Redesign on a Budget: How to Make a Valances from a Curtain

     Recently, I was out shopping with a family friend looking for some new cost efficient ways to spruce up her bedroom.  We came across a some pretty sheer beige and brown curtains that would be a perfect fit for her room and the upcoming summer months... with one tiny problem... no valance.  We had seen a few sets that included the valance but they were expensive and not quite the material and color scheme she was hoping for.  Since these curtains were on clearance for an unbelievable price (and individual panels tend to be cheaper than complete sets)  I decided to try my hand at making our own valances.

     My Nannie was a seamstress so you would think that sewing would be one of the skills I have tucked under my craft tool belt right? Wrong! Nannie used a family antique sewing machine so it was strictly off limits to her grand kids' less than gentle hands. My other grandma taught me to sew by hand but not well enough to create an even seam in a shear material.  After some though I decided to give iron on hem tape a shot.  This shear tape comes in different widths and can be placed between two layers of material and then ironed to created a bond or hem.  One roll was more than enough to for this project and at $3.00-$5.00 per roll it is a cheap and easy fix.  An added benefit it the tape turns clear when heat is applied so the "hem" would not show through the sheer material of these curtains. 

     For her two windows we purchased a total of five floor length panels- one for each side of the windows and one to create the valances.  This particular set had a seam on the top and bottom that would accommodate the curtain rode so I was able to cut the curtain in half and seam  the cut edge.  If the curtains you purchase do not have a space for a rob through the top and bottom you have two options.  You can purchase two separate curtains so you have the top rod slot, or for the bottom half you can hem both sides of the piece, as I show below, allowing for a gap before the seam so there is a space for a rod.

     Now for the "how to" so you can make you own valances from curtains at home. First cut the curtain panel in half, don't worry about a perfectly straight cut at this point.  Next lay one of the pieces, with the front of the curtain facing down, on a flat surface (I chose to use a carpeted portion of the floor because it allowed me pin each corner to the carpet therefore preventing my project from moving).  Next I measured along the sides of the curtain 20 inches from the top (This was her preferred valance length but you can customize the length to your preferences).  I used a pin to mark the 20 inch point on both sides.

     The ensure a straight seam I then ran a piece of the hem tape across from the pins I placed at the 20 inch marks. The tape is a continuous roll and easily cuts or tears so I suggest you carefully measure and cut the tape to the correct length, ensuring to keep it in one piece.  My next step was to pin the tape in five places across the project.  Depending on the width of your project you might want to use more or less pins.  Next, I folded the edge of the curtain over this tape line.  I carefully moved each of the pins one by one from the bottom layer with the tape to now go through the folded material the tape and the bottom layer of the curtain.  Be careful to keep the tape in a straight line to ensure a straight hem edge.

     Now that you have prepared your hem its time to "sew" it and create the hem.  Run an iron over the seam in small sections.  Each brand of tape has different directions for the iron settings and how long to hold it over a spot so be sure to follow your tape's individual directions.  As you move from section to section carefully remove the pins.  Once you have ironed along the entire edge you can also remove the pins you placed in the corners to hold the project in place.  Now to finish the project carefully cut the excess material from the backside of the curtain along the newly crated seam.as seen in the photos below (p.s. don't mind my pjs). Your cuts should be pretty straight as they will be guided by the straight tape seam but if they aren't  perfect don't worry they are at the back of the curtain and wont be seen once the curtains are hung.  (On a side note if you are a perfectionist you could always fold your new seam over another piece of tape after cutting and iron to avoid an imperfect back seam). 

     Your first valance is complete.  Repeat the above process to create a second if your room calls for it.  Since, I used a floor length curtain panel when I was done there was still a nice amount of material remaining.  I used the left over hem tape and material to create curtain tiebacks for each of the panels.  Another idea is to create a pillow case for a small throw pillow.  The pillow can be added to a couch or bed to tie the curtains in to the rest of the room's decor.  If you are really on a tight budget and can't afford new curtains but want to a different look you can apply this process to change your current curtains or to create curtains/valances from raw material.    

Antique Road Trip

O'Neil's Antiques

I know when I set out to write this blog I wanted to focus on crafts, family, and life in NYC. Well I can't help it is my love of crafts and family are also tied into my love of travel. This Thursday (yes during the blizzard) my family and I started out on a road trip from New York to North Carolina to visit some family. Since the weather was bad we decided to drive about half way and spend the night near some of our favorite antique stores around the Delaware/Maryland border on Rt. 13. If you haven't figured it out already I am infinitely interested in tradition. I am a firm believer in understanding your roots before you can grow and spread your branches. So I guess it is no surprise that antique store amuse me. Walking through an antique store is like walking through a mini time capsule.

Loving all the books I found

One of our family's favorite antique stops is O'Neil's which is a few miles before you hit Maryand.  We have been coming here for years and absolutely love the big collections of estate jewelry, antique furniture, and treasures spanning a few centuries worth of nostalgia.  We were saddened to see that within the next few weeks the store will be closing.  The lovely couple who owns O'Neil's have decided after over 25 years they will be retiring.  On the bright side appointments can still be made to view their jewelry at their home.  Since everything was pretty much on clearance I went to work digging through each section looking for treasures. (Yes that is me sitting on the floor exploring craft books... the owners did say to make myself at home :)

Maybe I'm addicted, but at least its a healthy addiction

While there are so many beautiful things I would love to buy I decided I would focus this expedition on finding craft books, patterns, tools, and supplies.  I love looking through books to get ideas.  Many of the crafts I grew up with in my family seem to have faded as video games and computers have become the way to entertain so its pretty difficult sometimes to find resources.  Antique stores are a great place though to find these lost treasures.  Usually I feel lucky if I find a book or two but this trip I guess I was rewarded for braving the winter weather.  I  found so many craft resources that I actually had a hard time picking which books to buy and which I had to leave behind. With just two antique store stops I had literally piles of new craft goodies.  If you are looking for a cost effective place to load up on supplies antique stores, thrift shops, and yard sales are a good place to start.

Holding some of the new craft stash!

As for our followers, you can look forward to many new items in our Etsy Shop within the next few months.  The hardest part is going to be deciding where to start!  There are so many good ideas that inspire new items for my personal collection as well as the shop.  I even found some patterns I remember my Nannie working on when I was a little girl.  I love when we find little trinkets that remind us of our past.  Nannie was such an important part of why I am the crafter I am today so those things that remind me of her are extra special.  Antiquing turned out to be a successful part of the trip but we still had a few hours drive until we could begin our weekend getaway with some of our Southern relatives so we once again hit the road.  While flying is definitely a faster way to travel I wouldn't give up our road adventures for the world.  There is nothing like meeting new people, discovering hidden sight seeing gems, and spending time with your family.

We continued driving down south and decided to take a route that would bring us over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel.  For those of you who have never traveled this strip it is a combination of tunnels and bridges with a beautiful view of the water.  We were lucky enough to hit it just as the sun was setting.  The view was so colorful that we decided we couldn't just quickly pass it by.  Instead we stopped at their rest area.  There is a restaurant there with water views as well as a gift shop and convenience area. It is also a great place to stop and take a few family photos or just enjoy the spectacular view.

After all the snow we have had in New York this year it was incredibly refreshing to stand by the ocean on a warm day, listen to the seagulls and the churning of the water, and watch the sunset.  On that note, I will update our readers next post on the rest of the trip!

A sunset so perfect it almost doesn't seem real

For Part II of our road trip adventures click here!

 

Winter Accessories

January 3, 2014 Snowstorm

New York has already had a pretty eventful Winter.  At least four snowstorms and an Arctic Vortex later I think snow gear is a must.  In not a big hat person, but a headband, scarf, and gloves are a must before I dare to brave the cold temperatures.  Over the years of of my favorite things to make are crochet scarfs.  Not only are scarfs a fun accessory but for people like me, who don't tolerate the cold very well, they are a very practical and essential part of any winter outfit.

The advantage of being able to make your own scarfs is the color and materiel options are endless and I can make the exact size and design I'm looking for.  Since the scarf rarely leaves my neck, even once I'm indoors, it is great to be able to match them to some of my favorite outfits.  There are also some pretty fashionable ways to wrap or tie scarfs, so being able to add the extra length I prefer is another great reason I make my own.


With the recent temperatures plummeting so low my car's tires actually stuck to the ground, and wind chill numbers around -15 my scarf of choice for this winter is something thick, plush, and extra warm.  After a quick trip to the craft store (ok, maybe it wasn't so quick, but who could blame me for spending so much time there when there are so many great craft options?!?!) I decided on a deep burgundy red color.   Bernat's Soft Boucle Yarn caught my eye because of the rich color and the new "quicker and thicker" design.  FYI, I did notice a notable difference though in color and texture between dye lots so make sure you buy enough of the same lot for your intended project if you go with this yarn.  While some yarns you can get away with mixing lots, this is definitely not one of them.  Also, if you are new to crochet or knit this may not be the best yarn for you.  It is woven in a loose manner that some new crafters find hard to create with as it is easy to place the needle through the thread of yarn instead of under it.

Just as the label promised this yarn was plenty thick and it does work very quick. The yarn label called for a "L" crochet hook but since I was concerned with warmth I choose a "K" crochet hook to keep the stitching a little tighter.  While a single crochet scarf would have almost totally eliminated this problem, I wanted to make sure the soft plush quality of this yarn wasn't lost in smaller tighter stitches.  For this reason I decided to create the scarf in double crochet stitches with the slightly smaller hook which gave me the desired look, feel, and warmth.  I'm a huge fan of infinity scarfs right now so with that in mind I began crocheting away.  The picture on the right (don;t mind my pjs) shows the work in progress scarf after only a short time.  I made the scarf about 70 inches long before closing the infinity circle (a good length if you like to double the loops around your neck for a little extra warmth) and about 10 inches thick.

After completing the scarf I had some yarn left over.  I could have held onto the remaining yarn for a future project but all I could hear was a little voice in my head telling me my yarn stash is big enough. But... I refuse to waste craft materials... sooo... I decided the perfect solution was to make a matching headband!  After completing a basic headband I stitched a portion of the headband together creating a pinched bow effect.  Overall I am very happy with the yarn and the finished product. After only one night of cuddling up and crocheting I have two great new Winter Accessories.  I'm ready to face the next round of of Arctic Vortex cold expected within the next two weeks!

Finished Scarf and Headband (Color appears lighter due to camera flash)

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.

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.

Etsy Shop

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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.

A Finished Cross Stitch

A few weeks ago I told my readers about a very special project I was asked to finish.  A wonderful and supportive woman had started a "Footprints In The Sand" cross stitch for her nephew.  Unfortunately she did not have the chance to finish the piece.

While I had no experience with cross stitch I was honored that I was asked to finish such a meaningful craft. I began right away, and learned as I went.  Thank you to any of my readers who left comments and private messaged me with tips on how to make the cross stitch come out right.  After many nights adding (and sometimes removing) stitches, the cross stitch is finished. 

I am proud that the piece is complete, but it is also bitter sweet in a way.  Ending that last stitch in a way was like letting go of another little piece of Donna.  She will always hold a special place in my heart and I hope that when her family looks at this cross stitch they are reminded of all the happy memories.  It may have been my hands that finished the project, but it was her heart behind this beautiful gift.  Her sister told me Donna was so determined to give this gift that she wore three pairs of magnifying glasses so she could see the stitches she placed on the tree tops.  While she could have easily bought a finished product it was a labor of love.

Once I finished stitching the canvas, I looked it over once more, making sure I did not miss any stitches.  Then I ironed it, back side up, on my iron's linen setting. It didn't take much, just enough to get rid of any of the wrinkles cause by the tension loop.  After, it was ready to be placed in a frame.  Take a look below at the finished cross stitch hanging in the home of Donna's loved ones.

My First Knitting Class

For those of you who have been following recently, you know that I was asked by a friend to go to a knitting class at a local craft store.  Well Sunday was the first class and I now know the basics.  I caught on to casting on pretty quick.  I wish I could say the same about the rest. Our instructor moved kind of fast so it took me a while and some extra practice but I think I finally have knit and purl down. We learned how to increase and decrease as well. 

My initial practice piece was a mess.  As soon as I got home I took it all apart and began from scratch.  I figured out a mistake I was making on my purl rows.  I was placing the needle correctly but I was yarning over from behind my work.  Once I corrected this problem my practice piece finally looks like the beginning of a knit scarf. 

So far I am finding knitting to be harder than crochet.  I am also pretty frustrated that the in the time it would take me to crochet an entire scarf I barely have a square.  I’m hoping with time I will gain so speed.  I have one more class this Sunday and I am looking forward to learning more.  I've been doing some research on my own as well (internet, other knitters, etc) and I will post soon with some tips for beginners.

As for my class, we can bring a pattern we want to try this weekend and our teacher will help guide us through it.  Any suggestions for a cute knit scarf pattern? 

Can I Knit?

I love crafting and I enjoy adding new projects to my ever growing to do list.  A few months ago when I was asked to complete a cross stitch I was nervous.  After completing the cross stitch I fell in love with it.  I have already bought a new one I hope to start soon (This time it is a counted cross stitch).  Recently one of my good friends asked me if I would like to join her for a two-part knitting class.  I love to crochet and have always wanted to expand my needlework to including knitting but I am also a little nervous.  Years of hearing about the difficulty in maintaining even tension and the horrors of dropped stitches is slightly intimidating.  Well I decided I am going to take the classes starting this weekend and give it my all.  I may very well only be cut out to crochet but at the very least I will have enjoyed two Sundays with great company.  

Hobby Lobby!

About a year ago I heard about Hobby Lobby on a TV show dedicated to highlighting quality companies.  Not only is Hobby Lobby a large craft/hobby chain store, as I learned they are also a value based company. The Christian founders of the company still close stores on Sunday and have a large array of religious items in stock.  While not all of my readers may agree with their Christian values, I find something admirable in the fact that they keep their beliefs as a core part of their business.  As a crafter who gets many requests for unique religious gifts and decor I also appreciated the religious items that can be hard to find when crafting.  

Anyway, after hearing about Hobby Lobby on TV I asked my craft buddy from work if she had ever been to a Hobby Lobby.  While we have Michael's and AC Moore in NYC we unfortunately do not have a nearby Hobby Lobby.  I kept saying I would make my way to a Hobby Lobby eventually but it wasn't until this past weekend that I finally got to explore.  There was one not far from the route I was driving and the ten minute detour was well worth it.

As soon as I walked in I was greeted by this beautiful fall foliage tree.  While I am enjoying every last minute of summer, I also love the fall season so it was nice to see this decorative touch.  It may not be important to everyone whether their craft store decorates, but to me it is more than just looks.  Sure a pretty store can lift my mood, but it also shows that the owners/ staff of that store have an appreciation for creativity.  Like the crafters who frequent their stores they can take parts and envision a greater whole.  It is a connection to the store and materials I just don't feel looking down an aisle of bins and racks.

The effort put into Hobby Lobby was evident in more ways than one.   I was immediately struck by the size and neat layout of the store.  While I do enjoy exploring through chaotic craft stores, it is nice to walk into a store sometimes and to know exactly where to find what you are looking for.  Even the clearance section was organized and   When everything is neatly displayed you will be surprised what new things you may come across.  I don't know about you, but my mind is always looking for new ways to create and it can be the least expected thing that will trigger a new project idea.

Along with the aisles upon aisles of crafts there is also a large selection of home decor items.  Creativity can be expressed in so many ways and this is one of the few stores that give you the tools to turn your home into a work of art.  Neatly organized are decor items for firefighters, cowboys, police officers, car lovers, and musicians just to name a few.  I had one of my best guy friends with me and he HATES craft stores.  I usually have to beg him to stop in with me when we are hanging out and pass a craft store.  Since I was driving this time he had no choice but to come along.  I was sure that I would hear complaints about stopping the rest of the drive but boy was I wrong.  While he still was not amused by the typical craft store items he was like a kid in a candy store when it came to all the unique decor sections.  He even asked as we were leaving if Id let him know the next time I was heading to a Hobby Lobby!

Overall I have to say Hobby Lobby met my expectations and surpassed them.  My little detour turned into just the fun I needed on a rainy summer day.  I will definitely be heading back in the near future.  I'm thinking a pre-Halloween trip will be a necessity after seeing their adorable Halloween displays.  Halloween happens to be my second favorite holiday, running a close second to Christmas, and Hobby Lobby has plenty of unique items for both.

         

If you have a Hobby Lobby in your area (or are willing to go a little out of your way for a good craft store) dont forget to download their SmartPhone App.  The app provides coupons and the more you save the more crafts you can get! So whats your favorite part of Hobby Lobby, or is there another craft store you think out shines the others?

A Single Thread: Book Review

I think I have made it pretty clear that I have a passion for crafts.  I am also a reading/writing addict. I have always found a connection between the creativity required for crafting object with your hands and the creativity required for crafting a story with your mind.  It is because of this connection that I cant help but to be drawn to reading books that bring these two creative worlds together.  When A Single Thread by Marie Bostwick popped up on my recommended books list I just had to read it.  

A Single Thread takes place in a lovable old fashioned New England town.  The reader is given a pass into this tight knit community and asked to come along for the emotional ups and downs of four special women.  The main character, Evelyn Dixon, finds that the cure for her heart ache may be to finally follow her dream of opening a quilt shop.  Her first big event at Cobbled Court Quilting, a Breast Cancer Awareness Quilting Day, establishes a connection with three strangers, soon turned family. It is through tragedy and challenge that these women learn together to grow and conquer.    

While A Single Thread is set in a quaint town, has a cast of likable characters, and a plot that will have you routing for these incredible women, it is so much more.  Bostwick was able to put into words so much of what I love about crafting.  She highlighted the tradition, the sense of community, and the love and care that is behind every handmade treasure.  It is a great read for anyone interested in reading about how friendship, love, and community help us through the obstacles in life (not to forget the quilting aspect which makes it a great read for my crafty side).  Oh and did I mention the best part?  This is just the first book in a series so we have the chance to follow the characters we have grown to love through a few more books.  I cant wait to get book two.

Aside from being an inspiring read A Simple Thread has renewed a dream of mine from many years ago.  As a little girl I received a Furby as a birthday gift and I absolutely treasured it.  I treated the adorable electric toy as if it was a real pet.  Of course every pet needs a bed of its own, right?  Well my nine year old self was determined to create the best bed ever for my Furby.  While some of my friend's parents had purchased doll beds etc for their Furby counterparts, we were going through a bit of a rough patch and ordering a doll bed was out of the question.  My grandmother had the perfect solution for our dilemma; Furby could sleep in her box and we would make her a pillow and quilt to keep her warm.  

We went through the closet and found a few pieces of clothing my baby sister had outgrown.  Carefully we cut the material for the pillow and my grandmother began to teach me to sew the seam by hand.  We even make a ruffle to make the pillow look more like a decorative sham.  Next we cut a bunch of little squares and she showed me how to join them together in a pretty quilt.  We used the scraps from cutting our squares to stuff the pillow and a larger piece of a shirt to make a back for the quilt.  

When we were all done with Furby's set I knew it was better than any of my friend's Furby bedrooms.  I might not have had a canopy or a bed with drawers but I had something better.  I was able to reuse something, and with my own two hands (and a lot of help from Grandma's) make a quilt that was all my own.  Even the mistakes were special because I was able to see how far I'd come and how much I learned about sewing by hand.  Sixteen years later though the reason I remember that quilt was not because of the Furby, but instead because of the time Grandma and I spent together working on it.  That little Furby quilt was not very big but it was special and I dreamed of  one day making a quilt of my own.  One that would represent little pieces of important moments in my life and one big enough to wrap myself in.  I know now that hand stitching a full sized quilt is no where near as easy as Furby's so I forgot about my dream for a long time.  This book has reminded me of how special the quilting experience can be and I am once again determined to make a hand stitched quilt.  It might take me a while with the holiday season (AKA crafting crazy season) so close but look forward to some quilting experimentation in the near future :)

Crafting Away- More Cross Stitch Tips

I am still working on the footprints cross stitch.  Thankfully I am stabbing myself less, undoing tangles and knots less, and accomplishing more (with fewer mistakes)... I guess I am learning by trial and error.  While it doesn't seem like I have accomplished all that much I am happy to report I have completed five colors on the pattern so far.  I have been busy with some craft orders as well so the progress hasn't been as fast as I would like.  I love that the little blue Xs are becoming a beautiful nature scene and I can't wait to see the finished piece.  In addition to the cross stitch tips and tricks I recently posted, I've also learned:

• As you stitch the thread becomes twisted.  Stopping every once and a while to let the thread and needle hang will help prevent tangles and knots.  The weight of the needle will allow the hanging thread to unwind making it less likely the thread will cause you trouble.  
• While some crafters I spoke with disagree, I find it easiest to work with one thread color at a time.  While more experienced cross stitchers may prefer to have multiple threads going at once, I find it easier to follow a pattern and keep the cross stitch neat by working one color start to finish before beginning the next color.
•  The patterns for cross stitch can be hard to follow.  There are a lot of tiny symbols each representing a color and stitch and many of them can look a like.  One way to keep track of what you have done and what remains is to highlight the stitches that are complete.  



Bobbins

• A system to keep track of your threads is very important.  Who knew there were so many thread options?  It may seem easy to remember which thread is which now but your best bet it so start a storage system.  I have seen some people just wrap the thread in the wrapper and staple it so it stays snug. While this might work well for larger amounts of thread, small scraps that may come in handy later need a better system.  I found a pack of cheap pieces of cardboard (also come in plastic) called bobbins.  These little helpers keep threads organized, tangle free, and you can write on them to easily identify a thread number.  These bobbins can then be stored loosely in a bag, on a ring, or they even sell special cases fits just for this purpose. 

Cross Stitch Tips: Beginner Lessons Learned

In my last post I wrote about my latest project, a very special special cross stitch project.  This is the first time I have experimented with cross stitch.  A few pin pricks and mistakes later I have learned a few things that would make cross stitch easier for a beginner.

• There are two main forms of cross stitch, the first is stamped cross stitch.  This is the type of project i am currently working on.  It is much easier for beginners as there is a print on the canvas to guide your stitches.  The other form counted cross stitch gives you more deign freedom but takes more skill.
• Separate the thread (typically comprised of 6 strands).  Depending on the tightness of the canvas weave you should divide the wider thread and make either 2 or 3 strand sets.  Straighten and unwind the threads before using.  If you leave them even slightly curly/kinky it is more likely a tangle will form when working.
• Buy a needle threader!  I can not emphasize this enough.  I try my best to conserve my resources when crafting so I tend to avoid some of the "make it easier" accessories.  On more than one occasion I have passed over a needle threader in craft stores.  Why spend even a few dollars on something I can do without. right? WRONG! It is easy to loose your sanity trying to thread a needle with the multiple strands cross stitch thread.  There was a needle threader in the bag with Donna's cross stitch and I never want to work without one again.
•  If a tangle begins to form, do not pull the thread taunt.  Use the needle to separate the threads and determine how to undo the tangle without pulling it into a knot. One way to limit tangles is to cut your thread to a reasonable length.  I have found that it is much easier to work with thread pieces 1 8inches or less.
• Use a hoop (also referred to as a fabric stretcher).  While some experienced cross stitchers can create a masterpiece without placing it in a loop, I think it is an important tool.  These loops are designed to pull the fabric taunt and allow for even well placed stitches.  Be careful not to pull the fabric so taunt that it tears or damages the threads, but it should be tight enough to bounce a penny on.
• When you are done working for the day remove the loop.  Leaving the work in the loop for too long can damage the stitches, fabric, and even warp the loops themselves.
• Make sure you can see... this seems like common sense but one of the first obstacles I came up against was poor lighting.  The patterns may seem easy to follow at first but as your eyes get tired low light can easily lead to a mistake.  Some people also find it helpful to purchase a lighted magnifying accessory in order to aid in completing these tiny stitches and patterns. 
• Our final tip was brought to us by our reader Bobbie: "Make sure all of your Xs are going in the same direction. That the top stitch is always tilted in the same direction. This is what makes a huge difference in the end result of your piece." (Thanks Bobbie for the advice).

I hope to share some more insight as I learn this new craft.  Please feel free to share any other tips and tricks you find helpful while cross stitching.  Here is a picture of my progress so far... I'm excited all those little blue Xs are starting to come to life.

A Cherished Cross-stitch

I would first like to start by apologizing for not posting recently.  A lot has been going on in my personal life, good and bad, some of which I will update you on in future posts. One of the more difficult parts of the past few weeks has been the loss of three incredible women.  Each taught me something about life: to live every day as its your last, to find pleasures in the small things, and to believe in yourself and your dreams no matter how bad the situation may seem.  


Dealing with these loses has not been easy, but as always I have found comfort in crafts.  Working with my hands and that simple piece of string gives me the chance to be alone with my thoughts and feelings.  While looking for a new project to fulfill this need I was asked to take on a very meaningful craft. 


One of the women I lost, Donna, was incredibly supportive of my crafts.  When I doubted anyone would want something I made, she helped give me the courage and confidence to pursue my passion.  This is what Donna did best, she saw the good in each person and nurtured it.  Donna's last few years were troubled with health problems but she put her own challenges aside to better the life of others.  In the days after she passed I was struck by how a woman, who could often times not even leave her bed, was able to reach out and touch so many lives in such a unforgettable way.  It was clear the Donna's faith in God was the driving force behind her strength, compassion, and understanding. She shared this faith with her family in a special way, especially with her nieces and nephews.  


For all these reasons and more, when her family asked me to complete a project Donna had started I couldn't say no.  Donna had begun a Footprints in the Sand cross-stitch.  For those of you who don't know Footprints in the Sand is a beautiful prayer showing how God is always by our side, especially during tough times.  Donna believed in the words of the prayer and was working on the cross-stitch for her nephew.

While I have worked on many crafts in my life I have never attempted a cross-stitch.  Despite my lack of experience the meaning behind this project has me ready to give cross-stitch my best shot.  I guess Donna is still pushing me to tap into my creative potential.  Donna started the tree tops and I have started to complete her unfinished work.  Wish me luck as I stitch this cherished craft.  

Gel Color Manicure

Being an avid crafter is not always easy on my hands.  My nails seem to suffer quite a bit.  I use to pay for manicures but got frustrated when they would scratch or chip a few days in.  Then I started painting my nails on my own... same problem.  While acrylic or silk tips lasted a little longer I don't like the damage they do to your natural nail. I know total girl problem right?!? Honestly while I am not super girly I do like to have my nails done.

I had pretty much given up on pretty nails until my mom suggested I try the color gel manicures.  She also works with her hands as a professional decorator.  If her manicure could stand up to the wear and tear of the wire in artificial trees and wreaths then this just might be the solution I was looking for.  I got my first gel color manicure three weeks ago.  The manicure consists of a clear gel layer, and then 2-3 layers of the colored gel polish, followed by a final top coat.  Between each layer you place your hand in a dryer.  While this may take a little more time than a regular manicure but when you leave it is dried and ready to go.

It is three weeks since I got the manicure and it still looks amazing (minus where my nail has grown out).  While the recommended time is a new polish every two weeks, I wanted to really put this manicure to the test before blogging about it.  It has withstood crochet needles, sandpaper and paint from the lawn ornament project, and even dishes.

Refinishing Lawn Ornaments

On my last trip to the country I was upset to see my aunt's familiar lawn ornament had taken quite a beating over the past few years.  For as long as I can remember the happy little boy had stood guard a the corner of my aunt's house, right below the humming bird feeder.  When I asked my aunt she said the cement boy was passed down to her and had been in the family for around 100 years.  With his chipping paint and cracked cement he was beginning to show his age.  I decided it was my turn, like my aunts before me, to give our little boy a makeover.  I'm sure man of you have family heirlooms that need a little work, but the history they bring is well worth the effort.

I went the next day to Home Depot and bought my make over kit.  First things first I needed sand paper.  I was also going to need something to repair the deep cracks and missing pieces of cements.  Last but not least I was going to need paint and brushed to complete the refurbishing of our cement lawn ornament.  Once I got everything I needed I set to work.

I had chosen a fine grained sand paper to remove all of the paint chips fro years of layered repairs.  The paper could not be too course or it might remove some of the details of the statue.  After sanding away the chips I took the outdoor cork I had purchased at Home Depot and began to fill in the deep crack around his neck, as well as using it to resculpt the missing cement pieces.  It is important that the cork you use says it is paintable.  Once applied it will need a few hours to dry well before you can begin to paint over the cork.  While the finish will not be as perfect as actual cement it will diminish the look of wear and it is easy to use.

A few hours later I was ready to begin the repainting portion of the project.  I had purchased the Baer indoor-outdoor paint samples with paint and primer in one.  They were inexpensive, provided for great coverage, and left plenty of paint for future touch ups.  I started with the larger portions first and then returned with a smaller detailing brush to finish the fine lines and details.

A few hours of painting later and our little boy was ready to retake his rightful place on my aunt's country lawn.  I'm happy a little money and a little hard work has helped preserve this little guys for years to come.  Helping keep a family treasure alive is priceless :)