Good morning! Today will be a good day. . .

Ever wonder why that lady next door has so many cats? How about the lady down the street that has three large dogs in her small house. . .(well, that would be me). What about the ladies we all know that just throw themselves into every craft they can teach themselves. . .(well, that would be me, too!

Pets offer a love and trust that can only be fully appreciated by someone with mental health issues. The love of a dog is unconditional. . .and they will never let you down. The amount of love and attention you pay to a dog is returned three-fold, something the humans in my life haven't been able to give me. I find a calmness when I am anxious, happiness when depressed, and a general feeling of  'it will be okay' when I'm feeling lost and lonely.

Crafts. . .ah, my own little place is my studio. It is bright, calm, and full of fun and promises of beauty! I had a career designing publications at a local university that lasted more than 20 years. When budget cuts hit, I was among the first to have my position eliminated. Wow, the bottom fell out from under me in a very big way. So, I 'reunited' with the crafts I had fiddled with over the years, but it wasn't 'new' and 'exciting', which so many of us need. It was at this time I taught myself to make jewelry. . .and I have found a streak of beauty inside of me that is absolutely breathtaking.

I've read somewhere that when women go the The Change, they often develop a love of a craft. . .be it photography, painting, or making one-of-a-kind jewelry (that's me, too!) The compliments I receive are much like 'mommy pats on the back' so to speak. Many of us with BPD don't have a mother bond. . .so I will always be searching for something to fill my hole of insecurity.

I have always had dogs, and have always crafted. I crochet and sew. I know how to knit but don't like it as much as I do crochet. I've even won 'Best of Show' with my crochet at a local county fair. That was a huge 'atta girl'!!

In my small house, this 'crazy dog lady' has learned to appreciate what life offers in the NOW. I've had to remove things from my life that I love very much, simply to survive and be free of as much PTSD as possible. This includes my own sister, whom I went through every step of my tortured childhood with.

Trying to find a better mental health? Bored and depressed? Try your hand at painting or drawing or writing. . .and rescue a dog from the local shelter. Two of our three dogs are shelter dogs and are very very appreciative of a good life, just as I feel now. We've rescued a Swiss Mountain Dog mix and a yellow lab. We also have a rottweiler. . .and he's the gentlest giant that has ever lived.

I don't trust very many people; they've constantly let me down. I've had three evil mothers and a dad who watched the abuse and didn't do much. I've always idolized my father, but The Change has taught me that he is just as guilty of the abuse as the women who dished it out. My dogs are happy, and my jewelry is beautiful.

Today is going to be a good day!

Even though it always seems like you're on a budget, home renovation is one of those things that you've just got to squeeze in. Ideas abound as you walk through your kitchen, sit for a spell in the bathroom, or notice that your shower curtains could really use some sprucing up. The great thing is that making all of these changes never requires a regrettable month financially; as there are plenty of crafts and home renovation tips you can implement to brighten things up and beautify your home.

Making that Dream Kitchen and BathroomOftentimes, renovating a kitchen is a much better idea than rebuilding it from scratch – not to mention a lot less expensive. Decorating by color, adding strategically-placed flower arrangements and investing in updated cabinets can give your kitchen a whole new look and feel. Additionally, out of all the rooms in the home, the kitchen is the one that can most increase the value of your home, without costing you as much as it ultimately delivers.

Arts and crafts can also be quaint additions to the walls, making them look newer and more interesting. The personalized touch they bring can't be understated; just make sure to consider these home renovation tips before you begin, in order to keep costs under control:

• Think about what the kitchen means to your family before you set a budget for the renovations – this will help you account for all the plans; minimizing any costly, last-minute additions. 

• When it comes to the outside help you'll need if you're thinking of more than merely remodeling, make sure to hire a qualified contractor and designer – you may know what you want, but they'll know better than you how best to realize your dream. 

• If you're in the market for updating your appliances, make sure to look for Energy Star equipment – they're reliable, and will definitely save you money in the long run. 

• Pick out the lighting that matches the colors; warm white light, for example, will make beige-painted walls look a bit different than pure white led lighting will.  The other room that most people pay special attention to is the guest bathroom(s). After all, visitors to your home don't often go into the bedrooms, so the bathroom should be presentable and show off your taste and personality. There are quite a few space-saving actions you can take; such as custom cabinetry and hang-rails for towels. The flooring can be redone, if you've ever wanted engineered hardwood floors or tiling.

There are quite a few faucet styles that may appeal to you; anything you've seen in a magazine can probably be put in your bathroom. Contractors can replace your tub with a walk-in shower – or vice versa. Mirrors can be updated to your desire, and the walls repainted to match the new amendments. Most people find home renovations to be a breath of fresh air; you can keep most of the changes to things you can do personally, or really ramp up the change by using expert outside help.

Renovations Outside the HomeNow you can also take a look directly outside your home and start making those long-planned alterations to your garage, external storage room or – if you're a country dweller – even barn. To this end, quality APB barn kits are pretty much all-purpose, and can be used for everything from strengthening a pre-existing structure, to adding another room and more.  Plan your pole barn design by hand, and then rest assured you can get the exact specifications you need to realize your dream storage shed.

Spring is finally officially here! Of course, that means it's time to change out your wreath. I had been thinking about something involving umbrellas ... but then I saw the garden hose wreath over on Create.Craft.Love, and I knew what I was going to make.

Image: Create.Craft.Love

Jill from Create.Craft.Love had this to say about her adorable wreath:

"I have been longing to make this wreath for almost a year now! I don’t garden. I have a black thumb. But if I could get something to grow half as pretty as this wreath, I would be thrilled! "

So ... did I mention I saw a hot pink hose at the store today? Aw, yeah, baby, come to mama.

I’m the kind of person who really needs to work with purpose.  I like to have a reason to create art.  I know that being an artist I should try to create for the sake of the journey, experience, practice and sheer pleasure. However, I do not work well under those circumstances. Isn’t that terrible?

For go to Card Making Artists.......

Are you ready for spring? I’m looking forward to the snow in our yard thawing, and seeing our grass turn from a muddy brown to crisp, fresh green. But I’m most looking forward to color springing out. No more drab black knee-high boots to keep my toes toasty!

We’ve received tons of catalogs with new colors for the season to liven up the dreariness in our home. I loved the Julian Orange Pillow from Crate and Barrel: A punch of orange and hot pink, it's perfect for a girl wanting to add a splash of color.

Crate and Barrel, $59.95

I had to pass on this purchase after seeing the price tag! I’m all for color and trying new things, but not when it comes to my pocketbook. However …

As I strolled through Jo-Ann Fabrics, I noticed a cutout coral fabric similar to the one on the pillow. After a quick rummage through some hot pink fabric, I found one that fit the look.

• Suedesays laser-cut coral taffeta fabric (item #843747088289)
• Kona Kona pomegranate pink fabric (item #400105484109)
• pink thread
• sewing machine
• scissors
• tape measure
• rotary cutter
• mat board

I like Dana Willard’s throw pillow tutorial; she recommends using the measurements of your pillow for your cover. Adding more length and width to your fabric will make your pillow look oversized and too loose. However, I wanted a little buffer, so I gave myself an extra half inch all around.

For a 20″ pillow insert, I cut the fabric 21″ x 21″.

Cut back pieces with about a three-inch overlay to cut pieces. After ironing a hem, this will make it easier to take off the pillow cover and hand-wash any accidental stains away.

Make sure to pin inside out. The coral floral fabric will be sandwiched between both pomegranate front and back panel pieces.

Cut the corners. Flip inside out.

Two pillows down, and who knows what other pillows may lighten up our home? What colorful pillows are you throwing on your couch these days?

Related:

• Make a Chevron Lumbar Pillow
  How to Choose the Best DIY Slipcover Design
  Hunt to Find Slipcover Fabric

  From my hometown to yours,

  Betty

   Today I found a very old half open packet of grape flavored drink mix in my kitchen closet. I probably brought it at a weak moment at the supermarket, when my kids were young .

   Anyway, as I thought about which toxic dump I would take it to, some of it spilled on my favorite white cotton embroidered tablecloth, I quickly tried to rinse it and the stuff would not come out!!! After a primal yell and calming down,  I thought, Mmmm.

    I went to my craft room/ married daughter's abandoned bedroom and pulled out a swatch of white cotton fabric and sprinkled the rest of the stuff on it.

       At first the swatch was a mass of color that looked black purple but after a few rinses and a few drops of liquid dish detergent, the swatch became a nice pastel shade of purple. Needless to say, I began thinking of the possiblities in terms of crafting.

 I plan to play around with using that stuff for tie dying, painting fabric, yarn and other materials that absorb liquids.

  So, crafters, on the next visit to the supermarket check out some powdered flavored drink mix, it comes in all sorts of colors, OOPS, I mean flavors. You can get five packets for about a dollar, which is pretty cheap for an assortment of "dyes".

Many dollmakers like to design dolls with curly, straight or frizzly locks. Doll wigs and doll hair can be expensive and the choice of hair styles is limited.

So, ladies ...

These havens of cheap junk, also sell fake hair in a variety of colors and styles. I have experimented with making doll wigs with this stuff and it worked wonderfully.

 Here's how

1. Cut desired length of hair.

 2. Using a hot glue gun, secure a circle of short curls around the hairline of the doll's head, leaving the middle of doll's head bald.

 3. Get a small child's or infant sock, the color should closely match the color of hair.

 4. Cut off the foot of sock, it now looks like a cap and should be smaller than doll's head so that it will fit tightly.

 5. Squeeze glue on the inside circle of the doll's head and pull cap over head, leaving the hair that was glued earlier exposed, that hair will be the bangs and side curls.

 6. Now, glue desired amount of hair onto cap and comb into desired hair style.

 7. To make a removable wig, do not glue cap to doll's head.

 8. One bag of fake hair should provide you with several doll wigs.

 Also for those crafty ladies who knit or crochet, there are many knitting and crochet patterns and stitches that can be used to design beautiful doll wigs.

With the wide variety of colors and textures of yarns available, imagine the possibilties!

So...

ladies, it's okay to fake it, just don't tell anyone!

www.themorasmoothie.com

Hi there and have a nice week! 
Today a new outfit with neutral colors and to revitalize it the foulard by Geox for Valemour, an amazing project which I'll talk you soon. 
So, I can tell you that the foulard and not just it you can you find it in the 250 italian Geox stores and also online. 
Have you seen the new DIY ring? Have you already guessed from who I was inspired by? 
Soon the tutorial! 
A big kiss and thanks always to be here!


Buongiorno e buon inizio settimana!
Oggi un nuovo outfit dai toni neutri e a ravvivare il tutto il foulard by Geox for Valemour, una splendida iniziativa di cui vi parlerò presto sul blog.
Intanto vi dico che la sciarpa e non solo potete travarla in 250 negozi Geox d'Italia ed anche online.
Avete visto il nuovo anello DIY? Avete già indovinato a chi mi sono inspirata?
Presto il tutorial!
Un bacione e sempre grazie di esserci!

read more www.themorasmoothie.com

So, the hubster and I finally nailed down our travel system choice. (We went with the Evenflo FlexLite System in Santa Fe Sunset by the way and we're stoked with it so far!)

I personally think the fabric design is kinda awesome on this stroller and car seat—brown and yellow faded chevron stripes—very light, neutral and contemporary! So when I came across the cotton material that I used to make our car seat canopy in Joann's Fabric, I just splurged and went for it!

I had a little bit of light turquoise minky left over from our nursery quilt, so I figured why not combine the bright colors and add a little texture while I'm at it? I'm so glad I did, because I think this project turned out fab (although truthfully minky is a pain in the baby-butt to work with, just a heads up y'all!).

What You'll Need: Accent fabric 34in x 30in plus a little extra for the handles, minky (or any other backing fabric you'd like to use) 34in x 30in, cardboard to make your corner stencil, velcro, pins, scissors, coordinating thread, sewing machine.

Step 1: Measure out equal pieces of your accent fabric and your backing fabric (minky in my case) at 34in x 30in each (this measurement already includes a one inch seam allowance on each side). Pin together right sides facing in at one another.

Step 2: Using your cardboard, create your stencil for nice, neat rounded corners. To do this I placed a cardboard square on one pinned corner and measured an equal distance along the two fabric/cardboard edges. Then I hand drew an even looking curve between the two measured points, cut the cardboard to that shape, pinned it to the fabric and trimmed off the excess material outside of my new curve. (I personally found that I didn't have to be crazy exact here.) I used the same stencil for each corner and pinned my new curves together!

Step 3: Machine straight stitch around the entire canopy, leaving a small five inches or so opening along one edge.

NOTE: If you're using minky for your backing material then heed my warnings... pin, pin, and PIN! Pinning is your best friend here, as this stretchy fabric tends to get away from you really easily and can end up giving up an uneven look overall if you're not diligent from the get go.

Step 4: Turn the whole canopy right side out. Tuck the five inches opening inside of itself and then pin around the entire thing once again to make sure your edges stay even. Sew a straight stitch all the way around (about .5- .75in in from the edge) to help the canopy keep it's shape and sit correctly when placed over the car seat.

Step 5: For the "handles" I sewed two sleeves from that same accent fabric I chose, at 13in x 6in each (there's a .5 inch seam allowance at each edge built-in to that measurement). Fold in half so the right side of the fabric is touching itself, pin, and sew along the length leaving the ends open by about .5 inch. Then turn the whole thing right side out, fold those .5 inch outer edges in on themselves, pin and sew closed so you end up with neat closed folds at each end of the handles. Job's a goodun'!

Step 6: Sew a square of velcro onto each end of the handles so they'll fit together correctly, neatest side of the handle facing outwards obviously. I then pinned my handles into the outward side of the canopy about 6.5 inches apart and around 8 inches from the canopy edges. (Be careful not to make your handles too long, or else the canopy isn't going to hold up high off of the baby like it should. I had to wait for my car seat to arrive before finalizing the length!) Also, I placed my handles about 11 inches from the top edge of my canopy, this gave me and my specific car seat enough fabric up top to hang just right over baby.

When you're happy with your placement, simply sew a neat line of straight stitches (back and forth a few times to secure it well) to attach your handles onto the canopy.

And... Done! How easy was that!?

Any questions, then by all means please do shoot me a question either through the comments below or via my email on the About Me page. Enjoy folks!

Please swing by and check out my blog, chock full of pregnancy tips, DIY tutorials, musings and beyond! www.theblossomingbump.com

Sooooooo we start in on the first card and…….she beat us all! She was a whirling cyclone of card making fury! I told her to slow down.  Nope, she got the hang of it and was able to speed up. 

I knew she would be like this, she is a fast and intuitive crafter.  Jay gets the hang of things and goes really fast.  Now if I can just get her to feel the joy of card making not the pressure to get it done at lightning speed. Read More....

Card Making Artists

Want to try something different?

 Is this you? I can't knit another sweater, I won't sew another quilt and I hate scrapbooking.

 Many times I hear craft freaks cry about not being able to get TURNED ON. They have become bored with their regular projects and want to experiment with something different.

 So, desperate crafters.......

 how about designing clothes and other accessories for pets?

 In these crazy times, pet owners are treating their furry friends more and more like people! There are pet spas, salons and even gourmet pet food!

Try sewing, knitting or crocheting pet sweathers, hats and booties, using wild colors and crazy patterns.  Design pet collars using beads, leather, shells and other goodies to make something unusual.

 Ladies, offer your creations at the next craft fair.

 You'll probably be the only one with such items.

 DOGGY STYLE CAN BE FUN  and Profitable!

Oh, I wish I could sew. I really do. The idea of making outfits tailored exactly to me, with all my own ideas makes me drool a little bit. 

But I'm not a sewer. I'm about as helpful as the animals that helped Cinderella make her dress - i.e. I'm really great at holding things. But I want to learn, so I'm starting with some very basic projects. These pajama pants are probably the biggest and most complicted thing I've ever sewn. It's also the first thing I've ever been able to actually wear! 

I used a grea tutorial that is good for visual learners and all you need is the supplies and a pair of pants. Cats are also recommended, but not stricly necessary. 

All you need is some craft paper and a pencil, the fabric of your choosing, elastic for the waist, plus pins, thread, and a machine. And a cat. It's so simple even I can make them. For the link to the tutorial and more information, click here for the full blog post. 

Welcome to this week's Featured Artisan from the group On fire for Handmade.

 

Meet Teresa! She is a fellow creator from just up the road from me, here in North Carolina!

Teresa says:
"I have been a creative and resourceful person ever since I can remember.My first real crafting love was sewing,and I have tried countless other crafts. Jewelry making started as another hobby, but has grown into an obsession! I love everything about it from choosing the materials and actually designing something beautiful! I am always looking to learn new techniques and expand my knowledge and skills.My love of handmade has inspired me to open Hollyhocks, LLC. My store in Mebane, NC sells handmade items from local artists Stop by if you’re in the area!. I am happily married to my best friend, have 2 grown children,a daughter in law,a dog and our first grandchild!"

T.Rusk4U

Featured Artist

T.Rusk4U is this weeks featured artist on Share the Love Blogger Unite! You will find Handcrafted Jewelry for Every woman in her shop on Handmade Artists! An eclectic mix of handmade jewelry to suit nearly all styles and budgets! Custom Orders are always welcome at T.Rusk4U! A Must have for every jewelry box!

Find TRusk4U on:
Blog: Facebook: Twitter:
Be Sure to Visit her B and M store : https://facebook.com/hollyhocksllc
http://www.HollyhocksLLC.com 

Are you On Fire for Handmade? http://onfireforhandmade.com Shop at On Fire Gift Guide! https://onfiregiftguide.com

How to Make Felted Soap

I have the itch to felt and since it’s still too cold (grrr) in my felting studio to do big felted pieces, I thought I’d felt some soap today. 

Why put fiber on soap, you ask? Because it makes a great scrubby! You can exfoliate and wash your skin at the same time. Felted soaps also make wonderful gifts.

 Bar soap – any plain soap will do but you can make it fancy with scented or olive oil soap

Roving or Batting s.a. sheep or alpaca

Nylon hose – knee highs work well

Water

Thin out the Roving

Take your wool roving and spread it out just enough so you start to see the table underneath. Not too thin though, you don’t want gaps in your fiber or the soap will show. Lay the soap in the center and wrap the fiber around it, tucking in the ends. Check for any holes in the fiber and add more as needed.

Wet the Soap

Next, sprinkle the fiber with hot water and gently start rubbing it. Do this all over the soap until the entire surface is thoroughly wet. Check for spots where the soap is showing and add more fiber, if needed.

Now is the time to add any decorations such as stripes of a different color fiber. Wet these and gently work with your hands.

Felting

Carefully put the soap in the nylon hose. Sprinkle again with hot water and gently rub the soap all over. Alternate sprinkling with hot and cold water and continue working the fiber. You will feel the fiber begin to firm up. Continue working the soap for about 10 minutes. When you can’t feel any loose fibers on the soap, gently remove the hose. Your fiber should be well felted. If it is not, continue working it as above.

Rinse the soap and set it out to dry. Add a pretty bow and your felted soap becomes a great gift!

Check out my other Tutorials on FiberArtsy.com

My friend Lisa has an eye for fashion and decorating, the only thing I have an eye for is a good bag of Funyuns. She's not a blogger, but let's pretend she is and is guest hosting this week!! Welcome, Lisa!

"Thank you, Karen. I am so honored to be a guest on your blog. You are a legend in your own mind and I am happy to contribute to your delusion."

"You are too kind! I've been to your home many times, last weekend I noticed you had added some lovely new decor. Can you tell my readers a bit about this?"

"Absolutely, but before I do, let me tell you that your presence adds all the decor a home needs. If someone can't have you, they can try some inexpensive rock art. It's great to do when you are alone, as an activity with your kids or just busy work while watching TV."

"Where do you get your supplies?"

"You aren't going to believe this, I get the bags of polished rocks from the Dollar Store. If you don't want to spend the $1, you can get rocks outside and wash them before use, but I prefer the polished ones. You can use any kind of heavy-duty craft glue, I like Loctite Go2 Glue, it's strong and transparent."

"Wow, sounds like the supplies are easy to come by. What about the wood?"

"Well, you can find scrap wood anywhere or old frames. For the alphabet below, I painted the letters on the rock, put on a coat of polyurethane and glued them to a scrap piece of plywood."

"That's pretty clever! I like the birds and the sun, tell us about that."

"I found a piece of concrete, glued on some twigs and rocks. Added the beaks, eyes and legs with marker and painted on a sun. When I was done, I glued another rock to the back to hold it steady, it now sits on my mantle."

"Your kids also got personalized pieces?"

"Of course! I love my cherubs so very much! They deserve more than just my sweat and tears so I made them name signs. Using the same concept as the alphabet, I glued the rocks to a smaller piece of wood and used twine as a hanger."

"You are a great Mom, I am sure they love their plaques. Maybe not as much as they love their Auntie Karen, but close."

"Nothing compares to the love we have for you!"

"I know. Well, that's all the time we have for today folks, take a look at a few more examples of Lisa's art below. Try this at home, it's cheap, easy and fun. If I live too far to visit, you can add some alternate warm, welcoming accents in no time."

The Missing Niche

 Last year I went though the shed/barn shelf once and got rid of broken crap. I've start to go though it and putting things in boxes to yard sale them.

Making faster headway this time around.I was planning to have a yard sale end of March. It spring break up here and roads have ruts and our soft and gooey. Best way of saying it “mud season” A project of our is replacing some of siding our home. As I was at work Monday morning Murphy pull of the siding.When I got home he and I pull down the siding from the rafter in the barn/shed. Organize and stack them neatly. Inside were the shelf our there was pile of mix type of stickers. Averaging about 3 feet in length. We organize and bundle them and stuck them up on rafters. Lease were not tripping over them. Cut down on cussing.One of things on my bucket list is learn the crochet stitching. I learn the double crochet stitch.Confession time...I'm a long ways from doing it absent mindless.Not long ago I got this red yarn and I'm doing a scarf in red. I'm start to think my brain that day was real back firing (Brain farts) I have plenty of red tops. I would be better with anther color. For what I'm painting in ceramic. I recently change the sets of colors I been using. Every so often I work with a different set of colors.I recent finish a Jesus now I'm doing anther one. I thought I would paint 3 ornaments when I'm painting figurine. I know the picture only shows two but believe me, there anther one I'm working on. A girl gnome ornament.

I just asked my son, “Would you like to get a thank you card from someone if you gave them a gift or did something nice for them?” He looks at me, big eyes, “Nope…wouldn’t care.”  Off he goes to kill some zombies. So, to amend the previous statements. Don’t bother sending thank you cards to teenage boys.  They don’t care.  Humph! Read more....

Card Making Artists