Saturday, November 29, 2008

A Very Crafty Christmas

Starting Monday December 1st, I will feature some great artist and shops that will help you have a Very Crafty Christmas. Help support artist this Christmas by buying handmade.

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Happy Thanksgiving

Hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving. I had a crafty Thanksgiving, afterall all the cooking was done, I made these little guys. I found them on www.Macula.tv , they are so cute and my son had a blast playing with them. Now to get started on the Christmas set :)

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Tutorial- Embroidery Hoop Artwork


I've been fixing up my office, and trying to find artwork to put up on the walls. As I was cleaning I found a few embroidery hoops that were sitting in a box forever. I remembered seeing them turned into frames for fabric scraps. Since I have a ton of fabric laying around also, I thought Perfect! I have my artwork.

This project is very simple, and quick. It is also inexpensive, and would make a great Christmas gift.

Supplies:
1 embroidery hoop ( large enough for your fabric image)
craft paint ( any color)
paint brush
scrap fabric (larger than embroidery hoop)
scissors

1.Collect supplies.

2. Paint outer embroidery hoop.

3. Let hoop dry.

4. Lay fabric over inner hoop. Center as desired.

5. Place outer hoop on top of fabric. Push down, and pull fabric until it is tight. Tighten screw as much as possible.

6. Cut excess fabric from back.

7. Hang on wall. Make more, all different sizes for a really cool wall decoration.
You can also embellish the fabric for a really unique look.


Now I'm off to make more to cover the whole blank wall behind me. Well maybe not the whole wall but a good portion of it.

Not feeling crafty but like this project check out www.cutoutandcollect.etsy.com for artwork similar to this.

More cool art work like this:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_8&listing_id=17653814
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_4&listing_id=16814212
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_9&listing_id=16651398
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_8&listing_id=17162631

Monday, November 24, 2008

I Survived Jingle Bash 08



After a lot of drama, we made it to the show! The first ever Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash was GREAT! While I was upstairs setting up my booth, people were lining up out the door downstairs ready to shop and have fun. The Etsy Dallas leadership group did a fantastic job putting the show together. Business was great but even better than business was the entertainment. Live music by Nathan Jones, DJ Jappy X, and rockin karaoke by Mc Bammer. I can't wait til the next Etsy Dallas event.

I've decided to take this week to feature some of the awesome artist that were at Jingle Bash. Stay tuned.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Catching Up


I'm still trying to catch up on some work so I haven't had time to put together a tutorial for the week. I thought instead I would let you into on my life a little. I've seen this list on a few blogs recently and thought it looked kind of fun. If you would like to play along copy the list, paste it to your blog/ email and bold the items you've done in your life. Here are mine:


1. Started your own blog

2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band (middle school)
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables (beans in 1st grade)
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset

31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied (oh to be a teenager again)
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelos David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Rode a Horse
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone (fractured my ankle)
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican

82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby (2) 95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

The Countdown Continues


Only 3 Days until the 1st ever Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash. Today I'm working on a few last minute projects, baby pants, tomorrow I will be pricing. Hopefully Friday I will have everything ready to put together my booth here at home so I can take photos and have a reference for setting up on Saturday.
Don't forget to stop by and check out all the awesome crafters.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Groovy Guitars

I've been looking everywhere for this fabric, and finally found it on Etsy today. I absolutely love everything dealing with guitars, they've been an obsession of mine since I was young. I saw this fabric a while ago and when I went back to buy it, it was gone. I'm so excited to to find it again. I'm not sure what I'll do with it yet, maybe make a couple of little dresses, or a handbag for myself. Or even better a guitar strap!!!!!!!!! Oh the possibilities. I should probably clean out my current stack of fabric before I order more though, but what fun would that be.

Monday, November 17, 2008

2:30pm ...


and I've done nothing. Well not exactly nothing, but it seems like nothing. I've ordered blank shirts, belt supplies, played XBOX Lego Batman (with my son) and answered emails. I still have shirts to print, dresses to sew, pants to sew, and tutus to make. They day has gone by so fast. Now maybe if I get my little one down for a nap I can start on the tutus. Or maybe if both boys fall asleep I can play Lego Batman again. :)

Clock show above is made by AndFuthermore, on etsy andfurthermore.etsy.com. Check out this shop for more cool clocks.

Back to Work

After a weekend in sick in bed it's time to get back to work. I have an order for 13 tutu sets. Usually making so many starts to feel tedious but luckly tonight my favorite tv shows are on. So I'm going to sit in front of the tv and make tutu after tutu.
I feel so behind on work. This weekend is the EtsyDallas Jingle Bash. I have a couple of projects to finish before the show. I'm hoping to get them done by Friday night. If not Saturday morning before the show.
I'm super excited about Jingle Bash, my sister will be babysitting , so my husband and I will get to spend some grown up time together at the show. It should be a nice almost date, since there will be live music. If you get a chance come on out and say hello.

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Fall Frame by the Craft Chica

I'm still feeling a bit under the weather but I wanted to share this cute fall frame. It would make a great decoration for the Thanksgiving table. You can find the instructions for this frame on my FAVORITE site CraftyChica.com.
I've been a fan off Crafty Chica for a few years now, and like to take every chance I get to introduce new people to her and her crafts. I was so excited to learn that she now has her own line of craft supplies available at Michaels. I wish I could buy all her products, but I just don't have the time or money. Take some time out of your day and visit her site for some really unique project ideas.

Friday, November 14, 2008

Happy Hour


Our very first Happy Hour featured artist is Alicia of LaAlicia.etsy.com. I met Alicia at the EstyDallas Beer B Que early this year. I was lucky enough to have a booth next to hers and get to see all her wonderful work up close. Alicia was nice enough to be my first artist/ interview. She is also the geniuos behind my blog name.


> How long have you been crafting?
As long as I can remember. Even as a child, I loved to fold paper,
making things and playing in my grandma's button box.

> What inspires your art?
Giving something a new purpose or a second life makes me happy. Seeing
the possibilities in raw materials is always inspiring.

> What are your favorite methods/ materials to use in your artwork?
I absolutely love buttons, paper, and cigar boxes. My fave method is
to learn new techniques from other artists.

> What sets you apart from other artist?
I have a tendency to see creative uses for everyday things and love to
throw a new twist on a common technique.


Today's drink recipe is one of my favorites, Strawberry Margarita.

INGREDIENTS

  • 6 fluid ounces tequila
  • 2 fluid ounces triple sec
  • 8 ounces frozen strawberries
  • 4 fluid ounces frozen limeade concentrate
  • 6 cups ice

DIRECTIONS

  1. Place ice in a blender and crush for 15 to 20 seconds. Add frozen strawberries, tequila, triple sec, and limeade. Blend until smooth.

Now make your self a drink, unwind and check out LaAlicia on Etsy. Don't forget to stop by her booth at the EtsyDallas Jingle Bash.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Office Plans

I've been sick all day, but yesterday I managed to draw up some plans for my office. I really need to spruce it up a bit and organize. This is what I came up with.



Tomorrow is happy hour! Check back for a drink recipe and a featured artist.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Tutorial- Domino Necklace


I've been seeing these necklaces all over the place, on Etsy, at craft shows, so I've decided to make a few myself. They are great gifts for friends and family. You can really personalize them any way you want. I thought I would make a nice Christmas necklace for my sons teacher.
*This is the first tutorial I write so I'm not sure if I'm going overboard with the pictures. I'm a very visual person, so I love tutorials with lots of step by step photos.


Supplies:
Mod Podge glue
Domino
E6000 glue
glitter glue
jewel glue
ribbon
scissors
paint brush
rhinestones
pliers
ribbon clasp
spacer bead
small charm
pen
scrapbook paper/ magazine / photo ( any will work)

1. Gather supplies.

2. Trace domino on paper.

3. Cut out domino shape.

4. Use Mod Podge to glue paper to blank side of domino. Seal top of paper with Mod Podge.

5. Add a layer of glitter glue. (optional)

6. Use E6000 to glue charm on to domino.

7. Use E6000 to glue spacer bead to the top of the domino.

8. Use jewel glue to add on rhinestones.

9. Measure 18"-20" of ribbon. Cut and add ribbon clasp using pliers.


10. Allow domino to dry then string the ribbon through the spacer bead. Now your necklace is done. Package it up and you have a nice little gift.




Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash - 11 days away



Make sure you check out the 1st ever Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash. So many great artist will be there its the perfect opportunity to find that special Christmas gifts you've been looking for. Stop by my XY Factory booth and say hello maybe even pick up a gift for the baby in your life.

Monday, November 10, 2008

Warm up the Glue Guns




Welcome to Crafty Hangover. As a confessed craftaholic, I love all things crafty (well most things crafty). I'm addicted to craft blogs, I love learning new crafts, and I love to see what other crafty people are making. Crafty Hangover is here to bring you some of my favorite projects. Check with us daily for tutorials, interviews with artist, my own personal projects and so much more. Friday's are Happy Hour, where you will get to enjoy a tasty cocktail recipe to unwind the week and some awesome finds from my favorite etsy shops.

Welcome sign by : madeforfun.etsy.com, check out Made for Fun's etsy shop for some wonderfully crafty items.