Showing posts with label crafts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label crafts. Show all posts

Friday, July 17, 2026

Painting Evolution

 In order to have a finished painting - usually the process for me involves several previous paintings. 

For instance a house:








A window or outside the house:








Outside building (still needs improvement)


Some of these are copies of pictures, some are copies with my twist, and some are just paintings from my head. But almost always there are several before pictures and some okay pictures and some good ones.

I learn from the mistakes I make or mistakes I see in the final product. 

It also means I have a boatload of paintings just hanging around my house. And I’m not sure what to do with most of them. 

Thoughts?

Friday, February 12, 2016

About Me: Crafting


One of my resolutions this year (and to be honest almost every year) is to talk more about myself on the blog. Me in a nutshell: I'm a Librarian. I'm a blogger. I'm a reader. Here's a little bit about me outside the bookish world.

I've always been crafty - partly because it's fun and partly because I love homemade items. I like giving them as gifts and receiving them.

I started knitting in high school - I thought I would knit a scarf for a boyfriend for a present - we didn't last that long. But the knitting took. I only knit baby blankets and scarves but someday hope to include hats and sweaters. I knit most nights while I'm watching TV, it keeps my hands busy. I give a lot of them away at Thanksgiving to charities who make up Christmas baskets. Recently I found out about Knit Your Bit, who donates scarves to Veterans. Last year I boxed up 18 (all I could fit in the box) and sent those along. I like to make a difference where I can.

In my adult life, my college best friend introduced me to jewelry making. And I became hooked. I spent hours making necklaces - some great and some not so great. Then I moved on to earrings. Now I dabble with necklaces, earrings, charm  bracelets, and pendants. I love finding new ways to make jewelry. Jewelry making is perfect for gift giving because each piece is made with love.

I also started making cards. I send out a lot of cards for Christmas and I remember thinking that I should start making them instead of buying them. From then on, I was hooked. I now send out Christmas, Valentine, and Halloween cards for the holidays. Birthday cards, thinking of you cards, and special occasion cards are also fun to create. The only cards I don't create is sympathy cards, because I never know what say inside.

The box of cards:

I dabble in making soaps and spa scrubs. The scents combine to make the house smell wonderful.

I just purchased a sewing machine. I haven't worked on it yet, but it's waiting for me. I'll probably try making a few gifts for Christmas this year.

Of course, I'm addicted to Pinterest. I have boards filled with ideas.

During my years a Teen Librarian, I had an outlet for crafts. Everything I wanted to try out, I did as a program. Teens loved it and I loved it. Since I left the library, I've missed it. So I decided to start up my own Etsy shop. It's not big but it's a little something.

If you're on Etsy - would you take a look and maybe favorite an item if you find one you like? I would appreciate it!


Thursday, November 26, 2015

Shopping from the Comfort of your own Home


If you're looking for presents this holiday, but staying in your pajamas, I just added a bunch of items to the store and they make great holiday gifts! 

Pendants, Book Inspired Charm Bracelets, Earrings, Necklaces, Scarves...






Check out the goodies

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

You Rock: Fun Valentine Craft


I saw this craft and tried at the library with teens/tweens.

They loved the idea and the candy and had a great time making the ipods. Most of them took items home to make another one. I liked it because while it is a valentine project, I thought it was cool enough to get their attention. Plus I loved the idea of creating your own playlist - which is what I did.