a bow.

Of all the things I made this christmas, there's one thing that stands out in my mind: a bow.
Yep! I had run out of wrapping paper and needed something to make this package pretty! so, I cut up some strips of leftover newspaper and made a great bow.

And here is how I did it!

I started out by using a paper cutter to make one inch strips the length of the newspaper. I then cut those strips in half. I took the ends of each strip and matched them up, creating a loop at the end, and taping it to an eight inch circle I cut out of copier paper. 

 

I kept going around in around, taping each looped strip next to one another. Be sure that each layer covers the layer beneath it. 

After taping the loops as far as I could, I took two strips, made a cross and tape them into a circle to make a nice center. And there you have it! An easy and simple bow to make with materials you probably have on hand! 

2011.

Inside a sweet package I received in the mail, were three beautiful field notes books. The sender, just as sweet as the package, knows my love of the field notes because it was he who facilitated my addiction in the first place. Because I always carry one in my bag, I thought it only appropriate to put down my goals for the year 2011 in my brand spankin' new one.

• create a pattern line
• turn in a book proposal
• make 50 walri
• bulk up etsy to 100 listings
• attend/vendor 8 craft shows
• blog at least 1/wk, 4x if possible
• remodel bathroom
• paint kitchen floor
• purchase new couch
• have a gorgeous roommate i get to kiss a lo
• see the ocean
• learn swedish
• ride my bike
• learn to make croissants
• be a better friend
• write more letters/postcards
• start zine

I finally got my christmas tree put up. I somehow lost my holiday cheer, had to send some elves for it, they found it, shipped it usps, and of course, it took forever to get here! However, when I pulled it out of the box, my faith in the holiday season was restored, and here is my lovely, handmade christmas tree. 

I started with a box of mismatched ribbon tied their ends together, and wrapped it around and around. Of course, I saved the pretty yellow satin bow for the top. 

I made pretty house ornaments out of scrap fabric and buttons. 

that mimicked the stuffed houses I've been making all year. 

then I added pretty ginger girls and boys. with funky bows attached. 

 Oh! And snowflakes!

And here it is! The glow at night can wipe any holiday blues away. 

Amy Butler's In Stitches. Bike Basket! Cardboard Cat Scratcher.

Dandelion Dog Collar for the Pup. Eggplant Cowl. Lots and Lots of Felt from BenzieBazaar.

Garden Arbor. Holiday Parade Dress. Illustrated 2010 Calendar. Jean Jacket

Kitchen-Aid Stand Mixer. Lilac PomPom Poppy Seeds. My Wire Empire Print. Nebraska Land.

One Yard Wonders. Persuasion. Time to finish my Quilt.  [fake] Rodinal.

Sofa. Trampoline of the exercise variety. Umbrella. Versace perfum. 

Wooden French Rolling Pin.  Xhilaration Leather Boots. Yashica 635. Zebra Print Tights.

Today.

listening: to the hum of a furnace fan.

eating: too much toast.

drinking:  mulled cider. 

wearing:  double layers of leggings.

feeling: crunched for time.

outside: cooooooooooooooold and white.

wanting: lots more mornings like today.

needing:  dinner.

thinking: about decorating my tree.

enjoying: hand stitching and christmas present making.

wondering: how good I'd look in a sequined cocktail dress.

A peek into my creative space. Part 1.

I have this small obsession with seeing other creator's workspaces. So, I thought I'd start a short series on what mine looks like. The first is the table by the couch. I do most of my finishing late night under a bright overhead light while watching whatever syrupy sweet romance that makes it into my dvd player. I keep most everything in big heavy bowls that I pick up at thrift stores and yard sales.

1. This bowl holds thread, rickrack, my hot glue gun, ribbons, findings, pin backs and the like. Pretty much everything you'd ever need to embellish or finish.
2. The best typewriter, ever. Did you know that if you heat set printer ink, it will stay permanently? I use this for labels and embellishing. Five dollars at a yard sale, even better!
3. Bowl of vintage buttons for embellishing. Sometimes, I like the cards that hold them more than the buttons. I'm a design geek, what can I say?
4. A pin cushion made by the lady who taught me paper piecing. I think I will love her forever.
5. Bowl of embroidery thread.
6. Big hole punch and the DVD remote. both vitally important.
7. This is a tic tac toe board my great grampa made. you twist the bottom and it opens to two long holes that hold the marbles that you play with. It's such a neat little design and it makes me insanely happy.
8. Jar of in the shell peanuts for a healthy snack. plus breaking the shells calms the nerves.
9. Scissors. I have a million pairs of scissors.
10. Lockable picnic basket to keep finished product away from the cats.
11. Fabric idea board for laying out patchwork. ONE DOLLAR AT A YARD SALE!
12. Dissected pillows. I buy pillows because they are cheaper than a bag of polyfill! I have found the quality is just about the same as well. smart, huh?
13. I love this little round table. I found it at a thrift store for five bucks. It is the perfect height for work at the couch. and it is pretty. What else could you ask for?

Sunday afternoon.

listening: sunday football chatter.

eating: paper bag popcorn.

drinking: coffee. sugar. sprinkle of cinnamon.  

wearing: big thick socks.

feeling: exhausted. too much craftiness.

outside: chilly and super sunny.

wanting: a wall to be built.

needing: a nap and a hug and someone to play with my hair.

thinking: I need a roommate.

enjoying: craft show success.

wondering: if I can sleep in in the morning.