I love making things in two’s – there’s something about creating in pairs that feels good and satisfying.   Below you’ll see two similar ideas for creating mini-stockings using organic cotton batting for the base.

While at the craft store recently I picked up this one pretty poinsetta…I love that it’s well-worn looking and pre-glittered.

Although this flower is pretty as is, I mainly bought it with plans to take it apart.   After separating the petals I used them to create an accent for this stocking.

 Here are some of the other supplies that I used.  The front (semi-transparent part) of the stocking is a recycled dryer sheet that I pre-dyed in a tea bath. 

To make the stocking, begin by using scissors to cut a mini-stocking shape from organic cotton batting and a recycled dryer sheet (2 identical pieces – 1 front, 1 back.)  Then use sandpaper and Distress Ink (applied with a stiff stencil brush) to add an aged appearance to a scrapbook paper flower.  Next, type a holiday message such as “Happy wonderful holiday*” onto a scrap piece of paper and machine sew this on top of a piece of canvas fabric. 

To assemble the stocking, place the recycled dryer sheet piece on top of the cotton batting and machine sew around the edges, leaving the top open.  Then use pinking shears to trim around the stocking edges.  To attach the flower, leaves and tag accent to the stocking, use a sparkly brad to pierce through the center of the flower, the left-hand side of each leaf, the top of the tag and through both layers of the stocking at the top right-hand corner (first use a hand awl to punch a small hole through all the layers.)  Next, wrap ribbon around the brad, creating a hanging loop.  Lastly, tuck a handwritten message into the stocking – the semi-transparent quality of the dryer sheet allows a sneak peak inside.

Here’s another version of a stocking minus the recycled dryer sheet. 

To begin making this stocking, use scissors to cut a stocking shape from organic cotton batting (2 identical pieces – 1 front, 1 back.)  To the front side of the stocking, machine stitch stocking details at the toe and heel.  Then stack the layers and machine sew the stocking together around the edges, leaving the top open. 

To create a hanging loop, use a hole punch to create two holes through the stocking layers at the top at opposite ends.  Then use the hole on the left side of the stocking to attach a wire (24 gauge) handle, and leave the right side unattached for adding an embellished earring.  Next, attach a beaded dangle to the back of a vintage earring using the existing earring clip part.  To attach the vintage earring with beaded dangle to the stocking, wrap the end of the wire handle (on the right side) around the back of the earring clip part, then through the holes of the stocking several times, pinching the wire end to keep it secure.  Lastly, to add some body to the stocking, tuck some tulle inside (you can also choose to wrap a small gift inside the tulle.) 

Here’s another look at both stockings…happy, wonderful crafting!

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This past weekend our little family went on a last minute, quick getaway to Newport, RI which is about a 1 1/2 hour drive from home.   Normally we head over to our place in Maine for quality time together, but this weekend I wanted to change things up a bit.  Plus, the weekend weather was unseasonably gorgeous (60’s during the day) so this gave me the perfect excuse to plan something extra fun.

Here are some favorite Newport highlights beginning with a stroll past historical sights on the way to the wharf for lunch. 

Lobstah lunch and a warm cookie…good thing we did some more walking later.

Back at the inn…serenity and a smile.

Saturday Sunset

Sunday morning walk.  Throughout my solo walk there were church bells ringing through the air…peaceful tunes filled the streets with songs of promise.

 Newport mansion tour at The Breakers

Cliff Walk

Birds always know of the best spots…I just follow…

…and watch…and wonder.  

BTW, if you’re still in crafting mode, I’ll be back on Wednesday with another holiday project.   Thanks for the visit!

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I’ve been watching the trees and admiring their bare and beautiful branches…their ever-amazing and unpredictable forms have inspired me to create two more little somethings for the holiday season.   

This no-sew project is made from a favorite childhood material, the good-ole pipe cleaner.  Twisting twinkling pipe cleaners into a tiny tree…oh what fun! 

 To create this project you’ll need about 1 dozen pipe cleaners.  Begin making the tree by creating the center trunk (twist 2 pipe cleaners around eachother), then bend it in half and twist it together again, forming a 4 pipe cleaner thickness.  For the branches, bend 1 pipe cleaner in half and twist this together, forming a double-thickness.  Then attach this branch to the the trunk by wrapping the twisted pipe cleaner at the center, around the trunk at least twice to keep the branches secure (start attaching the branches from the bottom of the trunk.)  Once all the branches are filled in, use scissors to trim the ends of the pipe cleaners to form an evergreen tree shape.  To tone down the bright silver color of the pipe cleaners I chose to apply Staz-On ink pad (Timber Brown) with a stiff stencil brush to the tree trunk and branches.

Here’s a close-up view of the spool base.

To create the base, use a glue stick to adhere sheet music to the top of an old wooden spool.  Then wrap a few inches of tea-dyed ribbon around the spool, and use a staight pin to keep the end of the ribbon secure (first add a vintage bead and button to the pin before piercing through the ribbon.)  For an aged appearance, apply Distress Ink (Tea-dye) with a stiff stencil brush to the spool.  Lastly, use a generous amount of craft glue to adhere the tree trunk through the center of the spool. 

Below is another project that I created using a few spare parts including one of my favorite materials, a paper grocery bag.   Isn’t it fantastic that with just one bag you can create dozens of these little trees?  I think I might use these little trees as gift tags, which later could be used as a bookmark (after removing the beaded dangles so it fits between the pages,) or you could simply hang them up just about anywhere, including on a Christmas tree. 

 To make this tree, begin by cutting a tree shape from a recycled grocery bag (2 pieces – 1 front, 1 back.)  Then use a sewing machine to stitch the tree trunk and branches (I used two thread colors for some dimension) to the front piece.  Next use an embroidery needle and thread to attach beaded dangles to the bottom of the tree trunk.

Then layer some fabric scraps and machine sew together to form the base of the tree.  To attach this base to the tree, place the front (embellished) piece on top of the bottom piece and insert the base in between (about 1/3″ ) and machine sew the tree pieces together around the edges.  Then use pinking shears to randomly add interest to the tree edges, and lightly apply oil pastels (black, brown, silver) around the edges and rub in the colors with your finger tips.

 Lastly, use a hole punch to make a small hole at the top of the tree, and use this hole to attach a string for hanging purposes. 

Making tree inspired items is mostly out of my system for now, and I’m ready to move on to creating something else…possibly mini-stockings or mittens, or something having to do with birds…I miss my birds.

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…branches, that is.

Due to the colder and wilder weather and winds, the trees in my neck of the woods have been shedding their autumn- kissed leaves…soon the branches will be naked.  Looking at these almost bare limbs, I felt inspired to create a tree ornament with sweet and simple dressed-up branches.

 To make this ornament, start off by cutting a tree shape from canvas fabric (2 pieces – 1 front, 1 back.)  Then machine stitch trunk and branch details to the front piece (alternate using a straight stitch and zig-zag stitch.)

Use an embroidery needle and thread to embellish some of the branches with french knots.  Then use a regular needle and thread to sew on tiny pearls to add some sparkle. 

Stack the front piece (with the embellishments facing upwards) on top of the back piece and machine sew together around the edges, leaving the bottom edge open.  Lightly stuff the tree with poly-fill, and then machine sew the opening shut.  Since I like a stronger line,  I sewed around the tree edges twice. 

Next, run an embroidery needle (threaded with thin twine) through the top of the tree, and create a loop for hanging purposes.

Then use a needle and thread to sew a sparkly star button to the knotted string (on the hanging loop.)

Lastly, use pinking shears to randomly add interest to the tree edges.

Here’s the finished ornament again.  

Happy creating, and I’ll be back next week with another holiday ornament/decor project.

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 Last November our family traveled to Europe for Thanksgiving.  And while we were away, I went crazy taking photos…you can’t really blame me since there was SO MUCH to see and capture…I simply couldn’t resist!  Anyway, a few of these photos sparked some inspiration which lead me to create a collage project using door images which I machine stitched onto black paper bags.  This article is published in the current (Nov/Dec) issue of Somerset Studio. 

 In addition to machine stitching I included some hand sewn embellishments (e.g., a set of tiny black dots and the single red dot on the right hand side.)   These slightly raised details add interesting dimension, and also help to connect the sheet music element to their left. 

 Within this same issue of Somerset Studio you’ll also find a few more of my projects in the article, “Sparkle Holiday.”   During the holidays when there is usually A LOT of visual stimulation everywhere, I like to create things that are on the quiet side… subtle sparkle and uncomplicated designs is what I crave.

Here are a couple of simple cards using  just a pinch of sparkle.

And some altered projects using a small sprinkling of sparkle.  I also stuck to using mostly recycled materials since I love to save money, plus this mindset is good for conserving environmental resources. 

For the next two months I will be deep into making holiday ornaments as well as some cheery pretties for the home.  The  soothing rhythm of creating small, sweet things always makes me feel light and happy.  And for those of you who enjoy making little things too, I’ll be posting some of my creations as I make them…I’m thinking that once a week might be a good pace.   And BTW, if you’re interested in making any of the projects shown above, the specific how-to instructions are included in my articles.

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It’s no secret that I love bird images so they’re always popping up in my altered pieces.  Here’s a tote that I altered a few months ago for Stampington…of course I couldn’t resist using my favorite subject.  And luckily, this tote came in real handy since I’ve been using it to store/carry around my watercolor painting supplies.  BTW, you can purchase ready to alter craft totes at the Shoppe at Somerset.

Here’s a look at one side of my tote.  

Making patches using organic cotton batting is quick and easy, and they can be adhered to just about any surface using regular craft glue (I use Aleene’s.)

On the other side of the tote I made this simple “search” patch using letter stamps plus several buttons.

And at the top of the tote, I attached a birdie bookmark (also on batting) along with some dangling ribbon using a safety pin. 

Several more stamped letters on office tags and safety pins.

Here’s a look at my first attempt at watercolor painting.  

The simple egg shape was a good place to start.  However, the glass jar was a bit more challenging and required some patience.

I have a ways to go before I reach anything resembling a groove – practicing patience will be on my agenda for the months to come…maybe years, whatever it takes.

Working on developing real patience is HARD, at least for me it is.   I constantly have to remind myself to slow down, take it easy…relax and practice…lots and lots of practice.

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This time of year there are a plentitude of pumpkins to enjoy.   And I love taking in their wide range of colors, shapes and textures.  However, the classic plump, squat ones are my favorite…definitely an oldie, but goody. 

And speaking of old-fashioned goodies, here’s a pumpkin inspired project that I made using a punch needle to create bumpy, lumpy outlines. 

I dressed my pumpkin with several small buttons along with some machine/hand stitching and a single sparkly leaf.   This quick punch needle project was so much fun that I’m thinking about doing another one, or two, maybe three, or possibly even a whole patch full…we’ll see.  What about you, what do you have your hands into lately?

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Quality time with Brook.

Bare feet tucked into warm, welcoming sand.  In Maine, in October…this simple treat for the feet doesn’t happen all that often, making it feel that much more splendid.

Blue skies with clumps of clouds, and playing with pods (remember “helicopters”?)

Steps decorated with shells, soaking in the sunshine.

And many more shells, drinking in the ocean air.

Stumbling upon a star surprise…a perfect ending to a very happy beach day.

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This coming Saturday and Sunday (Oct. 16th and 17th) from 12-5pm there will be Open Studios in Natick, MA with over 50 participating artists including Gianna Bird (can you believe her cool last name?)  Gianna is one of the crows of Five Crows Gallery which also happens to be in Natick. 

Here’s a quick look at some of what you’ll find at Five Crows and BTW, my jewelry is available there as well. 

 Each one of these adorable pincushions created by another Five Crows artist comes attached to a tiny plate. 

I fell in love with this copper wire creation by Gianna as soon as I spotted it.  

Unfortunately, her bird wasn’t for sale so of course I had to try my hand at making one.   Playing around with twisting wire was lots of fun…thank you Gianna for the inspiration.

I love how inspiration travels…from one to another, to another, and another…round and round it goes.   It’s good to share inspiration and it’s good to be open to it as well.

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In the current issue of Jewelry Affaire you’ll find some cozy jewelry that I created using
colorful felted balls of wool:

to create this:

And scraps of felted wool (leftover from bigger projects using recycled wool sweaters) along with other scraps and hand stamped metal tags to create these:

In keeping with my love of using recycled materials, I created these necklaces using vintage mini-tins (these tins were originally used to store tiny watch parts.)  My necklaces are collaged on both sides…having options is good, right?

I usually prefer to create things in pairs or trios…stopping after making just one doesn’t feel quite as satisfying.  How about you, do you like to make things in multiples as well?

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