Art of Green Recycling

Is Anyone Really Going Green or Is It Just Lip Service?

2010-11-08T09:35:00.000-08:00

Like many I am frustrated. I keep hearing people profess to want to clean up the environment, save wildlife, reduce toxins in food and water yet there is little evidence in everyday life. Take plastic bags for instance. My guesstimate is less than 20% regularly use totes and some of those using totes are buying cases of bottled water. WTF! You can now buy some BPA free plastic containers but because they cost $0.15 more sales are minimal. All of this insane plastic usage continues despite graphic reminders of the ocean gyres, wildlife killed and poisoned and the reports on chemicals breaking down in our drinking water.

Many great green companies are struggling to keep their doors open even with competitive pricing, hands on customer service and sharing on social media. Some are even more economical than traditional products yet they are disappearing (not in a good way) from store shelves. Surveyed local stores here and you can no longer buy recycled paper towels, napkins or coffee filters. Some may say this is great people are using cloth but that is not the case they are buying bleached paper from those with heavy advertising budgets.

Food, people are complaining about skyrocketing cost of food while they fill their carts with food imported from across the world. I realize not everyone can grow some of their own food but they can buy local and seasonal. Every fast food place in this town has lines at the drive through, not cheap and not healthy. Rather than buy organic healthy fruits and veggies people are spending 2 or 3 times as much to eat fat and chemicals! Don’t ya know Big Pharma loves this so they can sell more drugs like Lipitor.

My friend Nancy and her daughter Jess founded and run Earth Safe Finishes the only company I know of with a range of no BPA, no Voc products that work. Over the years I have worked with and for a number of major paint companies so I know about product performance and these surpass any others I have ever used. I’ve read testimonials from ESF consumers that have had serious health issues; multiple chemical sensitivities, cancer, asthma and other serious conditions where ESF products have helped them enormously. Some are artist who can create again others have coated over, sealed items in their homes to stop their suffering. So why haven’t sales skyrocketed? Right now ESF is in a few independent retail outlets and sells primarily online. http://earthsafefinishes.com/ I am guessing that people either don’t know there is a choice to safely paint, dye or varnish or would rather buy the toxins from their local hardware and craft stores.

Actually I am frustrated and ticked off. Are people too lazy or too cynical to practice what they preach? If it’s just going to be all talk why bother?

Nutritional and Natural Substances for Healing

2010-11-04T10:13:00.000-07:00

This is a personal account of recent events followed by information we need to keep these substances legally available to us. I am talking about vitamins and herbs such as milk thistle and gingko.

I always try to counter any imbalances or ailments through nutrition first then herbs because I find traditional medicine heavy handed and siding too much with Big Pharma. The side effects of so many medications are horrific. It’s also been my experience that the majority of the time traditional practioners are guessing at diagnosis unless completely substantiated by tests, which are often wrong. There is a place for traditional medicine with trauma and some illnesses but why not try to heal naturally first?

My dog over a period of 8 weeks developed a large lump on his lip, scary. I took him to his vet. The vet said he had no idea what it was and we should cut off part of his lip and have a biopsy. YIKES! Before I put Scotty through having a portion of his lip removed, drugs, anesthesia and pain I wanted to be certain it was needed. I asked if we could wait a bit and the vet agreed that a week or two would be fine and handed me an estimate for $400 to start treatment.

Before treatment

I decided to online search for alternatives. I am lucky to follow @lurainpenny on Twitter. Through her I met Aza leigh Cody, who is a special diets cook for animals of many years experience. To contact her about health problems in dogs & cats email codifyer(AT)yahoo.com. She is also the artist Codifyer. You can see her design work here - http://thecodifyergallery.com."

She held my hand through treating Scotty with vitamin E, Red Clover and ginger packs. (Cost, under $25) In less than 5 days the lump was down to pimple size and in 8 days it was totally gone except for a tiny scar where it once was.

after 5 days of treatment

I apologize for the quality of the photos. Holding a dog’s lip up and trying to photo is not easy.

Talking about this experience at the dog park I was amazed to find many others who have cured ailments using tea tree oil, vitamin C, Chinese tea, olive oil and milk thistle on a wide variety of pet breeds and on themselves.

Now some info you need to know about the threat to vitamins and herbs.

Don’t Let Big Pharma Take Your RIGHT to Self Heal http://t.co/3JIEWmQ
Wanted: Your informed opinions on the food-safety reform bill via Grist- http://www.grist.org/article/food-2010-11-02-wanted-your-informed-opinions-on-the-food-safety-reform

Natural News- Great website for to the minute news on science and politics of food, medications, vitamins and more- http://www.naturalnews.com/Index.html

3 Dogs, One Named Lucky and Humans Who Care

2010-10-21T17:50:00.000-07:00

I had a truly remarkable day today I want to share with you.

First I met Lucky. If you saw Lucky you could not imagine the name fitting her until you heard her whole story. Lucky was brutal burned as a pup with some sort of hot liquid. Her little body has lines, runs all over it where hair will not ever grow, she has one ear fused backwards and a hole in one eye…you pity this dog right away, heart breaking. Then, she comes up to you, happy, wagging, and sweet. This dear pooch despite whoever decided to torture her is the epitome of darling. I watched Lucky at the dog park and talked to her owner who is thrilled to have her. Turns out Lucky was injured in Taiwan where some kind soul rescued her, fixed her up and eventually sent her here to Washington where she is a vital and loved part of a family. Lucky is loved, adored and treasured. When you see her spirit you get it: feel bad for her scars and what they represent but her loving nature shines above them. Lucky’s momma told me she has gotten more love, support and goodness from Lucky than she could ever give back. What great heartwarming evidence in human goodness and the sweetness of an animal here under extreme circumstances! REALLY was wonderful to see their mutual devotion and how adapted Lucky was to the good life.

How wonderful the world would be with more people like Lucky’s owner.

THEN on my way home from the meeting Lucky I saw 2 dogs running along the hiway, scared, frantic, lost. I followed behind them, one car in between us, up a side road. Poor dogs were all over the place, disoriented and a bit frightened. I found a place I could pull over and got one of the dogs to come to me but the other was still crazy and almost got hit a couple times. I got the pit mix contained and was trying to get the other one when 2 teenage boys pulled up behind me and came to our rescue. These boys were amazing, cannot say enough kind words about them, real heroes. After some sweet talk and treats we got both dogs off to the side where the guys held the dogs while I called the owner, thank goodness one of the dogs had ID. Long story short we got the dogs in my car and delivered to their home safely. I could not have done this without these great teens that were kind, thoughtful and totally unselfish.

The point of all of this is; yes, there are brutes in this world but there are also many wonderful, kind, caring people and those fine people are who we should focus on and believe in.

Believe, it is a beautiful and kind world out there. We just need to support those who are doing good, believe in the human spirit and stop corporate greed that inhibits that which is good in people.

Love & peace!

Eco Poxy Ecstasy

2010-09-22T10:19:00.000-07:00

Ecstatic is the best description I can think of for how I feel about Eco Poxy and here is why.

I have used a vast array of adhesives, resins and finishes over the years and most of them have been pretty awful environmentally and health wise. I got headaches, stomach aches, dizzy, rashes and probably lost more than a few brain cells even though I kept trying to buy safe. A couple of the products I tried didn't make me ill but they also did not work. Can't even guess at the amount of time and money I wasted trying to find something that worked and wasn't nasty.
Enter Eco Poxy, wow, my adhesive prayers have been answered and its a great finish, stiffener and more.
Basic instruction for using Eco Poxy:
This incredible VOC free, BPA free 2 part EPOXY has been formulated for ease of use and flexibility of use so that it can be used on almost any surface. It is safe, has fewer odors than the majority of 2 part epoxy/resins on the market, and it really fun, easy and its versatility of use makes it cost effective.

Mix 3 parts Hardener with 1 part Epoxy. Measure by drops or in the cup that is included in the kit. The measurements are very forgiving so close approximation is fine).
Stir well with wooden stick until it becomes white (Mix very well.).
Let sit for 15 minutes
Pour or brush onto surface. Mixture will be very thick. It is possible to thin with water. Add a little water then mix well. Brush onto surface.
(If Eco Epoxy starts to separate or clump up when you are mixing after adding water, just continue stirring and it will smooth out).
Pot life is approximately 2 hours. As it sits it does start to thicken
Drying time is approximately 8 hours. This can be shorter or longer depending on temperatures, humidity, and thickness of application.
Incredible high shine, mar resistant, water resistant
Total curing time 1 week.
Soap and water clean up.
After using EPOXY for a while you will easily be able to “eyeball” the amounts measured.
You are able to decide if a thick coat or a thin coat is to be applied to the surface.
Extend the pot life by adding water to the mixture.
After 24 hours a second coat can be applied. No need to sand the first coat before applying the second.
Use as a coating or an adhesive/glue that has incredible holding power.

Photos using Eco Poxy to attach various metal pieces, most with very small contact areas illustrating how phenomenal this stuff is.

Rings with typewriter key, various gears, charms and watch parts attached.

Watch and electronic parts pendant on leather cord.

Glass tile with paper, microbeads and a charm. More gears and miscellaneous "stuff" including scrap chains.

Chunk of ESF dyed crochet with fabric center made into a brooch. Yes, ESF Colorants with FabricMagic are totally safe, no VOCs or nasties and can be used to dye or paint.

Glass tiles, paper and broken charms used for earrings.

More to come soon. I have more pieces done to photo and will be trying out more techniques. This gives you some ideas about how you can use Eco Poxy on your next project.

Radical Thinking

2010-09-16T15:05:00.000-07:00

Yesterday on Twitter @RayBeckerman posted, “When you are right you cannot be too radical; when you are wrong, you cannot be too conservative” (Martin Luther King) and it hit me….being truly radical is what this country has needed for a long time. (By the way, follow @RayBeckerman for an amazing amount of solid information and checkout his fantastic lists of environment/nature tweeters or human/indigenous rights people.) Being radical has had a very negative connotation; being crazy, on the edge, a social misfit. How about it’s true meaning of being determined, driven, resolute, unwavering, and uncompromising? Aren’t these the characteristics we need from people today?

Long before 911 we were lolled into believing a number of fairy tales: our government is going to protect us, work hard and you will have a good life, towing the line, paying your bills and respecting authority were the ways to be a good citizen and create prosperity for all. After 911 these fairy tales still existed but added on top was the paranoia instilled by Homeland Security and the media’s constant warnings about terrorist threats; some I’m sure were true. How dare we question our government or even a flight attendant? Accept what is your lot in life, support your government right or wrong and carry the top 2% on your back to your grave. The American Public has been castrated and there is certainly no room for a radical or radical thinking.

All of the above has led to a breakdown in every sector as corporate greed and corruption run rampant. We all let this happen by silencing the radicals and the radical inside of us.

Now you are thinking, “What about the “bad” radicals, people who do not believe as I do?” Yes, those who do not think like me can be frustrating but they also help me grow with their challenges. In order to find solutions not dictated to us by profiteering, corruption or power grabbing we need to have differing opinions freely expressed no matter how much they piss us off at times. Growth is stymied when there is no dissension and no one person or ideology has all the answers.

Yes, we have some radical Tea Partiers, Becksters, and fundamentalists trying to shove their philosophy down our throats but where are the freethinkers, the humanitarians, and the long term thinkers like Dr. King, Chief Seattle, Abraham Lincoln and Einstein? Is fear, the media or our society’s structure keeping them from coming forward? I might be ignorant and uninformed but cannot come up with an American name to rally around. I will keep looking.

HHS Response to My Email RE: Food Safety for Children

2010-09-14T17:32:00.000-07:00

While we will respond to the specific issues you raise as soon as we can, I wanted to let you know that your message has been received and that I appreciate your taking the time to write.

The mission of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is to protect the nation’s health and provide essential human services, and, as part of that mission, we are at the forefront of the federal government’s efforts to address a wide range of critical issues and challenges. I wanted to take this opportunity to update you on our work.

First, on March 23, after more than a year of extensive debate, the President signed into law health reform legislation that brings down health care costs for American families and small businesses, expands coverage to millions of Americans and ends the worst practices of insurance companies. As a result of the new law, Americans will begin to see significant benefits take effect this year, with other important reforms following shortly after. In the weeks, months, and years ahead, our department will be responsible for implementing many of these reforms. You can be assured that we are firmly committed to explaining these changes to the American people clearly, and to enacting them carefully and effectively. For information about the new law, I would encourage you to visit www.healthcare.gov.

Meanwhile, thanks to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, we’ve made hundreds of millions of dollars available as part of a comprehensive prevention and wellness initiative, Communities Putting Prevention to Work. This new initiative supports local efforts to reduce obesity, increase physical activity, improve nutrition, and decrease smoking – the four most important things we can to do to fight chronic diseases and improve public health. And it’s right in line with the First Lady’s “Let’s Move” campaign, which calls on Americans to work together to solve childhood obesity in a generation. You can learn more about these and other Recovery Act initiatives at www.hhs.gov/recovery.

In addition, it is a core responsibility of HHS, through the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), to ensure the food we eat is safe. Toward that end, I am firmly committed to working with my colleagues at the Department of Agriculture to achieve the President’s goal of upgrading and strengthening our food safety system; restoring trust in the FDA as the leading science-based regulatory agency in the world; and fulfilling our obligation to the American people to ensure that the food they purchase and serve to their families is safe to eat. For more information, please visit www.foodsafety.gov.

Finally, HHS plays a vital role in getting our children ready to learn and thrive in school, helping low-income working families struggling to make ends meet in this difficult economy, and meeting the basic needs of vulnerable populations, such as abused and neglected children, refugees, and individuals with disabilities. As the Administration works to turn around our economy, we recognize that the economic downturn has had its greatest impact on the most vulnerable among us – low-income families with children. Through child care, child support, energy assistance, and other efforts, the Department helps low-income parents and their communities weather this economic storm. We will continue to work hard to improve these programs through evidence-based approaches that make a difference for these families and children.

Again, thank you for writing.

So it continues.....
Big Ag, GMOs, big contributors will still get exactly what they want and the American public will suffer for it. Hey, this gives all the big Pharm companies a chance to make their dollars too after people are filled with toxins.
I know, you think this is over the line and I used to until I did in depth research and found so much, in fact almost all to be true. Check with others - Concerned Scientists and see for yourself. There are reasons why diabetes and autism have skyrocketed along with many other ailments. Basic chemistry will tell you the truth.
Please protect yourself, family and friends from environmental toxins and do not trust government agencies to do it for you.

Elle MacPherson's Answer to Email about Her Rhino Horn Use

2010-09-02T17:13:00.000-07:00

I am not going to editorialize this at all, straight from her agent.

Thank you for your email, please see below Elle’s response:

While I’m happy that the critical issue of protecting endangered species is back in the headlines, I am a bit surprised that it is based on my use of herbal and homeopathic medicine.

I was twittering with a Times journalist about the taste of herbal medicines and made a flippant comment inferring I had tasted rhino horn. To be clear, I have never knowingly consumed or encouraged consumption of any products derived from endangered species, including rhino horn. The idea is abhorrent to me. While I love my herbal and Chinese remedies I would never put my health over the survival of a species. I guess this is one of the pitfalls of 140 character journalism.

In a way I’m happy it happened because it gives me the chance to lend my voice and repeat my commitment to the protection of endangered species. I’ve always felt this way. In fact, I’m still boycotting my favourite restaurant because they made the crazy decision to continue to serve blue fin tuna. This is a campaign that I have played a role in for the last year and it is having a real international impact. Thankfully, since we started this campaign, the demand for blue fin tuna has all but disappeared.

As guardians of the planet, there is no excuse for any of us to stand by whilst animals face extinction. Four out of five species of rhino are under immediate threat, mainly due to illegal slaughter for their horns. I want to urge everyone to join my utter condemnation of anything that further endangers their already precarious future. Killing rhinos because some people think its horn is an aphrodisiac is beyond appalling.

I hate being lectured by celebrities with big mouths as much as the next person but if sometimes, however unwittingly, a famous voice can draw attention to the issues, then that has to be a good thing. I am going to redouble my efforts because of this twitter incident. The WWF has a list of all the protected species that are under threat and I would urge everyone to look that up and see what brilliant work they are doing.

Simple Abundance, Why I’m Glad to be Simple Minded

2010-08-23T16:10:00.001-07:00

One important lesson I have learned from being on Twitter is it takes few words to convince those open to a concept and there are not enough words to convince those not ready to hear them. In light of this I am going to make this and all future postings as concise as possible.

Simple-

1. easy to understand, deal with, use, etc.: a simple matter; simple tools.

2. not elaborate or artificial; plain: a simple style.

3. not ornate or luxurious; unadorned: a simple gown.

4. unaffected; unassuming; modest: a simple manner.

5. not complicated: a simple design.

Abundance-

1. an extremely plentiful or oversufficient quantity or supply: an abundance of grain.

2. overflowing fullness: abundance of the heart.

3. affluence; wealth: the enjoyment of abundance.

Started this post out with definitions because we all tend to react as Madison Avenue marketers have taught us, simple means less than abundance more than. In reality there is no intrinsic value assigned to either one of these words; either one could be a positive or a negative in your life. Simple can be as eloquent as E=MC2 and abundance can be painful, an abundance of bills to pay.

What simple abundance boils down to for me is time is money. Do I want to spend my time, my life making money to give to someone else or use it as I desire? A bit of figuring pointed out to me that I was giving 120 hours a year to my telecommunications company. 120 hours I could be doing something wonderful with my family, creating art, reading, gardening or any number of other pleasurable and rewarding activities. Insanity, right? Try it yourself, take any bill or price tag and see how much of your life you are giving up for it. Now when I see something that costs $X I do the math and decide if it is really worth that much of my life; makes me stop and think.

Another huge factor is the environmental cost of rabid consumerism, yes; I have consumed naughtily in the past and may sin again in the future. My education as to the real cost, impact of what I purchase is ongoing. Learning about conflict minerals this summer was a real shock to me, no idea my electronic gizmo could be causing pain, suffering and death. Focusing on the entire lifecycle of an item, where it originated and where it will go when it's done, is vital in my decision making process.

Simple pleasure of a homegrown tomato, walking with my dog, sharing laughter with friends, creating something out of castoff or giving new life to an item I possess give me far more satisfaction than purchasing the latest fashion. I treasure my time and am not handing it out lightly anymore.

Thanks for spending a bit of your time here. I welcome any comments of suggestions.

Here are a few resources to checkout about living simply.

Great book "Simple Abundance a Daybook of Comfort and Joy" by Sarah Ban Breathnach that has many wonderful suggests on simple living.

Simple living on the web, http://www.simpleliving.org/, Voluntary Simplicity, Faith based, multiple religions Whose Planet is it Anyway?

Simple Living, Learning to Live with Less, Outwardly Simple, Inwardly Rich http://www.simpleliving.net/

Simple and Sustainable Living
http://www.innerexplorations.com/simpletext/simple.htm

Living a Better Life http://www.betterbudgeting.com/frugalliving.htm

Resourcefulness as Eco

2010-07-22T17:18:00.000-07:00

Resourcefulness is pivotal to my personal eco endeavors. I need to make the most of what I have and be a cautious, discerning consumer. What I don’t purchase is more important than what I do purchase. Not purchasing saves more resources and money than even the most thoughtful purchase. Resourceful use of what products I already possess is not only a creative challenge but an intellectual one. I would not experience these enjoyable challenges if every time a need arose in my life I satisfied it with a trip to a store.

Camping is one great example of the need to be able to problem solve and be resourceful with limited tools and materials. When camping you are usually a distance from various retailers that could supply your need, often the need is immediate and you have few materials to work with…….Holy MacGyver!! Now I am not claiming to be on MacGyver’s level of expertise but am able to almost always solve my dilemma. My solutions might not be elegant but they satisfy the need while giving me some intellectual esteem, hey, it feels great to be able to come up unique solutions.

I try to bring the camping attitude home with me by considering what resources I have on hand and how I can use them to meet my need before hoping in the car or online. The personal satisfaction I get from these challenges far outweighs the inevitable problems and occasional failures. I try to learn from the problems and failures applying this knowledge to future challenges. To be honest there are times failure is so complete that only a retailer can help me out but these are starting to be fewer and farther apart.

Another part of this equation is my acquisition of some basic tools and supplies. I actually have quite a few tools but some get used often and others maybe yearly. Must have tools for the resourceful are: Scissors, preferably a couple sizes and types, utility knife, a nice heavy duty one, needle-nose pliers, wire cutters, hammer, saw, measuring tape, drill with bits, some nails, brads and screws, sewing needles in a variety of sizes and styles. Supplies to keep on hand: Duct tape-masking tape-plumber’s tape-fabric glue-Ecopoxy-wire-threads in variety of sizes and colors and markers. These items will see you through many challenges both at home and on the go. Next given time, space and money I would add in the following tools: Files-awl-soldering iron and more cutting tools like shears, specialized scissors, cutters and pliers in various shapes and sizes plus some paintbrushes. Additional supplies include: Colorant kits since they can be paints or dyes, more wires in various sizes, double stick tape, and Tackifier.

The last grouping of tools and supplies while not essential will allow a bit more finesse in your resourcefulness and even add in some decorative elements. Meeting needs is not just about repairs it is also about celebrating life and all that goes with it including last minute gifts, enhancing your environment or exercising your creative muscles. Challenge yourself what you can make from what you have, you might just surprise and delight yourself with what you make.

Excuses, Excuses Plus a Fun Cord Basket/Bag

2010-06-13T13:04:00.000-07:00

I admit I have been really lax about keeping up my blog lately and could list a million and one excuses but will spare you that ordeal. Whatcha really want to know is about making stuff, right?

Here is my own design on using fabric scraps along with macrame cord to make a convertible basket/ bag. You can tuck the flap and strap inside for a basket or vessel or pull them out and use it as a bag. This is one continuous piece of cord from beginning to end.

Why do I like using macrame cord? Well, for one thing it keeps the bottom and strap cleaner and is more sturdy than fabric wrapping. Another reason is I can use it plain, uncovered as a design element.

I did not measure as I went since I was winging it and had no idea how this would work out. My guesstimate is I used about 1/3 bundle of macrame cord. OH! I did email the macrame company about this concept thinking they might be able to sell some product to fabric stores but got no response.

You will need:
about 1 1/2 yards of fabrics, here is a good place to use up plain jane or scraps
1/3 bundle of 6MM cord (somewhere around 140')
Lots of sewing thread
Optional button
Scissors
Sewing machine

1. Set your sewing machine for its widest zigzag, mine is 5. Start coiling the cable and joining it with zigzags. Go around and around until you create the desired base size. Now this is a tad tricky but you will get the feel for it; start bringing the cable inwards as you stitch around to start creating sides. I went around 3 times to start to build up the sides. Cut your thread but not the cable.
2. Tear or cut 1 1/2-2" strips of fabric. There might be a better method for doing this but here is what I did. I wrapped the fabric around the cable them folded the ends into the center and straight stitched them down. I wrapped and straight stitched 20' or so then trimmed off the thread and started zigzagging the covered cable around the basket. Repeat until basket is size you desire adding in some plain cable stripes if you like. I just found it easier and less wasteful to go back and forth between wrapping fabric and zigzagging.

3. When the basket was at the height I wanted I stitched plain cable halfway around. Next I stitched the strap by tacking it with a couple zigzag stitches to the side of the basket then bringing the cable over to the opposite side and tacking. Next I laid a second cable side by side next to the first and zigzagged them together.

Tack at opposite side then add third cable length to complete strap. Make sure you tack each cable length well at each side so your strap can take lots of wear and tear.

4. Now you will need to start fabric wrapping cable again unless you want your flap to be plain cable. Instead of going around and around you are going to zigzag back and forth forming a triangle. At the very end I added a loop to go around a button. Now cut off the cable and trim your threads!

Here is another shot of the basket with handle/strap and flap folded in.

Reclaimed Materials Park Benches

2010-05-04T09:40:00.000-07:00

Thought I would share with you the benches a group of us made and installed at our local park. The Parks department had no money for benches and there were none at the park. A number of elderly people come to the park everyday and need a place to rest. The first 3 benches went in this past weekend and 3 more are in progress.

Materials were reclaimed from a couple of construction sites. The 2x4s my husband salvaged from an old Navy building being torn down while the 4 x12s were from a retaining wall being replaced. Metal pipe was leftover from another constructions site. All were sanded and sealed with ESF Marine Varnish.

Here is a shot of the backless benches with Taffy who is blind sniffing it out.

Just a bit of sharing, now off to do some more varnishing.

Be Kind to Animals Week!

Kindness to Animal Week

2010-05-02T15:55:00.000-07:00

Kindness to animal week started out rather sad for me. Sabrina from Twitter posted an urgent plea to save/adopt a lovely young lab from a shelter in Lousiana. This 7-8 month old pup was being put down because of space. I sent out some urgent emails to people I know in the area, no, not effected by the oil spill and emailed the shelter offering to pay to keep the dog alive longer. You could see in the dog's eyes how wonderful she would be for any family. Here is the email I got with names erased so I don't get sued or something:

Hi Barbara,

Labs are so sweet but they are so numerous here in the South that they are hard to place. Really they are a dime a dozen.

What we do is try to get rescue groups interested in saving pets by offering financial help for their care: most dogs here are heartworm positive and you know how expensive it it to treat. Where does the money come from? Donations. We transfer donations for a pet to the group who takes the pet.

If you would like to know more about this, please read this page: http://members.petfinder.com/~LA26/guardian_angel.html

I do not want to mislead you, there is no guarantee, but this is certainly an incentive that rescue groups appreciate. I suggest you work with a local group.

We have limited space so are needing to euthanize many healthy young dogs. I am sure this is the same across the country.
Shelter Person x

Sooooo....
Please if you can adopt and give a forever home or foster while a home is sought. If your circumstances allow please donate to shelters and rescue groups. Fundraising ideas to come...one I wish I would have thought of earlier is Mothers Day sponsoring of a dog.

PLEASE if your pet is not spayed or neutered please get them fixed ASAP and support local spay/neuter clinic. These are some of the kindest things you can do this week to celebrate BE KIND TO ANIMALS WEEK.

Thanks for listening to me rant. xoxo

Earth Day Sandals

2010-04-14T16:41:00.000-07:00

Ya know I am all about using what you have, trying to keep things out of landfills, using stuff up or passing it on. My husband took one look at these sandals in progress and thought I had lost my mind. Honestly he may think that very often but that's OK.

My mom gave me a pair of white sandals that were structurally sound but a bit stained; its impossible to keep white sandals looking pristine. So I first brushed some Moss Colorant with a dab of Fabricmagic on the insides and edges.

See what I mean, looking pretty nasty at this point. I let the Colorant mix dry while I scouted around for fabrics. I found some scraps from a pillow I am making out of some of the previous post's silk screening. Earth Day graphic with green seemed like the way to go. Next I used Gel Medium to decoupage fabric bits onto the none velcro spots. Brushing a coat onto the sandal then over the top. I didn't worry about the edges or cut precisely. After the gel medium dried I trimmed off the excess fabric with an Exacto knife then applied another coat of gel medium over the outside.

I am liking the pattern shoe idea and am going to go dig up some more not so pristine pairs to try this same technique on......clogs would be super easy and so would most flats and maybe some old boots.

All my supplies are from Earth Safe Finishes, totally non-toxic, no VOCs or BPA. I use these products everyday not just for Earth Day because I believe in their quality and safety.

Happy Earth Day!

Earth Day Graphic Couple Applications

2010-03-31T11:14:00.000-07:00

Here are some fabric and a wood frame I screenprinted using the ED graphic from previous post. To print these I mixed Earth Safe Finishes http://earthsafefinishes.com/Colorant.html Burnt Umber and Black Colorants with a dab of FabricMagic then mixed it all up in foamy shaving cream. By the time I worked my way to the heavy canvas I added in more Black Colorant. By using the mixture the products go a very long ways.

I am a novice screen printer, learning something everytime I do it, so thought I'd write down some of what I have learned by trial and error in case you are a novice too.

1. Despite what it shows on TV/videos this is not a mess free process. Prepare yourself and protect your work area.

2. Prep the pieces you want to screen before starting to print. You have to keep moving to keep the holes in your screen open.

3. Buy an additional squeegee for scrapping off excess ink or Colorant mix off your printing sqeegee. Trust me, this will save you oodles of time and mess.

4. Add some Tackifier to your platen fairly frequently to keep fabrics from shifting around. I didn't do this enough and got a blurred print on a T shirt.

5. If you want to repeat a pattern don't trust yourself to eyeball it. I don't have the "real" tools to line up but made my own by putting bits of masking tape at the corners.

On these fabrics, one is same as above using dark Colorants, I screened using White Colorant. Only issue with using White Colorant, FabricMagic and shaving cream is they are all white so mixing is a ??? I just mixed the heck out of them and it turned out great. If you have issues printing with white it might just be a mixing issue...had that on one piece, ugh.

Here is a thrift store placemat I screened then stenciled using The Crafters Workshop http://thecraftersworkshop.com/ stencils; Flower Frenzy and Cosmic Swirl in the 12" size.

Leave a comment and win a set of 4 of these placemats!

Leave me a comment and a way to contact you via email, blog, website or twitter. Random drawing on April 30th.

Here I used The Crafters Workshop stencil Festive Peace over the screenprinting. This is going to be the center for a patched pillow cover for my living room. Thinking I will use some of my leaf printed fabric for the borders.

Please if you are into screenprinting and have advice, sure would love to hear it.

Love, Peace and Earth Day everyday.

Earth Day Graphic

2010-03-29T08:41:00.000-07:00

OK, this is going to really blow my (ha-ha) hip image and let you know how old I am.

The very first Earth Day I printed out posters from The Whole Earth Catalog and plastered them around my highschool. Got caught and called into the principal's office; kind of liked being a rebel then and still do now 40 years later.

My Earth Day creative gift this year is a graphic which I am making into a silkscreen. Please feel free to use it for personal use, angel policy. I am retaining the copyright just in case some mega corporation would decide to put it on a zillion coffee cups or use it in a non-ecofriendly way.

If you use this in some manner I would love to see the photos.

Love, peace and keeping it green!

Quiet Kindness

2010-03-17T07:55:00.000-07:00

I’ve talked about “Walking the Talk” meaning just not gabbing about issues but becoming active to resolve them. I am big on talking and have not been as active as I feel I should be. During the past 2 weeks I have been focusing on rectifying this by opening myself up to local opportunities for service.

First action was really easy. I placed recycle cans in a park that had none and talked (There I go again with the talk!) to others to do the same in other parks.

Second was the opportunity to be in an anti-puppy mill demonstration, not so easy. I did the demonstration and am glad I did but admit to being a baby about inhaling car exhaust fumes, ugh. I kept telling myself my discomfort was nothing compared to the suffering the dogs go through. I have to say I was surprised that people were supportive giving us a “thumbs up” and asking good questions. Aside from the store owners all were very encouraging and I imagine more will come out for the next demo in 2 weeks. The store owners had their small children, guessing under 10, outside holding up counter signs, did not like that. We never said a word just held signs while the kids screamed at us, yes, we were being the adults. It bothered me that we appeared to be coming up against children but then I thought what kind of parents would do this to their children? In the end I decided that the children’s parents should not have asked them to do this and stood out there themselves. Felt really sorry for those kids.

During the demonstration I got to know the organizer better and was stunned at what a remarkable woman she is and how accomplished. Retired from a big corporation she now fosters animals, works with rescue groups and animal rights organizations full time. She was also part of groups that got the first animal cruelty laws passed in Texas and Oklahoma. In those states she and her groups shut down many puppy mills, illegal stores, and rescued animals from hoarders and abusers. She has led a remarkable life of service which she is continuing into her 70’s.

Now I am asking myself, “How many other great women/people are out there quietly doing good and how do I get to meet them? “ I’m betting there are many, many people doing wonderful work in all of our communities that are not in the headlines or news. I encourage you to search out these people, assist them if you can and be inspired by their quiet service to us all.

No Sushi For Me

2010-03-12T13:45:00.000-08:00

You know us artsy fartsy types when we have an issue or want to express ourselves beyond words we make stuff. Whales, dolphins, fish, sealife of all types, ocean, and water have all been a focus lately more than ever. The amazing, stunning move "The Cove" receiving and Oscar, poor Orca at Seaworld, depleted salmon runs, plastic continents floating around the ocean......there is so much more I could list.

This piece is all recycled or scrap stuff which seems apropo. Cold forged copper frame (Photo does not show this well but the frame forms a whole fish.) with painted, stitched and beaded quilt piece and scrappy streamers to represent swimming out of debris.

Please help me figure out a good name for this piece. Thanks!

OH! BTW, I do not eat sushi.

Trash to Doll Bank

2010-03-04T09:57:00.000-08:00

Decided to start making recycled/trash banks for all the grandkids, real trash to treasure stuff. Here is the one I did for Freya. From the plastic bottle to the broken corkscrew everything except the letter fabric was on its way to a trash bin.

Here is a brief synopsis of what I did.

1. Cut the slashes in the top of the bottle so the corkscrew would fit on snugly.

As you can see this allows the sides to collapse in then push back out for a snug fit.

2. Next I tore fabric strips and cut name from pre-printed fabric. You could easily stamp or stencil letters onto fabric. I've had the alphabet fabric for a couple years now so its about time I used it! Brush Earth Safe Finishes Decoupage medium onto the fabric and the bottle. Smooth fabric down and coat with more medium. OH! Important! Make sure you note where the bottom of the corkscrew meets the bottle and do not decoupage more than a hair above that line otherwise your corkscrew might not fit.

Once background fabric is done come back and decoupage on letters or other design elements.

Now let dry really well.

3. Use 22-24 GA wire to attach larger elements onto corkscrew like the watch case and electronic gizmo.

4. I used generous amounts of gel medium to attach the small elements, broken watch dial, sprocket, and other little pieces. Allow to dry well laid flat.

5. Attach CD to center back with gel medium. Allow to setup.

6. When bottle is very dry and cured use a utility knife to cut a coin slit in the back.

7. Press on corkscrew and your done. Fill with coins then lift off top to remove, easy and green!

Walking the Talk

2010-03-03T16:02:00.001-08:00

My dad used to tell me to never talk about doing something or ask someone else to do something I was not willing to do myself. I've tried to live by that but have, at times, been more talk than action. This hit home when yesterday I was reading about some people on the Daily Good website and realized that I have been spending far too much time lately talking and not enough walking. This is not self depreciation, I know my value and that the work I do has value and honor; it is my realization how easy it is to fall into a pattern of behavior.

I adore Twitter. Love all the wonderful people I have connected with there and all the great information. No doubt it is a wondrous thing! Problem is I get caught up in all the wonder, excitement, and soon hours have gone by. Some is OK; I just need to balance what I try to do as an online activist with time and energy expended in the real, physical world.

So…decided to get off my butt and:

Bring a recycle can out to the dog park; county does not recycle at parks. My plan is to care for it then add on another park next week. I figure I can try to do all the recycling for maybe 3 parks, write the commissioners and park director about this and recruit others for more parks.

I am going to give more hours, at least 2 a week to cleaning up parks.

Volunteer to babysit at least once a week.

Bring Scotty to the nursing home once a month for a visit.

Create at least one piece of art to donate per month.

Look for other local opportunities to get involved in.

Oh, I will continue to write, blog and tweet but will balance it with physical, real world action.

I would love to hear what you do, how you walk your talk. Maybe we can inspire each other to get up and do more.

Love and peace!

Trash to Robot Stage 2

2010-02-28T09:12:00.000-08:00

In Stage 1 I showed a very basic body built out of trash, mostly things I cannot recycle. You can use this concept to make all sorts of dolls/creatures. I have plans to use a broken winged corkscrew for part of a fairy and an old switch mechanism for an owl. The possibilities are endless! Create some banks, sculptures, lampbases or bookends from trash destined for landfills.

Stage 2

Basic supplies can vary but here are some suggestions:

All paints, varnish and mediums are from the Earth Safe Finishes line which are non-toxin and No Voc. http://earthsafefinishes.com/index.html

Decoupage medium

Gesso

Shimmer Opaque in Bronze and Silver

Colorants, Black, Red Orange, Yellow Oxide

No Voc Varnish, Satin

Gel medium

Paintbrushes

I painted this robot with Bronze since I had only a small amount of silver on hand, using what you have is important. I will make another robot after I've gathered some more caps in silver.

Instructions:

1. Decoupage. I'm showing this step because there are lots of options, newspaper strips applied horizontally would be cool but so would magazine clippings, paper or fabric scraps. You do not need to do this step if you are choosing to gesso then paint. Brush medium onto plastic, lay on paper or fabric then brush on another coat of medium over the top.

Continue adding paper or fabric strips to cover.

2. To paint over all this nasty plastic apply a nice coat of gesso. The gesso helps all paints or finishes stick and will also seal in any BPA in the plastic. This creates a nice plain white canvas.

3. Basecoat figure. I used Bronze Shimmer Opaque. Brush Shimmer over all and allow to dry. To create some more depth and interest I mixed some Red Orange and Yellow Oxide Colorant into a teaspoon of No Voc varnish and drizzled it over the whole figure. I let this dry a couple minutes then mixed Black Colorant with varnish and dabbed it on then wipped it off, antiquing.

4. Next I used my finger and Silver Shimmer to highlight different areas. Just dipped my finger into a small amount of Shimmer then rubbed along ridges and here and there.

5. Once all the layers were dry I brushed a coat of varnish over it all, let that dry.

6. Now to add all the mechanical bits. I dipped or brushed a generous amount of gel medium onto the backs of old circuit boards and metal parts. You need to be generous to get the pieces to hold on really well and allow the medium to dry before moving the piece.

7. After everything is really dry I used a craft knife to saw a slot in the back for inserting coins and poured the beans out that I used for weight while working.

8. Decided I wanted to add some wiring. Wound 22 Ga wire around a pencil then wrapped ends around arms, head and neck. You could use plastic tubing scraps or cable for another option.

This was a fun project and one I will do with my 7 year old grandson letting him create his own whatever. Not to lecture but I would only do this with him knowing the supplies we used were absoluetly safe.

PLEASE, if you try this out send me photos of what you made. I'd love to see and hear about your creative adventures.

Trash to Robot Stage 1

2010-02-27T12:59:00.001-08:00

Right now my grandkids are really into robots; older ones like the changing kind a lot, all like the retro bots. Recently I saw an amazing collection of very fine Steampunkish sculptures made from leather and all sorts of machine parts, they were beyond cool and something I would love to attempt one day. How to blend these 2 robot ideas? Recycle trash into a robot of course! I wanted to use easy to obtain supplies, circuit boards, watch pieces and washers are pretty easy to find if you don't have any. (We gutted some old electronics, typewriter, adding machine etc a few years ago and I have been using the bits ever since.)

Breaking this down in stages, construction today, painting and embellishment tomorrow.
Stage 1 basic construction:
Supplies: Variety of plastic caps (We can't recycle them here.), plastic bottle, plastic coated wire, dried beans for weighing down bottom
Tools: Drill with 1/32" bit, wire cutters, long nose or round nose pliers

1. Sort and arrange caps to form arms, feet, neck and head.
2. Drill a hole in center of each cap. Drill holes on sides for arms and 2 in bottom to attach feet.

3. Insert wire through arm hole, across body, out to other side. Thread caps on to side wires. Adjust wire then bend wire end at end of arms into a spiral. Length of arms can be adjusted later for right now you want at least 3" bare wire at top of each arm.

4. Loop wire around the arm wire crossing the inside body for attaching the head. Thread neck and head caps onto wire then spiral wire end on top. Once head is secure you can pull down on arm wires to move it into place. Since I am going to make this robot into a bank I want to be able to open it at the neck.

5. To attach the feet spiral one end of wire, insert one side of feet caps onto wire. Insert wire into body, across and out second foot hole. Thread on remaining feet caps, trim wire and spiral.

6. To stabilize the robot I filled the bottom of the body with beans. Now I can start paint or treat all sides at once. After the robot is complete I can dump out the beans and replace them with coins.

Creativity is NOT just for Artists

2010-02-16T10:59:00.001-08:00

So many times over the years of teaching and writing about arts and crafts I have heard someone comment; "All this is fine but I am just not creative." This has always bothered me because I truly believe everyone is creative or can be. Everyone can enjoy and employ creativity everyday of their lives. Creativity enhances lives.

OK, you are saying artsy/craftsy types sure but I don't sew, paint, knit or any of that. How am I going to be creative?

Decorating yourself or your home is creative. Putting together a wardrobe, outfit, seating arrangement or bouquet is creative.

Cooking is creative. Do you add a dash of this a slice of that while preparing food? That's creative.

Managing a family is creative. How often have you juggled schedules, obligations, appointments and events? That takes creativity.

Gardening is creative. Combining plants, laying out landscaping, and a million and one gardening jobs are creative.

Sports are creative. Figuring new moves, solving problems, and teamwork all require creativity.

Interpersonal relationships are creative. Using creativity to enhance relationships, solve problems or work together is important.

Do you fundraise, volunteer, throw parties, blog, and decorate? All of these are creative activities.

Creativity is in our nature. We are born to create; enjoy it and use it to make your life, those you care about and the earth richer for it.

Recycled Jeans Pocket Pets

2010-02-06T08:41:00.001-08:00

Barbara Matthiessen

Create pocket pets from jean legs, upholstery samples, bit of felt and recycled stuffing. Your choice on finishing edges, raw and fringy or turned and satin stitched. The bottom pocket is a convenient place to tuck a book, journal or some other treasure.
Supplies:
Pair of jeans beyond repair or ready to be shorts
Fabric samples or scraps 5 ½" x 7 ½" for each pocket
Cat uses 3 additional fabric scraps for feet, muzzle, ears and nose

Dog uses 2 additional fabrics with nose matching pocket

Owl uses 3 additional fabrics

2" square of black felt per pet

Recycled stuffing removed from old pillow
Sewing thread to match or contrast with fabrics
Sewing supplies including scissors, pins, needle and sewing machine
Instructions:
1. Cut two 9" x 10" sections from jeans. Trim one 9" side into an arc on both sections.
2. Trace patterns onto scrap paper. Cut features for each pet from a variety of fabric scraps.
3. Pin then top stitch cat paws to one 7 ½" side on cat pocket. (Refer to project photo.) Pin then stitch 3 sides of pocket to bottom of one jean section.
4. Pin then either zigzag or satin stitch face features to jean above pocket. On cat and dog slide black felt eyes slightly under muzzles before stitching.
5. Sew owl wings together. Pin wings to sides of body.
6. Sew ears together. Dog ears are sewn right sides together then turned right side out. Cat and owl ears are sewn wrong sides together using a zigzag stitch and are not turned.
7. Pin ears to top of face jean section.
8. Pin plain jean section to embellished one right sides together. Make sure ears and wings are inside, sandwiched between jean sections.
9. Stitch together leaving a 3" gap for stuffing. Turn right side out and stuff.
10. Use a ladder stitch to close opening.

Cold Forged Love

2010-02-02T17:29:00.001-08:00

Forged Love Bracelet
©Barbara Matthiessen

Create this distinctive bracelet that is stunning on its own or use it as a base to add beads or charms. Once you learn the technique you can translate it using other materials, gauges of wire, or repeat it to create a neck chain. Try making this from scrap wire leftover from other projects or hardware wire for a more masculine look.

Basic patterns for link.

Supplies:
30" of 16 or 14 GA wire in your choice of finish (This will complete one bracelet. If you are a novice wire worker please plan on more wire.)
Round nose pliers
Chain nose or flat nose pliers (preferably 2)
Steel block or anvil
Chasing or other small hammer
Files or file and cup bur
Measuring tape
Please consider wearing ear plugs and safety glasses while working with wire.
Basic Techniques and Information

Cold Forging

Cold Forging is shaping metal with force. The force is produced when the metal to be shaped is placed on a steel block or anvil then struck with a hammer. The hammer head and its shape will displace the metal in certain directions. A spherical hammer such as a chasing hammer will evenly displace the metal where as a standard, cylinder head, will move it at right angles to the curve. When cold forging hold the hammer in a "tennis racket grip" to ease stress on your arm and wear ear protection.

Place the metal to be forged on your block.

Carefully strike the metal evenly with the full face of the hammer.

Wirework
Wire work can be the base for jewelry or the only the means for connecting components. The majority of jewelry will have some sort of wire working so you will need some basic wire working skills.
Wire is made in different gauges or thicknesses with a number designation, higher the number the finer the wire. 14 gauge wire is larger than 20 gauge.
Wire can be made from metals such as gold, silver, copper, or brass or a mixture of metals. Wire can also have one metal, often copper, as a core with a coating of another metal.
Cleaning and straightening wire- Clean and straighten your wire by running it through your thumb and forefinger covered with a soft cloth. I often work off the spool for added leverage and do not clean this wire. There are wire artists who do not believe this step is necessary and others who believe it vital, the choice is yours.
Cutting wire- good cutters will make your life easier and your work cleaner. Gauge the size of your cutters to the wire and do not try to cut large, copper refrigerator tubing, with small scale cutters; you will ruin them. Know what kind of cut your cutters will make. Mine make a flush, straight cut on one side and a beveled cut on the other. Position your cutter to take advantage of the flush cut unless trimming for sewing when the sharper, beveled cut will work as your needle point.
Keep in mind that wire bits will tend to fly off when cutting wire. Safety glasses are one option or you can position your hands to cover the cutting area to deflect any flying ends.
Work hardening of your wire is something to always keep in mind. While you do want your wire to be hard enough to hold the desired shape you do not want it to become brittle. To test the wire you are working with bend a small piece back and forth until it breaks. Did you feel the difference as you worked it and right before it broke? Different wires will work harden at different rates, this is something you will get a feel for as you gain experience.
Here are a few things to prevent over hardening:
Work with a reasonable length of wire. Do not try to sew, loop or use wires over about 24" (61CM) at most.
Try to work clean without reworking any areas.
Match the job you are doing to the wire you are using. Forcing a large gauge wire into a tiny spot (as in sewing) or going repeatedly over an area with small gauge wire tends to harden them.
Avoid kinks, smooth your wire through a soft cloth or use plastic tipped pliers designed for this.
Annealing is another way to keep wire and metals malleable. This technique involves heating the metal until it glows then quenching. To learn more about this technique consult a metalsmithing or fine jewelry book.

Hold the cutter perpendicular to the end of your wire.
Cut through the wire then feel the end to see if it is clean and smooth. Files and cup burs can be used to further smooth wire ends if needed.

Create plier jump rings- Wrap wire at least twice around one plier nose. Make sure wire is smooth and firm against the plier. Slide off plier. Clip next to first part of smooth ring making sure your cutters are turned in the right direction. Now clip again lining up pliers with first cut to make a complete ring.

Condition your rings by gripping both sides with pliers then swing sides back and forth as if opening a gate a couple times. Always open and close jump rings in this manner so as to not distort them. You want the sides to rotate away from each other not spread apart.

You may also condition your rings by lightly hammering on a block or anvil. If your rings slightly distort use round nose pliers to reshape them.

Making a loop- Making loops is the most commonly used technique in wireworking and the basis for a number of other techniques. Practice making loops with any inexpensive wire. Feeling comfortable with this technique will greatly enhance your enjoyment, speed and work quality.

Loop making basics-
1.Cut a 4" (10.2 CM) length of wire. Make a right angle bend ½" (1.3CM) from one end.

2. Position the bent wire end towards you. Grasp the tip of the bent wire with round nose pliers. Hold the body of the wire with your other hand.

3.Rotate the pliers up and away from you until the end on the pliers meets the bend. If this becomes awkward at any point, remove and adjust your pliers by loosening then sliding them back. Make sure to keep the loop filled with your pliers.
4. If your loop becomes distorted, reshape the round section using round nose pliers and the base angle, 90° bend, using chain nose pliers.

When you need a number of loops the same size make a sample from practice wire. Measure the length needed from the bend to the end of the wire. Mark the spot on your pliers where you wrapped with a permanent marker.

Wrapped loops- Wrapped loops are used to securely connect components and to construct links. Plan on using a wire 18 gauge or smaller for wrapped links since smaller gauge wires can be hard to wrap smoothly. Keep in mind basic loop concept such as making a sample, measuring, and pliers use.

Making a wrapped loop-

1.Make a basic loop allowing at least 3" (7.6CM) tail before the bend.

2.When your loop has reached back to the bend stop. Grab the 3" (7.6CM) tail, the tail will now be shorter by the size of the loop, with your fingers or another pair of pliers. Round nose pliers are still in basic loop. Pull the tail past the main wire so it is perpendicular.

3.Remove round nose pliers and grip the loop with chain nose pliers. Pull the 3" (7.6CM) tail by hand or with a second set of pliers around the main wire up snug to the bend.

4. Wrap around main wire 3 or 4 times keep each wrap up to snug to the previous one.

5. Clip off wrapping tail as close as possible to main wire. Flatten end down by squeezing with chain nose pliers. If for any reason this end is rough either pull it back out and re-trim or file.

Forged Love Bracelet

If you have chosen 14-16 GA wire you will need to make forged loops. 18 GA or smaller wire plan on wrapped loops where you carefully forge around the wire wraps. Forging wire wraps or anyplace wires cross will weaken them.

1.Using 8" of wire and the pattern bend the "LO" section first. Create a forged or wrapped loop then use your fingers along with pliers to shape the "L" section. Using the tips of your round nose pliers create a tight loop on the tail end of the wire. Turn the loop in a circular motion until it forms a ring. Grasp the ring with flat nose pliers while you continue to work the wire around in a circular motion forming a spiral. Remember to keep the spiral loose so there will be a gap between rounds after forging. Consult pattern to make sure you are about the right size. After each forging step you may need to reshape and tighten any loops and file any rough edges.

2. Use 8" of wire to form "VE" section using above methods.

3.Forge both letter sections. Place end to end and measure. They should measure about 3 ¾" – 4". Subtract this number from the size needed to fit your wrist. Spiral links will make up the difference; do not count clasp as its length is needed to be able to comfortably hook bracelet.

4. Make a clasp starting with either a forged or wrapped loop. Shape the rest of the clasp using the pattern. Forge clasp and set aside.

5.Spiral links on pattern are 1 ½" using 4" of wire. (If you need a bracelet 6 ¾"-7" you will not need to make any adjustments. If you need a smaller bracelet simply cut off ½" leaving a 3 ½" wire and spiral the wire slightly tighter. To make a larger bracelet you have a couple of options: slightly larger make spiral larger, ½" larger make larger spiral and longer stem between spiral and loop, and significantly larger use 5" wire and all of the previous steps. You may also choose to add an additional spiral link to lengthen bracelet.) Form forged or wrap loop on one end of link. Spiral opposite end.

6. Now that you have all the major components made lay them out on a flat surface in order: spiral link, LO, VE, spiral link, clasp.

7.Use jump rings to connect all components.

One you get the hang of this try making a neck chain using 18 or 20 GA wire.

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!

Out of Debt Celebration Bracelet

2010-01-27T10:36:00.001-08:00

With all the talk about the economy and the State of the Union address coming up tonight I thought I would share this project from my Alternative Jewelry book with all of you. Also, here is oen more way to keep a bit more plastic out of our landfills.

This is an almost free project that helps the environment while giving you a sure fire conversation starter. Old key and credit cards including those free fake cards you get in the mail are linked with small zip or cable ties. Gather up 10 or more of these cards in various colors for the most impact or try making one in black and white for a type of elegance.

Supplies:

10 or more credit/key cards

40-50 slightly larger than one eighth" (.3CM) wide zip/cable ties (This is a standard size commonly available.)

One sixteenth" (.15CM) hole punch

Scissors

Optional but fun: assortment of plastic washers or liners from bottle caps

Tips:

These handy little ties have a small head on them that allows you to pass the tail through, in one direction, and then hold it in that position. If yours does not lock try running the tail through the head in the opposite direction.

Using your fingertip allows you to easily make all links about the same size. Be careful to not tighten the tie down tight on your finger!

Experiment using this technique with other plastics from containers or bottles.

Instructions:

Create a link bracelet from zip ties by shaping one into a circle about the size of your little fingertip. Insert the end of the next tie through the circle then close it. Repeat adding zip tie links until bracelet will slide over your hand. You can tighten up the links later if needed but cannot loosen it without cutting a link and adding more on.

Cut up the cards. Cut them into odd tag like shapes in various sizes. Trim off any sharp corners diagonally.

Punch a hole at one end of each card piece.

Stack 2 card pieces together then string onto a zip tie. Wrap the zip tie through a link and tighten but not so tight it will not move. Clip off end of tie next to head. Add at least one more card piece set to the same link. Repeat for all links. Feel free to add as many card pieces as you like to create a full, Cha Cha look.

Optional- String plastic rings or washers onto zip ties and attach in same manner.

Variation:
Make zip tie rings by stringing on plastic washers then tighten tie down to ring size.

Why Buy Handmade?

2010-01-25T11:19:00.001-08:00

I've wanted to write this post for a very long time but was unsure I could do it justice. After researching what others have posted about buying handmade I decided to write this answering different types of consumers' needs.

Consumer Reports (http://blogs.consumerreports.org/shopping/2007/07/market-research.html) lists 9 types of consumers. Why we are always being labeled and categorized who knows except it makes it handy to address issues and needs.

Let's address each of these and how buying handmade can answer their consumer needs. Remember these are not my labels they are Consumer Report's.

1. Karma Queens: These are the baby boomer ex-hippie women who are susceptible to quirky design, body-mind-spirit advertising and companies that have a woman-to-woman connection. Buying handmade comes natural to this group. They understand the concept, embrace it and are often creators of handmade.

2. Culture Crossers: These trendsetters cherry pick their favorite things from a variety of continents and sources like their idol Gwen Stefani. Handmade organizations, websites and social networks allow this consumer to find handmade goods from across the globe and even find items custom made just like their idols.

3. Denim Dads: The modern stay-at-home dad is a music-loving guy who is also handy around the house. Here is another group who naturally appreciates handmade, hands on approach to life in general. Perhaps they might need a nudge to realize how broad the handmade market really is and how it can meet more of his needs.

4. E-Litists: These are those who are interested in green products in a moderate way. They shop at Whole Foods, drive a Prius and idolize Al Gore. Buying handmade is extremely green in many ways. Most artisans work economically reusing as much as possible, are not commuting to a job outside their home, do not print massive quantities of promotional materials or use toxic chemicals to produce their goods. You can buy online and not drive to a mall.

5. Ms. Independents: These are the power single women with disposable income and a taste for the finer things. Purchasing unique, beautifully made products with impeccable craftspersonship is ideal for this consumer. One of a kind jewelry, knitwear, purses, pet gifts and spa products that are higher quality than available at any department or chain store can be found handmade. Think of buying handmade as the ultimate boutique shop!

6. Innerpreneurs: Brainstorming entrepreneurs who seek brands that are involved with causes. What better cause than helping the environment while helping real people? Your purchase allows many creatives a way to support themselves and their families while sharing their talents. Most handmade artisans are extremely active in social and environmental causes as well as active in their communities.

7. Geek Gods: Early adopter geeks, the ones who have the latest hot gadgets. Not many handmade electronics but how about a laptop or Ipod case? Even Geek Gods need clothes and house wares and gifts for non-Geek Gods!

8. Parentocrats: The obsessive parents, the multitasking, busy couples seeking the best products for their children. Here is another group of consumers that handmade is PERFECT for; buy online, saves time, buy quality/safe products for your kids and environment. Have you see how many darling clothes and toy options out there that are lovingly made my hand? We know you would make them yourself if you had the time so connect with an artisan who has the time and skill to give your kids the best.

9. Middlemen: The slacker men, ages 21 to 35, who are working dead-end jobs and are passionate about video games. Not sure about an answer for this group except if they buy online from and artisan they will have more time for the video games and be respected for choosing really nice, thoughtful gifts.

Why do I buy handmade even though I do have some skills in the DIY department?

I buy handmade items from artisans with skills I don't have or designs I adore or in mediums I don't work in.

I respect the artisans skills, talent, time and energy.

It is also cost effective at times to not buy a bunch of new tools and supplies to make something I need few of.

Many handmade artisans are my friends and I like the idea of supporting them and encouraging them in their work.

I like the feel of handmade; makes me feel connected to the artisan.

I respect the skills and time needed to create handmade items.

I am always proud to wear, give or display a handmade item.

Buying handmade makes me and the artisan feel good and if a gift the recipient feels good too.

Next time you need to purchase an item ask yourself if buying handmade is not the perfect answer for aesthetic, environmental and socially responsible reasons. I bet it's the perfect answer 9 times out of 10.

Here are some other good links on the subject. I will be adding more as I find them. If you blog about this let me know so I can add your link.

http://www.buyhandmade.org/why-buy-handmade Here you will find a wealth of information/links about the handmade movement. If you create handmade items, admire them or are curious about the whole concept check this out.

Maximum Recycle Canvas

2010-01-20T14:38:00.000-08:00

Mixed media art piece on faux wrapped canvas created from shipping box, fabric scrap, plastic caps, bread clips and a variety of paint bits.

I have been saving plastic bottle caps for awhile since we cannot recycle them here. Not sure how or why some items are un-recyclable in some areas; should research that. So...one of my goals for this blog and in life is to use things up, give them as many lives as I can and to try to keep as much out of landfills as I can without becoming a hoarder.

I have caps left so am going to make another one of these in earth tones and place seeds, herbs, and spices in the caps. Hang in the kitchen for an almost free spot of colorful art. Also going to do a funky family tree inserting family photos in the caps.

To make the faux wrapped canvas you will need:
Used sturdy box, if torn tape it so its solid
Fabric scrap large enough to wrap around top sides and a few inches on the back
Decoupage or gel medium (No VOC-http://www.earthsafefinishes.com/products.html
Gesso (ESF, of course its the best.)
Masking tape
Craft knife
Paintbrush
Protected work surface
Instructions:
If your box is 12" x 15" or larger stuff the box with scrap paper or newspaper before proceeding to make the surface stronger.
1.

Cut a center slit 1"-2" from the top edge using a craft knife. This will allow you to hang your canvas later on. Tape around the edges.

You will cut this open again after the fabric cover dries.

2. Brush a generous layer of decoupage medium or an even layer of Gel medium on to top of box. Find center of fabric, place on center top of box. Smooth fabric over wet medium working from the center outwards. Work fabric down and over the sides. Brush another coat of medium over top of fabric. Make sure to work all down to the bottom of the box. Allow to dry.

Apply decoupage medium or gel medium to the bottom of the box. Now wrap the fabric around to the backside of the box, smoothing down all the corners and edges. I tried miter folding corners and flap folding with no real difference in the end result. Allow to dry.

3. Paint a nice coat of gesso over the the fabric. Allow this to dry then you are ready to paint. collage. decoupage and mix media your canvas.

I'd show you a photo but its just a white box, nothing cool yet.

For the cap extravaganza I used:

Generation Green, Slate, Arctic White, Ocean, Sunflower, and Clay

Colorants added in- Black to Slate, Red Orange to Sunflower and Teal to Arctic White

Shimmers- Gold, Copper, Emerald,White with Red Orange Colorant added and White with Teal added

Here is another place I LOVE this product line, I can mix and match and make a zillion colors out of just a few products. How cool is that?

Variety of plastic caps

Bread tags

Measuring tape or ruler

Masking tape

Sandpaper

Instructions:

1. Measure then divide the top/front of your box into squares. Paint the squares using the Generation Green paints. Continue color from the top down the sides. Allow this background to dry then sand lightly to distress. I like adding in this layer to simulate aged paint and give more texture.

2. Now refine each square by taping it off then adding a contrast color around the edges and another in the center. Mix Colorants with paints for intensity and variety.

Forgot to take a photo of this at the right stage! You will want to paint this now, not after gluing the caps on. While you have your Black and Slate out paint a band around the sides of your canvas. This makes the canvas/box appear to be in proportion.

3. Dab gel medium onto the backs of your caps and place within the square. Some of my caps had paint residue in them, I use them as tiny palettes so I don't waste product, so I decided to dab paint on the rest and the bread tags too. I used complimentary Shimmers working with the colors in the background squares and adjacent colors. Most have Gold or Copper and a color Shimmer. Bread tags can be dipped into shimmers to adhere to centers of caps or just pressed into the wet Shimmers. Allow to dry.
4. To tie this all together I dotted the centers of all the caps with Slate and Black Colorant mix.

I'm going to make the family trees next using some more old boxes, will post photos soon.
Let me know if you have any questions about this process, OK?

Couple More Recycled Tie Ideas

2010-01-18T10:26:00.001-08:00

While I had my bag of old ties out I decided to whip up a couple more projects using some of these lux fabrics. Decided my posts are getting super long and some info is repetitive so am keeping this short. If you have any questions or need more info on how to do any of these please contact me and I will be glad to help.

Necklace-This project also recycles plastic bottle caps
Silk tie, gutted, stiffener removed and center stitching pulled out
2 Shimmer colors, sample uses Teal and Copper, (Choose colors that will contrast with tie or highlight a color in tie print.) http://www.earthsafefinishes.com/products.html
Craftersworkshop small stencils-http://thecraftersworkshop.com/
Stencil brush
Variety of plastic bottle caps
Bits of yarn, silk strips, or floss
Sewing supplies
Beads if desired.
Instructions:
1. Stencil both Shimmer colors onto tie. Allow to dry.
2. Sew tie long edges, right sides together, into a tube.
3. Insert plastic caps into tube. Tie around tube between each cap with yarn, silk or floss.
4. Adjust length then trim off excess tie fabric and tack ends together.
5. Add additional ties and beads as desired.

Pillow- For this project I challenged myself to only use 3 ties to make a 15" pillow. It can be done if you make few seams and don't try to make a regular pattern.
Sew bits of gutted ties together into rough squares. Sew pillow sides, right sides together, leaving a 4" opening. Trim corners diagonally then turn right side out.
Stuff pillow then slipstitch opening closed. I had tacked some tie ends onto the pillow for some detail.

Snake- Tie snakes have been around for a long time but this one is a bit different and far fatter.
2 ties, gutted
1 red tie end
Arctic White Generation Green paint, Yellow Colorant, Black Colorant from Earth Safe Finishes
Stuffing
Sewing supplies
1. Cut tongue from red tie. Pin largest end of ties right sides together. Line up lining cross seams. Insert tongue down in between linings, stitch across lining.
2. Sew all around snake leaving a 4" opening on one side.
3. Turn right side out and stuff. Slipstitch opening closed.
4. Paint base of eye shapes white, allow to dry. Add the smallest drop of Yellow Colorant to a drop of white paint, mix then paint round spot in center of white eye base. Allow to dry. Add a drop of Black Colorant to leftover yellow mix to paint iris. Allow to dry before playing with your snake.

Case- Ties work well for creating really nice cases or pouches for small items like glasses and cell phones. I used Black Pearl Shimmer and a bird stencil along with some curlie cues from Crafters Workshop on this case for my glasses. After the Shimmer dried I folded the tie to get the size I needed then trimmed off the rest. Slipstitched the raw edge closed then pinned and stitched then end to the inside of the tie. Quick and super easy and kinda cool.

Disclosure Statement

2010-01-13T10:42:00.001-08:00

I am still not altogether sure how to do this but believe this is a start. Here is my "Official" disclosure statement, not sure how to get this one every post I do yet.

This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. This blog does not accept any form of cash advertising, sponsorship, or paid topic insertions. However, we will and do accept and keep free products, services, travel, event tickets, and other forms of compensation from companies and organizations.

This blog abides by word of mouth marketing standards. We believe in honesty of relationship, opinion and identity. The compensation received may influence the advertising content, topics or posts made in this blog. That content, advertising space or post will be clearly identified as paid or sponsored content.

The owner(s) of this blog is not compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the blog owners. If we claim or appear to be experts on a certain topic or product or service area, we will only endorse products or services that we believe, based on our expertise, are worthy of such endorsement. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider.

The owner(s) of this blog would like to disclose the following existing relationships. These are companies, organizations or individuals that may have a significant impact on the content of this blog. We are employed by or consult with: Earth Safe Finishes.
To get your own policy, go to http://www.disclosurepolicy.org

I am friends or a supporter of/believe in certain services and products that I write about without any compensation. My blog is not edited by anyone aside from me. I have signed on to do ethical blogging.

I do consult with Earth Safe Finishes and am given products to test and create with by them. I bought the products before this relationship because I believed in them and would buy them if not given them. ESF understands and supports my recycling/environmental efforts which align with theirs. Many of my posts do not use any products or services and some generic names for products are used. When I am given a product I will state in the materials list that it was given to me. If by some miracle someone wants to pay me to create a project I will also state that at the end of the post.

Hope this satisfies the FCC!

T Shirt Halter Top

2010-01-08T06:27:00.001-08:00

Decided that I really needed to post some warm weather items for my pals near the equator and in the Southern Hemisphere to create now and the rest of us can try them in a few months.

Here is a plain T shirt turned into a fun halter top. This is another quick and easy project. I am always looking for ways to rescue my white tees since I always manage to get a spot on them somewhere.

You will need:
T shirt
3/8" small wood bangle http://www.diybangles.com/shop/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=5&zenid=f43ff4ec7fc78db71bb9a9fe4984ac2c

Earth Safe Finishes: http://www.earthsafefinishes.com/Colorant.html
Neon Pink, White and Crimson Colorant
Tackifier
FabricMagic
Ultrathick

Zinnia and Bliss stencils from The Crafters Workshop http://thecraftersworkshop.com/

Stencil brush
Iron
Sewing supplies including scissors, sewing machine, thread and pins
12-16" Elastic 1/2" wide
Saw to cut bracelet, hand or scroll
Cardboard scrap to place inside shirt
Sponge scrap or small rag

Instructions:
Use any hand or scroll saw to cut about 1/4" slice out of your bracelet.

1. Mix 3 drops of Neon Pink Colorant with 1 drop of FabricMagic to background tint your shirt. I wiped up some leftover Colorant mix from another project for sample. Wad up shirt in your hand and dab into Colorant mix for a random splotchy or cloud like look. Set aside to dry. When dry press with an iron.

2. Apply Tackifier to the back of your stencils using a rag or sponge scrap. Allow the Tackifier to dry.
3. Mix a drop of White Colorant with 1/2 drop Fabricmagic and a sprinkle of Ultrathick. Place scrap cardboard inside shirt. Press the Bliss stencil down firmly on the center front of the shirt just under the neck ribbing. Apply Colorant mix using a stencil brush and up and down motion. Allow to dry for a few minutes then place Zinnia stencil on top of where Bliss stencil was. Mix a drop of Crimson Colorant with FabricMagic and Ultrathick. Apply mix through stencil openings using an up and down motion. Peel off stencil then replace on one side down near hem. Repeat stenciling process. Allow shirt to dry then press with iron.

While you have the Crimson mix out apply it to your bracelet.

4. Cut off shirt sleeves on a diagonal.
5. Cut off back of shirt even with end of sleeve cuts. This should be a straight line cut. Cut trimmed off shirt pieces into 2" wide strips to make about 24" long tie.
6. Zigzag all cut edges. Piece 2" strips together end to end. Fold sides into center then in half to form sturdy tie. Zigzag length of tie.

7. Stitch a casing across the back a bit wider than your elastic. Thread elastic through casing, stitch down one end then try on for fit. Adjust elastic to fit then stitch down remaining end.

8. Turn under trimmed off sides on front, stitch a small hem. Turn under very top of front where ribbing is to make 1 1/2" casing. Stitch.

9. Thread bracelet into top casing, this is why you need the slit in the bracelet. This also allows you to remove the bracelet when washing your shirt. Slide the bracelet slit so it is covered by the gathered casing. Half hitch your tie to top of bracelet.

Now all you need to do is slip this on and use the tie to adjust the fit.

Tie One On in a Good Way

2010-01-05T18:21:00.001-08:00

Recycling beautiful old ties is a passion, what great fabrics! I used the ties whole to add strength and stability to the bag and because I wanted the inside to be as pretty as the outside. On the skirt and tunic I used "gutted" ties for thin strips of fabric. Thick or thin tie fabric, both have their applications and advantages.

A couple notes to assist you:
This design can be made stitching by hand or with a sewing machine, your choice, mine was by machine.
When choosing ties try to mix it up a bit, play with colors and patterns for a more interesting piece. Look for ties at thrift shops, estate and garage sales. Know that ties vary a great deal in size, both width and length….that's OK.

Plan to use the lined tips at both ends of the ties. The skirt uses the large end while the tunic neckline has small ends for embellishment.
Ties are all bias cut allowing you to skip seam finishing.
Add buttons, charms, beads, jewelry and found objects to the flap and straps of your bag to personalize it.
Magnetic closures or a zipper can be added to the top to secure belongs, if you are so inclined. If using magnetic closures make sure they are fastened through the tie stabilizer to keep them from pulling out. Zippers will need to be hand slip stitched into place.

Purse
Supplies:
7 full size ties

Spool of black thread

Sewing pins

Scissors or rotary cutter Measuring tape or ruler

Sewing machine or hand needles

Optional: FabriMagic™, embellishments, closure Instructions:
1. Layout 5 of your ties alternating thin ends and wide ends starting with a wide end. You will most likely only be able to even one end. Play a minute with your color and pattern choice then set 2 ties aside for the strap.
You will have an even flap end and uneven opposite end which will become the body of the purse.

2. Stitch 5 ties together their entire length. For machine stitching slightly overlap the tie edges then use a zigzag or feather stitch to join them. By hand slipstitch the sides together.
3. Place your sewn ties on a flat work surface. (NOTE: You may vary these measurements an inch or 2 but not anymore than that.) Measure from the even pointed edge 18" then cut straight across to make the back and flap. Trim off the uneven edge square. Measure 8" from the even trimmed edge then cut to make the front. Cut a 10" section from the remaining sewn ties for the front facing.

4.Sew the facing to the widest end of the front panel. The ties on the facing will run across the bag while the front panel runs up and down.
6. Place bottom edge of front panel (end opposite facing) and bottom of back/flap panel right sides together. Stitch to join.

7.The straps also form the side gussets. Place one strap tie, across one end of the bottom seam, right sides together. The point of the tie will extend past the seam. Stitch across8. Pivot the tie and your stitching to go up the front of the bag. Fold down 1"-1 ½" along top of facing. Pin side in place then stitch to top of facing fold.
Go back to bottom of bag. Pivot and pin back of bag to strap/gusset. Place a pin to stop stitching the same measurement as on front.
Repeat on other side of bag.
9.Place one tie strap over the other. Pin outer tie to gusset on opposite side of bag. Pin inner tie down inside bag. Stitch at least twice along strap length starting at top side of bag and ending at opposite top side of bag.
Finishing is fun and easy! You may slipstitch or use fabric glue to secure any loose flaps on ties. Sew or glue on embellishments to flap or over tie strap end on outside.

Skirt
Supplies:
10-14 ties depending on size and length desired plus one tie for waistband
½" elastic for waistband

Black sewing thread

Sewing supplies to include sewing machine, pins, scissors
New fine sewing needle (Consult your machine's owners manual for suggestions on sewing on silk.)

Iron

Instructions:

1.Gut your ties. Clip threads and labels on underside. Pull out inner facing. Press ties flat.

2.Determine desired skirt length. If you make long you can easily shorten by rolling the waistband of this very thin fabric without adding bulk. Arrange ties large point down in a pleasing arrangement. Pin sides of large points right sides together along length. Straight stitch together using 3/8-5/8" seams. Repeat adding ties until top edge generously will go around widest part of hips. Sew final seam together completing circle.

3.Measure top edge adding 1". Cut tie fabric 3" by this measurement for waistband. Seam short sides together with ½" seam. Stitch one side of waistband, right sides together, to skirt. Fold top of waistband down leaving 1" pocket. Pin and stitch leaving an opening. Stretch elastic over hips, add 1 ½". Thread elastic through pocket then stitch ends together. Stitch waistband opening closed. Tunic

Supplies:

V neck tee shirt with side slits

Smaller ends of 8 gutted ties

Trim to fit neckline

Sewing supplies as above

Instructions:
1.Stitch length of tie fabric to bottom front of shirt with ½" tie extending on both ends of shirt. Repeat with 3 more lengths.

2. Repeat above on backside of shirt.

3.Press side extensions to wrong side. Press front and back bottom hems.

4.Topstitch sides and hems.
5.Trim off small tie point ends even with lining on underside. Fold raw edges to inside and press. Arrange and pin tie points around neckline just below ribbing. Topstitch into place.

6.Pin trim in place starting at shoulder seams to cover top edge of tie points. Fold raw ends under on each end. Topstitch in place using a zipper foot. If needed hand tack lower side in place or use fabric glue.

Now let's add some pizzaz to the tunic.

You will need only the following:

Earth Safe Finishes Gold Opaque Shimmer and Tackifierhttp://www.earthsafefinishes.com/products.html

The Craftersworkshop Cosmic Swirl in large and small sizeshttp://thecraftersworkshop.com/

Stencil brush

Sponge scrap or rag

Scrap paper

Instructions:

1. Dab Tackifier over backs of both stencils using sponge scrap or rag. Allow to dry.

2.Place scrap paper under and around tie ends around neckline. Press on small Cosmic Swirl stencil.

3. Load stencil brush with Gold Shimmer then dab up and down over stencil openings.

4. Repeat on all tie ends around neckline.

5. Press larger Cosmic Swirl stencil onto lower part of tunic including tie banding and edge of shirt.

6. Stencil using Gold Shimmer repeating to cover front and back as desired.

Blind Self Portraits & Other Fun Drawing Exercises

2010-01-01T11:25:00.001-08:00

This is a liberating creative exercise that allows you to escape the confines of the expected and move beyond judgment. Judgment stifles creative energy; allowing yourself to create without judgment is a gift to you and allows latent talents to emerge.

Please do share this technique with others; it is fun and delightful to do with a group. You and they will be amazed at what is created.

You will need a stack of paper; inexpensive copy paper is fine, a pen, pencil or marker that will draw smoothly.

The first few times you go through this exercise it is helpful to have another person guide you, after that it is easy to do on your own.

With your eyes open place your paper squarely in front of you. Place your pen in the center top third of the paper and your non- dominate hand resting along the side of the paper.

Close your eyes and draw in one continuous line. NO PEEKING! If you go off the paper don't worry just bring the pen back onto the paper.

Relax.

Begin to draw your face by directing the pen with your mind. Start by drawing the right brow if you are right handed, left for left-handed. Now draw the top eyelid, bottom lid then move into circle around the iris. Move across the paper and draw the opposite brow, lids and iris. Bring the pen into the center and draw the nose then a short line down to the mouth. Draw one side of the mouth then the other bringing the pen back to the center. Draw down to the chin, trace the jaw line up on side of the face, around the top of the hairline, back down the other side of the face. Add hair by moving the pen out from the face outline, long hair from the chin area, short hair by moving up the outline.

Now, open your eyes and see what you have created!

There is a charming honesty to these portraits. You will find that they often reflect your mood and contain the essence of someone's personality. Try doing one per day for a week and see the difference. Also experiment by drawing loved ones or pet; should be someone you know well.

More Drawing Exercises

Blind Contour

Blind contour is similar to blind self portrait because you do not look at your paper while drawing. If not looking is hard for you try placing a drawing tablet under the table as you work. This exercise will help you perceive outline, contours and negative space.

Choose an object or practice by drawing your non-dominate hand. Focus, yes, eyes open this time, on the object. Choose a spot near a dominate feature or in one corner then start drawing in a continuous line. With my hand I tend to start at the lower right hand corner.

Upside Down

This is exactly what it is, drawing upside down. Using a photograph, drawing, or painting as a model turn it upside down then place paper over half of it. (You can also do this in quarters.) Fold your drawing paper in half too. Now draw one half of the upside down model. Move your cover over to the second half and draw the second half. This is another exercise training your brain and hand to respond to shapes and contours.

Negative Space

Position a semi-detailed object against a contrasting background, a dark branch against a white wall for example. Work directly in front of the object with good lighting, little or no shadow. Now fold your paper into 6ths or 8ths. Working on one paper section at a time draw the white wall, not the branch. You are concentrating on the negative space. After completing all sections look at what you have drawn. Does the branch standout or the space around it?

Perspective and Proportion

If you desire to draw realistically you will need to keep proportion and perspective in mind.

Here is an easy perspective exercise. Position your work near a door. Open the door at different positions and sketch exactly what you see even if it seems wrong. Your mind knows the door is a rectangle but when opened the sides will appear different sizes. Draw what you see!

Proportions can be difficult without some sort of scale or measure. The human body is roughly 7 heads tall and facial features are more centered on babies and children than on adults. As you continue to draw you will discover other "rules of thumb". Your thumb is a ready measuring tool for drawing which is why you see the classic artist pose of the painter with his thumb out, he is measuring!

Try using your thumb for measuring. Choose a subject then use your thumb to measure each of the elements comprising the subject. If drawing a vase, use your thumb measurement to gauge the width to the height. You are unlikely to be exact but will be able to more closely approximate the shape.

Shading

Shading is what gives a drawing depth. Shading consists of highlight, mid tones and shadow. Mid tones will be the majority then depending on the light source, shadow then highlight. Often an artist will color an object in mid tones then erase to highlight and add to create shadow.

Practice shading on a roundish object such as a ball or egg. Position a lamp near the object so you can vary how the light hits it. Draw first with the light on one side then from the other. Once you are comfortable with object shading try the same exercise using a bunched up piece of cloth. Arrange the cloth in soft folds, remember to draw shapes exactly as you see them.

THE most important exercise is practice. The more you draw and observe the better artist you will become.

Ways to use your portraits

First make copies of your favorites or scan them into your computer. Try resizing, mirroring, cloning, clustering or using photo manipulation software. Depending on your expertise and software you can make digital stamps, convert your drawing into blocks, and insert it into photographs or other drawings.

Trace over only the lines you want to keep perhaps eliminating the crossover lines. Combine elements from one or more drawings by tracing them onto a single sheet.

Add color using markers, pens, pencils, chalks, inks or paints.

Collage or appliqué the sections of your drawing with papers or fabrics. The sections are already divided out for you!

Create dolls, wall art, personalized stationary, use in collages, appliqués, clay…the sky and your imagination are the limit!

Transfer your drawing to different papers, canvases, fabrics, wood, or almost any surface your desire.

Transfer Methods

Choose the transfer method that best suits your surface and supplies.

Tracing is the least expensive low tech transfer method. Unfortunately you can only apply it to surfaces where a light will shine through. Use a light box or tape the original up to a window with good light to make tracing easier and allow you to use more types of surfaces such as muslin or heavier paper.

Tracing also works great for metal embossing. Simply tape your drawing to the metal and trace over the lines with a stylus. Remove the drawing and continue embossing your drawing.

Tech transfer options are growing all of the time thanks to innovative software and products designed for digital use. Check out whatever software you already own for ways to transform your drawings by resizing, duplicated to create a border, turning into mosaics, watercolors and color shifting.

Computers and copiers also allow you to transfer your images onto transfer papers such as Lazertron and tee shirt decals along with a variety of materials with a click of your mouse. Fabrics from muslin to sheer organza, magnets, shrink plastic, cling plastic and a huge variety of cards and papers are quick and easy to create.

Transparency transfers-

Print onto inkjet transparency sheet. Apply gel medium to surface. Place transparency onto wet medium and lightly tap down. Peel off transparency.

Heat transfers of all kinds are dependent on toner copies. Plan to use the copies soon after making them for best results. Wood burning tools with flat, iron like attachments work as well as specialty tools designed for this purpose. Turn the copy upside down onto your surface then heat; often the paper will turn brown, evenly with some pressure to transfer the ink.

Packing tape transfers work with toner copies too. Apply packing tape or clear plastic adhesive film (Contact paper) to the top of your image. Smooth down with no air bubbles. Soak in warm water a minute then remove, place on a flat surface and rub off the backing paper. Allow to dry face up. It will be very sticky! Now you can apply it to your surface.

Medium transfers such as gel medium and Images to Fabric can use inkjet copies as well as toner.

Gel medium, caulking, and gesso transfers are done by smoothing on an even layer of medium, placing image face down into medium then firmly rubbing with the back of a spoon or similar tool. Lift a corner to check on your progress. Rub more if needed then pull back the image. Allow to dry.

Images to Fabric transfers start by applying the medium to your image in an even semi-thin coat. While the medium is still wet turn down onto your surface, medium next to surface, and iron with a hot iron until dry. Allow to cool then place under running water for a minute to loosen paper backing. Rub off paper backing. This process works well on fabrics, leather and copper mesh and is also washable after 72 hours curing time

DIY and ESF Bangles

2009-12-30T06:36:00.000-08:00

ESF has teamed up with DIY Bangles and The Craftersworkshop to teach techniques using sustainable wood, reusable stencils, and the safest, greenest paints and finishes on the planet. Watch for these at Green Fests and consumer shows across the country this upcoming year for your chance to create your own bangle.

Here are the first 4 samples I made using a variety of products and techniques. Make one or all to fit your style, needs and color palette.

Because this post is rather long I am not going into the mixing and detailing on stenciling. Please consult some of my earlier posts for step by step mixing and stenciling info.

General supplies-

Earth Safe Finishes, Colorants, Varnish, Tackifier, Shimmers

http://www.earthsafefinishes.com/products.html
Bracelet blank-http://www.diybangles.com/shop/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=4&zenid=df3ca3f0e4eb79a5d7fef114bd47af24 main_page=index&cPath=4&zenid=df3ca3f0e4eb79a5d7fef114bd47af24

Stencils-http://thecraftersworkshop.com/

Stencil brush

Sponge scrap

General Instructions:

1. Paint or stain your bracelet base inside and out. Allow to dry.

2. While your base dries dab Tackifier across the back of stencil using a sponge scrap. Allow to dry. Tackifier secures your stencil in place helping to keep the lines nice and neat.

3. Stencil using Shimmers, gorgeous metallic paint or a mix of your choice of Colorant with a few drops of varnish. If you want a thicker stenciling medium add a sprinkle of Ultrathick to your varnish/Colorant mix. Allow stenciling to dry.

4. For extra shine and protection apply one or more coats of varnish.

Supplies:

Ruby Shimmer Opaque

Black Perfect Paint or Black Colorant with No Voc Varnish

Tackifier

Decoupage medium

ESF Peace Stencil

The Craftersworkshop, Cosmic Swirl 6" stencil

Newspaper

Straight edge

Craft knife

Stencil brush

Paint brush

Instructions:

1. Paint inside of bracelet Ruby. Paint edges Black.

2. Apply Tackifier to both stencils.

3. Stencil Ruby onto the newspaper using the Cosmic Swirl stencil, allow to dry.

4. Using your straight edge and knife cut strips of stenciled news paper width of bracelet. You will need about 2 1/2 strips. Tear the ends with your fingers to soften the edges.

5. Brush decoupage medium onto bracelet then place newspaper on top. Brush decoupage medium over top of paper smoothing as you go. Add remaining papers to cover outside of bracelet. Allow to dry.

6. Center PEACE on bracelet side. Stencil using your choice of black medium. Allow to dry.

7. Varnish if desired.

Floral Fantasy supplies-

ESF Yellow, Red, Black and Green Colorant

No VOC Varnish

Tackifier

The Craftersworkshop Flower Frenzy stencil

Coptic refillable marker

Paint brush

Instructions:

1. Mix a drop of yellow Colorant with varnish, brush randomly over bracelet base. Mix red Colorant into leftover yellow mix then randomly brush over bracelet. Mix green and tiny bit of yellow Colorant into varnish, brush over base. Allow to dry completely.

2. Apply Tackifier to back of stencil, allow to dry.

3. Mix 3 drops of black Colorant with 2 drops of varnish. Fill marker following manufacturer instructions.

4. Press stencil onto bracelet base. Use marker to outline stencil openings, allow to dry.

5. Varnish as desired.

Its Only Natural Supplies-

Golden Oak Stain and Sealer

Black Colorant

Varnish

Tackifier

Cosmic Swirl stencil from The Craftersworkshop

Stencil Brush

Paintbrush

Instructions:

1. Apply stain and sealer to entire bracelet. Allow to dry.

2. Apply Tackifier to stencil, allow to dry.

3. Mix Colorant with Varnish, 2 drops of Colorant to 1 drop of varnish. Add Ultrathick if desired.

4. Press stencil onto bracelet. Dab Colorant mix o with stencil brush. Allow to dry.

5. Apply additional varnish coats as desired.

Baroque Inspired Supplies-

Yellow and Green Colorant

No VOC Wax

Varnish

Gold Opaque Shimmer

Tackifier

Coptic marker with Colorant mix (See Floral Fantasy above.)

Arabesque 6" stencil from The Craftersworkshop

Stencil brush

Instructions:

1. Apply Tackifier to stencil, allow to dry.

2. Press stencil onto bracelet. Stencil design onto bracelet using wax. Allow to dry.

3. Mix yellow Colorant with varnish then dab over bracelet randomly. Repeat with green Colorant. Allow to dry.

4. Using thumbnail or old gift card scrap off wax. I sometimes use my heat gun to soften wax.

5. Replace stencil onto bracelet. Stencil using Gold Shimmers, allow to dry.

6. Place stencil back on bracelet lining up with gold stenciling. Outline using marker.

7. Varnish as desired.

New Year, New Ways to be Green

2009-12-28T08:44:00.000-08:00

Here is a fabulous New Years Resolution Post.
http://workcabin.ca/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1420&Itemid=70

Love how this really summarizes many life aspects and how each of us doing a bit more can have a huge impact.

Post Christmas thoughts-

1. I will start earlier on my random gifts and place them in areas where they might be needed most. I simply wrapped small gifts, jewelry I made this year, tagged them with "Merry Christmas to whomever finds this...Please keep or pass on". I focused the few I did in an area near public housing placing them at bus stops, near pay phones and newspaper boxes. Next year I plan to make some hats and scarves plus small ornaments and toys.

2. Cut down again on the amount of food we have around, too much is too much. I compost or feed to wildlife what I can but there is still too much waste.

3. Focus on time with friends and family and less on material gifts. Worked on this Christmas but can and will do more next year. I had 5 little kids, 1-6 years old making pizzas for themselves and their parents on Christmas day, what a blast. Next year want to do more of this and have craft days for kids and parents alike. Also think I will recycle some frames and frame kids art work for their parents.

4. Will do the pet food drive again before Thanksgiving and another in the spring. I am stunned by the outpouring of gratitude for this and how generous pet owners have been. Need to make another delivery this week to Helpline.

I'd be delighted to hear other's ideas on ways to make the holidays be greener and more compassionate along with ways we can make this a habit that lasts all year long.

Happy New Year! May all your dreams come true in a clean and loving environment.

Last Minute Spa Gifts

2009-12-21T08:31:00.000-08:00

Remember those glass containers I stenciled on a few posts ago? Simply take recycled glass containers, press on a stencil with Tackifier then sponge or brush on a bit of gesso. You can tint the gesso with some Colorant to make bright or pastel colors. How about a pale green or blue for some spa inspired contents?

Quickly and inexpensively whip up some of these and place in your embellished recycled jar for a sensational and elegant green gift!

Here are a few recipes:

Herbal Spa Scrub
Smooths rough skin and nourishes it. Exfoliates and feeds the fresh skin.
1 C. fine sea salt
2 C coconut oil
10 drops essential oils
1/4 C crumbled lavendar, calendula or peppermint
Blend together well.
To use: Dampen skin then gently massage into skin. Rinse well with warm water then pat dry.

Peppermint Foot Soak
Peppermint helps circulation while the sea salt softens the water.
1 C. coarse sea salt
1/2 C baking soda
1/2 C crushed, dried peppermint
2 drops peppermint oil (Smells divine too!)
Blend together well.
To use:Place in a pan of warm water. Soak feet for 15 minutes or more.

Other super quick ideas would be to put soup, cookies or cocoa mixes in your jars. Here are a couple online links for recipes.
http://busycooks.about.com/od/homemadesoupmixes/Homemade_Soup_Mixes.htm

http://busycooks.about.com/od/homemadecookiemixes/Homemade_Cookie_Mixes.htm

I may not blog over the next week with company coming and all that entails but will be planning a new season of green and crafty ideas including an ornament a month to keep the holiday spirit alive all year long.

Happy Holidays!

May the season bring you joy that continues throughout the New Year.

Bog Coat 2, Coloring

2009-12-17T05:51:00.001-08:00

Here is the bog coat I made from a cotton bedspread. The original fabric is in the upper corner with a closeup of one section right below it.

As you can see it is a transformation. This fabric has texture with a ridge running through it at regular intervals. Normally this might present an obstacle to creating a design but I will show you how easy this is to do with Earth Safe Finishes.

All ESF products are non-toxic, pure, no VOC, concentrates that are kind to you and the earth which is why I love them. The other plus is how gorgeous they are giving me the exact color, tone and effect I want.

I cut out my coat first, see previous post, this way I am not wasting any supplies.

I decided to "Cloud Dye" for an uneven, soft background.

To do this you will need:

Rainforest and Neon Green Colorant

FabricMagic

Mixing bowl

Protected drying surface such as a cardboard scrap large enough to hold fabric

Iron

Instructions:

1. I work over a sink for easy clean up of any drips. Moisten the fabric with water because this a thick fabric, cotton, and I want the color to work all the way through. Moistening evens coloring and saves on product.

2. Mix a dropper of Neon Green with about 6 drops of FabricMagic in a cup of water. Pour this mix randomly over the fabric working in areas about the size of your hand.

3. Mix 2 droppers of Rainforest with 12 drops of FabricMagic in 2 cups of water. Pour this mix around the Neon green areas allowing it to bleed.

4. Squeeze the fabric here and there and add drizzles of water to encourage more color spreading as needed. Repeat until all fabric is colored. Squeeze out any excess water. YES! You can use your bare hands.

5. Pile the fabric in loose, rumpled mounds onto cardboard or other protected surface to dry. Allow to air dry for at least 8 hours this way so color settles in creases here and there. After 8 hours hang to dry which will speed up the drying process.

6. Once fabric is dry press with an iron on cotton setting or highest setting for your fabric type.

Before you start the next phase it is easier to pin the coat together so you know where the sleeves and other parts are.

The next layer further enhances the background with a tone on tone design.

For this layer you will need:

White and Neon Green Colorant

FabricMagic

Ultrathick

Tackifier

Geometric stencils (I used a generic checkerboard, http://www.thecraftersworkshop.com/ Retro Squares 12" and Arabesque 12")

Stencil brush

Sponge scrap, about 2"

Mixing palette (I use cottage cheese lids.)

Instructions: Work on a hard flat surface, ideally large enough to stencil 4 or so square feet at a time.

1. Dab Tackifier over the backs of your stencils use sponge scrap. Allow to dry.

2. Mix equal parts White and Neon Green Colorant with a few drops of FabricMagic. Sprinkle in a very small amount of Ultrathick and mix until you have a slightly thickened Colorant.

3. Press stencil down onto fabric pressing down on all edges. I started on the back of my coat placing 12" stencils side by side with a gap in between for the checkerboard stencil turned on the diagonal to form diamonds.

4. Dip stencil brush into mix then rub Colorant mix into stencil openings. I prefer to have an uneven coverage so there is a faded out look along the edges.

5. Repeat stenciling adding Colorant to your brush as needed. Allow a section to dry then move onto another. The Colorant mix dries fairly fast but you can use a hair dryer to speed it up.

6. Once you have covered the entire coat allow it to dry well then iron.

Next layer is done with fabric printing blocks but you could use rubber stamps, your own or commercial, stencils, sequin waste or found objects.

Supplies:

Teal Shimmer

Paintbrush

Slightly padded work surface

Instructions:

1. Place a towel on your hard work surface to slightly pad it.

2. My design plan was to add this layer as bands to the sleeves and around the bottom where the hem will be.

3.Brush Shimmer onto printing block then brush a light coat of water on top. Press down hard on block. Use the same process without the water if using rubber stamps. If stenciling use Shimmers straight and a stencil brush.

4. Allow to dry.

Final layer uses a large scale stencil that was actually designed as a wall border.

Here is what you need for this layer:

Black Colorant

Emerald Shimmer

Tackifier

Stencil brush

Large organic style stencil

Instructions:

1. Apply Tackifier to back of stencil and allow to dry.

2. Mix a drop or two of Black Colorant into some Emerald Shimmer to darken it.

3. This is the boldest, highest contrast element in the design. My placement choices were: Falling from one shoulder down the back, down left front shoulder to the bottom hem and across both sleeve bands.

4. Apply Shimmer using a stencil brush in a dabbing, up and down motion.

5. Allow all stenciling to dry. Iron entire coat on the wrong side.

You are now ready to sew your coat together. The 2 front seams are it along with the hems. In the next post I will talk about some seam finishes and closures.

Bog Coat

2009-12-16T14:31:00.000-08:00

As near as I can tell the design for this coat and its name goes back to ancient times. A mummified person said to be over 3,000 years old was recovered from a bog wearing a coat in this style. Versions of this design appear in many cultures all across the globe for three main reasons; its is easily adapted to any size, fast and easy to assemble and wastes almost no fabric.

Here is my version created from part of a cotton bedspread.

I will show you how to create your own coat, jacket or top for any person along with some dyeing, painting, and closure creations in a series of posts. This post will be all about planning and cutting and sewing although I dye and paint before sewing. Number 2 in this series will be the dyeing and painting with #3 focusing on closures you can make yourself.

(Bedspread fabric before dyeing/painting below.)

Let's get started by talking about fabric choices. This design lends itself to almost any fabric from silks to cottons to fleece, its all about the look you desire. How a fabric drapes will effect the final appearance.

Some green fabric options to consider aside from a cotton bedspread are recycling sheets, tablecloths, curtains or piecing together fabrics to create the needed yardage. If your recycled fabrics are drab or not your favorite color, never fear, next post will handle that issue in no time.

Figuring the amount of fabric you need is easy too.

Measure from where you want the bottom of your sleeve to be on one arm, up the arm, across your back and down to the sleeve hem on the second arm. Add in an inch or two for hemming.

Decide if you want full, 15" or so, sleeves or more tailored around 10". Add this number to the total desired length of the garment plus a hem.

This coat started out 60" wide by 41" long.

Grab your chosen fabric in the size you figured out from above directions and lay it out flat. Placing the length measurement vertically and arm measurement horizontally.

(My graphics program died on me after I did a series of step by step graphics for these next steps. Undaunted I am now showing you how to cut this coat out using a pink fleece remnant.)

Fold down from the top your sleeve depth measurement, 10-15" for adults. Place a line of pins at the fold marking the shoulder line.

Now unfold then refold the fabric in half vertically matching up the shoulder pins on both sides.

The left corner is folded back just to show you the layers of fabric.

Cut the neckline 1 1/2"- 2 1/2" wide along the center fold.Measure from the outer sleeve corner to the spot the bottom of the neckline touches the body. Divide this number in half. Measure from the outer sleeve corner across the sleeve in towards the center, mark then cut to this point.

Pin in outer sleeve corner and at base of neckline.

Under sleeve cut and partially folded in.

All cut and ready to sew.

Once you visualize how this works you will see how super easy this is and wipe these out in no time.

Assembly is just sewing the seam from the sleeve underarm to the center on both sides using a small seam. Sew right sides together or wrong sides together and cover with trim or binding. Hem or pink edges if using a non-fraying fabric.

On to dyeing. painting, closures and embellishing over the next couple posts.

Junk Jewelry Rescue

2009-12-14T09:40:00.000-08:00

Here is my not complete project, the fabric is just placed behind this frame. I will cut some scrap cardboard circles a bit larger than the opening, cover with this fabric then adhere to the frame for a funky memo board.

Above is the mess of broken jewelry I started out with and a wooden ring I had for some reason, you could cut one from wood or use a couple layers of cardboard. You can also cover beat up Christmas ornaments, flower pots, frames and all sorts of other surfaces using this technique keeping more out of the landfills.

How did I happen to have all of this tacky stuff? My mom was in a store that was closing and the clerk was dumping all of this into the trash! My mom said to the clerk, "My daughter can make things out of this, can I buy them from you?" The clerk handed her a bag and told her to take whatever she wanted. Love you Mom!

First I went through and salvaged what I could, decent beads, metal bits and findings. These I put aside for later projects. I also sorted out the bigger beads for my granddaughter to use.

In order to be able to adhere the pieces onto a surface I had to remove some backings. This was pretty easy with some flat nosed pliers.

Sharp small pieces I set aside for a future project, what I don't know at the moment. Broken findings such as earring clips I used on the project.

I did not paint the base first since you get better adhesion on a non-painted surface. If your surface will be used horizontally this is not as big of an issue.

Brush a layer of gel medium over your surface working no more than a 4"-6" section at a time. Dip or brush a generous amount of gel medium to the backs of your junk jewelry and press onto the surface. I like to place the bigger pieces first then medium size and finally the smallest. I also cut apart strings of seed and other small beads and sprinkled over the top.

Here is the frame in its gaudy glory!

For my taste I decided to knock this back a bit and cover the wood edges. To do this I mixed some drops of Black Colorant into no VOC varnish. Brushed the mix over the frame then wiped off the tops of some of the pieces. This is an antiquing technique.

Before Antiquing After Antiquing

You could also brush one of the Shimmers over the entire thing for a dazzling textured look. I think I will make some girly frames using the Shimmers over the top maybe by adding some Rose Colorant to Pearl Shimmer.

Would love to hear how you use this technique.

Metal Tape Purse

2009-12-10T14:48:00.001-08:00

Here is my sweet little quilted bag made from hand dyed and painted fabric, scraps and metal measuring tape for the closure.

I was given one of these little bags with the clever use of old metal measuring tape pieces by a friend who got it from a friend of a friend. The reason I bring this up is I have heard there is a pattern out there, could not find it when I searched, for a bag using the tape closure. I do not want to impede their sales so will not be giving any dimensions and encourage you to purchase their pattern if you can find it. If you have some sewing experience you can most likely figure this out on your own as I did.

First things first, the fabric-
Supplies:
Blue, Black, White and Plum Colorants
FabricMagic
Tackifier
Ultrathick

I dip dyed a piece of muslin using Blue Colorant and FabricMagic, wanted it randomish. I think sprinkled on some coarse salt and let it dry. Brush off the salt and ironed with a medium hot iron.

I mixed White Colorant with Fabricmagic and a sprinkle of Ultrathick, you've seen me mix this up before so won't bore you with it again. I used a dropperful of Colorant, 3 drops of FM and tiny sprinkle of Ultrathick. I love these supplies because they are beyond "green" and go so darn far!

I sponged Tackifier to the backs of all my stencils including this one from http://www.thecraftersworkshop.com/ , they have terrific stencils, love them. This one is Arabesque. Stenciled in a random way to get a soft effect. Let this dry.

Next I mixed a tiny dap of Black Colorant into the leftover white to stencil the twigs. (Twig and Bird stencils are from the Lark book STENCIL ME IN.) Notice I am placing my stencil elements from the center seam outward so they will read correctly on the front and back of the bag.

Mix up some Black Colorant to stencil the birds and some Plum to stamp the peace sign and stencil numbers and word.

Allow to dry then press with a medium hot iron. I use a piece of parchment paper to protect my iron just in case I have rushed this and the Colorant is not completely dry yet.

Cut a piece of batting the same size as your painted fabric that will be the face of the bag. Cut a lining fabric same width and longer to accommodate 2 metal tape casings.

Place lining wrong side up, center batting of lining with extra lining material at both ends. Place painted fabric right side up on batting, pin to hold all 3 layers together.

Machine or hand quilt painted fabric. I use this as an opportunity to work on my free motion quilting.

Square up your quilt, my sides always get a little wonky after quilting.

Press a hem on your lining fabric about 1/2". Then fold it down to make a casing large enough for your metal tape.

About metal tapes-

You will find some tapes are far sturdier than others. If you have a wimpy tape use 2 layers or even 3. I had a tape that was broken, spring thing no longer worked, so I unscrewed the case and removed the tape.

Cut your tape 3/4" or so shorter than your casing. Trim off the ends so they are not sharp then wrap with duct tape. You do not want the metal edges to cut your fabric!

Insert your taped up tape into the case so the concave side faces to the lining and the plain side faces outward. Insert tapes into both casings.

Now pin the sides of the bag right sides together and carefully stitch down both sides avoiding the metal tape in the casing. I used an overcast type machine stitch but a french seam or encasing the side seams in bias tape would be an elegant finish.

Turn bag right side out and add a handle if you like. On this bag I used the straps from a tote bag, made from recycled materials, that was worn out on the bottom. Because the straps were not very long I simply stitched them to the top of the casing on the inside. You could use an old men's tie for a strap, braided scraps, chain, belt pieces or stitched fabric for a strap.

Make these in a variety of sizes and shapes using up all sorts of scrappy bits and creating a cushy home for your phone, Ipod, jewelry, makeup, tools, sewing projects, knitting or crocheting projects, toys.........

Emergency Mittens

2009-12-07T08:39:00.000-08:00

Being able to make something to fill a need is one of the best things about being crafty, makes me happy.

Yesterday I lost one of my insulated gloves and saw it was going to be bitter cold today, it is. So...I grabbed some batting, scraps of wool and sweater bits from other projects and made these mittens. Wore them this morning and they were super warm in 21 degree weather.Notice they sort of go with my scrappy scarf from a previous post. I wore the scarf wrapped over my head and around my neck, my winter coat and these mittens and stayed toasty while walking for about 45 minutes in this frigid weather.

Here is what I did which should take you about 1 hour total including the hand stitching.

Trace around your hand then add about 1 1/2" all the way around. Use this as a pattern for your batting. I had leftover batting but you could use blanket scraps, old towel or felt too.

Keep the wrist area wider than you think you need since wool and felted sweaters don't have much give. Also, I'd cut the wrist area longer next time to go further up my coat sleeve.

Put a heavy needle in your machine, 14 or denim type because the seams can get thick.

I stitched wool and sweater scraps, right sides together, directly onto the batting. Once all the pieces were stitched on I straight stitched around the edges then trimmed off the overhanging fabric.

Make sure you make 2 sides with thumbs facing left and 2 with thumbs facing right.

Match up mittens sides with batting to inside or wrong sides together. Stitch around the outside from one side of the wrist to the other. Trim seam.

I cut the sleeve cuffs off a sweater I used the body for a purse. Stitched the cuffs to the bottom of the mittens, right sides together.

You could now wear your mittens. I decided to add some yarn blanket stitching and a couple long stitched stars to mine.

Think I will be making more of these, gonna trace friend and family hands to make their own custom mittens. I have some felted old men's suits for the guys, more sweater bits and some nice purple wool for the kids. Hmmm, maybe some simple appliques or button trims too.

RECYCLED CAN FOOTSTOOL

2009-12-06T08:21:00.000-08:00

Remember these? Yep, the can based footstool. This one is created from one pound coffee not quite cans. The “cans” are metal on the bottom and a coated cardboard on the sides that makes them “unrecyclable”. I had two goals with this project; to try and use stuff that cannot be recycled and make a lightweight booster seat for a three year old. Adults have sat on these too, the end result is very sturdy.

Here is what I used with suggestions on substitutions:
7- one pound coffee “can” containers (Use real tin cans, juice cans for a larger stool and veggie cans for a smaller one.)
Used shipping box (Any sturdy cardboard or pressed board hanging around that is large enough to cut the top and bottom flower shapes out of.)
Remember if you are using larger cans you’ll need more material, smaller cans less.
Supplies:
1 ¼ yard batting, can use an old blanket or towel

1 1/2 yards fabric (Any combination of fabrics can be pieced together for this. My next one will be from recycled jeans.)
Fabric glue (You can use hot glue, white glue or if you are very talented no glue and stitch the whole thing together.)
Only tools you need are: Marking tool to trace top and bottom, scissors, needle, embroidery floss and a length of something to tie the cans together which you can skip if you have a good helper nearby.
Instructions:
1. Gather cans together with one can in center. Tie something around cans to hold them together, I used elastic.

2. Now trace around the bottom outline, makes a flower like shape, on your cardboard. You will need 2, one for the top and one for the bottom.

3. Wrap the sides of all out cans with batting. Overlap the batting then glue or whipstitch to hold. I glued the seam to the center can but you really do not have to do this; it just makes it easier to handle.

4. Cut 2 batting shapes for each cardboard flower. If you want the top plusher use more padding. Cut a square of fabric about 2” larger on all sides. Make a sandwich of cardboard, batting, and fabric right side up. Flip the sandwich over to the backside. Cut slits in the fabric as needed to smoothly bring the fabric around the edge to the backside. I used glue to hold. You could use clothespins, paperclips or duct tape to keep the edges wrapped.

Top flower piece is just sitting there to give you an idea of what it looks like wrapped.

5. Hold your fabric up to the can sides, will be up and down when complete, add about 3” to wrap around top and bottom. Either measure around the can group going into each crevice between cans or try dry fitting the fabric (easier) around all outer cans. Cut your fabric to this size adding 1” to the length for an overlap.

6. Now start your fabric wrap by pushing one end down deep in a crevice between cans. Make sure you leave excess fabric at the top and bottom. Wrap around next can then either glue or pin the fabric down into the next crevice. Continue all the way around.

This is what the cans look like on the bottom after the sides are wrapped. Yep, I used more than 3”extra on top and bottom.

7. Now all that is left is attaching the cardboard flower top and bottom. I glued mine on first then did a blanket stitch with floss around the edges. You could also glue or stitch on gimp, fringe, ribbon, whatever makes your design happy!

Why Black Dog World?

2009-12-04T08:47:00.000-08:00

I keep getting asked why I chose Blackdogworld and cannot answer in 140 characters. If you are reading this you understand.
In a nutshell, Blackdogworld represents a world view not hampered by prejudices, bias, or the false perceptions of others. It is a world view that is based on, “love is always the answer”.
Here is why.
Black dogs are the most often killed, many shelters will not even take black dogs. Big, black dogs have it even worse and big, black, male dogs are almost never adopted. Being a big, black male dog is a death sentence almost everywhere. People have a bias against black dogs. People fear black dogs are mean; this is NOT based on fact. It appears this bias is based on “looks” and rumor and misperceptions.
How many times do we make a judgment, decision based on false or biased perceptions? What is the outcome, impact of these decisions on our lives and the lives of others?
My desire is to live in a world that does not judge by color, size or sex; where black dogs are just as accepted as golden. I strive to not fall into regimented thought patterns that are ethnocentric, biased by outward appearances or paradigms preached by others. My black dog world is loving, respectful of life and aware.

On a very personal note I adopted a big, black make dog. Scotty was dumped at the pound at 4months old with his nose split open. (A scar on his nose is another reason he was not adopted.) After spending a few months there he was scheduled to be “put down” for no reason aside from time spent there. A rescue group got him at the last moment and we were able to adopt him a month later. He is the sweetest dog, good with kids, well behaved, loving and pure joy in our lives.
I was fortunate last year to be able to attend one of the Dalai Lama’s compassion rallies. The Dalai Lama said (this is paraphrased and not a direct quote) our most sacred duty was to protect the planet, respect all life, be compassionate to animals and to teach this to our children. I try everyday to do my duty.

More Things Made from Recycled Sweaters

2009-11-30T13:22:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple purses and slipper socks made from Goodwill sweaters. The slipper socks look a bit strange but fit well and feel great.

I buy wool sweaters. preferably 100% wool but down to 75% is OK. I look for a design I like and try to choose sweaters that have some damage and are unlikely to be sold. Small holes or missing buttons are no problem with these projects. Also try to buy the largest size possible.

Throw the sweaters into your washer with a bit of detergent or soap, a couple tennis balls or solid rubber dog toys. Wash in hot water then dry in a hot dryer. Your sweaters should be at least partially felted by now. I like some give for the slippers so do not full, or completely felt the sweaters.

Lay your sweater out flat. Cut off the sleeves first. Set the sleeves aside then cut large U shapes at the center front and back. If you have a cardigan like I did you can use the neckline shape along with the banding or ribbing down the front. On cardigans I cut the back to mirror the front. Cut apart the shoulder seams.

To create a purse or tote sew the front shoulder seams to each other (right sides together) to form one handle and the backs together to form another. Turn the raw, cut edges under 1/4" then straight stitch in place. Roll the sides of the handles in towards each other, pin then handstitch together using a ladder stitch. Save any scraps trimmed off to make a button loop later.

If you have a cardigan you will need to stitch up the center front opening. In some cases the banding is wide enough to stitch around the buttons but on others you will need to remove the buttons, stitch then sew the buttons back on if desired.

Turn your bag inside out, match up bottom edges so front fits flat and even to the back. Stitch straight across. One each side of the bottom seam fold the side seam down onto the bottom seam forming a triangle shape. Stitch across the triangle 3"-4" from the tip of the triangle.

Choose a button for the closure, can be one that came with the sweater. I had a stoneware button I purchased from a local potter I decided to use on one purse and like the one that came with the blue sweater. Sew button to front 1"-3" down from center opening.

Cut a scrap from the ribbing or trimmings about 1/2" x 5" for the button loop. Fold in half lengthwise and stitch. Pin both ends of the button loop to the center of the back opening. Fit the loop to your button so it holds the purse closed.

Viola! Purse is done now on to the slipper socks.

The slipper socks will need a bit of fidgeting. First you should be able to make up to about a Womans size 9, any larger and you will probably need to use a different pattern.

To figure the sole pattern the easiest thing to do is to either trace around the person's foot then add 1" all the way around or trace around a shoe. Ideally cut the sole pattern out from scrap cardboard to use as a template and guide.

Once you have the sole pattern you can figure where to cut off the sleeve. On some I like to leave as much of the sleeve as possible so they form sort of a scrunchy, cuffed look. This is the reason I only partially felt, give over the feet and ankles. Push your sole template down inside the sleeve until the edges of the sleeve and the template match up; cut sleeve off at this point. Repeat for other foot.

Cut 2 soles, 1 in reverse from sweater trimmings or felt. I also cut a piece of gripper fabric 2" x 5" to make these safe from slipping. You can also use the net type shelf liner made to keep things from slipping or dots of some fabric glues. (I've been told, never tried the glue.) Zizag stitch on whatever grippy material you choose to the bottoms of the soles.

Pin the soles to the trimmed off sweater sleeve, wrong sides together. Topstitch all the way around securing the sole to the sides. You could stop now if you wanted but I think it looks more finished to add blanket stitching all the way around stitching over the previous topstitching.

These might look strange but are very warm, super green and really easy.

I also made a plain gray set for a friend who loves to needle felt, embroider and bead thinking she will add on to them.

Why Tea Towels?

2009-11-28T09:55:00.000-08:00

The past couple Christmases I have decorated tea towels for gifts and to use as gift wrappings. I buy organic cotton towels which means they are sometimes a bit wonky on the edges,no big deal.

I feel good about these environmentally since using a towel will save energy and resources and I am using only pure supplies to embellish them.

This year I decided to simply stencil a design in the center of one side and am really happy with the outcome. I am thinking some of these might end up as pillow covers or sewn into bags.

I like to make up a big batch of these and use them in groups as stand alone gifts and for wrapping up smaller gifts. I can easily make a couple dozen in an afternoon.

Supplies:
Tea towels
Tackifier
Choice of Colorant
Fabricmagic
Ultrathick
Choice of stencil, I used Stencil from Stencil Me In book from Lark
Stencil brush
Iron
Instructions: ( I will be brief here since in previous posts I did step by steps on mixing and stenciling.)
1. Apply Tackifier to back of stencil and allow to dry.
2. Smooth stencil onto towel.
3. Mix a drop of Fabric Magic, drop of Colorant and the tiniest sprinkle of Ultrathick per towel.
4. Dip stencil brush in mix loading brush about halfway full. Dab brush over stencil openings.
5. Remove stencil and allow to dry.
6. Press with iron on cotton setting.

Bottle Cap Bonanza

2009-11-27T06:30:00.001-08:00

I realize not everything I do is totally original but some ideas are worth repeating like bottle cap crafts. On the left is a trivet made from scrap wood painted with Generation Green paint. On the right is a soup can with caps attached with gel medium that is filled with cap and wire flowers. The wire was "rescued" from an old project.

I am also thinking the bottle cap flowers would look sort of cool mounted on a board. Here I have them placed on an old experimental board. One bottle cap flower on a wood scrap could be fun too or a series of small wood scraps.

Here I wired an old refrigerator magnet to the back of the cap which is another way to use these flowers.

I saved up bottle caps and asked others to save theirs too. No, we did not have a wild party for days to get all of these!

I have heard of bars saving caps up for people which would be a good way to get a variety of colors.

Trivet Supplies-

Wood scrap desired size of trivet (When I make another one of these I will layout my caps and find or cut a scrap to fit exactly, this time I just used a piece as is.)

Paint, Generation Green color choice

Bottle caps

About 1" nails or tacks

Drill and bit slightly smaller than nails used

Hammer

Scrap of felt to cover bottom of wood

Gel medium

Instructions:

1. Paint top and side of wood. Allow to dry.

2. Drill hole in center of bottle caps.

3. Nail caps to wood in desired pattern.

4. Use gel medium to attach felt to bottom.

Can/vase Supplies-

Soup or bean can

No Voc Gel Medium

Bottle caps

Use gel medium to adhere caps to sides of can. Its easier to place the can on a towel or rag to keep it from rolling then glue on 2 rows at a time, allow the medium to set then turn and add 2 more rows.

Bottle Cap Flower Supplies-

Semi-rigid wire, mine was stripped off an old garden basket. The wire was a bit kinky in spots but that's OK.

Drill with about 1/16th bit

Wire cutters

Round nose pliers

Instructions:
1. Drill hole in center of bottle cap.

2. Insert wire into hole and either spiral on top of cap using a single wire. To create the spiral grip the end of your wire with pliers and form a tight loop. Hold the loop horizontally with your pliers as you wind the wire around to the desired size spiral.

OR...fold the wire in half and insert both ends through the center hole. One the backside wrap loops around a couple fingers to form petal.

3. Now is the time to slide on a magnet disk. You want the magnet to sit inside the cap but not so deeply the edges of the cap extend past the magnet.

Twist the wire with round nose pliers or wrap and twist 2 wires around each other to secure the bottle cap.

Now bend the wire to form leaves and a stem using your hands and pliers where needed.

Depending on your wire you might need to twist 2 wires together to make a sturdy stem.

Other ways to use bottle caps:

String from fishing line as windchimes

Stud an old belt using small grommets

Drill a small hole at the top, attach photo, clippings, bits of pressed flowers or leaves then cover with No Voc varnish. Use a large jump ring to attach to a cord or chain as a pendant.

Wall Organizer with Scoreboard

2009-11-23T06:24:00.001-08:00

Happy to be involved with Eileen Hull's Scoreboard Projects. Here is my project using the notecard holders. I made a hanging recipe file to keep favorite recipes within easy reach but you could make one to organize your paperwork, children's' papers, work projects or photos.

The base is foamboard making this very easy to hang but sturdy enough to hold up with use.

For complete step by step instructions with photos please go to: http://www.earthsafefinishes.com/Wall_Organizer1.pdf to download the free PDF file.

Congrats to Eileen for another successful design.

Now checkout what some of the most amazing designer/artists on earth have done with the notecard holder.

Jennifer Ellefson http://www.createdfrompaper.blogspot.com/

Denise Clason http://deniseclason.com/blog/2009/11/24/blog-hop-notebook-pocket-by-sizzix/

Ann Butler http://www.creativitystirsthesoul.com/2009/11/sizzix-blog-hop-notebook-pocket.html

Fabrizio Martellucci http://brendapinnickfanaticscardscrapbooking.blogspot.com/2009/11/notebook-pocket-village-color-papers.html

Korie B http://papergoddess.typepad.com/we_will_always_have_paris/2009/11/sizzix-scoreboard-blog-hop-notebook-pocket.html

Eileen Hull http://www.eileenhull.blogspot.com/

Karen Burniston http://karenburniston.typepad.com/i_am_not_lefthanded/2009/11/scoreboard-blog-hop-notebook-pocket.html

Bonnie Bruns http://bonniebruns.typepad.com/bonnie-bruns/2009/11/scoreboard-blog-hop-notebook-pocket.html

Watch for more of Eileen and other artist creations in TOTALLY CREATIVE http://www.totally-creative.com/

Super Fast Super Green Ideas, No Acid Etching

2009-11-20T09:53:00.000-08:00

With the holidays rapidly approaching I wanted to do a couple very fast and very green projects that would also be useful. These all use recycled items or things commonly thrown away with very few additional products, bit of paint, varnish and gel medium. The glass projects my 5 year old granddaughter helped with.

These are not staged very well because I have almost zero time right now doing the food drive. The vase in the back was one I received and arrangement in eons ago. The 2 in the front are pickle and jelly jars.

The process is super simple. Use either a stencil with Tackifier on the back or almost any kind of tape or sticker as a mask. The jelly jar in the front has old price tag stickers.

You could also do a solid color like a frosted effect.

I plan to use a couple lanterns outside our doors to welcome guests. The large vase will be filled with fallen leaves, cones and whatever else strikes my fancy for now and broken Christmas ornaments and windfallen evergreens later.

My grandson eats jarred baby food which I think will make some cute votives and????? Maybe little snowman faces! I can then fill the jars with some sort of goodie.

Some of you will need no instruction but for those who do here is how simple this is to do:

Wash and dry your glass pieces. Its helpful to nestle your glass piece in an old towel or rag while working on it.

Press on stickers or tape if you desire.

Next mix about 1 teaspoon of Glacier White paint with 1/2 teaspoon No Voc Satin Varnish. (You could use any color of paint; I am thinking of doing pink lanterns for my granddaughter's birthday party.) Now dip a piece of sponge or soft rag into the mix, you want it to be about half full or less. Simply tap up and down over the glass to cover or fill in your stencil.

Allow one side to dry then roll the glass over and complete your no acid etching.

Once dry you can hand wash the glass.

To create a lantern you will need to use a jar that had a screw on lid, grooves around the top. Depending on how low you want the lantern to hang cut two 28"-46" pieces of at least 18 GA wire.

Place one wire on work surface. Center jar top, grooved edge on wire. Place second wire on top of jar so it lines up with first wire. Adjust so ends of wires are even on both sides.

Tightly twist wire from bottom and top together on each side making sure they rest in grooved top. (I will try and get a step out tutorial done on wire working in the next couple of days.)

Now twist side wires together forming 2 twisted lengths. Bring the side wires together and twist 2 or 3 times 2-3" from the wire ends.

Twist the remaining wire then bend wire ends down forming a loop, wrap and twist tightly around the side wires.

Test your wires to make sure they will support your lantern by tugging rigorously on the bottom of the glass while holding the loop.

Sorry for the rush on this one. Much more to come but need to go gather and distribute food to Helpline first.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Pincushions from Bottle Caps

2009-11-18T09:42:00.000-08:00

Pincushion Rings and Bracelets
©Barbara Matthiessen 2009
Pincushion rings and bracelets are fun to create, practical to use, and re-purpose bottle caps that cannot be recycled. What a great package, fun, creativity and green all in one! These could also be done as fabulous soft jewelry. Mix and match small bits of fabrics, trims and felt to create your own unique creation.
Supplies:
Plastic bottle caps:
Small from soda bottles, milk cartons or about 1 ¼” in diameter for rings
Medium from juice bottles, shampoo, or about 2” diameter for bracelets
¼” wide elastic, 3” for rings, 8” for bracelet
Felt (approximates since your cap size may vary) – 1 ½” x 5 ½” for ring and 2” X 8 ½” for bracelet
Fabric: 3” circle for ring, 5” circle for bracelet
Embroidery floss
Small amount of fiberfill
Fabric glue/ gel medium

Tools:
Drill with 1/8” bit,
Sewing pins
Embroidery needle
Scissors

Instructions:
1. Drill 2 holes through your bottle cap. Drilling creates a smooth hole less likely to wear out elastic over time.

2. Cut felt circle same size as cap.

3. Insert elastic through small slit in felt then into cap from outside to inside.

Repeat on other end of elastic. Adjust elastic loop to fit finger or wrist then tie and knot off elastic ends inside of cap.

4. Cut a circle of fabric. Use a running stitch, simple up and down, ½” away from edges. Pull thread or floss to gather up. DO NOT KNOT OR CUT OFF THREAD/FLOSS. Stuff with fiberfill, pull up gathering thread. Pack fiberfill in until tightly filled. Take a couple small stitched then knot off gathering floss.

5. Squeeze a few drops of fabric glue inside of cap. Stuff open end of fabric ball into open end of cap. Allow the glue to setup.

6. Wrap 1”- 1 ¼” wide felt or trim around sides of cap. Use sewing pins to hold in place as needed.

7. Use embroidery floss to stitch felt circle to sides using either a blanket stitch or whip stitch. Start stitching at side seam, stitch around circle then up seam.

8. Using floss stitch top edge of side piece to fabric ball. For variations do embroidery stitches along sides, add trims, or use an embroidered trim as in this sample.

Congratulations, you have just completed your first pin cushion ring or bracelet. Be sure to make lots of these as thoughtful gifts or just for fun.

Bits and Pieces to Make a Whole

2009-11-12T14:10:00.000-08:00

Through previous blog projects I have used reclaimed fabrics mostly wools and wool blends to create a tablerunner, pillows and now a scarf. Thought about doing a purse but realized there are a million and one way cute ones using old sweaters and such.

Here is a scarf I did with some of the smaller bits and pieces. Here and there and across each end are parts of the sweater I used to make the cape and one of the little girl outfits. some wools from previous projects are here too along with sari ribbon, recycled sari pieces.

To make the scarf all I did was but pieces together and zigzag. Once I got the size I wanted I trimmed off some raw bits then topstitched on the sari ribbon. I could overdye this and make it more even toned but I am liking it just as it is. This is going to keep me warm and toasty on those early morning trips to the dog park and the price was a couple hours time, some thread, sari ribbon and a bit of electricity.

Here is the link to the previous post on making the pillows and tablerunner.

http://artofgreenrecycling.blogspot.com/2009/08/recycled-wool.html

Here is a not so great shot of the tablerunner where I used reclaimed buttons as the trim.

Info about how to make these is in the previous post, link above.

Upcycled Gifts 3

2009-11-11T09:50:00.000-08:00

Now its time to get into the really nitty gritty.

To prepare your stencils for use you need to apply Tackifier to the backs. Why? Tackifier is a temporary adhesive that will hold the stencil in place while you paint. You will get a much better design with cleaner edges than if you taped or held the stencil in place. I like Tackifier because it works really well, holds for 5-7 repeats, and does not stink as some aerosol products do.

I place my stencil on a used piece of parchment paper then use a brush or small sponge to apply a thin but even coat of Tackifier. Set this aside to dry completely. I coat all my stencils at one time then rinse out my brush or sponge with water.

If your stencil has very fine lines as this twig one does you will sometimes get little bits of Tackifier overhanging the stencil opening. Use a toothpick or your fingernail to remove the bit.

Insert a sheet of scrap cardboard or wood inside your top separating the front from the back. This will insure paint does not seep through to the other side. On sleeves I cut a sheet of fine grit sandpaper in half then insert it with the seam centered on the back. This not only prevents any paint seepage but keeps stretchy knit sleeves from moving around and stretching out of shape while painting.

Consider your design placement, scroll down to Upcycled Gifts 2 for some samples. Press your prepared stencil in place making sure all edges are well adhered to smooth fabric.

Using Colorant for stenciling keeps the fabric very soft, allows you to custom mix whatever color you desire and is extremely economical. The Colorant is pure pigment, totally non-toxic and no VOC as is Fabricmagic and Ultrathick.

I mix small amounts at a time on yogurt/cottage cheese container lids which are not recyclable where I live. A couple drops of Colorant, 1 or 2 drops of FabricMagic and a sprinkle of Ultrathick is all it takes to make a shirt or two. You can also add in some water and stretch your mix even further. Why add Ultrathick? Ultrathick makes the mix thicker for easier stenciling.

This photo shows enough product to do at least 2 shirts maybe more. The amount of product needed will vary according to how thick and absorbent the fabric and the amount of design work you are doing.

Once your mix is ready dip in your stencil brush but only load enough mix to coat your bristles, better to have too little on your brush than too much. Dab your brush up and down over the stencil openings or if very well adhered you can swirl the brush over the stencil. Add more mix to your brush as needed. Fill in all desired stencil openings.

Pull up one corner of your stencil to check and see if you like the results. If you like the results carefully pull off the stencil. If you want more color replace the stencil making sure the openings match up then apply more color.

When stenciling with Shimmers you do not need to mix anything simply adhere your stencil then apply the Shimmers with a stencil brush.

Allow your work to dry. Press Colorant stencil with an iron according to the fabric type, cotton on cotton setting. For Shimmers turn your piece inside out and press on the back or inside of the piece.

Variations are fun!

For further variations try taping off a section of the stencil or continuing a design all the way around a sleeve or hem.

Also try dyeing the shirt first with Colorant and Fabricmagic then stenciling or using No Voc Wax as a resist.

You can also add layers of stencils as we did with our Street Chic look. Download the complete pdf for this shirt http://www.earthsafefinishes.com/Projects.html

Upcycled Gifts 2

2009-11-10T08:37:00.000-08:00

These projects are all very simple to do and require no sewing. I simply bought some very nice name brand shirts at Goodwill and added some design to them. I also like to add layers of dyeing and painting, scroll down through my previous posts or go to http://http://www.earthsafefinishes.com/Projects.html where you can download a PDF on Street Chic clothing along with many other projects.

Now I want to chat about planning your design. The first top at the top is done tone on tone. There is a central image along with a border all the way around the bottom and cuffs.

Now this one looks like the 80's to me which is fine but I am now wishing I'd use different colors on it. The design is on the front of the shirt.

On this green hoodie I used the same stencil portion on the sleeves and left shoulder. A darker color in the same color family as the fabric was used.

Here is another tone on tone version using Shimmers. Again I repeated the stencil from the front onto the sleeves.

On this top I used only a small part of the same stencil design from the front on one sleeve.

OK, this is one of my favorite combos. I did the twig stencil on both sleeves with the bird on one shoulder. I liked this so much I did a beige T shirt the same way.

Now its time for you to go shopping either in your own closet or thrift store for tops you can easily embellish in no time at all. In fact I am going back to look for a couple more tops to do for more gifts.

Next will be getting down to actual painting. I will outline and show every step so if you have never done this before you can have all the info you need to be successful the first time.

Upcycled Gifts

2009-11-09T11:33:00.000-08:00

Starting on a new series for the holidays, making upcycled gifts. For the first section I am doing clothing, thrift store and on hand things you can make for next to nothing. Here is one example that will be in the gift issue of Totally Creative, http://www.totally-creative.com/ I call this Gearhead Hoodie.

Went to Goodwill the other day and bought 11 tops, one is a hoodie. Over the next couple of blogs I will show you them including one I am not too thrilled over. Step by step instructions so even if you have never even considered doing this you will have all the info you need to be successful.

Here is the pile of clothes that will make 5 or 6 gifts and a few needed tops for myself.

Here is a list of supplies I will be using:

Earthsafe Finishes Products

Tackifier, holds stencils in place

FabricMagic

Colorants, black, white, moss

Shimmers, Teal, Mauve and Gold

Hand and Brush Cleaner

Stencils- most are from www.thecraftersworkshop.com . great stuff here

I also used 2 from the Lark book Stencil Me In, bird and twigs

Stencil brush, I like to have a couple on hand

Cardboard Scraps and a sheet of fine sandpaper

More tomorrow with some fun photos, I hope.

Another Take on Shirt Stenciling

2009-11-04T13:55:00.000-08:00

Super easy thrift store shirt redo, sleeve stenciling. I put parchment paper inside the sleeves but next time would stick in a sheet of fine grit sandpaper to counter the super stretchiness of this fabric.

Applied Tackifer to Cosmic Swirl stencil from www.thecraftersworkshop.com, let it dry. With a stencil brush and Glacier White I painted the design about 3/4ths the way up the sleeve. Dry in 20 minutes and ready to wear.

I like how this looks and it only cost me $2.99 for the works.

CHOW FOR BOW WOWS EVENT 2

2009-11-03T15:08:00.001-08:00

Here is our flyer for the event.

Talked with the head of Helpline food bank only to realize how much more the need is than I anticipated. They deliver to many home bound seniors with pets who are their reason for living. She told me many ask for food for their pets before meeting their own needs. Their pets are so vital to them we want to help keep their pets with them and not go to the pound.

So far today I have a grocery store chain that is going to announce this to their employees and will donate all broken bags of food. A woman in line while I was asking to post a flyer said she worked for a local feed store and was going to rally them then I visited our vet's office where they said they were hearing the same sad news and were looking to do something too. Not bad for a few minutes work.

I have a flyer posted at the dog park and left a few more in the note bin. Have a bunch printed off, a roll of tape and some tacks in the car. Everywhere I go I am going to ask to post the flyers and see if they can contribute. Tomorrow I hope to go to more pet places, vet's and handout more at the park.

In addition a couple of us are going to try and make some pet things to sell to raise money to supplement donations or for medical care.

Here is one idea, braided polar fleece tug toy. I use scraps from sewing for the grandkids for these. All dogs seem to love them.

I also do these from a previous blog post.

Here are some of the scrap wool flea dog toys I made. One the back one I embroidered the face and "Flea" and on the front two used ESF acrylic paint. Please when you make these use ESF so they are non-toxic, safe for dogs to chew on.
You can make these any size you like by making a pattern consisting of a small ball shape on top of a large one for the body. OK, these do not look EXACTLY like real fleas but that would be icky. Cut to head/body units then some strips for legs. Make sure to double or triple fold the legs fabric for lots of chew value. Tightly zigzag the length of the leg strips.
Decide if you are going to paint your fleas and do this now before sewing. The decoration is for the humans, the dogs don't care!
Cut 6 or 8 legs, you decide, from the sewn strips. Pin then double straight stitch them onto one flea side edge. Make sure your legs are pointing in when you do this.
Now place the head/body pieces right sides together. Double stitch, you want this to be strong, around the outer edges leaving a 2" gap. Make sure you stitch over the legs again while doing this. Turn right side out, stuff and securely sew up the opening.

If you have ideas for other crafts or ways we can make this event great please let me know.

Thanks!

CHOW FOR BOW WOWS EVENT

2009-11-03T08:19:00.001-08:00

Been working on a couple charity events lately and could use some input.
Here is a flyer I worked on for our pet food drive. I need to keep it fairly inexpensive to print so have limited the graphics. Any suggestions on how to improve would be appreciated. I need to get these out soon and start working on a coffee vendor for the event and sewing dog toys to sell to raise money for more food. Ah, for more hours in a day!

CHOW FOR BOW WOWS
Food drive
November 22
9am-4pm
Howe Farm Dog Park
Donate pet food to help pets in need. Accepting all types of canned or dry pet food.

If you need help feeding your best friend please contact Helpline.

Thank you!

There is a graphic of a dog with an empty bowl in the left hand corner that I cannot get to this format.

Faux Raku Scoreboards

2009-10-26T08:48:00.001-07:00

LOVED working with Scoreboards! Cut from matboard they make a great painting surface and are sturdy enough to use for home decor.

I teamed up ESF black paint with Shimmers for the faux raku effect, one of my favorites, to work with sheet copper from Walnut Hollow. On the center plate I torched the copper for the rainbow effect but let the copper as is for the candleholders.

A free downloadable PDF with complete step by step instructions and photos is at: http://www.earthsafefinishes.com/Faux_Raku_and_Copper_Centerpiece1.pdf

Looking forward to working more with Sizzix and Scoreboards really soon.

Please visit the amazing designers below to see their cupcake creations.

Jenn Ellefson

Laura Bray

Fabrizio Martellucci

Bonnie Bruns

Denise Clason

Lorine Mason

Gabriela Delworth

Ann Butler

Candice Windham

Niki Meiners

Eileen Hull

Forest for the Trees Canvas

2009-10-22T10:27:00.000-07:00

Here is another recycled canvas that I am finally happy with aptly named, "Sometimes she doesn't see the forest for the trees".

On this I did the gesso plastic bag technique first, see previous posts about this so I don't bore you all here. Next I painted in some blocks of color using Generation Green acrylic.

I then took some of my photos from camping trips and played a tiny bit with them digitally. Printed out in grayscale then collaged onto the canvas using ESF varnish; worked perfectly, no bleeding or smell. (Just make sure the ink is dry first.)

I also drew on a leaf cluster and extended or highlight the collaged photos using a black oil pastel.

Next I applied No VOC wax using a palette knife. I used the side of the knife to create one texture and the edges to draw tree shapes and grass.

After the wax dried I dipped my finger in a bit of gesso and light rubbed it across some of the textured areas.

This was a new combination of products and techniques for me, fun and I am delighted with the results. Gotta go frame this one.

Abandoned Dogs

2009-10-20T15:53:00.000-07:00

This post has nothing to do about art and is all about caring for dogs.

Yesterday I posted on Twitter that we had found an abandoned dog at the dog park. She was a sweet young mixed breed that had spent the night alone in the cold and dark. Happy to see us she was wiggling and jumping with joy until another person pulled up and she ran to the gate expectant to see her owner, sad. Got some treats out of my car which she refused so she was not starving and had had a recent bath, someone did care for her. The regulars at the park debated about what to do or who should take her. Finally it was decided that a rescue group would be the best option since if the owners wanted they would be able to find her. Frankly we all fell in love with Mystery dog but were also happy to see the rescue women come with a young girl who obviously adored Mystery dog. I will be keeping tabs on how this turns out but am guessing Mystery will stay with the girl unless the owners come up with a really good story.

Why am I posting this?

In our area there are no "No kill" shelters and the shelters are jammed full. If she had been dumped anywhere else there is a chance animal control would have picked her up and some dog would have been put down to make room for her in the shelter. She was not a puppy so adoption chances would have been very low.

By leaving her at the park, it is totally fenced, the owners probably were counting on those of us who go there to help her and they were right. We now have a number of people from boarders and breeders to groomers and just those who care about dogs who have agreed to foster or adopt any abandoned dogs from this park. Mystery brought us all together on this and while we hope no more animals lose their homes we know we will work together to make sure they find new ones.

Please consider networking in your locale to provide emergency shelter for animals, you'll be glad you did.

From Clean Up Rag to Art

2009-10-12T08:52:00.000-07:00

This piece is based on a scrap of muslin I used to mop up leftover ESF when I was monoprinting. I've had this in my stash for awhile waiting for the right project. I keep some fabric squares around at all times to wipe my brushes on or to clean off a stamp or stencil or work surface. Why waste any? Bonus is a one of a kind base for another project.

The base colors were leftovers of Colorant and FabricMagic that was not absorbed during the monoprinting, basically just globs of colors here and there with no rhyme or reason.

I taped the muslin down to a board then spread plain flour and water paste over it. Mix flour and water until its like thick pancake batter. Let this dry completely, crack it up with your hands then brush Colorant, a drop or two of FabricMagic and a bit of water across the surface. VIOLA! Cool cracks of color. I used Rainforest Colorant on this one.

Next I used gel medium to attach the fabric to a canvas board. Coat on canvas, smooth on, coat on top of fabric. Let this dry well.

Next comes the painting. Painted a black band of thin Colorant across the canvas then tilted it to get it to run. Details and focus were added using Cosmic Swirl stencil from www.craftersworkshop.com , a variety or stamps and number stencils.

Next time you reach for a paper towel why not use a fabric scrap instead?

Waxing Poetic

2009-10-09T15:33:00.000-07:00

This post is pure indulgence so if you are looking for project info you might want to scroll down; there are tons of how tos below.

Today was one of those perfect NW fall days, a bit chilly in the morning but sunny and warm by afternoon. I decided I need to go outside and assess my garden with a hard frost fore casted for next week. As I was picking and raking and pruning there was the hum of leaf blowers in the distance and I thought, "WOW, I'd be done by now if I had one of those". Then it occurred to me that I really could use the exercise of raking, I really kind of like the excuse to be outside, and appreciate the quiet and meditative act more than I want speed and noise.

Now I am not a glutton for punishment nor am I picky about my yard and house anymore; good thing. I like my garden to me sort of wildish where kids and pets and wildlife roam. There is some order in the veggies and on the decks with their planters but most of the rest is casual, naturalish. The grandkids adore it and play adventure games, animal rescue, and make fairy houses. We have deer, racoons, coyotes, squirrels, chipmunks, moles, frogs, toads, newts, and an array of birds including year around hummingbirds. We do not use chemicals, only compost and organic fertilizers so my lawn is iffy.

I used to spend hundreds of dollars on flowers every spring with huge flowing baskets, laden beds and pots. Between the original cost, fertilizers and watering twice a day this was a pretty big expense even though I did love them. Now I plant tomatoes, artichokes, squash, herbs, lettuce and other veggies in these pots; all organic and heirloom. I find as much as I liked my flowers I enjoy walkign out the door and picking stuff for dinner even more.

What does all of this have to do with arts and crafts? Simplifing one area of my life has spread to others. One of the reasons I adore Earth Safe Finishes is I can do whatever my heart desires with only a few, totally safe products. Its less complicated, far safer and great results. The whole scheme of things has helped me lessen my carbon footprint in other ways. Thrift store shopping and revising and repairing my clothes helps keep me from dumping 70 pounds of clothing in the trash, that is what it averages out for every American. I like the challenge of trash to treasure and have revisited skills I have not used in a long time and learned new ones. I've also gotten back into some practical sewing and creating for a purpose and for charity. I am more inspired and more enthused than ever to create and to do it with what I have and not run to the store every single time inspiration hits. (Saving again on the carbon!)

I am liking this saving money, being kind to the environment and finding more of myself in the process.

Recycled Sweater 2

2009-10-08T16:35:00.001-07:00

Here is an outfit I made for my granddaughter using a medium size sweater. Even scrounged enough to make "Big Baby" a sweater too. This time I did not felt the sweater since the size was smaller. I had to work to keep the stretch in line and use some FabricMagic here and there to stop raveling.

Here is why this is a good thing, in case you were asking, the sweater was too small for me and my son's family are big on skiing plus Freya loves Big Baby. Freya is not skiing yet since she just turned 2 but might this year. She does play in the snow and sled, lots! I made her a couple pair of these sweater pants now so when she comes in she can be toasty or wear under her snowpants.

Now to the how tos-

First I used a Simplicity pattern to get the right sizing and scale. Choosing a pattern as a guide is a good thing.

Next I cut the pants again from the sleeves. Since I did not felt this the sweater knit is very stretchy, allow for this, I took off 2" from the waist.

Then I laid the sun dress pattern on the body of the sweater aligning the ribbed hem so I did not need to hem the top.

Lastly, I cut a cotton facing for the neck and arm holes, one piece.

Oh, used the scraps to piece together a doll sweater.

If you have a knit stitch on your machine use that but if not you can use 2 rows of zigzag stitching.

Sew up the crotch seam on the pants then add an elastic casing...you are done with them!

If you want to add a pocket do it now. Cut sweater and cotton material to match. Sew right sides together with an opening. Turn right side out and slipstitch opening closed. Pin the topstitch pocket in place.

Sew the facings, one piece for front and one piece for back, to the fronts and backs at the neckline and sleeves. Hem the bottom of the facings first, oops on me.

Next sew the sweater front shoulder seams together. Pin the shoulder facings to slipstitch together while you watch TV.

Flip the lining up at the arm side seams. Sew the lining and side seams as one.

No instructions for the doll sweater, this was pieced and fitted to Big Baby. Just make sure the sweater is easy for little fingers to put on and take off.

Capelet

2009-10-07T09:36:00.000-07:00

I have this problem during the winter months of try to keep the thermostat down but still be comfortable. I have been wearing sweaters or jackets inside along with long sleeve shirts. The problem is I am forever getting the bottoms of my sleeves wet while washing out brushes, rinsing dye, or cleaning up my art mess, ugh. So....my solution was to make myself a capelet, warm and snuggy around the shoulders, arms free and no long sleeves to get in the way. I made this out of parts of 2 felted sweaters I'd used parts of before (See the toddler blog down there somewhere.) Its very thick and warm and actually looks better on than on a hanger. (Sorry, not a model, haha.)

If you want to make a warm capelet, recycle some old sweaters, keep warm and not have soggy sleeves here is what you do:

Cut off the bottom of a cardigan sweater the length you want your capelet to be. I wanted mine to hit just below the bust line. Cut off the sleeves so they measure the same as the length when measured from the center front. Trim off the side seams and underarm seams.

Now cut pieces from either the same sweater, bottom and sleeves, or from another sweater to fill in the corners as you see above. Now some simple sewing using a zigzag stitch.

Stitch the corner pieces in by stitching up one side, inserting the needle down while lifting the pressure foot and rotating to the next side. Sew on all 4 corners.

Now trim off any excess. These were felted so no issue with raveling.

Next I double crocheted around all the edges using some leftover yarn I had on hand. The hook was a bit tough to get through the felting but it worked and gave a nice finish.

Lastly I steamed along all the seams and bottom edges. I still need to remove some of the lint from this but tried it on and now I will be wearing this in the studio for months to come. OH! I still have leftover bits form both of these sweaters after using parts in 3 different projects, how can you beat that for eco-frugality?

Another Shirt Color Combo

2009-10-05T06:19:00.001-07:00

Wanted to show I do other colorways aside from neutrals. Here is another thrift store find I jazzed up with a www.craftersworkshop stencil, White. Neon Green and Brown Colorants mixed with a dab of FabricMagic and UltraThick for the first layer. Next I added just a few flowers on top using Opaque Shimmer. Fun, easy and inexpensive way to recycle a shirt.

Another Canvas

2009-10-04T09:16:00.000-07:00

Decided to be bold and not hang on to "precious" parts of the background. This is a good lesson for me since the precious parts, the areas I thought were way cool, really were doing nothing for the overall composition. After this I am going to apply a gesso wash around the doves. Maybe if I am in a more peaceful state of mind I can find where I need to go with this piece.

In the meantime my frustration with this canvas is offset by finally getting gigantic canvas done. I've added in a number of layers now and feel like its finally finished.

Another Canvas

2009-10-03T06:34:00.001-07:00

I've started blocking in some color and refining areas. At this point there are sections I like but think I am keeping some background areas too precious and the composition is getting too busy for the feeling of peace I want to convey.

Next I am going to block out larger areas with opaque paints and soften others.

Another Canvas

2009-10-02T08:34:00.000-07:00

Next step with this unique background is to find what I want to use, highlight and center around. I start using a charcoal pencil to define areas.

Now do you see the birds?

Another Canvas

2009-10-01T15:21:00.000-07:00

Cannot say enough good things about THE CREATIVE EDGE by Mary Todd Beam. Some techniques she talks about I remember from art classes long ago but she takes them far, far beyond.

Here is the start of a new canvas I painted with Black Perfect Paint, let that dry then covered with a watered down coat of gesso. A plastic garbage bag went on top while the gesso was wet and squashed around. Once dry the bag peels off revealing a way cool and totally random background.

I've been studying this and think I see 2 birds near the bottom center. Also some places that look perfect for leaves. Going to ponder this then get started on the next step.

Recycled Canvas 2

2009-09-30T07:53:00.000-07:00

Here is the finished piece. I continued to add layers of color, then did a wash of translucent Ruby Shimmer over the top. The Shimmer wash shows differently under different lights which is exciting to me.

Recycled Canvas 2

2009-09-29T06:17:00.001-07:00

Here is the canvas after adding in some more colors and layers. The texture built up from below helps add to the depth as I add glazes and dabs of paint. I am using Yellow, Red, Teal, Moss Colorants with Black Perfect Paint, gesso and Copper Shimmers. Oh yes, gel glaze and water too. From these few supplies I can get a wide range of colors.

Next step is I have added the central image, M and 7. I also went back over my lines which was a problem in spots with the texture. Note to self, carve lines into the texture next time.

Tomorrow I should finish this.

Recycled Canvas 2

2009-09-28T08:01:00.000-07:00

On to building up some layers of color on the textured canvas. I just realized in this form the photos and process will be in reverse order so to see all of this you need to scroll down to the first entry.

Here I am drizzling on Red and Moss Colorant mixed with a dab of no VOC varnish.

Brushed together with some water added here and there to create a range of colors including a rich brown. The idea is to build up layers of colors and work with the texture.

Here I have drawn in some sections using a marker and T square. Some areas are getting a more opaque color which is a mix of Teal Colorant, Black Perfect Paint and gesso.
I will now work back and forth using translucent washes of Colorants mixed with gel glaze and some opaques using gesso and Black Perfect Paint.
More tomorrow!

Recycled Canvas 2

2009-09-27T06:18:00.000-07:00

I read THE CREATIVE EDGE while on vacation and was inspired to use some of Mary Todd Beam's techniques for reworking/saving a canvas. This canvas I did not get far on but knew it was not going to go where I wanted it to go so decided to play with it. Instead of doing the whole thing then posting it I am going to do this step by step here and see what happens. I might be totally embarrassed or totally happy with the end result, who knows?

Step 1:

I spread Smooth Texture over the canvas not caring if I got complete coverage. In spots I carved into the texture with my palette knife and in others I placed jar lids for circle impressions.

Time to let this dry!

Beach Report

2009-09-23T09:37:00.000-07:00

Been really enjoying getting away from it all, well, sort of away. Wifi in the campground is off and on but so what!
Went to beaches here on the Washington coast yesterday during record breaking heat of over 90, gorgeous. Bad news, I forgot to put the card back into my camera so no photos, ugh. Good news, on the entire beach we only saw 2 empty water bottles and a couple microscopic bits of paper! This is far cleaner than it used to be so congrats world for this. The beauty was unspoiled by the nasty debris that used to be so prevalent and I for one and am deeply grateful. Inspiration everywhere but little time to sketch, gotta do that today.
I also went to a nice bead shop and a cool rubber stamp store, yes, they do still exist. LOVE the creative spirit of this beach community.
Tomorrow, a report on the fab books I am reading.

Make These for Free!

2009-09-18T15:03:00.000-07:00

Everyone associated with Earth Safe Finishes has a strong commitment to the environment, families and an understanding of the economic pressures many are under right now. With the holidays soon approaching a decision to give free projects focused on recycling was made that most could make for free or close to free. In addition, some projects designed specifically to be used as fundraisers or gifts for charities will be coming up soon. (See my dog flea post below for creating dog toys from recycled wool suits.)

My focus with these projects was using items that I cannot recycle. In my area no lids or caps can be recycled. I also wanted something kids could help with or could be used for a scout, church or youth group. I used cottage cheese, yogurt, sour cream, vitamin lids, bottle caps, edging from a microwave meal along with buttons and snaps trimmed off my thrift store finds. A paperclip is the hanger with all the bits simply glued on.

Variations could be painted or decoupaged. On the backsides you could decoupage on photos or do cute sayings like, "Give a Hoot don't pollute" or "Happy Snowday".

Speaking of decoupage, here is an ornament I made by decoupaging fabric to both sides of the cottage cheese lids. (I have so many cottage cheese lids because my dog loves it and needs the probiotic.) I also dabbed Gold Shimmers around the edges. Cut from the edge just into the center on each lid then slide one onto the other. I used a scrap of embroider floss to hang this one.

Using these concepts there could be a million and one variations so save up those unrecyclable pieces of plastic and put them to good use, having fun!

More Recycled Clothing

2009-09-17T13:56:00.000-07:00

Take 2 sweaters, 1 men's and one whatever. Cut, dice and stitch to create an outfit for a little girl. This lovely, haha, Italian made sweater came from Goodwill.

I used Indygo Junction pattern Uptown Top and Trousers as a guide for the outfit.

The sleeves become the pants. I tried to preseve as much of the bottom banding as I could for both the top and the pants are really easy, just cut off the sleeves and trim.

Now use the kimono style top pattern to cut the fronts and back pieces. The second sweater is for the contrast bottom section and also the ribbing trim.

Sew all pieces together using a narrow zigzag stitch or a knit stitch.

Sew the pant crotch pieces together then add an elastic casing to the top.

Sew the contrast section to one front, sew faced front together then shoulder seams. Sew side seams then turn under a small hem around armholes. Stitch ribbing to front. Sew large snaps in place under front wrap and a decorative button on top.

I hope to get a photo soon on a cute live model about 2 1/2 years old!

Ugly Beautiful

2009-09-16T07:37:00.000-07:00

Been lax in blogging to take of business, writing instructions, emails, forms and such along with dental appointments and grandkids.....life happens.

How many times do we throw up our hands when something does not work out as originally planned? I know I have done this many times or been frustrated. Once in awhile these do turn out to be happy accidents which makes the whole experience worthwhile.
SO
Here is the before shot, not wonderful, but wait and see what I do with it next.

Getting Ready for Fall

2009-09-11T08:10:00.000-07:00

It has been perfect here lately, sunny and warm, but I know it will soon turn so am preparing with a couple of repurposing projects.

Remember when I said they told me at Goodwill that old mens suit jackets were the slowest moving item? Well, I have been doing some guerrilla sewing with them, ripping out the lining and all the old stiff padding and shoulder pads. I wash and save all of this stuff of course and will find a good use for them soon. I then try on the jackets inside out and start pinning and marking with chalk where I am going to hack them apart. Once I get a plan together its pretty simple down and dirty sewing with zigzag or topstitched edges and using FabricMagic to stop fraying. Hey, I am not in this to be a tailor just recycle and get some wear out of these. On this one I added on the sleeves and hood from a sweater whose body was completely nasty, added some Stenciling with Black Colorant, FM and Thickner and a recycled silk tie belt.

Once this is no longer wearable I will cut the fabric into sections and make something else out of what's left.

Let's challenge ourselves to give materials many lives.

A New Friend from Twitter

2009-09-10T09:46:00.000-07:00

Meeting lots of way cool people on Twitter lately.
Checkout Darryl Hannah's site at www.dhlovelife
AND
Look at Becca's cool and green jewelry http://becadesigns.net/
LOVELY sincere woman on twitter at Ecosaveology , well worth following.

Sometimes You Have to Bite the Bullet

2009-09-09T08:22:00.000-07:00

I readily admit to not being the most organized or cleanest person on the planet, not the worst but by far not the best either. When I see photos of some people's studios it makes me wonder about how they ever get themselves to go in there and work and mess it up. Jealous, sure, wish I could be that way or take the time or have the ambition to sort and make everything all nice and neat. Thing is I know me and I would have the place destroyed in 2 projects.
I am lucky to have a sewing room and studio space. It nice to have the "clean" sewing room to sew in and the studio space to get messy in and I do mean messy.
Well, my chaos in the studio was getting to me so I spent yesterday cleaning and sorting. I am donating boxes of stuff again. Everything kid friendly is going to a domestic violence shelter and the other stuff to a group of teens making gifts for hospitals and nursing homes. I feel good about this.
The other thing is I found lots of cool stuff I had forgotten about. I am excited and inspired in so many ways to use some of these goodies. The lovely huge gourd, some silver components, an old leather jacket, ancient camera case and some lovely vintage linens. How could I have forgotten them? Crazy huh?

Art of Green Recycling

Is Anyone Really Going Green or Is It Just Lip Service?

Nutritional and Natural Substances for Healing

3 Dogs, One Named Lucky and Humans Who Care

Eco Poxy Ecstasy

Radical Thinking

HHS Response to My Email RE: Food Safety for Children

Elle MacPherson's Answer to Email about Her Rhino Horn Use

Simple Abundance, Why I’m Glad to be Simple Minded

Resourcefulness as Eco

Excuses, Excuses Plus a Fun Cord Basket/Bag

Reclaimed Materials Park Benches

Kindness to Animal Week

Earth Day Sandals

Earth Day Graphic Couple Applications

Earth Day Graphic

Quiet Kindness

No Sushi For Me

More Stenciling Ideas-Answers to Questions

Trash to Doll Bank

Walking the Talk

Trash to Robot Stage 2

Trash to Robot Stage 1

Creativity is NOT just for Artists

Recycled Jeans Pocket Pets

Cold Forged Love

Out of Debt Celebration Bracelet

Why Buy Handmade?

Maximum Recycle Canvas

Couple More Recycled Tie Ideas

Disclosure Statement

T Shirt Halter Top

Tie One On in a Good Way

Blind Self Portraits & Other Fun Drawing Exercises

DIY and ESF Bangles

New Year, New Ways to be Green

Last Minute Spa Gifts

Bog Coat 2, Coloring

Bog Coat

Junk Jewelry Rescue

Metal Tape Purse

Emergency Mittens

RECYCLED CAN FOOTSTOOL

Why Black Dog World?

More Things Made from Recycled Sweaters

Why Tea Towels?

Bottle Cap Bonanza

Wall Organizer with Scoreboard

Super Fast Super Green Ideas, No Acid Etching

Pincushions from Bottle Caps

Bits and Pieces to Make a Whole

Upcycled Gifts 3

Upcycled Gifts 2

Upcycled Gifts

Another Take on Shirt Stenciling

CHOW FOR BOW WOWS EVENT 2

CHOW FOR BOW WOWS EVENT

Faux Raku Scoreboards

Forest for the Trees Canvas

Abandoned Dogs

From Clean Up Rag to Art

Waxing Poetic

Recycled Sweater 2

Capelet

Another Shirt Color Combo

Another Canvas

Another Canvas

Another Canvas

Another Canvas

Recycled Canvas 2

Recycled Canvas 2

Recycled Canvas 2

Recycled Canvas 2

Beach Report

Make These for Free!

More Recycled Clothing

Ugly Beautiful

Getting Ready for Fall

A New Friend from Twitter

Sometimes You Have to Bite the Bullet