Natural Inspiration

"After you've entered the world of needlecrafts, you will find that the natural world around you -- leaves, flowers, shadows, colors -- will jump out as inspiration for your next project." 

Introduction to The Good Housekeeping Illustrated Book of Needlecrafts

Thrifty Finds: Eaton Community Hospice Thrift Shop

In my "New Yarn for the New Year" post, I mentioned I went thrift shopping. I have been waiting for a day off to check out the Eaton County Hospice Thrift Shop in Charlotte, MI. Drew from Twisted Stitches had mentioned it has a large craft supplies section.

I probably should have postponed the trip because of the snow. The roads were terrible. I saw one car had skidded down a ravine backwards. But I was pointed in the right direction and I did not want to turn around, so I kept going. I am glad I did.

I love doilies. I would like to crochet a doily one day. Meanwhile, I will be content to find heirloom crochet at thrift shops for $.75 (white) and $.25 (mustard).

I was super excited to find these hand-tatted earrings. What a treasure! I don't like gold, but tatting is a lost art. I could not believe they were priced $.25!

Even though I haven't learned how to crochet doilies, I like to pick up vintage thread for chance I might try it on whimsy.

I am love with these brass buttons. I plan to use them for bracelet closures.

Here is another craft I have been meaning to try. I had a weaving kit when I was a kid, but I don't know where it went. This kit did not come with the loops, but I am sure a craft store carries them. Or I might take some tights or nylons and make the loops myself. Another $.25 find!

I plan to make rugs with these sheets. The plum sheet on the bottom is king-sized!

I do not have plans for this vintage fabric yet, but I couldn't resist a red, white and blue theme.

I did not take pictures of a couple things: some jewel-toned felt, some more fabric and a vintage wool coat. The coat is currently in quarantine because it may have some moth damage. I am not sure what to do with it because there are two tiny holes on the back shoulder. Also, I bought two sweaters and some books at Goodwill.

I recommend the hospice thrift shop. All of the items were well-priced and all of the proceeds go toward running the hospice. 

Dimondale Holiday Craft Show 2010

Last year, as you may recall, I participated in the Dimondale Holiday Craft Show with potter CraftedClay. This year we once more ventured into the realm of craft shows. 

Although the show took place over two days, I only sold two items at the very last minute. My sales were effected by three factors: setting, economy and market.


Setting
Overall, we had less foot traffic that last year. Two factors played into the setting: location and timing. 


Dimondale is a small village close to Lansing, MI. The show was held at a series of houses. We were not located within the main cluster of houses and the map showed our house between two roads, so it was easy for people to miss us. 


Also, a nearby town, Holt, held their holiday show the same weekend, which may have effected turnout. Also, the Silver Bells in the City Parade was Friday night and Michigan State University played Purdue in East Lansing on Saturday. 


Economy
I do not need to reiterate the current economic situation. People are trying to be thrifty, to conserve their money for items they need rather than want. Most people who walked through the house did not purchase anything.


Market
My shop, With Eyes Lifted, is marketed to the twenty- to forty-something indie or bohemian; that is, a shopper seeking unique accessories, jewelry and décor for her modern lifestyle. I use recycled materials when I can, so many of my items are limited quantity. Similarly, CraftedClay focuses on quirky, one-of-a-kind pottery.


We had several women walk through the house only to apologize that she "didn't have anything jump out" at her. The women were not interested in our style. We may do better in a focused market.

The lack of sales was somewhat discouraging, but it was still relaxing. I chatted about crafting, drank amazing (non-alcoholic) wassail and played with some cool cats. 

We decided to not participate next year. Setting up an in-house craft show takes time and effort, and it is a bit too much. That said, I will cherish the friendship, memories and experience I have gained from the show.

Fiber Nest Filler

As a crafter working with various fibers, I've accumulated unusable bits of ribbon, string and yarn that I cannot bear to throw away.

I put my fiber scraps and laundry lint in plastic fruit netting, and behold! nesting material for our neighborhood birds! Next time I might use a suet feeder.

Now I don't feel guilty for holding on to useless fibres and the spring birds will have warm nests for their chicks.

Featured Shops: Kronish Kraftwerks

Geeky meets playful at Kronish Kraftwerks, an etsy shop ran by Wondra. Kronish Kraftwerks features colorful macramé and memory wire jewelry, vintage books and craft supplies perfect for scrapbooking or ACEOs, and unique photos taken by Wondra.

In her own words, Wondra is "an American living in Wales with [her] husband, [their] two kittens, two dogs and three dragons."

Kronish Kraftwerks is currently offering free shipping on jewelry during the month of June, an incredible bargain considering she is shipping from the United Kingdom. Also, Wondra is open to "fair trades, reservations, personal orders and good ole fashioned bribery."

To learn more about Wondra and her adventures as an American living in Wales, check out Wondra's Journal, her twitter Witchybelle4u2 and her website Wondra's World (UK), which she has maintained since 1999.


Edit: Since the time of this feature, Wondra has divided her shop. Her vintage shop is Vanian Vintage.

Pattern Review: angry t-rex roars' Knitted Kitty

angry t-rex roars' Knitted Kitty pattern is easy, quick and whimsical. The kitty was a St. Valentine's day gift for my boyfriend, who lives in a dorm and can't have pets. I finished it in under three hours. The pattern isn't difficult, and a beginner would only need to know how to knit, decrease and increase. I recommend the pattern as a stash buster; I used scraps of Lion Brand Wool-Ease Yarn I bought at Michael's for $1.00. I used US 6 needles. The kitty is stuffed with cotton balls.

*Cross-posted to the Knitted Kitty discussion on Crafster.org.

Website Review: Craftster

With the anthem "No Tea Cozies Without Irony," Craftster is a forum for hip, rebellious crafters. The forum has approximately 88,300 members to date that "Loves to Make Stuff, Hates Potpourri". The number doesn't reflect crafty, unregistered "lurkers."

Craftster is literally an encyclopedia of diverse crafting ideas. Members share finished crafts, ask advice and get inspiration for their next project. Some finished projects are selected to become featured projects. Members also participate in craft swaps. Although using the forum for selling is forbidden, a section of the forum is designated for promoting crafty shops.

Craftster was started in 2003 by Leah Kramer, a computer programmer who describes herself as a "self-proclaimed craft junkie". Leah lives in Boston, MA; she owns Magpie, a store which features local artists and vintage collectibles. She also helps organize Bazaar Bizarre, a "not-your-granny's" craft fair.

In April 2006, Leah published The Craftster Guide to Nifty, Thrifty, and Kitschy Crafts: Fifty Fabulous Projects from the Fifties and Sixties, a full-color collection of fifty craft projects dated from the 1950s and 1960s.

Craftster has been featured by the press, including Time, Jane, Budget Living, San Francisco Chronicle, London Guardian, and Houston Chronicle, and on National Public Radio.

Charity Crafts: Knit/Crochet Blocks

Just inside Michael's door sits a box of blocks. Knit and crocheted in a variety of colors, the blocks wait for one purpose: to become a blanket for someone in need. Michael's Warm Up America! program is the perfect opportunity to do charity work. As an added bonus you get rid of leftover yarn.

The requirements are simple: knit or crochet a 7" x 9" block out of 4-ply acrylic yarn. A full size afghan has forty-nine squares; seven strips of seven. The blocks are joined by volunteers, directed by the Store Event Coordinator.

Other References: Knitting for Charity, Head Huggers

Recycling Old Cards

You need:
Old cards
Scissors (Straight edge or jagged)

Optional:
Card stock
Hole punch
Ribbon, string, or raffia

Every year, people send Christmas cards to friends and family. Although our loved ones appreciate the thought, the cards quickly lose appeal as the Christmas season progresses. They hit the garbage the day after Christmas, only to become fill in a garbage dump.

I reuse old cards to make gift labels. It allows me to personalize my gifts while recycling. You can use the recycled bits for scrapbooking and making new cards. It's quick and simple.

Because not all cards work, look through the stack for phrases, designs, and characters. Don't forget to look inside the card. Carefully cut them out with straight or jagged edged scissors.

Store the labels with your gift wrapping supplies. I keep mine in a plastic Ziploc bag to keep water out. An expanding file works as well. Organize labels by occasion for easy access.

When labelling, simply punch a hole and tie the label with a string. Don't forget to write a touching or humorous message!

Herbal Hot/Cold Pads

Sore muscles? Cramps? Herbal Hot/Cold Pads are perfect for everyday aches and pains. Simply microwave and place on your shoulders or wherever you're sore. Or stick it in the freezer to cool you down.

At the mall, herbal heating/cooling pads are sold for about $20-$30. You can make them for a fraction of the cost.

You need:
a fat quart of material, preferably cotton or flannel
rice (do not use instant)
flax seed
dried lavender petals (or other dried herbs)
lavender/rosemary/peppermint essential oil
needle and thread
fabric pins (optional)

1. Mix rice, flax seed, and lavender in a large container. I use more rice because it is the cheapest ingredient. Add essential oils, but don't add too much because it's overpowering.

2. Cut fat quarter in half. Fold in half so the wrong side is on the outside. Pin and sew along two sides (a skinny and the long).

3. Turn inside out. Right side of material should be visible.

4. Fill 1/2 to 3/4 of sack with rice mixture.

5. Sew along opening to close.

Heat pad for approxiamately two minutes. Make sure the bag is not too warm as it'll burn the skin. Place on the shoulders. Relax!

Variations: Make two smaller squares. Send them outdoors with children on a cold day. Or cut out a small rectangle to make a eye mask. Heat/cool accordingly.

Also, try filling pads with other microwave-safe materials such as dried corn and buckwheat husks. Filler can be changed every few months to keep the pad fresh.

For Sale on Etsy:

Herbal Hot/Cold Pad

Herbal Hand Warmers

Beading Tips: Organize

Many craft stores sell basic craft organizers. Unfortunately, these cases are often rudimentary; it's difficult to see the beads, and they tend to mix together. Beaders tend to quickly collect a vast variety of beading supplies. Here are a few ideas for organizing beads.

Cheap and Useful:
Clear containers are best. You can see what you have. organizers that allow for individual types to be kept together.

To avoid mixing beads, I found buying little containers similiar to
the ones tic tacs are packaged in help.

Containers meant for weekly pills are great for organizing seed beads.

Quick Tips:

Keep similar beads together. It's easier to design jewelry if cordinating beads are near each other. Organize by color, texture, and finish.

Craft Skill Levels

Many craft sites have skill level ratings. My patterns assume the crafter has intermediate skills, meaning he or she has some experience with the craft. Be sure to research or refresh basic skills on your own before using a pattern. Happy crafting!

****All patterns are the work of j.m. toole, unless otherwise noted. Please respect her rights, and give her credit for her efforts.

String of Beads Necklace

discussion at craftster

Tools: Various glass beads, nylon filament string (8 lb.), crimp tool, lobster clamp, crimp beads, crimp tool, bead tray (optional)

Estimated time: 1 1/2-2 hours

This project is a potential stash buster. Craft stores sell cheap bulk packages of glass beads if you need them. Different bead finishes (iridescent, faceted, clear, matte) add texture and character to the piece. Placing unexpected shades and sizes together gives the necklace an eclectic feel. Because I used only beads on hand, I had to add a clasp so I could wear mine. If you don't want to bother with crimps and clasps, make the necklace longer.

*Gather beads of similar colour.
*If you have a bead tray, line the beads in a pattern, starting from the centre. Work your way to the ends. I found placing the larger beads first helps to keep placement random. While I placed the beads in pairs, the pairs don't have to be the same bead, but similar. If you don't have a bead tray, try to place beads as randomly as possible. Make sure to evenly distribute the weight.



*Now to string the necklace. Originally, I cut the string to length, but I found it necessary to restring. When finished stringing the beads, add a crimp bead and clasp. Loop the end of the string back through the crimp bead, and use crimp tool. Cut string and repeat on the opposite end.

Project note: I used several heart-shaped beads. Remember, if you have such beads set across from each other, make sure to have the "up" side toward the ends to ensure they match each other--or don't if you don't care.








the green necklace is for sale at my etsy shop