(p.s. I just looked up the word “dervish” cuz I had no idea what it meant. Did you know that a dervish is a member of a Muslim religious order noted for devotional exercises leading to a trance? Yup. I thought it was, “like,” a ghost. Interesting stuff, that dictionary.)

So like I said … whirling dervish. Last week was Santa Barbara for the baby sister’s west coast reception. Beauty. And bliss. (And a totally rapture-inducing cheese platter.) And I’ve had an influx of consulting clients as of late. Which is great cuz I didn’t get the job I interviewed for right before I left for Santa Barbara. I had everything they wanted, and more so they say, except a technical knowledge of InDesign. I knew I should’ve taken that design class before I graduated. Note to self: Learn InDesign STAT. So–all this recent piecemeal work is at the top of my list of thanks.

And then … there’s the magazine. [sigh] My beloved magazine. My favorite thing on the list, of course. There is so. much. to. do. So much to put together. So much to conceptualize. So much to understand. But it’s coming. It’s coming.

And then today, I had a last minute segment on Good Things Utah where I shared three easy-peasy Halloween crafts I recently found on Pinterest.

If you’re just finding me through GTU, welcome welcome. I’m Krista, a magazine publisher/photographer/marketing consultant & teacher/quintessential pisces/lover of crafties/single, 32-year-old Southern transplant with a fetish for words, hand-written letters mailed with a stamp, Valentine’s Day candy, cheese platters (apparently), the Bachelor(ette) when it’s not stupid (oxymoron intended), and Ryan Gosling (as of late. loved this.).

The last couple years have been a maze of discovery, emotion, grief, and understanding as I’ve sought to make sense of a substantial job loss, singledom, and the intersection of my life and my faith. And I’m realizing this blog is where my “becoming” plays out. I suppose  you could say, that that is its purpose–its theme. And I’m happy to have you here.

By way of announcement, you can also find me

on Facebook :: on Pinterest :: on email

I also have an email list (over there on the right near the top) but, FYI, I stink at sending consistent email. I have grand plans for said list, but alas, I procrastinate. (That’s the polite way of saying I’m lazy.) But do sign up if you want to be notified when the so-called grand plans roll out. And grand they will be, I assure you.

As for the crafties I shared today … here are the links:

Spooky Snake Wreath :: Here :: I used more than just snakes in mine–basically any sort of creepy critter I could find at the dollar store.

Ghoulish Glow Lanterns :: Here :: I tried adding water to make it last longer, like the tutorial suggested, but I found that it actually made it last shorter. ???

Ghastly Ghost Hanging :: Here :: Country Living is quickly becoming more of a favorite than Martha. I know. Can you believe I just said that? Me neither.

So there you go!

And now I’m off … whirling and dervishing to the next bit on today’s color-coded schedule. (Yes. It’s true. I’m back to color coding. I’m MEEEE again!)

p.s. if you know of any teenage girls, would you please send them the link to my magazine survey?

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/GVVT7BY

And if you’d like to be notified when subscriptions are up, the email list (over on the right) is probably the best way to stay in tune, or add this blog to your reader. Thanks a mill!

Oh, and the RSS feed for these posts is here, the mailing list is over there on the right, and I’m also on Facebook here. I’d love to be friends.

So when I left for Idaho last week (to manage a couple concerts for singer-songwriter Mindy Gledhill) Utah was cold and gray. But when I came back, everything was green. The formerly brown mountains looked like they belonged in Ireland. Okay, maybe not Ireland (wishful thinking) but you know what I’m saying. The lifeless, spindly trees that I’d watched disappear in my rear-view had, within a matter of four days, sprouted blossoms and leaves. Green leaves! Spring sprang and what a welcome sight it was.

And so it feels only appropriate that I share a happy, flowery, colorful craft with you today. Que the Spring Wreath. Here’s how you can make your own:

Supplies: 1 14″ straw wreath . 5 strips (3 to 4″ wide, 45″ long) of colorful fabric . super moss . 2 crocheted doilies . embellishments (birds, flowers, lace, ribbons, etc.) . hot glue gun . scissors

Steps:

1. Wrap the fabric strips around the wreath, securing with hot glue.

2. Hot glue one doily to the wreath.

3. Hot glue the moss to the wreath, overlapping the doily.

4. Hot glue the 2nd doily, overlapping the moss.

5. Add embellishments. I used singed fabric flowers (see my tutorial here), a craft bird and pink lace tied in a bow. You could also use butterflies, rolled fabric rosettes (see my tutorial here), beads, buttons, pearls, or ribbon. There’s no right or wrong way to embellish.

6. Tie a ribbon to the top and hang.

All done! Seriously easy craft.

**For an added measure of fun if you have children … add a small gift box to the wreath. Doll it up with ribbon and lace and leave presents inside for your kids “from” the fairies and gnomes that live in your garden. Just little things like gemstones or shells or pebbles or butterfly wings. The kids will be so excited to see what surprises await. Heck! I kind of want to leave mySELF presents from the fairies!

Have fun! I hope you take some time to be creative today.

p.s. in honor of the sunny warmth we’re enjoying here today please enjoy one of my favorite songs:

So welcome to any new readers who found me via Good Things Utah! I’m Krista, a photographer, writer, and sometimes publicist/marketer. This site is where I share my pictures and words. Sometimes it’s about my work. Sometimes it’s a craft. Sometimes it’s about my roommate or my family. Sometimes it’s about my dating life (haha, jk. Those posts, like, never happen. But when they do … they’re pretty great.). Sometimes it’s my thoughts on my faith. And always it’s me trying to make sense of this life I’m living.

Today–it’s about how you can make your own Crocheted Lace Bib Necklace.

I made these necklaces to give as favors at the bridal shower I hostessed for my baby sister last week (more on that soon!). They are seriously so easy and take maybe 30 minutes to make. I’ve decided to give a few away, so you can enter to win one by signing up on the email list over there on the right column. I’ll draw three names Friday morning–right before I give my total attention to the day-long coverage of the Royal Wedding (Is anyone else as excited as I am?! Gaah!).

But if you just want to DIY…here’s how:

Supplies // 1 crocheted lace doily . 1 necklace clasp . 1″ wide strip of cotton fabric (1/2″ longer the center width of the doily) . 14″ of necklace chain . Needle n’ Thread . Iron . Scissors . Sewing Machine (optional)

1 // Begin with a small crocheted lace doily.

2 // Cut the doily across the center.

3 // Cut a strip of cotton fabric 1″ wide and 1/2″ longer than the width of your doily.

4 // Fold sides of fabric strip in about 1/4″ and iron. Then fold strip in half lengthwise and iron again.

5 // Place the unfinished edge of the doily inside the folded fabric strip. Pin in place if needed.

6 // Sew along fabric strip edge, being sure to catch the doily in your stitches. (Can be hand or machine sewn.)

7 //  Hand-stitch 7″ of necklace chain to each side of “bib.”
8 // Attach necklace clasp to ends of chain. (May require jump rings depending on sizes of chain links and clasp.)

All done! Easy right?! Lemme know if you have any questions!

And don’t forget to enter to win one by signing up on the email list over there (on the right near the top).

Today I demonstrated how to make these darling rolled fabric rosettes. They are so easy and quick! And once you get the hang of it, you can create dozens to adorn headbands, winter coats, earrings, clothing, pillows … anything!

And if you don’t want to make them yourself, visit the shop where all rosette accessories are 30% off through the end of the year (discount refunded after purchase).

Here’s how:

Supplies
fabric of any style, fabric glue, scissors

Instructions
1. Cut a strip of fabric measuring 1.5″ wide and about 2′ long. Adjust this depending on the size of rosette you wish to make. i.e. make the fabric strip thinner and shorter for a tiny rosette or fatter and longer for a large rosette.
2. Tie a knot in one end of fabric strip.
3. While holding the knot in one hand, dab a line of glue on outer edge (of knot) and wrap the fabric strip around the knot, twisting the fabric every so often, and securing it to the glue.
4. Continue in this manner until about 1″ of the strip is left.
5. Glue end of strip to underside of rosette.

All done! Now just glue it to a pin back or headband and you’ve got a brand new, trendy accessory!

Visit the Shop for 30% off all rosette accessories.

And so I present:

my Week 1 project / baby shower gift for my sister / hot little number for baby Laela’s 6 month birthday!

I used Heather Bailey’s Bitty Bootie pattern with a few modifications.

It was so simple and the result was too cute. (If I do say so.)

I have a feeling Laela just might acquire a closet full of shoes before she even arrives. (Start ‘em young is what I always say.)

But how could I stop there. I mean. A girl needs a new outfit to go with her new shoes! If Laela learns nothing from me besides this simple fact then I will have done my auntie duties well. And so I give you–the dress.

This was a bit more time consuming as I drafted the pattern myself as I went along. But I’m in love. In love with the itty-bitty collar and that eensy-weensy rosette. I’m in love with the frayed double ruffle (not to be confused with a double rainbow) peeking out the bottom. And land sakes I am in love love with this fabric combo! Crazy I know. But I am really digging the totally-random-but-totally-works quality of it.

So there is my Week 1 Project. Be sure to check out Sandi and Melissa‘s projects too! (Cheryl had to back out last minute, but her space will be filled shortly.) One of them involves a freebie [!] and the other involves lots of ruffles and lots of lace [swoon!].

And don’t forget to upload YOUR project to the Flickr group. I’ll be selecting a few of my faves to show here on Monday when I announce the Week 2 word. Until then … have a fantastic weekend!

xo

Felt Trick-or-Treat Bag
Supplies: purple felt*, yellow felt*, sparkly black felt, scissors, sewing machine, thread, bat template. *Be sure you chose a durable, heavy-weight felt. I do not recommend using the inexpensive pre-cut felt for the actual bag. It is flimsy and will not hold up well. It is fine, however, for the appliques.

Instructions:

1. Cut two 14″ x 18″ rectangles from the purple felt (Bag). Cut two 3″ x 22″ strips from the purple felt (Handle Straps). Cut one 10″ circle from the yellow felt (Moon). Cut three bats from black felt using the bat template as a guide.

2. Place the yellow circle on one of the purple rectangles five inches from the top and centered between the sides. Stitch in place, close to edge.
3. Place bats on the yellow circle as desired. Pin in place and stitch close to edge.
4. With right sides together, sew a 5/8″ seam along sides and bottom of purple rectangles.
5. (Optional Step) Pinch bottom corners so that the seams touch and are even (almost creating a triangle). Sew perpendicular to side seam 1 inch from sewn corner. This will create a “boxed” bottom. Trim close to seam.
6. Fold top edge down one inch and lightly press in place. Fold over again and pin in place. Sew 1/4″ seam around top rim edge.
7. Fold handle straps in half length-wise and sew closed close to edge.
8. Pin one strap to each of the top rims, with edge of strap 3 inches from side seams, and end of strap 1 1/2 inches from top rim.
9. Sew each handle in place with a rectangle where the strap overlaps the bag. Reinforce by sewing an “x” inside the rectangle.
10. Trick-or-Treat!

Other applique templates:

Click Here to Download the Frankenstein template

Click Here to Download the Cat & Bat Silhouette templates

Click Here to Download the Pumpkin template: Pg 1 & Pg 2

Additional Ideas:
1. Make it extra fun and mix up your felt colors!

2. Use your imagination. You could applique witches, ghosts, the word “Boo,” your child’s name, polka-dots, stripes, etc. You could even applique a “mini me” version of your child’s costume. There are so many options!

3. Tie bows or ribbons to the handle straps or sew buttons.

4. Instead of sewing your applique, use an iron on transfer to print an image from your computer.

So last week before the kids received their invitations in the mail, we had their moms ask them to draw the best monster of their imagination. They had no idea what it was for and we secretly gathered the pictures. I then raided the fabric store and made them come to life. Here are the results …

The kids LOVE them and can’t believe their monsters have “come to life”!

Can’t wait to share more fun with you tomorrow! Sleep tight. xo

On top of all that, I’m excited (really excited) to announce that I’m hostessing an online sewing challenge this month! I’ve wanted to do this for a while, but didn’t have the gumption to ask people to participate–until now. So here’s the deal …

I’ve invited three other amazing crafters to join me each week in October in creating something–anything! 1) out of fabric & 2) based on an inspiration word. Basically, each of us came up with a word (any word!–could’ve been a person, place, thing, adjective, verb, etc.) and every Monday morning one of our words will be pulled out of the hat as inspiration for the week. There are no rules about what should be made–it’s all up to our own individual interpretation (although fabric must be used). On Friday we’ll all post what we’ve made for you to see.

But lest you think this is all about us–We’ve created a Flickr group so if you’d like to participate, you too can upload photos of your inspiration-word-creations each week for others to see! Click Here to join the So Sew! Flickr group.

Now (drumroll please) … let me introduce the ladies joining the challenge! These three crafty bloggers are favorites in my Reader so I highly encourage you to check out their sites, sign up for their feeds, newsletters, Twitters, etc. They’re honestly so fantastic and I’m so (sew!) excited to “play” with them this month.

First up we have the talented Sandi of Portabello Pixie …

Sandi is a fabulous fabric designer, pattern creator, and author, as well as a mother of two (a girl and a boy). She can be found on Twitter, at Sewing School, or in her newsletter (on her blog). And I can’t wait to make her shabby pumpkins this Thanksgiving!

Next we have the thrifty and chic Melissa of ISLY (I Still Love You).

Melissa is an amazing artist and designer, mom to darling Penelope (and one on the way), and comes up with the most fantastic clothing refashions. You can also find her on Twitter, Flickr, and Design House Digital. I am particularly fond of her calligraphy.

And finally, we have the lovely Cheryl of A Pretty Cool Life.

Cheryl is a crafter from Chicago, mom to two little guys, with all sorts of darling tutorials, project ideas, and lots of bright colors (which I love). One of my favorite “Cheryl projects” can be found here. She’s on Facebook, Twitter, Etsy, and has an email list (on her blog).

So (Sew!)–Do join the Flickr Group, won’t you? And tune in Monday for the first word. We are going to have some serious fun! See you next week! xo

p.s. Welcome to any new friends who found  me via Cheryl, Melissa, or Sandi! I’m thrilled to “meet” you and can’t wait to get to know you better.

p.p.s. I also wanted to let you know that I was recently featured on TodaysGiveaway.net where I’m offering a free photo shoot to the winner plus a discount of 20% off all photo shoots scheduled in October (photo shoot does not need to occur in October, just needs to be scheduled). So hop on over and enter to win if you so desire!

p.p.s. (Last one, I promise) I was recently quoted in the Wall Street Journal’s Smart Money section. Check it out here (page 3, tip #10). This was one of those “life achievements” that I was totally stoked to call my dad about. :)

A few Christmases ago, I was out of town a lot. And me being out of town = Frit alone in the big house. And she hates being alone in the big house. Especially at night. Plus, we’re buddies. And who likes being away from their buddy? It’s lonely and quiet. So to help her feel not-so-lonely I tried to think of something fun to leave behind in my absence. “Rock Notes” were what I came up with. It was nowhere near as cool as the “Christmas in a Basket” that she sent me on the road with so that in every hotel room I stayed, from Idaho to Phoenix, I could set up my own mini tree complete with lights and ornaments, but it was my best effort during that crazy time.

I picked up some paint pens and river rocks (found at any craft store or the Wal-Marts) and quickly scribbled little notes on some and drew hearts on the others. Then I hid them all over the house, in places she would find while I was away.

The fun thing is that the Rock Notes are still in use even all these months later. They go back and forth between the two of us and you just never know when you’re going to go brush your teeth …

or pull back the covers …

or open a drawer …

or sit down at the piano …

only to find a little reminder that someone loves you. I’ve even found them in my luggage a time or two. It’s such a fun, simple way to let someone know you care.

*We also hide these hideous creatures for the other to find too, but that’s a whole different story.

Except to say that when I went to bed really late one night last week and found Mr. Bones tucked into my bed, I might have come close to peeing my pants. I might’ve. (From fright. NOT from laughter.)

Have a wonderful Wednesday! xo

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Supplies: t-shirt * needle & thread * fabric for ruffle * scissors * tape measure * sewing machine (not pictured)

Instructions:

1.    If you’re using a standard t-shirt like the one pictured in the image above, feel free to cut the ribbed part of the collar off to make it a bit more loose. But it’s totally up to you. You could also use a shade shirt or even a tank top for this tutorial. If you do cut the collar, you can certainly hem it under so the raw edge is held more securely in place. I did not do so because I like the raw t-shirt edge. Again, it’s totally up to you!

2. Measure the full length around the collar of your t-shirt. Double the length of the collar and this will be the length of the ruffle fabric strip you cut.

3.    Decide how wide you want your ruffle to be. Multiply by two and add a ½ inch. This will be the width of the ruffle fabric strip you cut.
4.    Now that you have your width and length, cut your strip of ruffle fabric. (Mine was 60″ x 3 1/2″ … but don’t worry about being exact.)

4.    Fold the ruffle strip length-wide with right sides of fabric facing each other.
5.    Sew along long edge using a ¼ inch seam and press open.
6.    Turn right-side-out. You will now have something that looks like a tube.
7.    Fold each open (raw) end of ruffle fabric towards the inside of the “ruffle tube” and press in place.

8.    Using a running stitch, use your needle and thread to sew the entire length of the ruffle. Gather as you go.

9.    Pin ruffle to t-shirt collar.
10.    Sew in place with sewing machine. Once the ruffle is attached, remove your running stitch. You can usually just pull it right out, but if it gets stuck a seam ripper will be your best friend.
11.    All Done! Enjoy your ruffled collar t-shirt. (If you do make one … take a picture and send it to me. I’d really love to see what you create!)
Variations:

• You could also add a ruffle to the bottom of the t-shirt around the hip area, or even to the sleeves.
• Instead of sewing the ruffle around the collar, pin it in swirls around the shoulder/chest area on one side of the shirt.

Other ruffled projects: Click Here for the Ruffle Cuff Bracelet Tutorial

p.s. Welcome! Welcome! to any new visitors from the Good Things Utah site! I’m so glad you stopped by.

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