Book Review: Sew Darn Cute

This week's book is called "Sew Darn Cute" by Jenny Ryan. It features the cutest projects for everyone! It's divided into four chapters so you can easily find projects according to descriptions. For example:' Pretties' contains accessories such as fabric bracelets, embellished tank top, fabric button necklace, scarf, headband, etc. 'Totables' contain bags and cases for your glasses, laptop, wristlet, and pouches.  'Nest' contains items for your home such as coasters, curtains, towels, and fabric art. 'Kids Stuff' contains just that--cute stuff for kids like monogrammed t's, bibs, quilts, and toys. The last chapter is called 'Crafties' and it has misc items you can use for your crafting organization such as crochet hook cozy, craft apron, needle book, sewing machine cover, and a wrist pin cushion.

You can find "Sew Darn Cute" at these locations:
JoAnn Fabrics (where I purchased my copy)
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Borders
Overstock.com

Book Review: Nursery Stitch

If you are like me, you absolutely LOVE books--especially craft books. Since crafting seems to be the "in" thing now, there is no shortage of wonderful books for every type of craft. Personally, I sew, cross stitch, do plastic canvas, and a little bit of paper crafting, so these are the books I usually purchase.  I have so many crafting books in my collection that I love, that I thought it might be fun to review one each week! The books I will review will not be hard to find, and I will try to provide links so you can purchase your own copies.

So--on to the first book to be reviewed! I just happened to purchase this book today at JoAnn Fabrics (with a 40% coupon of course!). I saw it there last week and couldn't wait to get my flier with my coupon so I could buy it! It is called "Nursery Stitch" by Rebecca Shreeve and features 20 adorable  projects to make for babies.  Along with applique designs you can use on purchased items, such as bibs, towels, pillowcases, socks, and clothing, there are also some very cute projects you make yourself like toys, mobiles, a rabbit blanket, fleece bear hat, and a dog draft stopper.

I am very happy with this book and all it's adorable projects! If you'd like to purchase a copy of your own, either check your local JoAnn store,  Barnes & Noble, Borders, Overstock.com, or Amazon.

The Art Case

Last year I had made my little great nieces and nephews coloring totes for Christmas. They were tote bags that were the perfect size for holding a couple of coloring books and a box of crayons. They absolutely loved them! Being the person I am, I always look for ways to improve some of the things I make (either I'm a perfectionist or just plain anal--you be the judge).

While getting a cross stitch project all ready to work on, I took a look at my project case. Inspiration! Why couldn't I take this same idea and make an art case for kids? Maybe instead of just holding a couple of coloring books and box of crayons, it could hold a bit more. I have had this idea brewing for some time now, but of course as usually happens, it got put on the back burner while I worked on other projects.

A couple of nights ago, I thought to myself: Christmas is coming. I have a few baby items in my shops now, so I should work on something for older children. What about that art case idea?! Sure! Why not? So the other day, I made a sketch of my idea. Then I proceeded to figure out measurements, etc (all the "fun" stuff!). And walla! I have made my first art case! I must say, it turned out quite well--the first time! I know, right? When does anything ever turn out right the first time lol.

So here is the finished product! It will hold 12 crayons and markers (each in it's own pocket), coloring book(s), activity books, or whatever books you choose to put in it. It also has a pouch so your budding artisan can store scissors, stickers, glue, etc. I had planned to put a sketch pad in it, but not quite wide enough. It will hold coloring books and other books though so I'm debating whether I should make it wider for a sketch pad.

So, let me know what you think! I would love to get these listed in the shop ASAP so any suggestions or ideas for improvement will be very much welcome! Also, should I include the supplies (crayons, markers, coloring books) or no? Or should I make that up to the buyer? And most importantly, how much would you be willing to pay for something like this (with or without supplies)?

Bookmarks

I finished making 11 bookmarks last night. They are very pretty if I do say so myself lol. I made them from paper and card stock and then I laminated them this morning. They are listed in both my etsy store and my Artfire shop. Please ignore the etsy pictures--they look terrible. I think they changed their sizing or something.

New Projects

I have been working on some new projects for the past two days. For some odd reason, I
felt like working with paper. I have tons and tons of scrapbook paper (haven't scrapbooked in five yrs), so decided I should do something with it. So I started making mini envelopes. They're so cute!! They're just big enough to hold a gift card, money, or a business card.
Or you could punch a hole in them and use them as gift tags! I'm making them in an assortment of colors and styles.

I also tried my hand at making corner bookmarks. They came out pretty nicely with not too much muss or fuss lol. They just slip onto your book's page corner so your place is marked nicely.

I will be selling both of these items in my etsy store so be sure to check them out! I also posted pics of both in my Misc album here. I can make either of these items in colors or styles of your choosing (i.e. animal, colors, elegant, fun, etc.).

Book Weights

My idea for the book weights worked out perfectly!! I only had to make one prototype and didn't have to make any changes to it! That's VERY exciting. Most of the time, when you come up with a new idea, there are several changes you end up having to make and it can be a long process before you finally make the finished product.

I used up a lot of my scrap fabric to make several of these. I listed three of them in my etsy shop. I have several more ready to go--just have to add the weight to them--and I'll be listing those also. I'm very excited about these and hope they do well.

Coloring Book Totes

These are some of the coloring book totes I've made for my nieces and nephews for Christmas. I also have some for sale in my etsy shop--great gift ideas!!