Cynthia Shaffer

Brown Bag and Linen Envelopes :: Tutorial

Oh how I love Trader Joe's ... not only for the fabulous food they sell, but also for the hardy brown paper bags you get when you forget to bring your own reusable bags.

My Husband is in Japan and so it was a craft night tonight ... Check out my brown bag and linen envelopes!

What a great gift they make, all tied up with matching cards.

Some are very simple with just a few free motion stitched scallops ...

All have a bit of linen and ledger paper stitched to them ...

One has with a stitched heart ...

And one has a flower and few dots ...

This envelope is addressed and ready to be mailed ...

And they all have a tiny bit of free motion doodling on the back flap!

 

Here's what I did:

Cut down the side of a hardy brown paper bag.

Using a craft knife, carefully open up an envelope.

And then trace the envelope to the inside of the paper bag.

Using a ruler and a stylus, score the fold lines.

Cut a small panel of linen and ledger paper and glue to the envelope using a fabric glue stick.

Next, free motion stitch around the linen and ledger paper, then add the scallops.

Next, glue the envelope together.

Oh, and don't forget the back ... add a little free motion doodle to the back flap.

Happy Gift Giving!

 

Button Tutorial :: Covered Then Crocheted

Oh how I love to make pretty little thing and if I say so myself ...  these are pretty dang pretty!

I have always loved covered buttons, but making them with that little plastic suction thing and then pushing the back in, never worked very well. 

Use these buttons on a favorite denim jacket, hang one from a crocheted chain, or sew them to an old tag and give them as a gift. The possibilities are endless!

Tutorial:

What you need: DMC crochet cotton in size 20, size 9 crochet hook, old buttons, a small clump of fiber-fil, scraps of fabric, hand sewing needle and thread.

Gather some old buttons and measure. Cut a square of fabric that is 2 times the measurement of the button.

Fold the fabric in half twice and then round out the corner to cut a circle.

Fold the fabric circle around the button just to make sure that it is the right size, not overlapping.

With a threaded hand needle, run a basting stitch around the perimeter of the circle, and gather up slightly.

Stuff a small amount of fiber-fil into the circle ...

then insert the button and cinch the fabric to encase the button.

Then stitch across the button, closing up the hole, then knot the thread.

Cut a very small circle of felt and using white glue adhere the felt to the back of the button and set aside to dry.

If you would like, you can stop here and use the buttons just the way they are or continue on and crochet a little 'snood' for them.

Here's what I did to crochet the little snood:

Ch 6, slip in the first ch to form a loop.

ch 1, dc 13 in loop,slip stitch in the first dc.

ch 2, skip first dc, then 2 dc in the next dc...continue until you are back to the beginning, slip stitch.

ch 3 then dc in every loop and continue around till you reach the beginning. Slip stitch and leave a long tail.

 

With a large eye needle, weave the end back and forth across the back, then knot. Weave in the start thread on the front and there you have it ...

Easy peasy and oh so pretty!

 

 

Tin Can Caddy :: Tutorial

Before I start working on  really big projects, I take the time to clean and organize my studio. Here's a tin can caddy that I just finished to help me organized my daily go-to art supplies. 

And on a lazy susan...Oh my, it doesn't get any better.

Here's a photo of the caddy super loaded up, with all my stuff. This caddy can hold tons!

And I love having the outer cans up off the ground/lazy susan because as you can see it leaves me a bit of space for my favorite ink pads and spools of thread.

Tutorial:

Collect or gather 8 or so small to medium size tin cans and 1 large coffee can. 

Measure the height and circumference of all the outer cans and cut coordinating fabric to these dimensions. Next, slather a coat of Mod Podge to the outside and wrap and adhere the fabric to the cans.

Then put a coat of Mod Podge on the outside of the can. Set aside to dry. Paint the coffee can with gesso and sand lightly. Some of my cans had rust on the inside, so I sponged on some gesso there as well.

  

Arrange the small cans around the coffee can (looks super cute like this, but I knew I needed to have the cans up off the ground).

 

Mark the inside of the coffee can, where you want the small cans to hang.

Using an awl and a hammer, punch 2 holes in the smaller cans, close to the top rim.

And then punch the coordinating holes in the coffee can.

Next, thread a small length of wire, from the inside of the small cans, then into the coordinating hole of the coffee can.

And with pliers, twist the wire on the inside to secure the small cans.

And ... you're done. 

Hint: I did place 2 small tin cans, on wooden blocks, in the coffee can to raise the scissors and screw divers up and within reach!

Happy organizing!

 

Macro Love

Oh how I love my macro lens!

I'm so inspired by these photos ...

I want to paint ...

 Like Georgia O'Keeffe!

Happy Shooting!

 

Fab Rusty Fab

Five months later and my rusty muslin fabric is FAB! Back in July my kids and their friends came home from an outing along the railroad tracks near our house with their arms loaded up with old rusty stuff.

My kids love to collect stuff...found objects, rusty metal finds, electronic cast-offs, thrift store treasures and military antiques...go figure! 

Check out these huge nails and ...

fabulous railroad ties!

 

Anyways, they knew I would be thrilled with these recent finds and after all the kids gone home from Sunday Supper at Six (more to come on this subject) I cut a yard or so of muslin and placed all the rusty pieces on the fabric (with a plastic bag under) and left it out on the back patio for months! 

 

Then came the rain, and more rain and then even more rain. Every few weeks or so I rotated the different elements  to really cover the muslin with a variety of spots and stains. 

And finally ... my rusty fabric was done. Of course I had to wash it several times, but I couldn't be happier with the end result.

Here are just a few close-up shots...

My creative juices are flowing but I'm not sure if I will paint on it, bead it, cut it up and piece a small quilt, doodle embroider it, or free motion quilt on it!

What I do know ... my rusty fabric is

FABULOUS!

 

 

Sweet 0330

Don't you just love it when you clean up around your computer and you come across long lost treasures? Look what I found yesterday ...  some photos that my friend Cliff took of O330 while she was being shorn!

First Elaine put down a nice clean white sheet, then had to wrangle 0330 to the ground so she could get her comfortable and not stress her out. You may remember here, where I mentioned that she was pregnant and needed a hair cut to keep her comfortable during the last months and to get her ready to give birth.

She started with the back legs, then worked her way up to the under belly and then she tackled the front legs. Next she moved up onto her trunk, then flipped her and sheared the other side. Elaine was such a pro that when she was finished, 0330's fleece was still in the shape of a sheep!

Looking closer at this photo, I think 0330 had fallen asleep at this point.

Look at that sweet face. I want to kiss those lips and thank her for her beautiful fleece and all the hours of fun I am having dyeing and spinning her wool. 

And look at the lanolin near her neck. While I was sorting her fleece, my hands were so soft and waterproof.

Check out this latest batch ... I misread the label on the acid dye. I thought it said light aqua, it actually read bright aqua ... 

I think I'll ply it with a white to get that bakers twine look!

Stay tuned ... My adventure continues!

Mini Art Quilts In Vessels

There are just a few books that I reach for when I need a little inspiration. Sometimes I reach for books with basic skills and techniques that I have forgotten about, and other times I reach for books  like Transparent Art, with more involved projects.

As some of you know, I love to quilt and I love all things mini. So why not mini art quilts in vessels? I made these pieces nearly 7 years ago for Transparent Art and of all the  pieces I made , this is the only mini quilt I saved and I love it! 

You see ... most of the art I make I give away to friends and family. And actually, looking back at some of the art here on these pages, I barely recognize,  but I do remember that I loved making them.

So sweet, so mini and so cute don't you think?

Great art ... Great book!

Ready To Drop Those Dogs And Free Motion Quilt?

 

The first kits for my online class Free Motion Revolution are shipping out today! 

Not to worry, there's still time to get in on the special early-bird price. Click here to learn more.

See you in the Lab! 

Cynthia 

Painted Wooden Cases :: Tutorial

I've been painting lately and loving it! I found these great little wooden cases at my local craft store and scooped up several in all the sizes and shapes. This case is perfect for my readers... 

and this case is perfect for my tiny crocheted flowers...

or for storing my button collection.

My Husband Scott even got in on the painting fun. Here's his painted sunglasses case! What a great little business card holder ... Love Danita's mini Moo card!

As you can see, my husband is an amazing artist and so for him to come into my studio and paint with me was a real treat! Thanks Honey!

Here's what I did:

First I painted random shapes in a couple of colors, all over the case as sort of a primer coat.

Next I added a third color using a dry brush technique.

And then came the mulch brown, white gesso and a bit of light yellow for pop.

For a little extra detail I gessoed a page of old book text and then used a hole punch to create these little dots.

Then attached the dots with Mod Podge and finally, a couple of coats of Mod Podge over the entire wooden case...

So cute don't you think?

 

For the Love of Pooh

I recently had some mixed media art returned to me which had been featured in the July/August 2010 Somerset Studio magazine article entitled 'With One Palette'. I was thrilled to see all of these pieces again. Oh my ... who doesn't love Winnie-The-Pooh?

I had forgotten what they looked like ... swirly cut paper, painted muslin, water colored illustrations and altered tags. 

What I do remember is that I did a little research to give these pieces a bit of a vintage Pooh feel, and used a  color palette from the original Winnie-The-Pooh book.

Right around the time I was thinking about what to make for this article, I went and helped my mom with a book fair she had organized for an elementary school in one of the poorest neighborhoods here in southern California.

As I was sorting and stacking books, I came across this book, clearly damaged by either fire or water or both. And since I knew it was destined for the trash, I snagged it! Later that night I went into my studio and started to play with the pages and a bit of paint.

Here's what I did to make the swirly paper:

First I drew a wavy, swirly line down the book page and then cut along the line with a craft knife.

I Love the way both sides look.

Next I used gesso and a very small brush and painted just the very edge to make it pop.

Then I stitched the book text to panels of patterned card stock.

Stay tuned as I use these two panels in more Pooh inspired art!

 

Free Motion Revolution!

Come along with Jenny and me and learn the art of free motion quilting!

Quick Little Knit :: Tutorial

This is one of my favorite little knits ... it's a quick knit and while the pattern has been around for a while, I altered this neck scarf by adding a few bobbles here and there ... so cute don't you think? 

Here's some new new yarn I found at my local craft store ... 

So yummy ... the color, beach glass and the content, 55% bamboo and 45% wool!

Here's what I did. Follow this pattern and when you have 12 stitches on your needle make a bobble (Bobble intructions below) in the next row. Follow the pattern as directed and then in the 7th stitch, make a bobble then continue with the pattern as directed.

Now  when you have 24 stitched on your needle make a bobble on the next row. Follow the pattern as directed and then make a bobble at the 8th stitch, knit 9 then make a bobble at stitch 17... then knit to the end as directed.

Continue to knit the scarf as the pattern directs you, and then on your way back to the other end, reverse what you did for the beginning.

Come knit with me! Every Sunday from 1-3 you can find me here, at The Dragonfly Shops and Gardens, teaching beginners to knit, laughing with some not-so-beginners and encouraging others to enjoy the process and rip it out and start over.

Here's how I make a bobble: Knit into the front of the stitch, do not take the stitch offthe needle, now knit into the back of the same stitch, again do not take the stitch off, knit into the front of the stitch, do not take it off and then finally knit into the back of the stitch and take it off the needle. Turn your work and knit those 4 stitches, turn your work and knit  4 stitches, turn and  knit 4 stitches.Turn work...you should be on the front now.  Knit all 4 stitches off together and continue knitting the pattern!

Stay Cozy!

A Tote For Jenny

So ... here's the project I was working on the other night ... osnaburg and red velvet, the perfect couple, rustic meets royalty!

After posting the photos of the last tote I made, I received a message from Jenny reminding me that her birthday is right around the corner and hinted that a tote would be a nice gift to receive. What she didn't know, but will know now, is that I was already working on her birthday gift. This tote is soooooo her!

 

After rubber stamping flowers on the osnaburg, I stitched the red velvet circles down with perle cotton and then added a few french knots in off white. 

Next I free motion stitched around the flowers.

Then hand basted the red velvet scallop to the top of the tote to keep it in place, and machine stitched, using a zig-zag stitch ... then a little free motion stitching ...

 

and a little stamped Art Saves panel, stitched to the front and jute strapping to finish it off! 

Here's the back ... not so fancy, but sweet all the same!

Happy early birthday Jenny!

For the Love of Osnaburg!

I have a new love in my life ... Osnaburg fabric! It's like silk noil, muslin and linen all woven together... yummy! Here's what I'm working on tonight.

Rubber stamping with acrylics ...

Cutting red velvet scallops and polka dots ...

 Stamping a little Art Saves panel ...

And a few more flowers with my new favorite color paint ...

Mulch and silver pine ... Stay tuned ... free motion stitching TK!

 

 

Free Motion Revolution!

Ready to drop your feed dogs and start free motion stitching? I'm teaching an exciting new class, Free Motion Revolution, here in Crescendoh's Lab and I want everyone to come and join in on the fun. But I do need to warn you ... free motion stitching can be very addicting. 

This flower is just a bonus project we will make. From just a simple free motion flower you can create a hip little headband ...

A cherry blossom garland ...

And a single flower for a bud vase. 

Stay tuned ... enrollment begins on Januray 15th!

It's Time

One thing I am not is someone who changes her purse or tote every other day. I usually find a tote I like and wear the heck out of it, or I'll wait until my mom looks at me and says, "It's time."

So, here's my new tote. The best part, I took an existing tote and altered it to be the shape I wanted. I cut down the sides, painted circles on the front and then added some fabric circles and a little free motion stitching for the stems and stamen. 

 

Next I stamped  Art Saves, with the acrylic paint and then backed it with a bit of batting and a panel of burlap, then stitched it to the tote. I stitched a second stamped panel to the back pocket.

The back of the tote actually has two pockets on it, perfect for holding my keys and my cell phone that I can never find when it rings.

And finally, I sandwiched the side seams with jute webbing and stitched up one side, around the strap and down the other side!

How cute is this?

 

Craft Anyways

My sister Kris stopped by the other day and brought her friend Irene and her daughter Gaby. She wanted to show them my house, (A fun old farmhouse built in 1923) my studio, (A recent acquisition now that my kids are older and have a transformed garage to hang out in) and some of my latest crafting projects. You see, Gaby is a budding crafter and her mom wanted her to see, feel and realize that crafting is a really good thing.

 

Now I have to admit that something has changed in me as of late. I used to sit down and work on a project and see it through from start to finish, but that's not the case these days. I have lots of project going on at the same time and sometimes the projects can sits for weeks before being finished. It's a lot less stressful and, it's OK.

Craft with no real direction...just start...gather your favorite things and go, do. Make a bunch of backgrounds.

Stamp favorite images on watercolor paper, add color with chalks and a cotton ball. Use watercolor pencils to add color.  Write random words in a swirly pattern. Tint gesso with acrylic paints and dry brush it onto the edge of corrugated cardboard panels.

As Irene and Gaby were getting ready to leave, Irene asked me a question. I can't remember what the question was, but I do remember my response ...

Craft often and craft anyways!