catching up

Sorry I haven't posted anything in a while, but I've been working on a million different projects (as usual) which I'm finally finishing up on. Here's a couple for today.  The first pic is of these adorable little skeleton guys- I'm loving them!! Note, I made two different sizes-the joys of enlarging patterns! The most difficult/ time consuming part of this project was cutting out all the little bones. There was only minimal hand sewing, and the rest was glued. I did sew the edges on the sewing machine though (much quicker!) I found the pattern in a free download from http://www.babylock.com/. You have to sign up for their newsletter in order to get the download, but he was too cute to pass up! There were some other fun patterns in there too, but since I'm not great with the sewing... lol.

I also finished the Halloween garland that I had started a while ago. I saw this idea on several different sites, but you can customize it however you want. I found shapes to use as templates by doing a google search (ex. bat, ghost, pumpkin, candy corn, etc). Just print, cut, sew (and stuff them a little), glue to the ribbon, add some bows, and you have your very own Halloween garland! This craft could also be adapted for kids by using paper instead of felt.

The last pic is of these cutie little owls! I actually bought the kit at Michael's. I fully admit it was in with the kids crafts, but I find it hard to resist anything with super cute owls!- especially when they have googly eyes! lol. Just an FYI to any other owl-lovers out there, Target has some pretty cute and funky owl stuff in their dollar section right now, and yes, I did buy some! So much crafting, so little time! I'm working on some upcycled Halloween crafts that I will do tutorials for (or at least try my best to- and I promise pics this time!) I will also be posting some other fun projects this week inspired by a recent craze over a certain designer. Hmmm, any guesses? That's it for now, so until next time... Happy Crafting!!

snowmen!!- and they're ready for some football!!

I found this pattern for these little crocheted snowmen in a craft magazine and thought they were too cute so of course, I had to make one- which turned into a few, and then a few more!lol. I love snowmen, and they are one of the few things that I collect (along with owls), but I am by no means an obsessed collector! I like to 'collect' snowmen that I make myself- but sometimes I can't resist those cute little faces on the store-bought ones. So here's some of the snowmen that I made- I did one Xmas-y and the other more snowy. After I made the first few I thought, how can I make this little guy even more adorable? So I looked over and saw Gio's Jets blanket and decided that was it, these snowmen would be football fans! Perfect! Here's my first one that I made, Jets of course!- but I did make a few other teams too since not everyone shares my love of the best team in football! Until next time, Happy Crafting!!!

Christmas crochet

Today I decided to switch it up a little and work on some Xmas crochet. I found the pattern for these ornaments in a magazine (Holiday Crafting by Better Homes & Gardens) that has a million fun holiday crafts for fall and Xmas. The pattern was pretty simple (a ball) with the hanger on top. I think that these would be great in a bunch of colors and sizes. They're also great for using up scraps from your yarn stash since they don't rake much to make. These were made with a size E crochet hook but if you follow the pattern and just use different size hooks then you can make a variety of ornaments. These would also be great for a kids Xmas tree since they're pretty kid/pet-proof (unbreakable and no small parts to eat)! I also found a pattern in the magazine for a snowman that is super cute- that just might be tomorrow's project! Until then... Happy Crafting!!

fabric flowers

I've been wanting to try and make some fabric flowers- the kind with the melted edges- for a while now. So, the other day I was at the fabric store and I happened to find some remnants that were on clearance that I thought would be perfect to try it out. There's a lot of tutorials out there on how to make these, but it's really pretty basic. If you can cut circles (or random circle-like shapes) and light a candle, then you too can make these! I should've taken pictures of the steps as I was making the flowers but I forgot, so here's what I did.

1. Cut circles  (or other random shapes) out of fabric. The circles should vary in size by 1/2", for example, my largest circle was 4" diameter, and each circle was decreased by a 1/2" down to the center petal which was 1" diameter. You can make them any size, as this is just a suggestion.The fabric has to be satin, organza, or something similar. You can get creative here and either mix colors or types of fabrics.
2. Light a candle, and start to move the circles around the flame to singe and melt the edges of the petals. Some fabrics melt and curl quicker so I recommend trying it out first on a scrap piece of your fabric before curling your actual petals.
3. Stack the petals up with the larger ones on the bottom and the smallest in the center.

4. Sew the petals together in the middle with small stitches (so that they don't show later when finishing). I took about 4 or 5 stitches just to hold the petals in place.
5. Cut out a small circle of felt and glue to the back using craft glue. This will give the flower a little stability and give you a place to attach a pin or clip.
6. To finish, I hot glued a small rhinstone to the center to cover up the stitches where the petals are attached. You can use beads, pearls, buttons, or any other smal embellishment. I also hot glued a pin to the felt circle on the back.
7. Wear your fabulous new pin! I like mine on my bag, but they would look great on a tshirt or cardigan too.

If you would like to see the steps in pictures, check out this site. Their flower is a little different than mine but it's the same basic idea: http://www.holiday-crafts-and-creations.com/how-to-make-fabric-flowers.html
Until next time, Happy Crafting!!

super cute felt banners

Today I finally finished my felt banners- one Halloween, and the other one is fall-themed. I LOVE the way they turned out! Of course, I had to make a few changes since I had to work with what I had. The fall one has been done for a while now, I just had to make the buttons and attach the ribbon. I found another template on the same website for a Halloween banner too, and I just had to make it. There's a Christmas one too that I haven't started yet but I'll get to it eventually! There's also a couple of other banners and wall hangings on the site for other holidays too. What I love about these banners, is that the background is a 9x12 sheet of felt so they're small, and you can use up your scraps for all the different shapes. This is a great project for crafters of any skill level since you can get a little creative with the instructions. I don't see any reason why you couldn't glue the shapes on the banner instead of hand sewing. Even if you don't have any felt at home, you could easily make this project for about $1 - $2 (it just depends on if the felt squares are on sale- and they are at Michael's this week!) If you want to make your own banner, here's the link for the Halloween banner: http://www.holiday-crafts-and-creations.com/homemade-halloween-decorations-banner.html  And here's the link to the fall/harvest banner: http://www.holiday-crafts-and-creations.com/thanksgiving-crafts-to-make-banner.html  Remember, be creative, use what you have, and have fun! BTW- the fall/harvest banner would make a great hostess gift if you're visiting family and friends for Thanksgiving. Until next time, Happy Crafting!!

football crafts

In honor of the first weekend of football, I wanted to share some of my football-themed crafts. In case you can't tell, I'm a Jets fan! lol.  I made this bag many years ago- when I still had patience for sewing! lol. I try to use it only on game days so I can keep it in good condition. I still have some of the lining fabric that I'd like to make something out of but not sure what. hmmm- I think I might have to search around for some ideas. I did add some felt flower pins though since I thought it needed a little makeover.  Last year I made this blanket for my little Gio's wagon. It's one of those fleece no-sew blankies where you cut and tie the ends. It was super easy and the best part- no sewing!! Although I did sew a little cover for his pillow. It's not perfect but he doesn't seem to mind! Here's a pic of my little man Gio watching the game- nothing crafty, but too cute to not post!

I didn't get any crafting done today since football took over my day- and a little trip to Michael's earlier to stock up on some sale craft stuff! I have a few projects that need some finishing touches and some others that are in the works (mostly Halloween and fall-themed). Back to crafting tomorrow, but until then... Happy Crafting!!

fall WIP's

I've been working on so many different projects lately but haven't completely finished any. I've learned when working with felt, it's easiest to cut out everything first, then do any hand sewing and details and finally, glue and finish! I'm used to having a lot of WIP's (works in progress) when I'm knitting and crocheting, since I get bored with one project and have to switch back and forth.

The felt harvest banner is almost done, it just needs a few finishing touches. I think that I'm past the hardest part- all the cutting and hand stitching so it's almost there. I forgot how long hand sewing really takes! Here's the link to the original project: http://www.holiday-crafts-and-creations.com/thanksgiving-crafts-to-make-banner.html Of course, I made a few changes, color wise mostly, to use up felt scraps that I already had. The banner background is a 9 x 12" felt sheet so it's a relatively small project.

The other project that I'm working on now is a Halloween garland. I saw the idea on this site: http://ahappycircus.blogspot.com/2010/10/halloween-felt-banner.html 

Of course, I made a few changes like hand sewing the shapes since the sewing machine and I don't always get along so well! lol. Also, the site didn't have any templates so I had to search on google for shapes and adjust them to fit. All the shapes are cut, sewn and stuffed, and all that's left is to attach them to a piece of ribbon for hanging- and maybe attach some little bows to each critter. Pictures to follow of the finished products,but until then...
Happy Crafting!!

Halloween

I'm back! - and with some Halloween goodies! I spent the weekend finishing up some gifts that I'll be sending out tomorrow (pics to follow!) I did get around to starting on some Halloween-themed crafts (see pics) that I thought were fun. The felt lollipops were actually a Xmas craft that I found on Better Homes and Gardens site. I thought they would be cute in Halloween colors- and would go well with the Halloween candy that I crocheted last year.

I also made some flower pins and barrettes in black and orange- a fun way to have a little Halloween spirit without going too crazy!

And finally, the pins are by far my favorite that I 
worked on all weekend.I found the pattern for the
owl pin at  http://bugsandfishes.blogspot.com/2010/01/how-to-felt-owl-  I decided to do mine in some fun bright colors to give them a little character. Then i decided to make the little candy corn pin (my own creation!) since what is more Halloween than candy corn? I have a bunch more Halloween and fall crafts still to work on-  But for now, it's off to sleepy-land for me! HappyCrafting!                                           

More hats!

Not too much crafting here today, but I did finish two more hats for Operation Gratitude- and I have another one on my needles now that I'll finish tomorrow. That should bring my total to 8! Yay!

I also went to JoAnn today and got a bunch of felt, fabric and other craft supplies (all of which were on my shopping list!)  And thanks to coupons and sales I saved a ton- which just translates into extra supplies! Lol. Back to crafting tomorrow- need to finish a few gifts and send them on their way. And also there's a get together at the Knit Addiction for Operation Gratitude. Busy day!
Happy Crafting!

what a cutie hootie!

While I wouldn't consider myself a collector ( i am not a fan of knick knacks!) I will admit that I love all things owl- more of the cute cartoon-y type and not realistic looking. So when I happened upon this tutorial and pattern for a felt owl from http://bugsandfishes.blogspot.com/2011/08/how-to-felt-owl.html ,   I just had to make one! This felt cutie will join the other owls on my bookshelf- what better place for a wise owl to hang out? lol. So here's a pic of my little owl. 

Here's some pics of some of my other little owl creations that I've made over the years. I love to use crystal glazes on my ceramic owls- it makes
them so much groovier! There's a few knitted and crocheted owlies in there too- I'm always finding patterns for cute owls that I can't resist making! I'm addicted to owls! Now I want to search around for some other owl crafts- but I do still have a few that I haven't gotten to yet- there's always tomorrow for some more owl crafting fun! lol

Happy Crafting!

little boo and his haunted hut- and some festive wreaths

I've been working on this little guy for a few days now- I can only handle so much hand sewing at a time! I love, love, love how Little Boo ghost turned out- he's so cute!! I didn't do all the embroidery detail on his haunted hut though. I decided to keep it simple and I was very pleased with the end result. Of course, this was all made from felt- my new favorite thing! lol. I also made another set for my sister since she's a big Halloween fan.

Earlier I made the mistake of scrolling through a bunch of posts on craftgossip.com (this is definitely one of my new favorite sites!). I happened to find endless patterns for new felt projects- and a lot of others too. Oh, where to begin!

I finally finished my wreaths that I've been working on. I think that the Xmas one with the red and green rosettes would be great in so many other color palettes too. On the fall wreath, I didn't have any yarn that I thought was a good match so I decided to instead use some grosgrain ribbon that I already had. I tried to use items that I already had around the house (leftover yarn, ribbon, felt scraps, beads, etc.) The only new item that was used was the foam wreath- which I bought at the dollar store. The red felt was new too but I actually bought that to make poinsettias and other flowers with, so does that count? lol.

Happy Crafting!