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Caught with the Kool-Aid

February 28, 2011 by 1 Comment

Sometimes you just can’t help yourself.  You see everyone else sipping away.  Most recently Happy Zombie.  And PamKittyMorning.  It’s was Pam who really pushed (I mean, encouraged) me to try some of that mug rug Kool-Aid.  It was the phrase “super cute but not a super commitment” that really convinced me.

And what better way to get acquainted with my small stash of Magical Lands fabric.  A small project is good for mixing up the prints and enjoying the feel of a collection.  As you see, I didn’t stop with one.  Nor did I leave the second one plain and flat.  A piece of twill tape acts as a tab for hanging and yo yo’s add just a little dimension. Still plenty of room for a mug of coffee and a snack or two.

I have fellow creatives to thank for this afternoon of fun.  Rachael for sending me the fabric in the first place–thank you again!  And Pam and Monica for slipping me the mug rug Kool-Aid.  Thanks guys!

Filed Under: blog buddies, crafts, fabric, quilts

Just Reward

February 25, 2011 by 4 Comments

Care to join me for a little mocha and a chat?  After seeing to it that both business and personal tax returns have been completed and filed, I feel like I need a little down time.  With an upper of chocolate and coffee, naturally.  I prevailed upon Mr. P to fire up the espresso machine.  Some Trader Joe’s Sipping Chocolate, a shot of espresso and some slightly foamed milk and voila!  A Casa P Mocha.  Just for me. Ahhhhhhhh.  Perfection.

Depending on the extra short term energy boost I get, I have numerous Works In Progress aka WIPs I could get to.  Like these two for example.  But I have a feeling I may not get that far today.  This may be the kind of afternoon that is spent moodling.

My idea books are waiting to be filled.  A sketchbook is waiting for doodles.  And surprise, surprise, there is no longer any mocha in that cup!  But go ahead, pull up a chair.  I’ll make a pot of coffee and we can put our creative heads together.  Anything could happen given the right company and some coffee.  What do you say?

Filed Under: fabric, food, sis boom, wips

Missing My Books

February 23, 2011 by 2 Comments

I wish I were doing more reading.  It’s been a dry spell lately when it comes to books.  Nothing really clamoring for my attention.  I’m looking forward to The Bayou Trilogy but it is not due until May.

I have a stack of books in the To Be Read pile but they are strangely silent.  Maybe the next trip to the book store I can find these intriguing books:

I don’t know why the books stopped whispering.  Maybe I have just been to occupied to hear them.  It’s certainly possible that the fabric is smothering them.  Now there’s a thought for consideration….

Filed Under: books

That Bling Thing

February 20, 2011 by 11 Comments

I’m not much for bling.  But I have friends who love it–the bigger the bling, the better.  I find ways to craft around my gypsy style and play with glittery things now and then.  I don’t think I’ve ever done a bling/glitter thing without Mod Podge.  I wouldn’t know how to begin without it.  This project was no different.

I found the little resin frame at Michael’s for $2.  The glitter letters came from Target.  Besides those two things, you need Mod Podge, an applicator, pencil, scissors and a scrap of fabric.  Begin by prepping the fabric scrap with Fabric Mod Podge.  (You can skip this part but it really does make it easier to trim up the fabric and eliminates loose threads.  And don’t forget to protect your work surface with tin foil or wax paper.)  Remove the clear film from the frame.  You may need a craft knife to trim small stubborn pieces.

Trace the frame back onto the back of your Mod Podged fabric.  Cut to size.

Mod Podge your fabric to the frame’s back piece.  Apply a coat or two of Mod Podge to the fabric.  If you really want to make it shine, now would be the time to add a layer of Sparkle Mod Podge.  Don’t apply too thickly or you will have problems closing the back. 

Glue the glittered letter to the center.  (I chose to spray a light coat of acrylic sealer on the letters before gluing them.  This avoids all the glitter flakes ending up in places you don’t want them.)

And that’s all there is to it!  Now I can send them off to do their bling thing.  I think these would make great place cards for a party or shower.  They’re certainly quick and easy to put together. 
Filed Under: crafts, fabric, mod podge, sis boom

International Mail

February 19, 2011 by 2 Comments

Getting packages in the mail is always a great addition to any day.  Including the ones containing things you ordered for yourself.  Packages with surprises inside are even better.  International packages with surprises inside–priceless!

Look what was in my mailbox last night!  Yes, that says Australia.  I know, I know!   It was hard to contain myself.  I came in from the rain clutching my precious package and grinning like the Cheshire cat.  Mr. P looked up from his recliner and said, “What?”

I’ll tell you what.  My wonderful blog friend Rachael sent me fabric.  And not just any fabric but brand new fabric by an Australian designer.  As you can see below, this is Saffron Craig‘s newest collection called Magical Lands.  And truly, it is magical.

I love the mix of colors and the whimsical shapes.  It’s going to be hard to make up my mind on how to use this.  I will need to spend a little time listening to them, picking up on their Aussie accents.  There’s a lot of fun in this group of fabrics and I can’t wait to unleash it.  Thank you, Rachael! 

Filed Under: fabric

Pillow Possibilities

February 17, 2011 by 2 Comments

When it comes to accent pillows, removable covers are essential.  Also required are bright and colorful fabrics.  But it’s how those fabrics work together that make it something special.  Like this pillow cover.

I started with Jane’s Garden Divas in the Exotic color way.  And then the fabric just took over.  I know I say this often, and a lot of you probably think I’m exaggerating, but the fabric really does do all the work.  I just listen and go along for the ride.

At the beginning I only knew I wanted a kaleidoscopic effect from the center piecing.  Everything else was unknown.  The center applique was a stunning way to introduce a dragonfly.   You will find it echoed in each corner square of the sashing. 

I quilted it simply with Rowan’s Kaffe Fassett thread in Red Rose (#304).  A strip of Velcro makes removing the cover a breeze and makes for a flat smooth finish on the back side.

This pillow is being entered in Sew, Mama, Sew’s February pillow contest.  Head over to check out the featured pillows and to see the list of prizes.  Get your afternoon tea or coffee and prepare to sit for a bit.  There’s a lot to inspire.

Filed Under: crafts, houe and home, sassaman, sewing

Rewards

February 16, 2011 by 3 Comments

Making things for others is its own reward. When the recipients are thrilled with what you make, more reward comes your way. But when they love it to death and don’t want to be parted with it, that’s the best sort of reward.

You may recall the amigurumi zebra.  I’m pleased to report that she was instantly loved by my niece and has been going everywhere with her.  She was even christened with a dramatic name…Giselle Zebretta.  Perfect!  Included in the package was a zebra fleece throw with Sis Boom binding.  Also well received.

My nephew was terribly excited about his blue camouflage fleece.  It has replaced his comforter and been designated an “anti-bed bug” blanket.  The amigurumi I made for him was a blue snake.

I found this easy pattern and made it to match his throw.  I had my suspicions about the end use of this snake.  It turns out my intuitions were correct.  The snake is now his Indiana Jones whip.

Though they live several states away, they are still under the influence of their silly Aunt Melissa.  I hope they never lose their playful spirits and imaginative minds. 

Filed Under: crafts, crochet, family
February 14, 2011 by 2 Comments
Filed Under: holidays

Getting Back to It

February 13, 2011 by 5 Comments

I’ve stumbled upon a new way to gauge cognitive function. Nothing scientific, just anecdotal evidence from this week of pollen mayhem. Try knitting a very simple pattern and see how far you can get before you make a mistake. On Thursday I couldn’t get more than about six or seven rows before extra stitches were showing up. Yesterday was much better. Something closer to twenty.   Improvement at last!

I’m using Gedifra Fiorista Fino for this long, narrow scarf.  I love the feel of it and the colors are so urban with the grays, mauve and rust.  Using a wonderful yarn went a long way in keeping my interest while I was desperately trying to undo mistakes.

With renewed optimism, I went back to the cutting mat and rotary cutter. A charm pack of Amy Butler’s Soul Blossoms had arrived last week and I was anxious to see how it played together. No surprise. All colorways mix fantastically. As usual with these charm packs, I had no idea what I would do with it. Now that I have all these 4 1/2 inch squares, ideas are forming.  It will take more fabric to bring them to fruition.  In the meantime, I need to get out and enjoy a little sunshine.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend! 

Filed Under: crafts, fabric, yarn

Mod Podge Creative Fix

February 9, 2011 by 4 Comments

Another reason to love Mod Podge is the minimal amount of skill or brain power needed to use it.  It’s not toxic so there’s no need for caution or ventilated spaces.  There are limitless little projects to fiddle with so you don’t need to worry excessively over cost of supplies.  Despite more hay fever and Claritin malaise, I can still play with Mod Podge and not worry that a lapse in reflexes or judgment are going to result in injury.  Like might occur when using a hot iron, a sharp rotary cutter or a very pointy needle under the same conditions.

This time I’ve added a bolt of blue to the fridge.  The two round magnets and the wooden star came from Michael’s.  The Mod Podge, the fabric and the glitter glue were in my supplies.  For these projects I used Fabric Mod Podge and regular Mod Podge.

To make your own, just assemble your supplies and follow the steps below:

  1. Apply Fabric Mod Podge to your fabric scraps and allow to dry.  (Remember to use foil or wax paper as your work surface to avoid sticking fabric to your table or counter.)
  2. Trace the shapes of the star to make your cutting pattern.  The magnets come with a paper insert that you can use instead of tracing.
  3. For the magnets, cut card stock into circles of the proper size and Mod Podge to back of prepared scraps centering your design as desired.  Cut fabric using card stock as your guide.
  4. For the star cut out all fabric pieces from scraps.  Mod Podge to the star.  
  5. Trim pieces for fit.
  6. Put circles into magnet holder and secure with back.
  7. To finish star, apply several coats of Mod Podge letting each coat dry thoroughly in between applications.  Use Sparkle Mod Podge for more bling.  When finished with Mod Podge, apply glitter glue to high points and edges of star.  
  8. Thread ribbon through pre-drilled hole in the top of the star and hang wherever you want some sparkle.

It’s really that easy.  And the cleanup is a cinch too.  Soap and water takes care of it all.  I can imagine a refrigerator with magnet polka dots of different fabrics.  Maybe it’s just the hay fever talking but I think it would make a fun statement for the kitchen. 

Filed Under: crafts, house and home, mod podge, sis boom
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