It's A Wrap

Ta da! I'm done for the year! 

Here is my last project for this year's craft a long

My first attempt at arm knitting

Almost here!

2016 is just around the corner.....what do I have planned?

December's craft along theme!

This is the last month for my craft along I hosted this year.  I can't say it was a huge success so I won't be hosting again.   I did manage to do everything though so I am happy about that.

Here is the last theme for the year.....

It's A Wrap!



Simply put, make a "wrap" for yourself or a friend.....it can be something to keep you warm, like a scarf.  It can be anything that WRAPS.....if you make cute holiday gift wrap, etc....that counts!

Enjoy and have a great month!

November's challenge, little tree.....

I had a busy Fall and just got around to doing some catch up blog posts!

Here is my challenge for November.   I made this little tree for my kitchen...isn't it cute?  I found the tree, broken at at store and bought it for 2 bucks.  I fixed the broken light and then painted this urn I had in the garage....jammed the little tree in and wala!

So, that is obviously NOT my kitchen, right?  Kaela wanted my 4 foot tree so I let her have it and I took this one to work.....it is actually the perfect size.

So far, I've managed to do ALL the challenges this year......

November's craft along theme

The craft along theme for this month is simple.

Create a holiday decoration!  ANY holiday....ANY decoration.  Large or small, keep or giveaway.  Just make it!  Re-purpose something? Sure!

Such a no brainer, right?  

Maybe it is an idea you've pinned (don't we have HUNDREDS?)  and never gotten around to making.

Maybe it is something you have for other holidays and want to re-create for a different one...like a wreath.
As for me, I have a rag garland for Fall and one for Spring...

I've been wanting to make one for Christmas....maybe this will give me the kick start I need!

Whatever IT IS, make it lovely and have fun!

Another spookify project...

 "Werewolf Drool" sits on my bar....awaiting Halloween night......

Easy to make using an empty bottle, a Halloween sticker and some candles and crayons.....

Spookify me!

Here is my FIRST spookify me project!  Repurposed frap bottles.

I had such fun making them that I put a tutorial up on my own blog.
Pop by and get the lowdown to make your own set.

Made one for me...

 I call her JunkBunny... she's made from muslin and a vintage quilt.

 

TTFN,

Chris =]

 

Cookiefication !!!!

I had an extra skull cookie, just begging to be zombified !!!!!

Zombie Dress Up

My partner iara, sent a fabulous zombie package.

The outside of the package was decorated and the goodies inside were cheerfully wrapped to look like jack-o-lanterns.

This cute little zombie came with two outfits so I can play zombie dress up. She has a casual dress and a formal dress for those times when a zombie wants to dress up. Like when a cute zombie boy comes along.

My package included lots of goodies including gummy worms, a chocolate candle, baubles (odd & ends – which I love) and a skeleton globe. They are perfect for Halloween decorating. Thank you iara for a fabulous zombie package!

               

Annual ornament swap!

It is time for my annual Christmas ornament swap!  As always, this swap is for handcrafted ornaments.  Any medium is allowed!  You don't have to be an artist to join in I'm certainly not one.  

This year the theme is "Traditional"  
Think red, green and white.  Candy Canes, Santas, Snowmen, Little Trees, Jingle Bells....

We are doing a "5 for 5"  swap.
What this means is that you will be sending me 5 handmade ornaments and receiving a variety of 5 ornaments back. 
Once you join, I will send you the flickr info so you can upload photos of your finished ornaments.  You can also post on the swap blog.
You do not have to have a blog or webpage to join.
The deadline to sign up is Nov. 1st and I am restricting it to only 10 participants this year as I have several family obligations this holiday season. 

To sign up, send me an email at valpowery(at)yahoo(dot)com with your name and blog or flickr link/info.  

This will be a USA only swap due to shipping.

Please create something you would love to receive and be sure to package your ornaments in a nice, 

re-usable box so I can mail your new ornaments back to you in it. 
Try to keep your ornaments light in weight and please take care when wrapping to make sure they are cushioned, etc.  We want all our ornaments to arrive in pristine condition!

Shipping: Please send in $10.00 to cover the cost of sending ornaments back to you.  This will also cover tracking.   Please include a return address label already filled out.

Ship in time for me to receive them by Thanksgiving.  That way, I can get them in time to mail them out by the first week of December.  Sadly, I can't guarantee you getting an exchange box if your ornaments do not reach me in time.  (If that happens, I'll gladly return your own ornaments to you using the money you sent for shipping.)  
Shipping funds are important!  If you forget to include shipping, your ornaments can't be sent/returned until you have sent me the funds to send/return them to you.

If you finish your ornaments early, feel free to send them to me early so I can start organizing them.

If time gets away from you and you need to back out, no big deal, just drop me an email and I'll remove you from the list.  

Also, don't forget to grab the badge to put on your own blog to spread the word!

Amazing Swap Package Alert!!

My amazing swap partner Kerry sent me the above package. It was so beautiful, full of glittery skulls and so many cool presents to open! It made my day. I knew it would be amazing because it was from Kerry but WOW -  it is beyond amazing!

Here is the star of the show, my amazing zombie! Isn't he cool. I love his hair, the cool screws in his head, actually I love everything about him! Kerry you are so talented! I am always so in awe of what you do. Thank you for making me the coolest Zombie ever! He is fabulous. I love his painted body and sculpted face his furry hair and cool, unblinking eye! He is truly a work of art!

This darling dish towel is just fabulous. I love the skulls with roses - seriously, who wouldn't? 

Zombie Virus Cannister -awesome and to make it even more awesome - it is filled with yummy dark chocolates!! My favorite! 

I am a huge Walking Dead and now also Fear the Walking Dead fan. I've see every episode of both shows and this made me cheer. I can't help it. I love the zombie paradigm. It's just such an interesting scenario. Of course that is why I participate in Zombie swaps and make zombie dolls!

Here is the package with everything unwrapped. I was so excited when I saw that journal, I couldn't wait to show everyone. It is even more beautiful in person! I didn't get a good picture of the journal but it is stunning!! To see a better picture checkout Kerry's Blog

Thank you Kerry for sending me a swoon worthy swap package :0) 

Debbie

October's craft along theme

A few years ago, I did a little thing on my regular blog called Spookify Saturday and I would make something and post a tutorial on it.

Remember this?


or these?



or what about these...


Cute, right?


I think that would be fun for this month's theme!

So, here we go.....

Spookify Something for October!

Then come here and show it off.   I am hoping more of you will play along since Halloween is such a fun crafting month.  I've been feeling a bit lonely.....being the only one of late to do the craft along theme!

Zombie Swap - what I sent and what I received

HI!!
  It's been awhile since I've done a swap, it feels good to be back crafting for Spring my swap partner. Besides the fact I like making zombie dolls. =]  ( I apologize for the awful photos).

  Starting with the guy in the middle, my original idea for this primitive zombie was to go as natural as possible with my craft supplies. It's head is a dried fuji apple from the tree in my backyard, I carved his face then shrank the apple by baking it on low for 4 hours and leaving it out in the unusual, unwanted, unloved, unrelenting hot hot sun for 2 days. The body is a neat looking tree root also from my back yard and the hair (which you can't really see) is a mohawk made from pine needles, not found in my backyard.
  The first doll is my simple dirt,paint,tea stained homage to junkerjane. The last photo is a group of plastic zombie figures that I found last Christmas(?) They needed a makeover so I painted them to give them a little more personality.

  I got my package from Spring today, I forgot to take a picture of the Pasturized Zombie Tonic bottle she sent, one of my zombies is sitting on it. Thanks Spring!!

TTFN,
Chris =]

Gold...and purple!

September's theme was gold.  I had this AMAZING thing planned to do but time and weather wouldn't behave so I went another route.

I had some fun gold and purple things that needed to be whipped up for this year's college football season....so I give you

LSU on a baker's rack!   Hahaha!



I made an apron (for a friend) and a ruffley scarf and a cute little crocheted cozy that I use everyday!

I hope someone else made something too....or this will be the second month in a row that I've played alone.....poo. 

Zombie Estelle

Look at what I received from our new swapper!   Clare, you most certainly outdid yourself !

I love this sweet little girl....

and all the goodies are amazing!  I am already using the tote bag!  The pumpkins are awaiting my Halloween decorations and the little pumpkin box had some m&ms in it!

The little "wagby" thing?  Well, let's just show it off, shall we?

 Osa LOVES it!  She prances around like she is miss fancy pants!

Thank you Clare!

Zombierific .....

Debbie, you are a crafting genius, ans I am in awe of your talent !!!!
Thank you SO much for the most awesome Swap Package - I oohed ans aahed all the way through opening it !!!!

So for your viewing pleasure ...... no being jealous now girls :-p ...

Just look at her ..... is she not awesome !!! From the top of her tufty head, to the tip of her dainty little ribboned feet, and her stubby arm in between ? I absolutely love her :-) Her tutu is the perfect finishing touch .... it so appeals to the girly girl in me :-)

How genius is my little Jack Skellington clock ..... I literally shrieked when I unwrapped him !!!!

There was some more awesomeness too .... a cute little pumpkin platter (just perfect for a halloween cookie or two - I'm planning to make some this year), some spools of ribbon, and a packet of gummy candy corns, that sadly didn't make the photo shoot (yes, it's been an horrific 3 weeks, and I ate them all,....  Every - Last - One !!!!)
I love the little pull out card Debbie made me too ..... so stinkin cute <3 p="">
Debbie, thank you from the bottom of my heart, for this awesome package :-) I'm so excited to plan my Zombie Patch this year ....... It's going to be SPOOKTACULAR !!!!!

Woodstock Wendy and a big fat goof

Clare got her package so I can share here now!

Let me introduce "Woodstock Wendy."

Thought a throwback to Woodstock would be funny.

Here is the other stuff.....toadstools, soup mix, yarn, a journal, some stickers and a flowery headband.

The tag on the soup mix:

I put her in a doll like plastic box and included this info sheet on her.  I wanted it to read like a doll insert you get.  You'll have to click on it to read it...

Then I made two pieces of paper, like you get when something with a toy you bought might have a missing piece.   I slipped one into the box with her and taped one to the outside.

I made her to be naked but at the last minute added a little dress.  
Okay, so here is the GOOF!
I got my package from  Clare (I'll post a thank you soon) and upon opening it, I realized that I hadn't put ANY HALLOWEEN GOODIES in my package to her.

Never fear, I made amends and it is winging it's way to California this week.   I can't show what I sent her but I think she will approve.

Clare, I apologize for the oversight.  I sampled some of Wendy's mushroom tea and got confuuuuuused!

swap reminder!

Hello everyone.  Just a reminder that once you ship, you need to let me know so I can update the sidebar!   

for your viewing pleasure!

I Know Y'all Will Understand .....

I may just have let out a little shriek when the mail arrived today ........ It is AWESOME !!!!
Can't wait to have a play around with it tomorrow :-)

Primitive zombies!

Now that everyone has been emailed about their partner, I thought I'd touch base on what a PRIMITIVE zombie is.  Here is a link on How to make a primitive doll, then you can go wild turning it into a zombie!

Typically, a primitive doll is made from muslin or some other fabric that has been distressed by immersing in tea or coffee.  Then it is painted.  Some artists use vanilla or coffee or cinnamon to impart a little fragrance but that is optional.  (Remember that since it is NOT a secret swap, you can feel free to ask your partner all types of questions to help you create the perfect package for her! Check with her if you do a fragrance, I forgot to ask that question on the registration form.)

After the body is dry, you can do whatever you want, paint, sew, pin, etc. to give it the zombie look.

If you are having difficulty with the theme, google primitive zombie dolls for inspiration.

Here are a few examples, this top one is from Junker Jane, a doll artist.  I would consider this guy on the "creepy but cute" side.  



There is a seller online called The Morbid Dollhouse (thanks for the nightmares, Kerry!)  Let me tell you, if you like creepy, check her out!  Here is just ONE of her's.  Check her website out.  Amazing.



These below are what I consider cute creepy...OH MY GOSH, how cute are they????



the ones on the swap badge are primitive but cute, thank you Kerry!



a couple more cute n creepy types....



I hope these photos and the links above can help you out!  Feel free to give your doll a name and bio.  You could include a card telling the person receiving the doll his or her "life story..."
Most importantly, just have fun and make a doll hard to part with....maybe make yourself one along the way too!

Remember to pack things up nice and tidy.  If mailing chocolate, check the heat index or place in a ziplock baggie for the trip!

September's craft along theme!

Each time school goes back into session, this rhyme pops into my head:

"Back to school and the Golden Rule...."

So, with that in mind, I think it would be fun to have a GOLDEN theme, afterall, FALL is just around the corner down here in Louisiana!  It is probably in full swing up north.

How easy is it to make something GOLDEN and post it here before the end of the month?   COME ONE!  I know you can do it!  I was the one and only last month (sniff, sniff)

 Whoever does a post will be put into a drawing for a prize!

My head is swimming with lots of golden things already....wreaths, painted pine cones, swags, PUMPKINS, garlands, vases......the ideas are endless!  

Just in time for fall and the holidays!




Good luck and have fun!!!!

August's challenge met, altered cigar boxes!

I had fun with this month's theme and altered a couple cigar boxes.  First, I made a zombie purse and a cute tassel to jazz it up:

I even lined the interior, like a proper purse:

Then I got into decoupage...haven't done that in YEARS!
I made a couple things for school, we have a superhero theme this year:


I found a giant paperboard "P" at Wally World and covered it with comics.   
It hangs outside my door.  Most of my students cannot pronounce my last name so they all call me Mrs. "P."  

I also covered a cigar box to hold junk that is on my desk...I forgot how much FUN it is to decoupage something.  Easy to go crazy and start covering everything!

Zombie doll swap! Registration CLOSED

The votes are in and the PRIMITIVE theme won!  Here is a link to some ideas...

What we are swapping:

*1 HANDMADE prim zombie doll based on your partner's profile.  As always, the doll must be at least 8 inches in length and completely handmade. 

*3  tuck ins.  These tuck ins should be chosen from your partner's profile.  They can be newly purchased, thrifted, re-gifted or handmade.  Use good judgement.

The package needs to be worth/valued at $25.00 before shipping.  As always, my swaps are meant to challenge your creativity, not bust your budget. If you can handcraft everything, I encourage it!  

Shipping has gotten outrageously expensive so this is a USA only swap.  

The join by date is August 29th.  That gives you two weeks to invite some of your artsy pals to join in this year.  If registration stalls, I reserve the right to close registration and start the swap early.

I will email your partner info during the week following registration.  I will send out a confirmation email so please reply to it.

Ship date is September 26th.  This gives it time to arrive for Halloween display!  

Please wrap your items up nicely and ship on time.  If you are going to be late, contact me so I know what is going on.  
Please use priority mail so you can track your packages.  If your package is lost or stolen, it is your responsibility to send a replacement package.  It is only fair to do so. 

I'll email all participants before the swap for confirmation.  Please reply and confirm to that email.  
 *If you have never swapped with us before, you must have a referral to join us.  If you don't know anyone who can refer you but still want to join, there is a one time fee of $10.00 to join our group.   (This will cover a portion of my expenses if I have to cover  for you.)  I have just started doing this after having 3 people flake in one swap.

To register:

Leave a comment here!
Add the swap badge to your blog or page if you have one.

I will send a confirmation email, please reply to it!

August's theme: Altered Art

Before I get started, the winner of JULY'S  drawing is CHRIS!  I'll be send you a little goodie in the mail, thanks for playing along this month!!!

This is the perfect month to STAY INSIDE and create ALTERED ART!

Look at this idea....an old watercolor tin!

here are some other things I found on google...

It is so hot right now that all I want to do is stay inside and create.  I have to admit that little Osa is keeping my crafting ideas on hold though...she is quite the busy body!

This month I thought it would be fun to make something out of ANYTHING you can get your hands on!  

I love altered art....you can find tons of ideas online or just use your imagination!

Books, bottles, notepads, gift tags, gift bags, spools, boxes......the list is endless.  Don't forget to post your finished work of art here by the end of the month!  I'll do a drawing and send the winner a goodie!

See you on the other side!