Showing posts with label recycled wool. Show all posts
Showing posts with label recycled wool. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Some Purple Passion

I've been very creatively challenged for many months now. It seems I've lost my desire to create. You have no idea how hard that statement is for me to make. I have always created and have always HAD to create. It's just who I've always been and what I've always done.

I'm not sure - but I think I got to a point in my wool work where I was feeling like I was just pumping out product because I had to - not because I was enjoying it. I work a full-time job in addition to working my creations. I'm not using that as an excuse - because many other people do the same - but I think I just became exhausted and burned out.

While cleaning through some things a couple weeks ago, I ran across some of my first wool experiential pieces. When I looked at them, they were all individual pieces - nothing amazing or earth-shattering, but what many of them had in common was the extra detailed work.

Suddenly it hit me - maybe what I'm missing is not the creating - but perhaps the enjoyment of relaxing, spending as long as I needed on each piece, and the joy of putting more detailed, loving care into each item.

I'm going to move forward trying to balance the need-to-get-done and the want-to-spend-time-on pieces. There is enjoyment in both. With balance.

Anyway....here's a little peek at one of my first items - a small clutch/coin bag. I hand embroidered flowers and leaves on the front and the word "Grow" on the back with simple blanket-stitching around the entire piece. I still love the great shades of purple. [Well, duh, of course I would. :-)]








Thursday, August 2, 2012

Fit for a Princess

I saw this adorable little crown in one of the latest issues of Mollie Makes. [I do so love that magazine!]

So...I couldn't help but think of a friend of mine who loves to be a princess [I previously made her an all-wool full-size crown!] and knew I had to make her a finger-puppet crown as well. It stands 1/2" high and fits wonderfully on my index finger.



My friend, Sally, lives in another state - and I haven't sent her the royal crown yet - but I'll have to get it in the mail to her soon. Most likely, her finger is feeling quite naked without it.

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Chip It!

I just discovered a cool new online tool called Chip It! created by Sherwin-Williams. Chip It! takes a photo, pulls out some prominent colors, then provides coordinating paint chips along-side the photo. LovE it!

I've seen many photos recently featuring this tool - but had no idea how it was accomplished. It's amazingly simple - you upload your photo and click a button. It's that easy!

Check out a few photos of my wool projects using Chip It!.








Monday, March 12, 2012

Yakkity, Yak, Yak

Peeps are fed. Beaks are on. Eyes are in place. And you should hear the peeps talk! It's non-stop!

"Whew. We finally made it. We got fed, we got sight, and we got beaks! Together at last. Free to talk..... Free to chat..... Free to sing..... Free to lift up our smalls wings while we sing!"

"And, boy, we've got some catching up to do! You wouldn't believe it - I had the best fiber-filled casserole this weekend. Filled me to the brim. It was light, white, and fluffy - just like mashed potatoes.  No gravy, of course. I've never been much to like a lot of gravy. Puts too many curves in the wrong places - so they say. Dessert? Well, of course I had some! A sweet, strawberry frozen treat was just what my beak was watering for. Brought tears to my new little black beady eyes. Do you ever have tears in your eyes? I do. It's an amazing thing. Just like rain from the sky. I love rain from the sky. I love the sky. It's blue. Blue is very pretty."

"Me? Well, of course I was sooooo excited to see that my new pink-spring-fling one-sie was laid out for me to wear. I love the fit of it - it is perfect for my slightly flushed complexion - and, I must say, I think I look simply adorable! A hat? Heavens no - I don't think I need a hat with it - do you? Although with Easter approaching, a new bonnet would be quite lovely. If I get a new bonnet, I won't have to worry about a new hair style. I've always been quite particular about my hair, but as of late, it seems like I worry less and less about it. It's part of growing older, I guess. I'm no spring chick, you know. Well wait....maybe I am."

"Busy? Oh my word, I just cannot understand how busy I've been as of late. Seems I'm picking seed here - finding water droplets there - it's work, work, work. Now the penguin, do you ever see him as busy as us peeps? Oh, sure - they do they share of waddling to and fro - but is there a purpose? I suppose there is. But I've never understood the penguin. Why wouldn't they want to be bright, light peep colors like us? They are constantly stuck in their black and white suits. I think it's high time someone gives them a little makeover. When's the last time the penguin had a makeover? Why not add a dash of blue....or certainly purple. Why not purple? It's the color of royalty, don't you know? Royalty is so......royal."

"Oh for the simply wonderful weather we've had this weekend. Birds singing, breeze blowing, peeps peeping....yakkity....yak....yak...."

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Craftstravaganza!

I'm thrilled to announce that I've been accepted into Craftstravaganza 2012!

It's an annual urban craft fair held in St. Paul, Minnesota and this year will be held on May 12. There aren't any 2012 details posted yet on their web page, but as soon as I see more information come available, I'll let you know.

I am very anxious...as well as a little nervous - because I believe it will be the largest sale I've participated in. All I know right now is that I better get busy, busy, busy!

Monday, January 16, 2012

In Preparation

I worked on a few hearts this weekend in preparation for Valentine's Day. That day of reds, pinks, chocolates, smooches, loves, hugs, and winks will be here before we know it!

I found some fantastic red and white polka dot fabric at the thrift store and couldn't resist pairing it with my wool to make some hanging hearts. I think they turned out kind of fun - even though photo-op-day was snowy and chilly! By the time I got done taking photos, my hands were red and pink from the cold!





Saturday, January 14, 2012

Felted Clippings

Clip your chips. Clip you papers. Clip your bread bag. Clip your nose.

The clip-list can go on and on.

I love the old-fashioned never-out-of-style wooden clothespin. But why clip with an everyday clothespin? Felt them!

With just a little all-purpose glue, some felted scraps, and a little close trimming with a sharp scissor, you can have your own wool clothespins.





Or....if you don't want to take the time to do your own - come on over and get some in my Etsy store!  :-)

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

2011 Wool Review

Since working on my imovies project for STITCHED, I now am like a kid with a new toy! So I decided to make a short video showcasing some of the wool work that I've done during the year.

So, here's a peek at my year in wool-review....

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

My First Trailer

I'm slowing working toward completing my workshop for STITCHED. If you haven't checked it out yet, hop on over and see what great fun has been created for this learning project.

In my preparation for my workshop, I couldn't help but create a little "spoof trailer" of my workshop and I just had to share with you.

Hope you enjoy.  :-)

Friday, December 9, 2011

Ho Ho Ho at Cafe Wren

I had a great day today at an art sale at Cafe Wren in Luck, Wisconsin! (I'm the nut in the middle.)

The sale has a room full of awesome items - and you still have tomorrow and Sunday to check it out. I marked a few items off my Christmas list by the time I left today! Score!

Monday, December 5, 2011

STITCHED

It's on it's way!


Oh my goodness, I'm so excited to again announce this fantastic program called STITCHED. It is a group of 20 very talented fiber artists (oh, did I happen to mention that I'M one of them!?!). Each artist has prepared a video workshop showing how to make one of their wonderful creations. A one time fee gives you access to all 20 of the videos!

My video shows how to create one of my flower garden pillows. I have to be honest with you - it was quite a feat getting to this point - it allowed me to branch into an entirely new area of my work that I never imagined myself doing. Although we are most often our worst critics, I'm actually quite proud of my finished product.

Click on the link below to learn more about how to register for this exciting program - there is so much goodness and talent to be seen!

Click here to view more details

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Snowball Give-away

Oh my gosh - I've been so busy lately with other projects, that I almost forgot to post my give-away for hitting 100 Etsy sales!

I've decided that since it's now snowball-weather here in Wisconsin, it would make perfect sense to give away some wool snowballs.



I'm going to do two give-aways - with each winner receiving a set of three snowballs.

How do you enter, you ask? Simple - just drop a note in the comment section below. Just tell me - what is your favorite thing to do in the snow?

My favorite thing, you ask? I guess it would be walking the quiet streets late at night (late for me is 10:00 pm!) with big snowflakes softly landing on my eyelashes when I look up into the sparkly sky.

My second favorite thing? Being cuddled up and warm inside my house while it continues to snow outside!

(Since this is a very busy time of year for everyone, I'll give you one week from today to enter. I'll hold the drawing next Sunday evening and have the packages ready for shipping on Monday morning.)

Monday, November 28, 2011

Just Tickled Purple

I have been fortunate enough to supply an awesome store, Simply Bungalow, (Lincoln, Nebraska) with some of my wool items. I just sent a shipment of scarves to them this morning and decided it was time I jump back on their fun blog and check up on their recent posts.

Imagine my surprise when I saw a photo of one of my recycled wool tape measures! It was part of a recent giveaway promotion. Well, you should know that I was just tickled purple to see it there - how fun!

From simplybungalow.blogspot.com
And speaking of giveaway promotions.....stay tuned for information about mine coming soon!

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

TA DA!

I just hit my 100 sales mark! How exciting! Watch in the next few days for my wool give-away announcement and how to be included!
pbblogspot.com


Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Flowers are a-Blooming

What? I don't think that November is typically the big blooming season in Wisconsin - but, believe me, flowers are a-blooming at my house!

I've been making wool flowers magnets and they are multiplying (and rather addicting to make!)! Here's just a few...





Sunday, November 20, 2011

In the 100's

Ooohhh La Laaaaa!

I've been creeping towards my 100th sale on Etsy for some time now. When I was at 75 sales, I promised that when I make my 100th sale, I'd celebrate the milestone by giving away one of my products.

Well.....I'm just about there! You can see below on my "Shop Info" that I'm now only one sale away! I'm hoping that I'll be able to announce my give-away to you soon - so stay tuned!

And, I'm really not trying to boast, but last year I shared with you when I received 100 shop "hearts" and how exciting that was. Right now I'm am over-the-purple-moon-truly-honored to show you below that I now have 430 admirers! I still can't believe it - because I'm just a little wool fish in a big old pond - but it's sure been fun learning to swim on Etsy! Thanks to Etsy and all of my supporters!


Shop Info
            Policies
            Request custom item
            Opened on Jul 6, 2009
            99 sales
            430 admirers 

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Keeping the Bubbly Warm

I'm not someone who likes wine, but I have some friends who do. They recently (okay, if truth be known, it was about 2 1/2 months ago) celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. Since I don't see them too often, I'm safe in presenting their gift at a later date.

Now, as I said - I don't drink wine, so imagine how confused I was heading into the liqueur store looking for the perfect bottle. With a little help from the clerk (who I swear headed me to the more expensive bottles on purpose), I happily headed home with my bottle.

I had already decided that I would make a little wool stocking hat and scarf for the bottle. Personally, I don't see the need to give a bottle a hat and scarf but I thought they would get a kick out of it. And, heck, a lot of people don't see the need to cover their lotion dispenser in felted wool, but I do. So....to each his own!  :-)

A snip here, a stitch there, and a little handmade pompom right on the tip, it was done. I think their little bottle will keep nice and toasty until - they decide to chill it!