Calamity Kim

Cut Out & Keep Chiffon Flowers of Calamity

how to fabric flowers, originally uploaded by calamity kim.

Hey!
Wake up!
It's Monday, I know and that sucks, but still- good things do happen on Mondays!
In keeping with my full time job as Craftswoman Extraordinaire I shared the chiffon flower tutorial over at Cut Out & Keep. Man, they make tutorials look good! Go check it out and make it a fav.
xo,
calamity kim

Certainly Woolly Fabulous!

One more mushroom arrangement, originally uploaded by woolly fabulous.

Odile Gova of Ontario, Canada makes the most wonderful wool and zipper creations. I keep an eye out for new things in her Flickr stream and check her Etsy shop often. I am lucky enough to own several of her brooches with wool and zipper owl, bird and heart and always receive the nicest compliments when wearing them.
This creation knocked my socks off and I just love her imaginative way with zippers. Part of recognizing good work is always getting that tiny surprise which makes you see things in a new way and I have been gathering zippers to play with someday soon myself.
Thank you Odile for the constant inspiration and beauty you share.
Have a woolly weekend everyone!
xo, calamity kim

Happy Heatstroke

Trying to sell wool in Florida is like selling bags of ice in Alaska!

Debra and I set up the booth last Sunday in St Pete with help from our friend Elizabeth and as our sweat was sweating in the 95 degree heat we tried to have hopeful thoughts about selling stuff and meeting new folks. It seemed to be a slllllllooooowww start but we were still anticipating the "after church crowds".

I had some chiffon and tulle flowers on display.

As well as a million fake cupcakes and witches and sock monster aliens.

Neither Esmeralda or Hazel Bitterthorn were impressed with the lackluster turnout. They wished they had stayed home where it was comfortable and cool.

This crazy chick was absurdly happy all day though. Maybe it was her location next to whimsical handspun yarn with silk flowers by Cathy Snider. Or these delightful cotton candy batts of wool fiber for spinning made by Kim Perkins.

Even the mermaids were hot!

I had to keep refilling their tiny glasses of water to help them stay hydrated!

Did I mention that it was hot enough to melt your lungs and fry an egg on your tongue?

No lie, I saw a bald guy whip up an omelet right on top of his chrome dome! tasty!

Debra had all different kinds of yarn from her Picasso Moon shop but people weren't buying. I guess all the potential customers were at home in the air conditioning! Who could blame them? It was difficult not to be disappointed, even without any expectations at all. We always sell a lot at Atomic Holiday Bazaar (Dec 13th this year) but it was only the first time for this Artoberfest Show.

Naturally, this coming weekend a cold front is forecast. Is it me who seems to have bad luck? Sometimes it seems that way!

We had our spinning wheels and I enjoyed spinning most of the afternoon away with Elizabeth.

It did amaze me to hear so many people say that they had never seen anyone spin. They were familiar with spinning wheels as "decorations" but never seen anyone actually spinning fiber into yarn. I guess all the basket weaving and loom weaving conferences I have attended have always kept me in the know about spinning.

It's good to get out there and pass out business cards and educate folks about wool, batts and spinning but next time I hear the ice cream man go by I'm shooting his tires out and duct taping him to his drivers seat while I grab armfuls of ice cream and pass them out to vendors and then crawl inside his empty freezer compartment till I cool off. Why do ice cream men just drive right by?

What's up with that? Can't they see our red faces, sweaty hair and feel the heat radiating off us like a solar flare?

At least we had a breeze every now and then.

It could have have been worse, right?

It could have been raining!

We started off underneath the shade of some giant oaks but had to move as the sun climbed higher and was soon beating down relentlessly on us.

I offered to marry someone for a cupful of ice.

Sorry Fred.

Did I tell you how hot it was?

Just what you want to do~ wrap yourself up in a cozy knitted wool shawl.

Oh well, it was fun hanging out with my friends and maybe I will list some of the cupcakes in Etsy.

Tonight is our Surface Design Meeting and it's All About Books so if you are local and want to have some fun come to the Waldemere St Fire Station (right off hwy 41 across from the hospital, behind Wendy's) at 6pm and I'll see ya there.

Don't worry, it's air conditioned!

Love and stitches,

calamity kim

Adding Content

con⋅tent

–noun

1.	Usually, contents. a. something that is contained: the contents of a box. b. the subjects or topics covered in a book or document. c. the chapters or other formal divisions of a book or document: a table of contents.

2.	something that is to be expressed through some medium, as speech, writing, or any of various arts: a poetic form adequate to a poetic content.

significance or profundity; meaning: a clever play that lacks content. con⋅tent –adjective 1. satisfied with what one is or has; not wanting more or anything else. 2. British. agreeing; assenting. 3. Archaic. willing. –verb (used with object) 4. to make content: These things content me. –noun the state or feeling of being contented;

When I think of adding content I am amazed that we so often have words with dual meaning. Why couldn't we think of a different word for that feeling of contentment-
You know the one you get when you are wrapped up in a cozy quilt or newly finished shawl? Or when you finally see someone you have missed so much and you look in their eyes and see that they are OK.
*sigh
That is content.
Apply the same word to a book or Blog and its all about what is there for me to read/learn/know/enjoy?
As I add new content to the Yarn Blog I started I can learn from past mistakes and get it set up right from the beginning. Like using images for links on the sidebar. You do know that everything on the sidebar is a link (at least on my Blogs it is) and that by clicking on it you can travel to that site and then use your back button to return here.
When I first started Blogging I just used the names and no images because it was difficult to find blogs that had linkable images. Now most Blogs provide them and I am soon going to have a few buttons so that if you want something to link with you can use them.
At least I will if I can stop spinning long enough, or stop sewing and sit still and work on my computer. What has happened to me? I am so BUSY!!! There are deadlines for magazine entries, Art Shows coming up and of course LIFE.
I have a life.
I am happy to say.
It's only taken me 8 years since moving back from NC to finally have friends and activities and stuff to keep me busy. I think the spinning thing has really pushed me into overdrive and I am treadling as fast as I can!
I need to take some pictures but I just don't know what to show you- my neglected laundry that needs folding? Maybe you'd like to see my half finished projects or the dishes in the sink.
Yesterday the dye I ordered from Dharma Trading Co arrived and I will be dying some wool roving, silk, chiffon fabric and silk ribbon tomorrow.
The long weekend will be a wonderful time to get some things wrapped up and I will try to get pictures. Some things are for publication and I just can't share them, and that is so difficult- you know I want you to share in the fun!
For now, just know that something crafty is afoot and I'll be back soon with some new content.
Have a happy Thursday and may you find contentment in something today.
Here's something fun for you to check out.

Or maybe you might like this crafty chick's blog...
Love and Joy!,
calamity kim

what a day

I am not too embarrassed to tell you that I spent almost 3 full hours searching my little office for a Dover Image CD. I finally found it safely tucked away in a padded case where the Mr had put it many months ago (after finding it in the CD drive.)
*sigh*

Once again I have promised myself and sworn an oath to be better organized with my toys.
What good are they if you can never find them?
steam was beginning to come out of my ears when he finally asked me what was wrong.
*sigh*

Just got up and took some Tylenol for the headache pounding between my ears.
It feels like a giant is squeezing my poor brain and I just want to go lay down but it's only 7:30 and there is still much to do before I can relax.
*sigh*

It rained.
*sigh*
Remember Snoopy on top of his dog house typing?
It was a dark and stormy night...
At least the office is clean and organized.
Maybe tomorrow will be a day filled with crafting extravaganzas and rainbows and unicorns.
One can always hope.
**************************************************************************************

Art is the only way to run away without leaving home.
                                                                       Twyla Tharp

Learning, Sharing, Giving and Caring

Good Morning Little Readers in Calamity, how are you today?
I have a few things to share and something I'd like to giveaway so grab a cup of coffee or maybe a glass of ice cold sweet tea and gather round.
First I want to show the Hand Stitched ATC I received from Melinda in the Flickr Group Stitched by hand ATC Swaps

I really love it and she totally captured the Fairytale theme with her embroidery of Rapunzel in her tower. She gave it a nice pocket on the back side for her hang tag and included a cool post card of a white squirrel- they originated in Marionville, Missouri.
I love doing swaps and especially love it when I receive something as well done as this tiny treasure.
I made my first sewn ATC for this challenge. I have made a few paper collaged ones before but here is what I gave to Fiber_Addict

I hope she likes it.
 I am going to make some more but not until I finish a few other projects simmering on the back burner.
 So, I was going to show some books I recently picked up.
I haven't started this yet, as I am still reading The Host by Stephanie Meyer a chapter at a time.
 It looks good though.
It might have been a decision influenced by Project Runway or just the interesting cicada buttons on this jacket that guided my purchase of this book by Claire B Shaeffer.

It has some wonderful finishing tecniques that will come in handy when I finally get around to sewing up some corsets and bloomers for my Etsy shop. (I have plans!)
I used my Joann's coupon on this book for 40% off. I love the collages inside and found it inspiring to see the different works by fellow bloggers on paper. Tangible. Dig it.
I stopped by the Goodwill Bookstore the other day where many books are 1.99 or 2.99 and I found this book filled with some good old Firefox home cooking!
y'all reckon you want some of that there rhubarb cobbler?
You know Tasha Tudor, don't ya? My first cookbook was called Kim's Cookbook and it was illustrated by Tasha Tudor. I wish I still had it.
She was a very creative and  a multifaceted artist working in paint, fabric and clay. Her humble hands could create a pompom owl or plant bulbs or knead bread all in the same afternoon. She collected antique clothing before it was in vogue and lived a simple hardworking life. I admire her so much.
When I opened this giant book of shells I knew it would provide a perfect
backdrop for some mermaid paperdolls.
she looks LOST doesn't she?
So leave a comment and I will have Troy do a drawing on Wed to giveaway( Carol you won!) a copy of this magazine from Cloth Paper Scissors with my article on collage aprons inside.
Every time we go to Barnes & Noble I buy more.
 It's delightful to see it on the magazine stand. I am proud, I must say.

We are grilling steaks and having baked potatoes and I am using a friends (thank you hunny bunny) recommended recipe for Mojito Cupcakes. I'll let ya know how they turn out.
Happy Father's Day.
 Happy sewing and Crafting and Cooking and Gardening and all the things you love doing!
 Hope you have a delightful day.
 Love & Stitches,
Calamity Kim

The Week in Review

The class taught by Marty Wallace that I attended yesterday with two of my friends from the Surface Design Group, Cheryl and Laura, was so much fun!
It was difficult to choose which color yarns to make my treasure bag with- Marty had so many kits prepared!
I went with the purple and greens and had fun weaving on the tiny cardboard loom.
We talked and shared as we wove, the light shining in the many windows of the classroom at the Colleen Cassidy Studio.
It's an old Victorian with many small rooms and creaky wooden floors and delightful artwork everywhere.
I never did make it upstairs- maybe next week I can see if there is more art up there.
The two hour class was quickly over and Cheryl, Laura and I went over to Sweet Tomatoes for lunch.
Salad and more sharing and then a quick trip to JoAnn's next door for large needles to weave with.
The Surface Design meeting was on Tuesday night and the speaker shared her lovely woven purses that were a much larger scale than what we did in Marty Wallace's class.

The little looms were made on cardboard and the straight pattern of over under is very relaxing.
I don't often discuss my previous life as a weaver of free-form sculptural basketry, but this was a gentle reminder of my own past. I kept wanting to do a pattern, like twill or tapestry and had to check the impulse.
This makes a tiny little bag and it is the cuteness and then the camaraderie of the friends in the class that convinced me to take the class.
I do have lots of yarns that I have bought to be used as doll hair but now I can also use them to make woven things.
The constant busy work keeps my mind calm and is a productive use of my time.
Someone asked how do you find the time to make all the things you do and I wasn't sure the question was for me- I had to stop and think- well, it's what I do, I said.
It seemed like a strange question because I am always making something.
Housework and cooking comes second. This is my job. It isn't just something to keep me busy. It is my motivation to rise and shine.

This morning the phone woke us up as Fred was on call and some kind of water related crisis was brewing along with our coffee and he is gone to work.
The county doesn't care if it's Saturday and he has already worked 65 hours this week.
So, I checked my email, after grabbing a mug o'joe and then Flickr and still haven't gotten to the other email account.
I figured I would come here while I still had some energy and share my busy week with you.
Normally, I am here sewing or working and not out gallivanting around like this past week.
It was great fun though, and it seems like a lot more time has passed than just a week!
Monday we went to The Ringling Museum and saw Grandma Moses and I dodged ninja docents and was intoxicated by the rose garden.
Tuesday was the Surface Design Meeting where we traded hats and learned about pin weaving and discussed the FAB show coming later this year. (Fiber Arts Boutique) it will be in Nov at the Sarasota Art Association. I will keep talking about it as the year progresses- it is a fabulous show with the work of 3 Guilds- The Surface Design Guild, The Venetian Society for Basketweavers and the Manasota Weavers Guild. What an opportunity to buy some woven or wearable art!

Wednesday was Knit and Itch at Picasso's Moon where the owner, Deborah taught me to crochet.
I went back on Thursday after cleaning the house and catching up on the laundry and grocery shopping.
I learned two different stitches. The treble stitch and the picot (?).
Not sure if that's what it's called but I am anxious to learn more! I want to make flowers and leaves and someday maybe I will make myself a shawl with scrumbles on the edges and be comforted with its cozy softness as I sit and quilt in my rocker...
Then Friday was the woven treasure bag class and after lunch and JoAnn's,  I went back to Picasso's Moon and sat with Deb and worked on my tiny loom.
She is doing the Convergence show in June in Tampa and will have a booth there with her gorgeous yarns. I can't wait.

I guess that I have almost come full circle.
Basket weaving
Paper Making
Felting
Book Binding
Teddy Bears & Rabbits
Art Dolls
Aprons/ Art to Wear
Crochet
Loom weaving

I don't think I will be weaving any more baskets, but you never say never, right?
More likely, I will be knitting some nifty hats and sweaters for some bears and gnomes at Casa Calamity.
Or maybe some cozies for stuff, like the phone, coffee cups or the pencil holder- all enhanced with a bit of interlocked wool.
My Grandmother used to crochet on the glass candy jars and add beads. Fancy.
I am not sure if I will ever be that skilled, but, I sure am going to keep learning until I get those flowers and vines and leaves down- I need a scarf that looks like the garden was enchanted and wove itself together for me to wear! Or maybe a hat!
The jasmine is blooming out back and it was  all you could smell when we were out back taking the pictures of the crochet trim last night.
Fred, I need a picture! Up he jumps and away we go! I hope you are all suitably wowed! Even if your dog or 3 year old could crochet better than me, you wouldn't tell me- you'd just politely encourage me because you know someday it will be EXTREME CROCHET MADNESS and you'll pop on over here to see what the current calamity is and there I'll be- Rocking the craziest crochet ever seen on the planet! Now, I'm not saying it will be as awesome as some of those art installations we have seen where the entire room is covered in crochet and everything from the floor to ceiling light is crocheted. I'm just saying, it will be crochet enchantment. Magical and sparklie and happy and frivolous and the most delightful counterpoint to an otherwise dull day.

Crochet dreams...

I went to the my picot site and nearly lost my mind- thank you for the link Gwen's Mom! You were right! I swooned!

Anyway, today is wide open in front of me and I am not sure what to do first!

I finished the first tiny loom bag last night and then started another. We will go back next Friday for another 2 hours and learn to finish it off and make a handle.

Last night we watched a repeat of last weeks Battlestar Galactica and then the new episode. It is interesting to watch the story unfold. Will they get to Earth? Who are the final 5??

Is Starbuck a Cylon? We think it is Giaus Baltar because he can see the other cylons in his mind.
I love the music and the mythology of the storyline.
But, you all probably don't love the Sci-Fi as much as I do.

Whatever.

I should go work on Debra's smock/apron.

Way too much to do to be sitting here rattling on about  clones and cylons and raiders and such nonsense...

Have a happy Saturday!
love & stitches,
Calamity Kim

Barbie pictures:
SuzyQuzy
and PatrickQ from Flickr

Hearts On a String Tutorial by One Hour Crafts

sassy priscilla had a link to this tutorial-done by Mia at One Hour Crafts... had to share it! such a cute idea and easy too!

things to make and do

Here is a great source for how to's - Lara Berch Tutorials.
I want you all to stay as busy as possible so you don't miss me.

Atomic Holiday Bazaar Show!!!!! Dec 9 Sarasota

Guess what?
That's right!!!
I am doing a Show!
Not a song and dance.
It's a Atomic Holiday Bazaar Show!!!!!
Here in Sarasota, on Dec 9th. A Sunday!!! One Day Only Show!!!!! But, oh, what fun!
Maybe some of you could come and see me or if you do shows then add it to your itinerary.
Click on the link for more info.  Here's a Flickr Photo Set too
They have links to last years  vendors and  more info on this year's show. 
I am so excited!!!
It's gonna rock! 
I am also looking for some of those fake tattoo sleeves to wear so I will blend in and be very cool.
Can anyone tell me how to dye my hair with Koolaid? 
anyone? 

Bueller?

Summer Fun with Paper Bag Puppets

Which Fandango Character would you be? Remember making these paper bag puppets with the kids? Ours were never this good! Fandango emailed me to rate the movie and I had to harvest some of these cute guys to share. I am especially fond of Sophia- That's my favorite, I think. Maybe Lorraine- she has chicks and pompoms for hair.  So, get out some macaroni and the bags and glue and give it a whirl- it might be fun! You could make Uncle Sam inspired ones  or lady liberty....to celebrate today...Happy 4th of July! Let Freedom Ring!!!

Artful Blogging, Blooming Squirrels and Mutant Veggie People

Wow!!!!!!! I am so excited! I wonder who will be featured in this issue?
I was over at Sandy's Blog where she is showing off some aprons headed for eBAY and I saw that not only is she featured in the next issue of Somerset Home (due Aug 1) but then she said this was also coming out at the same time!
Now, if I could just get my courage up, I would be submitting.
Courage!!!
That's all it takes.
A bit of bravery.
Just what I will also need to mow the yard today!
Looks a bit ragged.
Still no rain.
I think weeds grow without it.
The beautiful pink lily is blooming out back, again and I wish it were still cool enough to drink my morning cuppa out on the wrought iron table and chairs but it is mighty warm. I can see the squirrels from  where I type. They run and cavort and I saw one eating Hibiscus blossoms.

Yesterday, I finished this treasure bucket.

I had primed and painted it last year and after completing Audrey in Wonderland I still had a lovely brush full of decoupage medium that I didn't want to waste, so I grabbed a can.

I have several more to finish- they just need handles really.

I like drilling.

It feeds my destructive nature ( cue Vincent Price laughing) and helps me find a use for all the tiny treasures I find.

I went through a Folk Art/Primitive phase and bought loads of jingle bells and  rusted them. I only hope I live long enough to use them all.

I enjoy switching from fabric to paper occasionally, but I do find that I am even messier when using glues and acrylic gel mediums.

I would like to  finish up some of the Mutant Veggie people and Dolls that I started last year.

They stare down from the shelves and question  "when" with their eyes.
Someday, I suggest back, as I sew another apron or cut squares for tiny quilt.

I almost feel like working on witches and spooky stuff for Halloween- is it time yet?

July will be here quickly- just a few more weeks... I know for some of you Summer vacation just started and Fall seems far away.

If the way that this year has flown by so quickly is any indication then I will not be surprised to see pumpkins and scarecrows again soon.
That's usually when a few Mutant Veggie guys find their way out of the sewing room and out the door to new adventures.

Vincent is staying with me, as we have both become way too attached to each other.

I love the way he sashays around when he thinks I'm not looking and grabs different laces and trims to create stunning boas to accent his charming ensemble.

Anyway, blah, blah, blah... I am going to go do outdoor chores...I hope you all have a wonderful Friday!! Thanks for stopping by!

Did you see this?

click on it

Sewing up a Storm and Make do Giveaway

Poor Aunt Clara.
I used to laugh as she bumbled around and banged her head on walls trying in vain to step through them.
Now, It's not so funny!
My bi-focals are horrible and I sometimes walk into walls and can't see to read.
I am between contacts and glasses all the time and if I have my contacts in I can't read the labels at the grocery store!
I stick myself like a pincushion while quilting and keep bandaids by the sofa.
Anyway- just checking in to say hi!
I am sewing up a storm ( but no rain in sight!)  and am taking pictures to show off after a few things get mailed. It's so hard to keep a secret! But I can't ruin your surprises.
Thank you for being patient with me on all the swap stuff- my muse is working overtime!

I am going to do a little giveaway- since this bear make do has done it's time over at the Etsy shop- and no one fell in love with her.  Bella Bear needs a good home. She is a very dutiful pinkeep and will always be at your side.

She is made from my own pattern and sewn from mohair. She is on a clear glass candlestick base.

Just leave a comment here if you want to be in the drawing.

I will pick a name out of the hat on Monday, so that she can go off into the Postal system with a few other packages! whew! Feels good to get things completed!  Y'all have a happy weekend!  sorry - here is a link about Bewitched actress  Marion Lorne who played Aunt Clara

Welcome to Fantasy Island

Since I was actually tagged by Happy Zombie to do a fantasy list of 5 things..I guess my real to do list down below doesn't count! We watched Nanny McPhee yesterday and it was delightful!

So I think my number one fantasy today would be:

1. Inherit the house in Nanny McPhee, but located in Savannah.
2. Have a children's book published and then be asked to do a line of fabrics and patterns and crafts from the book...
3. Due to the success of my fabulous book I would be invited to do the Martha Stewart Show and then get to travel on:  An Around the World Book Tour- with a lay-over in Paris that lasts a week or more...
4. While I am gone my sewing room will be painted and outfitted with all new counters and shelving units and be completely organized.
5. Because my house is so fabulous and my sewing room so divine I will of course have it featured in many magazines and everyone will dream  it was their's (teehee)
6. Of course since it's all fantasy and magical- the house will stay clean and dust free forever and all of my time can be spent playing in the garden with Sadie or in the hammock reading or in my wonderful sewing room creating and we will all live happily ever after!
Now, my list doesn't involve Jude Law coming over with George Clooney but if Fred is busy with Carmen Electra...then I might have to call them...if George isn't out having lunch with Monica....hahaha!
OK, Enough silliness- Get yourselves on over to the Doll Quilt Swap and Sign UP!!!! A New one is going to start!!!! Go!!!! NOWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!

List of Things To Make & Do

looking into hall, originally uploaded by calamity kim.

The morning sunlight comes streaming in, after a day of much needed rain and I give fleeting thought to setting up the tripod and taking proper pictures. Too much trouble. I am rushing. I am always moving fast these days. Lots to do. So little time. Not enough hours in my days. That was yesterday anyway. It's Sunday all ready!
I finished cleaning the new warehouse floors Friday at 4 and would have loved to buff them but it will have to do. I can't wait to see it filled with furniture! Let the decorating begin!!
Taking two days out of my week put me behind in my own list of Things To Do. Wanna see my list? After making my List, I was wandering about over at Happy Zombie's and I saw where she had tagged me for a List of Things to make & do..cRaZy!!!! !@#$%& meme's....
1. Aprons for : Smoochie, Chicken blog, 4:53 and Lisa...and Jennifer  possibly Jenny
2. Deb Silva of Creatively Amused is hosting a swap- sort of a chain swap...and she might get an apron...
3. Decor 8 has a Memo Board Contest of your Favorite room going on..
4. The Gypsy Pockets apron for my tandem project with Amanda for Tie One On
5. Finish Bipolar Betty for my last blog-a-versary present....gasp! still haven't finished that....I am terrible, I know...
6. 2 doll quilts in progress, 3 baby quilts, one full size quilt and 2 wall quilts all started and in various stages of completion.
7. Baby Quilt for Fon's & Porter's contest for August (I think)
8. New grand baby on the way in Sept???
I still haven't finished Austin's quilt and he will be 3 in August...My WIP's are long overdue and plentiful! I thank everyone who is patiently waiting...I will finish it all someday, I hope!
But for today- we are going to see 28 Weeks Later. and JUST relax. Yesterday we had a movie marathon and I sat and hand quilted the entire time...made some progress on the disappearing 9 patch red riding hood poppy quilt...

It sure doesn't seem like a lot... But I enjoy the quiet repetition of it. Soothing. I am using a silk and cotton blend batting that I found at JoAnn Fabrics and used my coupon with- it needles very nicely.

I remember the days of high loft polyester batting back in the 7o's and 80's...now I much prefer thin, lightweight, cotton. I hate polyester and the cotton is so nice- it doesn't bunch up when washed like in the old days.

I received a lovely doll quilt from Dawn of 4:53 after I fell in love with it when she posted it to the Doll Quilt Group. I didn't exactly beg her for it. Well, yes, I think I did! 
I went through her blog and am designing her apron with lots of her favorite things... I try to do that with each special swap, to see what they love on their Blogs and then give them a bit of it.
She had wrapped everything in tissue and tied it with red and aqua ribbons and a button on each sweet package.
I love the button card with hand tatted crochet around it and the pin cushion and the pom poms..such nice goodies. Such a kind and thoughtful woman.
My prayers are with her now as she has just lost her Mother.
Here is a picture of the quilt and then another of it after it joined the other beauties on my ever growing quilt wall...I even moved the secretary to make room for more...

Isn't it gorgeous?? These pictures are not as good as I would like them to be..next time I will get out the tripod and take a deep breath and slow down just a bit ...I remember what Ferris Bueller said...I'd hate to miss anything... have a nice weekend...in your garden, with your families, sewing, crafting, working, whatever...

Calamity Chimp Causes Chaos in the Craft Room

So I have spent all day trying to re-organize the Sewing room. I don't know know why it has to become such a disorganized nightmare but it's like a bunch of Drunken Craft Monkeys were in there swinging from the paper lanterns- throwing fabric and buttons and making piles of fabric everywhere! I am not the best housekeeper and I hate the futility chores but I have been keeping up with the laundry and the vacuuming and the dusting- everywhere except for my sewing room! I get so caught up in making this or that and then suddenly ( after about 3 months) I can't bear the sight of my favorite room!!!

Oh, The Calamity! I went to work on the ironing board and folded and put away piles of fabrics then I took it down and moved on to the next pile of whatever. I am planning on painting,  someday, maybe this summer...because this used to be Chelsea's room ( Raven Never-smiles, Princess of the Night who wears a shade of darker than black so that her skin looks luminous, transparent and glows with an unholy light) and I had painted it rainy skies gray with standing by the abyss blue trim.  Now I just want it to be uncluttered and Jamaican aqua with red and white accents.

That means I need to have another big ass garage sale and get rid of some of the craptastic  junk I have collected

I really need to pare it down to a bare minimum but every time I look at some of it I think, oh, I may need that and back it goes!!! Wish I could enlist some of you guys to help me. We would sure have some fun!!!! Anyway. Maybe tomorrow I will be done and I can post some lovely before and afters....Happy Weekend and keep your eyes peeled for drunk craft monkeys!

whoa.....whoa...slow down, there little horsie...

I found this charming link on Carol's Blog: WIP here's a link. So you can go make your own card catalog files. In Asheville at the library they had the most beautiful wooden ones...I wonder if they kept them or if everything is all on computer? Anyway, everyday I try to get something accomplished and today I did get some easter stuff mailed to the grandsons and some fairy nest materials off to Amanda and a present to my 80 year old Mom who has been wanting an Elmo TMX or whatever that latest giggling rolling red monster toy is! I finally found one on eBAY that was affordable and I called my Dad to warn him of the impending surprise.

He said he would try to surprise her but we both know that's damn near impossible- she knows everything.

When I was young I never got away with anything!
She had eyes in the back of her head my brother said.
One day I tried to look and see, but she slapped my hand away and said stop giggling and don't be ridiculous.
My Mom is very serious and My Dad fell in love with her because she looks like Kim Novack( who has the same birthday as me and was 37-23-37)  and Doris Day and Grace Kelly all rolled into one.
She has that hair.

That permed, rolled, under the dryer, combed out and teased up and lacquered till it won't move.
You can pinch a piece of it and the whole thing stays together and moves. 
You can't run your fingers through that, no matter how hard you try.
No, you aren't allowed to say helmet head...that would hurt her feelings.
When I was a child she would do her nightly beauty regime which included the noxema and then she would wrap her hair with toilet paper and bobby pin it.
Sometimes she wore a bonnet over that.
All pink and lacy.

My Mom still wears a girdle and panty hose.
She never got her ears pierced.
She didn't wear blue jeans until 1997.
They have  elastic.
She has some awesome clothes from the 50's in her closet and when she dies I am using all of her Pendelton pants and skirts in a quilt.
She wears pearls.
My Mom is a classic beauty from the 40's.
She still wears blouses.
I have never seen her wear a t-shirt.
She doesn't understand me at all.
But I mailed her the Elmo after searching for one for months because in my whole life I can never remember her ever saying that she wanted anything.
Except this silly doll she saw on Good Morning America.
She doesn't know how computers work.

She has never seen any of my stuff here or on Flickr.
They don't have a computer and it is too late for them to ever learn.
I will let you know how she likes it!
Maybe it will make her happy for a day or two.
One can hope.
Anyway, I didn't mean to get so far off track.
I was going to discuss the many things that I want to do and how everyday is an adventure and a challenge and how happy it makes me to get comments and emails and about doll quilt compulsions and swaps and ask for  you all to help me.

I am making a doll for dear sweet Amanda of the Button Box who is having a hysterectomy on April the 13th.
Friday the 13th!

In true pixie fashion she is making a nest room with a ficus tree filled with roses on lights garlands and flower bowers and candles and fairy nests and all sorts of wondrous dreamy and magical things to help her body & spirit heal.
It is difficult but we are hoping she will be better afterward without all the miserable monthly agony she has been experiencing.
I am making her a 50 THINGS TO DO WITH YOUR UTERUS ONCE IT"S OUT DOLL and I need some more suggestions. So far I have:
1. Make a canteen with it
2. Use it for haggis
3. Plant it under a tree
4. Wear it as a hat
5. Make a purse from it
7. Freeze water in it to keep the beer cold
8. Make a doll quilt from it
9. Blow it up and make a balloon
10. Save it till 4th of July and put firecrackers in it and throw it at cars
11. Fill it with candy for your next pinata party
12. Put it on your head and scare the kids with it
13. Use it as a shopping bag
14. Use it to catch cats or rats, even.
15. Stuff it and make a softie
16. Or make a sock uterus with it
17. Cut it in half and make slippers
18. String it with catgut after its dried out and make an instrument from it
19. Use it in an anatomical puppet show ( find more discarded organs)
20. Cut it into strips and knit something with it.
That's all I can really come up with. I need 30 more. Somebody help me. Thanks.

almost last day in March

Gnome love

******Click on pictures to view larger*******

I have been sewing up a storm lately! Yee Haw!!! It is so much fun to have the freedom and time to sit and sew and allow my dreams to become reality. I am thankful that I have that security. Fred trudges off to work each day and I am allowed to stay here at the pretend cottage and Make & Do to my hearts content. Now, there have been times in my life that I was single and worked 2 jobs and was too exhausted to even imagine making or creating and I think those times must have fueled my battery because I have some ideas, let me tell ya!!! Do I have ideas!!!

Yesterday when Fred came home he saw me in the same spot on the couch as when he left that morning and said: " whatcha got there?" and as I held up my newest and fattest bear he said: "whoa! What's that?!!" Now this is the moment that I always scan for sarcasm.....none detected I answer:" a gnome." "well, he's a bear that thinks he's a Gnome." "Really? Says Freddie. Yes says I. Isn't he silly? Well, I never know how people are going to react- they either love bears or they hate them.

When Fred and I started dating I had little bear vignettes and tea parties set up all over my apartment. Here and there were bears in chairs eating fake cake and drinking from empty tea cups. I said it's like in Hook with Robin Williams- ya have to pretend. He looked at me differently after that- the etch a sketch and magic 8 ball and kaleidescope on my coffee table were clues..I like to play. I can and I will. I will grow old but never up. I don't have to.

Now, I have the bears in the guest room and not so much around the house, in respect for Fred's maleness. I don't want him to have to be faced with little toys everywhere when he has to be serious and grown up and trudge off to work each day....but they are ready should any grandchildren come for a visit...they can be pulled from nooks and crannies at the drop of a hat and it's teddy bear picnic time! Now that I am making bears again it is different- I am not used to answering to anyone- except my inner  critic.

Not that he is critical but when I suggested that the gnome bear might need some embroidery on his ears..he quickly vetoed that as uneccessary embellishment.You can never have too much if you want my opinion!  So here are a few pictures and then I am off to start my day. I just saw where Miss Potter is playing at Burns Court...a movie might be the order of the day for me....then it's time for serious work on Marie...I have visions of her dress and head gear! Gonna be grand....glittery..sparkle...yoyo cupcake heaven!

A Coat Of Many Crafts

Are you thinking about Valentines?
Do you need to make a few but don't have a clue how to begin?
Lost yer MoJo?
Go to Flickr and do a search on collage art or Vintage Ephemera.
Or maybe Vintage Children's Books...
Or search the Groups- There are thousands!
This morning I spent an hour wandering through Collage Art. I saved to my favorites images of Victorian splendor and Valentines and paper doll torsos!!
Heaven for a pack rat such as me!!
That's the beauty part- apparently Favorites is a bottomless pool of everything you see that you want to save! I fav without fear!!! I don't always say thank you but I hope they understand...as I click....click....click......
I can look through my favorites and catch glimpses of themes and ideas brewing or remember crafts I was working on- or blog posts I needed art for.
It is a wondrous age that we live in!
I love the ability to find an image so quickly! Years ago if I was doing collage I had to actually own the book or borrow a book from a friend and go to the place with the copiers and stand in line..blah, blah, blah...Now it's instant!
There used to be only one kind of brad- you know the small metal thingie that you can put through paper to hold it together? Now there are so many different sizes, shapes, colors!!! How exciting that a trip to the local craft store yields all the necessary equipment to create anything you can imagine!! I try not to take this all for granted- I appreciate the overproduction of goods and products to the point of so many choices that I almost can't decide what to make! Do you know what I mean? So many possible projects that now I start to think: which ones do I really want to make? The faerie wings are delightful but time consuming and sort of difficult- not easy but then that just means everyone else won't be making them!
As I search for items that I want to put in a product line they all must meet the required criteria:
1. Not take too long because you never get paid for your time.

2. Not be overly expensive in material costs because this means that you could be over pricing your item and is your customer really going to pay that (not if they can find it somewhere else cheaper?)

3. Am I still going to love making this item after the 10th one? How many can I make that still look unique and fresh?

4. Is it my own idea?

5. Is it a fad?

6. Will it be collectible?

7. Is it Art? Is it Craft?

8. Is it functional? Can it be washed?

9. Where will I sell it and who will buy it?

10. Will customers fall in love with it?

Each time I make something I run through these questions in my mind. I used to weave baskets and did Art & Craft Shows with my Guild. Customers fell in love with my baskets and bought them eagerly. I often sold out or nearly so at the shows.
When I made bears the shop owner started on consignment and then bought them out right after I began to have a following. I couldn't believe that people loved my bears as much as I did!! I was so happy but stressed because I had to make the bears and sell so many each week in order to pay the bills. Then it becomes forced and you loose a certain amount of joy in creating! For me that is the thing- The Creating! That's all I really care about. After I make it I don't care. I could give it away...
Now, after menopause I seem to be scattered to the winds! I can't stay focused on any one thing long enough to have a product line! I do a little of this and a bit of that, then I'm off, on the wind sailing to the next glorious idea!
Whims!
Calamity Kim's Current Whims!
That should be the name of my shop- once I get focused enough to start one!
The people who love me are often upset by my lack of consistency and responsibility. I can only hang my head in shame and suffer the scorn of disparaging remarks and silent phones.
I wear my artistic frivolity like a sweater sewn from patches of different categories. Quilting, Doll-making, Bear-making, Collage, Crafts, Beading, Weaving, Felting, Book-binding, Purse-making.
A Coat of Many Crafts.
An Artist Wearing Many Hats...berets?
I need to make a profit.
I need to sell some products in order to contribute to the household and feel successful like I used to!
I need some Clarity and Focus!
I need to feel Centered and not scattered to the winds!
Maybe I need a List.
That often helps to get me motivated.
If I made a list for today it would be:
1. Take a shower and get dressed. Make bed.
2. Fold clothes in chair, dryer and couch.
3. Do dishes from last night.
4. Take out garbage.
5. Vacuum house.
6. Take boxes to post office.
7. Return movies to Blockbuster.
8. Go pay water bill.
9. Get oil changed in Durango.(now 200 miles overdue)
10. Get gas
11. Might as well go through car wash- it hasn't been washed since Dec.2nd
12. After it warms up Sadie is overdue by 4 days for her bath. She also needs a vet appointment for yearly visit.
13. Bills need to be paid.
14. Start dinner- oh drink lunch (slimfast, not pina colada!!)
15. Fred comes home- dinner and then a little computer time with blog? peeps before sitting down to a New Heroes!!
16. No time for Crafting Genius today.
So it's put off for another day and so it goes. Should I just get a real job and then do this in my "free" time?
It helps to use this as a sounding board.
I wish I could get down to brass tacks and stick to the plan!
I know, if wishes were dishes we'd all.....
So Happy Monday! If you have time go wander Flickr in all it's glory and Fav you some goodness to keep for someday when you get a minute...even if it's just to revisit the images and dream....

FPS ROCKS!!!!! Freezer Paper Stencils

I am a Craft-bot.
Welcome to my future.
I am happiest when creating.
To make is everything.
My juice starts to flow and the clouds part and there is a ray of SUNSHINE in my soul.
I am a Craft-bot.
This morning I downloaded a MB or two of input over at Flickr. Namely on the Freezer Paper Stencil Group. I've seen it before but today something snapped, crackled and popped in my brain and I designed a LOGO for the Calamity Kim Store!!! I am super excited as you can see by my enthusiastic exclamation marks!! Oh, yeah, sistahs, this is gonna rock me!! I purchased two screen printing kits from The Goodwill Hunting store this summer, partially for the vintage cool graphics on the boxes but also with the HOPE that one day I would be able to assemble a screen print thaing-a-ma-doodle and get down with some groovy, super cool, funkadelic graphics of my own. It just hasn't happened. Too many patterns on the sewing table if ya know what I mean.(Finish something, for crying out loud my confused brain screams) So this is super cool enough and I really like it until I figure out how to screen print something I will be doing it with freezer paper. There is a tutorial over at Crafster and really, you have all probably seen it and are yawning right now...maybe my jumping for joy will keep ya alert enough to check out some pictures and stay tuned as I finish up my projects and add a store to the blog. I plan on offering ART APRONS, BIPOLAR BECKY MAKE-DOS, MOHAIR BEARS & RABBITS, PAPER CLAY ART DOLLS, SMALL ART QUILTS, QUILT COVERED COMPOSITION BOOK/JOURNALS and who knows what else!! I used the positive cut-out from the freezer paper to iron on to wool felt and cut out a siluette of the image for embellishing a journal cover. I'm going to add some prairie points as it is traveling to my friend Jenny, aka Kansas Rose at Prairie Farmeress. We met after becoming partners in the teatowel swap and have continued to grow and nurture our  friendship through blogging, emails and  today I talked  with her on the phone!  I have met the most wonderful people through blogging and Flickr and I just want to say Thank You to everyone who comments and emails all the supportive and sweet, kind words. I appreciate you all. There are so many blogs out there to read I'm sure the list of URL's would reach to Pluto and back, so thank you for the time you spend here at Calamity Kim.