’
inspired ideas Spring 2012
volume 3, no. 1
s d n e i r dear f
,
he ing is t r p s t u ound. r t abo s a o l l a m s e ar lov at appe h What I t e f i l f from a o g n n i o i g t r a e em shing d u celebr u p b t u n o e r sp ew gre , every h c n Every n a r eet bird ter b n w i s w y r g e n v ... sleepi earth, e er nest d h e s w d l a i h t bu through ilst she Here!” h s i w g y l n i i pr prett ying, “S a s singing e b rojects o p t g n m i e r e p s s y they all the gre f happy o m l l o r u f f on g ue is transiti r at sprin This iss u h o t y n e r o i i t p ra ll ins ul decla f y that wi o y single j r e a v e o t y s njo blah g e you e p winter o h I reparin ! p e r d e e h y d o nj is indee we’ve e s a h c mu page as r you. them fo
with love,
Ammmmmmmmm 34 n n n n 44 n n n n 56 n 70 66 Cpppppppp
mmmmmmmm mB 36 o 50 o o o o o o inspired finds o 26 o pppppppppD 1 4 ........................... S p r i n g y P e n c i l s 2 6 ................. a d o r a b l e b o w t i e s 3 6 ............................ c l a y c u p c a k e s 4 4 ...c h a m p a g n e c a g e c h a i r s 5 2 .............c r e p e p a p e r b a s k e t s 5 2 ............... s t r a w b e r r y b u t t o n s 6 0 .......................... i n s p i r e d d o o d l e 6 6 .............................. a l i t t l e b i r d y 7 0 .............. a l l s e a s o n w r e a t h 76 .................................... have craft will travel 8 2 ........................... I n s p i r e d r e a d s 3 4 ............. s w e e t c a r d s 4 2 ............... k n i t c o l l a g e 5 0 .......... c a n d y b u t t o n s 6 4 ................p r e t t y p a r t y
Ammmmmmmmm n n n n tracey fisher danielle muller n n n n n Cpppppppp Danielle Muller is a mixed media/paper artist who lives in Long Island, New York, with her husband, three children and two cats. She enjoys creating vintage styled whimsies using many of the antique bits and baubles she picks up during her tag and estate sale excursions. Her work has been seen in various Stampington publications and can also be seen in the January 2011 issue of Romantic Homes Magazine. Danielle shares her passion for photography and living an inspired life on her blog www. daniellemuller.typepad.com
After a career in corporate and broadcast television, Tracey Fisher returned to the world of crafting, as she raised her two young girls. Armed with an inspirational “Betz White cupcake,” a whole world of crafting and blogs opened up to her. She took sewing classes and knitting classes and made little projects for family and friends. She knitted cupcake hats and viking helmets for teachers’ babies, made sock monkeys for friends and sewed up zippered pouches and purses for gifts. These days, instead of her daughters following in her footsteps, she has found that it is she following theirs. With their Etsy shops, blogs and Tumblr accounts, she now finds both her teenage daughters are her creative mentors.
With the help of her girls, Tracey has opened up an Etsy shop and started a blog, in their names, where she crafts to her heart’s content and writes up a storm about crafting, motherhood and her next chapter. You can read all about her adventures in crafting at www.helanaandali.blogspot.com
mmmmmmmmmB o o o kerrie more o maria grimes o o o o o pppppppppD Born and raised in Santa Barbara, California, one of Maria’s first “creative” memories was when she was about 5 years old, making little adobe clay animals from the S.B. soil in her backyard. She has always enjoyed creating things like mohair teddy bears, stained glass windows, handmade soaps and ceramics. As a lampwork bead artist, her passion now is taking glass rods and melting them with a 2000 degree torch to make little whimsical works of art you can wear.
She gets most of her inspiration from the things in her life, from her garden to her pets and everything in between. Visit Maria at her websitewww.gardenpathbeads.com
And her blogwww.mariagrimes.blogspot.com
If you were to ask Kerrie what she loves more, reading or crafting, she would have a hard time choosing. Living out in the country, with only three very-fuzzy television channels, her childhood was fueled by trips to the library as well as long afternoons immersed in an eclectic mix of creative projects. As a school librarian, she spends her days helping students navigate the world of information as well as find good books to read. She’s adamant when she says, “I have the greatest job in the world!” Kerrie is very proud to be part of a book club that has been meeting for fourteen years and recognizes the way that reading inspires kinship. One of her favorite moments is hearing someone say, “Have you read….” and watching everyone scramble for a pen and paper to write down the title. Kerrie considers herself blessed to call northwest Montana her home and marvels each day at the beauty outside her window. She and her husband recently built a mountain cabin in the area where her great-grandparents homesteaded. It is here that she retreats to enjoy nature, get lost in a good book or crochet her heart out. Kerrie’s blog, More Life, is in its infancy, and she considers it a “show-and-tell” of her latest creative endeavor or whatever good book she’s just read. You can take a peek at www. kerriemore.com.
Ammmmmmmmm n n n n kim stout becky kazana n n n n n Cpppppppp Becky’s funny last name “Kazana” is a Swahili word which can be translated as “to busy oneself” and “make a home.” She and her husband fell in love with this philosophy during their travels in Africa and decided to adopt Kazana as their new last name. It reminds them that their home is not a physical place but a life together. Their travels have taken them through Africa, Europe, China, and all over the United States. Becky currently makes her home on The Big Island of Hawaii. Becky Kazana charts the inspiration she finds around her every day on her blog: http://www.thefabmissb.blogspot.com She sells handmade goodies for weddings, parties and celebrations on Etsy: beckykazana.etsy.com
Kim Stout was born in Massachusetts and grew up in Ohio. She grew up playing in the woods and wanting to be Betsy Ross or Sacajawea. Kim received a BFA in Fine Arts from Ohio State and a MAE in Art Education from RISD. She taught art in Frederick County, Maryland for a number of years before going into her family’s business, Coastal Pet Products. Kim works primarily in textiles and ceramics, often combining the mediums. For her, the process of making creates harmony of disparate bits. She’s hopelessly sentimental, saving everything that could possibly have a future use. As a result, she has lots of little bits to craft with!
mmmmmB o o o o peggy lucas o o o o o ppppD Peggy Lucas has spent a career handling corporate insurance in Houston, Texas, either as a buyer or broker. She always had a love for ephemera but assumed she just wasn’t the crafty type until 2006 when she attended her first, second and third scrapbook events: Scrap, Etc., Creative Escape and CKU-Houston. Since then, she’s traveled North America with a variety of friends attending crafty workshops or flea markets. When her day job takes her across the globe, she usually manages a visit with scrapbook friends or some vintage shopping between meetings. Whether it’s learning how an oil well is drilled, or the difference between a feather stitch and a French knot, she loves to learn and try new things. Eventually, she’s going to have to sell some of this stuff she’s collected from estate sales or flea markets on Portobello Road, Round Top or Canton. Her plans are to make it to Renningers and Brimfield soon! You can find her latest adventure at www.pegomh.blogspot.com
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inspired ideas Spring 2012
volume 3, no. 1
Amy Powers .............. Magazine Creator Pam Keravuori .......... Idea Generator Illustrator Word Smith Lorraine Rose ........... Proofreader Cheerleader Validator Kerrie More .............. Proofreader Book reviewer LETTERS
TO THE
EDITOR & SUBMISSIONS:
Email amy@inspireco.com or send correspondence to: Amy Powers Inspired Ideas 5213 Tulip Leaf Court Centreville VA 20120 © Copyright 2012 by Inspire Co. LLC All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written permission of copyright owner. All images contained within have been reproduced with the knowledge and prior consent of all the artists concerned and no responsibility is accepted by the publisher, Inspire Co., for any infringement of copyright or otherwise arising from the contents of this publication. Every effort has been made to ensure that the projects within this magazine are original.
Please respect the generosity of the artists contributing to this magazine. Do not reproduce projects featured here for resale. They are for personal use only. Enjoy!
spring!
you love to make things In fact, you are always making something. It’s what makes you happiest. You are most inspired by ideas that are fresh, approaches that are ingenious, & designs that are lovely. Welcome! You are home.
inspired ideas is your magazine.
{crafthappy}
MmmmmmmmN n o n o n o n o n o n o n o n o n o n o OpppppppP
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inspired ideas
MmmN n o n o n o n o KppL An introduction to spring on
your desk can only help inject
an energized tone, whether you
need a boost to finish your taxes or something pretty with which
to write in your journal. Within a few minutes, and with a few odds and ends, you can take some boring old pencils and
turn them into a sweet desktop accessory.
by Tracey Fisher
Spring 2012
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Materials • •
• • • • •
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Yarn in blues, greys, browns and naturals Scraps of wool felt or wool fabric in corresponding colors and in green Wool roving in natural, brown and pale blue Twist ties Scissors Fabric glue or glue gun Needle felting supplies (Alternatively, you could use pre-made pom poms or felt balls.) Pencils - new or used
For Figure Base From felt or felted wool - Cut out small circles approximately 1/2 an inch in diameter to use as the base of your spring icon.
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For Pencils Wrap pencils in yarn starting at the lead end, at the base of the shaved point. Anchor the yarn with glue and begin wrapping by spinning pencil squishing up the yarn as you go. Wrap as many pencils as you like in blues, browns, greys and naturals. Cut the yarn at the end of pencil end and anchor with glue.
Spring 2012
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Twist tie branch Step 1 Take two twist ties, twisting one around the other about 3/4 of the way up to create your branch. Twist twice to secure.
Step 2 Snip the bottom of twist tie so that the branch base is 3 inches long from top to bottom.
Step 3 Like you did with the pencils, anchor your yarn with glue and twist around all the branches on your twig ending about 1/4 inch from the base of your twig.
Step 4 Glue the last of the wool yarn and wait until it is dry. With a corresponding circle, cut a small hole in the center of the circle and push the quarter inch of uncovered twist tie through the hole. Anchor by bending and gluing.
Step 5 From green felt or felted wool, cut out 5 to 7 leaves about 1/4 inch long. Add leaves with glue to the tips of branches and anywhere else on your twig you would like.
Spring 2012
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Needle felted Bird Step 1 With pale blue roving, begin needle felting a bird body (1/3 to 1/2 inch ball) and a bird head (1/4 to 1/2 inch ball)
Step 2 When you like the shape, needle felt the head to the body.
Step 3 Add eyes and beak with brown roving. (Follow the directions of a needle felting kit, or alternatively you could use pom poms or felt balls and small bits of felt for bird features)
Step 4 Anchor your bird to a matching circle of felt.
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Spring 2012
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Yarn Nest Step 1 Take one of your colored circles of felt in brown or natural (depending on yarn you choose) and add an anchor of thick yarn or two strands of yarn in nest colors. For two of my nests, I used one natural and either one grey or one brown strand of yarn. Anchor the yarn on the perimeter of the circle and begin to glue the strands down around the circle with dabs every 1/4 inch or so. I like to twist the strands as I go to make the nest more interesting and stronger.
Step 2 Once you have created a base of yarn, you can use small pom poms or needle felted eggs and glue them to the center of the nest.
Step 3 Continue building your nest around the eggs until you like the shape of the nest. Cut the yarn and weave into the nest anchoring with glue. (Note: You don’t need to add another circle of felt to the nest because you used that as your nest base.)
Spring 2012
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F inishi ng y o ur pe nc i ls Select a yarn-wrapped pencil that complements one of your spring figures and anchor by gluing the felt circle to the eraser end of the pencil. Now pop them into a cute pot on your desk and start writing!
Spring 2012
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inspired ideas
MmmmN n o n o n o n o n o CpppD This project is inspired by my own little
collection of vintage boys’ ties. I looked carefully at how they were constructed
and determined that I could figure out how to make them myself. Best of all, no
sewing is involved! Now you, too, can whip up the sweetest bow ties for your
little man just in time for Easter and the wedding season! The dimensions of this
project make a perfect bow tie for boys or even you. (I love to wear one to hold the
top of a cardigan together!) Use the same directions, adjusting the measurements, to create larger ties for men to wear.
b y A m y P ower s
Spring 2012
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of
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str i fab ps ric
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There are two secrets to making this bow tie look great, both taken directly from the vintage examples in my collection. The first is to layer two “bows,” and the second is to use a bow tie clip. (I purchased a set of 5 bow tie clips from the Etsy shop DivineDomestication.)
Begin by cutting two pieces of fabric 3” x 8” (for the bow pieces), and two pieces of fabric 3” x 4” (for the cinching pieces).
Fold both of the large pieces of fabric identically...folding the ends along the length of the fabric inward so that each fold meets in the middle. Use a hot iron and spray starch to hold. These folded fabric pieces should measure 1.5” tall by 8” long. Next fold the ends of the bow inward so that they meet in the middle. Iron and starch to hold. Open the folds you’ve just created and use just a little bit of Fabri-Tac fabric glue all along the edges to secure, especially along the middle of the “bow” where the ends meet. The folded pieces should measure 1.5” tall by 4” wide.
Fold one of the 3” x 4” pieces of fabric in the same way as the initial fold above, so that the lengths are folded in to meet in the middle. The finished size of this folded fabric is 1.5” x 4”. Fold the other 3” x 4” fabric by folding each length in by 1”, overlapping. The finished size of this folded fabric is 1” x 4”. Iron and starch both of these smaller folded pieces.
To create the top bow, we are going to first “cinch” it using the narrower small strip of fabric (1” x 4”). Neatly wrap the strip of fabric around the center of the fabric rather tightly so that it forms a pretty bow shape. Use Fabri-Tac on the end of the strip to hold the wrap.
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To attach the bow clip, you’ll make two incisions in the other folded (uncinched) bow shape. Using the ends of your scissors, snip through all four layers of the fabric approximately 1 inch left and right of center. The incisions should be each about .25 inches long. Open the bow tie clip mechanism and insert the ends of the clip back (not including the narrower part of the clip which is intended to clip to the collar) into the snips. Secure with Fabri-Tac.
Carefully glue the top part of the bow (cinched) directly over the bow tie mechanism on the bottom layer of the bow.
Finish the assembly by wrapping the 1.5” x 4” length of fabric around the center of the two layered bows, slightly cinching the bottom bow. Glue into place and trim the excess length.
Test the bow by pulling both ends of the top bow together, squeezing to open the collar clips.
Once you make one, you’ll easily master these steps and want to make more. I promise!
Spring 2012
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Not just for the b clipped to a Pet
oys! Bow ties look ad
orable
er Pan collar. I
springtime card
also love to clip
igans together at
sweet! You cou
the top with a b
ow tie...so
ld also make th
e basic bows to
headbands, pin
my
s, and even itty
create bow
shoes. (Use clip
-bitty ones to cl
ip on your
-on earring har
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dware!)
inspired ideas
Spring 2012
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Ammmmmmmmm ninspired find n n n n n n n Cpppppppp 34
inspired ideas
mmmmmmmmmB o o o sweet tootho o o o o pppppppppD Sarah over at Studio SloMo
created these vibrant, sugary sweet letterpress cards and prints. The “I Like Cake” print is created using her
vintage woodtype collection, which gives it a luscious,
worn look. To see more of
Sarah’s work, and to order, visit StudioSloMo.com.
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inspired ideas
MmmN n o n o n o n o n o by Maria Grimes CppD Maria Grimes started making these
whimsical clay cupcakes to showcase her adorable glass cupcake beads at
shows. Little did she know just how popular these “props� would turn out to be! The design possibilities are
endless and fun for all ages. All you
need is a little imagination and a few
supplies from your local craft store. So have fun!
Photography by Anthony Grimes Spring 2012
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Materials •
2” wood round ball
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Small clay pot
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Oven bake clay
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Glue
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Clay rolling pin
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Paint brushes
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Paints (in fun colors)
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Antiquing gel
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Spray lacquer
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Cutting blade
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Step 1 Glue wood ball to the clay pot. Let dry.
Step 2 Roll a piece of the clay out, about 1/8” thick and big enough to cover the wood ball. Form over wood ball. With cutting blade, cut off any excess clay.
Step 3 Take a small piece of clay (about 1/2” to 3/4” ball) roll it into a snake-like shape, making sure both ends are tapered. Starting at one end, roll into a coil. Place clay coil onto the clay covered wood ball, overlapping the clay pot.
Step 4 Continue adding coils (overlapping them as you go) until the top of the cupcake is completely covered. If you’d like a cherry on top, now is the time to add a small, round ball of clay to the top of the cupcake.
Step 5 Place cupcake on foil lined cookie sheet and bake, following the clay manufacturer’s instructions. Let cool completely.
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inspired ideas
Step 6 Paint the entire cupcake white. Colors pop on a white base. Let dry.
Step 7 Now, pick out your favorite colors. (Mine are green and purple) Paint your cupcake. With a Q-tip add polka dots to the base of the cupcake. Let dry.
Step 8 Spray the entire cupcake with lacquer. Let dry.
Step 9 Apply antiquing gel with a brush, wiping off excess with a paper towel. Let dry.
Spring 2012
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Ammmmmmmm ninspired find n n n n n n n Cpppppppp
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mmmmmmmmB o o knit collage o o o o o o ppppppppD I don’t even knit and I love this yarn! It’s so unusual and so beautiful, I couldn’t wait to share it with you.
Knit Collage yarns are vibrant handspun creations that reflect the company’s curious and optimistic approach to the world. Bits of ribbons, sequins, flower appliques, and anything that strikes their fancy are spun together with brightly colored wool, mohair and sparkling Angelina fibers. The spinning process is enormously time intensive. To spin one skein of our yarn, it takes around two or more hours. Even though the raw materials are the same, no two skeins are completely alike because of their handmade nature. For a list of stockists, see the company’s site: www.knitcollage.com
Spring 2012
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inspired ideas
MmmN n o n o n o n o KppL These tiny French bistro Chairs are made from wire champagne cages! They are roughly 2.25� high and a
fanciful addition to a table setting.
Use them to hold place cards, keep one on your desk for a little fairy to take a load off, or add some
glamorous furniture to the patio of a doll house! No matter how you use
them, they bring a bit of whimsy to your day-to-day.
by Becky Kazana
Spring 2012
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You will need two wire champagne cages for each chair you want to make, and one crown top for the seat. You will also need wire cutters and two pairs of needle nose pliers to give extra leverage and the prettiest curves to your chair. First, snip off the bottom ring from the champagne cage. Now you’ll have a little four legged stool. Snap out the metal “seat”. Repeat on a second champagne cage. Take one of your “stools” and snip in half as shown. Now, use your pliers to curve the legs into heart shape. This will be your chair back. Hold the back in place against the base. Use your pliers to secure the chair back to the base with the excess wire. A simple loop on either side should do the trick. Now, snap the crown cap seat back in place. There are four notches on each side that will match up with the legs of the seat. Adjust the legs to hold the seat in place. Use your pliers to give the legs a little flare. It gives them a little personality.
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Voila! You’ve created a French bistro chair just the right size for a fairy! Make an assortment and use them in your dollhouse, or diorama. They are also the perfect size for place cards(many of my chairs end up in wedding day celebrations.) You could also add a pretty ribbon and hang them on a Christmas tree! If you’d rather buy these fabulous chairs than make them, I sell them at my Etsy shop: beckykazana.etsy.com
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Ammmmmmmmm inspired find n n n n n n n n Cpppppppp 50
inspired ideas
mmmmmmmmmB o o o o o o o o pppppppppD Candy Buttons?
Am I dreaming? Inspired by the heirloom craft of sewing, Andie’s Specialty Sweets offers these sweet embellishments for those threading memories that last. Andie’s takes great effort to create handmade edibles that are versatile as a confection embellishment or as a stand alone candy. Each candy is handmade—each batch to order. To see the variety of candy embellishments available, including these adorable button candies, visit Andie’s Etsy shop: AndieSpecialtySweets
Spring 2012
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inspired ideas
AmmmB n o n o n o n o n o n o KpppL These paper baskets are inspired by vintage ones that were used as party
favors. They are easy to make using
just a few easy-to-find materials such as crepe paper, nut cups, and pipe cleaners. Decorate them with special buttons and
pretty ribbon, and you’ve made a perfect little vintage-inspired treat.
b y A m y P ower s
Spring 2012
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AmmmmmmB n o n o n o n o n o n o n o n o CppppppD Materials
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Crepe paper sheets or streamers
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Nut cups (available in the cake decorating section of craft store)
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Ribbon
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Embellishments, such as buttons or mini-rhinestone buckles (optional)
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Pipe cleaners
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Needle and thread
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Glue
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Hole punch
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Scissors
inspired ideas
Punch two holes near the top rim of the nut cup, on opposites sides. Cut a pipe cleaner to the length you’d like for your handle and thread it through the holes to fashion the handle. Nut cups are available in an assortment of sizes. Cut two lengths of crepe paper (or streamer), about twice the height of your nut cup and three times the circumference. (Use a piece of string around the nut cup to determine the circumference.) Lay one length on top of the other. With needle and thread, knotted at one end with a long tail, stitch a running stitch down the middle of the two layers of crepe paper, pulling as you go to gather. Check the fit of the crepe paper ruffle with the nut cup and adjust accordingly. Glue the ruffle to the nut cup, making sure to align the bottom of the ruffle with the bottom of the cup. Tie the the two ends of thread together where they meet. Carefully separate the two layers of the ruffle along the top perimeter of the cup to “fluffen.” Tie a ribbon around the ruffle in the middle of the cup and add an embellishment. Fill the cup with excelsior or paper Easter grass and a sweet little gift.
Spring 2012
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inspired ideas
EmmmmmF n o n o n o n o n o n o n o n o n o GpppppH byy K b Kim im S Stout tout
Spring 2012
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Befor
e you buy a new “Cove r-you r-own � butto n kit, searc your h local thrift or fle store a mar ket for v intag e one s. They are o ften at a found fract ion o f the price of th e new sets.
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inspired ideas
MmmN n o n o n o n o n o OppP Remember how much fun it was to color
with crayons? We invited Pam Keravuori to doodle a spring page for us to fill in as we please. Alfredo and I had so much fun
painting the doodle garden that I had printed on watercolor paper. You, too, can relive that fun as a grown-up with this printable.
Simply print out the design (available on the
next page) and fill it in however you choose: colored pencils, markers, watercolors, even crayons! You can even transfer the design
to fabric and embroider it. Whatever you
choose to make with this doodle design, we can’t wait to see it!
by Pamela Keravuori
Spring 2012
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WE’RE LOOKING FOR
inspired ideas We’re always looking for great inspired ideas to feature in our magazine, and we welcome your submissions. We’re really interested in projects that have a fresh approach. We want to stretch your imagination and inspiration more than ever by showing super-innovative projects. We’re especially interested in projects that are not yet published, even on your own blog, i.e., something folks haven’t seen before. Whether it’s a new take on an old craft, materials used in ingenious ways, or just something so sweet and wonderful that everyone will want to make it...
send us your idea! We’re currently searching for
Christmas crafting ideas. Send your project pitch to amy@inspireco.com by May 15. Make your pitch as complete as possible. Include details so we can really “see” your project. Photos are important. Presentation matters. If your project is still in the “idea phase,” send us an inspiration board showing materials, colors, designs, and anything else you think will sell us on your idea.
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Ammmmmmmm inspired find n n n n n n n n Cpppppppp We fell head over heels for all the fun graphics and sweet colors in this fabulous collection. Inspired by vintage magazines and sewing catalogs, Pretty Party by Crate Paper is every girl’s dream, brimming with dainty flowers, scrumptious treats, and even a birdie or two in soft hues of pink, green and yellow. Pretty Party includes 10 beautifully designed patterned papers, in addition to a variety of embellishments, such as frames, fabric and epoxy brads, flea market buttons, designer tape and more. Get your party dress on and join this delightfully sweet celebration. To find a supplier near you, visit www.americancrafts.com
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mmmmmmmmmB o o o o o o o o ppppppppD Spring 2012
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inspired ideas
AmmB n o n o n o n o CppD Here’s a sweet little bluebird of
happiness to usher in spring. Made of paper clay over a styrofoam base, this project is super fun and
easy for all ages. Get the family
together and make a whole flock of these happy little birds!
b y A m y P ower s
Spring 2012
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Materials
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1.5” styrofoam ball
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2.5” styrofoam egg
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Paper clay
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Decorative paper for hat
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Fuzzy yarn or trim
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Crepe paper or streamer (for collar)
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Super fine clear glitter (optional)
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Toothpick
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Paint
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Paint brushes
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Sharpie pen (for eyes)
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Alene’s Tacky Glue
inspired ideas
Attach the styrofoam ball to the egg shape using a toothpick. Press on the styrofoam to shape, flattening the bottom and pressing in the sides where the wings will be. Cover the styrofoam with paper clay, working with small amounts of clay at a time. If the paper clay you are using is particularly sticky, applying it with wet hands will work best. Pinch the clay to form a beak. Smooth the sides to create wings. Be sure to flatten the bottom so that your bird will sit on its own. Allow to dry overnight. Paint your little bird with whatever colors you like. Adding pink cheeks gives your bird character. Dot on eyes with a black Sharpie.
Spring 2012
To make the party hat, cut a half circle from your decorative paper. The radius of the half circle is how tall your hat will be. Curl into a cone, overlapping the edges and glue into place. Trim the edges with fuzzy yarn or other trim. Top the hat with a knot of fuzzy yarn or a tiny pom-pom. Glue in place on your bird’s head. Cover the entire bird and hat with glue. Sprinkle a generous coat of glitter on all sides. Allow to dry. To make the crepe paper collar, cut a length of crepe paper 2� x 30�. With thread knotted with a tail of a few inches, run a running stitch down the center of the crepe paper, gathering as you go. When you reach the end, try the collar on the bird for size and adjust. Fasten the collar to the bird by tying the two loose thread ends.
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MmmN n o n o n o n o n o OppP Have you ever been guilty of keeping
the last holiday’s wreath up for months afterward simply because you didn’t have
a replacement? Now you can change your door decorations in a wink with this beautiful wreath by Danielle Muller. Store
the lovely seasonal vignettes you create near your entry, and you’ll be ready to celebrate every season and special occassion!
by Danielle Muller
Spring 2012
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Su ppl i es
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Rounded wreath form, size of choice, either styrofoam or straw. I used a 12” straw wreath form for example.
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Fabric of choice to wrap wreath form {approximately 1/4 to 1/2 yard}
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Fabric scissors & paper scissors
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Hot glue & glue sticks
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Cardstock {for banners}
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Computer & printer or letter stamps/inkpad
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Bakery twine or similar “rounded” string
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Items for seasonal “vignettes”
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Velcro
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Pearl head straight pins {approximately 6-8}
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Ribbon {for hanging wreath}
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Instructions For this project I used a 12” straw wreath form and left the plastic wrapping on the wreath. It was easier and less messy!
Begin by wrapping your wreath form with 2” strips of fabric that you’ve torn, leaving the ragged edges. Adhere using hot glue. Continue until the entire wreath form is covered. Glue a strip of velcro onto the inside curve of the wreath (this will hold the seasonal “vignettes”) As an alternative to the velcro, you could use long straight pins to secure the items to the wreath, depending on the items.
Create or gather the items you’d like to use for each seasonal “vignette.” In the examples, I used a bird’s nest & bird for spring, a lavender heart sachet for Valentine’s Day and a small wrapped package for a birthday wish!
Attach the other part of the velcro to these items so that when you press them into the curve of the wreath they will grab onto the strip you have applied previously.
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Using your computer, print out special words you’d like to use in your banners...or use letter stamps. The font & text size is your choice. Examples of sentiments include: Happy Birthday, Merry Christmas, Happy Spring, Welcome, Be Mine.
Leave enough space between each letter when printing, so you can cut the triangles to assemble the pennant banner. Cut your letters into small triangles to form the pennants. Hot glue the triangles onto your piece of twine or string, leaving enough twine on each side to attach it to the wreath.
Attach the banner to your wreath using pearl headed pins. Add the seasonal vignette you created. Attach a piece of ribbon to the wreath to hang.
Enjoy your wreath all year... have fun changing out your banners & vignettes to celebrate all of life’s special occasions!
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inspired events
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MmmmmmmN n o n o n o n o n o n o n o n o OppppppP As crafters, we often like to learn new skills and techniques. Here is a list of events in the USA and beyond…
Affaire at Tiffany’s May 3-6, 2012
Southern CA
It’s the fifth year for Kim Caldwell of Artistic Bliss Designs to host a themed weekend retreat. Classes will be taught by Jeanne Oliver, Kecia Deveney, Laura McCollough and others, along with a mini-project by Amy Tangerine and booksigning by Jenny Doh. There is also a flea market tour on May 6th.
Art & Soul Retreat
March 1-6, 2012 Virgina June 14-18, 2012 Las Vegas October 1-7, 2012 Portland Well established since 1999, Art & Soul offers a plethora of workshops and mediums including teachers Lisa Kaus, Sally Jean Alexander, Julie Haymaker Thompson, Shelly Massey and many others. Pricing per class plus kit fees for some classes.
Art Unraveled
Art is You
March 15-18, 2012 Sydney Australia September 19-23, 2012 Petaluma, California October 4-9, 2012 Stamford, Connecticut Art is You is in its 6th year on the East Coast and second year in California. It includes 35+ teachers such as Laura Mika, Anna Corba, Lesley Venable, Tracy Stilwell, Jenny Holiday, Joanne Sharpe, Michael de Meng, Pam Carriker, Sue Pelletier and Suze Weinberg. Registration for both Stamford and Petaluma opens at the end of February. Each event includes a Saturday night trunk show for your shopping pleasure. Pricing details pending.
July 30- August 7 Phoenix, AZ In its 10th year, this mega event has workshops galore including a shopping extravaganza and teachers including: Lisa Pavelka, Joanne Sharpe, Michael de Meng, Tangie Baxter, Jane Eileen, and Deryn Mentock. Pricing per class with some requiring kit fees.
Craftcation Conference
March 22-25, 2012 Ventura, CA It’s a first time event with 50 workshops for the DIYer and indie business owner. Pricing is $150 for a day pass, $300 for all three days. Teachers include: Amy Tan, Kathy Cano-Murillo, Jenny Hart, Cathy Callahan, Lauren Venell and Professional Pincushion.
by Peggy Lucas
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MmmmmmmN n o n o n o n o n o n o n o n o OppppppP Create Mixed Media Event May 30-June 3, 2012 Irvine, CA July 18-22, 2012 Somerset, NJ
August 22-26, 2012 (near) Chicago, IL
The event is sponsored by Cloth Paper Scissors with Maggie Reinholtz as the Event coordinator for mixed media classes which include art journaling, surface design, sewing, collage, jewelry making, book and print making. There are 25+ teachers for each event with fees of $149 for 6 hours classes and $85 for 3 hour classes plus supply fees. The event includes a vendor faire on Friday night.
Handmade U, Second Semester April 19-22, 2012 (near) Omaha, NE
Omahan Rachel Velder-McGough will be returning to Millwood Lodge for her second semester of Handmade U with classes taught by Michelle Geller (Stitched & Stashed), Pam Keravuori (Doodle Ink) and Rachel (Prize Ribbons) for a total price of $675 that includes all food, airport pickup and lodging for the weekend.
Haven Conference
June 21-22, 2012 Atlanta, GA This is the inaugural event for DIYers and bloggers at Haven which is organized by
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nine very successful women such as Rhoda at Southern Hospitality, Kate of Censational Girl, Sarah of Thrifty DĂŠcor Chick and Marian of Miss Mustard Seed. There are three speakers: Young House Love, Mr. Goodwill Hunting and Ana White. It includes sessions on photography, power tools, slipcovering and blogging to name a few, along with a reasonable price tag of $205.
Home Companion Workshop by Mary Engelbreit
June 9-20, 2012 St. Louis, MO Hosted in Mary Engelbreit’s studio in St. Louis, this is a weekend of fun and classes. Charlotte Lyons, Kathy Curotto and, new this year, our own Amy Powers are teaching. In 2010, Mary Engelbreit launched the first Home Companion workshop that was intimate and extremely enjoyable. In 2011, she held two smaller events in her studio for a cozy group of 20. Perhaps the 2012 event will maintain a Yahoo Group for friendships and swaps before the big event.
Inspiration Unlimited
September 21-22, 2012 Henderson, NV In its 5th year, Teresa Collins has pulled together a great slate of teachers this year including Debby Schuh, Vicki Boutin, Stephanie Hunt, Kristen Robinson. Price tag is $295.
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MmN n o OpP Detail of Amy Powers’ class project for Mary Engelbreit’s Home Companion Workshop in St. Louis this summer. Registration opens April 3rd. Space is extremely limited.
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MmmmmmmN n o n o n o n o n o n o n o n o OppppppP Inspired Artist Workshop
Spellbound
April 19-22, 2012, June 14-17, 2012
November 8-11, 2012 Pasadena, CA Hosted by Shea Fragoso and Debbie Murray of The Gilded Life, this inaugural event includes teachers Pam Garrison, Kaari Meng of French General, Margie Romney-Aslett, Denise Sharp and five others. Event includes a trip to the Rose Bowl flea. All other details pending.
November 8-11, 2012 Huntersville, NC
Donna Downey has scheduled three workshops for 2012, two of which are sold out at this time – November remains open. Four day immersion of mixed media and art journaling taught by Donna for the April & November events, and Dina Wakely will be teaching Inspired Expression Workshop in June. Cost is $535 including meals and is limited to 20 students.
Sewing Summit
October 11-13, 2012 Salt Lake City, UT In its second year, this event is for modern sewists and bloggers. Teachers include: Jeni Baker, Amy Ellis, Melissa Esplin, Emily Herrick, Vanessa Hewell, Katy Jones and Michelle Webster.
Snap
April 19-21, 2012 Thanksgiving Point, UT First time event for bloggers includes speakers such as Jen Hadfield of Tatertots and Jello, Kate Riley of Censational Girl, Shelley Smith of House of Smiths and others.
Squam
September12-16, 2012 Holderness, NH October 17-21, 2012 Outer Banks, NC
On the shores of Squam Lake at the Rockywold-Deephaven camp, there are twenty teachers offering a mix of painting, sewing, photography, writing, jewelry making and screen printing for a weekend cost of $675 without lodging, $1200 with on-campus lodging. Squam at Sea (Outer Banks, NC) has ten teachers and slightly lower costs of $575 or $1200 for on-campus lodging. Non-refundable fees, check the fine print.
The Creative Connection
Lastest information indicates that The Creative Connection by Jo Packham will not happen this year. We’re hoping for 2013.
Spark The Event
2012 announcement from Margie RomneyAslett pending.
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inspired ideas
Shop the newsstands in May 2012 for Stitch, Craft, Create Magazine’s Summer issue, featuring a project by Amy Powers on outfitting a vintage suitcase for craft travel. Plus, she shares hints on what to pack when crafting on the go.
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inspired reads 82
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Is it time to take a break? Need to clear the creative cobwebs? For many, retreating with a good book is the ultimate rejuvenation. The following books are sure to give you a few hours of enjoyment and escape…and hopefully some beautiful inspiration!
Saving Cee Cee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman (Penguin) If you’re a broken girl, seemingly alone in the world, there are a few things you might need: a loving aunt you’ve never met, a wise housekeeper with a knack for making pancakes, and a host of unique friends and neighbors each with their own gifts to provide. Whisked off to Savannah following her mother’s death, twelve year old Cecelia learns that healing comes a day at a time, and that all one really needs are a few companions with whom to share the journey. Full of honesty, infused with humor, this novel doesn’t brush over the social issues facing our country in the late 1960’s, but shows us how a small group of inspiring women rises above turmoil to lend a lot of support and a bit of sweetness to each other’s lives. The characters are amusingly eccentric and wise with experience. The writing is peppered with striking metaphors and rich descriptions that will make you swear you can smell the sweet magnolia blossoms hanging from the trees. Full of warmth and generosity, this novel will remind you that a little caring, a lot of forgiveness…and perhaps a really good piece of pie… can
“…[I]t occurred to me that that’s what friends should
&
do:cherish the good
pretend not to notice the harmless rest.” – Saving Cee Cee Honeycutt
save us all.
by Kerrie More Spring 2012
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Creative is a Verb: If You’re Alive, You’re Creative by Patti Digh (Skirt!) Whether you are happily humming along the creative highway, or you are stifled by artistic fears and doubts, Patti Digh has given readers a profound gift in this warm, comforting guide. For those who want to make a living as an artist, as well as the weekend crafter, this treasure trove of insightful stories and transformative exercises helps readers acknowledge and embrace their unique, creative spirits. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself wanting to highlight, underline, and make notes in the margins. Furthermore, don’t be surprised if you find yourself prolonging the experience by slowing down and giving yourself time to absorb and reflect on each stimulating chapter. Perhaps you will read it from cover-to-cover, or maybe you will flip through it until you find a story that speaks to you. Without a doubt, this gorgeous, yet practical, manual will convince you to get busy and become an active participant in your own creativity. Many readers will find a wealth of inspiration in the book design alone, as the photographs, drawings, graphics and quotes are a visual delight, and make this beautiful book a work of art in itself!
“It is about living your whole entire life
as art... not just the bits you draw on a canvas or
embroider or sing. ”
– Patti Digh, Creative is a Verb
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The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
The School of Essential Ingredients
by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows (The Dial Press)
by Erica Bauermeister (Putnam Adult)
Julia Ashton is a successful writer living in London following World War II. In her thirties and unlucky in love, she is well known for her humorous newspaper column as well as her bold, somewhat unconventional social behavior. Everything changes the day she receives a letter from a gentleman living in Guernsey who finds her name and address on the inside cover of a book. Through their correspondence, she learns about the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, a group formed to help its members survive, in more ways than one, the German Occupation of their small island. Julia soon finds herself writing about the wartime experiences of its members – each endearing in his or her own way. This novel not only provides a fascinating history lesson, it lovingly reveals the small acts of heroism and human kindness that helped them endure unthinkable circumstances. You will feel connected to these charming characters and inspired by the beautiful way in which they care for one another. Written entirely in letters, this utterly original, often funny, and quietly moving novel will capture your heart.
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As a young girl, Lillian learned that by combining certain ingredients in the kitchen she could make a connection with her wounded and withdrawn mother. As an adult, Lillian uses this gift to run a first-class restaurant as well as a weekly cooking class. On Monday evenings, students are allowed to conquer their fears in the kitchen as well as create delicious, simple food. In doing so, each of them discovers what “essential ingredients� will not only improve their culinary skills, but also bring flavor to their broken lives. Told in a series of vignettes, the reader is given tender glimpses into the personal struggles of such diverse characters as a young mother, an unlikely widower, and an emotionally struggling teen. The author deftly illustrates the way slicing, stirring and tasting can encourage friendship and renewal. This savory novel will seduce your senses and spark you to create loving menus with enticing ingredients. More importantly, it will inspire you to embrace your own abundance of small pleasures. With captivating language and believable characters, this enchanting novel will leave you as satisfied as a delicious meal.
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g
thank
I want to all the artists and contributors for being so much fun to work with. you put Thank you for the into making this issue fabulous.
t e & love
thank you to Pam, my go-to girl. I love that you care as much about this project as I do. And to sweet Lorraine, you are the best cheerleader in the world! You always make me feel like I can do anything. I thank Rich & Alfredo, for their selfless and mighty
my sweet guys,
tience, love & rst i
.
(You are everything to me.)
And I
thank you, dear reader, for
supporting this
buying this issue and . I hope you feel to make at least one thing you spied here. And I making it! hope you have the most
dream
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inspired fun
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