Hair Update

I mailed my hair out today (see Chopped for a Cause).  I couldn’t find a padded envelope to use at home, so I broke down and got one at Wal-Mart, it was only about 69 cents.  I carefully packed it, weighed it and stamped it.  I managed to snap a picture of it before dropping into the box.  Now it’s on it’s way to Locks of Love.  I’m supposed to get an email when they receive it, I can’t wait! Just so excited and anxious too.  I’ve already started getting a little paranoid.  Little thoughts keep bugging me.  Will it get there all right?  Can they actually use it?  Did I do it right, or is there something wrong or unusable about my hair?  Maybe I’m being silly again.  I mean odds are that the worst thing that will happen is the child who gets it will think the color is boring.  Now there’s something to worry about. :)

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Ready for Travel

Spring has come and Summer will soon follow which makes me think of trips and vacations.  Of course that makes me think of packing and luggage, and when I look at my suitcase I think it could use a little something.  The quickest way to perk up your luggage is with some accessories, so I whipped up a few. 

First is a lovely blue jewelry roll I made with the blue fabric I got from the rummage sale (see More Rummaging Fun).  It rolls up together with the help of a hook and some lace.

Here it’s rolled open, it has 4 pockets.  One for necklaces, one for bracelets, another for earrings, and the last for rings.  At least that’s the idea.  Knowing me, I’d probably just cram whatever in each pocket and hope nothing gets tangled. 

I also made a matching drawstring bag for shoes, although I get the feeling I may need more of them.  Then again, Summer is mostly flip-flop weather and this bag could hold all of mine.

And of course, what every piece of baggage needs is a tag.  I used some clear plastic stuff I salvaged a while a go and some scrapbook paper.  They are held together by whip-stitched embroidery thread.  A scrap of lace holds it to the bag handle and I can slide in a card with my contact info in case my luggage gets lost. It might be cute if I made a matching one for Midnight’s carrier.  She probably wouldn’t think so, she HATES traveling.
Well I’m all set for an adventure, now I just need a place to go.
Here’s the updated list:

• skirt
• dress shorts
• bookmarks
• boxes
• key necklace
• cutoffs
• embellished wedges
• rings
• soap
• Top
• luggage makeover

All done!  And I really did do it within 3 weeks like I originally planned.  I am so good.

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More Rummaging Fun

Over the weekend my church had another rummage sale (see What a Dollar Buys These Days).  All well and good, except I had to work so I couldn’t go. :(

Thankfully, my sister went instead and brought me back a bag of goodies.  The whole bag was still only a dollar.

Here we have a ribbon belt, a Las Vegas wallet and a beaded macramé necklace.   The belt has an interesting design, it is different from all the other ones I have.  They are mostly pink, pink, and more pink.  The wallet is cute and has tons of pockets, it may be too big for my stuff though.  The necklace makes me think of summer, is it here yet? 

This one is a little strange, it’s a vintage dress with matching jacket and some kind of scarf.  It’s completely handmade and looks surprisingly good on me despite the color.  I’ve always thought this color makes me look sick.  I just need to take the dress in a bit, won’t be too hard to do.

This is a pillowcase with a very exotic looking print and some blue cotton fabric that I love.  It feels really nice and fresh and I couldn’t wait to use it.  Seriously I’ve already cut into it.  I’ll post what I made tomorrow.

This is a packet of graphite paper and a notepad.  The graphite paper package say it’s intended for transferring images on to wood and stuff, it might come in handy.  The notepad is so pretty, each page has prints of lace on it.  It seems like it’d be good for scrapbooking, or just staring at like I’ve been doing.  I find it hard to write on pretty note pads for fear of ruining them.  Kind of defeats the purpose.

 

Rummage sales are a excellent place to get interesting books.  I haven’t read through this yet, but it looking hilarious.  It’d made a great gift too.

This is super adorable.  It’s a ruffley tube dress, just perfect for Spring and Summer.  And I can wear it as a skirt too.  It may quickly become my new favorite.  That’s the best part of these sales, I always end up with items I love, and with a bargain price and it’s going for a good cause.  Absolutely perfect.

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Chopped for a Cause

Saturday morning, about 1:00am, I was still up.  I couldn’t get to sleep because I had something on my mind involving something on my head.  So, I got up and chopped off my hair.  A little over 10 inches of it.

Here’s the before shot, luckily I thought to grab the cameral before reaching for the scissors.

Here’s the after, quite a difference.  And I didn’t throw up, sort of expecting it.  Once when I was younger I cut almost the same amount off, but apparently the difference in lengths was too much for me to handle.  I threw up on the floor and almost passed out.  Thankfully that didn’t happen this time, maybe it was because of the reason for doing it.

Ever heard of Locks of Love?  It’s an organization that makes hairpieces for children with cancer and other diseases that can cause them to lose their hair.  Someone in choir recently made a donation of hair to them, and it’s been on my mind ever since.  Especially since I had been thinking of changing my hair anyway.  Why not hit two birds with one stone, such a horribly cruel sounding expression.  So I took the plunge, my hair is now sitting in a plastic baggie waiting for me to mail it.

And if you’re concern, I have spent some time after the “after” photo was taken to trim my hair and polish up the cut.  I actually have received a lot of compliments since, my hair is really cute now.  So now it’s like three birds instead of two. 

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7 Days a Week

One day this great idea just popped into my head, happens all the time.  I have tons of websites I’ve added to my favorites and they needed to be organized somehow, so why not organize them by the days of the week.

That is just what I did,  see here they are divided into folders for each day along with a folder for sites visited daily.  I put an “other” folder for ones I only visit once in a while, like the place I buy my multi-vitamins.

I also did the same thing with all my blog feeds, it works really well for these.  It helps me to regularly check for updates without being overwhelmed.  That is the point of organization, right?  Less fuss, less stress, and you keep your sanity too.

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One Hour

I was trying to catch up a bit on my blog reading earlier today, browsing some older posts.  I came up on this post on Easy Eco to Go, good thing I read it today.  Earth Hour is tomorrow evening, I almost missed it again.  If you don’t know, Earth Hour is when for one hour people turn everything off.  The lights, TV, computers, whatever, it goes off for an hour as initiative to conserve energy.  To learn more about it you can go MyEarthHour.org.  And remember it’s at 8:30pm local time, that means 8:30 at your time zone.  It took me a while to figure that out.

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Presto Change-o

I was checking out blogs some time ago and found this post on Craft Leftovers with some clothing redos.  They were pretty cute, and there was a skirt turned into a shirt which I though was kind of cool.  I printed the post as a XPS document for later use.

Well, one day while sorting through various supplies and stuff, I came across this old skirt and instantly remembered that post.  Thought it would be fun to try.

So here’s the before:

And here’s the after.  

It is now a light and roomy tunic.  I did have a lot of trouble with the neckline, but it came out all right I think.

One of the biggest problems was the fit.  I’m a little on the small side, especially on top.  I had to carefully adjust it so it would look comfortably loose on me instead of outrageously baggy.

Now I have a comfy summery top to wear, and if I get tired of it I can remake it a second time into something else.  Maybe a wrap for the pool.

Here’s the updated list:

• skirt
• dress shorts
• bookmarks
• boxes
• key necklace
• cutoffs
• embellished wedges
• rings
• soap
• Top
• luggage makeover

Ten down, just one more to go.  The last one is going to be fun.

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It’s Back!

What’s back?  My voice.  Let me explain. 

I have been fighting a bad cold that started coming about 2 weeks ago.  It was nasty too, I missed a few days of class.  Anyway, I thought I was starting to get better until Friday evening.  My voice starting to get a little funny.  For four days after that when I tried to speak, either I came out sounding like a frog or no sound would come at all.  Not really that bad since I’m a little on the shy side and don’t really talk that much.  But since I couldn’t speak, I couldn’t sing either.  Several of you may be going “huh, why’s she concerned about singing?”  Well, I sing in choir at church, I have been a member for like a year and a half.  I totally love it and I am quite dedicated to it too.  So last Sunday was the first time I wasn’t up there with everyone since I joined.  It was a little hard to watch, but it helped me to realize all the more how lucky I am to be able to sing with them when I can.  And I realized what a precious thing it is to have a voice to use to communicate and express my thoughts and opinions.  Should use it wisely from now on.  Of course I am also so very lucky that it came back today, just in time for choir practice.  Which reminds me, I have to leave for it in a few minutes.  I will do something meaningful with my voice today, won’t you try it too?

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Suds Up or Down

I got a kit to make soap at Bookman’s months ago and it just sat on a shelf until I moved it to another shelf.  I finally took it down and used it.  This is my first time making soap, and as it turns out I’m not too great at it.  I guess they don’t seem that bad judging by the photo, but pictures lie.  I used too much of the little color things in the packet, so the color is too concentrated.  So much so that I’m afraid the color may irritate my eyes and stain my skin.  Imagine being afraid of soap adding stains.  Maybe I’m being silly.  But, I do think I over did it on the fragrance, it seems a little over-powering.  Maybe it will air out.  It’s worth saying, you can’t be good at everything your first try, just try a second time.  So it’s a good thing I still have more supplies.  Now that I know what not to do, the next batch should be that much closer to perfection.  I hope.
Here’s the updated list:

• skirt
• dress shorts
• bookmarks
• boxes
• key necklace
• cutoffs
• embellished wedges
• rings
• soap
• Top
• luggage makeover

Nine down, just two more to go.  The next one will be a little tricky.

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Ring Toss

While sorting through my wardrobe and accessories, I came to realize I had tons of other pieces of jewelry (ex. charm bracelets), but I didn’t have enough rings.  So I decided to fill this void on my jewelry rack.  For these rings I used sparkly plastic tubes I had leftover from a bracelet kit and wire ornament hooks left over from Christmas.  The wire hooks were fantastic.  They are easy to bend and already cut to the perfect length for rings.  I now have a bunch of cute, stackable rings in colors that blend well into my closet.  I’m thinking of making matching necklaces too, although they might resemble those glow stick necklace things too much.
Here’s the updated list:

• skirt
• dress shorts
• bookmarks
• boxes
• key necklace
• cutoffs
• embellished wedges
• rings
• soap
• Top
• luggage makeover

Eight down, just three more to go.  Already almost done with the next one.

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In a Rush

One Saturday morning, a few weeks ago, I was rushing to get somewhere because of being so late.  I had several distractions (i.e. kitty cats) along my way that caused me to become so late.  Just when I thought I had past by all obstacles, up ahead of me loomed an outdoor craft fair.  Full of booths piled high with the most adorable handmade items and vintage collectibles, and me with like 2 seconds to enjoy them.  I managed to take a quick peek and grab a couple of business cards along the way. 

Two booths really caught my eye, but it took me several weeks to finally sit down and check out their websites.  I discovered not only do these two designers make super pretty jewelry and accessories, but they both have cute blogs too.

Here to enjoy:

• Beth Quinn Designs – She is a mixed media artist with a vintage look to her style that I love.
• Pepperblossom Decor – She makes these adorable flower hair accessories and features some sweet tutorials.

That is all, now go and enjoy this Spring weather.

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If the Shoe Fits

These sandals were handed down to me from my sister who got them from a neighbor.  She only gave them to me because they were too small for her.  It’s strange, we’re twins but our shoe sizes’ are so different.  I’m a size 7, out of respect I won’t mention her size.

Anyway, I thought they were kind of cute, but a little….I can’t quite describe it.   Let’s say they weren’t my taste.  To fix that, I shredded some denim leftover from my previous project and glued it on.  Then added some bric-brac trim. 

Super-super easy to do, the hardest part was deciding what to use.  I couldn’t decide whether to use the denim or a printed fabric.  After that, I had trouble deciding whether to use the bric-brac or maybe some patches or paint.  I almost covered them with white bows.  And then, I wondered what color trim to use.  I had the same problem with yesterday’s project.  It’s easy to have too many options.

Here’s the updated list:

• skirt
• dress shorts
• bookmarks
• boxes
• key necklace
• cutoffs
• embellished wedges
• rings
• soap
• Top
• luggage makeover

Seven down, four to go.  The next one should be easier to make decisions about.

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Cut and Paint

I made the “cutoff” shorts, but they aren’t exactly cutoffs because I hemmed them.  I think they look nice hemmed.  I cut flowers from printed fabric for appliqués and outlined them with sparkly blue squeeze tube fabric paint.  I dabbed some paint on the button and metal things so they wouldn’t look naked.

I added a couple flowers to the back pockets too, because it looked weird with them being plain and the front so pretty.  Not sure if you can tell, but I cut the bottom of the tag with pinking shears.  I thought it sort of spruces it up a bit.

The shorts aren’t “cut” but the capris I made sure are with fringe to boot.






I added bric-brac trim and dots of pink fabric along the edges.

The dots are along all the pockets and the belt loops too.  Maybe a little much, but once you start dabbing the paint on it is so hard to stop.  I was about to move on to nearby objects, my desk lamp looked like it could use a touch along with my sewing machine.
Here’s the updated list:

• skirt
• dress shorts
• bookmarks
• boxes
• key necklace
• cutoffs
• embellished wedges
• rings
• soap
• Top
• luggage makeover

Six down, five to go. Nearly ready for summer.

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Read the Instructions

Sometimes I decide I want to make something and I haven’t the foggiest idea how or where to start.  Okay, most of the time that’s the case.  One of the best resources I know for this situation is eHow.  On this site, tons of people submit articles and videos on how-to's for almost anything, all divided into neat little categories and sub-categories for you to browse at your leisure.  I find the craft section most impressive.  Some of the things I’ve found there recently include:

•  Teddy Bear hairclips 
• Different Ways to Make a Tutu
• A Dish Towel Purse
• Beaded Safety Pin Nightlight
• A Gift Bag from a Lunch Bag

It might be fun to write some how-to’s myself.  Maybe I should try that someday.  Is there an eHow article about that?

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Raiding the Junk Drawer

This is a key for a lock I lost a long time ago.  Essentially worthless keys have only one purpose in my mind, decoration.  So I strung in onto a piece of ribbon and embellished it with glittery fabric paint and faux pearls.  Now instead of lying in a junk drawer catching dust, it can hang out on my jewelry rack catching dust.  Just kidding, I do plan on wearing it, as soon as I find the right outfit to go with it.
Here’s the updated list:

• skirt
• dress shorts
• bookmarks
• boxes
• key necklace
• cutoffs
• embellished wedges
• rings
• soap
• Top
• luggage makeover

Five down, six to go.  Next is some things for Spring, is it here yet?

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Mark It

I read a lot of books, both electronic and traditional.  I find myself constantly in need of something to mark my spot.  I’ve used old envelopes, receipts, recipe cards, etc.  I thought it would be great to have some pretty customized bookmarks to use instead.

I used cardstock cut to size and glued on scraps of cute scrapbook paper.  I trimmed the corners, punched holes, and embellished with stickers, glitter and stamps.  Finished up with a simple tassel.  Hopefully I won’t lose these the first time I use them by accidently leaving them in a library book or something.  It’d be very lucky for the next patron though.

I also made these little boxes at the same time, might as well since they are made of basically the same materials.  They are made like little match boxes and embellished with paper scraps, lace and more glitter.  I got a template for them here at Swapbot.  They also have one for what they call a European style match box.  Maybe I’ll try that one too.
Here’s the updated list:

• skirt
• dress shorts
• bookmarks
• boxes
• key necklace
• cutoffs
• embellished wedges
• rings
• soap
• Top
• luggage makeover

Four down, seven to go.  Almost half way. :)

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Stamp-aholic

I have an obsession with rubber stamps.  I’m not sure why, I’m not really big on card making or scrapbooking.  There’s just something so appealing about those cute little images formed into a stamp and mounted to wood or foam.  

It all started one day when I was browsing at Bookman’s among the craft stuff.  They had all these stamps in a huge bowl, I spent several minutes looking through it all.  I picked out this little strawberry and bunny and one other stamp.  It has continued on since then.  It isn’t that bad of a hobby.  Bookman’s usually has a good selection, normally priced from 25 cents to 1 dollar.  And I only use trade credit for them so it isn’t costing me any money.

After the first few, I found this set of stamps for only 4 dollars (in trade).  I just imagined all the cute things I could make and embellish with them.  Mostly things like stationary and pretty shopping lists.  I still haven’t used them for anything, but I do enjoy looking at them.

This one I actually have used, the purpose should be obvious.  I made gift tags last Christmas for all my handcrafted gifts.  They went well with the handmade fabric wrappings.

Of these two, I got the first one because it made me think of my cat, plus the one that said “meow, meow” had a price I wasn’t willing to pay.  The other one I got fairly recently because I was hoping for at least some sign of Spring.  Still hoping.

These had a similar inspiration to the spring one, plus the fact that they came as a set which included an ink pad.  I think they’d work for card or maybe for a charm bracelet.  Umm.

These last three are the most recent additions to my collection.  I spotted the head of lettuce while leaving and spent the whole day thinking about it.  Something about it is just so appealing to me, although I think it’d be cuter if it was a head of cabbage.  I’ve said it before, my tastes are odd.  When I went back for it, I found the other two stamps.  The bear mail postage stamp was adorable and cheaper than a similar stamp.  I’m not sure what the last one is supposed to be, but it reminded me of fireworks.  Maybe it’d be good for Independence Day.

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All Dressed Up, In Shorts

These were another pair of pants that were dumped on me.  I thought they were cute and they fit great, except they were too short.  So, I decided to make them shorter.  Most of my shorts are cut-off denim and it would be nice to have something a little nicer for a change.  The fabric makes them dressy, not to mention incredibly soft and comfortable.  I glued faux pearls to the buttons and metal things, and I added dots of clear sparkly fabric paint along the edges of the pockets.  Now I just need to figure out what to wear with it.
Here’s the updated list:

• skirt
• dress shorts
• bookmarks
• boxes
• key necklace
• cutoffs
• embellished wedges
• rings
• soap
• Top
• luggage makeover

Two down, nine to go.  The next two should be easy.

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Discount With a Twist

I stopped by a Big Lots on the way to work the other day and found these Thai Kitchen noodle things.  I absolutely love them, but I can never seem to find them.  So to walk in and seen them at 50 cents each was like heaven.  I bought one of each flavor that didn’t have coconut oil, coconut oil makes my throat swell.

I also saw these Italian bread stick things that looked pretty good, but I didn’t like the price for them.  I’m picky about that.  I stopped by a 99 Cents Only store that was conveniently two doors down, and guess what I found there?

Tada!  The same Italian rosemary breadsticks for just one dollar.  I love dollar stores.

 

Of course, while I was there I picked up some more jars of pickled vegetables.  So what if I just got some a few days ago (see 99 Thanks, or Something Like That), I can’t get enough of them.  I found a different brand for the mixed ones, it contains a few more ounces for the same price and the jar is thinner making it easier to fit in the refrigerator.  Same for the peppers.  I think after the food is gone these jars would be great to store crochet hooks in or any other long skinny tools.  Just think of the possibilities.

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Well Skirted

These jeans were forcibly handed down to me.   They didn’t fit very well in some parts, so I never liked them.  The waistband was interesting and it screamed to be made into a skirt.  Otherwise it’s your basic jeans to skirt conversion.  Usually for these kind of things, I just leave the edge to fray, but I decided to hem the bottom of this.  It’s classier, plus the jeans were stretch and the elastic threads looked funny.  I used some scraps from an old skirt to make a sash for a finishing touch.  Now I’ve got a brand new skirt to squeeze into my overloaded closet.  Maybe it’s time for some clearing out.
Here’s the updated list:

• skirt
• dress shorts
• bookmarks
• boxes
• key necklace
• cutoffs
• embellished wedges
• rings
• soap
• Top
• luggage makeover

One down, ten to go.  Next is the shorts, assuming dress shorts are possible.

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Reading if for Everybody

I recently finished a great book, Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen. It is amazing how older works of fiction can appeal to audiences today.  I got an eBook of it from Project Gutenberg.  It’s a site full of free electronic copies of public domain works.  All the classics are there, not to mention a few books you’ve never heard of.  I found war-era cook books there.

Anyway, Northanger Abbey is about a young heroine who doesn’t embody to usual qualities of an heroine and her coming out into society.  She makes and loses friends, falls in love, gets her heart broken and saves face, and of course at the end she marries her true loves despite a few “problems”.  I found it sweet at many points and amusing.  Hopefully you will think so too.

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Up to Four

As promised, I have drawn up my latest project list and it is longer than my last one.  I think I can get through it in about 3 weeks. 

So here’s:

Craft List #4

• skirt
• dress shorts
• bookmarks
• boxes
• key necklace
• cutoffs
• embellished wedges
• rings
• soap
• Top
• luggage makeover

I think I will try to do them in order this time.  Then again, maybe  not.

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Sweet Links

Need a new project to work on, something super pretty.  Check out the ~Ruffles And Stuff~ tutorial page.  Plenty of lovely projects to do for your closet, your kids, or your home.  I think the children’s stuff are especially adorable.  There are a few things I know my nieces would absolutely love.

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Bathroom: Check

I finished the last two on my list, here are the tiny curtains.  I used this lovely scrap of lace I have been saving and folded it over for a slight layered look before I stitched it.  I used a bamboo skewer cut down to size for the curtain rod and square beads to hang it up.  Quite effective and I can easily take them down to change if I want to.

No bathroom is complete without a soft cushy rug.  I used a scrap of fuzzy purple felt cut carefully to the right size.  Then I zig-zag stitched to finish the edge and a few more times to give it the right shape.  It’s always great when something can be made simply and beautifully.

Here’s the complete cardboard doll house bathroom.  Lively wallpaper, right?  I know, I have somewhat tacky taste when it comes to these things, but that’s the best part about doll houses.  You can decorate pretty much however you want. 

Anyway, here’s the finished list:

• bunny hat
• hair clips
• toilet
• curtains
• rug
• sink
• sweater redo
• bathtub

All done, next one is going to be longer for sure.  There are tons of stuff I’ve been dying to start on.

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Look Who Moved Into the Neighborhood

I was walking down Main street on my way to choir practice, and came upon an interesting sight next to Bank of America.  Look familiar?  When I first saw it my eyes bugged out.

It’s a new statue on display at this intersection in Downtown Mesa.  Seems to be slightly based on that old painting of the farmer and his wife, I forget the title.  Only it’s a slightly larger rendering.  Notice the normal sized people standing by their luggage, that’s just how humongous this statue is.  You can see some of the equipment it took to set it up.

Here’s the suitcase, it’s taller than me.  And my goodness, they’ve certainly traveled to a lot of exotic places.

Of course, to do all that traveling and moving they’d have to have decent footwear, right?  These clunkers are big enough to sit on.

Let’s us not forget to give credit and thanks for the artist responsible for this larger than life addition the the Downtown scenery.  Keep up the good work.

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