Totally Rad Crafts

Cranky Bird Hats

2011-07-10T13:24:00.000-07:00

The addiction continues and is making it possible to ignore my house work. My poor family, it is a miracle that they haven't made me move myself and all of my crap out to the garage. My friend suggested that I make these hats and I didn't for a long time because my owl hats were keeping me busy. I finally decided to join the party and make some. I took these to Rigby for their auto show to sell in my booth. They lasted an hour before they sold! I was so excited and thankful that I took pics before we went. Now, I am not going to act like the first person ever in life to make these hats! I did not use a pattern, just kinda made it up off of some pics online. If it offends you that I made a cranky bird hat then maybe your should order the red one cause it would go with your personality.

"Mom, Interruped, A young family faces cancer"

2011-03-22T12:51:00.000-07:00

A few months ago I was contacted by my husbands uncle John. He has written a book about his wives battle with cancer. He was looking for a new cover and had this idea for a new image. I was honored that he had asked me! After some help from my amazing friends, Kimberly & Mary, I was able to take the photos, design the cover and get it uploaded. I am so excited to have a copy. The part that I am not excited about is, I haven't been getting enough sleep. This is a book that I want to read in reverence and the only time I have that is when everyone is asleep.
I know this family, these people are my family. When you are married into this family, you may as well be blood. They are amazing people with all of the love in the world to give.
I have been at this post for about 30 mins. now and keep erasing what I have typed. My brain isn't able to say what is in my heart. Lack of sleep and focus are to blame. You can read more about this story HERE
Proceeds from the purchase of this book goes toward finding a cure for cancer. Thank you uncle John for being brave and brilliant. I am honored to be a part of this.

Black & Silver

2011-03-11T08:26:00.000-08:00

I am IN LOVE with this. I am going to make one with green flowers 1) For St. Patty's day and 2) cause I wear a lot of green. This bracelet is adult size. I will also be listing these in my Etsy store

I.....Can't.....Stop

2011-03-11T08:17:00.000-08:00

I have mentioned before that I have a few business'. They all seem to have a season and so I am able to put my time and energy into them when "the time is right." Now that Spring is upon us, adult hats will slow down and jewelery and photography will pick back up. This is awesome because I have crafters ADD. I need to constantly be creating something or I get depressed. Literally, it is like the medicine that tops off the medicine I already take. After making the first few bracelets, my mind would not turn off. I have SO many ideas, but am limited on time. My family thinks it is important to "eat 3 meals a day." FINE then I say goldfish counts as a meal. Anyway, here is the beginning of what I have in store. I will be selling these bracelets. For the most part the price will stay the same for the sizes unless I start to use semi-precious beads for some of my creations. My daughter wouldn't give this one back to me after she modeled for me. It made me smile.

Crochet Bead Bracelet

2011-03-10T11:00:00.000-08:00

Once upon a time I subscribed to receive emails for crochet and knitting tutorials. Normally I don't open them but when I saw the title Crochet Beaded Bracelet, I couldn't resist. I have a small business called Time 2 Bead so I love to find new things to use my inventory. My daughter has a friend who was born on St. Patricks day so I thought it would make her a bracelet to try it out. I went HERE and found that the totorial was amazing. It was hard to crochet the string but I fell in love with how it turned out. I had pink string as well so I did 2 more just to see what else I could do. I really like them. I like the width and the feel when I wear it. So, I am going to get some black and brown to see what other color combo's I can come up with.

You Quack me UP!

2011-03-05T08:02:00.000-08:00

Get it! Quack, instead of Crack, cause it is a duck! I know, I know cheesy but irresistible. My husband won't let me get live bunnies, or chicks this year so I have to make my own spring animals props. I am listing these in my Etsy store These can be adjusted to any size. I made this one for a 6-12 month old cause that is how old my model is :)

Butterfly clips

2011-02-16T09:52:00.000-08:00

We are still covered in smow here. I am so excited for it to ALL GO AWAY! Until then, making these cute little butterflies, bring hope for the Spring. I saw thers on Little Birdie Secrets Have I mentioned how much I love this blog? I had an order for a 3 month old newsboy hat and HAD to add a butterfly clip to the strap.

Color Examples

2011-02-15T21:26:00.000-08:00

I have had some requests for certain colors for bands and flowers so I put this pic together. Some of these colors are not true to what the pic is but it gives you a good idea of what I have. I probably have 15 or so that I don't have listed. If you want it, I will find it!
I have decided to start donating 1 hat for every 10 that I sell.
I have run into some sweet people who have loved ones that have lost their hair due to their cancer treatment. I can't imagine the struggle of having my hair fall out on top of fighting cancer. I have been able to donate 3 since January. I kinda cheated but that is OK! If you want to "nominate" someone to receive one of my freebie's please leave a comment or email me at totallyradcrafts@gmail.com.

Ruffle Flower Clip

2011-02-10T13:05:00.000-08:00

I don't know it if is because I LOVE this variegated yarn, but I have a huge crush on these ruffle flowers. If you know how to do a double crochet, you can make this! It is about 150 stitches of ruffle bliss. Here are the instructions:
Chain 4, slip stitch in the 1st stitch to connect
Row 1
n the circle do 15 double crochet, slip stitch in the 1st stitch to connect
Row 2
do 3 double crochet in each stitch then ss in the 1st stitch to connect
Row 3
do 2 double crochet in each stitch then ss in the 1st stitch to connect
Your ruffles are done!
Add a button to the front and a clip to the back.
(The flower on the baby was made with 4 dc in row 2 instead of 3dc)

Valnetine Heart Crochet Necklace

2011-01-18T11:06:00.000-08:00

I wanted to make a heart version of the flower necklace and so what do I do? Go blog stalking. When my blog grows up I want to be like Little Birdie Secrets Her tutorial on How to Crochet Hearts is FANfreakingTASTIC! I had my husband time me and I did one in 1 min 45 sec. I am pretty sure that is a record. So now these simple, yet adorable, hearts made their way into my daughters new Valentine necklace. I am going to do a bracelet too, cause I can.

Crochet Flower Necklace

2011-01-10T07:59:00.000-08:00

The pom poms told me to make this. These are my favorite flowers to crochet. I could sit and make these all day if I knew what I could do with them. All you need to make this is the flowers, felt circles, jump rings, connector beads (the bigger circles) and ribbon.
To make the flowers, you can use any size hook and any weight yarn

Round 1:Chain 4, join into a ring with a slip stitch in the 1st chain.
Round 2:Chain 3 (counts as first double crochet), work 11 double crochet in the ring you created
              join to top of chain with slip stitch
(Next is the petal part :)
Round 3:In first stitch chain 2, work 3 double crochet in next stitch
              chain 2, slip stitch in next stitch, repeat 5 more times for a total of 6 petals
              Fasten off
I have since made flowers that don't have the knot showing so that I don't have to use the felt circles. If the flowers pivot, you won't know if it is the front or back.
Use the jump rings and connectors to attach the flowers together. I ended the necklace with a circle connector and threaded the ribbon through them. Tada! If you have the skills this is a VERY inexpensive project.

If you purchase a necklace and want different colors, feel free to let me know in the notes to seller. Email me with specific questions totallyradcrafts@gmail.com

My try at the pom pom necklace

2011-01-07T09:11:00.000-08:00

I love this necklace that my friend Lorie posted. I have a huge crush on gray! I made my own version out of a dress shirt that my husband wore once upon a time. It is moments like this when I don't mind that he is a giant. Sitting next to him on a plane is a different story.
I have a hard time craftlifting without changing things which is OK I guess, but sometimes I get frustrated cause it doesn't turn out as cute as the original.
For my version, I used my Sizzix machine and circle die cut! I am pretty sure that this die was divinely inspired, I can't live without it. I cut out three different sizes and used 9 circles per pom pom. I am not super talented with the glue gun. My pom poms turned out kinda boxy which I didn't like. I decided to sew them together instead. After you connect the ends of the circles just pinch them together and they fluff right up. I glued them directly onto super soft fleece and noticed that I had

a few bald spots. I just glued in a few extra circles in the middle. I also used ribbon because I have a lot of women that ask for non-metal necklaces. Thank you to Little Miss Momma for being so freaking fantastic!

I call this one my Popcorn Hat

2011-01-06T09:34:00.000-08:00

As I make and wear these hats in public, I think that this one is the most popular! I think that living in a freaking freezing cold town is paying off in hat sales. They are a MUST around here. I think that I only "do" my hair on Sunday's because I take advantage of the laziness that wearing a hat creates. Yeah me!
When ordering, leave the strap color that you want in the notes to seller or feel free to email me totallyradcrafts@gmail.com

Winter Headbands

2010-12-17T09:39:00.000-08:00

I was forced into taking quick pics of a flyer that my headbands are going to be on at a craft fair. Nothing like a last minute picture. I had to crop out half of my daughters face because she has wandering eye issues. You can't tell if she is looking at you or the little man on your shoulder. All that aside, we love these headbands! They are really popular because students and teachers can wear them in class. It isn't a hat so they are able to sport the warmth and not have to worry about hat hair! I will make sure to list some on Etsy this next week. I will have to use models without vision issues though. If anyone wants to put in a special order, I can have them mailed out within 24 hours.

New hat!

2010-12-09T09:20:00.000-08:00

I have had a hard time keeping up with my chores. I can't stop crocheting! My hands hurt almost the whole time I am crocheting but I don't care. It has become an addiction and it is hard to curb my enthusiasm when I get such exciting ideas! As I was finishing up this hat, I thought how awesome it would be to be able to use a different colored band. Well duh! I was attaching the bands by sewing the buttons to them and the hat. Now I just sew the buttons on and then make it so the band has button holes. Are you as excited as I am? I may even take this energy to put away some laundry, or maybe not.

For Band color, when you check out, leave your color in notes to seller. Feel free to email me directly as well. totallyradcrafts@gmail.com

Hair Towel Tutorial

2010-11-30T00:34:00.000-08:00

This is one of the BEST towels ever in life. They have been around forever but still, these remain a mysery to some people. My husband bought one for me early in our marriage. Whenever he has a ding dong moment, I remember that he bought me the towel that changed my life and all is forgiven. Yep, they are that awesome!!! If you can sew a straight line, you can make this! Once again, my husband gained a few tally marks on the "most awesome boyfriend ever" chart when he bought me my serger machine. You can make this with just a sewing machine, but the towel sheds and gets everywhere. Nothing that a wash in the washer can't fix eventually!
I love to give these as gifts. They are awesome for a new mom baby shower gift, bridal shower or a gift for the holidays. If you don't feel like making one, feel free to visit my Etsy store to purchase a turbie hair towel.

You will need a hand towel, and 5 inches of elastic. You will also need to use scissors, large dinner plate and your sewing machine.

I don't have a pattern that I trace and most of the time I just eyeball the towel when I cut it. Make sure that the fold is away from you when you cut. I use the plate to trace out the circle from the fold then straiten out the line towards the edge. I used soap to mark my line, you can also use chalk.

From the other end of the towel make your cut with a slight curve. The more towel you can keep the better. If you didn't make the cut to meet the first cut that you did, trim it. This is where your elastic will go.

Your elastic needs to be pinned in between the two pieces of towel. I put it in the spot where the curve starts at the top of the circle. Secure it with a pin.

I use two more pins as each end of the towel. You are ready to sew now! I like to both serge and sew. My serger doesn't give me a sharp seam so I like to serge, then sew.

Pretty simple right? It is harder to figure out how to place it on your head than it is to make it.

Thanks to my daughter, I have a tutorial for that too! Just put the round part of the towel at your neck. Twist the towel and then tuck it into the elastic.
Seriously, this thing will change your life. Just get a removable hook to put next to the shower to hang your towel up. I put it on before I even get out of the shower. It makes it so my hair doesn't drip all over me which makes me very happy! I can even chase my heathen 2 year old without worrying about my towel falling off of my head. I need all of the skills I can gather when it comes to that kid!

Want one? It would be my pleasure!

Halloween Watch Bands

2010-10-14T08:08:00.000-07:00

I love having the excuse to put orange and purple together. I think we should make it a halloween law that purple, green and yellow be officially added to the colors of the holiday.

I have been making beaded watch bands for over a year now and I still can't get enough of them. I just found a flower that I use instead of a watch face. It turns the watch band into a bracelet so that I can wear it on the other hand. I know, totally innovative and creative.

I am listing these in my Etsy store for your shopping pleasure! If you purchase anything in the store, I will add earrings to your purchase for FREE! Just mention what color you want n the check out comments.

PUMPKIN HATS!

2010-10-12T08:25:00.000-07:00

I almost forgot about these! They are my favorite hats for this time of year! I have them in newborn, toddler and big kid sizes. I think I will go and abduct my brand new niece to pose for the newborn hat. That will be be posted soon!

Kanzashi Flower Clips

2010-10-12T08:15:00.000-07:00

These are my newest flowers that I am addicted to. They are called Kanzashi flowers. I love how simple they are. I have added these to my Etsy store and still have more to do. I really want to make some halloween ones. I LOVE having the excuse to put orange, purple and green together. Kinda makes me happy inside.

Fabric flower clips!

2010-10-08T11:00:00.000-07:00

This is my first big girl tutorial. I haven't done one of these before because I don't like to share how I make my stuff. I am very protective of what I do because I hate being pumped for info by friends that are only "friends" with me because I do lots of totally rad crafts. Sometimes, I want to learn too! Thanks to the internet, I have learned so much! So, this is my way of getting over this. I can share, learn and grow ALL at the same time. I should just cuddle up with a good book for the rest of the day cause I have accomplished a lot already.
This is my version of the fabric flower clip. I am sure that this has been done before but I thought of this while I was doing dishes the other day. (and by doing dishes, I really mean watching my son unload the dishwasher while cutting out fabric.)

Everything you need to complete this project is seen here

Liquid starch, 1/8 yard fabric, felt, button, hair clip, needle and thread, aluminum foil and glue gun.

Cut 8 of the same shaped flowers. One of each style is show here. You could just do circles if you want to keep it simple. Also cut out your felt circles for the back of the finished flower. If I am attaching the flower to a clip, I like to cut a small slit.

I like my fabric stiff so if you don't, you can skip this part and the next. Put the flowers in liquid starch, coat each piece and squeeze the excess out.

Crumple up a square of aluminum foil to lay the flowers on to dry. I found use for my dryer's shoe/hat rack. My flowers dry in 5 mins this way.

When they are dry, it is time to fold them. Fold it in half three times. I like to fold one flower, then thread it. Do this 8 times.

After your last flower is threaded, thread the first folded flower on again. Pull the thread tight and then knot it.

If you are doing a clip, slip the clip into the felt and glue them to the bottom of the flower. If you are doing a head band, glue 1 felt circle to the head band and one to the flower. Then, glue the two of the together.

Add your favorite centerpiece to the middle and TADA! Let's look at them again shall we?

$3 Thursday

2010-10-07T08:43:00.000-07:00

HI! I have to wake this blog up. I have way to much craft crap in my house. I make it because I love to create. I tell my husband that I make it to sell. Most of the time, this is the case. The rest of the time, I make my treasure, put it where I can look at it every once in a while, try to find it because my 2 year old likes to torture me by playing hide and seek with EVERYTHING THAT I LOVE and then find it a few months down the road.

These have not been hidden by the beast. I promise he hasn't been able to get his paws on my vinyl treasures. My sister is a vinyl genius and this is the excuse that we used to need to get together. Aren't these pumpkins cute? If you haven't applied vinyl before it is very simple. The vinyl is like a giant sticker. Just peel the paper off the back, stick the tape to the pumpkin, smooth the vinyl, peel the tape. That is pretty much it!

Today is the very first ever $3 Thursday for Totally Rad Crafts! These are $3 per face and they come approximately 5" x 6". You can also pick 4 for $10 or the hole set of 11 faces for $20. Want some? I can either post it in my Totally Rad Crafts Etsy store or send a pay pal invoice directly to you. Thanks for playing!