please accept my apologies...

I had really high hopes of getting a July Make. Do. Create. workshop PDF done before, well, before July was done. But it's not gonna happen. I've been so busy working on other fun things, like kiwis, things to do with embroidery and oh yeah, new shop stuff, that this one never came around. But I do want to show you what I was playing with for this workshop that didn't happen.

While explaining the process of crayon tinting to a ten year old, I was asked if you could do the same thing with watercolor paints. An interesting thought, but I told her it would probably wash off of the fabric.



But as I thought about it, I wanted to try it. So I pulled out my opaque watercolors and a small piece of muslin. I painted a few colors onto the fabric (I had to work it in a little), let it dry, then sent it through the laundry. In all honesty, I was hoping the the colors would wash out. It seemed like a perfect washable, reusable, eco-canvas. Guess what. The color stayed. It faded only the tiniest amount. Wow. This presents other possibilities.



So I painted a bigger piece of fabric. The paint colors bleed some, so this isn't really a process that is good for details, but for washes of color (or a slightly fuzzy paint brush), it works. I was going to make this into a paint set/brush/paper wrap (hence the ribbon to tie it), but I may find another use for it. We'll see.

But I would urge you to try out watercolors on muslin or some other cotton. It was fun and the colors come out so pretty!

no time to waste...

Do you have time to waste? Probably not. Or at least, not much. Why is it, then, that there are so many things that are designed to eat up the few minutes that we have here and there?

Well, I'm sorry to do this to you, but here's something to check out. FlickrFightr is a rather simple concept. Two photos appear on your screen and you click the one you like better. The other goes away, and another is added. Again, you choose the one you like. And it goes on and on. You can check back the next day and see which photo got the most clicks overall. But, that doesn't interest me nearly as much as the process of looking through those photos.

Another website that I've recently discovered (and had the honor of appearing on...losing miserably) is Vote Etsy. Three items are featured each day, and you get to choose one. This one is not such a time waster, because once you've voted, you're done. But it does give you the chance to check out some new items.

Don't blame me though for getting caught up in these wonderful sites...

pattern testing...

The little jordnöts that I make were just begging to become plushies...and since jordnöt is Swedish for "peanut", it seemed only appropriate that the first one I would make would be a peanut. But I have patterns made to make these jordnöts into a bunch of different things: a penguin, bunny, clown, angel, and more.



The pattern will be available in the shop, but I still need to have a couple people test it out to be sure that it is easy to understand and to make. Would you like to test the pattern out?

I need two or three volunteers who can try the pattern out this week. (So I can get it ready for listing next week) It means reading through the instructions and making a couple different jordnöts. My goal is that everyone trying it out will make a different design. Then send me feedback after you've tried it.

Are you up for the challenge? Leave me a comment with your email address and I'll send the pattern to the first three people who want to help.

UPDATE: I'm all set for pattern testers!

Thank you!

things to do with embroidery...part seven...

Confession: I don't like how this project came out. I still love the idea, but my execution of it leaves something to be desired. Please look past it, and try this on your own...

Now that that's out of the way, here's this amazing fun project for you to use your embroidery on!

For a while I've been making these tiny books out of recycled packaging and unused old papers. I got to thinking that it would be fun to add some embroidered embellishment to them. I've attached fabric to the recycled cardboard before and it worked out really well, why not again? Here's how you can make your own:



Cut the cover out of cardboard, like a cereal box. Mine was 3x6", but you could make it any size, really. Fold this in half. Cut the pages out of miscellaneous papers (I used 10 sheets). Mine were 2.5x5.5" to leave a border in from the cover. Fold the stack of papers in half.



Place your folded pages in the folded cover, and add a couple staples to the fold.



Cut out your embroidered piece. Or, if you have enough fabric to the left of your embroidery, cut the fabric to match the size of your cover (3x6").



Spread a thin-ish layer of craft glue (I used Aleene's Tacky Glue) onto the cover of your book only in place where your embroidery will go (it would be simpler to put the glue on the fabric cut-out, but it's easier to spread it thin this way).



Smooth your embroidered piece onto the glue. Yes, some of the glue may seep through thin fabric. Once it dries, you can't tell at all. And yes, depending on the thickness of the fabric, some of the work on the back of your embroidery may be a little lumpy. For both of these issues, I suggest stitching on canvas and the potential issues are reduced or eliminated.

I'm going to try making another one of these, this time with fabric that wraps around the whole cover. Or with a smaller piece of embroidery instead of one that just barely fits. (Hey...I had this on hand with no plans for another use...) But even in this less than perfect state, having the extra touch of stitching on this tiny book is nice. And the book is quite handy. Try one!

thinking about custom fabric...

Ever since I first heard about Spoonflower, I was intrigued. I waited and waited until they made the service available for anyone (knowing I would never receive an invitation...). But so far, I haven't had anything made. I've thought about it, and I have had a few ideas, but have still done nothing.

Then my mom brought home an adorable picnic basket that she found for $3 at Goodwill. She would like me to paint the top with my new Produce Pals Vegetables, and then she plans on lining it. At first her thought was patchwork, with some squares embroidered by me (and designs that will match the top). A great idea, but time consuming for something that is on the inside of a basket. But as we were talking about this, my dad came up with an idea.

What if the fabric for the lining were custom printed? He's liked the idea of Spoonflower as much as I have since I told him about it. And of course, when he mentioned it, I knew it was perfect. So, I'm going to design some vegetable fabric. At the same time, I'm thinking of having some Cookies for Santa fabric printed, because I think it would make a great quilted table runner, especially combined with some embroidery.

Now my question for you...

Do you think that you or others would ever be interested in Wild Olive fabric? You know, that would coordinate with embroidery designs. Which designs? Fat quarters? Larger pieces? Nothing at all? I'm just playing with the idea, but I'd value your thoughts and suggestions.

hug a kiwi...

After showing my sketches two posts ago, Catherine suggested that I should make a Quaint Kiwi softie. You know, because I wanted to hug him. Well, how could I not? I figured that it would be super easy, and it pretty much was. So, I'm sharing with you my quick pattern and a few basic instructions.



Click the image above to download the pattern from Flickr. It is available in multiple sizes...just make sure that when you print it, the pattern piece measures about 3" high.

1. Cut out 4 pieces from brown felt. The brown eco felt that I had was a bit dark for a kiwi, but it still works.

2. Embroider a face onto one of the pieces.

3. Match your first two pieces together and stitch one side up using an overhand stitch.

4. Add the face piece to one side of your first two, and be sure that the points are coming together and matching pretty close. The face should be on the inside.

(I made the mistake of having the face piece be last, resulting in an unsightly seam by his face.)

5. Add your last piece, then stitch the first and last pieces together, forming like a little ball. Leave about 1" open.

6. Turn the kiwi right side out, then fill with stuffing. Sew the last inch closed.

7. Make your kiwi fuzzy by brushing him a little, or sticking tape on, then peeling off.

8. Hug your Quaint Kiwi, cuz he's just so cute!

If you have any questions or run into any problems with the pattern or instructions, please let me know!

pause...

(a photo I took today for the prompt "reflection")

Thank you for the sweet words about my sketches! Sharing those still feels a little strange to me. I'm not very confident in my drawing skills, which is probably good...it means that I should practice still! A few months back a friend (who I consider quite skilled at drawing) asked if he could look through my sketch book. I sort of paused, because, well...it seemed like such a personal thing. If I remember correctly, I let him look at it after giving instructions for things to skip over, and when he had finished looking, it was determined that I am an odd person. Which I am.

Anyway...those sketches are just a bit of what I'm working on or wanting to work on. There is so much in my head, on paper, and a bit on the computer. So much ready to become something.

My graphic design work has been slow lately, so I've had time to work on more of my craft and shop things. In fact, as they fill my days, those things have become almost like a full time job. Except pleasant, and without the full time pay.

OK, this pause to ramble and assess thoughts and feelings is done for now. I'm going to continue on with more projects and making more things happen. Progress is my friend...

doodles in the works...

So...I had been thinking about making some little fruit illustrations. In fact, I had started to sketch. And then I got to talking with someone who needed some recipe cards for some upcoming events (more about those when the time comes closer). She thought fruits and vegetables would be fun. And of course, she was right. This prompted the start of the vegetables. Requests are good for me, because they keep me on track, and there's no putting things off.



I wanted to end up with eight fruits and eight vegetables, but I sketched more than that. This cabbage is one that didn't make the cut. I really liked it, but it didn't work with the rest of them as well. Maybe it will become something else. Hmmm....now that's got me thinking...



Hands down, my favorite sketch is this little kiwi. I'm calling him Quaint Kiwi. Eeeek! I want to hug him! The digital version is a bit different and not quite as adorable...but still oh so sweet. I'd take the credit for this cuteness, but kiwis are just cute fruit to begin with....



On the less healthy side, I've been thinking that an ice cream set would be great fun. In fact, I think this may have been a suggestion from some young friends. This set is going to be modular, so that the pieces can be combined however you like. Different cones/dishes, scoops and swirls of ice cream, toppings, etc. Should be fun! It feels like summer is going to end soon, so ice cream may not be seasonally correct...but it will still be worked on soon. August is ok for ice cream, right?

a few of my favorite (printed tee) things...

It's been a while since I shared some of my favorite Etsy finds, hasn't it? Actually, I haven't been online window shopping in a while. There's so much to fall in love with, and only so much to spend. But I've still managed to find a few things. Here are some printed tees that I'm loving...


boygirlparty has long been a favorite of mine, and this tree tee is so cute, yes? That squirrel poking his head around the trunk is too sweet!



octopusoctopus make all shirts that feature, you guessed it, octopus. Octopi? Really fun plays on words going on here.


happify only has a few items in stock right now, but the library card catalog shirt is one of them. As someone who has been a library patron, volunteer and staff member, this is a perfect tee for me!


mfmapparel is a new shop, and I have a feeling that they'll do well on Etsy. Especially if they keep making way cute shirts like Sloth Junior here. (He wants to do well in school, but...he's a little slow...)

An unrelated note: I'm over on 20 Stamps Later, answering a whole bunch of fun questions. Be sure to stop by!

what to do when...

...you need to make your sister a birthday gift, but she's almost always around? You meet a friend so you can stitch in secret. Unfortunately, the stitching was slow-going. I'm going to have to leave the house a lot more often if I'm going to get Anna's present done in time.

I don't want to give too much away, just in case she reads this. But basically, I started something for Anna today. It's from a lovely pattern that I know she'll love. (One she's never seen as far as I know, so it will be a fun surprise!) I'm not entirely certain how it will all come together yet, because there have been many thoughts on this...but it should be a fun secret project.



And...rather random here with the "artsy" coffee shot. I got this coffee mug at Starbucks. It has no handle. But it doesn't get too hot to hold because it is double-walled. So cool! The best part is that it was on clearance for $2.99! My mom, sister and I each got one. This is my kind of technology...

finger foods...

Guess what my brother and I did today?



This is all lo-fi cool. We (or at least I) had way too much fun making this, plus the next conversation (which has long been planned...a favorite of both Anders and I). OK, I think Anders had quite a bit of fun with this too...

Giving credit where credit is due, a friend of mine made a series of short dialogs between Dog and Cat using the same voice software (TalkAny). That was certainly the inspiration for the Finger Foods.

Making this was pure silly, and I love it. More to come...

and the coffee goes to...

Your coffee, tea and other beverage choices all sound great! I am wondering though...Lisa Lady, do you add that splash of Kalhua to your morning coffee?

Personally, when I'm at home I like flavored coffee, black. When I'm out, lattes are good, but from Starbucks I take a grande non-fat caramel machiatto with whipped. Yum!

Ok, so the winner. I used the Random Number Generator and here's what it came up with:



Counting from the top down, Juliane is the winner! She likes "...really hot coffee with milk and sugar. That's all. Nothing special."

So, Juliane...send me an email (molliejohanson[at!]gmail[dot!]com) so I can send your pattern to you!

For those interested in this new pattern, it along with a few other new items, will be available in the shop on Monday afternoon.

Happy Saturday!

things to do with embroidery...part six...

So here we are with another way to wear your embroidery. This embroidered headband is rather playful, and I like that. Also, the embroidery is removable, so I can switch out different decorations and only use one headband (even though they aren't expensive...I like this idea). Again, this is a nice one for small-ish pieces, but if you're up for it, bigger will work. You might end up with something like this.

I started with that little On the Go Coffee embroidery that I stitched up the other day. It's from my Take Me Out pattern set.

Because I stitched this on canvas, and it frays reeeeaaaally easily, I sealed the edges with Aleene's Stop Fraying and let it dry. Then I took my ready to go embroidery with me to Starbucks.

I trimmed a piece of cotton fabric to roughly the size I would want for backing, but didn't seal the edges of this. A little fray here would be ok with me.

This next part is what makes it removable from the headband, so if you're permanently attaching it, skip this step. Stitch two buttons to the back side of the cotton fabric. Space them apart a little. After you've secured your second button, be sure to leave a long tail. Knot the end of the tail.

Next, I stitched my embroidery to the backing fabric. I just used a running stitch with two strands of floss. Then I trimmed the backing fabric to be just a bit larger than my canvas piece.

Now I was all ready to attach the decoration to the headband (just a stretchy elastic headband...you get 5 or 6 for a couple bucks), and it took a couple tries to find the best way. Essentially, I used a method similar to those large inter-office mail envelopes. You know the kind with the two circles and the string? I just made sure that when I was going around the buttons, I also looped the floss around the headband too. If you skipped the buttons, this would be the part where you just stitch the whole thing securely onto the headband.

You're all set to wear it now! Other than the original embroidery and sealing the edges, I did all of this while sitting at Starbucks. When I was done, I popped it onto my head. There were a few odd glances, but I've become used to that. Hee!

Now, what's your favorite kind of coffee or warm beverage?

paper that you must try...

I'm known around these parts for being, um, frugal. In fact, the other day my mom told someone that I'm so tight that I squeak. But I'm proud of this.

That said, there are very few things that I get particular about when it comes to brands. For most things, generic is just as good. But occasionally, I get funny about things. Case in point: I love HP printers. Their print quality always impresses me. But the family wanted to switch to a Kodak printer, to save on ink costs. (They got to me with the idea of saving $$$)

We got the printer, and I printed out some of my designs. I used the same, plain white paper that I had always used with my HP. Ugh. It looked so dull. I was disappointed. But then I tried the sample paper that came with the printer. Wow! What a difference!



This is not photo paper. It is just basic weight (a bit heavier than copy paper), bright white paper. And I'm here to say that I'm convinced that Kodak's Ultimate Paper is really all that.

Yes, it costs a little more than the cheap stuff, but not a whole lot more (about $7-8 for 500 sheets). But the colors are nice and bright, you can't see right through it, and it is working with the printer which is saving $$$ on ink! Yay!



That's the end of my little sales pitch. Except for that these printouts in the pictures are from my new collage sheet sets. I still need to finish setting up the examples on the pages of my composition book. But then they'll be available in my next update. Alright...now that's the end of my sales pitch.

speed stitching...

The other night when my young friends came over, I gave them each a little embroidery "kit". Basically a canvas tote bag (stitchable, of course) filled with some pieces of fabric, a plain towel, embroidery floss, a needle and a few print outs of my patterns. The 10yo loves crafting, so she dug right in. Her older sister gets bored with this sort of thing quickly, and wasn't quite so eager. But...I told her that the patterns stitch up pretty fast, so she could try if she wanted to. She did try, and before she left that night had stitched up a puppy Jordnöt.

There are times that I embroider something more complex, or take something simple and make it more complex (as in the Stewing Soup finger puppet). But most of the time I like fast and easy. It's how I make my patterns, and it's how I like to stitch. There's no time to get bored, because you've already finished the whole thing and you get to enjoy the fact that it's completed!

The chalkboard above (who still needs a name...any thoughts?) was a nice, quick project. The felt for the center was perfect. I got the effect of a fill, could add on my 1+1=2 text, and didn't have to deal with a single fill stitch! And as long as you don't look at the edges of the photo, you can hardly tell that I didn't iron it...



Another speedy project: On the Go Coffee. When I embroider on canvas, I usually stitch through paper, and never anything too big. This literally was on the go with me throughout the house. I kept it in my pocket and added stitches through the day as I had time. Silly, yes, but this is how it goes for us addicts! Later this week this little piece will become part six of "things to do with embroidery".

Both of these are from new patterns I've been working on. I'm hoping to update the shop either late this week or early next. So keep an eye out. I think there may just be a giveaway coming along too...

small steps...

Hello blog. One post in the last five days...Wow. I've missed you. And yet, there have been things keeping me busy, and I've barely noticed that time. This week I'll be back in full.

But still in small steps, I believe.

a souvenir...

For the last few weeks I've been participating in "Souvenir Foto", a free online photography school. It's assignments are really just a motivation and inspiration to go out and take some creative pictures each week. This week there were two things to try: faux tiltshift (above) and forced perspective (below).



Although not intended to, the two photos kind of work together. A "miniature" baseball field and a kid (my brother) coming along to stomp on the port-a-potties that may belong to those tiny people.

This has been the extent of my creativity for the last few days. Although I have been working on some back to school ideas (my sister is giving me a hard time about this...I'm on schedule with Target and their school supplies).

But I'm excited because tonight some young friends (10 and 13) are coming over and I think there will be some craftiness. These girls need to know how to embroider! They were here yesterday for a while and I showed them some of the things I've made. The 10yo saw my cupcake toppers and said..."oh, you could make those to go on the top of chopsticks too!" Gotta love that fresh thinking!

things to do with embroidery...part five...

This may be one of my crazier, less practical ideas...but I made embroidered cupcake toppers. It kind of feels like one of those "Martha Stewart, cute...but yeah, right" ideas. Except, they are sooooo fun! Just make sure your guests don't even think about trashing them!

Here's what I did.

These are stitched using some of my Teeny Tiny patterns, and I already had them stitched. They are really small, but this would work just as well with pieces that are a little bigger. I would say nothing wider than a cupcake though.

I trimmed around my embroidery, then trimmed a second piece of plain fabric to match.

Toothpicks or lollipop sticks might work, but I went for wooden skewers. I figure they'll hold up well, and I want them to last. Really I do. I cut these to the length I wanted, and made sure that I kept track of which side I trimmed with my cutter. I don't want the cut end going into my cupcakes...unless I know exactly where that tool has been.

At the cut end of my skewer, I added craft glue. Then I placed it on the back of the embroidery, and added the blank piece of fabric on top. This helps ensure that your hard work doesn't come right off the end of the pick.

Once the glue dried, I added a running stitch around the edge. You could probably just glue the whole thing together, but when you've already gone to the work of making embroidered cupcake toppers, you'll want the cute stitching.

Now you're all ready to add them to your cupcakes! This one of the toilet paper roll is probably my favorite. Because, it's just not what you expect to see. Silly, I know.

Maybe these are the kind of things you make in mass for all the cupcakes for your next party, but you could add them to some for a little display. Or when you want to brighten someone's day...bring them one little cake with one of these. Or add a couple to the top of a regular cake. Or to hold your sandwich together. Or...

Have fun!

paint...

The other day I got this paint at Hobby Lobby. Most was on clearance. And although I try to be cautious in my buying, I couldn't resist such a good deal.

Now I really want to start creating some art...but haven't quite gotten to that "painting place". Hopefully I will soon...

how the 4th went...

I hope you've had a wonderful Independence Day weekend! We...



...made some quick decorations. I spray mounted paper to aluminum foil, then Grace cut on lines, we rolled it up and got...



Fireworks! We also...



...ate a lot of food. Mostly desserts. Like these cupcakes which I filled with raspberry filling that I got at a local restaurant supply.



Yum!

Then today was more eating and such. Plus a bit of making, which I will share with you soon. I'll give you a hint though...it goes with those cupcakes!

community inspiration...

When the ladies from The Spark asked about me about guest blogging, they suggested "inspiration" as a topic. So I've been thinking about that idea for about a week. But wouldn't you know, when you're really needing to be inspired about inspiration, it doesn't happen! Maybe that's not entirely true...but what I was thinking about didn't feel just right. For The Spark. But it is something that I would really like to share, and I think this is a good spot.

Tomorrow is Independence Day, and there's a lot to be said for independence. Creating, doing your own thing, being your own person...these are all a gift. But when it comes to inspiration, I like a bit of community. All of the people in your life, children, adults, family, friends, internet contacts (I don't know what I'd do without my blog and Flickr friends!), can be just the inspiration you're looking for.

Here are some ways that I find community inspiration:

1. Have Fun. Just being together and doing fun, goofy stuff with others can bring new ideas. My siblings and I frequently find silly things to do, and they lead to new projects. Bench Monday on Flickr is a constant source of inspiration as I search for new ways to stand on a bench each week and see others to the same.

2. Share Thoughts. Bouncing ideas off of others can be really helpful. I'm fortunate that I am part of a creative family, but sometimes they don't even get me. That's helpful as I'm working on new things because they can say, "umm...I don't understand why the nativity scene has faces that aren't on their faces..." (yes, this is true...I'm still trying to sell them on this idea!)

3. Ask for Help. When you're stuck, tell someone and ask if they have any ideas. Often they'll be able to get you started again. My internet community is great when it comes to this. If I'm looking for new ideas, all I have to do is ask...and you all supply!

4. Create Together. Whether it's on the same project, of different things...being creative alongside someone can keep you going. My friend Catherine and I get together for crafting and coffee or tea about once a month. We both chat and stitch and when we leave, we both feel a sense of accomplishment and friendship.

5. Inspire Someone. This is the best one. When you are looking to give others some help along the way, you'll find that you're inspired too. This is true with a lot of things, but I know that it works with creativity. Inspire others, encourage them, and you'll get even more in return!

a spark...

First off...birthday wishes to my mom today! She doesn't read this, but I still want to honor her. It might help to make up for my not finishing (starting?) her gift in time.

Now, just a little heads up for you. This weekend, The Spark is having a blog party, which means all kinds of fun posts tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday!

Yours truly will be guest blogging on Saturday. Woo hoo! I've actually never guest blogged before (I didn't tell them that!), so hopefully all will go well. I will say though, to compensate for any blunders I may make, there will be a giveaway! Make sure you stop by The Spark throughout the weekend for fun stuff!

(and thanks to my sister for the picture!)

be long-winded (aka make a pinwheel)...

Brrr! I can't remember a colder start to July! I know that some of you are sweatin', and last week I was too. But now it's gone and gotten cold.

Anyway, I have for you a fun new printable! You can make your very own Long-Winded Pinwheel. Just print out the PDF, follow the included instructions, and you're good to go!

I tried making mine with two kinds of pins, and I think it depends on the thickness of your paper, and the softness of the pencil eraser. A push pin can work, or a straight pin may be better for you. Try them both.

Have Fun!

Download the Color Pinwheel
Download the B/W Pinwheel