Halloween wreath, take two

 

 

A few weeks ago, I shared this wreath, with some thoughts on a second version.  Miracle of crafting miracles, I actually made a second version!  

 

 

Same grapevine wreath, but different paint.  This time, I used Rust-Oleum American Accents Ultra Cover Gloss in Real Orange.  I was really happy with the color, shine and coverage, even with the first coat. 

 

For the flowers, I loosely followed this tutorial.  The cream and yellow flowers were made with 2 1/2" circles, while the smaller gray ones were made with 1 1/2" circles.

 

I cut a simple 3" strip of felt with this and tied it to the top with a simple overhand knot. 

 

Except for my uber-procrastination, this project would have taken about a night.  I think I might be slightly addicted to this spray paint/wreath/fabric flower wreath project.  Don't be surprised if you see a few more (dozen) in the future! 

 

What are you doing to decorate for Halloween?  If you are looking for some other fun, simple projects, check these out:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kiss Lock Clutch

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of taking a sewing class at Stitch Lounge in Greenfield, MA.

If you are any bit local to the area, I highly recommend a trip into Jenna's lovely store.  (For those not local, her etsy shop has the sweetest fabrics!)

During the class, we learned to make kiss lock clutches.  Jenna's pattern is perfect for using up small fabric pieces, including these treasured black and yellow florals from Moda.

Unfortunately, I couldn't make my piece of Anna Maria Horner's Good Folks work for the bigger clutch.  Luckily, Jenna had a fat quarter of this pink floral, which ended up matching my lining pretty well.

It was great to be a sewing student, rather than teacher, for a night, and spend some time in somebody else's sewing space.  I think I see more of these clutches in my future! 

Hoping you find something new and fun to create!

 

 

Spring!

I wait for this tree every year.

Welcome, spring!

Spring for me is daffodils in one of my grandmother's Atlas mason jars. 

May your spring be filled with sunshine, renewed energy and light.

Crafting for the holidays

The holiday season is upon us, and I love this time of year for so many reasons - especially having an extra incentive to create for friends and family.  I feel a bit like an elf these days, working on varied projects for the girls, for a few small craft fairs, and gifts.  This year, BabyE has had an influx of requests and orders, and it has been fun coming up with new projects and ideas to fulfill different wish lists.

First up on this mini-roundup, part 1, is the Snow Blossom Hat from Made by Rae.  Here's little A modeling hers, complete with dimples and two front teeth.  Although the straps were tricky to turn, they are VERY worth it as this is the only hat that will stay on her head!  Thank you, Rae!

Next up, a few crochet flower headbands for this past weekend's crafty open house.  (By the way, with all the creating I've done lately, I have few photos apart from my blurry phone ones to show the new and improved craft table set-up.  While not a project to sell or give away, it definitely counts on my list of recent creations.)  I saw similar headbands up in VT a few weekends ago and got that familiar "I can make those!" feeling - so I did!  I love the simple cotton yarn and color combinations.  And, they really are cute for young and old alike.

Lastly, a new apron design for BabyE.  Usually I do simple aprons, but a friend requested a "waitress" style for her little girl who loves to play restaurant.  It was really fun checking out different styles and ideas on-line.  I found this one and figured out how to recreate it for a smaller size.  The lace edge is vintage and has been sitting in my trim drawer just waiting for the right project.

So...just a few of the many projects pouring out of my little sewing and crafting space these past weeks. 

I just picked up the new Amy Butler book and am looking forward to picking out a holiday project for my sister-in-law (Sharri, read no further!).  I also found this one which I really like, so I guess Amy and Lisa will have to duke it out for my vote.

Happy Tuesday!

 

Capturing colors

It is mid-October.  To any New Englander, this means leaf-peeping season.  Hoardes of tourists drive from all over to view the blazing golds, oranges, reds and browns of the fall leaves. 

While I savor this time of year for the leaves, I would be remiss to leave out other colors of nature that are right out my back door.  

There is something warm and comforting about finding these last hold-outs of color before the world falls into a deep hibernation under blankets of white snow.