Happy Super Tuesday.

Here's hopin'. Cards by novmeber.

Thanks, Little Sis

I had a great birthday package waiting for me when I got home today. My super-awesome sister sent two craft books, Lotta Jansdotter's Simple Sewing and Fleece Dog, a Japanese craft book full of--- you guessed it--- little needle felted dogs.

I'm counting down to winter break so I can try out some new projects and post photos of the results.

Thanks, Emily!

Making Progress

In January, I posted about my crafty New Year's Resolutions (you can read the original post here). A month later, I've made pretty decent progress! If only this commitment worked so well in other areas of my life . . .

Above is my first attempt at needle felting. I bought the kit from the marvelous Woolpets on Etsy, which includes the wool roving, felting needles, and directions. My bunny isn't exactly perfect, because I was living in fear that my two dogs, who usually both sit in my lap all night long, would jump up at an inopportune moment and get a scary felting needle in the eye. That said, the project was quick and fun. I'd like to try Woolpets' polar bear kit next and then do needle felted versions of Chesney and Bear. They are in the picture above, by the way, to show exactly why the new bunny needs to live on a high shelf.

I also have a new sewing machine (thanks, Dad, for the 30th birthday present) and the book Sew U by Wendy Mullin of "Built By Wendy" fame. I got the book on eBay for a song and can't wait to pick up some fabrics to try out some cute tops and skirts. The book is great; you can essentially sew up an entire wardrobe. I'll post pics of the projects I try soon--- hopefully February vacation will give me some time to refresh my sewing skills.

The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp

Sometimes I get caught up in the day-to-day of "real life" (although right now the fridge is empty and the laundry basket it full), and sometimes I get caught up in the "operations" side of crafting--- ordering supplies, scheduling shows, promoting, trying to make a workable space.

One book I love and reread from time to time is The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp. Though she is a modern dancer and choreographer, her recommendations for re energizing your creative well are inspiring no matter what media you work in. Chapter by chapter, Tharp explains the habits she has used to keep ideas flowing throughout her long career, and how she gets herself "unstuck" during those not-so-creative times.

The book is definitely worth a look.

Sweet Jane

While there is a bit of annoying glare in the photo, these are hot of the press (er, wet off the Gocco?) and I couldn't wait to share them. This is the first in a series of Jane Austen cards I've been working on. The silhouette of Austen is from the first edition of her novel Mansfield Park. The quote featured is from a letter to her sister Cassandra--- and as a fellow cynic and perpetual crank, I've always gotten a kick out of it.

These cards will be available in my Etsy shop when the ink dries. Future cards will feature Austen's witty observations from each of her novels. Hope fellow Janeites enjoy!

{If you have a favorite Austen quote you'd like to see on a card, please email me!}