Sewcial Butterfly

Because the night belongs to lovers...

2010-03-16T01:55:00.001-05:00

Because the night belongs to lovers...
Originally uploaded by SewcialButterfly.

84/365 #Project365

Moving...

2008-07-03T14:01:00.002-05:00

I know it's been a while...it's been really busy. I've been working really hard at my day job and then working at nite on a new project. I am currently getting ready to re-launch SewcialButterfly.com. I have made the move over to WORDPRESS. I hope to host everything on one website. Please update your feeds or sign up for the new feed. I hope to have it 100% up and running in a couple of days. There are still a couple of bugs and a few unfinished pages but for the most part, the move is 95% complete. :) If anyone out there has suggestions, I am open to them.

Thanks for not losing faith in me and this website.

Yours truly,

Amy

New Business Cards

2008-02-01T11:28:00.000-06:00

YAY! I finally received my business cards! Fabulous Stationary has the most wonderful designs. They sell these as personal calling cards. I couldnt resist ordering them as business cards.

I was using Moo cards as my business cards. They are conversation startes because of their unique size and I could use pictures of my own work on the back. HOWEVER, I've joined a few Young Professional groups and facilitate a Craft Sellers meetup group so I wanted a lil something on the more professional side for when I am networking.

You will notice there is no email address that usually is found on business cards.

I use many emails for Sewcial Butterfly, it is easier for me to have people visit the website and click the email button from the homepage.
This design only allowed for my name and one other line so I chose my phone number
Due to the length of the domain, no email address could fit. :(

Yes, my full phone number is on there, this scan was edited for privacy

I suggest you visit Fabulous Stationary and order something. Or just go there to see the FABULOUS designs. They have a wide variety to choose from and the customer service people are sooo nice.

If you need a coupon code, message me and I can get a $10 off code for you. That saved me shipping and handling on my order.

For my LOVE of fabric...

2008-01-31T13:22:00.000-06:00

For my love of fabric, I spent 6 hours taking out all my fabric. Yes, ALL my fabric. It looked like a tornado had run through my studio. I arranged piles of fabric by color all throughout the small studio space. I cut swatches of them ALL. Cuttin out the swatches was tedious work and sitting on the floor, my leg kept falling asleep. Most of my fabric stash consists of fabrics I cannot bring myself to cut into. So cutting a swatch out of them forced me to get over that phobia and hopefully I can give myself permission to use them now in upcoming projects.

Then I refolded and restored my stash not only by color, I also arranged by my favorites. I put the ones that I love the MOST in the armoir I keep my supplies in. THEN arranged the swatches in a binder after ironing them all.

The swatch binder is filled with baseball card sleeves I bought from the local hobby store. Then I filled the sheets with my swatches by color (ROYGBIV kids...ROYGBIV!). I used a playing card as a template to cut out a swatch from each piece of fabric but the card was too slippery. So I decided to cut the template out of stiff craft felt. It was flexible enough but stayed in place because it was felt.

Now I have a catalog of all my fabrics. It is a great reference and good place to go for inspriation. Don't ask how many reds I have, they are so much alike but different enough to be justify so many...at least that is what I am telling myself to justify them all.

tags technorati : fabric, stash, organized, craft, 6 hours, swatches, samples, color, color coordinate, ROYGBIV, disaster area, mess

Who knew I'd fall in love with pincushions?

2008-01-30T12:04:00.001-06:00

After Christmas I went antiquing. There is this one vendor who always has a sale going on and always has something that catches my eye. I visit this vendor every time I visit. I must have looked at these milk glass jars a million times but never thought they were anything special. They are old jars that face cream and lotion used to come in. I love milk glass and get excited at just the sight of it.

On my most recent trip, these milk glass jars called out to me. I had a vision of adding a velvet pincushion to them all. I wanted pink or light blue velvet but red was the best I could find. Over the past few nites I made them up and set them aside to dry.

I've been in a pin topper kick too. Found a whole bag of tiny doves for a DOLLAR! Rock On! SO I made up about a dozen or so of these dove pins and they look fabulous on these new pin cushions.

The only delimma is that they look unfinished. I've tried a few things to finish them up but none of those ideas look right. I'll spend another day or 2 at most to figure it out. Otherwise, they are going up on the shop as is.

Any ideas?

tags technorati : WIP, pin cushion, bird, red, velvet, jar, milk glass, pond's, vintage, crafty, Sewcial Butterfly, Blog, blogged, Valentine's

Memories of ME

2008-01-24T23:03:00.000-06:00

Over the past several months I've been listening to a library of craft related podcasts on iTunes. A common theme I've found in them all is the questions that are asked. Often times an interviewer will ask questions such as, "Have you always been crafty?" or "Can you remember your 1st Craft?" Many interviewees respond the same way and tell stories of crafting with their mothers or grandmothers, some even their fathers.

As I listen to these interviews I start to think about my own past and my own craftiness. I interview myself in my head and imagine how I would answer these questions if I were invited to discuss my craft business and latest hit sensation craft project. (That day is many years away)

My answers take me back to Mayfield Oaks, the street where I grew up. they take me back to the days of Lisa Frank, Babysitters Club & everything purple unicorn. Warm memories of school art projects and summer rainy day projects with mom. So many memories, a good place for inspiration. At times it is a little overwhelming and feels like too many memories to manage.

I am turning to these memories to try to find myself . I want to start to journal these memories, "Memories of Me" and everything that defines the crafty adult I am becoming. I am dedicated to making my little business grow and so I am doing a little soul searching. I am trying to appreciate my past and understand how it helped me become me so that I may better prepare for my future and become the me I want to be.

At times I feel a little intimidated, like today. I was listening to a back issue of the Craft Sanity podcast (I don't remember exactly who was being interviewed) and one of the pearls of wisdom bestowed upon us was the advise to find your own style, don't be all over the place. I found this quite discouraging. For a split second my dream seemed to fizzle, like a bubble popping after hitting the grass. Poof.

It's hard finding an identity in the modern craft revival. (I get choked up thinking about this) I want to try it ALL and find myself like a hummingbird fluttering from flower to flower trying to sample the nectar that each flower has to offer. I too want to sample the gems of the craft world: plushies, pincushions, embroidery, aprons, scrapbooking, general sewing, knitting, crocheting, to name a few. I had to remind myself of this and it is ok to try it all. For a second I had to tell myself I was not the timid and unsure person that one statement made me feel like.

I am strong. I was born to craft. This is who I am and not just what I do. Not just the crafting, the creating. I want to do it all and it's ok to be all over the place. Yes, I have a hard time finishing some projects before starting a new one but when I put my mind to it, I can. I have passion and heart and imagination and that is more important than finding a specific style this early in the game.

Patience. that is what my friend told me. He has a gift for reading people and he can tell how badly I want to grow this business. he told me to be patient. I've grown a little anxious that things have'nt been moving quite as quickly as I want or had dreamed. Getting published right of way fanned the flame of desire and I lost track of the overall goal.

Have fun, I tell myself. The rest will follow. I will use my own creativity to measure my progress and success. God does not hand out cookie cutter lives or destiny. I will experience the joys that life brings at the correct time. Like a little girl who wants to grow up too fast, I want to grow faster than is destined. Take your time Amy.

The ONLY down side to listening to some of these craft podcasts is that I start to feel like an outsider at times. Some of the veteran/professional crafters start paint the craft world as as an exclusive club and have project for the "cool girls/kids". I experienced a flashback to elementary, wanting to do what all the other girls are doing but being too young to join them.

That was until today. I was listening to the Craft Sanity (my new addiction) podcast archive. Jennifer was interviewing Greg Der Ananian, founder of Bazaar Bizarre. He made a statement about not being all the same as long as you are a nice person. That's all I am and never claim to be anything more than a crafty nice person. Thanks Greg for giving back my confidence in a simple statement.

(Sorry for such a long post, it was all weighing on my mind all day and couldn't go to bed until I had blogged it, Thank you for making it all the way down here)

Meeting of the Sewcial Butterflies and much much more

2008-01-19T19:23:00.001-06:00

Meetup.com, oh how did I live without you before? last month I went on the hunt for a new craft group and resorted to good ole Craigslist. I posted a posting in th group section of interest for a 'Make' craft group. I received an email from Wendy inviting me to a scrapbooking meet.

I am not much of a scrapbooker but my sister has an interest more than I. I invited my sister to go with me and she was all for it. They meet the 1st Friday of the month. Convenient enough. Suzy and I got our scrapbooks and supplies and headed to the meet. We eventually made it after getting lost. We showed up end everyone was sooooo nice! We were welcomed into the group and found a group of people with similar interests.

The host, DJ, sells stampin up and Suzy bought a pretty cool punch. We signed up for the February meet and cannot wait to see what we make next. The group is organized on Meetup.com and we signed up.

I went exploring on the site and found several groups to join but no Crafty groups. Plenty of knitting groups. I never realized how many knitters there are out there. I found a list of people interested in a Craft Sellers group but no group established. So I started one.

About a year ago I tried to start a craft group on Yahoo Goups. I had a few people sign up but nothing really materialized from that. I invited everyone on the interested list and very quickly, people started signing up! I was stoked how quickly people found an interest in the group.

I quickly set up a meet and greet to get to know all these wonderful people. Three in all. The first meet was this past Friday. It was a total of 6, all with a coffee in hand and a desire to grow our businesses. I really enjoyed the company of these members and look forward to meeting the rest of the group as we continue to 'Meetup'.

Stephanie makes the cutest monsters and has these bright business cards with a picture of one of the cutest on them. Her site is www.CurlyQCuties.com where you can find the latest cuties she's whipped up. She is very talented and I hope to learn from her how to work with fleece.

Marie makes Celtic themed products but has an appeal to a broad range of people. She makes candles and has these Dream pillows that even the most congested person can smell...he he he that person was me. Who doesn't love candles, right? Be sure to visit her site www.AmitysCandles.com for a view of her product line and her talent for blending herbs and essential oils.

I met Tracy at the scrapbook meetup. We hit it off at the Xmas page table. She is an RN, a mom and a crafty designer. She is an Indy crafter who embraces the Recycle lifestyle in her designs. check her etsy shop, RecycleWear.etsy.com, often as she is always creating something interesting.

Jessica joined us as a guest and I am glad she did. She is a graphic designer and owns JBMSDesign.com. She is new the the craft world an is interested in something that she can learn and make some money doing, all while having fun. We have some common Mac interests and I look forward to working with her. I hope she decides to join our Meetup group. ;) hint hint hint Jessica. (*update: Silly me...she joined 1/19, oops, sorry Jessica)

Last but never least is Tonniele. She is a transplant from New York. She makes the most fabulous beaded bracelets inspired by a bracelet her friend brought from Africa. This girl is a gem. She is smart and crafty. She is comfortable in both the worlds of science and art, a balancing act that is not too easy. I don't have her shop info but will be sure to post it as soon as I get it. *update: oh how could I forget the beautiful candles Tonniele makes. She makes wedding candles out of wedding invitiations. Be sure to visit her website, http://candlesforkeeps.com, if you or someone you love is getting married and would like a beautiful keepsake.

We shared a lot of ideas and had a very productive meet and greet. Every month the Sewcial Butterflies will meetup and socialize, craft and help each other with business. Also, fun activities will be planned once a month to feed the crafty side of us all, classes in mosaics, sewing, knitting, beading, a pottery painting party, Crafting at Rio Ritas. We are still in the planning phase. I have another meet and greet on Saturday and hope it does just as well. :)

Books we are reading:

Craft Inc: Turn Your Creative Hobby into a Business
By: Meg Mateo Ilasco

Wait for dial tone

2008-01-07T02:02:00.000-06:00

Every Princess needs a Princess phone.

I've always wanted a princess phone. I love the reproduction phones from Crosley and have a vintage repro phone in the kitchen and my bedroom. I thrifted an aqua rotary phone for my studio, loved the look and nostalgia of a rotary phone, but the mouth piece mic does not work. I was heart broken when I fount that out..

For Xmas, my sister surprised me with a Crosley repro pink Princess phone. I am in love with it and just had the chance to take it out of the box tonight. I am stoked and cannot wait to use it. My sissie loves me.

(loving the new light box Santa gave me. Still trying to learn the manual settings on my camera)

Flattered but still no permission

2008-01-06T00:11:00.001-06:00

I decided to google "Sewcial Butterfly" to see where in cyberspace my site shows up. One of the links I clicked on I found this. That is my logo and my banner that Jolleen made for me. I am very much flattered that this person found an interest in my & Jolleen's work but she never came to me to ask permission to use it for her banner.

Am I over reacting? Should I be upset?

*update 01/06/20008

V-I-C-T-O-R-Y!

I just checked and as of right now she has removed the banner. YAY! Thanks everyone!

Updates

2007-12-31T14:10:00.000-06:00

The countdown to the new year has started and I am preparing to have a great nite at my sisters. This is my last post of 2007 and want to thank everyone for visiting and for making my 2007 a creative and successful year.

What started as a flickr account to share my craft projects has blossomed into a craft website, Etsy shop, tons of crafty friends and being published. I have a ton of ideas for 2008 and plan to make a trip to a major craft fair.

To help raise funds for my crafty trip, I will need to beef up shop updates. I have 2 updates coming up in the next couple of weeks. I just updated the shop last nite with the following:

Sew on the Go sewing kits

As featured in the Lark Publication "Pretty Little Pincushions", Sew on the Go sewing kits.

These traveling kits can go where you go and serve you on the fly with a tube the perfect size for buttons, needles, thread, and a custom-made, pop-out pincushion.

Novelty Straight Pin Toppers

I enjoy antiquin with my mom. yeserday I thrifted 4 pair of vintage plastic Barbie shoes & 1/2 a dozen mini plastic grenades at my local antique center. I couldn't resist turning them into novelty straight pin toppers. It was a ton of fun. I found a new passion.

When I spotted the package of shoes I knew I had to buy them. It wasn't until I spotted the grenades that I knew what I was going to do with them. Look for more novelty straight pin toppers in 2008.

That is it for the last 2007 updates. Look for a website redesign in the next month or so as well. Be sure to go out and buy Pretty Little Pincushions for your craft library.

Happy New Year's my dear friends. See you again in 2208!

Invitation to all to help me celebrate our friendship

2007-12-19T10:55:00.001-06:00

Invitation to all to help me celebrate our friendship
Originally uploaded by SewcialButterfly.

I have decided to order a custom calendar from iPhoto services. My friend ordered one for our calendar exchange here at work and it is of super high quality.

So i decided, I too will order one. It won't make it in time for Xmas but hope I can make it for the begining of the new year.

BUT, I don't want just ANY calendar! I want to celebrate my onile friendships. A little something to keep me motivated throughout the year.

So this is a call to all my craftiverse friends: if you would like to join in the fun, send me a batch of pics to include in my calendar. Specify any special dates like birthday's, craft company important dates like shows or anniversaries. Simply email the highest resolution you have of the pics you would like to include to amy@sewcialbutterfly.com. Please indlude in your email that you give me permission to use your pic if it has been published on flicker with rights reserved. :) I am not limited to just 12 pics, i have 365 days and up to 7 pics for the month page + the cover page for a grand total of up to 450 pictures. :)

I will order 2 calendars and after I get them, i will hold a raffle of all participants and draw a name to receive one of these lucky calendars. :)

If you have any suggestions or ideas, please either email me or leave a comment.

Love you all.
Amy

Celebration & Motivation

2007-12-06T11:45:00.001-06:00

Celebration
Originally uploaded by SewcialButterfly.

How extatic am I? We finally received our mailbox key yesterday. Amazing how much junk mail accumulates! But in that sea of to-be-recycled paper was a pleasant surprise. My blood, sweat & tears materialized...Pretty Little Pincushions. :)

This is all so surreal. I've slept on it and it still does not feel real yet.

More to come as it all sinks in.

Creativity Comeback

2007-11-12T11:05:00.000-06:00

My deepest apologies for being M.I.A. for such a long while. It's been about a 6 month hiatus. I originally took time off to recover from surgery and it lead into taking more time off because my daytime job was wearing me out. Then it lead into me moving. I am now settled into the new house and I am working on setting up my new work studio.

My studio. Pure inspiration. I am so excited. The inspirations are coming back. I am working on several projects to get my site back up and running. Please forgive me if from time to time my blog is on the fritz. I am fighting with my site host to fix a ton of things as I update my site. I'm trying to move my blog from blogger to my site. :( NIGHTMARE!!!

I APOLOGIZE TO THOSE WHO VISITED MY SITE WHILE IT WAS IN HACKED STATUS. For those who did not experience this, my site was hacked and was auto directing people to PORN! Being on hiatus I don't know how long it was in this state. Slowly but surely things are getting back to normal.

I hope to have more updates real soon now that I have my studio set up and internet installed. Miss you all tons!

Wish me luck!

tags technorati : Sewcial Butterfly SewcialButterfly blog craft hiatus comeback hack blog

Site under construction

2007-05-30T01:10:00.001-05:00

Sewcial Butterfly is currently under contruction. I started playing with site design this weekend. As a result, the graphics on my blog went M.I.A. as a result of deleting a folder off my server. DOH!

I updated my main page last nite. It was the spring color scheme. I decided I wanted something different for summer.

So I was playing around with some new photoshop brushes and came up with a new site design. Over the next week, all my pages (including my SB Myspace which missed the last update) will be transfered over to the new color scheme.

Wish me luck!

Case of the missing buttons

2007-05-29T10:56:00.000-05:00

My blog is under construction. Navigation buttons to return this evening.

Custom mobile for The Gurule's

2007-05-20T14:06:00.000-05:00

About a month ago I took in to work a mobile I made for my nephew and sister. My friend JG fell in love with it and comissioned one for his wife to celebrate their 1st wedding anniversary.

He and I sketched out the mobile and I got to work. It is almost to a T the mobile we sketched out. I spent several weeks putting it together. I came across an obstacle or 2. The cats I originally wanted wouldn't work with the overall look and the french toast I tried to make just didn't look like...well, toast. I found creative solutions to move past those obstacles and this is the finished product. I am quite pleased.

The Superman/girl logo turned out 10 times better than I had imagined. :D I wish I had taken better pics of this thing. But all in all I am very proud.

I had breakfast with JG & Nicole this morning and delivered the mobile to them. It was an instant hit. We enjoyed breakfast and made plans to make a habit of getting together to enjoy good eats and good conversation.

JG handed me a check for payment of the gift...and it was $20- more than what we agreed. It was a pleasant surprise and quite flattering. I spent about a total of 8 hrs on the project and the Gurules said my time and creativity are worth it. :D

They want to place an order for a baby mobile for a friend's baby when they return from their 2nd honeymoon.

After breakfast I went thrifting and came up with a couple of finds. More on those later. All in all, the day so far has been a wonderful Sunday!

The Sad Little Shop

2007-05-10T23:24:00.000-05:00

I sold the last pin cusion in my shop today. It will find a home with a nice customer in Canada. Her name is Maria. So I guess I better get on the ball and start sewing to fill 'er up again. :tear: My 1st wave of items sold out. Yay! I can do it.

I'm off to do some crafting. Wish me luck!

Square One

2007-02-18T22:00:00.000-06:00

Creations Originally uploaded by SewcialButterfly

I designed and created a fun book cover for my new journal. I joined Weight Watchers again and need to make it fun or I will get bored. The journal is not hardcover and will not last the full 3 months with everyday use. So in order for it to last the 3 months I decided to make a little cover for it.

The old version of the journal used to fit in my day runner. They changed the journal to be a little more modern looking. I guess they want to target a younger demographic. But it is square now. Boooo. My day runner isn't square so I had to come up with a new cover for it. It is a 3 month journal and it won't last past 1 because I carry everything in my purse. I don't want it to fall apart. So I designed a cover for the journal.I like how it turned out. :D

I bought a point calculator. I soooo wanted one of these the 1st time around but they were only available overseas. So yay! I have one but hate the WW logo on everything. So being the crafty diva that I am decided to glue buttons on the calculator which makes it look more like a compact.

I know this is only 1/2 crafty. But I am back at square one and wanted to share with everyone my new journey. :D

Wish me luck!

Ta-Da! Originally uploaded by SewcialButterfly

tags technorati : www.WeightWatchers.com Weight Watchers new beginning SewcialButterfly craft journal calculator

Great Minds Swap Alike

2007-02-18T00:52:00.000-06:00

I received my last swap for Jan/Feb. It was a newbie swap for stationary, note cards, post cards, etc. We had a list to choose from and we choose 3 to send. I received my packages this week. I was so happy to open them.

I opened the package Mandy sent from Canada. She sent THE cutest note cards. they look like little windows with green shutters and you can see a little note hanging in the window. Too cute. I fell in love with the crane note pad she included. I couldn't wait to open the next package that Danni sent me.

I opened it and
it was all wrapped up in a cute polka dot tissue paper. I love love love the note cards, vellum stickers and post it notes with dainty lil hearts on em...and to my surprise, a SECOND crane note pad.

What are the odds? Two totally different parts of the world. Two totally different people. :D Thanks ladies. Ya'll rock!

I signed up for 2 swaps for March. One is a top itunes CD swap (easy breezey) and a mobile swap. The mobile swap is going to be a challenge. I have it planned in my head. I need to get on the ball and plan it on paper and get started with making it. Too much fun!

I'm off to do some planning.

Wish me luck!

tags technorati : SewcialButterfly swap swap-bot.com stationary fun crafty crane note cards stickers postcards

Pincushion Swap

2007-02-10T18:08:00.000-06:00

Cupcake Originally uploaded by SewcialButterfly

I received my pincushion yesterday from the pincushion swap on Swap-Bot. It arrived in a ver large box, too big for a pincushion. I opened it and in it were 2 cute boxes almost the size of a square tissue box. they both had an adorable knitted cupcake pincushion, ribbon, scissors and a seam ripper. One was purple and the other red. i was confused. "Were we supposed to send 2 to out partner?" I started to feel a lil guilty for only sending one.

I read the enclosed note that said the extra one was for my sister, Suzy. OMG! How freakin' nice is that? I don't even emember bloggin about her. Gigi must have read my blog top to bottom or something. I was sure to leave Gigi an excellent rating.

Thank you Gigi! I love it.

*picture above is only of the one I kept. Suzy kept the red one. I didn't get a chance to take a pic of it. Sorry.

Bright Eyed Blythe

2007-02-08T20:22:00.000-06:00

Blythe Originally uploaded by SewcialButterfly

This didnt turn out quite like I wanted, but I tried my best to process this picture. I set up a makeshift light tent. I want to post more product to my Etsy shop and want pics that look a lil more professional than just some picture I took on the self healing mat on my desk. For a first attempt I am pretty satisfied. I want to learn more on photo processing.

Blythemobile Originally uploaded by SewcialButterfly

I took out my mini Blythe and snapped a few pics. I love this lil car I found for her. She even has a mini dollhouse in the backseat. LOL Of the test pics I like this one the most. I still have a lot to learn about taking pictures and lighting. I'm just so excited to learn. :D

Once I get the time and money, I hope to make a light tent that is a bit more versatile. It isn't expensive but I have a ton of other projects on the horizon. Oh so many projects and still not enough time. :(

From my hands to yours

2007-02-07T23:17:00.000-06:00

De partout...jusqu'à vous Originally uploaded by SewcialButterfly

I received all 3 swaps from the Swap-Bot.com's From my hands to yours swap. I received 3 very awesome handmade items. The 1st I received is the above pictured pin. It is made of felt, tulle, lace, feathers, and a heart made from a vinyl LP. I think that heart ROX and would LOVE to know how she made it. It came from Canada. The envelope was a collage of Lindsey Lohan magazine clippings. I'm not a big Lindsey fan but think the envelop is a work of art...front and back.

The next item I received was a hand crocheted dish wash cloth. I've read about these nifty cloths in my crochet magazines and on the net. I've tried to study it. My sister and I tried to learn how to crochet and hope to make something this amazing some day.

Sweet Originally uploaded by SewcialButterfly

It came with a sweet handmade bookmark too. I love the embossed stamp and the heart shaped buttons. I love love love me some buttons. :D This is another item from Canada. Two swaps from Canada. Reminds me of the pen pal that would send me stickers when I was a child.

The last item I received is an awesome sock monkey. I opened the package and was excited to get a sock monkey but saw this wooden something or other. Did it have a bat?

Klein Henszlein Originally uploaded by SewcialButterfly

Nope. It was a PEG LEG! I almost squeeled with glee to get such a unique gift. I cannot wait to take pics of him in the backyard. I will post more pics of him this weekend, weather permitting. I passed this lil guy around the office and everyone wanted to take him home. He has an eye patch with a lil embroidered 'X' where his eye should be. He has a hoop earring too. I could just die! All he needs is a sock parrot to complete the look.

He came with a tag around its neck that reads:
Klein Henszlein A german pirate who raided ships in the north sea, until his capture and beheading in Hamburg.
I thought this was imaginary until I read the enclosed card that told me that Klein Henszlein was a real pirate. TOO COOL! I exchanged emails with the designer and thanked her. She is a pretty awesom gal that I hope to stay in touch with. Thanks Julie!

This was fun. I hope to do another soon.

Wish me luck!

Story of my life

2007-02-06T22:04:00.000-06:00

Story of my life Originally uploaded by SewcialButterfly

Oh how I love you Swap-Bot. Oh how you make my day when I get mail in my mailbox.

I joined a CD swap called Story of my life. I recieved one of my CD's today. I didn't get a chance to listen to it during the day but I popped it in my CD player in my car and was hoping for a surprise. Almost EVERY song on the CD had me screaming and dancing and singing like a fool. I didn't care who saw me. I got home, raced up the stairs and popped it in the computer to finish listening. This CD made me laugh. it made me reminice on my own memories and made me cry. I am so glad I joined this swap after receiving this CD from Ordinaryangel.

It's a special thing to share your life with others and I think in song is the perfect way to do it. I never thought about OTHER people having memories to some of my favorite songs. It never crossed my mind, even as I was making my own CDs to swap. It wasn't until I realized this as I was reading Kelly's list of memories.

I can't wait to get my other CD. I joined 2 other swaps and will post pics once I receive them all.

I'm off to design a mobile for my next swap.

Wish me luck!

I'm Baaaack!

2007-02-05T22:38:00.000-06:00

I'm Baaaack! Originally uploaded by SewcialButterfly

It is soooo good to be home! I've had some car issues over the past 3 weeks and have spent those 3 weeks at my sisters. It was nice getting nephew time and watching cable but I really didn't feel like I could get creative there.

So I got home Saturday and looked at my apartment. A mess. My crafts have overtaken not only my life but they are everywhere you look. My desk was in the corner of the living room next to the couch and I added a long table for my sewing machine. Then I added a shelf, then I added this and that.

I NEED A SPACE JUST FOR MY CRAFTS!!!! I have built in shelves in my dining room. The bottom shelf I have lined with magazine boxes. A llight bulb went off. I moved my antique Duncan Pfife table with the drop leaves into the corner where my desk once sat and moved everything into my dining room. Woo hoo! Instant craft room. Now I can see the TV while I craft or work on the computer.

I stayed up pretty much all night getting organized. well, at least my shelves and sewing table are organized. LOL In all the organizing I found my red Polaroid camera and IT HAD FILM. The strange thing is that I don't ever remember putting film in it. It is at least a year old but decided to take the last of the pics of my beautiful new area...the organized part at least.

:( The film is expired and didn't develop complete and the color is all yucky. LOL I wasn't expecting digital quality so i am not disappointed. You can get an idea of my new area. It inspires me and I cannot wait to get crafting. I am back and have a good feelin about 2007.

now I can work on my swaps...I have yours Becka...I just need to find a box to mail it in. I am sooo sorry it's taken me soo long but I kept finding cuteness to put in it. I promise to get it to you soon.

I hope to do more catching up the rest of the week. Off I go to do more cleaning and organizing.

Wish me luck!

tags technorati : polaroid craft room sewing SewcialButterfly Amy return

Petite Blythe...a day for celebration

2007-01-22T12:11:00.000-06:00

Petite Blythe...a day for celebration
Originally uploaded by SewcialButterfly

I have to admit I have been sucked into the world that is Blythe. I've searched the pages of ebay, www, & flickr trying to decide which one I want. Although the price has me cringing, the endless ides keep me excited.

I eventually will get a 12" model. If I am going to spend that much money, I want to make sure it's one that I want. In the meantime, I've ventured into the world of Petite Blythe dolls.

I am partial to dark haired dolls. Found this cutie and could not resist. Only after purchasing her did I find a hawaiian one just as cute from the same seller. I shall be purchasing her in 2 paychecks. He he he.

It's sad when you are planning your next doll purchase (fix) around your paydays. I love her and she is sitting on my monitor here at work. I cannot wait until I get a chance to make her some clothes.

Wish me luck

tags technorati : petite Blythe doll Classy Classmate brunette dark hair ebay craft SewcialButterfly

Bird in flight

2007-01-17T14:22:00.001-06:00

IMG_1975.JPG
Originally uploaded by Gilkatta.

Here is the bird I made for my friend...well for his baby. I had my heart set on making this bird because of the bird motif on the baby's nursery walls. And it had to be RED. Red birds are good luck...at least that is what my grandpa always told me. It is a simple creature that I knew the baby would enjoy.

This baby is sooo special and I wanted to give the family a custom piece for the baby's baptism. It turned out surprisingly well for a first attempt. It hangs on monofiliment (sp?) to appear to be flying if hung near a ceiling fan. He has black bead eyes and embroidered feet on his underbelly. Gil promises more pics. Once he posts them I will be sure to share.

Ribbon Bracelet

2007-01-08T01:43:00.001-06:00

Ribbon Bracelet Originally uploaded by Sewcial Butterfly

I've been wanting to make this bracelet for a long time. This is the prototype. I wasn't quite sure how the felt would work for the embroiderying. The next bracelet I make, I will use more contrasting colors for the name plate. The green is kinda lost on the dark orange.

None the less I love it cuz I made it all by myself. I am thinking of posting this on my Etsy account. I have another bracelet in my head that I hope to make this week.

Wish me luck!

WIP: Red Bird

2007-01-05T14:27:00.000-06:00

WIP: Red Bird
Originally uploaded by SewcialButterfly

I bought a great dutch feltcraft book at half price for my birthday. I paid WAY too much for it but had to have it for a couple of the projects it has. One in particular is this bird project.

I want to make this bird for a friend of mine. I think it will be appreciated. A lil thank you for his support of Sewcial Butterfly. I hope the finished project is how I am picturing it in my head. I'll be hand sewing the whole thing. eeek!

I'll keep ya'll posted.

Wish me luck!

tags technorati : bird felt craft present red WIP work in progress SewcialButterfly

Business is booming!

2006-12-19T23:05:00.001-06:00

Another one SOLD!
Originally uploaded by SewcialButterfly

I sold another turtle! Here are the bracelet and turtle packaged and ready to be mailed.

Sorry for the crappy quality of the pic. I tried to clean it up but actually messed it up. Eh.

I found great thank you cards to use for the packaging. And every item gets a Moo card. I want to be busy this weekend making more turtles. I am all out on my Etsy account. I am rather excited about all the success.

Sold!

2006-12-19T00:48:00.000-06:00

Sold Originally uploaded by SewcialButterfly

Woo hoo! I sold my first pincushion bracelet off my Etsy account. I only had a few Turtles and these bracelets. I've sold 2 turtles and this bracelet. It is pretty exciting.

I just wish I had more time to add more items to my store. Hopefully over the next couple weeks I will have time to work on my store.

Wish me luck.

tags technorati : pincushion bracelet sold etsy flickr SewcialButterfly craft

Turtle in Green

2006-12-14T09:56:00.001-06:00

Turtle in Green. Originally uploaded by SewcialButterfly

I received an email from my Etsy account. A gentleman wanted to know if Turtle was made with a green shell. I have this green quilted fabric like the brown fabric used on the original turtle and had evey intention of making the second version. I even listed turtle with the note to check back for a green turtle but have not had the time or inspiration to do so.

This email was the kick in the pants that I needed. I had so much fun making this lil guy last nite. Friends at work have already placed orders for a few for X-mas gifts. I need to make X-mas ornaments this weekend too. Man will I be busy.

Wish me luck!

Up for trade!

2006-12-11T10:53:00.001-06:00

Better Homes and Gardens Stitchery And Crafts Originally uploaded by SewcialButterfly.

Do I have to say it? BH&G stikes again...funny story about this one.

I saw this book on Dirtnapdesigns' stream one night and got totally jealous. I went right away and bought a copy on ebay for .99 only to find out that Leanne offered to trade. Well she wanted to trade one of my prized possesions and I already purchased a copy. Needless to say, i am not trading, but I'm scanning the mag for Leanne and now this copy is up for trade because 2 days after all this drama, I found a copy at the boutique outlet. LOL

Any one interested in trading for another vintage craft book?

tags technorati : craft book vintage Better Homes and Gardens trade thrift find collection SewcialButterfly

W.I.P.

2006-12-11T10:00:00.000-06:00

I have started a web design process for a Flickr contact. This got a bug up my butt to do mine too. So stay tuned for a new design in the new year.

Wish me luck!

tags technorati : blog website layout design

Favorite Fabric Finds

2006-12-10T23:05:00.001-06:00

Favorite Fabric Finds Originally uploaded by SewcialButterfly.

I've been collecting a ton of fabric. And as i've been organizing my ever growing craft area, I've come across all my favorite stashes of fabric. Here are my top favorites. I hope you enjoy them. Rather than them sitting in a box waiting to be used in a project, i wanted to share one of my addictions.

I cannot bring myself to cut into most of these. Others I have projects planned in my head but no time to start, much less finish, said projects.

Maybe having these prints posted here will keep me inspired while bringing a little eye candy to you too.

Click the picture to visit my Flickr photo set. Read the descriptions and view large to appreciate the print.

Cheers!

tags technorati : crafts fabric Joann's Wally World Hancock Ikea Old Navy Amy Butler Hobby Lobby Sewcial Butterfly

My Vices

2006-12-07T10:30:00.001-06:00

My Vices Originally uploaded by SewcialButterfly

My apologies for being so negectful over the past few weeks. I will post updates soon. I just wanted to share this lil blog since I had a moment to spare.

**************************************************************

Over the past few weeks I've been shopping at the Goodwill Outlet because I discovered the large selection of vintage books. It being the outlet, you never know what they are going to have because they bring new stock out every hour.

I've been lucky enough to get a generous size book collection started. I am totally diggin' the vintage books from the early '60's.

I went to Ikea last nite to buy some magazine boxes and bought some storage boxes because I have fabric out the wazoo. I was organizing, sorting and storing the fabrics that have been living on my couch. I cam to realize that I am addicted to fabric, books, buttons and my crafts.

I was organizing my Flickr sets when I realized this. LOL So I created a little mosaic to celebrate my vices.

Enjoy!

tags technorati : SewcialButterfly craft vices books vintage fabric buttons collection thrift embroidery sewing knitting

Christmas Past inspires Christmas Presents

2006-11-05T14:21:00.000-06:00

Christmas Past inspires Christmas Presents Originally uploaded by SewcialButterfly

I went antiquing yesterday for supplies for christmas crafts and for christmas ornaments. No ornaments but I found a ton of books and magazines with plenty of vintage inspiration and flare. I even picked up the latest martha stewart christmas magazine for final touches. She has the candy cane mouse I want to make for work. :D I cannot wait to start my christmas crafts.

I am going to have a table at my church's christmas craft fair so i need to get a move on it SOON.

Wish me luck!

tags technorati : simplicity Better Homes and Gardens Singer Woman's Day Coats and Clark McCall's Domino Martha Stewart Books magazines christmas ideas past presents craft sewing

A day for celebrating

2006-10-24T09:08:00.000-05:00

"Good news and bad news" is how Nicole started the email. My heart sank and fluttered at the same time in anticipation. I read on. Bad news is that the pincushion bracelet did not make the book because a different bracelet was considered. Fair enough.

Good news is my plush pincushion AND sewing kit made the cut. The only catch is that instead of a turtle they would like to see a Porcupine and a different color bottle for the sewing kit.

New Sewing Kit Originally uploaded by SewcialButterfly

So I am super stoked and ready to do some revisions. If my final products are approved I am looking at being a published crafter and will be on my way to a successful start. Maybe 2006 won't be such a terrible year after all. LOL

I'm off to start making the changes requested. Look for plenty of updates on these projects.

Wish me luck!

New find

2006-10-21T23:46:00.001-05:00

New Find Originally uploaded by SewcialButterfly

Went to Moonight Madness at Joann's today. Found this cute fabric. Can't wait to make something.

tags technorati : SewcialButterfly fabric cute nostalgic craft

More buttons...

2006-10-21T13:57:00.001-05:00

More buttons...
Originally uploaded by SewcialButterfly.

Becky & I went on a crafting crusade to Wally World last nite after dinner. I made my routine pilgrimage to the craft isle. Something colorful caught my eye...buttons!!! Glorious buttons!!!! It was the same brand that I bought last time but it had a ton of colors. So I snagged up the 2 with the cutest buttons. At a buck fiddy each I wanted to buy all 5 LOL.

I get them home and start my ritualistic sorting of the colors. I take out my box of buttons and realize I have out grown this box and need a large box. My thread box calls my name because I have out grown the thread box too. After a lil rearanging I start filling up each compartment.

It was hard but finally made a big step. I mixed my old and new buttons. I'd kept the new buttons segregated from my grandmother's buttons. It was hard, I sat and debated for 30 seconds if I really wanted to but finally decided to do it.

it may sound silly but having my grandmother's buttons was really special to me. No more bulk button buying for me for a while. Only special buttons for specific projects.

Now I'm off to make some new pojects so I can use up these buttons so I can buy more....wish me luck!

tags technorati : SewcialButterfly buttons old new crafts bulk colorful

Sewcial Butterfly Vector Logo

2006-10-19T13:40:00.001-05:00

Sewcial Butterfly Logo
Originally uploaded by SewcialButterfly.

I've been wanting and NEEDING to get my logo in vector form. I want to add it to a lot of things, sew in labels to name one. I posted a plea in a Flickr group for help. I have no time to learn illustrator and be efficient enough to create what I am looking for. So I posted a pic of the SB pin and this is what one kind soul was able to do for me. Daniel Semper came to my rescue. And I am forever grateful. Now I can send it to my label contact and get that ball rolling.

WOO HOO!!!!

tags technorati : SewcialButterfly logo vecotr flickr labels gift hero

Etsy launch

2006-10-16T11:47:00.000-05:00

Finally added some inventory to my Etsy account. Product is adding up at home now. Started with the turtles. Will be adding more soon. So exciting.

Wish me luck.

tags technorati : SewcialButterfly Etsy turtle pincushion

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2006-10-13T13:32:00.000-05:00

I was browsing the Susan G Komen Foundation website and found this year-round fundraiser and wanted to share. I want to make some Pink ribbons and sell them to donate to the Susan B Komen Foundation whether it be in OCt or not, I plan to do it.

Please share this website with someone you love.

God Bless.

More than the color for breast cancer awareness, pink represents the promise between two sisters to find a cure for breast cancer. That promise started the Komen Foundation and ignited the passion of millions to create a world without breast cancer. Are you passionate?

Passionately Pink for the Cure™ is a new, year-round fundraising and education program kicking off October 1, 2006, in conjunction with National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The program encourages companies, schools and organizations to take that promise, make it their own, and make a difference by supporting breast cancer research, education, screening and treatment.

Breast cancer touches millions of lives. It is expected that 211,200 women and 1,720 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and more than 41,000 people will die from breast cancer in 2006 alone. One by one, we can make a difference! Passionately Pink for the Cure™ is an easy, creative program we hope will have everyone seeing pink everywhere you look, every day in October, encouraging millions of people nationwide to get involved in the promise for the cure. We hope to raise $10 million through the Passionately Pink for the Cure™ program with your help.

Finally!!!!

2006-10-12T00:49:00.001-05:00

Finally!!!!
Originally uploaded by SewcialButterfly.

I was one of the lucky 10,000 pro account holders that received FREE Moo mini cards. My friend Andreanna sent me a link to a website and they were giving away 10,000 free 10 pack of these mini cards on the same day that I upgraded to Pro. The promo was for pro account holders so I was like, "Score!!!"

I was a little disappointed they hadn't arrived and today....I HAD MAIL!!!! I had them delivered to work so I am sure that the mailroom is sick and tired of me calling to see if I had anything on its way. Tee hee hee.

They came just in time to send with my proposal. :D I cannot wait to order a box of these cards. Now it's time to take more pictures to put on these adorable cards. :D

Off I go!

tags technorati : SewcialButterfly Moo Mini cards

Buttons, buttons, buttons...Old and New

2006-10-09T09:24:00.000-05:00

Buttons, buttons, buttons...Old and New
Originally uploaded by SewcialButterfly.

Before my grandmother passed away she gave me a jar of old buttons she had. I sorted them by color and put em in baggies. I use them in all my crafts when I find it appropriate.

Since I've been crafting so much lately, I found myself running low...then I couldn't find most of them. I looked hi & low for them and to my disappointment, I cannot find them. The last craft crusade I made I found 4oz. bags of buttons for a buck-fiddy. So I piked up 2 bags and went my merry way.

I get them home and sort them by color and find a few treasures among the ordinary, runt of the mill buttons. I set them aside and will use these for special projects.

It's weird how we hold on to things sometimes. I couldn't bear to mix my old buttons with the new in the baggies. I've been misisng my grandmother as of late and crafting makes me feel closer to her. I know she would be proud of me. This might be why I am putting so much effort into all my projects.

i cannot wait to find little projects to make just so I can add these new treasures to them.

Wish me luck

tags technorati : SewcialButterfly buttons old new Grandma crafts

We have lift off!!!

2006-10-08T23:24:00.000-05:00

FINALLY!!!! It is rather simple and not as elaborate as I first hoped but it is finally launched. 2 months ago I purchased the www.SewcialButterfly.com domain.

I've been looking for help to set it up and with a lil elbow grease and countless hours behind the compuer I was able to get the site up. I designed the floral print with the help of some wonderful Photoshop brushes found at Jason Gaylor's blog. If you use Photoshop, these brushes are a must. I love both sets of the Fresh Foilage.

I hope to do more web design over the next couple of months and do a proper site launch. I designed a banner for my Etsy account and redesigned the SB Myspace to match. You probabyl even noticed some changes to this blog. The banner, headers and navigation buttons were changed to match the Home site's page.

:D I am rather proud of this. I did it all by myself!!!!

Yay me!!!!

tags technorati : SewcialButterfly website launch photoshop brushes imageready

Sewcial Butterfly Pinhead Experiment

2006-10-02T14:41:00.000-05:00

Sewcial Butterfly Pinhead Experiment (Closeup)
Originally uploaded by SewcialButterfly.

A while back I found a tutorial online about creating Shrinky Dink pins at Wee Wonderfuls. I thought it was a cute idea and wanted to make some with the Sewcial Butterfly Logo/Monogram on it.

So I picked up some Grafix Shrink Film at Hobby Lobby. It is suppose to work like Shrinky Dinks, per the instructions. I get it home and I purchased WHITE instead of CLEAR. I didn't realize this until AFTER I opened the package. I cut out some test pieces, drew on em and stuck em in my toaster oven. It's a new toater oven my mom bought me at Zee Boutique (a.k.a. Goodwill) and burned my fingers trying to figure the thing out.

I left if for a few minutes and watched it curl, shrink, uncurl, and shrink some more, I took it out and noticed it was rather thick for a shrinky dink. Come to find out it is nothing like shrink dink. I was kinda disappointed becasue it didn't look right with a pin pushed though like the tutorial.

So I did some experimenting. This is pretty much the final product. I am pretty satisfied. I just glued the monogram piece to the head of a pin with some epoxy/superglue I bought at Wally World.

It was a booger cutting the circle so my dad is lending me his 3/4 punch he uses for jewelry making. So I am a happy camper and cannot wait until I get home to do some more crafting.

I am still working on the proposal for the book so I will keep you updated once I make more progress with that.

Wish me luck!

tags technorati : SewcialButterfly pin shrink film experiment craft book proposal austin texas amy

Sewcial Butterflies

2006-10-02T11:55:00.000-05:00

I started a new group called Sewcial Butterflies. He he he. I love playing with Sewcial Butterfly!

I've put posts on Craigslist to find other crafters to get together once a month. Like a book club for crafters. I have received a few responses and in trying to come up with a way to communicate all my ideas to everyone, I created the google group. I've created a Myspace for Sewcial Butterfly.

It all seems to be coming together. I'll keep you posted on the group development.

********************************************

UPDATED 10/03/06
The Sewcial Butterflies group has been moved to Yahoo! because Yahoo! offers more features. Here is how you too can join.

Click to join Sewcial_Butterflies

Again, I have no idea why this show up WAAAAAY down here. Eh, go figure.

tags technorati : SewcialButterfly Yahoo group Sewcial Butterflies craft new

Getting Ready!

2006-09-27T09:28:00.000-05:00

Getting ready!
Originally uploaded by SewcialButterfly

Ok. Let me tell you that it is time consuming being a perfectionist. LOL I want this craft to be clean for the proposal.

It took me 4 hours to plan, measure, transfer, cut and Fray Check these pieces for 12 bracelets. i am going to make a whole batch and send the best ones in. I also needed pieces to send with the proposal. I added/substituted a step. Instead of putting the cardboard in the bracelet itself to prevent stabbing yourself, I will be using a smaller disc ( the round laminated card stock pieces in the picture) inside the cushion itself. On paper it works, we shall see tonight when I do a test run.

Tomorrow night I will sit and plan turtle's proposal. I only have 2 weeks so I really need to buckle down. More pics as the proposals develop!

tags technorati : SewcialButterfly pincushion proposal planning craft bracelet 12

New Toy!

2006-09-26T17:17:00.000-05:00

New Toy!
Originally uploaded by SewcialButterfly.

I've been wanting a light box because of how I make my patterns and transfer them to the fabric. I've priced them and found one at Hobby Lobby for $42. When I had the 40% off coupon I didn't have the money to buy it and now that I have the money they don't have the 40% off coupon. Murphy's law ,right?

Well, I told my brother-in-law to keep an eye out for me and he told me about this art supply store called Jerry's Artarama. It is a lot like Texas Art Supply in Houston (a store I miss terribly!)

Jerry's had the lightbox on SALE for $26! hell yeah i bought it. I was going to go after work but could not wait so I went on my lunch break!!!! I am sooo happy and can now do a good tracing of my patterns!

I can't wait to start making patterns tonight! Fun times are about to be had.

tags technorati : SewcialButterfly Lightbox LightTracer Jerry's Artarama patterns trace craft

Turtle is going to be famous!

2006-09-26T09:21:00.000-05:00

I received a Flickr email today asking if I would be interested in being featured in a new book! I couldn't believe my eyes. Who knew that my turtle would be so loved by everyone!!! There is interest in my pincushion bracelet too! I am in the clouds right now and want to shout it from the rooftops!!!! I cannot wait to get the proposal package!

Wish me luck!

tags technorati : SewcialButterfly book offer pincushion turtle bracelet craft Flickr.com Flickr

Pin Cushion Bracelet

2006-09-25T10:35:00.000-05:00

Pin Cushion Bracelet
Originally uploaded by SewcialButterfly.

I don't remember where I found the tutorial for this pincushion. I experimented with filling it with sand but it did not plump up like in the picture. It was kinda small so I decided to make a bracelet out of it. I put some cardboard under the cushion so as not to stab yourself if the pin is accidently pushed all the way in. I'm making some larger ones too. I might put elastic on those to put on your sewing machine. I'll experiment and take pics and ya'll can vote on it. They are cute. I am such a perfectionist when it comes to my crafts that I end up spending too much time on em.

I am working on making some boxes for my items when they sell. I'll take pics and blog about em once I have some prototypes/

Wish me luck!

tags technorati : SewcialButterfly pin cushion bracelet craft sewing sew

New opportunities

2006-09-22T12:04:00.000-05:00

New opportunities
Originally uploaded by SewcialButterfly.

I bought a yard of this cute fabric last nite at Hobby Lobby last nite on my way to a Grey's Anatomy party. I only bought a yard. i wish I had purchased more. I cannot wait to make lil pin cushions out of it this weekend. I might even use it for the underbelly of a plushie. We shall see.

Wish me luck!

tags technorati : SewcialButterfly crafts fun material fabric Hobby Lobby

Sisterly Love

2006-09-21T15:07:00.000-05:00

My sister went to Zee Boutique (a.k.a. Goodwill) and scored these 2 patterns and 2 pks of chenille embelishments for ONE DOLLAR! SCORE!

tags technorati : sewing pattern embroidery floss SewcialButterfly Amy Gift

Get organized!

2006-09-21T13:14:00.000-05:00

Again I was at Wally World on a craft crusade. I needed more embroidery floss. I had my new project in hand trying to get the right shade and I started thinking about all the floss I have, how could I possibly not have any regular blue? I look up and see bight as day NEW. I look and I see the trusty DMC logo. It was a Stitch Bow Binder insert and next to it are the floss holders. What an ingenius way to store your floss and be able to pick the colors quickly and keep the number handy for when you run out.

If it is NEW or NEW & IMPROVED Chances are I will try it out. I highly recommend it. How to use them is shown above and your final result of how they appear is shown below. Nice and organized. No more digging through my box trying to find the right color or double buying a color I already have. :D

tags technorati : DMC Embroidery floss SewcialButterfly amy colors organization binder StitchBow craft sew sewing fun handmade tips

Woo Hoo! New Banner!

2006-09-21T12:08:00.000-05:00

One of my Flickr contacts, Joleen, was offering a generous free banner on her blog. I sent her the pic of my logo and the new banner was born. I really am digging the cross stitch font! Thanks Joleen!

You better check yourself!

2006-09-18T11:05:00.000-05:00

You better check yourself!
Originally uploaded by SewcialButterfly.

I've been struggling with my fabrics fraying. It's frustrating to end up with a beautifully embroidered piece with the edges all scrappy looking. I have also had a problem with the brown material I make the turtle shell out of fraying even before I turn the lil guy out.

I've started a new project that has a pocket that I want to embroider but hate how the edges turn out in the end.

i don't remember what magazine or book I saw to use an anti-fraying solution, but when I saw this at Wally World last nite I scooped it up and crossed my fingers it would work.

I cut the pieces for my project and on the pocket put the Fray Check and let it sit overnight as it was too late to start any of the sewing. I woke up this morning to inspect if the Fray Check worked. (I kinda felt like Quita Culpepper on Does It Work Wednesday LOL-Austinites will know what I mean.) And surprisingly so it does. I rubbed the edges between my fingers to see if i could get a thread to run and lo and behold it was staying still. I am going to start an embroidery pattern on the pocket tonight and see how it hold up in the long run. Wish me luck!

tags technorati : embroidery, tips, Fray, anti-fray, hints, recommendations, sewing, Amy, SewcialButterfly

Surprise!

2006-09-17T09:36:00.000-05:00

Surprise!
Originally uploaded by SewcialButterfly.

Yea! I get to blog about my internet friend's surprise! Ok. I've been dying to post these pics. The internet friend I made the turtle pin cushion for had NO idea it was coming. JBHood and I met on flickr and she is an avid reader of my flickr and my blog. I appreciate her input and decided to put together a starter embroidery pack as a way to say thank you.

She's also mentioned she wants to learn to embroider. I dropped this in the mail thursday and she got it...Friday!

She said she was jealous that it wasn't for her when she read my first blog about the turtle pin cushion. But little did she know how sneaky I was being. I had never mentioned to her ANYTHING about the starte kit. I cannot wait to see what treasures she can stitch up!

Check out her blog Here.

tags technorati : turtle, plushie, pincushion, brown, craft, felt, secret, surprise, SewcialButterfly, Austin, Texas, Amy, embroidery, starter kit, present

Trapped Turtle

2006-09-14T18:55:00.000-05:00

Trapped Turtle
Originally uploaded by SewcialButterfly.

Ok, Turtle #2 makes his debut. i am making a stockpile of these lil guys. I want to make a few prior to putting them up for sale on Etsy. I've decided to package them too. They are the perfect size for these lil celophane bags I bought. This one has a blank tag but I hope to design it this weekend.

***********************************************************

I finaly mailed off my internet friend's package. I hope they like it. I'll post pics as soon as she notifies me she received it. Keeping a secret has never been harder.

tags technorati : turtle, plushie, pincushion, brown, craft, felt, secret, surprise, SewcialButterfly, Austin, Texas, Amy

Making Turtle

2006-09-12T14:25:00.000-05:00

Making Turtle
Originally uploaded by SewcialButterfly.

I decided I want to make more of the turtle pin cushions (and had a few requests too). The cutting and the planning and the tracing is the most time consuming part of it all. I didn't have enough time to sew any last night but figured I'd plan em out. So I cut enough supplies for 6 and saved the templates in case I need to make more. I love this blue floral print. It was a scarf my sister gave me from Old Navy. I have been waiting for a project to use it and the brown square interior fabric. And viola! The turtlr provided the perfect project.

I tried to est how much ea turtle ended up costing me to make and got so frustrated in trying to figure it out I just decided to slap a $7 price on it and call it a day. I hope to make more stockpiles of projects so that they will be ready to just sew and sell on my Etsy account. Wish me luck!

tags technorati : turtle, plushie, pincushion, brown, craft, felt, secret, surprise, SewcialButterfly, Austin, Texas, Amy

Turtle Pin Cushion

2006-09-11T11:26:00.000-05:00

Turtle Pin Cushion, Originally uploaded by SewcialButterfly.

I've decided to put together a surpise package for an online friend of mine. I don't know how much of a surprise it is by blogging about it. LOL I have it all ready to go but could not help but feel like something was missing. It has a sewing theme and thought a pin cushion would be the perfect way to complete the package. I spent several hours at the sewing machine expirementing with a new pattern and filling the pin cushion with sand. I've never used sand in a craft project so I had some challenges that I did not anticipate.

I made an inside shell to hold the sand and filled it but the opening was too small. So I had to drain the resevoir and filled it once it was in the shell. The challenge was sewing the hole up of the sand resevoir after it was filled. Then I finished stuffing it with the polyfill. He turned out specatular and I cannot wait until I can post pics of the package.

********************************************************************

I went to my first COC meeting yesterday. I must say I was really disappointed. Only the lead person for the Austin Chapter was there. She wasn't rude but she wasn't nice. Actually, yeah she was kinda rude. I was so disappointed that I don't think I will ever go to another meeting. Complete waste of my time.

I went to get tips on things that I was having problems with (like finishing stitches, etc). When I asked this chic some questions she acted like it was a bother to answer her. She didn't care to know anything about me or what I was working on. She pretty much ignored me. We sat in silence for near 15 min working on our own projects. I text msg'd my sister to call and save me. She did and I went out with her and my neice, Stephanie. I am going to try to form my own craft club/sewing circle when I can find the time and the interested people. I don't mind hosting at my house. I just want to meet people with similar interests. Keep ya posted on that.

tags technorati : turtle, plushie, pincushion, brown, craft, felt, secret, surprise, SewcialButterfly, Austin, Texas, Amy

To Paris, with all my love.

2006-09-09T15:12:00.000-05:00

Bag for Paris, originally uploaded by SewcialButterfly.

A few weeks ago my cousins visited for our first annual Cousin Fest. My niece (second-cousin), Paris, is growing up so quickly. I remember when we used to babysit her. She was talking about how they are not allowed to carry purses at school and she has to stuff all her stuff in an ugly pencil bag.

I had an idea to make her a pretty pencil bag and matching tote bag. She had this really cute abercrombie & fitch tote bag that I studied. I can't stand A&F however the tote sparked an idea in my head. I found this really cute wristlet pattern and blew it up on the xerox machine to pencil bag dimensions.

I found this really cute pink fabric on the $1 table at wally world and decided to make her a pink bag. This might be a bad idea since Paris has been quite the tomboy growing up but it seems she is getting a lil bit girlie recently.

Oddly enough instead of starting with the pencil bag I started with the tote. No pattern. From scratch. The handles have a ribbon sewn on and I hand embroidered little X's every inch or so. I stenciled the crown and made it with a square bottom. I am quite pleased how this turned out. Now it's time to move on to the pencil bag.

Now I am excited because my Curch of Craft (COC) meeting is tomorrow. Finally, I'll be able to ask a more experienced crafter for help on finishing stitches and other stuff that has been driving me crazy.

tags technorati : sewcialbutterfly craft amy austin painting tote bag pink crown fun crafty crafter

Sewcial Butterfly Logo Stitched

2006-09-07T12:45:00.000-05:00

Sewcial Butterfly Logo Stitched
Originally uploaded by SewcialButterfly.

I've had this logo in my head for some time now for Sewcial Butterfly. Just a simply butterfly made out of the letters S&B. I was getting rather frustrated because it's taken me some time to not only learn illustrator, I also have to find the time to practice and master before I can start to design. With that obstacle I decided to be resourceful.
I took out my sketchbook and tracing paper. With my transfer marker made an iron on pattern and decided to embroider the thing. The finished product is much more elaborate than I expected. The first attempt was not nearly as pretty. (no photos of try 1).
I am quite pleased how this turned out. I will be working on making it into a Blog Banner. I just hope that too turns out unexpectedly well. Wish me luck.

Flickr

2006-09-07T12:34:00.000-05:00

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

Yay it worked! Just trying to make my life a lil easier :D

Great tools

2006-09-06T10:12:00.000-05:00

Over the past couple of months I have been stock piling craft supplies (as if I didn't have enough lol). I also have been stocking up on books. One useful book I found was this one. When I decided to start embroidering again I made a trip to Ginger's here in Austin. I found some great iron on transfers that were more modern and hip by Sublime Stitching. Ginger suggested I also pick up this stitch book by Coats & Clark. It was only $3 and has proven a wealth of knowledge.

I studied and practiced a couple of the new stitches (well, new to me at least). I highly recommend this for all beginners and recommend picking up some sublime iron on transfers.

New treasures from an old book

2006-09-05T13:08:00.000-05:00

As I browse through several crafters' blogs I've noticed that a lot of people have this book in their craft library. I found this steal at Amazon.com. I spent more on shipping than I actually did for the book. Like a 5 year old the day before their birthday, I couldn't wait to get this book in my little hands, so I paid for expedited shipping. It was still cheaper than what I could have bought if for on Ebay. I saw lots of great lil guys I can't wait to make, including the Amy doll. Looks like I have a lot of WIP's in my future.

A,E, I, O, U. El burro no soy yo. El burro eres tu.

2006-09-05T10:45:00.000-05:00

I had fun this holiday weekend. A while back I found a vintage iron on transfer at the antique mall. It being a vintage transfer I didn't want to cut it to transfer the design. I've found an iron on transfer marker at Michael's made by Sulky.

I really haven't embroidered since I was a child. I remember my mom teaching me. I had my own embroidery hoop and all. So I was excited when I found this.

I transfered the design. Eventhough the pattern can be transfered like 2-3 times I taped it to my journal and added an entry to my hand written journal. Just a lil something about my new project. I started it an then my friend came over and I set it aside. She was impressed to see how crafty I was. She saw my desk for the first time and realized why I ended up making my own desk.

The next day I spent most of the day finishing my book for book club and moved on to finishing the embroidering of Beto el burro. MAN I KNOW WHY THEY INVENTED THIMBLES. The 2 thimbles I have weren't comfortable so off I trotted to trusty Wally World. I spent like 45 min. in the craft section planning on what I wanted to do with this lil donkey. I hadn't really planned on anything because it was just a practice run. You know to test out the new and old stitches. But the lil guy was turning out pretty cute and I COULDN'T just let him sit in a box somewhere. So I decided to make him a pocket on an apron.

I found a 2.33 apron pattern. It's a see and sew or some other economicaly priced sewing pattern. It's actually really cute. Well, I've decided to make an apron like the folkloric skirts we used to wear for Jalisco. Not the whole skirt, just the ribbons on the bottom with one pocket displaying Beto el burro.

So now that burro is finished, it's on to planning the apron. I might give it as a gift or post for sale on my Etsy.com account. Keep ya posted.

Wonkies

2006-09-01T09:01:00.000-05:00

I love making plushies out of felt. Was browsing through flickr and saw some plushies made out of fleece and another made of furry felt so i picked up some material the last time I went craft shopping. I tested out these materials....poor poor plushies. I never finished them because they didn't pass quality control. I'll post pics of the headless plushies soon. How come my wonky dolls didn't turn out as cute as others? I was hoping to make a supersoft version of Blue Dog. No worries. Besides, the pattern was hard to transfer to these materials anyway. I think I'll stick to my felt. :D

ADDED 9/05/06

She's Crafty

2006-08-30T09:13:00.000-05:00

View Large

I decided to try out a new pattern. It's a vintage pattern that I shrunk down to make a 7" tall doggie. A few techniques I still need to master. I'm hoping to get some tips at the next COC meeting. Hope to sell these little guys in all kinds of colors on my new etsy site. He really has a sweet face. Love the modern eyes and nose on this vintage pattern. Some people prefer buttons and appliques. I am still experimenting to find my own techinques. And like a true Penny Pal this little guy has a plastic trademark penny sewn to his buttom. :D

View Large

A few pics of Blue Dog. Played with his ears... a la Hungry. Keep an eye out for more of these lil guys. :D

Beam me up Scottie!

2006-08-14T09:40:00.000-05:00

Love the Scottie patter found at Allsorts.com. I decided to Download and make one for the lady I met at the antique mall.

I am most proud of that lil flower found on his neck. I used a felting tool that afixed the flower to the toy. Made a very cool effect. :D

Having so much fun crafting. Who needs a therapist when you have crafts? Wanna see more of my life in pics, visit my Flickr account.

Desk and treasures

2006-08-12T21:21:00.000-05:00

Yea me. I finally finished my desk..well the construction faze at least. Took me a week longer than I planned but it's finished damn it. Ran across lots of little obstacles that added to the extension of the finish date but I did it myself. I have to thank my dad for letting me help him build stuff in the garage when I was a little gilr. And for dragging me to my now fave store Home Depot. LOL After a week it is still standing (errr, rolling, it has wheels) so he must have taught me a thing or 2 correctly.

I've been searching the net and retail stores high and low for patterns or inspiration for the plushies I want to start to make. I've found a few patterns and then I found a book at Hobby Lobby that looks promising. Today I went into work for a lil OT the ended up being very little. One hour vs the planned 5. I took a detour to an antique mall and started digging in the book shelves of this one booth that had a sale going on. I told myself I had no choice but to buy stuff because HEY it's on sale. I started thumbing through the post cards (I'm looking for a vitage postcard with a butterfly on it) and then turned to the bookshelves behind me. I found a ton of treasures (pics to come) I was buying it all sight unseen because they were packaged in plastic and didn't want to be the type of person to open it and then end up not buying it. LOL So sight unseen I bought a few "papergoods" as the lady behing the counter called em. I even went through 100+ sewing patterns in booth 916 & 310 LOL. As I was paying I asked to leave a message for the owners of these 2 booths and the 310 owner was still there. We exchanged greetings and contact info. She offered to put my plushies in her booth if I wanted. She is going to keep an eye out for me for some vintage toy patterns too.

So today was pretty productive. Sorry for the long entry. I'll try to post more often smaller posts in the future.

P.S. A friend of a friend drew up a banner for my blog. My friend Candy is going to make me one too and another for my Etsy acct. I just might end up making it myself. With that said my blog might be headerless for a bit.

Design...

2006-08-09T14:00:00.000-05:00

I want to redesign/customize my blog but I am having such a hard time because the actual drawing part is difficult for me. I am creative but not too artistic. I have a vision of what I want but when I try to put on paper what I want it turns out to look like a 10 year olds drawing. Will I ever get any of these projects off the ground?

Yea! A New Blog!

2006-08-08T17:31:00.000-05:00

A New blog for the beginning of a new project. My thoughts and I are so disorganized. More to come...soon