08/09/12
So you just got your Whimseybox and you want to do something different with the Coats & Clark embroidery threads? Well do you have 20 or more necklaces that are driving you crazy getting tangled all the time? You do? Then this could be just the project to help you sort it all out. I selected a straight-ish stick from my backyard and began wrapping and twirling wire around it to form hooks for necklaces. In-between the wire twirls I secured and wound embroidery thread creating stripes. This is a very simple and organic project but it does take some time to do the wrapping, allow about an hour.
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07/12/12
The latest Whimseybox fell onto my doorstep jingling with metal studs and softened by an 8.5 x 11 inch sheet of sueded leather. This Whimseybox has a more directed approach than the previous two boxes in my collection, which I really like. It can be challenging to mentally link several seemingly unconnected items and come up with an art project. And while you certainly may follow the suggestions on the postcard which describes the materials, the real fun happens when you jump off and just start bringing in some of the other stuff in your crafty space. Interested? Subscribe to Whimseybox here.
With the studs from this Whimseybox I offer you a very versatile Studded Flower Blossom Tutorial which you can attach to barrette clips, pin backings, attach to headbands or necklace chains. Using a very easy DIY approach you can adapt the flowers with multiple layers, uneven folds, frayed edges, bias and zig sagged cuts. After making the blossoms, we are going to make ourselves a braided fiber necklace.
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06/12/12
Simple DIY today…
Drawn with fabric markers, cut from a curved pattern, and constructed with a single pleat for a handy sized zipper clutch. Suitable for sunglasses and a few other spare parts.
Finished Dimensions: 5.5 inches tall x 9 inches wide (more…)
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05/09/12
This month’s Whimseybox features a sack of buttons. In my initial brainstorming phase I considered embellishing a tea towel with a full row of buttons. As I began laying out the very long row of buttons, a whimsical little caterpillar became a much more reasonable accomplishment. With just a piece of fabric, embroidery floss and a handful of buttons I’ll show you how to make a tea towel just right for Mother’s Day giving.
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05/03/12
I have a new unisex tutorial in the works and am debating whether or not to make it tooth fairy compatible. Why not, right? 
Also, my first Whimseybox arrived this afternoon. I was so curious how it would feel to open one and I have to say, it’s fun! The boxes are lovely and come ready to reuse or store your finished projects. Looking at the items you may get caught up with wanting to use all materials on the same project. I think you should fight that urge and separate them, celebrate your victory with a trip to the craft store for reinforcements.
I’m heading to NYC for the weekend. Hoping to see this Francesca Woodman show at the Guggenheim and celebrating 6 years of marriage through several meals which will include my husband’s first trip to the Shake Shack (maybe I can sneak over to the Marimekko store while we’re over that way). We’re on the waiting list for Flying Trapeze lessons. I’ll keep my fingers crossed.
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04/19/12
So pleased to share with you that I have joined the Whimseybox design team. For the next six months I’ll be creating project samples from the magical and coveted Whimseyboxes to share with you on their Projects Gallery page. I’m in great company and eager to start thinking of inspired new projects.
You can request a Whimseybox invitation, here.
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03/09/12
I’m marveling at the wonderful articles and inspiration I’ve found this week.
A NYTimes feature about four crafty ladies in Mississippi making a difference in their town by tearing down and rebuilding accompanied by a stunning slide show of their efforts. I’m in awe. This is when just a few people can make a big difference. Worthy of a Malcolm Gladwell article, I think.
A mail-order crafty inspiration kit-o-the-month from Whimseybox (one of those, “doh! why didn’t I think of that?” things you’ll be so excited to hear about and see what you could make for a minimal monthly investment). I requested an invitation and have been on the waiting list since this afternoon. It’s making me crazy. Have you signed up? Can you get me in on this?!
A post about saying “no” by Grace Bonney at Design*Sponge. Are you too nice? “No” does not come easily out of my mouth unless it’s to someone close to me (my kids, for example). Reminds me of the parenting adage – about not saying no unless you mean it. But saying no in business can liberate you from becoming entangled in projects that aren’t good for you even if you may be tempted to take them on. Erin Gates, of Elements of Style Blog wrote about her decision to turn down several desirable TV offers because it was the wrong time in her life. Knowing one’s limits is perhaps the most important skill to refine when running your own show, if you are too stressed to enjoy the opportunities – what’s the point of success?
And have you spent any time at Rena Tom? If you have even the slightest small business aspirations you better hightail it off of this page and read up. I seriously can’t believe these resources are free.
All this brings to mind that an idea bubbled to the surface two or three weeks ago that I’m very excited about pursuing. In the spirit of vagueness and the law of attraction, I am looking for a crafty collaborator (or two) in Washington/Baltimore/Howard Co. Your expertise need not be art, or sewing but it might involve children, crafty occasions or being PR savvy. If any of this piques your interest in the slightest please send me an email or leave a comment. I want to put it out there a bit and see if it’s something to pursue… just not sure with whom and when.
If you need some eye candy you should meet the blogs of my two favorite limited production textile designers, Bookhou and Skinny LaMinx; read about Heather Moore’s transition from start-up business to present and jump into the lifestyle mag of BAH (bookhou at home, husband and wife magazine. seriously, how do they do that?).
And if you really need a kick in the pants you should pick up Twyla Tharp’s book, The Creative Habit. It’s all about the repetition and consistency – something Heather Moore acts on with her Making Friday days. It’s sad-funny that we don’t all know about the habit (or good habits); by now we all should know that practice makes perfect. So make some time for yourself. Run, walk, read, make, bake… whatever it is that makes you feel like a happy you. I know what I have to do and it doesn’t take much to make a difference.
Looks like it’s going to be a great Spring. What inspiring things have you seen or read?
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