what I've been up to lately...

SCHOOL IS OUT FOR SUMMER!

This virtually means the craft cave is mine to conquer. I have so many ideas to create and I have no idea where to start. My mind looks my fabric scrap pile (a pile I adore, by the by)....

We have started our weekend wedding road trips and just for fun decided to throw in some graduation parties as well. Then of course there is the baby shower for the much anticipated little miss Nora Satterstrom in June. Not to mention her arrival in June/July! I have also been busy helping plan a friend's wedding shower that is scheduled for June. It should be a blast to catch up with old college friends. We have a bachelorette party planned for her in Denver (the best place ever) in July. In between all the trips and events we are busy taking care of yard work, housework, and our rapidly growing dog, Penny.

For my sanity I need to find time to get down to my corner and create something. Whether I use it or don't use it, I just love to MAKE stuff. Facebook is such a good sounding board for new ideas and recommendations for projects but if you have any new craft projects don't be afraid to comment here too!

Be prepared for major post overload this summer (then again, who knows?!)

Mistakes

I had a minor melt down during craft time today.

First off, I get SUPER anxious while cutting fabric. It gives me a headache, I can't think (or remember) fast enough to recall how I need to fold the fabrics in order to cut them to proper proportions. I'm good at math but when math requires cutting and chopping - it gives me terrible heartburn (sarcasm).

That being said, today while making a blanket, I TOTALLY cut the fabric in the wrong directions. There were choice words. George and the dog went upstairs. The house was still. I tried to figure out Plan B (clearly Plan C would have been to go purchase more fabric, but I'd probably cut that wrong too!)

So, a project that was suppose to be 36" ended up being two 18"ers. No big deal. I just appreciate the friends and family who graciously accept the homemade crafts and gifts I produce while I'm still learning and still [unfortunately] making mistakes.

baby blanket!

It is so much fun (and admittedly easier) to make things for babies, infants, toddlers, etc.

Which is why I took on the task of making this adorable blanket for George's cousin who is due in May with her first baby. She and her husband are going with the monkey theme and I found some great monkey fabric to go with the uber-soft minky fabric.

Tricks to working with minky fabric.
1. PIN THE CRAP OUT OF IT! I used two cases of pins (300+ pins). Otherwise the fabric bunches and won't look nice.
2. Take your time cutting. Minky fabric can get thick if you are doubling up while you cut. Just be cautious.
3. If you have a walking foot attachment for your sewing machine - use it! It helps keep your fabric from bunching (so my mom says). It sure helped with this 'lil number :)

Doing my very best Betty impression (it was a blast doing this project when my mom was in town visiting). She was even able to scope out my craft cave!

The final project!

Chalkboard Paint

I love chalkboard paint. Plain and simple. There is something magical about how many uses come from paint that dries and is writable. My brand of choice is Rustoleum. You have the option of green or black. I prefer the black. Although, I'm sure green would be quite fabulous too! Don't even get me started on dry erase paint and magnetic paint - I haven't purchased those yet but I imagine when I do, I won't turn back!

Here are a few crafts I've completed with chalkboard paint...



These glasses were awesome. We used these at the Christmas party I had with my friends from school. I found some cheap, mismatched martini glasses at TJMaxx and after I dipped them in chalkboard paint the girls and their men were able to write their name on the glasses so no one messed up their drinks for the night! Super fun!
[the setup for this craft was horrid and George was appalled, but it all worked out in the end - as it usually does!]

I was also able to turn in an old (rarely used) white Ikea end table into a fun chalkboard table. I will probably use this in my classroom or a future baby Thompson bedroom/playroom. As for now it sits in the basement collecting craft paraphernalia.