Felted Wool Purses for Winter 2011

I've started felting. It was dubious. I wasn't sure in the beginning but it was actually easy to pick up. I've got a few done now and they are in my Etsy shop.  I started with crochet since I that's where my skill lies.  After a couple, I decided to try knitting. The knitting was a disaster.

I practiced for a few days before I started my project. Since I don't know any fancy knit stitches, I kept to the simple knit and purl stitches.  I kept in mind what a knitter had recently told me about knitting a  swath and sewing it into a finished product.

I knitted for three days.  Then I felted in the washing machine three times. This is what I ended up with.
Oh, boy, what can I do with this?  You can't really tell in the picture but it's rhombus shaped.  The opposing sides are parallel to each other; just not in a rectangle shape.  I also have reservations about the color choices the manufacturer of the wool yarn used.  What is up with the single stripe of dark red being mixed in with purple and turquoise? In the end, I think I'll cut this into flower brooches -or a really expensive business card holder.

I think I'll stick with crochet.  I can create a complete purse and felt it in two days opposed to the 4 day project the knitted piece has already accrued.   So, here are some of my finished crochet felted purses.

Vaudeville Gypsy Featured On Fire Artisan

This Weeks Featured Artisan is Vaudeville Gypsy. Truly Unique Creations

to tickle your fancy! You can find Vaudeville Gypsy on:

Etsy

Artfire

Facebook

Blog

Wonderful Wanderings on Etsy

Wanted to share with you some handmade gifts and accessories I found on Etsy.

This pastel pinwheel bracelet and earrings set looks like so much fun to wear. I can so see myself wearing it to the upcoming state fair. It's from GoddessJewelsUK.

OOAK Pastel pinwheel bracelet and earrings set, sweet and summery

Great idea for party favors was found in oneofakindbabydesign's shop. Can't you just see these lined up on the table as cake is being served?

Girl Birthday Party Favors - Hair Bow Flowers in Pots

For the book lover in me there's this durable bookmark from lizbethsgarden that I won't be able to rip.

Copper Bookmark with Pink Pearl Beaded Top

I'm just amazed at the details of RevolutionCoOp's embroidered pendant necklaces. I'd go blind trying to get anywhere close to the detail she's able to pull.

English Bluebells Hand Embroidered Industrial Pendant, 20 inch Necklace, OOAK

As a mother that constantly has to deal with travel tissues in those flimsy plastic packs, this is a colorful, clean solution that littlechampart has in her shop.

Pocket Tissue Pouch - Blue and White Geometric - Tissues Cozy Handkerchief Holder

One of the best things about being out and away from the city life is watching the dragonflies swoop down to the pond for a drink of water. This keepsake box from GrapeVineCeramicsGft reminds me of those days fondly.

Oval Dragonfly Jewelry Box

Wow, that was fun!  I loved all these and I hope you do too.

Pussycat Ereader Case

This kitty cat case was really fun to create. So many other cases are dull and boring. I wanted to make one with a bit of flair, a bit os pizazz, something that says "Me-ow!" Perfect for the cat or animal lover.

This particular case is in royal blue with orange accents. Your's will be custom made with your color preferences. It can be made to look realistic or in bright red or green. I can also integrate fun fur into it for a fuzzy look. It's up to you.

 

What's color is your cat ereader?

Cupcake Nook Case

Here's a delicious way to store your Kindle, Nook, or similar reader.

Cupcake Kindle Nook Case

Cupcake clutch style case is perfect for your Kindle or Nook Color.  The stitch I use give 3 layers of yarn between the ereader and the beads for a padded effect and the beads don't poke through.

Perfect for the young, the young at heart. Great as a Sweet 16 or Quinceanera gift. Pastry chef that loves to read? Couldn't be better!
This is a custom item so you can pick out your frosting preference. Chocolate lover? Got it! Want it without beaded sprinkles? Okay! Just convo your preferences when you order. Show your love for cupcakes your way.

Mad (Lib) Giveaway Time

I'm having a giveaway and would love for you to spread the word about it. One recipient will receive a gift certificate good for one amigurumi plushie. You can decide which owl, bunny or cat you'd like. These are great for your keys or backpack. Keep it for yourself or use as a gift!

All you need to do is offer some words. You don't have to travel to another site. You don't have to choose your favorite.

This is a homage to all those wonderful Mad-Libs that we played with when we were young(er). And, for those who like to cheat, you can find the story we're filling in if you look hard enough (on the 2nd page of this blog) but that would be cheating wouldn't it?

Here's what I need:

Name
Activity
Active Verb
Noun
Time of Day or Year
Verb
Verb
Plural Noun
Verb
Location
Verb

Sorry, I was never good at diagraming sentences. But, let the fun begin!

Enter as often as you wish. All entries will be used to create stories for the Guild of Good Luck Owls. One entry will be chosen randomly as the winner of one amigurumi plushie. If you would like to have your business name mentioned in the description as the creator of the story, please link me to your store.

This is not affiliated in any way with Mad-Libs. It's a fun way to get your kids excited about words. If you don't have a book, please stop by your local bookstore and purchase one.  Thank you!

The Poll is Closed

Heeeeere's Barry!
Barry is the Nite Howl Owl on the Guild’s own radio station from 1:00 pm to 5:00 am weeknights. His show highlights blue legends from the early 20th century. Barry is also plays upright bass in the quartet, Stoned Blue, a local favorite. “Gotta pay your dues if you want to play the blues. Music is my life, my livelihood, my mistress of the soul. When I’m with her my problems disappear. Each note is sweet release from all the hassles”, say Barry.

I'm not getting him online until Sunday night at the earliest. Tomorrow is a big family day. Thanks to EVERYONE who commented here and on facebook.

What IS his name?!?!?

I can't decide and he's not telling. He's listening to the sounds of his mind instead.

So I'm asking you, my followers to tell me which story to go with? You'll find the poll on the left side of the page at the top. Read both stories and tell me which you'd like to see used in my shop.

Barry

Barry is the Nite Howl Owl on the Guild’s own radio station from 1:00 pm to 5:00 am weeknights. His show highlights blue legends from the early 20^th century.  Barry is also plays upright bass in the quartet, Stoned Blue, a local favorite. “Gotta pay your dues if you want to play the blues. Music is my life, my livelihood, my mistress of the soul. When I’m with her my problems disappear. Each note is sweet release from all the hassles”, say Barry.

Marley

Marley is one cool dude. His favorite way to spend his time is chilling at home eating macaroni and cheese. There, he and his friends socialize and discuss the fundamentals of carpentry and carving apples. Marley loves his movies, too, with the ability to quote the memorable scenes. But don’t get him started on Monty Python’s Holy Grail because you’ll have a full reenactment of the movie –unless you’re into that too.



Thank you and remember to vote!  If you like to see all of the owls, they are already on Picasa and Flickr. Plus you can purchase in my Etsy and Artfire shop.

 

The Guild of Good Luck Owls

The Guild of Good Luck Owls was established in 1845 but only recently surfaced in the human world. Goodwill, compassion, knowledge and the love of a good time bring owls from all over the world to the institution. The owls have free reign to follow their passions with the Guild giving them well rounded coursework. Each owl must pass several levels of training including literature and sports & fitness before they are allowed the opportunity for adoption into a human family.

This past year Early American writers and Latin dancing were the study highlights for many owls. Owls enjoyed reading highlights from books from the likes of W.E.B. DuBois and Mark Twain. Afterwards, discussions and reenactments were used to create a better understanding of the pleasures and hardships of past generations. In dancing, we were delighted with the addition of Polly Abdul to our staff. Polly hails from Puerto Rico and draws on her experience of dancing as an owlet to teach our owls. Her specialties were the Salsa and Bolero dance.

We would like to introduce our owls to you. Here are a few who recently became eligible for adoption. They work well as zipper pulls on backpacks and they keep your keys handy, too.

Taffy


Taffy is your go to girl

 Taffy comes from a long line of owls that have joined the Guild. Her family was very excited about her acceptance and so was the Guild. Like her name, Taffy is a very sweet owl that is a favorite with children. Candy making and social science were some of her favorite classes. Mark Twain is high on her list of must-reads and like Mr. Twain, Taffy loves to scrapbook too. She may come across as shy and quiet but once you spend time around Taffy you’ll find that her passions will rub off on you.

Errol

He's a cutie girls, watch out!


A dashing young owl, Errol has captured many a girl’s heart especially when he’s wearing his Aragorn outfit. Errol loves live action gaming and frequently shows up at local fairs with a small group minstrelling and impromptu swordplay. Others in the Guild of Good Luck Owls believe that he is the reincarnation of his namesake, the swashbuckler, Errol Flynn. Once, after a night of Jameson on the rocks, he was found suspended in the main hall of the Guild hanging from silken sashes.

Ezra


Ezra is getting ready for March Madness

 Ezra loves sports. When the Guild tried to pin him down on one, he wouldn’t say. You can always find him on the court or in the field playing ball. A good day for Ezra is one where he can enjoy a hotdog with a cold brew watching a game from midcourt or behind the dugout. If he can’t get to the game, you’ll find him watching one on a plasma at a local sports bar where he’ll talk to anyone about the stats of the local teams and the players. Easy going and fun to be with, Ezra has brought much joy to the Guild.

You can find these owls and their friends on Etsy now.

Lovely Jewelry from Zur Designs

This weeks Featured Artisan is Zur Designs... Beautiful collection of handcrafted jewelry just
waiting for you! Truly unique designs by a very talented lady!

You can find Zur Designs on:

Etsy
Blog
Facebook
Twitter
Tunkt

Treasuries in Rainbow of Colors

Great gift ideas in an array of colors.

Red



Black



Yellow



Pink

Cosmic Hippo Knows Leather!

This weeks Featured Artisan is Cosmic Hippo Designs. Glenda Ganis is the owner/designer and she has wonderful creations to jazz up your wardrobe! You can find Cosmic Hippo Designs on:

Etsy
Artfire
Facebook

Camera Charms and Zipper Pulls

Personalize your property with these adorable charms. Use them to know at a glance that it's yours. Use them on cellphones, cameras, jackets and bags. Each one is $3 each. There's $2.25 shipping for the first item. Each additional charm qualifies for free shipping. Kids love these and they make great stocking stuffers.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/54688942/snowflake-charm-zipper-pull



http://www.etsy.com/listing/54690479/hello-kitty-charm-zipper-pull



http://www.etsy.com/listing/54687484/dragon-charm-zipper-pull

Each one is comes with your choice of attachments. Lobster clasps for small zippers. Clips for your backpack size zippers, cell phone/camera lanyards and key rings

You can see more in my Charm section on Etsy.

Don't forget my flower brooches on Etsy.

All of my necklaces, earrings and bracelets are on sale 30-45% til the end of December. Don't miss out!

So what's up with all the flowers?

I mean its Christmas and we're not in Australia. So why the flowers?

When I was at the NC Farmers Market Craft Fair, I ran out! Simple as that. People were so interested in them and my other crochet /fiberart items that it became a turning point for me. But I'm not just doing brooches. I've done 3 necklaces so far.

I'm holding back from placing this on Etsy. I have a small show to go to tomorrow night and they just might find new homes. If not, you'll see them on Etsy this weekend.

I've got many more color schemes with and without flowers to come, too, so keep watch!

Charmed to meet Finding Charm

This weeks Featured Artisan is Finding Charm. You can find Finding Charm on:

Etsy

Artfire

Zibbet

Facebook

Blog

Twitter

Where have I been?

Yep, I delved into the crafting craftiness and came up with some goodies for all to see!

Sonnet 44 - Beloved, thou hast brought me many flowers

by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Beloved, thou hast brought me many flowers
Plucked in the garden, all the summer through

And winter, and it seemed as if they grew

In this close room, nor missed the sun and showers.

So, in the like name of that love of ours,

Take back these thoughts which here unfolded too,

And which on warm and cold days I withdrew

From my heart's ground. Indeed, those beds and bowers

Be overgrown with bitter weeds and rue,

And wait thy weeding; yet here's eglantine,

Here 's ivy!—take them, as I used to do

Thy fowers, and keep them where they shall not pine.

Instruct thine eyes to keep their colors true,

And tell thy soul their roots are left in mine.

Lovely fresh picked flower from fantasy fields. Crocheted with care this flower is handcrafted to last for years to come. And just like real flowers, no two are alike.

http://www.facebook.com/DesigningImpressionsJewelry?v=app_135607783795&ref=ts

Embellish your coat or hat. Use it to accent your belt, boots, purse or backpack. Give the hem of your plain-jane skirt a boost or update a shirt. Secure your scarf or shawl in place. Attach to a headband or clip for hair flair. Decorate your home by fastening to pillows, napkins, lamp shades, place mats, or napkin holders. The possibilities are endless so use your imagination.

Each flower petal set is made separately then sewn together and glued with Aleene’s OK to Wash-It fabric glue. The leaves are also glued and sewn in the same fashion. A pin is sewn with upholstery thread onto a felt circle then glued and sewn onto the back of the flower. This ensures that if the flower ever needs to be cleaned it won’t fall apart. You can hand wash it and hand shape the flowers while it dries.

I have listed many of these on my Facebook SHOP NOW tab and others on Etsy. They are $10 each plus free shipping.
Please come by and enjoy.

What to Wear for Winter 2010/2011

This is the first in a series of wardrobe possibilities. I like the classics. Maybe it's because I've ridden the trend train enough to know I really don't want to spend a lot of time shopping anymore. The thrill is gone.

But I'm not sad about it! No, far from it. And here, I'll show you what I mean. These items I have found to be currently for sale but you may find something in your closet that already fits the bill. It's about using what you have and adding jewelry to make it fresh and different.

So let's get started, shall we?

Classic scoop neck sweater.

This sweater is available at BodyCentral.






 I think everyone has a sweater like this in their closet somewhere, right? But now you work in an office and have this horrendous draft blowing on you all the time. Yes you could wear a scarf but it gets in the way too easily. What's a girl to do?  How about this?

This is a great choice. Because it's made of fabric and yarn, it provides warmth. Like that scarf but a lot prettier wouldn't you say?  It's not a choker but it's still short enough to not effect the details of the sweater. It gives the sweater an updated look. You'll receive many compliments when wearing it.

The muted colors of the necklace looks great with an array of pastels and it's dark enough to bring attention to your face without making you look sallow.

Worried about how to clean it? Hand wash it gently and let it dry flat and you'll have this for years to come.

Forty items at 40% off

40 items at 40% off at Etsyonsale and Etsy.

Please visit.

Add Some Pieces from AddSomeStitches

Blue Baby Blanket, Booties and Hat

How'd you get started on Etsy?
I first found Etsy through a friend who recommended I check out her store. I started buying on Etsy, and since I've always been kinda crafty, I started the AddSomeStitches Store.

What was your inspiration for your shop?
I'd definitely have to say my daughter is my biggest inpiration. I draw in a lot of inspiration from my entire family, but my daughter is the biggest one. I know she hates it, but I always make her try on hats- which she quickly pulls off her head.

What's your favorite shop item and why?
I don't really have a favorite shop item. I love nearly all of my creations- even the first hat I crocheted. I keep it around even though it looks like a toddler crocheted it and it's horribly embarassing to show anyone that I made it!

Black Slouchy Hat with Pink Ribbon

How do you unwind when you're not creating?
I love to spend time with my husband and daughter, but if they're sick of me, I like to watch movies.

What's your favorite kind of cupcake?
White cupcake with nearly any kind of frosting. I like lemon cupcakes with lemon frosting too!

What pushes you to want to create something?
My motivation comes from the goals I set for myself. I like to feel productive so goals are what push me.

What's your favorite cartoon as a kid. As an adult, if you stumble upon it while channel surfing now would you stop & watch?
I still watch cartoons on a regular basis. My favorite would have to be Dave the Barbarian. It's no longer aired, but if it was- I'd stay up til 3am to watch it if I had to!

Pink and Purple Jellyfish

What's your fantasy job?
My fantasy job would be to create and earn enough money with it to support my family. I love to crochet, and create things. If I wasn't crafting, I'd probably want to be an amazing chef-rockstar-astrophysisist-crafter-mom.

Do you have a secret guilty pleasure?
I love crappy reality tv shows. I got addicted to their drama back when Flavor Flav started Flavor of Love, and I was disappointed New York didn't sign on for a season 3 of I Love New York.

List 3 things you are so obsessed with it is torture to ever say no to.
I wouldn't say I'm obsessed with my daughter, but everytime she needs something I can NEVER say no to her big blue eyes. She doesn't talk yet, but every time her little face lights up at something in a store I can't help but buy her things she doesn't need.

List 3 of your favorite Etsy shops.
FullBlownGlass
AndrosCreations
LoveLeeSoaps 

Crochet Cotton Bath Set

Do you have a favorite author? When you read, do you use a proper bookmark, bend the page, or grab anything handy to mark your place?
I don't have a specific favorite author though I do really like Robert Corimier. I've been given many, many, many bookmarks, but usually use an old recipt, piece of paper or something laying around.

If money was no object and you can live wherever you want….where would that be?
I would live in my same old town, but build my dream home instead of buying one.

You can find AddSomeStitches on Etsy, Facebook, and Twitter. You can also follow her Blog.

DoBatsEatCats? Yes They Do!

Medieval gothic rosette necklace with blue Swarovski crystals OOAK

How'd you get started on Etsy?
An acquaintance told me that she'd started selling her handmade clothing on Etsy. I'd never heard of the site so I went to check it out to support her, and immediately registered as a shopper. Before long, I realized, "I can do this!" I figured it was a way of supporting my bead habit. And, it just grew from there!

What was your inspiration for your shop?
I love skulls, bats, spiders, and all things dark and gothic, so that seemed like the logical direction for my shop. I'm also inspired by works of literature and my shop currently has pieces inspired by Neil Gaiman, Wicked, and Alice in Wonderland.

What's your favorite shop item and why?
Lately I've been creating these epic chainmaille necklaces with huge gothy pendants at their center. Right now, I think this one is my favorite:

Gothic bat chainmaille choker necklace - silver with sparkly black beads

How do you unwind when you're not creating?
I am something of a foodie and am fortunate to live in a city that has great and cheap ethnic restaurants, so my boy and I try and get out for a good meal fairly regularly. If it's warm out, we like to walk down to Lake Michigan and sit by the water -- it's impossible to feel stressed out there!

What's your favorite kind of cupcake?
The best cupcake I ever had was the vegan chocolate raspberry cupcake from the Bleeding Heart Bakery, an organic bakery here in Chicago. Pretty much anything chocolate works for me, though! As long as it's got the good buttercream frosting and not that sugary frothy crap that they use in the grocery stores.

What pushes you to want to create something?
Any number of things! A big deadline, for one. :) I'm pushing right now to get my stock up for the many craft shows I'm doing this fall. A bad day at my day job also makes me want to create something, and work harder on my shop in general! Or, just seeing a bead, or a charm, or some other random jewelry finding and hearing my inner goth girl go "oooh, pretty!"

Silver sword earrings with red and orange crystals - Sandman inspired - Destruction

What's your favorite cartoon as a kid. As an adult, if you stumble upon it while channel surfing now would you stop and watch?
I loved Scooby Doo as a kid. Unfortunately, I don't think it's stood the test of time. My boyfriend and I recently netflixed it and we were shocked at how cheesy and just not-funny it was to us now.

What's your fantasy job?
Making a living through my craft. Failing that, travel writer, so I could get paid to wander the globe!

Do you have a secret guilty pleasure?
Lately, thanks to a few friends, I've become addicted to post-apocalyptic young adult fiction. I got hooked on the Hunger Games series (government forces children to participate in an annual fight to the death in an arena, which is televised and everyone's forced to watch it), and the Uglies series (at the age of 16 everyone's forced to have an operation to make them conventionally beautiful, which of course has hidden repercussions that no one is told about). I know these are written for teenagers but I've been enjoying them greatly! My college English-lit professors would NOT be impressed.

List 3 things you are so obsessed with it is torture to ever say no to.
Coffee. Chainmaille supplies. (I really have to discipline myself to buy only NEEDS, not WANTS, in this area or else I would go broke!) Handmade bath products, especially if they smell like baked goods!

Chainmaille Christmas ornament -- red and green Celtic visions star

List 3 of your favorite Etsy shops.
ZenAndCoffee -- gorgeous goth and steampunk arm warmers
rosemortem -- drool-worthy dresses
NatashaBlue -- hand-painted Day of the Dead artwork by a fellow Chicagoan

Do you have a favorite author? When you read, do you use a proper bookmark, bend the page, or grab anything handy to mark your place?
Neil Gaiman and Laurell K. Hamilton are consistently among my favorites. Usually I grab whatever piece of scrap paper is handy and use it as a bookmark -- it's usually a receipt of some sort.

If money was no object and you can live wherever you want….where would that be?
I'd keep my home in Chicago for the summers and also buy a big house with a front porch somewhere warm for the winter -- perhaps in Hawaii or New Orleans. I'd also have a funky loft somewhere in downtown New York City. 

Byzantine chainmaille bracelet in silver and ocean blue

What is your best childhood memory?
When I was in around the 5th grade, my parents got me involved in a kids' musical theater class. I was a total misfit and outcast in school, but I really blossomed on stage and gained a lot of confidence. I really do believe that performing saved me!

 You can find DoBatsEatCats on Etsy, Twitter and Facebook.  DoBatsEatCats will also be participating in the Etsy DTeam Sales Event. Please check her out.