So I found this amazing vintage dress at the thrift store for $1.50. It reminded me of a crazy bee.



I made the wings from two wire clothes hangers and fishnets sewn together in the center with felt. The antennas were made from a Martha Stewart kit that was originally made to be bats hovering above your head. I just cut the bats into the shape I wanted. I had the glasses and the black shirt and tights were from Target.

I thought I would include some close ups of the wings and dress on my favorite girl, Alice!






Action shot.



I had a ton of fun wearing this outfit! I think I will be a bee in years to come!

This is a piece I completed a few semesters ago.  I have been playing with the idea of combining fine art and craft. I decided to begin creating more work with this theme, and am working on this as the main theme for my undergrad thesis in ceramics.

I just got about 6 molds today of birds! I am excited to get started!

Critiques welcome!

Is a painting competition, that I participated in this past Saturday (Indianapolis, In), and your vote counts.  The way it works is the "contenders" sign up,  not knowing what materials they will be given (we know we will get canvas, paint and brushes....but thats it). You show up on the painting day (6.3.06), with 4 hours to complete your painting.

This is the fun part. The paintings from that day are now up online for voting! You choose your favorite 3 anytime between now and 6-15-06. From the 100+ paintings created on that day the online votes will narrow it down to the top 32, who will be the contenders in the main event. On 6.16.06 these 32 will be narrowed down to 16 (based of votes from the crowd), and then go head to head in battle. Two paintings will be placed next to each other on the stage, the crowd cheers for their favorite, the loser faces THE Wheel of Death! Being destroyed right on the spot. The winner will receive $2000!

Visit the website to view all of the paintings and vote! It will ask for your e-mail after you vote, you then have to confirm your vote through your e-mail, for it to count!

http://www.groovetruck.com/artvsart/index.htm

I am #76, and the title of my painting is "Where there is one.....there are a thousand."

The paintings look much better in person, but it is a chance for you to see what Indianapolis is made of! Thanks for looking!

Here's an oil cloth coin purse I made for my friends 23rd birthday. (The 23 cents not pictured!)


     


  I heart oil cloth!!!!

So I am finally getting around to posting some pictures! I think I might post more..We'll have to see how long that takes!

     This was the bag I made for the beginning of the semester, I had originally intended to use the fabric for a patchwork apron from my friends wedding shower, but ok I got greedy! I did however make her some pot holders from the same Amy Butler pattern (as the apron). Now that I think about it I don't think I took any pictures of those?

This is one side (the other side has a divided pocket, but I don't have a good picture of that)

   

.....and the inside

   


  I live in Indianapolis, and I went to St. Theresa's Textiles (in Cincinnati) and found this wonderful fabric! It is only about an hour and a half drive....but oh so worth it! I'd like to go there when I have money!

  Thanks for looking!

[Touch-and-Close Tape]

I am making some roll up shades for my kitchen, I am not having trouble with the construction, but I can't find one of the parts to complete it......

     So my question is.......Where can I find Touch-and-Close Tape?
 
         I have looked on the internet (I found that it is used to make shades and roman blinds), and went to multiple fabric stores and no one seemed to know what I was talking about? So I thought I should come to all of you crafty people....I'm sure at least one person has at least heard of this, and if you have let me know, so I can stop feeling so crazy.

    The book I am using is called  The Curtain Bible.

I appreciate any info, or advice on alternative materials that I could use!

    Thanks!
         
        lauren

These are the curtains I started with......I took out quite a few seams, since they were pleated. But I immediately fell in love with the print and the price ($1.45, for 4 panels!!!) I love Value Village!



 I found a dress that I based my dress on, also at Value Village ($2.45). I changed it some (no gathering at the waist, not as puffy sleeves). I really love wrap dresses and have never made one so the other dress was a great reference (it was also handmade!)

Here are a few views of the dress on me......

 

The first pic shows one of the ties goes through a slit in the side seam, where it meets the other tie in the back.

It did take a while to make......but I made a new pattern from it...so maybe if I find some more great curtains I could make another!

This was such a great challenge! I love thrifting anyway....but i really felt like I was on a mission! I can't wait to see what everyone else made!

I think this is the first project I have posted! Yay! I can do the picture thing now!