Last minute Christmas gift ideas...

Honestly, if you're reading this today looking for gift ideas, take my advice: go buy a gift card.  But if you too have a strong desire to cause yourself undue stress this holiday season, please read on...

These are quick, easy gift ideas that I have used on more than one occasion when I need a quick gift.

Infinity scarves
All you need is 2 yards of fabric and half an hour (or less).  There are a ton of tutorials out there, so you can easily pick one based on your style/budget.  My personal favorite pattern is here.

Wood Ornaments

These are definitely my go-to for last minute giftys.  You need a wood ball, ribbon, and paint.  I just paint a wintery design on the ball, loop some ribbon on the top, and secure with a staple gun.

Food

Never, ever underestimate the gift of food.  I LOVE getting baked goods around the holidays...it's one less stresser.  I like to give out those jar cookie mixes, topped with ribbon and a cute label (my favorite are Cranberry Hootycreeks, because of the festive colors).

However, my favorite food type gift to give is pancake mix and syrup.  I found the best syrup recipe ever here...it got rave reviews from everyone!

Alcohol

For the over 21 crowd of course...after getting my last heat bill, I found myself relying on a liquid blanket a time or two to keep warm.  I saw this picture on pinterest, and couldn't wait to create my own "reinbeer."

I think it would make cute wine bottles as well.

Unfortunately all my other clever ideas can't be posted until after the holidays, so stay tuned!

My top 10 crafting necessities: the final 3...

...Plus some more, because I can't count.

I apologize for the blogging inconsistencies...unfortunately my crafting procrastination has taken over what is left of my life.  The amount I need to accomplish in the mere week before Christmas seems insurmountable.  What's that you say? It can't be that bad?

Guess who's got two thumbs and was at the movie theater last night at 9:45 buying a gift card for our Christmas party tonight? This girl!

And are the rest of the gifts for my coworkers done for tonight? Nope. But they will be, dammit.

I graduated in May of this year, and it seems counting to ten has already become difficult. Okay, not really, I had a list of my top ten, but I keep thinking of more, so here's the last of things necessary for crafting survival.

Good Scissors

Preface: DO NOT spend millions on scissors! You can easily pick up a pair of Fiskars at Jo-Ann's or other crafting stores for under $10.

If you are doing any kind of detail work or even something as simple as cutting out a pattern, the scissors you use can make a huge difference! I recommend that you have at least 2 good pairs...one for papercrafting and one for fabric.  And do NOT let the rest of your family/roommates/squatters use them for anything else.  Because to most men, scissors are scissors.  Hide them, hoard them.

Open Storage



Now, before you start thinking that you don't have time or money for custom craft storage, please know that you're not alone.  And though I dream of one day having a separate crafting/sewing building where I will be able to iron in peace...it's not the case:

There are several reasons I think it is crucial to have your fabric/papers out where you can see it:

1) It leads to crafting inspiration.

I will sometimes just wander in and look at my fabric shelves, and think "That cotton needs to be a pillow. It calls to me."  Okay not really, but if I'm thinking of a project, and I see the right fabric, it's like all the pieces come together.

2) It will save you money.

When I used to store my fabric in boxes and totes, I would get so frustrated trying to find what I was looking for that I would just go buy it.  And then after the project was done, I'd find a cut of fabric that would have worked better.  Commence state of anger.

3) Boxes suck.

No explanation needed.

4) If you color coordinate your fabrics, it makes browsing easier and it looks rull purdy.

So what do I use for my open storage? Bookshelves. Cheap, ugly bookshelves.  They don't take up much room, and once you fill them with fabric, you don't notice their ugliness.  Mine were hand-me-downs, but you can get them used off craigslist or from yard sales for less than $10.  And if you really hate that simulated wood finish (understandable), spray paint them.

Notions, Notions, Notions

Know them, love them, and stock up on them.  ALWAYS have an arsenal of pins, needles (sewing machine and hand sewing), thread, buttons, tape, fasteners, etc.  I HATE having to stop a project because I don't have the right velcro on hand.  It usually means the project goes to the bottom of the "to finish" pile (aka projects that will probably sit for years until I go on a cleaning streak and toss them).

It is really important to know your notions too.  Not all sewing machine needles and thread are the same.  If you are sewing with a lightweight knit, you want a thinner needle and thread than if you're sewing through canvas.  Yes, all purpose products will work, but are more likely to damage your fabric if you're working with lighterweight materials.  Just remember: delicate fabrics=delicate notions, heavy fabrics=heavier notions.

Pins are the same way.  If you try to pin through leather with satin pins, you probably will just bend your pin and end up stabbing yourself #bloodalloveryouralmostfinishedproject.  For most projects I use satin pins with glass heads (so you can iron over them), but I do have a stash of heavier duty pins for making bags, etc.

Finally, know when to change your needles, blades, sharpen your scissors, etc.  Maintenance is just as important.  Change your sewing machine needle every project or 2, depending on what it is...you will love the difference in your machine.  Also, if you're working with fluffy fabrics (polar fleece, etc.) clean under your bobbin holder frequently, it is amazing how quickly things build up in there (I didn't...for like a year. AND then I had to take my whole machine apart and clean it.  It was a REALLY fun day.

Pattern Weights

Have you heard of these little things?? I am OBSESSED! Not only will you have more accurate cuts, but it cuts your prep time in half or more!  You can buy these from most craft stores:

Or, there are a ton of tutorials online that you could do for cheaper.  I have really good intentions to make some of these, but it hasn't happened yet (that whole last minute Christmas crafting issue isn't helping), so I just use bags of pasta, chocolate chips, books, or whatever else I have on hand.  (Beware open bags though...the twisty came off my pasta in the middle of one my projects and I didn't realize it, so when I tossed it to the side I got a pasta shower.  Thor thought it was great).

I think that's it for now...but coming up: Last-Minute DIY Christmas Gifts--the irony is just too much.



Top ten crafting necessities....#7-#4

So I've been slacking...this weekend just wasn't conducive to blogging.  Which means today is like Christmas coming early with four things in one! Yay! I can feel your extreme excitement already.

But first...

A quick update on my Christmas crafting. I was all excited to post a tutorial on this fabulous fabric Christmas star decoration I was making. And then it turned into an epic crafting disaster.  I followed this fabulous tutorial to make a star from The Lovely Residence.  I had already made one out of paper, but thought it would be cute to do one out of two pieces of fabric sandwiched together with fusible web.  What I did NOT consider was that fabric lacks structure...the result? One super saggy star. I haven't totally given up yet...I may try some starch or fabric stiffener. Or not. I mean that was an hour of my life that I'll never get back.

On to the countdown!

#7: Good adhesive

Originally I planned on this just being a glue gun...because no crafter can survive without a good (or super cheap Wal-Mart model) glue gun.

And, before I proceed, a couple of glue gun tips...if you can buy a multi temp one, that is the way to go.  But if that is not in the budget (it wasn't in mine...I'm such a tightwad) buy low temp.  Why? Because when you have to glue something and then hold it in place, you won't burn your fingers. (Or when you inadvertently glue your fingers together--much less pain).

I may be about 5 years behind everyone, but I just discovered this magical adhesive that is taking the place of my glue gun in a lot of my crafting.  Fabri-tac!

Reasons Why I Prefer it to Hot Glue

1. No damn hot glue strings that leave you wound up like a mummy by the time you're done.

2. You don't have to wait for it to heat up (and no additional costs to your power bill!)

3. It is permanent, washable, and yet totally thin...you can't tell there's a wad of glue under there.

4. Excess glue doesn't show.

5. No finger burnage.



#6: Honest Friends

Having an arsenal of friends/family who will give you their unfiltered, honest opinions cannot be overlooked.  Just because you think the new dress you made looks great, doesn't mean it does.  Anytime I make something new, I picture mail it either to my sister or my best friend, Krystanne.  Because I know they will tell me if I look like a 2-cent whore.  It happens.

#5: Seam Ripper

Sometimes your greatest enemy can be a lifesaver.  My greatest enemy? A seam ripper.  It means that once again I was sewing without thinking, and now will spend the next hour undoing what took me 5 minutes to do.  My recommendation is that you have at least 2-3 of these damn little things laying around. Because you will lose them, or your cat will steal them and hide them...not that I'm speaking from experience or anything.

#4: Ability to Admit Defeat

This ties in well with the seam ripper.  When you get to that point where all you want to do is punch the next person who walk through the door, throw your sewing maching across the room, and/or curl up in the fetal position and cry...it's time to walk away (and yes, we've all been there).  Another hint: if something's not working and you quit, fold it up, and think 'I will rework that when I have more time,' be realistic with yourself...you won't.  So either save it and reuse the fabric, toss it, or pawn it off on someone else.

And with that happy thought, I'm off.

Top ten crafting necessities...#8

Can you believe I have only done 2 of these and I already had to look back and see what number I was on?
My dad says I'm special.

Onward! My next crafting necessity is..........................................

A Dress Form

I wish I could say that I had been using one for years, patterning my own clothes with it, etc. but that would be a lie.  I just discovered the magic of this a few months ago, and now cannot imagine my life without it.

There are many options in the world of dress forms, from adjustable to dress sizes, and ranging just as much in cost.

I debated a lot in dress form shopping, and originally wanted an adjustable one, so that I could use it to make clothes for myself and others (if I happened to be in a generous mood).

The problem(s):
A) They're expensive, no matter where you look
B) I'm built just like my dad...which would be great. If I were a dude. So, I'm tall, slender-ish, and absolutely curve-less. (My sister took all of those...bitch).  After measuring myself and comparing it to the size charts for the adjustable dress forms, I realized that they didn't adjust to fit long-legged, short-waisted, curveless (and bustless) people. Super.

I thought about buying one and padding it, etc. but seriously? If I'm spending the money, it better be right as is.

I decided to do the next best thing...make one myself! I looked up tutorials on how to do it, and thought, hey! I could do that.

I just hadn't gotten around to it until one night when my sister and I had met up for one of our wine drinking/crafting nights (heavy on the wine, light on the crafting) and we thought it would be a grand idea.

So I went on a pie run, and picked up some duct tape and a clearance t-shirt (that is the only perk of having a super Wal-Mart).

We followed the tutorial here.  Well kind of.  If there had been less drinking and we had, I don't know, taken some time, the result might have been a little better.  But it worked!  My dress form is a little, uh, lumpier than I would have liked, and my shoulders are a little uneven, etc.  However, my final cost was like $8, so I can't complain.  (I do have plans to make a sober version soon).

I just made mine with a hanger at the top, but my next one I think I want with a stand (for ease of draping).

AND you can use it to make clothes for people of different sizes too...I made my sister a dress on it, and though it didn't fit right, it was nice to have the "person" to pin on.

I draped a cocktail dress on it that I was going to wear to the open house at my sister's salon, finished the dress, tried it on, and realized I looked like Jane. Of the Jungle. Not good.  This was, of course, the night before the event.  Fashion crisis.  BUT because I had my handy dandy dress form, I was able to whip another one out in about an hour (structurally/design-wise, not my best work, but this was a way time crunch):

It was a Tim Gunn "make it work" moment. (Sorry about the mirror/cell picture...I took this to send to my sister to get her opinion).

New kitchen decor!

(This is a quick interlude from my countdown, I'll continue with that in a few)

My mom laughs at me constantly because I am never happy with my decor. Ever. I redecorate/retheme like every 6 months.  Lately, my problem has been with my kitchen...so it was time for a redo!  I just ordered fabric to recover my chairs (pictures soon) and in addition to my mixer art I did a few more framed pieces.

I bought a set of 40+ vintage advertising cookbooks on eBay (yep, still an addict) awhile ago for $15 (including shipping!) and have been waiting to get inspired for the perfect project.

Here's what I ended up with:

My main colors are going to be green, yellow and teal (all vintage hues, of course) with other colors added in...because heaven forbid I have a room with matchy matchy decor. Which, when I have my own house with it's 1950's kitchen* will look fab.

*post-Mega Millions lottery win, of course.

You could do this with any sort of old media--advertisements, newspapers, magazine/book covers, etc.

My next project will be with this little wonderment (picked up at a yardsale for 50 cents...and yes it works, but I totally bought it for the box):

"Guaranteed to crack your nut."

Top 10 crafting necessities...#9

Number 9 on my countdown is a rotary cutter, mat and clear ruler.

Seriously, even if you don't sew, this will change your life.  I use mine for sewing, papercrafting, measuring walls, slicing my fingers open...you get the idea.  And it's not just for cutting straight lines either, they're great for cutting around patterns.  My biggest piece of advice: even though blades are expensive, change them frequently! If you are sawing through fabric or paper...probably time to switch that thing out.

My top 10 craft necessities countdown...#10

I thought that starting this blog in the winter would be perfect, because I tend to craft less in the summer.  What I didn't think about was that the majority of my crafting right now is Christmas presents...which I can't really post on here, as my family does read this (or they better be).

But post-Christmas, get ready!

To start off the countdown to the holidays, I thought I'd share my top 10 crafting necessity countdown (there'll be one a day so stay tuned.)  Without these, my life would be incomplete and gray.*

*slight dramatization



These are in no particular order (I just couldn't value one above the other):

A good sewing machine

Note that good does not necessarily mean new.  Deciding what your needs are will determine whic machine is best for you.  For instance, if all you need is a machine that goes forward and backward, I would recommend a vintage Singer (you can pick one up on eBay for less than $40).

My mom and I purchased a heavy duty vintage Singer that I still use to sew leather, because as much as I love my new machine..."they don't make 'em like they used to."

However, if you need something with a few more bells and whistles, consider a Brother machine (not a paid advertisement, I swear).  I did a lot of research before I bought mine--yes I'm one of those people--but I couldn't be happier with my Brother CS6000i.

Next on my wishlist? A serger...

ten minute wall art

This title may be a little misleading for some, but to be clear: this would take 10 minutes for a person to do IF they're alone and without distractions.  I, however, had "help":

Don't let the face fool you.  He's a devil. His version of "help" was pouncing on my hands as I cut, racing through the middle of my projects and attacking the iron.  And of course now, NOW that I'm all done, he's curled up next to me taking a nap.  Punk.

Anyway, on to the project.

Preface: Tomorrow is going to be a great day. Why? Because after two years of agonizing over price, color and model, I finally bought a KitchenAid mixer.  Which means today was spent cleaning and decorating my kitchen for my mixer.

Totally pathetic, I know.

I needed something big and simple for one of my walls, so I thought what better way than to make mixer art?!

(Of course, if you are not obsessing about a new appliance, you could pick anything)

Supplies

Poster frame (I bought a black frame at Wal-Mart and spray painted it the color I wanted)

Graphic that measures about 20"x20", or whatever is appropriate for the size of your frame

Muslin, or other solid fabric

Cotton fabric

Fusible web (I actually didn't have any of this on hand (crafting sin, I know!) but I had some double sided heavy duty stuff that I used, and I kind of liked it...it gave the mixer some dimension)

1) Wrap the muslin around the cardboard backing of the frame, and tape in place.

2) Fuse a square of webbing onto the backside of your cotton print and trace your graphic (reverse side up).

3) Cut out and figure out placement on your muslin.

4) Iron.

5) Place in frame, pull muslin taut.

All done!

You may now hit your easy button.

It's fun, simple, and goes with my vintage-themed kitchen.

slipper bench redo!

Quite some time ago (actually it's been even longer than I'd like to admit) I found this little treasure at a flea market with the whopping price tag of $3.

I actually liked it as is when I bought it, especially the color of the top (the pale pink bottom I could have done without), but I always figured I could redo it when I got sick of it.

....annnnnnnnnnnnnddd 4+ years go by...

There, I admitted it. I never could make up my mind on what to do, and it wasn't really a priority.  A week or so ago I realized I was storing it under my coffee table because it clashed so badly with my living room.  Totally unacceptable.  Now it was priority level one.

First step...new paint.  I coated the bottom with a navy satin spray paint.  I used to actually sand, prime, and paint all my furniture, but once you use spray paint, you never go back.  It's faster, easier, and gives you more even coverage...IF you can get the right color.

My original plan was to rip the foam on the top off and replace it with something thicker, but once I pulled all the vinyl off, I realized that foam was not going anywhere.  So I just put the padding on top.  I bought this stuff called NU-Foam at Jo-Ann's (mostly because it was cheaper than regular foam) but it is pretty neat stuff.  I cut it to size and tapered the edges.

I put duct tape rolls between the layers to (kind of) hold them in place, then I layed the fabric over it, flipped it over, and staple gunned it on the underside.  Note: The more staples you use, and the tighter you can get the fabric, the better overall look.

To place the buttons on the top, my original plan was just to staple gun where I wanted them to go and then hot glue the buttons over the top.  Epic fail.  After my 5th staple sproinged out and went flying across the room*, I had to go to plan B...nails.  It worked surprisingly well.

*At which point I had to get up and run and grab the staple before Thor ate it.  He thought this was pretty much the best game ever.

Then I used some trim that I had purchased for a project I never got around to for the edge, and held it on with upholstery tacks.

It turned out even better than I thought! And because I love before and after pictures (and am trying to teach my self photoshop)...

Cost

Slipper bench: $3

Foam: 4.79*

Trim: Already had

Buttons: $1.93*

Fabric: $3.74

Upholstery Tacks: $3.00

Spray Paint: $3.44

TOTAL COST: $19.90

*Special thanks to the lady at Jo-Ann's who slipped me coupons when I realized I stupidly forgot mine.

DIY Bathroom Organizer

I have a serious love/hate relationship with apartment living.  I love that someone else shovels my sidewalks, pays for W/S/G and comes and fixes things when they break.  I hate that I have to listen to my neighbor's conversations and most of all, my lack of storage. 
But it does force me to be creative.

I saw a picture of a similar organizer online and had to have it...

First step: Call my dad and ask him what those thingys are called that look like metal zip ties. Apparently they are called ring clamps. And you can get them anywhere. Who knew?

Let me preface by saying I am really not a ditz...but when it comes to power tools and the like I am pretty clueless.*

*My dad got me this really extensive tool set when I graduated high school, so far I have discovered that the clamps work great as chip clips and the screwdrivers also work well as prybars for unfortunate oven accidents (don't ask).

Next step: Pick a day when my pops would not be in his shop and thus unable to cringe at my misuse of his power tools.

Supplies

Cool board (or uncool, your choice), cut to the length to fit your space.  I used a piece of old molding**

**which I cut by hand because I was pretty sure I'd lose a limb with the power saw. #goodworkout

2 eyehooks

Baling, or other thick wire

Drill

3 ring clamps (also these come in sizes, again...who knew? so sized to fit over the lip of your jars)

3 mason jars

Step 1

Set your jars on the board, and figure out how low you want them to hang. Measure the length of your board and divide that into fourths.  Mark the middle three at the level you want your jars to hang.  Next, place a ring clamp centered over the mark you just made (sticking out like it was holding a jar) and mark above and below it.  These will be the holes you drill to wire the ring clamps onto the board.

Drill holes where you marked...these do not have to be pretty or perfect (mine certainly weren't).

This is also a good time to install your eyehooks at the top.  I measured equidistance from each end, drilled a tiny bit and screwed them in by hand.  There might be a better way, but I don't know what it is.

Step 2

Cut a length of wire (the longer the easier to work with...I probably cut them at around 12") and poke one end through each of the holes. Pull the ends and get the wire as tight as you can.

Using pliers, twist the wire a couple of turns to secure it.  Cut off the long tails, and bend the twisted wire to one side or the other.

It should look like this from the front when you're finished...

Step 3

Open your ring clamps all the way and thread one end through your wire loop.  Repeat with remaining 2 clamps.  Tighten them down part way and set jars in the clamp.  Tighten as much as possible...and viola! Organizer complete!

Organizer in use:

freepeople knock off cowboy boots

I saw these boots on freepeople.com...

...and totally fell in love.

But not with the price tag ($438). Are you getting the idea that I'm cheap yet? Or that I like to shop for things I can't afford? Good. We'll be besties before you know it.

There's one more thing you should know about me before things get too serious--I am an eBay addict. Which is how I ended up with a pair of vintage cowboy boots in my closet.

See the problem with eBay is that the pictures aren't always perfect representations of the product...so I have these men's vintage cowboy boots that really aren't cute enough to wear with skirts and jeans (they're a little too industrial) but I paid $18 for them and wasn't quite ready to give up on them.

And then I saw the magical boots above. Perfect.

In addition to the $18 boots, I bought 4 kind of matching leather belts from my favorite thrift shop.  Total cost for my version: $20.

I cut the boots down the back (no special tools necessary, I just used kitchen scissors, and these were way thicker than any of my other cowboy boots).

I apologize in advance for the photo quality...I am currently without a digital camera, so these are off my phone.

Then folded the tops over.  This took some serious manuevering because of the super thick leather, but I figured it could also count for my daily workout.

Then I wrapped the belts around (and through the pulltabs) until they cinched the tops.  I lucked out, because the belts I bought were punched where I needed, but otherwise I would have just added a hole where I needed it.

Overall, I love the look of these, they're really different, and I got a lot of compliments on them their first time out.  However, there are a couple of things I would do differently:

1. I secured the loose ends of the belts with hot glue in the hope that if I wanted, I could switch them out.  That held for maybe half a day.  I would definitely use a stronger glue, or maybe make a leather belt loop to hold it.
2. The boots I used were way too heavy duty...it was sort of like wearing cement blocks for shoes. But no one said beauty was comfort, so I'm still wearing them.  That is, until I find a new eBay love.



Anthropologie-inspired Sailor Necklace

 

 

Let me start by saying this is not for the faint of heart. This is a statement piece, so if you're going to wear it, you've got to flaunt it...which is also why half of the people who see it love it, and the other half hate it.

The other issue?

I waited too long to post this, definitely did not take enough pictures, and Anthropologie no longer has my inspiration necklace. But it was there. Really.  And it had the small price tag of $598.

Seriously.

That is rent and a half.  Anyway, craft stores here are limited at best, but I was able to get all my supplies at Jo-Ann's.

Supplies (for an average size choker)
1.5 yds of each of three different thicker cords
(you might consider getting 2 yds if you want more room to play)
1-2 yds. of smaller coordinating trims/cording
1/8 yd coordinating fabric (optional)
Glue gun and sticks
Toggle closure
End caps (pictured below...the bigger the better...I ended up needing 4 because they were smaller)
Eye hooks with posts (pictured below)
Large jump rings
Beads or other fun accents
Clothespins, tape or some kind of clips (optional, but reduce swearing)

Step 1

Put a dab of hot glue into the narrow end of your end cap and stick a eye post in so that the ring on the post extends above the end cap.  This is how you will attach it to the jump ring.  Repeat with all end caps. Cut off any excess post that hangs below the end cap.

Step 2
Now the knotting fun begins! Hold the end of the 3 thick cords at the base of your neck, and stick a clothespin about where you want your knots to start.

Rather than attempting to explain the knots, I am just posting pictures...I hope it is clear enough.  I'll post more pictures when I get around to making another.

First create you base knots with the three main ropes, as well as a medium rope added at the clothespin:

Feel free to experiment with different ropes/knots!

After the main knots are done, I wove some fabric in to help clear up some of the dead space:

I sewed my fabric in a tube before weaving, but it was really an unneccessary step.

Then I added more fabric here and there until it looked right, securing all ends with hot glue.  Finally I glued the cords together where the clothespin was holding them.

But what about the raw glue where the clothes pin was?

I covered that in fabric too! If you have enough leftover trims you could also wrap that area in cording instead (I didn't have enough to do that).

Now add beads and embellishments until it looks right.

Step 3

DISCLAIMER: This step may induce swearing, stomping of the feet and possible burned fingertips.

Now it is time to attempt to shove the fat cording into the seemingly too small endcap. (I pray for your sakes that you were able to find larger endcaps than I was...BUT it is doable! I promise).  I took the smaller of the two cord and taped the ends as tight as I could, put some hot glue in the end cap, and shoved the cords in.  NOTE: Hold until your glue dries...I didn't the first couple of times, hence the swearing and feet stomping.

Repeat with remaining cords.  You could also do each cord in its own end cap, and avoid the headache, but I only had 4 on hand.

Use jump rings to attach cords to closure. Annnnd you're done!

Who I'm Following

Here are a few of my favorite things (or blogs, whatever).

Craftberry Bush
I LOVE this blog.  A lot of the projects are geared for the more experienced crafter, but oh so worth it.

Kate Anfinson
She's one of those people who is so disgustingly cute you really want to hate them...but you can't.  Beautiful photography, DIY projects, and, of course, fabulous fashion.

A Beautiful Mess
Yes, she also disgusts me with her fabulousness. In fact all these people do, so I better just let it go.  Anyway, lots of really fun projects...you can easily get lost for hours.

Madigan Made
Really simple but cool craft projects that will make you slap your forehead and say "Why didn't I think of that?!"

EmmylouBeeDo
A fun, laid back blog with lots of good ideas for kids.

Finally....

My sister has been bugging me for a couple of years now to start a couple of blogs.*

*and yes, her punishment will be a few guest posts.

So I have.

Started a couple that is. But never finished.  I suffer from a bit of procrastination.  I'll deal with that later.

That being said, I craft...a lot. Which of course means I steal ideas from other people's blogs, and I guess it's only fair that I start one for other people to steal ideas from.

A quick bit about me and this blog...aside from what's over there <---.

I am from a small town. In fact, imagine the smallest town you can think of and divide it by 100. That's where I grew up.  I would say that it is the shelteredness (is that a word?) of that town that got me into fashion and sewing.  I was the only kid in my 6th grade class who owned snake skin print pants...and wore them boldly in public.  If it was mainstream, I didn't wear it.  Call it a quiet rebellion.

But in Small Town USA, it is difficult to shop for clothes outside the norm, so I had to learn to sew.

And such is the birth of hailey elise designs (one of the tabs that will be coming soon).  It started as handbags made from repurposed clothes, but I've been really into making clothes as of late, so it's sort of morphing.*
*trust me, I know it's not a real line, but I did sell a couple of bags, and needed a brand...watch out Michael Kors.

Also, I am really, really frugal.  For this, my sister teases me mercilessly. I can't help it...with the procrastination--to be dealt with later.  The good news is, I craft on a budget.  Or find things that I want and think "pssh I could make that" (often, it turns out, I actually cannot). Oh well.  But the stuff that does work will be in my Tutorials tab.

As for the rest of my life, it is either spent on the back of a horse (I have 2, spoiled rotten, that I train and compete on)...or reprimanding, unintentionally crafting with (he likes to "help"), or attempting to remove my arm from the death clamp of my cat, Thor.  He has a hand in all of this as well.  So blame him for all problems, because, well, he really doesn't care.  Trust me.