Friday, February 27, 2009

Just Cause

So, I was approached by a friend about contributing to a fund raising auction for an important cause, and wasn't really sure what to make or do.

I had made this "bucket" about a month ago, mostly as a prototype - but couldn't seem to wrap my head around what else to do with it - it was made using a felted vintage icelandic sweater, and vintage bed linens. It's highly functional, and interesting textures. So, this ended up being donated for the auction.




I have also been toying around with some ideas for "wall pockets", as I am obsessed with making fabric storage, but was running out of places to put them - except for the giant blank canvas of my walls! Here's a take on the previous pocket, but with more "adult" tastes. The pocket was made using repurposed herringbone tweed and is lined with vintage bed linens.







Hopefully, my work will bring some much needed funding for the Idahoans for Midwives.

Friday, February 20, 2009

Sewin', sewin', sewin'...

This has been a very productive week - I found some inspiration from a plastic envelope Gracie brought home from preschool a couple weeks ago. The shape of it seemed perfect - it did have a velcro closure (which can always be altered), and was made of... well, ... plastic. So, I do what I do... find other fabrics that need a new use!

Here's my take on that envelope, I don't know what to call them, like usual. But mine is filled with all my circular needles, tapestry needles and small scissors for knitting. I know, not everyone knits, but I know you can help me find a use for these.

This is the original... the one, I call "mine". It's made from a sweater sleeve, and vintage buttons from gentlemen's suits.



Here are a couple more, you get the idea... They measure 6" x 8".







I also found another way to use a vintage curtain, and some vintage bed sheets - here's my first take on making creative wall space.


I love it so much! I think I will keep my wool soakers in it above the changing table/dresser. But I do plan on making a LOT more, in different shapes and sizes.

Happy Crafting!
Jenn

Saturday, February 14, 2009

And the winner is...

NITA JO who said :
I always celebrate by getting candy or small gifts for my immediate family. Just delivered my gift to Grandma yesterday. I think it's a nice time to remind people how much you love them.


Happy Valentine's Day 'Nita :) I will send your scarf this week - - all the way to the other side of the valley.

And here's a link to her blog.

love
jenn

Saturday, February 7, 2009

Valentine Giveaway!

Hey friends,
In honor of Valentine's Day, I will be giving away a Revive(d) Scarf, made with love, from a vintage polyester quilt. This scarf is lined with soft cotton flannel, and ready to warm you or your loved one.





To win, all you need to do is post a comment telling whether you avoid or participate in Valentine's Day. I will pick a winner randomly (so, there is no wrong answer). Comments must be posted no later than midnight Friday 13th (spooky). I will announce our winner on Valentine's Day!

lovey love,
Jenn

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Ideas, Ideas...

During the winter months, it's hard for me to stay motivated to create product. I have boiled it down to the cold hard facts - I pretty much only sell when I am face to face with my customers - and those opportunities are few and far between in the first few months of the year. So, instead of sitting around wondering what I should do, I have been trying to create at least once a week, and will be posting more items on etsy, each week, hoping to generate some interest in the items I have in stock.

In the meantime, I need to be consistent with my posting, blogging and also try a giveaway or two, to see if anyone actually reads this blog.

Maybe it's because this is Gracie's first year of school, and maybe it's because I love hearts - but I've already jumped head-first into making Valentine's for her classmates. Why make them when you can buy them? Because I love all things handmade, because I was inspired by these, and because I had a cool old book with a billion sweet illustrations that were begging to be cut into hearts. Here's our first batch:
I just randomly cut freehand hearts around the illustrations I liked.


Then we painted the backs red.


Then Gracie signed her name.



Voila! Happy Handmade Valentines Day!


I will post a giveaway on Friday, and we'll see if you're still in the mood for warmth! See you soon.