More photos from the sale...

Headbands and pouches...

Littlest Miracles Collection, for the younger set.

Fun, summer drawstring backpacks...

Easy going tote bags.

Beautiful shoulder bags, too.

.........and much, much more!

Hummingbird Mode

Spring is here. We are in extreme hummingbird mode. This means that we are flapping our wings at 12 - 90 beats per second. Per second, folks, we are not kidding around here!

We are in full swing with end of the year activities at school, how many field trips can they cram in at the last minute, book reports, poetry readings, concerts, musicals, field days, and 5th grade graduation. Oh, wait, did I mention that the dandelions and weeds are out of control, and we've had 5 weekends in a row or rain or snow! What about planting a garden? And those vegetable beds we've been meaning to put in, they're half-way done. Don't forget book club and volunteer meetings. The public art committee is gearing up for their summertime events, and oh yeah, Rachel just agreed to be their secretary. We are also coordinating, planning and working on our own home and garden renovation projects. We may even be planning a family vacation, if we're lucky. Then, there is still laundry, grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning, children, husbands, and friends. Is anyone else feeling this way? It makes my head spin, just to think about it all!

And in the midst of it all, we are preparing for our Spring Sale. Just a little last fling, before we batten down the hatches for the summer. We are excited to be offering a line of less expensive, fun summer jewelry, as well as a wide variety of fabric accessories including tote bags, headbands, wristlet pouches, and bags like these.

So, we know you all are busy too. We hope this spring finds you happy and healthy in the midst of your own personal hummingbird action. Hang in there, summer is just around the corner!

Spring Art & Craft Sale

Thursday, May 21; 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Friday, May 22; 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

• Affordable Jewelry
• Summer bags and totes
• Fun gifts for adults and kids
• One-of-a-kind accessories
• Mixed media art and collage
• Unbelievable bargains!

We are located at 600 E. Simpson St. in Old Town Lafayette. The studio entrance is on Finch Street. Enter through the west gate and come on in to the back building. Feel free to bring a friend. Food and beverage will be served.

Don't pass up life's small pleasures.

Artist Profile - Hope Swenson

Hope Swenson, owner of Mod Dot Textiles, is another local artist we found on Etsy. She creates fashion accessories, children's clothes, and home goods using designer fabric and trims. She uses bold colors and patterns in stunning combinations. From her full sized women's purses (left) and wallets, to her little cell phone bags (see green bag below right) to her adorable girls dresses, we love her work!

Also a Colorado native, Hope was inspired to sew by her "two very patient grandmothers and mother." She and her sister, Tiffany (see yesterday's post), started their textile careers in Barbie fashion, but have grown since those days!

Hope has a wide range of talents including sketching, painting, embroidery, knitting and crochet. She also has experience in metal smithing and jewelry making as well as home renovation. She and her father worked together to restore an old ranch house and a 1900's Bank building.

Even with that wide range of talent and skill, Hope is focusing on design and creation of children's clothes and other textile creations. She describes her artistic process as an explosion! She says, "I throw fabrics together on the floor or tack them to the wall, stand back and contemplate, decide what looks good together, cut and sew. I usually develop a pattern from something that I have already sewn and want to recreate. My best time to design is right before I go to sleep and when I am driving."

Her business, Mod Dot Textiles, grew out of necessity. After their father suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury, Hope and Tiffany made the decision to care for him themselves. Hope says, "I was required to find a way to create income while being able to have a flexible schedule so that I could participate in my Father’s care and rehabilitation to the fullest extent possible." While difficult, this transformative experience has helped Hope follow her "Bliss" by choosing to, "concentrate on my priorities of family and simplicity, and continue along my creative path." Both Hope and Tiffany contribute a portion of their proceeds to the Colorado Brain Injury Foundation and Boulder County Hospice.

Their story is inspiring and their work is inspired. We hope that you will enjoy Hope's bright, fun, and well crafted textile creations as much as we do!

Oh Baby!

Two of my friends have had babies recently. I decided to try my hand at making baby blankets for their wee-ones. I have been drooling over the super-soft polka-dot fleece at the fabric stores for quite some time, but had no reason to buy pastel blue, pink or yellow for myself. So now the occasion arises. Having never made a baby blanket, it was a learning experience.

My concept was simple. One side of the blanket would be a super soft fleece, the other a cute cotton print, all bound together with one of those satin blanket bindings.

The execution of the concept was a learning experience. The fleece, I found, tends to bunch up in the sewing machine. The satin, I found, tends to slip. The woman at the fabric store gave me a tip, use a walking foot on my machine, but I don't have one. My solution was to use lots and lots of pins to hold all the pieces in place while I stitched. ( I really hate pinning! It's so tedious.)

First I borrowed one of my daughter's blankets to figure out what size. After washing the material, I cut the two pieces to the appropriate size. Cutting the fleece was an exercise in fuzz-making. Then I pinned the two blanket sides, right sides together and went to the sewing machine to stitch...and realized, I needed to pin them with the right sides facing out. So, I un-pinned an re-pinned the blanket--did I mention, I don't like to pin. Next tip, stitch so the cotton is on the feed-dogs, not the fleece, that will help avoid the bunching. After the two pieces were stitched together, pin (again) the satin binding on the edge of the blanket. Working one side at a time, I attached the binding and mitered the corners. Again, the stitching worked better with the cotton side down.

With one blanket done, the second one was a breeze! Wow! Two blankets done in one day! What do you think? I will put them in the mail, and hopefully my friends and their babies will be happy with their new cuddly blankets.

Almost Mother's Day

In addition to sewing more costumes (yes, I know, never let anyone know you can sew), I have been busy making Mother's Day gifts. The first one I completed is a pot holder set for my mother-in-law's newly renovated kitchen. (shhh! don't tell her I made these for her! It's a surprise!)

I took this pattern from the Sew Simple Book I told you about earlier last week. I thought the pattern was simple enough, make a pieced piece of material using tapered strips of material. The trick for me was to alternate the wide an narrow ends of the strips. I think that I goofed it up several times, but you might not notice if I didn't point it out.

I used a color palette that matches her kitchen colors, a bright blue and yellow. I thew in the green to add some 'pop' to the design. I had fun mixing the colors and large and small patterns to create visual texture. I found heat-proof batting to use inside the pot holders, and added a loop of ribbon for hanging. I made the towel top so that it can be hung from a convenient spot in the kitchen. All I have left to do is add a button to keep the towel attached.

The book suggests that the same idea could be used to make coasters as well. Upon reading that idea, my head started spinning to all sorts of other ideas to use this construction: table runners, place mats, even the front of a tote bag. The possibilities are obviously endless.

I was so excited about the design, that I started piecing more material to make a set for my grandmother. Unfortunately, this set is yet unfinished because I was consumed with making 8 Lullaby League skirts for the Wizard of Oz at the elementary school and the fabulous photo pendants that Kerry and I made for several customers this week. I will show you those next week--I don't want to spoil anyone's Mother's Day surprise!

Aunt Martha Give-Away

Last week I told you about Aunt Martha's fabulous Iron Transfers. Here's is another sample from these fabulous, kitschy packages. They are perfect for making tea towels and pot holders. But, what else could you do with them? We are looking for ideas.


We're having a give away! So, put your thinking caps on, and let us know what creative use you come up with to use these transfers. Try to think of something other than the traditional use. We will reward your hard thinking. We will choose the most creative answer and reward that lucky person with one of Aunt Martha's Transfer packets and a pack of collage items from our own studio. You have some time to think about it, but don't wait too long. We will choose a winner Monday, March 31.


Post your best ideas here.

Old wool

One of the treasures that Kerry and I found while cleaning out some of my mom's old sewing supply stash were bags and bags of old wool scraps. The material was originally used by my mother and grandmother to make suits and dresses for themselves in the 1950's and early 60's. For some reason, they saved the pieces left over from cutting out their patterns. Perhaps they couldn't bring themselves to throw out material which probably cost a lot or perhaps they had a project in mind; I'll never know. But that brought us to the question. What do you do with old wool?

Aside from being odd shaped pieces, the fabric was in good condition. Kerry washed it all (on gentle cycle with Woolite). And then sorted the larger, usable pieces by color. And then we bagged it and put it away. Still sitting with the question, What do you do with old wool?

Even though the material is 40 or 50 years old, the colors and patterns were still vibrant and interesting. There were blue boucle plaids, several different colors of herringbone, light greens, dark greens, and tartans. We have also have vibrant reds, oranges and pinks. There are more sedate browns and greys. Some of them are more masculine, and others quite feminine. I have seen photos of my mom and grandma in dresses made out of some of these materials.

We each took some to play around with. I decided to make a few small clutch-style bags with my pieces. I liked the idea of using suiting material for a rather feminine design. I paired the wool with bright trims, satin linings, and antique buttons and broaches. I really like the results. I added pockets inside each bag, just right for a phone and a lipstick. The tassel trim isn't at all practical, but neither is the bag. It is just a special occasion bag.

Kerry made a beautiful tote bag for me using all the blue colored wools we had. Using our favorite patchwork patterns, she was able to incorporate all the different patterns we had. She accented the handle with brown and white ribbon and the result is quite nice. It has been a lovely winter bag to use.

On the web I found several others with ideas about how to use old wool. HGTV.com highlights a "Trash to Treasure" feature that recycles old wool coats to be made into placemats, photo frames and pillows. Who knows, maybe I'll try one of those projects next.

What would you do with old wool? And if you have any good ideas for wool, what about men's ties? We have a nice stash of old ties, too.

March comes marching in...

March comes "in like a lion, out like a lamb," or so the saying goes. Our March seems to have a case of multiple personalities. We hit a high of 72 degrees on Saturday, March 1. The kids were happy to be outside, riding their bikes and running around the park.

Sunday, March 2, I awoke to blizzard like conditions. Our snow storm left this on my juniper bush...

The snow came fast and furious. Thankfully it stopped during the morning and only left three or four inches for us to deal with. The high was only about 32 for the day.

With a 40 degree drop in temperature in 24 hours, it's a wonder that we aren't all catching colds. (I know they say you can't get a cold from the weather, but such a drastic change in the weather has to take it's toll on our bodies.) Hopefully it didn't take it's toll on my tulips which are peeking out of the snow in this picture.

Our little teaser of spring, even summer-like, weather has left me pining away for warmer weather. I can't wait for the season to change. I want to see what comes up in my garden, plant new flowers and spend time out doors. But the wind and chill keeps me inside.

As Kerry mentioned, the weather leaves us to our at-home tasks and art endeavors. So I sit, at home, making things to use this summer.

This is my version of Kerry's patchwork bag. I can't wait to take this one to the park for a picnic, or to the beach with my book inside. Doesn't it just scream "SUMMER!"

I love the bright turquoise and orange mixed together. It is definitely a summer combination. The colors remind me of the ocean, the sunset, and tropical fruit. Okay, enough dreaming!

So back to the March in like a lion thing, it really has nothing to do with the weather. While writing this, I learned it's really about the constellations, and how Leo (the lion) is in the night sky with regards to how Aries (the Ram or lamb) is positioned at the beginning and end of the month. I never knew.

March is a month with many faces. It is American Red Cross Month and Women's History Month. If you are religious you can celebrate the days of St. David, St. Joseph and don't forget St. Patrick. And of course, this year, there's Easter in March. And for those non-religious, you can celebrate National Reading Day and Pi Day. (Pi, like in math, not pie, like in yum-yum), and don't forget St. Patrick's Day! And then there's the Ides of March and the Equinox--the arrival of Spring. I can't wait for the weather to change. I hope old Henry here isn't correct, and that the warm weather comes as quickly as the first day of spring will come.

The first day of spring is one thing, and the first spring day is another. The difference between them is sometimes as great as a month.

-- Henry VanDyke

comtemplation

I spend a lot of time making combinations.... thinking about color...

thinking about pattern...

thinking about texture...

What will all of these combinations become?

Weekend Project

Looking around my house, I am itching to bring spring inside. I am tired of the cold, the wind, the snow and mud trudged through my kitchen. I can't wait for the tulips to peek out, the robins to start singing and the birds to come to roost on my front porch. I am itching to make beautiful things to have and enjoy in my home. Making bright and beautiful things is one way I try to battle the winter doldrums.

My weekend project, which encorporates two of our goals --using our materials and living a more artful life-- was to recover two of the little foot stools I had sitting in our living room. Reupholstering furniture, wait, is that part of this blog about craft and art? Stay with me here, it is not as hard as you might think.

These stools were old and frayed, to say the least. They certainly didn't yell out, "I come from an artful home." They are the ones who put the shabby into shabby chic. Actually, there was no chic there.

Maybe I could rescue these two before they ended up at the dump. I had two fabrics in my stash that would make great new covers for these old stools. A smart red chenille and a springy yellow brocade might do the trick.

First, I gathered the tools I would use to do the job. I needed a Phillips head screwdriver, a staple gun with mid- to heavy weight staples, pliers, wood glue, new batting, scissors, and fabric.

Next, I removed the legs from the stools. Each was attached with screws. Then, I used pliers to remove the upholstry nails and staples holding the old fabric in place. I used the old fabric as a pattern template for the new material.

Each stool received a new layer or two of batting to improve it's cushy nature. I trimmed the batting and secured underneath with staples. Then I fitted the fabric. The rectangular stool was a bit more challenging, I had to sew seams at the corners to create the fitted look. Once the fabric was in place on each stool and secured with more staples, I reattached the legs.

I am pleased with the results. The ratty-tat stools have new life. The bright red chenille picks up the bright reds of our living room rug. The yellow brocade, with it's springy pattern of flowers and leaves looks lovely with my grandmother's antique chair. The touches of red, green and blue are nice to break- up the yellow background.

So, I think that I have successfully re-habed these two; they are no longer destined for the dump.

30 resolutions

Inspired by other blogs we read, we have decided to make a joint list of our resolutions for 2008. We are aiming high with 30 resolutions . We feel confident we can achieve them all if we work together.

We, Kerry and Rachel, do solemnly swear we resolve.....

1. To wear our cute clothes on a daily basis instead of saving them for special occasions.

2. To light candles nightly in our homes.

3. To greet our husbands in 1950's style, with a smile on our faces and a clean welcoming home.

4. To drink more wine

5. To not complain about doing laundry and how it never ends.

6. To not complain about our children putting clean clothes into the hamper because they don't want to fold them.

7. To wash our cars more than once a year.

8. To find out and share better gossip on our friends and enemies.

9. To drink less wine.

10. To stop wasting hours looking at the internet and forwarding links to each other.

11. To eat more meals consisting solely of appetizers.

12. To find more amusing cards to send to each other.

13. To actually sew instead of just staring in awe over our fabrics.

14. To water our plants regularly not just when they turn brown.

15. To shop sales more diligently.

16. To take more pictures of our children, and less of our craft supplies.

17. To use the fabulous craft supplies we have and not save them for a "special project"

18. To make every project special.

19. To not learn another craft until we finish all the projects we have bought supplies for and never started.

20. To throw more parties.

21. To drink more fine wine.

22. To be brave enough to cut the pretty fabric and papers and not just look at them.

23. To make fabulous tote bags for every occasion.

24. To use the fabulous tote bags on a regular basis.

25. To make fantastic bags and accessories for our children so they too can have an artful life.

26. To walk more.

27. To read more blogs and to comment with witty feedback.

28. To write more witty, crafty blog entries.

29. To have more art give-aways.

30. To host an art swap with all our artsy friends and throw a party to celebrate!

Fabric swap

Today Kerry and I swapped fabric. We each have sewing machines at our own homes. We don't keep sewing machines in the studio, I don't think there would be any room. So, we divide the fabric we own together and periodically trade. It is quite a sight! We each have our fabric in big crates. One of us hauls our crate to the other person's house.

Today, Kerry brought her fabric over to my house. Then, in the living room, we had a fabric explosion! After all, you can't trade fabric without knowing what you have to share. We spent a fair amount of time sorting and combining fabrics and discussing what we could make out of the respective pieces and combinations. Then, we claim the pieces we want to work with and re-pack our boxes.

Today we even created challenges for each other. Actually Kerry gave us both a challenge. To assemble all the items which are already cut out. I don't know about you, but I have a number of items cut and not put together. Nothing huge, just a few pouches, tissue holders, and tote bags, well, quite a few. So, we will see if I can rise to the occasion and finish all the work I have started. Stay tuned for updates, and give me some encouragement to get it all done!

Under Construction

Our studio is currently under construction.... nothing too major. Kerry and I wanted to get organized. We also needed to clean! For the most part, we close the studio during the summer to be with the kids while they are out of school. While the studio is closed, it is hot. There is no air conditioning in the tiny building that was once used as a school for coal miners children. Imagine that... the little room filled with hot, sweaty, rambunctious children.

Instead, we had creepy, crawly bugs move in during our absence. Mostly harmless spiders and a few box elder bugs (which our children affectionately call Love Bugs). After lots of sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping, we feel much better. Our space is, once again, ship-shape!

As an added project we decided to install a new ceiling. And by "we" I mean that "we" asked my husband, Jeremy, to do it. The first photo shows the installation process. Jeremy said it looks a little like Denver International Airport. But the finished result is beautiful!

Now that school has started and fall is fast approaching we are back to work. We have been working hard to rev up for the Fall Launch Party in September, and our Fall Art Sale on October 19 and 20. The first peek for the "public" will be this Friday at our Coffee Hour from 9 - 11. Stop by for a cup of Joe!

I've got a secret!

Actually it is more like a confession. I confessed to Rachel the other day and she was supportive as a good friend should be. She promised to help me and guide me. Now it is time I tell all of you.... I don't know if I can....well here it goes...............

I can't read sewing patterns!
I know, who would expect this from such a crafty person like me? I am willing and able to attempt any crafting medium and I love to sew. But the patterns?
When I try to read one, my mind wanders and I can't seem to grasp what they are talking about. I can't figure out which way the fabric is supposed to go and they are always pinning things. I am anti-pinning! How can I sew without pinning? Carefully and if it absolutely requires pinning - then I won't make it. How does Rachel put up with me? I don't know because these are surely the least of my annoying habits.
So here is how I do sew, I need to see the fabric laid out or I need to look at a pre-made item. I can then turn the pieces visually in my head and figure out how to sew them together. Rachel is also a huge help. She is usually the one to figure out the construction of our fabric creations. I'll tell her what I am thinking of and she will show me how to make it. It's all about the visual directions, with actual pieces of fabric not drawings.

I feel better. The next time I go fabric shopping, I can hear the exchange now:

Grandma behind the counter: "So deary, what are you making and how many yards will you need?"

Kerry: "I can't read a pattern! I am making tissue holders, 10 yards should cover it."

Grandma: "Good for you honey!"

Sewing Illiterate and proud!

We Love Fabric Shopping!

Fabric shopping is taking over our lives! Well not completely, but we are loving it. We have been making pillows, table runners, coasters, bags and selling them at our antique booth at Noble Antiques in Lafayette. We also are trying to learn new sewing techniques and and every time we find something at a store, we peek inside to see if we can figure out how it is put together. The learning curve seems never ending.

Because we are mainly selling fabric items as a supplement to our antique venture, we tend to look for vintage look and feel fabrics. There are some great lines of very retro 50's fabric that we have found at Hobby Lobby and Hancock Fabrics. We have also had some great finds at Big Lots. Super discount store that has recently started carrying upholstery weight fabrics for 2 yards for $5.00. Great Price and if you search enough you can find some great patterns.

Where do you find your fabrics? We would love to know.