Inspiration.

I have just discovered The Paper Studio. Maybe everyone else has already heard of this, and I am the last one to know, but they have some beautiful paper and a fun blog. But the best part? These great video demonstrations on a variety of techniques and projects. Perfect for a paper junkie like me.

Speaking of paper, Design*Sponge has just introduced me to the very talented Mia Pearlman. Check out her incredible cut paper sculptures. I would love the chance to get to see these in person.

Easiest Craft Ever

Careful, the craft you're about to enjoy is extremely easy.

Tired of throwing away those cardboard cup wrappers from Starbucks, or your independent coffee shop of choice? This wrap is ridiculously easy, uses recycled materials and is super cute to boot. Simply trace a cardboard wrapper onto the cuff of a wool sweater from Goodwill that has been felted. (Instructions for felting can be found here.) To ensure that the top didn't fray, I ran a bead of fray check around the edge.

That apron tutorial I promised is on its way!

Today.

I am finally trying to craft things with felted sweaters after being inspired by her for quite some time. I'll be back with pictures. And, a tea towel apron tutorial!

Denial.

I am totally in denial about the end of Blueprint. I was quite shocked when I discovered it was going away, actually, because I had heard nothing but praise regarding the magazine. The crafty/artsty/design-y blogs I frequent were equally raving over its content and design. I even renewed my subscription and bought my sister one for Christmas. (BTW, is anyone else out there looking for a refund? Because I certainly am.)

Anyhoo, I recieved my last copy a few weeks ago and left it lying on the kitchen table, unopened, because I couldn't bear to face my last issue. And I finally read it, and it was just as lovely as ever, and now I am sad. Oh dear Martha, I am a twentysomething that loves paper magazines! I just can't see how this loveliness is going to be recreated on screen. Rest in Peace, dear Blueprint. Your back issues (I was there from the start!) will now be lovingly filed away.

Color Lovin'

I got a new Pottery Barn catalog in the mail a few days ago, and I am seriously loving the new colorful look. Seriously good stuff. (Seriously out of my budget as well.) I sometimes rip pages out of catalogs for inspirations, but I found that in this case, I just kept the whole catalog. I've been lusting after this table for the past year or so, but I have neither the space nor the money. Oh to have a studio!

My husband and I spent a chunk of the day rearranging my art supplies closer to the dining room, which is my usual workspace. It made a big difference, though some of the supplies are still spread among various rooms. Overall, it made my space more usable, which is always a good thing.

Beret Update

Remember when I told you that I was on a search for the perfect beret? I found it at CraftyOma's etsy site. The beret fits perfectly and is soft and lovely. I just had to post a quick link to her lovely wares.

I suck.

Two whole months without a post? Really? So, when I jumped on the whole crafty blog train, I had grand visions of just how easy keeping this thing updated would be. But, in between settling into Charlotte, traveling back and forth to PA so many times, starting a business (not the etsy one, which hasn't actually happened yet, but another) meeting people, etc. etc. I've let things go. And I apologize. So here are a bunch of things I've been up to lately.I've actually starting scrapbooking my wedding pictures. I thought I wouldn't do this, since I have a beautiful leather album from the incredible Leslie of Sullivan Studios, but I have found that I would like to do something else that includes my invitation, all the projects I did, the way I felt, and all of that. So, I'm trying to remember what I felt 18 months ago. That pic above? I was feeling blissful. Matt and I had just been announced at the reception to Beautiful Day by U2 (I love me some U2) and I was quite giddy. So there.This is Peanut from Last Minute Patchwork + Quilted Gifts (see review below) and his matching quilt. A gift for my beloved niece's first birthday. Peanut was a little hard for me. In fact, this is Peanut #2 because #1 had a dimple-y back and a small inexplicable hole beneath his trunk. Peanut was the source of many bad words from me and Peanut #1 was thrown across the room. But he ended up so darling that I forgive him for all the trouble he caused around here.
Did you know that Hallmark has a 2007 sewing ornament? Quite appropriate to commemorate The Year in Which I Rediscovered Sewing. Thanks, husband!And here is some Christmas crafting. Well the top isn't so much crafty as it is good eats. Chocolate Covered Pretzels. Sweet, salty and delish. Need I say more? I made a bunch of these for the couples in my small group at church. I packaged them in the most adorable (sorry, no pics) little red felt buckets from the dollar spot at Target. (I love me some Target dollar spot goodness!) The purse is a gift for a special someone that I just love (I love both the purse and the person). Seriously considered keeping this for myself. Both the outside and inside fabrics are Amy Butler and the pattern is from Amy Karol's Bend the Rules Sewing Book. (Which rocks.) The original pattern called for a velvet ribbon bow, but I think the grosgrain looks quite sweet with that fabric. Seriously, I love this bag. (By the way, these pictures are seriously blurry when you zoom in.)

And seriously, I will try to post more often.