artsy-crafty babe

show & tell

That sure was a lofty list I put out there last Friday, huh?  I knew going into it that I would only get to a small portion, if I was lucky.  Nothing house related got accomplished, due mostly to a misplaced circular saw and sander, neither of which have turned up (hopefully soon?).  I am happy to report that I got some crafting/sewing time in, so I do have some things to share.

A couple of necklaces & earrings got made.  Very simple, exactly what I was going for.  The yellow set is my favorite, I've already worn it once.

I managed to make one bag for the shop (and list this one).  I revisited an old pattern I called "big bag" (yes, I know, so original) using my new love of burlap handles.  This fabric isn't actual burlap, but a burlap-esque home decor fabric I picked up a few years ago.  I ordered it by mistake thinking that it was something different.  I'm happy now that I held on to it because it makes  for a perfect summer bag accent.  That bottom fabric was a gift from Sandra, all the way from Switzerland.  Earlier this spring I won a give-away on her blog.  She sent me some yummy vintage fabrics from her stash, a book, fabric flower and some Swiss chocolates, which were eaten long ago.  Thank you, Sandra!

And last but not least, I finished my slow summer stitching project #2.  If you're undecided on a project, I highly recommend a pillow cover.  It's the perfect amount of project without being too overwhelming.  Oh, and definitely do a running stitch - I whizzed through that in no time!  I'm thinking about giving it a post of its own, so I won't talk about it too much right now.

Honesty, all I feel like doing right now is planting my butt on the sofa and slow stitching.  I've already got my next project under way.

Oh, but over these last 4 days I did so much more than just what I've shown you.  We celebrated a family birthday, popped fireworks, grilled ribs, pulled up and re-planted my garden, watched my kids splash in the kiddie pool, tried out a pretty good pomegranate margarita recipe, stayed up way too late, slept in most every morning (we're not early risers), had a play date with friends, and just plain enjoyed summer.  Oh summer, I have a love/hate relationship with you, but this past extended weekend was pretty darned good.  And lucky for us, the weekend is only 3 days away - yay!

has it been a week already?

Whoops, sorry about that.  I didn't mean to disappear.  There isn't any good reason for my absence other than being caught up in life.  I suppose the biggest news around here was the rare snowfall we received on Friday.  School was canceled, adding another day to the long holiday weekend (Mardi Gras is Tuesday, so Monday & Tuesday are holidays).  That ended up being a day full of cooking, baking, and eating.  Isn't that what you're supposed to do on a snow day?

With my finger healing, I thought I'd get some sewing done.  I attempted, but I ended up with another injury - I sewed through my finger!!  Yes, the needle went through one side of my index finger and out the other, right on the side of my nail  - OUCH!!!  My poor hands have been having a tough time lately.  The tenderness is gone now, so I think I'll be in business as soon as all my ordered supplies arrive.  Yes, once I got started I realized that I was out of everything - interfacing, zippers, and magnetic snaps.  At this point the only thing I'm waiting on is interfacing.  All these delays are starting to concern me...I only hope that once I get everything needed I still feel like sewing.

With sewing & knitting on the back burner due to injuries, I was beginning to feel twitchy.  I can only redecorate my chandelier so many times, so I had to find something creative to do.

I made some jewelry.  I am no jewelry designer by any means, so don't laugh, but think these came out okay (well, that silver glass bead one is a kind of shiny).  I have no doubt that I'll wear them.  At this point, I feel like I'm still searching for my style.  To me, all three of these necklaces are quite different, but that's all part of the learning process, right?  It was fun playing with my beads, though it only makes me want more.  Have you ever shopped for beads?  They're like CANDY...and I have a big time sweet tooth!!!  Seriously, I need to practice some self restraint!!  I need another hobby like I need a hole in the head.

a little something

When a friend has an upcoming birthday, the first thing I think of is 'what can I make?'.  I can't help it, that's how my mind works - and that's just what I did.  Never mind that my house looks like a sty, I have a gift to make!  For my friend Melissa I made a pendant and some earrings.  I hope she doesn't mind that I made her jewelry last year.  It must be something with this time of year.

Before I could make her gift, I needed a little practice (it had been a while), so I made a little something for me.  There's nothing wrong with that, is there?

Happy Birthday Melissa!