scrap bag bliss or ...... that's where I put that!

The benefit of tidying up the studio is finding sweet little pieces of fabric and trims that you have hidden so well from yourself that you forgot you even had them! I am happy to reclaim the great fox fabric that I pieced some ten years ago during a visit to Meri's! Joined to other scraps and some recycled beads, (I drilled out the holes so the rat tail could pass through) a fun little bag emerged! I know that winter has just begun, but the blues and greens put me in mind of spring!

Forest Friends say Happy Holidays!

Nancy asked for a stocking........ it was fun to stitch up! The little deer were fun to design too!

reason number 947, why it is always a good idea to share........

Your craft stash, patterns, good ideas, your time.....

My sister Nancy's friend shared some out of date upholstery fabric samples with Nancy, which Nancy then shared with me. I stitched them up into a string pack, based on one my other sister Meri made for me long long ago! I am sending Nancy this one for Christmas. I like the way the grommets on the samples could be used for the string carriers on the bottom of the backpack. I posted the detail of Meri's string pack so you can see how she fashioned fabric carriers for the strings. Here's what you need to make your own!

two thirteen by eighteen inch pieces of fabric for the outside

two more same size for the lining

three and a half yards of rat tail or other narrow cord cut into two equal pieces

fabric scraps for pockets or applique, rubber stamps and ink pads, trims, what ever you want to embellish with!

I like to use my serger to sandwich the lining and the finished outside pieces together and then straight stitch the pieces right side together and then turn it rightside out. I fold over the top on the outside to make the casing and let the lining show on the right side. You will need to thread the rat tail both ways through each side to  make a draw string and tie off each piece to itself .  Bust out your fabric stash and make one for a friend. Or better yet....... swap some fabric with a friend and challenge each other to make a string pack!

more snowpeople?

I made these two snow people last year in honor of my grandparents. They are comprised of repurposed materials with most parts salvaged from an old coat that belonged to my great grandmother! In case you can't read their scarves, one says sugar and the other is snow! They remind me of a great story my grandfather used to tell my husband, about how he courted my grandmother by telling her he is an excellent roller skater. Apparently she thought so too because they celebrated many anniversaries together!

snow babies

Three little snow babies fashioned from scraps of micro fleece and felt. The faces are drawn on gessoed linen and coated with beeswax. I made a dozen or so faces and keep using them in different projects. These are off to friends and family for holiday gifts. I love this time of year and making presents!

snowpeople on parade

Eight little snowpeople from last year's christmas card from Nancy! Oh the things youi can make from tissue rolls, paper, and of course glitter! I filled them with chocolate kisses to send them off as tokens of holiday cheer!