What do you do with your stash?

We all have odd bits in our arts and crafts stash that we know we are going to use...someday.  These items jump to my attention when I'm looking for something else. 

So over the weekend I puttered around the studio looking for new inspiration.  While I didn't discover the next big technique or gadget, I did use some of those little bits from my stash.

My basic crochet skills came to play as I made a soft glitzy bracelet from several black and silver yarns and some black pony beads.  It is stretchy so no clasp needed.  It shines and of course goes with most of my wardrobe. This little project took me less than 30 minutes. I have some bright colored yarns that will made a great bracelet like this one.  

Go look in your stash and see what you come up with?  Then share it with us here in the comments or on Instagram tagging me at @wilsonshells and #stash #reuse.

Spring is here...sort of

It's Spring and I need to see some flowers.  So since they aren't quite visible yet here in the Chicago area...I made my own to enjoy!

If you want to make your own, check out Youtube and Pinterest for some great tutorials. 

I started a flipagram on making this particular flower.  The only part that I didn't include is gluing the layers together.  Easy to do.  Stack the layers - largest to smallest - and add some glue between each layer.  Any craft glue will work.  Check it out.


http://flipagram.com/f/S60sUvB01x

Spring is in the Air! A New Wreath and Class

My newest book page wreath uses several different books including dictionaries, fiction novels, and children's books. I started making rolled flowers and folded/cut flowers.  No rhyme no reason.  Just making flowers that were pretty. 

The rolled flowers are easy to make and require little effort. When making them out of paper, you do need to have a glue gun or glue dots available to hold the centers in place but otherwise they are simple rolled spiral cut circles. For a great tutorial, check out Joanne B at Splitcoast Stamping/. 


The "crumpled" flower are even easier.  Use square pieces of paper -- any size -- I was using 4" squares for the bigger "petals".  Fold one in half, then half again to make a square.  Then fold the folded edge towards the two folded sides forming a triangle.  Remember when we made paper snowflakes as kids?  Same folding.  Then cut a little heart shape from the folded side to the two folded sides.  Unfold the "flower". 

You will make 4 petals like this for each flower.  Stack them and push a scrap-booking brad through all layers and secure.  You now have a flat 4-layer flower.  Starting with the top layer, crumple it around the brad, then do the same to the 2nd, 3rd and 4th layers around all of the layers before it.  Simply loosen the crumpled petals from around the brad and Voila! a flower.  Attach it to your wreath with hot glue.

Using pages from children's books, really adds color and texture.  Any paper will work - explore your collection.  Go on and do it.  

Sweet Pennant Flags & DYI

A friend asked me to make a pennant to hang in her daughter's room.  So I thought I'd document the project and process.  It does require using a sewing machine but all straight stitches!

Each pennant flag is approximately 5.5" wide and and 7" long and double sided (two different fabrics).  Make your own template to cut out the triangles. I used 8 different fabrics to make a 175" pennant string. Pick two different flags and pin them together (back of fabric together).  Run a straight stitch about 1/2" from the edge of the two long sides.




Using your pinking sheers trim a bit off each side to give some texture. To assemble the pennant string, I used .75" twill tape folded over the open/top edge of each flag, stitched down, to string them together.  Just line up each flag side by side on the twill tape as you sew.

Now hang it up!  Isn't it adorable?  Wouldn't this look great in any little girl's room?  But wait, what if you make other fabrics that reflect your little boy's favorite things?  So cute!

Remember to hang it high enough out of reach of little hands.

Voilá!  The finished and hanging pennant.  Isn't it adorable?  According to her mom, the little girl who sleeps under it, points to it when people come into her room. I think she likes it too.  
  

Special Session -- Your Passion -- Your Career

Join us as we explore the power of a Renaissance Soul and what it can do for YOU!  Learn how to focus on your passions The Renaissance Way.  You will discover how easy it is to identify and articulate your heart’s desires.   

After this workshop, you will feel fully empowered and at ease to live as the swan you are meant to be and not as a duck.    Here is more of what you can expect:   

1.      Gain clarity in which direction to focus on to achieve the success you desire.

2.      Discover the values and beliefs that are limiting and in your way

3.      Visualization exercises to get you on your right track.    (meditation & vision board)  

4.      Develop a manageable step-by-step plan of action honoring your talents, interests, and passions. 

5.      Interactive activities to explore how to have a JOB compliment your passion pursuits.

6.      How to eliminate the competition between a JOB and your passion. 

7.      How to focus when faced with multiple choices.    

8.      Design a personal creative Renaissance visual journal as your map to following your heart’s desires

9.      Gain insight on the myths keeping you from living and embracing your uniqueness. 

10.  Be inspired and motivated that “yes you can.” 

Facilitators:  Theresa Maria Napa, CPCC, LOACC, Certified Career Coach & Shari Pontillo, Owner of Twisted Fiber Studio.

Your Passion -- Your Career - February 17th

Come out and see us!  This topic is a particular passion of mine.  The Renaissance Soul Way has been instrumental in my path to entrepreneurship as well as understanding myself better.  Learn how it can help you.

Register here.

All Dressed Up!

My newest creations - All Dressed Up and no where to go!  These dress mannequins are fun to make as your own. 

Brrrrr...it's Cold Out There

In many parts of the US we are having a deep freeze.  Some of us are grateful for it.  Killing viruses and allergens is needed as is the snow blanketing the ground.  I say this because I've been sick the last 4 weeks with a virus and now an ear infection.  That said, I'm on the mend and anxious to get back to 100%.  It's been hard to concentrate on class development and art when constantly reaching for a tissue or sneezing. But the end of that for me is near.

So tonight while my husband finally succumbs to the virus, I am sitting down brainstorming details, ideas, and resources for my upcoming classes.

Stay healthy and warm everyone.

Annual Holiday Art Fair at Let Them Eat Chocolate

Come out and see the wares!  Fantastic gifts, life music and some of the best chocolate and gelato ever. 


Where:  Let Them Eat Chocolate, 5306 N. Damon, Chicago

When:  Saturday December 13, Noon - 4pm

Sweetest Little Girl Quilt

Dear friends of mine just had a gorgeous little girl in late November. When I learned that they were expecting, I knew what I would be making. My friend and I are fans of Amy Butler's fabric designs so I knew which fabric I would be using for this quilt. Strip quilts are some of my favorites to make and perfect for a little girl's room. 

Here it is.  I fell in love with the quilt and thoroughly enjoyed making it and the matching pillow. Now I know she's too little to use a quilt yet, but it's big enough for mommy to snuggle with her now and later on she will use it as she grows and throughout her life. 

Welcome Sylvie!