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Monday, May 31, 2010

Ahhhhhhhh


First batch of homemade salsa. It is officially summer!!

Sunday, May 30, 2010

Fabric Wall Hanging - (Sort of) a Tutorial


We are in the process of redecorating my daughter's room. She has decided that pink and purple are so over and green is the bomb. So we painted over the purple walls she's had since she was one. We painted her walls a gorgeous soft green called Apple Slice. My husband built her a day bed (it's awesome!) and we painted that a darker shade of green. 

When I saw this entry on Make it and Love it, I knew I had to make my own version for my daughter's new room! I had all the supplies on hand--which makes me more happy than I can even describe. It's a weird thing with me, I know.

SUPPLIES:
Artist's Canvas (I used an 18" x 24")
Fabric
Staple Gun
Chalk
Paint
Brushes
Flower embellishments (you could use silk flowers, rolled fabric roses, I used singed fabric flowers)
Needle 
Thread

I started out by covering an 18" x 24" artist's canvas with the black and white fabric. (My canvas was black only because I painted over a painting gone wrong. You could use a white canvas.) I pulled the fabric taut and used a staple gun on the back to secure it.



I then drew out a vase template on a manilla folder and cut it out. I just cut out one side and flipped it over for the other side of the vase ensuring it would be symmetrical. I traced the vase and drew 3 stems onto the fabric with taylor's chalk.



Here's where I got so involved that I forgot to photograph the steps. But this is what I did: I painted the vase onto the fabric with the light green wall paint we'd used in her room. No need for fancy fabric paint--believe me I know how well paint sticks to fabric. I have several pairs of jeans that can attest to this! If you have fabric paint, use it, but it's not necessary. I painted the stems with the darker green paint we used on her daybed. 

I then attached 3 white fabric roses (made using this technique). I tacked them to the fabric with a few little stitches. I didn't go through the canvas--just the fabric. You could glue them if you wanted to. The larger flower needed a couple stitches near the top too so the flower wouldn't droop.



And really, that's it and then you've got a fun wall hanging! 




Saturday, May 29, 2010

Memorial Day Mini American Flag Bunting


I saw this little tutorial on Salt Water Kids. I decided to make my own no sew/no wash/no iron (yes, I AM a lazy crafter!) version using ribbon trim instead of fabric.

I used 1-1/2" wide white and red striped ribbon/trim that I had on hand. I cut 3/4" squares of denim fabric. I glued (glue gun) the denim to the ribbon and did a fabric paint star. I let that dry over night and then glued the tiny flags to some jute twine and tied it to my front door grapevine wreath. 

These little cuties will be perfect for Memorial Day and I'll leave them up through the 4th of July!



Saturday, May 22, 2010

Just Added to the Shop


I just added this fun Paris Cafe style chalkboard to my bumblebina ETSY shop. It's all decked out in a distressed frame and shabby chic fabric flower.

Knitting - Catch Up


Pattern: French Press Slippers
Yarn: Vintage Wool
Needle: US 15

Another pair of French Press Slippers. These are for me. Honestly, I don't love them.



Pattern: Greta's Bag (Free!)
Yarn: Vintage Wool
Needle: US 15

Needs a liner and handles. Still haven't decided on the kind of handles I want for this.



Pattern: Improvised
Yarn: Bernat Softee Chunky (blue), Lion Brand Vanna's Choice (gray)
Needle: US 10

This little hat is for my nephew. It's size 6-12 months. I'm hoping it fits him perfectly in October and will last him through the winter.



Pattern: DROPS Headband (Free!)
Yarn: Cascade 220 Heathers - this color is called Dune and I LOVE it!!
Needle: US 7

The design of this is really simple, but the pattern on the DROPS website if very vague. I wrote out the whole thing row by row. If you'd like a copy, just drop me a line. Just be sure to include your e-mail address. This headband is awesome. I can't wait for it to get cold again so I can wear it!! :)



Pattern: Little Tuffy (Free!)
Yarn: Lily Sugar n' Cream (jute and ecru) - yarn held double stranded
Needle: 10

Washcloths for the kids' teachers. We'll package them up with some pretty vanilla soaps. This pattern is the best--QUICK and easy and makes a really nice washcloth. I love it!

And that's what's been on my needles. What are you knitting?

Friday, May 21, 2010

IF - Early




Early in life I had to choose between honest arrogance and hypocritical humility. I chose the former and have seen no reason to change.
  ---Frank Lloyd Wright

This is my newest set of Face Cards. They each have quite a look of arrogance, don't they? :)


These three face cards are one of my entries for the Nibblefest Contest this month.


*SOLD

Thursday, May 20, 2010

It's Nibblefest Time Again!


It's the 20th, so it's time for Nibblefest! This month the theme is monochromatic and I'm offering two sets of what I can only call Face Cards--they are greeting cards with faces on them, thus the name. :)

Wander on over to e-bay and check them out if you get a chance.

*Update: Both sets have SOLD




Pukeokahu School Artists

I received this exciting message a few days ago:


Hi just wanted to say thank you for your beautiful art. My students and I had lots of fun trying to recreate your style. If you would like to, you can see the kids finished pieces here - www.pukeokahu.school.nz We are a small school in the North Island of New Zealand (11 students total). Thanks again.
Marama Stewart (Principal, Pukeokahu School)



Of course I went right over to their website and WOW was I impressed. The Pukeokahu Artists did some amazing paintings. I am certain in the future I will be doing some paintings based on their work!


Wanna see them? Check out their flickr site to see all their beautiful paintings.  


Here's a sneak peek:


You can also read their comments on the school's homepage about how they created their art.


Thank you Pukeokahu School Artists for making my day week. Your paintings make me so happy!!

Lots of Teacher Signs Going On

Teacher Name Signs are always available in my bumblebina ETSY shop. Below are a few of the most recent orders I've done.












Friday, May 14, 2010

IF - Equipment


With the right equipment, any girl can be a princess.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

It's That Time Of Year







These all went in the mail this week. Teacher Name Signs are always available in my bumblebina ETSY shop.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

IF - Fearless


Our actions should be such that we become fearless. This can happen only when we lead a virtuous life and follow a righteous path.
                                ----Atharva Veda

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Shameless Parental Pride :)

My 8 year olds newest painting--drawn and painted entirely by herself.

New Name Signs

Some Teacher Name Signs...




And these two Child Name Signs for some sisters...



All went in the mail yesterday.