Sunday, March 8, 2009

Desk Project

I have been looking for a small writing desk for quite a while now. I saw this ratty little desk with a glass top in the garbage in one of Ottawa's well-heeled neighbourhoods. I thought to myself, "As an extreme crafter, I can transform this desk into something beautiful by putting a fabric skirt on it." Stay tuned. I'm looking at my fabric stash, pulling out the staple gun. This might not even involve sewing at all.

Monday, March 2, 2009

"Stuffing" for upcoming projects

I have a long list of things I want to make, and many of them require "stuffing" of some sort. I'm exploring the world of buckwheat husks because I plan to make my own meditation cushion. Buckwheat husks are expensive! Can I use a cheaper alternative? Can I find something comparable at the Bulk Barn? Help!
Also, I want to make my own "magic bag" -- you know, those things you throw in the microwave, then wear around your neck? What kinds of materials can be nuked?
I'm happy with the flax seed/lavender combo I used in my eye pillows. I used a bit of basmati rice in one, too, and that worked as well.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Needlepoint pin cushion

Extreme crafters become obsessed with things sometimes. I became obsessed with this needlepoint pin cushion I found at my aunt's house. I apologize for the poor quality of the photo..
My grandmother made this pin cushion many many years ago -- along with dozens of pillows, chair seats, wall hangings and other needlepoint masterpieces. My grandmother was good with a needle and a patient teacher of needlepoint. She started me off with a kid's kit with thick wool and a massive needle. Then, she quickly moved me to an "adult" needlepoint kit that required finer stitches and a steadier hand.

I hadn't even thought about needlepoint for about 20 years! Then, while visiting my aunt, I spotted this needlepoint pin cushion and wanted it really badly -- so badly that my aunt gave me the pin cushion. Hurrah!

But the obsession continues. Now I want to make my own needlepoint pin cushions. I found some similar patterns here. Expensive. But when you're obsessed, what can you do?

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Flax/Lavender Eye Pillows


Lately, I've been saying I don't "have time" for extreme crafting. But, this is just not true. There is always time. This perception of having "no time" is perpetuated by stress. In times of stress, it's more important than ever to get the scissors and start cutting. I decided to make something that would help me relax, and thus allow more space in my life for extreme crafting. So, I made two eye pillows in two different sizes.
One of them turned out to be a wee chest pillow. The bandaid on my chin is compliments of my new kitten, Ti-gris.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Nina's Fish

This happy fish swam onto my facebook page last week.....it is the work of our friend Lynn - she is making a quilt for her first grandbaby, NINA!!!
I love the fabrics you are finding Lynn!

Monday, February 9, 2009

Project LP Bowls


A January project featuring the extreme crafting enthusiasm of "Q". LPs are melted in the conventional oven for 4 minutes....at low temps....fumes are inevitable. Inspiration for the project and instructions: http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/

Friday, February 6, 2009

Meh!

Extreme crafting friend, Daphne, shared this with me today.