MicroCrafts book

It's Almost here!! Well some early copies are in my hands but the official release date of Oct 4th,2011 is approaching fast. MicroCrafts is a DIY book that shows step-by-step instructions and patterns on how to make your very own teeny and cute crafts.Just think you can make a pocket-sized creation and not have the house taken over for days/weeks with supplies and whatnot's.That certainly appeals to me:o) 

Check it out here: MicroCrafts Book

The Great Name Debate

HELLO.....Anyone out there? I know my blog looks kind of generic and I've been thinking of kicking it to the curb since I don't really have time to figure out how to make it all purty-n-stuff.Well I guess the blog will live another day but it's on life support so if any of you have any tips/tricks PLEASE leave a comment:o)

Anywhoo,back to my reason for blogging. I made a new line of dolls as mentioned in my last post and said they were called Brattitude dolls but I'm not so sure I want that as their name. The "Bratz" girls have used that term for their dolls and I want to be original so scratch that. I was thinking of calling them Tattered Teens or Tattered Tweens since they are made from tattered jeans and thrift store finds(upcycled shirts) and they have a definite teen/tween look to them. Any thoughts or other ideas? I would love to hear from you!

Bratitude dolls

Another doll inspired by one of my kids.This time it was Jaden who I collaborated with to make this doll with attitude...Bratitude!. I upcycled a pair of jean legs and some flannel fabric that I've had for a while.The next time I make a doll like this(if i make another),I will make a few changes.For one thing the arms will be a little longer so that he can cross them in front,in true brat fashion;o).In my initial drawing he was supposed to be able to do that but since I am creating the pattern,I didn't know how long to make them. Also I will rethink the chains,earring and collar if they will be sold to kids,not sure if other parents would approve. I have quite a few other ideas but will save them in my head;not sure if they'll work until I'm in "create" mode. One thing that I liked about these doll is getting to use old jeans that would not get to see the light of day otherwise.His jeans were made from a pair of my jeans that I cut at the bottom to make shorts;He got one of my legs^_^ Now that I think about it,the doll reminds me of Chris Angel which is ok. I guess as long as he doesn't levitate,it's cool... If he starts levitating,he is OUTTA here! That creeps me out O.o

Well it's late and I'd better be on my way...goodnight or day wherever you are

Bear et al!

After a string of custom orders I found myself in a funk.I didn't want to make anything and was feeling really bummed when I thought about some difficult situations going on. Enter my daughter. She is always in the mood for me to create something for her. She begged me to make her a blanket for her Pajama kids doll and she wanted a little plushie for it as well. After I told her I didn't want to make anything(the funk kills creativity)I relented and made her a soft blankie out of the fabric of her choice and even scented the doughnut plushie I had made(it was "frosting" scented). After that, the funk went away(don't know where it went-maybe to Motown or something were it's been missing for years;o)).Feeling a renewed sense of creativity,I started to work on a plush version of my Costumed Kids dolls.The face of the dolls look like the ones I've been making for 2 years but they are wearing plush bear costumes. It's kind of whimsical and quirky but I'm happy with how it came out. After I made a brown bear costumed doll I made a Panda one and am starting on one in a pink bear costume. I have supplies for at least 2 more in different colors/themes. I'm not sure if I'll include other animal varieties..we'll see how things go. I'll be praying for the funk to stay away so I can get some work done:o)

Art is much deeper than the canvas it's created on

Hello all!

I hope you are all doing well on this late evening(at least where I'm at it's late). I've been spending much of my time creating "art" which can really mean anything I suppose.Art is whatever you find beautiful,creative,interesting and worth a moment of reflection. I know from experience that art is so much deeper than the canvas it's created on(or any other surface for that matter). I can't really explain what happens when I create...I go in to my studio with an idea and come out with something that I can't really remember HOW I made. Strange huh? I guess I try little things here and there and eventually all those little choices come together to make something. I used to get overwhelmed with making things because there is so much that has to be planned in advance and there are so many decisions that can make or break your creative flow. Not so much anymore though because I learned to start with what you know and work your way around the other things as you come to them. I guess that's how to live life in general...kind of like "I'll cross that bridge when I come to it" thinking.It takes the pressure off and frees you up to live in the moment. Wow,life lessons and art all in the first paragraph of my blog.I really had no intention of going all "philosophical" but it fits today:o)

Currently I am working on making my dolls and a few other ventures that I hope will take my love to create to a whole other level.We'll see what happens,I wish I could share more because I'm really excited!I'm resisting the urge to jump on the couch in Tom Cruise style but this is something I must keep quiet and blogging about what it is specifically would seriously blow it,hmmph!

Anyways,after that cliff hanger there's not much else to say except I'm really tired. It's almost 1:30am and my cozy blanket is calling to me...gooodnight:o)

Soon to be published!!!

I'm looking forward to seeing my crafts appear in a book that's set to be released fall 2011.I was contacted last year by Margaret Mcguire,the editor of the book and she asked if I'd like to be included in a book they were publishing called Micro Crafts. Of course I said YES!!!After I stared at my computer screen for a few minutes and read the message multiple times I got to work creating my craft to meet the requirements.It had to be smaller than a spool of thread so my Spool dolls fit into that well.I needed to show step-by-step instructions,list all my supplies,take pics,fill out an Artist bio and send off a few dolls to be professionally photographed by them.I seriously can't wait to see the book all put together and in my hand.I've seen a first version and it's gonna be great!

Ever considered taking a hiatus?

Hello everyone,

Is it just me or is the Facebook,twitter,flickr,Blogging,etc getting you down?I have moments that I want to just cut off all technology related stuff,take a hiatus and go back to the simpler time of a few years ago(a simpler time for me at least).Admittedly I am online way too much and some of it's for a good reason(I sell on etsy)but other times I just slip back into the habit of checking emails,status updates,our restaurant reviews,my flickr stats etc.It's like I'm looking for something...maybe a sign that I still exist in the world.That's sad,I know.

Technology has been used for some great things for me.I tend to be a shy person and it has allowed me the chance to connect with others when I would've otherwise felt too awkward.It has allowed me to show my art beyond what I ever imagined.The down side is that too often I've looked to these social websites as a "fill in the void" of my life.I need some balance.

I must reconnect with old friends,spend time with my kids and husband,visit my family,and take another hard look at my faith to get the balance back.

New Thai dolls and new Thai restaurant

Hello all!

Just a quick note/update(I always say that don't I?)

I've been creating again! We (and our partners) just opened a Thai restaurant in the Cleveland Heights area and it inspired me to create my first Thai doll.Her name is Ging, just like my niece in Thailand.I had this idea for over a year and drew the doll several ways but ended up realizing that I was over thinking the design and just jumped in.I try to iron out all the details before I put in the hours but sometimes you don't know where you'll end up until you take the plunge.There are a few things I may change but for now,I like her.I bought some supplies to make a few more in different colors so hopefully more to come:o)

As for the restaurant....it's called High Thai'd cafe' and it's taking the place of a well loved Thai restaurant called "Mint Cafe".We have an uphill battle since this restaurant was very popular but we are certainly working hard at keeping the previous customers as well as welcoming new ones.There's a saying in Thailand that says when the Tide is high,you have to make your move because it won't stay that way forever(ie,strike when the iron's hot).As I mentioned with making dolls(or doing anything new for that matter)sometimes you just have to jump in and we did.So we shall see what this New year brings...hopefully good things:o)

Tons of dolls and family changes!!

Happy fall!!!
I think, to date, I've made over 60 dolls.Whew! Just a little idea last year has become a bit of an obsession.I'm trying out a new style of doll that I will list as soon as I get a breather*sigh*.Aside from the dolls and other crafty ventures,I am working on moving.We're trying to stay in our current area so we don't have to take the kids out of school midway through the year but if necessary we will go farther.It's a huge step for our family and a lot of changes will take place but wherever we end up will be fine because we are all together.We're learning about teamwork,as a family of 6, and it will take some grace for us to be all that I know we can be.God has given us a good family,good friends and an awesome church so we will be surrounded by supportive people as we grow:o)This really is an exciting time even though I worry about how all the details will work out.We're waiting for the bank to accept our offer on a house(eeeek!)so whenever the phone rings I run to see if it's our real estate agent.Recently I ran to get the phone,so fast,that I kicked the door frame and seriously hurt my toes.I thought the 2 littlest ones were broken--it hurt so bad!No x-rays for me though,I had a pumpkin carving party to go to!Anyways,I iced my foot for a few days and it's much better.The phone call was regarding voting...I was sooo mad>:/
Well now I force myself to walk to the phone and I won't let myself read the caller id either.Lots to learn about patience too.Well I'm off to bed z-z-z-z

Kokeshi Spool Dolls galore!

This is what I've been up to lately:oD

Ice Cream KeychainTutorial for my DIY Kits

I recently posted 8 Ice cream keychain kits on etsy.I've been making them myself and was asked by several people if they could make one for themselves so I made up 8(for now). They come with the pre-cut felt pieces,embroidered cone pieces,ribbon,keyring,beads,poly-fil batting and color instructions. I will be putting more detailed instructions on here for those that would like a little more help(I do better with LOTS of pictures when I'm making a new craft).
As well as making these kits I've been making a bunch of spool dolls and kokeshi dolls to feed my obsession for all things Asian;o) .Those are also in my etsy shop and more to come in a few days,I hope!!Well I hope you like my crafty things:oD

It's been a long time

Wow, I can't believe that I haven't posted anything in my blog for 6-7 months.I've been taking on new things and I guess I let the blog fall to the bottom of the pile.
Quick updates that I can think of are:
I've made almost 40 dolls and they are called "Kimono Kids"(not kokeshi kids since they really don't look like kokeshi dolls imo).I've been mostly selling them on etsy and have met some awesomely encouraging people through them.
I will be at my twins school this week to be in an artshow.I've been preparing for the show by making felt icecream keychains to display,putting dolls in 2 gallon clear ziploc bags(I didn't even know there was such a thing as 2 gallon bags),getting paper quilling ready to display on the tabletop(on easels) and I have to demonstrate a craft(maybe I'll sew a keychain or do some paper quilling??).
This summer I will be a summer camp craft teacher for a daycare so I've been making a zillion(ok not that many,just 200)Popsicle keychain kits for kids to craft.This is a BIG deal for me since I tend to be a "shy" sort of person.
It's time to change that "shy" label since there is so much more I'd like to do and shyness has been holding me back in some areas.
Well that's the current 411.
I'd better go,I have to do a dress rehearsal of what my table will look like for the artshow.
See ya!!
Hope

Kokeshi kids Dolls

I've been making these lately.It's been hard to keep up with posting to my blog when I make something since I have so many things to do(4 kids,facebook,etsy,flickr,emails etc).Speaking of making things,I'm going to my craftstation/studio right now since I have another Kokeshi "calling to me" :o)

crafting for Thailand

Been Busy

I've been doing many things lately,so much that I was getting stressed out.I'd start doing something and get called away by someone only to forget what I was doing.:o( . Well in that time of chaos I did bake some awesome cookies and rolled about 15-20 eggrolls with a friend.
at least those came out GOOD!

I also added a body to this felt doll head that I'd made for my daughter.I'm still figuring out what to change on my pattern since I don't like how her head had to be attached to her body(sounds weird saying that).Anyways she was completed a few days ago and now I'm off to the craft room(maybe tomorrow) to make my daughter a simple cotton jumper or a shirt...whatever is simpler since I've got my "plate full". Maybe things will find their proper order in my life in the next few days(I'm praying) since the boys are back in school....We'll see:o)

Been Crafting up a storm!

I've been making lots of stuff!! Here's a few examples of what I've been doing


a fabric button ring with vintage beads
Gary plushie for Jaden(8 years)
A cute plushie for Sunee.It's scented(Cherry Blossom)




A shell necklace for MOI!

Lots of felt ice cream cones that can be a keychain or put on a ribbon necklace for little girls.They are scented too!!!
This is just a few things that I've been making:o)
Til next time
Hope

Garage sales are fun!

When I was a teenager(mid 80's),I would go to garage sales with my best friend and her family. We'd pile into their huge van with the classified's in hand and stop at just about every sale there was. It was a fun time fro me and something I wanted to "pass on" to my kids. Lately my 4 kids have been wanting to go somewhere everyday and I was running out of ideas of free/cheap things to do.As I drove my older son home from summer school,I noticed a zillion garage sale signs and remembered how fun it was for me to go "garage sale-ing" so I decided to take them to a couple.Immediately my 15 year old son saw a tivo for $10 and at the next garage sale saw a mini tv/vcr combo for $15.He happily bought them both.My 4 year old daughter saw a Mary-kate and Ashley purse for $1 and bought it(with her "fun money").I found 5 ribbon necklaces(new/sealed in bag) and for 50 cents, a Big book of Bible stories(good reference guide when I teach children's church).The next sale My daughter could barely contain herself when she saw a pile of stuffed animals.She found a silk Ty Beanie buddie dog that she bought for 50cents and the oldest of the twins bought a mini cassette voice recorder for $2.The younger of the twins saved his fun money for what he hopes will await him tomorrow at another garage sale.I hope that he finds something that he loves since he used restraint by not buying just because he had $ in his pocket. It was good to get out and hopefully start a fun summer tradition with the kids.....making memories

It's too late to Blog but I'll do it anyways

Once again I have only a few minutes to post stuff...here goes:
A couple days ago My sons big crayfish(Mr. Crawjers) died. We had him 1 year and though he looked like a big bug, we liked him...a lot


I've been wanting to do a test run of a craft kit that I made to sell on etsy.I asked my twin boys(8 years) if they'd like to try making one (a felt keychain that looks like a Popsicle).They said o.k. so it's a matter of getting my butt in the basement(craftroom) to get started.
I have to teach Children's Church this week so I also need to plan a lesson and a craft for 12-16 pre-K kiddies.
Looking forward to 4th of July!!!! Hooray for independence...I even made the above felt keychain to celebrate the occasion. Enjoy your day and your freedom.

Just a little info cause I'm busy

Hi all,
So this is my 1st blog and I'll try to be brief cause my kids are calling to me from outside,they want me to play basketball. It's a little funny that they'd even want me to play anything "sport-like" with them since I've never been into sports(o.k. maybe badminton but that's it!). Anyways I have 4 awesome kids that I'll tell more about later(to their dismay) and a easy-going husband that I've been married to for almost 16 years. I love to make craft stuff and especially love to see my kids get creative and think outside of the box when they make things.Currently I have a shop on etsy
( HopesArtCreations.etsy.com) where I finally have a place to sell the things that I love to make. Right now in my basement I have a whole room devoted to art and crafts.The room is "guarded" by 3 giant goldfish in an aquarium and 7 small crayfish(ready to pinch any would be art thieves;o)).
I'm almost done with a big 11X14 shadowbox that has a watergarden and koi all done with paper quilling.I just remembered I said I'd be brief....I'll have to learn what that means:o) I guess I'll have to end this blog abruptly(sorry,it's a cliff hanger).
xoxo
Hope