Calamity Kim

Is it really 2015?

There are some days so filled with the business of everyday living that I barely have time to think about making things. Then other times I forgo the laundry, dishes and cleaning to escape into the blurred happiness that comes with giving myself over to the muse.

Having finished all my Big Shows and Workshops for the season I am making long lists of what I want to make next.

I think about painting and embroidering on fabric to use in some Diane Ericson inspired clothing. I love her website and find it so inspirational. She not only creates awesome patterns for artistic clothing but designs cool stencils to be used to paint and enhance the surface of clothing.

I have been cutting stencils of my own lately and am designing bags to sell at Strands of Sunshine in St Pete this summer.

Amy Marshall is the owner and the shop has such a cool, happy and creative vibe. I sold my mushroom ornaments there after Atomic was over and some canvas project bags flew outta there too!

I would like to start blogging more. Really, I would. I used to spend so much time online and in the past few years I have been  trying to walk on the beach, create more work and really be in my life, not just spend all day on Facebook, Flickr, Instagram, Pinterest, Etsy and eBay! Things changed when I started using Instagram and my iphone camera instead of my digital camera too. So, it seems like it's more difficult to Blog without using my phone. I know, excuses, right? But, blogging does fulfill the part of me that longs to teach, share and tell stories, so I hope I can really get back in the habit. I know any of you who cared have long since given up, and that's ok. Everything has to grow and change and become something else. That emotional baggage gets heavier the longer you carry it. It's best to free yourself up and throw it to the winds and be happy for heaven's sake. And that means not putting the key to your happiness in Someone Else's pocket. Just saying.

Oh, and speaking of teaching, I recently did a Cut Up Your Closet With Calamity Kim Workshop for the Tampa Surface Design Guild. It was a three day class and the ladies made some great dresses using the tired, worn clothing from their closets.

Because when life gives you lemons, ya gotta make something from them, right?!

I hope that you are having a break from the winter weather, where ever you are and that spring will soon  be blooming in a flowerbed near you...

or kitchen counter I suppose would do nicely. I hope to get some pictures tomorrow at my Recycled Renegades Group Meeting and will post them with some upcycled inspiration this weekend. Until then...

Happy Stitching!

xox, Calamity Kim

 

Condition of the Heart Series

I've been thinking a lot about hearts lately, as Valentine's Day is the day after my Birthday and I have collected hearts for many years. I love to make them and swap with friends.

I decided to use words that are interesting and eloquent as a starting point.

Today's word is Abandonment.

as a verb:

1. To withdraw one's support or help from, especially in spite of duty, allegiance, or responsibility;

2. To give up by leaving or ceasing to operate or inhabit, especially as a result of danger or other impending threat

3. To surrender one's claim to, right to, or interest in; give up entirely.

4. To cease trying to continue; desist from:

5. To yield (oneself) completely, as to emotion.

as a noun:

1. Unbounded enthusiasm; exuberance.

2. A complete surrender of inhibitions.

 

After drawing it on paper, I cut it out and used it as a pattern to cut from some hand marbled fabric. The fabric is important as it sets the tone for the piece and this represents creativity born from despair.

I cut a face from a flesh toned fabric and stitched it down. I lightly drew features with a pencil and machine stitched them using black thread.

Then I traced the heart hole and after putting right sides together, I stitched it and turned it inside out.

I had to top stitch around the edges and added pipe cleaner arms and spiderweb tulle as I sewed. The stuffing went quickly and after stitching the opening closed she was finished!

Working through feelings and emotions as I try to heal. It has been a life long process and acceptance is tangible.

Tomorrow there will be a new word. I am thinking about Brilliant.

keep your heart open so love can find a way in.

 

xox,

calamity kim

feb 04, 2014

 

Paper Art Dolls: The Vintage Modern Mermaid

I am not sure what it is about the Gibson Girls that captures my attention so completely but I have several stamps with different faces from that genre and I really enjoy using them to make paper dolls.

I often use Kimberly Crick's templates and rubber stamps as well as Catherine Moore's Character Construction stamps. I love the combination of vintage and woodland themes together and am also working up some circus and steampunk designs. I used to make paper dolls quite often and it has been a while since I returned to visit them but I have set aside wool, fabric and spinning wheel to get my paper on for a while.

Paper dolls aren't just for kids and my dolls can be used for decorating trees, wreaths, packages, worn as pins, necklaces or charming wall decor. I use acid free glue and papers and I decorate and embellish them with glitter, paper flowers, hat millinery and tiny ephemera.

Today I visited Retro Rosie's in Bradenton to grab some vintage lace and old letters to use in new dolls. Rosie and Nancy have a lovely shop filled with vintage clothing, shabby chic decor, wedding dresses, kitsch and aprons- as well as sewing notions, barkcloth and lots of good paper ephemera like tintypes and photos.

I love to combine vintage photos with water colored tails and will soon have a batch of finished mermaids- once they get some arms!

I am going to do some that are valentine related and some for Easter- assuming that I stay with it I should get them done in time to list on Etsy. Let's keep our finger's crossed and say a prayer to our patron saint of persistence and consistency- can't hurt- might help!

I joined the Selby Gardens Nature Printer's this year and I hope to be printing some fairy paper dolls using real leaves and flowers for their skirts and wings. No pictures of that yet- just playing with the idea and getting it worked out in my head before I begin printing them.

Monday begins a new year and I hope to be back here blogging more and sharing my adventures. Thank you for the five years of readership and for sharing links to my blog and all the love. Blogland is a special place and my life would not be the same without it. Happy New and Wonderful Year Ahead to us all! love, calamity

spooky

cackle, cackle!

love,

calamity kim

Beware a Walk in the Woods Quilted Bag

The other day as I was at the Thrift Shop collecting my $50 Shopping Spree that I had won (by guessing how many corks were in a jar- 67!) when I found two old quilts that were so pretty but in poor shape from washing and knew they would be great to repurpose into something else.

Needless to say I bought them and after cutting one up I could just see it as the background for an applique scene. I received a Charlie Harper Coloring book from a friend at Christmas and one of the bird images had been nagging at me so I used it for inspiration to make a happy bird couple and nest with leaves for one side of the bag.

I have about 12 knitted bags to get lined before a show next month and a few other things I should be doing but I just had to get this out of my head. Does that ever happen to you? An idea just won't go away until you have made it and gotten it out of your head?

 

Sometimes the only person I have to bounce ideas off is my poor husband and he looked at this and thought the green for the leaves was too bright. I just said wait and see and he said "whatever"and I went back to the sewing room and found a panel from a Fairy Tale series I had bought a while back on eBay that worked perfectly for the other side. I don't know why the witch has a cat and a parrot on her sholders but it's pretty old- and I love the little gingerbread guy peeking around by the boy- he apparently escaped the witches house and just can't resist giving us a grin!

 

I feel guilty sometimes because I have so much fabric that I could probably sew everyday for a few years and not use it all up! I get anxious though as I am putting something together because making all those design decisions is so tough. What lining to use? What kind of pockets? Does anyone care but me? Will the wrong button kill a potential sale?

I love to use embroidered linens for the pockets inside bags and this was pretty easy to just iron and stitch in.

The other pocket was easy too- I found this little embroidery the same day I found the quilts and it was that same springtime green.

I love to do needle turned applique. It's calm and quiet and I enjoy placing each stitch and praying it will be hidden and look good. My inner critic is learning to just go with the flow and not be so hard on me. Sometimes just picking the right button takes much longer than it should. I try not to agonize over it but in my head it just has to be right. (The little nest is also a lined pocket by the way- maybe for those bottle caps I can't help but find and keep for treasure when I go for walks) Is that crazy or just how it is when you have so many choices? If I just had 3 buttons instead of hundreds maybe the choice would be effortless, but after so many years of hoarding sewing supplies I just can't imagine only a few buttons.

Watching the show Hoarders has definitely changed my buying habits and I have promised myself to USE WHAT I HAVE! Not buy more- even though new fabrics come out and I might miss something- I really, really need to use it up before I am buried alive under a mountain of felted sweaters, fabric, batting and bins full of "someday I'll make this into..."

I have so much that I want to make and wish I could sleep less- but lately I have been burning the candle at both ends- working on some new projects and Guild stuff and tomorrow I am taking a workshop with Lyric Kinard and then attending her lecture on Art Quilts at the Friendship Knot Quilt Guild meeting Monday night- and another workshop with her on Tuesday! This month is so busy I can hardly keep up- the Destin Spin In is January 25-30th (up in the panhandle) and I am looking forward to several days spent spinning art yarn and talking fiber with my friends.

I will try to share as much as I can...I just can't keep up...anyone wanna be my secretary?

Have a happy day and keep warm...spring really is just around the corner...at least I hope it is.

xo,

calamity kim

Atomic Mushrooms

 

Yesterday I made these two giant sized mushrooms using some leftover pieces of wool felt that I had made last spring. I wet felted bamboo, silk and corriedale wool fibers together and it was a fun exercise but I never knew what to make with it until yesterday when I was using some wool to make mushrooms for the art show I am doing in 2 weeks- Atomic Holiday Bazaar.

It's rainy outside so I can't take pictures of them in the yard because the bottoms would get wet and dirty. Trying to get a good shot in the house is sometimes a challenge even when the elves help out! I love the pearls, shell buttons and lace with the cream color wool. Very feminine and sweet to use as a display for jewelry or pins or just as a decoration themselves!

This morning my Brother came over and we built 3 bench type shelves for me to use at Atomic.

We bought the wood a few weeks ago and it only took 2 hours to build the benches. After the first one was finished the others came together pretty fast and it was fun.

Now we will distress the wood by hitting and rolling stones across the soft pine surface and then I will paint a black coat and then several white coats, sanding in between. After that I will wax them with some pigmented wax to add a nice luster and create a shabby chic look.

This year I have a woodland concept for my display and am so excited to get these benches made. I hope the weather is nicer tomorrow so that I can start painting them. I am setting up a mock display next Friday so that I can get an idea of what it will look like when I actually do the show (Dec 11& 12th at Municipal Auditorium in Sarasota). It will be my 4th year doing the show and this year promises to be as much fun as past years except with an all day Sat & Sun and Sat night show I might be happily worn out by the time it's over!

I wish that there was an Atomic Halloween Show- that would be so very cool! Tomorrow I am teaching pompom birds at the Surface Design Guild Play Day.

I think I am going to make a few more in different colors and also some fabric birds for the show.

Just wanted to say hi and share what the elves and I have been up to!

Happy Cartoonday!

xo,

Calamity Kim

taking the time to write a real letter

Did you ever get a letter in the mail that was just like a warm hug and a cup of love?

I have a friend that I write pen pal letters to and we carry on a long distance conversation that includes sharing good news and bad, sadness and joys, stickers and presents and generally anything that can be stuffed into an envelope or small box!

Saturday I received a box from her with a lovely long letter, an Alice in Wonderland rag doll and a mermaid that she had made from flour/salt dough. The inside of the box was cushioned with ribbons of all sorts and it was festive and sweet to open! I have to say thank you, Sara, for the thoughtfulness and kindness.

Alice and her fishy friend will fit right in to my crafty chaotic sewing room. I started cleaning up and throwing out and getting it more manageable this past weekend and am still working on it today. I am hoping that it won't take all day but it doesn't seem to be getting any easier as I go through this and that, trying to unclutter the room.

The mailman just stopped by and I got a great card from my friend Gina- thank you if you are reading this- I sent an email to thank you- what a nice surprise! She lives just down the road and I smiled when I saw the envelope. You sweetie!

I love getting cards and wish I would make time to write more people more often- it's one of the ways to get more cards.

It's a nice thing to do and it shows that they think you are worth the time spent to find a card and write it. I would love to do a fabric postcard swap someday, as the idea of receiving a fabric stitched postcard just rings my bells and blows my whistles! But for now I have to use my time wisely- I have work to do and must stay focused to meet those deadlines! Maybe sometime this winter I can set up a swap-we'll see come Feb- we could do it for my big 50th Birthday celebration.

So, I just wanted to put it out there- I keep all the cards and letters that I receive and sometimes I find letters in my drawers that were written by people that wanted me to know something or feel something when I read them and now I have to wonder why they did that when they didn't really mean those things. When you have it down on paper it should make it seem more real but sometimes its just words. I would like to send a few back to a certain person just to let her think about what she said and how it wasn't really true, but then, I might be poking the bear with a stick and I really don't have time or the energy for that.

Anyway, I'll get back to cleaning out and throwing away. Shaking it off and getting back to my happy place...somewhere in this mess is a sewing machine that needs some quality time with me.

Check out this awesome blog if you have time- I borrowed the blooming cactus from her website- it's written in French and I can't translate it but the pictures are pretty awesome!

happy august,

xo,

calamity kim

the gnome village table runner

Recently a reader named Gillian left a comment and asked about the table runner that I started last year so I pulled it out, ironed the wrinkles and took some new pictures.

I was all gung ho on this project for months and then when the Fall leaves started to turn and I started decorating for Halloween I gave it up. I am slowly adding flowers and veggies to the center patchwork area and when I get enough added I will layer it with batting and start quilting.

I can just see it now, in my mind's eye, all finished and bound with black and white polka dot fabric. I have embroidered lettuce, cauliflower, tomatoes, onions, turnips, carrots, and am working on strawberries and flowers.

I just don't have enough hours in my days- this probably has at least 120 hours of hand embroidery in it and it will be something to keep and not sell. Of course I didn't plan for it to be this large of a project- I thought I was going to just whip it up in a week or so! In time for Easter last year I was thinking! heehee- well! Maybe next year!!!

There was no pattern- I cut the mushroom caps and stems free hand and then stitched them down and started embroidering! No lines just free needle work! It's liberating! o hoop either! Just sitting and stitching until it makes a picture.

It's like seeing an old friend.

I think I started spinning all hot and heavy and that's when my attention to this cooled off a bit.

I do love it and hope to finish it one day in the not too distant future, so thank you Gillian for asking about my progress and I will post it here when I get more done.

Happy Stitching, xo, calamity kim

paperships and mermaids and sightseeing...

I wandered around Railroad Square last week, up in Tallahassee. Tucked away behind the train station, as you enter there is a sculpture garden atop the most impossibly green grass. A serene space with memorial park benches tempts you to stop and sit a spell, if it isn't raining, which it did most of my visit. Railroad Square is a thriving art park filled with galleries, working studios, shops and the only cafe in town that is built from an authentic caboose.

It was very quiet while we were there but one of the shop owners took the time to explain about First Fridays when everything is apparently hoppin! You can read more on their website if you are going to be visiting Tallahassee and wish to explore the local art scene. There is more than just a college there if you can imagine.

I was drawn there by the lure of spinning wheels and supplies at Really Knit Stuff but once I was inside the shop there were no wheels anywhere! After speaking with the owner, who doesn't enjoy spinning herself, I realized how lucky we are in Sarasota to have a knitting shop that not only carries awesome spinning supplies but has an owner who is supportive and shares our enthusiasm for art yarn.

I am not knocking Really Knit Stuff- it was a cool shop with a nice selection of yarn and some Ozark Mountain handspun but it was not exactly what I was hoping to find- I am just not a real traditional girl- and I have a heavenly art yarn shop here in town- I was just checking out what Tallahassee has to offer. When I go up to visit my son I try to explore the area and love how GREEN everything is there. It makes it seem quite dried up and brownish around the edges here- I hadn't noticed our lack of verdancy until I was there.

I really love these art communities and am reminded of Asheville's Artist District where they have warehouses down by the river filled with studios and shops. I wanted to visit Bacon and Bakin but it was closed. One nice shop we visited was Bali Hi and it was tranquil and overflowing with exotic items from (you guessed it) Bali and Hawaii.

Owner Elaine Grace made me feel welcome and I hope to return there to show her some of my products- I have been busy learning about jewelry making and soldering and repurposing junk into charming eclectic art to wear. I know, how can I be making so many things at once? I just don't sleep- that's my secret!

I meant to post a few pictures of Railroad Square and then move on to show you my recent mermaid and mermen paperdolls I have been making using stamps by Catherine Moore and Kimberly Crick but I wanted to share enough of the RR Square to give you the idea of the place should you ever find yourself in Tallahassee some fine day with time to kill and money to burn.

Several months ago a lovely lady from England named Sophie contacted me via email and after viewing my mermaids on Etsy she wanted to know if I would make some for her wedding. I was flattered and agreed to make her some as well as a few mermen, paper mache boats and fabric flowers for her bridesmaids to wear.

Catherine Moore creates a line of Character Constructions that are acrylic stamps with doll parts in the Victorian style. Kimberly Crick creates a different sort of stamp with beautiful faces and mermaids and fairies. I have written about them before (here) and almost forgot how much enjoyment I feel when making paperdolls with their stamps. I guess I have been too busy spinning and dyeing and off exploring the wool world to be playing with paper, eh?

Ann Wood is an artist who lives in New York and I greatly admire her work, imagination and use of paper and vintage fabrics to create ships, birds, spiders, bats and owls. Several months ago she created a tutorial and pattern for a sail boat and I leaped at the chance to make some for Sophie's wedding. Any excuse to papermache gets me happy and the pattern goes together well and easy. After a few layers of dictionary paper the boats are ready for rigging and sails. Yesterday I worked on making anchors from pencils and cardboard; Sophie is a writer so this is mighty funny and slightly ironic to me. My friend Cheryl came over and made tiny paperchains to add to the anchors.

So, this is what I've been doing...wandering around the state of Florida, looking for a cool breeze and tree to sit under and getting this big wedding order finished. Playing with friends like Gina and Cheryl. Sneaking out to Knit & Bitch. What you been up to? It's mighty quiet around here when I don't come post- I am just so busy lately, my calamities- I do miss blogging everyday and hope to get back to a more routine system- but for now, just know that all is well and I couldn't be happier in my drama free serenity filled artful world.

xo, calamitykim

alice inspired placemat

alice inspired placemat, originally uploaded by calamity kim.

Today is a special day! Not only is it a Surface Design Guild Meeting Day but I am meeting a Flickr friend in real life! Susi (who lives in Germany) will be vacationing in Florida and is swinging by to meet and hang out with me today! We are doing a place mat swap and this is the one I made for her. It also is Inspired by Alice in Wonderland which was a Guild Challenge! You know how nice it is to kill two birds with one stone and so I did!

It turned out quite nice, if I do say so myself and I might have to make a set for us!

I did go see the movie last Friday and I enjoyed it very much.
Now, I'm off! I have a busy day ahead but things will slow down a bit soon and I will be sewing up items for our Guild's Fashion Show next month!
I will be back with photos and more wonderland inspired things soon.
I miss you all, very much, dear readers but it's "season" here and there are many art shows and things to do and see and it's so hard to keep up!
I am dying to go see the Costumes in Cinema exhibit at the Florida International Museum at St Petersburg College. They have Johnny Depp's costume from Pirates of the Caribbean! Just so many hours in a day, right?
xo,
calamity kim

Can I get a Volunteer Elf?

I created a PDF pattern for my Baby Shoe and would love to have someone try it out for me. I need it asap so only volunteer if you have the time to make one and get back to me by Sunday evening with any possible changes. I'd like to get it in my etsy shop on Monday along with some actual shoes, sock monkeys, shawls, scarves and hand spun yarns.

Leave a comment here if you want to try one out for me and I will send you the PDF to print and make an example- I'd like to see a picture of what you make so you will need a digital camera as well-

Thanks, little shoemaker elves!

calamity Kim

Get Your GoGo On!

Booker T & The MG's Green Onions makes me smile and if you feel like smilin too then grab a circle rug and start gogo~ing! It's a great way to loosin up for some swingin arts n' crafts! It is Friday after all and the week has been go, go, go non-stop!

Have you had a rough week?

Did everything seem to be fighting you?

Sometimes it seems as if even a simple card game is impossible to play because the deck is stacked against you.

Did you start the week by falling down a big rabbit hole of housework and the insane task of cleaning up after the Suicide Craft Bomber that detonated in your dining room last week?

Thankfully the Red Queen has been silent and preoccupied with other family members so that your life has become quiet, drama free and (dare I say) serene.

Tuesday morning, did you wake up to once again try to believe 6 impossible things before breakfast? Were you filled with hope and joy over forgetting the housework, having friends over to play and picking up dinner from the local Greek cafe?

Was Wednesday another day filled with slap dash attempts at cleaning up and rearranging the chaos as you added bits and pieces to current projects scattered about, half started, almost finished?

Did you stop for one moment to think, what am I doing?

Is this worth the time?

Did you fall in love with Yes! Glue all over again as you smoothed it on to attach fabric to paper?

As you sewed the Shibori Girl silk down with reckless abandon did you feel free? Or did it feel as though you were making a mess and did Sally Self Doubt peek in and say hi at that moment? Did you ask her politely to leave as you continued to create a book about a journey into wonderland with a lonely little girl named Alice?

As you happily found a use for that vintage pompom fringe did you wonder if you could ever part with this funky fabric and paper book?

Knowing that you have always sold everything you ever made, do you want to keep this one...maybe make a quilted bag to hide it in and stash it under your pillow so that the Craft Show Fairy won't see it and insist you take it to the show?

As you made decisions on how to add ties to hold the book together did the stars line up and the moon explode as you got closer and closer to being finished?

Did you add blue silk water to the rising tide of the mock turtles tears and realize you were were almost done with a two week project, and take a moment to feel satisfaction in that one accomplishment?

Did dreams of granddaughters fill your imagination with the hopeful thought that maybe someday, some small hands will hold this book, as you tell the tale of rabbits and hatters and tea with roses and flamingos nearby?

Did you tie the sari silk into bows with a smile on your face and heave a sigh at the labor complete?

As the week comes to an end have you wondered what you'll be doing this time next week? Is that looking/planning too far ahead?

I can only go one day at a time as I hurry/strive to get things finished and ready to sell. Last night I watched tv and painted glue on plastic spider rings then covered them with black glitter to be ready to be added to fake cupcakes today.

It's a craft factory around here and I am so glad my husband is patient and doesn't mind the salads at 8pm or stepping around piles of yarn to get to the sink.

Have a Happy Friday!

Don't let the little things take your Joy.

The dishes and dust will always be there. Finding time to create is worth the effort because it allows your heart to heal, your hands to work and your mind to imagine.

Go Make Something Awesome!

love & stitches,

calamity kim

chaos is a friend of mine

Most of the time I hang out with my friends "Creativity" and "Inspiration".
 They are so much more fun to be around than "Prudence" and "Patience". Those girls do not know how to have a good time.
Remember when your folks would say "birds of a feather.." well it might just be true because ever since I became "Calamity" and I started spending lots of time with "Chaos" my sewing room has gotten messier and messier and finally something had to be done.

It's like an endless cycle of sew, toss fabric everywhere, forget where anything is, then spend days cleaning and organizing until the next time it happens again.
This time I managed to purge all the paper stuff and so the sewing room is finally, truly all about sewing. It's the most functional that it has ever been. I know where the patterns are and the scrap baskets are emptied again.
This new redo with the shelves all began because of the desk from Ikea. I was content to make do with some folding plastic tables until we went to Ikea and I got this desk. It looks modern and cool and clean and hip. Now everything needed to be white. Aqua and white- how refreshing.
 Somehow the old wooden bookcases with country hearts cut out in the sides didn't fit the room. They are sturdier for books anyway and will be nice in the guest room (stamp/paper room) where I moved them.
This bookcase holds the linen, velvet, muslin,flour sack and feed cloth fabric and the chiffon which keeps sliding around.
I bought the red trimmed enamel table at Picasso Moon and it has leaves that extend on each side should I need more room for the embellishing machine that is sitting beneath it. This is going to be my needle felting station. I also pulled the interfacing, sulky solvy and plastics out from a drawer. If I can see them then I can find them and use them!
Yesterday I spent all day driving from store to store, with sweat dripping from the back of my knees, down to my ankles and finally found the cutting table I wanted in Bradenton at the JO Ann Fabrics. I had searched Michaels, Hancocks, Walmart and the Sarasota Jo Ann's.
It was on sale for 89.99- regular price is 169.00. It has adjustable legs.
My old table was standing on coffee cans that sometimes fell over. More fun for chaos and calamity I know, but really, very  Beverly Hillbilly and it was time for a real table. Fred trimmed the cutting mat and it fits perfectly.
The section on the right is removable but handy for storing scissors, rotary cutters and stuff. It also has a plug in thing for several plugs.
So am I happy with my cleaned up room? You betcha!
 But, now I am just too worn out to sew.
 I think I need a nap. All that organizing has worn me out!
Fred has been playing music and it's so beautiful and soothing all I want to do is go lay down and shut my eyes and drift off with it in the background.
 The stamp/paper doll room is now in need of a bit of help since that's where some of the shelves got moved to.
You don't want to see it, trust me not until it's all put back together. Neither do I as a matter of fact and it may take a few more days till I get to it.
***
I am working on a new pattern that will be for sale in the shop and of course there is still a pile of things to get finished that will probably get me through the rest of the month. I will be sewing at full speed tomorrow!
But first, a nap.
stay cool, my little calamities,
 xo,
 kim

Spring Time Table Runner Mired in the Mud of Indecision...what to do! what to do!

Trying to decide if I should add some more applique or just start quilting.
I really need to just stop and go to the grocery store (what will we have for dinner?) but I have to get it right in my mind first.

I love these vintage images of Goldilocks and Red riding hood.
I have it layered with the cotton/silk batting and the backing fabric.
Usually when I can't make up my mind, I just stop, and that's when I never go back to it and it becomes a UFO (unfinished object) or WIP (work in progress).
Bah!
 Tarter Sauce!
I'm gone.

Good Egg

hello chick, originally uploaded by calamity kim.

Today I took a detour and used Retro Mama's pattern to make some fabric eggs. After I cut out , sewed and stuffed the first one I thought, man, this doesn't look like a good egg! It looked bad. Really bad.
So I tried it again.
Same result!
Another bad egg!
Too fat, more like a misshapen beach ball than an egg.
So I went back and read the tutorial and found my error!
I was going with the grain instead of against the grain and it certainly made a huge difference!
She tells you to cut the sections out perpendicular to the selvage.
I just didn't read it.
I have sewn balls before, but never eggs and I just didn't realize how drastically it mattered- the straight of the grain is stretchy and really gets fat when you stuff it.
I feel like such a loser.
All theses years I have been sewing and just naturally used the straight of grain.

So I made a tiny chick too.
Same thing happened when I cut it out perpendicular to the selvage.
It is much smaller than the other ones I've made.
d'uh!
I'm certainly humbled now.
anyway...

It's hot again.

I wish that cold front could have lasted forever for us.

Back to the bake!

Skip Spring and go directly to Summer!

Maybe I'll just go to the beach and forget all about eggs and chicks and sewing calamities.


"A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg
even though he knows that you are slightly cracked."
~Bernard Meltzer

Happy Good Friday
wishing you nothing but good eggs,
calamity kim

what a jolly street

red and white, originally uploaded by calamity kim.
Building a neighborhood with mushroom houses is fun! Picking the fabrics, cutting them out, stitching them down, the morning is gone while I pin and sew and smile to myself.

With the windows open I can here birds singing and lizards running through the dry ferns outside in the flower bed. I consider putting a cd on to play, but don't want to stop what I'm doing!
I quickly take pictures, they are softly out of focus from my hands trembling. I love the feeling of excitement as the table runner takes shape. I don't want to stop and eat, but I feel tired and know that I will do a better job if I'm not distracted by grumbles from my tummy.
I stitch them down, all around, once or twice and then I will go back around everything as I quilt it.
I love the starkness of the back.
One day I will make a very plain one like that.
Just thread and linen.

The edges will softly fray as this is washed and I will have something for the table for Spring that I will love.
 I never make anything for myself, hardly, the majority of my work goes to sell or as gifts and I feel guilty working on this project.
Now, that's a little crazy, isn't it? But I have so many things to finish for other people that it weighs heavy on my mind and I guess that's where the guilt comes from.
I just have to keep the momentum flowing and not get sidetracked with books or field trips and I will get it all done eventually!
 Keep your fingers crossed for me anyway!
 I need to pray for completion of all my half started and nearly dones!
I added a touch of lace under the cap of these condo shrooms.
I need to give them doors, windows and smoke stacks.
I better get back to it!
Hi Ho, Hi Ho, it's off to work I go!
 Happy to be sewing,
xo,
 calamity kim

Charming Table Runner For Spring

Charm Squares

Got any?

 5x5" of delightful color and pattern!

If you are a quilter or if you have ever shopped at a quilt fabric store then I need not explain what a charm square is or might be used for- but do you actually use them? More often than not they sit quietly, waiting in my sewing room for that day in the distant future when I might finally decide to sew some together!
It's not that I don't want to use them, I really do!
It's just that once I use them up, they will be gone and I really like looking at them. It's the only time I really get to own a complete line of fabric.
I usually buy novelty fabrics by the yard and have never had a whole colorway of any one line , though I continue to try!

OK, well, I finally opened my treasure box of charm squares and after clearing  off the dining room table, I began arranging them in rows and after finally selecting a nice arrangement I started sewing them together.

It couldn't be easier to stitch each row together, press and then go to the next row.
After all 3 rows were stitched I trimmed the edges and then sewed each row together.
I used neutrals with a few Rachel Ashwell samples from her Shabby Chic line a few years ago. I tried to blend linen, cotton, and jacquard woven squares with some quilt fabrics to make a mellow back ground.
I then tore some wide sections of linen fabric for the ends and sides.
 I am going to embroider and applique some gnome houses and
flowers along the linen sections.
The center section will be mostly covered with rabbits, chicks and gnomes anyway!
I know you are probably thinking about Easter right at this moment but I tend to think about the whole season of Spring and Easter is just one day in that season.
The older I get, the less time I want to spend on house work and that includes decorating!
So, next I will be making some mushroom houses and clotheslines with tiny gnome clothes and daffodils and daisies pushing up everywhere!
I wanted to make something wider than a normal runner  so that I wouldn't have to also use placemats. We'll see how it turns out!
I hope that the Easter bunny has a nice warm sweater and some snow boots!
Happy Sewing!
calamity kim

 

Calamity Kim's Gnome Egg Warmer Pattern

Sometimes in the early Spring when all the flowers start to wake up and begin to bloom,  you can spot a gnome,  if you are very quiet and know where to look.
I often leave bits of fabric and felt under the old oak trees out back so that any wandering gnomes might take what they need for a new wardrobe.
Imagine my surprise this morning when I heard a soft tapping at the back door and as I opened the door a wee fellow stepped out from the ferns and shyly told me thank you for my kind donation.
 When he asked how he might repay me, I told him I needed a model to pose so that I could draft an egg warmer pattern. He quickly agreed and as we went to work- him standing still while I sketched- a butterfly landed on his cap and scared him so bad he apologized and quickly ran away!
I tried not to laugh but couldn't help myself! Really! Afraid of a beautiful little butterfly! I had drawn him quick enough so I went right to the sewing room and drafted a pattern. It looks just like him, if I do say so myself!!!

Here is the Download Gnome_egg_warmer for you to download.

You will need:
Small fabric pieces in red and blue
peach colored felt
fabric for lining
black perle cotton to embroider features
scissors
exacto blade
sewing machine and thread in neutral color

Here are the instructions- Please read them through first!

• Print pattern and cut out.
• Trace on to leftover cardboard (cereal box) and cut out again.
• To create template for Face  use a small hole punch to punch out eyes and mouth on cardboard pattern. Use an exacto blade to cut nose slot.
• Hold cardboard pattern close to felt and cut close around edges to make face. 
• Place red fabrics right sides together and cut out 2 cap pieces.
• Place blue fabrics right sides together and cut out 2 body pieces.
• Then place cardboard face pattern behind the felt piece and use holes as a guide for creating embroidered features. This way you don't have to make any marks on the face.
• Embroider features using black  perle cotton.
• Place felt face on blue section and top stitch close to edge of face.
• Place red cap over top of blue section and top stitch down.
• Repeat for back pieces.
• Place right sides together and stitch with 1/4" seam allowance. Trim with pinking shears.
• Turn right side out and press lightly with iron.
• Using sewn gnome as a template, lightly trace around it on to the back of lining fabric.
• Cut out two lining pieces.
• Stitch along side using 5/8ths seam allowance but leave opening (about 2 inches) along one side for turning.
• Trim lining with pinking shears and turn right sides out.
• Place lining inside gnome with right sides together. Pin along bottom.
• If the lining is too large then remove and stitch again to make smaller. It should pin together evenly along bottom without any puckering or gathering.
• Stitch all the way around bottom with 1/4" seam. Pink edges.
• Using hole left in side seam of lining, turn gnome right side out and then use pencil to push tip of cap out smoothly.
• Place a tiny piece of stuffing or part of a cotton ball inside tip of red cap to help it stay pointy.
• Push lining up inside and iron bottom of gnome. I added a black perle cotton running stitch along bottom about 1/4" from seam but you could use rick rack or just a button for decoration.
• stitch opening in lining closed.
• Cut two butterflies from printed or stamped fabric and layer with small piece of cotton batting in between. Stitch all around butterfly. Cut out close to edge and hand stitch to gnomes cap.

Now make as many as you need to decorate your table or one for each place setting.
I am working on the table runner and hope to be back soon with pictures and instructions for it!
Happy Spring, My Gnomies!
Please ask any questions you might have if this isn't clear- I didn't step it out cause it's so simple- but if you are a beginner it may be as clear as mud- so let me know!
Happy Sewing!
xo,
calamity kim

Flower Fairy Factory opens in Sarasota!

Good Morning!
Happy Dec 3rd!!!
Yesterday I started up the old fairy Factory and started painting wooden beads to make heads and I used the last 4 made in Japan heads that I had to create some new flower fairies.

I used to be able to buy white leaves in the wedding dept at Michael's but now they only stock green. I tea dye the white chenille wire and the leaves and then glitter them up after twisting them together. edited to add: I just founds some at Hobby Lobby and ordered a whole bunch! They are lovely when watercolored! Yeehaw!!! I'm doing the happy dance for white leaves!
I love the aged, vintage look- well, you know that, right?
The green leaves aren't too bad- very forest friends like!
I think they are so cute! I keep saying that, as I make them- talking to each one saying: Hello, cutie! You are so sweet! and they just giggle back at me!
I painted a bunch of beads but they need a second coat and then their features and a top coat of satin varnish. I also made some cupcakes to take to Knit & Bitch- with marshmallow flowers.
I was thrilled to have a new book in my mailbox when I got home yesterday too! Mixed Mania by Debbie Crane and Cheryl Prater. I have a paper doll on page 122!
I was invited by the authors to be in the gallery of the book and used a Cyndi Lauper album cover to create my paper doll. I cut her out and then used the album to make her apron- it was fun and the album melts easily with the heat gun normally used for embossing.
I could cut it with scissors too while it was still warm and the "wax" record waved nicely just like a skirt/apron would if she was dancing!
I added a beaded tulle skirt underneath for color and she had a fabric dress on underneath the apron.
 I am taking the book to Picasso Moon today to show the girls and will read more of it and review it soon- I think it has some excellent projects inside- especially the quilted book and art quilt and the cute little cottage cards that look like houses!
 I must say thank you to Debbi and Cheryl and Interweave Press for inviting me to be in the book- it sure has been a long wait- I can't imagine the Joy that they must feel over this accomplishment! I'm really proud of them!
I need to get going so I'll leave you with another look at the flower fairies...
 have a great day!
 Love & Stitches,
Calamity Kim

Spilling the glitter...

As I stare down at my keyboard, gathering my thoughts I notice how smooth the center of the keys have become...worn by my constant tapping...I hear the sound of the garbage truck outside and catch a glimpse of the squirrels chasing each other round the tree out back and think about today- ahead of me still- what will the day bring?

I used to do lots of tutorials here and I haven't for a while-
I have been doing the doll quilts  and can't spoil the surprise, so I haven't shared them...
Next year I will start of fresh with at least 3 projects a week- and then I will list them in Etsy.
An Apron.
A Quilted Bag.
A Pincushion.
I am trying to get all my projects finished by the end of this year so just bear with me while I work towards that goal-

I am going to make a few chenille wire glitter fairies and for Atomic and I might make a tut for them-
we'll see- maybe today or Friday....
I need to check my glitter stock- I just bought some more red and aqua
MS from Michaels...

I used glass glitter on the ones I made last year and I got cut up a little bit- it's pretty and old fashioned authentic but it hurts!
Crafts shouldn't hurt- right?
I need to get cracking on some ornaments for Amy Lyons swap too...
so busy! so much to do!!!
anyway... happy Dec 2nd!
Get that glue gun hot and start spilling that glitter, cowgirls!
Love & Stitches,
Calamity Kim

As a New Day Begins all I can think of is Dreaming and Twilight...

I woke up in the middle of the night and for a split second I realized I was quilting in my sleep!
Dreaming of rotary cutting fabric and actually sewing it together. It all seemed so real and yet magical- the quilt had the capability of giving emotional comfort and made the user feel loved and secure. I could see the comfort radiate from the quilt as the people wrapped themselves up in them!
In that split second of consciousness before I faded back to dream-time, I knew that is why I want to quilt- am obsessed with it- because of the comfort & joy found stitched between the layers of fabric and batting.
Seems obvious but, on an emotional level, maybe it was more obscure than I realized. I used to make teddy bears and rabbits and lots of dolls- that screams comfort doesn't it?
 Anyway, I felt surprised to be working like that in my sleep.
I didn't know that was going on in my head- I was supposed to be resting!
 No wonder I wake up exhausted!
***
I did a bit of crafting on Monday- I had ordered some Paverpol so that I could attempt this project and I like the resulting crocheted bowl.
I am going to fill it with tea-dyed, ragged edged silk flower pins for the show.
 I never worked with Paverpol before but it makes fabrics as hard as stone and it was fun!
Not sure if I could make dozens of these bowls but you never know!
I just had to make one and get it out of my head!
***
 I also finished this bag yesterday and am making a few more today but adding some bamboo batting-
the first one just seems a bit too thin.
(it had that round hole that was open and inviting you to touch this! oh, the seduction! I just wanted to open the bag right there in Joann's and wrap myself up in it!)
I used a blue Sashiko tablecloth that I had found at the thrift shop- all that work!
 It had a tag from Japan so I didn't feel as bad about cutting it up, though it was all hand stitched-
I always feel like if it's commercially made then it won't matter but it was still made by hand so maybe I am wrong-
maybe because it was donated to a thrift shop and hence unwanted/unloved that makes me feel as if I am "saving" it by re-using it in a project.
 It honors the stitches more than the tablecloth would have-
maybe I am just full of crap and am trying to justify cutting up a perfectly good tablecloth?
 Teehee- it's too early to tell!
I still haven't finished my cuppa coffee.
***
I am putting this into a bag today- I started it as a doll quilt but I think it should be carried around on someones arm to be viewed and admired by the largest possible audience- don't you?
Remember I drew and painted the girl and collaged it and then after scanning it I printed it on fabric?
She has patiently waited for me to "get in the mood" to finish her!
Well, Literary Girl, the wait is finally over! You will be a bag before dusk!
 I have much to do so I will be on my way!
 The fabric is still neat and tidy, in case you were wondering! I stayed in control yesterday! Let's see how long that lasts!
Happy Friday!
Going to see Twilight anyone?
I may have to sneak out and get vamped!
I sure hope it doesn't suck!
mwwaahhahahahahahahahahaha
come on, a little corn ball never hurt anyone!
comfort & joy for everyone!
Love & Stitches!
xxxooo,
Calamity Kim

Fabric Fights Paper and Paper Wins!!!

Yesterday I couldn't decide what to do so,
I folded fabric until I had it all properly organized again.
Trust me, you don't want to know what it looked like before- I couldn't find anything, it had gotten so out of whack!
 I listened to a book on CD while I spent 6 hours putting flower
fabrics together and birds, pin-ups, dots, stripes, checks, and all the rest of my novelty fabrics in some better organized way.
As I sew I have a bad habit of pulling the fabric and tearing off what I need and then throwing it aside, in some maniacal, fevered rush to create and then by the time an apron or a quilt has taken shape, my room is a mess!!!
 I know it takes 30 days to change a habit, but I am not sure my muse will allow me to stop long enough to fold the fabric and put it back! I am going to try, I mutter to myself, again, for the hundredth time.
So, what happens when I get it all spic and span?
That's right, I don't want to make a mess so I just stand there with a faraway look in my eyes.
Wondering...what should I do now?
Go for a walk?
 Out to the beach?
The pressure of getting ready for an Art Show has been crawling up my spine for the last week and I know I won't have as much as I would like, but maybe a few more paper dolls and some other things can be finished if I concentrate.
I am doing the Atomic Holiday Bazaar Show on Dec 14th and after participating last year I have a keen idea of what to have for this year, but the Art Show on Sunday is new for me and I think it's a different venue, so I  am not sure what to have a lot of. With my kooky cast of eclectic objects my table will no doubt be as colorful as a gypsy wagon and I dread the explanations all ready...
"Umm, no, these paper dolls aren't for children.
They are for grown ups to play with and admire.
 They are talismans of your long lost childhood calling you to look back and remember the days when you were carefree and loved to play and use your imagination to create wonderful adventures where you were the Princess of Mud Pies and unicorns nibbled the violets just beside your sandbox where you played." I hear myself explaining to the shoppers with curious
 expressions on their serious faces.
Maybe I should make a sign that says: It's Never Too Late For A Happy Childhood and hang that in my booth?

I need some red glitter- I only have glass glitter left and I don't feel like getting cut up so I'm sneaking over to Michael's...my secret lover...shhhh, don't tell Joann...she'll get jealous that I'm involved with paper and not fabric, even if for only a moment...

Oh, the calamity!

xxxooo,
kim

Spooktacular Artsy Stuff

Greetings my spooky friends!
I just wanted to say hi and let you know I am having a fabulous doodah adventure this week! You know the kind, when you just can't stop singing: Zippity DooDah! Zippity Aaa! My oh My what a wonderful day!!!!
My friend "C" sent me an email letting me know about the free demos going on all week at the Art & Frame Shop and so yesterday at 10 am we watched as Suzanne demonstrated watercolors.
 Today we watched as Gudrun instructed us in pastel.
 Tomorrow is printing techniques using a press with linoleum, wood blocks and copper plates!!!
Thursday is airbrushing and bookbinding!
I am so excited! I had never been there- well, not for a very long time anyway and was happy to find a source for silk by the yard and dying supplies and fabric pastels. I bought some more just to have on hand. The last time I bought silk was in Asheville at the Earth Guild and I dyed it and then stamped on it and have just a few left to applique on to fabric. When I do some more I'll take pictures to share if you guys are interested.
I also found a cool new (to me) medium made by Golden. It prepares surfaces to be printed on with your ink-jet printer!

Here is the link to learn more about it.
I know I'll be right behind you!
 I bought some and am dying to try it!
I just need to know a little bit more about it first!
 Apparently you paint it on and let it completely dry then you can run it through your printer- like say handmade paper or thin sheets of metal or any relatively flat substrate-wallpaper, leather, or unsealed wood veneer or like fabric!!! yes, fabric!!!
I have the 8 1/2x11" sheets of freezer paper and can just iron it on and then coat with this stuff...I guess... we'll find out won't we??!
I have seen people printing out copies of their artwork on to veneer and tried to get a source for that but didn't like the cost! I would do that if I had prints to sell- it looks super cool, but I do have fabric that looks like wood grain-
I could use this or the Bubblejet set stuff to make the fabric printer ready..
 It also talks about making acrylic skins- thin layers of acrylic mixed with gel medium and allowed to dry and then peeled up and printed on- It would have to go through on something firm like acetate or something. Very interesting!
What a wonderful world!
The art companies are catching up to the computer age and soon we will have cheaper fabric that comes ready to print on and printers with fabric dye and in larger sizes than 8 1/2 x11"...only a matter a time.
anyway. That's what I'm up to- and working on quilts for swaps and aprons! I am going to be an craftbot octopus for Halloween- one that never sleeps! argh!
Keep an eye out for zombies....
Hauntingly yours,
calamity kim

fabric collage calamity style

I just emptied a spool of thread.
That was 547 yds of thread in this smock apron so far.
I have worked on this for 32 hours.
The theme is knitting in a garden under a Picasso Moon.
There are roses and flowers of all color and type.
Tea is being served so set down your knitting needles and savor a cup. Do you get it?
I have to stop and take a shower, get dressed and go get more thread!
Then I can go round and round again a few more times before I am finished.
 The critters have symbolic meaning for me- bees represent sweetness and frogs are always Princes and spiders and webs represent time.
Roses are for passion and violets for remembrance.
 I love the way the raw edges get softer after a few washings and look worn and frayed, gently showing use and time.
 I don't use iron on stabilizer because I want it to ravel at the edge.
I also don't like the way it flattens the fabrics when you "glue" them together with that stuff- it's just another chemical I can live without.
 No and I don't zig zag around the edges.
I want them to lift and curl and add dimension.
 Not everything is better once it's tamed.
 Be wild.
Be free.
Live a little.
Be ragged and worn.
My sister says life is too short not to eat pie.
I have to agree.
Love & Stitches,
Calamity Kim

strawberry stitches

The house is quiet.
I hear the refrigerator hum and as the needle pulls through the layers of cloth and batting a scrap from a Van Morrison song floats through my memory and briefly snares my attention and I flinch as the needle draws blood.
Stabbing myself to hand stitch a book cover to put the final strawberry swap item in the box and mail it.

My goal this week is to finish my swaps.
I know my dear swap partners appreciate the time and effort put forth in creating these humble projects.
I am so happy to be a part of such loving Groups.
The Doll Quilt Swap is fun and a blessing- I have so many lovely works of art from my friends- after a few awful swap experiences I finally have had so many nice ones the bad memories fade as if  they never were.

We all have different levels of skill and patience.
I like the feel of the cloth in my hands and don't have the same oneness with the machine- though sometimes I like the speed and efficiency that comes when using it.

My work is often spur of the moment- a vision from a daydream and I write down notes, scribbling furiously before I lose the thread of thought...
I found a cool 3 ring binder that was meant to hold recipe note cards inside it's pockets and I wanted to cover it.
I scanned a tin that has tromp l'oeil strawberries in woven baskets sitting in a crate and then printed it on fabric.
I bordered it in a dark brown wicker print fabric and have been hand stitching it since yesterday.
Outlining the berries in fat brown thread stitches.
Humble stitches.

Not perfect or even consistent.
Just stitches.
So when she is holding it in her hands and flipping the pages, searching for a recipe to nourish her family she will be touching the cloth that I textured and changed.
Creating something new from pieces of fabric- transforming it into a visual image that speaks if you listen or look close enough.
It whispers here, this gift is for you.
Admire me.
Touch me.
Hold me.
Caress the texture and feel the love that went into this piece of cloth with my needle and thread.
I honor your friendship with this gift.
Thanks for allowing me to be your friend.
Thanks for playing.
Thanks for sharing.
Aww, you shouldn't have- but I'm glad you did.

a berry in the hand is worth two on the vine

a berry in the hand is worth two on the vine, originally uploaded by calamity kim.

I made these last night while watching Burn Notice. I wanted cream colored pearls but Michael's only had white. oh, well, they turned out pretty anyway.

Not quite red enough for the bag but I might mix pink, red and white berries and some of those pea pearls.

we shall see.

I can't believe it's Friday already!

This week has flown by!

Have a nice weekend! I bought some styrofoam strawberries and will try to make some mutants with them on Sat- I'll share it with you if I get them made- we are definitely going to see the new Jack Black, RD Jr movie- Tropic Thunder

Keep your fingers crossed that it's funny.
love & stitches,
calamity kim

Radiant Strawberry Beauty

Remember I said all I could see was a quilt block when I took the picture of the strawberries?

After printing a few on June Taylor Colorfast Sew-In Inkjet Fabric Sheets with my HP Photosmart 8250 Color Inkjet Printer I decided it would work better if I used one
picture and flipped it and mirrored it to get all the images to work.
You can tell I tried it different ways- and I took these pictures by the window as it is getting ready to rain again and the sky is turning dark- there is a bit of a glare on them and I apologize for not taking the time to photoshop correct that. They are clear and vibrant in person.
Finally I printed a set that would work.
I trimmed the fabric with a scant 1/8" seam allowance and
stitched 2 sides together using a narrow 1/4" seam.
Then I trimmed the sides after ironing seams open and flat with each side alternating so that when I put them together it would decrease the bulk in the center where they meet.
In a matter of minutes its together and ready for a border.
Already I am wondering if this will be a place mat or a bag? I have enough to make at least one more and then quilt them for placemats. Who me? Functional? Whoa...must be the Martha in me coming out...
 
(you know I love her!)
That was fun and I got it out of my head.
Sometimes ideas take root and begin to grow like jack's beanstalk in my brain and if I don't drop everything and at least make an attempt to create the vision it will soon have vines and tendrils growing out my ears and eyes and mouth till I can't see or hear or think of anything else but fulfilling the inspiration.
It's best not to fool with the muse, I have found, but to let it overtake you and become one with it and ride it out.
 Whether it turns out like you had imagined is not the point.
You at least created something new today.
Strawberry Fields Forever.
Here comes the rain.
 Love & Stitches,
Calamity Kim

making paper roses from coffee filters

I am going to try this again. I just wrote a whole post and then as I hit save I must have been really in delete and I was amazed as it completely disappeared.
I didn't have the energy to write it again, in fact, I almost cried. Then I went to my emails and read what Christina wrote on my last post and felt so happy that I decided to give it one more try.
Yesterday my friends Cheryl and Laura came over and we spent several hours together making paper roses from Martha Stewart's tutorial. Here is the link.
These roses require cone coffee filters and in the above picture I first tea dyed the filters with some raspberry Bavarian tea.
They smell great!
The white one hasn't been watercolored yet
and the one
on the right has some fabric petals.
.
Cheryl made the one near the bottom and the one on the top I made but
added more petals than the directions required.
Big fat full blown roses!
Who wouldn't love a dozen?
Forgive my dreamy photos- I put them in Flickr's edit program to adjust because I took them early,
 before Mr Coffee had a chance to force Mr Sandman
 to vacate my sleep filled eyes.
 I woke up thinking about roses!
This is a fun project and worth the time, but make sure you have several hours dedicated to just this.  Once I had made my 4th one I settled into an almost zen like  state of contentment as I added each petal and twirled them in my hands.
 Enjoy it, don't rush and  just try to get finished.
 Appreciate  the flower.

(I made a paper clay head over styrofoam ball on a wire stem and after painting it it became the center of this rose. I was going for a Alice in Wonderland thing- like the tiger lilies- but he is kinda weird and worm looking. It was fun, anyway.)
They are amazing after they dry and  the more you make the more convincing they are  grouped together in a vase.
It does become somewhat tedious to paint each petal and it is alarming how they droop as they get saturated with water- but we used a heat gun to dry them quickly and a bamboo skewer helps roll the petal edges down so that it looks real.
I am going to try some chalks on the edges of the next petals after I cut them from the tea dyed filters but before I make the rose with them.
 I am also going to use some walnut ink around the edges to see how that looks.
 The possibilities are endless for creating special themed roses and last year I made a Little Prince Rose (from planet B612) and it combined fabrics, tulle, lace and petals cut from pages of the book.

I have to get to the post office and then I will be working on more roses and aprons and smocks. Let me know if you make any roses yourself and thank you for stopping by. Love & Stitches, Calamity Kim

Calamity Kim and The Gelatin Mono print Experiment

edited to add: This is not a new technique- but it is new to me! Using Knox Gelatin to make monoprints- Apply paint to solid gelatin and lay down fabric or paper and then press with hands or use brayer. Lift fabric or paper off and you get a print. Only one print can be pulled with each design. When using a resist like I did with the fern, you get a negative imprint of that image. You could stamp into the paint or stamp the fabric after its dry. The gelatin just gives you a place to make your picture-but is different looking than painting direct or screen printing or stenciling. I have also been dying fabric with rust. Pictures later.

Calamity Kim's Mad Hat Society

Sounds of bird song and a soft melody from a piano being played is caught on the breeze and stops just outside her open window.
She looks up as the faint sounds reach her ears.
It has been a quiet dawn.
The sun shines brighter as the moments pass, moving the dark shadows back to where they belong.
Her needle once again takes up it's dance.
She feels a sticky place in between her fingers from the honey in her tea, no doubt, she thinks, as she stops and licks it clean. The cat nods in approval. She considers the work in her lap and sighs with frustration.
This is another bad hat!
It will go on top of the ever growing stack of bad hats!
Why can't she get it right?
Perhaps she can find a class to help her, or better yet, go to Paris and apprentice to a Millinery Master...

She dreams up marvelously whimsical hats in her mind.
Staring up at the glow-in-the-dark stars spread across her ceiling like an enchanted galaxy, she reaches for her notebook to keep the ideas safe on her page.
Mad hats full of hope and promise, sharing laughter with their very existence, perched on heads held tall with pride.
See, my fine hat?
Don't you love it's bright feathers?
Charmed, I am sure...

Oh, the dreams.
Just dreams.
For the reality is so much more difficult.
The design does not flow.
It is awkward and feels strange to her fingers.
These hats are wonky and bent and unpleasant in their shape.
They are Mad Hats you see...as Mad as she who created them.
How many times must she practice?
What to do with all these bad hats?
Will the dogs in the neighborhood wear them to dine in back alleys of restaurants?
Will the geese from the lake come and beg them off her, thinking them fine as feathers, with gay glitters sparkle?
Are her hats just a decadent delight for the farmyard few?

She wants to put them in a shop; a shabby chic shop.
Where ladies of fine tradition will ohhh and ahhhh and buy them by the basketful and the letters will be posted telling all their friends and Calamity Kim Mad Hats will be the sudden Rage...and they will never go out of style- why they will define style itself, these Marvelous hats!!!
So small and tragic in her hands...sunlight catches on the shell button and winks, make another it whispers...this time in chartreuse.

Creative Decisions Concerning Words on Quilts

Night before last I went to sleep after plotting out another quilted "story".
He Loved Her With All The Pie In The Universe
Is that a good title?
My mind rolled it around, trying different words until it landed with a grunt on that.
I could see the boy holding up the pie but wasn't sure if I could draw it.
So I sketched him and cut him out and then laid him on top of a transparency of a cookbook page and then placed a background of fabric below that. I stitched the white fabric and checkerboard floor together not sure if it would work.
Sometimes you just have to scan it repeatedly until you get a good one.

One that you can paint with watercolors and stitch up with some fabrics and stamp steam on and hoop it up and get busy quilting!
I have bought a few acrylic stamps- the clear kind- have you seen them?
I wish they had always been this way- so easy to see exactly where you are placing the image!
I have so many rubber stamps and it's almost like converting record albums to cd's- the oldies but goodies may not be reproduced, so I will just keep my rubber stamps and slowly add the new clear ones.

I printed the words on fabric and was thinking I could just stitch them on the quilt.
Then I thought about what I learned from The Painted Quilt and wondered if I dare be bold enough to quilt the words and then use a roller with white paint to go over it and reveal the words with the texture of the stitches?
I asked Fred, my constant adviser (without an art degree but plenty practical!) and he said maybe I should test that out on something else.
Well, isn't art more spontaneous than that?
I think it is- but what if I did ruin it?
Fear. The mind killer.
Then I thought about all the ways to transfer the words to the quilt.

1. use inkjet to print the words on fusible web and trim it then iron it on
2. place chipboard letters below the top layer and rub with pastel or crayon
3. stencil the words with paint
4. embroider the words
5. stitch them and then roll paint over to see words in relief
6. printed with inkjet on fabric and cut and sew down like ransom note

So many choices...Designing is difficult sometimes. I think I might just do some practicing first and then go with what works best.
Maybe I am becoming more cautious as I get older, wiser? me?
I don't usually put words on my images.
They usually go on the back but there is a space that is open and waiting for something and I seem to think it is words.
[{I also think subconsciously the boy is my son Troy. Hello, Troy if you are reading this. Does it look like you, when you were young? (he is 6'5" now)}]

Sometimes it flows and I don't think about it at all. Does that happen to you?

Then other times I have to stop and put it away until it feels right.

It doesn't help when my sewing space is a mess! I folded lots of fabric and put it away where it belonged, yesterday,  after I had gotten to a stopping point with pie boy.

I was anxious to begin quilting, but still hadn't worked out "the words part" and that is  when Mickie from across the street came over.

Remember her? My adopted granddaughter, it seems.

She is 6 and can be bossy but  sweet and yesterday she had fallen at school and had large bandages on both knees!!  She said everyone was being nice to her because of her injuries. She wanted me to call Fred at work and tell him that she "broke her legs". She has me wrapped around her finger, I am afraid. So, I called Fred and told him and then we ate some snacks and watched Sponge Bob Squarepants and I set up a 4' table in the living room and folded fabric.

 
In the piles of fabric, I found this fairy tale tunic apron I had started for Amanda before I went to GA.
I found some other wips too.
I forget all about them, poor things, until I set eyes on them again and then I am reminded of all the things I need to get done! The aprons! Oh, the calamity!
I am making a list.
Hopefully I won't lose it.
I have so many composition books with ideas and projects in them.
Note to self...finish everything!
Yesterday morning I watched Atonement and it was very good.
I think I am going to buy it, not sure, if the hope out weights the sadness, but it was very well done. (The photography was beautiful.  I want to read the book.)
Maybe,  I just think that James McAvoy looks like a young Gerard Butler?

I just wish someone would fix Keira some sandwiches..or maybe give her all the pie in the universe.

edge

edge, originally uploaded by calamity kim.

I am finished with it.

I feel relieved and lighter.
Some projects take longer than I think and I begin them with great enthusiasm and delight.
Then as they drag on and take on an obsessive, must work on it feel I just want to be done.

Even though I enjoy it I question it,  the whole time.

Yet, I could keep it on my lap, adding stitches for another month.

Maybe she can add stuff to it- does she embroider?

Maybe she will hate it- maybe it's too much?

I lose all perspective as I work- It just happens under my needle- without a plan, it becomes random and chaotic and yet the texture is wonderful.

I asked Fred what he thought and he said it looked heavy.

Not too heavy for MA. Maybe she can wear it when she goes to the shore.

I try to envision the look on her face as she opens the box.

shock, surprise, an ahhh of happiness? Or the OMG, What the hell?

i don't know.

If it isn't her style, if she is chic and urban then maybe she will fold it and tuck it away and someday her grandchildren will find it and snuggle in...that would be OK too.

Once it leaves me and goes out then who knows what will become of it. 
all I know is that I enjoyed making it and it was made with love, and good intent.
Wishes for happiness and joy were stitched in with laughter and hope for a smile.


The tragedy of life doesn't lie in not reaching your goal.
The tragedy lies in having no goal to reach.
It isn't a calamity to die with dreams unfilled, but it is a calamity not to dream.
Benjamin E Mays (and Tami for sending me the quote)

what if

what if, originally uploaded by calamity kim.

What if, Jude asks all the time.
So I am taking a page from her book, literally and asking myself:
WHAT IF?
I finally open the watercolors and tint the page from the Elementary book I used to print my drawing on.
After painting while watching Martha, I finally get a look I am happy with and go into the studio with it and play.
Collage.
Cut and Paste
Copy
Print on to fabric and make it the center of a piece.
I am always so literal.
I try to stretch beyond that into the freedom and exhilaration of unplanned ART.

What if I sew strips of fabric around it trying to tell a story.

She is in the garden reading a book about how to draw,

when suddenly a gust of wind grabs her apron

and dips it in the paint and over-turns the table

and she finds herself on the grass,

sitting on her...

I made this as a focal point but it doesn't work.
It is too big.
I can use it for the pocket.
I think this will become a tote bag. A useful thing.
Ever get the feeling you're being watched?
Sammy Squirrel and Mr Scrambles were up to no good today as I came out to take a picture- grabbing what they could and making a run for it!
I'm going back to sewing...

Calamity chickens Make & Do Family Fun!!! A Chicken in every Theme!

Psssst...
Hey you!
Yeah, you....
come over here....
I got a little surprise for ya....
look over there on the right...
see anything new???
Maybe a Chicken pattern for you to make and do!
Whadda ya say??? A New PDF to Celebrate Spring and Easter and Just Love for Peeps
You're not tired of chickens are ya?
Full of peeps and chocolate and those malted eggs???
Well, here is a cute little simple way to use up some of your scraps and keep your fingers busy and away from those snickers and jelly beans.

Good Stitches and Playing Pretend

Still doing some embroidery and quilting on the Shawl Project. It may be Summer before I finish this...

I enjoy working with the fabric pattern and elaborating with embroidery.
I wish I were a better quilter.
I think it takes practice.
I use some Thread Heaven - it's a small blue plastic square box and inside is this magical mixture that adds a nice finish to the thread and helps it glide through the layers. I found it with the notions at Jo Ann Fabrics. It's better than beeswax.
***
My little neighbor "Mickie" came over today and we sewed some pillows for her Webkins babies.
She wanted a large one and a small one and then we made some chenille princess girls. She is 6.
She gave me such a lovely compliment when I handed her a finished Princess dressed in rose petals.
She said, "Wow, you are such a good Artist."
I said, "Do you think so?"  and she said "Yes, you can make something out of anything." I smiled.
Perfectly sweet and kind.
We played with the rag dolls that Amanda gave me-(skelly dolls) and she made up a story about being married and having a baby. It was fun- playing pretend.
We pretended to eat chenille bedspread cake and laughed when she accidentally dropped the chenille baby and then kissed its head to make it all better.
She is loose and free and has cRaZy design principals but I just lighten up and sew it however she wants.
Why not? It makes her happy.
The pillows had horizontal rows of eyelet lace on the top and I tried to talk her into putting the lace around the edges but she wasn't having any part of that! It reminded me of baby bloomers. So stinkin cute! She loved them and that's all that matters.
So, a happy Good Friday to you all... hippity hoppity, right?

Simple Chenille Gnome with Red Cap Mushroom Hat

To make red cap mushroom hat people start by tracing a large cup or something round on to red dotted fabric.
Please tell me you know how to make a yoyo by now?!
It's so simple- just fold down an edge and take a running stitch all the way around.
The longer the stitch the smaller the hole.
The smaller the stitch the bigger the hole.
This is just to gather it up so use a larger stitch.
Pull threads to tighten.
I used some old beads for heads that were already painted ( I know, I cheated! whatever!) and put 2 tea dyed white chenille stems in through hole. put a cotton ball between wires and tighten at the top with a twist.
Place yoyo over this cotton ball and add a tiny bit of hot glue to hold as you stuff smaller bits of cotton inside the edges of yoyo to fluff out the hat.
It should look round and fat like a mushroom cap.
Pull threads to tighten and tie off with a knot in back underneath the edge of cap.
Add silk flowers under bead and then bend wire where you want feet to be and start twisting the chenille back on itself to wrap legs.
Do this on both sides.
Take another piece of chenille wire and add where arms would be by twisting around body and fold back on itself where the hands would be.
Wrap arms the same as legs.
This is a very simple little guy and I recommend the Felt Wee Folks book by Salley Mavor for instructions on some really nice tiny people.
For a simple outfit use a small rectangle of felt and cut up the front to the center.
Hold it folded in half and cut a half moon section from each side-
or square it off for the sleeves.
dab a tiny bit of hot glue to hold down
Now you can get creative- add a belt of felt or yarn or a button or silk leaves or moss. Whatever you want.
Gnomes generally use what they find or make and consider human lace and trims to be fine stuff indeed!
They love the acorn caps but really show off when they make their lovely red cone caps. I help them out sometimes when I have time and scraps of felt.
I glued buttons to the bottom of this guys feet so that he would stand nicely.
Then I added silk flowers and leaves to his arms and body.
You can buy bags of silk flower heads at some Michael's and Walmart stores.
I suggest making nice with a store employee at one of your craft stores and for a bag of donuts I am sure they would happily sweep up the flower isle and sell them to you!
So- there you have it.
A small fellow to live in your centerpiece.
Use dominoes for a bench, dice and buttons for tables.
Thimbles to hold tiny flowers.
Think small and found in the forest.
Gnomes are thrifty and crafty and save everything just in case...

Springtime Centerpiece With Gnome Cottage and Chenille Gnomes

Surprise!
You didn't think I could finish this did you?
Well, I did!
How cute is he?
teehee! In his gnomish little cottage...so stinkin cute!
I could add a few more gnomes and probably will since I need to take pictures when I do...But, if you have been following along you should remember that I started with a piece of green Styrofoam 2x12x18" and trimmed the corners using a plate as a guide.

Then carefully cut corners off.
It's always best to do this when your husband (or boss of you, parent or spouse or landlord or any little copycat kids are not in spying distance).
I get in more trouble when I use the electric meat carver thing for cutting foam and styrofoam.
What's the big deal, anyway? Save the 4 corners to glue on top to make hills- or levels.
Next glue down one or two layers of white tissue.
This will make a nice surface to decoupage the book papers on to.
Like this but smoother.
It's fun and messy.
Trust me.
Would I steer you wrong?
Did I mention putting down some saran wrap on the table first?
I just use decoupage stuff from Michael's Art's and Crafts- whatever you like.
I used pages from Diary of an Edwardian Lady.
You could use Alice in Wonderland or anything with nature or rabbits or birds or ferns. Cover the entire thing by going one section at a time, tearing the pages randomly and overlapping at the edges to make a neat join.
Cover with final layer of decoupage medium and let dry throughly.
Cut about 1/4 inch or so off the bottom of 4 styrofoam eggs.
Insert 1/2 of a round wooden toothpick in to each egg.
Add a bit of Elmer's white glue.
Do not spill this on your tablecloth.
Did you put down the saran wrap like I told you?
The toothpick went right in easily to the base at the center of each corner.
Don't over think this- just stick it in and wipe off any excess glue- the weight of it will compress it down so that the eggs are touching the base.
If not give it a little push.
Let dry.
Check table for glue.
Check floor.
Check shirt. I tend to spill.
This is the hard part.
Making the mushrooms.
I found mine at the floral supply/gift shop in Augusta called Fatman's.
Maybe you could find some or make your own by carving the styrofoam and then covering it with tissue.
Don't be mad.
Don't hate me because I found mushrooms and you have to make your own.
I did spend a lot of time painting them with gesso and then layers of red, pink and cream colored acrylics, mostly because I couldn't make up my mind but partially because the red looked too Fall-ish. Not very Spring-ish!
OK, after the mushrooms are dry then make a ball of Crayola Air Dry Clay for each one and jam the bottom of the mushroom into each ball and then smooth it down all around. Work out any air pockets and place where you want them to "grow" on the styrofoam base. They will stick as they dry.
I placed two on each "hill" and then scattered them about leaving room in the center for the gnome cottage.
It took several days (3) for the air dry clay to dry.
Then I covered it with some Martha Stewart Crepe Paper from Michael's Arts & Crafts. I wish I could get a job as a Craft Rep for them.
I could so get into making stuff with all her products!
OK, so the crepe paper comes in a pack- I got spring of course- it has dual sided crepe in two colors. One side light green one side a darker shade, etc.
I cut out a circle large enough to cover the clay at the base of the mushroom and then covered it with glue and cut a slice into the center of each crepe paper circle and then cut out a small hole.
Like a donut.
Fit it firmly down on base and smooth or wrinkle it up all the way around.
I then put glue and green glass glitter on there for a little sparkle.

Moving on to the Gnome Cottage. Here is the leaf roof pattern.
I used wool felt.
Two shades of green.
Lay a chenille stem between each leaf and pin together.
Sew using green thread down each side of the leaf.
Do not run across the chenille and break a needle!
Then do some tricky stitches and make veins by going out to each edge and back again. SEE PICTURE.
I am very visual, I expect you people who are auditory to keep up.
It's not my problem.
Lord knows, someday I will probably start filming this with the web-cam and slapping it on you tube, but not until I lose 30 pounds, so just bear with me.
LOOK at THE PICTURES.Be kind.

To make the door use a skeleton leaf laid on top of some green wool felt.

Cut out with pinking shears and leave about 1/4" edge around.

Stitch down with machine.

Glue will show.
Don't do it!

I used some Martha Negley TWIG fabric by Westminster for the walls of the house.

Cut one rectangle 6" x 13" from twig fabric and felt.

You could place real twigs on the bed of your scanner and copy them to print your own fabric if you know how and don't get caught bringing twigs and sticks into the house.

( See Above about cutting).

Using lime green thread quilt over the twigs on fabric.

Zig Zag down a brown chenille around edge of door.

Sew down on to quilted house.

Pick a spot in the center of one side.
Just do it!

Hand stitch a tiny jingle bell for the door knob on each side.

Leave a long tail of thread and then tie it in a double knot.

Clip leaving ends. That's the way gnomes attach their doorknobs.

Trust me.

Then take a bottle cap and using the hammer and a nail or an awl if you can find yours, puncture two holes and then stitch it down above the door.

Using an air erasable pen trace around a large button or 50 cent piece in 3 places to make windows.

Cut part of the way open leaving one side attached like a hinge.

You could trim the window if you like with small twigs or rick rack.

Make curtains from some bits of ribbon or lace. Gnomes like it comfy.

Trim the top equally on both sides in a dip so that the leaves for the roof will sit nicely. Follow the picture.

Use a plate if you must. I prefer to wing it at this point. Do what you need to do.

OK. This is what it looks like. Now, use some chenille to fortify your Gnome House. Otherwise it would flop around. We can't have that, can we?

Did I mention that I tea-dyed the white chenille stems?

You could use brown or tea dye them fast!

I like to bake them in the oven on 175 to dry them super-fast.

Do not start any fires. Please, ask an adult for help if necessary.

Should I put a warning and a disclaimer on this tutorial?

OK, So place one end even with the roof edge.

Pin it down. We are gonna zig zag these down.

I think I used 6 vertically and then 2 across the top with the ends curled at the front above the bottle cap. SEE PICTURE!

Also 2 across the bottom. Ends flush with edges.

Cut open doorway, leaving right side attached- like a hinge.

If You goof up and cut it all the way off I can't help you.

You are on your own. Reckless Crafters!

Hand stitch the sides together with green perle cotton . Tadah!

Place the 2 finished felt leaves on top as a roof.

I curled the green chenille stems around each other a tad to help them stay and bent the leaves to look as if they were actually laying on there.

Cute, eh? I know, right?!!

I left the roof detached so that I could play.

It's easier to add furniture and stuff if the roof isn't stitched down. Whatever.

Place it on display to check size- oh, maybe before you do that final stitching.

After the crepe paper is dry you can get to the really fun part.

I glued some mica on the mushrooms and added the green glitter to the bases of the mushrooms.

I hot glued some moss and some acorns and a few green floral leaves and tiny red cap mushrooms.

I made a "table" from dice and a wooden button.

I used a craft paper punch to make tiny paper flowers and stuck them on a pin and into the clay bases.

The little gnomes will have to wait for tomorrow.

Good luck and may the Crafting Force be with you!

This may be the longest tutorial in the Blog-o-sphere! Have fun!

Materials List:
2x12x18" styrofoam
4 styrofoam eggs
chenille stems in brown and tea-dyed white- 2 brown, 10 white
glue, elmers
decoupage glue
styrofoam for mushrooms
tissue paper, white
4 round wooden toothpicks
glitter in green and white
Crayola Air dry Clay, white
Acrylic paint, white, pink, red, brown, whatever
moss, acorns, leaves, dice, wood buttons, rocks, shells,
jingle bells,
2 tiny bottle caps
hot glue gun  & sticks
nail or awl,
hammer knife to cut styrofoam
Book to use pages from- ask Mom first!

Scarlett Felt Blue

Remember me telling you about the reader's challenge at Cloth Paper Scissors/Quilting Arts? Well, I just checked the Editor's Blog written by Pokey Bolton at the CPS site and the exhibitor's were listed. Congrats to all! Especially Debbi Crane! Aren't ya glad I gave ya a nudge?!!
Even though my entry wasn't among the final 30 chosen, I was glad to participate and be challenged with a new process. This was difficult to do, not only because of my "fish out of water" environment (at my parents house in Georgia, far away from my studio) but because I wasn't sure what it was supposed to look like.I had layered the fabric and paper and tissue with glue and let it dry and then painted it. The paper items sandwiched in between didn't really show very well- they did on one of the 3 pieces that I did, but it was covered with pink tissue. I should have done it with white tissue. Like I say, I didn't know. After I got home and bought Beryl Taylors book the light dawned and I realized that I could have done so many different things.For Scarlett Felt Blue, I took the dry fabric/paper and cut a hole in the center and then cut it apart in sections. I used a deep burgundy velvet to stitch in between the paper/fabric sections and then sewed the velvet around the hole to make a frame or peep place for the images below to look out from- like a window.I stitched the photo image of Scarlett and a red rose  down onto the Moda bird fabric with a layer of batting and fabric below. Then I stitched that underneath the "frame" and began quilting with different colored threads by machine.After binding it with a fabric that looked like marbled book end papers, I hand stitched the embellishments of beads, velvet leaves and flowers punched from the fabric/paper that was left over from the center circle hole.I also stitched on shell buttons and charms using red perle cotton. After it was finished I added some tiny aqua colored glass balls to her face, hair and flowers.
As I work, I often make up a story to coincide with the piece. Like, what is her name? Is she cold? Is that why she is blue? Is the red a fire that she is drawn towards? Does she constantly get burned but can't look away? Is she a moth girl? The burgundy with roses  hat paper and the silver & aqua paper stitched down to the lower layer were from a shop I visited in SC with Amanda called Belladonna's and have a scent of incense  that permeated the air as I was sewing .  I quickly stitched on some coke can tabs to hang it.
I would like to try this fabric/paper technique again.
One of the things I love about Quilting Arts and Cloth paper Scissors is that they challenge me to think in different directions and although this may be uncomfortable, that's how you know you are growing.
I would like to share that my first article will be published in the upcoming Studios Issue available April 1st at bookstores or you can save 10% by purchasing it before then at their website if you already subscribe to Cloth Paper Scissors. This is a special collectors issue and will be published in a limited quantity.
One of my art aprons is on the cover with Pokey and her wonderful dog in her studio. My article is about the Art aprons that I make with fabric collage. Please pick up a copy when it comes out and let me know what you think. I am proud and honored to be involved with this issue and can barely stand the suspense of waiting!
I am working on the Springtime centerpiece and will blog it in it's entirety tomorrow. Y'all have a happy St Patty's day! The wee folk are all running about and everything is turning green!! oh, the calamity!

Springtime Centerpiece Project is underway...

Forgive my tardiness on starting the Springtime/Easter Project! I did actually begin it and am working on it, it's just that after the Fashion Show Night at the Surface Design Group, Barb bribed me to come to the Knit & Bitch at Picasso's Moon yesterday and then today I am doing real life stuff and tomorrow I am meeting some of my Crafty friends for lunch and a trip to The Cat's Meow in Venice. I will take the camera and we can share details on Saturday! I will show this much of the project in case you would like to get started!Using a 2"x12"x18" green styrofoam block, trace the edge of a plate with a sharpie marker- to round off the corners. Trace all four corners.Then take it outside and using a large, sharp, serrated edged knife, trim the edges and try to keep corner pieces intact.I glued them to the top as "mountains".I covered it with tissue paper- I used some "special" expensive styrofoam glue that was really stinky and probably killed a few brain cells (Lord knows I can't spare many!) and added several layers of white tissue to the foam. (You could probably use white PVA glue if you want. Some paints and glues melt the styrofoam so use what you trust. )  It doesn't matter what color tissue you use because it will be covered with pages from your favorite book.
I am starting with pages from Diary of An Edwardian Lady.
You could use the Velveteen rabbit, Alice in Wonderland, or newsprint.
I am using a decoupage medium from the craft store.
I started last night while watching the season opener of Top Chef.
Fred had an emergency service call and had to go to work at 10pm and then called needing me to bring some software to him and so I did a quick sketch of what the centerpiece might evolve into,  as I sat and waited for him to finish.
I decided to put a pillow in the car and keep it for any future emergency naps I may need.
It was midnight by the time we got home and I feel behind, sleepy and maybe even grouchy! Oh, my! That's not on the mood barometer!
I want to surprise you with the finished centerpiece and then do the tutorial on how to duplicate it.
So, just to wet yer whistle- it involves mushrooms and gnome & fairy people made with wooden bead heads and leaf and flower bodies and sparkles of glitter and these lovely mushrooms...Made from Styrofoam and covered with tissue paper and found at a floral shop called Fat Man's in Augusta.
I didn't make these but I am sure it isn't that difficult- only time consuming!
Worth the effort I say, for a springtime scene to celebrate Mother Nature's blossoming. Or if you are still covered in snow, at least it will give you something to keep busy with and look forward to! Gotta git! Have a happy LOST Thursday! yeehaw!

Handmade Parade Vintage Pillowcase Challenge!!! The Pillow Fight Bag!

Handmade Parade is having a Vintage Pillowcase Challenge! Look what I made for my entry!

The Calamity Bag!

Fast and easy!

You can make one tonight to wear out and about.

Can easily be filled with hard objects and overdue library books to double as a lethal weapon should you be suddenly attacked by ninjas ( or piss off Chuck Noris). 

In that "case" I could call it the Pillow Fight Bag!!!!!! Now, that's Funny!

It's so pretty and vintage all the girl's will be trying to FIGHT you for it!!

This bag is so easy your sock monkey could do it!

Materials needed:

1. Vintage Pillowcase
2. Thread
3. Double bias tape-1/2"
4. Rotary cutter, ruler and self healing mat

Chose your pillowcase.

1. Cut out 2 rectangles measuring 24x12"
2. Cut out 2 circles measuring 8"
3. Cut out 2 small rectangles measuring 10 1/2x 2 1/2" for drawstring casing

Using 24x12" rectangle, sew side seam (12" side) right sides together.

Repeat for both pieces.

One is bag and one is for lining.

Pin and sew circle base to one end of tube.

Repeat for lining.

Turn one inside out for outer bag and place lining inside bag with right side showing. Stitch around rim- 1/8" seam to hold together.

Open bias tape and pin one side to top of bag edge.

Trim near end leaving a 1" tail.

I turn under the bottom edge of the bias about 1/4" and then lay cut end on top of that. Pin.

Skip ahead about 2 inches and begin sewing 1/4" seam.

The stitching line should be on the 1/4" fold of bias tape.

Stitch all the way around rim of bag.

Clip thread and fold edge of bias inside purse.

I hand sew this edge down.

It only takes a few minutes and looks better than machine top stitching.

Take 2 small rectangles and fold down 1/4" on each end.

Press with hot iron.

Turn down again and then press and stitch.

Repeat for other two sides of each casing.

Measuring down 3" from top of bag- pin one casement to each side of bag.

This will be top stitched down and make a channel for the strap to go through.

Always clip thread ends and make sure you are tacking down when topsitching at beginning and end so that threads won't pull lose.

To make the straps just use leftover pillowcase fabric to cut 3 1/2" widex30" strip.
Put two together if your fabric isn't long enough.
Stitch 1/4" seam on both short ends and down long side until about 2" away from the center.

Leave opening to turn inside out.
I trim corners and then turn and use a chopstick to push corners out.
Then sew 1/4" topstitch along ironed handle.
Feed through casing on bag and tie in a pretty bow.

I would use batting for this bag as a stabilizer and to quilt around the flowers but I am not sure if the challenge allows batting.
I also used some vintage  satin baby blanket binding for the pink bags straps.
Just iron open and sew right sides together and leave opening to turn.
Clip corners, trim seams and turn inside out just like fabric straps.
Gives it a lovely shiny girlie girl look.
I also cut out some yoyo's from the leftover fabric. Play with it, kids!
This could easily be made larger using several pillowcases or even beach towels, or tiny for coin purses!
Thank you to Handmade Parade for Hostessing a wonderful Challenge that gave me the perfect excuse to finally do something with some of my vintage pillowcases!

he loves me, he loves me not, he loves me...

I saw this once in a Victoria Magazine.
When I married Fred 4 years ago, on the beach, I had made some for the table.
I thought maybe you would like to make some too.
I just typed "he loves me" in a word document with spaces- two on a line and then printed it and cut them out and hot glued them in.
Use your fingers to gently pull the flowers down- in a curling motion so they don't just stick straight out.

Happy Valentines Day!!!

click on this and go to Flickr- choose "all sizes" and open in larger format then download or right click and save as.

Edit your Image

Flickr has done it again!
Just when I was falling out of love, no, um, maybe just getting bored, with it, Flickr added another feature.
The Edit.
I wish I could do this with my life.
Press an auto-fix and have it instantly apply.
Or click on Boost or Soften and have them apply color or take away the rough edges.

With one choice your image is changed. Morphed into something like a dream. A so-so, hum-drum picture can be transformed into a work of art. Wouldn't it be lovely to do that with our own images? Or ideas? Or the other people in our lives?I feel as though this will be a year of change for me. To be sick makes you long to be well. To be out of pain. To not ache. To regain energy and strength. My style is somewhat eclectic. Vintage. 20's to 50's The 60's in a pinch. Gag me with the 70's. Brown and Orange and wide ties and plastic.
I love French anything...or Scandinavian if I am in the mood.
Gnomes and red capped mushrooms, forever.
Unicorns, ever since the 70's.
I love The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady. I always will.
Old books, lace and doilies, buttons made from shell or wood. Cameos. Pearls.
I guess I am a girlie girl.

I am feeling better. I have lost 8 pounds total since the New Year began. It could have been a virus or just the food poisoning, but I am glad it seems to be over.
I am regaining some mojo.
I am trying hard to finish part of a project for publication and that is my immediate focus.
I need to list the Marie Antoinette Valentines Advent Doll and yet, must wait for husband to help me use the new eBay template I bought, to look fancy and professional.
So much to do.
So fast the time ticks. I hear the clock as I sit and type. Another minute counted out in seconds.

As I cleaned and reorganized my sewing room, again, I kept finding aprons in progress and almost finished sock monkeys and gifts for my family and friends, unfinished, forlorn, forgotten. I put them all together on the bed in the guest room and will be deliberately finishing them as soon as this other project is completed.
Do all creative people do this? Work in fits and Starts? Inspiration born savage and fierce only to mellow, and age, quickly to something too soon forgotten?

I want to be less unfinished. I want to be more determined. I want to work harder and longer and define my days with piles of pretty little things that I made.
Getting sick or feeling sad or depressed doesn't help accomplish this. So.
There you have it.
Thank you for all your warm and kind and loving comments.
They were lovely to see, after I could get up and turn on the computer.
I am going to work.
Have a Happy weekend! I will let you know when the auction is up at eBay- probably this weekend.

Monday, Morning, Weekend Recap...

Vintage Postcard ~ Pretty Girl, originally uploaded by chicks57.

Good Monday Morning to all my little Calamities out there! You know who  you are! Yes, you, with the coffee stain on your jumper and Helena Bonham Carter hair.
We had a lovely weekend- I finished my Marie Antoinette Valentine's Day Project and washed the dog and we went to see Sweeney Todd and we had lunch/dinner at Lonestar Steakhouse. all in all, a very nice weekend.
On Sunday afternoon, when I got back from giving Sadie a ride in the car to get more of her "diet" dog food, I had a message reminding me to watch the Ace of Cakes on the Food network- the zombies eating brains cake! Thank you Troy, I am glad I got to see it! That guy & his crew make some amazing cakes! I wanted to stay up to see Jamie Oliver's new show, but we went to bed at our usual 10 pm.
I keep trying to make that 6am wake-up a habit!
I am also putting us back on the diet. You know the one that I impose on us several times a year until I lose 12- 15 lbs and then start to cook again to celebrate- which means pies and cupcakes until I get sick of it and go back to salad.
ugh.
nobody wants to see pictures of salad.
I also have been having a calamity with the camera and uploading pictures onto my computer. It works about half the time and the other half, it just doesn't and I have to reboot stuff and curse at it to make it work.
Have you noticed that complex machinery always responds to bashing and cursing? My husband taught me that. This is him from back in the 80's:
Anyway- Until I get further along with the 2 new dolls I started  and then the list of things for the rest of the week, you will have to be patient with me until "we" figure out how to load the pictures in a faster way.
I get so frustrated with it- perhaps because before it was always so easy- just pop it in the gizmo. But, that was the laptop, this one is different and it is incompatible. Usually Mr Wizard does all that stuff for me and he spent some good time cursing over it yesterday while I bathed Sadie and gave her a manicure and blow dry, only to have him pronounce that I must continue to view pictures through printer and send to computer.
ugh
such a spoiled baby, I want it the old way.
i miss my gizmo.
anyway. We had gone to see Sweeney Todd and we were both still in a happy mood from that.
The Costumes.
The HBC.
The Johnny.
so Beautiful.
The music was lovely and the set and The Costumes were wonderfully dark and full of despair. I wouldn't touch one of Mrs Lovett's pies with a ten foot pole thank you, kindly!
Tim has done it again and I cannot wait for this to come out on DVD to add to my Burton Collection. I have them all except for ed Wood and Batman- oh, wait, maybe I do have Batman...can't remember- too lazy to go look! Here's a picture of Fred from 2 years ago when he was still playing with the band:
Isn't he cute? But I ruined him with the macaroni & cheese.

Yep.

Back on a diet.
Reigning it in.
whoa there!

It is just so difficult to stop the sugar.
but.
if I can quit smoking , which I did (5 years this Aug), then I certainly have enough self control to do this.
again.
anyway.
all a part of the new habits.

early to rise.

walk the dog.

get showered.

get to making stuff!

I am working on these two new dolls- they are small but oh, they will delight...

you wait and see....

anyway.

have a nice day, my calamities and lookout for those dog toys all over the floor- I wouldn't want any accidents here....

Mrs Frankenstien's Bleach on Velvet Experiment

Yesterday I performed a small experiment. It was cold and a bit windy, but I needed to try something that I have seen in books and magazines and never really tried myself.
I wanted to distress this blood red velvet and make it seem older, more faded and perhaps shabby.
But I also wanted to make a pattern.
Using some inexpensive vinyl cutwork placemats- found at Publix Grocery in the napkin section- I put them on top of the dry velvet on the driveway and after weighting them down, I sprayed a fine mist of bleach over it.
Like a stencil,  the placemat blocked part of the velvet and it was only a matter of minutes for the sunshine to help the bleach turn the red into a pretty faded color.
Not exactly pink or rust but nice.

I ran inside with it, being careful not to drip it through the living room and rinsed it in warm soapy water until it was bleach free. Then I pinned it to a hanger and dried it in the cool breeze.I'd have to say it was a success! I don't trust bleach, not in the long run, but I hope I will be dead before the velvet falls apart. I think there has to be a consequence to speeding up Mother Nature and pre-aging fabrics- but I love the look of faded, worn, rusty fabrics.
I go Thrifting a lot, but am very careful not to get anything with mildew. It will kill and spread and destroy your fabric.I also tried this bleach method on black cotton and it didn't imprint as well- maybe because the vinyl placemats were already wet. I should have been more patient, but I was having fun and felt too compelled to see what was going to happen!The black turned brownish-rust colored and will look appropriately ghostly as an Orphan's dress.

Doan's & Roses

I am fairly busting at the seams to tell you guys about my new project! I have been sketching and cutting and sewing and imagining and now I can hardly contain myself!
I've never been very good with secrets.
This past year I have learned to keep them because in the publishing world- loose lips sink ships as my Dad would say!
I will tell you about keeping an eye out for certain issues of Cloth Paper Scissors, once I know myself, but let's just say that I am proud and pleased as punch over some opportunities I have been given this past year.

Funny, now that I can almost talk about it, I am still holding out. Like it's my secret secret.
This new project is for Valentine's Day. That's all I'm saying until I finish it and unveil it. giggle....you are gonna love it though. It is gonna be in the shop.  You are gonna want one for yourself....I just know it..... I am a little off schedule- I pulled a muscle in my back and neck and have been in really bad. awful, hideous pain and am doing that turning with the whole body routine...geez.
Think God is telling me to go back to aerobics?
So, I laid with the heating pad after almost "OD"ing on Tylenol & Advil & Doans yesterday. 
I was going to the Surface Design Group but after my shower I had to lay down.
Please, forgive me, if you are a member and you're reading this- I will definitely be there at the meeting in 2 weeks- even if by stretcher.
eek!
Fred said it was more important to heal and rest the muscles so I have been, but late this afternoon I had to get something done on the project.
It seems better but I took some Advil so maybe that's why it doesn't hurt so very bad. anyway.
I just wanted to check in and say Happy New Years!  Let's Create in 08- right?
That's the slogan?
Rock on Ladies! ( and Gents!)

Making Big Plans or Sunday Sewing in the Sunshine

Waking up at 7:30 and making coffee, taking Sadie out, wandering back into my sewing/studio I think about the day ahead of me.   I am going to change my work habits in the new year. I am going to start earlier and go to the studio first. Then later at noon I am going to turn the computer on and take a break, eat lunch and answer email then I will go back to my sewing.

Short of making up a time card and punching it, I will try my hardest to FOCUS. I am not making a resolution, I always break them. I am going to make this a HABIT. My friend Amanda says it takes 30 days of repetition to make a habit. I am going to make it work.I get so LOST. I fragment my days with cleaning, cooking, random dog activities, grocery shopping or laundry. I am going to start in my sewing room and then at about 4,  stop and walk away and go do some chores until Fred comes home. Usually I start one thing and then work on it until I complete it or hit a snag.

Like the chenille swing jacket for my Sister Laura. I think I put the pockets on too low, so there it is, in a pile on the guest room bed, or moved to rest on top of the big box o'stuffin. I glare at it as I walk by and my inner critic sarcastically reminds me that I never finish anything. After mentally putting the arsenic of silence in her tea, I go back and work on something else.I am a Gypsy Artist. Loading my caravan to burst with all manner of supplies and tools and ideas. I wander about giving birth to this or that and never the same thing twice.

Next year I will have a plan.
Dolls on Monday & Tuesday.
Aprons on Wed & Thursday.
Random Friday.
Saturdays I might wander downtown like I did yesterday with my new BFF Sue Handman.
We went for lunch and then junking in the Antique District.
Next time I am bringing the camera. We went to Picasso Moon where the owner Deb sweetly assures me that even I can learn to knit, then we went to see PS, I Love You.
I cried for 3/4 of the movie.
Poor Sue.
What a sweet/sad/charming/life affirming love story.
Gerry Butler is so McDreamy and just watching him sing is enough reason to see this movie. I would pack some Kleenex in my purse, however.

So, back to work, like the dwarves, singing merrily. Thank you all for coming along on another journey with me. Soon, I will be sharing some of my happy achievements with you that are coming about in the New Year.

Shabby Little Christmas

I have had such a busy weekend!
I got out the hot glue gun and have put together several wreaths.
I know its getting late but I am going to put them in Etsy for sale anyway.
They are heavy and the shipping will depend on what they weigh.
First I am going to look for boxes!
This is a Shabby Chic Style with pink and baby blue items and white tulle and white flowers from a vintage hat. It has a pink and a peach butterfly a tulle angel, a porcelain doll ornament and some birds. I added some pink glass balls and a beautiful white glass ball from Target a few years back. There are santas and snowmen and beaded ornies and a paper house with bottlebrush trees. What do you think? I only burned myself 5 or 6 times! I am going to take some more pictures of the others. I'll be back!

The Advent Elf PDF is Done and on the sidebar

I want to thank a few of you who offered me help with the PDF. I learn by doing and sometimes it's mighty difficult for this old dog to learn some new tricks.
I finally went to Typepad "help" and found the info to create some pages on the sidebar.
When you click on them the page will open up.
Then click on the pdf. After it loads you can print it out and then follow the instructions.
I am thinking about creating a page for all my sidebar Blog links. My Blog could use a diet. It is way too much information- just like me!
I think it might load faster if I put everything on pages on the sidebar, but I won't know till I try it.
I removed the music also.
I enjoy it at first and then it's just annoying.
If you make an Elf then let me know- I will be happy to email any answers to any questions creating your own might bring up. My pattern is drawn rather amateurishly, but it works. I  wish I had a degree in graphic design. I'd sleep better at night.

Bird Brained Bread Wreath and Happy Zombies

This is almost like an I Spy Picture. I see that I need to be in here cleaning and organizing. I spy with my little eye wool from a recently felted thrifted coat that needs to be turned into something cool. I spy with my little eye coffee that is turning cold as I decide what to do next.There are delightful things to sparkle and shine and catch my roving spy eye. My sewing room is such a happy place for me. I miss the other 6 foot worktable though and may have to reconfigure some things so that it can be put back. I need the room to spread out and design! Last night, while watching Moonlight, I worked on my own version of an Advent Elf. I am drafting the pattern and hope to make a PDF for everyone to share. My Blog Buddy, Cyber Sistah and all around Cool Cat and Happy Zombie Girl- Monica Solorio-Snow has fashioned an Uber Lovely and Delightful & FREE pattern for a table runner called the Jingle Jolly Runner. Go get your own copy to create and maybe she'll make a Flickr Group for pictures of finished runners. I love the way it looks and hope to make one of my own to share! Thank you, Mon!! You do good work, girlfriend! Makes me want to sneak over to the quilt shop!   

So, what have I been up to? Was that what you came to find out? I hid out here all day yesterday- not willing to expose myself to the alarming shopping Crazies out and about at all corners of my town. I was safe and happy and finished reading the third Dexter book, caught the nap train and sewed some secret stuff. My back hurt a little- possibly from wearing my sock monkey slippers while standing all day Thanksgiving cooking. It was so nice to do nothing more strenuous than turn the page and eat roast beef sammies on homemade rolls yesterday.So this morning I had a little fun with a bread wreath that my Brother had given me last week. The church was giving out free bread and he gave this to me. ( oh Brother!) It was so red and green that I figured the high food coloring content might kill us,  so I dried it out in the oven for a few hours and then let it sit in the laundry room for a few more days and then bought some bird seed.I used a leftover piece of foam core as a base and trimmed it to fit the base. Then I unrolled a little bit of chicken wire and cut it to a circle. After slathering on peanut butter and sprinkling the bird seed it was ready to hang with some more wire. It is hanging where I can see it from the office door. I have been feeding the squirrels peanuts too. Critters are everywhere on the lake.Turtles, ducks, egrets, hawks, sea gulls, squirrels, raccoons, possums, rabbits, snakes. I wish the ducks weren't so messy- I used to feed them but gave up because they were just wrecking the yard!
I must venture out today because we are out of coffee. I will make a mad dash and pray for the best! Have a happy Cartoon Day, Peeps and thanks for stopping by!

Bob, the painter...

Good Day everyone!
I am painting my sewing room today and tomorrow! I am so excited!
I have had the paint color ( Jamaican Aqua by Benjamin Moore) picked out for what seems like several years now and  I am off on Friday- so IT'S TIME!!!!!!
I still have pictures to take of swaps and my new hair-do! I love it! It's so light and cool! (you can call me Bob!) I was feeling like old Black Witch and now feel kinda glam like Louise Brooks! Anywho- I gotta get busy!  I'll be back.... Click here to read more about the Husband & Wife team who created Old Black Witch.