Pillowcase Cuties!

Hello. To those of you who've been looking for me, I'm finally here! I've decided to implement a new routine. A fitness routine. After my AM shift. It will leave less time for crafting on the days I do not sub, but, such is life. My health and fitness is just as important, if not more.

Last week, I subbed only once, but I had meetings to attend on other days, so that ate up craft time also. Good thing I had a quilting group to go to on Saturday. I was determined to get something finished, no matter how small. I learned how to make pillow cases! Some of the gals at the group told me what to do step-by-step (thanks Sue and Mary!). They are quite easy to make and the technique I used to apply the band hides all seams. It's so neat. I can't wait to make more. (Oh my gosh, now after I said that I realize a photo of the inside would have been neat to post. Normally I would take a snapshot "now" but I'm having issues with my card reader. Sorry. I'll make a note of it to put it on next week.) My first photo is the pillowcase I sewed at the group. It's for Lancelot, our Corgi. Well, Lance's doggy bed.

Here's a close up of the fabrics. They don't match quite perfectly, but I liked the large print with the small print. The case is going to be on the floor and under the dog so I wasn't concerned with how fashionable it was. :)

Here's the pillowcase I made at home on Sunday after church. I sewed a welt in this one. Again, the colors don't match the best because it's for the other doggy, Chubahka.

Here's a close up of the fabric choices. The welt is the lavender strip.

Moving beyond this... I've almost completed my colorful scarf. As soon as I get off the computer (and some other small daily living tasks), I plan to finish it. I have a few stitches left. Then I'd like to model it for the blog, though I'm not the biggest "ham". I'll post that next week also.

I should get this posted. I'm fading quickly after my workout. I usually need a little rest in the midday anyway. I hope everyone has a great week!

See you next Monday. :)

Restringing and Puffed Flatbread

It's a new week and it's the END of February. Didn't this month fly by quickly? Geez, it seems that I just made Edward's Valentine's Day card. :)

I had another busy week last week, but I managed to get a couple hobby things done. A lady at work told me about a magnetic bracelet she purchased that was falling apart. I told her that I would take a look at it for her and restring it with a clasp, if I could. Here's the bracelet strung on the stretch cording. You can see the elastic broke. 

Here's the finished piece with a sterling silver toggle clasp. I didn't realize that she wanted a magnetic clasp. I brought it in today and it fit beautifully. I was worried because I had added about an inch with the clasp length. Apparently she works with a child who gropes and pulls at her accessories and needs them to be "breakaway" style. I brought it home to restring it with a magnetic clasp. I'll work on that after I'm finished here. :)

In addition to beading, I also made bread! Baked Puffed Flatbread to be exact. This bread tastes so incredible and the texture is amazing - firm on the outside and soft in the center.

Here's the recipe. 

1 package active dry yeast
1 cup warm water
1 tablespoon olive oil, plus extra for brushing
2 teaspoons sugar
1/4 cup plain yogurt (I used vanilla)
1 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus extra for sprinkling
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
2 cups bread flour
2 tablespoons sesame seeds

Directions
In a medium bowl, sprinkle yeast over warm water. Add oil, sugar, and yogurt. Mix with wooden spoon until combined well. Add wheat flour and 2 cups of bread flour. Mix until flour is incorporated, about 3 minutes. Turn out of bowl onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 12 to 15 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Squeeze dough gently with full hand: if dough is sticky, sprinkle with flour and knead just to combine. Place dough in medium bowl with plastic wrap in a draft-free spot. Let rise until it doubles 30 to 45 minutes.

Turn dough onto a floured work surface and cut into 8 balls. Let rest for 5 minutes. With a rolling pin, roll each ball into a flat circle - 4 inches in diameter. (Mine aren't uniform.)

Brush tops of circles with water and then sprinkle sesame seeds on top. Use a rolling pin to set the seeds on the surface of the dough. About 30 minutes before baking, adjust rack to lowest position and line rack with a pizza stone or baking sheet at 500° F. Bake dough for 5 to 6 minutes.

When it's done it will puff up and the bottoms will turn golden brown. Transfer breads to a wire rack to cool for 5 minutes.

Serve warm.

Serve "Edward" style - butter and jam. This bread is very easy and could easily be made into flat rolls for a gathering of sorts. 

I still want to get some sewing in, but I just haven't had the time to get started. I have some new ideas and when that happens, I feel bombarded. I know, I know, I do it to myself and I have to get a grip. I need to write down my ideas so I don't feel pressured. After this week, I don't have any sub jobs for two weeks. I plan on getting some sewing in within that time. Laura, you are right, beginning a dress may motivate me to lose those pesky pounds!

I didn't intend on baking a new bread this week, so we'll see what comes of next week.

...until then, happy days to you!

Migrating Eagles, Scarf Update, Wire Hoop Earrings

Happy Week! :)

Edward and I took a drive down south this weekend to see if the eagles were migrating yet. There were several eagles soaring but not many perched.

For this shot, my lens was racked out and I still didn't get a clear image. You can tell it's an eagle though. The weather was beautiful - sunshine and no wind. We plan on going down again in a couple weeks. It's so neat to see them perched along the river ice to fish.

Weather now? Minnesota is getting a ton of snow - I suppose over a foot by now. Snow plows have knocked down garbage and recycle cans all down the block. I've only gone out once today and that was to take back my Redbox movie. :) I think it's great for skiers and snowmobiles. Moving on to jewelry...

It was my jewelry week, but I didn't make any. The original plan was to make girls jewelry, but I didn't get around to it. I had a 40 hour week so that took up most time. The next two photos are of some earrings that I made a few weeks ago. These are an antiqued gold pair - faceted crystal for the focal bead.

I used the wire jig for these next earrings - I love using wire more each time I work with it. I like hoop earrings too. There are more complex designs out there, but I wanted to start simple and work my way up.

Since I was busy with work, only a few nights this week was spent working on my colorful scarf. I hope to get it done soon enough to wear it before the season is over. I actually was going to sit down and start stitching and then I remembered that I should update my hobby blog. So here it is!

This week is a sewing week, according to my hobby schedule. I feel like starting a dress to wear this spring, but I've gained 8 pounds. I feel a little discouraged because of that. Maybe I won't feel so pretty in it. Maybe that's a good reason to make a new dress! I'll have to see. I'm just gonna go with my inspiration - no matter what hobby I work on. :)

Have a wonderful week!

Cloth Diaper, Booties, Amiguruami Turtle

Happy Valentines Day everyone! I hope you're seeing hearts everywhere... :) I got a Valentine from a little girl at work that said she was glad to see me again. I'd worked with her at a different site in the district. I thought that was too cute. Valentines is a great day for kids to practice edifying one another. I like it.

Moving on to crafts and such! (Sorry, no Valentine projects.) Last week I mentioned that I sewed up an adorable item - well, the item was this cloth diaper. I had to put some hook and loop tape on it before I could photograph it. I used a diaper cover pattern for this cloth diaper so it's a tad large for a newborn. It's a decent enough prototype. I'll have to experiment and cut the pattern down.  The pattern is nice for older babies. Like everything I do, I need to tweak it for its purpose.

Next, I sewed up this make up bag. I had the idea to apply a cute gingham ribbon before installing the zipper. I've had this project sitting in my sewing room for several months now. Isn't this fabric so colorful and fun? This fabric reminds me of spring and fall. Make up bags are easy, but I sure procrastinated on it. Typical behavior for Tawnya. I'd fail as a true wizardess. :)

Moving on to crochet... If you look back at my previous entry, you'll read that I really was uninterested in crocheting this week. I really want to stay with my plan to switch my hobbies up every week so I don't get bored and to stay up to date with my projects. I started out small. I found a pattern in one of the last crochet magazines - Baby Booties! They are adorable and cozy, but THEY DON'T MATCH! I asked my ma to come over and help me with the pattern. I did just fine on the bootie I stitched up while she was here, but the second one got a little funky. She'd mentioned getting a new pattern, so I thought I'd do the same. Maybe I'll try that next month.After I get a pattern down, I thought they'd be cute to sell at WizardGir1.

Anyways, I kept on crocheting. I found this amiguruami turtle pattern on one of the yarn websites and wanted to give it a go. It was really fun stitching up. The instructions directed that the feet be sewed on after the body is stuffed, so that's what I did. However, (get ready for a little story here) while I was sewing them on, FIONA swiped one off the sofa and scooped it right up. She brought it to her secret room in the basement. You know the one? The room that cats store everything in which they steal. Yeah. that's the one. I thought it was gone forever, but then I had an idea to wait it out. Twenty minutes later I went down the basement stairs and there the turtle foot lay on the last step. Fiona had come through for her wonderful master! :) Good Kitty.

After I finished the turtle, I grew excited to begin a new project. I have been eye-balling this wonderfully colored yarn for about two months. I finally decided to throw it into my cart. It's called "bikini". I know, it's a dumb name. It's a dumb name just like the bag pattern from Janome. It was also called a "bikini bag." Whatever. But the color isn't less exciting because it has a pathetic name! It's so fun! I'm looking forward to wearing this scarf on cold spring and fall days.

Along with my colorful yarn, I threw in some acrylic beads that I intend to use for making children's jewelry. This next week is my jewelry making week. Woohoo! I'm looking forward to that one. My friend says making things for children is a must because they enjoy the smallest treasures. I'm also going to try to make time to finish the colorful scarf too. I welcome you all back next Monday to see how far I've come on the scarf, if I haven't finished it.

Until then... Happy Week!

Art Doll and Bikini Bag

Hi. :)

So I left last week's entry talking about my art doll. I've finished her apron and part of her sleeves. She is turning out so beautiful! I purchased a small strip of decorative trim that I might put around her wrist or neck - I haven't decided yet. The trim is really cool colors: gold, blue, & pink. I also need to find an arm band for her lace sleeves. I might try and be creative - make something on the Elna serger, if I can round up some time. :) Aren't the bows on her arms too cute! Before I started this doll, I didn't understand why it would be considered an "art doll". I now understand. Each piece is so important to the overall design. A lot of time goes into making decisions as well as the construction. Goodness, just wait until I paint her face!

During sewing club, we learned how to make this cute little "bikini bag". (It's a dumb name.) Our instructor pulled the directions off of the Janome website, if anyone is interested. This item was made for my friend, so it won't be at the WizardGir1 shop. I made one similar, however. I need to put the drawstring on it yet. I used brocade and a cotton fabric that has a woven design in it - much like a table cloth. The patterns complimented each other well, so I went with it. That bag will be listed at the shop.

I had a little more time to sew last night (while my Sweetie watched the game). The item I made needs some top-stitching before it's revealed. It's adorable though!

This week is my crochet week, but to say the truth, I'm not really into it - yet. I've hit a point where I just want to be at home and make things. I don't want to have to shop for items to finish projects. I need to purchase some items for the crochet projects on my current list. But, by using my creative problem solving skills, I'll come up with a clever project. ;) ...if there is nothing crocheted, I'll have my other sewing project ready to share!

With that said, I'll be back next Monday. Have a great week everyone!

Polyclay Creations, Beaded Earrings, More Pee Pee Tee-pees

Oh, happy February to everyone! Yes, I am a day early but that's okay. Could it possibly mean that I am on top of things lately? Of course it's thanks to the new planner I purchased on October 25th, 2010. How do I know the exact date? My planner says "Buy Planner" on that date. I just wanted to write something in, so that was it. :)

Well, I said that I would have clay creations to share this week, but I didn't have time to complete the projects (maybe I'm not so "on top of it!"). I've varnished both sides of these pendants and earrings, but I have to hang them up in order to varnish the sides. Here's what I have so far.  These pieces will be strung with beads or wire.

This next one is mine. :D I'm not selling it... It's very pretty with the cherry tree embossing and the platinum metallic powder to enhance it. I will make several more in different shapes and then sell those.

This black pendant and earrings emboss pattern remind me of snake or turtle skin. I used a pretty piece of lace for the embossing and these are the results. It turned out wonderfully.

Here are some fun copper earrings that I made with the Wigjig. I really enjoy working with wire as a medium and plan to further my education and skill. I made each component of these earrings - aside from the beads.

Sun shaped chandelier earrings with Swarovski crystals.

Pale Pink crystal earrings.

I even made time to crochet this past week! Here is a Primrose pot holder. It's slightly different from the dishcloth: this has 5 petals and the dishcloth has 6.

Of course I wanted to make more of these little baby-changing helpers too. They fold nicely for a drawer or could hang near the baby changing station.

More pee pee tee-pees in a different theme - teddies.

This is a project that I am not going to sell, but will if I it is requested. I work with children who have special needs. Many of them are drawn to certain fabrics or objects that create a specific sensation in their hand or against their cheek. I made this textile sampler so different fabrics could be removed easily with a snap.  

Last of all, a charming, soft, blue baby afghan! I did not make this one. My mom crocheted this and it's for sale here. I've always admired her shell pattern stitches - they are PERFECT! This afghan has a double ruffle and finished with a blue ribbon. The acrylic yarn is spongy soft and welcomes a sleeping, snuggly baby.

I am going to try hard to stay on my craft rotating schedule in order to keep up with the latest techniques in each hobby area. Last week was polymer clay and this week is sewing. I actually pulled my art doll out and worked a little more on her. I finally purchased some lace! She has so much detail to work out and after adding a detail, I come up with another idea. ...I'm NOT complaining!

I've invited my ma over for another craft day, which I think I will be sewing either my Flying Geese table runner, or my gorgeous art doll. (I really hope I'll be able to part with her when I'm finished. The intent was to sell her, but I'm falling in love!) More photos next week!

Until next Monday, have a nice and relaxing week.

Pee Pee Teepee

Hey I made it back here before my week was up! I'm doing great. :) The reason why I am blogging on a Monday instead of Tuesday is this: I am subbing so much lately that Tuesdays usually end up being my 10.5 hour day. I was called last minute to sub today, but I had to turn it down. I NEED to get some stuff done around the house and, of course, my BLOG!

So last week was a crazy week for me, but I did manage to get a little sewing in this weekend. One of my new friends at my monthly sewing club brought in a project she made to class: Pee Pee Teepees to put on the wee one when he's getting changed! LOL They were too cute! When I got online to search for the pattern I came across a couple sites that demonstrated them with a ribbon and thought it was a good idea. The ribbon will serve as a nice handle to avoid touching the soaked teepee.

I made two different ones. I made one backwards, as the flannel is on the outside, but it'll still do the job. One could turn it inside out if they wanted to badly enough. I'm looking forward to getting some infant themed fabric to make some more. I plan on listing these at the WizardGir1 shop.

Moving on... Today after work, I had realized that I didn't have my cell phone. I noticed this when I was pulling out of the bank. I pulled over and looked under my car seats and rechecked my purse. I drove all the way back to work and still didn't find it. When I was leaving the school building, I stopped in to talk with the secretary and let her know that if someone should find it and drop it off that it was mine. Well, she pointed to her counter and there it was! Geez, I was relieved. I don't remember ever "losing" my phone like that.

After I got my phone I made a stop at the fabric and craft store! I picked out my lace for the art doll I am making. I think it's going to look beautiful. And I'm so excited because I purchased some new tools to work with my clay. I'll be trying them out this week and, of course, I'll post my little creations!

I've decided that because I have so many hobbies, I'll have to rotate them on a weekly schedule so I can stay fresh in them. For example, this week is clay (soon to expand into metal clay). Then it will be sewing, then crochet, then jewelry making, etc. I love learning about all of these and this is my lastest idea to help keep me sane AND productive. :) So next week I should have an entry on my clay creations. If I get more done, great. If not, at least I'm being productive. OH! I almost forgot to mention that I cut some triangles for the "Flying Geese" table runner I'm working on too this past weekend. It's slow going, but that's because I'm frustrated with the pattern instructions. Ick. I already have a new table runner pattern chosen for my next one.

Okay, if my plan works out nicely, my next post will be next Monday and all about my clay crafting. With each passing day, my life becomes a little more organized and I can breathe a little deeper. :)

Until Next Monday, "easy does it." :)

Copper Chandelier Earrings

Evening Folks...

Today is my third wedding anniversary and we are heading out to Red Lobster for a date. :) I hope to find a sampler so I can try many things. I've never had real crab or lobster.

My mom came over at one point this week to help me on some crochet stitches but we weren't in the mood to work. We were in the mood to chat and have lunch, so that's what we did instead!

I've still been working on making jewelry. I picked up a new tool to help me make chandelier earrings over the weekend. Copper and brass metals are extremely popular right now, so I thought I'd make some with those materials. Here is a photo of the second pair of earrings that I made and I fell in love. The beads are natural pearls and semi-precious gold stone (just gorgeous and sparkly!). I cannot sell these! They're MINE! I have worn them two days in a row. I finally took them off to replace them with earrings that matched my sweater for our anniversary date. Things a woman must do! I'll probably wear them again tomorrow.

I'm hoping to do more work this weekend - anything! Sewing, beading, crocheting... Next week is only slightly fewer hours at work than this week. It's hard to balance everything. Working out has gone by the way side. I finally cleaned my house really well this weekend, after being down with a cold for 10 days. This weekend, however, is my PLAY weekend. I'm going to the library to get more books on my hobby crafts. I hope to have a goal set and met concerning the product I list for February. Maybe I'll have a plan more solid by next Tuesday.

Until then...

Beautiful Beads - Hand Made Jewelry

It's been one week since I last posted and it's been 11 days that my online store has been open. I am currently in the process of designing new business cards to help in the advertising department. I'll put my order in on Friday. Then eventually, I'll advertise in a couple news papers in the Twin Cities.

I've sold a few items thus far, and I am even more excited to share with others and see where this little business leads. I'm also taking a trip to Garden of Beads this weekend. Garden of Beads is located downtown Anoka, MN. Anoka is right on the river so it's a pretty old town.  Before my cold took a toll on my energy bank, I designed some pretty jewelry. All items posted are for sale, minus two; however, I will take orders to recreate the piece - or take suggestions for changes in design. :)

This badge lanyard can be ordered.

Pearls and Shells chandelier earrings.

This piece is available here.

This piece is available.

"Under the Sea" badge lanyard is made with coral and purple freshwater pearls.

This badge lanyard can be custom ordered.

Elegant Pearl and Glass Bead dangles.

This piece is made with faceted crystals and cat's eye glass.

I know this next item isn't beaded, but I mentioned in a post or two back that I had another crocheted item to post, so here it is! This is a Primrose Daisy washcloth or potholder. :) Country blue isn't readily available in too many stores nowadays, so I am going to stitch up a few of these.

I am working on the Flying Geese table runner - after my cold, I plan on getting back to that project. ...I had a vision of a a thick-walled tote that was embellished with beads. It might be a great idea that never forms into reality, but then again, it might be the inspiration I need to create something really special! :) Time will tell.

Until next Tuesday....

WizardGir1 Opens Online Store

Welcome back!

So if you haven't already guessed what the “big idea” that I've been working on for the past 4 four months, the “Shop” graphic at the top must tell you that I've started my very own online business! Yup, and I'm very excited to take this plunge. No longer am I the “closet artist”! No longer am I uncertain of how adorable my art and crafts have become. :) Of course I like them; I created them. I'm like God that way. Yes I have the guts to say that I am LIKE GOD. ;-) (A lot of self-help books tell me that! LOL)

In the past, people have questioned whether I sell my stuff or not. I've been encouraged by this. I was hired once, in my twenties, to make a quilt for a gal's son's wedding – I haven't sold my products otherwise, just gifted them. There's a first time for everything!

It's been a really neat learning experience – all the way down to the programming languages needed to get WizardGir1.com/shop or "WizardGir1" to look just the way I want. Each time I tell myself I have “one more step” another one follows that needs to get done. I love this! I invite you to browse my store and please remember that there is “one more step” that I need to do before it's completely completed. :) ...well, I don't imagine that will ever happen. LOL

I've been a little more busy than usual, as I'm picking up sub jobs at work, but I keep pushing forward with my crafting. I have some beaded, sewn and crochet work that I'll be adding to my store next week.

Thank you to my online friends, local friends and family for reading my updates, and encouraging and supporting me to take the plunge. A special thank you to my Sweetie for sacrificing “togetherness” time so I could focus intensely and reach my goal. Love you! (Yes, he reads my blog. LOL)

More next week – unless I can squeak in some time this weekend...

My Favorite Christian Holiday Has Passed

Can you believe it, Christmas is over?! It came and went so quickly - aside from stores setting up for the holiday. They start that in July. :| I'm okay with the holiday passing by because goodies come around less and less. However, I will mention that I am going to begin baking again! I've asked my Ma over to bake - you know, these are activities that we enjoy doing together. Is it all that insane? :D

All right, I'll move on. Ed liked the beret that I crocheted up for him. it was part of his Christmas gift. I would show the hat with a photo of him instead of my model, but he is burned out from me taking his photo so much. I doubt I'll ever get a decent one of him again! LOL When he has the beret on, he looks like a fella in the military. It looks nice and he claims it's comfortable. Whew! 

As some of you know, I try to crochet after dinner to keep me from eating. Well, I eventually put down the hook and took up the fork and spoon. I've been eating so much ice cream that it's crazy. I thought I would try switching up my hobby to keep my interest and my body out of the kitchen! So, beads it was. I made this beautiful bracelet with glass bugle beads, seed beads and semi-precious amethyst stones.

These pretty earrings also have the semi-precious amethyst stones as accents. Both of the pieces can be considered "green" since I used the beads from pieces that I took apart. The vintage tear-drop green beads were also from a piece that I took apart. When stones and glass become too heavy to wear around the neck on a string, it's nice to break it up and make smaller pieces from them.

I just love the Swarovski crystals too. I'm a sucker for the aurora borealis finish on ALL beads. I just can't stop looking at them! The blue color of these beads are so cheery for spring or summer jewelry.

I mentioned in my last entry that I was going to work on a "flying geese" table runner. Well, I was finally able to get into my sewing room just yesterday. I frantically started cutting my fabric up and I didn't realize that I was following the wrong instructions. I cut up my fabric in all sorts of strip widths! I had to start the project over with some other fabric I had in my stash. This morning, I cut the new fabric choices into strips and I was extremely careful to follow the correct instructions.

What am I going to do with all of my erroneously cut strips? ...coasters, of course. I love making quick projects. In between making the coasters, I plan on working on this "big idea" I have. My goal is to be finished by December 31st, but it might just be January 1st. That wouldn't be bad. Either way I'll be bringing something new into year 2011. I plan on revealing my "big idea" here, next Tuesday. It's very exciting so please check back!

Have a great New Year's Eve!

Until next Tuesday...

Clay, Clay and More Clay

Ooo... two more days until Christmas break! I'm very excited for this. I have been subbing in the school district recently. Because it's not my routine schedule, I'm a little tired. But I have good news - I was offered a permanent position in the AM! I'm so glad for this, as I have been applying for various part time jobs with no luck. My search stops here!

As busy as I am, I have made time to play in my sewing room. Although, I am not sewing. I made some snow people decorations for the tree from polymer clay. These people were not my idea; I think I saw them on an etsy shop. I'm glad that I made several because I was able to gift one to my Aunt-in-law with her card. I actually gave her this cute snowlady.

Here's the snowman.

I saw a tutorial on youtube to make Hello Kitty. All the kids at work have Hello Kitty all over their jackets and back-packs. When I saw the tutorial, I thought it was too cute to pass up. Yes, it's lumpy and crooked. I need more practice, but she's still adorable! I REALLY need practice painting whiskers. The tutorial showed black wire. I could have used the wire I had and then painted it with black enamel. I plan to do that next time. I suppose I'll be able to use these figures at work with the children I support. I plan to make some googly-eyed type monsters with goofy clothing that the boys might have interest in.

The Christmas holiday is just around the corner. I haven't had too much time for baking and I think it's a good thing this year. I do plan to bake some throughout the winter since I missed the "big bake" this year, however. 

Upcoming projects: Flying Geese table runner. "Flying Geese" is the name of a quilt block. I'm not going to appliqué geese to the runner. :) I'm getting my fabric ready next Monday, just in time for quilting on Saturday, January 1, 2011! I don't know if I will have much to blog about next Tuesday. I'm not sure how much time I will get in my sewing room. We'll see.

Until next time...

Merry Christmas!