Hand embroidery! Such an awesome craft and looks stunning! I really wish I had the patience to jump into this. I did a quick search and found some great tutorials here via crafttown and here via our friend, Martha.
Here are some beautiful samples for some experienced artists- all available on Etsy!
Images: TR: Vinage Bouquet Flower Brooch via designedbyjane TL: Jacobean Flower Wall Hanging via ThreeSheepStudio BR: Hydrangeas Wrist Cuff via Waterrose BL: Key to my Heart Pillow via AmboraandStich
I am constantly in awe of all the amazing artists making some kick ass paper good/sculptures/art pieces. New People in SF’s Japantown opened fairly recently and their stationary dept has some pretty awesome DIY kits for those who want to give the art of paper a try. Take a look at some cool lil creatures and animals below.
For this past holiday (which feels like ages ago already!) I tried to get my craft on.
I made some necklaces and baked goods as gifts and decorated with cut paper. Always fun to de-stress during that hectic season with some therapeutic arts & crafts! My holiday card this year also featured a variation of my newest print, which is available on Etsy here! Happy New Year everyone!
Check out some of my goodies:
This holiday season I’m all about the homemade decorations. There are so many amazing things you can do with some paper, scissors and tape; the possibilities are just endless!
This thanksgiving, I’ve made some lace luminaries! The best part is that most of the items you can find at home. I’ve printed some lace patterns found on the web onto ink-jet friendly vellum sheets. Cut out some strips and wrapped them around my vases. Place a small tea light in the middle and Voilà! So easy and so much fun! For some other lantern ideas on the web click here and here!
This weekend I decided to make a cute banner for our home as a daily reminder. I made some circles letters spelling out, ‘Keep Moving Forward’, cut the paper, hung it together with some string…and Voilà! I got the idea for this project here and here. Maybe you’ll be inspired to hang up an encouraging reminder for your home & family! Enjoy~
Helen Musselwhite is another amazing artist/illustrator whose medium is paper cuttings. From the UK, Helen’s distinctive hand crafted quality and her attention to detail with whimsical scenes really draw me in. Check out a few of my favorites above.
I’ve been wanting to decorate Easter eggs for some time now, pretty little packages made to celebrate spring! History’s take on it – celebrates the rebirth of the earth. Take a look at these awesome eggs- so intricate and delicate. Such a cute little area to get really creative with.
Here are some ideas for decorating eggs I found online. Decorate with dried flowers here. Martha’s take on it with Lace Eggs and Polka-dotted Eggs. And, some really helpful tips all around for adults & kids here.
Hat tip to Naldz Graphics & Tee.ms! Thanks!
Recently I’ve come across a lot of cute doll projects. It’s been such an inspiration that I decided to try and make a birdcage all by myself. I still don’t know how to use a sewing machine – so all these are made imperfectly by hand….which was a labor of love. I’ve also used some vintage fabrics and floral wire to give the cage structure. Hope you like my pics -would love to hear your thoughts! 
Admist all the chaos of the recession and all, I find that baking & sewing is great outlet for stress. I definitely recommend it for everyone who is trying to stay sane. Today I fell upn a great fellow sewer and doll creater, Tamar Mogendorff. Her dolls are beautifully crafted from vintage fabric & buttons. I am particualry in love with her acorn & polar bears. Take a look here for some great pics…a lot more found on her site. You can also purchase her dolls here, and here, and here. I only hope this inspires you, as much as it inspired me to get my sew on!
Have you ever seen a sunfish? Last fall, my friends & I went to Monterey Bay Aquarium and met our first one. See pics of the silly creature here. This is my playful rendition on one of the funniest fishies I’ve ever seen! It was a gift for my dear friend this holiday.
