9.08.2009

My Latest Thing (for now)


Anyone that is creative, and has ADHD, knows how hard it is to focus on one particular craft, medium, or project. While I love making beaded items, especially the bookmarks, my true passion is quilting! I have a fabric fetish, lol! I can sit and stare at all the fabrics for hours if people let me. Oooooo, prettyyyyy.


I just don't have the time to work on big quilts right now. But I have this HUGE stash of fabric. (Probably not that huge by most quilter's standards. But enough that I don't have room for my clothes in my closet.) So I came up with an idea to make quilted coasters. I can whip out a set in a day, and I still get to play with all the pretty fabrics. And I get to move on to the next color combination before I get tired of looking at the last one.


I've only made one set so far, but I'm pretty happy with the way they turned out. And I have another set in the works. They are constructed like a traditional quilt: top, batting, backing, and binding. I don't just serge the ends like some folks making fabric coasters do. I actually take the time to cut my own binding, machine stitch it to the front, and then tack it down by hand on the back. Each coaster is like it's own mini-quilt.


So far I've only been doing "whole cloth" fronts, not pieced, but I've got some ideas for pieced ones, too. I have made some ACEO (Art Cards, Editions, and Originals) that are pieced. That's what got me onto the idea of quilted coasters. I took the ACEOs one step further than a quilt and added some beads! I got to combine two of my favorite crafting materials. But for now I've switched gears to the coasters. Until I get back to making more bookmarks, that is. Can't stay with any one thing too long...

9.07.2009

Etsy HAF Team "Spread the Love" Shops of the Week for September 7-13

It's that time again! Time for the Etsy Handmade Artists Forum Team's (HAF Team) "Spread the Love" campaign. A different member shop is randomly picked for each day. Then we try to promote that shop by whatever means possible. I've decided to make a weekly blog post featuring all of the shops for the coming week.
And now, without further adieu, here are my choices from the shops for the week of September 7-13.


Shop for Monday, September 7: Island Crystal Crafts
Jewelry, candle holders, mini-purses, and beaded ornament covers. From Brunswick.

Flower Power Necklace--




Shop for Tuesday, September 8: Armored Hearts
Custom chainmaille jewelry and wearable art From Howard City, MI.

Egyptian Inspiration Necklace--




Shop for Wednesday, September 9: The Wire’s Edge
Wire jewelry from quality materials (sterling silver, titanium, etc.). From Bethany, CT..

Vivace Cuff--




Shop for Thursday, September 10: Kitzbitz by Jolene
Lampwork beadmaker, glass artist and jewelry designer. From London, UK.

Blossom Lampwork Button Lentil Bead Set (5)--




Shop for Friday, September 11: T.Rusk4U – Handcrafted Jewelry for Every Woman
Handcrafted and affordable jewelry made just for you. From Hillsborough, NC.

Blue Swirls Wire Wrapped Pendant--




Shop for Saturday, September 12: EarthShine
Monster clean. Monster fun. Monster scrubbies and jewelry. From Sugarloaf Township, PA.

Clovis the Colorful Monster Mit, Little Kid Sized, With Scrubbie Bobbles and Drawstring--




Shop for Sunday, September 13: Paperbutterfly Crafts: Bags, Purses, Baby Shoes
Handcrafted fabric bags and purses, and cute knitted baby shoes. From Sunderland.

Little Beaded Bag--




Check out all of these great shops! Give them an Etsy Heart and browse around--you may just find that special thing you've been searching for.

Watch for seven new shops featured next week!