2016 November
FREE Instructions for a Fun Project!
11/26/2016
Thanksgiving week is here and that means not only a day with the family but spending time decorating for Christmas.
A special thanks to Walt for helping me to make the base for my mantle decorations this year. Where there is a will, there certainly is a way to make it happen!
The branches were painted and we were ready to figure out how to put them up. We started with a board, attached a sour cream container with hot glue and a screw and washer. The upright branch was secured with Plaster of Paris (which, of course, I just happened to have in the studio). The side branch was attached with hot glue and a wood brace and screw to hold it in place. The clamp will be hidden by the fiberfill snow.
It looks like a flock of Rainbow Tok Tok birds migrated to KY this year!... at least, it looks that way in my great room. I love the fact that the mantle decorations didn't cost anything . Just a few branches of Christmas greenery, some batting, lights, and an iridescent ribbon and all is good!! I think this may stay up for a little bit of the winter season.
The only thing that's missing are the Funky Spool Tassels I made with some old thread spools that were headed to recycling. I'll add the tassels when I get home from Florida. Here are the directions if you have any interest in making your own. Would love to see what colors you choose to use!
Supplies: 2 empty Mettler thread spools, two 1/2" balls with hole drilled all the way through, spray paint for plastic, scrap yarn, duct tape, E-6000 glue, Hot glue, scissors.
1. Glue the balls on top of the spools, making sure that the holes line up exactly. Let dry.
2. Spray paint the tassel piece.
3. Decorate to your taste.
4. Wrap duct tape with a design of your choosing around the middle, trim to fit if needed.
5. Create little pom poms with yarns by cutting them about 3.5" in length and tying them tightly in the middle. These may be made any fullness you desire.
6. Cut the yarn for the center strands between the tassels at the length you desire plus enough length to go through the spools and to knot. I cut mine 18" and trim as necessary.
7. Feed the yarn through the tassel. You may need to use a darning needle to feed through the holes, starting at the end with the ball. Tie the pom pom to the end of the center yarn.
8. Put a dab of hot glue on the end of the spool, pulling the pom pom up to meet the spool so that they attach permanently.
9. Decorate and have some fun!!
Another UFO!!
As I was pulling stuff to pack in my suitcase I found my first wet felted project that I had done at ART IS YOU with Festive Fibers owner, Nicole Chazaud Telaar.
I had intended for it to be a tote bag, but when I pulled it out it was perfect for the great room so I put in a pillow form and stitched it closed with some felted balls and beads.
Looks pretty good, if I do say so myself!!
One last picture before I head out the door.
I had a bundle of clothesline wrapped and ready to make up into this basket. (Another UFO!) And I actually made two nice size baskets out of one hank of clothesline. Such a fun project and so easy to do!
Now, to make the napkins to go in the basket.
I'm headed to Florida for my turkey sandwiches on the beach or boat! Hope your Thanksgiving is a Happy one!!!
3 Comments
Jayn Lando - Thanks for sharing all your great creativity with us!
Leslie - Thanks for reading Jayn!! I love to keep creating and love your feedback!! That helps keep me motivated!
Peggy Debnam - Love the rainbow of Batik!
Shhh... Don't Tell Anyone!! It's Just Between Us!
11/19/2016
So I'm blaming it all on a birthday. MY birthday! I told you all that I would share one of my favorite spots to go to to get some really good bargains - and I totally forgot. Hmmm....
I'm definitely a picker and digger when it comes to a good bargain, and I know that sometimes you hit and sometimes you miss.
Bargains and Buyouts in Cincinnati is one of those 'hit or miss' places. This place has furniture that is trendy and reasonable but not necessarily high quality. They have rugs, lamps, lots of dining room chairs and whatever Bargains and Buyouts that they come up with!
I really did score the other day when I went. I got the cute rug above for an upstairs bedroom, and found this great Kohler sink to go in the studio bathroom for only $50.00!
It's really a kitchen sink, but it is the perfect size for my ice dyeing tubs and I'm hoping to have it put in this next week or so.
Some of the things I've scored at this place are a living room rug, the cutest dog bed, several side chairs... and some days I walk out with nothing.... Check it out for yourself!!
Mom and Walt are visiting for the week and just look at this beautiful Christmas Cactus that they brought in the other day. It's perfect in this spot under the Jester and is the first of my Christmas decorations to go up!
So much for keeping me company in the studio!
Jeff and Bo came down to watch the ballgame the other day while I worked downstairs... Oh, I think all their hard work caught up with them!
The lounge chair was put to good use.
I'm getting a little assistance in the button box from my Mom. Finding the right button can be tedious sometimes.
We were working on finishing up some projects and we just needed one or two new buttons. I don't know if the button box is as therapeutic to her as it is to me but I could just sit and run my hands though it for hours.
Check out these pillows that were made from some of the remaining scraps I gave away from the 'leftovers' at the store.
These pillows were made for a bazaar being held at Burks Branch Baptist Church. I'm so glad the scraps have been repurposed to support a good cause.
Here are three of my newest art boards that just went on Etsy. I was thrilled that two of them sold immediately! I really enjoy making the art boards but I think playing in the paint and making more will have to wait until I get back from Thanksgiving break. I would love it if those of you who read this blog would not only share my FunkyFibersKY Etsy page with your friends, but go there and click on 'Favorite shop'. Each click makes us more visible to other shoppers and spreads our reach a little bit further. Thanks in advance!!
Look what I found on my studio door the other day! I'm enjoying this birthday month!!
And I'm keeping track for those special things each day that make me smile and have realized how much a phone call or a text message can make your day!
I've enjoyed making my Tok Tok birds so much I decided to make an instructional PDF so you could make them too!!
Judy and I have just finished the new PDF and you can find it on our Funky Fibers website and on our FunkyFibersKY Etsy page.
Hope you enjoy making them as much as I have.
QCC members!, be sure to check your exclusive pages for a discount on this project!
Happy Thanksgiving to all of you! I hope it is filled with lots of family fun and creativity!! Watch next week for a fun and free project for you to make!
0 Comment
When Pigs Fly!
11/9/2016
The election is finally over, and with all the ugly posts that have been on Facebook, I figured it was time for a change. This is my pretty kitty, Purl.
The presidency has been decided and no matter what side you're on, it's time for all of us to mend hurt feelings and take care of each other. Purl seems to be at peace with life... so should we!
Have you ever had an idea that keeps percolating in your brain that never seems to go away? This fan is mine. I don't remember if it was last year or the year before, right before Thanksgiving, that a workman fell through my great room ceiling and this fan was put up immediately so I could continue with Thanksgiving cooking and table setting.
I'm not a big fan of ceiling fans (haha) so I've been looking for something to go in its place. Whatever I choose, it has to be large because of the height of the ceiling.
I actually thought I had found the perfect something but due to complications, that I won't go into, I had to start over. Then the idea struck!!
I'm going to make PIGS FLY!
I had a metal welder over to the house the other day and told him what I was thinking. Basically I'm going to take the blades off, add a light kit, have a metal frame with a circle attached to the blade holders, and make five or more flying pigs to mount on it. Then, when I turn the switch on, they'll really be flying!!
I'm still thinking through the complete process and haven't decided on what the pigs will be made of, but it is sure fun to design!! This really is amusing since Jeff and I used to be pig farmers!
So... the birthday month continues. Do you like the one candle? I don't think 60 would have fit. LOL
I'm keeping track on my calendar something about every day that makes it special. It really does make for great appreciation of the people and events that happen to make up a day!
Thanks, Mom, for the homemade pecan pie!!
And I love this tea towel that my sister Tracy sent to me.
Actually, since I hardly cook at all, I don't use whisks unless it's in the studio with my soy wax batiks.... so the humor behind this is not missed!!
Are you all getting ready for Thanksgiving?
This cute birthday gift from Judy is the start of my Thanksgiving packing.
Jeff and I are celebrating here early with family and then headed to Florida for Thanksgiving to dog sit Murphy. We're hoping the weather cooperates so we can have our Turkey sandwiches on the boat for our Thanksgiving supper!
I would love to hear what fun plans you have.
We were excited to have friends come in for a few days. Jeff and Bruce were able to get some golf in and Beth and I were able to go back to the Warehouse in Louisville to pull some items for Faith in 3D, a Christian youth event taking place at Walt Disney World Resort in January.
While they were here we enjoyed a great dinner at a little local place in St. Mathews. Another fun tip for you... If you have not tried Silvio's Italian Restaurant, it is worth a night out. Real Italian! If you go, make sure and try the Rice Balls!!
It was soooooooo good!
There's not much time to get in the studio with company coming and going, but I hope to get busy in there today, in-between catching up on laundry!
1 Comment
Jayn Lando - I LOVE the Pigs flying idea! Can't wait to see pics when it's done.
Things to Paint & Places to Go...
11/3/2016
Play Day with some friends in the studio gave me another opportunity to play with all the treasures - paints, stencils, Gelli ™plates, and weird recycled junk - that I just couldn't throw out.
Papers, paint, more paper and a little thread all turn into some of the fun framed Art Boards like this one shown here and the ones that are now on our
Pictured: My House Art Board
Caption: "As for me and my house, we will
serve the Lord"
Here are a few of the types of papers that came out of the studio the other day. Some will be cut up into pieces and parts and some will be used just as they are with a word or two added on top.
Jeff and I took off Sunday afternoon for a day trip drive and ended up in Midway, KY. If you've never been there it is worth a visit, however, be aware that a few of the cute stores are closed on Sundays. We just wandered in and out of the most delightful shops and had such a good time. Be sure and check out the Damselfly Studio & Gallery which specializes in lots of great art and crafts from Kentucky artists. And the Kennydid Gallery of Gifts & Fine Arts, it was another place where folks were fun and friendly to talk to.
We had lunch at a hopping place called Wallace Station in Versailles.
11/26/2016
Thanksgiving week is here and that means not only a day with the family but spending time decorating for Christmas.
A special thanks to Walt for helping me to make the base for my mantle decorations this year. Where there is a will, there certainly is a way to make it happen!
The branches were painted and we were ready to figure out how to put them up. We started with a board, attached a sour cream container with hot glue and a screw and washer. The upright branch was secured with Plaster of Paris (which, of course, I just happened to have in the studio). The side branch was attached with hot glue and a wood brace and screw to hold it in place. The clamp will be hidden by the fiberfill snow.
It looks like a flock of Rainbow Tok Tok birds migrated to KY this year!... at least, it looks that way in my great room. I love the fact that the mantle decorations didn't cost anything . Just a few branches of Christmas greenery, some batting, lights, and an iridescent ribbon and all is good!! I think this may stay up for a little bit of the winter season.
Supplies: 2 empty Mettler thread spools, two 1/2" balls with hole drilled all the way through, spray paint for plastic, scrap yarn, duct tape, E-6000 glue, Hot glue, scissors.
1. Glue the balls on top of the spools, making sure that the holes line up exactly. Let dry.
2. Spray paint the tassel piece.
3. Decorate to your taste.
4. Wrap duct tape with a design of your choosing around the middle, trim to fit if needed.
5. Create little pom poms with yarns by cutting them about 3.5" in length and tying them tightly in the middle. These may be made any fullness you desire.
6. Cut the yarn for the center strands between the tassels at the length you desire plus enough length to go through the spools and to knot. I cut mine 18" and trim as necessary.
7. Feed the yarn through the tassel. You may need to use a darning needle to feed through the holes, starting at the end with the ball. Tie the pom pom to the end of the center yarn.
8. Put a dab of hot glue on the end of the spool, pulling the pom pom up to meet the spool so that they attach permanently.
9. Decorate and have some fun!!
As I was pulling stuff to pack in my suitcase I found my first wet felted project that I had done at ART IS YOU with Festive Fibers owner, Nicole Chazaud Telaar.
I had intended for it to be a tote bag, but when I pulled it out it was perfect for the great room so I put in a pillow form and stitched it closed with some felted balls and beads.
Looks pretty good, if I do say so myself!!
One last picture before I head out the door.
I had a bundle of clothesline wrapped and ready to make up into this basket. (Another UFO!) And I actually made two nice size baskets out of one hank of clothesline. Such a fun project and so easy to do!
Now, to make the napkins to go in the basket.
I'm headed to Florida for my turkey sandwiches on the beach or boat! Hope your Thanksgiving is a Happy one!!!
3 Comments
Jayn Lando - Thanks for sharing all your great creativity with us!
Leslie - Thanks for reading Jayn!! I love to keep creating and love your feedback!! That helps keep me motivated!
Peggy Debnam - Love the rainbow of Batik!
Shhh... Don't Tell Anyone!! It's Just Between Us!
11/19/2016
So I'm blaming it all on a birthday. MY birthday! I told you all that I would share one of my favorite spots to go to to get some really good bargains - and I totally forgot. Hmmm....
Bargains and Buyouts in Cincinnati is one of those 'hit or miss' places. This place has furniture that is trendy and reasonable but not necessarily high quality. They have rugs, lamps, lots of dining room chairs and whatever Bargains and Buyouts that they come up with!
It's really a kitchen sink, but it is the perfect size for my ice dyeing tubs and I'm hoping to have it put in this next week or so.
Some of the things I've scored at this place are a living room rug, the cutest dog bed, several side chairs... and some days I walk out with nothing.... Check it out for yourself!!
Mom and Walt are visiting for the week and just look at this beautiful Christmas Cactus that they brought in the other day. It's perfect in this spot under the Jester and is the first of my Christmas decorations to go up!
So much for keeping me company in the studio!
Jeff and Bo came down to watch the ballgame the other day while I worked downstairs... Oh, I think all their hard work caught up with them!
The lounge chair was put to good use.
I'm getting a little assistance in the button box from my Mom. Finding the right button can be tedious sometimes.
We were working on finishing up some projects and we just needed one or two new buttons. I don't know if the button box is as therapeutic to her as it is to me but I could just sit and run my hands though it for hours.
Check out these pillows that were made from some of the remaining scraps I gave away from the 'leftovers' at the store.
These pillows were made for a bazaar being held at Burks Branch Baptist Church. I'm so glad the scraps have been repurposed to support a good cause.
Here are three of my newest art boards that just went on Etsy. I was thrilled that two of them sold immediately! I really enjoy making the art boards but I think playing in the paint and making more will have to wait until I get back from Thanksgiving break. I would love it if those of you who read this blog would not only share my FunkyFibersKY Etsy page with your friends, but go there and click on 'Favorite shop'. Each click makes us more visible to other shoppers and spreads our reach a little bit further. Thanks in advance!!
Look what I found on my studio door the other day! I'm enjoying this birthday month!!
And I'm keeping track for those special things each day that make me smile and have realized how much a phone call or a text message can make your day!
Judy and I have just finished the new PDF and you can find it on our Funky Fibers website and on our FunkyFibersKY Etsy page.
Hope you enjoy making them as much as I have.
QCC members!, be sure to check your exclusive pages for a discount on this project!
Happy Thanksgiving to all of you! I hope it is filled with lots of family fun and creativity!! Watch next week for a fun and free project for you to make!
0 Comment
When Pigs Fly!
11/9/2016
The presidency has been decided and no matter what side you're on, it's time for all of us to mend hurt feelings and take care of each other. Purl seems to be at peace with life... so should we!
Have you ever had an idea that keeps percolating in your brain that never seems to go away? This fan is mine. I don't remember if it was last year or the year before, right before Thanksgiving, that a workman fell through my great room ceiling and this fan was put up immediately so I could continue with Thanksgiving cooking and table setting.
I actually thought I had found the perfect something but due to complications, that I won't go into, I had to start over. Then the idea struck!!
I'm going to make PIGS FLY!
I had a metal welder over to the house the other day and told him what I was thinking. Basically I'm going to take the blades off, add a light kit, have a metal frame with a circle attached to the blade holders, and make five or more flying pigs to mount on it. Then, when I turn the switch on, they'll really be flying!!
I'm still thinking through the complete process and haven't decided on what the pigs will be made of, but it is sure fun to design!! This really is amusing since Jeff and I used to be pig farmers!
So... the birthday month continues. Do you like the one candle? I don't think 60 would have fit. LOL
I'm keeping track on my calendar something about every day that makes it special. It really does make for great appreciation of the people and events that happen to make up a day!
Thanks, Mom, for the homemade pecan pie!!
And I love this tea towel that my sister Tracy sent to me.
Actually, since I hardly cook at all, I don't use whisks unless it's in the studio with my soy wax batiks.... so the humor behind this is not missed!!
Are you all getting ready for Thanksgiving?
This cute birthday gift from Judy is the start of my Thanksgiving packing.
Jeff and I are celebrating here early with family and then headed to Florida for Thanksgiving to dog sit Murphy. We're hoping the weather cooperates so we can have our Turkey sandwiches on the boat for our Thanksgiving supper!
I would love to hear what fun plans you have.
It was soooooooo good!
There's not much time to get in the studio with company coming and going, but I hope to get busy in there today, in-between catching up on laundry!
1 Comment
Jayn Lando - I LOVE the Pigs flying idea! Can't wait to see pics when it's done.
Things to Paint & Places to Go...
11/3/2016
Play Day with some friends in the studio gave me another opportunity to play with all the treasures - paints, stencils, Gelli ™plates, and weird recycled junk - that I just couldn't throw out.
FunkyFibersKY ETSY site.
It is an addicting hobby and time just seems to get away when we get busy creating down in the studio.
Pictured: My House Art Board
Caption: "As for me and my house, we will
serve the Lord"
Here are a few of the types of papers that came out of the studio the other day. Some will be cut up into pieces and parts and some will be used just as they are with a word or two added on top.
Jeff and I took off Sunday afternoon for a day trip drive and ended up in Midway, KY. If you've never been there it is worth a visit, however, be aware that a few of the cute stores are closed on Sundays. We just wandered in and out of the most delightful shops and had such a good time. Be sure and check out the Damselfly Studio & Gallery which specializes in lots of great art and crafts from Kentucky artists. And the Kennydid Gallery of Gifts & Fine Arts, it was another place where folks were fun and friendly to talk to.
There were opportunities to either eat inside or outside and we enjoyed a good lunch out on the back deck, enjoying the fall leaves and good food.
Just a nice relaxing way to kick off the pre-birthday month! LOL If you get a chance to visit these places please do and enjoy!
So with the birthday coming on, I'm trying to make sure that I find or enjoy something special for each day of this month.
You know, it IS the big 60...
Not me!... where has the time gone?!
Wednesday's special was this great Birthday Bread - Cranberry Orange Nut Muffin Loaf from Huber's Orchard and Winery. It was brought by the ladies for our Studio Play Day. The best was when they sang Happy Birthday to me. LOL! Thanks ladies!!
I'm ashamed to say that I've never been to Huber's but I think it may be our next family day trip.
Here is a variation on the new Rainbow Tok Tok Birds that I've been playing with in the studio. I have ten brightly colored birds so far, for my mantle, and this one is a Christmas gift for someone who's décor is a little bit softer than mine.
So I created a nice feminine bird with beading as accessories. I hope she likes it.
We're currently working on an instructional PDF for the Rainbow Tok Tok Birds so you can add your own personal touches.
This weekend includes plans to decorate the Reclaimed on Main booth for the Holidays. The anticipated Christmas Open House event in Shelbyville starts the 9th of November with Wakefield Scearce and many Main Street and Washington Street businesses stocked with goodies for the season. And you won't want to miss our biggest event of the year, Celebration of Lights on Saturday the 12th, as the community gathers together to celebrate the beginning of the Christmas season with festivities.
I'm going to pretend that they do all of this to celebrate my birthday month. :)
Celebration of Lights is always a crowd pleaser with the lighting of the town Christmas tree and post lamps along Main Street, with carolers and choirs, open shops and street venders with goodies and treats for all ages. Come visit downtown Shelbyville, you won't be disappointed!
My Mom and Walt are coming to visit for the next two weeks and I'm excited to see them. And, as usual, I have projects lined up for both of them while they're here. Watch next week's blog for a GREAT place to buy bargains for your home.... shhhh... I have kept this place for a secret long time!!
1 Comment
Jayn Lando - Since you're celebrating all month, here is your late Happy Birthday for today!!
You know, it IS the big 60...
Not me!... where has the time gone?!
Wednesday's special was this great Birthday Bread - Cranberry Orange Nut Muffin Loaf from Huber's Orchard and Winery. It was brought by the ladies for our Studio Play Day. The best was when they sang Happy Birthday to me. LOL! Thanks ladies!!
I'm ashamed to say that I've never been to Huber's but I think it may be our next family day trip.
So I created a nice feminine bird with beading as accessories. I hope she likes it.
We're currently working on an instructional PDF for the Rainbow Tok Tok Birds so you can add your own personal touches.
This weekend includes plans to decorate the Reclaimed on Main booth for the Holidays. The anticipated Christmas Open House event in Shelbyville starts the 9th of November with Wakefield Scearce and many Main Street and Washington Street businesses stocked with goodies for the season. And you won't want to miss our biggest event of the year, Celebration of Lights on Saturday the 12th, as the community gathers together to celebrate the beginning of the Christmas season with festivities.
I'm going to pretend that they do all of this to celebrate my birthday month. :)
Celebration of Lights is always a crowd pleaser with the lighting of the town Christmas tree and post lamps along Main Street, with carolers and choirs, open shops and street venders with goodies and treats for all ages. Come visit downtown Shelbyville, you won't be disappointed!
My Mom and Walt are coming to visit for the next two weeks and I'm excited to see them. And, as usual, I have projects lined up for both of them while they're here. Watch next week's blog for a GREAT place to buy bargains for your home.... shhhh... I have kept this place for a secret long time!!
1 Comment
Jayn Lando - Since you're celebrating all month, here is your late Happy Birthday for today!!
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