WoW 17 - Details for #18

For this week's WoW, I challenged you to do something better for the Earth. Any type of recycling, upcycling, planting a tree, etc.. As artists we have the skills to look beyond an item's face value and find something more. We have the skills to create items that many people have to purchase.

If you have toddlers, you probably own stock in Ziplocs. You need them for everything! I get pretty tired of buying them every week and we finally bought a HUGE box of the sandwich size ones at Costco. Ugh - what a waste of money and detriment to the environment!

I had seen tons of the fabric reusable bags on Etsy for awhile now, and thought that would be a great start to end our excess of plastic. Here is the pattern I found online and used for this project. Really great pattern and took me minutes to whip up. Here is my Nemo inspired reusable snack bag- perfect size to hold goldfish crackers!

Isn't it adorable? Seriously took me less than 30 minutes to make this. I'm going to sit down this summer and plow through a ton. They are fabulous for playdates and to pack in Isabelle's lunch box.

And I had another thought. Just about every toy you buy for toddlers these days comes with a gazillion parts and no bag to store them it. So we buy a TON of gallon sized plastic bags too. I'm going to make these bags a lot larger and I can toss her toys in the them. One for cars, one for doll clothes, etc,..

What did you make for WoW?

Kathleen make these awesome raised flower planters out of unused drain tiles. This is such a creative idea! Never would anyone imagine that those were a recycled craft. I love that these are also raised beds - I hear that helps a lot with gardening. Love them Kathleen!

WoW Challenge #18

Where would be without our dear Mothers?

With Mother's Day just around the corner, let's celebrate those amazing women that helped us along the way. It can be in honor of your mother, grandmother, godmother, or any woman that may have filled that role in your life.

Want to join in on the WoW challenge?

Post your project to linky tool below before midnight (MTN) of next Tuesday.

Want more details on WoW - go here.

Linking Up To:

At Home With K

WoW #16 - Details for #17

Did you channel your inner Punky Brewster? Mixing patterns can lead to great results! Just ask my toddler, Isabelle. She is a big fan of mixing it up.

For this week I tried to piece my first circle. Piecing by far is not my favorite way to quilt, but I'm trying to find love for it. The circle was a bit fiddly,but I'm pretty happy with the end result. In the project I mixed a few stripes, a few polka dots, and some batiks. The center is a fabric

covered button to pull it together. Oh and of course I had to add some free motion quilting in there.

What did you do this week? Kathy created some adorable spring folded fan flowers!

I think these would be fabulous in a vases all over the house. I loved the mixed prints and button centers.

WoW Challenge #17 - Mother Earth

With Earth Day this week, let's create something in honor of our home. You can focus on recycling, nature, etc. Maybe try your hand at gardening or find a great new use for your soda cans.

Want to join in on the WoW fun?

Submit your link below before midnight (MTN) next Tuesday.

Want more details, click here for the original WoW post.

Results for WoW #15 - Details for #16..

I apologize for the photos, they were done in the wee hours this morning. I will try to take some fabulous pics this afternoon while the kiddos nap! So for this week's WoW I was inspired by The Beatles' song "In My Life". The lyrics have always resonated with me, the idea that yes I had a life before you but I love my time with you most of all.

For this project, I free motioned a portion of the lyrics. I did it in a light blue thread that matches the fabric. I wanted the words to be there, but not overwhelm the canvas. I know it's hard to read with these photos, here are the lyrics I stitched:

"Though I know I'll never lose affection for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more"

I pulled it together with a free motioned applique of a home. Because that's is what love is all about, making a home with those you love.

Music can be so inspirational. If you haven't made something inspired by lyrics, I recommend you try to one. Once you start thinking about songs that are significant for you, I bet you'll have loads of ideas!

WoW Challenge #16 - Pattern Mix Up

This one is inspired by Isabelle. She loves to mix floral with strips with polka dots! I sometimes cringe when she decides on what her outfit for the day will be, but she works it and it always looks adorable. So reach outside your comfort zone and play with different patterns.

This doesn't have to be just fabric, you can do it with paper, digital images, etc..

Want to join in on the WoW fun?

Add your link below by midnight of next Tuesday.

Want more WoW details, click on over...

Pillow Party

I know, I know..

This pillow is not new to you, my readers.

However I am entering it into the Pillow Party at Stitched in Color.

"The Hunt" was inspired by my two girls.

When you're young the holidays are magical.

Isabelle in particular is very excited about Easter eggs.

When are we going to dye them..

When is the bunny going to come..

Everything is bright and fanciful in their eyes.

For this pillow, I did a fun technique of collage.

I placed mini pieces of fabric on fusible web and ironed it on.

I then cut the desired shapes and ironed it on to the

muslin pillow pillow base.

They were then rough appliqued

by using my new favorite technique - free motion embroidery.

Even the words were done by machine using the free motion.

I adore this pillow!

I had planned on selling it my store,

and then decided against it..but now I'm thinking I may..

My decor this year is going more kitsch and this is too elegant.

So you may see it listed on Etsy later this week.

Have a new favorite pillow you've created?

Enter it into the challenge!

Results for WoW #14 - Details for #15..

Is a butterfly a bug?

Well caterpillars are..

I made Isabelle this dress inspired by Eric Carle's

"The Very Hungry Caterpillar".

Isn't it a genius idea to make clothes inspired by books??

Well, I'm not the genius behind it!

No Big Dill asked some fabulous bloggers to do just this thing

- create clothes inspired by children's books.

No.. I wasn't one of the bloggers chosen -

I'm a still a little fish in a HUGE pond.

BUT can I ever ignore a call for creativity

even when I'm not invited - heck no!

So I joined the party and this is also my entry for this week's WoW.

Eric Carle uses a collage technique for his work.

As I was searching for fabric, it occurred to me

that batiks have a very similar appearance.

When I saw the butterfly batik - I was in heaven!

Isabelle of course is crazy about this dress.

My lil' Punky Brewster loves BRIGHT colors, green, purple,

and mariposas.

What did you make for WoW?

Kathleen was inspired by butterflies too! You know great minds..

http://www.flickr.com/photos/50204564@N03/5593628977/

My kiddos would go nuts over a dimensional butterfly on their baskets.

The buttons add a really fun textile touch to it too!

I will have to do that for sure next year.

Thank you so much Kathleen!

WoW challenge #15!

Are the hills alive with the sound of music? You tell me!

This week you are challenged with the theme of music.

Could be music notes, a band, an instrument, even your own live performance.

Want to join in on the WoW fun?

Add your link below with my *new* linky tool

Having trouble? Let me know!

You have till midnight of next Tuesday

Want more WoW details? Go here..

Let's Get Rugged!

Ucreate has come out with their April - Create With Me

We are going to paint rugs!

If you want the Ikea rug like a lot of the tutorials use -

here is the link, but you will have to try to find it at a locally.

Not sure what I'm going to do.. Maybe something for the girls' play area..

Hmm..

I think I just came up with an awesome idea..

Off to Ikea!

Brown Baggin' It

Many moons ago I signed up for a "brown bag" quilt challenge.

Basically we were randomly matched and sent our partner

various fabrics to make a quilt.

Typically you send fabrics you no longer like

so it's a bit more a challenge for your partner to create something beautiful.

While I don't think the fabric I was sent is unsightly,

it is not my norm.

Dark,dark,dark and traditional floral.

I was allowed to add some from my own stash

so I tossed in the light neutrals to make it not so heavy.

I also added the 3-d roses to modernize it a bit.

For this quilt I finally used my AccuQuilt Studio.

What a breeze it was to cut the chisels!!

Love having it..

This was my own pattern.

I basically just cut a ton of chisels and moved them around

on my table till I was happy with the layout.

Results for WoW #12 and tutorial - Details for #13

The news in Japan is so heartbreaking.

It feels lately that our news goes from one tragedy to the next.

If you can, please donate to one of the devasted countries,

sadly there are many to choose from right now.

It is too easy for me to be bogged down in the sadness,

so I try to find a creative outlet.

Well this isn't what I planned on making,

I had grand designs for an appliqued quilt for a dear friend's daughter.

However, my girls revolted this week.

I think I can count on 1 hand the amount of time I've had to work/craft.

So.. the quilt will have to wait until my girls are pacified.

For this challenge, I tried Temari.

I used this tutorial here..

Wow, it is harder than it looks!

The tutorial warned that a live class would be more effective.

Try your hand at it and let me know how it goes for you.

*****

Kathleen made a beautiful Sashiko pillow!

I love the the clean lines and modern look.

It is amazing how traditional crafts can easily fit into our world.

Thank you so much for sharing - I will definitely try my hand at this too.

Even if you didn't enter a project, I hope you were inspired to

look more into the the traditional crafts of Japan.

During such a time of upheaval, I think it is important

to grasp the roots of the past for future generations.

Craft Challenge #13

Do you smell it? Easter candy is in the air!!

Yum, yum, yummy!

What is your favorite?

Jelly beans, PEEPS, Cadbury eggs?

Well craft it!

This week's theme is Easter candy..

Even if you don't celebrate the holiday, I bet you buy some of the delicious candy..

Want some inspiration?

You have to check out these recipes.. Wow, serious diet killers!

Deviled Cadbury Eggs

Leftover Easter Candy Cookies

PEEP Sushi

Want to join in on the fun?

Leave your yummy links in the comments on this post

by midnight of next Tuesday.

Need more details?

Check out the WoW post here.

Iron Craft #10 & Tutorial

This week on Iron Craft,

we were challenged to make something from a fat quarter of fabric.

Since I sit in front of my sewing machine daily,

it wasn't a huge challenge for me.

So.. I decided to try to make something with fabric that was no-sew!

I found this super cute fabric at Joann's

I knew instantly that I wanted to cut it up and make it into

a soft matching game for Isabelle.

All you need is:

fabric

felt

fabri-tac glue

Cut the fabric into individual squares (or any shape you desire)

Spread a light outline of fabri-tac glue on the fabric and paste on to felt.

(Fabri-tac is amazing! It's like a cold hot glue!!)

Once dry, use pinking shears and cut pieces off felt.

Here they are completed.

A super duper easy way to make a game for your favorite kiddo!

You can do this with fabric that has a clear repeating image.

I found another one at Joann's yesterday with cakes -

how cute would that be for a birthday party?

Sew up a little bag for the pieces and you'll have one happy camper.

LINKING UP AT TATERTOTS & JELLO

Quilt Exchange Flickr Group

I love Flickr Groups.

I'm pretty shocked it hasn't occured to me yet to create one.

So I did!

I know this is going to a real shocker,

but it involves some of my most favorite things.

Quilts, Challenges, New friends!

As soon as there are 6 members we will begin.

Each month a member will choose a theme.

We will have the month to create the mini quilt.

And we will exchange our petite works of art through a random draw.

Are you in?

Results for WOW #9 - Details for #10

When Juliette was born, my husband bought her a

beautiful bouquet of fall sunflowers;

each of our girls has a special flower in their honor.

It seemed very appropriate that for Jules' baptism party,

that theme be sunflowers.

They are symbolic of adoration.

My mother & I have been working all week

on all kinds of sunflower accents.

I will be doing a full article post party.

In the meantime, here is a peek at the sunflower fabric corsages

I making for all the women that are attending the ceremony.

I love fresh flowers, but I thought

this would be a sweet way to remember this special occasion.

This week Kathleen submitted a beautiful mini quilt

of her spirituality.

I love the symbolism in this quilt.

It is a wonderful reminder that even when times are hard,

there is a higher path before us.

Craft Challenge #10

Mardi Gras!

Be it beads, masks, or king cake - so many fun ways to celebrate.

If we can get 5 party goers to join in on the fun,

the prize this week will be

$20 gift certificate to Fire Mountain Gems.

Want to join in on the fun?

Leave your link on this post by midnight (MTN) of next Tuesday.

You can read the details of WoW here.

Eccentric Elf to Swine Lake

I can't pass up a good deal.

And I can't pass up a good crafty challenge.

So when Christmas was over and Target put this on clearance

I instantly remembered how Isabelle was in desperate need of a piggy bank!

One of her grandmothers likes to give her cash

and for awhile now it's been getting stashed in random places.

I bought it with the intention to paint it and give it to her as a birthday gift.

Because seriously this picture is too kind.

The pig looks like it fell into toxic waste..

Eww..

(My apologies to those that bought it at full cost and love it..)

It's been waiting for me in a very long line of projects that I may get to.

Then CSI 's week's challenge was honeysuckle.

And sure, I did Julie's WHOLE nursery in honeysuckle,

but I HAD to make something new of course..

So here is Ecentric Elf transformed into Swine Lake

I

It's a little 80's Madonna-ish,

but Isabelle will howl over it.

And that is all that matters, right?

Results for WOW #6 - Details for #7

In the middle of a very cold winter, where do I want to be?

Blasting off to space!

No..not really.

I have a fear of large spaces and well outer space is kinda the king mother of too large a space.

But I do love space imagery!

So for my WOW craft challenge #6,

I did a free form appliqué of a retro rocket.

This picture makes it look much larger than it is.

It is only 5x7.

I think it would look super cute in a little boy's nursery.

I'm thinking I may have to do a robot series for

my very best bestie's little boy.

We had 2 adorable entries this week.

And they both did bags, how funny is that?!

I guess you gals are seriously ready to travel.

Jen created a beautiful jewelry pouch.

We all know how I feel about functional art and this is perfect.

What a happy, beautiful home for prized possessions while you travel.

And I'm totally jealous of your stay in Alaska.

My hubby and I would love to some serious fishing up there!

Kathleen made a trio of bags to hold anything and everything while she travels.

I love the black and white motif.

So perfect how they are pulled together by the same lining fabric.

And boy can I relate to taking everything and then some on trips.

Even on an hour commute, if I'm not driving

I drag like 3 different craft projects.

This is a wonderful way to keep your items clean, safe, and beautiful.

Love them both!

Had hoped to have more wanderlust entries this week,

hopefully next week we will meet our 5 entries so I can give some crafty goodness.

Craft Challenge #7

spray paint * wood * fabric

Yup.

Have at it!

Can't wait to see what you come up with this week..

And be careful with those spray paints during the winter;

even though it's cold be sure to get tons of ventilation!

The prize this week

is a collection of wood dolls from I Used To Be A Tree

These would be so fun to paint and make clothes for.

I think I would have to display them up high

or they would end up in Isa's doll collection..

Just joining in on the fun?

You can read more about WOW here..

Please leave your links to your creative goodness here by

next Tuesday at midnight (MTN)

Have fun!

Linked up at Tatertots & Jello!

>

Results for WOW #5 - Details for #6

I loved that ya'll really tried something new this week!

I hope that you had fun and maybe found a new favorite craft.

Inspiration can come from so many new places.

Before Iwas a mother, I'd spend hours shopping and looking at fashion mags.

I loved the art museum and traveling to new places.

Incredible fodder for inspiration.

But just because I typically have a milk stain and have become a mommy taxi,

doesn't mean that my creativity has to be stifled.

This week I was inspired by the gazillion Valentine wreaths I've seen,

the coffee filter AND cupcake liners wreaths, and preschool.

Yup a preschooler could do my craft.

I'd like to think mine is a little more professional looking,

but why not try a smaller scale version with your kiddo!

I love that I'm a "Rodriguez" now.

I love my maiden name too.

I loved taking on my husband's name when we were married

because I saw it as a gift, not a removal of who I was before him.

I felt honored to be linked to my hubby.

So here is my Valentine wreath celebrating my marriage.

It is so easy peasy (and cheap, cheap!!)

I free hand drew and cut out a "R"

on some lightweight chipboard

(you could use cardboard, styrofoam..whatever you have in your stash)

And grabbed some crepe garland that has been lying around

since a birthday years ago.

I cut the crepe up into about 2" chunks, twisted it around the end of a pen,

dabbed it on a teeny tiny glue dot and pounced the "R".

It takes awhile..

Put on a movie and relax, you're going to be at the table for a bit.

My biggest tip is do the outline first and the fill as needed.

You don't need to put one on every square inch

because the crepe is so full it covers a large space.

So.. I kind of did a new craft, but kind of did one

that I had tried decades ago..

Hope you love it!

And talking about love.. I love our entries this week!

Kathy created a fabulous piece of Subway art

inspired her love for her daughter.

I have been wanting to try this for awhile now,

and I am so inspired by her.

I love the words she choose and the typography is perfect!

Kathleen rocked a new craft and didn't let the blizzard stop her!

I would love to have this box of bobbins by my sewing machine.

It is so fun and a great way to upcycle the box.

Jen made the sweetest Valentine dress

for her little girl.

A wonderful way to try out a new feature on a sewing machine

and make a treasured dress.

I love it and the picture!

Well folks, we're close..

Just enlist 1 more crafter and I can start the gift giving!

Challenge #6

TRAVEL!

Who isn't effected by this awful weather,

wouldn't we all love to be somewhere else right about now?

You can craft about transportation, a travel destination..

anything related to being somewhere else..

The prize this week is 2 luggage tags

from Jack & Bee Designs

Aren't these adorable?

I'd love one on my boring black suitcase!

Please leave your links on this post by next Tuesday at midnight (MTN)

You can read more details on WOW here.

Have fun of dreaming someplace warm!

***P.S. The CSI Project this week is typography,

ya'll should totally enter your projects on their Thursday link party***

Linked up at the Crafty Chica!

The Unflappable Miss Isabelle Flapper

I completely forgot about this week's Project Run & Play.

Considering I'm not really "in" it, I guess it wasn't a huge

surprise that it slipped my mind.

The challenge this week was to create an adult inspired outfit.

Given more time than (1) 2 hour nap,

I would have loved to make Isabelle a Coco Chanel suit

in this amazing pink tweed fabric that calls to me from my stash.

Alas, I had little time.

I've never made an outfit without a pattern.

Ever.

I can design quilts.

I can design all kinds of fabric sewing patterns.

Not clothes.

There is a disconnect in my brain.

Since a majority of women's clothes these days are more risque

than I'd like to put my toddler in, I decided to go vintage.

I created for Isabelle a 1920's flapperish dress.

I can't get her out of it.

In her mind I created an amazing success.

In my mind, this is a great "muslin" and when I have time

I will make her another more refined one.

That is probably the closest I'll come to "Project Runway"

and I did it sweat it out.

Thank goodness Tim Gunn is no where in sight!

Results for WOW #4 - Details for #5

For a long time I cringed at Valentine's Day.

No someone didn't break my heart..well no, they did.

I lost my maternal grandmother many years ago on Valentine's Day.

It never seemed right to smile on the day

I lost someone I loved so much.

My sweet husband had plotted to propose to me on Valentine's Day

and then I lowered the boom a couple days before his big plan.

So..we got engaged on February 17th.

A random night when I was looking anything but beautiful.

And then I had my first daughter.

And I love to celebrate above and beyond with her.

I started to let go of my pain connected to the day.

In fact I realized that it was bittersweet.

The day is supposed to be about love, not Hallmark love..

but real love.

Now I embrace the day with those I love

without $80 roses or overpriced dinners.

We only exchange cards and gifts priced less than $5.

It keeps it in perspective.

And it is also a day I remember my grandmother.

So for my WOW #4 - a valentine without traditional red or pink,

I choose to do a quilted wall art piece

I call "My Sunshine in the Fog".

My girls drive me nuts some days,

but they DO brighten every single day of my life.

We didn't reach 5 entries yet..but I think we are getting close!

I loved Jen's digital art.

I think this would be adorable done up as an embroidery

or printed on a card.

Super cute - love it!!

And Kathleen's quilted Valentine is so sweet.

A perfect piece for the entry way or living room.

Even in non traditional colors,

it still such a romantic piece!

Thank you ladies!

I hope you enter again this week - and invite those crafty friends!!

Challenge #5

This week I challenge you to:

1. Learn a new technique

2. Include letters in the project.

It can be a cookie, a quilt, digital art, a card, etc.

Anything you create with your hands is eligible!

I hope you push yourself and look for some new technique

you've been waiting to try!!

I can't wait to see what you do!

The prize for this coming week is

ANY Valentine Photo card from Andrea Gerig Designs

Love her modern cards!

Please leave your links on this post by Tuesday at midnight (MTN)

You can read more about WOW here.

Have fun!

Linked up at the Crafty Chica's Crafty Corazon

Patience For Piecing

I moved from sewing 2 sheets of fabric together and calling it a "quilt"

to real quilting last year.

I soon found about English Paper Piecing.

Here is some info at All People Quilt,

one of my FAV quilting websites ever.

I thought it was utterly relaxing.

I'm not one for hand quilting, I like immediate gratification.

However at the time it was summer and I didn't want to be tied inside the studio.

I could make these sweet pieces on the porch with my husband

or even camping out in the woods (true story!)

And then it got colder and sure enough

my patience was kaput and these sweet promises

of a beautiful quilt were placed in a ziploc and shelved.

Now.. Iron Craft challenged us to make coffee sleeve.

I love coffee sleeves!

They can be sewn, knit, felted, etc.

I was stumped as to how to make one stand out from the rest.

And then I got an AHA moment!

(I love those, don't you?!)

My English Paper Pieces didn't need to die a quick death

because I would never, ever have the patience to make a zillion.

I could use them for a small project.

Like a coffee sleeve...

I laid out my pieces and moved them until I was happy with the design.

I machine zig zagged them together

(Yes, I didn't have the patience to hand sew them..)

I then free motioned them on to a piece of matching pink felt.

Sewed some chocolate brown ribbons..

And tada..

I have cleared out an UFO,

created a pretty unique coffee sleeve,

and made a pretty gift!

Results for WOW #3 - Details for WOW #4

I hope ya'll were able to find some fun with 7 deadly sins.

Thanks to Urban Stitches, I was able to

hand embroider this beauty.

After stitching the picture all in black,

I then went back and "colored" in with fabric markers.

I had seen this technique done by Mary Engelbreit,

and I have been wanting to do it for months.

So much fun - a grown up's coloring book!

My sin could be interpreted in a number of ways.. wrath, envy, lust

It's all about the original temptation.

Want it for the temptress in your life? It's in the store!

And I just adore Kathleen's Sue Envy!

Love the thought and love the art.

This kind of nails who I am too..

I've always loved the country & the city.

Too, too cute!

The challenge this week is

to do a valentine and do not use pink or red!

I can't wait to see what you come up with.

Please leave your links here by Tuesday at midnight (MTN).

It can be anything..quilt, food, photography, etc..

You can read more about WOW here

If we can get 5 crafters to enter,

the prize this week will be a

Sweet & Savory Spice Kit for Popcorn

by DellcoveSpices on Etsy

Cooking Creme Challenge - Extended

Bueller, Bueller?

Come on ya'll, no one entered an entry into

my Philadelphia Cooking Creme challenge.

Alas, I will extend it until midnight tonight

in the hopes that someone will want to stump me.

Please leave a note on a type of ethnic food that you

think would be very hard incorporate

Philadelphia's new Cooking Creme into.

What is Cooking Creme?

It's like a spoonable cream cheese, but more cream than cheese.

You check out my first two videos on YouTube

(link on right)

I've made a traditional beef stroganoff and an Asian pizza.

If I'm sadly empty handed tonight,

my game plan is to attack East Indian food.

So come on..

hit me with your best shot

and let me prove to you how versatile this new product is!

Project Quilting 2011

As much as I love to sew and quilt,

I will never apply to be on "Project Runway".

I truly have NO desire to be on TV whatsoever.

However, I love, love, love "Project Quilting"!
It is the brainchild of Kim's Crafty Apple.

Each week we have a new challenge

(oh, and we all know how I love a crafty challenge!)

If you have any interest in quilting at all,

I heartily encourage you to join.

It will be a great way to move you to quilt each week.

You'll start to truly "think outside the square".

For this challenge we were limited to the 3 primary colors,

each one had to be at least 6" square, and cut in no more than 4 pieces.

I was stuck on the idea that the primary colors are the "code" for all colors.

That got me thinking to color recipes.

I quilted with the idea that this was a code or recipe

for a certain final color; that each applique was a value.

I free motioned only in the white area as

I wanted the color values to be uncomplicated by topstitching.

Final size 9" x 20.5"

I love it so much that I'm going to make

another one in the colors of our bedroom.

And I'm strongly thinking of making this

into a mini quilt pattern for

A Quiet Stitch.

It will take you about the time of 1 nap

(isn't that a great measurement for a SAHM?)

It's not intimidating and very rewarding!