August 21, 2016
by Tammy
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August 16, 2016
by Tammy
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Enjoy Some Craft Links!
Travel Journal: Capture the Memories & Avoid the Clutter
As summer draws to a close, think about reducing the mementos into concentrated personal memories with a travel journal.
The Crafty Princess and Tappingflamingo are podcasting together again.
So, it’s past Independence Day, but some people stitch patriotic designs all year round, so check out the latest pattern added to the Connie Gee’s Designs Etsy shop.
Cyndi shares a way to free-form wire wrap a special stone or cabochon.
Snap out of it, Jean! There’s beading to be done!
Jean reviews the dazzling new jewelry design book, Make It Sparkle! by Lindsay Burke
August 15, 2016
by Tammy
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Book Review: Homes Sewn
Home Sewn: Projects and Inspiration for Every Room
As with many books I review, some of the print is too light for my poor old eyes, but oddly enough, some of the print in this book is dark and some light. For example, the Cotton Block-Print Pillowcases project has dark (I say dark but I mean more normal colored) text for the introduction. Then the print lightens up for the list of materials.Then it gets dark again for the step-by-step information. It seem like a small item to think about, but if you really want to read and use a book, this print design of the book I find to be irritating.
Most of the projects look simply enough as far as sewing skills. There are a variety of projects that require basically sewing a straight line, so that is nice to see. That said, I would still warn totally new sewers to be prepared to be challenged somewhat because the instructions are not as broken down as they could be. For experienced sewers, that should not be a problem though. Plus, there are some projects that require very little sewing. The Linen Bulletin Board, for example, only requires you to cut, staple, and glue fabric to a board.
If you have a small amount of sewing experience and enjoy the shabby – chic look, then you will find some very simple, fun, and useful items to make for your home in this book. There is a lot of use of cotton, linen, and canvas fabrics. If you want to work with fabric and try some projects like the bulletin board I mentioned and a few others that don’t really require stitching or require just hemming around the ends of something (a lamp shade and canvas table cloth), then you will find these here too. I could also see some nice gift ideas to consider making such as tea towels and storage containers.
It is a very pretty book, too, one that I could see me sitting down and just enjoy flipping through the pages now and then while I sip some tea.
I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.
August 11, 2016
by Tammy
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Crafty Podcast
My sister, the Tappingflamingo, was down visiting me in Florida, so of course, that means we had to sneak off and record a podcast. We chat about my so far failed attempt at sewing Blythe doll clothes, her very cool gator jewelry, and show off some knitting and crochet.
August 8, 2016
by Tammy
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Decals, Stitching, and Metal Links
Melt Inkjet Decal Images onto Wood
How to melt inkjet decal images onto wood without visible decal edges. Turpentine dissolves Lazertran inkjet carrier film leaving only the decal image.
Connie’s latest addition to her Etsy shop is a sampler fit for a queen, or a princess, or maybe even a prince or two.
Tammy is blowing the dust off her sewing machine in hopes of attempting to sew doll clothes for her Blythe dolls.
Cyndi mixes leather cords and metal links for a cute and easy bracelet tutorial!
Snap out of it, Jean! There’s beading to be done!
Jean reviews Cynthia Newcomer Daniel’s fascinating new book, Modern Beaded Lace Beadweaving Techniques for Stunning Jewelry Designs.
August 2, 2016
by Tammy
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Making Cards, Copper Jewelry, Free Pattern, & Beaded Jewelry
A folding screen card is a cute variation on an accordion fold card. It’s made to resemble an oriental room divider screen. Here are two ways to make one.
Snap out of it, Jean! There’s beading to be done!
Jean reviews a fab new jewelry design book: Cool Copper Cuffs 25 Metal and Wire Projects by Eva M. Sherman !
Beads, sewing supplies, yarn,and more! How do you get your craft space organized so you can actually craft?
Cyndi has collected some more fast and easy projects that won’t make you sweat in the summer heat!
The latest free pattern at Connie Gee’s Designs is the Rainbow Circles chart. It is whole cross-stitch only and could be adapted for any color scheme.
August 1, 2016
by Tammy
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Blythe Doll Dress Sewing Attempt, Almost!
After finally getting organized, I managed to get my sewing machine out and on my sewing cabinet. I think it has been about two years or so since I even turned on my sewing machine, so that was the first thing I needed to check. Does it work?
I already had a doll dress cut and ready for sewing. This is from a free pattern on the Waffle Patterns web site. I am not going to do the applique part, but I do plan to line it with the blue fabric shown. It is so freakin’ tiny, yikes!
I turned on the machine, and yeah, we have power! But, before I risked messing up my first little Blythe doll dress, I decided to test it out. And, boy, I’m glad I did. Everything turns on, and I can get it to stitch, but the stitches are uneven, and my reverse button doesn’t work. Something is wrong with the tension. Ugh!
So, the Blythe doll dress is still on hold for a little while. I need to pull out the manual and check to see if this is something I can fix. I can tell that the machine is very stiff feeling, too. When I work the hand wheel, it’s very tight, and I don’t remember it feeling like that in the past. I’m really hoping it’s something I can do myself since, I’m pretty sure, there are no sewing machine repair places close to me. I don’t want to ship off my machine now that I finally have space to sew. I will keep you posted.
July 25, 2016
by Tammy
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Beads, Sewing, and Crafting Organizing!
After chatting some about how I was getting my jewelry making supplies, sewing, and other crafting supplies in order so that I could actually make something, I finally got it together. In this video, I show a before and then an after, from crazy mess to neat as a pin (or almost).
July 25, 2016
by Tammy
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Crafting Around the Web
Why Buy When You Can Watch Free?
Eileen explains when to watch free and when you would want to buy a class. Hint: Creative Live classes are up to 50% off until 7/25!
Another super easy garter stitch knit shawl is done! And the yarn was wonderful to work with.
Just a few of Cyndi’s favorite makers are featured in a set of new tutorials!
Recycled Guitar String Bracelets
Recycled guitar strings into bracelets! Most of us are into recycling these days and what better way to keep stuff out of the land fill than to make some beautiful things to wear!
We only have one more section left to go in the Connie Gee’s Designs free SAL. But don’t fret, the new Tiny SAL will be coming soon!
July 23, 2016
by Tammy
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Blythes, Beads, and Bobbins
I have been participating in the Wine and Dollies videos with other doll collectors and crafters. In this episode, I talk about my bead organization because I’m trying to find room for my sewing machine, and of course, I have a Cherry Beach Sunset Blythe hanging out with me too. I’m a bit of a chatty Cathy in this video, so get a cup of tea or coffee or wine, and come chill with me.