tidbits & scraps

1 Corinthians 6:19

2015-04-17T09:04:00.000-04:00

Supplies used:

Crossbody Bags

2015-04-09T09:45:00.001-04:00

When I started planning my 6x6 pieces for this years show it began like this.

When I took the Craftsy class, Stitch and Slash, these were put aside. This weekend I pulled them out again and decided to play with them some more...

I stitched in some details on a few. Then I decided to try something different. I decided to make them into bags. After a few trials I ended up with this to fit my iPad Mini.

Dolls in My Future: Lynn Miller

2015-03-26T11:09:00.000-04:00

As I made the soft sculptured dolls, the dream of making them look like people I knew took hold. Maybe one of these dolls looks like someone YOU know. I decided to go out on a limb and make a doll for my friend, Chris, who was retiring from teaching. I thought about her clothes, hair, jewelry and overall style and came up with a doll that reminded me of Chris. Now the test. I met Chris for coffee at our favorite spot, handed her the gift bag, held my breath, and waited for her to open it. Her first words? “It’s me!”
Hooray! I had one notch in my belt.

My daughter, Abby, who was working at a convent infirmary, asked for a Nun doll. I had to think about that one for a long time. What habit did this particular order wear? How authentic did it have to look? What if I did something very, very wrong in portraying this Nun? I forged ahead after consulting the internet several times and finally took off. Success? You decide.

Now on to conquer other faces, a real challenge. It’s easier to make a doll and then decide if it looks like someone you know! So, as you can see, the journey continues. My focus will be on sculpting as well as fine tuning those shoes! I’ll let you know how I’m doing from time to time.

Lynn Miller's dolls and other creations are available in her Etsy shop, Lynn's Simply By Hand.

A little tease from my sewing machine

2015-03-23T09:01:00.000-04:00

Does that look 6x6 to you? *wink*

Dolls from Drawings: Lynn Miller

2015-03-19T09:00:00.000-04:00

In my last year of teaching, I tried an idea that had been bubbling on the back burner for years. I took children’s art and made it 3D. My first piece was a drawing of a dinosaur given to me by a boy in my first grade class. He was a dinosaur genius and encyclopedia. Using the colors he’d used but in printed fabric, I re-created his dinosaur. Oh, I had some more tricks to learn for sure. He wouldn’t stand on his 4 legs and his teeth didn’t seem terrifying enough being made of felt! I tried my hand at other drawings such as the Chipmunks drawn by another young artist.

chipmunks as illustrated by a young artist

My next project was a doll made from a drawing by the daughter of a family friend, followed closely by dolls for her sisters. Making each doll to look like the child’s picture was exciting as I created something new each time. The dresses, the hair, the size of the body, and the expressions were challenging and fun at the same time.

doll from a girl's drawing

Things really started to take shape after I left my teaching job. This was a time for reflection and re-direction for me and I naturally returned to dolls. After a couple of months of making primitive dolls, I wanted to make dolls that looked like people I knew. I started with a book by Terese Cato. Her book was very helpful in guiding me to take the next step. Thank you, Terese! These dolls were soft sculpted with real character faces that got my imagination going. I started by making several, like 10, trying different sculpting techniques, making clothing, and up-cycling fabric as well as jewelry and bits of crochet or lace.

Lizzie

My friend, Judy and I scoured antique stores and second hand shops where I found many treasures such as the cameo pin on Lizzie or the locket pin on Clarissa. With time to pursue each new creative idea, I knitted, crocheted, embroidered and painted until I was satisfied with the outcome. I’m still working on shoes….and lips…and body sizes….


Clarissa and her friend

Next week, I’ll bring you up to the present. I look forward to your comments!

Lynn's dolls and other creations can be found in her Etsy shop, Lynn's Simply By Hand.

Here are 3 of Terese Cato's books for you to browse.

Dolls and Soft Animals: Lynn Miller

2015-03-12T09:00:00.000-04:00

In the seventies, soft ducks were very popular if made in plaids and wools. Of course, I had to try that. I also ventured into Teddy Bears made of everything from black crepe to corduroy and fake fur. There may have been a bunny or two in that time period as well.

My Learn to Sew Book: A Golden Book

In making these animals I was learning, unbeknownst to me, skills that would carry me into new projects. Seeing how wedges and ovals could shape the final product was as important as learning ways to attach legs that were either stationary or movable. Working with fabrics, both thick and thin, gave me a great deal of experience in mistakes and un-sewing: widen your seams for silks, trim back the fur, and corduroy is not very forgiving when trying to ease a neck onto a body. Unfortunately, I have no photos* from this period but I’m sure your imaginations can supply a few!

My Learn to Sew Book: A Golden Book

As a teacher, I made puppets, costumes, and helped the children make small bags called pockets for our annual trip into the times of the English Settlers in Plimoth. (old spelling-www.plimoth.org)

image from bvcolonialcrafts.com

One year, I had each child draw a picture of themselves using fabric crayons on muslin. I made each of these into a hand puppet. I say this as it was the niggle of a later idea that came to fruition. A child’s drawing is sometimes detailed and sometimes not so much. The puppets were cute although not all of the children recognized their own drawing when put in this new form!

My Learn to Sew Book: A Golden Book

I’d say that this chapter was more on the learning end than anything. I did a few things, I tried some new ideas; however, nothing seemed to be worth fine tuning. AND, I was working full time, had two children, a husband, a house, a dog, a guinea pig, a parakeet, and fish.

Lynn's dolls and other creations can be found in her Etsy shop, Lynn's Simply By Hand.

*some images are from a classic in my library;

My Learn to Sew Book by Janet Barber, Golden Press, 1971.
My Learn to Sew Book: A Golden Book

Spring Dates in Rochester

2015-03-09T09:25:00.003-04:00

Thanks for joining me today for a Spring Date Night. If you are visiting from Susannah’s blog, Simple Moments Stick, welcome! I love new friends. I hope you enjoy my date night as much as I did.

Now, I realize that every month has a first Friday – as well as a second, third, and fourth - but in Rochester, NY "First Friday" means more than just the end of the first week of the month.

First Friday is a monthly citywide gallery night that encourages collaboration between non-profit, university, and commercial art venues in Rochester, NY. This initiative showcases area artists and arts institutions by promoting the First Friday evening of each month from 6-9pm as a community night for experiencing art. First Friday ensures a healthy art scene and a healthy city through regular exchange and discussion between venues, artists and patrons. - from First Friday website

Over 25 galleries in and around the city participate. Most galleries offer beverages including local wines or brews, and some even provide hors d'oeuvres. We even get to enjoy music by local bands and musical groups (music was provided by Bernunzios for our date). Some months it is nearly impossible to choose, but his past Friday I knew we couldn't miss the event at Rochester Contemporary Art Center: The 6x6 Party Month Kick-Off Event. "March is 6×6 Party Month! Join us for an evening of 6×6 artwork-making!" More about the annual 6x6 show HERE.

We each choose a local beer from Dundee Brewing and set off to explore. First we enjoyed learning the art of the letterpress with representatives from Printing and Book Arts Center of the Genesee Center for the Arts & Education. They had 2 trays of stamps to choose from and 3 ink colors. I chose some ampersands and arrows to represent my blog, tidbits & scraps. In addition to letterpress and book arts, the Center offers classes and open studio time in photography and ceramics. I might have to sign up!

Next we tried out block printing with Jennifer Cichello from The Art Store here in Rochester. The printing process is like rubber stamping with large stamps which are hand-cut out of linoleum blocks. I had hoped to cut my own, but she had prepared several linoleum blocks to print with. Sounds like an at home date night,in the making. We made light bulbs! Well, we printed light bulbs.

Lastly we tried something I have never done before: encaustic painting. Rochester Art Supply did a mini workshop using Enkaustikos Paint Sticks. This is a very interesting technique that can be used in so many ways! We placed a 6x6 inch metal printing plate on an electric griddle (the kind you use to make a million pancakes on Saturday mornings). We drew on the plate with the paint sticks which melted as we drew. When we were done, we placed a piece of paper over the plate and gently rubbed it down. The wax soaks into the paper and we had a beautiful piece! Here is mine.

We finished our date with a little sushi not far from the gallery at one of our faves, Shema Sushi. If you are in Rochester and love sushi you have to try them. We discovered this treasure when it opened about 8 years ago. It has since moved up in the world; out of the suburban village and into the city. There is something very comfortable and authentic about Shema.

What a night! Check out your local art guild or museum to find out if your city has a similar event. Even if there are not specific city wide gallery opening nights in your area, you should be able to find gallery openings about once a month anywhere.

Looking for other spring date night ideas? Check out Susannah's blog, Simple Moments Stick, for her upcoming post with links to some great ideas for everyone.

Quilt Plans for Spring 2015

2015-02-10T08:15:00.000-05:00

Since I have been finishing so many quilt tops lately, I thought I would take a look ahead and let you know what is on my quilting list for the spring.

Fabric I have to have:

Wild &Free Collection from Art Gallery Fabrics by Maureen Hensel Cracknell
Maureen in an amazing quilter. My mom and her dad grew up next door to each other in a tiny town in PA. My mom and her Aunt are still best friends. If you have never seen her quilts, prepare yourself to be inspired!

Moody Blues fabric collection for cloud9fabrics designed by Geninne

Geninne draws and paints the most wonderful birds and flowers. She even has a coloring book out! Moody Blues is available in February. How can I wait? I don't have to!

Quilt I Need to Make Next:

Treasure Hunt by Tula Pink.

Favorites Collage

2014-12-12T09:00:00.000-05:00

This week's Favorites Collage is of a few quilt blocks I want to try.

These are a few images I have in my favorites on flickr

1. DGS Blocks Jaceycraft

2. do.good stitches Feburary by rainylakechick

3. Arrow and Feather by retired to quilt

4. Blocks for Natalie by Jaceycraft

Every week I plan to go through my favorite ideas online and choose related projects to showcase for you. These photos and projects are not my own, you can find the original images and creators by clicking the coordinating links! If you do not want your project featured here, please email me and I'll remove it!

Happy Weekend!

Tula Pink City Sampler: Complete

2014-12-10T09:00:00.001-05:00

Party Favorites

2014-12-05T09:00:00.000-05:00

1. Blue Ribbon goblets from NOVICA Live

2. Bird Tart Warmer from Scentsy

3. Key Lime Cheese Ball Mix from Tastefully Simple

4. Mineral Eye Color Quad in Black Ice from Mary Kay

5. Stoneware Deep Dish Pie Plate from The Pampered Chef
6. Necklace from Premier Design
7. Sugar & Spice from Jamberry
8. Owl Wallet from thirty-one
9. Sewing Machine Charm from Origami Owl

Key Lime Cheese Ball Mix

Dolls From the Beginning: Lynn Miller

2014-12-04T09:00:00.000-05:00

My next few Thursday blogs will be a series about my progression into doll making. This has been a labor of love from the beginning. Always loved dolls! My first doll was a Raggedy Ann that I made while in college. It was for my Japanese Pen Pal so that I could send something truly American. Yaeko and I began writing when we were 11 and still continue occasionally to this day….Oh my! It’s been 52 years. Is that a record? The photo isn’t the greatest but you get the idea, lots of red yarn hair and that recognizable face. She is still being used by Yaeko’s granddaughter. Raggedy Ann is such fun to make with that little heart on her chest, the pantaloons, apron, and dress. I enjoyed the way her legs came together with the stockings and shoes all in one piece. This is something I remembered and used in later dolls.

Part of my doll journey was making doll clothes for various dolls that made up my little family. Barbie clothes use very little fabric, but it's oh so hard to turn over a tiny hem! My mom, a great seamstress, quilter and painter, was the perfect model for a little girl who wanted to sew. She made wardrobes for some of my dolls, like Tiny Tears and Ballerina. I still have those and the vintage patterns from which they came.

Making Raggedy Ann dolls has continued up to the present with gifts to nieces, friends, and family. When my first child was born, AKA tidbits & scraps, Julie, I made a soft baby doll for her. Now I know this is horrible photo but the only one I could find! This was a doll that seemed to be just the right size for a little girl, and even though it never became a real favorite, it was loved.

As you’ll see from reading this series, I have never been far from making dolls even in those years where other activities took precedence. Now, at the age of 52 + 11, I am more involved than ever. Next week, I’ll take you into the my world of animals and primitive dolls.

Tula Pink City Sampler: Block 91-100

2014-12-03T09:00:00.000-05:00

block 91 Tula Pink Raccoon again

block 93

block 100 Tula Pink Squirrel

Rebekah's Favorite Bunny Shirt made into a 6x12 block

I have no idea what this block is! Maybe it was a mistake, but I like it.

Tula Pink City Sampler: Block 71-90

2014-11-26T09:00:00.001-05:00

block 76 pink floral is from a flannel blankey I made for Rebekah when her main one is in the wash

block 78 lighter color is from little pants she loved

block 79

block 80

block 81

block 84

block 85

block 86

block 87

block 88

Kids Corner Crafts - Crochet Bookmark

2014-11-21T09:00:00.000-05:00

Lynn Miller is back with us here with her first edition of Kids Craft Corner.

Guess what? It's not just for kids!

This simple bookmark is great for a first crochet project. It is quick and easy. This is a bookmark that you can use for yourself, make for friends, or give to a favorite teacher. You will need a small amount of yarn so look around for a partial skein or small ball. Choose a yarn that is ‘worsted weight’ and a size ‘H’ crochet hook.

Chain 8, turn and make a single crochet in the first chain from the hook. Single crochet across, chain one, turn and continue working single crochets in those 7 stitches, back and forth until your book mark measures the size of a book or about 9 inches.

half double stitch

completes shell stitch

You can cut your yarn about 3 inches from your end and then weave the end into the back of your bookmark by using either a needle or your crochet hook.

weaving through

Cut two pieces of yarn 4 inches long and loop them through the center or 3rd stitch of your ‘shell’ Pull the loop part way through and then tuck the ends through the loop and pull snuggly. You could embellish this with pony beads if you’d like. :)

looping through for the tassel

Tula Pink City Sampler: Blocks 51-70

2014-11-20T09:00:00.000-05:00

block 51

block 52

block 53

block 54 there's that raccoon again

block 57

block 58

block 60

block 61 (wow, I'd better iron that one again!)

block 63

block 64

block 65

block 66

Happy Birthday Little Sis

2014-11-19T08:52:00.000-05:00

Today is my little sister's birthday. For Tula Pink City Sampler: Blocks 31-40, check back tomorrow.

Abby is my best friend. She lived with me when I was a single mom. What a blessing she has always been to me. I want to show you what I found for her. Actually, I got one for both of us.

This small sterling silver heart necklace comes on a delicate sterling silver chain of 15", 16", 17" or 18". The small charm measures 4 mm x 12 mm. I bought this from Etsy artist Sharon from shop Bliss Trip in North Carolina.

Like gold better? She makes it in gold too!

Rings, NOVICA Live Feature

2014-11-18T08:51:00.000-05:00

I love rings! I don't have enough fingers when it comes to rings. This is a collection of my favorites from NOVICA Live artisans.

Sterling silver band ring, 'Classic Passion'

This ring by Kenari is crafted with classic Balinese styling. Graceful sterling tendrils flow elegantly around the band while minuscule spheres and braids frame them. Made of .925 sterling silver. 10mm width.

Chrysocolla cocktail ring, 'Universe'

Mesmerizing with its nuances of color, chrysocolla centers a sterling universe. Patricia Jara (Andes) showcases the stone in a bold, handcrafted ring. The gem is associated with peace and serenity. Chrysocolla is believed to foster meditation, intimacy and unconditional love. Made of .925 sterling silver.

Amethyst cocktail ring, 'Lilac Frangipani'

Adorned by frangipani blossoms, this design is the creation of Buana in Bali. Crowning ornate sterling silver settings, a faceted amethyst (my mom's fave) of 3.5 carats takes center stage in a ring of feminine elegance. Made of .925 sterling silver.

Citrine solitaire ring, 'Feminine Charm'

Nestled amid sterling arabesques, a single citrine (my own birthstone) graces this lovely ring. It totals some 1.5 carats. Kenari (Bali) crafts a very feminine design in finely worked .925 sterling silver.

Brazilian drusy agate stacking rings, 'Samba Dazzle' (set of 3)

Mined in Brazil, drusy agate is dazzling. The sparkling gem in dark steel gray finds a showcase in a trio of rings. From Novica's Gemstone Jewelry of Southern Brazil collection, the set of three can be worn together or separately.

Amethyst stacking rings, 'Mystical Muse' (set of 3)

Believed to be the gem of mystical wisdom, amethyst cabochons crown stacking rings by India's Mahavir. The set includes three handcrafted .925 sterling silver rings, featuring one florid engraved band and two hammered rings. The stylish trio can be worn together or separately. (I love silver stacking rings most of all!)

Even more fabulous rings available at NOVICA Live.

Blue Willow: Lynn Miller

2014-11-13T09:00:00.000-05:00

TEA PARTIES

Blue Willow Tea Set at North Creek Farm, Maine

I was so excited to see this tea set displayed at North Creek Farm in Maine. My childhood tea set is identical and over the years my cups had fallen on hard times, so to speak. Although this set was not for sale, I’d seen others at very high prices. My daughter came upon a bargain of $15 for 6 cups and saucers. Lucky me to have such a thoughtful daughter. Unfortunately, I broke 2 in short order. After that I knew it was up to me to find replacements for that gift. After much searching, I found the missing pieces and was able to complete my set. Tea anyone?

Tula Pink City Sampler: Blocks 31-50

2014-11-12T09:00:00.001-05:00

block 33 with Tula Pink Raccoon Acacia Blueberry Fabric

block 34

block 36

block 37

block 39 with Tula Pink Birds and Bee's Squirrel fabric

block 41

block 43

block 44

block 47

block 49

Autumn Scarves: NOVICA Live Feature

2014-11-11T09:00:00.000-05:00

100% Alpaca Scarf, 'Andean Twilight'

"The colors of the firmament, when the sun finally bids day farewell, inspire the vibrant design of this alpaca scarf. Fernando Cano (Andes) creates vibrant patterns as he knits the scarf in shades of plum, orange, green and brown. Alpaca has been prized in the Andean region for centuries thanks to its warm and lightweight fleece."

Alpaca Blend Scarf, 'Silver Gift of Warmth'

"Fashion and tradition combine in an exquisite scarf by Isidoro C'cahuantico (Andes). Crafted of an alpaca blend in silvery gray, it adds elegance to the winter wardrobe. Lightweight alpaca is a luxurious fleece renowned for its warmth."

Silk Batik Shawl, 'Carnelian Mums'

"Colorful chrysanthemums cover a radiant shawl of orange silk. Working with traditional batik techniques, Yuni Kristina (Java) creates a wrap of graceful femininity."
"My mother is my inspiration. She and I still design together, especially the floral and bird motifs that are typical in Pekalongan batik," - Yuni

Cotton Scarf, 'Orchid Fiesta'

"A creation by Andres Perez, this festive scarf is woven by hand on a traditional Guatemalan loom. Cotton strands in rich shades of rose, lilac, purple and orange are woven with spaces between the weft, or horizontal threads, for a loose and open weave that drapes beautifully. Its luscious fringe is knotted by hand."

Silk and Wool Shawl, 'Natural Radiance'

"The quiet shimmer of natural silk meets hand loomed textures in virgin wool for a shawl of extraordinary elegance. By Imtiyaz (India), the lovely wrap combines enticing colors to wear with everything."

Cotton Blend Kente Cloth Scarf, 'Koforidua Flower

"'The women from Koforidua (Ghana) are renowned for their beauty, and are therefore regarded as the 'flowers' of the village. This kente scarf is designed in their honor,' says designer Deborah Osei Boakye. According to tradition, each color has a meaning and pink symbolizes the feminine essence of life; yellow stands for wealth, preciousness, vitality and fertility."

Sakura Falling Reveal

2014-11-10T09:00:00.000-05:00

I have shown you a few pictures of this quilt over time. I started this probably 10-15 years ago. I started with the Japanese family symbol blocks. These are all done by machine applique with clear thread. I did these on one of my many visits to Grandma's house.

Next, about 5-10 years ago, I did the paper pieced kimono blocks.

I had been holding on to the pattern for quite a while.

The mosaic blocks I did within the last few years.

I liked the white strips between the asian fabrics.

We have been using my Grandma's Cardinal in the Pines quilt which is mostly white. I knew I wanted this quilt to have a mostly white background. I did the last set of blocks as crazy blocks with only a few pieces of the Asian fabrics.

I bordered the whole with a white sparkly (clearance) fabric with a speckling of colorful bits.

I call it Sakura Falling because it always makes me think of the cherry blossoms (Sakura) in Japan.

Retirement: Lynn Miller

2014-11-06T09:00:00.000-05:00

You know her as my mom, but Lynn Miller is so much more than that; she is wife, sister, quilter, home decorator, daughter, Gams, "doctor, lawyer, Indian Chief." A Renaissance woman in every way. I am delighted to have her commence her online presence here as a guest blogger.

Storm at Sea, Lynn Miller, Summer 2014

Newly retired, I have been working like crazy on all of those old projects that kept being put away unfinished. I completed a Storm at Sea quilt that was 3 years in the making. Not such a long time,but wait….I’m also near the end of a 12 year Double Wedding Ring project. With summers off, you’d think I could have been more productive; however, life happens and smaller projects take the place of those larger ones. That prom or wedding gown was definitely more important than the quilt! My mother, a fantastic quilter/teacher, gifted me with her unfinished projects when she was no longer able to quilt. I worked hard on those, wanting to gift her with finished quilts.

Lady Liberty Goes to Hawaii, Betty Morean & Lynn Miller, finished Summer 2014

Retirement is everything I expected and more. I knew there would be time for crafts, reading,

and new pursuits. What I didn’t realize was the wonderful connections with friends, time to

really talk and learn from one another. The time with my husband, children and grandchildren

has been a greater blessing that I could have imagined. Is it just the relaxed grandma-self or

have I become wise enough to enjoy all that is around me?

Baby Quilt for when my new Granddaughter arrives

Whatever the reasons, I will embrace them and move forward with bliss and gratitude. I won’t

list goals or bucket lists. I won’t concern myself with checking things off or making a difference

just yet. A friend told me to, ‘“Do nothing for the first year or you will end up filling your time as if you were working.” I’d wanted to work in a volunteer capacity at something so this advice

was hard to hear. I've been crocheting infant hats for a local hospital and will continue doing that. After all, I'm at 200 and going strong. The advice allows me to carefully choose

services and be able to give freely and openly.

100s of little infant hats

What’s next? More life!

Tula Pink City Sampler: Blocks 11-30

2014-11-05T09:00:00.000-05:00

I have continued one with my Tula Pink City Sampler quilt for Rebekah.

You can check out Tula Pink's book in my

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Some of the pictures look like I can't sew a straight line.

Actually, I just didn't iron before photographing.

Block 12

block 13

block 16

block 21

block 22

block 23 - fabric from 2 of Rebekah's little dresses

block 24

block 25

block 28

Let me know which is your favorite so far!

Framing School Pictures: NOVICA Live Feature

2014-11-04T09:00:00.000-05:00

Did you get you child's school photos yet? Aren't they treasures? Now you need a treasure to frame them with. Here are some beauties from worldwide artisans from NOVICA Live.

Coconut Picture Frame, "Cinnamon Swirls"

"A handsome crackled finish suggests tree bark or tortoise shell. It is neither. Creating an elegant mosaic, Ketut Kartika discovers the intriguing textures of natural Balinese materials. He patiently applies cinnamon bark to coconut wood and adds a circular medallion with rings of bamboo. The resulting picture frame is original and beautiful"

Aluminum picture frame, 'Mughal Memento'

"Evoking a cherished antique, this picture frame displays a favorite 4 by 6-inch photograph. Sameer and Sunil design the photo frame, which skilled artisans carry out. Handcrafted aluminum repoussé features flourishing flowers and woven textures."

Brass picture frame, 'Royal India Heritage'

"Lavish flowers and ornate medallions adorn an opulent picture frame that recalls ancient palaces. Working in repousse, skilled artisans create a design by Sameer and Sunil. Handcrafted brass repoussé surrounds a favorite 4 by 6-inch photograph with luxury."

Marble mosaic photo frame, 'Mountain Trail'

"Evoking the myriad brown tones of the winter sierra, this picture frame comes from Vidri Arte, Mexico. Artisans work in marble mosaic, patiently placing each stone by hand. The frame stands on wrought iron legs."

Nickel and wood picture frame, 'Serpentine'

"Wittaya (Thailand) designs a photo frame of dazzling beauty, where swirling serpentines fall from florid mosaics. The illusion is captivating and enhanced by nickel's glistening texture. Carved of raintree wood, the photo frame features a glass pane for protection."

I hope you enjoy these fabulous frames. Your children's school pictures with shine in any of them. My fave? 'Serpitine' Order yours at my NOVICA Live site.