I know I've been out of the loop for a while, and there is a good reason.  I have been working my little fingers to the bone on some Halloween turtles!  Here are a few pics!

Those are just a few items I've been working on!  In an effort to support handmade here in Austin, I also purchased some items at a local craft sale!

Everyone was so nice!  They even let me sit down to shop when my ankle was hurting!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE these stitch markers!

Some stamps for my collection…cutes!

A Fiskars freehand frame/edge cutter.  Very exciting!  I already cut out some speech bubbles!

AAAAND…of course I would NOT go to a craft sale without picking up some YAAARRRNNN!!!

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Ok, so here's a little backstory.  When I was in college, I wrote for the school paper.  I had a column (it was sort of like a blog, but on actual paper!!!), and whenever I was stuck for an idea, I would always resort to a list.  One subject and just a great little blurb for each item.  This weekend, I didn't really craft much or do anything to encourage anyone…so I am stuck for an idea for a blog!  Instead of just not writing one…I decided to write a list of my favorite how to's on the internet.   Hopefully, this will save you some time searching for just the right craft or gift to start for the upcoming holiday season.

My favorites are generally pretty simple (I typically don't have a whole LOT of time to craft, so short and sweet are my favorites!).

1) Ok so, the fact that this blog was posted on my birthday only has a LITTLE to do with the fact that it is my first choice!  It comes from the blog Studs and Pearls by Kirsten Nunez.  The post that is my favorite so far this year is the Knuckle Duster!  In addition to her awesome DIY projects on her blog, she is also a jewelry designer at limette, and a contributor to We Heart This.  Of course, one of the reasons she is close to my heart is because she is also passionate about photography!  Check out her portfolio when you have a chance!

2) At Film in the Fridge, I found a great How To for sewn market bags!  I have a lot of patterns for crocheted bags, and I used to LOVE making bags with repurposed material when my sewing machine was working…so this reversible pattern got me all excited!  Of course, I can't really use the pattern because of my lack of machine, but…once I get my replacement I am all over these!  FITF is also a great place to find all sorts of other tutorials, as well as ideas for the home and quilts.  I get inspiration from this site all the time!

3) I am a huge Youtube fan, and this simple yet adorable tutorial caught my eye, and I wanted to share it with you!  It is sponsored by FaveCrafts, but the genius behind the idea is Maureen Wilson of Made by Marizpan.  Stop by and see the rest of her ideas!

4) Owls super in right now.  Here is a cute idea for a sock owl!  Brought to you by Echo Lee, or httpecho on Deviantart.  Deviantart is a great site, by the way.  I have been a member for a few years now, and the community is amazing!

5)  For me, this time of year is perfect for starting my holiday crafting.  One holiday I love to craft for is Christmas (of course) but I really have to start early so I can finish up the projects on time.  Here is a great crochet pattern for a Christmas Tree Ornament.  Craft Passion is a great site for all sorts of crafts…a great resource for any crafter!

6) Since I have a passion for photography, a lot of my crafting has to do with photos.  I get a lot of inspiration from Photojojo!  This site has just about everything the crafty photographer needs.  Great ideas for creating photography, as well as how to display your photos.  They also have a store with a lot of fun items featured.  The how to I am geeking out about right now is this awesome idea for old CD cases!

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I had planned on sharing this for a wordless Wednesday post, but….looks like I missed Wednesday.  Instead, I will post a photo of this finished object!  I think it turned out so cute…even though I have no idea what kind of animal it is!

Isn't she just the cutest????

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Ever since I was a little girl I have had an obsession with bracelets.  They are my favorite fashion accessory…and bangles are just the best!  I love the casual look of bangles on my arm, the muted clinking…I do, however, hate the sweaty wrists that a lot of the fashion bangles give you…acrylic is NOT nice in 105 degrees people!

So today, I thought I'd try my hand at making some wrapped bangles.  Yes, they are super easy and quick to make.  In fact, I made 6 of them in less than an hour, so if you are stuck for accessories right before that hot date, or night out with the girls, these are perfect!

So, first, we need to gather the tools together.  You will need:

Cheapie Bangles – I got a bag of 4 of these for only $.30 at Hobby Lobby!  SCORE!	A glue gun – this should be on hand, but you can get one at Hobby Lobby for under $3.00	Ribbon, scraps of fabric, yarn, thread, hemp twine, anything you'd like to make your bracelets with.

Once you have your tools in place, plug in the glue gun and unroll your ribbon.  You will need a good amount, three or so arm lengths is good to start.  This, of course, depends on how wide your bracelets are.  We'll begin by putting a dab of hot glue on the tip of the ribbon.  It should look like this:

Press your ribbon edge to the inside of the bangle, pull tightly and start wrapping.  You will need to keep the ribbon or material taught as you wrap so it does not slip.  Overlap the edges slightly so none of the bangle underneath shows through.  If you run out of ribbon before the bangle is wrapped, hot glue the end down, and add an additional piece of ribbon to the inside just like you did when you started.  Your progress should look something like this:

Once you have completed covering the bangle, you will put hotglue on the inside of the bangle again, and pull the ribbon taut, be careful not to burn yourself on the glue as you do this, as some of it will most likely squish out the sides.

Snip off the end as close to the bracelet as possible.  You may need to add some additional glue to the edge to get it to lay flat.  And now… Wear your bracelet proudly.  You'll be the envy of all your friends, as you will be able to match your accessories to outfits on the fly and look super cool!

Some additional tips:

I found that using textured ribbon worked better than satin or silk ribbon.  Experiment with different colors, dual strip or even triple stripes!  You can use old shirts, even denim will work for this project so go crazy!  Make some for a friend in her favorite color!  This is a great craft to do as a back to school project!  Get the kids and their friends together and have them make bracelets for each other!

Here is my favorite set of bangles I made tonight…Denim!  Just a tip when using denim, it's best to use a stretchy denim or fabric that has a slight give to it when making these.  It helps the material stay in place while you wrap, and also doesn't wrinkle as you overlap the rows of material.

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There are few things in life that cause me as much anxiety as card writing.  I have always found it odd that I feel this way because writing comes easily to me.  However, sit me down with a blank card in front of me, and I break into a cold sweat!  It is especially difficult for me to come up with phrases for my homemade cards.  Maybe it's the bottleneck theory…I have so much to say and such a small space to use!

Well I know I can't be the only one who suffers from this particular type of writer's block, so I've put together some choice quotes for your encouragement cards!  Now there is no excuse!  You can finally defeat that tower of blank cards you've been building on your countless trips to Micheal's (yes I know your secret…I do the same thing!).  I have a little file of quotes and phrases I keep on file so I'm ready whenever I need a good card filler!

Here are some PDF files for you.  I even made them in a handwriting style font so you can print them out onto vellum or art paper!   Additionally, I have included one of my favorite pieces of Photoshop artwork for your personal card-making use!

Joyful Quotes

Quotes for Courage

Happy Birthday (a series of "Happy Birthdays" in some of my favorite fonts…perfect for gift tags or card making!)

Dream JPG

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This week I am working on a knit hat! 

Well, I guess knooked is a more accurate term.  I am very excited about my new knook kit!  After several swatches, I am able to keep my stitches even and taught myself how to decrease! 

Although it is a bit like crocheting, I admit, there is a smidge of frustration when trying to get the yarn to go where it is supposed to!  I'm used to  talking to someone while I watch TV and making sure my son isn't eating all the ice cream sandwiches out of the fridge while I work on my crochet projects. 

This, however, is not possible while I am knooking…at least not yet.  I imagine I will have to work on this hat after Gavin goes to bed and I am done with my after hours work for my 9 to 5.

So far the hat is moving along nicely, so I am going to keep at it, and hopefully I will turn this WIP into an FO!!!! 

If I pay attention to what I am doing, I may even be able to post an actual pattern for this!  I know it's been a while since I have done that!

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I have wanted to knit for a long time. I have never been able to wrap my crochet brain around the dual needle concept!  So when I heard about knooking I was very very interested.  Of course, back then, knooking required making your own knook hook!  I just didn't have the inclination to do that so I sort of let that idea fall to the wayside.

Then I heard about Leisure Arts' Knook hitting the stores.  I searched high and low for a kit, but was unable to find one!

After a few days of misses, I was finally able to get my hands on a new Knook Kit.  Thanks to their detailed instruction videos after a few tries, I was off and Knooking in no time!

I have to say I am very pleased with the results.  As a hardcore crochet fanatic, I found the Knook easy to pick up, and I have even been able to work out how to increase and decrease!  I think there might be quite a few knitted Christmas gifts this year!

If you have always wanted to learn how to knit, but, like me, have been frustrated to tears by those dual needles, go to your local Walmart and pick up a Knook kit…you won't be sorry!

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I've decided to try something new – you will be seeing some recurring post subjects on the blog now!  Monday, Wednesday and Fridays will be short posts meant to challenge inspire you!

Since Monday is the beginning of my workweek, I have decided to make it more meaningful!

Today's subject is Inspiration!

I have been feeling less than inspired lately…just basically lacking in creativity and zeal.  I do NOT feel like myself.  Today I WILL take a closer look at my every day life and find some inspiration!  This morning I got up early and watched the sun rise…it was amazing!  I reflected on past sunrises I have seen, but in the past I have never watched a sunrise from the window of my own house.  This got me thinking…I am truly blessed to live where I do…with my family.

This reminded me of a Scripture! 

2 Corinthians 7:13
By all this we are encouraged. In addition to our own encouragement, we were especially delighted to see how happy Titus was, because his spirit has been refreshed by all of you.

By encouraging your household, you will enjoy a refreshed spirit which is bound to spread to the others who live there.

Today's inspiration challenge….find a way to encourage the people you live with.  Cook a fancy meal, leave someone some gas money, pick up a mess that isn't yours.  This small act will snowball into a better appreciation for the place you call home.  Strive to make it more than a place you merely rest your head between workdays.

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It's awesome to have a day off to spend with the family!  We got up early (thanks to my 7 year old, who woke us up at the crack of 6 this morning) and headed out for breakfast at Kerby Lane.

Gavin sported his Harry Potter glasses (no lenses) because he loves them so much, and ordered the chocolate chip pancakes…then asked for chocolate syrup…adorable!

Then we went over to Whole Foods and took a tour of the corporate headquarters. That place is crazy!  I felt like we really live in the sticks when going to a grocery store is a day trip, but we had fun, got some smoothies (I highly suggest the Strawberry Blonde), bought some veggies and took some photos.

A little different than a normal picnic for Memorial Day, but sometimes you need to do something different I guess,

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Hurry down to the Palmer Events Center for the Renegade Craft Fair!  This is our second trip down (I honestly could NOT resist going to it the first time around last year) and it was JUST as fun this year!  Husband and son in tow, I marveled at the wonderful creativity of my fellow crafters.  Even my husband (he's artistic, not crafty) appreciated the thousands of amazing items!

So let's get to my favorite booths….

I wasn't planning on making any purchases this year (the economy you know…) but I could not resist Soap Addict. The lip balm (citrus scented, my favorite) is amazing, and they have this amazing lotion bars…key lime scented was my choice.  It's amazing stuff, and believe me, I need lotion like crazy these days!  They also carry some delicious soap bars and body scrubs.  If you have a chance to get down there this weekend (it runs until 7, and will be there tomorrow as well), get down and get yourself some of this soap!

I was also totally excited to meet Twinkie Chan, one of my crochet heros since I started crocheting fun and quirky items.  Yes, I was a total dork and asked if I could take a picture with her.  Yaaaaaay!  I was finally able to get my hands on a copy of her book (which she graciously signed…thanks so much!).  My husband (who laughed at me all the way home because I was a doofus lol).  I cannot wait to start a bombpop scarf!  I have decided that will be my first project from the book…AWESOME!  If you enjoy calorieless sweets and generally off kilter crocheted accessories,  you have GOT to stop by her booth and pick something up for those cooler days (yes, they are a ways off, but you just NEED to rock one of Twinkie Chan's cookie scarves this winter!).

I also was able to peruse Allison Hoffman's booth.  You can see her work at craftyiscool.com.  AMAZING amigurumi and patterns!  I will be swinging by her website to purchase the patterns for the oompa loompa and alice in wonderland for sure!  The adorableness knows no bounds in her booth so be sure to check her out!

I also stopped by the abby try again booth.  Gorgeous prints, cards, bookmarks, and just seemed like an all around nice person too!  The photos on her website do not do justice to the amazing work she puts out!  Drop by her booth and support photography!!

Going back to my artistic roots, I am a total sucker for screen prints of an awesome nature.  Obsolete Industries Custom Printing offers art prints, posters, shirts and stickers.  I have to say, if I had any kind of a budget this year, I'd have walked off with a few prints from them.  Get yourself over there and buy something for those bare apartment walls people!

Of course there were a lot of notecards, journals, bookmarks, greeting cards and gifts of a paper nature at the fair, and they were all amazing in their own respects, but I did have a few favorites among the massive amounts at hand.  Little Things Studio had some gorgeous prints, but also sells journals, bookmarks and the like.  I was impressed with the artistic style and attention to detail!  Offering handmade cards, gift tags and other printed items, note ify also impressed with a collection that tickled my fancy.  I was browsing their website, and found even more items I will need to be purchasing soon!  I have to give props to Nakatomi Inc because they impressed my husband (who is sort of a print snob, having grown up around the business as a kid).  Although, I have to admit, I almost walked away with This Print, but, after my other purchases, more frugal instincts took over, and it IS available online so I'll just have to order it after payday !

Diane Koss of Cutesy But Not Cutesy was also on hand…I LOVE HER WORK!  Her monster cupcakes are just too too too too too too TOO cute!  Even my husband was not immune to her booth, and that is a feat for a craft fair booth! 

Another seamstress bringing her work to Austin was Cathy Pitters of Bossa Nova Baby.  I especially like the scissor covers in her Etsy store.  if anyone has the inclination, you can send me one .

What's a craft fair without awesome baby accessories?  My absolute favorite was ModMum.  Baby slings are a GODSEND for any new mother, and she also carries pacifier straps that double as teething rings…any mother can tell you that is an AMAZING idea!

All in all a fun time.  I got to spend some time checking out my favorite artists, and although probably not the BEST outing for a 7 year old autistic kid and a husband, I would like to thank them both for bearing with me on this outing.  And now, the obligatory random photos of our day (and a video of Gavin dancing to the band!)

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