Consulation prize

Yeah, I know. No crafting photos for today and I did promise. Instead, I got together with a couple friends while our girls played. When I got home I got that crazy itch to move furniture. Just one or two pieces, not entire rooms like usual. Somehow stuff doesn't feel clean unless I move something.

Because I love you dear internets I will share a couple photos of Toots at 12 months old as consolation for my lack of craft posting. She's trying to give him a kiss in the first one. He's giving me his standard "how long do I have to sit here and take this?" look. Two years later and she still adores him. He tolerates her but really only wants Mommy's attention. He is great old dog, stink and all.

Little Flowers

My Mom pointed out to me that I haven't updated lately. And that that photo of me isn't the most flattering. Hmmm, and I thought I looked good. This is going to be a quick post since it's late and I, apparently, need to get my beauty sleep.

I just finished up a batch of hairpin flowers. All they need now are the pin parts.

I'm working on dolls and have 8 cut out. I'll post some in process photos tomorrow.

Hat

I made a hat. I've never made a hat before but my friend has a favorite hat and I thought I could duplicate it for her as a birthday present. Yes, that's me over there. I'm sporting my new glasses. I took this in my bathroom mirror. Not the best, but it's me. This is what I normally look like but sans the hat and I have bangs and I don't normally walk around with my camera up to my face. Other than that, yep, that would be me.

To make the hat I took a dinner plate as a guide and cut out 2 circles (it's not lined). On one of the circles I cut another circle using a saucer plate of the same set. This is where your head will go. Sorry, I don't have the exact measurement but I'm guessing around 5.75" in diameter. I finished the edge with bias tape for no particular reason but to make it look nice. I tried it on and it looked like a glorified shower cap. I decided to add a band. I couldn't remember how to figure a circumference of a circle so I guessed. Geometry I was never good at. I guessed short but decided to make it work.

I decided to make it adjustable with a covered button and a braided cord to wrap around it. I looks okay either tied or left open.

I'm pretty pleased with the outcome. It turned out much better than I anticipated. I want one but I'm not sure if I can pull it off.* My friend can easily.

*I mean, am I a hat person? Of course I can pull the hat off of my head.

Kermit's State of Perpetual Cheerfulness

quick quick

At 1pm today I got a call from my friend, Dot, that she's throwing a party for her daughter, B, this evening at 7pm and could we please come? Of course! Dot is one of my closest friends and art/life mentor. See her fabulous photography here. Do yourself a favor and look at everything but first go to "art gallery". You'll spy a photo of me and Toots. There are several beautiful photos from her recent trip to Morocco in there as well.

Her daughter turns 25. What to get a 25 year old Elementary Art teacher in 6 short hours? As I was driving I had an epiphany. A craft apron! As I drove I visualized how the pieces needed to be cut and put together. I got home at 3pm and started working. Thank goodness I already had strips from a quilting project sewn that I could use for the three pockets. I saved time making the ties by cutting off handles of this tote bag. Hey, when you're down to the wire sacrifices have to be made. It went to a good cause.

After it was complete (7pm. Yes, we were late) I tried it on. Toots said "ohhhh, Mommy, it is beautiful. Now, all we need is a box and a bow!" She is growing up waaay too fast. She made a card and we zoomed out to the party down the street.

Toots had B open her gift right away. Happily, she loved it. It's wonderful when you don't have to worry about how a handmade gift will be received. Dot has sewn the appreciation and love of art/craft into her kids. What's awesome is that it is evident in their lives. They don't use materialism as a crutch for their identity. Yes, they are still fashion conscience but not brand name crazy. When you know who you are you aren't swayed by public opinion and are freer to be more expressive and creative. Does that make sense? Dot's three kids have this. I want Tootie to have that value instilled in her too.

Fun was had by all. Toots ate ice cream and sucked off all of H's icing leaving him a gooey cake lump. Mmmmmm. She is now tucked into bed. As she was going to bed I stopped in to see her right after washing my face. I still had my headband on. She doesn't like change and apparently that was one. So, she says, "Hey! I know. You should wear it BUT only wear it when I'm not around!" I think she was trying to be nice. thanks Tootie.

pile o'flowers

This is the current state of my work table. My studio space is our former living room. We live in our house all backwards or as my Mom says "we really use our house". We also converted our formal dining room into a TV/playroom. That's another post in itself about my incessant neurotic tendency to move furniture.

Back to the table top. There are a couple things to take note of. Look at the mess in the cigar box. I promise every week I'm going to organize it and every week it goes on looking like that. Don't ever reach into it or you may be poked by a stray needle or who knows what else may be lurking. Sadly, there's an equally bad thread mess in an old shoebox of H's which lives on the other side of the table.

What else? I work on a placemat that identifies the world's timezones. Currently, it's upside down which I didn't notice until just now. My work hovers over Siberia most of the time. And look, see if you can find Karin's pincushion. It's one of my favorite things I use everyday.

crickets

You're still here?

Must be hanging around for links. Heck, I'm still coming back for the links.

Well, if you're looking for me I'm not here. I'm over at my new digs here.