Crafts and Sewing

My blog posts here have gotten a little dry of my own projects, but that's because I've been so busy working on them, I haven't had time. We've been decorating for Fall and I had a couple of articles I wanted to get posted on Divine Caroline and on Poshmama. I'm now a weekly contributor to Poshmama.com and so every Saturday morning you can pop on and read a new article that I write exclusively for them! Neat, eh? This week it's all about Halloween and Fall decorating. My friend Anne sent me...Read Full Story

June 1st, 2010         Victoria North, web producer 11 users recommend Photo: Louisegtx Add Comment Print You voted and the winner of the Amp Up Your Accessories Contest is Felted Wool Hat by Louisegtx! This winning entry was crafted using a combination of needle felting and wet felting to create this stylish hat. Congratulations to Louisegtx for winning $250 of City Girl Fabric and thank you again to everyone who entered. Don't forget you can always find...Read Full Story

What does it mean when someone says they used gauge wire to make something? What does it mean when instruction refer to half-round wire? Isn't all wire round? What is dead soft wire? What the heck does it all mean? When wire is referred to by its gauge, it is a reference to the diameter of the wire. There are two standards of gauges generally used in jewelry to state the size of wire. American Wire Gauge (AWG, also known as Brown and Sharpe), and Standard Wire Gauge (SWG, also known as...Read Full Story

I have cast aside the computer in the evenings and been working on several new projects. I'm working on sketches for a new chair (a Crazy Quilt seat will be included) and watching a bunch of silly TV.I've also been working hard to get my Brazilian embroidery piece completed. The other side looks similar, but needs more work! :) So, much stitching to do - too bad I can't quit my day job, eh? Well, back to work, I just wanted to check in - I'll have more pictures of the new project after I get...Read Full Story

Christine Kane is a musician and sort of a self help expert. I've been reading her blog for a long time, but was particularly intrigued with her Resolution Revolution: A Better Way to Start Your Year. So, I've decided to participate.I've never been great at resolutions - they are easy to make and dismiss. But this year I like this idea. Since I've been journaling, I figure recording my progress on my "word" will be part of that process. It all fits together (I love it when that happens!).So...Read Full Story

When I am writing a blog, web page content, item description, or some sort of bio statement, I sometimes find myself stumbling over the choice to use the term, art or craft, or perhaps both.  For the most part I tend to use both terms interchangeably.  Partly because there are many who think the two indeed refer to the same thing. If the majority of my audience are likely to use both, or either terms in a keyword search, so too must I use both terms in order to be found by those who seek. I...Read Full Story

Quality paint brushes are an investment. If cared for properly they can last for many years.  Here are some tips to clean and care for your brushes to help them last. Always wash your paintbrush thoroughly after use. Water based paints can be cleaned with warm water. Oil based paints will require paint thinner.  Begin by wiping excess paint from the brush with a rag or paper towel.  Next clean by using the appropriate cleaning solution for the type of paint you have been using (water, or...Read Full Story

Hand Painted Glass Ornaments Yes, I said it.  Christmas IS coming, and faster than I would like. In fact, I have had this first round of painted glass ornaments ready to upload to Etsy for several weeks now but I couldn’t quite make myself do it.  I think because I am not exactly sure where the year has gone.  Wasn’t it January just a week ago?  It feels like it.  So, like it or not, the year is certainly marching on and before you know it, December will be here.  It’s less than 4 months...Read Full Story

"It was a dark and story night..."but luckily, tonight I went to a book signing with Jennifer Chiaverini - who writes the "Elm Creek Quilt" novel series. Great books and I must say she was really nice, knowledgable and everything you expect a favorite writer to be! With the rain pouring down, a small group listened to her talk. I think it's fun to see the person behind the books and she seems like a nice, creative person. She also mentioned that Simon and Schuster are giving her the cold...Read Full Story

According to some experts, crafts go along with healthy foods, sleep routines, potty training and reading as some of the most important elements in your child's development. These same experts maintain that crafts help to foster creativity and imagination. I have to agree! They also give kids a sense of accomplishment and can lead to lifelong hobbies. In a perfect world, they can even provide the parents with a few minutes of peace and quiet.However, what about messy crafts such as paint...Read Full Story