Sunday, May 24, 2015

The need for masks

One thing I've been wanting to do for a while is make masks. The first mask I remember seeing was actually at Disneyland. At the time they had this cute little store in New Orleans square and they had for sell Mardi Gras masks. The one I remember the best was just a half mask in shaped thin leather painted in a diamond pattern. Every time I went to Disneyland I would stop by and look at their masks and wish I could own one. Alas, the store is now gone, but I still love those masks.

So, in my mind the ultimate mask is made out of thin leather, and I could totally do that, it just requires the leather and a form, and then soaking and stretching and such, but it doesn't hold much attraction for me at the moment.

Instead my head goes to thinking what would the Victorians do. What totally cheap and non standard method can one go but then make it look like a high quality, detailed, expensive piece. Which is when I started playing with foam craft sheets. No, you can't go and mold them to shapes, but if you're careful you can cut it so that's not required. Then with ribbon ties and a bit of paint you can have something quite fantastic. I haven't really played with feathers yet, and that is a natural direction to go. But, can you really find quality feathers at a craft store? Mmm, no! Didn't think so. Lace and tulle can also be interesting. We'll have to see where that goes. For the moment, I just have my heart set on getting some masks made and up on Etsy in time for Halloween this year. Which I totally did not last year, or even the year before. Go figure. Cheers.

Friday, November 21, 2014

Just in time for the Christmas Bazaar

I drew up the plans for this display table over a year ago. And bought the top for it back in March. But it wasn't until just last month that I got on the ball and started making it. You see I wanted it in time for the Bethel Christmas Bazaar, this Saturday (the 22nd from 3-8pm at Bethel Church in Redding). And I got it done, just in time, with 3 days to spare.

I've been spending lots of time making and finishing things to offer at my booth, and I think it going pretty well. If you have the time come on by. There will be a lot of great sellers (what can I say, people are pretty creative around here).

Bethel Christmas Bazaar
Saturday, November 22nd, from 3 to 8 pm.
933 College View Dr, Redding, California

Friday, January 31, 2014

Flaming Elephant

I've made a few little elephants before, but I never realised that anyone might actually want my flaming elephant like on my business card. And when asked to make one, the main question in my head was how do I get the flames on the elephant's butt? Well, you can see that I did figure that out.

He's just a bit over 2 1/2" high. Hand sewn from hand dyed purple and orange wool felt, with blue wool/rayon felt for the ears, and 100% wool felt in white for the tiny tusks. The eyes are onyx beads.

Sold 2014-02-03.

Friday, January 17, 2014

Violet Miniature Teddy Bear


This adorable miniature jointed teddy bear was carefully hand sewn from quality wool felt.
Made from a hand dyed deep violet wool felt for her body with lighter paws, pads and ears made from wool/rayon felt. She is dressed in a cute blue striped dress which buttons in the back with onyx beads.
This jointed teddy bear stands approximately 4 1/2 inches tall. Onyx beads are used for the eyes. Stuffed with plastic doll pellets.

$39. Check it out on Etsy

Friday, December 20, 2013

Leaf Crown Pattern

I'm fairly ecstatic about having completed my second pattern (the first one that's actually for sale)! I'm amazed at how easily it all flowed together. The pictures were taken last month, so all I had to do was scan the pattern, and input the directions. The best comments that I've been getting is how very readable, and understandable the instructions are. And yes, part of that is text, but a lot of that is formatting and layout.

The pattern is laid out out in booklet form on letter sized paper, with Supply list, 2 pattern sizes, and detailed, easy to follow instructions. And just in case your wondering, yes you can sell things made from my patterns. Just no selling or giving away my patterns. I mean, come on, it's only $4.

$4. Check it out on Etsy

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Free Streamer Pattern

Download Pattern Now

One of the things I want to do with this business is to create and sell patterns of the things I make so that you too can enjoy the fun and excitement of making it yourself. What can I say, I like to teach and I enjoy sharing. For the first of hopefully many patterns I have made a pattern for the streamers which I started making years ago. Fun and simple to make, they usually only take me a couple of hours.

I worked hard to make the pattern easy to follow but still be exciting for experienced sewers. I plan on selling most patterns at $4 or $6 depending on the length. So if you enjoyed this pattern, check back to see what else I've created.

Free Streamer Pattern

Want to make your own streamer? Here are the easy to follow instructions, FREE.