New Beginnings

Posted by: Paulette

I've started a new set of dolls. These are smaller than I've ever sculpted before. I've always been amazed by doll artists who are able to work at such a small scale. I've discovered that it's actually easier. Less clay, means shorter baking times, and being able to hold the piece for longer periods of time without your hand cramping.

 

Getting good pictures with my crappy camera, on a rainy day is another story.

This is Joseph's head for the new nativity. We collect nativities, and have lost a few over the years through breakage. Our very first nativity was a gift from myself to Dave. It's interesting to see how my skills ave changed over the years. I think I'm really going to like this one. Hopefully I can get it done before Christmas.

Gift Plans for Christmas

Posted by: Paulette

When I asked Katie (4years) what she wanted for Christmas, she said, "a play stove and a pink house."
So, being the good little crafty mommy that I am, I started doing "research." 
This means looking at Pinterest for ideas. If you'd like to follow me I'm here. I've found so many good ones. I was able to purchase a book case for $3.50 at Goodwill this weekend, and  this is my inspiration picture:

 

 

The book shelf I bought isn't as large, and will only have 4 rooms; a master bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and living room. I'm making the furniture Barbie size with cardboard, paint and fabrics. I can't wait to show you when it's finished. Time to pull out the scrapbook papers and paints!

The kitchen will be made from an entertainment center that I got for $7.50 on the same Goodwill trip. Here are my inspiration pics for that project:

I haven't decided on the color yet, and I have to draw my design and gather some supplies, a big bowl for the sink, some knobs for the stove, and a kitchen faucet. I'm looking on Craig's list for one. I may just end up using the one that's on our kitchen sink right now, and replace that one, since it needs to be replaced. Merry Christmas to me, right? Just what I've always wanted for Christmas, a new kitchen faucet!
Oh, well, sometimes the magic of Christmas is all used up by the time you make and buy gifts for all 5 kids.
Speaking of...
I've also been looking on Pinterest for ideas for the boys. Shhh! Don't tell. I've told them that I'm not making anything for them this year. That they're just getting gift cards.
Here are some of the ideas:

Flag blanket

 Made from flannel and denim. Easy! And it would go with their bedroom. This would just be one that they could use to curl up with and read a good book. My boys spend a lot of time of their bedroom floor reading.

stand up swing

 

 I love this idea. We have two large trees in the front yard that they a re always climbing. I think it would be great fun to have a couple of these. I bet the neighbor kids would love them too. I'm on the lookout for a couple of used skateboards.

Marshmallow shooters

I recently had a Pack meeting with the cub scouts where we had an indoor snowball fight using marshmallows. It was a blast!
So, those are my ideas. I just hope there's enough time to execute them. I usually start crafting for Christmas aroud Halloween, but, I've just had a hard time getting into the spirit this year. I don't know if it's because my boys are getting older, or what.
So, what are your crafty plans?

Crazy quilt style bird ornaments

Posted by: Paulette

 

I have been collecting lace scraps as long as I can remember. Any piece larger than 2 inches was worth keeping. That makes for a pretty big bag of scraps. I made a skirt with some of it, crazy quilt style. It's pretty heavy and almost like wearing a quilt.
My love of birds just keeps growing. I want them all over the Christmas tree. Every year I make a new set of ornaments. I usually give out some as gift and keep some. This year I thought I'd combine my lace and bird love together.

These bird ornaments are made from a very simple pattern. First I cut rectangles of cotton canvas leftover from making slipcovers. On those rectangles, I sewed the lace all over, then folded the rectangles in half, and traced the bird pattern on what was going to be the inside of the bird, or the wrong side of the fabric. Then sew around the design, leaving a 1" opening. Cut around seam leaving 1/4" seam allowance. Turn and stuff tightly. Sew the opening closed using the ladder stitch, and sew on a fan of lace for the tail, and some almond shaped scraps for wings. A ribbon sewn  to the top becomes a hanger. Two beads or small buttons are then sewn on for eyes.

I still have quite a bit of lace scraps left for the next project.
Maybe I'll make more of these for presents. They could also be stuffed with lavender or cloves for sachets.