30 in 30: Wrap It Up!

So despite a minor snafu towards the end I think I was pretty successful with my September quest.  I actually got a lot of wish list projects started, finished some that were outstanding and really enjoyed looking back through past projects.  I also think this month has helped me get a little smarter with planning things out and using my craft time more wisely.  In looking through my stash (I only really shared a fraction of it) I also learned that I might need to set a budget for myself and start to buy only the things I need.  During this process I was able to put together a box of supplies for donation; full of things that I know I will realistically never do but will bring someone else a lot of joy.

Now my goal for better photography is still a work in progress.  I need to spend a little more time getting to know my camera and maybe spend a little time reading up on photography in general.  I also tend to take a lot of my pictures at night, now that fall has arrived that means after the sun is gone so I need to get better at working during the daylight.

What stood out the most for me was that the things I was most excited to share with you were things that people had made just for me. I was second most excited about things I was making for others.  I have so many things started that I intend to keep for myself (especially now that I have moved and need to redecorate) but those didn’t jump to the front of my mental line when I was trying to think of what to share. 

While this was a fun experiment it was really stressful, posting everyday was a struggle and sometimes I felt like I was posting just to meet the goal.  I know I shouldn't have because really if I don't put my heart into writing it why would anyone want to read it... but in the end I am happy with what I shared and what I was able to get planned with this month's help.  I know this is something I won’t repeat anytime soon but it was a great learning experience.

What made this September special for you?

As always, thanks for stopping in and taking the time to visit my little corner of the web!

~Leah

30 in 30: Ornamentation

I am not always the biggest fan of glitter but I love sequins!

When I give Christmas gifts I like to give something handmade to go along with it even if I am giving a gift card or something store bought.  I remember making these when I was little for school although I am pretty sure all we did was glue the crap out of these little suckers.  A few years ago I reached into the past and made these sequined ornaments.  With Christmas just around the corner I have started to make a few more.  This time these ones will be for my tree!

Sequins are really hard to photo! Reflecting and sparkling all over the place!

My tree is a little non-traditional, a lot of my ornaments are either flamingo themed, have feathers or aren’t “Christmasie” and are purple and pink or blue and line green.  Since sequins come in the big multi-colored packages I ran with the multi- colored theme and then turned out some traditional red and greens as well.  I used shorter length, flat head pins, basic Styrofoam balls and a little bit of white all purpose glue (dollar store version of Elmer’s) just for added security.  

These are pretty time consuming but what can I say, I love a tree with a little bling!

Rumor has it that Christmas is less than 90 days away!

Eeek!

~Leah 

30 in 30: Crafy Namaste

I love when things I consider important to me overlap.  

As I mentioned not to long ago my motto is ‘Good Health is Self Love’ so I spend a lot of time working to be healthy and happy.  I do what I can to eliminate the abundance of stress I face in my 8-5 life by spending time at home and at the gym doing things like yoga. 

I spent a lot of time using a second hand mat (thank you to my very generous friends!) until I decided that yoga was something I wanted to do more often.  When I bought my own mat I decided that it needed a sassy spot to live in while not in use but I didn’t really like any of the bags or straps I saw in stores.  I had this awesome fabric from Ikea that I never had any idea what to do with but it was decorator weight so I knew I wouldn’t be able to quilt with it.  This is really the only thing I have sewn on my own that wasn’t from a pattern or tutorial.  

I used my Ikea fabric and some pink cotton I had left over from another project and I
made fabric covered buttons for the first time ever!

The pocket zips and is the perfect size for a small wallet, extra hair elastics, keys and chapstick.
I'm not the best planner but my hair elastic closures worked great in a pinch!

Don't mind the rouge chapstick, he rolled into the picture and my battery was dying.
I was far too lazy to take another picture!

It took a lot of trial and error and it isn’t perfect but I love my mat carrier. 

~Namaste

30 in 30: Who’s the Cutest Ever Gadget Cover…

Ok so about a week ago I got a book delivery that I had forgotten I ordered.  The book I really wanted was Aneela Hoey’s Little Stitches (I may be mildly obsessed with her at the moment) and the second book I had just added in because it had an owl on the cover.  All kidding aside I had seen a few write ups about the book and thought it might be right up my alley.  It was in fact one of the owl projects that jumped out at me first, I am full fledged on the owl bandwagon by the way!

I decided to make this little cover for my new phone (I finally upgraded from the 3 to the 4s just in time for the iPhone 5 to come out… sigh always a step behind!) just so it had a little home.  I used the templates from Happy Stitch and just added an extra pocket on the back (a suggestion in the sidebar) for my headphones.  

                         

 

I wanted something for fall so I used up some of my wool stash and part of an old scarf I had and lined it with basic muslin that I had lying around.  It took about 2 hours from start to finish and I am super pleased with how he turned out.

                    

How cute is he?!?!?!

~Leah

30 in 30: Way Back When

As kind of a fun item I wanted to share with all of you the first thing I ever sewed all by myself using a sewing machine.  I was very proud of it at the time and it just shows how far you can come with practice and if you stick with it.  I still prefer to hand-sew over my machine but I am not nearly as afraid of my machine as I used to be. 

I don't remember why I made it but I remember not allowing my mom to help me with it. 

 I still love the little heart buttons! And check out my zig-zag stitchin' skills!! hahaha!

Its funny, I have no reason to keep it, will never use it again but I just can't bring myself to throw it away!

Where did it all begin for you way back when?

~Leah 

30 in 30: Something New to Use...

I will openly admit that I am not the most tech savvy person, I still have issues with my point and shoot camera, but more and more I find myself finding new projects and idea through various technologies.  I am an apple girl so I recently got myself an iPad, mostly because my 10 year old MacBook is starting to show signs of its age, and I have found all kinds of new Apps that are awesome for the creative side of me. 

First up are the Point de Croix series. These cross stitch apps are mostly free and contain all kinds of designs both big and small.  I have only stitched up some of the smaller designs but these mermaids are next.  All of the keys reference DMC colors and there is a great 9 page spread with al kinds of tips for new stitchers.

Next up is XFloss, this one is so clutch to me.  It takes a while to get it ready to use but once you do it is awesome.  Take the time to enter in all of your threads and the number of skeins you have of each and no matter where you go you will always know whats in your stash.  It crosses over to your iPhone as well so its super mobile. 

And how can I leave out my girl Martha. Love her or hate her the woman can rock a craft tutorial like no other!  The Martha Stewart CraftStudio is a neat little tool that allows you to make cards that you can email, post to Facebook/twitter, store as a photo or upload to Snapfish to either incorporate into a photo project or print out just as is.  Its a great way to make fun wallpapers!

Last up are my scrap pad apps.  I only have the trial versions but I have about 12 of them.  Some were free others were $0.99 or right around there (again me being cheap comes into play!) and I have a lot of fun with them.  Another way to make fun wallpapers and photo collages this apps is just like scrapping with paper.  Its just a lot easier to email!

Don't mind the pictures of me.  This was a project my trainer had me complete when I hit a plateau, the before made me cry and the after made me so proud (Good Health is Self Love is my motto by the way). I kept it simple but the program has all kinds of embellishments.

I stumbled on these guys while just randomly browsing around.  Some I found on my own, others were recommended from various places.  In the case with all of them I have them listed not because I am affiliated with them but just because I really like to use them.  I always wonder when I see people glued to their tablets and smart phones exactly what they are looking at and in my case its probable one of the above. 

I love that traditional, time honored crafts have been able to stay viable in a tech-heavy world!

What are some of your favorite tools?

~Leah 

30 in 30: Something Spooky This Way Comes…

Halloween is such a fun holiday for me. 

 I live in a neighborhood with lots of little ones so there are trick-or-treaters a’plenty.  

I grabbed some floss from a little kit I got, squared off some scrap aida and dug out some free Halloween motifs.  

I haven't decided what I will turn them into yet, probably some kind of pillow or placement...

Just a few little projects to get me in the holiday spirit. 

~Leah 

30 in 30: Prep Work

I love that moment just before you start a project, the one where you have all the materials fresh and in front of you ready to go.  The gathering and sourcing is all done and the project is ready to go! 

I finished the biscornu I started in late July and have started a second one, another Christmas gift in the making! I love that floss comes in so many colors but I hate that floss comes in so many colors! Now that I have them picked I started stitching and I will keep working on it during my lunch hour.  

I also got myself all set up for another project, this one will be a gift for my brother and his wife to celebrate their wedding.  They got married back in June and the original design I chose for them I hated once I got about half way through it.  I got them a substitute gift at the time but I really want to give them something special for their home.  

 I plan to start this one this coming weekend.

What's on deck for you?

~Leah 

Little Disclaimer on this one~ I just now realized that this didn't post as I thought I had scheduled it to yesterday morning so this is actually what should have appeared on 9/23... Boo! Ruined my streak!

30 in 30: That Warm Fuzzy Feeling

I am a huge texture person; the feel of something makes a huge difference to me.  It’s why I always seek a fabric out in person before ordering it online and why I am super picky about my wools and felts.  Nothing ruins a project faster than low quality materials. 

Most of my wools I picked up at my favorite quilt shops or at quilt shows and my felts I bought online after requesting sample pieces.  I love that certain online shops will do that now, easiest way to make me a customer for life.  I love the rich deep colors and the mix of textures; they just feel good in my hands.  I love how easily it works up and how many different things you can do with it.  My stash is running a little low but I’m sure I can take care of that pretty quickly!

What is the best part of your stash?
~Leah

30 in 30: Unexpected Surprises

Don't you just love it when you forget that you ordered something and then when you get home there is a little package on your porch. Surprise!!!

That was my day today :) 

These little beauties arrived for me today, can't wait to use them!

It's the little things sometimes, I swear.

~Leah 

30 in 30: Friends You Make Along the Way

Simply because of how I spend most of my day I like to fill my craft room with things that make me smile.  Pepe and Petunia are two of those things.  

Pepe the Pepper Shaker followed me home from Mexico! I used him as a glitter holder/shaker for a while but now he just sits contently on a shelf and holds the occasional pin.  

Petunia the Pincushion is a friend I literally made along the way, she is actually the only reason why I bought the book her pattern was in.  I was flipping through, saw her and stopped flipping and headed to check out! (I discovered once I was home that the book had a bunch of other cutie patootie patterns as well.)  I love her little face and her pretty little flower.  Even though she is a pincushion I can’t bring myself to poke her!

I love to surround myself with little things that make me happy. 

~Leah 

30 in 30: Before Pinterest Came Along

Tabs, stickies and bookmarks have no fear! Pinterest can never truly replace you.

I love me some pinterest, don’t get me wrong, but I love being able to flip through the pages of a book all snuggled up on a cool day.  I often look at my bookshelf and wonder how I am ever going to work through all the projects I have marked in my books; especially when I keep getting new books and marking more projects! Half of my books I bought because I liked one specific project and others I liked just about everything; some I bought just because I liked the colors or styling.  I love being able to pull a chunk off the shelf when I feel like I am spinning my wheels and need a pick me up. 

Where do you find your inspiration?

~Leah   

30 in 30: Stitched Love

I wish the pictures did this more justice!  

Today I wanted to share with you two of the beautiful cross stitch pictures my grandmother has gifted me over the years.  The first is a pattern called Jenny (I don’t know the maker) that she stitched up for me when I was very, very little.  I don’t actually remember her giving it to me I just know that I have always had it.  

I love her sweet little face. 

The second is a pattern called The Angel of Summer (I believe this one is a Lavender and Lace pattern) and she gave it to me and my mom as a joint gift one year for our birthdays.  We are both August babies so summer time is our season. 

I love how delicate it looks.

These two gifts are even more special now that my grandmother has trouble stitching.  Every little detail in each of these is perfect right down to the little baby seed beads.  My fingers get tired just looking at them!

I hope you have something you cherish!

~Leah 

30 in 30: Where Gifts Begin

A little while ago I think I shared the fact that a schlepped half way across the country to go to the annual Vera Bradley Outlet Sale extravaganza.  One of the things I picked up while I was out there I am finally ready to turn into the gift that they were intended for.  These will be going to my friend and fellow Vera lover, the only person I know (other than myself) that was crazy enough to make this trip! Who knew a paper napkin could make something so pretty!

I love making these, I have sets all around my house, they are so quick and easy and really, really inexpensive.  All you need is some craft or decoupage glue, lightweight paper of your choice and small votive jars (I just get the cheapies from my local craft store but try and find the cylinder ones that don't taper at all).  

It’s as simple as measuring the paper and cutting it down to size, covering the votive holder with glue, placing the paper carefully, covering with a second layer of glue and letting them cure.  If I think they need it sometimes I double back with a third coat of the glue but usually not.  

They light up so pretty when lit and even look nice just sitting on a shelf. 

I love how the light comes right through the paper. 

Any fun gifts planned for anyone on your list?

~Leah 

30 in 30: Sunday Style

Two things about me. One, I love Sundays and two, I love football.  Now that fall is here if you are ever looking for me on a Sunday you can bet money I can be found on my couch for most of the day and today was no exception.  Although not such a good day football wise (my Patriots just couldn't pull out a W today) it was a great day craft wise.  I got some much needed work done on some works in progress, made up my kits for some upcoming projects and even finished a project I completely forgot I had.  

As I have said before I love me a good sale.  A while back when all of the Border's Bookstores were closing in my area I spend many an hour watching the markdowns on things get larger and larger.  This  kit for a stitched journal was one of the things I picked up once the price got super low.  Its how I spent my afternoon.  I find I yell at the TV less when my hands are busy :)

The kit came with the floss, the needles, a stitch guide, and a sticky label for covering the back of the stitches plus it doubles as a cute storage box.

I decided to keep it simple and just use two colors and L for Leah :)

I hope you Sunday was a good one!

~Leah   

30 in 30: Half Way Home!

I can’t believe September is half over! 

I guess now would be a great time to tell you that while all of this is happening I moved (!) so keeping up with my projects and my posting has been a crazy challenge.  Trying to craft out of boxes instead of my nice homey craft room has been a little frustrating.  I am almost unpacked and back to normal though. 

I’m pretty proud of making it this far and being able to keep going.  I was a little worried when I started this because I wasn’t sure if I had enough to share and I didn’t know how 30 posts would come off. This is definitely a challenge for me.  I have to admit I am having fun looking at past completed projects, working on new ones and thinking ahead to future ones plus getting to revel in my stash is always a bonus!

How has September been for you?

~Leah 

30 in 30: Felty Flowers

With all the books and magazines I have at my disposal you wouldn’t think I would need to troll the internet for patterns, templates or tutorials but doing so occupies a ridiculous amount of my time. When I first started working with felt I stumbled upon this fabulous template for layered flowers and promptly pinned it on Pinterest.  A little while later I actually made the effort to read the blog that was attached, fell in love and discovered a wealth of awesome tutorials and templates.  If you are ever in need of super cute inspiration just go see Joy over at How Joyful.

I finally was able to make a few of these flowers, once finished they will have some pretty beads in the middle but they are still works in progress.  The pictures don't really do it justice (photographed at night with really bad light) but the purple is actually a really deep mulberry color and I love it.  I kinda have a thing for purple! I figured in red it looked enough like a poinsettia (my second favorite flower FYI) to pass as a Christmas accessory.  I am thinking of using little gold beads for the inside to help it look a little more festive. 

I am super excited there are people out there far more crafty than I who are very generous with their brilliance; I would be lost with out them!

Any blogs you find particularly inspiring?

 ~Leah