Creative Christmas

This time of year a lot of people reflect on what they are thankful for.  While there is a very long list of things for which I am grateful, among the things at the very top of the list is my family.  For more reasons than I can count my family has allowed me to grow into the woman I am today, they have supported me in my goals, and have shown me unconditional love.  They have also taught me that imagination is not just for kids, dreams can become a reality, and I can create anything I put my mind too.  It is because of this that I have been able to see my hopes for Handcrafted Holidays come together with each piece I create.










My mom is one of the most talented and creative people I know.  She used nothing more than her imagination, a pair of scissors and  floral wire to build Window Designs by RoseAnn (windowdesignsbyroseann@msn.com).  While she exercises her talents year round, Christmas is where she truly shines.  Each tree she decorates is a work of art that captures the fun and magic of the holiday season. Recently, she was asked to do a live TV segment for Arise 360 Entertainment to share some decorating tips and tricks.  Take a look at the Christmas Decorating Segment.

Leaving on a Jet Plane... or Three

Its been a while since I've posted but I thought I would drop by and give my readers a quick update.  We have continued to work the past few months to expand our online offerings.  We have also completed a number of custom orders.  There is nothing like a unique request to get the creative juices flowing.  Believe it or not it is almost time for us to gear up into the holiday season. I will be going on vacation for two weeks starting tomorrow so once I return my etsy shop will be taken off of vacation mode and holiday items will begin appearing.

Speaking of vacation, I am very excited  to be traveling to the beautiful country of Croatia.  For those of you who have been following my blog for a while you know I am petrified of flying, but I refuse to pass up an opportunity like this because of my fear.  So I am braving the three planes there to surround myself with the culture of this history filled country.  I am looking forward to the ideas the scenery will inspire.  Croatia is known for its unique cultural mix of Eastern Europe, Southern Europe, and the Mediterranean (so keep your eyes open for some special trip inspired craft projects in the future).

I promise to share some pictures when I return, and as life is slowly returning back to normal you can expect more frequent posts.  Wish me luck, hopefully the flying part wont be as bad as I expect it to be.

Plastic Canvas Tips

One of the first crafts I can remember doing with my Nannie and Mom is plastic canvas.  I will never forget the birthday I got a big plastic bin filled with plastic canvas, yarn, needles, scissors, and a Looney Tunes Pattern book.  Pepe Le Pew was my Nannie's favorite character so I decided my first project would be the Pepe Le Pew magnet to give to her as a gift.  I was lucky enough to have my Mom and Nannie to explain some of the basics before I embarked on my little project.  I thought I would share some of this insight.

Plastic canvas is a great low cost craft that is simple enough for children to play with but diverse enough to create beautiful adult projects as well.  First things first... selecting your supplies:

Plastic Canvas comes in all different shapes, sizes, and colors.

• Shapes: The standard canvas shape is a rectangle, slightly larger than a sheet of paper.  Larger sheets are available and these are great for items like place mats.  You can also purchase pre-cut shapes  like squares and crosses that make certain projects easier.  In addition to these there are also shapes like circles, stars, and hearts that have the holes specially placed to maintain the shape but allow for stitching.
• Sizes: While there are different size sheets there is also different size meshes.  The rule of thumb is the mesh number is the number of wholes per inch.  For example 7 mesh, the most common mesh, has 7 holes per inch.  Moving to a smaller mess number can help accommodate thicker yarn/thread.  A larger mess number is a great way to fit a larger pattern into a smaller space.  For instance, if I have a wall hanging pattern (7 mesh) and I want to fit it onto a smaller sized tissue box cover I can transfer the larger pattern to lets say a 10 mesh.  
• Colors: Most projects are completed on clear canvas, that way if some shows through between stitches it is discreet.  If your project is predominantly one color or, you want to leave some of the canvas showing you can purchase colored canvas in almost any hue imaginable.  

Needle Selection

Mesh 7, Needle 16

• You want to select a tapestry needle for plastic canvas projects.  These needles have more of a rounded edge in comparison with sewing needles and will help prevent pricked fingers.  These needles also come in plastic versions which are a great alternative for little crafters to use as they learn.
• The size needle you buy will correspond with the canvas you are using.  Mesh 5 and mesh 7 typically use a size 16.  Mesh 10 typically uses a size 20. (The higher the needle size the thinner the needle and the smaller the threading hole).  

Getting Started

• "Measure Twice Cut Once": While this phrase is most often used by carpenters it applies to use crafters as well.  Carefully count out the stitches in the pattern and then count the corresponding holes on the canvas.  Always double check before cutting the canvas.  Some people use grease pencils to make the pattern before cutting.  I sometimes use crochet stitch markers for my projects if it is going to be a complicated cut.  You can wait until the pattern is complete before cutting but holding the extra canvas can be burdensome.
• "Dangle to Detangle":  The yarn can at times tangle and knot while stitching.  One way to avoid this problem is to allow the needle to dangle once and a while which will unwind the yarn avoiding the pending tangled mess.
• Nothing wrong with being Scrappy: Scraps are your friend when it comes to plastic canvas.  Plastic canvas projects are a great way to use of scrap yarn from crochet or knit projects.  I keep a pencil case for yarn scraps so nothing goes to waste.  Also, when you complete a plastic canvas project hold on to the left over canvas scraps as well.  They may not have been of use for your current project but those scraps can be used for smaller projects and to add 3D detailing.  No piece is too tiny as even two whole scraps found be joined to form unique jewelry or barbie accessories.

Special Orders

Just dropping in for a quick update.  The past few weeks have been pretty busy with lots of special custom orders.  Along with new tissue box covers like the Michigan State Spartans as one example, I received another request for a custom design last night.  Plastic canvas isn't the only area were custom requests have picked up.  I have a few baby sets to keep me busy as well.  While its fun reproducing patterns and designs I have already created (sometimes tweaking colors etc) I love when I have new special order requests.  Anytime I create with my hands I'm happy but there is nothing like creating with my hands and mind to bring an idea to life.  Take a look at the beginning to one of the special request baby sets.  Ill be sure to post the finished product once it has been gifted to the soon to be mom.

While this set is still missing the special touches I am excited to see it coming together. How about my fellow crafters out there, do you prefer to work off a pattern and replicate a proven favorite or does attacking a brand new concept excite you more?

  

Singing the Party Planning Tune

Well aside from a recent influx in custom order requests I have also been helping my mother and sister plan for a big day coming up in March.  My sister Stephanie is a vocalist and will be preforming for 1 full hour on her own.  Following the concert we will be hosting family and friends to celebrate Steph's achievement with some yummy desserts and refreshments.  Seems simple enough but when you are as detail oriented as our family everything turns into a project.

Seeing as how it is a concert we are sticking with the music theme.  Who knew how hard some of this stuff would be to track down?  With our lives a little chaotic right now post Sandy we unfortunately will not be crafting as much as we would like at home but so far so good.  We have found some adorable items but still have a ton to do before the middle of March.  I will be sure to share photos of the finished product and a summary of Steph's special night in the coming weeks.

Valentine's Day 2013

Happy Valentine's Day to all our readers.  Maybe I get a little too excited for today but life gets pretty hectic and having a day that reminds us to stop and think about the ones we love is important.  So I hope everyone has a love filled day.  I emphasize love, not just romance, because it seems like so many people are depressed today since they don't have a significant other.  To me Valentine's Day is taking the time to appreciate those you love; that includes friends and family.  Besides why limit yourself to one Valentine when you can have a whole bunch? :)
I am lucky enough to have a great man to share dinner with tonight, but I have a few other Valentines as well. My siblings are now and forever will be my special little loves (yes I know they are growing up but they will always be my baby sisters and brother).  My mom was my first Valentine and therefore holds the title for life.  I know I can count on her being the first person to wish me a Happy Valentine's Day every year. And last but not least my Aunt Maria is my special Valentine.  After a very tough past few years I think she, more than anyone deserves a day to remind her of all the love and support that surrounds her.  So to my Valentine's (and my other family and friends) I love you with all my heart not just today but everyday.

What will you be doing to celebrate Valentine's Day?

Successful Snowday

A few days ago I wrote about my crafting plans for Blizzard Nemo.  I am happy to report that my relaxing snow day was a success.  After work on Friday I made a quick stop at the supermarket (I am still dieting and I was determined that even Nemo would not get in the way of me reaching my goal weight by this summer).  By the time I left the market 20 mins later the roads were covered in ice and snow was beginning to fall.  I made it home safe and sound and vowed not to leave the house until there was no longer a risk of me slipping on ice (I had one run in with black ice already this week and my knee is still paying for it).

I made myself soup for dinner, put on some good tv and enjoyed the view of the falling snow from my warm couch.  It was only a matter of time before I broke my vow to remain indoors.  The snow was just too beautiful and I couldn't help but to go take a quick walk with my best friend through our winter wonderland.  While we could have enjoyed the snow in the morning there is something special about the fresh fallen snow before its marked by children's footprints, car tracks, and plows.  

When all was said and done the next morning we had about 10 inches of snow.  Other parts of New England were hit by 30+ inches so we were lucky we didn't have that much snow to shovel.  After a quick clean up I spent the rest of the day catching up on tv shows I haven't had the time to watch, and crafting.  Despite the howling wind, freezing temperatures, and snow covered EVERYTHING I was in a bright springy mood.  I completed some bright citrus colored wash cloths and then decided create a top for a set of towels. The linen towel set has a beautiful bright sunflower with two lady bugs embroidered  on each.

Blizzard Nemo 2013

As if the Northeast hasn't had enough weather related excitement the past few months tonight we are bracing for Blizzard Nemo.  Despite a fall on black ice earlier this week I am kind of excited for this storm.  Snow  storms are the perfect opportunity to pause all the "to-do" things and just relax. So with over a foot of snow heading my way I am planning a weekend of cuddling up on the couch, some hot chocolate in hand and crafting while watching the snow fall. On the crafting agenda is some cotton washcloths, hanging dishtowels, and maybe some work on a special surprise project I have been working on.  Lately I have been spending a lot of time working on plastic canvas as these projects have been in high demand at Handcrafted Holidays.  I honestly have missed crochet and can't wait to see some of these projects completed.  

Post Sandy

I know that for the most part I have been missing for a few months now.  In the beginning of October my mom got really sick (she is ok now) and then Hurricane Sandy hit.

I come from a town in New York that is right on the water and the amount of destruction and devastation can not even begin to be described.  After months of clean up most of my community is on the road to repair.  I have to say that it may have been one of the most tragic and traumatizing moments in my life but also one of the most inspiring.  The level of kindness, compassion, and strength shown in my community, and  so many others like it, is something I will never forget.

We lost a lot in the storm, but we were luckier than so many others. We are slowly piecing our lives back together, trying to regain normal.  During this time I attempted to continue my crafting (some days it was the only thing that kept me sane) but unfortunately I did not have time for this blog.  Please continue to bare with me and the frequency of posts will once again pick up as things at home continue to progress.

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The Modern Day "Liberated Woman"

The other day I had the pleasure of running into an old friend.  We spent some time catching up and I was happy to spend some time hearing about what she has been up to.  Today I receive an email from her entitled "I had to get this off my chest."  Apparently, according to the email, my willingness to cook, clean, craft, and care take for my loved ones is an affront to the entire female gender.  Many unwarranted and vicious statements were made, including her claim that  I am "single handily undoing the struggles of the women who came before us which enabled our generation to be liberated women."  While my original inclination was to ignore the email all together, after thinking about it I could not let this go.  The email did not make me feel insecure in the life I live, but I can't help but to wonder how many other women and young girls feel they have to live their life as either the career woman or the housewife? How many feel that if they are not filling a single role that they are failing their gender? When did these two worlds become mutually exclusive?!?!

I am a woman in my mid twenties, living in New York City.  I am an educated young woman and am proud to have obtained my Bachelors degree,  Masters degree as well as a number of other certificates.  I am a certified New York State Emergency Medical Technician.  I work in the predominantly male field of security and supervise an operations staff.  I have started and continue to grow my own small business. I like sports, the outdoors, reading, and traveling.  So yes I can say that I am a  modern woman.  I am proud to know that the struggles my mother, grandmothers, and the women who came before them have made it possible for me to hold the success I do today.  Their struggles though mean more to me than the ability to do things that in the recent past were limited to the male gender.

To me the Modern Day Liberated Woman is so much more.  The women who fought for our rights, our equality, our dreams were not trying to force us into the cookie cutter shape of what was previously the "man's world."  They sacrificed and aimed to LIBERATE us! To allow us the freedom to choose our own dreams and pursue them.  Who are we to look down on the lives they lived?  When did caring for those we love, cooking, and cleaning become an insult to women.  I CHOOSE to hold to tradition while living out my dreams.  What better way to honor these women than to become strong role models to the next generation and what better way to develop our strength than by understanding where we came from and expanding our horizons.  Even the tallest and farthest reaching tree needs its roots to allow it to stand tall.

I am happy and secure in my identity as both a career women and a tradition based home/care taker.  Handcrafted Holidays, my craft company, is a perfect example of how our liberation allows me to combine the previous male world of business with the feminine traditions my grandmothers' embraced, like crochet.  While every woman must find her own path, and follow her own dreams I think it is appalling that one woman should attack another for not being exclusively career "liberated."  Instead of picking "sides" I choose instead to embrace the woman's choice; the choice to work or to be a stay at home mom, to craft or to play sports, and perhaps even more to the pride of our fore-mother's, the choice to be whatever wonderful combination of these roles our Modern Day Liberated selves choose to be.