Another Weekender

Remember a way, way long time ago, like October, when I mentioned that I was making an awesome Christmas gift?  Well, I foolishly gave that gift without taking any photos. Last month I went on vacation with my family and was able to get some photos of it in action.

It’s another Weekender.  That fabric is Lace from the 2010 Ty Pennington fabric collection.  He’s got some great patterns in his collection.  The inside is lined with this French Ribbon in Blue from the Heather Bailey’s Garden District collection.

The best part is that it works.

The Elevated Envelope: Incoming Mail

I might be a little biased,

but I think this envelope I got from my mom is pretty awesome.  Especially the little panda bear.

My favorite part is the little teeny tiny envelope made from a vintage map of texas.  Hey, Dallas.

The Elevated Envelope

I know I’ve talked about the Elevated Envelope swap once or twice before, check out Ephemera Press for more details (and to sign up for the next round!).  Well, the deadline for postmark was May 1st so I can finally share what I’ve done.  I chose love notes for my theme because aren’t love notes really the best kind of notes?  I think so.

I started by putting plain resume paper through my sewing machine using an assortment of decorative stitches.  I thought it looked nice and lacy.  I used 4 colored threads to create a gradient in the stitches with the color palates inspired by the super awesome American scientists stamps. I ended up using the William H. Johnson stamps though because I think they are more lovey.  The envelopes were lined with brown craft paper for more stability and filled with some goodies to help other people share the love.

I included the following: a teeny tiny envelope filled with 2 bonsai stamps and 1 postcard stamp, a family recipe for some delicious chocolate heart cookies, a note from me on an awesome Texas themed postcard, and a blank postcard to spread the love.

Everything was packaged away and promptly mailed on May 1st.  I hope the recipients like their envelopes!

I was left with a craft table (dining table) that looked like this. Looks like fun, doesn’t it?  Go sign up for the next round! Group lists are being mailed out June 1st.  I will see you there!

Modern Embroidery

All of this burp cloth making has had me thinking about embroidery.  Maybe if I’m going to be doing more of it I should learn more than one stitch. Maybe I should even try my hand at a sampler, because I think I need more hobbies typically associated with 80 year old women. Maybe later we can drink tea and can something together.

I found this pretty sampler pillow case from Purl Bee while looking around.

Source: Purl Bee

And these pretty samplers from Craftzine.

Source: Craftzine

You should also check out the amazing stitches here and here.

P.S. You know what you find when you search embroidery on Flickr?  A lot of fallopian tubes, that’s what.

Burp cloths 2.0

You may remember these burp cloths that I made a while ago.  I decided to fancy them up for a little guy named Milo.  I added some embroidery and a binding.  You know how I love to sew bindings.

I love them. They are such a pretty and practical gift for new parents. I have it on good authority that the cloth diapers make the best burp cloths. They are super absorbent for any and all baby messes. The embroidery makes them extra special.

Off they go to new mama, daddy, and baby. Happy Birthday, Milo!

Sketchbook Archive | 02.21.12

I went to Portland, Oregon three weeks ago and fell in love. Everyone was nice, cars stopped for pedestrians without honking, and the whole city seemed to smell like donuts.  I was there on a work trip so I didn’t have much free time to explore the city but I did eat some amazing food at 23 Hoyt including the most delicious facaccia bread with a mascarpone like spread.  I also managed to visit a few tasty food trucks.  I want to go back.  I got one sketch in while I was there, the view from the concierge lounge of my hotel.  It does not do the city justice.

Some photos…

More Fabric For More Baby Things

What is this?  Looks like the makings of some more baby things to me, only these will be way more awesome.

 

Pezzy Print in Tonal Yellow by American Jane for Moda

A Walk in the Woods Cloud Dash Stripes by Aneela Hoey for Moda

Storyboek Field Friends in Coral by Jay-Cyn and Birch Fabrics

Storyboek New School in Sun by Jay-Cyn and Birch Fabrics

Yellow fabric with white dots.  I’ve lost the salvage edge.  Who know what this is called?

Spa Dot by Michael Miller

Happy Mail

This Easter, inspired by Giverslog, I sent some happy mail in the form of plastic eggs.  It was super fun.

I had a really hard time finding jumbo plastic eggs.  Here is a good tip, buy the eggs pre-filled with candy.  I bought seven, emptied them, mixed up the candy and then added some more goodies before sending them off to nieces and nephews. 

Watching the postal worker hand stamp each egg was probably the most fun I’ve ever had at the post office.  I am definitely addicted to happy mail.

 

Things I’ve Been Pinning: Bunny Edition

 

these bunnies | these bunnies | these bunnies | these bunnies

Envelope Inspiration

So…that whole Elevated Envelope thing. I haven’t made any actual envelopes yet but I think I’ve settled on a theme.  I’ve been collecting inspiration images and sketching out lots of ideas. I’m thinking about something inspired by love notes.  Who doesn’t love mail and arn’t love notes the best kind of mail?

 

Clockwise from the top left

Source 1 | Source 2 | Source 3 | Source 4 | Source 5

 

Clockwise from the top left

Source 6 | Source 7 | Source 8 | Source 9