Tag Archives: Crafts

Whirling Dervish

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I feel as though I’m a whirling dervish of crazy. In all different directions, I fly.

(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!

Tutorial: Spring Wreath (as featured on Good Things Utah)

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Oh good morning! And welcome to any new readers who found me via Good Things. If this is your first time here, I’m Krista and I’m a photographer, writer, sometimes publicist, occasional manager of indie artists, creative junkie, hopeful romantic, and lover of good seafood. The order of those titles changes depending on the day, but feel free to browse around, read a bit, and stay awhile, won’t you? :)

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:

Tutorial: Crocheted Lace Bib Necklace

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Please excuse this break in my coverage of the baby sister‘s graduation week, but I got a call from my producer at ABC yesterday asking if I would come in this morning to do a segment. They had a last minute cancellation and needed to fill the slot with “something great.” Que: Me! Well. Que my really great craft. I feel more like a blundering fool every time I’m on TV. But oh well! It’s fun.

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).

Tutorial: Valentine’s Day Bunting

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Good Morning! I’m back from my weekend in Arizona but I am seriously missin’ that squishy little niece of mine …

For any new readers, my family’s very first grandchild (i.e. my first niece) was born two weeks ago and oh, gracious. She is delectable. Her name is Laela Carolina (isn’t that the cutest?!) and We. Love. Her. A. Lot. You can see pictures of her here. Do it. Follow the link. Seriously. You know you want to. (I never thought I’d be “that” kind of an auntie … but I am. Unabashedly. I am.)

But OK, enough about Little Laela Lou (maybe). You’re here for the tutorials right? Some say garlands have been way over-done. And it’s true. They have. But I still love them. They’re such a fun, bold, whimsical way to decorate for any holiday, party, dinner, or special event. They take your decorations to a whole new level, lifting the eye and completing a look. (And they’re usually so easy!)

So. For instructions on the felt polka-dot/heart garland, click here. Oh! And before I forget, I mentioned on air today that on Feb.1 (one week from today) I’ll be emailing a free e-book to my mailing list subscribers, chock-full of Valentine’s Day crafts and ideas. So if you want to get that free e-book, fill out the form below.

Now. Onto the Valentine’s Day Flag Bunting … Supplies: fabric (mix it up–go with a modge podge of designs and colors!) . scissors . double fold bias tape . sewing machine & thread Steps:

  1. Cut fabric. For the bunting pictured, I cut mine into 5″ x 7″ rectangles, but you could easily make yours bigger or smaller. Just make sure you have enough to fill your bias tape.
  2. Take one rectangle and fold/iron the 3 edges that will be exposed 1/4″. Sew in place close to edge. Repeat with remaining rectangles. *Note: If you don’t want to finish your edges, you could also cut the fabric with pinking shears to keep them from fraying, or if you don’t mind the slight fraying, leave them raw.
  3. Insert the raw edge of the rectangles into the bias tape opening and pin in place. Make sure the rectangles are centered along the bias tape and that you have enough tape on each end to use when hanging the bunting. Laying your rectangles out on the floor first helps. *Note: I left about 1″ space between each of my rectangles, but if I made one of these again, I would only leave about 1/4″ space.
  4. Once pinned, begin at one end of the bias tape and sew a straight line to the other end, being sure to catch your rectangles inside the seam.
  5. Trim loose threads and hang!

Variations:

  • Applique hearts or X’s and O’s on each “flag.” Or maybe even the word “LOVE.”
  • OR … Paint a message/saying on them rather than applique.
  • Instead of rectangles do triangles or squares.

So there you have it. Two really simple, totally cute Valentine’s Day garlands. And don’t forget … for more crafts and ideas, sign up for the free e-book. xo!
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Tutorial: Rolled Fabric Rosettes

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Good Morning! If you’re finding me through Good Things Utah … Welcome! My site is a mixture of life, photography, creativity, and faith. If you’re interested, you can sign up on the mailing list (over there on the right) if you’d like to receive periodic emails with new ideas, tutorials, recipes, and sale coupons. You can also find me on Twitter, Facebook, and the RSS feed here.

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.

So Sew! Week 1 Project: Polka Dot Baby Shoes

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Our week one word was POLKA DOT, which was perfect because I’ve been in love with a particular fabric combo as of late that includes a black and white damask, a yellow/orange micro-patterned fabric, and … a purple polka dot fabric! Combine that with the fact that my sister is due with our family’s first grandbaby (my first niece) in just three short months and what do you get? A perfect storm, I say. A perfect storm for some baby sewing!

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

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Tutorial: Trick-or-Treat Bag

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While this particular tutorial features a bag with bat silhouettes against a yellow moon, it can be easily modified to showcase the Halloween creature of your child’s choice. But whatever your applique, you can be certain this simple trick-or-treat bag will hold a motherload of delicious goodies!

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.

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So Sew! Week 1: Inspiration Word

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Hi all! Today begins the first week of So Sew! and I’m pleased to announce that the first inspiration word is …

POLKA-DOT

All week long, Sandi, Cheryl, Melissa and I will be crafting something delightful using the word “polka-dot” as our inspiration. We’ll reveal our projects on our blogs this Friday, so stay tuned.

AND if you want to join in the fun!…just add yourself to the Flickr group and upload a photo of your project for us to see!

It Was a MONSTER Mash!

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Well the Monster Mash is in full swing downstairs, but I thought I’d take a quick break from the graveyard smash to share some photos of the monsters we made for the kids. I’ll upload all the details on the decorations, food, and games next week as well as “must-see” pictures of the kids gettin’ their groove on. (Zombie Jamborie ‘ll do it every time!)

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

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Introducing: So Sew! [a word-a-week challenge]

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Hello October! This is going to be one crazy month. I won’t bore you with the details…actually on second though–yes I will! Cuz it’s all fun! So. We’ve got a nieces-n-nephews sleepover tonight (Monster Mash is the theme). General Conference on Saturday and Sunday. My next Good Things Utah appearance on Wednesday (10/6) where I’ll be demo-ing Halloween Treat Bags. Then I’m teaching a class on Friday (10/8) about How to Hostess a Party. On Saturday (10/9) I’ve got a big, crazy photo shoot down at BYU, plus Frit‘s grandma’s 80th birthday party that I helped plan and coordinate. THEN, my mom, sister, and brother-in-law come into town the following Wednesday (10/13)–staying with Frit and I, another Good Things Utah appearance on Thursday (10/14) where I’ll be demo-ing No-Sew Halloween Costumes, and finally, I’m hostessing a baby shower for my sister (with my other sister) who is due in February with our family’s first grandchild (a girl! …to be named Laela) on Saturday. Whew. At this point I get a “rest week” and then things get crazy again the last week.

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. :)

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Good Things Utah Appearance: March 5, 2010 [Ruffle Collar T-Shirt]

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Hello and happy Monday! If you missed my segment on Good Things Utah last Friday, here is the video. Enjoy!

(and here are the step-by-step instructions with photos)

Tutorial: Ruffle Collared T-shirt

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Ruffles! Ruffles! Ruffles! I love ‘em! Whether it be on tops, skirts, belts, headbands or other accessories, they add a bit of whimsy and romance to any outfit. Here is just one simple way you can embellish a t-shirt with a ruffle of your own.

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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