Hoppy

A few scenes from our Hoppy Easter crafternoon.

Bunny masks and matching ears.

Masks taped to drinking straws. Ears worn as hats during egg hunt.

Utensils project.

The bunny tails -- which I wanted to be powdered sugar donut holes. But I couldn't find donut holes the night before Easter. Go figure. I guess I'm not the only one surfing Pinterest.

The spread, well some of it.

Carrots! I have seen these with jelly beans, Reese's Pieces, Cheetoz, and my favorite Goldfish.

Bunny Tails printables from: http://eighteen25.blogspot.com/

Carrot bags: http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/jelly-bean-carrots-687527/

Veggie cups: http://www.wma-es.com/our-blog/129-vegetable-garden-qdirtq-cups-with-ranch-dressing

Bunny mask printables: http://www.hp.com/hho/hp_create/toys_games-3d_paper_crafts-bunny_mask.html?ref=themes_holidays_easter

Utensil printables were from various resources.

Lucky

Let’s talk about fun things we find on Pinterest, shall we?

First I saw this cute licorice concept and I almost peed my pants because it’s really cute. This has happened to you before, so don’t go acting like it hasn’t.


Then I started talking it through… looks easy… I’ll just pick up some multi colored licorice… toss in some gold foil wrapped candy… use this awesome printable… all good.

Oi! As with so many things on Pinterest, the really great stuff is posted by really amazing artists and designers. Evern with their spring board of a great idea, you have to fidget the hell out of the project to make it work for you and with what you can find.

Step number one. For St. Patty’s sake, do you know how many places I looked for plain cellophane bags just the right size for 4 vines of licorice? I found super big ones, super decorated ones, but never super perfect ones. So, I settled. My bags were fairly big (could accommodate lots and lots of licorice.

Then I began step number two. Find colorful licorice. Oh Jeez. My pursuit of the colorful licorice did lead me to an offshoot of this project that I ended up loving as much if not more than the original plan. But let me tell you, Wal-Mart may say they have rainbow twizzlers in stock, they do not. I ended up buying mine in bulk at a specialty foods market and spending about $24 on licorice and had enough to make more than 20 items – about 18 more than I had planned to need.


The “gold” at the end of the rainbow was far easier to come by. I used both rolos and Hershey’s Nuggets with Almonds. I also considered using Lindt truffles and Ferrero Rocher.

The main lesson I learned about making this project was this, there are a lot of things that come in rainbow colors or in rainbow packaging. I considered using everything from Rainbow Goldfish to Skittles (the sour ones came in a green box). I did like the individual twisted twizzlers for my single serving size option.

The labels were easy. I used both sizes offered by the talented http://bethproudfoot.blogspot.com/. And because my craft room is actually unavailable to me due to remodeling, I just used whatever ribbon and papers I could pull out of storage. I assembled most of the bags and toppers with a stapler and then used ribbons and the printables I found online to hide the staples.

Before I forget, let’s talk about smaller servings. I found the rainbow twisted Twizzlers in a single serving size, individually wrapped package and picked them up as a back-up in case I never found bulk licorice. Once I had them I decided I’d use them for the same treat on a different scale. I loved them as a handout in for my 5-yol’s class.


My favorite embellishments were the sparkly shamrocks I found at JoAnn’s. They were fabric mesh adhesive just like a Band-Aid and were so easy to use and very sticky. I think, however, this is a seasonal item so stock up now. (I found them while standing in line by the dollar items.)

This project helped me fall in love with rainbows, again. Now, I’m off to bake those cupcakes with the rainbow airheads on top.

Over the Shoulder: New York State of Mind

I recently took a trip to New York City. Aside from the glitz and glamour of it, I reveled in the basic functionality of the Garment District. Everywhere I looked there was something to inspire a project. An entire warehouse of zippers! Buyers, Sellers, Project Runway fans! The district had it all.


I stopped in at Mood. That was excellent. Though, I probably never EVER need to go back. Big fabric stores across the U.S. compete, I assure you. But I did see Swatch and even gave him a little scratch behind the ears. I dawdled in the knits aisle and purchased two -- project to debut when I'm not so crazy busy. And I went wild at a small boutique where it seemed everything cost $20.


Where I found my real creative inspirations, however, were the holiday marts. We hit to major ones -- one in Grand Central Station and the other in Union Square. Among the fur lined hunting caps, knitted animal novelty hats, and to-die-for original jewelry there were lots of handbag - tote bag - messenger bag artists. The other thing I felt compelled to do each night once we were back at the apartment is sketch out little ideas I would have on the perfect bag to carry on the subway. Really, nothing I owned could have been right that week. Nothing had the right size handle to wear it cross body, nor the right exterior pockets. And nothing, I repeat nothing, was big enough. You become a bag lady when you go to the city. Too much to carry with you to know have one enormous bag.


Upon returning I started sewing immediately. The reason was two-fold. I had orders up the wazoo and I had ideas spilling out of my brain. From one of those ideas, came this.

I predict this style or something like it will be big for Spring 2011! My cross body bag in canvas hits all the trends right now. Carrying your satchel across your body is still a chic alternative to the everyday hobo and it seemed to me that tons of people in NYC loved being hands free (I for one). It’s a very modern look and perfect for moms as well as teenagers. Incredibly versatile and appealing to women of all ages. Right?


In canvas you get twice the trend points. Everyone loves a casual and light bag for Spring -- or so I'm told. This is it. With warmer weather around the corner, fabrics that feel lighter and come in lighter tones are a must. (Have you seen the eye-popping colors at Michael Kors?!?!?) Canvas feels easy but always looks chic and this version is a favorite, classic but preppy.

This bold pattern of this quality print makes a huge statement. It's from IKEA of all places and I fancy cut the panels to showcase the elements that I love the most. I think it adds major style to anyone’s wardrobe to carry around both a caged bird and a squirrel with a cheese shaver. Paired with jeans and a simple tee you’ll feel chic and casual without being slouchy.

The adjustable strap allows you to wear this number over the shoulder, as well. The magnetic closure and interior divider permit security. Completely machine washable in 100 % cotton. The innovative exterior pocket design zips for easy access to items you still want protected. Take another look at that exterior pocket. It's cool, right!??!?!!

Approx dimensions: 2”x 12” x 16” (excluding strap)

These are in the shop right now as a custom order only item.

Felt Easter Chair Backers

So, I made a few of these -- along with every crafter on God's green Earth -- last Spring. They were promptly snatched up at a Spring show I had. But now, I'm thinking about doing another set and wanted to look back and see what I liked and didn't like.

I think I would prefer -- in my own home -- non-holiday specific bags. Not discreet bags for each holiday. Particularly for Easter, we do baskets. (But these bunnies are adorable -- and might find themselves in another project like a quilt.) I also think I'd prefer to line these with a simple cotton... just to improve the shape of the bag and to add more color.

I also am not sure about the buttons. But, I want to think through how a tie would work. Any suggestions out there? I could use any advice. I'm also wondering about size. This is a pretty big bag, could accomodate a large coloring book, plus crayons/markers/coloring pencils. And I'm not sure I want to encourage that much toy giving at every small holiday. (I'm a scrooge.)

Tunic, Amy Butler Pattern Altered

I returned to the Amy Butler tunic pattern, again. This time I completely reconstructed the neckline. I also opened up the armpits a bit. If you'll remember that pattern was a bit tight in the pits. I did use an Amy Butler print. An oldie, but a goodie. It's lined, with muslin, of course. And I used pale pink polka dots for the button closures. Thanks to the Finny and Donk Sew Along -- from whom I won the pattern. I still love it.

A Little Preview: April 4

The rumors are true, I'm having a little show with a few of my artist friends on April 4. Here is a preview of some of the items I'm showing...

Spring Quilt Exchange: It's Here

OK... Just as I was starting to feel like my spring was getting ruined -- first lots of torrential rain, now everyone in the house is sick -- this little darling showed up. I was so excited I opened it at the mailbox (which is about a block from my actual house). When I saw just the edge of it I knew which one it was -- as I'd been lurking the flikr group like a hawk -- and gave a little yelp of joy.
It's got raw edge aplique and tons of quilting. A really fantastic piece. The embellishments are the perfect proportion and the colors are so cheery. I could not be happier. Well, maybe if it was like King size I might be happier. It's so bright and marries modern with vintage.
Perhaps my favorite feature is the label. The artist used baby necklace beads. So stinking original. I love them.
I hung it in the entry to our kitchen where all the world -- at least the part of the world that comes to my home -- can see it. As soon as I did my 3yol said, "I like it. It's really cool!"
So, cheers to the artist, Nikki, who I know worked very hard on this little thing. It was a challenge for her as she has little kids, too. I know only too well the stress of that. Thank you!

Because of Lady Bird

The spring installment of the Four Seasons Quilt Swap is finished!
I'm on a strict stash diet, so everything in this quilt was found from remains of other quilts or purchases for "that perfect project" that never happened. I can't discuss the particulars of why I chose these colors or the inspiration. But I will say that I wanted to leave my swap partner with a little bit of mile high spring. This pattern is created and published by a Colorado native.