Earlier this month, I wrote about the bag-making challenge in which I am participating for the first six months of the year. In reality, I suspect it will take me longer than a half-year to make the bags, given the many other projects I have on my plate. It will take the time it will …
While visiting the bookstore recently, I spotted an intriguing needlework title that caught my attention. Needle Lace Flowers, by Figen Cakir, is all about the art of oya, or the making of Turkish needle lace. According to Figen, oya is short for igne oyasi (pronounced eeneh-oyasi), which loosely translates to mean “to embellish, to craft …
We just came back from a spaghetti dinner at Cheesecake Factory tonight, the result of John’s claim that our kitchen smells like a glue factory and he didn’t want to cook there. I am working on some book covers with a Valentine’s Day theme, and didn’t really notice the odor, but if it resulted in …
January is traditionally the month in which folks make resolutions. Do I usually make them? Honestly, no, but I do set loose, hopefully achievable goals. This month Blogging Business Artisans‘ team captain, Edi Royer of Memories for Life Scrapbooks, challenged team members to: Blog about your plans for 2014 and share them with the team. …
A really good way to keep on top of new trends and unfamiliar techniques in the areas where you craft is to subscribe to the e-mail newsletter of a Web site or publisher. In my case, one site in particular, Interweave, provides a wealth of information about crochet and mixed media, two areas where much …
I’m the Queen of Bs in my home. Nope, that’s not a typo. B stands for Books, Boxes and Bags, all three of which I collect in all sizes and shapes. I’m guilty of purchasing duplicate books and bag patterns, in fact, because I likely have too many of them and can’t keep track of …