Karen Makes Stuff

No Nonsense Sweater Making

2012-02-07T17:19:00.000-05:00

I started off remaking the raglan sleeve sweater I did before. After ripping it out 3 times I gave up and started looking for another pattern. My goal, to knit in the round top to bottom. I found a great pattern for this. No, I'm not finished yet, the pattern is for short sleeves but I believe I'll do long. (I'll post when finished.)

I think having a counter helps with all sweater making. I used my 16", size 11 needles that I make hats with and having my clear ruler around is helpful. Of course I have completely modified the pattern which I won't go into since it's someone else's pattern. I am only using it for a gift. I will give you the creators website she makes wonderful patterns, some are free on Ravelry.

http://www.anadiomenadesigns.com/

Sweater to Pocketbook

2012-02-04T12:37:00.000-05:00

OK here's what I'm gonna do, I have 16 numbered pictures below that if I blah, blahhed about each one of you would go to sleep. If you have a question about any of the pictures just leave a comment with that number included and I will answer it. Enjoy!

My Work is Done

2012-02-01T15:05:00.000-05:00

Seems that while I was out today Gil took some nice shots of the greenhouse. You realize it's February, right?

On the bottom left we still have swiss chard I've been picking from, above that spinach, above that turnips. In the middle are the carrots that aren't in a rush to do anything and on the right are oak leaf and romaine lettuces.

He's picked some carrots, we found out that the tops are good to eat too.

I liked this shot of him as a shadow taking a picture of his skateboard. Not weird under the circumstances, he turned a regular deck into a long board. You'd have to know about skateboards.

Mini Fuschia Bear

2012-01-30T06:00:00.000-05:00

Copper Spiral Notebook

2012-01-27T07:44:00.000-05:00

It's finished.

It was a challenge.

Gilbert likes it.

I had to make the spiral bigger to work...

and next time the holes should be bigger. I used the metal hole punch, Gil and Charlene say I should use a drill next time.

Almost Finished Copper Notebook

2012-01-26T09:03:00.001-05:00

Well, I messed up on an entire pack of paper last night but I have one done this morning.

As I leave the computer I'm headed for the counter to fish the copper spiral through all these holes. Hope it works!!!

Couple More Customs

2012-01-25T07:18:00.000-05:00

This kitty is for a little girl.

The shamrock began this way...

but was requested to be this way.

Bad news, Gil's first prototype skateboard broke in half, he half expected it to happen. It was made of only 5 layers of cheap plywood. All in a days testing, we needed to know if the shaping was correct before we order good veneer. Stay tuned!

Good idea about the earring thingies, thanks!

Copper Notebook

2012-01-24T14:28:00.000-05:00

A custom order I'm working on, I kinda volunteered for it. Why do I do these things? I think I know what I'm doing except for 1 thing, the person would like for the paper to be replaceable. I need to think of something to put on the end of the spiral which could be removed. Like if you stuck a cork on the end but something more savvy, savvy? Sorry, I like Pirates of the Caribbean.

Where Are We At On The Skateboard Mold?

2012-01-23T07:55:00.003-05:00

We have a working proto type, YIPEE!

It has been lightly tested in the basement. (due to ice outside)

It even looks like a real skateboard.

I'll take you backwards through the process.

This is the board cut out and spray painted on the back.

I sure hope he didn't over spray on my porch!

He actually made 2 proto types, this is the first that he's cutting out now. This one turned out better than the second. (too much fixing we believe)

They've had problems with the mold. The top and bottom need to fit perfectly together or you'll get gaps and puckers in the board.

This is a glue up, normally it's 7 layers of veneer.

They put freezer paper on the mold first so the veneer doesn't stick.

They acquired thin packing plywood for their proto type. Because of it's thickness they only needed 5 layers.

And here's where we've all labored, especially my husband. He has a constant headache now from the Bondo wood filler. I told you the pieces have to fit, well if you try to fix one side you can ruin another. This is the part of the project that has taken the most time. We're hoping that we have gotten it right now. We just need to get more glue and veneer. Stay tuned!

Pay It Forward

2012-01-22T11:11:00.000-05:00

I'm a Trade-A-Holic, as we speak I'm wheeling and dealing with my fellow Trade-A-Holics. I would normally be at church now but it's too icy. The reason I'm sharing this is that sometimes I ask non TAH's to trade with me on Etsy, sometimes they will sometimes they won't.

The last time I tried this the shop owner told me she'd be open to trading but didn't need anything. She had already collected many things that she was now trying to find homes for, thus her shop. She got back to me later and insisted that I simply give her my address and allow her to give it to me. I was floored, there was no need for her to do that, I could make almost anything for her! No she said, I should just let her give it to me, someone had done the same for her once. Thank you my friend.

Bouncable Polar Bear

2012-01-21T15:00:00.000-05:00

I did an oopsie on Wednesday when I was volunteering with the second graders. They all caught me, some said look she broke it, others said it was an accident, I ignored them because when you're helping with the second grade you can't stop to evaluate! I finished for the day, told the teacher I'd rectify the problem and went home to figure out how to do that.

She had a resin snowman sitting on a shelf that I dropped. A decoration for the winter that needed replacing. I remembered the arctic animals we make every year and knew what to do.

I think I'll knit him a scarf. Nothing here that's breakable!

The kids will be able to use him as a guide when making their bread dough animals.

See: http://karenmakesstuff.blogspot.com/2010/02/bread-glue.html

He started with fiber fill that I wrapped with thread in order to save on wool and then covered it.

He looked like a pig for a long time.

Of course he has paddy paws!

Felted Jointed Miniature Bear

2012-01-20T06:00:00.000-05:00

Micro Frustration

2012-01-19T11:25:00.000-05:00

Lately I've been admiring all the adorable crocheted micro bears on Etsy. When I like something I usually need to try it myself.

I did OK up to the muzzle, yikes!

That's about the time I needed a break. Something that would go a bit easier for me but I hadn't tried before...

a jointed micro felted bear.

The problem I'm having with the crochet is IT'S SO SMALL!!! I won't give up though. Finished felted bear tomorrow or just check out my Etsy site.

Cookie Cutter Felting Cont.

2012-01-17T07:43:00.000-05:00

OK pretty cool, let's try another one. This is a simple one but there's another thing you need to be aware of. When you have multiple separate colors in your piece you must link them somehow or your piece will fall apart. You can put your first color down and then felt extra colors on top. Don't put as much fiber in the separate color spaces to leave room for the second color. This will cause some color poke through but the towel helps with this.

The cutters help you to be consistent with your size and shape...

when making multiples!

I'll sew embroidery thread through the tops of these for hanging and put them away for next year.

This is what is usually under my counter while I'm working.

Cookie Cutter Felting

2012-01-16T09:01:00.000-05:00

Rosalie gave me this cookie cutter she had laying around from a wedding favor. It reminded me of those plastic needle felting molds I've seen, so I tried it out.

I filled the mold over my foam and started to felt. I got out my double needle to felt faster...not a good idea, one needle bent. If you bend a felting needle it's as good as broke!

Make sure when putting fiber in your mold that you place long bits from the petals into the center so it felts as one piece. The above flower is felted but not finished.

On the foam the fibers at the bottom felt lightly into the foam making it fuzzy when you pick it up. Get a towel out now...

and felt on that. You can't go through the towel which forms a smooth top and bottom. A little work along the sides may be required but think of the possibilities! You probably have a whole drawer of cookie cutters.

This is a daisy type flower so it gets a nice dark center...

with a little orange highlight.

I sewed a pin to the back and hid my stitches with more fiber. Have fun!

Introducing Y guy

2012-01-14T06:00:00.000-05:00

I'm so proud to introduce to you my son's new Etsy shop at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Yguy

A homeschool artisan that designs slingshots and hopes to make skateboards in the future.

Visit my homeschool section at: http://karenmakesstuff.blogspot.com/search/label/homeschool to see some of his other projects including his skateboard mold. Don't worry the boys haven't forgotten about it!

Blast From the Past

2012-01-13T09:07:00.000-05:00

Thanks to my sister I have this picture on my computer. It's not an easy pose to get now a days unless you're famous. You can't get close to number 10 Downing Street anymore. Our parents got us to London once in the 70's, while visiting relatives.

I went searching for a picture of my kids in front of the gate at Downing Street but only found this one. Hope you enjoy!

Blanket to Hooded Sweatshirt

2012-01-12T15:23:00.000-05:00

Gilbert says, hey mom do you care if I do something with my fleece blanket?

Trying to be open minded I say, what were you thinking?

I found someone making their own pattern for a sweatshirt he says, and I want to make one.

I say, take one of the sweatshirts you already have and we'll make a pattern. The above picture shows Gil sewing his super secret inside pocket with zip.

I kinda used what I know about knit block type sweaters to help him create his sweatshirt.

He did 95% of the sewing, I helped with the hood where the shoulders needed to be adjusted.

Gil loves making things for himself.

I hope I don't have to buy him a new blanket now!

My Heart

2012-01-12T13:41:00.000-05:00

I despise seeing Valentines stuff in the craft stores the day after Christmas.

I'm more the 12 days of Christmas sort, not the thanksgiving to Christmas, it's over sort.

But I was compelled to make this heart.

Don't ask me why.

Happenings

2012-01-11T12:47:00.000-05:00

It's waning but still gorgeous, last nights moon.

Gil's getting ready for his slingshot business.

And the dumb cat wants to be outside.

Pit Report

2012-01-10T17:23:00.000-05:00

Gil and I tested the deodorant today, it was a success story! Try it out.

I need to finish a few things on the masterpiece but I'm just about done.

Gil suggested the bee, my sister a dragonfly. I have to live with Gil.

Making Homemade Deodorant

2012-01-09T14:42:00.000-05:00

My friend from knittingdragonflies had a tutorial a week back about making homemade deodorant. Me and Gil loved this idea! People make their own deodorant for several reasons but I won't go into all that because she covers the whole topic beautifully on her blog at:

http://knittingdragonflies.blogspot.com/2011/12/homemade-deodorant-and-it-works.html

This is the mess, I mean what we came up with.

A combination of ingredients that include an absorber, a moisturizer, a disinfectant and a scent.

They push up! We will test them tomorrow.

And this is my wool masterpiece so far. Gil says it needs a bumble bee.

Works of Art

2012-01-07T15:06:00.000-05:00

Gilbert is very excited, I mean he's looking forward to opening his own Etsy shop. I'm still waiting for him to get his homeschool blog up! He's been working on some slingshots to list while waiting on all the details.

We often look through Etsy to see what other artists are doing and we found an amazing shop filled with needle felted art work. I don't know the person so I won't mention the specific shop. If you're curious search Etsy under needle felted landscape, she's not on the first page but you'll know who I'm talking about when you see it!

Gilbert encouraged me to go ahead and try it out. So here's my first go at it.

It seems to be about having the right picture and colors of wool. Back to work!

Barred Owl Felted Necklace

2012-01-06T08:26:00.001-05:00

Better pictures this morning!

Also known as the Bard.

"hoo, hoo, too-HOO; hoo, hoo, too-HOO, ooo"

Little Owls

2012-01-05T13:29:00.000-05:00

This fellow is a Screech Owl...

that you can take with you.

This one is a Barred Owl...

that I had a really hard time taking pictures of.

Batteries, lighting... anything else?

Not A Car Wash

2012-01-04T08:35:00.000-05:00

I've been selling glass bottle necklaces for a while. These necklaces where ones I originally used for a Vacation Bible School craft project. When I sell the necklaces I've always given the entire proceeds to young peoples missions trips.The link below shows you the VBS project.

http://karenmakesstuff.blogspot.com/search/label/vacation%20bible%20school

I'm not a mega sales person but I wanted to make people aware that they can help these young people who are working with kids in impoverished countries to meet their goals.

All my glass bottle and glass vial necklaces in the jewelry section of my shop will support these trips!

Go to:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/karenmakesstuff?section_id=7080824

All Creatures

2012-01-03T08:56:00.000-05:00

We've been investing in the All Creatures Great and Small series. We can only watch them when the kids aren't around because they'll moan.

That's OK because when they're around we watch Star Trek Next Generation!

Anyway, along with the All Creatures theme I've been working on a project for trade.

A knit lamb using the pattern from Fuzzy Mitten in Lion's Brand Thick & Quick. This makes the animals real Big! Snugly Lamb is 19" tall.

I love trading with this person on Etsy, she makes beautiful colored pencil drawings that I love collecting.

This will be my third. The above lambs are what I'm trading for the Great Horned Owl.

You'll find my friend on Etsy at:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/cpcrochetbasket

Hedgehog Needle Felt

2012-01-02T08:02:00.000-05:00

Two inches of cuteness!

Happy Yesteryear

2012-01-01T07:30:00.001-05:00

New Years can bring out the yesteryear in people!

Dyeing Fiberfill

2011-12-31T16:03:00.001-05:00

I'm working on a knit toy that's black and will need to be filled with fiberfill. If you know anything about knit toys then you'll know that fiberfill will show through.

Dyeing 100% polyester is not recommended but even this gray will be better than white! I just wanted to show you in case you were curious.

For the Love of Cannolis

2011-12-30T10:13:00.000-05:00

Color Me Kitty

2011-12-29T07:20:00.000-05:00

My good friend and craft buddy came with her family for the day yesterday. When you invite a crafty family to your home you need crafty things to do! I made the plain kitty for Charlene knowing that she'd be able to illustrate a beautiful coat for it. The owls where for the boys.

Here's what the family came up with. Kitties are a favorite of her younger son so he colored Kitty. Charlene, her husband and eldest son colored the owls. Beautiful!

The kitty is a pure wool fabric and the owls are plush fleece. I got out all my permanent markers both Sharpies and Design. Afterwards we needle felted beaks and a nose. Oh what fun!

Very Cool Gifts

2011-12-28T07:19:00.002-05:00

Gilbert made all handmade gifts this year. He decided this would be the perfect gift for everyone.

Dad got the antler handle with carved wood hilt fillet knife.

I got the carved wood pairing knife that fits right in your hand.

Ro got the small zebra wood survival knife with suede lanyard and toggle.

Pretty cool right!

Still Playing Games

2011-12-26T08:29:00.001-05:00

Rosalie's smart phone is always alerting us to the fact that her Smurf berries are ripe.

So it seemed appropriate to make her the actual object of her constant attention.

Gilbert on the other hand asked me which water Pokemon he should get.

Goldeen was my suggestion.

It's fun to have fun.

Abominable

2011-12-25T00:00:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas!

Tree Swallow Swap

2011-12-24T11:30:00.000-05:00

My early morning project was making a tail for the Tree Swallow.

All attached along with some feet.

Top looks good...

and he flies!

The only problem is...

I can't give him up now...

I like him too much.

I'll give something else to my friend.

Tree Swallow

2011-12-23T15:58:00.000-05:00

Definitely one of my favorite birds.

I'm making this for a friend.

Yes for Christmas, but I don't think she checks out blogs so we're safe!

Melton Mowbray Meat Pie

2011-12-22T16:23:00.001-05:00

My dad should get a kick out of this, I decided to make an English pub style dinner for Friday. Tucked inside and old English cookbook I acquired from my mom was a newspaper clipping for a cold meat pie, a large pork pie to be precise. The town of Melton Mowbray happens to be a favorite of ours, where we were able to have a pub lunch once. My mom kept wanting to go to American style eating places but that was not what we wanted!!!

Anyway, I know my sister wants this recipe so I thought I'd just share it with everyone.

If you are having trouble reading the recipe just click the picture and it should enlarge in a separate tab. By the way, my son's been saving bacon fat and that's what we used instead of lard. Enjoy!

Gilberts New Toy

2011-12-22T09:20:00.000-05:00

That I get to play with too.

A present from his friends, thanks guys!

Charlie Brown Tree

2011-12-21T16:03:00.000-05:00

Some artificial greens, wire, a red glass ball, a piece of light blue fleece...

some scrap wood and wood glue.

Makes a great little tree.

Merry Christmas Charlie Brown!

Memory Trees

2011-12-19T09:20:00.000-05:00

True Christmas trees are a collection of objects we've acquired throughout the years. Today I've posted a few ornaments from my school days, my own childhood favorites and handmade and store bought from loved ones we miss.

Cardboard Test Run

2011-12-19T06:50:00.001-05:00

These boys sure are dragging their feet on this skateboard mold.

They've layered several pieces of cardboard with glue in between...

to make sure they have the contours right.

They're almost ready for the veneers!

Study Buddies

2011-12-14T06:54:00.000-05:00

You don't see Rosalie very much because she's up in her room studying.

And that's where you'll find Simon, keeping her company, and he ain't movin!

Two Finished Projects

2011-12-13T08:56:00.000-05:00

Tree house in the mulberry.

Covered for rain and bug protection.

It has a flap door...

and guest seating.

Then there's the finished ewe axe handle.

I think it's a work of art!

Great job Gil.

What Do I Get Him?

2011-12-12T08:38:00.000-05:00

Who doesn't have at least one person they don't know what to get for Christmas?

Needle felting helps with that!

The possibilities are endless!

These are for a loved one who does Atkins from time to time, broccoli, steak and cheese singles.

Gil's working on an axe handle using his new draw knife he got for his birthday. He keeps breaking handles while chopping wood.

Caesar's Mushroom

2011-12-10T08:10:00.001-05:00

Needle felting calms the nerves and mushrooms are just plain cool!

Bear Claws

2011-12-09T14:09:00.001-05:00

Faux bear claws that is.

We decided to recycle some antler tips.

And we know 2 little boys who might enjoy these for Christmas!

Scottie

2011-12-08T15:36:00.001-05:00

The hardest part of this process is taking pictures that are truly representative of your creation!

Little Chinchilla

2011-12-07T07:15:00.001-05:00

I wanted to make a smaller chinchilla.

I had made Rosalie one for her birthday.

I'm amused by how similar they are.

Ro can't have this one!

My First Love

2011-12-06T09:22:00.001-05:00

That felt good, it's been a while.

Tree House Help Over The Weekend

2011-12-05T12:51:00.001-05:00

We've been waiting for Brian to show up. I told Gil that, as an adult, I'm to sensible.

He needed another person his age to take the project to a more fantastic level.

It's now more whimsical and pirate ship like...

and of course, still a mess!

More Skateboard Mold Progress

2011-12-03T14:13:00.001-05:00

Today was the day to put the pieces of the mold together.

Wood glue, screws...

and a bit of sanding.

Looks pretty good...

but there are a couple of gouges.

Bondo wood filler...

my whole house stinks.

Rustic Living Tree House

2011-12-02T07:28:00.001-05:00

He's happy, that's all that matters, more tomorrow.

Not a scene you often see.

I Did Stuff Too

2011-12-01T14:13:00.001-05:00

Revamping the Old Tree House

2011-12-01T12:29:00.001-05:00

Follow the trash picked plywood to the old tree house.

See Gilbert put in a new floor where the old boards are rotted.

He has big plans for this small space.

No, you can't build over there, that's the neighbors yard!

Why the Y's

2011-11-30T07:46:00.001-05:00

That's why.

Ajax

2011-11-28T09:58:00.001-05:00

Ajax was an adopted shelter dog with a lot of personality. He will always be lovingly remembered by his owner.

From This To This

2011-11-27T17:52:00.001-05:00

It's an honor when someone asks you to recreate their deceased pet. All you can hope is that you get it right!

Outside Inside

2011-11-26T12:37:00.001-05:00

Gil's interested in creating a forge. He wants to temper his knives but there's so much to consider.

How do you obtain the right steel, how do you get a really hot fire, how do you blow air on the fire?

On a different note, we've already been eating from the garden. Bok choy and swiss chard, yum!

And then there's the inside...

All my mess, representing lots of different projects, all being worked on at the same time.

From Scratch

2011-11-23T16:15:00.001-05:00

Gil had processed a pumpkin in Oct. and stuck it in the freezer in anticipation! I told him I could pick him up some premade pie crusts but he was adamant, "I'm making the crust myself!" So this is his completely homemade pumpkin pie.

Little Opossum

2011-11-22T08:42:00.001-05:00

I'm still needle felting when I should be cleaning the house.

Gray and White Kitty

2011-11-21T17:04:00.001-05:00

I feel like my cats come out looking like dogs!

Simon

2011-11-18T13:36:00.001-05:00

Sweet adorable Simon, (when he's sleeping).

Even sweeter when he's wool!

Look, he's not biting me.

He has a soft white underbelly...

and long stripy tail.

Oh no, he's awake!

Accessories for Snowmen

2011-11-17T09:04:00.001-05:00

I don't know why but I've been having trouble knitting a small scarf for my snowmen.

It's funny how things work out differently at different times...

because I sat down last night and finally got it right, with a hat too!

Jig for a Bow

2011-11-15T07:24:00.001-05:00

Gil's always on the look out for the right tree branch. That's where most of his projects start.

When he finds the right branch he creates his project. This one will be a bow. He made this plywood jig to hole the curve...

and he's steaming the branch to make it pliable. It will then set in this shape, hopefully!

Progress on the Skateboard Mold

2011-11-14T09:40:00.001-05:00

Gil has screwed on two end pieces to hold everything together while sanding.

The original plans came with numbered templates.

Gil is shaping the top part.

Below is our original post which includes the site for the tutorial and plans.

http://karenmakesstuff.blogspot.com/2011/09/making-skateboard-mold.html

Secret Shop

2011-11-13T07:13:00.001-05:00

It's been a bit quiet around here because it's that time of year again.

I had many ideas pop up that I had to try...

and they all wound up being great gifts for my friends and family.

in the mean time, this is what I did with my hedgehog.

He's got more realistic markings.

Little Striped Kitty

2011-11-09T10:07:00.000-05:00

This kitty is nice because it can be safely handled by the little ones!

Lots of Critters

2011-11-08T14:29:00.000-05:00

This is Kitty, my accomplishment for the day.

He has a nice leather collar with bells...

sewn on glass eyes...

a long tail...

and needle felted toes.

I've pre-sewn more critters while I'm still in the mood.

This is that nose I modified...

this is the nose it came with. For this small stuffed animal I love the way the pattern creator suggested laying the pattern paper on top of the doubled fabric. I didn't have to worry about not catching all the edges!

Little Kitty

2011-11-07T14:23:00.001-05:00

I bought a pattern on Etsy, a simple kitty pattern. Well this is part of that pattern.

The pattern came with a muzzle that was to be sewed on like I've done with this one.

I'm not sure if it was the pattern or me but I couldn't use the one it came with. That means my favorite thing, MODIFY! I went back to what I know about teddy bear patterns and made this kitty a new muzzle. I quite like how it turned out.

I'm not finished yet but I'm needle felting stripes on it. I'll be experimenting with this pattern for a while.

New School Project

2011-11-05T07:50:00.001-04:00

I don't think too many 17 year olds read my blog but I wonder how many could say, "I made a throwing knife at school today." He and dad went out the other evening and bought a bench grinder. It makes knife making so much easier, wonderful!!!

He couldn't wait to get outside and try it out.

My poor magnolia.

Gil says it's perfectly balanced and preformed beyond expectation.

It's made from a flat bar you can buy at the hardware store. I've asked Gilbert to maybe refrain from calling it a throwing knife when it comes time to record it in his homeschool journal, maybe instead calling it an artist knife. I don't know?

Pocketbook For Doris

2011-11-04T09:54:00.000-04:00

A Butterick pattern, some prequilted material and a 12" zipper gets it done.

Why don't pocketbook patterns come with pockets? This one now has pockets and a sheet of cutting board plastic to protect the bottom. I was fussing about having to sew but now I have a couple more sewing projects I can't wait to start.

And our garden is growing!

Felt Nuthatch Finished

2011-11-03T12:16:00.001-04:00

To make the feet I settled on green floral wire. It's easy to twist with pliers, sturdy and took black spray paint well.

Felt Nuthatch

2011-11-01T09:40:00.000-04:00

I call them nutter butters, the cutest little birds!

I had to see if I could make one.

Though I think it's turning out alright I find my birds flatten as I work. They loose their roundness which I'm not sure how to deal with.

Now I'm thinking about legs, the needle felter's dilemma.

I'll let you know what I decide.

What a Difference a Day Makes

2011-10-31T12:52:00.000-04:00

My family is curious about how we did on Saturday with the snow storm. Well this was the only picture I took of the snow, it's from the inside. Gil was on the porch with his hot tea watching it come down.

Well this is Monday, no snow. Friday Gil and I got out and put in this path to the greenhouse. Look how artistic I am, my shadow is pointing to it!

Todays Projects

2011-10-27T16:07:00.000-04:00

I got Gil some antlers on Etsy...

and he made a slingshot.

The greenhouse is warm, humid and growing.

I finished the music box.

He spins to I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas.

White Christmas

2011-10-26T15:07:00.000-04:00

I really wanted to do something with the rest of my music boxes. Since one of the boxes plays White Christmas I thought these guys would be appropriate.

The hole for the stand is off center so the box fits inside. How do you like the arms I found in the yard?

While the glue on the music box and lid dries I'll work on getting the snowman on the platform.

I use felt, I can felt, sew and glue it!

I left the rest of my thread from sewing the snowman to the felt so I can sew the edge later.

My second circle of felt has the hole in the middle.

He'll sit on another music box to dry overnight.

Earl Grey

2011-10-24T08:25:00.000-04:00

As promised this is the kitty Gil brought home from the farm.

He was abandoned in that area and wouldn't make it through the winter. He loves his steady supply of kibbles!

Ro and I stopped to visit him. His new dad says things are working out great but that he's not found of the bathtub since he discovered it's sometimes filled with water!

Gil's Greenhouse

2011-10-22T08:18:00.000-04:00

We decided not to roll the door edges and just screw the wood strips to the frame, over the plastic.

Then Gil cut the plastic around the door.

We're going to put plastic on the door with Velcro so we can adjust for ventilation.

We started tomatoes, bok choy and swiss chard several weeks ago. We got that in and planted carrot, parsnip, turnip, spinach and lettuce seeds. Sounds like a lot, right! We figured that we were going into winter, things wouldn't get that big and who knows what will actually grow. We'll thin as necessary.

This is our worm mascot!

Almost Done

2011-10-21T17:59:00.001-04:00

We're actually done but I stuck my other camera on its dock to charge and I can't get at the last pics. So now you have to wait until tomorrow to see the finished greenhouse. We used wood strips to fold the plastic under and to secure to the frame. This was a great idea from my dad.

Here the guys are figuring out how to secure the plastic around the door.

We used 6mm clear plastic from the hardware store. This is thick plastic but you still need to take care that it doesn't rip! We were able to use one piece for our project.

The rest tomorrow.

Sewing Projects

2011-10-20T14:48:00.000-04:00

Sewing is not my favorite thing to do but I do enjoy the projects that come from sewing.

I'm about to start a handbag for my friend, she's interested in the black bag on the pattern.

This is a bag I've been poking around with that I need to line. This picture doesn't do the fabric justice but I'll show you the finished bag later.

I Told Ya

2011-10-19T06:41:00.000-04:00

I had to do something for this cool little marble.

It's own bag seemed in order.

Maybe you just want a reminder...

that you are to care for the earth...

and protect it.

The Girls Feel Special Today

2011-10-17T10:44:00.000-04:00

The girls where wanting another blog day.

Spotty was feeling pretty.

They just got a new turtle tub.

Crush Crush (Crusher) even posed for me. I didn't name her!

Back From the Farm

2011-10-15T16:00:00.002-04:00

We're going to pick up Gilbert, taking Hawk Mountain Road. He's been volunteering on an organic farm this week.

First one to greet us is the pup dog.

These are the no till garden beds this organic farmer has been working on.

Gil says goodbye to the pup dog.

And of course brings back another cat.

This one thankfully will not be living with us, it goes to live with Uncle Steven!

I'll get a better picture for you when he settles in.

Marbles Competition

2011-10-14T18:13:00.000-04:00

I got a shooter bag order.

They wanted blue and green.

I found a matching shooter.

But when I was looking I found this a well.

(I've got ideas!)

Here are the marble shooter bags I've made so far.

And their shooters.

This Is Not An Easter Bunny

2011-10-13T14:31:00.000-04:00

He's just a bunny, bunny.

See no basket!

Just bunny cuteness.

With lip balm and a cotton tail.

Heather

2011-10-11T13:41:00.001-04:00

One name sticks in my head though I've been given other wonderful suggestions.

To me she is Heather and I think she is so stinkin cute!

I'm still working on her dress but I wanted to show you my progress.

We dropped Gil off at an organic farm to do some volunteer work for a couple weeks. I'll have more time to work on my stuff!

Local Craft Show Information

2011-10-07T14:17:00.000-04:00

Be there or be square!

(if you can)

Did I Show You This?

2011-10-07T06:00:00.000-04:00

Gil's latest knife.

Sweet handle shape.

He didn't like when I told him it looked like a kitchen knife.

Finished with tung oil.

The sheet of leather will be a new pouch.

2 knives under his belt, I am incredibly impressed!

She Needs A Name

2011-10-06T09:30:00.000-04:00

I finished her paws this morning.

She likes being a girl.

She also enjoyed the fresh air.

Oh and like I said, I haven't named her yet. I almost named her after my mother but I wouldn't be able to give her away then. I'm still working on her dress.

New Bear

2011-10-05T10:46:00.000-04:00

Looking at Joanne's bears the other day at http://desertmountainbear.blogspot.com made me get out my recently purchased mohair. She makes beautiful realistic bears that have just won awards. I tend to like realist art but when it comes to bears I especially like reproductions of old teddy bears. Joanne makes these too.

I've determined that this bear will be a girl. I've already started knitting her a dress. I hope she doesn't tell me later that she's a boy!

I also decided to stuff her with llama fiber. Poly-fil is great, you can needle felt into it but it's squishy. Fine wood shavings are great (excelsior) but it's hard. I wanted something that would give an old fashioned feel, be easily needle felted and have a wonderful musty smell. Sheep wool or llama is perfect for this. I had a large amount of llama, in fact just enough!

I was able to machine sew everything but I always hand sew the foot pads.

Here's the llama fiber, I got it from my friend Londa at http://www.etsy.com/shop/4hornsheep we're Trade-A-Holics buddies!

Birds Not Of A Feather

2011-10-04T11:29:00.001-04:00

My weekend entertainment.

Finished Walls

2011-10-03T08:05:00.002-04:00

This week Gil will work on raised beds. We have a huge roll of plastic I can't wait to watch them staple on!

Rusty

2011-10-01T10:29:00.000-04:00

Rusty is needle felted with natural llama fiber.

Greenhouse Door

2011-10-01T10:22:00.000-04:00

Keeps kittens out!

Black-Eyed Susan

2011-09-30T07:31:00.001-04:00

Gilbert was looking at the yellow fiber on my counter and told me my next project should be a Black-eyed Susan.

I've learned to listen to his young people ideas.

Four Wall

2011-09-30T07:26:00.002-04:00

When they first started out gluing they had very nervous faces. Two part glue dries very quickly, they got the hang of it after a while!

Pumpkin Evolution

2011-09-29T08:36:00.000-04:00

I felt like poking stuff yesterday so I got out my fiber.

I started with a neutral color ball for the center...

...so I wouldn't use up all my orange.

I poked the correct ridges for a pumpkin...

with an indented top and bottom.

To finish up he got a stem and leaf.

Slingshot Day

2011-09-28T11:22:00.000-04:00

I cut the rubber, he does the rest.

Ribbon and Pie

2011-09-27T14:39:00.001-04:00

This morning I needed to get a flower order finished.

Singed edge ribbon flowers with pearl and bead centers.

I used wire on most, which isn't exactly easy.

And Gil made an apple pie.