Bird Bird Bird Craftster Swap

It's been awhile since I participated in a craftster.org swap, but I needed to feel inspired and challenged...and there's nothing like a theme with a deadline to do that. This swap was called Bird Bird Bird, and I like birds so that seemed like a good fit! I tried something new this time - a mini art quilt - and I didn't buy anything new, I only used materials and supplies I had on hand.


The whole box - I used pattern paper for packaging, my favorite way to recycle! I tried to make a package that I would love to receive myself.


Mini art quilt/wallhanging. Measurements are about 8" high by 6" wide.


Back of the quilt with my alberta alberta label.


A close up of the fabric print I made using a stamp, inkpad, and some heavy cotton. This was 1 of 3 lavender sachets i made, the other fabrics I used were remaining scraps from the quilt.

I can't wait to try another mini quilt, and making my own prints again too!

-M

I'm so freaking excited...

I can't help it, I've been waiting for this since the last one ended.

http://www.mylifetime.com/on-tv/shows/project-runway

Doll Project, Part 2

Here is the finished project! The four dolls together, and with their happy recipient :)

Doll Project, Part 1

Awhile back, my youngest sister Laura and I decided to combine crafty superpowers and make a gift for our 4 year old niece. We decided on the idea of a soft doll set, in the style of Russian nesting dolls (we were inspired by similar dolls on etsy and craftster). We picked a color palette and had a basic design but since Laura lives in New York and I live in California, we did everything by phone and internet (fabric shopping via camera phone, sketch ideas via email attachment). When we met up in July for our sister Kellie's birthday party, we were able to give the dolls to our niece in person, and see how our project came together - I'm so happy with the end result!
Here are some in-progress photos...I'll post the finished product soon!

Pirate Party!

I made some decorations for my sister's recent pirate-themed birthday party. I tried my hand at making a bunting, and it was so much easier than I thought it would be (I definitely took some shortcuts!) but I might make another one for myself, maybe for my craftroom? I also made a treasure chest (a painted cardboard box) filled with pirate loot (mardi gras beads and gold sparkle foam cut into coin shapes), and a pirate flag (I added a skull and crossbones to a preprinted bandanna).

slowly but surely...

above image by diathesis on flickr


percolate/
[v. pur-kuh-leyt;]

–verb
6. to become active, lively, or spirited.
7. to show activity, movement, or life; grow or spread gradually; germinate: Interest in the idea has begun to percolate.

it's been far too long i know, but i'll be posting some updates for you very soon.
thanks for your patience!

-M

purples and pinks

a few weeks ago everything was yellow, everywhere i looked i saw yellow...but i kept forgetting my camera. now everything is pink and purple and i remembered to take pictures :) i must've taken 30 pictures on my walk home from work, it was hard to choose but i think these are my favorites.

-M