artsy-crafty babe

blank canvas

I have a confession to make - I easily get bored with making the same thing.  When the mood strikes me to make something, I know that I have to do it right then, because in a few days I'll lose interest and want to move on to something else.  As much as I love making bags, I'm kind of there now with them.  After updating the shop, it was time to move on (though I still have a few in the works).  I went on to buttons, then to sewing clothes, and now I want to try some applique and embroidery.  I must clarify - I have the buttons/jewelry/clothes making all going on at the same time - that's how I work.

I've been having the urge to do some type of little art quilt/wall hanging thingy, therefore, I must strike while the desire is there.  Last night I went though my little big scrap basket and put a few things together to get me started.  I went ahead and added batting and a backing, and did a little machine quilting to put it all together.  I'm thinking I want to do something for the girls, maybe something sister related.  I don't have all that worked out yet, but it's a start.  I look forward to the hand stitching and seeing my little creation come to life - and the best part is that I can do it on the sofa while watching mindless TV!!

what's going on

There's not a whole lot on right now, craft wise, that is.  Matt & the kids are on Spring Break, so we'll be going at a slower pace this week.  I've been finishing up some bags and *thinking* about lots of new projects.   Always, always thinking, which can be good and bad.  Lately my thoughts have turned to creating another piece of textile art.    I made my first one about a year ago (that's it pictured above).  I made it to match the then future nursery, but today it proudly hangs in Alex's room.   Though it isn't my own composition, I still love it.

What I like so much about this type of textile art is the way it combines my desire to paint and create art pieces with my love of fabric.   I can't draw worth a flip, but I can cut out and sew simplistic shapes.  I like the challenge of mixing fabric patterns and textures to create "pictures".

The latest design I'm working on is inspired by New Orleans.  I'm only to the point of sketching out a few buildings I've seen in photos, but I can't wait to make this one.   I'd like to do a series, actually.  Hopefully one day soon when we're having a beautiful spring day (before the sweltering heat sets in), I'll go down there to take some photos for myself.   Until then, I'll be thinking and planning…

A weird night

Tonight is the first night that we've ever spent alone without BOTH kids. Weird. Before we had Alex, Lily would occasionally sleep over at a grandparent's house, but this is the first time that both of them are away. Hmm, this is Alex's first time away from home, I hope he is doing well. This is a little preparation for when I'm away at the hospital having the baby. The kids will most probably stay with my inlaws during that time, as Matt will stay in the hospital with me.

We had a nice evening. We enjoyed a nice dinner out, followed by ice cream sundaes at home. I'm most looking forward to sleeping in tomorrow morning. Ah, no little face staring at me at 6:30 am asking if she can watch TV (she still asks even though I've given her permission in advance).

I did absolutely no crafting today. After running a few errands this morning I took a nap then got ready for this evening. That's it.

This is what I finished up last night - my first official piece of textile art, I guess that's what you'd call it. I'm really proud of it. I wish I could say that it was my own composition, but it isn't. It is my interpretation of a landscape painting I found while browsing images of playrooms. I enjoyed picking out the fabrics, but it really didn't come together until I found the stripe I used as the border. The frame I picked up at Target on clearance. I love the darker wood with the bold colors of the art. The wood also matches the furniture in the nursery. I'm thinking of going back for another frame or two in case I decide to make a series of these compositions. I think I've finally found my medium - I enjoyed making this more than I thought. It really is a great project for me at the moment because I did most of the hand stitching laying in bed at night. Yes, I'm finally putting my feet up.

A little more completeness

I'm one to have multiple projects going on at once. After my first post today I got busy and finished up some loose ends. Here they are. Man, it looks like I did a lot, but really, most of these were near completion.

I finally got around to framing some of those little fabric creations I made around Valentine's day. I love how these turned out, especially the matted one. That one will go in Lily's room while the heart will go to a new home.

I sewed this baby blanket. It is my favorite one so far. Not only do I love the colors, but I love using that scallop stitch around the edge. It's been fun experimenting with the stitches on my machine. I know this blanket looks very pink, but those pinks are more orangish. In fact, that dark pink is actually orange. It will be used if this baby is a boy!

Here is the third version of my bunny. I think I finally like him. I shortened the torso from my last version. Of course this one is for Lily with all its pinkness.

I also managed to work on Alex's dust ruffle - I sewed all the cuts together, and the baby quilt - I started quilting it. I still need to get around to making a new bumper for the baby's crib (that Alex is still sleeping in), but I'm saving that for another day.