+sugarcreek,+ohio&fb=1&gl=us&hq=miller+avenue+elementary,&hnear=0x883702e2baa4e2e5:0xaeadbe9f9c5a5c1b,Sugarcreek,+OH&cid=0,0,6306231985129020757&ei=eFx8TrH5CsvAgQey2dBF&sa=X&oi=local_result&ct=image&ved=0CAQQ_BI">Miller Avenue Elementary</a><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Admission? Free!</span>Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08068882612201073792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9137163725183839128.post-62550727883932919042011-09-19T05:41:00.003-04:002011-09-19T06:13:13.706-04:00recipe box redu...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: arial;" href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6201/6162328286_8d9220b88e_z.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 398px; height: 598px;" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6201/6162328286_8d9220b88e_z.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">I have a crush on vintage advertising and labels. The wonderful artwork, the neat fonts, the retro colors - the sense of nostalgia. When we cleared out my grandparent's home for auction a few years ago there was no shortage of ephemera. My great-grandparents built the house, and like many during the depression years, they saved everything!</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: arial;" href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6201/6162331250_9f6af94144.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 398px; height: 265px;" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6201/6162331250_9f6af94144.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">One of the carry overs of food packaging that has lasted to this day, is the inclusion of recipes. [usually the recipe calls for another product that the manufacturer makes] Some of the recipes I found were much more appetizing than others, but the artwork was lovely. I am a big fan of the old school Betty Crocker cookbooks with the 'sketchy' looking art, so I was super excited when I found these 'free with purchase' recipes.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: arial;" href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6173/6161794321_16d6c02047.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 398px; height: 265px;" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6173/6161794321_16d6c02047.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">I already had the wooden box, it just needed a handle for the top. With trusty modge podge at my side, I went to work. Some scrapbook paper, vintage images, and even a few of my grandma's handwritten recipes later, I had a great place to store my little tin recipe boxes and all of the misc. recipes I have printed off from websites that were previously hanging out in my cupboard.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: arial;" href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6175/6162329296_cdd9bdd7fb.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 397px; height: 264px;" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6175/6162329296_cdd9bdd7fb.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">The result is a little kitsch - just the way I like it. I hoping that it will encourage me to try out more new recipes and to cook at home more often [too bad I can't reach into the box and pull time out :]</span>Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08068882612201073792noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9137163725183839128.post-57726247716278803982011-09-12T06:33:00.002-04:002011-09-12T06:37:09.007-04:00baby bandwagon...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: arial;" href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6068/6137536813_6d0a6ce88e.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6068/6137536813_6d0a6ce88e.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">This summer quite a few new additions came to our town. [which meant some baby showers were on my schedule] As I have </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://craftnosis.blogspot.com/search/label/baby">mentioned before</a><span style="font-family:arial;">, I really enjoy making baby quilts - you get to try out new techniques, you aren't committed to a giant project, + I get to give a personal, handmade gift! I hope that these little quilts will see alot of snuggle time :)<br /><br /></span> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: arial;" href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6186/6137548749_228efa20d5.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 398px; height: 453px;" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6186/6137548749_228efa20d5.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">This is Zak. [really wish I could take credit for the adorable cap!]<br /><br /></span> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: arial;" href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6072/6137543851_f1c4ef8138.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 397px; height: 264px;" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6072/6137543851_f1c4ef8138.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">I was completely inspired by this retro-esque backing fabric! It screamed to be made into something for a little cowboy.<br /><br /></span> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: arial;" href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6089/6138094270_cbb29a4a10.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 398px; height: 265px;" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6089/6138094270_cbb29a4a10.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">The stars are paper-pieced and [I think] go along with the western theme. The patchwork was a great way to use my humble stash of American Jane 4-in-1 prints. Awesome backing fabric + stars +knotting = a great vintage vibe!<br /><br /></span> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: arial;" href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6068/6138079166_beaa61a2d6.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 398px; height: 265px;" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6068/6138079166_beaa61a2d6.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">This is Emili. [this is a pre-delivery pic - but take my word for it, Little Miss Calli is ADORABLE!]<br /><br /></span> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: arial;" href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6174/6138084370_6d2f176280_z.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 399px; height: 551px;" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6174/6138084370_6d2f176280_z.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a> <a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.babyviva.com/product//999513-5744/cocalo-jacana-crib-bedding-collection.html">This</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> is their bedding - I tried to stay in a similar colorway and this line has some plums in it. I've always been a fan of coin quilts and with a candy bar of Fandango in hand, I went to work. It went together fairly quickly, more than a few layout revisions on the design wall.<br /><br /></span> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: arial;" href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6166/6138085986_940807762b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 398px; height: 265px;" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6166/6138085986_940807762b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">To personalize it a little more, I embroidered her name. This is my first real attempt at machine quilting with a darning foot. Not terrible this being one of the few things I have quilted, I was fairly happy with myself.</span> <span style="font-family:arial;">I hope both of these quilts will be part of many fond memories for these first time moms :)</span>Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08068882612201073792noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9137163725183839128.post-74277356276526746932011-09-09T07:04:00.000-04:002011-09-09T07:05:08.432-04:00months gone by [in the nittany block party]...<span style="font-family:arial;">Yes, I am a little behind in SHOWING my blocks for the past many moons from the </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/nittany_block_party/">Nittany Block Party</a><span style="font-family:arial;">, but I am happily on time with FINISHING them :) I'm not sure why a whole month to sew one block always seems like a stretch. Given the right month, I could probably push out a whole bed sized quilt. For me, it seems like there is always a bit of anxiety that comes with making a block for someone else - if it is a creative task, there is always the question of the other persons taste; if it is a 'make this block' month, I am worried about the limited amount of fabric provided in the event of an oops moment. I feel quite accomplished to be getting my blocks on their merry way home on time and in the correct month.</span> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: arial;" href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6181/6128947828_b65079bdb5.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 399px; height: 399px;" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6181/6128947828_b65079bdb5.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">April's block for Tracy - using </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://modifytradition.blogspot.com/2010/04/love-in-mist.html">THIS</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> tutorial. Great block, definitely testing my hst skillz.</span> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: arial;" href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6069/6128401421_cbfb1f314b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 399px; height: 406px;" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6069/6128401421_cbfb1f314b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">May's block for Freida - love how the coal kona sets off all of those little colorful prints! The hst inquisition continues.</span> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: arial;" href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6199/6128948774_ee56ffd917.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 399px; height: 399px;" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6199/6128948774_ee56ffd917.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">June's block for Amanda - using </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.modabakeshop.com/2011/02/summer-dreamin.html">THIS</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> tutorial. Beautiful, simple... and, yes, filled with hst's!</span> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: arial;" href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6189/6128402321_1eecae4185.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 399px; height: 384px;" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6189/6128402321_1eecae4185.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">July's block for Jessica - using </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://freshlypieced.blogspot.com/2011/05/hexing-around-block.html">THIS</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> tutorial. Definitely a new one for me. I really enjoyed building this one [even if it did end up 1/4" off - seriously not sure how that happened, perhaps something to do with not having a 'true' 1/4" seam allowance and tons of seams]</span> <span style="font-family:arial;">I was up in August and I cannot wait to show you more of that project :) Block swaps are wonderful ways to connect with fellow crafters and to learn new skills! If you haven't joined in on the action, I would suggest you check out </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/quiltingbeeblocks/">this flickr group</a><span style="font-family:arial;">. Remember not to over-commit; start out with one bee and make sure that you can keep up with that one.</span>Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08068882612201073792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9137163725183839128.post-83156090724406668982011-09-02T07:16:00.000-04:002011-09-02T07:20:22.341-04:00aaahh! not real monsters...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: arial;" href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6203/6104846092_b282a6b8ac.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 398px; height: 265px;" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6203/6104846092_b282a6b8ac.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">* no monsters were harmed in the making of these pillows :)</span>
<br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Following my last <a href="http://craftnosis.blogspot.com/2011/07/not-your-grandmas-crafter.html">post</a>, I am fairly certain my grandma never made any monster pillows.</span>
<br />
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: arial;" href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6082/6104304259_676abbf9fd_z.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 399px; height: 598px;" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6082/6104304259_676abbf9fd_z.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">I came up with these guys on my own - using the faux fur as inspiration. I can't figure out which one I like best - though the one with glasses bares a striking resemblance to my husband :)</span>
<br />
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: arial;" href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6201/6104303391_6216bc6c05_z.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 399px; height: 599px;" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6201/6104303391_6216bc6c05_z.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">I'm calling these guys book buddies [at least that's the name I have arrived at for now]. Great for old and young alike, the pocket in the back is the perfect stash for a newspaper, crafty inspiration book, or a favorite Little Golden Book. They are up for grabs in <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ylheidi">my etsy</a>.</span>
<br />Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08068882612201073792noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9137163725183839128.post-7272322874156865992011-08-15T07:02:00.005-04:002011-08-15T07:38:49.508-04:00fun & games [outside]...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: arial;" href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6090/6045495746_ce19e4cce8_z.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 399px; height: 598px;" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6090/6045495746_ce19e4cce8_z.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">Today we begin some work on the outside of our home, so I thought it only fitting to show you some projects I have worked on that find themselves in the out of doors. First up is a set of cornhole boards and bags. [I am not sure if the game cornhole translates everywhere, so </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornhole">here</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> is a quick run through of the game]</span>
<br />
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: arial;" href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6071/6045494782_6fe34fa244_z.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 399px; height: 599px;" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6071/6045494782_6fe34fa244_z.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">This was definitely a handmade project - </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.younglife.org/">one of our high school friends</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> built the boards for us and the I painted and varnished them. We used </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.cornholehowto.com/build-them-boards/dimensions/">these instructions</a><span style="font-family:arial;">, and found them pretty clear and easy to follow.</span>
<br />
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: arial;" href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6207/6045493648_a8e3fc1871.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 397px; height: 264px;" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6207/6045493648_a8e3fc1871.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">I bought the home dec fabric for the bags before painting the boards, which meant I could paint them to coordinate :) Interestingly, I paid more for the half yards it cost to make these bags than I did a few weeks later for the entire bolt of fish fabric! [read more </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://craftnosis.blogspot.com/2011/07/loot-warrant-crook.html">here</a><span style="font-family:arial;">] Always something new: to finish these bags I had my first experience at the feed mill! They were a little curious about what I was going to do with such a small amount of feed corn [perhaps they thought I had a really tiny chicken]</span>
<br />
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: arial;" href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6087/6045498138_cffa1d321e.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 398px; height: 265px;" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6087/6045498138_cffa1d321e.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">Another outdoor addition to our home is a lovely and relaxing hammock! Definitely not handmade, but we did assemble the stand all by ourselves :) We are enjoying these last days of summer. It's so strange; first it was too hot to enjoy the season, now it is beginning to feel like fall already! If anyone knows where the summer has gone to, leave me a comment, maybe I can get some of it back :)</span>
<br />Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08068882612201073792noreply@blogger.com1