Clever Tutorial

I don't know why I'm so fascinated by this bow tutorial!

The weird thing about it is that I don't even like this style of bows - you know the ones you buy in a big plastic bag and end up all smashed up.

I guess I just think it's cool that this is a total recycle project and something you can put together in a crunch if you find yourself with a naked gift!  (I hate to have naked gifts laying around - they have no modesty) 

I digress, sorry.

(source: How About Orange)

Those that know me know that I save the most random things....those who don't know me but also scrapbook or do other paper crafts can probably relate to my obsession with saving stuff.  I mean you should overlook my ever growing stash of security envelopes for goodness sake.

I like the inside design.

I am a junk mail connessieur of sorts!

Anyway, I shared this link on twitter/facebook, but I thought it worth posting on the old blog as well!

BTW,  I found this via my Scrapscene email today. Well worth signing up for if you are a scrapper/paper crafter.

she crafted

I have seen so much Christmas craft inspiration as of late on the world wide web.
So much in fact that my head is swimming with lots of ideas that I want to try out.

Wreaths seem to be the most popular items to craft.

Since I have started utilizing my Google Reader and subscribe to every artsy-craftsy blog known to man (or woman) I have found some really good ones that I attempt to check out with every new posting.

Especially those with new handrafted eye candy.

One such blog: A Foothill Home Companion is filled with the eye candy I speak of.
And yesterday there were these great little origami stars with a link to the video tutorial.
I watched - amazed at how simply they went together.
Well I immediately pulled down one of my Anthropologie catalogs and my paper trimmer and went to town.
With some trial and error, I came up with several of these little cuties and put together this tonight.

How cute is this?
A little wreath ornament! Yea!
There are so many possibilities with these.
There is even an Etsy shop dedicated to making these into jewelry.
clever? yes!

Now I realize it may not be Martha Stewart worthy and my little stars are far from perfect, but I love it & it is now hanging on my tree - with is also not Martha worthy -OR- perfect either!

I'm BAAAAAAck!

Wow, it's been a great week...Alex did fab at the horseshow.
I promise to post the details and I took a ton of pictures.
Right now, I feel like posting a little project I made before I left
on Monday.

This girl inspires me greatly...can you believe she just turned 16?
If you ever want to be inspired by art, photos, or words,
I have Kara linked up over on the right under "blogs I stalk".

Anyway, she had posted a great workshop a week or so ago that she
simply
titled:
Look up.

In preparation for the workshop I had been taking sky pictures.

Some I already had because I am always loving the way the sky looks.
Sunsets, storms, clouds...they are awesome.

Anyway, I made a mini book from a recycled Jones Pure Cane Soda box
I had kept because I loved all the little pictures and color and "stuff"
it had. (remember this post?)
Yes, same soda.

Here is how it turned out...I really like it.

Thanks for your thought provoking prompts and inspiration Kara!

cool finds for sale

After some yard sale-ing this weekend, I made some cool finds that I have listed on eBay. I really thought about keeping these (and may if they don't sell!) and trying to use them for some kind of scrapbooking project. Here is the listing for more info -OR- if you want to make a bid ;)

I have also listed some cool old (1960s) knitting magazines. I absolutely dig all the colors and pictures in these. I don't knit - although I would like to learn sometime, but just don't need another hobby at this point!!! Anyway, I would say that the patterns and pictures of techniques in these books are top notch. I doubt the patterns you could pick up at your friendly "wally-world" would ever compare!

Go here for all my listings posted today.

I've been off work for a few days and did not do ONE scrapbook page! Hard to believe! I have however been crafty...sewing. I completed a project that I have wanted to do for a while now. This purse.

This was made from some vintage fabric found in a table runner at the Stock Exchange in Viola + an old raggedy shirt found tucked away at my house for the lining + an old Air Force belt {so I'm told by Rick} also from the Stock Exchange. The flower was made from the same found treasures + some red rick-rack + a huge button that I received in my Red Velvet kit in June. Yes, I am carrying this crazy looking bag.

Some like - some not so like. oh well, Vera Bradley had to start somewhere right??

creating and remembering

In the spirit of Memorial Day i have done a lot of reflecting this weekend. Along with the abundance of time I have spent at my little crafting table, and the barbeque slash graduation slash memorial day get together at slick rock, and the cookout at C&A's, I have enjoyed being able to reflect on my loved ones who have gone on. I am so thankful for each of them!

We had a tragedy in our community this weekend and that family who lost a child who is a year younger than Alex has been heavy on my heart and mind. I have prayed for comfort for them and feel really sad for them for losing a precious child.

On a brighter note, i have spent a lot of time creating and have thoroughly enjoyed it!!! These "whatnotclutches" as I have named them have been so much fun to make. I had brainstormed and sketched some ideas for bags and purses i have been wanting to make, but decided to use these leftover pieces of felt from a poster project of Alex's to craft these clutches. Not sure what I'm going to do with them. probably give them away - aren't they adorable though??? I've had more fun putting these quickies together.

I also finished Tiffany's grad gift and Leif's grad gift. Unfortunately I didn't take any pictures of Leif's before giving it. Here is the beginning stages of Tiffany's album. I originally thought this would be very "cowboyish" and western, and it does hint to that, I like how it is girly too. I hope she likes it.

Another fun project that had hit me one night quite some time ago, I decided to complete yesterday evening and am so excited in how it turned out. The idea was to make a little chipboard book for a bride to jot down her "bridal" memories. I wanted it to be very feminine and lacy. I'm thinking this one will go on eBay, but I'm not sure yet.

Here is a taste of this one.

Off to finish laundry and savor my last few hours of the long weekend. {maybe i'll even choose to get out of my p.j.s! ;) }

another grad gift begins

Today i have started another P*B*A for one of the girls who has now graduated [friday was graduation] and I am just beginning her gifts. UGH! I don't like getting behind. I am going to have to finish her's and another friend before next weekend [they are throwing him a party on Sunday afternoon.] had to take a break and post a sneeky-peeky of Tiffany's album in the beginning stages. I think she'll enjoy it.

Grad gifts

I completed one of the gifts I am making for a couple of girls graduating this year from high school. This a for a girl whose mom I work with. She liked one of the P*B*A's I entered in the district fair last year and I thought it would make a perfect gift for her. The next one if for a girl I've known for several years. It will have a western/cowgirl/horse theme similar to one I recently sold on ebay. I'll post it when complete. I hope these girls can add their priceless high school memories to their P*B*A's and have a little treasure to look back on and share with their families. That makes me :)