two straight lines

Tackboard

I've been reading some of the posts lately here and other places about the Denyse Schmidt book, and whether it should be used as inspiration or in a more literal fashion with patterns and such. To be honest, it never occured to me that there are patterns in the book. I have it, and as I thumb through it, I get about a million ideas that relate to other projects that I am working on or planning for the future. It reminds me of when I worked as a graphic designer, and how I would read through a million resources for each project, not really trying to lift someone else's idea, but hoping that something someone had done would inspire me to see my subject and materials in a new light.  In that spirit I am posting this project I just completed that was inspired by the "dis-cards" section of Denyse's book, but isn't a card, and isn't carried out in the exact same way.

I have been wanting to do a tackboard (or two-- or three) a la Martha Stewart for years, and bought the materials a month or so ago, but was perplexed about what to cover it with.  I didn't want to spend ten thousand dollars on beautiful ribbons as Martha is known to do, and didn't really want a big solid fabric either.  Because I have lots of the board material (it is sold in 4' x 8' sheets), I decided to make my first tackboard with fabric I had on hand, specifically some colored burlap that I have loads of from a curtain and pillow project a few years ago.

At first I planned on sewing it to muslin with the raw edges exposed as in the "dis-cards" project, but after cutting the burlap realized it frayed quite a lot, so decided to piece it the standard way with right sides together.  Then I stitched back and forth to my heart's content (while watching the new show Big Love).  It was a very freeing experience for someone who is usually a little more controlled when creating.  I really felt there was no mistake to be made, that the white lines I was stitching were meant to look all wonky, so that was quite fun.

I then set out to create some nice tacks.  I started with shrinky-dinks like Hillary from Wee Wonderfuls used for these wonderful pins, but well, they shrunk, too much to cover the head of the tack.  I was then inspired by the fabulous idea that Leisl at dis-dressed had when she used the pictures for the Hancock's of Paducah catalog for magnets...brilliant.  I went to the craft store, bought a circle cutter and wood circles and I was in business.  I am quite happy with the result.  The touch of whimsy they provide keeps the tackboard from heading in the "bad 1970's soft sculpture wall hanging" direction.

 

I am not sure I LOVE the finished tackboard (I do love the tacks though!), but I figure it will soon be plastered over with a million photos, cards and such, and it was SO much fun to make!

Here's hoping you can take Denyse's idea, add in a little of mine, throw in a few other craft blogger's into the mix and come up with something entirely you.

To see all the photos, look here.

"I AM an artist."

While looking for bunny paraphernalia in the basement, I just ran across this picture I made in the second grade (sorry for the not so good photo, it is really hard to shoot something in a frame without massive glares).  I am so lucky that my Mom saved it and had it framed for me.  I still vividly remember the teacher lugging in old wallpaper books for us to sift through for the bunny's clothing.  I think it is so funny that I picked this green and white wallpaper, because it is SO something that I would pick today.  I'm a sucker for anything vintage and green.

If I may say so myself, I think this bunny is absolute perfection.  I wouldn't change a thing about it.  What is it about children's artwork that is so spontaneous and perfect?  When do we become too self-conscious to create with abandon?  If you gave any adult some paper and some crayons and said to draw a bird, they would hem and haw over their choices, they may even start over.  Kids have no such self consciousness (young ones at least).  It isn't until parents, educators and other adults start to stifle their creative process with inane questions that they start to doubt themselves.

Several years ago when my husband was in grad school, we watched the kids of one of his schoolmates for a few hours one day.  I pulled out some art supplies and the kids and I colored together.  The younger child, a boy, was particularly enthusiastic.  When I asked him-- "Are you going to be an artist when you grow up?" he looked at me straight-faced and said-- "I AM an artist."  He was right.

For more about supporting your little one's art endeavors, check this out.

Booty

When I discovered craft blogs six weeks ago I was amazed to find out this little creative underground existed right under my nose.  I'm always scouring the internet for one thing or another, and I pride myself on being the person my friends turn to with---"Where can I find such & such?"  Well, let's just say you all pulled the wool over my eyes.  When I happened upon Kitty-Craft, I literally got an upset stomach. I spent hours pouring over every page before placing an order.  I used and reused the fabrics in projects in my head.  I chose the cheapest shipping option- surface parcel post- figuring that if you are ordering Japanese fabrics by way of Korea, you want to imagine the parcel travelling a route at least as interesting as what is inside.

When the delivery notice appeared in my mailbox some four weeks later, I could hardly wait until 3PM when the package would be available for pick-up.  My husband was home so I snuck away to the post office during Elliot's nap.  After a brief hassle about the address on my license not matching the one on the package, I had it in my hot little hands.  I went to the car to open it, but almost gave up because Lee from Kitty-Kraft had taped over every square inch of it.  Finally, I got it open.  It was worth the wait.

First, check out these sweet little bunny fabrics, with the coordinating print.  I love the way the bunnies look fuzzy even though they obviously aren't. I am dreaming up Easter projects that will do them justice.

and the Francophile in me needed these items (by the way, does anyone know why so many of these fabrics and Zakka books look so French?)

and of course last but not least these Japanese craft books-- and for anyone wants to see the fabulousness found inside-- look here...

Oh my. 

Workspace

I've been readying a new workspace in the guest room closet, and it's pretty much set.  I've got most of my printed fabrics in plastic bins on the upper shelves (my solid fabrics had to go in larger plastic bins elsewhere), my magazines (mostly Martha Stewart Living and Kids) in organizers, and of course my beloved sewing machine.  There is a felt wall on the right side.  I figured I can move it out if I am working on a larger project.

The best part is that I didn't have to buy a thing for it.  I already had the table, chair, lamp and organizers.  They all fit perfectly like the closet was designed just for that purpose.  Funny how having a space for your "work" suddenly makes it seem more important.  What does your workspace look like?

Just me and my bunny...

 

Well, this is my first post on my new blog. I have been so inspired by the world of craft blogs that I feel that I must jump in and join the fun. I've been busily readying a new craft room and have a few projects in the works, but have just finished this sweet little bunny from the pattern generously designed by Hillary of Wee Wonderfuls. I am proud to say that I fashioned him entirely from materials I had here in the house. We still need to find him a tail. Elliot greeted him with a "Wwwwwwwwwoooooowwwwwww!" and named him Max. He even inspired a little tea party. So now as Elliot sleeps, I am just sitting here with my new bunny, waiting for someone to stop in.