golden dove design

Inspired by - Illustrated Wreaths

2011-11-08T05:15:00.000-08:00

This year I have not been blogging. Instead I have been moving across the country, working a variety of jobs, going to school online, and trying to be a good mom/girlfriend/friend. While I have still been occassionally reading some of my favorite blogs, I haven't personally felt inspired to make anything let alone write about making anything.
As I am approaching 30 - I vow to change that. I need to get my craft back!
While browsing some of my favorite websites lately I discovered a reoccurring theme - these illustrated floral wreaths that were encircling another illustration.

"Custom Illustrated Garland Cards" by Rifle Paper Co.

"The Bees Knees" Print - The Black Apple

"Bertha" - Illustration by Carson Ellis

What I love about all of these illustrations is that they have a sweet, hand painted style. They make me want to learn to draw and paint like this! They would all make great gifts, too.

Speaking of gifts, Christmas is on the way and I need to plan some handmade gifts. Some thoughts: Handmade ornaments, baked goods, scarves, plush creatures, banners, cross-stitched and framed art.

What are you making?

Happy Hearts Inspiration

2011-02-14T08:49:00.000-08:00

Here's some Valentine's inspiration to share with you!

I adore this Mini Custom Heart Sampler by Miniature Rhino on Etsy. Love everything about her blog, too!

I love this love heart screenprinted poster. In fact I love everything about the summersville shop.

If you need a good movie to watch while you craft, may I suggest Picnic at Hanging Rock? You can watch it instantly on Netflix. Here's a lovely set of pictures from the film on flickr by ginnybranch.

I love everything by Night Owl Paper Goods. Isn't this mushroom card cute?

And finally, can I pleez haz this necklace?
Apollo necklace by Elephantine on Etsy.

Happy Hearts Day and crafting to you!

Handmade Christmas Card

2010-12-15T12:25:00.000-08:00

Here's a little card I made. I love the combination of yellow and slate gray.
What are your favorite color combos right now?

How To: Cloth Gift Bags

2010-12-14T20:37:00.000-08:00

Please enjoy this simple holiday packaging idea. I've been so inspired by my favorite craft blogs lately, and just wanted to share a recent project from my home to yours!

#1: Gather those pre-made Anthropologie cloth receipt bags.

Anthropologie sometimes sends receipts in these plain cloth bags, so I've saved up quite a stash and thought I'd put them to use. This year I decided to put my handmade gifts in them by cleverly covering up the Anthropologie logo with some cotton twill tape and a hand-stamped sentiment.

#2: Sew on the cotton twill tape.

I chose a cotton twill tape about a 1/2" wide in the same color as the bag. I sewed a few straight stitches on either end of twill directly to the bag.

#3: Stamp design on the twill and let dry.

I chose a pigment ink in a mink brown. Pigment inks work great on fabrics but take a little longer to dry. You can set it with an iron but be sure to put a cloth on top to protect!

Happy Holidays!

fall leaves garland

2010-11-22T10:19:00.000-08:00

Today we woke up and it was SNOWING, so this fall leaves garland seems slightly inappropriate. However, I made it because I was inspired by the variety of colors of leaves covering the ground last week. I saw this one in the Pottery Barn Kids catalogue and immediately thought "I can make that." And so I did, and I like my color combo better. Not trying to toot my own horn, just sayin'.
I used real maple leaves for templates, which was fun and super easy. Even though it's gray and white here now I like the garland for a Thanksgiving decoration since we're entertaining this year.

And here are some cute inspiring ones:

*Elsie's Felt Leaf garland

*Cute one by Sweetie Pie Bakery

Gifted Magazine by Creature Comforts

2010-11-15T10:33:00.000-08:00

This gets me excited about crafting for the holidays.

Making Cards

2010-11-01T14:06:00.001-07:00

Embroidered Card, originally uploaded by kimzerkins.

The Collector

2010-08-23T11:12:00.000-07:00

These days it seems I am collecting rather than crafting. I get a kick out of finding great buttons, knitting needles, fabric- you name it! I like to keep it neatly organized in eyesight because it gives me a weirdly satisfied feeling. Do you know what I mean?

Some women collect expensive clothing, makeup or jewelry- I'm more prone to gather crafty sorts of things.

A few months ago I discovered a shop close to where I work. It's called Assemble and it stocks handmade items by some of my favorite bloggers. How awesome to hold these items in my hands, where before I'd only looked at them on the computer! So every payday it seems when I get off of work I have to walk by the shop and peek in to see what new items they've stocked.

A fashion pin in red gingham and two hand-stitched made by The Pin Pals.

A set of 4 birdhouse buttons by Lisa Congdon. They also had prints of this work!

Assemble also features a rotating collection of art by artists, as well as classes for knitting, embroidering, sewing and bookmaking. Can't wait to see what they have next!

For A Baby Girl

2010-07-12T19:20:00.000-07:00

Made these for my new neice, Lola. *Bitty Booties* FREE pattern here: www.heatherbaileydesign.com/Booties.html
*Rabbit* free-styled and handsewn by me.

Inspired By

2010-03-16T11:46:00.000-07:00

I have a tendency to be a big "girl band" geek and today is no exception. Bachelorette (Annabel Alpers) is definitely on high rotation here right now and this video is especially awesome:

Bachelorette: Complex History of a Dying Star

Can't wait to see her and Beach House in April.

recent acquisitions

2010-03-08T12:00:00.000-08:00

besides embroidering many projects that remain unfinished, i have also recently picked up a few items i'd like to share.

*felt pin by local artist picked up from the farmer's market:

*favorite new flats:

*scissors necklace from jay (by emily elizabeth jewelry):

*first el perro del mar ep on vinyl. got this after i saw her live with taken by trees:

happy monday!

Stop-Motion = Happiness

2010-02-08T09:26:00.000-08:00

via Craft Zine today.

Sunday: Style Icon(s)

2010-02-07T13:21:00.001-08:00

feeling inspired lately by tegan and sara.
images from teganandsara.com

Free Mushroom Tutorial!

2009-11-30T10:14:00.000-08:00

Fa la la la Felt

Check out this free felt mushroom ornament tutorial by Cathy Gaubert- from the book Fa la la la Felt.

Tasty Morsel

2009-11-22T00:09:00.000-08:00

Here's a tasty morsel from my childhood. Why did my sisters and I think this was cool?
Note the crotch shots...
shakespeare's sisters 'stay'

two fingers in the nose

2009-11-20T16:52:00.001-08:00

two fingers in the nose, originally uploaded by carolyn alexander.

i feel like this carolyn alexander illustration because i haven't posted on this blog in sooooo long.
i've been busy finishing up another quarter of school. it's been nice to read and comment on other blogs. i'll be back with an update soon.

library book

2009-10-03T02:29:00.000-07:00

i'm in love with this story and these illustrations...
i know other people have posted this book before- but i randomly discovered it in the public library and fell in love.
the sort of book i check out for myself- and not really my daughter.
Mommy's reading!

The Red Shoes by Hans Christian Anderson, retold by Gloria Fowler and illustrated by Sun Yung Yoo.

Have you ever?

2009-09-25T18:03:00.000-07:00

Have you ever seen anything as cute as these?

Apples and Piggies Linen Sewing Tape by Kokka, Picture via The Fabric Bar.
Ballerina Piggies Linen Sewing Tape by Kokka, Picture via The Fabric Bar.

These belong in my sewing stash! I must acquire some yardage in the immediate future.
Also, I want this album. "Oh No" is such a good song.

A Large Dose of Craft

2009-09-15T13:14:00.000-07:00

I finished this Pocketwatch Tote recently and added it to my etsy shop today! I am really pleased with the way it came out and hope it finds a good home soon.

I also completed the horse tote for my daughter Sophie this week. I copied the design from a mini boden bag but added some embroidery details- and PINK!

Finally, my first knitting project is done! I wasn't using a pattern... so I thought it was going to be a scarf. Instead, I added some yellow buttons and I'm calling it a "mini-shawl"... or something like that. Or a "mini button-up scarf". It's already looking like fall here, so I'll probably be wearing it out soon. I blogged about it on Wardrobe Refashion today as well. (Hence the rules post below!)

Wardrobe Refashion Rules

2009-09-15T12:26:00.000-07:00

The Rules

1. No buying new! (handmade is excepted; So this allows for Etsy purchases etc!!) All clothing must be Recycled, Renovated, Preloved or Thrifted, or Handmade only for the term. Employment related and special needs clothing (ie sports, school), shoes and undies are excepted from the rules, although you are encouraged to have a go at making these.
2. In extreme circumstances, maybe a special event, or the worlds greatest and most amazing never to be repeated sale that you simply can not pass up, you may use the Get out of Refashionista Jail Free card. You are able to use this card once during the 2 month part of your contract; ie 1 for 2 months, 2 for 4 months etc. Of course you need to fess up on the blog and display the button!
3. You must post on the blog at least once a week to let the community know what you've been up to. This will not only give you brag points, but inspire and encorouge others! Of course you need to display the button on your blog and have copied the pledge in at least one post, and provide a link to your pledge under the button.
4. You need to be honest and admit when you've fallen off the Refashionista Wagon! Go directly to Refashionista Jail, do not pass GO and do not collect $200! Apply for parole once there.

On Vacation

2009-09-02T20:15:00.001-07:00

Visiting family and friends in my home state, South Carolina. I'll be back early next week with more posts of my adventures in crafting!

On a side note, I am very excited to be participating in the current round of Wardrobe Refashion. I'll be posting here and there about my projects I make during my pledge!

A Doll & A Ring

2009-08-27T12:45:00.000-07:00

Finished The Black Apple Doll I started a bit back for Sophie. I am pleased with the results and plan to make a few more for friends. I may make the arms a bit bigger next time- they were hard to turn inside out and stuff because they were such small pieces. I also chose to embroider the face rather than paint it. The painting sort of intimidated me- plus, I used felt for the face and thought the embroidery would work better.

We went for a quick visit to Portland at the beginning of the week, and I picked up this cute resin/wood ring from Cargo. It's pretty chunky, but I thought it was really cute and I love the green and yellow combination.

Now, onto more sewing!

I'm going to try this...

2009-08-22T13:01:00.001-07:00

I love this bag from Mini Boden. It seems simple to make, since I already have a few extra blue cotton totes- all I'd have to do is applique the horse onto the ready made tote! My daughter really liked it when I showed it to her, so I thought this would be another good project to start (to add to the group of many other projects, you know?).

Thrifting Success!

2009-08-20T17:28:00.000-07:00

Went scouring the thrift shops with my friend Margarita Saturday and took home this suitcase with me. What do you think we found inside?

A vintage Viking 2000 Colormatic Sewing Machine! FOR ONLY $19.99!!!
Not only did we test it and it worked, but it also had the original manual inside!
When I got home that afternoon, I had my doubts as to how well it was going to work. I took it apart and oiled it, lovingly dusted it with a soft cloth, and examined the contents of the original accessory box that was also inside.

The original manual is lovely, with it's vintage black and white photos and clearly explained instructions. It has two photos that illustrate each accessory piece and their function, and while I was identifying these I discovered that all the original parts were there! (Save for the bottle of machine oil, but I'm sure I'll be fine without some old 60's oil!) It even had two very old looking packages of hand sewing needles.

I completed my first project on it, and was surprised how smoothly it sews! I was too excited to take it for a tune up, and I'm sure it would be a good idea to have it looked at. But it sews so well!
I am so excited about it and want to sew more than ever. I've got so many friends visiting from miles away, so I have to wait to get back to it... I'm just so glad to own this machine and can't wait to chuck my crappy plastic Brother that can hardly sew a simple strait stitch without knotting up and making my creations a bit wonky.

Yay for vintage machines!

Projects (The Post)

2009-08-09T15:08:00.000-07:00

I've been working on a lot of projects lately, but haven't completed them or blogged about them. I guess I've been feeling sort of doubtful and restless... I think it has to do with missing my daughter like crazy.

I finally got my turn to borrow Lena Corwin's book from the library. I just love this book and definitely want to own a copy. The projects are all so great, and the book is so well put together. I even just like looking at the photographs!
So I tried carving my own stamp out of a rubber block (again) and printed on some cards and a cotton tote. I'm not completely satisfied with the end result, but I think it has to do with the color choices I had available in ink when I started this project. I definitely love printing and want to keep investing and exploring the art form more in the future.

I've also been knitting with some chunky wool and needles. Since I'm such a beginner I feel like these giant needles are so easy for me. I'm really enjoying knitting with them.

I'm also putting together a Black Apple Doll for Sophie. I cut the pieces before she left, but I am telling myself how nice it would be to have it for her when I pick it up. She seems to really love things that I make especially for her.

There are lots of other projects in the works. I finally got the Zakka Sewing book for myself. I'm doing some embroidery for a new bag, and another art piece of embroidery on canvas. I'm looking for a new job and going vegetarian (again).
Still, I feel like I'm not being productive. It's just weird having so much time to myself...

inspiration and a tiny vacation

2009-07-28T12:59:00.001-07:00

While organizing my fabric stash last week i came across a large piece of green velvet upholstery weight fabric i inherited from my last interior design job. It has an old, Victorian wallpaper feel to it, but i think it may be a Cowtan & Tout or Pierre Frey design. I'm not quite sure. but it inspired me to make a new bag with an antique pocket-watch motif...
Some inspiration I gathered online:

I even embroidered the cotton handles with an olive green leaf-like motif.
I'll let you know when it's done and I put it in my shop. I have more of the green fabric and plan to do several bags, all with different applique, of course.
Here's a quick peek at it:

On a personal note, my daughter is going to visit her dad in South Carolina for almost a whole month this weekend! I'm trying to think of all the the work I can accomplish while she is visiting him, so I don't get too depressed about it. You can be sure that this blog will be updated rather frequently during the month of August!
But for the next week I won't be too attentive to it; I've got to visit with my boyfriend's mom, who is flying in from SC tonight and flying my daughter back with her this weekend. It's unbearably hot here in Seattle and there's NO air conditioning in our apartment. So, we're all packing our bags and staying in a lovely hotel suite for the rest of the week. I'll be shopping and relaxing with my family until next week, when I will be crafting and blogging as if my life depended on it. Because it truly will!

Summer Swap

2009-07-23T14:37:00.000-07:00

I signed up for a Summer Swap that Kristen Rask of Schmancy Toys organized. It's my first swap ever and I just received my package from my swap partner yesterday.

I squealed with delight opening each item that was thoughtfully chosen and sent to me. Included in the package were:
1)Handmade lavender rattle. (Smells so good! By my bedside table so I can smell it while reading and getting ready for bed.)
2)Several Portuguese "Chita" fabrics
3)Pretty ribbon with hearts from "East of India"
4)An Italian "matchstick garden"- also adorable and can't wait to plant it
5)"Strange Pilgrims" by Gabriel Garcia Marques
6)3 different organic artisan chocolates from Rococo Chocolates (The white chocolate with cardamom is delicious!)
7)3 different types of teas from The Tea House in Covent Garden... and a tea egg!!!

I am so thrilled... I hope my package is received with as much enthusiasm as hers.
Ready for another craft swap. They are too exciting!

i make music, too...

2009-07-21T20:28:00.000-07:00

one thing you crafters might find entertaining is that i am also a musician...
when i was 13 my older sister started teaching me to play the guitar. and she's left handed, so i learned my chords upside down. that was 14 years ago!
i had bands from 13 to 20 or so, and then i had my daughter sophie when i was 22.
my sister tami has put out 2 albums and her current band has just been signed to a new label.
i, however, devote more of my spare time to crafting.
but there are moments when i just need to write a song, or record a cover of one of my favorite songs. i've been working on this depeche mode cover for a few days... and i will share it with you soon!
:)
enjoy.

Lucky Me!!!

2009-07-17T19:02:00.001-07:00

I hate to brag, but I am so thrilled to be one of the winners of Sue's recent Giant Dwarf giveaway. I adore her blog.

Speaking of giveaways... I am still waiting for info from a few gals who won a free embroidered hair pin. Please email me your info so I can mail one to you at goldendovedesign [a] gmail dot com.

Giveaway

2009-07-13T10:07:00.000-07:00

My little baby blog has only been around for a couple of months, but I'm so excited to have it and share my crafting with the online craft community. So, as a thank you to my readers, I whipped up these embroidered felt hairpins and I am giving them away!
I have 6 of them and I will mail them to you absoultely free. All you have to do is be the first 6 readers to leave me a comment here, and in order of your comments you will get to pick which one you would like. Enjoy!

Strawberry Tote

2009-07-08T16:22:00.001-07:00

I started this bag yesterday and I couldn't be happier. I just love the way the red embroidery looks on the blue linen- like vintage tea towels or something similar. This bag is also smaller and more square than the other linen tote bags I've made. I'm going to finish it tonight (I want to start working on it but Sophie is taking a nap and I think my sewing machine will wake her up. It's really loud!) and put it with the others in my Etsy shop. I'd also like to have a giveaway soon and share something like this bag with the other craft bloggers I am hoping to meet here...

I just wanted to share how excited I am about this. It's a good feeling to find your own designs beginning to create themselves... I hope everyone is enjoying the "natural" theme I'm going for here. But don't worry, it won't just be fruit. I have many other ideas I've been dreaming up in my sketchbook. I'll share those here, too.

In the meantime, I am going to enjoy the rest of my free time (aka Sophie's nap time) with a cup of yerba mate and some blog reading.

Artist: Rachel Bone

2009-07-06T11:02:00.000-07:00

Isn't this amazing? I love how the different dresses look like fabrics.

I just discovered this artist, Rachel Bone, via Shiny Squirrel. I love finding a new artist. One day I will be an avid collector of women's art. Pipe dreams for now.

seed in the sand

2009-07-04T14:07:00.000-07:00

You may already know this, but Christine Cegavske, creator of the amazing stop motion film "Blood Tea and Red String," is working on a new film. The film is called "Seed in the Sand", and takes off where her first film ended.

I happened upon "Blood Tea and Red String" at the public library several months ago and fell in love with the film. I think it took her somewhere near 13 years to complete. I find it so inspiring (and also a wee bit crazy)that she dedicated so much of her life to the project. It makes me love the film all the more. I just love the creatures who dwell under the oak in the movie- they are so freaking cute! I wonder where Cegavske has them stored... Are they in a closet, safely stored away? Are they on display in an art museum? I wish I had one- maybe that seems a little weird.

Anywho, I can't wait for the next film to blow me away. In the meantime, as I'm sure this project of hers will take another few years to complete, maybe I will try and make a little stop-motion film of my own. (It will be between 30 seconds to 1 minute, though. Ha.)

Watch the "Blood Tea and Red String" trailer here.
Happy 4th.

rooms

2009-07-03T09:58:00.000-07:00

my daughter sophie's bedroom looks a little like a watermelon.
i didn't mean to do that; i just acquired things throughout her five years that happen to be the common pink and green little girls room colors. once she gets a little older i will redo her room in something less childish, like a nice yellow and turquoise scheme.

the black window hardware was in the apartment when we moved in and i never changed it. when she visits her dad this summer i was thinking about taking the hardware down and painting it a pale green. i'm also going to remake her curtains.

our bedroom is a nice brown and orange. we recently got this bedding from urban outfitters, along with some awesome organic cotton sheets from west elm. they're so soft. i'm thinking of making a small throw pillow to go in the middle of our pillows.

i put some things together yesterday. i got this braided jute tape at pacific fabrics yesterday. i love it... these may combine to make a new tote bag.

have you checked out my shop yet?!

1st shop opening!

2009-07-02T16:33:00.001-07:00

Please check out my first shop opening on etsy here.

Some photos of the items. I hope you like them!

Lollipops. Embroidered art on linen canvas.

Linen Tote with Flower Embroidery.

Apple Tote.

today's inspiration

2009-07-01T18:58:00.000-07:00

originally blogged here.

knitting and gardening (aka old lady syndrome)

2009-06-28T14:57:00.000-07:00

My friend Margarita has been teaching me to knit. I was a little impatient and weary about picking up the hobby. I thought i would never understand it or be able to do it. I admit I don't have the tension figured out yet- my knitting is a fabric made of uneven loops- some big, some little. But it's addictive and I can't stop doing it! I worried that it may keep me from other crafting, but I've found that I have been picking up my needle and thread more frequently in between knitting breaks. Here is a snapshot of some practice knitting I've been playing around with- just garter stitch. If you looks closely to the left, you can get a sneak peak of a bag that will be in my Etsy shop as soon as it opens...

Does anyone out there have some book suggestions on knitting? I'm mostly interested in learning technique. Pictures and diagrams are helpful! Please give me any suggestions you have.

Other than me knitting and sewing, we've been enjoying the sunshine and tending to our garden...

Nasturtium gone wild.

Some of our stone loving plants and flowers.

Corn!

View of veggies and flowers from the back.

I can't wait to make fresh salsa, gazpacho, and other yummy summer soups!

me wanty

2009-06-23T09:41:00.001-07:00

I saw this mag, Stuffed, at Borders yesterday. It was great but a little expensive for unemployed moi at 14.99. Anywho, I look forward to seeing the next volume.

I also really want this Zakka Sewing book:

The projects in it are adorable- and so different. Like the camera cozy- SO CUTE!

Laura Normandin just posted her Shashiko embroidery on her blog. I want to get one of these kits and try this technique.

happy father's day

2009-06-21T20:32:00.000-07:00

i made jay a picture of ciscoe morris for father's day.
ahh, seattle.

I'm still here- and some randomness.

2009-06-17T20:50:00.000-07:00

I just finished my 2nd quarter of interior design school. I had a buttload of work to do and was feeling overwhelmed. For my textiles class, we had to custom design a pillow and I had fun block printing on this cotton muslin fabric.

I learned how thin cotton muslin is, and that even a thin gouache will soak through immediately to your kitchen table. Important lesson to learn I guess, unless it was already common sense to you... Oops. I also carved out of rubber for the first time. It's supposed to be the easiest thing to carve. For me, it was a little too soft. In college I took printmaking and we carved wood. I liked that better. However, I learned how much I loved the feeling of stamping onto fabric. More experiments with that in the future for sure.

I also had to weave a pouch by hand. For this project, I learned a great respect for the art of weaving. I also learned that I am not a weaver. I just didn't like it AT ALL...

Not only was I neglecting my blog and crafting, I was more importantly neglecting to give my family the attention they deserved. We've had some catching up to do.

I have been crafting every day now, as well as getting back to a normal schedule with my family and friends. I think I will be able to open my Etsy shop with some tasty morsels for sale by July. Tote bags and art galore!!! I hope you will return to see the things I have been working on. On a side note... I've noticed how important planning a color scheme can shape a design. Maybe seems like a big "duh" to all the art majors out there, but I am usually so overwhelmed with my design motif, texture and material, etc... that I neglect to really focus on the exact colors I want to use. It really has shaped my recent work into something I am REALLY proud of.

On another random note, I am sewing a tote bag and I'm so confused by the directions I have. It's almost complete but what I don't get is this- after you have sewn the exterior on the sides and bottom, and sewn the lining on the sides and bottom, HOW the HECK do you sew them together without sewing on top of the lining???

Shouldn't I have sewn the lining to the exterior pieces 1 by 1 and then sewn them together? I found several tutorials, but I still feel a little in the dark...
Suggestions? Help? It seems silly to have sewn the lining right sides together only to sew on top of it when sewing it to the exterior.

birthdays and baby showers

2009-05-31T03:01:00.000-07:00

thanks to everyone for the birthday presents and wishes! i feel like the past couple of weeks have been a non-stop celebration for sophie and me, and i am so thankful to know that there are so many people who care about us.

one of the presents i received is the vase pictured above. it's from viva terra and it's made of recycled glass. i have it pictured with an iris that was a birthday gift to sophie- from a friend's garden. i've wanted an old looking vase like this for awhile, and i think it will be pretty with or without flowers. luckily, our garden is starting to sprout everywhere! i am really excited about my sunflowers that are starting to grow really fast!

i went to my friend brooke's baby shower today and gave her these handmade gifts:

the bib is the same shown in a previous blog, from amy karol's book, bend-the-rules sewing.

the idea for the onesie comes from jenny ryan's sew darn cute book.

the felt frog embroidered on the bib comes from Aranzi Aronzo's Cute Stuff book.

the best part of giving these handmade gifts today was that i got a request for another onesie! i am so excited that someone shouted out to me: "can we talk?! i want one of these!" it was a great feeling. i want to keep making and giving!

follow me please

2009-05-28T08:52:00.000-07:00

After some deliberation, I decided to add the Followers widget to my blog.
Please follow me! Just click on the Followers link on the right. Also, I'd love to welcome your feedback. Don't hesitate to leave any comments or suggestions regarding my blog. Thanks! xo, kim

things to make

2009-05-26T23:14:00.000-07:00

sophie had her 5th birthday party this past weekend. we had it outdoors at the park across the street from our apartment. the weather was perfect and it seemed like this past memorial day weekend was a non-stop social event for all of us.

but now i am trying to get back into a normal routine- i still haven't achieved making one since i've been staying home with sophie, though.

yesterday i made this bib:

it's the "simple bib" from amy karol's bend the rules sewing book. i'm cranking out a few for all the new babies in my friends' lives.

now here are some things i'd like to make for me:

i love these maple wood address files by sharilyn at lovely design. they are so nice and i love the quality of this product! i happen to have a square wooden box that i've been wanting to attempt making my own personal file from modeled after her design. it would be an attractive way to keep my future customers and craft contacts alike in order.

then, i was catching up on my giant dwarf reading when i read this handy tutorial on making your own labels. thank you sue for sharing! i was wondering how i was going to label my own creations once they are ready for sale. this is such a great personal touch. she was lucky and found a typewriter that types cursive, but i'm thinking i can still mess around with my ink jet printer and see if it may work.

i'm also working on a tote bag, recycled fabric/fibers art and many ideas right now. more on those soon.

spring and by summer fall

2009-05-20T10:08:00.000-07:00

Since I've been staying at home the last two weeks, I've noticed a trend in my dressing behavior: T-shirts, jeans and pumas. For me it is all about comfort, I love cotton... but this could get bad!

Luckily, I was reading on Angry Chicken this morning and Amy made a great post about Collette Patterns, who has some cute AND comfy patterns. This made me so excited- think of the possibilities! I'd like to try and make some clothes for myself. I won't fuss with details- just some simple cotton dresses. Let's hope I don't end up looking like I've wrapped a burlap potato sack around myself.

Anyway, while I'll admit I am not running out to the fabric store today- I've got things to make and sell before I attempt clothing- I will tell you this:

I am going to dress cute even if I do stay home! With my birthday 'round the corner next week, I should start stocking up on some things...

origami earrings by niceLena

Thistlepearl Floral Cotton Dress @ Urban Outfitters

Yoga Skirt with Birdcage by branchhandmade

love and some verses

2009-05-18T19:59:00.001-07:00

some friends of mine from south carolina got married a few weeks ago and i made them this gift.
i knew i wanted to give them something sentimental, something handmade but i didn't know what. i was thinking of silhouettes. maybe cut out of felt and framed. then i took some pictures from their wedding that were posted on facebook, edited them in photoshop, traced the edited photo and transferred it onto some linen. i embroidered it with a thick blue linen thread and framed it. now i just need to take it to the post office!

Hello, this is my blog.

2009-05-15T20:15:00.000-07:00

The first post! How very exciting...
I was brainstorming up a major introduction to this new venture of mine, some sort of manifesto about the beginning of my blog and my business, but I think I kind of knocked that out in the "About Me" category. So instead I will make this first blog more about what I have been doing these past two weeks, since I left my full-time retail job and started staying home with my daughter Sophie for the summer.
First of all, I have been stocking up on supplies and pretty much spent most of the income I had left on gathering fabrics, canvas, threads, frames and more. Hoping not only to make some great things, but to also sell them and get some extra cash for mama. I have a ton of great ideas, and thanks to a great book I picked up called Craft, Inc., feel like I am starting out on the right foot. I am trying to set goals, penciling in dates of upcoming craft shows and classes, and keeping a journal of ideas so I don't forget anything (I find this to be a very valuable thing!).
However, while I have been coming up with all these great projects to start and materials to use, I have also been adjusting my work space and trying to catch up with projects I was making for friends. It seems like everyone is having a baby, birthday or wedding right now. So, with all of that said, my Etsy shop will have things for sale within the next 1-2 weeks. That's a goal there. And of course- there will be a posting to let you know!

This is one of the projects I finished last night- I'd like to call it:

CHILDREN OF THE (A) CORN

Inspired by The Small Object and an etsy postcard, I made these characters last night. I had been finding all these whole acorn tops around when the idea came into my head. It was a scavenger hunt of sorts that I thought Sophie was enjoying and I made them for her to play with, but I realized last night I was being a wee bit controlling during the whole creation project. I let her help me pick out the fabric scraps and ribbons to begin creating each figure, but I waited for her to go to sleep last night before I made them.
I hope you like them!