More Misadventures

More Delicious Market Bags!

2010-07-24T01:15:00.000-07:00

I am so in love with the market bag I made months ago (using the tutorial from Film in the Fridge) that I set out to make more as soon as finals were over last week.

Chris has been asking for a "manly" market bag to use at the grocery store and farmer's market so we took a little trip to the fabric store for him to choose his fabrics.

He settled on the pairing of a navy blue, nautical print and a bright red fabric with black doggie footprints.

He seems to love it and it definitely goes everywhere with him these days :)

We decided to tweak the dimensions of the bag this time to make the bottom wider and we love the outcome of a roomier, more boxy bag.

The straps were still a bit narrow on Chris' bag so on the third bag (which I made out of the most scrumptious lemon fabric) I increased the strap width considerably and the straps are much more comfortable for long walks around town.

Now we have three market bags which we find to hold just about everything for most of our grocery store and farmer's market runs :)

The fabric pieces that I cut for both the inside and outside of the lemon bag ended up with the following dimensions:

2 pieces of 18 1/2 by 13 (for the body)
1 piece of 14 by 7 (for the bottom)
2 pieces of 27 by 3 (for the straps)

I just love these bags and can't wait to start making some for friends and family!

Happy Marketing :)

The Quilt of a Thousand Curse Words

2010-07-21T16:28:00.001-07:00

My first-ever quilt is finished!

I think I went through every emotion and curse word in the book to get this baby done...whew.

You amazing quilters didn't tell me that I would break three needles, rip out the top at least twice, throw the entire quilt in the trash can and do the binding by hand twice (!!!) before I broke down and made my own unique style of zig-zag machine binding.

But, you know what? It's done.

And while my friends and family say they love it, I know that they are really saying that they love me for having the fortitude to finish it. And that's good enough :)

I started out on this project last summer (before I began crafting OR sewing) with the hope of finishing this lap quilt for my sister-in-law, Carrie, for Christmas.

My goal for this quilt was to make the front really traditional as Carrie has a traditional streak. I mean, come on, her favorite movie is Pride and Prejudice! And, I wanted the back to be completely modern as she also has a modern, independent streak a mile wide which I adore about her. In essence, the end product was supposed to be a perfect marriage of traditional and modern, just like her.

I did all of the purchasing, measuring and cutting on my own and was halfway through sewing the front strips BY HAND when my mom felt so sorry for me that she actually machine sewed over my hand sewing and finished the top of the quilt for me. And so it sat, top done, folded neatly on my desk, for longer than I would like to admit.

Needless to say, Christmas came and went. And then Carrie's birthday in February came and went.

I made the backing all by myself, just after her birthday, on my new machine and then "stitched in the ditch" to sew the front, organic batting, and back together.

Then, I hand-sewed the binding...and proceeded to tear the whole thing off.

Then I put the quilt in the scrap pile and left it there for months.

Then I got so mad at it that I machine sewed the binding...and I hated it so I ripped it out again.

Then I decided that it had to be finished so I machined sewed the binding again!

And, while unique and a bit road weary, no one can say that it doesn't have character :)

Love you Carrie - hope it keeps you warm!

Happy Cursing, errr...Quilting Everyone!

Speedwalking with Chickens

2010-07-20T15:31:00.001-07:00

Today I became a chicken. Metaphorically of course.

My husband and I have three adorable teenage chickens who seem so absolutely happy in the daily course of their lives that I was positive that there were lessons to be learned from them. So I let them out of their chicken cathedral, a palatial chicken coop that took us much too long to construct and decorate, and got down on their level. I mean really got down on their level.

I lay in my belly, in the grass that desperately needed mowing, surrounded by chicken poop and dog poop and, god literally only knows what else, and I attempted to scientifically observe chicken behavior.

All too soon I realized that there is nothing to be learned from scientifically studying chickens. It's much too sterile an approach for these amazing little creatures and to really figure out what makes a chicken tick I had to let go of the hypotheses and clinical observations and just feel what a chicken feels, see what a chicken sees.

So, I gave in, crawled a little closer to the babies, lay my chin on my hands and watched, really watched, with an open mind and an open heart. When chickens find something of interest they throw their entire beings into it. If it looks edible they gobble it up with great abandon. If it needs further exploring they scratch at it until it all becomes clear in their little chicken minds. Then, they try to eat it again. If it runs they chase it, wings flapping, tail feathers flitting wildly behind them and they just, well, go for it.

If it flies, by Jove, they fly right after it. They jump right up into the air, flap wildly, squawk like it's going out of style and then, mid-flight, they inevitably take a fancy to something else and begin the process again. They don't fret about lost chances or the bug that got away. There's always another interesting patch of grass and another shiny tidbit that just has to be examined. And they never, ever, get embarrassed about running in circles, ad nauseum, just for the pure joy of it.

And you know what? When they get hot, or they get tired, or bored, they lay down. Imagine that. They just scratch themselves a nice new layer of cool dirt and they lay down. Generally right on top of one another. They use each other as pillows and blankets simultaneously and just snuggle right in. Not a care in the world.

Chickens preen when they want to. In essence, they scratch it when it itches and the rest of the time they leave it alone. We can learn a lot from that mentality. They revel in dirt baths, and I don't mean $100 sterile mud baths, but simple, organic, right off the ground, dirt. They throw it up in the air, they roll in it and then they get up, shake it off and they get on with their little chicken lives.

They don't care about a ruffled feather every now and then and they never hold a grudge.

From what I can tell a chicken thinks like this...if it's bigger than you (like say, a German Shepherd), peck it in the nose to see if it's really dangerous. What a fabulous idea! They must figure, well, it's bigger than me, let's really piss it off by poking it on the nose and if it eats me, then well, the suffering won't be drawn out. If not, then it's all good and...oh look...a bug! No excessive stress...just a matter-of-fact peck. Maybe that's why it's called the pecking order ;)

Chickens, when raised from babies stick together. If two of them wander off to investigate some new, intriguing patch of grass and one looks up and realizes the other two are too far away all hell breaks loose until they are, once again, within their proximity comfort zone. But they don't dwell on who left who or any misplaced abandonment issues. They just fix it, then and there, and get on with life.

And when chickens want to get somewhere they go from zero to speed walking in nothing flat; wings flapping, butts shaking, beaks squawking. No dilly-dallying. Unless of course there is a bug in their path, in which case all else must be forsaken to investigate.

So, I spent the day wallowing in dirt and speed walking with chickens and you know what? It was the most enlightening day I've had in a long time.

My recommendation? Get down on the ground, throw yourself into it and look at the world from a whole new perspective. You might be surprised at how much there is to learn.

Happy investigating!

Just Another Wednesday...

2010-07-07T22:56:00.001-07:00

As I mentioned, Chris and I are venturing into the realm of canning and baking these days. Add that to our chickens, Chris' love of composting and my need to rescue every plastic bag and can and bottle from a sad life in a land-fill and we're starting to be referred to as "those people" on our court. But, as Chris says...he doesn't mind being labeled a hippie as long as he can shower whenever he wants to. Silly Chris :)

We made this delicious peach pie filling from the organic peaches at the you-pick "Impossible Acres" farm just down the road and decided to make the pie crust and crumble topping this evening.

We loosely used the peach pie recipe from the blog pete bakes! (http://www.peterandrewryan.com/baking/2009/06/peach-pie/).

I bake much like I craft as I look at recipes as loose suggestions. I know...I know...baking is an art and it matters how much of each ingredient you add...but we haven't had any major disasters so far from my "oh that looks like about a cup" measurements :)

The first time we made this pie we had a bake-a-thon over at our place with some good friends and we created 3 peach pies, 3 blackberry pies, strawberry jam and apricot jam. Now that we know how to do them ourselves we can't seem to stop!

The strawberry jam recipe we borrowed from Cake on the Brain (http://cakeonthebrain.blogspot.com/2008/07/homemade-strawberry-jam.html) and the apricot jam is from The Kitchn (http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/recipe-3day-apricot-jam--089449).

If you haven't had a chance to try canning yet it is no where near as complicated as I originally thought and we don't seem to have made anyone sick yet! There are a million fantastic tutorials out there so I won't add one here (I probably don't do it right anyway!) but there is something elementally amazing about knowing exactly where your food is coming from and what is in it. We now have about 8 jars of apricot jam and about 4 jars of strawberry jam. We might call that good enough for now and move on to raspberry and blackberry.

As we speak, this loaf of organic wheat bread (made with local honey from a friend's bee hive) is baking in the oven. Home-made bread and home-made jam. Yes, please!

Happy Eating!

What's Next..?

2010-07-07T00:16:00.001-07:00

So, here's the deal. I have the attention span of a new puppy on crack. A strange analogy to be sure as no one should be giving their new puppy crack but it gets the point across! My entire life I've jumped from thing to thing, absorbing as much information as possible about the topic and then moving on as soon as the desire strikes.

I blame my dad ;) He's the same way. One year he decided that we were going to sell our house in Orange County, CA, move to Wyoming or Montana, and become bison ranchers. The next we were definitely going to learn to fly Cessna airplanes (which we did) and then it was all about re-building old WWII jeeps in the garage or piecing together old clocks. I grew up with it and it's in my blood. I love everything and want to be able to have a conversation about ANYTHING for at least five minutes before the person I'm talking to clues in to the fact that I'm full of it.

So, while crafting and sewing has been my thing for the last few months I'm starting to feel the itch. I still love crafting, don't get me wrong, and I'll probably do it off an on for, well...ever but there's this little demon coursing through my blood that says it's time for the next mis, er...I mean adventure.

It's already started...

In March it was chickens and my gosh they are the most amazing little creatures. Who knew I had such a capacity to love livestock? They are the happiest little buggers in the world and Chris and I spend hours and hours just watching them interact with their world.

In May it was starting a 365 photo blog and while it is challenging and most of my pictures come straight from my iPhone it's been a blast!

In June it was discovering a you-pick fruit orchard in town and canning and baking like crazy. Two batches of apricot jam, strawberry jam and a peach and a blackberry pie later and Chris and I are still going strong on this new passion but it won't last...it never does.

Oh, and I discovered that I just HAD to have yellow high heels?! Why...I have no idea :)

So what new thing will the second half of 2010 hold? I have no idea. But I can feel it coming and I welcome it...that's what life is all about anyway, right?

Happy New Adventures!

Pleated Clutch

2010-06-09T17:28:00.001-07:00

Hi :)

With school, work, a trip to Alaska, five needy animals, a house, and well...life, May didn't really exist for me in craft or blog land, June's not looking good either, and July - that's a total crap shoot!

Summer school is pretty intense this time around with about 6 papers due a week (in fact I have 26 pages due for one paper alone on Sunday!). That doesn't mean I haven't been making a few crafty things when I could squeeze a few moments in (read: when Chris isn't around to tell me to WRITE or STUDY - what would I do without him?!) and blogging hasn't really even been an option.

But, this week, even though I have those 26 pages, I HAD to break the blogging hiatus because I am in love with the pleated clutch I made from a tutorial from Noodlehead for a good friend of mine who is deserving of beautiful things.

I took it for a trial spin this morning when I went to breakfast with friends and then to a you-pick orchard (hey, even with this much going on we need good food around, right?) and even though my friends are both guys, even they thought it was adorable :)

As with all projects on the first go-round there are some minor quirks that I'll work on for subsequent pleated clutches but, I'm seriously a fan. And, I really like the little credit card pouches inside.

And this material that Chris and I bought yesterday...brilliant!

Keep your eyes peeled (maybe in July!!) for a back-log of fun crafts...miss you guys!

Happy Summer-ing!!

A Week in Review

2010-05-12T21:14:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, May 12th

Flipped!

Tuesday, May 11th

wash

Monday, May 10th

CRAM

Sunday, May 9th

Remembrance...

Saturday, May 8th

...grind

Friday, May 7th

Beltane

Thursday, May 6th

home.

Mother's Day Teacup Candles

2010-05-04T14:46:00.000-07:00

Recently, my paternal grandparents moved into a very nice assisted living community near my parents as they are both almost 90.

(You can imagine the task that my parents had of helping them chose which of their life-long treasures would move with them to their new home and which treasures they were ready to part with!)

My grandmother has accumulated quite the collection of tea cups and saucers over the years (enough to fill an entire six foot tall cabinet) and the cups and saucers were some of the treasures that she determined that she could part with. In fact, she didn't want to keep even one!

So, my mom packed them up and brought them home in the hope that we would find a good use for them. I mentioned that I had a crafty idea and the next time I saw my folks they handed me two banker's boxes filled with cups and saucers.

You have to be careful what you ask for around here!

On a total side note, while I was standing on a chair looking down at ALL of the cups and saucers spread on the kitchen table, I had a very Alice in Wonderland-esque moment about the teacup ride at Disneyland. Truly, it was uncanny.

But back to the craft at hand...

I have been wanting to try some teacup candles for a while and it seemed serendipitous that I became the recipient of so many cups and saucers right before Mother's Day. So, I drug Chris to Michael's last night for soy wax and wicks and convinced him that, after working for seven hours on the chicken coop while I slept off working the night shift at the hospital, what he REALLY wanted to do was help me make teacup candles!

He was, as always, a good sport. We watched Family Guy while crafting so I don't think it was too miserable for him ;)

Here are the steps that we went through to make the teacup candles...

Step One:

Wash and dry (or in our case, quickly dust) the teacups and then hot glue the metal disk on the wick to the bottom of each saucer.

Step Two:

Melt soy wax in microwave following directions on package (or just melt it until it seems melty enough...not that we did that or anything!). We used a plastic three cup measuring cup.

Step Three:

Add a few drops of essential oils if you want the candles to smell yummy. The package of soy wax said that it might not take the oil well but we pretty much disregarded that and did it anyway. Seemed to work alright as far as we can tell :)

Step Four:

Wait thirty minutes and then poke tiny holes around the wick to let the air bubbles out.

Step Five:

Sit on the couch and watch Castle while the candles dry. This is a VERY important step. If you don't watch Castle (which is, by far, the best show on TV at the moment) then I am sure the candles will NOT dry correctly and the whole project will be a disaster.

Step Six:

Walk around the house finding other containers that can be spontaneously used (or re-used) as candle holders. We had a blast with this step and I highly recommend it!

Step Seven:

Take pretty pictures of the end product and then give the cups and saucers to the fabulous ladies in your life for Mother's Day :)

On a serious note, I am really glad that we found a way to give new life to these treasures and to, in some small way, honor the time and effort that my grandmother put into collecting these cups and saucers over the years.

Happy Mother's Day!

Travel Fabric Catchall

2010-05-03T19:37:00.001-07:00

A long time ago, my mom gave me the black watch travel fabric catchall shown below. I think it's from LLBean. It's been well loved and has traveled to over 15 countries with me, including a two and a half month trip on Semester at Sea in 2002.

It has served me very well over the years. It has been in hotels, tents, ships, cars and B&B's and has allowed me to rest easy knowing that my cell phone, jewelry, keys, etc. are well corralled.

I figured that if I love this travel accessory so much then my friends and family will too and I set off on an adventure to make some of my own. To be honest, it wasn't that difficult. I literally made them the same way that I made the mouse pad that I featured a few weeks ago by cutting two 8 1/2 by 8 1/2 inch squares of fabric, ironing interfacing on to one of the sides, sewing three sides together with right sides of fabric facing toward one another, turning it right side out, top stitching and then sewing on 4 little snap sets!

It lays flat for easy packing and just snaps up into place in seconds.

I made this one for my mom-in-law who loved the idea. We are going to Alaska on a cruise next week and I am going to give it to her in her Mother's Day gift so that she can use it on the ship. It matches the luggage tag and coffee sleeve that I made her and will match her make-up roll and lingerie travel bag when I finish them :)

There will be several more in my future, for sure.

Happy Sewing!

P.S. Oh my gosh...I can't wait to show you the chicken coop. It is SO close to being done and it is so stinkin' cute! I'm tempted to move in myself!!!

An Evening Well Spent...

2010-04-30T02:12:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned before, there's not a whole lot of crafting going on around our house this week but there is A LOT of painting! We are bound and determined to get those teenage chickens out of our guest room and into their luxury coop this weekend. Especially since they take great avian pleasure in escaping from their box these days.

So, I took the feathery ones outside with me this evening and I painted, and I painted, and I painted. Thankfully, ALL of the siding is painted yellow now and we are just about ready to get the coop closed up and chicken safe.

While I was outside painting with the chicks they were up to their usual antics:

I tried to gently explain to Buff that she's a ground bird not a tree bird but she was having none of it!

Lela jumped up to explore her new digs and seemed pleased with her discovery...

And, Chicken, as helpful as always, decided that her feet were not yellow enough and that she needed a pedicure in the form of walking right through my paint job :P

Never a dull moment around here.

So after all of the painting I decided that it was time to end the evening in the best way that I can imagine...curled up on the couch in my comfiest jeans with a new book...perfection.

Oh, and just so that you don't think Chris was left out...he stared lovingly at his new toy ALL evening :)

Isn't that thing a monster?!

The pic is a little bit dark because Chris realized that to take a picture of his camera he couldn't use his camera. Yes, Chris, that is a conundrum. But, isn't that why they invented iPhones?!

Make New Friends, But Keep The Old...

2010-04-27T21:59:00.001-07:00

I haven't been very crafty this week. But, I'm ok with that...

In fact, the only thing I've sewn this week is a badge on the Girl Scout vest of the most adorable little ten year old across the street. While I was sewing the badge on (which took all of about 14 seconds) I started singing that old Girl Scout song, "Make New Friends, But Keep The Old..." and it brought a smile to my face.

It also occurred to me that the song is a perfect summation of crafty blog land for me. As many folks have done, I started this blog for my mom and my best friends so that they could check out my craftiness at their leisure and so they didn't start hating me because I was filling up their in-boxes with posts about "Katie's Crappy Crafts" as they are lovingly referred to in my circle of "old friends" :)

It became an awesome added bonus to make new blog friends and to become a part, however small, of the blogging community. Heck, I even made a bloggy best friend in Katie over at Paisley and Polka Dots!

So, in a week where my priorities have to be work, school, the fuzzes and seeing my husband for at least ten minutes a day, I can still appreciate the cool opportunities that blog land has brought me and the really amazing people I have befriended.

I know my "old friends" aren't going anywhere, and I can't wait to keep making "new ones", so even though I can't get the song out of my head, it is a cute reminder that we always have room in our hearts for new friends.

Those Girl Scouts really know how to keep it all in perspective, don't they? Oh, and I'm pretty sure without those cookies the world might stop turning :)

Cyber Hugs...

Re-Purposed Jewelry Frame

2010-04-24T01:52:00.000-07:00

For a while, my mom has been saying that she wants something to hang her earrings on and I decided it was high time for me to jump to it :)

My mom is amazingly fantastic...seriously, she rocks. So, when she mentions wanting something my Dad and I do our best to deliver. Misadventures generally ensue but we always get a good laugh out of it and sometimes my mom even gets something worth keeping...

In this case, I think we found a keeper!

I just "happen" to have this seemingly unending supply of poultry wire hanging around in my backyard :P and I have a few old gold frames sitting around from my grandparents that needed some serious revamping love.

So, I painted one of the old 5 by 7 frames white, popped in a pretty piece of paper and some cut-to-size poultry wire and that was it! Oh, and I added a pretty fabric flower that I made months ago.

Does it get any more simple than this?!

She wasn't sure if she wanted it to hang on the wall or a door or if she wanted something that sits on the dresser but with this re-vamped jewelry frame she can do either.

Love you mom...

100% Repurposed Veggie/Herb Garden Markers

2010-04-22T22:31:00.000-07:00

When I asked my big brother what he wanted for his birthday this year he said, "vegetable and herb markers for the garden!" I was uber excited as I have been wanting to make some for a loooooong time :)

I decided that I was going to challenge myself by using ONLY recycled and re-purposed materials that I found lying around or things that were destined for the land fill.

I ended up using wooden paint stirrers for the signs, old house paint and old markers for decorating the signs, and believe it or not, one-use bamboo chopsticks from a local Sushi restaurant for the stakes!

I started the project by cutting the paint stirrers into various lengths and painting them white with old house paint. I then "antiqued" the little painted rectangles by sanding the edges and corners down with sand paper (my hands are still sore from that project!).

Please excuse the fuzziness of the pic...my iPhone and I were having a "lighting discussion!"

I then painted little dots on the signs using old Silver Sage paint from our bathroom and a little tube of every day, brown crafting paint. Next, I painted or drew on the names of various herbs and veggies and then I used a hot glue gun to glue the signs to the chop sticks!

**If you plan to use chopsticks (which I highly recommend...I mean they are just going to get thrown away after one little use, right?!) then make sure to use some with flat or square tops. I am afraid that round ones will not stay glued to the wooden rectangles very well.**

Last, they each received a coat of waterproof sealant left over from some project or another.

They were so simple to make, cost absolutely nothing, and are beyond adorable peeking out among the herbs and veggies in the garden :)

**Please excuse the fact that the rosemary stake is chilling next to a lavender bush. Since the signs are for my brother they don't exactly match up with what I have blooming in my garden at the moment!**

I think there will be many, many more of these little garden stakes in my future in various shapes and sizes. I just love how they turned out :)

And, just in time for Earth Day...

Happy Birthday, Big Brother!

"A Bowl Full of Cheerful Cherries" Kitchen Towel

2010-04-22T02:37:00.000-07:00

I had so much fun with the "Perfect Pear" kitchen towel yesterday that I couldn't wait to try the next one in the set! I decided on "A Bowl Full of Cheerful Cherries" this time and wanted just one little duo in the corner.

These were a bit tougher for me as I struggled with getting the line sewn in a circular fashion around the inside of the cherries but I'm not going for perfection and I even kind of like the wonkyness that ensued! I could probably have fixed that by using red thread but I love it when the thread shows so I stuck with pure white :)

I can't wait for the next one in the set! Chris has vetoed the apples and wants me to try a pineapple...we'll see if that actually happens ;)

Happy Crafting!

The "Perfect Pear" Kitchen Towel

2010-04-20T22:07:00.000-07:00

I've been pretty crafty lately...just not so bloggy! With three papers for school and working MOST days at the hospital including Picnic Day, which around here is synonymous for get as hammered as possible as quickly as possible (I'm still recovering from working in the ER that particular night), I haven't had time to sit down in front of the computer and show you any of my creations. But, with two papers turned in and a few hours off from work I thought it was time to play :)

I am absolutely in LOVE with Crate and Barrel's new organic cotton dish towels. They aren't cheap but I don't particularly care. Finding deals is a great thing but I'd rather have quality over quantity any day. So, I stocked up on a couple sets of these and have great plans for their aesthetic future!

First, a "Perfect Pear" applique towel! I saw this idea on the Pleated Poppy blog and it was right up my alley for what I had in mind for the organic towels. They only took me about 30 minutes to make which I thought wasn't too bad as this was my first attempt at applique. I think I will make three more different applique towels so that I end up with a set of four fruit themed towels for spring and summer.

I'm thinking one with cherries, one with apples and one with an orange, a lime, and a lemon!

You have to feel these towels...you really do. They are soft and absorbent AND they are made from sustainable cotton...does it get any better than that?!

Happy Applique-ing :)

And the Chickens "Pecked"..!

2010-04-19T19:52:00.000-07:00

We're a day or two late (darn school and work!) but the chickens finally got around to "pecking" winners for our Spring give-a-way!

We've started taking the babies outside with us every day as we work on their coop and they LOVE LOVE LOVE being outside...big surprise there, huh?!

Today during their adventures they helped us pick the winners and, without further ado, here they are..!

For the coffee sleeve Lela "pecked"...

Lauren!

For the cotton baggie Buff "pecked"...

Melissa!

And, for the luggage tag Chicken wanted NOTHING to do with the give-a-way! Silly Chicken :) After we chased her around the yard for a while we finally threw all of the papers up in the air and the one that landed closest to chicken won...

Mary!

Lauren, Melissa and Mary go ahead and send me an email and we'll chat about which colors and fabrics you like for your prizes :)

Congratulations!!!

A Month of Celebrating Earth

2010-04-12T19:26:00.000-07:00

I know that Earth Day is coming up this month, and that I'm a little bit early as it isn't officially until the 22nd, but don't you think Earth deserves to be celebrated more than one day a year? I'm thinking it definitely deserves an entire month or at least a couple of weeks!

In honor of my self-declared Earth Month I made this reversible Farmer's Market Tote based on a tutorial by Film in the Fridge found here. It was actually really easy to make. I only got confused at one point but after stepping back and visualizing what needed to happen to get the right shape I was able to figure it out. I think the hardest part was the handles because I didn't have long enough pieces in the fabric I wanted to use so I had to wing it :)

I have several different "green" projects in the works, including one that doubles as a birthday gift for my brother, and I can't wait to share them with you over the next couple of weeks! I would also LOVE to hear about any green projects that you are working on. Every little effort toward protecting the resources around us is a huge step in the right direction.

If you would like to send me pictures or links to your "green projects" I hope to do a post with all of your amazing ideas on the 22nd!

I took a quick wander in our garden this evening during a break in the rain we've been having. Our peas took a beating in all of the wind but with a little TLC they'll be as good as new. Is there anything more peaceful and beautiful than a garden just after a storm?

Conquering the Zipper!

2010-04-11T20:14:00.000-07:00

Ever since I was little I've had problems with zippers; I break them, I jam them, I cut myself on them. Really, zippers and I have issues. But, I thought it was probably time to graduate from velcro to zippers if I really want to be able to make some of the bags, clutches and skirts that are on my "must-do" list.

So, on the pretense of heading to Home Depot to buy more foundation stones for the chicken coop, I drug my parents to Joanne's and stared at the zipper selection for about five minutes until my Dad got bored and told me to "buy one already". I didn't know what size I needed though ~ who knew they weren't one size fits all?! ;) I knew a purple one would go well with a bag I wanted to try so I bought a 14" inch zipper for a buck and off we went to actually buy the stones for the chickies.

And look what I made..!

...an honest to goodness make-up bag, or clutch, whichever my imagination wants it to be in that moment! I don't have a pattern for you to follow exactly as I took bits and pieces from different tutorials around the web but I'm hoping to replicate it soon. I think that the available pattern that it resembles most is this tutorial by Liesl Made.

My first foray into zippers was not without its mishaps. Did you expect anything less from me at this point? :) The zipper was too long, of course, since, in my exuberance, I bought it before even knowing what size my pattern would be. So, I cut off a few inches from the top (of the side closest to the actual mechanism when it is zipped shut). This would have been fine, but in another moment of exuberance, I zipped the little zipper head right off of the end! Oh boy, that was a problem. With a little BFI and a few choice words I was able to force it back on with some pliers and save the project!

I was also intimidated by the zipper foot dealio on the sewing machine so I just used a normal straight stitch about a 1/4" from the zipper and it actually ended up working just fine. Yes, I know that I need to figure it out eventually but I thought one battle at a time would result in something I could actually use later :)

Anyway...I like it!

I like it a lot, in fact, and must now make more in fabulous colors to match luggage tags and make-up rolls.

This set is just toooo cute together :) I'm thinking teals and browns next...

Ok, I must stop procrastinating and write my four page paper on market analysis and some other such business-y thing that is due tomorrow!

Happy Crafting!

A "Spring Into Adventure" Giveaway

2010-04-10T00:22:00.000-07:00

It's Spring! Oh wait, that happened in March, didn't it? So, I'm a little late ;)

Anyway...in celebration of Spring and all of the adventures that it brings, I thought I would do a "Spring Into Adventure" giveaway!

In addition to celebrating the adventures and misadventures that Spring inspires, I wanted to acknowledge and celebrate the fact that each person embarks on their own kind of adventures which may run the gamut from hiking and backpacking to car trips and five star resorts. So, I thought I'd mix it up a bit and offer three different giveaway items! To further personalize it, I'll let the winners pick their own fabric colors so that their gift fits their adventure style perfectly.

Here are examples of the prizes:

A fun fabric coffee sleeve...

A 5" by 7 " cotton baggie...

OR...a luggage tag!

**On a green note...if people buy coffee just twice a week for a year, that is over 100 one-use, cardboard coffee sleeves that end up in land fills...can you image the difference we call all make by using these reusable sleeves? And, don't even get me started on Ziploc and other plastic bags...using these cotton baggies could save, literally, TONS of garbage from ever entering our land fills! Each of us has the power to make an enormous difference :) Isn't that an awesome feeling!?**

Back to the giveaway. To enter to win, just write a comment on this post or send me an email stating which of these three items you would love to win! It's as easy as that. You don't have to be a follower of the blog or do cartwheels or anything...just let me know which item you'd love to have on your spring travels...even if those travels happen to be in your own backyard :)

Next Saturday, April 16th, I'll let the chickens, yes, THE CHICKENS, chose the three winners...one winner for each item. So that Shasta and the boy cat don't feel left out, I promise to give them treats around the same time...we don't want any hurt animal feelings around our house :)

Happy Travels and Good Luck!

Have Chickens, Will Travel!

2010-04-07T22:38:00.000-07:00

We took a four day trip up to the High Sierras last weekend and Chris and I thought nothing about packing up the German Shepherd and the three baby chicks. I mean, isn't that what everyone would have done? Um, turns out that, indeed, NOT everyone would have traveled 600 miles with their baby chickens...who knew?! Though, to be honest, they had a brilliant time alternating between traveling in their box, hanging out on the lap of whoever wasn't driving and perching on the driver's hand on the shifter during the trip.

When our neighbor found out about our "chicken travels" she said, "I always knew you guys were quirky but this takes the cake!" Quirky?! Oh, dear. Then when my brother, who, mind you, has had 28 years to get used to me, was speechless when he found out about our chickens traveling with us I thought, ok, maybe it's not quite as normal as I had assumed **insert sheepish grin here**.

But come on, I didn't want to leave the babies alone for four whole days! And, it's a good thing we didn't. Lela learned the art of escaping the box while we were at the cabin and we walked into the bathroom to find a runaway chicken! Good thing we found her and that Shasta is too old to make it up the stairs on her own. See the many perils that can befall a baby chicken when it is unsupervised?!

Anyway...our toddler chickens traveled brilliantly...way better than the cat did on his last cabin trip. (Oh wait, is it strange to take our cat to the mountains, too?! In our defense...he was also a baby at the time.) They were a teensy bit wobbly on their feet on the windy mountain road but they didn't get car sick and they didn't get altitude sickness which was my big fear.

They just chirped away when we stopped so Chris could take some water pictures...

Stay tuned for those soon!

...and while I snuck in a quick wilderness nap.

They jumped into their new home at the cabin and were happy as clams as we shoveled...

...and ice picked through ten feet of ice and snow.

And, they played happily as I lost a VERY one-sided snow ball fight.

It didn't take Chicken long to assert her dominance over the cabin and all who dwell there...

...to fall asleep after a looooong, adventurous day...

...or for her sisters to figure out who the softie of the group was...

I'd say they are no worse for the wear :)

Wishing you all the happiness and joy that misadventures bring!

A Hexagonal Vexation

2010-04-05T22:08:00.000-07:00

I've seen other people make beautiful crafts and projects (like the gorgeous pillows below from Film in the Fridge) using little hexagonal pieces of fabric and, to be honest, I always thought the hexagons were probably more work than they were worth.

But, despite my hesitancy around the work involved, and in the spirit of finding the perfect pin cushion, I decided that I would make one out of hexagonal pieces, just for fun, and to satiate my curiosity around the big hexagonal draw.

So, I cut out 14 little hexagons (I made my own pattern but you can find them around on the internet) and I stitched them together with the machine. I then placed the two pieces (each consisting of seven hexagons) with the right sides facing each other and I sewed around the outside, leaving two sides of one hexagon open for turning and stuffing. Then I top-stitched around the entire pin cushion.

It took very little time for me to realize that other people are right and hexagons are really way more fun than they should be!!! This is the result of my first machine-sewn pin cushion...I thought it would look cute with a button in the middle so on it went.

I thought the edges were a little bit awkward when I machine stitched it, and since I had already planned to give this pin cushion away as a thank you gift, I made myself one using bright fabrics. This time I did it all by hand, and while it did take longer, the pieces came out looking much more geometric.

There is something strangely addictive about these little fabric hexagons and I have to admit, I'm smitten by them. I have other projects in mind for these vexing geometric beauties but for now, I'm having a blast making pin cushions!

Though I'm totally on board with the hexagon pin cushion, I couldn't stop there and, for the sake of variety, I made this jar pin cushion. It wins for best multi-purpose pin cushion and I find myself using it the most.

Katie, from Paisley and Polka Dots, made a jar pin cushion, too, and added a really cute embellishment around the edge...

And, I can't forget these modern tree pin cushions that I made a while ago for my mom and my sister-in-law. I didn't make one for myself but I think I will!

Last, I made this ring pincushion and it definitely won for most fashionable sewing accessory, (even if it did take me six tries to get it right!) but...

...the boy cat batted it off of the table and Shasta ate it. All that I found was the coke bottle top under the table and a few pins scattered around the living room floor. I told you, she's a genius. I'll totally make another one...though how I will keep it away from "Pinky and the Brain" is beyond me!

Happy Hexagon-ing (oh my Dad is sooo going to flinch when he sees how horribly I verbed a noun there...sorry, Dad!)

**Stay tuned for a fun Miss Adventures' Give-Away later in the week!**

Paisley and Polka Dots Guest Blog!!

2010-04-01T19:33:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! It's Katie here...no not this Katie, I'm the Katie from Paisley and Polka Dots! I'm stopping by to introduce myself and share a few pictures with you. As new bloggers, Katie and I have become bloggy buddies and have enjoyed sharing ideas and projects with each other.

I recently saw her post on dishtowels and loved the look and simplicity of them- - what an easy and affordable project! Here is my version.

To make these towels, I pieced blocks of fabric (my favorite, Make Life from Moda) and adhered them to a strip of Heat N' Bond. I sewed a ruffle, pinned it to the towel, and placed the strip of fabric on top of the ruffle. Zig-zag stitch around the fabric and call it a day!

I thought I'd also share my current favorite project- my fabric flower wreath. It just screams spring!

Come on by and say hello!

Hi all ~

Katie here...Miss Adventures, Katie ;)

Aren't these towels absolutely fantastic? They have inspired me to make more fun kitchen towels with that gorgeous ruffle. And maybe a hand towel or three for the bathroom :)

And that wreath?! Oh my gosh...perfection.

Head over to Paisley and Polka Dots to see more of Katie's amazing crafts. I'm telling you...she's one to watch!

Happy Crafting!

"A Little Birdie" Mouse Pad

2010-04-01T01:15:00.001-07:00

I found this fun, bright, bird fabric the other day and wanted to do something completely frivolous with it. I wouldn't normally associate a computer accessory (especially not a mouse pad!) with frivolity but that's how it felt...frivolous and fabulously fun! Oh, an alliteration..that, too, seems fantastic.

Ok, enough with the adjectives and on to the project at hand :)

Normally, Chris and I go for muted blues, greens and browns with small splashes of other neutrals around the house and I save the bright fabrics for gifts for friends and family. It's truly not often that I make something for us in bright, silly fabrics but I couldn't help myself this time. Maybe it's the birds...you know how much I love all things avian.

Anyway, we haven't had a mouse pad for some time and I thought that I would need an old rubber mouse pad to cover if I wanted to make my own but last night I decided, nah, I'd just make one out of fabric and see what happens! I went totally outside of the box and chose the bright birds, a swirly bright green and a bright orange polka dot pattern for the back (no muted blues and greens here!).

I cut the orange polka dot fabric into a 8 1/2 inch square, cut the bird fabric into a 5 1/2 inch by 8 1/2 inch piece and the swirly green fabric into a 3 1/2 by 8 1/2 inch piece.

I then sewed the green piece to the bird pattern and ironed the seams flat. Next, I ironed on one piece of thin interfacing to the back of the bird/green square and then, with the right sides of the front and back fabrics facing, I sewed around the square, leaving a few inches for turning.

Last, I top stitched around the mouse pad with a pretty leaf stitch (my first time using a decorative stitch!) and plopped it on the computer desk next to Chris who said, "cool", and went back to playing his snazzy new computer game that looks more like a movie than a game. All I know is that he's saved the world, twice.

I was concerned that it would slide around on the desk but, strangely enough, it doesn't! I was also concerned that by making a seam on the front of the mouse pad that the mouse would get caught up on it and, strangely enough, it didn't!

To be honest, it might not last long. I will probably trade it in for something more sophisticated like this from Liesl Made...

But, for now, the bright fabrics makes me smile and that's enough.

I'm thinking this would be a fun, simple project to do with a munchkin who is learning to sew. Too bad the chickens can't operate a machine ;)

Happy Crafting :)

Fabulous Friends Wedesday - Craft Envy!

2010-03-31T00:57:00.000-07:00

The amazing ladies over at Craft Envy have given me the great honor of featuring More Misadventures on their blog! Hop on over to check out my detailed fabric flower tutorial and then stay a while to peruse their fantastic collection of crafts and tutorials. A huge cyber hug and thank you to Nicholette and Vanessa for having me :)

Happy Blogging!

P.S. Here's a sneak peek at what I'm working on this week!

Mom's Little Helpers

2010-03-29T01:23:00.000-07:00

It's time for a chick update! The babies are AT LEAST three times bigger than when we brought them home a week ago...and what personalities they have :) Not only are their personalities really coming out...so are their feathers! Their wings have grown all the way to the ends of their backs and their little tail feathers are about an inch long. Last week they didn't have any feathers at all.

They all started perching like crazy this week. They don't want to sit in the palm of our hands anymore...they want fingers...

or arms, or shoulders, or...

...Chris' head!

He's put off getting a hair cut just because the babies LOVE LOVE LOVE sleeping in his hair :)

Buff, a Buff Orpington chicken, is our relaxed one...you can pick her up and carry her anywhere and she's as happy as a clam...

Lela, our Silver Laced Wyandote chicken, is our little tease...she runs away from you furiously but as soon as you pick her up she settles right in. This is how she got her name...even on the first day I thought she was a tease and her feathers looked just like leather and lace to me so we took the LE from leather and LA from lace and came up with Lela...her new favorite thing is to jump back and forth from my shoulder to Chris' shoulder repeatedly. She's a pretty brave chicken considering it's a five foot fall if she misses!

This evening I went into the chicken room (which also holds my iron and ironing board) and when I started ironing they all decided that I would be better served as a jungle gym than a crafter :)

Then they wanted to know what I was doing...after I quickly removed the hot iron they thoroughly examined the ironing board.

Chicken, yes her name is actually Chicken, our Rhode Island Red chicken, is our feisty, adventurous one and is always the first to hop on your hand when you reach into their box. She's hilarious and is always sticking her neck out and stretching as TALL as possible :) I think she thinks she's about fifteen times bigger than she is!

I'm astonished at how three little chicks can add so much laughter, adventure and joy to our lives. I'm in love already.

Spring Lingerie Bag

2010-03-26T21:41:00.000-07:00

Chris and I along with my parents, sister-in-law and in-laws are all going on our first ever trip together in May...a cruise to Alaska! It's been a long time coming as Chris and I have been together for almost a decade. The trip got me thinking about what other fun travel accessories I could make and as soon as I got this idea in my head I couldn't wait to make it a reality :)

So, without further ado, let me introduce the newest member of my newly found travel accessory obsession...the Spring Lingerie Bag.

I like to have the items in my suitcase easily accessible and corralled (for the most part) and I also have this severe dislike of having the TSA agents rifle through my delicates at the airport so this seemed like the perfect way to give my under things the opportunity to travel in style and to keep them safe from security searches. I actually bought a lingerie bag from GapBody a while back but I knew that I could make one that was even cuter and waaaaay less expensive.

I knew I wanted the Spring Lingerie Bag to have two separate pouches...one for "wash" and one for "wear" but I didn't have any specific measurements in mind so, as is the norm for me, I willy-nilly cut two contrasting fat quarters from my stash, and made two rectangular pouches out of the fabrics. I made the pouches by cutting each fat quarter in half length-wise and sewing two contrasting fabrics together up the middle. This resulted in two large, flat rectangles of fabric (each with half in one fabric and half in the other).

I then sewed an orange ribbon to the lining fabric straight up the middle, just for fun. This proved unnecessary as when I sewed the middle seam at the end it all but covered up the ribbon...but it was fun and it allowed me to make a cute little orange hanging loop later :)

Next, I pinned and sewed the velcro onto the pouch that would become the lining by eyeballing the four pieces of velcro to length (two pieces with the loop side and two pieces with the soft side) and attaching them approx 3/4" from the top and bottom of the lining fabric as shown below.

I then folded the two long pieces in half (right sides facing in) and sewed up the two sides with a straight stitch to form the inner lining and outer pouch (inner lining shown below).

Once I had the two rectangular pouches sewn I placed the outside fabric pouch inside the lining pouch so that the right sides of both fabrics were touching and I pinned the two pieces together around the top. I then stitched all but three inches around the top of the pouches making sure to leave room to turn the pouches right side out.

Once I turned the pouches right side out, I pinned the three inch opening closed and top stitched around the entire rectangle using a zig-zag stitch for interest.

Last, I sewed a zig-zag stitch right up the middle to turn the large pouch into a bag with two separate pouches.

Then it was time to get creative! On one side of the Spring Lingerie Bag I made a large yo-yo in fabrics that matched the bag and on the other I drew and cut out applique undies...I can't believe how cute they are!

It seems complicated but, in essence, just make a BIG rectangular pouch and then sew up the middle!

Happy Crating :)

Stay tuned for a baby chick update tomorrow...they are getting so big!!!

Western Inspired Scrappy Tank

2010-03-24T21:43:00.000-07:00

I'll always be a little bit of a cowgirl at heart. I can't help it. It's a feeling of connection to family for me and it just feels right.

I can't claim any direct rural or country roots but my parents, though we lived in Orange County, always tried to expose me to animals, nature, and a way of life vastly different than the suburban surroundings of the LA flat-lands.

I feel just as comfortable in my old cowboy boots that I've had since I was 12 as I do in my flip-flops and I think that flannel never truly goes out of style...you just have to find new and inventive ways to incorporate it into your wardrobe. My friend gave me some "oh-so-soft" flannel strips that she used to make her husband pajama bottoms and I've been eying them for a LONG time trying to determine just the right project for them. The strips aren't very big...only about 4 inches by 24 inches but I knew the right project was out there :)

I saw a ruffled tank picture on Flickr and I knew I'd found the perfect modern project for the flannel strips. If you have Flickr check out Made by Agah's ruffled tanks for more inspiration.

You've probably figured out that I like to cut corners! Not necessarily because I'm lazy but because I feel like sometimes things are made to be unnecessarily complicated and I like to figure out how to make it simpler...yet just as cute. So, here's how I made this Western Inspired Scrappy Tank in about five embarrassingly easy steps:

Step 1: Cut a fabric strip. I honestly didn't measure or use a ruler or cutting who-sy-whatsit, I just grabbed some scissors and cut a long strip. I figured any size would do :)

Step 2: Fold the fabric strip in half and sew roughly up the rough edges. I through it would be cute to have some of the frayed edges showing so I didn't bother with clean lines or ironing the rough edges under.

Step 3: I literally just lay the fabric on the tank and started pinning it...overlapping the bits as I felt like it...no measuring. (The only thing I did was pin the middle of the strip to the approximate middle of the tank so that I didn't get to the end and have three inches of tank I couldn't cover with the fabric!).

Step 4: I haphazardly sewed across the folded fabric and pins using a zig-zag stitch for some added interest.

Step 5: Wear your new, and very cute (if I do say so myself!) tank around the house proudly to show to your husband when he gets home from work :) Or, whenever you want to...preferably with worn cowboy boots and your favorite jeans! I even paired this with a cardigan and light gray slacks and wore it to work today...with adorable gold flats...ooooh the options!

This is my first foray into sewing with clothes and I think I'm a fan :) Next time I'll use a new tank top that actually fits right but I didn't want to sacrifice my favorite white tank to this experiment :)

Happy Accessorizing!

P.S. Stay tuned for a step by step Adobe/Photoshop tutorial on how Chris took my raw boot pic...

and turned it into this...

Thanks, Chris!

The Great Cat Caper

2010-03-23T19:19:00.000-07:00

You've met the three newest members of the family but I've neglected to formally introduce you to their older siblings, Shasta, the most beautiful yet intelligence-challenged German Shepherd on the planet, and the Boy Cat, who I think is rat colored but is much like Brain on the old Pinky and the Brain cartoon. The only difference between my cat and Brain is that my cat has a fair chance of ACTUALLY taking over the world!

I have enough stories on these two to fill the blogpsphere but I'll start with the Boy Cat in the here and now and fill you in as time goes on. For starters, yes, Boy Cat is his name...not his ONLY name...but the only name he responds to so it stuck. And no, I'm not exaggerating when I say he is possibly the smartest cat on the planet...ask anyone who's met him...I guarantee they'll agree. He can open doorknobs, he has sprung Shasta from the backyard numerous times, he has worried (not ripped...worried) the corner out of all of the screens in the house to make myriad cat doors, our entire house is child-proofed due to his antics with cupboards and most recently, he's discovered abstract thinking.

Don't let the cute face fool you...there's a hellion in there...and it's NOT buried very deeply!

So, the Boy found his very own stash of pre-wrapped mouse toys in the cupboard and has been "unwrapping" them ever so tidily in the bathroom and strewing them about the house...

Much to our initial amusement and subsequent irritation...

Then Shasta ate it...yeah, THAT HAPPENED.

Pin Cushion Conundrum

2010-03-23T01:18:00.001-07:00

Yep, I've really been using the crack in our kitchen table as a "pin cushion". For months. And yes, the cat likes to bat them around, and yes, Chris is a good sport about eating dinner with the pins. But, alas, we are both tired of yelling, "No one walk barefoot in the dining room!" (if you can place that tv show reference you are amazing and I will be beyond impressed!) and we are deathly afraid of the vet bill that will ensue if Shasta decides to revisit her habit of eating sharp objects (she has indeed chewed on a pin cushion before...WITH the pins...she's a genius).

So, I think it is time for a good old fashioned pin cushion. Or, rather, a unique, modern, colorful pin cushion! The problem is I can't decide what kind of pin cushion would be best...I like so many of them. Thus, I am seeking your wise and creative advice on what kind of pin cushion you find most helpful and, well, fun to use!

If you feel so inclined, send me a picture of a pin cushion you made or just of one you've seen online that you'd like to try and I'll give it a shot! The only pin cushions I have ever made are these modern tree pin cushions I created a few months ago. They actually work really well but I didn't make one for myself and I'm up for something new :)

I have some ideas up my sleeve that I may try to work on over the next few days and I can't wait to hear what you come up with!

Happy Pinning :)

Buttercup Bliss

2010-03-21T22:36:00.001-07:00

I did it! I finally made a bag.

I've been seriously intimidated by the idea of bag making since before I even started crafting. My friend, Sarah, and I have been eyeing these buttercup bags from Made by Rae (http://madebyrae.blogspot.com/2009/02/free-buttercup-bag-sewing-pattern.html) for a loooong time and a few weeks ago, when I found myself with a semi-free evening since Chris was at work, I buckled down to give it my best shot.

I used some fabrics that I purchased in Washington, in January, and I attempted to follow the directions step by step (kinda, almost, sort of...at least I referred to the directions between each step!). I think I did pretty well except for step nine which to this day I still haven't figured out how to do correctly! I even took pictures with my iPhone to send to my mom with a "help! help!" call but neither she or my dad could figure it out either...so if you figure out the spacial relation magic necessary for step nine the way it is described please let me know how you did it!

Anyway...it probably took me an hour and a half or so but in the end I had this bag..!

It turned out to be a bit more...youthful...that I had expected and I decided that it would be perfect for our 8 1/2 year old neighbor who already has the cutest thing for purses :) Naturally, I asked her mom before giving it to her and not only did her mom say, "YES!" she asked me if I could make her four more to give to her nieces for Easter! I said, yes, because that's what I do but inside I was kicking myself...four more bags?..oh dear!

Once again, I buckled down, cut out, pinned and sewed the pieces for four more bags in between school, work, chickens and everything else life throws at you. And, except for making the SAME MISTAKE on EVERY one of the four bags (I forgot to leave a hole for turning the bags right-side out after sewing them together...four times...really, Katie?!) I decided that it wasn't so bad.

In the name of creativity I didn't follow the directions exactly for the next four bags...I'm pretty proud that I followed them at all to be honest, it's not normally in my nature to do such a thing...and I decided to forgo the little strap with the buttons for more diverse accessories such as these adorable little buttons I made the other night after making a midnight run to Walmart (I know, I know...but where else are you going to buy thread at midnight!?).

I absolutely love these handmade buttons and must find someplace to buy the metal pieces in bulk. I almost think that the buttons deserve their own post they are so cute!

Anyway...five buttercup bags plus five unique accessories later and I think I can officially call this project done :) Here are the other four bags I made this week...oh, and the flowers come off of the bags and double as barrettes! I couldn't help myself...

Happy Crafting!

Vernal Equinox: It's Spring!

2010-03-20T01:28:00.000-07:00

In celebration of Spring, my Mother-In-Law, Bunny, made this Spring wreath from moss, flowers, and a delicate little nest complete with eggs. I just love it!

According to Wikipedia:

An equinox occurs twice a year, when the tilt of the Earth's axis is inclined neither away from nor towards the Sun, the Sun being vertically above a point on the Equator. The term equinox can also be used in a broader sense, meaning the date when such a passage happens. The name "equinox" is derived from the Latin aequus (equal) and nox (night), because around the equinox, the night and day are approximately equally long. It may be better understood to mean that latitudes +L and -L north and south of the equator experience nights of equal length.

At an equinox, the Sun is at one of two opposite points on the celestial sphere where the celestial equator (i.e. declination 0) and ecliptic intersect. These points of intersection are called equinoctial points: the vernal point and the autumnal point. By extension, the term equinox may denote an equinoctial point.

An equinox happens each year at two specific moments in time (rather than two whole days), when there is a location on the Earth's Equator where the centre of the Sun can be observed to be vertically overhead, occurring around March 20/21 and September 22/23 each year.

Happy Equinoxing!

Tres Chic Chicks

2010-03-19T00:35:00.000-07:00

"'nuff said..."

Bringing Home the Babies

2010-03-18T13:18:00.000-07:00

Our Buff Orpington Chick

Our baby chicks came home yesterday! The day didn't go quite as planned as I was called in for a split shift at the hospital but I was able to leave for a few hours in the afternoon to pick up and settle down our babies.

I was uber afraid of them getting cold in the car (even though the drive is only about 10 minutes from the feed store to the house) so Chris and I made them a box, filled it with towels and I put the seat warmer on high on the way there to warm up the box and towels.

When I got there I was mesmerized by all the fluffy little things...good thing I didn't actually have to pick our three or I would still be there! I took these with my iPhone and sent a pic to Chris saying I couldn't pick just three...he didn't buy it but I thought it was amusing :)

When I brought the little ones out, I strapped them into their seat belt (of course!) on the front seat and listened to their chorus of "cheep cheep!" all the way home. Shasta is taking the transition well but I thought that the boy cat was going to blow a gasket...he settled in all right after a while and only scratches at the door when we are in with the chicks.

I think that Chris and I stood around their make-shift coop for an hour last night watching their antics ~ they have such personalities already! Stay tuned for more chicken misadventures...the fun has only just begun :)

Easter Egg Garden Stakes

2010-03-15T23:08:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I found myself, along with my parents, brother and sister-in-law, hiding from three overly loquacious geriatric grandparents (don't get me wrong, they are my grandparents, we love them, but everyone needs a break from the incessant round of repeat questioning!) and the garden seemed the best place to hide. We were all frantically looking for projects to keep us busy and I decided that some Easter Egg Garden Stakes would be just the ticket.

I traced an egg shape, approximately 3" tall and 2" wide onto 3/4"quarter inch plywood that I found in my Dad's garage and I convinced my brother that what he REALLY wanted to do was cut five of them out for me on the band saw :) Being the good sport that he is, he whipped them out in about fifteen minutes. I could have done it myself but it was super sweet of him to do it for me and he's better at it anyway.

Next, I hand sanded them all to get rid of the rough edges and to round the angles where the front and back of the eggs meet the sides.

Then, my brother took over again and he drilled 1/4" diameter holes into the exact center of the bottom of each egg about an inch deep. He's a "bit" of a perfectionist so I knew my eggs would be perfectly straight!!

Then, moving inside to escape California's early onslaught of mosquitoes, and to resume the geriatric visiting, I painted the eggs with whatever paint I could find lying around in fun, bright, pastel colors.

When the eggs had double coats of base paint on both sides, I decorated them with white polka dots using the back of a small hobby paintbrush then inserted dollar store BBQ skewers into the holes for stakes! Last, they each received a coat of old waterproof seal so they could survive as outside decorations!

From start to finish it cost 99 cents (for the skewers!)...everything else I just found lying around from old projects. Yeay for re-purposing :)

I'd say it was a pretty productive, unproductive Sunday afternoon and I love these little eggs...stay tuned for more wooden stakes soon :)

Happy Crafting!

p.s. I can't believe that I'm going to have baby chickens around Easter time this year...that just seems so appropriate!

Mixed Medium Teal and Brown Cards

2010-03-15T01:36:00.001-07:00

It's been a while since I made a set of cards and I thought it might be fun to mix my love of card making with my new-found love of fabric scraps :) I have a set of teal, brown and russet papers that I purchased on sale at Joanne's a while ago and I decided that they needed some attention since they have been sitting neglected (but not completely forgotten!) under my fabrics for the last few months...

I'm thinking that this set needs two more cards that showcase the russet and yellow colors a bit more but I have to work in 5 1/2 hours. Oh dear, working the morning, swing, AND night shifts in the ER in one week has my brain all befuddled!

I'd love to see YOUR crafty mixed medium creations ~ send me a pic and I'll highlight them in a future post :)

Happy Crafting!

Luggage Tag Explosion!

2010-03-14T01:06:00.000-08:00

You've probably already figured out that I adore fabric scraps. I would rather have a bin full of scraps than a nice crisp yard of fabric. What better use for fabric scraps than these quick, easy and amazingly colorful luggage tags! Seriously, you can make one in ten minutes.

Not only do I love these tags by themselves but when paired with the make-up rolls I have been making I get all giddy! I'm thinking matching sets of luggage tags and make-up rolls will make perfect birthday and holiday gifts for all of the amazing women in my life. I may have to make some manly luggage tags as well just so the guys don't feel left out.

If you are a fan of step by step directions check out the awesome tutorial by Skip To My Lou @ http://www.skiptomylou.org/2009/11/09/fabric-luggage-tags/ to see the basics of how I made these.

I changed mine up a bit and decided that they needed to be done with a zig-zag stitch. I also took a chance and used four materials on a few rather than two to give them a more quilted look. To be honest, I used old plastic photo sleeves for the plastic covering on the top of the tags, too! I figured, "why buy more stuff when I can use what I have lying around?" Yeay for re-purposing :)

If you make any of these beauties send me a picture...I'd love to see what you create and I'll do a post later with everyone's luggage tag creations!

Happy Crafting!

**After both of us spent harried nights in the ER, Chris has declared that we have to go to sleep now. No luggage tag for him :P **

Green Eggs and...Chickens?

2010-03-12T22:31:00.000-08:00

Dr. Seuss would not be amused but I thought he was most confused about the whole green eggs and ham thing...green eggs?! I think not. To be painfully honest, I'd never seen a green egg until about three days ago. I always thought they were a fictional Suess-ism! This admission embarrasses me greatly because I have always thought myself a bit more than just a city girl. I was raised in Orange County, it's true; but, I had a horse for a while...and I worked at the Dairy Barn at UCDavis for a couple of semesters...and when I was born my parents had about a zillion different birds in our backyard. But, alas, I was still under the misconception that green eggs were a thing of children's books.

Now I know differently. I even know that green eggs have something to do with an enzyme excreted in the gall bladder (bile, maybe?) of some chickens, and that brown eggs are due to some special magic that happens in the liver of some other kind of chicken. Why am I telling you this? Well, as it happens some of the misadventures in my life are of my own doing (you don't say?) and I think I am about to create a GINORMOUS misadventure with chickens!

I have always wanted chickens. Not to eat, no no no! I don't eat pets, and you better believe my chickens will be pets. I don't even have said chickens yet and all three of them (yes, three) have names (more on that later).

My plan was to surprise Chris with baby chickens. Chris has the biggest heart in the world and he would never turn away an animal if it showed up on our doorstep - or in my purse, what?! But, after conferring with my folks (you can tell I do that a lot!) we decided that it was going to be one heck of a trick to hide a chicken coop from Chris and that we really should have a place to house the little chicks when they come home.

So, I called Chris' cell phone and said, "IloveyouIboughtchickensokbye." I should also add that he was in a different state when I made this phone call and I knew that he would have a few hours to get used to the idea before I had to explain this newest misadventure face to face! Thankfully, Chris knew what he was getting into when he married me and he just smiled, shrugged his shoulders, and asked who was going to build this coop, and feed the chickens, and take care of them, etc. to which I replied, "why, you, of course!" As is his usual way, he took the news well. I do plan on Chris and I being an equal avian partnership...but it's always fun to make him squirm just a little bit :)

So, we need a heat lamp, and a bird cage and we need to figure out what chickens eat, and how much they eat, and everything else about the world of chicken ownership before our babies are hatched on the 17th! Oh dear.

...More Misadventures!

Fabric Flower Barrettes

2010-03-11T23:44:00.001-08:00

These little fabric flowers are so versatile and I've had a blast putting them on EVERYTHING! They are currently adorning scarves, baggies, beanies, jackets, and purses. Recently, a friend asked me to make some into fabric barrettes for her beautiful little girl. She asked for pairs so I made two of each of these pink, green, and blue fabric flowers for her little pigtails :)

I sewed a little non-slip barrette that I purchased at Target onto the back of each flower and I can't wait to see how they look on the little one!

BRIEF TUTORIAL:

To make these beautiful flowers cut two or three strips of desired fabrics in varying lengths and widths. Hold the end of one strip between your thumb and forefinger and gather it together in a circular motion toward the middle to make petals. Once you have your desired shape, pin to hold in place. Once the layers are made, sew them together with embroidery thread and embellish to your heart's content! I particularly love buttons and beads but the possibilities are endless :)

Here are some of the various fabric flowers that I have made recently...

Happy Crafting!

Blue and Green Make-Up Roll

2010-03-10T14:54:00.000-08:00

I got a pleasant wake-up call this morning at 11:00 am (Yes, I know, but I was up until 3:00 am!!!) from one of my best friends and she loved the make-up rolls that I posted about yesterday. That made me so happy that I made her one this afternoon. I was planning on making her one anyway but I had a few hours before work and really wanted to try them in different fabrics. So, Sarah...here you go! Love you.

For a quick tutorial on how I made these check out my post from yesterday :)

OK, off to work!

Happy Crafting :)

Travel Make-Up Rolls

2010-03-09T17:59:00.000-08:00

I've been browsing the Flickr crafting and sewing groups and making a huge list of all of the crafty things I want to try :) I haven't found (or looked for, really) tutorials for many of the inspiring crafts I see because I feel that part of the fun is figuring it out on my own...or asking my friends and family to do it with/for me!

I should note at this point that I should definitely be writing my midterm paper on Management Information Systems (sounds fun, huh?) that's due tomorrow at noon. That would, hands down, be the smartest way to spend my evening, especially since I have the house to myself. Well, if you can call a 70 lb German Shepherd and a hell-cat "by myself". As I type, the cat has inserted himself in front of the computer screen and Shasta has decided that she is going to keep sneaking "cardboard snacks" from the cat's scratching post. Oh wait, now they are wrestling. It's never boring. But, I digress...

Back to the craft at hand. After finishing this set of organic kitchen towels for my mom this afternoon...

I wanted to try making some make-up rolls I saw online. Another confession...this is what I was trying to make when I ended up with that cute blue and green bag the other day! This time I added the extra 5" to each piece of material and had big enough rectangles to go ahead with the make-up roll!

I cut two contrasting pieces of material to 11" by 17" and sewed them together (right sides in) leaving a few inches for turning. I then turned them right side out, top-stitched all the way around and ironed the rectangle.

I then turned up 5" of the rectangle and sewed up both sides. Then, I lay out some make-up brushes to figure out the approximate spacing and sewed the little pouches shut.

It needed a bit more color so I sewed on a pretty purple ribbon and a cream button and called it a day! I will definitely be making more of these along with the other travel accessories that I've been ruminating about :)

Ok, back to the paper...only four more pages to go! Wish me luck :)

Happy Crafting!

Scrap Happy All-Purpose Pouches

2010-03-08T21:52:00.001-08:00

Math and I generally don't exist on the same plane...much to my father's eternal horror and my husband's eternal amusement. I'm normally OK at spacial relations and I can get by at geometry, so long as there are only right angles and I don't have to use any fancy equations but, once again, somewhere along the line, I messed up the measurements for the project I had in mind and had to figure out how to salvage it into something completely new! Hence, this "Scrap Happy All-Purpose Pouch" was born.

I actually like to blame this error on the fact that I am using my Dad's old bulky tape measure to measure any material longer than 12" and that the only straight edge that I own longer that 12" is also my Dad's old three foot metal level. At this point I should also mention that my Dad would be the first to tell me to, "use the proper tool for the proper job", and, as I was the last time I refused to listen to his advice about "measuring twice and cutting once", I am appropriately chagrined to say that I have disregarded his wisdom to my own peril...again.

But!!!, in my own defense, I turned an "ah ooops" into a "Scrap Happy All-Purpose Pouch" that I adore! I have been carrying it in my purse for a week now and love the way that it corals of the the miscellaneous items that normally hide in the crevices and crannies. I haven't had to search for my compact or my chapstick in days. I have plans for more of these pouches and cant wait to play with other color combinations :)

I ended up with a rectangle of fabric that was approx 10" by 12" and this was about 5 " too short for my project (forgot to take into account the length of fabric that had to be folded up on the bottom for the other project) so I folded the bottom up 5" and then sewed up the sides. I then folded the top down about three inches, ironed the seam and sewed on a snap closure. I also decided that I wasn't using some old decorative pillows that were lying around so, instead, I removed the fabric polka dots and sewed them on for a bit of pizzazz :)

Sometimes, the little "misadventures" in life lead to the greatest discoveries!

Happy Crafting!

More Cork Creations: Coasters

2010-03-05T22:17:00.001-08:00

I posted about these cork wreaths a while back and wanted to follow up with more fun and beautiful cork creations!

For our wedding in 2007, Chris and I made these cork coasters as favors for all of our guests. They are so easy to make and are really fun to use around the house. We've also made trivets and table runners using the same idea only on a much larger scale :) Since the wedding, my Dad has made trivets with beautiful wood trim and I am hoping that he will trim some coasters for me as well (hint hint, Dad!!)

To make the cork coasters, simply cut a piece of flat corkboard (you can buy 12 by 12 inch squares at Michaels and Target) into 3 1/2 by 3 1/2 inch squares with scissors or a paper cutter and glue 8 corks onto the flat corkboard with a hot glue gun. Alternate the corks so that two pair are horizontal and two pair are vertical in opposite corners. It is also cute to cut off just the top 1/2 inch of red wine corks and glue then onto the corkboard for a different look!

Then, simply tie them up in fun ribbons and add a cute note. Voila!

We used the cork theme theme throughout the wedding as we were married at a winery and it really pulled the whole decor together beautifully!

Picture of the Day

2010-03-05T16:32:00.000-08:00

I'm a fan of all things that end in, "...of the day." I like words of the day, and tips of the day, and quotes of the day, and, well, you get the point. A few years ago my best friend had a word of the day desk calendar and we made it a point to chat at 3:00 in the afternoon every day, work schedules permitting, to compare thoughts on that day's word. Of course, I remember very few of the words but it's the ritual of connecting at the same time every day over something, anything, that really sticks with me.

A while back Chris and I instated the "Pic of the Day". There have been some pretty fun and, if I do say so myself, pretty spectacular pics over the years and I thought I would take this tradition to the blog-o-sphere.

Here are a couple of the past "Pics of the Day"...Enjoy!

An awesome shot by Carrie...

Have your own favorite "Pics of the Day?" Email them to me and I'll feature them in the next "Pic of the Day" blog :)

Fabric Checkbook Cover

2010-03-03T16:27:00.000-08:00

When I told my Dad the other night that I was going to make a fabric checkbook cover for my mom, his response was, "Good, Grandfather won't steal her checkbook anymore." While, admittedly, not the response I was going for, it did run fairly par for the course in my family these days! So, from his slightly strange comment I deduced that a new colorful checkbook cover would not only be pretty but would serve a purpose...so, off to the sewing machine I went.

My mom loves the green and brown fabrics that I have been purchasing lately so I started with those and made a strip of seven fabrics following the instructions I found on "Crazy Mom Quilts" (http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/2008/09/gifts-to-create-for-christmas-08.html). I then decided to use canvas rather than the materials that she listed because I had canvas for another project that I'll post about soon and because, well, that seemed like enough of a reason to me!

My machine was NOT a fan of sewing through four layers of canvas though and I had to coax it with kind words and then thinly veiled threats but it finally came together and, I have to say, it's my new favorite crappy craft!

For those of you who don't know me or see my Facebook page, my friend dubbed my crafts "Katie's Crappy Crafts" a while ago and it kind of took! Anyway, I can't wait to give this to my mom and to try a few other fun fabric checkbook cover designs!

Coach better watch out...these babies are taking over!

Orange Gift Set

2010-02-28T21:58:00.000-08:00

I have a friend who loves orange! She also has the most precious little baby in the entire world. So, I made her this orange cloth baggie, with a brown swirly pattern for the lining, for her little girl's diaper bag and added this scrap flower in creams and greens for a splash of color. The bag measures about 8 by 10 inches. And, because I fell in love with the browns, oranges and creams I also made her a matching fabric coffee sleeve for her purse! I really like the cream button as an embellishment and am hoping that attaching the two sides in the middle will allow the sleeve to better fit various size cups. I can't wait to give them to her on Tuesday but wanted to share them with all of you as well :)

Happy Crafting!

California Dreamin'

2010-02-21T22:45:00.000-08:00

While many of the Hollywood "perks" of living in California simply aren't true...it IS true that we have sunshine most days and, at least for those of us who live in the flatlands, we have the unique ability to have fresh produce in our gardens year round. Even in February, which I know for many parts of the Northern Hemisphere is blistering cold and sparkling white, we can grow root veggies, lettuce, beans, peas, citrus, broccoli, and cauliflower. There are more winter offerings but these are the first that come to mind.

This afternoon, Chris and I ventured into my parent's garden and were awed by the post-rain beauty and magnificence of Northern California's bounty.

Kitchen Towel Upgrade

2010-02-19T23:34:00.000-08:00

Scraps are my friend :) I LOVE them! This time I decided to use them for a kitchen towel upgrade. Chris and I bought some organic cotton towels from Crate and Barrel which I really like (they are so soft) but they were kind of boring. So, twenty minutes and a few scraps later and we have an upgraded towel that adds a fun pop of color to the kitchen. Maybe I will actually look forward to drying the dishes now! Yeah, probably not. But a girl can hope :)

Made some for my mom tonight in blues, yellows and greens for her mountain kitchen :)

Happy Crafting!

Not All Who Wander Are Lost

2010-02-15T12:37:00.000-08:00

The people in my life wander a lot. I mean...A LOT. We are not a stationary people :)

As I type, my friend from Michigan who now lives in California is flying home from Chicago and my friend from California who now lives in Washington is flying home from the Bay Area. On Wednesday my Dad will drive 600 miles South to San Diego and my husband will fly the same 600 miles South to San Diego on Saturday. My Brother and his wife are driving all over CA this weekend and my in-laws and sister-in-law took a quick trip down to my home town in Southern California to catch the Scottish Games on the Queen Mary. Some of us travel more for work or oblications (an awesome word meaning an obligatory vacation) than for fun, but however you look at it...we wander extensively.

I'm a fan of traveling in style...whether that means a comfy car or a comfy plane or comfy sleeping bag or simply using some travel gadget that makes life a little bit more enjoyable throughout the whole process. Hence, these adorable luggage tags. They are simple but I think they make traveling that much more fun and I'm for anything that can bring a splash of color to the hours we've all spent waiting for a delayed flight!

I also have plans for cute matching reversible fabric catchalls to use in hotel rooms for corralling miscellaneous travel items :)

Safe Travels and Happy Crafting!

Measure Twice, Cut Once...or not

2010-02-06T21:29:00.000-08:00

Those of you who know me will be in no way surprised when I say that I was not born with a great deal of patience nor have I developed much over the years. I try, I really do, but manuals and patterns and measurements tend to make me roll my eyes and want to pull my hair out so I decided to try a little experiment. My dad has always taught me "Measure twice, Cut once." I decided that seemed like too much work so I changed it to, "Cut first, Measure not at all!"

And hey...it worked!!! I made this cute apron over the last few days by just cutting a square here and adding a ribbon there and sewing on some buttons there and turning the fabric here for a pleat (didn't feel like actually learning how to make a real pleat!) and the end product actually resembles an apron!

I even put a back on it and for a few moments it resembled a very oddly shaped pillow case but after top stitching the top closed and sewing on some recycled string for a tie I'm calling it done! Who needs a pattern anyway ;)

Happy Free-Hand Crafting!

Birds, Birds, Birds

2010-02-03T22:01:00.000-08:00

I'm on a bird kick. Just ask my best friend who spent all of last weekend pulling me away from bird dishes and bird cards and bird necklaces and bird...well, you get the point! In my defense, I have always loved birds but this year the world caught up with me and decided to put birds on everything :) So, in sticking with this avian theme I made some of my own bird cards in bright spring colors...

Happy Crafting!

Off to the Market...

2010-02-02T21:48:00.000-08:00

One of my close family friends, Kathy, made this amazing market bag for her daughter-in-law, who also happens to be one of my best friends, Sarah, this Christmas. I absolutely adore the fabrics that Kathy used! The food fabrics are just perfect for grocery shopping and even better for use at the various Bay Area Farmer's Markets that we all frequent :) Kathy gave me the left-over scraps and Sarah and I are brainstorming about how best to use the wonderful lime, strawberry, cucumber, tomato, carrot, lemon and blueberry fabrics. I'm thinking that they would be adorable on kitchen towels or an apron! Any suggestions?

Going Green In Style!

2010-02-01T21:57:00.000-08:00

I can't help it...I'm in love with going green. And, I'm especially in love with going green when I can do it with such pretty fabrics and projects! I know I've highlighted these baggies before but they are too cute paired with these drink sleeves to not post about them again :) My mom and I have been crafting like crazy making each of these to replace all of those single use Ziploc bags and cardboard coffee sleeves...

Please excuse the fuzziness of the pictures...I am taking the pics with my iPhone until our new computer is up and running and I can use an actual camera again! I just couldn't wait until the new computer was hooked up to share all of these sleeves and bags with you :)

Check out the adorable corset stitch that my crafty sister-in-law, Carrie created on this sleeve!

I have no idea why these little bags and sleeves make me so happy, but hey...I'm going with it :)

Happy Crafting!

Pink and Brown Lavender Sachets

2010-01-27T21:54:00.001-08:00

I am absolutely in love with these beautiful pink and brown lavender sachets. Each time I look at them I think of the lovely evening that my mom and I spent outside in the rain, flashlights and a cookie sheet in hand, picking organic lavender and lemons and rosemary from her garden. It was a simple moment but one that I cherish and these little sachets are just the thing to keep me thinking about those joyful snapshots of life.

Let me know if you'd like a set of these in time for Valentine's Day and I will be happy to chat with you!

Happy Crafting :)

If at first you DO succeed...Celebrate!!!

2010-01-27T19:45:00.000-08:00

I am now officially the owner of a sewing machine! All of the ladies in my life (ok, my dad and husband, too!) have been telling me for months that I need to stop sewing by hand, buckle down, and buy a sewing machine. So, I did! Through Costco of all places.

I unwrapped the newest member of our family this evening, and after finishing a paper for school, (which was tough with a new toy in the other room!) I set out to conquer the straight stitch. I have been dreading this for quite some time, to be honest, as the two machines I have tried sewing on have outsmarted me...but I actually sewed a straight line right out the gate...no one could have been more surprised than me!!

Well, I'm off to find a fun project to work on. Check back in later for the first finished sewing machine project!

Happy Crafting!

Modern Tree Pin Cushions

2010-01-23T00:54:00.000-08:00

I keep losing my sewing pins. Well, actually I think that my cat is stealing them and hiding them where we will strategically step on them! Anyway, I suppose it's my fault that I keep losing my pins and sewing needles because I've never had a pincushion. But, to be honest, I just can't get behind the little tomato pincushions so I asked Chris to design me a modern pincushion that looked like a tree (I was inspired by some Softie Christmas Trees by LucyKate Crafts but I wanted mine to be different dimensions, hence, the new pattern).

Chris diligently, and ever so methodically, made me a paper pattern fit for an engineer and, after asking him to explain the various tabs, slots and angles, I was able to follow his technical instructions to a tree (sorry, I couldn't resist the bad pun) and I think that they turned out to be absolutely adorable! I love the purple and green tree with the fabric flower topper and the big brown button on the green and brown tree really makes me smile. Not only are they cute enough to leave on my desk even when I'm not crafting, they are incredibly sturdy and practical!

(Yes, mom, I know I promised you the brown one...I'll give it to you soon, I promise!)

I am now inspired to see what other fun designs I can come up with for pincushions. I'd love to hear about your ideas...send me a pic and I will post them here with a blurb from you :)

Happy Crafting!

Lavender, Rosemary and Pine ~ Oh My!

2010-01-20T18:00:00.000-08:00

Picture from wordpress.com

I absolutely LOVE the smells of lavender, rosemary and pine - among others. Even in the heart of winter, when the trees have lost their leaves, they can be found in abundance here in California. I know that I'm lucky to live in a place that offers these gifts year-round and I figured that I should start taking advantage of their wonderful uses rather than letting them wilt on their stems.

Age old tradition, and my fabulous sister, state that lavender should always be planted on the new moon and cut on the full moon but my patience doesn't always allow for me to wait for the full moon so my concession is cutting it at night. I am beginning to learn that some fragrant plants and some fruits and vegetables are best cut at different times of day. Unfortunately for me, many of the edibles in our garden call for morning harvesting so I am reveling in this tradition of harvesting lavender at night! There is something so magical about a garden at night ~ ever since I was a child I have envisioned the Secret Garden by moonlight.

If you have a garden, and it's not too cold where you live, go out one evening and play!

I have two plans for the lavender, pine and rosemary (beautiful handmade fabric sachets and organic bath salts!) but, for now, all three are drying in bunches in the garage. Stay tuned for the end products and tutorials soon :)

I was also thinking of doing some sachets and organic bath salts with dried citrus peels which are also in season here...something about the luxurious scents of lemon, orange and lime just say "clean" to me. Which scents speak to you?

Happy Crafting!

Eco Friendly, Washable Cloth Baggies

2010-01-18T19:57:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you but I can't even fathom the number of plastic bags and Ziploc bags floating around out there! I figure it's time to start reducing my plastic output so I found this tutorial a while back and then started to put my own little twist on each bag in the form of buttons, flowers, ribbons, etc. to give them a little flair. They all have a fun contrasting inner fabric as well. Of course, I gave all of the embellished baggies away so the baggies I have to post here are a bit less fun but there are more fun colors and fun embellishments in the making!

I can't imagine that I will ever run out of uses for these little beauties. So far they have held food, crafting supplies, notecards, batteries, toiletries, electronics, pencils/pens, and corks! My mom and I made about 30 of them and they made the most brilliant stocking stuffers and gifts for Christmas. They've also made great gifts for birthdays. I wrapped up a set for my friend in a pretty ribbon and clipped a fabric flower on top for fun. She loved it!

I would love to see your version if you make any! Either email me a picture or send me a link in a comment and I will post it to this blog :)

Happy Crafting!

If you would like to purchase any of the baggies in this blog, or if you would like me to make you some in special colors, email me! I can either post them up on Etsy or do individual transactions. I'd be just as happy if you want to make your own...anything is a step in the right plastic-reducing direction :)

Cork Wreaths

2010-01-18T01:50:00.001-08:00

When I first started crafting, these cork wreaths were my first major accomplishment! I have made about eight of them now and they live in my friend's and family's houses around the country...one even went all the way to Michigan from my home state of California!

Cork Wreath Tutorial:

Step 1: Purchase a Styrofoam wreath (I purchase mine at Michael's but I am sure they are available at all craft stores) 12 inches in diameter.

Step 2: Spray paint the wreath using a dark brown paint. I used whatever we had lying around since it was going to be mostly covered anyway.

Step 3: I layer the inside circle with champagne corks - alternating right side up and upside down as shown in the picture below. I use a hot glue gun to glue the corks in place. You could use just normal corks but I like the thickness of the champagne corks.

Step 4: Use a hot glue gun to glue the on corks until you like the shape of your wreath! I asked my friends and family to save me corks and you'd be amazed at how many they found for me! Many wineries, restaurants and bars will also give you their corks if you ask nicely :)

Step 5: Attach either a hand-made or store bought bow using your glue gun or the twist tie that comes with many store bought bows. I love the Martha Stewart bows that they sell at KMart though this year the selection wasn't as good as in years past.

Step 6: Add embellishments like small ornaments, vines with grape bunches, etc. The possibilities are endless!

Step 7: Cut a circle with an outside diameter of 12 inches and and inside diameter of 8 inches out of a sturdy material (I used 1/4 inch Masonite and cut it with a Band saw - well, to give credit where credit's due my Dad cut it for me as the Band saw is at his house) then drill a nail hole into the top of the circle. Next, glue the Masonite ring to the back of the wreath - I find that wood glue works very well. *You may want to drill the nail hole after attaching the Masonite ring to the wreath to ensure that the wreath hangs exactly how you want it and you don't accidentally place the nail hole so that the ribbon hangs sideways...not that I have done that or anything! ;)

Step 8: Hang your wreath and enjoy!

I will be selling cork wreaths in addition to cork trivets and coasters on my Etsy shop once I get it up and running (I'm waiting for our new computer to arrive as our old one doesn't seem to want to run many programs any more!) but if you would like me to make you one of these beautiful wreaths please send me an email by clicking on the email tab on this blog. Vist again soon for tutorials on cork trivets and coasters!

Chris and I (with a little help from my parents!) made these cork coasters as favors for our wedding in 2007.

Valentine's Day Fabric Bookmarks

2010-01-16T23:29:00.000-08:00

I always love making small Valentine's Day gifts for all of the women in my life and the one thing that they all have in common is an avid love of reading. So, after purchasing these adorable Valentine's Day fat quarters on sale at Joanne's today I thought I would take a shot at making hand-sewn bookmarks for all of the ladies on my list.

They were super simple to make - even for me who still does all of my sewing by hand!

Step 1: Cut two pieces of fabric 2 by 6 inches (on some I used brown felt as the backing and on some I used two corresponding fabrics). Then cut out a piece of thin cardboard 1 1/2 inches by 5 1/2 inches.

Step 2: Pin the fabrics (right side together) and trace a rectangle (using the piece of cardboard measuring 1 1/2 inches by 5 1/2 inches) onto the center of one of the pieces of fabric. Next, insert the cardboard cut out between the pieces of fabric and sew around three sides of the cardboard - following the pencil line traced onto the fabric.

**To add a seamless ribbon at the top, lay a piece of looped ribbon INSIDE the fabric layers (on the 1 1/2 inch side that will be the top of the bookmark when turned right-side out) with a small portion of the bottom of the loop sticking out and sew the three sides as mentioned above. (You would do this much like you would sew on a tag).**

Step 3: Once three sides are sewn shut, remove the cardboard cut out and turn the material right side out. Re-insert the cardboard cutout into the bookmark sleeve you have just created.

Step 4: Pin the last side shut (which will be the bottom of your bookmark) and top stitch.

Step 5: The possible embellishments are endless! I think I will make a few with applique initials and can't wait to see how they turn out. I really like the one with the button but after I did it, it occurred to me that it might be a bit too thick between the pages of a book.

Happy Crafting!

P.S. I couldn't leave the guys out so I made them some bookmarks out of incredibly soft flannel my good friend gave me when she made pajama pants for her husband. I really wish you could reach through the screen and touch this material...it's amazingly soft.

All Washed Up

2010-01-13T19:52:00.000-08:00

You wouldn't believe the things I find in the washing machine, being married to an ER Nurse...syringes, vials of narcotics (yes, those were returned to the hospital post haste), rubber gloves, alcohol wipes, pens, an old Burt's Bee's container of Vick's Vapor Rub, and, most recently, my Subaru keys.

Drat.

I tried to unscrew the whole key fob device like I could on my Nissan keys after they took a little dip in the ocean but the Subaru fob has no screws! You literally can't get into the thing. So, on the advice from a brilliant little birdie from Washington I placed my keys, fob and all, into a container of uncooked rice and and when I wake up tomorrow rumor has it that all will be well. I sure hope it works!

Thanks, Washington Birdie ;)

Carrie's Crafts - Embellished Rainbow Scarf

2010-01-13T19:17:00.000-08:00

Carrie knit this beautiful rainbow scarf and then embellished it with matching ribbons from Michael's. The ribbons make it so much fun! She also used a fabric flower that she made for an extra pop of color. And apparently, the scarf doubles as Max's new cat toy :)

The Written Word

2010-01-13T17:52:00.001-08:00

I really wish that the written word would make a comeback in the form of hand written notes. There's nothing like rifling through the catalogues and impersonal mailings each day and finding a hand written note from friends and family. It is one of those small gestures that really warms my heart. I obviously love Facebook-ing (did I just verb a noun, again?) and email and google chat but they just don't hold a candle to note cards.

Here are a few of the most recent note cards that I have been making with the purpose of sending out "just because" cards.

A Bit of Whimsy

2010-01-12T21:20:00.000-08:00

I love flowers...real, fabric, painted...it doesn't matter! What girl doesn't?! I've discovered a fabulous use for the small fabric scraps left over from bigger projects and have been making colorful and whimsical flowers to adorn all sorts of things. I've used fabric, paper, tulle, beads, buttons, sewing thread and am going to try using the thick colored paper/cloth that came on the bouquet of flowers Chris bought me yesterday.

My favorite so far is a attaching a fabric flower to a plain colored beanie.

Carrie loves attaching them to scarves (pics to follow) and they are adorable clumped together on plain t-shirts and sweaters. The possibilities are endless!

BRIEF TUTORIAL:

To make these beautiful flowers cut three strips of desired fabric in varying lengths and widths. Hold the end of one strip between your thumb and forefinger and gather it together in a circular motion toward the middle to make petals. Once you have your desired shape, pin to hold in place. Once all three layers are made, sew them together with embroidery thread and embellish to your heart's content!

Voile - a!

2010-01-12T20:58:00.000-08:00

I purchased four crinkle voile window sheer treatments with my mom some time back with the intention of putting them up in the living room but the effect made Chris and I crinkle our noses and do the German Shepherd head tilt...which if you own a Shepherd is precious but it isn't a good look on humans. So the window treatments have been living in the guest room (is there a theme developing here?!) for months and months. The other day I pulled them out and thought that they might add a touch of class to the guest bathroom. So, up they went with a bit of ribbon borrowed from the crafting department otherwise known as the office. I rather like the outcome!

The only obstacle happened this morning when the cat tried to jump from the counter to the top of the shower railing and the cat and the shower curtain treatments all took a rather raucous tumble. No one or thing was injured in the process, thank goodness. Just another day in the life...

Sarah's Crafts: Matching Burp Cloth and Bib

2010-01-12T20:40:00.001-08:00

I'm glad it was Sarah who took this brave step with her kitty and not me trying to put a bib on the Boy Cat! She ingeniously used the diameter of the cat's neck to determine how big the neck hole should be. Her Facebook quote, "ten pound cat = ten pound baby!" Love it.

Check out this cute burp cloth/bib combination Sarah made for her friend, Rachel's little one :)

A New Frame of Mind

2010-01-11T23:58:00.000-08:00

After putting up the new Washington Foilage pictures in the dining room, the old IKEA frames and pictures were retired to the floor in the guest room. I have been wanting to do some art with scrap paper and thought that the frames needed a new look so I spray painted the frames white and used some of the papers that I had lying around the house to make this abstract "tree" art for the master bedroom.

Winter's Offering

2010-01-11T23:47:00.000-08:00

Well, I finally buckled down and did the winter task that I dread most; I butchered the roses. I can't use the word trim...because hacking off all of the lovely stems is nothing less than an act of war. Maybe that's why it's called the War of the Roses! Yeah, probably not but it sure feels like an appropriate term for what I did. As an ode to their glory I saved the last winter bloom as a reminder that the stumpy rose bushes will indeed fight their way back into bloom as they do every year.

"Love is much like a wild rose, beautiful and calm, but willing to draw blood in its defense." ~Mark Overby

Once In A Blue Moon

2010-01-11T20:42:00.000-08:00

New Year's Eve 2009 just happened to be a blue moon and I just happened to be up in the High Sierras for the week with Chris and Carrie so we trudged outside in the 17 degree cold to take a few pictures. Our computer is on the fritz which means that Chris can't mess with the pics on photoshop which in turn means that this eerily spooky pic actually happened!

One Foot, Two Feet

2010-01-11T20:36:00.000-08:00

I whipped up this homemade (and hand-stitched!), rice-filled foot warmer for my father-in-law for Christmas with some left-over fabric scraps.

He reported back last week that he is delighted with it but, "it sure would be nice if it warmed up both feet." Errr...right. Sorry about that oversight, Jay. I didn't even measure the fabric last time so I think "winging it" is in order. So, back to the drawing board I go to make a foot warmer to his specifications of "longer and narrower"...

It's so easy to make...just take two fabrics of your desired size, pin them right sides together, sew three sides, fill with rice, and top stitch the last side!

Thyme and Kumquat Infused Vodka

2010-01-11T20:20:00.000-08:00

Chris has been wanting to try this Kumquat Digestif from Sunset Western Magazine so tonight we headed to our local Nugget Grocery Store to purchase kumquats and thyme. One of my goals for spring is to start an herb garden in our garden but for now store bought will suffice!

It has to sit in the fridge for three weeks so look for a future posting on our tasting review!

A Saturday Evening Well Spent

2010-01-10T03:34:00.001-08:00

I have been eyeing our fireplace for quite some time and have decided that a make-over is finally in the cards. When we first tried to use the fireplace eons ago we spent the evening coughing, gagging, cleaning, and, ultimately learning the hard way that our fire place doesn't draw correctly. Since then it has been an eyesore and, needless to say, it is past time for a re-purposing visit.

After viewing Centsational Girl's post (http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2009/10/some-like-it-hot/) about using heat resistant paint to update her outdated brass fireplace doors I decided to jump on the bandwagon. So, of course, I called Chris is for a bit of organized demolition. Before we knew it the cat wanted a piece of the action, too!

Stay tuned for the "After" images!