crafter's niche

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2015-07-23T08:19:00.002-05:00

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Frosted Window

2013-05-01T17:15:00.004-05:00

Frosted Windows

There is something about old windows I love...

They remind me of old days gone by, but also where we came from.

Imagine the things that happened in the house it was set in...

There is history here.

We were fortunate to get this window from my husband's aunt and uncle. It was her parent's home they were going to tear down. I saw this window and I about died! I also wanted to have an old window.

For the longest time I didn't know what to do with it. I cleaned with water really good and scraped off the old wasp nests. I searched and searched for ideas for vinyl stickers, but I finally decided to give the flower vinyl stickers I found at Hobby Lobby a try. I had to cut them down to size, but they worked! I thought I would be able to hang it like it was, and that was before it was pre-frosted. You couldn't see half the flowers against the colored wall! I was bummed.... then my husband had a great idea. Use white behind them. So we decided to buy a can of frosted window paint and sprayed the back side of the window. Worked like a charm! Except the occasional white spray droplet that would splatter on the window..... Oh well... it added more charm to it.

We have thought about added black and white photos to the top window paynes. That will have to wait though. I like it like it is for now.

Now I just need to hang it.....

To Do List

2013-02-24T15:20:00.005-06:00

I love making a list and checking it off...

I only have one problem.

"Now where did I put my list?"

I started keeping a running list on my IPad, but I forget its there at times. I like using my list especially since it synchs to my IPhone, I will have it on me so that I will know how many knobs I need for such and such project. Or, what size do I need that in? You never know when you will find a good deal, so keeping track of those things on the IPhone is so handy.

I started thinking about some of the projects I want to do around the house. I have started a couple of them, but have to wait until the weather is nicer to really start working on them. So in the mean time, I wanted to create my project list.

Paint above the kitchen cabinets to add a splash of color to the kitchen.
Strip the wall paper in the boys bathroom and paint it.
Strip the paint off the old table I have. Repaint the legs and sides of the table and stain the top an espresso stain.
Find 2-3 palletts and make a wall piece out of them. One for Patrick's room, one for the boys, and one for me....
Make and American flag out of some cool wood pieces we pulled out of an old house. I think they were paneling for the walls and are 3 inch pieces. Perfect for making flag strips in red and white and painting stars on! Our downstairs living space is going to be decorated in Americana pieces. Patrick has the American Flag in a display case that is on our fireplace mantle. Plus I have a couple other pieces that will look great in there. Can't wait to put that piece together!
{Done- 5/1/13 Post} I have an old window piece that we pulled out of the same house that will be perfect for some kind of project. It has still yet to be determined.
Low/round table found in the same old house for the boys to play on in the living room upstairs. I want to paint a road scene of some sort so they can play cars on it. It also has a dual purpose of playing games on it and doing puzzles.
Make curtains for our front entry room.
Make coat hangers out of the old window headers from the old house we took trim pieces from.
Reupholster the bar stools in the kitchen and downstairs room.
Make an herb drying tray out of old frames by adding screen wire to the back and adding chains to link them together to hang from.
Done {Post to come} Paint the trim around the boy's bathroom mirrow. Right now it is a "goldish" color and I am going to spray paint it a brushed oil bronze.

A Place Called Home

2013-02-18T20:35:00.002-06:00

What does a home mean to me?

To me it means the warmth and comfort a place can give you.

It means having family surround you.

It means the love you share.

Maybe it means security and stability at times.

If you are anything like me, then you probably enjoy putting your own personal touches to your home.

My husband took me shopping this last weekend. Just the two of us. It was nice to spend time together looking at things that we both enjoy. We dreamed and schemed as we walked through 3 different stores. My husband shared ideas he had, and I have to say, he had some very good ones!

This weekend though we decided to go ahead and shed some more light in our living space. The chandlier that was hanging in our dinning space looked like it had been there since the turn of the century. It put off about just as much light as 5 or 6 candles did, which is not much. We even joked about spary painting the metal at one time, but honestly.... you can't cover up ugly.

I really don't know if you would call it gold or copper.

Whichever.... It finally came down last weekend!

My husband worked hard on getting it and 2 gold pendant lights down over the island.

In it's place we put up some new fixtures.

The results....

are amazing!

It changed the look of the place so much.

Patrick and I both like simple designs. We don't care for a lot of frill.

Maybe it looks a little modern, but Patrick calls it rustic. I guess that works too.

At least now we have brillant light in our home.

Replacing light fixtures is such an easy way to change a look to a place.

I'm glad we did.

I'm also thankful that my husband has the ability to do these things. He even took out 4 dimmer switches in our house on Sunday and replaced those with a normal switch. We did have to call his dad a few times to ask about the 3 way switches and he ended up coming over to fix one. But all in all, I'm glad my husband is not afraid to do something he hasn't done before. What a blessing he is!

So what's up next?

We are currently striping wall paper off our kitchen wall.

We will repaint later when the weather is a little nicer and warmer.

I also have an old table we are going to strip paint off of and restain and repaint.

I love "flipping" treasures!

Have you done any projects lately?

Uncoventional Wreath

2013-02-09T12:59:00.002-06:00

Being creative is something I have enjoyed.

As with each season of life, the creativity has changed.

As for this blog, it is going to change too.

I enjoyed crocheting, but I don't have time to do much of it anymore.

So I decided to concentrate on making my house a home.

I want to document the personal touches my family is making to the home we bought last November.

It is now time for a different approach to what I am doing.

Last summer or maybe it was spring...

I visited a flea market in search for unique and cheap frames.

I had this idea that I could spray paint and actually put a family picture in it or something nice,

but it just sat there after I painted it.

This is the finished and forgotten frame.

I got it out today.

I saw an awesome idea on Pinterest where someone had a round frame

and put flowers on it making it into a lovely wreath.

Why couldn't I do that?

Even if it is a square....

So today I took my gift card to Hobby Lobby and bought my half-priced flowers.

And created my own unconventional wreath on a budget.

New Beginnings

2012-04-17T17:19:00.000-05:00

For the last few years I have been fortunate to stay at home with my children and watch a few kids here and there for extra income. This last month or so I have not had any kids to watch so money has been tighter then normal. These last few days I have been wondering what in the world do I need to do. This has been the first time since I worked for my dad 20 plus years ago that I have not been making any money and I am fully dependent on my husband. It's been a hard place for me to be. I have never been a big spender. I have never loved shopping so much that I just have to have new things all the time, but it is nice to be able to go purchase something here and there and not have to worry.

This last week I have been wondering what I should be doing. I felt like I did not have a direction in which to go. Sure I have my Etsy account and I like making things, but selling them on Etsy has been another quandry. It's hard to get those sells when there are so many other great shops out there.

Recently we had a missions conference and I kept thinking, I wish I had a way to give more to missions outreach. So I guess I am going to keep going with the Etsy account for awhile but just let God know that from any sells I make, I give him half of the sales to go toward our church's missions program. The other half will hopefully be used for investing back into new and creative things to make.

If this doesn't work, then God has another purpose for me. Until then... Give God all the Glory!

Whimsical Flower Garland

2012-01-30T11:56:00.001-06:00

One of my favorite things to do is find an idea and some how recreate it to make it mine.

I'll often look at a pattern and think I like this part of it or that but not the whole thing.

Taking pieces of an idea and implementing them into a new idea is a lot of fun for me!

I wish I had more time to do it, but I try and find things now that don't require a lot of time.

Try finding something you love and add it to new pattern.

Mixing up old patterns make it fresh and unique and people love it!

At least I do!

I decided to take two different flowers and alternate them using different colors.

The possibilities are endless as you can use one color, make different size flowers or like I did in this case, make a beautiful garland that can be used for girls/ladies of all ages!

How do you revive your craft projects?

Garlands and Ornaments

2011-11-28T18:13:00.001-06:00

I had plenty of time to crochet over the holiday weekend.

With a five hour drive, you can't do much else!

Here are some of the projects I completed during that time.

Garlands to decorate walls, windows, fireplaces and your tree!

This garland is 53 inches long with (7) 4" snowflakes.

This beautiful red garland is over 8 ft long.

Perfect for wrapping around your tree!

Christmas Ornaments to hang on the wall,

windows, cabinets, tree and much more!

Snowflake Garland

2011-11-23T11:16:00.001-06:00

It's that time of year again! It's exciting to think about all the time we get to spend with family and friends.

This week I get to spend time with my family for several days and I can't wait to see everyone! Well.... almost everyone!

So what I have I been working on lately? Of course! Snowflakes!
I'm wanting to do do something different again and this year I am starting on getting more snowflake garlands out there to sell or maybe as a gift item.

Use the garland to decorate your tree, fireplace, windows, doors, cabinets and more!

This garland is approximately 4 ft long.

Each snowflake is 2 inches across.

Additional snowflakes can be added for additional cost.

The next set of snowflakes I am working on will be a little larger ones and dainter looking! Can't wait until I am done! See my Etsy shop for more listings available! www.etsy.com/shop/amykempf

Finding Inspiration

2011-10-10T14:57:00.003-05:00

Finding inspiration can be hard at times. You get busy with your family and it seems like everything else stops. I recently decided that I wanted to go back to finding the things I love and doing them when time allows.

I used to love going to antique stores and flea markets. Find that one really cool find and making it over into something amazing. Last weekend I really wanted to decorate my front porch area to make it more inviting. So I took off to Hobby Lobby {my favorite store} and found lots of fun and cute things. I left Hobby Lobby empty handed because it wasn't what I was looking for. I wanted something quaint and different.

Something inspiring.

I decided to stop in at a flea market in town and browse quickly through it to see if there were any goodies there. I found something that set my mind spinning! I found a baby doll cradle that was so cute. Even if the color wasn't what I was wanting I still had high hopes! I checked it out to make sure it was sturdy enough and it was. Now, I wonder what it's price would be?? I was almost too scared to look!

$9.99.

Can you believe it!?! I couldn't. I snatched that bad boy up and left happy!!

The idea I had for this cradle is simple. I wanted to use it as a flower planter for my front porch.

So instead of having a screaming red baby cradle, I stopped by Menards and grabbed 2 cans of Chestnut paint. Perfect!

Added to my list were 3 gallon sized yellow mums with a little hint of red in them.

After spray painting my cradle a beautiful chestnut color, it sat a day or two to dry.

Next....

Accessorize it.

I really didn't have a big plan in mind.

I picked up some leaf branches at JoAnns and attached them to the side posts with floral wire.

Added a little raffia.

It didn't seem complete so I added a little rake "Welcome" sign to the left side and attached it with floral wire in 3 different place.

While I would like to add more props around my cute little planter, I am stopping for now until I find the next great steal.

It's easy to get stuck in a rut of creating new things. My encouragement is this. Find what you LOVE. Look around at Flea markets and ask yourself how you could re-do something into something really amazing. Pick up a few accessories that go well with it and pull it together with things you might all ready have. You'll be amazed at the end product!

It is the planter I didn't know I was looking for!

Happy creating!

*Linked to

Fourth Of July

2011-06-27T13:09:00.000-05:00

I have two reasons to celebrate the Fourth of July.

Two very special reasons.

One, I never want to forget the reason our ancestors came to this country.

Religious freedom.

Two, my son was born two days after the Fourth!

He will be one in another week.

While time flies and it's easy to forget what is important to us, take a minute to stop and appreciate all the blessings God has put into your life. If it's hard to be thankful, find something to be thankful for each day. Never forget that we have what we have because of God and because of the men long ago who fought for our country.

My Fourth of July Cozy Cuddle Bunny Blanket

Free shipping on the Cozy Cuddle Bunny Blankets

now through July 4th!

Free Shipping through July 4th on Bunny Security Blankets!

2011-06-24T16:18:00.001-05:00

Now through July 4, 2011, I am offering FREE shipping to the United States! You have your choice any of the Cozy Cuddle Bunny Blankets in my Etsy Store and pay no shipping and handling!

Security Blanket with Velvet Chocolate Flower

How about a cream colored bunny with a beautiful Crimson Flower?

Or maybe Velvety Hot Pink is your perferred choice?

Just Visit my Etsy Store by clicking HERE!

Fun Times!

2011-06-19T15:20:00.002-05:00

I feel like giving a lucky winner a half off discount for one of my Cozy Cuddly Bunny Blankets!

All you have to do is help promote my Etsy Store.

What do you have to do to enter?

For each below action, I'll give you one entry.

Please comment on each entry you participate in.

1. Blog about my give away to your readers

2. Leave a comment about my etsy store: www.etsy.com/shop/amykempf

3. Facebook

4. Twitter it

4. Buy something from my store

5. Follow Me on this blog

I'll create a discount through my Etsy Store especially for you!

Deadline ends July 3rd!

Good luck!

Little Girls Hand Bag

2011-06-18T12:39:00.000-05:00

I made this little hand bag sometime in the last 6 months. What I love about it is the beautiful colors in it. Especially the tangerine. The tangerine is a recycled cotton yarn. I actually like using it for the purse that I made, as it seems more durable.

I thought the rabbit cuddle blanket I made was super cute in it!

I used a button to attach the strap to the bag.

The button adds a little fun to the eye catching bag!

Up close and personal!

I want people to be able to see how tight the stitches are on here.

Cozy Cuddle Bunny Blanket

2011-06-16T18:58:00.000-05:00

I decided to list this on Etsy!

It's been a long time since I have made something I feel like blogging about. I really enjoy making something new to show others, but I am afraid since it's been so long since I posted last, I may not have anyone read this.

Growing up I had a blanky that was my favorite. I used to take it everywhere I go and I wouldn't sleep without it. I always think that it is so sweet to see little one attach to something special. I hope that this Cozy Cuddle Bunny Blanket will find a home soon. I might become attached!

The original pattern I had gave directions for making eyes and a mouth, but I thought it was sweet without it. I did think it needed something special to it so I stitched a flower to it. The pattern I used was from Lion Brand. It was alot of fun to work on! In fact it turned out a lot cuter then the pattern picture!

So what projects do you work on during the summer to pass time?

Usually summers are much busier for me, but my son is in Summer School for a month so I am enjoying picking up my hobby again while my other one sleep.

Making Waves-Bib Tutorial

2011-03-12T10:26:00.003-06:00

The bib I bought for my oldest son has seen it's better days. I hesitated to toss it because it has been a great bib! I can't say that for all bibs out there. What I like about it is that it snaps together at the bottom creating a catchall basin for food that drops. Now that I have used it so many times it has finally started to fall apart. That's a sign of true love!

Well a couple months ago, it dawned on me when I saw someone making a bib that I too should recreate the bib I love so much! While the old one is made out of a canvas material, I decided to just grab some $1 cotton fabric swatches from Wal-Mart. This way I can throw this one in the wash and dry it. The canvas one you have to hang dry it.

Some of the things you will need for this are your material, thread, interfacing and snaps.

1. Trace your pattern onto your material for a

front piece,

back piece

and interfacing piece.

Tip: Recommend making a paper pattern so that each piece you cut is the same.

2. Cut the front, back and interfacing pieces.

3. Since white can be a little boring...

I took my scrapbooking cutter and made a wave design on some paper.

Next, trace the wave pattern on the material and cut it out.

4. With the white material and interfacing together,

I pinned the wave material on the white backing, right sides facing each other.

5. Stitch along the bottom edge.

6. Fold down and press.

7. With your sewing machine, stitch the wave down.

This will leave the raw edges showing.

8. Next pin the top piece onto the interfacing and back piece.

9. Sew the 3 pieces together to prevent shifting,

when stitching the bias tape in place.

10. Pin your bias tape.

Almost done!

11. For your catching "tray":

Fold up the bottom edge and stitch the edges.

12. Add your snaps and you are done!

Crafter's Niche Giveaway

2011-03-08T11:34:00.001-06:00

Head on over to Shilah's Blog

to enter my giveaway!

Good luck!

My giveaway is this:

6 Cream snowflakes

Also: 3 snowflakes for only $5, during the month of March.

Doesn't include shipping and handling. {$1-2 extra for S/H}

Spring Has Sprung

2011-03-07T10:40:00.000-06:00

While it may not be Spring yet, this hat I finished makes me think about all the wonderful things Spring has to offer. Green grass, flowers, sunshine, fresh air, long walks. I can't wait!

The flower is different then I have done in the past, but I think I really like it. It reminds me of a dalia and reminds me of the things yet to come.

While my crocheting has slowed down since Winter is almost over, I am hoping to keep making these hats so that in the fall I have a supply to sell at a Craft Show.

Snowflakes

2011-02-16T14:55:00.003-06:00

Winter time is one of my favorite times to crochet things, but I must confess that it has really worn on me lately. We have had snow on the ground for almost a month now so really the idea of adding more snowflakes to my home should not excite me, but these are too cute to not to make.

I am thankful that the weather is a lot warmer. The snow is melting and I am so ready to see green grass, budding flowers and smell the fresh air of spring. But before I say good-bye to Mr. Winter and say hello to Spring, I wanted to add another touch to my collection. I came across a pattern for a snowflake garland, but I really didn't want to spend time crocheting 15 snowflakes for a Christmas Tree that won't be up for another 10 months... so I decided to make little door hangers with each snowflake instead. It's still Winter right? These little snowflakes are perfect for decorating your home all Winter long.

You can put them anywhere you want....

Like this:

This darling little snowflake adds the perfect accent to doors,

Close up view.

your Christmas tree,

Front Door Wreaths or even your kitchen cabinet doors!

Each snowflake is approximately 3".

While they are not as diverse as an actual snowflake's anatomy, you can still enjoy the miraculous beauty of each one crocheted! I am offering these darling snowflakes in a set of 3. Each set sells for $6 per set.

Chocolate Dipped Brownie Hearts

2011-02-12T08:48:00.000-06:00

I am departing today from my normal crafts and blogging about something I really enjoy doing.....

baking.

Since it is Valentine's Day weekend, I thought I would have a little fun doing something that says "I Love You" to my family. My husband was away for a few days for a work conference and I wanted to do something special for him when he got home.

Thursday night I ended up baking brownies because we had family over to visit but we didn't end up eating them. So I thought that it would be fun to use my little heart shaped cookie cutter to make brownie hearts. But why stop there? Why not make them even more chocolaty? Dangerous I know.

So over my kids nap time, I cut out heart shaped brownies.

Melting Chocolate

I used left over Chocolate Almond Bark and some chocolate chips and 1/2 tablespoon of Crisco to melt my chocolate.

Want a fool proof way to melt chocolate? Take a pan of water several inches deep and warm it up. Add a glass bowl to sit on top with your chocolate and stir away. I turned down the heat once it was all melted. This worked great for me as it didn't burn or scorch!

Looking Good!

Now just dip the brownie bits into the chocolate with a fork and tap your fork on the side of the bowl until excess chocolate drops off. I used the tip of a sharp knife to slide it off my fork on waxed paper.

Now for a pretty presentation....

Arrange hearts on 1 paper doily on a colored plate.

Enjoy!

Premie Baby Hats

2011-02-11T13:21:00.002-06:00

Baby Hat in Premie Size Available

Storing Patterns

2011-02-10T11:45:00.000-06:00

Over a year ago, I started organizing my recipes that I print off or tear out of a magazine. I was tired of shifting through all of them I had collected and wanted a way to protect them. What I ended up doing was taking my stack of papers and inserting them into plastic paper protectors and popping them into a 3 ring binder. They are now stored away in one location and when I get my binder out to cook I don't have to worry about spilling something on the paper and ruining a good recipe.

What started out in my kitchen then spilled on over into my crafts. I had found some reliable patterns to crochet on web-sites that I had printed off but they too had started stacking up. After awhile, I was afraid of them wrinkling, getting torn, or just getting lost. What then struck me was, why not use the same idea I used for my recipe book and apply it to my craft patterns?

I have to tell you how nice it has been to keep all my paper patterns in a binder. Now they are protected and waiting for future use. I have also been able to just grab my binder when leaving for a trip and know that all my patterns are there if I have time to crochet while away. I now know where they all are and don't have to waste time while rushing out the door.

I do want to offer a tip for the paper protectors. Some patterns are more detailed then others. Keeping track of where you are on the pattern requires you to use a paper and pencil to track your stitches. Have you ever thought about using a dry erase marker on your paper protector? All you have to do is write on the plastic. When you are done, just use a tissue to clean it off. This saves paper but also ensures you won't loose the paper while working on your project. Just a thought...

Last One Standing

2011-02-08T14:02:00.001-06:00

I am a carpenter's daughter. It's a simple statement, but if you think about it, it runs much deeper. As a carpenter's daughter I have always admired everything my father created. I love wood working. I love architecture. I love looking at old designs, but the one thing I didn't love was always being the last one to get something done. We were always busy doing things for others that we put off doing things for ourselves until last, if at all. It's really not a bad thing. I believe we should be busy doing things for others instead of thinking of ourselves. I guess what I am getting at is that sometimes we get busy making things for others we often put off doing things that we would like to do.

This last week we had 3 snow days where no one went anywhere. One would think with an extra set of hands at home that I "might" have time to make something for myself. You see I purchased material a couple weeks ago when it was 50% off. I was saving it to make myself a purse and set it aside for a time such as this. Well, it didn't really happen the way I planned. With a teething baby, not much else gets done besides comforting my little one. That's ok. I took it in steps and did a little here and a little there. What started as a simple thing ended up being a project.... Then..... I made a mistake. Whoops! Do I dare admit it? Well, it is my purse so I guess it is ok.

You see I was setting my snap on my purse and I got carried away pounding with my hammer. I am a carpenter's daughter, yes? I wanted to make sure it was in. {laughs} Well, I hammered too hard and the back prongs went all the way through the front metal piece. Guess I pounded too hard. Was it therapy? Maybe! But I won't tell.

So what to do. I knew it was not possible to take the snap out without destroying the fabric. I decided to just cover it up with Velcro. I thought it would be an easy fix. Well that was a big NO! As I was sewing my needle broke and the sewing on the Velcro did not look good. Good times. So what did I do next? I took a break. I highly suggest it if things are not going well. Just walk away!

A day or two later I came back to it. I decided to just make a new liner and put a new snap on. But do I dare salvage the pocket that was on the ruined liner? You bet! I was afraid the canvas would be destroyed as I picked the threads on the pocket, but I was able to save it. {sighs} I am so thankful. I truly do hate making mistakes, but I am learning to deal with my character flaw. I think it has been good for me to struggle on the purse this time around.

So I finally finished a purse for myself. Amidst all the struggles in getting it done, I realized that sometimes you just have to start over. It's not a bad thing. Frustrating, yes, but not a bad thing. When I finished sewing my purse, I let out a sigh of relief. I am done. The only thing left to do is buy some dainty trim and hand sew it on. I can handle that!

My "almost" finished purse.

Just need to add a lace trim on top of the two fabric pieces.

So is it bad to be the Last One Standing. No I don't think so. It just means you made it to the end.
I did finally get around in doing what I said I was going to do. Make myself a purse. I'll post another picture when I actually get the trim on.

SEWWWW...... do you have any stories of your own you would like to share? Challenges along the way of making something. Stories on how you corrected an error? Drop me a comment. I think we can all learn from each other about persevering to the end. It's a good character trait to have.

As Lilies Sewing Dolls

2011-02-02T08:07:00.000-06:00

Looking for a sweet gift to give to a little girl? Check out Miss. Sarah's store at As Lilies Sewing!

Making the World Cuter

2011-02-01T17:26:00.000-06:00

I love looking at various blogs that make a wide variety of things. The information is so useful and inspiring!

One of the blogs I read, Making the World Cuter, is hosting a giveaway for a Letter Press.

Head on over and check her blog out at, http://makingtheworldcuter.blogspot.com/2011/01/lifestyle-crafts-l-review-giveaway.html, for your chance to enter and win.

Regardless of the giveaway you should read her blog!