T. Matthews Fine Art

Paypal is Evil

2012-01-31T17:25:00.000-07:00

Just got off the phone with Paypal. They are limiting my account and then permanently shutting it down AND suggest I find another payment co. ie, I can't open another account with them. I've been blackballed. And from what I've heard, you really can't ever open another account because everything is so linked up, they'll know.

I've used the account for over 12 years and every transaction has been on the up and up and I've never had a negative balance. My ebay and ETSY ratings are both 100% positive. They won't tell me why they're shutting it down. They say that's "proprietary information". I told them it's proprietary to me because it deals with my account, to which they said, "we've decided to part ways. The decision is final and there is no overturning it." Which to me means the loss of most, if not all, of my ETSY business.
I sell art and crafts and I buy yarn, art and books. NOTHING SUSPICIOUS HAS EVER HAPPENED WITH MY ACCOUNT--EVER!!

I did some google searches and this seems to be a common problem. Paypal seems to do this a lot to people with no explanation and then you're banned for life. So spread the word BEWARE OF PAYPAL. They will screw you over the first chance they get!!!!!

Anybody else ever been through this or know someone who has???

Knitting Journal

2012-01-07T20:13:00.001-07:00

Another Pookie for another one of my little Lovies. I love this pattern. So far I've made 4 bears. Next I think I'll make one with the little bunny ears.

And another of these fun hats. This one was for some cute friends expecting their 3rd baby--a boy.

I'm not sure if you can tell just how small the hat it. I LOVE knitting newborn hats. They are so fun and quick and rewarding. I always try them on my daughter's Cabbage Patch Doll when I'm done to check the size. :)

First Friday Art Class - January

2012-01-06T21:38:00.002-07:00

For this class I wanted to really talk about some of the fundamentals of drawing. So we started with a quiz taken mainly from Drawing With Children by Mona Brookes.

True/False - There is a right way and a wrong way to draw?
True/False - Drawing is just for fun and won't help you in the future?
True/False - People who can draw only abstractly aren't real artists?
True/False - Real artists draw only from their imagination and don't need to copy things?
True/False - Real artists are pleased with most of what they produce?

The answer to all of these is false. So we talked about it. We talked about silencing that "inner critic" in our head and knowing that if a drawing is the way we want it, it's perfect. If not, we can change it or start over. No big deal.

We talked about how drawing can lead to a career as an architect or an engineer or an artist! :) Drawing also helps you express emotions and creativity and helps you with problem solving.

We also talked about the benefit of copying things--pictures, drawings, whatever. Because you'll interpret them your own way and always learn something. Using a reference photo is not "cheating". There are VERY FEW artists that can draw a distinct likeness of a particular person without either a photograph of that person or having them sit as a model. Even when I'm doing a painting of an abstract cat, I still like to have a reference picture of a real cat.

And most importantly, be patient with yourself, have fun while you learn and enjoy the process.

So to help us loosen up, I had the girls draw a cat with their non-dominant hand. Drawing with your non-dominant hand forces you to let go of expectations and loosen up.

We then talked about the Five Basic Elements of Shape

(Picture Source)

We talked about how everything we want to draw can be broken down into these 5 basic elements. It's so much less daunting to face a drawing when you first break it down into the very most basic of shapes.

We practiced this by drawing animals. We started with animals based on an oval, then moved to animals based on circles (specifically two circles on top of each other like a snowman), and then animals that begin with a teardrop shape.

We then moved onto some other animals that all included our 5 basic elements. We also drew a dog from an actual photograph. First we drew him more simply and stylized, then more realistically. Because all of this fun cartooning and basic shape exploration can lead to drawing more realistically, if that's where you want to go. It's all about practice and learning and becoming comfortable with these basic shapes.

The last thing we drew just for fun was a cat using our method of drawing people that we learned in our October class.

Here's a peek into the girls' sketchbooks...

And here they are (...minus one who left before the pictures. Sorry Ms. M).

I'm hoping that they spend the next month drawing cats and dogs and birds and horses and elephants all over the place!

We covered a lot of material really fast and the girls did GREAT. They are such a fun group!!

See you next month!

ETA: And look at the fun sight that greeted me at church. Two of the girls drawing together and teaching each other!! Yay!!

Newest (Sort of) Paintings

2011-12-30T18:50:00.010-07:00

Some of these were wedding presents, some of them were Christmas presents. So I couldn't blog them until now. But they are all 4 in their proper homes now so here you go...

New Name Sign

2011-12-29T18:42:00.000-07:00

This one was made for a sweet returning buyer on ETSY. Isn't this color scheme fun?

Knitting Journal

2011-12-23T23:05:00.004-07:00

Got the pattern HERE. I had to make it twice because I didn't quite follow the pattern on the first one, but they are both fun and pretty. Both were done on size US 7's and with Lily Sugar n' Cream yarn.

One of the radiating squares along with a Boxy washcloth were gifts for my sister. I love it when people request more washcloths. It means they liked them and they used them. Yay!

Oh, now this was FUN. I used Cascade Magnum and Gedifra Gigante on size US 15's. I used THIS PATTERN but only did one pom pom since I thought that was a little more boyish. I'll be making more of these I'm sure!

This is a bit of a Frankenstein project. The body I just made up, the eye and feet came from a Rebecca Danger Pattern (Penelope) and the knobbles on his head came from THIS PATTERN. This was so fun to make and my nephew loved it.

Newest Name Signs

2011-12-04T20:35:00.000-07:00

I haven't been making as many as I have in the past, but I do occasionally make them when people contact me directly. These two went in the mail last week.

First Friday Art Class - December

2011-12-02T22:34:00.062-07:00

Okay, we got a little crafty this time. I try to the keep the class more art, less craft, but Christmas time lends itself to so many fun crafts. So we did artistic crafts. :)

This month we made 3 Christmas cards. We did paper pieced, mixed media cards.

Here are the cards we made (we started with the most simple and then moved to the more complicated):

Here is the handout for this month explaining all the steps to making these cards:

I'm going to let the handout and the actual cards sort of speak for themselves as far as instruction goes. But I do have a few tips when it comes to paper piecing.

1. Whenever possible, draw your shape on the back of the paper you're using. This way when you cut it out, the front will be nice and clean with no pencil marks on it.
2. Plan before you glue--this was especially true for our Ornament Card. The order on the handout is the order you need to go in to make everything overlap correctly and stay adhered on the card.
3. Make sure your glue extends to the corners. There's nothing worse than making a lovely card only to have the corners curl up because they weren't glued down well.
4. Simple is okay. Simple can be lovely and sophisticated as long as the design is well thought out and done well.

For time's sake I did have some parts of the cards already ready for the girls. I didn't want them to get bogged down with tying bows, cutting ribbon and curling wire.

Here they are hard at work--they look like busy little Christmas elves:

Here are their final creations:

Once again I gave them a starting point and they ran with it and extended beyond my expectations! Their cards were creative, fun and beautiful!

And since it was our Christmas class, we had a little Hot Chocolate Bar (think Salad Bar only LOTS more fun!)

And these little artists even made their hot chocolate beautiful and artistic!

We also played a fun art game called Whatchamadrawit. I found it HERE and it's awesome!!

Fun, fun time. These girls are wonderful!! This was such a fun way to kick off the Christmas season.

See you next month!

Free Knitting Pattern - Headband Ear Warmer (Thick Yarn Version) NEW AND IMPROVED

2011-11-23T16:48:00.004-07:00

Headband Earwarmer (Bulky Yarn Version) - UPDATED, NEW AND IMPROVED (11/23/11)

Materials:

Size 10 knitting needles

Cascade 109 LE Bulky (just under 1 skein) - This yarn is discontinued and sometimes hard to find--(I had some leftover from my Twilight mittens)--but any Bulky yarn will do. You can adjust the pattern for whatever yarn you choose.

Size J Crochet Hook (optional)*

Button

Guage: 5 st/inch (in the rib pattern)
My Final Measurements: 19.5" long and 5" wide at widest part (the length can be adjusted to fit your head size by adding or subtracting rows in the middle section where you're just doing rib and not increasing or decreasing)

Abbreviations:

m1B – From the back, lift loop between stitches with the left needle, purl into the front of loop

m1F – From the front, lift loop between stitches with left needle, knit into the back of loop

k3tog - knit 3 stitches together

p3tog - purl 3 stitches together

You will begin with 7 stitches, increase on the middle stitch if the row has an odd number of stitches and between the middle 2 stitches if your row has an even number of stitches. You will increase on every RS row for 6.25”, knit in pattern 4.5”, then decrease back down--again, always on that middle stitch. So if you CO more or less, just always do your increases and decreases at the very center of the row. The easiest way to think about the knitting part of this pattern, is that you only ever do anything different to the stitches right in the center of a row and the rest is always worked in the rib pattern. So the inc will be right in the center of the row, the dec, also right in the center of the row and everything else is always the rib.

Directions:

CO 7 st

Row 1 (RS): K1, P1 rib across

Row 2 (WS): P1, K1 across

Row 3: Repeat row 1

Row 4: Repeat row 2

Begin the increase:

Row 5: K1, P1, K1, Pfb, K1, P1, K1 (8 st)

Row 6: P1, K1, P1, K2, P1, K1, P1 (you will have two knit stitches next to each other right in the very center of the row--this is fine as you will increase BETWEEN them on the next row.)

Row 7: K1, P1, K1, P1, m1F, P1, K1, P1, K1 (9 st)

Row 8: Work in the rib pattern across all the stitches

Row 9: K1, P1, K1, P1, Kfb, P1, K1, P1, K1 (10 st)

Row 10: P1, K1, P1, K1, P2, K1, P1, K1, P1 (again, you will have two purl stitches next to each other right in the very center of the row, you will increase BETWEEN them on the next row)

Row 11: K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, m1B, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1 (11 st)

Row 12: Work in the rib pattern across all the stitches

Continue to increase in this manner until your work measures 6.25” from the cast on edge. You should have 23 stitches on the needle. (ETA: you are repeating the entire increase from rows 5-12 but just with more stitches to account for before and after the increase which is always right in the middle).

Work in the rib pattern for another 4.75” (until you have 11” from the cast on edge)

Begin the decrease:

Row 1 (RS): [K1, P1] 5x, k3tog, [P1, K1] 5x (21 st) 

Row 2 (WS): Work in the rib pattern across all the stitches

Row 3 (RS): Work in the rib pattern across all the stitches  

Row 4 (WS): Work in the rib pattern across all the stitches

Row 5 (RS): K1, [P1, K1] 4x, P3tog, [K1, P1] 4x, K1

Row 6 (WS): Work in the rib pattern across all the stitches  

Row 7 (RS): Work in the rib pattern across all the stitches

Row 8 (WS): Work in the rib pattern across all the stitches

Continue to decrease in this manner—every other RS row k3tog or p3tog--until you have 7 stitches on the needle. Ending with 4 rows of knitting in the rib pattern. BO leaving the last stitch on the needle.

Crochet Edging*:

Transfer this stitch to a crochet hook. Chain 4-6 stitches and connect them to the beginning of the BO edge (this makes the button loop so size it according to the size of your button). Now start crocheting around the edge. I did 1 single crochet stitch in every st along the edge. Go all the way around the headband, then around the button loop. Secure and cut yarn and tie off. Weave in all ends.

*The entire crochet border is optional. It gives the edge a bit of a decorative look. But the headband looks fine without it. If you choose not to do it, you may want to add a few more stitches to begin with to make the headband wider and knit a few extra rows in the center to make it a bit longer. You’ll also need to make a buttonhole on the row before your bind off.

For The Flower (Crochet):

Large (5 Petal) Flower - Using a J hook, chain 10, join with a SS into first ch to form a ring.

1st Round - (Ch 3, 1 sc into ring) do this 5 times. Join with a sc into first st.

2nd Round - Into each chain loop work 1 sc, 1 hdc, 6 dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc. Fasten off.

Smaller (4 Petal) Flower - Using a J hook, chain 4, join with a ss into first st.

1st Round - (Ch 3, 1 sc into ring) do this 4 times. Join with a sc into first st.

2nd Round - Into each chain loop work 1 sc, 1 hdc, 4 dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc. Fasten off.

Bobble for center (knitted) - with size 10 knitting needles, CO 1, kfb until you have 4 stitches, k 1 row, p 1 row, k 1 row, p 1 row, k 1 row, do not turn, lift second stitch over the first, then the third and then the fourth, fasten off first stitch. Tie the ends together using the tails, stuff a little if desired (I just used one of the tails) and sew around the edges a bit if needed to form the bobble.

Layer the flower together and attach to the head wrap

**PLEASE NOTE - I AM NOT A CROCHETER SO I DO NOT HAVE A CROCHET VERSION OF THE PATTERN.

Free Knitting Pattern - Headband Ear Warmer (Thin Yarn Version) NEW AND IMPROVED

2011-11-23T15:19:00.009-07:00

Headband Earwarmer (Thin Yarn Version)

Materials:

Size 6 knitting needles

Rowan Wool Cotton (just under 1 skein) - this is a DK yarn

Size J Crochet Hook (optional)*

Button

Guage: 9 st/inch (in the rib pattern)

Abbreviations:

m1B – From the back, lift loop between stitches with the left needle, purl into the front of loop

m1F – From the front, lift loop between stitches with left needle, knit into the back of loop.

pfb – purl front and back

You will begin with 9 stitches, increase on the middle stitch if the row has an odd number of stitches and between the middle 2 stitches if your row has an even number of stitches. You will increase on every RS row for 7”, knit in pattern 4”, then decrease back down--again, always on that middle stitch. So if you CO more or less, just always do your increases and decreases at the very center of the row. The easiest way to think about the knitting part of this pattern, is that you only ever do anything different to the stitches right in the center of a row and the rest is always worked in the rib pattern. So the inc will be right in the center of the row, the dec, also right in the center of the row and everything else is always the rib.

Directions:

CO 9 st

Row 1 (RS): K1, P1 rib across

Row 2 (WS): P1, K1 across

Row 3: Repeat row 1

Row 4: Repeat row 2

Begin the increase:

Row 5: K1, P1, K1, P1, Kfb, P1, K1, P1, K1 (10 st)

Row 6: P1, K1, P1, K1, P2, K1, P1, K1, P1 (you will have two purl stitches next to each other right in the very center of the row--this is fine as you will increase BETWEEN them on the next row.)

Row 7: K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, m1B, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1 (11 st)

Row 8: Work in the rib pattern across all the stitches

Row 9: K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, Pfb, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1 (12 st)

Row 10: P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K2, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1 (again, you will have two knit stitches next to each other right in the very center of the row, you will increase BETWEEN them on the next row)

Row 11: K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, m1F, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1 (13 st)

Row 12: Work in the rib pattern across all the stitches

Continue to increase in this manner until your work measures 7” from the cast on edge. You should have 33 stitches on the needle.

Work in the rib pattern for another 4” (until you have 11” from the cast on edge)

Begin the decrease:

Row 1 (RS): [K1, P1] 7x, K1, P3tog, K1, [P1, K1] 7x (31 st) 

Row 2 (WS): Work in the rib pattern across all the stitches

Row 3 (RS): Work in the rib pattern across all the stitches  

Row 4 (WS): Work in the rib pattern across all the stitches

Row 5 (RS): [K1, P1] 7x, K3tog, [P1, K1] 7x (29 st)

Row 6 (WS): Work in the rib pattern across all the stitches  

Row 7 (RS): Work in the rib pattern across all the stitches

Row 8 (WS): Work in the rib pattern across all the stitches

Continue to decrease in this manner—every other RS row k3tog or p3tog the two very middle stitches, with the rest of the stitches being worked in the rib--until you have 9 stitches on the needle. Ending with 4 rows of knitting in the rib pattern. BO leaving the last stitch on the needle.

Crochet Edging*:

Add whatever embellishment you choose. (The one pictured is from Susan B. Anderson in Itty Bitty Hats.) Or I've added a crocheted flower to the Bulky Yarn Version you might like to try.

First Friday Art Class - November

2011-11-04T17:45:00.050-06:00

This class was all about doodling. We began by discussing the why's of doodling.

So why doodle?

1) It's fun!
2) It keeps your brain and your hand practicing drawing
3) Even though you don't notice it, while you doodle you are constantly working on placement and design
4) It can bring out your creative side because it's so free and relaxed
5) You never know when a doodle will turn into an idea for a great painting

I based the class on the following videos from two very gifted artists:

Dangerous Doodles - Cumulus, Head in the Clouds
Dangerous Doodles - Spikies
Dangerous Doodles - Flowers are Fun
#5 Bloknote TV - How to Doodle

We began by drawing 3 squares on our paper. First we drew the clouds, then the spikies and then the flower. Last but not least, we worked on Bloknote's doodling idea of 'e's and swirls turning into lovely designs that you can add to anything.

I saved the handouts for when it was time to go because I felt that the girls seeing the end result would intimidate and distract them from the drawing. So I never did tell them what we were drawing or showed them the final drawing until they were finished too. We all followed the steps together. The handouts were more for a reminder to take home and practice with.

Because it could be intimidating to see this:

They may think they can't do it. So when we break it down into small parts and all go through the drawing process together, they are surprised by what they can do.

Here are the two handouts for today's class:

We all drew together today so I didn't get a chance to take many pictures, but I did get a few...

Look at them all so intent and hard at work. Is it any wonder why I love these girls?

Keep doodling! See you next month.

Knitting Update - Lots of Gifts

2011-10-25T20:50:00.001-06:00

We have a lot of late summer/fall birthdays in my family. Here are a few of the things that were mailed out recently to my lovies.

For two of my nieces. More Pookies. I LOVE them! Fun to make, fun to give away to little ones. They are always a hit.

Pookies

Pattern: Pookies from Barbara Prime

Needle Size: US 6

Yarn: Caron Simply Soft, Lily Sugar n'Cream and Cascade 220

This hat, modeled by my daughter, was actually for my sister's birthday. It was hard to part with. I need to make one for me.

Antelope Hat for B

Pattern: Antelope Hat by Kelly McClure (FREE!)

Needles: US 6 and 8

Yarn: Cascade 220 Heathers

This little number is for my other sister. She saw something like this on Pinterest and put in a request. I altered the pattern a bit by placing a snap under the button instead of letting you button it wherever you like. It's a great pattern and done in this yarn, it's SOOO yummy!

Natalie's Cowl
Pattern: Fear of Comittment Cowl by Julie Weisenberger (FREE!!)
Needles: US 11
Yarn: Malabrigo Yarn Merino Worsted

And then there's this hat...

It's a great pattern. I love the stitch pattern on the body of the hat. It's very cool. But I think my yarn was just too bulky. It's so thick and it's just WAY too hot for where I live.

Shroom

Pattern: Shroom by Lee Juvan (FREE!!)

Needles: US 11

Yarn: Brown Sheep Burly Spun

Look What I Got!

2011-10-23T19:02:00.003-06:00

A friend of mine is making these. She's charging $42. If you're interested, I'm sure she'd mail them if you'll pay shipping. Let me know and I'll tell you how to get in touch with her. She's making Christmas ones too.

They are SOOO cute. I love mine!!

First Friday Art Class - October

2011-10-07T22:13:00.008-06:00

We got right down to business today. We're drawing people--fun, funky people. We are not doing life-like portraits. Today it's all about F U N!

I explained to the girls that generally when I draw my funky people, I make the eyes uneven and different sizes, I play around with lip placement, I make really wide noses. It's more fun that way. There is no pressure for perfection.

We began by drawing faces together. I drew them on a large paper in front and they copied what I drew. This is a great way to learn and gain confidence.

I used eyes, noses, lips, etc. from the Idea Worksheet below. I told the girls before hand which ones we'd be using (these eyes, this nose, those lips, etc.). They were free to modify and also play around with placement.

Here are the 3 drawings I demonstrated and the girls copied:

Here is the Idea Worksheet with the features that we used circled--anything circles in red we used on face #1, blue is #2, green is #3:

And even though we drew together, everyone's drawing is still their own! For instance, we noticed that even drawing faces using the same features, every girl's drawing had it's own unique personality and style. A lot of that is determined with placement of features, especially the eyes.

We observed that if you put the eyes really high up on the head, you get a more childlike, sweetness to your person. Whereas if the eyes are very low, it can have a shy reserved look to it. This is a great place to experiment and play around. Let your drawing "talk" to you and tell you about it's personality.

SIDE NOTE: This sounds funny, but your drawings will tell you about themselves. When I started this drawing (pictured below), I had no idea what direction I was heading in, but once I got the face done, I just felt like she seemed a bit impatient and snappish. Then the rest of the drawing fell into place...

Once we had drawn 3 or 4 faces together, I turned them loose on the 10 Faces worksheet below. The ideas is to draw 10 faces somewhat quickly using features from the idea worksheet--OR NOT. Totally up to them. Try different sizes and placement. For instance on one face, do a tiny mouth and big eyes. On the next one do large, luscious lips and small eyes. They were also free to turn the page over if they didn't want a circle head.

Play around until you find one that's your favorite. This one will be used on the final masterpiece.

I did manage to take a few pictures over their shoulders while they worked.

I am constantly amazed by their creativity and pure artistic skill. They may doubt that they have it, but it's there!

Once a favorite head was chosen, they added color with colored pencils. (Generally at this point in my work, I add paint, but I knew we'd be pressed for time so I chose colored pencils for this project.) Once the color was done, they could go over their lines with a thin ink pen or just go straight to cutting out their head.

Then they chose patterned paper to be the body. We kept the bodies very simple today since our emphasis was more of faces. I basically suggested just cutting out a triangle to be the dress then doing stick figure-esque arms and legs. They were free to add any background items, accessories, pets, etc.

Here are some pictures of the girls with their finished masterpiece. (We had a couple girls that had to leave early--I'm excited to see what they do at home...)

And a close up of one of the finished masterpieces--see, wonderful, right?

This is a great bunch of girls and I am having so much fun! I'll see you again next month!

NFAC - Ode To Blue

2011-09-20T17:48:00.001-06:00

This is my entry in the Nibblefest Art Contest this month. She's available on ebay and she's tiny.

*SOLD

IF - Mesmerizing

2011-09-16T20:38:00.001-06:00

"That's mesmerizing..."
He says that a lot, but I don't think he really means it.

Online Class

2011-09-14T18:48:00.000-06:00

I am taking an online class from Katie Kendrick and I am loving it! She is amazing. I love her work and I love her teaching style. Here are some of the pieces I've been working on using the techniques I'm learning.

Sunday Sketch

2011-09-11T21:10:00.001-06:00

This little sweetie came about during church today. I promise sketching helps me listen better--really!

I use whatever paper I can find and I ALWAYS use pen. I sort of hate pencil.

She may get some touches of color and end up in my art journal. I kind of love her glasses. :)

IF - Boundaries

2011-09-10T13:05:00.000-06:00

There are no boundaries to who we are and what we can do.

First First Friday Art Class - September

2011-09-02T21:35:00.056-06:00

I've recently started a little art class for my daughter and some of her friends. We'll meet the first Friday of each month. I'm posting a little overview for any girls who couldn't make it, but if someone else finds this information helpful, that's great too.

We began with a tour of my studio, which is a small area just off my kitchen. I showed the girls all the tools and media I work with. I wanted them to become familiar with them, but also to see that I use a lot of stuff they may already have around their house. Art should not be intimidating!

We then moved onto our worksheet portion. We tried 10 different art medias (in each square of the worksheet pictured below):

1. Watercolor paints (wet)
2. Watercolor paints (dry-ish, they can never really be completely dry)
3. Colored pencil
4. Printed (scrapbook) paper
5. Acrylic paint (wet)
6. Acrylic paint (dry)
7. Magazine or book pages
8. Gesso (plain or mixed with paint) - this may be the only thing on the list that isn't familiar. It can be found in the art section of most art/craft stores. It comes in black and white and is a wonderful base coat for paper or canvas to prepare the surface to accept the paint. I also many times use it mixed with acrylic paint as background for a painting. It's not what I'd call "cheap" so if you want to skip this one, that is fine. :)
9. Ink (thick and thin Sharpie)
10. Rubber stamps (design elements, text, numbers, etc.)

Next we did our masterpiece using most or all of the medias we had just learned about. I gave the students this page to work on:

And this page to practice on or cut up to use as a pattern. The numbers are just to delineate the spaces. The students were free to use whatever media wherever they wanted to and could skip ones they didn't want to use.

Here they are hard at work:

Here they are with their finished pieces:

This one has such a happy nature to her and her lovely art.

This one is NOT afraid of color. She is bold and daring.

This one has such a sense of humor and it's reflected in her art.

A finished piece:

We had fun! I am already looking forward to next month!!

IF - Mysterious

2011-09-02T18:19:00.002-06:00

There is Beauty

2011-08-30T21:46:00.001-06:00

The newest page in my art journal...

IF - Disguise

2011-08-26T13:47:00.000-06:00

She could not disguise her irritation.

A Gift

2011-08-22T15:37:00.001-06:00

A while ago--okay, OVER a year ago--my sister asked me to do a large pear painting for her kitchen. It was supposed to be a birthday gift to her. It took me a while to get to it and it was a birthday gift for her, just a year late. :) She didn't mind and was really excited to get this painting in the mail last week.

I had some fun with texture on this one. I added some drywall tape in a few spots and some paper in some other spots. I can't seem to do a painting without adding some mixed media elements lately.

IF - Influence

2011-08-19T15:23:00.002-06:00

Don't let his title influence you, he is just a nice normal guy...who owns some castles and has some minions...and a crown.

Prince 238, Mixed media on 3/4" thick MDF (available in my ETSY shop)

It's a Lovely Day

2011-08-15T15:21:00.000-06:00

Painting on Paint Samples

2011-08-12T22:31:00.002-06:00

It's not as easy as you might think. They are very glossy so most pens/markers/paint I tried didn't "stick". I had to get creative. But still made for a very pleasant evening of experimentation.

They may eventually end up in my art journal. I feel like they have a story, these two. For now they are hanging out in the studio waiting for a place to live.

IF - Swell

2011-08-12T14:01:00.001-06:00

If a girl looks swell when she meets you, who gives a damn if she's late? Nobody.

---J.D. Salinger

*SOLD

Daily Affirmations

2011-08-10T10:20:00.007-06:00

When I was younger I took art lessons from a wonderful artist. At the beginning of class he'd have all the students draw several circles on a page to warm up your hand and then he had us write 5 times "I (your name) am an artist". It was your affirmation before beginning work on your projects. That has always stuck with me.

This page in my art journal is a tribute to that exercise.

Newest Name Signs

2011-08-09T10:10:00.003-06:00

I Am Thankful For Today

2011-08-08T22:29:00.000-06:00

I decided to do a book page painting for my art journal today. This page combines so many elements: paint, stamps, marker, ink, colored pencils, text, even a recycled book page. Isn't mixed media great?

New In My ETSY Shop

2011-08-08T22:04:00.003-06:00

I am constantly looking for unique and different things to paint on. I have an entire set of little classic paperback books. Each page is just about 3.5" x 5". I found some pages with words I liked and got to work with paint, colored pencil, and ink. I had some fun!!

I then mounted the paintings on 3/4" thick wood blocks that are about 4" wide and 5.75" tall. This makes for a very sturdy, very affordable, very fun original piece of art.

These two were just added into my ETSY shop with free shipping. See affordable. :)

They are sold separately but would make great companion pieces.

*Update: The Lady has SOLD

She has SOLD

Cozy Cottage Table and Chairs

2011-08-05T13:25:00.003-06:00

Here's a little story about a table and some chairs. This little set has been in the children's area in the office where I work. It had been painted a garish teal color to match the long gone equally garish turquoise carpet and counters. Teal and dusty rose was the color theme. Think early 80's with a Southwest twist--nightmare!

Forgot to get a good before picture, but here's the underside. They were all this color. Everywhere. Yikes. I think at one time this was one of those cute pencil leg tables. But that was before the teal...

I took it home, gave it a good sanding and a coat of black Geeso and got to work.

It now is back home in the children's area at the office. The table and chairs along with the vinyl eye chart I got HERE really brighten up the space!

IF - Imperfect

2011-08-05T13:12:00.001-06:00

My Art Journalling adventure continues. One of the things I'm loving most is the freedom and the fact that's it's okay to be imperfect! In fact, the imperfection is usually what makes a page interesting.

Art Journalling is about breaking the rules, freeing your creativity and experimenting. And the only thing I'm regretting is that I didn't try it earlier!!

This Is How I Felt Today...

2011-08-01T23:15:00.000-06:00

IF - Obsession

2011-07-29T14:56:00.000-06:00

I recently came across my GIANT box of cassette tapes from middle school and high school. I still have one place to play them--in my car. I got rid of most of them but there was one song from HS that I just loved. I've been cranking it in my car ever since I un-earthed the tape. These words are part of the chorus to that song.

It's become a bit of an obsession for me!

IF - Perennial

2011-07-22T19:29:00.003-06:00

This page says "In my daydreams I live in a place where there is no cactus!"

This is a perennial struggle for me. I love living in the Southwest for the most part. But during the summer--the blazing hot, arid, sweaty summer--I dream about water and trees and flowers and being anywhere but here.

IF - Gesture

2011-07-15T20:21:00.005-06:00

Grace was in all her steps, heav'n in her eye, in every gesture dignity and love.

---John Milton

IF - Midsummer Night

2011-06-24T19:36:00.001-06:00

What does one wear on a midsummer night?
Why, one's fanciest hat, of course!

Illustration Friday

A Couple More Sketchbook Pages

2011-06-18T21:26:00.000-06:00

Illustration Friday - Launch

2011-06-17T17:21:00.001-06:00

This page is the launch to my new art journalling adventure. I've admired other artists' art journals for years and I've decided to get in on the fun!

Newest Name Signs

2011-06-16T16:26:00.002-06:00

Just Some Doodles

2011-06-08T19:48:00.000-06:00

These may end up as paintings some day. Who knows...

IF - Shadows

2011-06-04T21:38:00.000-06:00

Hillary was tired of being in the shadows. She was ready to take on the world!!

A Peek Into My Sketchbook

2011-05-30T11:31:00.000-06:00

I've been playing a lot with color and design.

Sketchbook

2011-05-28T11:20:00.004-06:00

Several months ago I went back to work full time. My kids are both in school so it was time. I have loved it but miss all my time in the studio. I NEED to have a creative outlet. I decided that art journaling or sketching would be the way for me to have something

quick
portable
laid back
creative

So here's a peek into what I've been working on...

Illustration Friday - Asleep

2011-05-27T11:06:00.000-06:00

When you fall asleep under this tree, you dream of gumdrops and confetti and chocolate stars and love.

Knitting Update

2011-05-20T10:31:00.000-06:00

Pookie

Pattern: Pookies from Barbara Prime

Needle Size: US 6

Yarn: Caron Simply Soft and Cascade 220

So cute I can barely stand it. I will be making more!

Market Bag

Pattern: Grrlfriend Market Bag from Laura Spradlin

Needle Size: US 6, 8, 11

Yarn: Lily Sugar N' Cream (Hot Green)

Very handy--holds a ton and fun to knit.

Monteagle Bag

Pattern: Monteagle Bag from Mason Dixon Knitting Outside the Lines

Needle Size: US 10-1/2

Yarn: Lion Brand Cotton Solid

Learned lots of new stitches on this one. It was fun to knit and makes a very useful, interesting bag!

Slipper Socks for Mom

Pattern: Tropical Punch Slipper Socks by Bear Toes

Needle Size: US 10

Yarn: Caron Simply Soft

Kind of ugly, but so comfy. My mom loves em!

Newest Name Signs

2011-05-14T21:09:00.004-06:00

Yes, Another One or Two

2011-05-13T10:26:00.000-06:00

I am addicted to this pattern. It's my Go To baby gift right now. This one was for my sweet nephew for his 1st birthday.

And this one was for a friend's new baby

Monster Chunks

Pattern: Monster Chunks (free!) by Rebecca Danger

Needle Size: US 6

Yarn: (Green one) Cascade 220 for the body, Bernat Cottontots for the feet, (Red one) Lily Sugar n' Cream body and feet

Newest Name Signs

2011-03-29T19:39:00.002-06:00

Newest Name Signs

2011-02-28T20:11:00.000-07:00

Newest Name Signs

2011-02-01T20:04:00.000-07:00

It's Nibblefest Time Again!

2011-01-20T17:54:00.002-07:00

This sweet little painting is my entry for this month's Nibblefest. The theme is Circus and I can't think of a bigger circus than triplets--except maybe quadruplets. :)

This painting is now available on e-bay for the crazy low starting price of $.99!!

Newest Teacher Name Signs

2010-11-13T20:29:00.002-07:00

It's been a while since I've updated pics of the newest name signs. So here they are. Teacher Name Signs are always available in my bumblebina ETSY shop and make a great Christmas gift for teachers!!

Halloween Knitting

2010-11-01T20:33:00.001-06:00

Mini Top Hat for Halloween
Pattern: Miniature Top Hat from Darktwist
Needles: US 10.5
Yarn: vintage wool
Notions: singed fabric flower, feathers, lace trim, pearls

Oh this was fun! This was part of my steampunk Halloween costume this year.

Here's the other part...

Halloween Cuffs
Pattern: Antique Alice in Wonderland from VO Knits
Needles: US 8, 10, 11, 15, 17
Yarn: Cascade 220, vintage wool, Caron Simply Soft

Here they are together with the rest of the costume...

I LOVE HALLOWEEN!!! :)

Sideways Cloche

2010-11-01T20:25:00.000-06:00

Sideways Cloche
Pattern: Personal Pattern adapted from a picture in a book :)
Yarn: Vintage wool held doubled
Needles: US 10 for body of hat, US 9 for crown

This one's for me, but she was my available model. :)

IF - Spooky

2010-10-15T22:32:00.002-06:00

Okay, he's not that spooky, but this little cutie is definitely ready for Halloween. This owl will be available on e-bay on October 20th HERE as part of the Nibblefest Art Contest.

*SOLD

Did I Mention I LOVE Candy Corn?

2010-10-10T17:28:00.001-06:00

Candy Corn Bag
Pattern: Little Felted Tote by Lucy Robson (FREE)
Needle: US 11
Yarn: Cascade 220 and vintage wool
Finished Size (after felting): 7.5" wide, 6" tall plus handle

This originally started out as a gift, but I love it so much I may keep it for myself. :) The pattern from Lucy Robson is for a basic bag. I just did the color work to make it look like candy corn. The liner is a bright yellow/orange fabric and I added ribbon, tulle and ric rac to the handle for a fun accent. Isn't Fall the best??

Knitting Update

2010-10-10T16:57:00.002-06:00

Here are the latest projects. I always have something on the needles. Although I am a person who fully finishes a project before moving onto the next--no half finished projects lying around for me. I'm weird that way. I have a hat I'm working on right now that HAS to be finished soon so I can move onto my Halloween costume knitting. Updates on all that later...

Monster Chunk for Will

Pattern: Monster Chunks (free!) by Rebecca Danger

Needle Size: US 6

Yarn: Cascade 220 for the body, Lily Sugar n' Cream for the feet

I originally planned to knit a little bird for this new baby, but then I went to Target to buy a little outfit for him and you can see from the picture below why I HAD to do a Monster Chunk for him! How perfectly does this go with the shirt?

Coral India Scarf
Pattern: India Scarf by Ilga Leja
Needle: US 11 for CO and BO, body of the scarf was US 9
Yarn: NaturallyCaron.com Spa in Coral Lipstick

My first real lace pattern. The yarn is slippery and splitty and just plain hard to work with, but the finished scarf is amazing! It's soft and so pretty. I love it. It's supposed to be a summer scarf, but you couldn't pay me to wear a scarf in the summer in the Southwest! :) So this one is a Fall/Spring scarf for me.

Halloween Black Bird
Pattern: Lil Birdie by Carina Lee (FREE)
Needle: US 4
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft

I will definitely be making more of these little cuties! This pattern is great.

Crochet 3 Strand Headband
Pattern: Simple Crochet Headband (FREE)
Hook: G
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft

My crochet skills are very lacking, but this was still super quick and easy.

Newest Painting - Girl in the Yellow Dress

2010-10-07T14:22:00.003-06:00

Girl in the Yellow Dress, 8" x 8.25", acrylics and mixed media on 1/2" wood (SOLD)

She's a bit summery in her little dress isn't she? Well, we were still getting up into the 90's last week so I guess I'm still feeling a bit summery myself. :)

*SOLD

A Re-Make without a Before Picture :(

2010-10-07T13:55:00.001-06:00

These used to be a garish orange with green polka dots or stripes--I can't remember. (I didn't take a before picture, but trust me, they were ugly.) I got them from Hobby Lobby years ago.

Last year I primed them and never got around to finishing them. The other day I pulled them back out and got to work. I am so happy with the result!

Basically, I painted them black to paint down their original color and to create a good base coat. I then painted them with an uneven coat of white, then distressed them by scraping some of the white paint down to the black and also by hammering some nail holes into the surface of the wood. I also did some image transfer onto them. Then I painted them a soft fall orange and added stamps, stripes, circles and pencil marks. I then added some brown paint to distress the ridges and edges. I also painted the stems brown and twisted some thin wire around them.

I think I'll keep them out through Thanksgiving.

Newest Name Signs

2010-10-01T13:54:00.000-06:00

All personalized Teacher and Child Name Signs are available in my bumblebina ETSY shop.

IF - Beneath

2010-10-01T13:48:00.000-06:00

How often have I lain beneath rain on a strange roof, thinking of home.

--William Faulkner

Keeler Wedding Painting

IF - Proverb

2010-09-14T14:27:00.003-06:00

Dream Trees, 12" x 24", Acrylic and Mixed Media on Canvas (SOLD)

A fool sees not the same tree that a wise man sees.

William Blake, Proverbs of Hell, 1790

New Paintings!

2010-09-14T14:22:00.001-06:00

It's been a while.

I finally got back in the studio and got some work done! And oh did it feel good.

Some good friends came to visit and wanted "Take a Look Around" (the painting on the left) but also wanted a second companion painting. So here they are together. I'm just getting ready to ship them off to their new home.

And these trees (below) are brand new. I seem to always go back to painting trees. These are completely different though. The colors are softer and I've added lots of mixed media elements.

Dream Trees, 12" x 24", Acrylic and Mixed Media on Canvas (SOLD)

Newest Teacher Name Signs

2010-09-09T15:16:00.000-06:00

Teacher Name Signs are always available in my bumblebina ETSY shop.

Another Buckeye Sign

2010-09-07T11:30:00.000-06:00

This one was an ETSY order. The Buckeye Nation is everywhere, people! I love it!

Child's Name Signs are always available in my bumblebina ETSY shop.

Ever Heard of Plarn???

2010-09-01T09:41:00.014-06:00

Plarn is plastic yarn you make from recycled grocery bags. And what do you do with it?

You knit with it of course!

Grocery Bag Bag
Pattern: Everyday Grocery Bag Handbag by Trina Brielle
Needle: US 11
Yarn: Handmade Plarn made using only the finest Walmart and Alberston's bags :)

This bag is made entirely from recycled grocery bags. It is 100% recycled and 100% recyclable. How cool is that?

I made the flower accessory using the basic singed fabric technique but I used all grocery bags. (Just be careful because they singe VERY quickly and can burn faster than fabric.)

Sometimes...

2010-08-31T09:31:00.020-06:00

I do knit stuff for me. :)

Candy Corn Mittens
Pattern: Candy Corn Mittens (free!)
Needle: US 8
Yarn: Cascade 220

I can't wait to wear these in the fall! We rarely get cold enough for mittens in October, but I'm wearing em! I love Candy Corn and I love fall and Halloween! I'm giddy just thinking about how soon it's coming. :)

Felted Pears
Pattern: Wooly Pears from Nikki Epstein in The Beginner's Guide to Felting
Needle: US 11
Yarn: Vintage wool

I personally liked them better before I felted them. Kinda wish I hadn't felted them.

A Few Knitted Toys

2010-08-30T11:27:00.002-06:00

These were all knitted for my nieces or nephews. I need my sisters and sister in law to have babies forever so I'll always have little ones to knit for! :)

Cupcakes for Cam and Haley
Pattern: Swirl Cupcake by Tess Young
Needle Size: US 6, 5 and 4
Yarn: Caron Wintuk and Lily Sugar n' Cream

Jordy's Ice Cream Cone

Pattern: Scooped (free!)

Needle Size: US 6

Yarn: Lily Sugar n' Cream and some random acrylic (pink)

Monster Chunks for the Twins

Pattern: Monster Chunks (free!) by Rebecca Danger--I LOVE her designs!! All of em! Love em!

Needle Size: US 6

Yarn: Bernat Softee for the bodies, Lily Sugar n' Cream for the feet

Blue Bird for Ethan

Pattern: Birds and Birdhouse by Amy Gaines

Needle Size: US 4

Yarn: Lily Sugar n' Cream

The Year of the Number Shirt

2010-08-30T11:11:00.002-06:00

Each year I try to choose a theme for the gifts I'm going to give my little angel nieces. Last year was shirts with their ages on them. The last one went in the mail last month (happy birthday Jordy!!) so I can blog some pics now without ruining the surprise.

I love the little "2" shirt because it sort of lets the world know what to expect from this little angel. Her mom may think she's a bit terrible at times, but her Aunt Tif thinks she's perfect in every way! :)

Isn't she the sweetest thing? Oh I love that smile!

This "8" shirt was for my daughter. She is so over pink so she didn't match her cousin's shirts. But she wore this shirt on her birthday and a ton of times since then.

This was the last one to go in the mail. Again, don't you just think "2" says it all? (BTW, the terrible twos are SO MUCH FUN when you're the aunt and the spunkiness and attitude it just plain funny!) :)

These shirts totally stretched my sewing ability to the limit. But it was a fun challenge and totally worth it!

Here's what I did: I began by attaching the fabric to iron on adhesive (Wonder Under or Heat n' Bond). Obviously you don't need much fabric. For the circle backgrounds, I just traced a small plate on the fabric and cut it out. The numbers and crowns were all done free hand. I draw them onto some stiff paper, cut them out and then trace them backwards onto the Heat n' Bond on the back of the fabric. I then ironed all the pieces on. Now the hard part (for me), I used a zig zag stitch and sewed around all the edges. (The 8 was the hardest--lots of curves). I think the sewing is necessary or the pieces will eventually start to peel off the shirt after several washings. But with the sewing, my daughter's 8 shirt has been washed over and over and it still looks brand new.

Newest Name Signs

2010-08-30T10:51:00.000-06:00

These Teacher Name Signs all went in the mail last week. The "Jodi" sign was for my daughter's sweet friend who had a birthday this weekend.

Teacher Name Signs and Child Name Signs are always available in my bumblebina ETSY shop.

Welcome Baby Evan!

2010-08-21T17:02:00.001-06:00

Our good friends and fellow Buckeye fans just had their first baby. This is his name sign. We like to instill OSU pride in 'em early!! :)

Welcome Evan and go Bucks! (12 days until the first game!)

Newest Teacher Name Signs

2010-08-21T16:59:00.000-06:00

Aren't all the differences of these signs fun? It's so fun to add people's personalities to their signs! One of these was done to match the teacher's wedding colors. One was done to contrast with a cooperating teacher (she bought it for her student teacher). One was done to match the teacher's school colors. Fun!

Teacher Name Signs are always available in my bumblebina ETSY shop.

Newest Teacher Name Signs

2010-08-11T20:04:00.000-06:00

Teacher Name Signs are always available in my bumblebina ETSY shop.

A Couple More

2010-08-10T09:41:00.002-06:00

Teacher Name Signs are always available in my bumblebina ETSY shop.

I've Been Busy

2010-08-04T10:40:00.001-06:00

These signs all went in the mail in the past few days. Teacher Name Signs are always available in my bumblebina ETSY shop.

A Couple Quick Before and Afters

2010-07-26T14:42:00.003-06:00

I found this wood and metal paint holder on ETSY. It holds 81 bottles of paint! It was a little plain so it got a coat of white paint, some distressing, some soft polka dots and the word "paint".

And these beauties were from Hobby Lobby (more 80% off to make room for Christmas!) Together they cost me less than $6. Hated the color and "Country Duck"?!? Wha?? Why? So the Country Duck got removed and the top got a coat of white paint and some sanding and distressing and now I LOVE them...

Newest Name Signs

2010-07-26T14:04:00.000-06:00

Teacher Name Signs are always available in my bumblebina ETSY shop.

Batty

2010-07-20T16:39:00.020-06:00

Batty, 4.25" x 5.75", Acrylic on wood and MDF (AVAILABLE)

He's available now in my tmatthews ETSY shop!

(It's never too early for Halloween right?) :)

*SOLD

IF - Breakfast

2010-07-17T15:19:00.002-06:00

Breakfast? Why not. You only live once!

A Few More...

2010-07-17T15:12:00.002-06:00

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

Newest Name Signs

2010-07-13T20:48:00.000-06:00

Teacher Name Signs are always available in my bumblebina ETSY shop.

IF - Diary

2010-07-09T20:54:00.001-06:00

Dear Diary,
I think my new hairstyle may have been a mistake...

Bargain Shopping/Item Remake - Part 5

2010-07-04T08:31:00.015-06:00

The final installation in this Bargain Shopping/Item Remake series. :)

A quick little mini-makeover of a $5 pillow (regularly $24.99 BTW).

It's cute. We didn't love the fringe. So...

We gave it a haircut and glued a cool round button to the center of the existing white flower and viola...

Here it is hanging out with the other made-over $5 pillows. :)

Bargain Shopping/Item Remake - Part 4 (A Tutorial)

2010-07-03T08:23:00.002-06:00

Remember our friend, the $5 Y pillow. Here's what I did with the other 3.

We obviously didn't cover the Y this time, we just used the other side of the pillow.

Here's how we did it:

Step 1 - We found letters we liked and printed them about 5" high on cardstock. We cut them out to make stencils.

Step 2 - We laid the stencil on our pillow

Step 3 - We traced our stencil. I found that a Conte pastel worked best on this slick poly fabric.

Step 4 - We outlined the lines with a white paint pen.

Step 5 - We went back in with a paintbrush and regular acrylic paint and filled in the letters.

Bargain Shopping/Item Remake - Part 3

2010-07-02T08:30:00.001-06:00

This Y pillow was one of my great finds on my latest trip to Hobby Lobby when the housewares were 80% OFF. This cute little 12" x 12" pillow with bead trim was regularly $24.99. They had lots of Y's and Z's left. I bought 4 of them. Why?

That's why!

Now I have nothing against the letter Y--it was, in fact, my last initial before I got married--but seeing as I am now an M, let the pillow makeover begin.

I added on 3 flowers (made using this method). I tacked them on with small stitches right over the Y. You can't see it at all.

P.S. The tasseled brocade pillow behind it was also a bargain find. Regularly $79.99 (do people really pay that for pillows?!?) I got it for $16.

I'll post soon about what what I did with the other 3 Y pillows.

Bargain Shopping/Item Remake - Part 2

2010-07-01T08:18:00.001-06:00

The next installment of my bargain shopping show and tell. This drawer unit was normally $49.99, marked down to $10.

My daughter and I didn't love the sports theme of them and considered these for a long time. We knew we couldn't just paint over the balls since they are indented into the wood. Finally, we realized we could just turn the drawers around so the balls are facing in. The drawers wouldn't have the little notch at the top. But we solved that by drilling two holes and adding a little jute drawer pull.

Oh yeah, did I mention we bought 2? :)

Bargain Shopping/Item Remake - Part 1

2010-06-30T08:14:00.000-06:00

I recently went to my local Hobby Lobby store for one thing and came out with three full shopping carts of things. They had a ton of their housewares on sale for 80% OFF to make room for...are you ready for this...Christmas.

So, like I told my husband, I spent a lot, but I can't even explain how much I saved! :)

Here are just a few of my bargains (more to come in future Before/After posts).

This frame is HUGE--5' x 2.5'. It's aluminum/tin/? some rather light metal. And I'm sure at one time had something in it since the before cost was $199.99. I paid $40! (It's hanging in my hallway so it's sort of hard to get a great picture of it.)

The metal rings inside were each $.99. I have no idea what they are for. I was going to use them as wreath forms for rag wreaths, but I decided to try them in my huge empty frame and I like them there. I tied them with torn strips of off-white cotton fabric. Around the holidays, I'll take the metal rings out and hang berry wreaths in this frame.

And if I ever get sick of it in my house, it's great for outdoors too since it's metal. See, win-win! :)

This mirror has a thick plastic frame around it that looks like wood. There is a broken part on the bottom (that you can't see at all with it hanging this way) so it was marked down to...$18! I brought it home and roughed it up a bit to make it even more distressed and I love it over my piano.

That's it for today. More to come...

Jersey (Sea Anemone) Pom Pom Tutorial

2010-06-29T08:37:00.051-06:00

This fun little pom pom made from jersey knit fabric would make a fun pin or gift topper. Here we make it into a hair clip. Doesn't it sort of look like a sea anemone? :)

Supplies Needed:

Knit Fabric (I used my leftovers from this scarf)

Cutting mat and rotary cutter

Clothespins

Pom pom maker or piece of cardboard

Small piece of felt

Alligator clip (covered with ribbon)
Glue Gun
Scissors

Step 1 - Cut the Fabric
You don't need a lot of fabric but it does help if it's rather long so your strips are continuous. This makes them easier to wrap. My strips ended up being 3/4" wide and 2.5 yards long.

I found the best way was to fold it over several times (notice your edge is curling--you want that, but it's hard to cut this way). I clipped the curled edges as flat as I could with some clothespins and cut off the ragged edge and discarded it.

See that nice clean, edge! I then cut 3/4" strips.

TIP - When I was all through cutting the strips, I pinned my fabric because I can never get this nice of a straight line with knit! I'm storing the fabric this way for the next time I need to cut it.

Step 2 - Stretch the Knit to Curl Your Strips

Go through all your strips and pull them gently to get them to curl in on themselves. You'll see. It's like magic. (FYI: You can also knit with the strips once you've done this to them. See my t-shirt purse at the bottom of this post.)

Step 3 - Wrap Your Pom Pom Maker

I have the Clover XL Pom Pom Maker, but you can use your favorite method--a rectangle of cardboard works fine. (I found the Pom Pom Maker on e-bay.)

I used almost 2 full 2.5 yards long strips on each arm of my pom pom maker. You can adjust this to suit your needs.

Step 4 - Cut the Fabric and Tie The Pom Pom

I used a thin strip of knit to tie it off and that worked well.

Step 5 - Trim It Up and Glue a Felt Circle to the Back

Step 6 - Glue an Alligator Clip to the Back

And you're done!

They're Baaaaack

2010-06-28T15:28:00.000-06:00

This is the first time I've ever made them, but I know they aren't new. Yo-yo's are back in a big way and I, for one, am happy about it. They are fun, quick, and easy!

These three have alligator clips on the back to use as hair bows or even a lapel pin. (My daughter sometimes just clips the alligator clip to the strap of a tank dress).

The blue fabric on the blue and yellow one is from an old doll stroller that we just decided we could part with (even though it's been broken for years). I cut the seat part off of it because I love the fabric. It was just enough to make this yo-yo and maybe one more smaller one. I love finding new uses! :)

Here's What We Do...

2010-06-27T12:07:00.005-06:00

When the boys are away. :) The boys of our house were away at Scout Camp this week. So my daughter and I had "Girl's Week". Part of Girl's Week is always crafting. We pulled out our Dollar Store and Walmart flowers and went to work making these hair flowers.

My daughter picked out the ones she wanted and the ones to send to her cousins.

One quick thing, these two were both made from the same exact kind of flowers. Just layered differently. That's the fun part--trying different designs and combinations until you get what you like. Then choose the beads or buttons you want for the center.

(Here's my tutorial on how to make them.)

A Relief Effort

2010-06-26T12:06:00.001-06:00

A little while ago I got an e-mail from my sister where she admitted to almost buying some hair bows for my niece. Buying?!? Uh, no. So "Hairbows for Haley" was started. :)

My daughter went through her bows and chose some Haley might like. Recycling--this is a green effort! And then we made her some new ones. (Stay tuned for a tutorial on the turquoise one).

It was fun to send off this fun little package to my sweet little niece!

Newest Name Signs

2010-06-26T09:58:00.000-06:00

Child Name Signs and Teacher Name Signs are always available in my bumblebina ETSY shop.

Nibblefest - A Dog's World

2010-06-22T17:02:00.001-06:00

The theme for this month is A Dog's World. These three fun little cards are available now on e-bay with a starting bid of just $.99!

*SOLD

Newest Teacher Name Sign

2010-06-22T08:00:00.003-06:00

And here's to you

Sorry, couldn't resist. :)

Teacher Name Signs are always available in my bumblebina ETSY shop.

Why

2010-06-21T17:15:00.000-06:00

am I knitting a wool scarf in the middle of summer?

Because this pattern totally caught my eye and I HAD to make it. Can't wait to wear it...in a few months.

Pattern: Just Enough Ruffles
Yarn: Cascade 220
Needles: US 10

4th of July Centerpiece with Fabric Pom Poms Tutorial

2010-06-18T15:06:00.002-06:00

Just got my new Clover XL Pom Pom Maker. It is so fun! I've make pom poms with tulle, yarn, and fabric. I specifically bought it to make fabric pom poms. I saw them here on Prudent Baby and loved them.

I made mine with red (striped cotton blend), white (cotton) and navy (polyester) fabric for a fun 4th of July centerpiece.

A few tips for the fabric pom poms:
1. At first I was really careful to wrap the fabric flat so there were no twists. Well, then my pom poms looked like stacks of fabric--not puffy pom poms. So as you wrap either your pom pom maker or whatever else you use, let the fabric twist and overlap a bit.
2. I cut the fabric into 3/4" wide strips. You could certainly go thinner, but thicker may make it harder to tied the knot around the center. I just cut them as long as my fabric and then overlapped them as I wrapped them onto the pom pom maker.
3. I tied these with matching yarn. It seems to tie a tighter knot than other things I tried.
4. For a solid color pom pom, it's best to use solid fabrics or fabrics that are printed on both sides. You can use cottons that are printed on one side. It just gives it a different look--more homespun/country.

To Make the Centerpiece:
I just stuck dowels into the yarn at the center of the pom pom. I didn't even glue them because I use these dowels for other things. I put floral foam in the bottom of a pot I already had. Again, I just stuck it in and didn't glue is since this pot is usually my pencil holder by my computer. I stuck the dowels in the foam at different levels and filled in the top with floral moss. No glue, just tucked it in. A little jute bow around the pot finishes it off nicely. And everything is removable after the holiday. :)

I tried the pom poms outside first in my planter, but I thought they sort of got lost in the mix. I'm thinking of taking out the pinecones and filling the entire planter with floral foam so I can add all sorts of fabric flowers and pom poms. What do you think?

Rag Wreath for 4th of July

2010-06-16T07:04:00.003-06:00

I've been seeing these everywhere online and I love them. So I had to make my own. And with the 4th of July just around the corner, red white and blue was my theme.

I bought 2 wreath forms. The green one is for a future wreath for my daughter's room. For this Patriotic Wreath, I used the 12" craft ring (macrame--anyone remember that?). The benefit of the craft ring is it's $1.99 (the green floral form was $3.99). And with the thin metal ring, you don't have to have very long strips of fabric--I cut mine to be just 8" long. I will have to cut them quite a bit longer when I use that green wreath from!

I got 2 or three styles of fabric in red, white and soft blue. I used some printed cottons (the whites do have a slight print to them), gingham, solid linen, seersucker, striped, polka dot and solid cotton.

I ripped the fabric into strips of varying widths--from 1/2" to 1-1/2". I then cut them down to be 8" long, using pinking shears to give the end a bit more interest and to avoid more fray. I tied the strips on in good ol' American Red, White and Blue order varying the fabric each go around.

The wreath is hung by a long strip of gingham torn fabric.