Snowy Weekend Project

It snowed here in Southeastern Virginia!  I know that seems like no big deal to those of you who have had snow for several months now but let me tell you, this snow is a big deal!  Look at how much accumulation we got:

That is a major amount of snow that came overnight (the first 3-4 inches) and through the next day (the rest of the probably 8 inches in total!)  So, needless to say, in a city that doesn't do snow, we were shut it.  And, maybe just to ruin all of my fun, I had a sinus infection all weekend.  Ugh!  So, inside, low engery level activities were needed after the first three hours of staring at each other.  I took half a day doing some light house-cleaning (to which my darling husband said "You don't have to do that if you are sick." Um, the house isn't going to clean itself, dear) and then layed around watching movies for the rest of Saturday.  Sunday started with the man of the house clearing off my car and the walk in the front and a path in the back for the puppies (how cold their feet were!)

After some warm oatmeal and hot tea, I needed some me time and my sewing machine was calling.  I have been pondering the idea of quilting and wondering what my first project would be.  And so I found myself digging through my starred items on Google Reader and was inspired by a post from Coyote Craft for tiny little pieced and quilted coasters.  With the right amount of inspiration, quiet alone time, and scraps in my bin, I set off to make some coasters all my own!

What do you think?  Pretty cute if you ask me.  And soooo functional!  I always struggle with the wooden coasters we have at home- the drinks slip around and one little spill makes it all the more slippery.  These coasters soak up any spills, provide a little cushioning for the mug or cup, and are washable- how great!  I was pretty pleased with myself and went on the spend the rest of the day kicking butt in Wii Resort Disc Golf.  Disc Golf with 8 inches of snow on the ground?  Alright day, if I say so myself!

Green Guide for Artists

If you know me, you know I am into crafty things these days (remember the Handmade Home post?).  I am loving making things for my friends and family (and occasionally for myself!)  When I heard about the book Green Guide for Artists over at a blog fav of mine, Crafting a Green World, I knew this was one I had to rush to the bookstore to pick up!
This book is a gem and, while I haven't read through every project, I have plans for many future gifts.  Check out the full review by the darling Wenona Napolitano over at Crafting a Green World.  Also, the Amazon reviews are great for more details- I will be posting several of my own soon, I am sure.
So... when I went to Amazon to check out the reviews, it recommended another purchase for me.  A lovely little book called "Re-Bound" by Jeannine Stein.  I, of course, will take the Amazon recommendation!
 

Perfect to go with my new homemade journal from Handmade Home!
I am looking for more time in my days for crafts... how do you make time?

Handmade Home

This weekend was a whirlwind of crafting and little projects to get ready for the gift giving season (and maybe also to treat myself).  Without giving too much away, let me see if I can share some of what was accomplished.

I made the above "Mama Bag" (since I am a Mama to my four-legged kids) from the gorgeous book Handmade Home.  As always, Amanda Soule brings incredible crafts to life and breaths new breath into cast off items.  The above bag was made from some leftover upholstery weight fabric that's been sitting around my craft room wondering what it will become some day.  I do believe you will have some friends soon, oh darling bag of mine.
The notebook below "Brandie's Book" (now Valerie's Book) is completely recycled, reused materials with a little Mod Podge thrown in for good measure.

Once it's bound at the local copy store, it's ready to be the home of any and every creative thought tossing around in my head.


Okay, so those two projects were for me but I really just wanted to try them out before I make them for others.  I am so thoughtful, aren't I?
The final project was one I have been thinking about for a long time.  My darling pooch Macallan had an old tired nylon collar that has seen better days.  I wanted to reuse the perfectly good clasp and D-ring and also use up some scrap fabric.  Leave it to Keyka Lou to have the tutorial.  It really took about 15 minutes and my little girl took a nap while I worked.  Now, isn't she pretty?



I'm thinking of taking orders at the local dog park for some seasonal collars.  Who doesn't love a good Fall leaves or Santa collar on their precious pup?!
As always, please leave me your re-purposing craft tips in the comments... and share pictures, please.  We all love pictures!

Tis the Season!

[photo: how about orange]

Unlike the masses, I shop all year for the perfect gift for holidays (birthdays, Christmas, because-it's-Thursday) I love to go to my local craft shows and fairs and find the ideal item for my loved ones. That is if I'm not already making it myself, of course. But I do have an under-bed bin full of things I have picked up through the year just in case or just because. (My hubby's gifts are well hidden and not in the bin- so don't even go there, mister!)

Any way you do your gifting, you're going to need to get to wrapping. We wrap gifts in our house with up-cycled newspaper, old posters, maps, whatever is lying around. Do you really need manufactured paper to wrap a gift that is going to get ripped open in two seconds?

Jessica Jones over at How About Orange has a great tutorial on making your own bows from recycled magazine pages.

[photo: how about orange]

Her step by step instructions and photos make me want to rip a magazine apart right now and get going. Check out her lovely tutorial and have fun with your gift wrapping this season!