What I've Been Up To, Part 1 - The Lavendar Tree

I think I've been busy getting ready for the Art and Garden Sale this weekend.

I say that I "think" I've been busy - because it sure seems like I've been busy working on my wool, but when I pulled it all together on Monday evening to mark it for the sale, it didn't seem like I had enough product. I guess that's the it's-never-quite-enough part of me talking. Also, it's always a little difficult participating in a new sale because I am never quite sure of the expectations for that particular event - so, of course, the first thing I do is question myself.

However, rather than frantically working up until the very last moment (which often is what I typically do), I've decided that, this time - it will be enough.....good-enough, product-enough, quality-enough. Is that what they mean by enough is enough?

Anyway.....here's a little peek at some of my sale items for this weekend.

First, I wanted to have a few low cost items. I decided a simple little owl key chain might be nice. I used a thicker wool for these and pieces of recycled leather for the eyes. You can't see it in the photos, but I also used a "seam" piece of wool (sewn securely to the top of the owl's head) as a loop to hang the actual key ring on.

Then - sometimes I get a great wool sweater to felt, but it's incredibly thick. For many of my projects, it's difficult to work with that thick of a fabric. However, I was pretty tickled with myself for deciding to create some functional-fun coasters out of the otherwise unused felt.

I simply cut felt circles and began sewing a continuous spiral onto each circle piece (boy, they take a lot of thread!) - I made a sets consisting of 4 coasters. I then tied each set of coasters with a thin twine and adorned with two leaves with eyelets.

Since the sale is being held at a coffee shop/cafe, I think coasters will be a nice fit. Imagine them paired with a great bag of coffee beans as a nice gift for your favorite coffee drinker!

I'm hoping that they are a hit - and if so, I'll make a few for my Etsy shop. (I really love the striped ones!)

Stay tuned, next time I'll share a bit more of what I've been busy with!