Sewing for Sanity

Hello Everyone!

I have been in the throws of a full on pity party. I've been really upset about James having to go back to Gunnison. Thanks to those of you who have listened to me complain and helped me rally out of the darkness!!! I'm feeling better about it now. Don't get me wrong, I'm not happy about it. I AM dealing with it a little better.

For some reason, working on projects (craft or otherwise) just helps me feel better. So, I've been sewing for my sanity. I have lots of project floating around in my "project brain". (It's a notebook) I decided to start working some of them up. Then, I decided you all might like a peek. So, here you go...

My super adorable gnome people! (Inspired by Wee Folk Art and their little gnomes.) They are made of wool felt and wooden, turned people. My kids LOVE them. (We've even given some as birthday gifts.) I've got a plan in mind for a little drawstring pouch, mushroom looking furniture, and some sleeping bags. The gnomes and their "stuff" will all fit inside the little pouch. Cute huh?

This is Fisher's good boy chart. I'd had one out of poster paper that kept falling apart. So, I whipped one up out of felt. It's totally cute. I think one with flowers (or whatever) would be good for girls too. Those pockets hold the "light" color and numbers we aren't using. If he's on a green "light" at the end of the day, he get to put up a number. Get 4 numbers, get a reward. It can be something as simple as going to the park.

Then there's the "Man Crown". I had made a b-day crown for Piper and Fisher wanted one too. This one is made from leather scrap with wool felt lining (in his favorite color - of course) My Mom (a jewelry maker) made up those disks from copper and brass and punched holes around the edges. I sewed those on with green thread. Oh yea, it's adjustable too. Snaps in the back.

Just a little extra leather and a disk, make a pretty cute bracelet too. I'm told it's very Xena, Warrior Princess - y.

I repaired my trusty Simple sneakers. See how they were falling apart???

You can barely tell where I repaired them. They work anyway, even if you can tell!! A little leather cement, leather scrap, hole punch and presto!

Carly and I have also gotten really into "upcycling" clothes. (This is a terrible picture) This was a XL t-shirt from Goodwill. ($.99) Now, it's a cute and casual skirt. This was my trial run with converting shirts to skirts, so I expect them to improve. I imagine ruffles along the bottom and maybe (gasp!) pockets.

And what good update would be complete without freaking adorable kids in it??? Mr. Johnny - cute as ever.

Ah - the love!!! (Johnny does have a "get them off me, get them off me!" kind of face - but, I think he secretly liked it.)

We also made a crap ton of soap at Carly's house. That's our friend Rachael (Ruby's mom) packing Piper around. I think you may have seen the soap pictures (maybe) on Carly's stuff.

Well, that's pretty much what's been going on lately. I have more craft pictures to show - my stupid computer won't let me put them on. (Especially some really cute leather shoes I made for Johnny!) I'll get them for next time. AND....my big projects for the summer, (I need a distraction from my husband being so far away - snifffff.) an extreme home makeover and the backyard. I know I've said the backyard thing before. However....

There's a skid loader in it as we speak. So, I'm fairly sure it'll get done this time. ;) Also, a half finished chicken palace! They are going to be so comfy. James will be on a 10 day vacation starting tomorrow morning. WOO HOO!!! A little house work and a little camping trip are in the works.

And, on a side note - this is what happens when a boy meets a 2x4.

So, be prepared for my summer of...tear it up, move it out, and paint whatever is left. (Even the dogs are afraid of being painted!)

Much Love to you all!!

Kristin

P.S. Should any of you fall so in love with my craftage that you'd want to purchase something...I could totally be convinced to make more. :) It IS for my mental health, after all.