Etsy Finds Friday

This week's batch includes some L.A. love and and an awesomely crafted iPhone zip up bag - just look at that detail!

Quietdoing - Record (Teal) Pocketbook Slash Checkbook Walet

Latelierdeluluu - The ORIGINAL Apple 3G - iPhone Felt Purse Handbag - New Model - 18x14cm

MicheleMaule - Reproduction Fine art Print 8x10

Zuppaartista - Los Angeles Recycled Magnet Locket Set by Polarity

Mariforssell - iPod Touch Case Gray Herringbone Wool

Deyitta - Owl on the Flower

reVIVALism - Roy Lichtenstein Pop Art Domino Necklace

Mydaisydreams - Glass Tile Pendant or Charm Vintage Los Angeles

Gibberish2 - Read Ring Taupe Stripes

Prettywhimisical - Gift Set 4 Whimsical Nature Scrabble Tile

I put off the knitting a bit yesterday because I needed to come up with and craft some special presents for my sister's birthday this coming week. I did as much as I could, but have to wait to get a couple supplies this weekend before I can complete them. It was nice to take a break from the knitting because sometimes I get so caught up in KNIT! KNIT! KNIT! mode that I forget it's fun to glue and sew things, too. I've been meaning to bust out my sewing machine and come up with projects just to help me practice a bit, but with the deadline I've set for completing a good portion of my knit projects, I just haven't felt like I could afford the time. I know it's just me setting these expectations for myself, but when the cold weather finally kicks in, I don't wanna feel like I wasn't as prepared as I could've been.

I'm still working on making all the small size mittens and will start working on the different graphics for them next week. Then I have to start all my medium size mittens and that'll probably take a couple more weeks, at least. Then do the graphics for those. Then do the same for the men's mittens I'd like to carry. Then do the batch for men and women that will have a totally different look. And I haven't even started scarves yet. Can you estimate how many more weeks of just knitting that is? Do you see why I feel I can't waste anytime? AHHHHHH!

But, good news! I've been featured in another lovely treasury this week! I still get so excited about it. And so, back to the knitting needles I go.

Currently shuffling through my soundsystem: Julie London - Cry Me a River, Black Keys - Only One, Chet Baker - The Night We Called It A Day, Rx Bandits - Apparition, Tony, Toni, Tone - Let's Get Down

Ugh

An unexpected night out has rendered me useless today. So no knitting has been done at all and I'm just starting to feel back to normal. On a positive note, Inception is an AWESOME movie and following it up with mojito-drinking at a local bar is also awesome. And I'm going out again tonight! Who do I think I am - a twenty-something party animal again?! As if I ever really was.

So, since I have nothing new to report, how 'bout a pretty picture for your viewing pleasure?

This is my favorite piece by Richie Fahey, an incredible artist who does vintage noir/pin up inspired paintings. Totally up my alley.

Now THIS is how to do Jane Austen right

I post this for my bestest buddy and fellow crafter who seriously loves her some Jane Austen.

Hee.

Handmade Miami

Well, the rain was no worse than usual this weekend so I did manage to make it out for the Crafternoon with the ladies from the newly named Handmade Miami craft group.

For our project, we made headband fascinators (fascinator headbands?) and they brought all kinds of goodies as supplies: feathers, tulle, buttons, fabric, felt, beads, pom poms, flowers, leaves - even styrofoam birds! A glue gun station was set up and everyone got around to the very important business at hand - decorating our heads. They turned out really cute and creative - though, as usual, I aimed for the more simple designs:

I'm ashamed to admit I'd never used a glue gun before - I've always stuck to bottled adhesives - so I had a bitch of a time figuring out how to properly attach the fabric-covered cardstock onto the headband. Hot glue, as I learned, dries REALLY quickly. But success! - as you can see - and no burns acquired in the process! I even resurrected skills from my gift wrapping days and made a bow to place atop my noggin. (And, yes, I know it's big but it looks cute on me - so quiet, you.) These were really fun to make and I came home wishing I had a stock pile of headbands waiting to be adorned. Plus, it was awesome hanging out with people who enjoy crafting as much as I do. I know they want to keep having these gatherings and I'm looking forward to learning something new everytime.

As for my personal crafting venture, I've come up up with two more ideas/versions for the items I want to carry in the shop and am eagerly awaiting just-ordered supplies so I can accomplish them. I made a very rough prototype of one on Saturday, but it turned out better than I expected for my first try, though I don't think I'll have anything really prepared to show you until next week at the earliest. I guess you'll just have to wait 'til then!

Etsy Finds Friday

I keep discovering so many new great shops! New to me, anyway. Here's this week's selection of items I love:

From left - right:
kerrybeary - Moonlight Martini in Palm Springs
Artoncrafts - Baby Rabbit - genuine leather handbag
McYarnpants - Bottle Opener - Candy Striper - 2.25 Inch - new fabric
jDUCT - Scooter Duct Tape Wallet
Minimalista - El Luchador 007 tshirt
kukubee - I Love Books Zipper Pouch
CraftieRobot - Robotgeek in love robot sci-fi geek (khaki green) Messenger/Laptop Bag
KookyTeaParty - Big Red Apple Ring - Fits ALL SIZES
JooSweetie - Red Hair Doll Face Ring
Fluffington - Orange and Yellow Cute Tiny Birds 11mm Stud Earrings

I'm still knitting away like some sort of mitten-making fool and am happy to report that I was featured in two more Treasuries this week! You can see them here and here. Isn't that so nice? One day - ONE DAY- it will translate into sales, I just know it will.

I'll be interrupting my knitting marathon this weekend to attend a craft gathering with some fellow Etsyers who are trying to get a Miami craft group officially started. I'm really looking forward to it! I'm hoping the inclement weather will hold off (who needs tropical storms or hurricanes intruding on their weekend?) so it doesn't get canceled. But, hey! While I'm potentially battling that, Los Angeles will be having their 2nd Annual Renegade Craft Fair! It's free to attend, so if you're among the few not interested in/not attending the San Diego Comic Con and happen to be in the area, you should definitely check it out.

Finally, and most importantly (to me), MAD MEN SEASON 4 PREMIERES THIS SUNDAY. I can't wait!

Currently on the tube as I craft: Mildred Pierce. I LOVE this movie and can't even count the amount of times I've seen it. I'm really curious as to how the new HBO series will play out, but I'm a big fan of Kate Winslet so I'm hopeful about it.