TaHoe cRafTiNg

Those who know me well, know that I love crafts and crafting and being crafty…. and craftsy.  Trying new projects brings joy to my soul.  So, my current new-to-me idea is soldered charms/ornaments.  A friend of mine shared a link to her friend’s etsy.com site where she sells these darling handmade trinkets.  See more at:  www.MyMelodieDesigns.com.

Not knowing how to create these little gems, I did what all craft-direction-needing minds do… I went to YouTube.  Yes, I found many instructional videos and made my shopping list.  Today, I’m off to JoAnn’s to get the booty… with coupons, of course.  For the first time ever, I’m glad I saved my glittery scrapbooking paper scraps from my Christmas albums.  Sweet!  I knew I’d eventually find a reason to use them!  It has presented itself, much to my liking.

This week I’m getting together with my highschool bosom friend, Connie.  We are known for trying new and uncharted waters when it comes to crafting.  In March we covered the antique chair with vintage quilts and green piping.  I can’t remember if I blogged about that, so here is the finished product:

I also can’t remember if I ever showed a pictures of our Macramé beach bags???  I made mine about 1/2 a day ahead of Connie and figured out that I should have made the flowers all smaller.  So her bag has tidy, neat flowers in little rows and doesn’t look as spread out as mine does.  Here’s mine:

In a few weeks I’ll post our finished product pictures!  Please stay tuned!

CraFt PhAseS oF LifE

I’m sure I’m not alone in my travels through the myriad of crafts that are out there at our disposal. Anyone else into macrame in the 70s?  Cross Stitch in the 80s?  Wallpaper fans in the 90s?  Scrapbooking in the 00s?  Me too. That doesn’t mean you’re normal.  It means you’re weird like me.  :o)  Mixed in there without a specific decade are also stamping, candle making, card making, sewing comes and goes throughout the years, quilting, knitting, etc.  (No, I’m not going to mention acrylic crown-shaped albums…. and get my blood pumping.)

It’s secret confession time once again at My Sister’s Jar.  I recently found a macrame market bag pattern that is calling out to me.  I know what you’re thinking.  Nerdsville.  Not so.  It doesn’t involve large owls with beaded eyes or metal rings for plant holders.  I have finally gathered all the necessary materials to make the braiding board as well as the bag.  The knots are tied so the entire bag is made up of flowers.  It’s cute.  Really.  No, REALLY!  I’ll eventually share photos and you’ll all be envious.

I’m not usually the type to think outside the box on most things.  Well, no, that’s a lie.  Let me rephrase that.  When a craft or pattern is shown to me, I usually do it just as shown, with wilder fabrics and brighter shades.  But when Jennie (www.bagsforzaza.blogspot.com) made the tote this week, she threw off my groove.  I didn’t consider making bags in other designs.  This thought inspired me and I made a purse today that is just that.  A purse.  It’s not a carrier bag.  It’s just a purse.  I can’t decide if I like it.  Here it is:

I can’t even decide on the button for the closure, so it’s naked.  The bottom is ultra suede and the rust colored circles are actually a circle of fringe.  I’m not sure what I’m not jazzed about, maybe it’s not my typical colors??? (And yes, that’s danger tape on my son’s bedroom door.  Boys!)

I did finish a ladybug bag this week that is completely made from a valance, chenille robe and fabric remnants from my friend Connie.  So adorable.  Not for me, but for someone who loves ladybugs.  Or someone who is hard to buy for.  Or for a friend who needs a designated collection… like ladybugs.  It will be up for auction on Monday at Bags for Zaza.  And did you see the total money raised lately????  Go.  Look right now.  www.bagsforzaza.blogspot.com

Thank you Jennie for dreaming up a fundraiser for Zaza.  Thanks Connie for your recent donations.  Thanks to Jenn and Leah and Mom for also sewing up beautiful bags.  Someday Zaza will thank you.