I finally am getting around to sharing a million projects that I've worked on over the past year (Wedding planning took up every spare minute of the past year.. so glad it's over and I'm a Sadie now)

I made this hair comb for a swap partner to wear to her sister's wedding.  She said that she would be wearing red/black and I ran with it.



To make things a little easier on myself I actually created the main piece on a strip of ribbon before even involving the two hair combs it takes to attach this lovely bohemuth.  You can see that I used larger red fabric flower with white sprays to liven it up a little bit - I even used a few of the fabric leaves around the edges to make it look more rounded.



This pic is a little fuzzy but you can see the pearl/metal buttons that I added to the center of the red flowers for a touch of pretty.

After everything was laid out the way I wanted I used approximately 5 million glue stick to hot glue it all together.. well maybe not 5 million but you get the point.  Adding the hair combs was my last step and unfortunately I didn't remember to take a picture - but I lined the top of the combs with thin ribbon as well so it wouldn't pull on the hair when it is put in and taken out.

I hope you like it!  Thanks for checking it out!!!

Once upon a time I created a pretty awesome (if I do say so myself) cake topper to be used at a Halloween wedding.  (This was part of the package in the Going to the Chapel Swap about a year ago - just posting now because my wedding is finally over and I have time!! And the new built in photo upload helped to motivate! )



I used a generic porcelain bride and groom statuette that I found at the dollar store and painted with acrylic paints.  When the sucker was dry I finished it with a paint sealing spray so it wouldn't get ruined.

For your enjoyment   here are a few more views.









Thanks for checking it out!!

There are few things lovelier than a long weekend from work to do copious amounts of crafting.  Over the recent Labor Day long weekend my dh and I worked on an organization project together... a thread rack for my craft room!!  (and I think he is just as excited as I am for this to be posted in my first craft challenge!!)




I have done quite well organizing my craft room but never quite did anything with my sewing supplies.  I NEVER could find a certain thread color (even when I was SURE that I had it), never could find empty bobbins/bias or hem tape, or really anything right as I needed it.  Each project was an adventure to say the least.  Just look at my sewing cupboard (and this is the only tip of the iceberg!)




The rack was created with at 2' x 4' handy panel of MDF with angled slots drilled in (this was my husband's part as I am not allowed to use his power tools).  The pins are created from 17 dowels (3/16" thick) cut down to 3.25" inches with my dremel (which I am allowed to use lol).  We glued in the small pegs and created a shelf from thicker pegs and a second piece of handy panel.  Finally we painted and hung the rack!!



Now my threads are easily found and organized - the best part is that the pegs are long enough for a spool and matching bobbin!  Moving the thread out of my messy cupboard and sewing table gave me room to organize everything else - I even found 25 empty bobbin, organized my buttons by color in the plastic box that once upon a time was used for thread, and organized so much other stuff I totally forgot was there!

Time to get sewing      Thanks for looking!!

I finally had the motivation to get pictures posted of my lovely package from princessacademy   I absolutely adored meeting up with her at the cafe and actually swapping in person... sooo much fun!!  Let's set the scene...  I am sitting at a table sipping a yum caramel latte and I see princessacademy walk in carrying an awesome Sesame Street bag contain these cuties:



There were two crocheted hair pieces.. only one pictured because I was wearing the other one when I took the pictures, lol..

And there was an AMAZING crocheted garter.. even my fiance loves it!



And the last two are my favorites:  a toss bouquet and a white shawl..





I will totally wear my little shawl with my fluffly, pretty dress

Thank you, thank you, princessacademy.. this one was really fun!!!

Here come the crafts!!



Original Post: http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=382525.0


Partners:
Sent Package
Received Package
Sent and Received
Not sent by deadline
Feedback given

suzyscissors < > princessacademy
wewilltaketothesea < > elliot_anne
skittlebub < > How Lovely
MsJamieLeigh < > WnaBKaet
ale0059 >> penguinsoup >> Haylie **Three way swap partnering**
megstar < > pinkmichk

Swap name:  Going to the Chapel

Craftster member who is organizing this swap:  suzyscissors
Sign-up date range:  June 9, 2011 – July 8, 2011
Date to send item by:  August 8, 2011



Limited to a certain number of people? (optional):  25

Restricted to people who all live in the same country? NO

Swap Organizer himself/herself meets these conditions:
- Has fully read the Swap Info Guide: YES
- Has successfully completed two swaps as a participant: YES
- Is not organizing more than three swaps right now: YES
- Will recruit a co-organizer or give all details to a Swap Moderator if this swap has more than 25 participants: YES
- Is at least 18 years old: YES

Swap Organizer will check each participant to make sure they meet these conditions:
- Has been a member for at least one month: YES
- Has posted at least 15 times: YES
- Has completed one swap successfully before signing up for multiple swaps at a time: YES
- Is not currently signed up for more than five swaps: YES
- Does not have any negative feedback: YES
- Participant has agreed that he/she is at least 16 years old: YES
- If within the US, understands that Delivery Confirmation number is required for this swap: YES
- If outside the US, understands that a mailing receipt copy is required for this swap: YES

Details of swap:

Here comes the bride…. All dressed in white… It’s time to start crafting!!

Whether you’ve already taken the plunge, are in the midst of planning your big day, or just dreaming about it, let’s make some wedding-related goodies!!!  This will be a fantastic four point swap

For those of you who may not know what points are:

Small item     = 1 point
Medium item  = 2 points
Large item     = 3 points

By Time
Large = 3 or more hours
Medium = 2 or more hours
Small = 2 or less hours

By Size
Large = A shawl, a shirt, a skirt, a set of jewellery with four to five items, a purse
Medium = one single necklace or bracelet, a scarf
Small = Earrings, stickers, wallets, pouches, bookmarks

By Price
Large = $30 or more
Medium = $10-$30 dollars
Small = $10 or less




If you want to participate, information to send to organizer:

QUESTIONNAIRE TO ANSWER:
Name of swap:  Going to the Chapel Swap
Craftster username:
Email address:
Your real name:
Mailing address including the country:
Would you be willing to ship to an address outside your own country?
Confirm that are at least 16 years old or, if not, that you have moderator approval(YES/NO)
Allergies:
Allergens in your home?

Are you happily married, getting ready for your walk down the aisle, on the road to betrothed, or still searching for Mr/Ms. Right?

What would you most like to receive?
Anything that would totally suck to receive or you have too much of already?
Is there a certain season or elements to keep in mind?
Any overall theme to the big event?
Classic, modern, or some other style?
Color palette?
Anything else that your partner may need to know that I completely spaced to put on the questionnaire?


IF YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE, REMEMBER TO SEND YOUR INFO TO ORGANIZER VIA PRIVATE MESSAGE AND NOT TO REPLY WITH IT HERE.




Also, remember to read the Swap Info Guide to find other rules about participating in a swap.

AFTER PEOPLE HAVE SIGNED UP AND BEEN APPROVED, LIST THE PARTICIPANTS HERE AND WHO IS SENDING TO WHOM:

suzyscissors < > princessacademy
wewilltaketothesea < > elliot_anne
skittlebub < > How Lovely
MsJamieLeigh < > WnaBKaet
ale0059 >> Ilianora >> Haylie **Three way swap partnering**
megstar < > pinkmichk

My Turn!!!  I received today from spazgirl and it was perfect timing because work was pretty bumming in a real way...

I opened the package to a pretty card (with an appropriate "I make pretty things" sticker on it, I might add) and yellow tissue paper wrapped goodies

First..  Here, as others have said, is the obligatory group shot.. but watch carefully there is a Sarah necklace that is only here as I am too lazy to upload twice to Craftster photo hosting.. 



I know you're already jealous, but the show must go on with some close ups..

First, if you will, check out this awesome worm shirt.. 



I love graphic prints and silhouettes.. and I really adore his little red scarf.  Unfortunately for me I received the package a mere 8 hours after reading my new dress policy for work which strictly forebodes graphic printed (awesome) t-shirts.. But think I'll live dangerously and rock it under a blazer to show it off.

Next, the silent partner in the group pic (because everything is sitting in it) is an awesome treasure box...



which has a mutual fav quote of spaz's and mine..  (If you ask me, the bird is really the wise one in that relationship lol)

And the best was definitely saved for last... CHECK IT OUT - NESTING DOLLS!!!  Yahooooo...



Ludo... Jareth... Sarah... Hoggle... Sir Didymus.. and Toby!!

When I pulled it out I thought it was just a Ludo and was excited.. Then I noticed a slit around his belly and opened him up... YIKES! Jareth...  and again.. and again.. you get the point   I didn't think that they made little dolls that small.. Little Toby was the biggest surprise of all!!



Thank you, thank you, thank you, spaz... I LOVE all of it

Hi everyone!!!

I was thinking the other day that it would be awesome to get some crafty goodness related to the one thing dancing in my brain all the time lately... my upcoming wedding!!



I was thinking that we could include colors and themes and craft up some nice little trinkets for other people... and even those that are already hitched we could do something relating to their wedding...  and those still dreaming about it or searching for mr/miss right we could do a hope chest or something equally awesome.

What do you think?  I was thinking 4 pointer or so and sign-up starting mid- to late April..

[Labyrinth Swap Round 4]

Swap name: Labyrinth Swap Round 4!!!
Craftster member who is organizing this swap: suzyscissors
Co-organizer:  IsikkahJai
Sign-up date range: 2/13/11-3/13/11
Date to send item by: 4/15/11



Limited to a certain number of people? (optional): 25, then I'll recruit a co-organizer

Restricted to people who all live in the same country? NO

Swap Organizer himself/herself meets these conditions:
- Has fully read the Swap Info Guide: YES
- Has successfully completed two swaps as a participant: YES
- Is not organizing more than three swaps right now: YES
- Will recruit a co-organizer or give all details to a Swap Moderator if this swap has more than 25 participants: YES
- Is at least 18 years old: YES[/size][/size]

Swap Organizer will check each participant to make sure they meet these conditions:
- Has been a member for at least one month: YES
- Has posted at least 15 times: YES
- Has completed one swap successfully before signing up for multiple swaps at a time: YES
- Is not currently signed up for more than five swaps: YES
- Does not have any negative feedback: YES
- Participant has agreed that he/she is at least 16 years old: YES
- If within the US, understands that Delivery Confirmation number is required for this swap: YES
- If outside the US, understands that a mailing receipt copy is required for this swap: YES


Details of swap:

'Allo.. It's time for the fourth round of the always fantastical Labyrinth swap!!!  This swap is based off of the 1986 Jim Henson movie, Labyrinth, featuring David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly.

This will be a 4 point swap, and nothing is as it seems , but please check with your partner before totally spoiling please!!

For those of you who may not know what points are:

Small item     = 1 point
Medium item  = 2 points
Large item     = 3 points

By Time
Large = 3 or more hours
Medium = 2 or more hours
Small = 2 or less hours

By Size
Large = A shawl, a shirt, a skirt, a set of jewellery with four to five items, a purse
Medium = one single necklace or bracelet, a scarf
Small = Earrings, stickers, wallets, pouches, bookmarks

By Price
Large = $30 or more
Medium = $10-$30 dollars
Small = $10 or less

Link to Round 3 swap http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=330089.0

If you want to participate, information to send to organizer:

QUESTIONNAIRE TO ANSWER:
Name of swap Labyrinth Swap Round 4
Craftster username
Email address
Your real name
Mailing address including the country
Would you be willing to ship to an address outside your own country?
Confirm that are at least 16 years old or, if not, that you have moderator approval(YES/NO)
Do you agree to post in the thread weekly or notify the organizer and your partner if you are unavailable?
Do you have a camera to post pictures in the gallery (or coordinate with your partner for them to post for you)?

Favorite Labyrinth characters:
Least favorite Labyrinth characters:
Favorite Labyrinth songs:
Favorite Labyrinth quotes:
Any favorite scenes?
Favorite colors:
Least favorite colors:

Any crafts you would particularly LOVE to receive?
What crafts are you best at doing and want to make for this killer swap?
Do you have any allergies your partner should be aware of?
Any allergens in your home?
Please include the web address for your Wist, etc if you have one:
Anything else you want your partner to know?


IF YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE, REMEMBER TO SEND YOUR INFO TO ORGANIZER VIA PRIVATE MESSAGE AND NOT TO REPLY WITH IT HERE.


Also, remember to read the Swap Info Guide to find other rules about participating in a swap.

As a side note, this is my first time organizing so I am really hoping for everything to go smoothly.  Please remember to send messages to me and your partner when you have sent and received your package...  I would hate to have Jareth send the Cleaners through!!



AFTER PEOPLE HAVE SIGNED UP AND BEEN APPROVED, LIST THE PARTICIPANTS HERE AND WHO IS SENDING TO WHOM:

Approved swappers!!
1. suzyscissors
2. Myrdda
3. DreamChild556
4. Merliquin
5. pixie_nz
6. erica_tattoos
6. mundy  ***WELCOME FIRST TIME SWAPPER!!! ***
7. Samantha_McKay
8. rossie
9. shylitlegoddess
10. spazgirl1981
11. sederick
12. Honeybeee
13. ViciousPrecious
14. deadbathducky
15. Doodisgurl89
16. DeSade13
17. ravenztarot
18. jeannebaby1
19. lrigrem
20. Anubisheart
21. lindzyt
22. midnight
23. infructescence  ***WELCOME FIRST TIME SWAPPER!!!***
24. FoxyBlue
25. Opalgryphon
26. IsikkahJai
27. mezcraft
28. Demi_Kitten
29. SilverMoon
30. Zephyr
31. StrawberryJeli

Again.. Gallery board..

Figured I'd share the projects from my second package to my partner while I'm posting

My partner is a huge history buff and her family goes all over North Carolina to different museums and historical landmarks.  I made her a pin board of North Carolina and included yellow tip pins to put in the places that they have gone together.



The state of North Carolina (all in green) is a corkboard - the rest of the states and the ocean are painted on for perspective.  I thought it would be cool to make it look like an old school textbook map.  I think it turned out pretty awesome.

Next, my partner is a totally yarnie.  She is big into crocheting but said she wanted to get into knitting as well.  I made her some cute engraved/button stitch counters



The quotes engraved included her craftster name, "leave me alone, I'm crafting", "knitting is knotty" (which of course is stolen), and others that are escaping me right now.

I hope she enjoyed the package and is putting everything to good use!!
Thanks for looking!