Category Archives: crafts

Making a travel diary

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As I mentioned in a previous post, I’ve purchased an online class to learn how to make funky diaries/journals/commonplace books. In particular, I’m excited about our upcoming trip to Istanbul in mid-August and want to have this done by then.

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Pattern (eventually inserted between front and back covers) will produce journal approx 6″x9″ with a front flap.

Mary Ann Moss blogs and teaches at Dispatches from LA, her online schoolhouse/kitchen table/photo studio and her images are simply inspiring. I made myself finish up a framing project that I’d started some time ago so that I could proceed with this with a clear conscience. Unfortunately, in a major purge, I got rid of much of my fabric stash, so took a trip to Value Village and picked up a red and gold sari, some red an gold moiré fabric, and a piece of upholstery fabric with a paisley pattern. I have a bag full of leather scraps from another project.

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It’s very much a scrappy, plan-as-you-go project. Here I’m laying out some scraps on my inside and outside covers to see how it’ll look.

The next few steps will involve rough appliqué, sewing the inside and outside covers together, and ironing. Then more appliqué!
I’ll post again when I have my cover done.

Family dinner

crafts, family

Three of us attended a family party this evening for one of my aunts. Michael had a rehearsal with a brass quartet that he’s subbing for in June and then a gig at a Danforth café with a young singer-songwriter, so he couldn’t join us.

I made a card for my aunt using an article in a 1940 edition of the Toronto Daily Star, where she was written up, along with her friend Louise, for their Guide badges.

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My my brother and cousin and their families were there, along with other aunts and uncles. I always enjoy seeing these aunts who have been so supportive of me since I was a child. Now they attend all their great nephews and nieces events.

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After the party we dropped by to hear the end of Michael’s set and drove him home with us.

Inkbloom – cool from your printer!

crafts, technology

Just discovered inkbloom (via Skip to my Lou).  It’s a system that provides a way to print on fabric and vinyl with your inkjet printer.  They sell LoomTack, the base that adheres to the back of your fabric, and you can also purchase downloadable designs (inkbits and inkblocks) from them.

mini scrapbook kitThere’s a nifty demo video on their site, and if you join their mailing list, they’ll send you some free downloadable designs with a “love” theme!

The products to the left were all covered in custom printed fabric.  The inkblocks automatically repeat so you can create any size image (up to the limits of your printer).

Very interesting product with lots of potential for crafters, scrapbookers, and quilters.

[Edited to add:  At this time, inkbloom only sells within the US.  Apologies to my Canadian readers (although you can get on their mailing list and they may start selling internationally in the future.]

Inkbloom – cool from your printer!

crafts, technology

Just discovered inkbloom (via Skip to my Lou).  It’s a system that provides a way to print on fabric and vinyl with your inkjet printer.  They sell LoomTack, the base that adheres to the back of your fabric, and you can also purchase downloadable designs (inkbits and inkblocks) from them.

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There’s a nifty demo video on their site, and if you join their mailing list, they’ll send you some free downloadable designs with a “love” theme!

The products to the left were all covered in custom printed fabric.  The inkblocks automatically repeat so you can create any size image (up to the limits of your printer).

Very interesting product with lots of potential for crafters, scrapbookers, and quilters.

[Edited to add:  At this time, inkbloom only sells within the US.  Apologies to my Canadian readers (although you can get on their mailing list and they may start selling internationally in the future.]

Nifty way to use up plastic bags.

crafts

Just saw these adorable little baskets over at Coyote Craft.  They’re crocheted from plastic bags that are made into yarn.  Too bad we rarely get plastic bags anymore…this craft almost makes me want to “forget” my reusable bags a couple of times at the grocery store!  If you’re not the crafting type, you can purchase them at her Etsy shop.

Nifty way to use up plastic bags.

crafts
Media_http1bpblogspot_mgjim

Just saw these adorable little baskets over at Coyote Craft.  They’re crocheted from plastic bags that are made into yarn.  Too bad we rarely get plastic bags anymore…this craft almost makes me want to “forget” my reusable bags a couple of times at the grocery store!  If you’re not the crafting type, you can purchase them at her Etsy shop.