Showing posts with label Crafting and Creating. Show all posts

Crafty Goodness: Yarn Blessings Fellowship

Several years ago I was looking for a way to get out of the house and spend some time yarn crafting.  I needed the people and I needed the relaxation.  I also wanted to give back to my local community.  Out of all of that Yarn Blessings was born.  Yarn Blessings has evolved to be an ecumenical outreach ministry with a focus on fellowship and giving to our local community.

Initially we focused on prayer shawls but we soon expanded to include lap robes, baby blankets, hats and scarves for local community giving.  Each person is encouraged to make whatever project they are the most comfortable with but I do like to give us a project focus each month so we can have a plan for community giving.

**Monthly Project Focus**

January - Scarves & Hats, Shawls & Lap Robes

February - Scarves & Hats, Shawls & Lap Robes

March - Shawls & Lap Robes

April - Shawls & Lap Robes

May - Shawls & Lap Robes

June, July, August & September - Baby Blankets and Sweaters 

October, November & December - Warm Hats, Scarves & Gloves for service organizations


Do you knit or crochet? Would you like to learn? Yarn Blessings would like to invite you to participate in an ongoing ecumenical outreach ministry through the creation of prayer shawls, lap blankets, hats & scarves and baby sweaters &  blankets. These items will then be given to persons who are ill, have suffered a loss, are in the midst of a life change or crisis or who could use the warmth of our prayers.

Our local fellowship group meets the 1st, 3rd and 5th Saturdays of every month at 10 am at Signs of Life coffee shop in downtown Lawrence, KS.  

For more information please contact us at Yarnblessings@gmail.com

Join us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/YarnBlessings





"We always thank God for you, mentioning you in our prayers." 
1 Thessalonians 1:2



Our Hosts for Hooking on Hump Day are Merry Messy Life and Moogly
Our Host for Whatever goes Wednesday is Some Day Crafts
Our Host for Create and Share is The Trendy Tree House
Our of Host for We Did It Wednesday is Sew Much Ado
Our Host for Whimsy Wednesday is The NY Melrose Family
Our Host for Wonderful Wednesday is Ducks 'n a Row

U.F.O's; UnFinished Objects

Yarn crafters can be easily distracted with new ideas and the amazing new yarns we come across both in our local yarn shops and online.  It is also so hard to keep us from a clearance sale when it comes to our chosen medium.  You would be quite proud of me last week when I selected several skeins of yarn on clearance at Michael's and decided to put them all back.  I realized that I wasn't that thrilled with them and was only contemplating purchase because they were so discounted.  


After awhile no matter how focused we try to be we end up with a pile of unfinished items staring at us in our crafty spaces.  Fellow yarn crafters call them U.F.O's - Unfinished Objects and know them all too well.  I think the worse ones are when you have printed the pattern and bought the yarn but haven't even started.  I have a couple of those, too.


Considering Metal Stamping...

I have loved the look of letters stamped on metal for some time now and have even contemplated purchasing a custom piece.  But then I got to thinking that I could try my hand at metal stamping and make my own.  How hard could it be, right?

Source: Etsy FiredUpLadiesHammer Personalized Necklace

So I found this video from the Hands Occupied blog (I've tried to embed it here several times but for some strange reason blogger doesn't want it to show.) that gave me a simple look into the tools and basic techniques needed to do metal stamping.  The demonstration is very simple but it makes me wonder if I should just get a kit and give it a try.  I admire stamped metal all the time in stores and now I could make my own.

So, what do you think?  Should I invest in some tools and see where it leads me or should I save my pennies for some of the beautiful creations on Etsy?   Maybe I'll just do both.  I'll keep you posted. 

Mosaic Monday: Loom Knitting Prayer Shawls


 Loom knitting has become a passion of mine and it helps me make some wonderful prayer shawls.  I use homespun yarns so they are soft and easy to care for and the large circular knitting loom.  I love the ease of this yarn and the material it makes. 

Creative Spending & Saving


Money is tight pretty much everywhere these days and it doesn't look like it's going to get any easier any time soon. We are being forced to be even more resourceful than ever before.
Over the past year or so I have been looking for ways to cut the fat in my spending and make do with less. For me there isn't a lot of money to spend so, most of my ideas are about making do with less and being even smarter about what you do spend your hard earned money on.
Saving money and spending less means getting back to basics and making things simpler. The last time we had to do that as a nation was during the Great Depression. There is a greater interest during these recession times in the tools and tricks people used back then to make ends meet and get by. 


Here are some of the tips and tricks that I have used in my family to creatively cut our spending and save. Enjoy!
  • Prioritize your Spending
  • Thrift store clothing shopping [frugal fashionista]
  • Shop the Library
  • homemade cleaners [renest cleaners]
  • Get out the crockpot and learn how to use it [crockpot 365]
  • Re-use and Re-purpose
  • Stack those coupons [Money Saving Mom]
  • Weekly Menu Planning
  • Make it yourself
  • Survey Says... [e-rewards]
  • Take the Bus or Walk
  • Free Community Activities

How are you getting creative with your spending and saving?

Glittery Butterflies

Several months ago I found this intriguing kit at my local craft store that I thought would be perfect for my daughter and I to work on. 

This kit includes four butterfly scenes and all the glitter you need to make them sparkle. 

The work was time consuming but I would highly recommend it.  The finished product is so worth it. 
Madi Hard at Work

Glittery Close-up
Working on Butterfly Number Three

Ode to Candy Corn



Oh, how I love candy corn!
It brings a smile to my face.
Each Fall it arrives and has a special place.
Oh, how I love candy corn!

I have eaten my fair share of candy corn already this fall season. I snatched up my first bag right when they went on the shelf at my local grocery store. It just doesn't quite feel like fall without a little candy corn. So, in honor of my favorite fall candy I would like to share this round-up of candy corn themed pictures and ideas that I have collected. Enjoy!

Keep it Corny!  T-shirt




Do You Want Some Blog Candy?


My junior high best friend Erica is embarking on a new crafty blog adventure at Inked Up Cards and is offering up some mystery blog candy to a few lucky winners.

We do know that the giveaway will contain ribbon, embellishments, stamps, images, and whatever else she feels like putting in the box before it goes in the mail.
Erica has been scrapbooking and making cards for several years and I am always amazed at her work.  I was lucky enough to be on the receiving end of several cards for my birthday present this year.

So, click on over to Inked Up Cards here and sign yourself up. 
Tell your friends and get more chances to win. 

Make Your Own Mini Stamps


I have always wanted to try my hand at making my own mini stamps using pencil erasers and was reminded of the project recently when I read a post on WhiMsy Love about using pencils as stamps. 

So, I took stock of my supplies and it just so happened that I had everything I needed to give this a go.  Here's a list of the supplies you will need to make your very own mini stamps.   




You will need:

  • unused pencils with erasers
  • an exacto knife
  • Ink or paint for stamping
  • paper or card stock to stamp on


  
Carefully cut the shapes you want to make from your pencil eraser.  Start by lightly scoring your shape onto the top of the eraser and making small cuts until the amount you have removed enough eraser. 
I made a half circle, square, triangle and I left one eraser in tact so that I could have a circle. 


Once you have cut your erasers you are ready to stamp.  I had red, gold, green and black ink to experiment with and I tested my shapes on scrap paper to see how they would turn out.  
These make create card designs.  The options are endless.  I think there are cards in my future.    

Fantastic Free Ecards


My husband’s birthday was this week and one of things I always try to do is find an ecard that I think sums up my husband and the specialness of the day and send it his way.  It appeals to his minimalist sensibilities and it saves a paper birthday card from the trash.  So, for me it’s a win-win situation. 

This year when I went to my favorite place for ecards, Care2.com, I just wasn’t seeing anything new that I liked and I realized that I had sent him all the ones that I loved.  So, off to Google I went to find the perfect card.  Here are a few of the fantastic and free choices that I came across that I couldn’t wait to share.      

These cards are for that inside joke between close friends or a tongue in cheek greeting for your spouse.  Some of these I wouldn’t be caught dead sending but others are just drop dead funny.  My favorite birthday message is “If you were Jesus, today would be Christmas.”

Pingg is more than just digital cards and invitations it solves the problem that I frequently have with that small portion of my guest list that doesn’t do email.  Pingg will print, address and send your invite or card for a small fee.  How awesome is that?  Now I can do all my sending from one place.  There is a registration process but it’s pretty easy.  I chose this happy birthday card design here for my husband.  I can’t wait to try out some other features.

I used a vintage Max & Emily picture and added “Take me the Way I am” by Ingrid Michaelson.  I love the pairing and how easy it was to do on postcard.fm.  You get to preview your selections and add an additional message if the song doesn’t speak for its self and you’re done.


So, where is your favorite ecard and invitation website?

Bottle Cap Magnets @ The (New) Dime Store


We went to The (New) Dime Store in Brookside a few weekends ago and got to make some really neat bottle cap magnets in the craft department.  We had  so much fun with this simple project.  Here's how to make your own to brighten up your fridge or filing cabinet.  






You will need:

Several bottle caps were prepared ahead a time for us with solid colored circles glued in the middle.  The circles were cut using a small circle punch.  We got to personalize our creations with images from magazines and scrap-booking papers that had also been cut into circles to fit the bottle caps.   

Once you cut your paper into circles, use the modge podge glue to adhere the paper to the inside of the bottle cap.







Make sure you coat the top side of the paper as well so it adheres well to the cap.  Things are going to look kinda cloudy until the glue dries.  Don't worry.

If you fancy you can add glitter or glitter glue on top of the paper you chose at this point making sure to do another layer of modge podge glue to seal everything really well. 





Finally, when all is dry, cut a little strip of the magnet tape and attach it to the back of each of your bottle caps.  Now you can share them with the world by placing them on your fridge.  These would also make a cute gift.  Enjoy!

Weekend Inspiration: Easter Edition

  

Crafting and Creating


DIY Egg Shaped Chalk & Crayons :: Home Made Simple

Mexican Confetti Eggs :: Cathie Filian


Pat Bunny :: A Creative Princess
Easter Egg Wreath :: The Polka Dot Umbrella

Hobby Lobby Inspiration Easter Wreath :: Inspiration Thief

Spring Flags Banner Free Printable :: Sandy Toes and Popsicles

Culinary Delights




Marshmallow Eggs :: Workman Family




Carrot Cupcakes :: Parents Connect


Manicotti Primavera :: Good Life Eats

Family & Home
 


Five Ways for a Family to Celebrate Easter :: InCourage me




"The resurrection gives my life meaning and direction and the opportunity to start over no matter what my circumstances."

~Robert Flatt

Your Own Lenten Grotto

Emily & Madi with a friend
 I put it on my to-do list last year to make my very own Lenten grotto after I saw the project here on "A Holy Experience."  I loved the simplicity and the symbolism that could help better explain the Lenten & Easter season to my children.  I also love any excuse to bring a succulent plant into the house.   

We lucked out when gathering supplies because we had everything we needed in the house already.  We got creative with plants and found rock leftover from another potted plant.  Moss was outside and the rocks that we used to make the tomb were in the backyard.

Here's what you will need to make your very own Lenten Grotto Garden:

  • A container that has a lot of surface area like a planter basket or plastic bowl planter
  • Three or four small plants.  We used a spider plant and a few succulents.  (You can get yours at a garden center or take cuttings from plants you have on hand like we did.)
  • A small branch
  • Moss
  • Small glass for the reflecting pool
  • A few shells or rocks to scatter around and to make a path to the tomb
  • A large rock or rocks to make a cave-like tomb
  • Soil & water

Reflecting Pool



Plant your garden and fill your pool with a little rock and water.  Lay stones to make a path in expectation of what is to come. 
Our completed Lenten Grotto

Weekend Inspiration


Crafting and Creating

3D Love Art :: Brassy Apple

Yarn Love :: Family Chic
DIY Eye Spy Book :: No Time for Flashcards

Culinary Delights

Family & Home

Amazing Shipping Container Home :: Green Style Re-Nest




"I don't understand why Cupid was chosen to represent Valentine's Day.  When I think about romance, the last thing on my mind is a short, chubby toddler coming at me with a weapon." 

~Author Unknown


Weekend Inspiration



Crafting and Creating

Memory Game :: Made by Joel

Sewing 101: Making a Duvet Cover :: Design Sponge Online


Culinary Delights


Family & Home

Glad That's Out of the Way :: Young House Love

Playroom Art Gallery Wall :: Centsational Girl





The Possible's slow fuse is lit
By the Imagination.


~Emily Dickinson

One Hundred Things

   1. I was born in Lawrence, KS
   2. I moved around the Midwest when I was growing up
   3. I have lived in 3 American states: Kansas, Missouri & Nebraska.
   4. I went to 8 different schools
   5. I was born loving music.
   6. I thought I would be a teacher when I grew up.
   7. I don't remember a time when I wasn't singing.
   8. I was and still am an avid reader
   9. I love books and wish I had more time to read
  10. I was the only child my mother knew that got in trouble for reading too much.
  11. Reading kept me from cleaning my room and doing chores.
  12.  From 7th -9th grade I was a member of the Lawrence Children's Choir
  13. I always wanted to take photo class but was never able to.
  14. I have always felt older than I really am.
  15. Ready to do more and be more than I was allowed to be.
  16. I don’t like it when things don’t come naturally
  17. Musical things come naturally.
  18. Working with kids comes naturally
  19. Being friends with people who are quite older than me comes naturally
  20. Creating comes naturally
  21. I had a Rocky and Bullwinkle coloring book as a kid that I painstakingly colored and outlined.
  22. Did you know they made a Rocky and Bullwinkle movie with Robert De Niro and Rene Russo?
  23.  In 6th and 7th grade I perfected my basket making technique using yarn wrapped around a fabric core.
  24.  I also dabbled in graphic design whilIe helping to put together my 6th grade class' newspaper.
  25. My first job was working at in a retirement community's Kitchen as a dietary aide
  26. If I had dish duty that night we washed dishes for 200+ residents
  27. I attend the University of Kansas as a Vocal Performance Major
  28.  I got my first church music job at 19 years old.
  29. I stayed at Centenary United Methodist Church for 5 years.
  30. I used to design worship bulletins.
  31. I enjoyed trying to find graphics that went with the theme of the day. 
  32. After Graduating high school in 2000 I made my first trip to New York
  33. That's when I sang at Carnegie Hall under the direction of Simon Carrington
  34. My second time on the East coast a few years later I traveled to Washington D.C.
  35. There I sang at National Cathedral for evening service with KU's Chamber Choir
  36. We also performed at Saint Patrick's Cathedral in New York
  37. I love traveling
  38. Most of my travels have happened thanks to my involvement with music.
  39. I met my husband at Henry's Coffee Shop.  Neither one of us drinks coffee.
  40. We dated for a year
  41. We were engaged for a year
  42. We got used to this being married idea the next year
  43. We call year number 2 of our marriage the year of the baby
  44. I also call it the year of the hospital.
  45. That year my husband's appendix ruptured and my daughter was in the NICU for 3 1/2 weeks
  46. More time than I have ever spent in hospitals.
  47.  But we all survived.
  48.  Moved to Kansas City, MO in 2006
  49.  Wasn't sure about that move.
  50. Have since grown to love my home.
  51. In 2009, our little Oliver was born.
  52. I was supposed to play the piano for a church service the next day.  That of course didn't happen.
  53. I’ve never been out of the country. 
  54. My husband has dual citizenship to Canada.
  55. I would love to go see European art museums
  56. I was just asked by my daughter to come and see her castle.
  57. I am starting to like sprinkles as much as she does.  Any desert looks even more tasty with a bit of sprinkles on top.  Don't you think? 
  58. I lean towards orange as my favorite color
  59. the other ones in the running are blue, purple and green
  60. I want to own a marimba some day.
  61. My husband thinks that I have a succulant plant addiction.
  62. They are some of my favorite plants and you can do so much with them.
  63. I have a small monkey collection that I now share with my daughter
  64. I love being a mom.
  65. But sometimes motherhood is frustrating
  66. and it's not easy.  No matter how people say I make it look. 
  67. I like my large blue eyes
  68. My daughter Madeline got them, too
  69. And so did my son Oliver
  70. We look quite handsome together.
  71. I love to cook and people say I'm pretty good at it.
  72. I wish I had more time to get into photography.
  73.  I love the smell of pomegranate candles.  It's quite awesome.  
  74. I wear jeans most every day or yoga pants
  75.  I seem to work better at night but never past 1:00 am.
  76. I can't stand cola soda
  77. But I do like Dr. Pepper & Root bear occasionally.
  78. I love Sunkist Soda and drink far too much
  79. I'm a pescatarian but nobody really gets that
  80. so I just tell them I am a vegetarian.
  81. Pescatarians eat eggs, dairy & seafood
  82. I want to live somewhere with a metro where I don’t need a car.
  83. I want to recycle more but feel limited by my lack of space.
  84. My focus now is reduce, reuse. 
  85. My husband taught me how to crochet when we were dating.
  86. I now do it more than he does.
  87. I also loom knit. 
  88. I love yarn crafting so much that I created a group for charity giving
  89. It's call Yarn Blessings. (look us up on Facebook)
  90. I enjoy making the prayer shawls and baby blankets.
  91. I took 5 years of Spanish language in school
  92. Over the years I have sung in 12 languages the last time I counted
  93. I used to joke that I was a Chinese, Mexican, Italian in a past life
  94. because those were my favorite food categories. 
  95. I want to live in a simply designed home with lots of storage
  96. And it must have enough lawn for a garden
  97. and a clothes line
  98. Fall and Spring are my favorite times of year.
  99. When Winter comes I just want to stay inside.
 100. I guess I can't believe I had 100 things to say about me.

Welcome!

Being creative comes naturally to me and I think most would consider me a crafty person. I have many crafty avenues that I like to pursue. I learned to crochet from my husband, Max while we were dating over 7 years ago. I took on loom knitting sometime after that and continue to love the ease of it. I can work magic in the kitchen and enjoy eating and sharing my culinary creations with others. I dabble in interior design. I have recently delved into the world of photography and the art of taking pictures.

I have two children under 5, Madi and Oli, who keep me busy and also love to create. Madi in particular is always asking me to draw with her and do crafts. So a lot my crafting these days involves exploring that world with my two little ones.

This blog has been in the making for quite some time. I plan to make this a place that I can share my crafty brainstorms and to showcase some of my creations. So,

Welcome to Elliott Crafty Creations!