Misc

I've been cruising through Flickr, looking for inspiration for The Purse Project, and have been discovering some incredible collages (check out the blog--I found some great stuff to link).
In my search, I came across some other projects that just make my mind start running with possibilities.

Like this stitched paper vest (click on images to go to the Flickr pages, and to view more of the details)

Stitched paper hanging
Originally uploaded by lizziegolden

Or this "drawing with thread"

woof
Originally uploaded by noii's

Tutorial to turn an apron into a tote bag, by Ambrosian Beads.

Ha! Meatloaf cupcakes with mashed potato frosting!
(thanks, Pipstitch)

This video, Lion Hug, makes me cry and smile at the same time

Art inspiration

It's unfortunate that I am still trying to figure out what I want "to be" when I grow up.
I know I have to focus on passion...to examine those things that make the breath catch in my throat.
The problem is that a lot of things do that.
I tend to get confused, to walk in circles, to be afraid.

I think, in retrospect, art was probably the path I should have walked.
I suppose I still can.
I know that the epitome of what I am lies in trinkets and photographs.
I love the idea of making art by stitching together three-dimensional items, and by telling a story in images.

That's why the work of Lisa Kokin speaks to me so clearly.

"1963" table-shaped sculpture of sewn found photograph, 6-1/4 x 5-1/4 x 5-1/4, 2000

She says, "I am intrigued with other people’s photographic recording of their lives both for the generic quality they possess -- the family and social rituals, studio portraits, vacation shots -- and for the feeling of sadness and nostalgia that acquiring other people’s memories provokes in me. I feel somehow that it should be illegal to own them, yet since they are for sale it might as well be me who buys them.
Sometimes there are inscriptions on the back (“Susie, 7 years old”) but more often they come to me stripped of all identity. I sit in my studio and speculate about the nature of the photographed people’s lives. I will, of course, never know the truth, so I feel it is my job to give them new lives and rescue them from the obscurity they would be headed for were it not for me, humble servant of the arts. I try to invent an altogether different identity for them but of course, in the final analysis these works are more about me than any of the hundreds of anonymous individuals who appear in my work."

"Vestige" sewn found photographs, batting, paper, 51 x 16, 2001


"Baby" reminds me of memory jars
Mixed media sculpture, 18 x 12 x 7, 1995


Thank you, yet again, to Art for Housewives, for continually introducing me to art and ideas that make me stop and say, "wow".

Ideas...a couple anyway

Aarrgghh.
I'm having computer issues.
Again.
So bear with me.
I do at least have a couple of links to share.

If you're bummed about having to find a substitution for Timtex (like I am), Craft Apple has already done some research for you.

Queenly Things inkjet prints onto fabric.
Here's the tutorial.

Make a pet bed from an old leather coat.

Yay--my very own crow!

I finally was able to purchase one of Jennifer Conway's crows.
Jennifer is a multi-media artist out of Canada, and her crows are a hot commodity.
I like this guy for his aqua-colored beak,


and of course Queen Elizabeth got me too.

If you're not familiar with Jennifer's work, oh my.
Go spend some time at her blog.
Major inspiration there.

And get out your credit card--you're going to want to stock up on goodies at her Etsy shop.

Ideas and Inspiration around Blogland

I just discovered the blog Moonstitches, and have found so many amazing things there--like this strawberry-shaped bag.
Another view here.

Owl pennant Tutorial on Moonstitches (thanks Wendy).

Other blog goodness includes the loving writing of Aubrey: A nest flies away.

Finny swears off Nutella.

I've seen recycled plastic bags that have been crocheted, and I've seen bags that have been fused, but this is the first time I've seen plastic bag animals (thanks Cynthia).

Cute birdcage pattern for embroidery (free download by Ottobre).

Walking Giants.

Oh geez, I just realized I'm posting this on April Fool's Day.
Well, here're some fun food ideas (from Brownie Points) if you're looking to fool someone.

Sew Inspiring

While I'm eagerly awaiting the announcement of the winners of the Amy Butler Sew Inspiring Contest, I was inspired by
Dog Named Banjo to post my five favorites.

Really, there are so many amazing entries, it's hard to choose. Here are just a few.
(note the computer is acting wonky, so I had to upload the photos to the computer versus linking to the flickr page. Flickr has rules that their images must link back, so click on the hyperlink or highlighted text for that. You can zoom details there)

Useful Daily Bag from Amatricis.
Dude! That side panel is a bicycle innertube! Stitched perfectly, I might add.
Read more here.

Yummy Mummy bag, by Elissa Elliott. This is just the back. See more pics on the flickr page.


Stephanie Mag Bag, by Bari J. This one is the closest one to mine, as we both collaged.
I can't find the permalink about this particular bag, but everything on her blog is unreal.


Quilted Nigella Bag, by AggieRay46. Gorgeous use of fabric.


Clutch4, by ErinPata.


And I've already blogged about Camp Follower Bags,
and The Jill Bag.

Misc.

*Great post on color (written for quilting, but it works on all art levels), by That Dorky Homemade Look.
(I found it linked by The Calico Cat)

*I don't buy jewelry for myself very often, especially necklaces, because I'm allergic to nickel.
But I couldn't resist this pears necklace from Thimble.


*Speaking of Thimble, I am inspired by her new pillow covers.

*Need some kind of boost, of inspiration, of ideas?
Head on over to Art for Housewives.
By far one of the best blogs out there. I don't know how she finds the time to cull all those links. But there is always something great on there.

Altered Art: Dominoes

I mentioned the other day that I want to do some crafting with dominoes.
I've seen (but not yet made) dominoes that have been stamped upon, or collaged upon. Often times, resin is used as a sealer.
You can also use photo transfers, or draw on them, embellish them with beads, wrap them in wire, mold polymer clay around them...you name it.

What could be made?
Cool stuff like this Domino Book by Judi Wellnitz.

Or make pendants, bracelets, key fobs, or magnets from dominoes.
Lighter weight dominoes (some are made from bamboo) can be made into earrings.
Maybe barrettes, pins, the body of an art doll, embellishment on a larger item (large charms), ornaments, ceiling fan pulls, drawer pulls, maybe even parts of a wind chime.

I've had a difficult time finding tutorials online, because most of the links on Craftster or Get Crafty no longer have photos attached.
Some links I googled contain too many ads or shift you over to an ad site (I hate that!).
I did finally find some links (these are posted especially for Pattie)

a how-to using decals, on HGTV. Note, they made decals from their own art.

ornaments (embellisment using Sharpies), by Jen Minnis.

diary pendant from HGTV

stamped bracelet by Evelyn Kennedy Duncan.
(instructions)


how to make a beaded pendant by gchristine

simple directions on Wikihow.

Boxes made from scans of dominoes! By Meggie Cat.
Printout pdf included in post.


If you prefer buying versus making, Etsy seller Domino Effect sells lots of pendants, including this one with a vintage matchbook image.

Etsy seller Kayann Works makes pendants featuring her own artwork, like this cute pit bull.


I like this Quija board pendant by Tartx.


Ha! Robot box by etsy seller Always Amy.


and for those of you who just want to learn to play the game of dominoes, there is a website devoted to this, and the site has posted a video to teach you the rules.

Inspirations

I get inspirations from craft books, magazines, catalogs, and just looking around in the real world.
Sometimes something will just give me a jolt of excitement and spark an idea.
I love that feeling.

When I look at certain items (clothing, handbags, quilts), I sometimes see neckties, or how I could use necktie fabric to recreate them.
And that's inspiring to me.
I see neckties in two of Sweet P's awesome designs:

Thanks to Blogging Project Runway for the photos of the collections at Fashion Week.
(go to the link to see zoomed images of these and all the other designs presented)

I'm a big fan of environmentally friendly textiles, and Eco-Spun intrigues me.
According to the eco-glossary of white apricot:
Learn to love Eco-Spun! It is a high-quality polyester fiber which is made from 100% certified recycled PET (soda/pop) bottles, that is capable of keeping about three billion plastic PET bottles out of the world’s landfills each year, saving over half a million barrels of oil and eliminating 400,000 tons of harmful emissions which contribute to global warming, acid rain, smog, etc.. In fact, the amount of petroleum saved annually by using post-consumer bottles instead of virgin materials is enough to supply power to a city the size of Atlanta! Eco-Spun can be found is many textile products, including clothing, blankets, wall coverings, carpets, auto interiors and various home furnishings. It takes 6-20 bottles to make a sweatshirt, depending upon the weight, size and blend of the garment.

I love whimsical items, like the novelty kitchen gadgets by Boston Warehouse available at Target.
I mean, come on, how fun is this monkey-shaped vegetable peeler?!
I can think of so many gift baskets that could use a toucan beak can opener, or a pirahna pizza wheel...

Miscellaneous...

Jen sent me a link to Apartment Therapy website, and this amazing pillow made from clothing labels.
I had written about sewing with labels before, but the style of this pillow is a new twist. I love it!
Previously, I embellished an apron with labels.
And I mentioned a lady who made a quilt from labels.

And while I'm thinking about it, there's something else I wanted to share.
I was at a grocery store the other day, and up front, beside the handicapped parking spaces...
two spaces for Hybrid vehicles only.
I had never seen that before.

Hmmm...homemade recipes for Girl Scout Cookies...
from my favorite, Baking Bites.
Tagalongs (the name of one of the dogs I'm watching right now. And yes, he was named after the cookie)
Samoas
Do-Si-Dos
a kind-of Thin Mints

Make your own personalized (um, adult content) Conversation Hearts (from Brownie Points blog).

I am so sad that Court TV changed to Tru TV.
Tru sucks sucks sucks.
I miss my Court TV...

Sorry for my absence here. I've been having horrible migraines.
Too, I'm without a scanner, and all my stuff to scan is at my mom's house anyway.
So bear with me...

Vintage Weave-It Loom

Texian39 posted several items to Flickr.com that she made using a vintage Weave-it loom, including this absolutely amazing afghan.

Detail
She says, "Centers are "waffle grid" pattern woven on a Weave-It loom. Each square is bordered with single and double crochet and then assembled with a crocheted slip stitch from the back."

This all inspired me to purchase my own loom.

This is made by Donar Products. I am not sure of the year, but possibly the 1940's.
The tag on the box says Marshall Field and $1.00.
More information about Weave-it looms here.

Similar newer products are marketed as Weavette looms, but are very difficult to find.
Weavette Group on Flickr.
Flower loom group on Flickr.

The looms come in a four-inch and a two-inch size (also a five-inch rug loom and a bias loom), and are wood with metal pins around which yarn is wound.
Depending on the size of the yarn used, the squares can come out quite delicate--much more intricate than the plastic 'potholder' looms that use fabric loops

Texian39 also made this gorgeous baby alpaca scarf
Go figure, huh? Who knew handheld looms could create such items!

Or look at this fun flower!This would be so cute as an embellishment on a jacket, purse, or even a throw.

She has lots more ideas, inspiration, and tutorials on her weaving site, Eloomanator.

Things I Love

Some blog posts have a way of lingering...making an impression.
They stay with me like an itch, until I must scratch.

One beautiful post by Floresita caught my attention.
First a list of things she loves.
I love lists.
But within the list, a video to a song by Hope Sandoval, formerly of Mazzy Star.

As I said in the comments, that video took my on a journey to
You Tube, and hours and hours of exploring videos by Mazzy Star, Hope Sandoval, Jesus and the Mary Chain.
Then onto other bands, other voices.

I adore music.
It's odd that I have never played music or explored its impact
(other than a recent brief stint writing CD reviews or band interviews, there was only my 5th grade introduction to piano that was botched by a teacher I just plain ole did not like).
But her post is what inspired me to start Video Sunday--something I do mostly for my own enjoyment, though I do hope some of you investigate my findings and are moved by them.

So, with a nod to Floresita (who has an amazing collection of vintage embroidery patterns, by the way), here is my own list of things I love:

-the smell of freshly cut grass, or ripe apricots

-the soft sound of lapping waves at the shore

-sun on my face. The way it dapples and plays on water

-when men wink

-the Sea World Tower

-the way some books send me into another time. To quote a passage in The Thirteenth Tale, "It was like falling into water". I love when a book takes over like that--when you can't put it down. You have been captured, enthralled, embossed.

-the way my breath catches when I see a certain piece of art, or an architectural element that stirs me. It is inspiration and motivation at once--a wondering if I too could do something like that. It is hope in 3D.

-when dogs smile at me. Like they just know I'm a kindred spirit.

An inspiring reminder

I was walking through an Asian grocery store last year, and all of a sudden I was stopped in my tracks by a Peach tree they had for sale.
It was in blossom, you see, and it was magnificent.
It was the first time I had ever seen that, and it was powerful.

So you know when you maybe see something, or notice something, or read something, and it has a breath-stopping effect like that?
Isn't that awesome?

Well, that's how I felt when I read this post by Andrea, at Hula Seventy.
It's a reminder we all need this time of year.

(for those of you new to blogging, highlighted text is a link, so please click on the link to her post, then click on her link to fully understand what I'm talking about.)

Sewing with Neckties

I've had quite a few people ask me for information on projects and instructions for making quilts and other items from recycled neckties.
So I'll share what I know.
I will probably post more on this soon, as there is much to say.

Why sew with neckties?
Well, first off it's a great form of recycling, and it's a fun way to use whimsical fabrics that often make bizarre neckties, but great quilting fabric.
Too, it's often a cathartic project in that people often use ties to memorialize a loved one (a mourning quilt, for example).

Are there any books available with ideas and instructions?
Most of the books with instructions are currently out of print, but you can sometimes find them on ebay or places like bookfinder (or their affiliates, like Alibris).
Unfortunately, they've gotten quite expensive--far more so than what they originally cost new.
These include:
Quilts from Neckties, by Sharon Newman (1995)
Tied Up!, by Gail Ellspermann and Frances Krupka (a Design Originals booklet, 2002)
Love to Quilt: Necktie Sampler Blocks, by Janet B. Elwin (1996)
Ties, Ties, Ties: Traditional Quilts from Neckties, by Janet B. Elwin (1996)
Threads and Ties that Bind: Exquisite Quilts from Tie Fabrics, by Jean Johnson (currently surprisingly affordable on Amazon)

and the only one in print:
Daddy's Ties: a Project and Keepsake Book, by Shirley Botsford.

How do I use the ties?
There are two ways of approaching sewing with ties:
using them as is,
or removing the 'guts' and using the fabric (including cutting templates, etc)
I do both, though surprisingly I more often just use the fabric.

How do I clean neckties, especially the fragile silk ones?
You might want to wash your ties first.
I combine all the fabrics in my projects--cotton, wool, silk, and polyester, but you can certainly only choose the silks if you so desire.
I throw all of them into the washing machine--the ones that disintegrate, well...better now then in your project. There may have been worn areas not visible to the eye.
Yes, I wash the silk ones too.
Don't just toss the ties in loose, or you'll get one big knot.
I take five or so, place them in a pillowcase, and close it somehow (rubberband or a knot).
Hang to dry.
The polyester usually washes beautifully.
The silks may come out all twisted, but if you're going to take them apart anyway--it doesn't matter (if you're not taking them apart, you might want to dry clean).
article about cleaning neckties

How do I take the ties apart?
Let them dry, then clip the two anchoring stitches on the top and bottom of the underside (horizontal tack stitches).
Once the tacks are snipped, you can usually take the thread and just pull it out in one swoop, thereby freeing the lining (so much easier than seam ripping).
Now you can iron the fabric and cut as desired.

What if I don't want to take the ties apart?
If you're making a skirt, or if you just want to use the ties 'as is', you can butt them up tightly next to one another and stitch them together with a triple zig-zag or similar type stitch.
And, as I just stated, you might want to dry clean.

Now, how about some inspiration, eh?
I love this unusual quilt by Lori Mason, called Ronny's Ties.


Dragon Top by Amy Weis of To Tie For

Skirt also by Amy Weis (her website is not longer active)


Maylina has some brilliant designs


Incredible rugs by Eileen Away


"straightjacket" by Bespoke by Brouhaha (I like this back detail)


pillow by Carol Sews
Blue Vest and Green Jacket by Joan Wells
Liturgical Stoles by Janet Armstrong
picture frame
Prom dress made from neckties on craftster
dress by Deviant Art
Vest by T Vindy
tampon cozy on craftster
Quilt on Dacia Ray
Quilt by Precious Relics

Items for sale
Fit To Be Tied--hand sewn clothing line out of Seattle
Necktie apparel
handbags from KB Originals
pail pattern, and crazy necktie pattern, from Henrietta's Handbags

Tutorials:
HGTV project for necktie handbags
handbag by Sonya Style
Schoolbag on CraftBits
Backpack with necktie handles, by Crafty Gal
Tie angel project
Snake toy
DIY project for reupholstering a chair
another source for reupholstering a chair


article about designer Frances Krupka

article about Pillows of Remembrance

article about bags made from Rudy Giuliani's neckties

My past posts about inspiration for sewing with neckties:
apron
magazine projects
images inspiration
dress
Easter eggs
my bookmark
tote
quilts
my first log cabin block
my second log cabin block
quilt photo
my pincushion
rug
my owl coin pouch
quilted box
tons of Laura's tutorials for purses, skirts and accessories
also Laura's zippered clutch

Posted on one of my other blogs:
Ipod cozy
pouch


There are also more inspirational projects (especially clothing) posted to my Flickr group, Sewing with Neckties.

A paintbrush and your spice cabinet

Blogging has brought me so many rewards already--inspiration and motivation, ideas, information...
but it has also brought people into my life whom I would not have met any other way.
The chance meetings and the resulting domino effects are just mind boggling.

There are a handful of women I email with on a regular basis--women I consider friends even though we have never met.
With Claudia, I feel some special connection, and even though she's way over in Germany instead of next door, we still are able to write long letters and get to know one another across the miles.

It's really an amazing thing, this internet age.

Claudia happened to see a photo of a sculpture that I posted to my blog a couple of years ago that she recognized.
That's what I mean by chance moments.

A chance seeing a post....taking the time to comment...becoming friends through written words...
it's just the coolest thing how life happens.

Anyway, Claudia just posted an amazing ATC that she made the other night, when she had an inspiration to paint with spices.

Spices!

I just had to share this gorgeous art and this incredible idea.

She says, "I started with a sheet of paper from my sketch block. For some reason, I wanted to know if it where possible to paint with curry and dried paprika pepper powder, both being colorful and hard to remove if clothes are stained with it.
So I took some of the powder and mixed it with a drop or two of water and applied it to the paper with my forefinger, smearing and rubbing. This is what created the orange background. Nice colors, I wonder if they will fade...
Then, as you might have guessed, I took a TV programme and cut out the duck photos; the words were taken from a brochure my health insurance company sent me.
The text translates 'The brain sounds an alarm.'"
Read more here.

Not only would one obtain natural color from things like tumeric, but imagine the interesting fragrance--truly art of the senses!

I did a little googling, and found a few posts elsewhere about how people had experimented with spices in different ways.

One book excerpt says: "We remember with great fondness painting with spices when we were young. Each area of the paper was carefully prepared with glue and then a spice was dusted or pressed onto it. Since different spices have different colors and textures, the visual palette they offer is large, but the greatest pleasure is olfactory. Each spice painting is an experiment in fragarance. Not only can one recreate the artistic style typical of a particular culture, one can, by choosing to use its spices, recreate simultaneously a sense of its culinary traditions."

Some of the scents, however, aren't quite as pleasant.
The blogger Travel-Itch said: "I was going through a brief phase of encaustic-painting using spices as pigment within the wax: cinnamon - a warm brown, coffee - deep brown, paprika - lovely orange-red, turmeric - golden yellow. It limited my palette and was a challenge to discover absorption rates in the different spices. Even a session with powdered garlic produced a translucent yellow. But the smell was overwhelming and revolting, both in the studio and on the painting, so I never used it again."

And in the comments of another site, someone wrote: "I once created an abstact canvas painting using spices from the pantry 'cause i ran out of guache. I used cumin,paprika,mustard powder etc..mixed with flour for binding. A little stinky and difficult to manipulate,but cool to look at."

I think it's a fascinating idea, and I love the idea of using a natural pigment, just as I love the idea of dying items with things like red onion skins (and yes, I have done that).

And now, those domino effects just keep rolling, and I think I'll buy this book for a little girl for Christmas, after reading about this lesson plan.
It caught my attention, because it has the children creatively paint to learn. "It involves painting with spices, discussion, experimentation of colors, heighten sensories".

Inspiring Images

Servietta

This amazing silhouette is a vintage napkin holder.
The diagonally folded napkins make up her skirt.

I am inspired to create one of these myself--perhaps with cut tin.

If I really want to be ambitious, I can use a jewelry saw and thin silver.
I haven't decided yet how to approach this.
I could even try an encaustic technique, or a paper mache.
I just think this is worth investigating.

This reminds me of the Art Doll Hat I made recently.
See more hats here.

This lovely item belongs to a woman in Norway who goes by the name Happy Meat.
Click on the image to go to her Flickr page of photos,
or find her blog here.

Angela Moll gives a whole new definition to journal quilts

Words on fabric utterly inspire me.
I have kept a journal since I was in the sixth grade.
I've saved almost every letter I've ever received.
If I were to transfer them to fabric, what a great way to memorialize the moods, times, experiences.

Angela Moll writes and paints on fabric, cuts the work apart, then restitches the pieces back to gether into these amazing quilts.
See Angela's website here.

Inspiring Images

Well, this is supposedly a crafting blog.
To, uh, showcase all my crafty sewing stuff.

Right now...I got nothin'.
Squat.
Zilch.
Zip.
Nada.

Internet inspiration, though--I got tons of that.

Like this amazing art collaged apron by Calamity Kim.

And this too.
Kim's website here.

Button bracelet made with men's silk ties, from Tiger Lilly Shop (etsy)
I love creative ideas like this!

And how fun is this slide?!
As seen on Flickr.
It is labeled Rutschkopf (I'm not sure if that's a word for playground or something).
It's in Sweden, in Karlskrona.

Hysterical vintage embroidery transfers from Floresita.
You really need to read about them!
I am determined to find a copy of these!

And, just because...
a gratuitous pic of the cute Makai

Pretty good for a cell phone pic, huh?

Yes I will, I will, I will be crafting again soon.