Craftiness & Happiness

Recent Favorite photos

2007-02-18T17:30:00.000-08:00

I can't wait for spring, partly because I can't wait to run around outside w/ my camera. I had the opportunity to take some pictures at the Shedd Aquarium a few weeks ago, so that might hold me over for a while, but I'm getting antsy! Here are a few of my favorite pictures from that outing. I will probably readjust the light on a few of them once I get around to downloading Photoshop.

Paper and Ephemera Swap, Feb. 2007

2007-02-18T17:26:00.000-08:00

I love paper and ephemera...I'm always on the lookout for interesting images and collect them whereever I can find them. I use them mostly for decoupage and decorating notes/gifts. Here's some of my collection that I gave away in the swap.

Be My Valentine Swap, Feb. 2007

2007-02-18T17:20:00.000-08:00

Here's my contribution to the Be My Valentine Swap...I think this package is really cute...it includes patches, decorated notebooks, tissue cozy and chocolate flavored pen and paper.

Adopt a College Student Swap, August 2006

2007-02-04T08:58:00.000-08:00

I really enjoyed the opportunity to spoil a college student...I remember how wonderful it felt to receive care packages in college, so I made sure to make this one was extra special. I included candy bars, foreign candies, an asian pillow decoration, an asian dress hook, some patterns for needlework, an eagle patch, fat velvet rickrack and some great fabrics. I also included some tree-free notecards (not pictured) .

Sweet Treats (Round Three) October, 2006

2007-02-04T08:31:00.000-08:00

Here is what I put together for the Sweet Treats swap - My partner loves lemon bars, so I tried my hand at my first felt plushie, and I think it came out yummy looking! I just wish I had better light for the photo.
The T-shirt and magazine-sized purse both feature a cupcake applique, and I included some sugary treats as well.

Bollywood/India Swap, September 2006

2007-02-04T08:21:00.000-08:00

Click for another view of the clutch

I went with a general India-styled theme as opposed to a Bollywood theme for this swap. I included a Hindi- language t-shirt (one of my first iron-ons, so not perfect, but I like the faded look), some Hindi alphabet notecards, a beautiful clutch, and some store-bought trinkets (mirror keychain and tiny pillbox).

Suzy Homemaker Swap Round 2, August 2006

2007-02-04T07:58:00.000-08:00

People really go all out for the Suzy Homemaker swap, so I couldn't help myself. The apron is reversible, and the trim is brown, not black. The front Poppy fabric is by Tracy Porter and the back is an inexpensive quilting cotton. I chose the colors for this package based on my partner's kitchen colors, and I tried to use as much of the coordinating fabrics as possible. I made a matching tea cozy for the teapot I included, and appliqued some of the Poppy fabric onto some IKEA potholders. The little teacup applique in the second picture below is on a fridge magnet/clip. I also included peach tea, a CD w/ food related songs, and a cool vintage book on how to give luncheons and teas.

Click here for close up of apron fabrics

Red Purse Swap, August 2006

2007-02-04T07:34:00.000-08:00

My skills increased with this swap because I made this purse with pleats, and I learned how to insert a zipper pocket. My partner said she liked vintage, girly styles and she liked hearts.

Inside zipper pocket

Close up

Summer Bag Swap, June 2006

2007-02-04T07:15:00.000-08:00

I made this medium sized bag w/ a long strap for the Summer Bag Swap out of home dec. fabric. Some of the things my partner had indicated she liked were long straps, the colors yellow and green, and turtles. The pattern of this fabric reminded me of a turtle shell and I thought the colors were perfect for summer. I think it was the second bag I had ever made, and I kind of winged it as I went along. I love the sort of retro style that emerged. Below is a shot of the inside calico fabric.

Holiday 2006 Bird Ornaments

2007-02-04T07:03:00.000-08:00

These are a sampling of some of the bird ornaments I made out of scrapbook paper and cardstock for the 2006 holidays. The idea came from Adorn magazine. I used other colors and patterns of paper as well, but these are some of my favorites. The one on the top left has rickrack instead of ribbon as the loop. I love the black silhouettes, which evoke a victorian feel (very in style these days - this look has been featured in all the decorating magazines this past year).