Crafts & Diet Coke

At the first of the year, I was reading someone’s craft blog and the whole premise of her blog was creating things out of what she already had on hand. I wish I could remember her blog name. It was there that the thought occurred to me “I bet I can make crafts for a LONG time and never have to buy anything”. So I challenged myself to go one full year without buying ANY craft supplies. Not long after that I organized my craft closet and was convinced that I did not need to buy anything for a very long time. A further look into our expenses last year was further motivation.

 

My husband was so impressed that he offered to not drink any Diet Cokes at home for the next year. If you know my husband, this possibly a bigger challenge than mine. He drinks an average of 180 ounces of Diet Coke per day. When we are at our friends house, they make sure Dion has plenty of Diet Coke. Funny, they don’t pass out Michael’s or Joann’s gift cards to me. I guess they have seen my craft closet too!

There have been SO many things that I could have bought already and didn’t. I realized I was stumped by my own rules when the lines of what determines a ‘craft supply’ are so vague because I can pretty much make a craft out of just about anything. But it’s okay- I’m sure I will still create a lot of fun projects this year.

Creating something from nothing really pulls out true creativity. Rather than rushing to purchase what I think I need, I am dependent on waiting for inspiration from what I already have. Much like refusing to buy more groceries until you make some space in the pantry, it stretches you to be resourceful.

It made me think about all of the areas that we rush to fix a situation when God is asking us to wait for Him and let His creative thoughts flow through us. Sometimes the waiting brings an even better idea or the desire for what we thought we needed is replaced with contentment.

In the meantime, I have enough current sewing jobs to keep me busy for quite a while. Spending someone else’s money is fun also!

A Window Into Our Family

Now that my sewing projects are finished for the time being, I was able to tackle a Pinterest project. I got the idea from Lil Luna at http://lilluna.com

Here was her version

I started with an old window that Dion and I found at an antique store in Micanopy on our way home from dropping Melissa off at the airport. Spending the afternoon with him and walking around the shops helped me to get my attention off of being sad and thankful that we enjoyed each others company so much.

 

Here is my rendition… I made the shutters from some old wood that I had in my workshop and the stars I have had for years; just didn’t know what to do with them until now.

I cut the letter G from ceiling tile that I may or may not have found around my office at work. It pays to work at an Acoustical Ceiling tile business. It cuts so nicely with my scroll saw, I might have to think of other things to make from old tiles.

The words on the window represent things that are special to our family. Some of them are obvious, some obviously have a story behind them. All of the words make us smile.

Dion says the window represents our family in more ways than just the words. He thinks that the clear glass shows that our life is both open for others to see and we are pretty transparent about our joys and struggles. He thinks it also represents that we are always looking out for new opportunities.

We love our new/old window and the memories it brings.

Can you guess what some of the sayings might mean?

Listening

Every seamstress knows the frustration of concentrating on maneuvering around an intricate cut of fabric, only to find out that they ran out of bobbin thread 12″ earlier.

I have found that the more I sew, I have come to recognize the different sound that my machine makes when I have run out of thread.  Hearing that difference makes me stop right away and correct the issue before it becomes a problem.

In the same way, God’s word says that His sheep listen to His voice.  john 10:27.

How many times do we trod through a day completing various tasks only to feel it was all in vain.  If we had been listening to God’s soft voice directing us, we could have avoided a mess later on.

I am so thankful for the opportunity to sew the bridesmaids dresses for my nephews wedding in March.

Patterns

Patterns

 

While cutting out a pattern for some clothes the other day, I was reminded how much the Word of God is a pattern for our lives.

Sometimes the pattern wording is confusing, it has symbols that are supposed to help us in fabrication but if they are not interpreted or transferred properly, they are of no help.  Sometimes the finished product looks nothing like what we thought it would even though we followed the pattern to the letter.  We can be confident that we have followed the pattern to the best of our knowledge and ability and yet it still turns out undesirable in our eyes.

My favorite part about sewing or crafting is taking a pattern and adding creative embellishments to it.  I like to start with a basic blueprint of directions and add flair and creativity to it.  I always say that I’m not creative and by that I mean that I don’t always create the idea in my head but once I see a basic design, I can think of other ways to make something.

In the same way, the Word of God is our pattern for life.  We often get into trouble when we misinterpret the directions or don’t pick up on the basic symbols that were intended to help us.  Sometimes, we think we are doing everything correctly and yet our day doesn’t turn out as we thought it should.   I think what makes God smile the most is in us not feeling like we are following strict directions,  but taking his pattern for our day and asking Him to flow through us with the creativity and gifts he has given to us to come up with a unique creation that will bless our souls and those around us.

Acts 17:28 In him we live and move and have our being.

More to come on these dress patterns.

 

 

 

Drop Down Craft Table

The cutting table I have used for many years was literally on it’s last leg.   The laminate top had had lost it’s trim and was rough around the edges which would snag my fabric.

Although I could have repaired the legs and installed new laminate tops, I opted for created a new table.

Several months ago, I found a cabinet door in the clearance bin at IKEA.  I bought the cabinet door with my new cutting table in mind.

I wanted to create a table that would drop down from the wall so it wouldn’t take up any floor space.  I also wanted to be able to have more storage for my never ending craft supplies.

I purchased a 6 cube storage unit from Lowe’s, assembled it,  added my new cabinet door, added fabric to the back of some of the cubbies, added some vinyl flowers that I found at IKEA, a couple of magnetic latches to keep the door up and mounted it to the wall of my sewing room.  Voila!

Playing with body parts?

I am preparing to make the bridesmaid’s dresses for my nephew’s out of town wedding in March.   Without having the girls nearby to try on the dresses, I found the need for a body form/mannequin that would assist me.

I remembered that years ago, a friend gave me their mothers body form (that doesn’t sound right).   I used it for many years but for the past 13 years, sadly, she has lived in my attic.

I found that the fabric was even more rotten than it had been before and she definitely needed some updating.

The tag read, Acme Body Form, size A.  My research has informed me that she was born in the 50′s.

Today I dismantled her, painted the hardware and recovered the body parts in a very slimming black fabric.

I am pretty pleased with the new results and thrilled that I can have her assistance in trying on the new bridesmaids dresses when the time comes.  Now she just needs a name.  I think I’ll call her Lucy to represent all of the Lucille Ball adventures I find myself in.

 

Sewing, sewing, sewing

I have been slack with keeping up with my blog this past month due to sewing. Such a wonderful problem to have.

This past month, I have altered 2 formal gowns, made 2 pajama’s for my pj of the month club, crocheted 2 hats for my freezing daughter in New York, worked on a knitted wrap for a gift exchange, made a flower bouquet out of baby socks for a friend who’s expecting, worked on a purse for a friend, made some necklaces, repaired some jewelry, made a quilted table runner for fall, made a lamp out of wax paper circles, took a vacation to the mountains 2 weekends in a row and ordered fabric for making 6 bridesmaids dresses. In between all of that I worked part time and had people over several times for small group and mentoring, took care of my handicapped sister and my precious hubby, stayed on track with a new diet, spent time with friends and the Lord and generally had a blast. aahhh…. I love my life!

The 2 formal gowns took many hours of labor and involved more beading and hand sewing than I anticipated. They did turn out nicely though and it was very rewarding.

I also had the pleasure of hemming a beautiful wedding gown with several layers of organza and silk, added a bustle and altered the sleeves. I will be altering the 6 bridesmaids dresses for that wedding as well which is in January.

This week I am hemming another gorgeous gown for a wedding in December. The gown is solid lace with a lace trim at the hem. I knew it would be a lot of work but I didn’t know that the beads and sequins would all come off of the hem trim when I removed it. So after I hem it, I get the joy of hand beading thousands of pearls and sequins back onto the trim. Did I mention that I don’t like hand sewing? Why can’t my older sisters live closer to me to help??

My classes didn’t go over that well last month, only had a couple of attendees. I need to schedule some for this month. Let’s see…. I think a pearl sewing class is appropriate for this month. haha

Back to sewing…….

Lisa’s Lessons

I am very excited to announce the beginning of Lisa’s Lessons.

Come join me for a time of fun and learning here in my home in Alachua.  I have 4 classes scheduled so far this month with plans for a few more.   There will be some basic classes that I will be offering each month if the interest is there.  I would like to offer basic sewing, knitting, crochet and jewelry making lessons each month.

The best part…. Not only will you be learning a valuable skill that you will carry throughout life, 90% of your class fee will be going to support an incredible missionary with Youth With a Mission.  Our daughter Stephanie is a missionary in Adelaide, Australia and serving on staff with the YWAM organization indefinitely.   Stephanie has a passion for Jesus and for many different areas of providing justice to those in bondage.    She has committed her life to serving in this capacity overseas and does not receive a salary.  She depends on God working through people like you and I to provide for her support and ministry outreaches.  These lessons are an opportunity where  I can use my talents to support her and you can take part in learning and supporting as well.

Please take the time to sign up for as many classes as you’d like to by purchasing the class through the secure Paypal like or mailing your payment to the address below.  All classes require payment before class and require 24 hour notice for cancellation to receive a refund

Thank you for joining me in this venture~ Even if you aren’t interested or able to attend classes, please help by spreading the word and sharing my blog with your friends.

Let’s get crafting!

Lisa

Learn to Make Basic Earrings

When: Wednesday 10/5/11 7-8pm

What: Learn to make earrings to match any outfit or give as great gifts. In this class, you will learn all of the basic skills necessary to make earrings. We will be using headpins, earring findings and beads to create your treasures.

Where: 17710 NW 175th Ave, Alachua, FL  32615

 Cost: $25

Supplies to bring:   Includes basic supplies for making one pair of earrings. Students are welcome to bring their own supplies and/or tools.

Learn to Crochet

When: Sunday, 10/9/11, 5-7pm

What:  Learn the basics of crochet and begin a beautiful scarf.  You’ll be surprised how simple it is to crochet.  We’ll be focusing on the basic stitches including a chain, single crochet, double crochet and finishing.  You’ll learn how to read a pattern and begin work on a basic scarf.

Where: 17710 NW 175th Ave, Alachua, FL  32615

Cost: $35

 

Supplies to bring:
Worsted weight yarn in a light color and size G or H crochet hook.

Learn to Make a Basic Bracelet or Necklace

When: Wednesday 10/12/11, 7-8pm

What:  In this class you’ll learn how to design and create unique beaded jewelry. We’ll be working with different types of cording, clasps and crimps to construct a unique bracelet or necklace that you will be proud to wear or give as a gift.

Where: 17710 NW 175th Ave, Alachua, FL  32615

Cost: $25

Supplies to Bring: Assorted beads of your choice. Approximately 30 needed for a bracelet and 50 for a necklace. All other supplies will be provided. If you have your own tools or supplies, you are encouraged to bring them.

Learn to Knit

When: Friday, 10/14/11, 4-6pm

What: In this class you will learn the basics of knitting such as reading patterns, casting on, making stockinette and garter stitches, garter stitch, how to purl and how to bind off. With these basics, you can make a scarf, hat, pillow, bag or any number of projects

Where: 17710 NW 175th Ave, Alachua, FL  32615

Cost: $35

Supplies to bring: Chunky/Bulky Yarn and size 13 Knitting Needles

Camera Characters

My newest craft is a very decorative item that fits on the lens of a camera and keep children’s attention while you take their picture.

I was inspired by an item I saw on Pinterest and decided to make a couple for my friend Cindy Taylor who has taken such gorgeous pictures of our daughters.

I might venture to put them on Etsy.  Can you tell I am stalling with putting items up for sale?  I would so much rather give them away.

So, here are a few of my newest creations that I may or may not sell for $15 on Etsy.  :-)

Ironically, I don’t even own a working camera or have young children to entertain.  They were just fun to make.

Pajama of the Month Club

For my sweet daughter Melissa, who practically lives in pajama’s,  I have created a “Pajama of the Month” Club for her.

When thinking of something fun to send to her at college,  this was the first thing that came to mind.  Since she was a very little girl, the first thing she would do when she got home would be to change out of her school clothes and into pajama’s.  She inherited this from her Grammie Peggie I think.  Now that she is at culinary school, she get’s to wear chef pants all day which are basically pj’s.  Hmm… I might know why she chose this career path now.  It’s not the cooking, it’s wearing pj’s all day.

In my research however, I have found that there does not exist to my knowledge a club where you can order gifts of pajama’s to be sent per month so I think I might have birthed a new business adventure.

I already have very cute themed fabric’s picked out for Melissa for each month.  This month are these crazy candy corn striped pj’s, November’s are turkeys no less.  December’s pj’s have reindeer.  January’s are snowflakes.  February’s pj’s are covered in pink and red lips and March will be 4 leaf clovers.  That’s all of the fabric I bought so far.

The pj’s can be made in XS, S, M, L, XL and come with elastic and drawstring waistbands and the best part… they have pockets.  I know you’re thinking why do we need pockets when we sleep but as my college girl wears them all afternoon and needs a place to put her cell phone, I will assume the rest of the world would like pockets too.

I am thinking of selling the club sets in months of 3,6 or 12.  As soon as I can work out more details, I will post them to Etsy.

So thank you Melissa, my PJ Girl, for inspiring me!

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