Backwards Bunny & Other Softies

THEY'RE CUTE, they're funky, they look fun to make - here are some softies that inspire me. My favorites are the ones that are purposely 'messed-up'. The ones that are off-kilter and actually look handmade:


1) Sally the Snail by Soto Softies
2) Gustav by Nicol-b at Pink Cheeks Studios
3) A colorful bunch by Junker Jane
4) Otto the Strongman by Junker Jane

And now here's my very first 'attempt' to create one, except.... I sewed the ears on backwards. *Sigh* I flipped them around for the picture:



Everything WAS going fine until I flipped her inside out and found out the wrong way to pin things. Yay for mistakes that you only need to make once in order to learn a lesson. ;) Needless to say, this bunny had an extra short life-span.

Rain Clouds & Buttons

LABOR DAY, SCHMAYBORDAY. Instead of relaxing on this day off, I took the opportunity to create 2 new paintings for the upcoming Gathering Room Gallery Night. I'm really excited about these guys and wanted to give you a sneak peek:


I think I've made the general conclusion that paintings are just plain better with buttons and stitching. Come see them in person at the show on October 17th. Save the date!


I even managed to get 20 handmade cards finished today. Aren't they cute? Okay, so I admit it: I am a *button freak*. Yes, I'm obsessed with buttons. Yes, I buy buttons every time I go into a craft store and yes, I fully confess I'm distracted by shiny things and put buttons on EVERYTHING. But seriously... can a girl help it?

AND SO IT BEGINS AGAIN

IT'S THAT TIME of year again. Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 17th for the annual Gathering Room Gallery Night (more details to follow). And that means....



paint, illustrations, fabric, buttons, glue and ribbon galore. :) I think my studio was beginning to forget who I was. Pretty sure I'll get reacquainted really quick in the next couple of days.

A FRIEND NAMED JENNIFER

EVERYDAY we face challenges in our lives that force us to either fear or have hope. The choice is ultimately in our hands. We can take the courageous path of fighting through or giving up.

I found out a few days ago that a friend named Jennifer has a very rare type of cancer. She is having a really rough time dealing with the news. Let's be honest. Who wouldn't, right?

I wanted to not just pray for Jennifer but SHOW her that she has reason to hope. I wanted to give her the gift of hope and so... this is what I made:


Inside this container are all kinds of encouraging thoughts and quotes. Each inspirational saying is folded up and she can pick one out for each time that she needs a spiritual lift.


Even if it is little, it may be the one thing Jennifer needs for that moment of her day. Because after all, "Hope never abandons you; you can only abandon it." -George Weinburg

Have you given someone hope today?

RECOVER THAT OLD LAMPSHADE

SUPPLIES:

Lampshade
Fabric
X-acto Knife
Spray Adhesive
Hot Glue Gun (optional)
Iron
Clips to hold fabric in place while it dries

STEP 1: Purchase fabric that you'd like to use to re-cover the old lampshade.


STEP 2: Carefully remove the fabric from the old lampshade with an x-ato knife. I used the tip of the knife to get the fabric loose from the shade and then gently tore the fabric away from the shade.


STEP 3: Lay the shade on your new fabric and use it as a guide for how much fabric to cut. I cut enough fabric so that it would have an extra .5'' on the top and bottom of the shade.


STEP 4, 5 & 6: After you trim your fabric, I ironed mine to make sure that there were no wrinkles. Spray the backside of the fabric with a spray adhesive and then slowly and gently wrap the fabric around the shade. Smooth out any bumps in the fabric as you go and when you're happy, use some small clamps (or in my case, small clothes pins) to hold your fabric in place as it sets.

OPTIONAL STEP: I found some matching ribbon to hot glue around the top and bottom of the shade to give it a finished, trimmed look.


STEP 7: Light your world - step back and admire your masterpiece.