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!

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!

Show and Tell

New stuff in the works:  Personalized Heat therapy rice bags.  Is that cool or what? I have been busy brewing up new ideas and everytime I come up with something different.  It's a good feeling to know that the more I think the better my ideas get!

You can personalize them with your name up to 5 letters or how about just your initials. Size will vary, large, small, medium, etc.  Great for everyone in the family including: Grandma, Grandpa, Brides and Grooms. How about the Geek in your life? Perhaps a little gaming jargon. LOL,BFF, ROFL, OMG, 1337(not sure what one is) A special date maybe?  The possibilities are endless.

I hand draw all the letters and then zig-zag stitch.  They are backed with heat-bond lite for stability. 

Let me know what you think and I will pass it along to my friend the pigeon who visits our patio every morning for some tasty tidbits.  This pigeon happens to be gray. :)

 Hope all is well with my pigeon peeps.  Happy Crafting!