Crafts of the Dead

My partner for the Craftster Zombie Swap received her package yesterday, so I can finally post pictures of what I made her. This swap was obviously right up my alley, and I had so much fun working on it.

Of course I had to make her a doll! After a little online stalking I found pictures of an awesome undead nurse costume she had made last year and decided to make her a mini zombie nurse inspired by it. I cracked myself up with that little knife and hat. I had so much fun making a doll with accessories that I think I'll start making them for the Etsy shop.
Next, an embroidered fabric collage wall hanging. I found a random cool picture I liked on Google, traced it onto muslin, embroidered over it and added the "blood" with permanent marker and paint. Coincidentally, she told me it looks a bit like her boyfriend. Sweet.
This next one is my favorite. A big zombie themed tote bag. I love both zombies and huge tote bags, so I have to admit I was very tempted to keep this one. I still have some of that fantastic stripey fabric left so I think I'll have to make one for myself. The brain applique is hand embroidered flannel with a felt backing to make it a little three dimensional.
And the best part? It's reversible! This side was done with freezer paper stencils, paint, and some cheap alphabet stencils from the craft store.
And last but not least, a blood splatter pillow, as demonstrated by the little nurse. As much as I wish I could, I can't take credit for this idea. I saw something similar in a past zombie swap and thought it was too awesome to pass up. Adam has asked me to make him one too.
I'm really pleased with how everything turned out, but what I'm most proud of is that other than the shipping costs I didn't spend any money on this swap. Everything was made with stuff I already had in my stash. That's a big accomplishment for me. Yay for stash busting!

My partner loved everything, and I should be getting my zombie loot sometime next week, so I'll be posting more undead goodness then. I can't wait!

Orange Summer

First stitches

I'm not the sort of mother who gets all teary eyed and gushes to everyone she meets every time her child accomplishes something. I don't call everyone in my address book when she learns to spell a new word or gets a good progress report from school. Of course I am proud of her and I tell her that, but it's not often that I feel the need to brag to others. I'm just not that mom.

But this? This I'm going to brag about.

Autumn is embroidering. Embroidering! The craft nerd in me is rejoicing. We owe this in part to Amanda Soule, who gives some excellent tips for teaching children embroidery in her book, The Creative Family (highly recommended book, by the way). She suggests using burlap and a blunt needle, which worked out perfectly. All I did was thread the needle and hand her the hoop and she took to it like a natural. I figured she would just make a few practice stitches to get the hang of the process, but instead she decided to make a picture.
It's a car! Oh, I'm sorry, not just any car, but a Jeep, according to Autumn. Aside from asking me to change the thread and tie knots, she did this all on her own. I plan on framing it and hanging it in my craft room.

In more than four years of being a parent, I can honestly say this is one of my proudest moments. The other proudest moment involved vigilante justice and plastic flatware, but that's a story for another post. My kid is so awesome.

Happy Fourth!

You know it's a small town when the biggest float in the parade is some dude on a boat.

Happy Fourth of July everyone!

Summertime simplicity

Today I found myself amazed at how much fun Autumn can have with the simplest of toys. A painted stick, some strips of cloth and ribbon kept her giggling and running in circles this afternoon.



I've been finding tons of inspiration from crafty blogs around the 'net for simple, creative activities for us to try this summer. We've found that some of the easiest, quickest projects seem to be the most fun. Lately I've been particularly inspired by the Fun for Nothin' Flickr Group from Meg of Sew Liberated. It's brimming with wonderful ideas and photos of kids doing what kids do best; having fun without fancy expensive toys or electronics.
I think that as parents we sometimes forget that children know how to have fun. Kids don't actually require the latest singing, talking, light-up, voice activated whatever to be happy. Ever watch a toddler play with an empty cardboard box? Sometimes the simplest things are the best tools to ignite a child's imagination and creativity. So this summer I am unplugging my kid. We'll be spending more time creating, playing, and exploring, and less time in front of the TV or computer. I think it'll be a welcome change for our family, and hopefully a long term one.

Thoughtful Saturday ('cuz I'm a rebel)

I know everything. Well I don't know everything. But I know some things that are a lot.

--Autumn

RIP George Carlin

Thanks for saying what the rest of us were afraid to say. You will be missed.

warning: hideously coarse language not suitable for work (unless you work in a swear factory), children (unless they know all of these words anyway) or the faint of heart.