hitchin' a ride...

This little guy is one of my favorite winter creations. I made him using a pattern from Sassafras Hill Primitives. He is made out of warm and natural batting, then stuffed, then painted. A pretty easy-peasy project, just a little time consuming [and I'm a mess when it comes to painting anything].

He looks alot happier than the muddy melting snow outside my window. From what I hear, though, winter is far from over [snow is predicted in the near future]...

they're available...

Added a few last minute holiday items to ye olde etsy shoppe...

pink & blue hand-dyed trees


4" & 5" plain trees (ready for you to hand-dye them :)

springy snowman

is it snowing in here or is it just me...

Shhh... don't tell, but this little guy might end up being someone's Christmas gift! The inspiration for this project came from the rusty spring. When we cleaned out my grandma's farm for the auction there was a HUGE pile of scrap metal (which actually was one of the more profitable items at the auction - who knew?!) Amongst the rubble were a bunch of old bed springs. I knew I had to do something with them, I just wasn't sure what. This snowman is a compiliation of a pattern I saw for a much smaller snowman head and my own creativity. I think he turned out pretty swell.

He is mostly made of muslin that is painted after sewing (his head, hat, and holly leaves). His nose is a painted 'twistie pod' - and no, I'm not exactly sure what a twistie pod is except to say that it is some kind of natural element that is intended for snowman noses. I love his scarf - a coveted piece of Westfalenstoffe fabric that has been in my stash for quite some time.

My most favorite part is the little red bird - he started life out as one of those pink-flocked-1970s-wedding birds. I pulled out his wings and tail feathers (ouch) and painted him red, then I painted his wings with tacky glue and sprinkled some chunky vintage glitter on. He's too cute!

I would love to hear some more ideas on projects to use up my nostalgic rusty spring collection - what do you think?

note: I made this snowman a friend - they didn't get along too well, so he's looking for a new home. He'll be in my etsy shop soon!

here comes santa clause...

Working in a craft store makes it seem as though we are always a season or so ahead. If only I had a nickel for every crafter who said they were 'working ahead' on Christmas gifts... I however never seem to be the least bit motivated to stitch up a reindeer when the sun is shining and the grass is green outside my window. But I have made a decision that I will work (at least partially) through my half-done box of crafts before endeavoring on another project. So, on the top of the pile was a bunch of snowman pocket purses. Originally I had made them for party favors, but I only finished the exact amount I needed. That meant a bag full of cut out snowman heads, leftover beads, and the like. All told there were 7 unfinished bags; and I am proud to announce there are now 7 finished bags - and it only took 6 years! Hopefully this victory will encourage me to continue in my project-finishing quest! Next Up: wool felt laptop case (oh yeah, and the roman shades still aren't finished :0)