LazyTcrochet

What's New...'tis the Season!

noreply@blogger.com (LazyTcrochet) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:25:00 +0000

'Tis the season for gift-giving. I've been busy creating custom designs on Etsy, as well as preparing for the many local shows that I've signed up for.
Custom orders are great, but it can be tricky scheduling time between shows to finish items on time. My tip would be to not take on more than you can handle. You still need to have time for yourself (and to finish all those handmade gifts that you've been planning to make)!Here's a recent design I made for a client. She wanted something to wear to Dicken's Fair. Apparently there are a lot of different Dicken's Festivals around the world. They take their attire very seriously! Here's the capelet I made, plus a matching pair of arm warmers (although they probably aren't true "period" attire). I thought it was a nice Victorian-style cape.
In keeping with the theme, I have plans to make more Victorian-inspired capes, hats, and a muff or hand-warmer. Something wooly and warm.

Staying true to my funky side, I have these new designs as well. Busy busy busy!

(See more Fiber Friday posts at http://www.alpacafarmgirl.com.

...and Everything Nice

noreply@blogger.com (LazyTcrochet) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:53:00 +0000

Repost from July, but I wanted to share this recipe with you again.
These are my favorite cookies from my Grandmother's recipe box!

SUGAR AND SPICE COOKIES

Cream together 3/4 cup Crisco shortening and 1 cup sugar. Add 1 egg and mix well. Add 1/4 cup molasses. Mix together then add to egg mixture: 2 cups flour, 2 teaspoons baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger. Mix well and chill dough for at least 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Form dough into balls and place on baking sheet. Dip the bottom of a flat glass in sugar then gently press the cookie to flatten slightly. (Double dip for a little extra sugar.) Bake for approximately 12 minutes or until brown on the edges.

Having a cookie exchange this season? Visit my friend's blog and see these sweet invites!
http://www.boulieblog.com/2009/10/c-is-for.html

I've decided to post lots of cookie recipes this holiday! I plan to include some other family favorite feasts as well. Stay tuned! Looking for a recipe? I'm a recipe hound. Have a favorite you'd like to share? I'd love to hear about it.

Autumn Images

noreply@blogger.com (LazyTcrochet) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:21:00 +0000

Spooky

noreply@blogger.com (LazyTcrochet) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:19:00 +0000

Fabulous Felted Headband

noreply@blogger.com (LazyTcrochet) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:21:00 +0000

Cleveland Handmade is hosting a giveaway to thank all our wonderful supporters and customers, as well as give you the opportunity to check out the high-quality handmade art in member shops. We’re giving you the chance to win this Carmen headband in red generously donated by Cleveland Handmade member la petite libellule.

Visit ClevelandHandmade.com to enter. Check out the rules HERE. It's easy to enter! (Currently open to U.S. residents only.) Enter by Wednesday, October 21st at noon (EST).

October's Featured EtsyBlogger is....

noreply@blogger.com (LazyTcrochet) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 11:05:00 +0000

MadeByMelissa!
And, in keeping with the spirit, I thought I'd show a few of the Halloween-themed items from her shop. I love this star-shaped baby blanket, and to make it in orange and black is just perfect for Halloween! How creative!
There are earrings and necklaces and some great vintage finds. And there are some fun amigurumi toys in her shop, like this sneaky snake named Gary!
Congratulations to MadeByMelissa for being the EtsyBloggers Team Featured Blogger for October! Stop by her shop at www.MadeByMelissa.Etsy.com and be sure to visit her blog at http://madebymelissa.blogspot.com/.

The Spirit Continues...

noreply@blogger.com (LazyTcrochet) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 20:46:00 +0000

I mentioned my brother's art work in my previous post. He sent me some pictures from the many pieces that adorn his walls. Mixed with the monster collection, horror movie posters, Pabst Blue Ribbon and rock 'n roll ephemera and the hundreds of guitars, lie drawings, paintings and ceramic pieces like these. I picked my favorites to show you here. Chris is also designing and building handmade guitars in his spare time.

In the Spirit of Things

noreply@blogger.com (LazyTcrochet) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 11:02:00 +0000

I've been so busy making things for the many shows that I have planned that I haven't taken time to decorate for Fall or for Halloween. Today, I am setting aside some time to clean and put up a few fun things to spook the kids and kick off the spirit of Halloween.
My favorite Halloween decorations are the black lights that I hang in the window and the vintage jack-O-lantern that is missing the clip-on light, but I put it over a basic candle lamp. There's something about things that glow that make this time of year special. For me, it's kind of a transition as the evenings get darker and calls for candles at Thanksgiving and twinkle lights at Christmas.I also love these two handmade pieces from my brother, Chris. I'm always encouraging him to create more. His love of guitars has taken over the creative side of his brain lately though. He has always been a big fan of Halloween and has a huge monster collection. He painted this fun sign on a piece of slab wood. This skeleton is a sample of the many skulls and Frankenstein masks that he's created over the years. There are so many gorgeous pieces on his walls and I really think that he should open a museum! (Perhaps we should collaborate and create a book of monster art or something.)I am also mesmerized by the art of Jack & Cat Curio. Something about Frankenstein in art always grabs my attention, but when I saw the beeeswax dripping from this Halloween collage, I had to ask them about it.
I asked Jack & Cat Curio to tell me a bit about themselves...
"We are a couple that love to stay up late creating mixed media pieces. We specialize in encaustic/beeswax collage. We compile different imagery and ephemera and then put it all under several layers of beeswax. Sometimes we use colored wax to achieve a certain look, other times a heat dye. Sometimes we stamp, imprint, and graph the wax.
We also specialize in digital imagery,trinkets and do-dads. Lesley also creates confectionery goods when not crafting with beeswax. We also travel and teach several workshops and classes on these topics."
I did look up "encaustic" and read that it was a technique using hot wax with pigments and that it was first used in Greek ship building to seal cracks in the ships and evolved into an art form from there.
You can visit JackandCatCurio.Etsy.com to see more of their beeswax collages, altered art, mixed media, and prints. I encourage you to visit their blog as well at http://JackandCatCurio.Blogspot.com. I've thoroughly enjoyed listening to their "Art Makin' Blues" playlist while writing this. I may just keep it playing and dance around as I decorate this morning! And, if you're in the Phoenix area, check out the class schedule as posted on their blog.
(Special thanks to Mike and Lesley from JackandCatCurios.Etsy.com!)

Harvest Time

noreply@blogger.com (LazyTcrochet) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 22:14:00 +0000

I'm so happy to be a part of this beautiful Halloween treasury from zJayne!

More Halloween to come!

We've Got the Blues - A Cleveland Handmade Treasury

noreply@blogger.com (LazyTcrochet) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 11:19:00 +0000

Gorgeous sapphire, turquoise, sky blues from Cleveland Handmade!

So Refreshing!

noreply@blogger.com (LazyTcrochet) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 16:50:00 +0000

I was awakened to the fresh scent of lemon....and something else too. Oh yes, it was a wonderful lavender-fresh scent. It took me a moment to realize that it was very early in the morning and my husband was in the shower. The fabulous aroma was coming from the fresh, organic Lemon Chamomile soap from Mirasol Farm. They were so kind as to offer a sample since I blogged about their organic soaps the other day. I must admit that I probably wouldn't have chosen lemon if I had ordered, but WOW...I love it. I'm more familiar with lavender and that is the first scent I recognized when the package arrived. It is wonderfully smooth and works up a nice lather, but the aroma is just fabulous! What a wonderful way to start the day!

Yarn, Yarn, Everywhere Yarn...

noreply@blogger.com (LazyTcrochet) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:48:00 +0000

"Blockin' out the scenery, breakin' my mind!"

To blog about my workspace is laughable since I can pretty much work anywhere and take yarn with me everywhere I go! I do a lot of work at my desk, which is actually the family computer table. I often have piles of yarn, needle and thread, and buttons galore, mixed with bills, checkbook, gaming microphones and tangled headphones! (I was going to ask Martha Stewart for a suggestion on how to organize all these cords since everyone has their own favorite headphones or earbuds. What a tangled mess sometimes!)

When I saw that Lion Brand Yarn had desktop wallpaper, I knew that would be perfect for me. The gorgeous pile of colors and textures looks like my desk anyway, so I thought I would add it.
Check out the fun screensavers and wallpapers available at Lion Brand here. And, while you're there, look at this beautiful Nature's Bounty Afghan in Tunisian crochet. One of these days I'd like to take the time to make this. It's just gorgeous. They also offer free knit or crochet e-cards and printable cards for prayer shawls as well.

A Walk in the Woods

noreply@blogger.com (LazyTcrochet) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 12:49:00 +0000

I thought I'd share a treasury with you. I created this one, based on a forest theme. It expires Thursday, so click HERE if you'd like to click and comment.
Also, I'd love to show you some pictures I took at Nelson Ledges State Park. You can find them HERE at my Flickr account.

For the love of birds!

noreply@blogger.com (LazyTcrochet) — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 12:23:00 +0000

Designs by Vanessa is September's Featured EtsyBlogger. She claims to be a "girlie girl" who loves birds. Even her profile says "Welcome Every Birdie!" Vanessa lives in Arizona, loves crafting, photography, retail therapy, and fashion as well.
Visit her Etsy shop at designsbyvanessa.Etsy.com and you can find sweet birdie jewelry and cards. She also has a lovely blog at designsbyvanessa.blogspot.com.

Autumn Organic

noreply@blogger.com (LazyTcrochet) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 13:49:00 +0000

A few organic finds to complement the chill in the air and the changing colors of Fall.

Pretty Birdie's Hemp and Organic Cotton Muslin Snap Jacket from stephanieteague.Etsy.com
I love the snappy style of this jacket...(and check out that chunky retro crocheted bag too!)

Organic Bird Seed Favors from 2birdsinlove.Etsy.com
Fun favors for a Fall themed event, made with locally-grown organic bird seed and complete with custom graphic-designed tags.

Bulk Organic Soap - 3 Bars from mirasolfarm.Etsy.com
I love the color combination of these soaps. They're hand-cut and made from scratch from organic oils.

Hey There Little Red Riding Hood

noreply@blogger.com (LazyTcrochet) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:49:00 +0000

Well, I finished it! The little red capelet I talked about before. I would like to make a longer one some time, but they didn't have enough of the same dye lot of this red. The color is called "Red Ochre." I had to Google that to see for sure what "ochre" was. It's a pigment derived from naturally tinted clay that contains mineral oxides.
Anyway....I think it's fairy tale sweet! I chose not to display it on the blue lady, like I did the brown one. I am looking forward to meeting some volunteers from Hiram College in a couple of weeks. Perhaps someone would be willing to model for a trade. (Wishing my niece, Linnea, could model again, but she's in school in Norway!)
On to the next project and organizing for the Pumpkin Festival!

Sweet!

noreply@blogger.com (LazyTcrochet) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 10:56:00 +0000

Thanks so much to AlessiaChic for including my hat in this Sweet treasury! I really don't like modeling my own designs, but am happy that this picture isn't too bad. I hope to find some local college students that wouldn't mind modeling in trade for a hat or scarf!

The Pittsburgh show was so much fun. I met several Etsy artists that I had only known by their avatars or usernames. It was great to attend a show that, not only did people recognize "Etsy" but most vendors had an Etsy shop, and a lot of the buyers already had established accounts and were eager to add me to their favorites! I bought some gorgeous handspun yarn from dangerbee.Etsy.com! I look forward to seeing more in her shop soon.

Thanks, also, to everyone who commented on my hoodie post below. I definitely will be taking your thoughts into consideration and truly appreciate your taking the time to comment.

Fairy Tale Chic

noreply@blogger.com (LazyTcrochet) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 09:43:00 +0000

Once upon a time, there was a pretty brown hooded capelet.... Huh? Well, have you ever designed something so fun that you really wished that you could keep it? I loved how this hood turned out, but the capelet was just a bit too dainty for my taste. I was thrilled to see that it sold, even though I was hoping to display it at a show this Saturday. I was intending to make another one in red, although I won't have time to finish it by Saturday.
I'd love your opinion. I know a red hood would be fairy tale chic and I bought some of this same luscious yarn in scarlet, but I don't know whether to keep the capelet style, or to try something else with it. I have some hooded scarves to display this weekend, but this style of hood is sleek and, to just dangle a scarf from it seems too simple. I know I have enough of the red to repeat this design, but if I were to make more of a cape, I would need more yarn.
I also keep seeing hints of the "Alice In Wonderland" movie that's coming out soon and have a Queen of Hearts design in mind. I'm looking forward to playing with that idea next week...after the show!
Let me know what you think. Thanks!

Beginning of the End

noreply@blogger.com (LazyTcrochet) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 11:11:00 +0000

It's the first day of school here in Ohio....and it's a brisk 39° F out there! I'll have to head out to the garden to pick some more tomatoes (when it warms up some). As Summer comes to an end, now is the time to harvest and process the vegetable bounty. I'm still waiting for my peppers to ripen. The plants are full of huge, sweet bell peppers, but they're not golden yellow yet like they're supposed to be.

I made some pizza sauce and will be cooking down more tomatoes as they ripen as well. I used some fresh in a batch of chili last night, but I like to make spaghetti sauce to have throughout the winter. It's time to pick and dry some herbs, like basil and oregano, and harvest some catnip for kitty toys. This is also a great time to plant more lettuces and spinach since they grow best in the cooler temperatures, but before the freeze. So, take time to enjoy the bounty from your own garden or visit your local farmer's market. And, if you're so inclined, "put-up" some jars to enjoy throughout the year. You'll be glad you did.

Featured EtsyBlogger for August...

noreply@blogger.com (LazyTcrochet) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 11:35:00 +0000

Memories for Life Scrapbooks! memoriesforlifesb.Etsy.com

Edi is always making something new. You can tell that she really loves it! The EtsyBloggers Street Team has always been a close-knit group, but Edi really surprises me sometimes with her kind comments and vibrant personality. I'm so glad to have become friends with her - and her enthusiasm is contagious!

In her Etsy shop you can find all sorts of fun scrapbooks, photo albums, notebooks, and more! You'll have to stop by often to see what's new. She also does custom word albums and can make a custom scrapbook for any occasion. Some of my favorites include this Family Favorites Recipe Book...

Summer Vacation Scrapbook Photo Album...

Be sure to stop by memoriesforlifesb.Etsy.com to see what she's up to next!

Fantastic Gift Set Giveaway from Cleveland Handmade

noreply@blogger.com (LazyTcrochet) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 13:01:00 +0000

Don't miss out on this giveaway from Cleveland Handmade and Covenant Farm Soaps!
Tea Tree and Mint soap refreshes, revitalizes, and contains dried mint leaves that were grown right here at Covenant Farm. The Espresso/Vanilla bar is a rich dark brown and is scented with a Cuban coffee fragrance oil and just a hint of vanilla. A bit of espresso ground coffee gives it some texture and visual interest. Gardener’s Grits contains rosehip powder, orange peel powder, and cornmeal to clean thoroughly, yet gently. Chickweed salve (yes you read that correctly!) is great for itchy, dry skin and comes in a 2 oz tin. Soaps contain olive oil, distilled water, coconut oil, palm oil, sodium hydroxide, cocoa butter, essential or fragrance oils, and botanicals, and are approximately 4 oz each.
For details on how to enter to win, please visit ClevelandHandmade.com! (You have until Wednesday, August 26th and this contest is only open to U.S. residents.)

Seriously?

noreply@blogger.com (LazyTcrochet) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 16:27:00 +0000

I couldn't believe my eyes when I opened the mail box on Saturday (August 15th), and found a Christmas catalog!! Yes, Christmas....in August! As tempted as I was to pitch it in the recycling bin right away, I set it aside in hopes to leaf through it for some holiday inspirations. In an earlier post, I mentioned that I'm getting inventory ready for upcoming holiday shows. It's never too early for Christmas, or so it seems!

I don't have time to make Snowflakes this year, nor do I have the desire to work with thread these days, so check out the Crocheted Snowflake Ornaments in fellow ClevelandTeam aniemancrochet's shop! They're so pretty!

CRAFTS N'AT - Going Home Again!

noreply@blogger.com (LazyTcrochet) — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 11:34:00 +0000

I'm so excited to have been invited to attend a show with the Pittburgh Craft Collective. It's right across the river from where I used to work. If you're around Da Burgh on Labor Day weekend (Saturday, Sept. 5th 10 -6), check it out at The Union Project, 801 N. Negley Ave. The CRAFTS N'AT show benefits the Parkinsons Foundation of Western Pennsylvania, in conjunction with [ gravity + grace ]. Hope for nice weather and I'll see you outside!

Fiber Friday - A Peek at Lion Brand Yarn Studios and Show Season!

noreply@blogger.com (LazyTcrochet) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 10:00:00 +0000

According to the Lion Brand Yarn Studio Blog, this piece from Fiber Artist, Joetta Maue, is on display at Lion Brand Yarn Studios in NYC. I had recently started a similar piece (only one scarf, but similar to the seaweed scarf below) with my shop name, to use as a banner for upcoming shows. I'm only partially done with the scarf part though. I guess I had better get crackin' (or knitting)! I thought it would make a cool banner, but I hadn't seen Joetta's work. This is so fun! Visit the Lion Brand Yarn Studio Blog here and Joetta Maue's blog here.

As for my fiber habit, I'm working steadily, trying to have lots of inventory for upcoming shows and the holiday season. I was invited to display some items at a local boutique and I have some designs specifically in mind to take to Shaker Tree, here in Garrettsville. It seems like a sophisticated crowd, so I will be making classic shawls, hats, scarves, etc.....and save the funky stuff for shows and Etsy. I tend to get overwhelmed with ideas this time of year, but have lots of yarn stashed away and ready for fun wraps and wearables, scarves, hats, mittens, and more! While I normally would spend some time making stockings or other Christmas knick-knacks, I'm not sure if I want to do so this year. Time's a-wastin'!
(Visit http://www.alpacafarmgirl.com/ for more Fiber Friday!)

**Lion Brand just announced that all of their patterns are now free! (excluding some by outside designers) Check it out at www.LionBrandYarn.com.

Bake 'N Fill Birthday!

noreply@blogger.com (LazyTcrochet) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 10:38:00 +0000

Sarah wanted to bake her own birthday cake this year. She has her very own Betty Crocker Bake 'N Fill set of pans that she got for Christmas one year. When she was little, she would see the commercial for them on tv and kept telling us that she wants those pans! We use them once in awhile. This time, she opted for chocolate cake with Oreo Cookies and Cream ice cream filling, cream cheese frosting which she tinted green, topped with Everlasting Gobstoppers.

It requires two cake mixes, but only uses 1 1/2, so you end up with 12 extra cupcakes. There is an insert pan that sits on top when it bakes, forming the center space. I would sometimes rather fill it with pudding since the ice cream cakes have to remain frozen. Even though we let this one sit out for awhile, it was still frozen cake. And, allowing it to freeze and thaw caused the icing and the Gobstoppers to sweat. All in all it was delicious and Sarah had a blast!