Artsy Farsty

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Great Finds!

Over this past weekend another marvelous and generous lady has stepped forward! I love generous people, especially  when it comes to fabric and crafting items. As I unload to look at the new goodies , I take a look around. My living room is so full of all sorts of sewing and crafts, it ain't funny!  So much for using it for awhile.

More fabric, cross stitch kits, a calligraphy ink set, some edger scissors and a few charms dazzled me this time. Oh what a little kid in a candy store I feel like today. The best part of it all is,I didn't have to travel out of Boulder City to get it. Usually we have to make long trips into Las Vegas, (half way around the world) seems like it!

I tell my hubby, I  think we need another room, he's already thinking about fixing up a  room in the back part of the house to store it all because my sewing/craft room is bulging. He tells me If I ever hear you say your bored, he'll tell me to go make something because I have stuff and lots of it.

I won't be keeping every thing, there's lots of kids crafts that I either will  probably PIF or  put some on my ETSY store. How much did we pay for this stuff? Maybe a dollar in gas to go get it, that's all!. I always love to share what I find in the goodies I receive. So always check back to my blog for other treasures in Great Finds!











Friday, February 18, 2011

Great Finds!

I am a women, not really your average type woman. Why? you ask. Well I hate to go shopping, or I should say I used to hate it. But, there is an exception to my own rules. If it has to do with going to the mall or Wal Marts I do hate shopping!

Usually I have a list , tear it in half and tell hubby meet you at checkout in 10 minutes. In and out pretty quick, right? Like I said ......"Rules", they're mine and I will break 'em just cause I want too! 

When it comes to shopping for crafts, honey I can stay in JoAnn's or Hancocks store for hours and hours. I get so mesmerized by all the cool gadgets and notions, buttons, and paints and fabric's I loose all since of time and reality! I loose my mind as well, but we won't go there today....

Anyway I'm rambling here. Few weeks back I advertised on CL for arts and crafts. Two days ago I got another call from a little old lady who had been sewing and crafting for many years. She said she had boo coo's of stuff and wanted a reasonable donation. Well, I've heard that before, so yesterday afternoon  we're off ( hubby, daughter and myself) to check out what she had. Holy Toledo! Not only did it fill up the back of the jeep Cherokee, but the back seat & floorboard, almost smothering my daughter in the back seat!

I went through some if it last night and found some goodies, tons of books, lots of vintage buttons and patterns. My living room is loaded now. Truffles (kitty) was freaking out, slinking around to see my new stuff!

This stuff is I know without a doubt worth more than I paid for it. A little old lady tired and wanting to give it to someone for good use! She just happened to see my ad and it was the right timing for both of us.

So no matter what you are looking for, be patient and "Great Finds" will find you!








Thursday, February 17, 2011

Domestiquette: Filter-Blooms...chic-n-easy flower tutorial!!!

 I stumbled onto this flower tutorial and since spring will be here soon, so I wanted to share with you guys.  A simple project to do with your child, or yourself! I am going to do it this weekend with my daughter.  Enjoy and have fun!

Domestiquette: Filter-Blooms...chic-n-easy flower tutorial!!!








Friday, February 4, 2011

Pin Cushions

One day two weeks ago, I was itching to use my new sewing machine, bought a Singer Featherweight FW75 (it's so cute) with all the bells and whistles. So went searching and found this pattern online. Its a stuffed Pointy Cat and had to make it that day. For a beginner at sewing, I don't think it turned out too bad! 

It wasn't intended as a pincushion, but I needed one and so it become my kitty pincushion. If you'd like the pattern I used let know know, happy to share it with ya.



 





Flower Pens

Just something I decided to try a couple months ago.

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Thursday, February 3, 2011

Self Taught Sewing

Hi I'm Sew Magic and I am a beginner! Beginner to using a sewing machine and some arts and crafts. But for now I'll just stick to how I got started at sewing.  My daughter who is a special needs adult, came to reside with us for a short time a few weeks back. Previously she didn't do much in the way of utilizing her time except by staring at a TV when not working. Well here at my house, I wasn't liking that at all!

  It didn't take me long to come up with activities to un-bored her. I advertised on craig's list for some easy jewelry stuff that she could do.  Few days later, got some responses from a few lady's that were either cleaning out old inventory, closets, etc. Another nice lady gave us some remnants of fabric and embroidery stuff. And at last got a free sewing machine, more craft's knit/crochet yarn and lots of fabric paint, with the stipulation that I sew a dress for her, (haven't got to it yet).


Collected all this stuff, (and another sewing machine with all the bells and whistles) done some practice sewing under 30 days and I must say, I'm quite happy teaching myself and learning the basic's of it all. At first, my thought was to take some classes, but why? Might as well keep the money that I would spend on classes and use it to buy more fabric, arts and crafts items. I have the talent to think around the box and create cool things!

I have surprised myself. During it all I learned of JoAnn's store, where they sell any and everything under the sun when it comes to crafting. Great timing too, as they were having a winter sale, talk about saving lots of money. I did! Can't say too much for hubby's wallet, but I think he enjoys sewing as much as me. Got no complaints from him. Patterns for under a buck, yes I stocked up! Learning to read them is a challenge and fun. Imagine that! A middle age lady finally acting like a homemaker. Oh, better not say that too loud somebody might hear me! LOL.

My story is getting somewhat lengthy but I suppose what I'm trying to get across is, your never too old to learn something new. Even if you really do or don't enjoy it, (which I do) you don't have to spend a lot of money getting into your hobby or craft because there's always somebody getting rid of stuff either cheap or free. More importantly, at least for me I found that I love doing these things. It's therapeutic and I get to make clothing, etc that no one else in the world has one just like mine! And finally it gave us (myself and my daughter) a chance to re-connect at being a mother and daughter, even though we have been cross most of the time she's been here. As I am typing this, it brings tears to my eyes, she will be placed back into the group home environment very soon. I am putting in all the time I can (another week or so) teaching/helping her to paint t shirts, making a Valentine banner and whatever else comes to mind.

I am going to continue teaching her when she comes back for weekend visits. I believe that she finally realizes just how much I do love her and no matter how old she is, she's still my baby! No matter what!

I could keep chatting all day with ya, but I have to get some templates cut for crafts today. Tune in for pictures of my completed projects. Live and learn with us.

That is how I got started sewing  b/c I'm Sew Magic!!!