AptToCraft

Taking a hiatus!

2014-04-21T12:16:00.000-07:00

This will be my last blog post for a while.

Over the last few weeks or so I have discovered I haven’t had much time or energy to craft and keep up with the blog.

I started this blog on June 27, 2013; and since then I have published a post every single day. In fact, today is post number 299. My plan was to bring you my experiences with crafting and handmade jewelry. Along the way, however, I realized how difficult it is to keep up with a daily schedule like that.

I guess I took on more than I could handle. Perhaps I could cut back to posting every other day, or some kind of schedule like that. That is certainly an option; I just don’t think I want to do it right now. I feel like the quality of the blog posts has declined because of my lack of interest and time. I think I need to step away from it for a while.

I also have some things coming up this summer that will interfere with my ability to put the right amount of time and energy into crafting and blogging.

I still have my AptToCraft Facebook page and Pinterest site. I will continue to maintain those and periodically post things of interest.

Thank you to my followers, supporters and fellow crafters. I will check in on your work periodically, as I still have an interest in crafting and do-it-yourself projects.

Happy Easter

2014-04-20T10:08:00.000-07:00

Happy Caturday!

2014-04-19T14:14:00.000-07:00

It wouldn't be a Saturday without a blog post about cats. Happy Caturday!

Four things I've learned in family tree research

2014-04-18T17:01:00.000-07:00

I spent some time with family recently and used some of that time to go through old family photos.

Looking at those photos was like a walk down memory lane. It has inspired me to revisit my family tree research.

I am an amateur at family tree research. I mess around with it periodically and tend to get frustrated and put it aside whenever I cannot break through a brick wall. Here are some things I’ve learned while navigating the world of genealogy.

Talk with family

Websites can provide a wealth of information, but you can’t really get a sense of a person from an online article. I visited with an aunt the other day and hearing her talk about family members really helped me get an appreciation for my ancestry. Visiting with her – she recently turned 85 – provided a great perspective that I just can’t get from a website.

Look through old bibles

Look through old family papers and bibles for names and dates. I did this a long time ago with my mom’s bible. I copied down names and dates of births, deaths and marriages. I did the same thing at my aunt’s house just the other day. Only this time, instead of writing down the information, I took photos with my phone.

Collaborate with family

I have found that collaborating with siblings and cousins can help as well. I have older siblings who remember family reunions and older relatives. I make sure to take note of their memories. I also have cousins who have done some research of their own. Comparing notes is a good way to break through any brick walls in genealogy research.

Pay attention to dates

Pay attention to dates; this includes dates on photographs. Long before the digital age, some photos, when processed, would have a year printed somewhere on the edge or back of the image. I discovered this going through piles of photos recently. In addition, I found that my older relatives were real good about writing names and dates on the photos. I spent some time scanning the photos so I could have them on my computer. I made a point to make sure any names or dates scanned as well.

Is your pet peeve a list of pet peeves?

2014-04-17T14:21:00.000-07:00

Do any of you have any pet peeves? Something, or some things, that can get under your skin or aggravate you?

Since I don’t have any crafts or handmade jewelry to show you today I decided to share a list of my pet peeves…or minor annoyances. I just hope one of your pet peeves isn’t a blogger who writes about pet peeves…lol!

Driver pulls out in front of me then creeps down the road
Slow drivers in the left passing lane on an interstate
Fingernails scratching on fabric or panty hose– it’s like a chalkboard to me
Adult gossips and troublemakers
Dogs with painted toenails…isn’t nail polish made with formaldehyde? Something about this just doesn’t seem safe to me.
Speaking of pets, I don’t care much to see poodles or bunnies or any other animal with dyed fur. Again, this just doesn’t seem safe for the animal.
Open-mouth gum chewing – it’s like a cow chewing on its cud

Button and wire rings

2014-04-16T14:16:00.000-07:00

I couldn’t help myself…I dug back into my button stash to make some jewelry.

This time I made rings. These ended up being really fun and easy to make. I pulled out some of the larger decorative buttons and some 16-gauge wire and went to work.

I slipped the button onto the wire then wrapped the wire around a ring mandrel. I wrapped the wire a few times under the button to help hold it in place.

A taxing day

2014-04-15T17:26:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone made it through Tax Day!

A charming way to identify your cocktail glass

2014-04-14T17:40:00.000-07:00

Make sure you know which cocktail glass belongs to you with handmade glass charms.

I like making these, but I’ve ended up having way more than necessary. Especially since I already had so many store-bought glass charms.

A few Easter memories

2014-04-13T04:16:00.000-07:00

Today is Palm Sunday. Next week is Easter. This fact has me taking a walk down memory lane.

I have a twin sister. It probably goes without saying that we used to be dressed alike when we were kids; and that included Easter dresses.

I remember it used to be fun to shop for Easter dresses and Easter shoes. I also have a faint memory of the white knitted shawls we would wear to church.

Easter baskets full of goodies were also part of our tradition. Back then our baskets were filled with all kinds of chocolate, nestled in that fake grass stuff and wrapped in cellophane.

One look at Pinterest and you can find a wide variety of Easter baskets, both in style and content.

One more thought, is it just me, or do the Reese’s peanut butter eggs taste better than traditional Reese’s cups? Now I know they are the same thing, but the eggs this time of year just seem to taste better to me.

Caturday: Then and Now

2014-04-12T08:58:00.000-07:00

I’m showing off my kitties today.

My three indoor kitties – Wolfie, Beau and Zuzu – definitely keep things interesting around the house. They are sometimes referred to as the triplet hurricanes. They turn five years old this month. Below are some photos of them as kittens and now.

Decorative buttons make eye-catching bracelets

2014-04-11T12:57:00.000-07:00

I decided to spend one more day making button jewelry.

I made more wire-wrapped cuff bracelets, using buttons as centerpieces. Now that these are finished, I think I’m ready to move on to something else. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Crafting through my button stash

2014-04-10T10:04:00.000-07:00

I made some more jewelry with buttons.

I’ve mentioned in past blog posts that I have all kinds of buttons. It was about time I started using them for something.

Yesterday I showed you a couple of wire-wrapped cuff bracelets and some earrings I made. Today I have another bracelet and another pair of earrings.

I used a length of chain and a clasp to make the bracelet. I used wire to attach the buttons. I didn’t use as many buttons on this one as I have on past bracelets. I’m thinking I might want to add one or two more lengths of chain and add some small beads. For the earrings I attached a small length of chain to some ear wires, then added some buttons.

Here are some more of my button projects:

Handmade jewelry from a button and bead collection

2014-04-09T09:17:00.001-07:00

I might be more of a button and bead collector than crafter.

Jules caught me looking at buttons at a thrift store recently. She said what I was thinking. “You don’t need anymore buttons.”

So this morning I pulled out some wire and buttons and went to work on some handmade jewelry.

I made a couple of wire-wrapped cuff bracelets first. The centerpiece on each bracelet is a decorative button. I then filled in each one with coordinating beads.

I followed the bracelets with earrings. These are simple dangle earrings made from buttons and jump rings.

Tuesday became my Monday

2014-04-08T15:30:00.000-07:00

Tuesday ended up feeling like a Monday to me. I was productive yesterday (Monday) but not so much today.

Inspiration can come from Pinterest, and a shopping pal

2014-04-07T11:34:00.000-07:00

My friend Jules likes sparkly things. So it can be easy for me to make pieces of jewelry for her.

When we went to a craft store over the weekend I already had in my head something I wanted to make for her. So I figured I would slyly ask her opinion on beads so I would know what to get.

During our shopping, however, Jules found other beads she liked. And she decided she wanted a bracelet. (I had a necklace in mind for her, but I didn’t want to tell her that).

So, this morning ended up being all about Jules as I pulled out my crafting tools. First I made the bracelet she requested. It didn’t take much to make a bracelet from the chain of beads she found. She liked it pretty much the way it was, it just needed to be sized and have a clasp attached to it. I also had to work on the spacing of each dangling bead.

The necklace was inspired by something Jules found on Pinterest a while back. The lariat necklace, made by Royal Gold Gifts, is sold on Etsy. I want to make sure I give full credit to my inspiration. I studied the photo on Pinterest and Etsy and managed to make my own.

I periodically go to Pinterest for craft and handmade jewelry ideas. You can check out my boards at www.Pinterest.com/AptCraft.

My Sunday was a day of rest...or laziness

2014-04-06T15:43:00.000-07:00

So, my Sunday was a little productive and a lot lazy.

I did visit a craft store today to stock up on some supplies for my jewelry making. So stay tuned for creations to come.

Caturday cat care

2014-04-05T14:41:00.000-07:00

On this Caturday I am sharing some websites to help with your cat care.

I am not a veterinarian and I do not know “all things cat.” What I am is a cat owner for more than 20 years. I have taken in feral cats and shelter cats. It is important your feline friends get regular vet care. Whenever I have a cat question or concern I either check online or call my vet, depending on the severity of the issue.

Disclaimer: I am not a veterinarian and this post is not meant to substitute the professional expertise of a veterinarian. This post is for informational and supplemental purposes only.

Friday funnies! Have a great weekend!

2014-04-04T14:26:00.001-07:00

I didn’t get around to crafting today. What I do have is a little collection of funnies to help you start your weekend with a smile.

Transform old belts into handmade jewelry

2014-04-03T13:19:00.000-07:00

Jules and I saved our rainy yard sale outing last Saturday by going to some thrift stores.

I found a couple of belts and a necklace at a next to nothing cost so I had to get them. I knew there had to be many creative possibilities in everything from the string to the beads on each one.

I decided to ask followers on Google+ what they would suggest. I like the layered wrist wrap suggestion I got. I just might have to try that.

Today I made a stretchy bracelet from the wood-looking rectangle beads on one of the belts. I added some small glass beads for color.

I've made bracelets from belts before. Check out these past blog posts to see them.

Need a chocolate fix? Try one of these decadent desserts!

2014-04-02T16:17:00.000-07:00

I love chocolate! I think chocolate can fix just about everything.

I think I need to try my hand at baking after finding these mouth-watering desserts. These folks really know how to get my attention.

Death by Chocolate Magic Bars

Ultimate Chocolate Fudge Bundt Cake

Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Truffle Brownies

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Truffles

Chocolate Chunk Brownies

A return to crafting with a wreath and a handmade bracelet

2014-04-01T13:00:00.000-07:00

This is no April Fool’s joke! I did some crafting today.

After grocery shopping and a trip to the vet to take care of an asthmatic cat, I entered the Creative Cave.

It was really good to be back out there after the cold of winter and delayed spring. I did enough cleaning and organizing so I would have some space to work. I have a lot more organizing to do out there, but I was anxious to get crafting.

My first crafting task was to freshen up a wreath for my front door. Some of the flowers on it had faded and some had blown away the last time I had it out on the door. It’s important to use wire when attaching things to a wreath. I learned that from experience.

Next I made a bracelet. I was thinking last night about how I could use a set of connectors I bought a while back. And it was last night that I remembered I had copper-colored jump rings that would match. This bracelet is made from connectors, jump rings and a small lobster clasp. I really like how it turned out.

In search of inspiration

2014-03-31T16:24:00.000-07:00

I had a hard time getting moving today. I decided to search online for inspiration.

Are there any inspirational or motivational quotes that get you going?

A craft "To Do" list

2014-03-30T15:14:00.000-07:00

I spent some time playing around on Pinterest and found some projects I think I want to try.

Here are some things that caught my eye.

Frame key holder

Washer pendants

Family tree wreath

DIY coasters

It's another Caturday!

2014-03-29T13:39:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone is having a good weekend!
It's Saturday, or should I say Caturday? Hope you enjoy some of the photos I posted below.

Happy Friday!

2014-03-28T12:47:00.001-07:00

Well, I did some more house cleaning today…no crafting. Good news is “It’s Friday!”

I hope everyone has a great weekend!