Holidays

The holiday season is approaching and I would like to recommend a few holiday crafts. Since I love to recycle as much as possible I will try to post "green" holiday crafts.

1. Cork wreath
You will need
A wreath
Corks
Ribbon
Hot glue gun

Here is a link to a better how to with pictures http://www.save-on-crafts.com/corkwreath.html

2. Flower Centerpiece
paper
hot glue gun
scissors

I am talking about the oragamiKusadama  flowers I love these! Any color combination can make for totally unique flowers also great for anything else! Here is a link with pictures http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/origami_kusadama_flowers

3. Puzzle Piece ornaments
Puzzle pieces
hot glue
paint
ribbon

Again the possibilities are endless. You can make candy canes like the one in the link or christmas trees or snowmen, use your imagination! Here is the link http://familycrafts.about.com/od/treeornaments/ss/puzcandycane.htm

4. Count down calendar
These supplies will depend on what type you want to make

If you want to make a fabric calendar you will need scrap fabric and a sewing machine (this link is for onw to buy, you will have to put your own twist on it) http://www.onestepahead.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=536983

Or you can use those annoying little magnets to all the places you wont need here is the link for that
http://www.thriftyandthriving.com/2010/11/homemade-holiday-make-your-own-christmas-countdown/

5. Tree Skirt
You will need fabric
sewing machine (optional
More (see link)

Here is a link to a no sew tree skirt http://www.paperpony.net/2008/12/diy-no-sew-tree-skirt.html

6. Napkin rings
fabric
no sew tape
ribbon
cardboard tube

Here is the link for a great tut on how to make these and shock all your guests! http://www.re-nest.com/re-nest/how-to/how-to-make-napkin-rings-from-a-cardboard-tube-086867

7. Holiday garland

http://craftingagreenworld.com/2007/12/19/diy-holiday-garland/

I hope you like the list I put together! Happy holidays!

Quilt again

Lol so I dont really think quilting is my thing, I cannot figure out how to sew they layers (top, batting and backing) tigether without getting wrinkles. I would love if anyone could give me some tips. This one is a bit better than the first I attempted but I dont like that my edges arent quite even and its a bit wavy. Thanks so much ahead of time.

Heres my pic.

Quilt..

So that quilt did not work out too good lol. I am going to attemot again and when I get it down right I will post some pics. :)

First Quilt

Today I had an itch to do something new. I decided to attempt once again a quilt. suprisingly with a pretty easy pattern it is going pretty well so far! Here are some pics...

I know it is not perfect by a long shot but I am pretty impressed with the outcome so far :)



Last Minute costumes...

I want to wish you all a Happy Halloween!!  I though I would make a list of quick easy things to throw together if you decided last minute to dress up.
Here is a great link for clever cheap last minute costume ideas, http://www.halloween.com/halloween-costume-quick-ideas.php  I love the one that says carry a quarter and a hammer and be a quarter pounder. :)
Heres another link http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Halloween/easy-minute-halloween-costume-ideas/story?id=11975601 Have a safe fun Halloween!



Lately..

Sorry it has been a while since I have posted, I have been working on a new rug it is a shag rug. It has been taking a lot of time and effort. :( and still I am barely half way, but at least when it is done it will be amazingly sofy and cozy. I will post pic's when done (if ever lol). Want to wish you all a Happy Halloween! It is just around the corner. Well I think the rug is calling me. Be back soon!

New Project

My new project is this beautiful blue scarf. It will have different shades of blue gray, white and gray I love working with it because it is so soft and warm. I will post some pic's once its further along. It is a shell kind of pattern. It is actually the same pattern as the one below. I just decided to keep this one more neutral.

Finally Finished Rag Rug!

I finally finished my rag rug, it came out 40.5in across. Here it is..

Thank you for looking!

Quite a Deal

So after being a little sick and my son grumpy we decided to adventure out yesterday to some garage sales. I noticed a craft sale and when we got there there was this pink industry roll of pink fabric. It was pretty and cheap! I paid $3.00 I couldn't believe it. So here is my deal of the century...

This one is 9in from the bottom to the top

This measures about 5 feet long or so.

Hopefully I can think of a lot of pink projects in my future. Let me know if you have any ideas! Thanks!

My little Monster

The first Halloween my son was old enough to participate in.



Magazine Coasters

Thought I would share my new item listed on Etsy, it is these fabulous recycled magazine coasters. They are made from magazines folded wrapped then sealed and finally wrapped with thread to give a special touch and sealed again.

These are very eco friendly! But very time consuming to make. Let me know what you think.

New Pic

I thought I would keep you updated on the progress of my new rug. Here it is..

I think it needs some orange or something. Hopefully I can come across an orange one. Let me know what you think!



New Rug

I decided to take a different approach on my new rug. And thanks to all those on Craigslist that donated free t-shirts I am on my way to a bright colorful rag rug. Let me know what you think!



Etsy Bootcamp

I, Brittany, pledge to participate in the Etsy Success Holiday Boot Camp to the best of my abilities. I vow to check in every week, do my homework and support my fellow Holiday Boot Campers. I will read the weekly newsletters and blog posts, check in on the weekly forum thread, read the weekly blog post, check off the checklists and salute the mascot. I promise to share what I've learned with those who need it, support my fellow Etsy indiepreneurs and, most of all, have a positive and persistent attitude. I understand that together we can spread the word about our handmade and vintage goods, making this holiday season a more unique and meaningful one to gift givers and give-ees everywhere!

Finished!

Finally after a long day of working I finished my rug! Here it is

Let me know what ya think!



A Bit Off Topic

Since I haven't  been working too much on my stuff lately I have been researching things to do with fabric scraps and I always get pretty inspired by these. I am also going to share some of my bookmarks. So I am going to share some links to some of my favorite thing's I have found.

Some of the best ideas to do with scrap fabric are..

Coasters, Need small amount of fabric iron and sewing machine
Pin Cushions, Need fabric some batting or filler scrap fabric and sewing machine
Use scraps for filler in pillows and other projects
Jar lid Covers, Need square piece of fabric and creative cut scissors
Fabric book mark, Need fabric and sewing machine
Yo-Yo's, Need fabric, pattern or make pattern
Ipod case, Need Fabric and sewing machine

All of these projects are pretty easy and can be done with little to no extra supplies.

Here's a good blog that keeps the creative juices flowing: http://textiles4you.blogspot.com/

Fusing Plastic Bags, no matter how many times I try I cannot get this one right but if you can it's a great project! http://etsylabs.blogspot.com/2007/05/long-overdue-fusing-plastic-bag.html

                 


My favorite crochet flowers http://www.crochetville.org/forum/showthread.php?t=108028



Thank you for checking it out! Hopefully you can find something to keep busy too!

More Progress

Not too long ago I posted a picture of my rug in progress and I have been a bit under the weather lately. So although there is not a lot more done here it is today..



Some Of My Past Projects

Here are some completed rugs that are for sale at my Etsy store ( located at http://www.etsy.com/shop/Dblcrafty )

Let me know what you think :)

My First Sale

I am very happy to pronounce last night I made my first sale. Actually first two sales. I am so happy to have finally sold something, I got pretty down on myself and was considering not going further with my Etsy shop. But I think it was the push I needed to realize I can do this it just may take a bit more time than I hoped for. Thanks for stopping by and sharing this exciting day with me!

Yeah, featured in a Treasury for the first time!

The rug is my piece that was featured here is a link to the treasury: http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c926a4372398eefe9b90e19/renew-recycle-reuse-treasury-challenge?index=0
I give my thanks to seller AngelicaV, her store is located at http://www.etsy.com/shop/AngelicaV

Rug in Progress

This is the rug I am currently working on, so far it is about 14in across. Let me know what you think...

So there it is, it is still in progress but I love how bright it is.

Upcycled Rag Rugs

I crochet (sometimes knit) rag rugs from re-purposed fabric. I can use anything from curtains to bed sheets and pretty much everything in between. I am starting to make them for loved ones out of other loved ones clothes, the same concept of a memory quilt and putting it into a rug. If you are interested let me know!
My rugs are made to last. Although the durability will somewhat rely on what the rug is made from they are always made as strong and durable as possible.

I first got inspired by these beautiful rugs when I stumbled across a picture of one on google. Then decided I would try, at first I will admit I made about 3 rugs that were horrible. I gave up making them for a few months then I decided to try again. I really wanted to make one that had more of a pattern that suited my style. (That was the first one I sold, to my mom.) I just love the idea of making something so beautiful out of something like a old t-shirt and keeping it out of the trash.

Well that's it for now.

Welcome To Rugs and Such

I have decided to start a sister site to my etsy store (located at http://www.etsy.com/shop/Dblcrafty ). I will be posting my inspirations a long with pictures of rugs in progress etc. I would like to start off by telling you a little about myself, I am a 21 year old Christian and happily married with a 2 (almost 3 year old son). He most definitely keeps me busy, so if I take a few to get some new posts please bear with me. I would also like to encourage all readers for your feedback as well as constructive criticism. It has been a while since I have written in a blog so I may be a little rusty but get ready for some pictures of what I do as well as why I do what I do. Oh and if you see a rug or have an idea for a rug you would like to special order let me know and I will make it for you! Thank you!