Lucious Wools & Lapel Flowers...

I am really loving working with my wool fabrics.  I have purchased quite a few smaller pieces in coordinated color combinations.  It is amazing how quickly they add up into the major dollar pricing.  As you can see I am really into the blues and greys.  I love these colors. 

 Here is one I made with a vintage button as the center.  The blues really stand out on this grey wool blazer.  This flower is not as dimensional as some and I like the way it sits on the lapel.

This wool flower uses some hand woven wool pieces and some tweed wool.  The dimension on this flower is much more 3D and I believe the hand woven pieces give it the fullness.  For the center I used a piece of vintage rhinestone costume jewelry and it gives a nice sparkle to the flower. 
I am not getting tired of making these so you may see more in the near future.  Are you making anything with wool fabric?  Are you tired of seeing these flowers?
This new year is beginning well and I hope you are enjoying good health and creativity.

Winter Roses...

Thankfully yet sadly we have had no snow this winter.  And even stranger we have had virtually no rain.  So I realized with all this great weather I better prune my roses back before the snow comes and flattens them to the ground.  Behold this is my reward!  A beautiful Heritage rose that smells amazing.  Thank you mother nature for this gorgeous flower I so admire and enjoy.

And here is my winter rose rendition made of delicious wools and lace.  I used four wools all in grey tones including a plaid.  The lace was added to soften and add feminity to this piece.  One of my favorite vintage buttons for the center finishes it off perfectly.  A pin back makes it easy to wear on a coat or blazer or tote bag. 

This is how I presented it to my friend.  She really liked it and had the perfect grey plaid jacket to adorn with this rose. 
I continue to love making my gifts I give as it really keeps me in total thoughts of that special person I am creating something for. 
As I post this I can hear my wool fabrics pieces calling me to create with them.  I love the feel of wool and how easy it is to work with.  It adds a wonderful richness to the finished piece. 
Do you create with wool fabric?  What do you like to make with it? 
Blissful creating in this fresh new year 2012...

Making Reversible Tote Bags...

 Making reversible tote bags is something I have done for decades.  I love the utilitarian aspect of a good tote bag.  It can hold so many things...art supplies, groceries, books, electronic gadgets, return items back to the store and the list goes on and on.
Pink toile is just dreamy.  The scenes of daily life and the stories that can be told just looking at this wonderful fabric.  A couple of removable fabric and lace pins.

 Fun Parisian themed fabric on one side of the tote.  Good sturdy webbing handles covered in gathered coordinated fabric to add style and strength for carrying those heavy loads.

This one has a generous pocket either inside or outside depending on which fabric you turn over.  This pocket on the Parisian side is embellished with a lace doily and a lace and fabric removable flower pin.  Spending time sewing.  Making gifts.  Making items to sell in my etsy shoppe.  This is my favorite way to spend my waning summer days. 
Christmas in August has been a very good way for me to get a head start on the busy holidays that always get too stressed and hectic to enjoy.  I feel this year will be much calmer and much more enjoyable.
I have my list and I am checking it twice. 

Now for dinner...I let the crockpot do the work today.  Country Ribs slow cooking all day and Bushes Baked Beans with embellishments (oh yeah...embellishments aren't just for crafting!) and homemade cole slaw will complete this last of August Summer dinners. 
I am thankful Irene was calmer than expected and I pray for anyone still suffering the effects. 

Lace Wrappings...

I was giving a card recently and decided the envelope was far too plain. So I wrapped it in some delicious lace and stitched the sides to hold all in place.

The back flap was now really too plain so I stitched some more lace onto it. Then as a closure I stitched a circle of lace to hold the flap closed by sliding it onto the envelope. No photo of this part but I added a name label to the front with some more lace. No more plain card envelope for this gift.

Now for the gift box. Wrapped it in gold foil paper. Then a sleeve of more delicious lace. And to mate with the card a band of lace to hold it all together.

Oh how can I stop yet? No. More lace. This time I made a lace flower complete with pin back that can be attached to the package and then removed for additional uses by the recipient.

Now you see the package completed with it paper, laces and flower. This is a gift I am proud to give.

What is your favorite style of wrapping a gift?

Happy middle of the week to all...

Pause To Enjoy...

In this very busy time of year when the days are lighter longer and the temperatures are perfect for outdoor chores and fun events I make certain that I pause to enjoy the wonders of nature.
This photo includes a beautiful Japanese Maple (red colors) and some struggling Mock Oranges with double flowering blossoms.

The deer eat both of these to the point of devastation. This year I have blossoms only because these branches grew very tall and the deer don't seem to be able to reach them or the blossoms and greenery would be completely eaten to the bare branches and so not attractive.

So everyday I take a stroll around my property and enjoy each and every wondrous leaf, blossom and furl of a new fern.

May you have a week of enjoyment, creativity and time to pause to enjoy it all...

Remake of ReMarthable...

Is this bag ReMarthable? You probably have one of these same bags. I got this "free" when I paid my subscriptions to some Martha Stewart publications. When I received it I couldn't believe the super short handles. What on earth would anyone use this bag for with these useless short handles? If you are shopping you want your hands free and probably want to put your bag over your shoulder. So I put it in a pile and forgot about it. Useless bag?

Where is your quality control Martha? How could you put your name on such a piece of poor workmanship? This photo is not an optical illusion. The handles really are this crooked! You can see why I merely threw this bag into the pile of "deal with it later" stuff. Throw it away? Me? Never.

Hmmm...I have an idea for this bag. When will I ever get to it? NOW. Now has come.

Here is the bag shown with a very small piece of fabric I picked up for 50 cents one day. I just liked the colors in this piece. They look like watercolors in happy Spring hues. Besides the piece was just 50 cents. How could I not buy it for only 50 cents? :o)

So in the spirit of doing things NOW I have deconstucted the bag of poor quality and useless handles. Martha...Martha...Martha! Your bag already looks so much better.

I am so very happy with my "new" bag. It has handles that fit over my shoulder so my hands are free to shop. It has pockets on the front and back which before it had no pockets. No pockets? Where would I put my shopping list? Or my bottle of water and snack? What kind of bag has no pockets? I added some delicate lace just because I like lace and feminine. I also pinned on one of my fabric and lace flowers just for fun.

Now this bag is functional and fun.

Martha I hope you are taking notes.

It feels so good to have this project completed. Maybe I'll go shopping this week.

Happy and productive week to each of you...

Creative, Relaxing, Friends, Food...

Table placecard and combined coaster. Very simple to do. Use fun paper coasters and stack with a dab of glue between. Add a paper flower with the wire looped through the doily holes. I added a chipboard tag with ribbon looped through the doily holes. These were so simple to do and really added to the tablescape. I was thinking of a garden theme without being fussy.
My entire goal was simple and casual for this luncheon.
It was all about the friendship and sharing of time together.

Keeping in the garden theme I made a batch of fabric and lace flower pins. I knew the color choices of several but not all so I made a range to select from.

Here is the range of colors. They really added something to the table as well. And when food was finished I let each guest select their favorite to take home with them. It was heartwarming that each person selected their favorite color and immediately put them on.

Here is the side view of the table. In keeping with the sunny garden theme I used my newest set of melamine for outdoor dining. However even though it is the end of May we are still in very cold temperatures with spits of rain and no sunshine in sight. Far too cold to sit outdoors. I even had set out bubbles for everyone in case sitting by the pond was in order...however no way in our cold weather. We enjoyed an indoor luncheon.

Good Friends! Enjoying laughter, stories, food and friendship. It does not get any better.

The lengthwise view of the table before guests arrived. The simple food was tuna salad, egg salad, crackers, lettuce wraps, veggies, pickles, olives, quinoa salad and beverages. I set out mini vases filled with fresh Rosemary from the garden. Then dressed the food with fennel fronds. This is a great way to get aromatics that aren't overwhelming.

My dear friend Lorraine brought double chocolate brownies for dessert which we inhaled!

Now this was a wonderful way to spend the day.

May each of you have a wonderful and safe (holiday) weekend.

I will be relaxing and serving leftovers...

Inspiration Purchase...

I love to donate lots of things to my local Hospice Gift and Thrift. Hospice provides such a valuable and needed service to so many. I have been blessed not to need their services however one never knows for the future. So I donate whatever I can as often as I can. And in turn I shop there as often as I can. I have even been known to buy things I have donated. :o)

This is not one of the things I donated but it is one of the recent purchases I made. A full size bed skirt ruffle for only $5. When I bought it I thought I would merely cut it up and use the fabric and the flowers for all sorts of projects. After bringing it home and giving it a good laundering I am not certain I can cut it to pieces. This bargain is in perfect condition. What a shame it would be to merely cut it to shreds. And since it is polyester I do not see that it would take coloring very well as I had previously thought. What ever shall I do? Actually I could donate it back to Hospice. I could put it on the sofa bed when I have overflow company however somehow I can't really see anyone appreciating that look. I could merely add it to an already overflowing room of projects. Hmmm...

When you look at this lovely piece of work what do you see? How would you use these embroidered flowers if you cut them out? I still think my $5 was very well spent and the creative possibilities are many. Decisions...decisions...decisions...

We had some rain last night so the plants are thankful for a drink of water. I am glad I have been spending a few hours here and there to clean up after winter's harsh destruction. Giving air and light to smashed and smothered plants. Picking up barrels of twigs, leaves, acorns, weeds and general debris left after so much rain and snow we had for a very long five months of winter. I am looking forward to sunshine this week and the temperatures warming up.

May you have a very creative and pleasant week ahead...

I so enjoy reading all of your blogs and seeing what you are making and doing. I thank you all.

NOW is working for me...

I love learning new techniques for handmade things. It is part of what I truly enjoy. However, I usually see a tutorial and think "Hmmm...that looks really cool and I could make that". So I save the tutorial over in a file and usually never get back to it. Therefore I miss out on so many great techniques. Always thinking I will get to it when I have time. Alas, my 2011 word NOW is actually working for me as I decide to try that new technique now instead of waiting.
For those of you who follow the extremely talented Jillayne of A Fine Seam you have seen her amazing unique ruched flower. Please visit her blog and try her great tutorial.
This is my first that I tried and feel it turned out pretty well. I used an inexpensive muslin fabric. I know I will be making many more of these fabulous flowers.

This is the same flower as above but with an antique button in the center.

Thank you so much Jillayne for so generously sharing your talents and techniques with us.

Now my mind is busy thinking of the many colors and combinations that this flower lends itself to. All of the many uses for embellishing is also taking over my thoughts. Try this for your Mother's Day gifts.

Once again my creative muse is fueled by the wonderful people here in Planet Blog.

Will you try this technique? What will you do with a beautiful ruched flower?

A very happy and creative weekend to all...

Gifts Given & Time to Relax...

I love using wool felt and sewing with it. This is the back side of a tote bag I made.

Here is the front. I have added one of my wool flower pins that can be removed and worn on a lapel or such. The buttons add a nice touch to the handles I think.

The back side of another one I made for gift giving.

Here is the front with it's wool flower. I am thinking I really need to make some of these for my girls as they turned out so nicely. Maybe I shall start on Valentine gifts next.

Christmas was wonderful. Lots of family, friends, food, fun and gift exchanging.

Today is a day to relax and reflect. Mr. C took me out to a wonderful breakfast at one of our favorite local restaurants in town. Then we took the scenic route home and saw lots of very sleepy and rainy wet homes and businesses. Maybe they too are relaxing and catching a breath after the Christmas rush.

Enjoy your week and do what you really like doing.

Happy end of December to all...

More Wool Flowers...

Here we are at the end of another week. What I like to refer to as Finish it Friday.
My studio and I have been busy this week making more wool flowers. I love the feel of the wool.

The warmth of the wool. The textures in the fabrics. Of course I added lace just because I like the open airy look of lace.

This one I added a blue felt leaf and I like the dimension it adds. The buttons also give a personality to each flower. This particular button is a polymer clay button I bought along the way and had in my button jar. It has a lot of texture to it.

I try not to pick favorites however I am thinking this little green number just might be my favorite out of this garden of wool flowers.

This is merely the latest crop of wool flowers in my studio garden.

I feel warm and cozy surrounded by these. That is a good thing since we are having very cold winter weather. And tons of rain from La Nina. Now I must put on my rain boots and join the crowds shopping as the holidays are here and I am just not finished with my list.

Have a warm and wonderful day. What are you doing in your studio? Making any gifts?

Happy Holly Jolly Joy to you...

Winter Wool Flowers...

While out shopping one day I bought these yummy wool fabric scraps. I fell in love with the colors and the feel of the fabrics. Some of the pieces were rather small but I knew what I wanted to do with them so the size was workable.

I wanted to make some lapel flower pins for winter wardrobes. Clothing is the most common way to wear a flower pin however I also love to pin them to pillows, or draperies, or even a chair as an unexpected accent.

I have made these types of flowers for many years in all sorts of styles and sizes and designs. However I want to give credit to two wonderful bloggers who took the time to do tutorials so that all of us could see how easy and fun it is to make flowers such as these.

My all time favorite tutorial is by Roben-Marie and can be found here.
Next and also a favorite is by Thespoena and can be found here.

I never grow tired of seeing a new way to do something or a better way or a different twist on an old tried and true. In fact, all you need to do is Google to find more ways to make fabric flowers than you probably have time to watch. Most of all just cut some fabric and put the pieces together and embellish until you have a flower you like.

This one is shades and textures of blues and finished with a button and decorative thread.

Here is one I am showing on a blazer which has some lace layers to it.

Oh this is probably my favorite as it combines blue wools with some grey wools and some very fun plaid wool and a very vintage scalloped button double stacked with another button and decorative thread.

P.S. Pin one on your purse or tote bag or hat for a bit of fun and fancy.

As you can see these would make great gifts.

These are merely a few of the flower pins I have been making. I did list a couple in my shop just in case you would prefer to purchase your gifts ready made to save you time.

Now I must get back to the studio and create with all my favorite things.

Thank you for stopping by and I really do love reading your comments and reading what you are doing via your blogging.

Happy December Days to each and every one...

Fun Fabric Cuffs...

Here are some of my finished projects...Fabric Cuffs. I had fun making these. This one is black and light/white and has some adornment pearls sewn on each side.

This is a soft color combination of taupe, browns and off-white. I made these to self fasten with easy snaps. There are more photos of these online in my shop.

This is probably my favorite as it is black and a bit frilly. Romantic comes to mind when I see these fabric cuffs. Great wardrobe enhancer that looks wonderful with casual to dressy.

I have listed these in my etsy shop if you need an affordable gift for yourself or someone else. Please take a look and see if you think of anyone on your Christmas list to give one to.

I am making more of these to give as gifts to some on my Christmas list.

Thank you for indulging me with my self-promotion.

Have you worn any fun fabric cuffs? This is sort of like the prom flowers for your wrist so your dress or bare skin didn't get stuck with a pin.

Happy creating...

Fun Fall Flowers...

I love making these fun flowers. This time I have used wool felt, lace and ribbons. Usually I stack the three different sizes for one flower. This time I stacked each of three layers in only one size. This is the small size and I added a button to the center of this one. With a pin back I am able to wear it on a lapel.

Same materials in the middle size and this time I used a "wad" of threads gathered from some torn muslin. I stacked three coordinating buttons for the center. This flower is pinned to the center of my Halloween witch hat that I shall be wearing this weekend.

This is the large sized petals and I used ribbons for the center. This fall flower took a ride through the mail service and surprised a blog pal of mine.

Here is the trio of Fall Flowers. I never get tired of making these fun floral pins.

Ideas are in the works for the next generation of my favorite flowers. Stay tuned...

Happy Halloweekend to each of you. May you have lots of treats and no tricks.