michele made me

Write, Publish and Sell Your Crafty Ebook: A Testimonial

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Pacey) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Disclosure: I received a copy of the ebook for review. All statements and opinions below are my own.

Last January 2011, I took an on-line course offered by "Sister Diane" Gilleland of the Craftypod all about writing and publishing crafty ebooks. Recently, Diane has turned the very same course into a jam-packed 84-page ebook entitled: Write, Publish and Sell Your Crafty Ebook. I've read the ebook from cover to cover and it is essentially an updated, written version of the on-line course.

Today I want to talk about my experience with the course/ebook, what I learned, and how the course helped me. Does that sound fair? Okay, here goes.

To begin, I want to direct your attention to the author's own ebook repertoire: here and here. Yes. Diane has written and published a goodly number of ebooks. As you can see, she's been there. She has stared the blank screen in the eye. She has survived the technical trenches. So I ask you: "Who better to tackle the subject of writing ebooks?" Probably no one.

So what ever did I learn from Write, Publish and Sell Your Crafty Ebook exactly? Um... well... that's a big question with a large answer.

But okay... I learned that there are things you should probably explore before you jump into an ebook project. Like, who's your audience, how much will it cost you, has your ebook already been written? I learned about the numerous skills required to rustle up an ebook document. For instance, I found out that there are different types of editing, there are different types of writing, you may have to become familiar with new types of software such as layout software, photo-editing software, pattern-making software to make the ebook you want to make. She touches on all of these things.

I learned oodles of new and practical bits and bobs. I found out how to get more out of Google searches through Google Blog Search. I had never heard of it. Now I use it constantly. I learned about ISBN numbers and why they may or may not be useful for ebook authors. Diane also provides a pricing formula for your completed ebook and discusses the vagaries of print book pricing versus ebook pricing.

Through the course I found out about the many ways in which one might sell an ebook. For example, I learned all about E-junkie, a company that provides you with "the stuff" for selling downloads. E-junkie hosts your large documents and offers you shopping cart technology, you see. This information has been essential to me.

And Sister Diane is nothing if not thorough. At every turn, she lays out the options and shows you the possibilities. For example there are copious strategies to help you market your ebook: the electronic press kit, engagement marketing methods, and storytelling partnerships to name a few. She provides examples of each, explains them in detail or links to outside sources that do. I hadn't a clue about any of these before I took the course.

Diane offers up some really solid advice in the book. To get your feet wet in the on-line publishing world, she suggests starting small with a single tutorial. An exercise like that could teach you a lot. Not only could it get you comfortable using all the ebook-making tools, it could also give you insights into how much time certain tasks might take, what skills you will need to work on... etc. In fact, writing a tutorial is exactly what I did to start. So far I've written several PDF tutorials and have decided to write some more before I kickoff any large ebook projects. I expect, by the time I get to the ebook stage, I will be more confident, more knowledgeable and better organized, which will make birthing an ebook a somewhat less laborious task.

I think Write, Publish and Sell Your Crafty Ebook is a great ebook. What makes it great is the fact that Diane holds up her own ebook writing and publishing experiences as an example. She shares her own stories, statistics and real-life adventures to illustrate where she's gone wrong and what she's done right. She does that in order to pave a smooth road for her readers, one that avoids some of the bumps she's encountered. She shares her very own tried-and-true process for making an actual PDF ebook document. That is pretty cool of her, don't you think? It's real, and it's darn useful too.

I went into the course empty-handed. I had NO idea. But I feel like I left the course with a trunkful of power tools. It took me a while to work up the nerve to actually use them, mind you. Some of them were intimidating, it's true. Eventually though, I bit the bullet and revisited the course materials. And over the last few months, that course has had a huge impact on me and my work. As you may have noticed, last September I went into business for myself. From my blog, I quietly opened my very own on-line shop where I sell PDF downloadable tutorials. I'm learning so much from my shop experience. Having a shop would have been impossible without Diane and her course/ebook.

So by now you probably get it. Write, Publish and Sell Your Crafty Ebook has been an invaluable resource to me. If you're considering self-publishing, this ebook contains everything you'll need to get started.

Click on the above link to check it out!

And Diane. Thank you. I think I might owe you.

♥M

Note: All photos in this post by Diane Gilleland from the ebook Write, Publish and Sell Your Crafty Ebook.

Note: I want to take a moment to extend a special thank you to Pam of Gingerbread Snowflakes for the lovely and unexpected feature post on Thursday. Thanks so much Pam!

Artizen Magazine Feature PLUS A Quiet Tutorial

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Pacey) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 22:07:00 +0000

If you peruse the latest "Truffles vs Truffles" issue of Artizen Magazine, you may find someone familiar mentioned in its pages... Oh heck, look at me, I can't be coy to save my life... Okay here's the deal. I'm featured in this month's issue of Artizen Magazine and I'm pretty happy about the whole thing. The article was written by Michael Helander, author of the beauteous art and craft blog Blue Velvet Chair. Thanks so much Michael and Artizen for the invitation and for the glowing feature.

Oh yeah. Almost forgot. Before you skip away, here's a quiet little tutorial for you for the above Tissue Box Valentines... Enjoy!

Did you get all that? Note that I also dabbed some gluestick glue to the spokes to keep the whole Valentine together. Now all it needs is your sweet message of love on the back, and you're off and running!

Okay. NOW hop on over HERE to devour every delicious word of the Artizen Magazine article. Go to it.

♥M

Decorative Gift Handles

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Pacey) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Don't even bother with a bow. Make a nifty handle out of a cracker box.

Attach it to your inside-out cereal box with some nifty brads.

Place the goodies inside. And see that? It's a nifty gift.

♥M

Juice Can Cereal Box Basket Tutorial in The Shop!

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Pacey) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

It's time I update my wee shop, don't you think?

Today's shop offering is a 9-page PDF tutorial for my "Juice Can Cereal Box Basket". You've probably divined from its name that it is entirely recycled. And you've no doubt correctly assumed that it is woven from a metal-bottomed, frozen concentrated fruit juice container and a cereal box. You'd be right on both counts, of course.

Does this mean we're on the same page, you and I, and I barely have to speak anymore? That's okay. It's good that we're comfortable. I'm happy that you "get me" you know? Darn nice, that.

Well I am off to enjoy my weekend. You have a lovely one too.

♥M

Reader Question: What Can I Make With Plastic Bottle Caps?

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Pacey) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

A little while ago, I received the following email:

Dear Michele,

Do you have any idea of what to do with old bottle caps, like those of your juice cap ornament, and some like those that come on plastic milk containers? I have at least a few thousand of them and need some ideas! Help!

Sande

Whoa there Sande! Did you say "a few thousand"? Tarnation that's a lot. What is the proper term for a person who passionately collects bottle caps I wonder? I have "capitalist" on the tip of my tongue, but I don't think that's quite right... Well, in any case, I put together a few suggestions for you. Hopefully these will help put a dent in your supply.

Idea #1. One, and probably my favourite, idea for reusing plastic bottle caps is to morph them into tiny, cute and useful pincushions. In fact, I'd been meaning to try making one of these for, like, ever. So that's what I did. I give you (drum roll) my Bottle Cap Pincushion Critter (above)! He was so much fun to design and make. I see many more of these in my future. Learn how to make the basic pinny at Craftstylish.

So that uses up ONE of your bottle caps. Fabulous. What's next...

Idea #2. You could adorn your fridge in happy/sad/angry bottle cap fridge magnets. Or, if the emotionally fragile craft doesn't strike your fancy, here's a somewhat more even-keeled project: a lampshade. Find both at Esprit Cabane.

Idea #3. You've seen my juice cap ornament right? As far as bottle cap crafts go, it's a unique alternative I think. (Shameless self-promotion... Really Michele?)

Idea #4. Sande, do you have kids? Making bottle cap lady bugs might be a neat way to spend a rainy afternoon. Get the details at Crafts by Amanda.

Idea #5. Or, if you're the slightly more ambitious artsy-type, you could attempt a self-portrait like Mary Ellen Croteau did. That ought to use up a couple caps, eh?

Idea #6. Oh, and I need one of these for my house. When you get a few spare moments, could you maybe make me one?...

Idea #7. And finally, Dollar Store Crafts was asked the very same question back in June 2011. Read all the interesting suggestions in the comments of this handy post.

Edited to Add: Melissa from Those Northern Skies pointed out her sweet bottle cap Christmas trees, and I just had to add them to the list!

There it is Sande. I hope this list gets your crafty juices flowing and helps you on your way. If anyone has any other brainwaves, do pipe up in the comments. I'd love to hear your ideas.

♥M

Continuing Education

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Pacey) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

The only formal art education I have, I received from my high school art class. I've never taken a craft class or a sewing class. Like most people, I learn by doing. And, yes, I've done A LOT of doing. But I've thought recently that I should work on my skills, that I should try to get better at what I do. There's always room for improvement, right? To that end, I decided to join Craftsy. From what I can see, Craftsy is an on-line community that offers an assortment of on-line craft courses from talented designer/craftspeople at reasonable prices. Okay, I'm intrigued...

So I joined - it's free. But not only that. I also jumped right into their free on-line class which they call "Craftsy Block of the Month". Every month from January to October, students learn to make two new quilt blocks which they then combine into a quilt in the fall. Taking this class will be a good way for me to get my educational feet wet, I think. I will no doubt learn something new (like a bunch of new quilt blocks). I'll meet some crafty folk. Hopefully, I'll get a pretty quilt out of the deal. And, for future reference, it's a good way for me to judge the overall quality of Craftsy's classes and services.

I'm excited about it. I will keep you abreast of my progress, write a little about my Craftsy experiences, and post pictures of my blocks month by month. Above are my first two 12-1/2 inch blocks. They are supposed to be simple slashed blocks: a wonky pound sign and an asterisk. In theory, they're easy to make and get right, but mine for some reason, are FAR from perfect. But no worries. I'm learning, right?

Also, I'm working from my fabric stash so, as usual, it's going to be a scrappy thing. My chosen colour scheme is a somewhat out there but I wanted to try a little funkiness so I don't loose interest halfway through the year. We shall see how that goes.

I wonder what Amy (our teacher) has planned for February... Oh, see that? I'm already looking forward to next month's blocks. That's a good sign I think. Learning is supposed to be fun, right?

So far so good.

♥M

Epiphany: With Abandon

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Pacey) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

When I saw these brilliant drawings by Sara and her children, I knew the Boy and I were going to be breaking out the oil pastels as soon as was humanly possible.

As it turns out, the Boy had a day off from school yesterday so we spent a moment playing with oil pastels. He walked away from the above scene in about 1 minute flat.

I don't know how they do it, but kids make the best art. It's because they're in the moment I think. They enjoy. They don't overthink things. Unlike us adults, they're not attached to the outcome and they certainly don't try to control it. This is a small epiphany, another teachable moment. Not for the Boy; he's already got it figured out. For me!

Create with abandon Michele. Like a child, do not worry about results. Just let the goodness flow from your fingertips and then... let it go.

♥M

Making Cork Stamps

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Pacey) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

If you're in the habit of collecting things like I am, you likely have a bunch of wine corks taking up residence in the cookie jar just begging to be put to some kinda use. Ya do, don't ya? Well guess what, I know just the thing. Cork letter stamps. These are useful and cute, they lend gobs of personality to cards, gift wrap, artwork, blogposts... and best of all, with a few simple tools and materials, they are pretty easy to make.

Here's what you'll need:

many corks
craft foam (Note: You'll be using craft foam to create the letter part of the stamps. Because this project requires only tiny pieces of foam, this is the perfect opportunity to use up any odds and ends you have kicking around.)
small, fine-tipped scissors (I found a pair in my Christmas stocking... Thank you Santa!)
foam craft glue (I used Aleene's FunCraft Foam Glue. It's good stuff. Other glues might work too but I suggest testing them out first. Foam can be tricky where adhesion is concerned.)
pencil
small handsaw
sandpaper

Step 1. Prepare your cork. Start by cutting off the skewered end of the cork with a small handsaw.
Step 2. Then, with a piece of sandpaper, smooth down the freshly cut cork surface and round off the edge. This is to be your glueing surface.

Step 3. (Not shown) Quickly wash your cork in water to remove any dust. Allow cork to dry.

Step 4. Using a pencil, lightly draw your letter onto the foam. Before cutting it out, compare the size of the letter with the cork surface to be sure the letter will fit the cork. Try to make your letter as large as possible. This will prevent the edges of the cork leaving unpretty ink marks all over your precious paper or fabric.

Step 5. Cut around the outline of the letter with a fine-tipped pair of scissors.

Step 6. Dab a thin layer of foam craft glue (I suggest Aleene's FunCraft Foam Glue) to the FRONT of the letter (You need to glue it on backwards for your stamped letter to have the correct orientation.)

Step 7. Stick the gluey letter onto the freshly cut surface of your cork. Allow everything to dry.

And yep, you have letterage!

Now... make the rest of the alphabet, numbers, punctuation (I totally missed the punctuation boat...), symbols, invent whole brand-new fonts if you like man! Jiminy Cricket, the sky's the limit, eh?

I asked the Boy to write out his alphabet and numbers...

And I made him his very own set of stamps in BoyFont. You may or may not have seen the BoyFont in action on Tuesday over HERE.

Then o'course I had to make my very own font. Stands to reason. Look how different our fonts are. Isn't that swell?

Oh the fun I'll be having with these, just you wait. Boisy, I'm going to be playing!

Okay. So the cookie jar is empty... Who around here's gonna make me some cookies? Anyone?... Hello?...

♥M

Dear Reader...

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Pacey) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:24:00 +0000

Tutorial: Sunkissed Heart Wreath

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Pacey) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Lo and I celebrated 15 years of togetherness last Monday. My heart feels like it's been kissed by the sun since I've known him. I dedicate this post, the result, and my very heart to him.

This wreath is inspired by those beautiful string wedding balloon displays, like THIS one, for example.

Tutorial ♥ A Sunkissed Heart Wreath

You will need:

2 long skinny balloons (the type used to make balloon animals)
balloon pump (unless you have gorilla lungs)
white (PVA) glue
water
container for glue
yarn
pair of scissors
pin or sharp thing
length of ribbon (optional)
drop cloth or newspaper

Step 1. Using the pump, blow up the two skinny balloons. Try making them of equal size or as close to it as possible leaving tails a few inches long. Knot them.
Step 2. Gently tie the knotted end to the tail end to create two loopy balloons as shown.
Step 3. Cut up your yarn into several 2-3 ft (60-90 cm) lengths. Pour some glue out into the container. Add a little water to the glue to make it a little runnier than normal. Say 4:1 glue to water.
Step 4. Now to the messy part. One at a time, drop your yarn pieces into the glue, coating them fully and removing any excess dripping glue. Wrap your gluey yarn around a balloon. Continue in this way, wrapping your balloons with gluey yarn, criss-crossing over lower layers and building up a web of yarn around each balloon. Note that in photo 4, my balloons still require more yarn as they would NOT be strong enough to hold the shape if left as shown. However you do not want to fully cover the balloons either. You want the sun to shine through your heart (words of wisdom my friend)... Let these dry overnight on clean glass or plastic. Do not dry it on paper or you'll wind up with gobs of paper permanently attached to your heart. No no.

Step 5. The next day: Prick the balloons with a pin (or sharp thing) and gently pull out the balloon carcasses. It's cool how hard your pieces are, once dry. Now, you want to place your balloons side by side to see if they need to be trimmed or not, and to figure out the best way to join them into a heart shape.

Here's what I did:

Step 6. I started with the bottom joint. I butted the two ends together as shown. No glue yet.
Step 7. And for the top joint, I cut away half the cylinder (equal in length to the diameter of the cylinder).
Step 8. This made a recess into which the other end fit nicely. Now I checked to be sure that with both sides butted together my heart was actually heart-shaped. I had to trim a little off the bottom of one side so it all looked hunky dory.
Step 9. I then strengthened both joints with several lengths of gluey yarn. Notice the many overlaps. Once dry, these joints are strong like bull. At this point, I also added a few lengths of yarn over the rest of the heart to make it extra robust. Allow your heart to dry out overnight on glass or plastic.

The next morning, find your heart ready to be hung up and admired!

String it up with a ribbon, place it in a window and let the sun beam through it. Just LOVE-ly!...

Happy anniversary Lo. My heart is yours. Let's keep up the good work, okay?

♥M

Oh! And speaking of wreaths, check out my latest project. It's a blog! I call it:

Quilt Finish: City Streets

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Pacey) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

One of my goals for this month was to put to rest this sweet 'n scrappy quilt project, one which I started back in... oh dear... July 2011? Wow. I really really gotta work on turn-around times. I think what held me back on this one was the idea that I HAD to, and could not NOT, hand-quilt it.

I think hand-quilted quilts are the ultimate. I've only ever hand-quilted. There's something about the feel and look of them that is so warm and old-timey. I just love them, needless to say. However, if I was ever going to finish this project, compromises were going to have to be made by me. Over the Christmas holidays, I re-considered machine-quilting as an option, and I have to say, it was such a relief to make that decision. There's no question: I can be extremely stubborn. But it's nice to know that when push comes to shove, I can still be flexible.

Now, I recently inherited a lovely 1973 Elna SU sewing machine (to replace Betty, my even-older White sewing machine) from my mother-in-law. It's in ship shape. It's like new in fact. She took tremendous care of it over the years. So last weekend, my husband kindly took me around to all the little sewing/quilt shops in town (he was so encouraging) and I was pleased as punch to find a walking foot for it. The walking foot (similar to this one) turns my regular sewing machine into a quilting beast. It's darn great!

So, as you might have guessed, the quilt is quilted and bound and done and totally finished. Amazing! And as for my first walking-foot experience, I'm a satisfied girl. I've still got stuff to learn but I'm pleased with this first effort. I've dubbed the quilt "City Streets". Here it is!

You have a lovely day now. I'll be back soon!

♥M

In Mother Nature's Studio

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Pacey) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

When Mother Nature takes out her glitter, get out of the way. This past Thursday, she bedazzled our whole area in a thick layer of it. We didn't even bother leaving the house. We just sat tight and watched her work.

She's the only artist I know who can get away with this sort of unapologetic, over-the-top behaviour. How does she do it? She makes it look so easy. It's like it's second-nature or something... I wish I knew what brand of glue she used.

Truth be told, Mother Nature has always been one of my favourite artists. I find her work eminently inspirational and timeless. Her use of lines is magical. She's got repetition and composition down to a science. Her way with light and shadow is to die for, and her colour-mixing: perfection! It's obvious she's a natural. And I am fairly convinced that she can do anything.

Just look at her artwork. It blows my mind! To be perfectly honest, I'm more than a little jealous. I wish I had even one iota of her talent. Luckily, she lets me into her studio whenever I like. I'm trying to take full advantage of that. Who better to learn from, eh?

♥M

Note: I'm trying out a new way to respond to comments. You can read about it in the previous post.

Comment Response Update

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Pacey) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 03:57:00 +0000

You may have noticed that Blogger has recently introduced threaded commenting. This new development allows for direct response by both you and I to specific comments within the comments section. Thusly, I will no longer be responding to comments via email but rather responding here on the blog within that section. I'm very much hoping this will work well and simplify things for us. Fingers-crossed!

If you'd like to contact me privately, you can always send me an email at michelemademe (AT) gmail (DOT) com.

Have a happy day now!

♥M

Note: The above wedding card was designed by The Boy. It was then rendered in paper by me.

Corked Cushion "Safe To Dance"

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Pacey) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Eight months in the making and it's finally here. Yay, me! Why eight months? Heaven knows... I got distracted or something.

Slow though it was, this cushion was inspired by Men Without Hats "Safety Dance", so I'm calling it my "Safe To Dance" corked cushion. Corked because I made the knitted tubing embellishment with my own two hands using a new-to-me method called spool-knitting or corking. I'm doing a little jig right now in celebration of this pillow's completion! Dance with me now... Come come, let's see your moves.

Nice.

This is my first attempt at doing the "invisible-zipper thing" too. I installed it without the fancy-special invisible zipper foot and it turned out pretty well. I may invest in the fancy-special foot because, from what I've read, they are quite inexpensive. But yes, it can be done without it. Amy's got some helpful installation hints, and there are countless YouTube videos and tutorials on the subject. I googled "how to install an invisible zipper" and was inundated by the 34 600 results. It seems I'm not alone in my quest for zippy stealth.

Oh, and find out how to cork or spool-knit HERE. The resulting tubes are just nifty and can be used in a plethora of ways. Have you ever made anything corked? Do tell.

♥M

Exploring Loop Closures

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Pacey) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Today's post originally appeared in November 2011 at Pickup Some Creativity as part of Chris's immensely practical Sewing 101 series. I'm re-posting it here now. Here we go...

I've decided to tackle this post from the point of view of a learner because, to be honest, that's what I'm doing. I'm sitting at the front of the class doing these things for the first time, fumbling about, and figuring them out as I go. As a result, I will be sending you hither and thither to a few really great tutorials.

Are you ready? Let's learn something!

So for my part, I've chosen to explore the "ins and outs" of the loop closure as an alternative to buttons and button holes, snaps, and other closures, so that we might add it to our bag of sewing tricks. The loop closure is simple. Essentially, it's made up of two elements: 1) the loop, and 2) what I'm going to call "the anchor". See? I'm making stuff up already... As part of my learning, I decided to try my hand at a few loop closure variations.

Variation #1: Fabric Loop + Button

First, I visited The Sewing Diva. Her button loop tutorial showed me how to make the most basic button loop closure. The process photos I include below are only to prove that I actually tried doing it for real. The Sewing Diva will show you the way.

Just let me add two small recommendations to the info The Sewing Diva provides: 1) to get the perfect button placement once you've sewn in the loops, mark the button locations through the loops and stitch the buttons in place. And 2) to make the loops themselves, make tiny fabric tubes using the highly recommended "Turning Tubes of Fabric" trick from Pattern Review and go from there.

I will say this for the basic button loop. Of the variations I tried, this is by far my favourite. Once you've learned the trick to lining everything up properly, it is quite simple and the results are so pretty. Not only that, but it won't take long to perfect. The following result was my very first attempt. Not too bad eh? Only a little bit off. I still think it looks pretty.

Variation #2: Fabric Loops + Tie

Next, using the very same method as in #1, I decided to try putting a series of loops on either side of an opening, and have it lace up like a pair of shoes. You've no doubt seen this concept on vests and dresses to allow for growth or cinching. But I could imagine using this variation as a small-scale decorative element on the flap of a messenger bag maybe, or on the back pockets of girl's pants even. Wouldn't that be cute?

Again in variation 2, I used the handy "Turning Tubes of Fabric" trick from Pattern Review to make the loop fabric.

Variation #3: Stretchy Loop + Decoration

Elastic hair ties make great stretchy loops. For my third loop closure variation, I started by making a felt swirly flower. Dozi Design shows you how to make swirly flowers here. I made my flower out of felt instead of paper, secured it with several stitches, stitched on some leaves, and paired my flower with an elastic loop for a sweet decorative closure. I used the very same method presented in #1 and #2 for installing the loop.

The possible uses for this closure are many and varied. Think belts, bracelets, needle cases, journal covers, bags and more. The stretchiness of the loop allows for firm closure and permits the use of bigger and odd-shaped anchors. For example, instead of a flower, why not use something else entirely? Like a painted wooden cutout or a crocheted bobble? Just make sure your loop is long enough to stretch around your chosen anchor.

Variation #4: Chinese Frog and Knot

Before writing this post, I had seen "frogs and knots" on oriental dresses and silk bags. You can purchase these closures ready-made in sewing shops and online. But guess what? You can actually make your own too! Bridges on the Body has a beautiful Chinese frog and knot closure tutorial that will allow you to make your very own closures to match your particular project.

Truthfully, it took me many many - probably about 15 to 20 (I stopped counting after awhile...) - tries before I got these to look anywhere near authentic. But to be fair, I was using the wrong type of cord at first: a small crocheted chain that I'd made. Bad idea.

To be successful, you need the type of cord with a high coefficient of loopiness. In other words, it's gotta hold its loopy shape and resist flopping and folding. Once I figured that out, the frogs were much easier to make. Also, after so many tries, the method is etched forever in my little brain. But it is an elegant process once you know it. I'm very glad I learned it!

Variation #5: Emboidered Loop + Button

And finally, the fifth variation that I attempted was this embroidered loop. I learned how to make it from Ysolda.

Ysolda's button loop tutorial perfectly explains the easy steps to create this simple embroidered loop. It seems to me this variation would be perfect for a small subtle closure, one that you hope won't be too obvious.

And there you have it: my round-up of five loopy closures. Hopefully you will find it useful or, at the very least, feel encouraged to learn about a different closure! I certainly did. I'm sure whole new neural pathways have formed in my brain as a consequence too. And it didn't even hurt. Yay!

Okay that's the post. Thanks for reading. I'll be back here on Saturday!

♥M

Getting 'Er Done

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Pacey) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:47:00 +0000

Corking or spool knitting. Part of a proj I started... oh... probably 8 months ago now. The goal is to finish it, get some closure, tie up loose ends, follow through, see its backside. Know what I mean? Wouldn't that be gRRReat?... Oh yeah.

Okay. I'm doin' it.

♥M

Fabric Heart Garland

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Pacey) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 21:06:00 +0000

Tell me the truth... Did you suspect, at any moment, that some sort of heartish garland would materialize upon these pages? Did you know in your heart of hearts that I, like so many others, would fall prey to the ebb and flow of those yearly calendar events around which crafters build their crafts. Of course you did. And you were 100% correct. I've become predictable, haven't I?

Could you perhaps, forgive me just this once? For I sincerely heart this tiny garland. I heart the sweet row of blanket stitches holding together each hearty sandwich of fabric and felt. I heart the play of single crochet and chain stitches entwined around some of their heartish borders. I heart how I've woven this latest garland through my new crochet-edge curtains. Little did you know it, but that was my crafty plan you see, hee hee.

The garland brings a sweet blush of colour to our wintery room.

I heart it very much. I hope you heart it too.

♥M

2012: Year of the Epiphany

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Pacey) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 21:36:00 +0000

Hey there!

Hello stranger!

Happy New Year 2012 and a giant polar bear hug to you!

Do you know that I've just enjoyed the longest break in the history of this blog? Eleven days of silence. Wow. Seems impossible doesn't it? But no, it's true. I've had a really lovely holiday. It's not quite over yet either. The boys don't go back to school/work until the 9th. But I wanted to check in here. To let you know that I'm still very much alive and alove. And to verify that the interwebs hadn't crumbled to smithereens during my absence.

Yep, nope. They're still here. Still going strong, just as I suspected.

So um... I had a small epiphany during my break don't you know.

Minor Epiphany: I CAN CROCHET.

I don't know what it is, but sometimes I really lack confidence. Take crocheting for instance. I learned how to crochet sometime in the summer of 2010 just after starting this blog. Since then, I have made this, this, and these, among other things. Yet, for some reason I basically think I blow at it, which I've realized over the last few weeks is a bunch of hooey. I've had it up to here with that kind of negative attitude. Henceforth, I will be working on turning my crochet frown upside down. I CAN CROCHET! And BY GUM you will be seeing more crochet-type projects from me in the coming year!

That said, I'm declaring 2012 my year of the epiphany. I will be keeping my eyes peeled for moments of clarity and ideas that should probably be obvious to me but for some reason haven't managed to penetrate my tiny brain. And then I'll write about them here amongst the many and varied crafts.

Okay then...Well, you have a great evening now. I'll be back soon!

♥M

Note: The above photos are some of the crochet projects I've been playing with over the holidays using some of my yarn scraps. First, I made the lacy square. Secondly, I made some curtains to which I attached a pretty crocheted border, the first attempt of which I rejected. It was a bit much, I felt. The second iteration was just simpler. I like that.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Pacey) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 14:37:00 +0000

The happiest of greetings to you today! I hope you are enjoying your holidays and cherishing these special moments with your dear ones. My heartfelt thanks to you for visiting this crafty blog over the last year, for supporting my new little shop, and for leaving your kind thoughts. It warms the cockles of my heart to know that what I do here is appreciated.

I will be giving this little blog a break and spending some holiday time with my sweeties over the next few weeks. The craftiness will resume in 2012. Stay safe and warm hugs to you!

♥M

Amy's Kusudama

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Pacey) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 12:00:00 +0000

My sweet (and ultra-energetic) friend Amy, from During Quiet Time, motivated this vibrant little kusudama. After she made this beauty here, she felt my life would be incomplete without an origami project of my own, so she challenged me to make one as well, out of junkmail no less! Thanks for that Amy.

Several hours and many many many pieces of candy coloured junkmail later, I had this:

So, to be exact, that's seventy-two squares of paper, cut, folded over and over, glued once, twice, and thrice to make twelve six-petalled flowers, which in turn, are cobbled together into the resulting kusudama.

Phewf!!!... Can't believe I finished the thing. If you're looking for an exercise to strengthen your will and build up your fortitude, this will do it Grasshopper.

Thanks for the challenge Amy (and yes, it was definitely a challenge)! This post is your Christmas gift. Merry Christmas from me to you!

♥M

Every Mother's Dream

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Pacey) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 12:00:00 +0000

That their children eat their greens.

Make these chips once. Serve. Watch as the chips vanish. Then, wait...

One day, out of the blue, your child might just surprise you with the following question: "Could I have spinach for a snack?"

It happened to me. It could happen to you too.

Get the recipe HERE. Thank you Food Faffer. I can't think of a better Christmas gift for a parent!

You have a lovely day now. I'll be back soon. ♥M

Junkmail Snowflakes - Possibility #3 (Finale)

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Pacey) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Welcome to the final junkmail snowflake post of the 2011. Let us cheer. Rah rah rah!

Okay. Alright. You already know how to make the basic snowflakes, right? I went over that back HERE. So what are these little guys, you may well wonder? Well, they are gift toppers. Use them on a gift in lieu of a bow or ribbon. How did I make them? It is a veritable breeze.

Let us do it.

Tutorial ❈ Junkmail Snowflake Gift Toppers

For this project, you will need: colourful junkmail, a foam meat tray, pair of scissors, hole punch, glue.

Step 1: Start by making two small junkmail snowflakes of similar sizes. My snowflakes measure about 3 inches (7.5 cm) in diameter. Use junkmail in contrasting colours for each snowflake. Note: DO NOT cut away the snowflake apices (the centers of the snowflakes). Press one of the snowflakes with a dry iron. Leave the other snowflake unpressed.

Step 2: Go to your recycling bin and retrieve a foam tray. You know, the kind usually reserved for meat. From the foam, cut out a small doughnut shape. Mine measures about 1/2 inch (~12mm) in diameter. Use your hole punch to punch out the doughnut hole. Save the middle piece of confetti. Now, using your hole punch, widen the hole in the doughnut all the way around. The hole needs to be slightly bigger than the piece of confetti.

Step 3: Glue the doughnut shape to the very center of the pressed snowflake. Glue the confetti piece to the very center of the unpressed snowflake.

Step 4: Apply some glue to the center back of the unpressed snowflake. The glue should cover an area the same size as the doughnut on the other snowflake.

Step 5: Now, place the unpressed snowflake on top of the pressed snowflake so that the confetti is aligned with the doughnut hole. Very gently, press down on the confetti so that it sinks into the doughnut hole slightly. This will cause the snowflake edges to lift up lightheartedly.

Step 6: And there you have it: one completed gift topper. Stick it on a gift and you're golden!

I might have made one or two more...

They're really quite sculptural and interesting, eh?

Goodbye my snowflakes. See you again next year!

Okay, I'm off to clean... um... everything. You have a lovely weekend. ♥M

Previously in this series:
Junkmail Snowflakes: The How-To
Junkmail Snowflakes Possibility #1: Wall Blizzard
Junkmail Snowflakes Possibility #2: Lanterns

Walk This Way

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Pacey) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 12:00:00 +0000

I try to get out several times a week for a long walk. Walking is the best medicine, isn't it? A couple years ago I heard of a study that showed that women could significantly improve their longevity through walking. Now I could 'a told you that. I see the proof everyday. Women as old as the hills and rickety as rockers out there walking everywhere. One day, I aim to be one of them.

It's the air and sunlight that does it for them, I'm pretty sure. Me? I like to feel the fresh air. There's nothing like it. It's just so... fresh. Besides, walking is a physical-type exercise. Or it can be, if you push hard enough. In general, I go hard on my walks. I don't usually do the leisurely stroll. I'm on a mission: heavy breathing. When you're breathing heavily, your heart gets involved. I like that. I like to feel my heart and know, without question, that I have one.

Looking up at the stuff around me is another aspect of walking that I can't get enough of. I like looking up at things. Like telephone wires for instance. Or clouds. Or chain link fences. Or trees. I just need the change of scene sometimes. If I have a soul, then getting out of doors is probably good for it, wouldn't you say?

Sometimes my walk will present me with a gift of sorts. The other day for example, I came across a murder of crows. There must have been sixty or seventy of the large black birdies nestled in a grove of naked trees all sitting and squawking together. They made a beautiful silhouette against the sky. But at the same time, their calls gave me some serious willies. Were they squawking about me? I don't know. And I didn't stay to find out neither.

I do this thing during my walks that involves walking as tall and as straight as is humanly possible. I literally feel six feet tall when I do it. I'm only 5 feet 4 inches tall so that's an 8 inch improvement, right? True, the feeling subsides when I come home again but whatever. It's great to be that tall even for a little while.

Sometimes I'll spend my whole walk crying like a blubbering fool. Sometimes the tears are happy and sometimes they're not. Every now and again, a girl just needs to let go, you know? And my walk is the perfect place for me to let it all hang out.

During a walk I will often stare up into the blue. I'll fix my gaze on one spot for a while which feels strangely wondrous. I like to beam my most random and personal thoughts up into the heavens. Where they go, nobody knows. But that's the beauty of it; it's absolutely safe and comforting. Kind of like a prayer.

♥M

The above photos were taken during a walk through my neighbourhood on Tuesday, the 13th of December, 2011.

Junkmail Snowflakes - Possibility #2

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Pacey) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 11:30:00 +0000

Hiya.

It's Tuesday.

You knew that?

Oh.

Did you also know about my little junkmail-snowflake-making rampage? Well... I regret to inform you that it goes on. I know... Call me obsessed. I can take it.

Here's my junkmail snowflake experiment du jour. Jars. I stuck the snowflakes to jars. See?

Junkmail Snowflake Lanterns

All I did was cut out teeny snowflakes using THIS method. And then I took some watered-down Mod Podge (roughly 1:1 water to Mod Podge) and brushed the Podge onto the back of each snowflake (or half-snowflake). Then I stuck the snowy flakes onto jars, and bam: junkmail snowflake lanterns.

I suggest brushing the snowflakes with Mod Podge while holding them in hand. Otherwise they will become forever stuck to whatever surface you have them on. They'll stick to your hands too, but if you use the Podge judiciously and brush it on with a tiny paint brush, you'll avoid the flakes becoming permanently affixed to you.

Here's one with a candle glowing inside. Aaaah, the warmth... Makes me want to bellow to the heavens... Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at your... What? No bellowing, you say?

Oh. Okay. Perhaps I could serenade you on Thursday then? Wouldn't that be great? Don't let me forget, okay?

Well you have a lovely day now. Bye bye until Thursday. ♥M

Junkmail Snowflake Possibility #1 is back HERE, btw.

Junkmail Snowflakes - Possibility #1

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Pacey) — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 11:30:00 +0000

I showed you how to make them HERE. So now what? Well, here we go...

Junkmail Snowflakes - Possibility #1: The Wall Blizzard

Pros of the junkmail wall blizzard:

Free.
Nice activity that permits one to watch a lovely movie, sing sweet Christmas carols, or do leg exercises whilst accomplishing.
Warm.
Reminds one of old-time cozy flannel pajamas.
Still safe to go outside.
There's nothing to shovel.
Stunningly pretty.
And of course...

RAINBOW-y.

Cons of the junkmail wall blizzard:

Time and perseverance are required to fold, cut, press, and tape up a whole beautiful blizzard.
Forced to pick one favourite snowflake by family.
Sudden urges to hug the walls.
Once up, likely to stay up there for good.
And, oddly, quite...

MESMERIZING.

Prepare to be distracted.

Have yourself a fantastic weekend. I'll be back on Tuesday. ♥M