Make Something: Handmade Valentine's Day Cards

I'm one of those folks who knows I need to get a card but hate the idea of buying them.....especially since I know it will be filed in the circular bin and I love to make things that show a bit of me in them (read that I WANT TO MAKE SOMETHING). So, after looking around the 'net a bit I found these cuties to make and give....just in case someone out there in 'netville is a little bit like me. 

From Christie's Cottage  
This card uses fabric flower rolls, markers, and paper. Make the flower rolls or buy them like she did. Check out Christie's blog for the details. 

Valentine Fabric Postcard by Nancy Zieman
Here is a paper pieced fabric card by the sewing master  Nancy Zieman. Her blog has FREE instructions to download.  

DIY Hand Stitched Fabric Valentine's Cards from KSH Creative
This is a cute one that should whip up pretty good....for those of us who wait 'til the last minute (I like working under pressure is my excuse). The pinking shears create a non-raveling stitch. A little glue, zig-zag stitches, paper, and fabric (can't forget the fabric) and there ya go. A unique Valentine's Day card that's cute and personalized.

Ta Da! Here's mine.....Love Grows Here. I crocheted the hearts on the plane to Haiti (kept my hands busy) using the pattern from Lucy at Attic24 (click HERE for the pattern. I love her blog). The stems are chains of green scrap yarn. The leaves are from a pattern I made that I am sharing today. The rest is a bit of a mish-mosh and too much glue but I think the hubby will like it anyway. He's sort of mushy that way. Perfectly imperfect, just like me.
  Oh yeah, the Leaf Pattern.

The pattern is written in US terms, the stitches as follows ::

sl st : insert hook, yarn over, pull the loop back through the stitch, then through the loop on your hook.

sc (single crochet) : insert hook, yarn over, pull the loop back through the stitch (two loops on hook), yarn over and pull through both loops on hook.

hdc(half double) : yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull the loop back through the stitch (three loops on hook), yarn over and pull through all three loops on hook.

dc (double crochet) : yarn over , insert hook, yarn over, pull the loop back through the stitch (three loops on hook), yarn over and pull through two loops on hook (two loops left on hook), yarn over and pull through remaining two loops.  

Crochet Leaf Pattern 

Size F crochet hook 

scrap of green yarn approximately 2 feet long 

Chain 6. Sl st in the 1st chain. then 1 sc, 2 hdc, 1 sl st. Do not turn. On the other side of the leaf, 1 sl st, 2 hdc, 1 sc, 1 sl st. 

That's it. Pretty quick and it doesn't use a lot of yarn. The hook size is variable depending on the yarn scraps available. 

BTW, the pattern is available to use how you wish, just give me credit when you do. A little gift from Eileen at GoofingOff. 

Post by Eileen at GoofingOff Sewing

Vintage Fun: Lefton Mugs, Federal Moon Glow Cups, and Audrey Hepburn



A few things from Miss Eileen's Vintage shop.

Vintage Playbill, Ondine with Audrey Hepburn and Mel Ferrer



Lefton Chicken Mugs

Federal Iridescent Moon Glow Coffee Cups 

Tin Can Creations

Some time ago I posted a tutorial to make tin can flowers. Well, today I found a few other uses for tin cans (other than the recycle bin).
These creations are from Quilts and Art by Cheryl Check out her blog. She has some great ideas over there. If you do, be sure to tell her I sent you.   

                                        This caterpillar is adorable!

These creations are from Quilts and Art by Cheryl 
Check out her blog. She has some great ideas over there. If you do, be sure to tell her I sent you.
Post by Miss Eileen aka GoofingOff
MissEileen vintage
Goofingoff Etsy Judaic fabrics, sewing patterns
GoofingOff Artfire Sewing patterns, plus size patterns
Metal Woods N Water unusual stuff and metal work

Flower Power Handbag

This gorgeous shoulder bag finally found a home. Yup, I sold it. About broke my heart, too. All leather, just like the one I used to carry when I was in nursing school. That was me with my long hair, hiking boots, and shoulder bag heading to school. Just a little bit hippie (OK, more than a little bit but I didn’t move to a commune). Totally rocked the 70’s. May the new owner have many years of happiness. It was fun just to hold it a little while.

I guess that’s why I like vintage. Some vintage brings back good memories and feelings. Leaves you feeling warm and fuzzy all over. Like a glass of wine without pieces of cork floating on top.

Miss Eileen’s Etsy Picks 2.10.12

It was a hundred years ago (give or take a decade or three),  that the Mr. asked me to marry him (feels like that sometimes). Two days before Valentine’s Day he surprised me with a ring from a Cracker Jack box and told me to close my eyes while he put it on my finger. I was laughing so hard that I didn’t noticed he switched the ring and placed a diamond ring on me instead. I still have the Cracker Jack ring and still laugh about it. Don’t wear it, though…..  Anyway, Valentine’s is approaching and this is the time for romance. It is also the time for the wedding plans to begin. A wedding is so much more than the dress. It is the details, the little things, that make a wedding special. Here’s some ideas for weddings from the wonderful artists at Etsy.

BTW, there are lots of fantastic artists at Etsy however I try to find new and overlooked artists who just need a little more exposure because their work is fantastique (didn’t know I could speak French? Me, either, lol). So take a look at what I found. I think you’ll be seeing these artists again in the future, maybe on the front page.

A touch of handmade elegance to cinch the waist. Beautiful!                       Crocheted Flower Wedding Dress Belt by Sapti

These little guys are so cute!                   Black and White Birds Wedding Cake Topper by Indigo Twin Weddings

 

Here’s an alternative to the traditional pillow for the ring bearer to carry, a custom made plate to carry the rings. Later, the plate can be used or displayed. It’s lovely!                        Porcelain Engagement or Wedding Ring Bowl by Sumiko2

                          Wedding Mailbox Card Holder by One Hip Sticker Chick

 

For those of us who love the country, or rustic look, check out this ring pillow. Fabulous!                           Woodland Burlap Ring Pillow by Glowing Girl

Beach weddings are so popular, especially down here in FL. This candle would fit right in.

                      Beach Wedding Starfish Candle Vase by Pink Pelican Designs

Finding new and original ways to number the tables is always a challenge. Here’s a wonderful way using wine bottles from Homes and Weddings.

           Wine Bottle Number Holder by Homes and Weddings

 

And, last but not least, a sign to make sure the guests find the right place.

                                   Wedding Sign by Splendid Events

 

Well, that’s some of the things I’ve found on Etsy this week. These eight are wonderful and would make a wedding all that much more special. Do you have a favorite amongst the eight? Vote!

Post by Eileen aka GoofingOff

MissEileen vintage

Goofingoff Etsy Judaic fabrics, sewing patterns

GoofingOff Artfire Sewing patterns, plus size patterns

Metal Woods N Water unusual stuff and  metal work

Pardon the Drywall Dust

I once heard on the radio that owning a house can be a burden as well as a blessing. House ownership is a wonderful thing. For most people, it is the most valuable thing they own. It is the roof over their head, the safe haven they go to for refuge, the place they go to when all is crazy in the world that they can have some control over (at least that is the plan). Home ownership is the American Dream. The ultimate is building one yourself (or at least having one built for you). Then reality sets in, otherwise known as the Burden.

I live in a house built about 20 years ago. Houses, like people, need upkeep. Think paint, floors, walls, you know, EVERYTHING. I am living among drywall dust right now. Did I know the drywall seams along the ceiling were cracking? Yup. That’s why I hired someone to fix it. Did I know the drywall wasn’t screwed down like it was supposed to be? Well….no. Am I surprised? Not really. Can we just fix it right and not go on about it? What color do you want to paint? Paint? Can we finish the drywall first?

That’s how the conversations, and my week has been going. Dusty. Messy. All the furniture sitting in the middle of the poor house (my poor house!!) covered with drop cloths. Piles of stuff in every room for me to bounce off of in the dark like a pinball in an arcade game. The disorder makes me want to wear blinders like a draft horse pulling a cart. Ugh!

I’m skipping Miss Eileen’s Picks this week. Will start again next week….once the dust settles.

Oh, BTW, Congrats to WearTheyAreNow, the winner of last week’s picks and their beautiful red and blue brocade dress.

Post by Eileen aka GoofingOff

MissEileen vintage

Goofingoff Etsy Judaic fabrics, sewing patterns

GoofingOff Artfire Sewing patterns, plus size patterns

Metal Woods N Water unusual stuff and  metal work

Miss Eileen’s Etsy Picks: Red for Women’s Heart Health 1.27.12

Roses are red, violets are blue, red is for Valentine’s, and Women’s Heart Health, too!

Didn’t know I was a poet? Me either, but I am a nurse and women’s health is important. Very important. Did you know that heart disease is the number one killer of women? Yup, it is. It is important to be heart smart, especially as we age. As we age the risk of being afflicted with heart disease rises dramatically. Eating healthy, exercising, watching your weight can reduce that risk (makes you look good in those jeans you were checking out, too). During the month of February, wear something red on Fridays to support Women’s heart health. Learn about the signs of heart attacks and strokes because they don’t only happen to men. Be heart smart.

Here’s some wonderful red ideas from Etsy to show support for women’s heart health.

                          Valentine Red Heart Enamel Earrings by Jechory Designs

    Red Chunky Loop Scarf by MoonSun

       Red & White Polka Dot Leather Heels size 7 1/2 leather by MelsVanity

  Valentine Crochet Rose Bib Necklace by Paleodeux

Vintage Leather 70's Bright Red Little Bag by Cvetinka

  Vintage 1950s Red & Blue Brocade Full Circle Dress by Wear Are They Now

  Crochet Flower Scarf by Knitting Fashion

 Big Red Cuff Turquoise Magnesite Red Riverstone Cuff Bracelet by Ropes of Pearls

Well, those are my picks. What do you think? Beautiful ways to show support for women’s heart health. The poll is up for voting. Winner gets an interview. Good luck to all.

To learn more about the signs of heart attacks and strokes, click HERE.

Post by Eileen aka GoofingOff

MissEileen vintage

Goofingoff Etsy Judaic fabrics, sewing patterns

GoofingOff Artfire Sewing patterns, plus size patterns

Metal Woods N Water unusual stuff and  metal work

A Tree Grows on Etsy…Miss Eileen’s Etsy Picks 1.20.12

 

While most of the north shivers from the cold, this is the right time to plant trees in the south. Check out these trees on Etsy!

                          Wooden Cupcake Tree by Joshua Butler

                       Welded Metal Tree Sculpture by Stevens Garage

                     Handmade Wooden Cabinet with Carved Oak Tree Doors by Honeys Treasures

                               Elm Leaf Mobile from Reclaimed Amber Beer Bottle Glass by Western Art Glass

                  Tree Branch Candle Holders by Worleys

          Aquamarine and Sterling Silver Tree of Life Pendant by Evolutionary Beauty

 

             Wire Tree of Life Spirit Sculpture by Crows Feathers

                               Nature Photography Tree Rings Black and White 11x14 Fine Art Photograph

Aren’t these wonderful trees? Voting starts now.

Post by Eileen aka GoofingOff

MissEileen vintage

Goofingoff Etsy Judaic fabrics, sewing patterns

GoofingOff Artfire Sewing patterns, plus size patterns

Metal Woods N Water unusual stuff and  metal work

Wreath Inc Gifting on Etsy: The Winner of Miss Eileen’s Etsy Picks December 11, 2011

The winner of Miss Eileen’s Etsy Picks December 11 was WreathIncGifting and her beautiful White Yarn Wrapped Wreath with Plum, Cranberry and Cream Felt Flowers. Here is her interview:

White Yarn Wrapped Wreath with Plum, Cranberry, and cream felt flowers

Tell us a bit about yourself (name, location, affiliations, personal stuff)
My name is Andretta Ross and I live in Groton, Connecticut. My husband and I are high school sweethearts. We have a 5 month old son, Parker, who keeps us laughing every day. I can't leave out our sweet Siberian Husky, Nanook, who loves long walks and even longer naps!

                      Large Vintage Button Magnets 
What are your favorite materials?
My absolute favorite materials are vintage buttons. I love everything about them - their uniqueness, wondering where their lives have taken them, and most importantly: the way they smell! It reminds me of my Nana. I have a collection of probably thousands of buttons that I continue to gather from everywhere I can (despite my husband's often but loving reminders that I have enough). I love them so much that I sometimes hate using them for my crafts! Thousands of buttons, and all I want to do is look at them! I also love working with yarn and felt.

Cloth Wreath with Book Page and Felt Flowers

What is your favorite color combination?
I am currently in love with the combination of a cranberry red, deep plum purple, and a warm cream - the colors on the wreath that was shown! They are wonderful winter colors without screaming snowflakes and Christmas.

What is the first thing you can remember making by hand? How and why did you make it?
My grandmother taught me how to crochet when I was probably around seven years old. I kept myself busy for hours. The only problem was that she never taught me how to start a second row! I must have made a twenty foot chain!

Felt Flower Headband with Vintage Button Center

What inspires you?

I am inspired by people's reactions to the work I create. I love the look on their face when I tell them that I made it myself. That is the look that makes me want to surprise others the same way.

Where do your ideas come from?
I find myself often saying,"I could make that." Whether I am at a store or at a friend's house, I love to look at decorations and think of what I would change about it to make it perfect for me, and then I start from scratch and do it myself.

What are your greatest challenges? How do you overcome them?
My greatest challenge is that I have a son who only takes twenty minute naps. He has always been a power napper, which turns out to be tricky when you have three wreaths you need to ship out the next day!

White Yarn Wreath with Blue Felt Flowers and Buttons

Who is, or was, your greatest inspiration?
My mother and my grandmother have always been my greatest inspiration. If I were stuck on a deserted island I would want them there with me. They could survive any situation and could make by hand everything they would ever need.

     Pair of Vintage Button Stud Earrings
What is your favorite thing to do with your creativity?
I love gift giving with things that I have made myself. I love thinking of the perfect gift to make for someone and I love how they always know that I spent the time to make it just for them! I think that a handmade gift is so much more special than a store bought gift - no matter the price.

               Red Yarn Wrapped Wreath with Cream Felt Flowers and Cranberry Accents

Why should people buy handmade? Any tips of wisdom on selling handmade items?
People should buy handmade because they are always getting a one of a kind product. Even if two people buy the same wreath from me, each flower is rolled and cut differently. There will never be two that are the same. Also, handmade means that so much love, thought, and time went into creating it - and what is more wonderful than that? Selling handmade items can be trickier than you think. Just because you love something doesn't mean that someone else will, and that hurts when you just put so much time into creating it. You have to be ready for a couple of the downsides to selling handmade. There will always be someone who thinks your product is ugly, you will probably leave at least one craft fair having sold absolutely nothing, and there will ALWAYS be someone who thinks that what you made is overpriced. Don't be discouraged!

                     Large Felt Flower Pin with vintage button center

    What have been the most valuable lessons learned from other artists?
The most important thing I have learned is to never sell something you are not proud of. Once, I made a wreath that didn't come out as beautiful as it was supposed to be. The buyer needed a rush delivery so I was just going to send it out the next day and hope that they still loved it. I ended up tossing and turning all night at the thought of sending someone a product that I did not love myself. The next morning I was waiting at the door of the craft store when they opened and I got what I needed to fix the wreath. That day I shipped off a wreath that I loved and I know I will do that for every order ever placed from now on. With a 5 month old I can't afford to be tossing and turning all night!!

               Purple and White Yarn Wreath with felt flower 
Apart from creating things, what do you do?
I am a stay at home mom to baby Parker. We spend our days playing and taking trips to the craft store!

What are the Web addresses for your work?
www.etsy.com/wreathincgifting

Are you offering my readers any specials?
Readers can use Coupon Code: Goofingoff and receive 20% off of their entire order!
Thank you again so much!
-Andretta

Andretta’s wreaths are truly amazing. Check out her shop and don’t forget to use the coupon code.  Happy Holidays, Y’all!

Post by Eileen aka GoofingOff

MissEileen vintage

Goofingoff Etsy Judaic fabrics, sewing patterns

GoofingOff Artfire Sewing patterns, plus sizes

Metal Woods N Water unusual stuff and  metal work

Miss Eileen’s Etsy Picks 12.16.11 It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

 

Well, we are officially getting down to the wire. Less than 10 days until Christmas. Get all your shopping done? Me neither. Let’s see what wonderful items are available from the wonderful Etsy shops for ideas. There’s still a few days left. The items featured are US only (sorry) and ready to ship. After all, there’s less than 10 days left (my hair just curled at the thought).

  Little Teapot Short and Stout with Cups by Agru   As a tea drinker, I find something soothing and magical about tea brewed in a teapot. The warmth and aroma give me a good feeling that is almost indescribable. This is a beautiful set that would be loved and appreciated for years to come.

3 robot crayons - in cello bag tied with Posh Paper Creations Robots and crayons, that’s a perfect pair! All you need is a coloring book or sketch pad.

  Retro Apples n Pears Child Apron by SweetApronzNCupcakes

The little one who loves to be in the kitchen needs an apron of her own.

         Kindle Case by Brit Gall Designs Dramatic colors and design while protecting the Kindle.

    Celestial Wand Stained Glass Kaleidoscope by Hank Barnes 1234 Kaleidoscopes are so magical and always impress the receiver. A wonderful gift!

 

                     Ceramic Soap Dish with Handcrafted  Rosemary and Mint Soap by Cindys Suds The soap dish makes this soap so special, just right for gifting. Lovely stocking stuffer.

  Two Shoji Candle Lanterns by Earth Steps Great hostess gift or something special for the candle person in your life.

  Mini Air Plant in Gift Box by Plantology I love plants. These are so sweet, perfect to send to the plant lover or put in a stocking.

Well, those are my picks. What do you think? Which one, or ones give as a gift? Voting starts right away and winner gets interviewed.

MissEileen vintage

Goofingoff Etsy Judaic fabrics, sewing patterns

GoofingOff Artfire Sewing patterns, plus sizes

Metal Woods N Water unusual stuff and  metal work