A Lot Happens In a Year

Blame it on me or facebook ... same difference, I suppose ... but it has been over a year since my last post. I do hope y'all didn't miss me too much. Here are some of the creative highlights of the last year (starting with oldest to newest).

This time last year, I was sending out my completed Peace Felt item:

I was really happy with the outcome, but it was such a struggle getting to this point. I don't think that I am wired for felting.

I went on a big crocheting kick (that I haven't really gotten out of). I can finally (with a lot of help from my friends) read patterns, so I made a small bunch of amigurumi critters ... here are a few of those highlights:

and made a dozen or so belts of the same pattern in a slew of colors & textures ... here's one example:

I actually used the pattern above to create a curtain for our living room window ... I wish I could actually use it, but it has zero privacy, so I only completed one panel. I haven't completely given up the thought (I'm considering weaving fabric through the spaces ... I'm just not certain how much more time and/or effort I really want to invest in the whole project). Time will tell.

I made a bag (this one is actually for personal use, even):

It's crocheted in the round and the strap is way too long, but since I stitched it right into the bag, I'm limited on my options to shorten it ... any thoughts?

Most recently, I did return to my roots ... just a little. One of Sadie's best girlfriends had a 14th birthday not too long ago. I wanted to do something with the last few lines of that famous Robert Frost poem ... this is what I ended up with:

the birthday girl seemed to like it just fine (and if I am wrong, I know her mama will be more than happy to adopt it). Speaking of her mama, she happens to be high on my "favorite people in the whole wide world" list ... she had a birthday just about a week before her daughter. For her, I broke out some new skills ... I used a torch for the first time! I made her a wire woven pendent with some stones inside ... wish I could show you, but unfortunately, I never actually took a photo of it ... one of these days, I might just have to invite myself over for a photo shoot.

and there you have it ... a year of crafty play in one teeny tiny nutshell.

Looking for a project?

I seem to be a person that likes to have projects ... preferably more than one at a time. I am still in the planning stages of the Peace Felt 2010 project and will be posting progress pictures as I (we - I've signed up Don & Sadie for it, too) get working.

Another project that I'm participating in is:



take a minute to click on the image above and check it out for yourself ... sign up is open till the end of October and is open internationally.


Finally, I still haven't decided if I'm going to do this one or not, but definitely think it's one worth sharing ... I can think of a dozen of you lovelies that are simply PERFECTLY suited for it ... Fabrik Magazine is having a juried competition open to artists in all media:

Click the image above for the details.

Entry deadline is fast approaching: August 31, 2010

I'm looking forward to seeing who takes the leap on this one.

Peace Felt 2010

The following was copied directly from the website:

Mission:

To promote peace and connectivity among nations, loving kindness among individuals, gratitude in our hearts and in our consciousness - knowing that WE create our world through our thoughts, words and actions.

To, as Gandhi reminded us, "Be the change we wish to see in the world."
To promote awareness of the ancient art of felt making and the modern craft of needle felting for its qualities of being earth friendly, extremely versatile, and easy to learn!

I simply love this. (thanks again, Danielle!) To find out more, click on either image above to be directed to the website.

Be sure to registered by August 1st.

Happy Peace Crafting!!