Sewing & Ripping, Etc.

Project: Kindle Cover

2012-01-10T12:01:00.000-08:00

To READ is to FLY; it is to soar to a point of vantage which gives a view over wide terrains of history, human variety, ideas, shared experience and the fruits of many inquiries. ~A.C.Grayling

My friend's daughter (also, my daughter's friend) just got a new Kindle and would like to have a cover for it. So I made one using an old book.

As soon as I "gutted" the inside, my son said, Wait, I haven't read that book. Aiya! This book was not for reading. I picked it up for projects. Anyway, I gave him the text to read.

I scanned covers of her favorite books (Percy Jackson Series), made a collage out of it, added a quote, and printed it out. I'm using another old book here because the other one wasn't thick enough. I'll use those book pages for other projects later.

Before doing anything, I secured the inside spine with duct tape. Did I mention Duct Tape is your friend here?

After doing so, I scored the printed collage lightly with an exact-o knife so it'll fold over neatly.

Next, I wrapped the cover page as if I'm covering a book and tape the inside. Easy, yeah?

Do the same for the back cover. Before I secure the outside spine with more duct tape, I covered both front & back with clear contact sheets for protection from getting ripped and dirt.

This is how it looks like when spread out.

Now for the inside. I cut a cardboard to fit inside the "book" and covered it with fabric. Drilled holes to put elastics through (duct tape the inside) that will eventually hold the Kindle. I have a mock-up of the Kindle to make sure it fits.

Before attaching this fabric-covered cardboard into the "book," I drilled a couple more holes in the back of the book itself to put a wider elastic. Again, duck tape the inside.

I generously & very quickly used glue gun to adhere the fabric-covered cardboard into the book.

It's practically done!

This is how it looks like when it's closed.

My daughter drew a picture of Artemis and we attached it on the other side of the page. I also put a see-through pocket for important papers/reminders/pictures to slip in.

And here she was opening her gift. On her 13th birthday.

We're so pleased that she liked it. It makes "creating gifts" more fun and worh it.

Here's a link with other ideas how to make Kindle or iPad cases. Have fun and share them with me.

Knitting with a Purpose

2011-10-21T22:01:00.000-07:00

"...knitters just can't watch TV without doing something else. Knitters just can't wait in line, knitters just can't sit waiting at the doctor's office. Knitters need knitting to add a layer of interest in other, less constructive ways.” ~Stephanie Pearl-McPhee (This is so true...even at stop lights, I pick up my knitting =.)

A few years ago when we visited the islands where my parents were born and raised, my daughters befriended some local girls who wanted to learn how to knit. We got ahold of chopsticks, pencil sharpener and yards of yarn for some knitting lessons. Taught by my then almost 11 year-old who knitted relentlessly at that age. See her creations here.

Today she seldom knits due to her very busy school schedule. But once in a while, we'll have our knitting/crocheting sessions. In the coming weeks, we'll be busy knitting scarves to help out St. Anthony's Holiday Knitting Drive. Join in the fun.

Cute as a Button...

2011-08-12T07:08:00.000-07:00

"I like making a piece of string into something I can wear." ~Author Unknown

We're on vacation, and yes, I brought my craft kits with me. To the lake. Part of my vacation is making things. People bring books, magazines, electronics. This time, I brought buttons to make a necklace. I also have books and my camera at hand.

My son & hubby had fun swimming across the lake to those big boulders (approximately 60 yards from where I was at) while the girls and I created things. They painted & swam. I crafted.

I finished it in less than 2 hours with breaks in between.

So easy. You can do this with your little ones using elastic. Try it, and let me see what you made.

BABY LOVE {three}

2011-08-05T02:11:00.000-07:00

"Every child begins the world again." ~Henry David Thoreau

Finally posting after several weeks. If I could sew and make baby/kids stuff all day long, I would. But can't =.\ In the meantime, I was able to make a set of burpie clothes, a California onesie, and a changing pad (see tutorial here) just in time for a dear friend's baby shower.

So easy and so fun to make. I think my ultra-creative friend likes them =.) When you get a chance, check out her fabulous blog at Yellow Pajamas where she shares her experiences as a new mom to another baby boy, her handiwork, her family, her equally creative friends, and more. And make sure you let her know you're visiting.

And 3 days later (after this photo), Baby Bwuddah arrived. Can't wait to meet him soon.

"Babies are always more trouble than you thought -- and more wonderful." ~Charles Osgood

CONGRATULATIONS, PQ family, on your new addition!

Stay Connected...

2011-07-13T18:15:00.000-07:00

Facebook, a social utility that connects people with friends and families, some you haven't seen in years. But as we all know, it has its pros and its cons.

Inspired by its simple logo, I made a pillowcase out of old jeans and tshirts. The only thing I would do differently is not to use felt fabric for the logo. It collects too much lint.

Overlapping the back pieces (envelope closing) so no need for zipper, buttons, velcro. Easy, yeah?

I made another one for an Apple logo using old sweatshirts (see the USA logo on the top right).

Try making one with your favorite logo.

Costume 2010: Super Mario

2011-06-16T08:57:00.000-07:00

"Clothes make a statement. Costumes tell a story." ~Mason Cooley

This is long overdue. But I'm posting it nonetheless--for the mere fun of it. So, yeah, my son wanted to be Super Mario last Halloween. And not just the regular Mario, mind you.

He even drafted me this so I know what he's talking about. As if I was just born yesterday.

The overalls was easy. The corduroy material didn't cost much and didn't need much. Made a regular pair of pants from a pattern I already have and just added the bib & straps.

Took the buckles from an old pair of overalls and re-used them for this pair.

The most challenging was making the hat. I looked all over for a white hat but for the life of me, I couldn't find any. So I made it out of old t-shirts and scraps. Check out this tutorial and try it. That was the most challenging part but I did it.

Mainly made out of triangles (trials and errors). These were my practice pieces and eventually used them as lining.

The brim had cardboard in it. And the logo was made out of felt materials.

So did the mustache.

And voila! He had a great time with his fun outfit but the mustache was a bit itchy that he didn't wear it for the most part. Good thing, that wasn't hard to make!

There you have it. By the way, if anyone wants this costume, it's up for grabs. It's about size 9ish. All you need to do is make the mustache. Easy peasy.

STAYING WARM

2011-06-13T06:28:00.000-07:00

One kind word can warm three winter months. ~Japanese Proverb

My brothers. One a postman who served in the Army (thus the camouflage pattern). The other, a sheriff, so I sewed a 7-point star on his cowl but it ended looking like the Star of David. Oh well. Perfect winter gifts, especially with the cold weather lately, and it's already summer! And these 2 are always out and about on the streets.

I made one for one of my kids' coaches and one for the pool's lifeguard who are always keeping an eye on my son. At first, they weren't sure how to wear it so they got creative. Funny.

They later figured it out.

I was in a cowl-making mood so I made one for all of their coaches.

I used fleece material, cut out the basic shape of a manta ray (the team's icon) and sewed them in.

For the lifeguard, I used the Red Cross pattern. How easy was that!

I also made other ones with rosettes. Just cut out circles of varying sizes and sew them atop each other.

Add a button, and voila!

I've tried knit jerseys (old t-shirts) and they work just as well.

So simple and so easy. You can apply these little rosettes on any projects. Go make one. It's still cold outside. From where I live anyway.

Here's one for a lady who just loves pink...and ministers to special needs children.

Another Timeless Calendar {Old Calendar turned into An Art Journal}

2011-04-14T12:12:00.000-07:00

I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn't say any other way - things I had no words for. ~Georgia O'Keeffe

Last year, I posted an old calendar I turned into a scrapbook. Prior to that, TC was already using another old desktop calendar from 2003 as her art journal. Here's just some of her entries.

This is a page from the calendar itself. Gorgeous work by Monet.

Art is the only way to run away without leaving home. ~Twyla Tharp

(But why would she want to run away from home? Maybe from her sometimes annoying sibs =.)

Painting is silent poetry. ~Plutarch, Moralia

Collage: Found objects from her desk

She saved some of her Giants tickets from her date with her Daddy.

Collage: What she learned in church

Pastel (messy medium)

Pointillism is a technique of painting in which small, distinct dots of pure color are applied in patterns to form an image. Georges Seurat developed the technique in 1886, branching from Impressionism.

The Blue Box from the Doctor. Who Else?

Mr. Savage. My other daughter's dance instructor.

Read her thoughts on the different disciplines of ART. LOVE it.

Fantine from Les Miserables

Doodles: I need to ask her if these are her friends or her family.

While waiting for her siblings at the pool. She's a very patient girl.

More doodles

Dr. Spock (Chibi-sized)

Mr. Frodo looking into the Fountain

The 11th Doctor (I think?)

The End...

If I could say it (in) words there would be no reason to paint. ~Edward Hopper

Hats Off...

2011-03-28T15:22:00.000-07:00

Live your life, do your work, then take your hat. ~Henry David Thoreau

One thing they never tell you about child raising is that for the rest of your life, at the drop of a hat, you are expected to know your child's name and how old he or she is. ~Erma Bombeck

You start out giving your hat, then you give your coat, then your shirt, then your skin and finally your soul. ~Charles de Gaulle

If a woman rebels against high-heeled shoes, she should take care to do it in a very smart hat. ~George Bernard Shaw

My eldest knitted this hat for one of her friends, then embellished it with rosettes made out of felt and buttons. It looked really cute. Check out her other creations here.

"C" is for...

2011-03-27T19:26:00.000-07:00

My daughter custom-made something for a friend name whose name begins with the letter "C" who happens to love to play the guitar. We emulated the "C" chord on a t-shirt.

Materials: lace, buttons, beads

This is how I play my "C" chord with 3 & 4 "fingers" (But mistakenly reversed here. Oh well.)

"C" is for creative, cute, chatty, competent Christine.

My Young Valentino

2011-02-18T20:33:00.000-08:00

Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example...in what you say, in the way you live, in your LOVE, your faith, and your purity. ~1 Timothy 4:12

My girls made these shaved-crayon-ironed-between-wax-paper hearts when they were much younger and I'm finally doing something with them. I've been saving it for much too long. Delia Creates' recent post just gave me the brilliant idea. They are now "floating" in our living room. And I intend to keep it up for a long time. It "warms" up the place, and my heart, as I remember when my girls made them---a big mess.

On Sunday afternoon, my son started making give-aways for his class of 28 for Valentine's Day which is the following day.

He was going to make paper cranes but it was a little complicated and time-consuming. After browsing through his Origami Kit, we decided to make these little boxes.

Of course, I helped him, and got into it. I always loved folding papers. Quite therapeutic.

It was so easy, and looked so beautiful after making so many of them.

They almost look like a quilt.

After making so many, he was getting tired.

Here comes the fun part.

Packing M&Ms in mini-ziplock bags, and having some for himself.

Hmmm...how are we going to keep from falling out of their boxes?

Well, I have a boxful of old Valentine cards. Got those and trimmed them to fit.

They helped secure the little packs in the handmade origami boxes.

Now, he's ready to deliver. They are truly "Made With Love."

We hope you had a good Valentine's. Our men gave special gifts to us, girls. Little man bought the girls their favorite candy bar, and made me a precious handmade card (my favorite!). Hubby took everyone out to dinner (Indian food) SANS MOI! I was sick in bed that evening. But I'm planning to have a belated V-date with the hubs, you better believe it. And it has to be Indian food =.)

LOVE never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. ~1 Corinthians 13:7

String of Hearts

2011-02-09T00:29:00.000-08:00

A heart that loves is always young. ~Greek Proverb

This is such an easy and eco-friendly project. The only thing that takes time is the cutting out of the hearts.

I used old magazines, scraps of scrapbooking paper, junk mail, anything that's not too flimsy. Make a heart template out of cereal box, trace and cut away. No need to be perfect. I had my kids do it.

Then sew them altogether. Use the widest stitch.

And hang it up. That's it. Done! OR you can do it this way.

Lunar New Year usually comes around the same time as Valentine's Day so I brought out the good ol' red lantern.

This was actually last year's decor. So simple yet festive enough.

This year, I finally strung together the origami cranes my kids made from way back when. I'll post those later...

In the meantime, "MAKE A HEART" =.)

I love thee for a heart that's kind. Not for the knowledge in thy mind. ~W.H. Davies, 1870

BOK CHOY, Anyone? (A Super Simple Project for Little--and Big--Hands)

2011-02-01T01:41:00.000-08:00

Bok choy (Chinese cabbage) is one of the main ingredients of my kids' favorite dish, "Sinigang," a Filipino soup/stew characterized by its sour flavor most often associated with tamarind. It's making my mouth watery as I write this.

Anyway, what do you do with this part of the veggie? Can't really eat it but don't toss it just yet.

I'll give you a hint. What image do you see?

If you see a rose, you're right!

You can use it as a stamp.

I've used acrylic and fabric paints.

You can stamp on t-shirts/sweatshirts/paper, etc.

Here, I stamped on some t-shirt material which I plan to make into a either a scarf or a pillow case (later when time allows.) Stamp away but don't over stamp. Just remember that white space is an element of design.

It doesn't have to be bok choy. It could be anything. Celery, star apple, okra, leaves, rocks, twigs, etc. Design is everywhere. This world is filled with beauty for our pleasure by our Creator.

"OWL" Be Yours Forever...

2011-01-31T00:40:00.000-08:00

My middle child went through the Guardians of Ga'Hoole (Legends of the Guardians) phase. She read the books ferociously, and even joined an OWL drawing contest with Aaron Brothers soliciting many to rate her illustration. She didn't win but she had great fun.

Thus inspiring me to make Barn OWL plushies myself. I've never made a plushie before but I thought it would be easy since they're mainly basic shapes: rectangle (rounding off the edges) for the body, circles for the eyes, cone/circle for the beak, and heart for the face. That's how my kids learned how to draw, with basic shapes which I just discovered can be applied to sewing, too!

I used old sweaters/sweatshirts/scraps, nothing bought. And I stuffed them with used fabric softener sheets. After every laundry (which I do a lot of), I saved those softener sheets--enough to stuff a small plushie.

I also have this iron-on adhesive since forever. I've made several projects with this one roll. And I have more. Just follow the directions in the back of the package. So, so simple.

Here's my first OWLY (as my son refers to) attempt. A little on the stubby side. But cute. It's been tossed around like a ball, and cuddled a lot. Poor thing. Still in one piece to this day.

It also kept my sick girl company last Thanksgiving.

Here's my second attempt.

This one's with a tutu. It's for a little girl who adores owls. (Hi Jessie =.)

I even added my own label. I should've placed it under the lace. Oh well.

Here's the last one I made for my daughter's good friend. (Hi Camri!)

She helped me placed the eyes and stuffed it with fabric softeners. It could be an ornament but it was too big for our small tree =.)

Ok, your turn to make one. It's so easy! I hope to make more soon. Fun gifts for little hands.

Costume 2010: Officer Amelia Pond Police (Dr. Who)

2011-01-06T23:23:00.000-08:00

Some of you probably know Dr. Who from way back when. I don't. Did you know that it's the longest- running science fiction television series ever in the world? It's in the Guinness World of Records. Since 1963---the year I was born! Yes, I'm that old =.) We don't have TV but it's my girls favorite show...via online streaming. As barely as they watched it, they know so much about it. From peers, where else. So, if you ever hear 9, 10, 11...those are the regenerated Doctors.

At any rate, one of the recent characters is Amy Pond whom my middle child aspired to be. There's no available photographs so she took them from an episode she downloaded. It's very detailed as you can see. But it wasn't anything unusual. I practically have all the materials except for the big checkered scarf and stripes.

I kept my "bobby hat" from my 20s and thought if I ever had kids, they may like it.

Well, it's been used and abused, and it's still in great shape (unlike its original owner!) Excuse the mustache, I was taking a photo of my son's Super Mario hat prior to this, and the face hair just fits. So I kept it on.

Went to the Dollar Store and found FBI kits for $1 with a mini-baton, radio, etc.

She knitted her own handcuffs.

For the vest, I used a fleece-type material, and for "POLICE" badges (front and back), I used t-shirt scraps with iron-on adhesive on more remnants from previous projects. The only material I bought was the checkered fabric for less than $3 a yard, and I have plenty left.

Here's the complete ensemble with the vest, scarf and hat. She was very specific with the details. Doesn't she look tough? Don't mess with her.

She took off that weekend catching interesting characters. What a blast!

“Your struggle is futile.” ~Doctor Who

Blue Jeans Revolution {Ascot}

2011-01-05T13:52:00.000-08:00

Know, first, who you are; and then adorn yourself accordingly. ~Epictetus

I've found many uses for my old jeans collections. One of them is an ascot. WHAT, in the world, is an ascot?

Per Wiki, an ascot tie, or ascot, is a narrow neckband with wide pointed wings, traditionally made of pale grey patterned silk. Ascot was worn in the early decades of the twentieth century regarded as an elegant form of casual dress. Ascots of the casual day cravat variety were popular fashion in the UK for teenaged and young adult males from the mid 1960s to the mid 1970s, coinciding with the mod and psychedelic movements.

It was a craze in the 60s along with tye-dye shirts, bell bottoms and peace necklaces. In Toy Story 3, Ken is shown wearing an ascot when he meets Barbie.
(Remember?)

Now that we know what an ascot is, we can create one. I found this seriously easy way to make it. First make a pattern like this one. Yes, I know I'm not following the bias. This is called free-style sewing =.) And instead of pinning the pattern, I used rocks as weights. It's simpler, no hassle. My kids collected them when they were little and painted on them. Now they come in very handy. I use it all the time.

Cut away...cut 2. You'll be sewing it together at the narrow end.

You'll need another type of fabric with interesting patterns. I grabbed this Japanesey kind of fabric/pattern at SCRAP. Do the same thing, cut 2, sew narrow end together.

Next, place right sides out and sew the outside part. Pin them first before sewing. It should look like this.

Found some lace from my "I could use this someday" stack, and I do get to use them =.) Sew it on the jean side.

Here's the final look. Frays and all.

Tried another fabric...in time for Chinese New Year.

I got my idea from this book, Denim Revolution. Get a copy. Better yet, borrow it from the library to churn your creativity. I'm sure you have some old jeans laying around waiting to be revived.

Whatever you're wearing, your smile is always the best accessory. Wear it well.

Art Wear {one}

2010-12-30T03:09:00.000-08:00

One should either be a work of art,
or wear a work of art. ~Oscar Wilde

My crafty middle child is determined to make her Christmas gifts--well, at least, some of them. She couldn't do as much as she wanted to (due to her busy schedule). I'm so proud of her because she didn't stress out at all, and truly enjoyed the process of making and giving.

Here's a ruffled necklace she made out from silk fabric that I found at no cost. Cut a long piece to fold lengthwise.

Iron - one of a seamstress' best friends

All you need is a chain to finish the necklace.

We liked the frays so we left most of it on. It added some character.

Very simple but can add some spice to a plain tee or dress.

For a complete tutorial, go to Happy Together, and while you're there, check out her other fun projects. I wish I have plenty of time to make some of her creations.

CRaFt Party!

2010-11-27T16:52:00.000-08:00

“Crafts make us feel rooted, give us a sense of belonging and connect us with our history. Our ancestors used to create these crafts out of necessity, and now we do them for fun,

to make money and to express ourselves.” ~ Phyllis George

My little girl is not a little girl anymore. Nor do I plan parties for her anymore. She plans her own. And she likes them nice, simple and crafty. {No big planning and decorating committees like I used to do them.}

For her 14th birthday, she wanted to make sock monsters/plushies with her equally crafty & ultra-artistic friends.

And if you're not, you become one just by hanging out.

All you need is some old (or new) socks...

Some oddities/scraps/found objects...

A good reference book {I borrowed Strayed Socks}

Fillers {you can get them from any craft store or use scraps}

And a little bit of patience and concentration.

And voila!

Here's everyone's creations.

Now, do they look like their creators?

Thank you, Auntie Breya {who is just as creative} & Taz, for hosting TC's birthday. She had a blast.

"A stitch in time, saves nine." ~American Proverb

Blue Jeans Revolution {Rosettes}

2010-11-21T23:25:00.000-08:00

I only feel angry when I see waste. When I see people throwing away things we could use.~Mother Teresa

These are remnants from the jean-repurposing projects I've been working on. I should throw them all out, right?

But look what else I can make with these denim seams & hems.I can use them to embellish a frame, make a hair clip, a brooch pin, a necklace.I can add them on a purse, a hat, a bag, another pair of jeans. The possibilities are endless.You can also use t-shirt & other fabric scraps! So easy! No sewing required. All you need is hot glue gun, patience and some tears--I burnt my finger the other night! Ouch!!!

You can do it this way or this way. Check out these tutorials. They're so adorable!

Happy Thanksgiving. We have so much to be thankful for.

I had the blues because I had no shoes until upon the street, I met a man who had no feet. ~Ancient Persian saying

COSTUMES 2010: Lieutenant Commander Tzirphun H'nahh* (Star Trek Science Officer)

2010-11-16T13:35:00.000-08:00

*Please don't ask me how to pronounce it.

My oldest daughter has always been into make-believe and drawing since she could start changing clothes and hold a crayon.

self-portrait at 2.5 years old

And when she was accepted into an art school at 7th grade, she found others who shared the same interest. Can you imagine going to school in cosplay* whenever you want, and no one would give you weird looks or laugh at you? She once said, "Mom, it's an art school. Everyone's quirky." (That would've been the perfect place for me!)

Throughout the whole school year, they would ALL pretend to be on board a starship. Don't worry, they all do their studies well. They snap out of it once they're in class. But during breaks or in the hallway, they would address each other with their science fiction names. Ahh...to be young & silly.

For her going away present to her classmates, she illustrated her crew in their "uniforms" (see below). And for her costume last month, she requested to be the character she's developed and have been writing about, Tzirphun H'nahh. I confidently responded, "I thought you'd never asked. No problem."

Or so I thought. Blue shirt, that's easy. Went to Old Navy. Got one. Went to Target. Got another one (just in case). Came home. Guess what? Too dark! Too bright! Went to return both, and got the perfect shade sweater. Came home. Too loose! Too sweatery! And if I have to alter, it would take as much time as to sew it. So I decided to chuck that idea, and went to JoAnn's and picked up the right material and shade of blue which I should've done in the first place.

A week before the festivals, she asked, "Uhh Mom, when are you going to start my costume?" I told her not to worry. It'll be done before she knows it.

Or so I thought. Again! Yikes! Time is a-ticking, and really it was an easy shirt to make. But I've never done the sleeves correctly before. I always wonder why they ruffled by the shoulders, and it never bothered me before. This time it did so I spent the whole night reading up online how to make the sleeves not ruffled! I know what you're thinking..."what of it!?" But I was determined to do this. And I did it! Yes, what a life! Simple! I love it!

It was all downhill from there. The neckline was easy. I simply cut it off from a gently-used black t-shirt and attached it to the now-almost-done shirt. I made the rest of the t-shirt into a skirt for my other daughter's costume so nothing was wasted.

I have several trimmings from my "I could use these someday" batch. For the logo, I have plenty of felt for it. I think I could've done better but it worked well. She was pleased. That's all that matters at this time.

As for those Vulcan-Elvish ears. Well, the ears are the most expensive. They cost about $10-12 a pair plus shipping & handling. But we had a better solution: Band-Aid. Yup. It costs us zip-nada-nil. You have to use opaque, not clear, ones to make it work.

I didn't take a photo of her ears. I'll do that later. I wanted to share this post before it's too late. Enjoy.

"Mr. Spock, the women on your planet are logical. That's the only planet in the galaxy that can make that claim."

~Kirk (Elaan of Troyius)

*cosplay = costume wear

"CAPS FOR SALE" (Long time no post!)

2010-11-08T14:41:00.000-08:00

Wow, has it been that long? More than a month. Time definitely doesn't wait for anyone!

Well, I've been sewing and RIPPING like crazy. I like the sewing but the ripping part is soooo tedious. I don't like it one bit. But it comes with the territory. My kids didn't put in their order for their costumes until two weeks before all the festivities (school carnival, costume parties, harvest festivals). They were reluctant to ask because they didn't want to overwhelm me. In fact, the girls stopped asking me 3 years ago due to the homeschooling demands. How thoughtful! Now that I'm not homeschooling, I have more time in my hands, right? NOT!

Actually, I'm glad they asked because I missed sewing costumes for them. I hope to post them when time allows me to do so.

In the meantime, I thought you'd enjoy these hats knitted & crocheted by my then- eleven year-old who is now 14. She learned from her aunt while we were in Oregon. Then she took off from there. We bought & borrowed books on knitting and crocheting, and she just followed the directions. Here are just some of her lovely creations that she gave away as gifts. (Note: the head mannequin is so much smaller than the human head so the caps looked big.)

"CAPS FOR SALE"

If you have a little one, this classic book is a must read.

TC also entered a craft contest back then, and won! The prize wasn't monetary nor was it even any knitting materials but she was featured in a craft magazine. She was glad to be able to contribute.

Pattern above, for the green hat, is from her first grade teacher, Mrs. Lee, who is now retired. (Correction: She never learned knitting from me.)

Knitting is a boon to those of us who are easily bored. I take my knitting everywhere to take the edge off of moments that would otherwise drive me stark raving mad.

~Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, At Knit's End

I always have my knitting kit, a point & shoot camera and a book with me to drive away any boredom while waiting anywhere. What do you have at hand?

Let's FACE it!

2010-09-15T15:13:00.000-07:00

“A logo should look just as good in 15-foot letters on top of company headquarters as it does one sixteenth of an inch tall on company stationery.” ~Steven Gilliatt

I need a break from cleaning/re-organizing/purging/sorting! I'm giving up sewing for several days unless it's absolutely necessary (like putting a button on). I told myself, "You can NOT sew until you finish cleaning up a room!" Meaning taking out things that are no longer needed! This will take forEVER! For me, everything will be needed later. Sometimes, way later...

So, okay, I was doing really well. Books, toys, craft kits, clothes were slowly but surely leaving the girls' room. One of the things that was already in the give-away bag was a bucketful of pegboard beads. And here I thought, "Didn't I just donate some the other week to SCRAP?" Well, there's more. My kids are so done with these beads. Time to give it ALL up!

OR so I thought.

Until...I happened to see this innovative yet VERY simple craft project at Cut Out & Keep. I fell in love with the idea. I figured it doesn't require sewing and it's not that messy. Plus I had a great idea!

So I ran back to the give-away bag, and grab the jug of pegboard beads. While the boys were out, it gave us girls another reason to "hang" on a busy school night as we sort out the beads after dinner. It was actually relaxing, therapeutic. Can you guess what I had in mind? Think LOGO.

Did you guess it? The FB logo! So simple and so easy!

So the girls and I happily worked & talked together. Beats being on Facebook =.)

What do you think? Does it resemble the logo? Not bad, eh?

Well, I ironed it but it was too hot for too long!

It's not supposed to fused too closely! **Sigh**

That's okay. I can do another one later. The girls & I kept talking and sorting even after the project was done. I'm planning on making a Target logo sometime soon. When time allows me, of course.

Let's face it, we need to do something creative everyday because we're intricately created by the Creator. It's innate. We're born to create.

So go. Make one. Create something. And let me see what you've done. I'm sure you have some of these beads around.

Happy creating...

P.S.

And if you haven't done it yet, please RATE Sydney's drawing, The Night Watch, for an art contest she joined. And check out the other cool entries, as well. So darling.

Juicy Pencil Pouch ~ Just In Time for School

2010-08-13T07:44:00.000-07:00

As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country. ~Proverbs 25:25

I've always wanted to make something out of these drink pouches I've been saving from my kids' past parties...until I had the time, or at least the energy, to create something out of them. Well, the day has come. They finally came out of their hiding place.

It's a super easy project. Like any other, it just requires time and energy.

Let's get started. First I lined 3 of them up and secure them with masking tape to fit my found-zipper. Trim the top portion for uniform size. Remember, all of these materials, I have already have at hand. Feel free to use any similar material to create this.

Stitch together with the zigzag stitch leaving masking tape until you get to it then gently pull it off. Just make sure you use a machine needle fit for this type of material. Otherwise, it will break.

For extra strength, I duct taped the inside after sewing together.

Once both sides are complete, you're ready to sew in your zipper. I've always avoided zippers. But really, it's not that hard.

I added an extra material (see purple material at the end of the zipper) to lengthen it. Then, I also duct taped the zipper area (not shown here).

Always zigzag stitch twice or more when you get to the end for extra durability.

Then I added one of my kids' many braided friendship bracelets hanging around the house. You can add anything you want on the side by duct taping it on the inside prior to sewing all the sides.

Almost done. Just zigzag away around the pouch to finish up.

And here you are. Ready to take on any student's rough handling.

Just add your pencils, pens, erasers, etc.

You can easily make a larger version to go inside a binder where you can punch holes on the side. Or a smaller version for a coin purse, a phone cozy, etc. Lots of possibilities.

Have a great school year. And enjoy learning.

You learn something every day if you pay attention.

~Ray LeBlond

From Tee to Tee-rrific...

2010-08-09T18:15:00.000-07:00

Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler. ~Albert Einstein

From this plain ol' tee...
(an Inneract Project photo shoot)

to this still plain ol' fun AD tee...

(check out Inneract Project's site and sign-up your middle schooler)

to this fun ruffled refashioned tee!

(coupled with a new "do" and a black cardigan from a thrift shop)

Check out Tea Rose Home for this ruffled shirt tutorial.