I inherited my parents cuckoo clock purchased in Switzerland in 1956.  I grew up with that clock chiming the time for years...I think it finally quit working in 1975.  My dad was going to have it repaired but never got around to it...when he died, Mom asked if anyone wanted it, so I took it.  I have been lugging it around for about 18 years.

Bottom line:  it is beyond affordable repair...I was going to send it to my dear friend alteredmommy but the cost to ship to Canada was ridiculous. So sorry, hun, I am renigging!

I took the deer head and other parts off the clock and decided to make a faux taxidermy deer head...but, since I wanted to do a project about my current favorite TV show, Game of Thrones, I added the appropriate stuff:
a crown and the motto of House Baratheon: Ours is the Fury.

BEFORE:
This was the top of the cuckoo clock....don't worry, the other parts will be used for future projects...


AFTER:
Looks huge, but I wanted to see if I could get the words in...


From the side....


It is actually much smaller....


I debated putting the crown around the neck of the deer versus around the head, and decided I liked the head better since my crown is small...I might change my mind later, but for now, here is my project!

Oh--details: one wooden base, paint, deer head (revarnished and repaired with polyclay), glitter trim crown

In the recent Mug Rug Swap, I was partnered with amnesia.  I was kind of at a loss as to what to make as I was not familiar with some of the themes she gave in her questionnaire .

Here is the the mug rug I made for her :



Inspiration comes from the oddest places--this was my inspiration:  a kokeshi doll that I got when I was in Japan a few years ago.



See the little ribbon across?  I decided the shape was odd when I first made it so I added another piece.  The ribbon covers the seam.  I love the shape and hope to make more!

Close up of the face--embroidered and appliqued on:



The binding was from stash (the package said 1965!!!)...it was a bit thin so I had to sew it on by hand...and the back:



I had a blast making it once I got going.  I think it would be a nice place to set a cup of green tea and some red bean cakes! Yummy!

I know this is not the most creative project I ever did, but for some reason, I really loved it and had a hard time sending it out as a birthday gift in the March 2011 Birthday Swap. The link is where my partner posted that she had received her package from me.

I really enjoyed sewing, embroidering, stencilling, and designing the tote for my partner Mrs. Awesome Pants...she is a creative writer and this just seemed the perfect thing to make for her.

This is one side--a Reading Raven!


The other side is a kitten trying to write...


My cats are always leaving paw print signatures around the house so this is what gave me the idea...


It was the first time I used any type of paint on fabric and I love it!

I thought I had posted this in the purses category, but I must not have---which is why I can post it now in this challenge! i just wanted to share one of my favorite projects with you guys.

Someday, I hope to make at least the kitten on another project just for me!

My partner in the last pincushion swap has bunnies and a lot of her pinterest items had images of bunnies, so guess what kind of pincushion I made her? Yep....



Here is a close-up of him holding a carrot needlebook...





I shrank down a pattern that I have had forever from a Japanese crafting book...and sort of winged it...it was a fun little project so I think I will try some of the other patterns out as well...

Do you have a chair that needs to be repaired or reupholstered?  Did you buy something, or better yet, FIND something that could use some TLC? Don't know where to start?  Need some encouragement and tips? (as well as a kick in the pants?)

Then join us for Craftster's Furniture Re-make Craftalong!

We welcome anyone that can provide us with guidance on our journey to finally get grandma's old broken chair gussied up for its debut with the family before the year end!

[NEW CRAFTALONG!]

5/1/13

NEW CRAFTALONG!


Do you dumpster dive? Can't pass up the chair put out on the curb? Embarrased by your ratty couch?

Then join us for the Furniture Re-make Craftalong!

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4/10/13

WELCOME OUR NEW CRAFTALONG CO-MODERATOR, PINKLEO!

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4/2/13

IT'S HERE!!!!  Join the discussion!

SUMMER NERD GAMES Discussion

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3/27/13

It's still a secret...BUT....EXCITING NEWS FOR ANYONE WHO LOVES CRAFTALONGS!!!  I can't wait...sorry, but you will have to wait until April! ha ha

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3/6/13

Have you been told that you make stuff for everyone else but not yourself?  If so, you need to join the

 

"12 Crafty things for ME in 2012" craftalong!

Knit yourself some socks!  Sew a new top or purse for spring! Paint a picture!

You get the idea...stuff for the most fabulous Craftster on here--YOU!

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Harry Potter Craftalong News from pinkleo!  2/27/2013

"I just wanted to give you a heads up that the Harry Potter Craftalong, HPC, is starting its new, Spring Semester on Friday, March 1, 2013.  The Spring Semester will run until Friday, May 31, 2013.  We are setting up our craftalong now.  I'll be closing crafting for the Winter Semester on Thursday, February 28 @ 10PM, and we have an Awards Ceremony & Prize Drawings during the weekend of March 2-3. "


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Join the newest craftalong! 2/23/13

PURSES!

Started by our own Purses Moderator, kaz814!

The New Year started off with many people finishing up their projects after the holidays and also starting new projects for the year!  One thing for sure, crocheters are prolific producers of yarn goodness!  It was tough picking from so many wonderful projects....I tried to select a variety  of projects, and to feature some people that have not been showcased elsewhere---you know, spread the love!

Here are some of your favorites along with some projects that I thought should be featured in case you missed them!

Congratulations to our Featured Crocheters!!

Who doesn't need another hat?  I love Balatong's own pattern for this hat!

Fedora by Gia Balatong

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Wouldn't you just laugh with delight if you saw this in the woods?

Gruffalo's Child by Doylers

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Beautiful stitching is one of the things that draws people to crochet. This lovely wrap is just perfect.

Oasis Wrap by johnson.mom2two

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Not sure if it is a girl or boy?  How about picking a nice mix of colors that will work for either!!

Pastel Rainbow Blanket by bushbaby

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Combining crochet and pop-tabs is the Craftster way! It is a breadbasket but it could be so many other things as well!  Clever and interesting...that is what makes this project rock!

Poptab Basket by Lille

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Good grief!  I howled when I saw this!!  I grew up on Mr. T!  Nice capture of the important details that make this little guy special!

Mr. T Pig by magicfan

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 Almost forgot this one!  Just in time for Easter...or just for general cuteness!

Scrap Busting Bunnies, Chicks by LiritKiraly

[WELCOME TO THE 2013 50 PROJECTS CRAFTALONG!]

WELCOME TO THE 2013 50 PROJECTS CRAFTALONG!




Do you have a lot of unfinished projects laying around?

How about a long list of gifts for family and friends?

Do you want to try a new craft or learn a new technique?

Well, get that list going and post it here!  You will be surprised at how many things you will get done at the end of the year...and have a record of it!  I post thumbnails on my list and print it out each year...

Plus, I will once again do prizes and challenges as time and money permits!

To make things as simple as possible, I will post news and notes and a link to your list on page 1.  You guys can post a main list, no list, or a mini list every month...whatever works for you!

The goal is to stay motivated, inspired and get things done!

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LATEST NEWS

Random Post Winner-carolmb!!!
4. Post 2384--Carolmb - Prize: to be determined

3. Post 1923--Bushbaby - Prize: sock yarn


2. Post 1120--SilverMoon - Prize: Six Skeins of yarn

1. Post 512--Missmoppet - Prize: Ravelry Knit patterns

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May-June 2013 Challenge p235-262

Since this is a two month challenge, there will be only ONE requirement:

Using the swap guidelines of a LARGE project, you must complete and post not only here but in the appropriate board to enter a project.  So, if you crochet an afghan, you post it here and in the Completed Projects on the Crochet Board.

You can post as many large projects as you want...each one will count and give you another ticket for the drawing!!!  The more you do, the better your chances! You must mark the start of your post with the words "CHALLENGE ENTRY" as well so I can check them out to be sure they qualify...

Get those big projects done by the end of June so you can enjoy the summer doing other things!

The prize will be larger as well:

A $50 gift certificate to an internet shop (etsy, amazon, knitpicks, connectingthreads, silverspoon, joannes, michaels, whatever...)!


Can't wait to see your completed projects...how many will you complete by the end of June?

Entries:

bambam91-YETI

bushbaby-Chullo Hat

deathbeforedishes - Crochet Motif Bag

fantasticmio - Math Win blanket
fantasticmio - Grey scale blanket

Ffrogg526 - Baby blanket
Ffrogg526 - Ravens Baby Blanket
Ffrogg526 -Woodland Frame

Kookaloo_Star--Poison Ivy Poppet

melerrific -BatGirl Poppet

PaperBeau--Felted Doggie

pinokeeo -     Chinese Checkers
pinokeeo -     Temple Bells
pinokeeo - Walking sticks
pinokeeo- Faire sign
pinokeeo- Scrabble Clock

plaidpineapple - Swimsuit
plaidipineapple - Large Bags

sheepblue-Arrested Development Wall Hanging
sheepblue - Portrait bag

texscrapper-Girl's Outfits
texscrapper-Animal Towels
texscrapper- Tween apron

that1girl - Dress redo

yofi--Retaining Wall

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WINNER!!!  texscrapper!!  

Texscrapper requested a gift card from Amazon.com for her prize!

APRIL 2013 CHALLENGE pgs. 181-235 [CLOSED]

Project must be posted in the craftalong or a link to another thread between Apr 1-30.  Posting closes three days or so after the end of each month. All qualifying projects will be counted and given a random number which will then be chosen by computer.  This year, you can only enter once so that I don't go bonkers trying to keep up with you guys!

1. A project using the color YELLOW
2. A project for the garden or outdoors
3. An upcycled project or a project made with recycled materials--this can be a clothing recon, etc.

Prize: a) A year membership to CRAFTSTER (if you are already a member, you can tag in on to your current membership) OR
         b) A surprise supply box worth at least $25 OR
         c) A gift card from your favorite pattern or internet store (especially for international members since postage is outrageous!)

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WINNER!!!  trinalocakary!!  Chosen randomly with her entry of a non-fabric necklaces!  Congrats!

trinalocakary received a $25 gift card from Amazon.com!  Hopefully, she can find something to make more projects!

March 2013 CHALLENGE -CLOSED EXCEPT FOR PICTURES!

Project must be posted in the craftalong or a link to another thread between Mar 1-31.  Posting closes three days after the end of each month. All qualifying projects will be counted and given a random number which will then be chosen by computer.  This year, you can only enter once so that I don't go bonkers trying to keep up with you guys!

1. A taste of spring--which means greens, nature, etc.
2. Something made of non-fabric--metal, paper, wood, ceramic
3. a project made from something you received in a swap or from a fellow Craftster--you must give credit to the member

Prize: $25 gift card from favorite internet shop--international members--we will have to determine a prize!


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WINNER!!!  plaidpineapple!!  Chosen randomly with her entry of a shark pencil bag (fabric)!  Congrats!

plaidpineapple requested a Gift Card from Amazon.com to purchase something for a new hobby!

FEBRUARY 2013 CHALLENGE --CLOSED EXCEPT FOR PICTURES!

Project must be posted in the craftalong or a link to another thread between Feb 1-28.  Posting closes three days after the end of each month. All qualifying projects will be counted and given a random number which will then be chosen by computer.  This year, you can only enter once so that I don't go bonkers trying to keep up with you guys!

1. Hearts or Valentine Day related---which means, pinks, red, whites and all combos are included
2. Something made of fabric
3. Something for a child or a pet

Prize: $25 gift card from any internet site--international members--we will have to determine a prize!


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WINNER!!!  StickerChic87!!!  Chosen randomly with her entry of a doorstop for her home!  Congrats!

 StickerChic87 chose a gift card from Amazon as her prize!

JANUARY 2013 CHALLENGE--CLOSED EXCEPT FOR PICTURES!

Project must be posted in the craftalong or a link to another thread between Jan 1-31.  Posting closes three days after the end of each month. All qualifying projects will be counted and given a random number which will then be chosen by computer.  This year, you can only enter once so that I don't go bonkers trying to keep up with you guys!

1. something to help you get to stay organized
2. something for yourself or your own home
3. finish a WIP from 2012

The prize will be a gift card worth $25, via Amazon or any other site of your choice!

[THE PACKAGE WAS FOUND!!]

THE PACKAGE WAS FOUND!!

I was in a recent swap with a very special person so I wanted to bring out my A-game and challenge myself to make things I rarely make: a lace shrug, a pair of leg warmers, and a pair of fingerless mitts...

Unfortunately, the package is lost, hence the title of this post......
 
But, I do have my pictures and I did learn a lot...so not all was lost!

Front of lace shrug, modeled by one of my co-workers, who wanted to keep it:


Back of lace shrug:


Fingerless mitts done in a seed stitch pattern:


Leg warmers with skull buttons:




Thank goodness that there are so many craftsters willing to angel because I just could not remake these items any time soon!

Thanks for looking!

CRAFTALONG BASED ON  LEAFCUTTER DESIGNS SKY SCARF CONCEPTUAL KNITTING

A few years ago I saw a project that I wanted to do...the project is very simple...excellent for beginner knitters/crocheters.  

It is a project that is not just about the knitting/crocheting...the pattern is simple...it is about being aware of your everyday existence and appreciating the small things in life...we take so much of our lives for granted and get caught up in being inside with our electronic devices....

Maybe you can get a small group of friends or your knitting/crochet circle to participate...it is a project to connect you to nature, to others, and to yourself.

Here is how it works:

Each day, preferably the same time each day, you look at the sky...determine what color the sky is and knit/crochet it.

The original project only has 5 colors, but you can be more ambitious and add more.  I have selected three blues, three greys, and a cream. It might be too much, but I wanted to be prepared. I am using fingering weight, but you can use any yarn as long as you adjust your needles and number of stitches.  I might throw in a pale orange since pollution is a reality in my area, and as awful as that is, sometimes it makes the sky a gorgeous orange even in the middle of the day. Make it as simple as you can. This is a project of calmness.

You can also knit squares or pick a different pattern...I have seen huge afghans made with this concept. You can do a ripple stitch, do a granny square, etc.  Be creative.  The goal is to have a record of your sky for a full year. (Hopefully, it won't be all blue or all grey! )

You can do it for a month and join anytime during 2013, but I am starting my scarf on January 1.  If you can't do a day, write it down on your calendar and catch up...don't get too far behind or you will not appreciate your day...you are just knitting or crocheting!

I think to keep things manageable, we should post once a week , but at least once a month...grab a post and post your progress in that post.  I will start it.

The link to the original story and project is here.  Lots of pictures, too!
http://www.leafcutterdesigns.com/projects/conceptknit.html#skyscarf

Please join me for this journey of discovery.

EDITED:  Looks like people who do not knit or crochet want to play with fabrics, paper, etc.  Heck--the more the merrier...craft the weather in your own meaningful way!

This craftalong has evolved to include people who want to craft their moods or another form of nature, such as trees;  some people want to include their children or strangers.

So, we are changing the craftalong to be one of your own personal daily reflections...a time to be with nature, or your kids, to understand your moods...to enrich and document a year of your life...and like life, it will evolve as the year goes on...please don't feel you have to follow any rules...some of you might want to do five days on a free Saturday...you can skip days...heck--you can skip months and come back!