I used these vintage thread spools in a photo shoot on my front porch today. The spools weren’t the subject of the shoot just crafty filler, but I did spend a few minutes arranging them just so for a few photos. I have several deadlines to meet this week, so the pressure is full on. But these pretty little spools got me to slow down and shoot a few frames just for me. I’m saving the best photo for a new CraftSanity project that I have brewing. I’ll share more about that later.

In other news, I’m heading to the Seattle soon for the Conference  of Creative Entrepreneurs slated for Aug. 13-15. If you’re interested in heading West (well at least it’s West from my house), be sure to take advantage of a this “25discount” code for $25 off your conference ticket purchase. I’m speaking about podcasting on Aug. 13 and then recording a “live” CraftSanity episode on Saturday and need some crafty support to make the live show a success, so please come if you can.

I’m also continuing to recruit awesome people to help me finish my ArtPrize quilt and so grateful every time a new person jumps in the trenches with me to help stitch. Frankly, that’s the best part of the project – stitching with people from all walks of life. I really love that. And many of the people who have volunteered their time are stitching multiple blooms which is so wonderful. THANK YOU!

I’ll be working on the project again tomorrow (July 28) during Craft Club from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the David D. Hunting YMCA in Grand Rapids and you’re invited to come and stitch. Just send me an e-mail if you’re planning to come and I’ll prepare a kit for you. See you there!

Okay, I better get to it. There are a few more tasks to check off tonight’s list including a refashioned Elmo T-shirt dress for my daughters to share.

At long last I bring you a podcast interview with Lisa Price, a crafty printmaker and one of West Michigan’s most successful handmade businesswomen.

Tune in for the story of how Lisa used job loss as a springboard to start artgoodies, the art business she operates out of her basement studio in Grand Rapids.

Her business is the perfect blend of art and craft with a side of vintage flair. Her block printed tea towels are wildly popular and especially appealing for those who want to adorn their homes with functional art.

She also sells her lovely prints of ice cream cones, cupcakes, lobsters, butterflies, birds and more on aprons, stuffies and ornaments. Head on over to her shop to check out her work.

Also be sure to check out Lisa’s vintagegoodies shop, too. There you can shop the estate sale finds to stock her vintage closet.

Lisa worked hard to build her business and her story is a wonderful example of what’s possible if you trust your gut and just go for it. (Thanks for the inspiration, Lisa!)

Which leads me to my question for you, dear reader. What leap of faith do you want to take? What’s holding you back? Mull this question over privately, or post a comment below if you’d like to share your dream publicly.

Thanks to our sponsor!
A special thanks to the sponsor of episode 117! Please support the business that made this podcast possible.

Check out Mindy Tsonas’ wishstudio, a unique, exciting online art studio and supportive community where you can create, connect, and dive deeper into your creative life!

Visit the workshops page for wonderful class offerings, to teach your own workshop or use the virtual studio space to launch a creative dream or idea, sip life in the wishstudio virtual cafe, join a group project, read the collaborative blog, and get inspired to share your stories and creativity. There is always something new happening over at the wishstudio… stop by today, and give your wishes wings!

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Taking Names
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Soon after launching my loom business last summer I started collecting colorful t-shirts to use in my weaving projects. But every now and then I like to change it up and do a t-shirt refashioning project or some other jersey knit craft.

Yesterday I made some t-shirt necklaces with my daughters. This is a fun project that can be completed in less than 10 minutes, so you get an excellent return on your time investment with this one. LOVE that!

To make a necklace, grab a t-shirt and cut the bottom hem off. (I like to use my rotary cutter, mat and ruled cutting template for this, but a pair of sewing scissors will get the job done.)

Next, cut the body of the t-shirt into 1″ loops. Cut through the front and back of the shirt at the same time to form giant loops. Don’t worry about the loops being exactly 1″ wide. Just eyeball it. No one will be able to tell.

Now stretch out all your loops and watch the edges roll in toward the center. (See the photo above showing a loop before it’s stretched and another after it has been stretched.)

If you’re working with a fabric that won’t roll up nicely like this, put it aside and use it to weave a potholder or rug. It’s just not meant to be a necklace. To save yourself from wasting time cutting up a dud t-shirt, cut one loop and stretch it. That way you know if you should keep cutting, or move on to another shirt.

You can mix colors or stick to one. If you want to keep your loops connected and reduce the chance of tangles, cut a 3″ square of fabric from one of the sleeves, wrap it around your bundle of loops (6 to 8 loops make a nice necklace) and hand stitch it in place. (See the purple necklace in the photo below.)

You can use these loops to make headbands, or slice up long sleeves to make yourself an armful of bracelets. However you do it, just remember to have fun.

Then layer on your necklaces and head out the door. I don’t know about you, but I LOVE soft jewelry. Yep, I can’t get enough of the quiet bling.

My daughter Amelia wears her t-shirt necklaces across her chest like a sash. I love her independent style. How do you wear your t-shirt necklaces? Make some and find out. : )

Below is today’s WZZM “Take Five & Company” craft segment:

Hi folks. I’ve been spinning many, many plates lately and it’s really cut into my podcast production time. (Don’t worry, I have a plan to reverse this trend.) In the meantime, I want to give you a heads up about a few things:

1)  For all you locals, Lisa Price, owner of artgoodies and the the star of the forthcoming podcast, is having a GARAGE GALLERY- a vintage, art, and design event tonight  from 5-10 p.m. and tomorrow from noon to 6 p.m. at 475 Julia St. NE, in Grand Rapids, Mich.

Tonight is a sale and B.Y.O.B. garden party, so check it out. Lisa plans to feature artgoodies and vintagegoodies in this Pop Up Weekend Store. Expect to find tea towels, aprons, stuffies, pillows, and block print art and lots of vintage housewares and a bit of vintage furniture, clothing, fabric and more.

Go to the sale, then head back here tomorrow to listen to her CraftSanity podcast interview.

2) I’m going to have a booth at the Fulton Street Artisan’s Market from 11 to 3 p.m. Sunday. If you’re local and want to reserve your loom order in advance, send me an e-mail and I’ll hook you up.

3) It’s not too late to sign up for the weaving and T-shirt refashioning classes I’m teaching at next week at Lakeshore Sewing in Wyoming. Read the details here and call 616-531-5561 to register.

4) I’ll be posting directions for the t-shirt necklaces I made on today’s TV segment later tonight.

More soon…

The CraftSanity Loom Weaving Gallery Flickr Group is now online.

I’ve added some of my project photos and want to invite you to add your photos to the group. I can’t wait to see what you’ve been working on. Happy weaving!

1. Potholders, 2. 13-Peg Looms, 3. Patchwork Rug, 4. Patwork Rug 2, 5. Patwork Rug 3, 6. Rug Loom, 7. Rug Loom, 8. 9-Peg Coaster Loom

Finally updated with video

Oh my word, I’m so tired! I’ve been stitching like mad lately and wanted to give you folks an update on the ArtPrize charity quilt project I’ve been working on.

Check back here in a bit for today’s “Take Five” TV segment for an update on how things are progressing. And all of you local folks are invited to meet me at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 21 at the David D. Hunting YMCA in Grand Rapids, Mich. to help transform more neckties from prominent West Michigan men into feminine blooms fit for the quilt.

Please contact me to reserve your spot. No previous quilting experience necessary! Come and help me pull off a hand-stitched craft miracle.

All those who stitch will be credited for their work on the quilt, so be sure to sign in! Proceeds from the sale of this quilt will go to Safe Haven Ministries, a Grand Rapids agency dedicated to helping women and children affected by domestic violence.

See you Wednesday. I’ll be there with bells on bags under my eyes. : )

Hi folks! I have many projects in the works as usual, but I wanted to take a break from stitching hexagons to give all you locals a head’s up about some classes I’m teaching this summer at Lakeshore Sewing’s Wyoming location (1011 Gezon Parkway SW, Wyoming, MI).

Here are the details:

T-shirt Refashioning 101

Learn how to convert t-shirts into unique refashioned garments.

Bring three or four old t-shirts in your favorite colors (the bigger the better) along to class and a pair of sewing scissors and other basic sewing supplies. (I made the sample skirt on the dress form using the back of two XL shirts. The ruffle and waistband came from a third XL shirt.

Bring your own sewing machine or call to reserve a store machine to transform those shirts from the bottom of the drawer into “new” additions to your wardrobe. Tops, skirts, dresses and fashion scarves are among the refashioning possibilities.

Difficulty Level: Beginner (age 10 – adult)

Cost: $15; One session, 10 a.m. -noon, Wednesday, July 28.

Weaving with Fabric

Learn how to weave using a wooden CraftSanity peg weaving loom reminiscent of the old potholder loom from your childhood. The class will cover basic techniques for weaving with cotton fabric strips and handmade loopers cut from recycled T-shirts to make hot pads, coasters, placemats, table runners, rugs, bags, and more. Learn how to prep cotton yardage and t-shirt loopers for weaving. Bring sewing scissors, t-shirts and fabric in colors you want to weave with. Looms will be provided for classroom use.

Difficulty Level: Beginner (age 10 and up)

Cost: $15; One session, 10 a.m.-noon Monday, July 26

To register, call the store at 616-531-5561.

This rug has been on my CraftSanity Rug Loom for months. Under normal circumstances, I could kick out one of these darlings in an intense weekend of binge weaving, but I took my sweet time on this one because I’ve been using it as my demo sample at art markets.

Woven with torn fabric strips, I went for a plaid effect to match the accent pillows in my living room. And now that the weaving is done, I’ve been hesitating to take the rug off the loom because I love the way it looks in the peg frame.

Finishing a big weaving project like this sometimes makes feel like I do when I get to the end of a good book. It’s like I just don’t want it to be over just yet. So I plan to admire the rug in this almost-done state for a a few more days and then remove it from the loom and start on another one. The next rug will be made out of recycled t-shirts.

Want to make your  own rag rug? CraftSanity Rug Looms are available in my Etsy shop. The frame breaks down into four pieces for affordable shipping. I also make a one-piece model for local weavers who want to pick up their looms and save on shipping. You can read more about all the looms I make here.

What is your favorite material to weave with? I love weaving with vintage bed sheets and recycled t-shirts.

This bloom was made with a necktie that once belonged to Lewis William Seidman. It was sent to me by his niece, Allison Aller, who happens to be a very talented quilter. She heard about the project through a friend and thought her “Uncle Bill” would have been pleased to have his power tie in the quilt. It was so fun to open the package and find this whale tie from Nantucket inside. (Great pick, Allison!)

I’m going to be posting loads of hexagon blooms on the blog in the coming days because I will be cranking them out fast for ArtPrize. There’s nothing like crafting on deadline. I made three blooms today before leaving to do an interview and then another quick one when I got back. And there will be plenty more tonight. I’m on a roll, my friends, and stitching reinforcements are on the way. (You rock, Cyd!)

Okay, I better get back to work.

I spent Friday afternoon and evening deconstructing neckties and making more hexagon kits for my ArtPrize entry. This is the part of the charity quilt project that I’d skip if I could. But it has to be done to get to the good part – the stitching of the blooms. I LOVE that part. There’s so much work to be done before ArtPrize and it really helps when people ask: “Do you really think you’re going to get it done it time?”

That’s the goal, people. That’s the goal.

I admit that when I look at the pile of ties that need to be cut up and and stitched into blooms, I have my doubts. But that’s what makes this project appealing to me. It challenging, ambitious, and  - by some standards – flat out insane to hand stitch an entry with a deadline rapidly approaching.

I’m treating this project like a craft marathon because that’s what it’s shaping up to be.  The first time I ran a marathon I didn’t know what would happen. I had injured my achilles a month prior and did not run again until race day. Some thought I was crazy to go through with it, but I just had faith that a month of  low impact cross training and physical therapy would get me through. And it did.

Do I have the endurance to stitch like mad for the next several weeks? Will I make the deadline. Time will tell, my friends. Time will tell.

If you’re local and want to stitch like mad with me and get your name on the wall by an ArtPrize entry, say the word. This is one race I cannot finish alone.

It’s been super humid here in West Michigan, so I was especially inspired to whip up a batch of neck coolers in an effort to cool off.

Read on for instructions to sew one of your own and scroll down to watch my recent TV demo of this project. (Note: These are best made in batches because chances are good that someone in your life is going to see yours and want one, too.)

Read more »

NO DIVING – that I can handle. But -NO SWIMMING – well, that’s a bit more of a problem. My favorite YMCA lap pool is closed for more than a month for regrouting and and I’m itching to swim in it RIGHT NOW.

Tomorrow I’m going to try to test out the local high school pool that has a completely rockin’ aquatics department. And I’m thinking the untimely repairs at the YMCA pool may be for the best. The high school pool is closer to my house and it’s beautiful. I got my first look at it about six weeks ago when I signed my daughters up for swim lessons and, my oh my, is that a sweet pool.

The high school pool doesn’t have full length windows like the Y pool, but the high school pool is bigger and better and has an adult triathlon training team and swim team. (I think we all know where all this is headed.)

Ironically I met the tri team coach last month just minutes after crashing my mountain bike and sliding face first into a wooden post on a trail not far from my house. He kindly stopped and helped me try to get my seat back on my bike. (No such luck.) I could feel the goose egg forming on my forehead and my left eye swelling up fast, so I kept the chatter brief. That’s so not the way to meet a future coach.

I decided to heal up completely before joining a new athletic club. The bumps and bruises are gone, so I think I’m good to go. At the very least it’s time to get back into a serious swim routine.

Okay, so I’m going to try to motivate myself to run outside in sweltering heat, then I’ll resume work on the next podcast. I’ll probably be making neck coolers for my next craft segment or stitching hexagons while I edit the show. I still have a bizillion hexagon flowers to make for my ArtPrize quilt.

Strangely the project is becoming more exciting as the deadline rapidly approaches. There’s nothing like a little high pressure crafting to make me feel alive. (I want to schedule a local stitch-in soon, so please let me know if you’re interested in doing some paper-piecing with me and when you’re available.)

I’ll post more hexagon photos soon. In the meantime, let’s all remember to wear our bike helmets, okay?! I might start racing on a giant trike just to be safe. : )

UPDATE: I just ran 3.2 miles in 30 minutes 27 seconds. I definitely should have made a neck cooler BEFORE the run. It’s very humid in West Michigan tonight. This is me spontaneously deciding to get my training back on track and holding myself publicly accountable to move my rear. And in the interest of full disclosure I will also come clean with this fact: I WILL be eating a chocolate ice cream cone in just a bit. Tonight I ran for Hudsonville chocolate. LOVE that stuff. In case you’re wondering… I don’t always cool down with ice cream, but on nights like these I highly recommend it.

I’d like to thank the folks at CanvasDezign in the U.K. for sponsoring the CraftSanity blog this month.

Upload your photo and the company will produce a beautiful print on heavyweight cotton canvas. CanvasDezign uses British and European products. Each print arrives framed and ready to hang on the wall. (Wall fixing brackets are included.)

Learn more and see pricing details at canvasdezign.co.uk. Please check out the site and consider supporting a business that supports CraftSanity. (Thanks CanvasDezign!)

If you would like to become a CraftSanity sponsor, click here for details.

Hello! I’m back from a short and lovely vacation with the family and excited to catch up with all of you. I’ve been working on lots of creative projects and will be sharing those is posts sprinkled out over the course of the next several days. A new podcast is in the works, too.

I brought some crafty reading along on my last trip to the beach. You can read short reviews of the books pictured above in my most recent art and craft column.

All these books are great, but I have to say my daughters and I have had the most fun with Carla Sonheim’s book Drawing Lab For Mixed Media Artists: 52 Creative Exercises to Make Drawing Fun. The book is intended to help adult artists get their drawing mojo back and gain expertise through “experimentation and play,” but I decided to share it with my daughters who draw with all the passion 4- and 6-year old artists can muster. They’re so inspiring.

I bought a new set of blank notebooks and we broke them in with a colored pencil drawing session on the front porch. We did the one-eyed monster prompt on p. 74. So very fun! (Thanks for the inspiration, Carla!)

Here are our one-eyed monsters…

When Abby saw my drawing, she said: “Mom, you’re an artist!”

“We’re all artists,” I said.

Smiles all around.

The latest issue of Petite Purls is up and ready to inspire you. My daughters and I collaborated on the Sew Petite feature, a beginning stitching project for you to try with the budding crafters in your life. Ameila, 4, stitched the flower in the hoop above.

Abby, 6, decided to go her own way and stitched stacks of circles embellished with buttons.

And I made this one.

All three pieces have found their way to the wall in the kitchen. It was fun to sit around the table and work on our projects together. Thanks heavens for family craft time. It’s the best!

Okay, head on over to Petite Purls and check out all the great patterns and projects. In honor of the online publication’s first birthday, Carey Huffman designed super cute knitted and crocheted party hats. Oh, to have the time to whip of a collection of those for the next family party.

Happy stitching, everyone!