Doing the Research

Hi Pigeon Peeps and Crafters,

Hope you all "never forgot" 9/11 this past weekend and so far having a good crafty creative week.  It's almost Friday and where did the time go?  I have been busy going a lot of research on what to create for my shop.  It is quite the challenge because I like working with so much different media and materials that I can't decide on the perfect project.  I enjoy doing so many different things: sewing, painting, calligraphy, macrame, beaded jewelry and the list goes on!

But since I am doing the research I might as well share what I created this past weekend.  I enjoy up cycling fabrics.  If I can find a use for it it makes me happy.  I love all those recycled stuffies that use old wool sweaters and vintage fabric, it's so inspiring! I attempted to make a heat rice therapy bag out of an old clean white t-shirt.  Then created my own applique and used heat bond to iron it on.  It turned out okay. 

Here's how I did it: Basically cut out a square about 3.5" X 5" long, stitched it together and left an opening on one side to add long grain white rice.  Filled it up about 3/4 cup full, then double stitched it to close.  That's it.  Now for the testing and research.  I placed it in the microwave and heated it for about 30 seconds.  Heated up nicely but being t-shirt cotton, it doesn't absorb the moisture like 100% cotton. It felt moist the entire time.  I don't think that would work well perhaps making the rice eventually go bad. So I decided to use it as a bean bag instead.  Problem solved. Lesson learned, when making rice bags use material that absorbs moisture and can breathe.  Like fleece, cottons, and linens. So back to the drawing board. :)

Here's the project:

Have a great rest of the week.  Happy crafting!

Where did the lights go? Shop Re-opened and Felt!

If you haven't heard by now there was a massive power outage here in my area on Thursday.  We had no power for almost 12 hours.  But everything is back up and running now.  No problems.

Announcement: My shop is now officially reopened. Yay! I am slowly adding my inventory to make room for other new items in the works.  I am constantly thinking of ideas and different materials to work with.  My latest obsession is with felt.  I love it.  It is so fun to sew with.  The possibilities are endless.  I made some little felt creatures with some really inexpensive eco-felt, they turned out okay but cheaper felt has a tendency to pill and pull apart. Really not impressed.  If you are sewing projects with it, I recommend wool blends or 100% wool felt.  Much better quality. 

This is my cute owl.  He is created with eco-felt.  I have ordered some wool and I can't wait to sew with it. i made a few more items that I will post later. 


Enjoy your weekend.  Happy crafting!

 

I am returning with my shop to re-open soon!

Oh my gosh!, It's been so long. It is been a crazy few months personally, but I soon will be up and running again. I actually have be contemplating and whether to re-open the shop.  It's not easy trying to make a go of it and thrive to make ends meet. But there are several reasons why I want to make this happen.  First of all: I enjoy making and creating.  I am totally obsessed really.  I have a room full of craft supplies, an awesome sewing machine that almost cooks itself, and plenty of fabric to sew a quilt or two or three! 

Second of All: My 2 boys are my biggest inspirations. So with that being said AND the fact that my youngest Son, who has Autism and my oldest who just entered high school year are my biggest inspirations.  I just can't face closing up shop.  So my friends, stay tuned. Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated.  I love feedback.  Take Care Pigeon Peeps and happy crafting!

Take a Peek

Lately I have testing many of my items in the shop to see whether or not I would get any interest, it's been a journey and everyday I try and make a go if it. 

Also my computer problem seems to be solved.  Just needed a clean up and maintenance!

Back in December for the Christmas holiday, I made several I spy bags.  They are hit with many kids, including Yours truly.  This weekend I whipped up three to eventually place in the shop but I wanted to give you preview.  These are fun to make.  They aren't quite finished yet because I need list of trinkets and a picture card attached to the bags.  I wanted something to place the cards in and those are on order.  BUT I might just as well laminate.  Anybody know of an inexpensive laminating machine at a reasonable cost.  I don't need anything large nor fancy.  One that does business cards will certainly do.

Here's the promised preview:



Autism Awareness!





What's Inside.



Besides creating some really cool "I-Spy" bags,  I was experimenting with potholders.  I enjoy all the kitchen novelty fabrics and just having fun with it.  This potholder is a cute bright green with orange giraffes.  So bright and cheery!

I apologize for the last image.  My camera washed out the color.  The true color is more of the first image.  Enjoy the pictures. 

Hope everyone is having a great day. 

Shameless plugs...how much is too much

I was on a roll last week with creating a few owls for the shop and I actually created another Valentine owl different from my larger owls.  I am Feeling a bit discouraged because I do get a few views but that's about it. I am on facebook (putting shameless plugs there on my personal page), twitter and I enjoy the blog hops, but  I don't have the time to join the parties.  It's either work to craft stuff for the store, and neglect the blog.  I find that listing the items takes a tremendous amount of time too.  Maybe I am just trying to hard and have too much going.  I want to write on my other blogs, but there again, that would take time away from the goal of trying to make a go of  the shop.  I asked a friend about my dilemma, she suggested craft fairs.  Okay idea if your not hesitant about going out there and putting forth the effort or time.   My point is I don't want this blog to sound like a constant advertisement for the shop, but I feel like that it's turning out to be that way.  But most of items I create are for the shop.  I might just  have to change the way my blog functions.

Forgive me if  I sound like "Donkey" from Whinny the Pooh. I know things will improve, gotta keep the faith.

 Happy Crafting Peeps,

Be My Valentine♥

Hi Peeps,


 Wanted to share with you my newest owls!  These are perfect for up coming Valentines Day!  Share the Love and Hugs!

♥Valentine Owl Stuffy♥

 

 

 

 

 

♥Hot Pink Valentine Owl♥

Enjoy!  Hope all is well with everyone and you continue to be inspired by what people have created.

Newest Creations!

Have been getting my creative juices going.  I put a new Owl in the shop.  I need to do some more marketing of my items.  The owl is made with a very soft and fluffy fabric.  It is comparable to minky or soft pile fleece.  In the works is an owl I am creating for up and coming Valentine's Day.  So stay tuned! A perfect gift!

Sewed up a potholder recently, because the one I had in the kitchen had seen it's last days.  It a made entirely from 100% linen and imported Japanese linen, what a cute print.  I used three different prints. Check it out.

I also have a new blog.  I know, I know, I don't keep up with the one that I have but it's a blog about my other passions and random ramblings.  So check it out: Passionate Montage and see what you think.

Hope everyone is doing well.  Enjoy crafting and creating peeps.

Happy Thanksgiving & Black Friday Sale!

Mark Your Calendars!

Black Friday, Nov 26

Blue Pigeon Creations Etsy store is having a ONE-Day ONLY

SALE!!!

Everything in the store will be 10% off, so grab some coffee and stop on by. 


Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your Family and Friends!

♥New Items in Shop♥

Happy Crafting Peeps!

I have Returned!

Happy Friday,

I apologize for the long absence.  I was sick for awhile and I am now back in the groove of things.  I fully admit that trying to keep a blog is quite the feat. 


 Don't get me wrong it's not that I haven't been doing anything in the way of sewing but I seem to be on a creative block.  I have made a few things for the shop, but because my mind constantly runs in several directions at once I can never be satisfied! There I said it.  I do believe that I have some form of ADHD, just my like youngest with Autism.  It's funny even with such things as body wash, I get bored with what I am using because I want use one that smells different.  Crazy I know, but I do have it under control but it took me 44 years to figure it out.  That's why my reading comprehension is about two minutes.

Well enough about my psychological health, on to creativity! Yay!  Take a look at a few things I have sewn for the shop.

 This is "pinky" my latest Little Hoot.  My goal was to get her done before the end of October for Breast Cancer Awareness,but that didn't happen.  That's okay, on to something else.

Shoulder snakes. These are made with long grain white rice.  Put them in the microwave for the ultimate in heat therapy.  Great for the boys, especially if they have sensory issues.  My youngest loves to play with these!

Now, since you all know that I like to do everything, my latest obsession is Zakka Life and all the cute(Kawaii) Japanese Fabrics.  I have some ordered from Etsy.com and will be making some cute stuff.  Stay tuned. 

 

I actually very addicted to all the cute Japanese prints.  These are just some of my favorites.

Now on to the last item to share.  I enjoy painting quite a bit and just last weekend I finished up an acrylic 24" x 30" painting.  I call it the "Quiet Coast."  It's currently gracing our living wall. More are in the works. 

Enjoy!   

                   

I hope everyone has an enjoyable weekend.  Happy crafting Pigeon Peeps. 

It's Friday...Time to Share, but is My Head on Straight?

I keep asking myself that.  I really wish physics could really increase the hours in a day, because lately I don't have enough of them. 

I am very encouraged and excited because this week I had my first two sales in my shop! I truly took me by surprise and I wasn't prepared. Literally! Running your own shop is a one man show and trying to keep the blog is a challenge as well.  Sorry for not having the weekly Tuesday tip, just didn't have one prepared.  Too busy running to the post office!

 Yes, I am overwhelmed at times, but having my own business is a dream come true for me and I wouldn't change it for the world.  I have all of you to thank for that!!

I made my first "Sne(e)ak n' Peek bag.  Other people would name it "I Spy" bag, but knowing me I wanted to be different.  I had to test this toy on my youngest son, just to see his reaction.  These bags are supposed to keep children occupied for certain periods of time.  Well, honestly it didn't work with my son.  He also has ADHD and his attention span is about 15 seconds.  The interest level was not there.  He periodically picks up the bag, looks at it for about a few seconds at time and then puts it down and goes to something else.  He is a visual learner and sensory to the extreme.  That combination of ADHD and visual stimulation is really tricky.  I find it a challenge to find therapy type toys for him.  It's one of the reasons that I decided to open up a shop to see if  I could create something different for every individual. Every child with Autism is completely different and that is what makes them so unique!

 So I probably won't end up making these for the shop.  One, they aren't beneficial for everyone and two, everyone seems to be making these because they are really easy to create!

But I will share the bag that I made and pass it along to you.  Enjoy!

 

No word list here, just a visual list.  These are all actually buttons. Aren't they cute? How do you like the wizard?!


I want to share something special to me.  It's actually very old. I finally had to dig it out of my closet after a few moves.

I don't even have a name for her but she is an heirloom handed down to me by my Mother.  It was hers when she was a child.  I am not sure of the age, but I am guessing around 60-70 years or more.  She is handcrafted from felt.  The details are amazing.  Just look at the detailing on her skirt, on her face and look at the bottom of her shoes.  I just love her face and eyes.  Look at the curls in her hair and the braids.

I am not done yet.  I decided to try working with wood last weekend and came up with this cute welcome sign.

Cute penguin! Originally I thought it was an owl.  My oldest son informed me that it was a penguin!

Painted the wood sign with acrylic brown paint. Let dry. Purchased some small wooden stars and painted one with yellow paint, glued on.  Found the penguin and glued him on as well. Then I bought a sharpie paint pen
and did some fancy writing. Then I took a little hand drill and put a few holes in the upper corners.  Walaaa... Quick welcome sign.

Hope your enjoy your weekend.  Happy crafting Pigeon Peeps.