Looking Back: 2009

My select projects from 2009:

Sunday

I took it easy today after a general cleaning session yesterday at home.  I was meaning to continue cleaning down the basement, but I changed my mind.  So this afternoon, I was able to make another traditional scrapbook page for our USA Road Trip two years ago.  I used the same background from one of my LOs in July (click here and here to see).  

The following materials were used:

• generic cardstock (bought from Big Lots and CostCo)
• DP by Stamping Station
• CS by Stampin' Up
• Janome Sew Mini
• Paper embellishments by ColorBok
• Inkssentials Glossy Accents
• Staedler journaling pen

 
By the way, I started my new cross stitch project tonight.  I opted a smaller one this time, so it will be easier to finish.  My last cross stitch project "Bend In The Road" is now in its new home in California.

 
And finally, The Daily Scrapper just recently released its 16th issue with its main topic "Family Heritage".  Do check it out because it has nice articles, inspiration and even a freebie digital kit.  You might also be interested in our "What A Scrap Calls", submit your work and have a chance to be published online.

Let's start the new week with a big smile!

I Felt It!

While in Walmart, I saw a Martha Stewart Felt Flowers Accessory Kit on sale at their crafts section.  I figured, as a felting beginner, it would be nice to practice felting some more.  This kit makes 5 accessories:  a hair clip, 2 hair pins, ring and a pin.  I decided to use the accessories for other projects and just focus on making the flowers.

 
  

I learned needle felting about a couple of months ago when I went to the Castle Farms Fiber Fest.  That was super fun!

 

Along with the MS kit, I took out some of the fiber/wool I bought at that festival, along with the felting needles.  Aside from the flowers, another goal of mine was not to pierce my fingers during the process.  And I'm glad I didn't!  For the final touches, I brushed the petals with Shimmerz in Sunflower, Rustic Red and Aqua Marine.  I also added dimension to the leaf with a Copic Marker (G28 - Ocean Green).

 
 

I would say I'm more comfortable with needle felting now, but I want to take it another step up in my next felting project.  You can see my needle felting flowers in detail here.

 
By the way, I thought of altering the hair clip that came with the MS Felting Kit that I bought.  I pulled out my stash of green buttons and attached them with Inkssentials Glossy Accents.  Really quick project - but don't count the drying time... hehe!

 

 

I was wanting to use the flowers as embellishments for a future scrapbook LO or card.  I don't think I would wear a hair clip with flowers like that.  But a hair clip with buttons, I can totally deal with!  LOL.

Wednesday

I have been itching to make a scrapbook page for the longest time.  Lately I have been making cards, crocheting and other crafts.  And I just checked - my last scrapbook page was made on July 17.  That's not right.
 
So today after work, my goal was to clean my planet, and make a scrapbook page.  I had the photos printed before I left for California.  This LO is another page about our USA Road Trip 2 years ago, as we approach our final destination here in Michigan.  I really want to complete this album, and if I'm not mistaken, I'm just 2-3 pages away.

 
 

For this page, I used the following materials:

• BG cardstock by DCWV
• Alpha stickers by Sticker Studio
• Mon Petit Chipboard Die Cuts by Provo Craft
• Felt Ribbon by Offray
• Tsukineko Dew Drops in Jumbo Java and Red Magic
• Janome Sew Mini
• EK Success Zig Zag Stitch edge punch
• Adhesive:  Scotch ATG, Duck, Mini Glue Dots, double sided foam tape
• Misc.:  assorted brown buttons, trim, round paper clips
  
  

This is also the September page for my 2009 calendar.

Till next blog!

Last Day of Freedom

My last weekend before going back to work was pretty busy.  First, I went to the Labor Day Tent Sale at Arnie's Craft Store, and I did get some really really good deals.  After this event, I made a promise to just go to Arnie's tent sales, which takes place about 2-4 times a year, instead of going there on regular days.  While driving towards Arnie's, I chanced upon a Labor Day craft show a few blocks away.  Of course, I had to stop and see what's going on.  There was only one vendor that caught my eye.  He creates 3D woodwork of some sort.  I fell in love with his work, I wanted to buy one of each of his many designs.  I ended up buying the pine trees and maple leaves.  I hope to catch him again in the same craft show next year.

 

 

Saturday night was dishwashing night - for 6 hours till 2:30 am.  DH said I can go to the Castle Farms Royal Craft Show if I'm able to finish all the dishes.  And I did!  So come next day, with my Starbucks Mocha Frapuccino in hand, I drove to Castle Farms.  I found a lot of good vendors there like Garden Leaves Concrete Creations (no website), Farmbrook Designs, Northern Rock LLC and Kandu Krafts. 

But after making a couple of rounds looking through each wonderful items, I ended up buying gourd art by Pillywiggins Garden.  All their work is beautiful, and I wanted to buy a lot, which is not possible of course.

I also bought a big wooden cardinal bird for our front yard.  I'd love to have that especially during my favorite girls' varsity basketball season.  Another vendor was selling hair combs.  She was demonstrating how to use it, and I got leary at first.  But after a few tries, I was able to do it.  So I decided to get one. 

Speaking of craft shows, I just posted photos from the Sawdust Art Festival in Laguna Beach, CA.  That was one of the highlights of my California trip.  It's all in here.  
 
Now time to relax....