Snail-Bait

Let's hope I can keep this up!

2011-12-27T20:35:00.000-08:00

Hello blog world!
I have been crafting, I promise! Ask my girlfriends we even had a Christmas craft day! I just haven't made posting a priority in my life, especially with Facebook to keep most people updated.

In 2011 I made: baby blankets, onesies (lots of them!), my first quilt top (soon to be finished I hope), I started water color journaling, crafty projects for my students, and a huge piece of wall art for our bedroom using canvas and acrylic paint!

However, I have been very bad at posting. Since I am not at home right now I will post what I have been working on since I have been on Winter Break!

My mom and I went to Cottage Crafts in San Jose during Thanksgiving and fell in love with a puffy white scarf. We didn't buy it and figured there had to be a way to make one. Right? So after some researching we found: Bunny Tail Yarn which can be found at Michael's.

(Picture shown is not white, it's ecru)

I found some white and was determined to make a scarf! I used size 6 knitting needles, 12 stitches across and two skeins of yarn. In hindsight I should have done 8-10 stitches, 12 is too wide! And if I had only used 8 stitched...I could have used 1 skein instead of two. Regardless it only took me a few hours to complete and I LOVE IT!

Now I need to plan a trip in the new year to somewhere cold with snow, so I can show it off! Hope you all had a lovely holiday and a very happy New Year!

Well it's been a while!

2011-06-27T08:18:00.000-07:00

It's summer vacation (for exactly 8 weeks). I have to fit some crafting in while I can! My mom is an avid watercolor artist. She gave me a set of paint and I have been trying it out.

I had to learn the hard way, you have to wash your brush in between each color. Now that I know why, colors mix together. It makes sense!

The school that I work at has a college theme. My college is California State University Monterey Bay. Yes, even in my crafts I think about work. I decided to make an ocean themed mobile to hang in my office. I started with white cardstock. I find it's the closest thing to watercolor paper without being really expensive. I painted and splattered all over it to make a wave. This becomes the top of my mobile.

For my sea creatures I used die-cut sea creatures using manila folders. I used an embroider hoop for the top of my mobile as I wanted the round shape. I also played around with an oval, but I didn't like it as much. I used plain sewing threat to hang. Probably should have used fishing line....

Hard to take a picture of the mobile once it's done. I threaded all the animals onto the strings with a small needle. The hard part was getting the wave to adhere to the embroidery hoop. Once all the creatures where tied on, I had to glue the mobile while hanging, using hot glue. Then I realized you could see the wood....so I had to paint over that too...

Ta da! For the summer this will be hanging in my room.

To infinity and beyond!

2011-04-25T11:20:00.000-07:00

My boyfriend's cousin had a baby boy last week. Naturally I had to make a blanket. Again, this is Amiee Ray inspired. I just love her book!! I put my own spin on her designs by changing colors, sewing and using felt. Enjoy!

Notice the strange green? It's glow in the dark accents using puff paint!

I just can't get enough of making baby stuff. This blanket was rather tough to sew, multiple layers of fleece and felt. Let's not forget the glue used to hold the figures in place. I broke about 5 needles making this puppy! Well worth it for the cuteness.

Watercolored blown eggs

2011-04-19T17:02:00.000-07:00

Are these not colorful and full of spring!?

I used a micron permanent pen, watercolored and then used master shine to seal the paint in and make them shiny!

This one is my favorite, this is inspired by Aimee Ray!

Another Aimee Ray inspired design

This basket was designed by me!

Snail, and bugs by me! Flowers and strawberries by Aimee Ray designs!

Vino and Flowers by LittleTurkishGirl Ashley J!!! Pug Angel! We had a great craft day today! Ocean and Russian doll are Aimee Ray.

How do you blow out the eggs? Poke a hole in the top and the bottom of the egg with a nail. Use a paperclip undone, stick it in the hole and stir up the egg to break the yolk. Use a small red drink straw to blow out the egg.

How to dry? Put the blown, empty eggs on a papertowel on a plate, and microwave for about 45 seconds or until the eggs are hot. Scrub off any excess leaked egg with a sponge. OR if you have time, leave eggs in a sunny location for a few days.

Other variations: Glitter your eggs! Use colored pencil or sharpie markers! Use tissue paper, scrapbook paper or stencils. Be inspired!

Refurbished Bike!

2011-04-19T16:52:00.000-07:00

A few months ago I bought a rustybike on e-bay. I haven't ridden it much as it needed some work. Well here is the new improved bike! This is the original color, polka dots were added befor I bought it. I took off the rusty basket and used double zero steel wool to remove most of the rust.

I love glitter, (most of you already know that), thus all the polka dots now have glitter on them! The bell is Electra, totally rusted....used some tacky glue, white paint and more glitter. Good as new!

The chrome in multiple places was rusted as well, so I used more tacky glue and wintergreen glitter by Martha Stewart!

Now to buy a cute helmet, new basket and I am ready to go!

Bunnies, bunnies, bunnies!

2011-04-19T16:43:00.000-07:00

It is a tradition from when I was younger to have an Easter tree. I found this amazing wire tree at Pier 1. Bird and ornaments from Michaels. Added extra felt animals from a gift bag I had from my birthday.

Another tradition was a cross-stitched witch from Halloween. Well we found the patterns and now I have a matching bunny! Soon to have all the holiday dolls cross-stitched. Can't wait to finish them all!

A card my mom made me! Had my astrological sign, flowers and tree of my birth month, my footprints and my birth certificate information! All watercolored, and put on cardboard so I can keep it for years.

I saw this on Craftzine today, a orgami bunny basket. I just had to put my jelly beans in there.

Birthday and Easter

2011-04-19T16:37:00.000-07:00

I adore April and spring! Why? Because my birthday is in April and usually Easter falls in April too! My mom gave me a present with cute little felt bunny's and chicks stuck on it. I couldn't bare throwing them out. So, like most crafters I upcycled!!

Hot glue and a pin for the back, ta da!! Perfect for work!

I went to JoAnn fabrics today and they had this adorable reusable bag! $1.99 Couldn't be more perfect for a crafter!! The handle is a measuring tape, come on ADORABLE!

I have been eyeballing pinking shears for months, but they are usually rather pricey. However, I found this pink pair of pinking shears at JoAnn's today. I had to....

Arn't they cute!? Can't wait to use them!

A little behind...

2011-04-19T16:21:00.000-07:00

Well hello blog world! I am so far behind in my crafting blog. So, let's get straight to the projects! A teacher at my work was pregnant with her first baby. This was a blanket I made using Amiee Ray doodle stitching motif book! Bought a premade blanket and did all the felt and stitching myself.

Love is in the Air!

2011-02-13T18:42:00.000-08:00

Sparkle Valentine Candles!

Print desired design. Tape to candle. Trace with pencil hard enough to make a bit of an indent. Take of paper design and make sure the design transfered.

Finish up by tracing the design with puff paint. Then sprinkle with glitter. Let dry and then light!

If anyone needs a good scent for Valentine's Day, Mad Love by Pier 1 is amazing being sold in pink rose tins now!

Inspiration in small packages

2011-02-09T08:00:00.000-08:00

I bought these stickers because I love snails. However, while I was looking at them I realized they woud be perfect for a baby blanket motif for my friend Jenna!

I bought a baby blanket already edged. Then used felt to applique my patterns onto the blanket.

I drew the patterns just by looking at the stickers.

Hot glued the felt on (if I had more time would have completely stitched or used wonder under)

I used blanket stitch for the majority of the stitching but some chain stitch here and there. I think this is my favorite baby blanket I have made yet!

Coming soon: Valentine crafts and you guessed it another baby blanket! I also bought a crochet hook, I have tried before, but never got the hang of it. I have old yarn that I may try to make a blanket out of! We shall see! Oh the possibilities and the endless projects piling up!

Happy Late Christmas!

2011-02-02T08:00:00.000-08:00

Wreath inspired by Family Circle (I think? It's been a while).

Made completely of felt, and pushed in with straight pins!
Supplies: felt, scissors, straight pints, styrofoam wreath, glue gun.
Hot glue green felt to the entire styrofoam wreath. Cut out lots of flowers, pin them on. ta da!

Minty Mallows

Made these delicious treats for all my co-workers!
Supplies: different varieties of chocolate chips,sprinkles, marshmallows,coffee stirrers cut in half, wax paper.
Stick the stirrers in to all the mallows, dip in chocolate, then in sprinkles, then wax paper to dry.
I packaged them in cute little bags, with a packet of hot coco and instructions to use the mallow to stir your coco! YUM!

I made hundreds!

My boyfriend and I put up our fake tree (normally my parents have the real one). The fake tree was ugly, needed a skirt. Bought the white skirt for $2.00 second hand.

I used a die cut machine to punch out snowflakes and trees. Well, I die cut one and used it as a pattern for the rest! I then hand cut little circles and sewed on matching sequins and beads!

It's tradition in my family to have a christmas village. I have nice houses at my parents, but down here in Carlsbad I don't! So I bought cheap houses at the dollar store. They came with lights! I also bought the trees!

I had batting laying around so I pulled it apart to make snow. To make the houses look a bit more fancy I used Elmer's glue on the top of the roofs and in the windows and sprinkled glitter. Gives the houses a snowy touch!

A backup of crafty goodness

2011-01-31T22:21:00.000-08:00

Well hello there fellow bloggers! I promised to post more, but that was about 3+ months ago now. Sad. I find myself becoming completely engrossed in my work. I do have a chance to get creative with my students, however it leaves me little time to get crafty after hours. My school's catch phrase is "No Excuses!", thus I should really make time to craft. Afterall, it does make me a happier person!

Although I have limited time, I did craft! Here are some fabulous Halloween costumes.

Zachary the black Voo Doo Doll

Me! These costumes were inspired by my trip to New Oreleans last year. As well as Tim Burton's Pin Cushion Queen and Voo Doo Girl! Love it!

How to make a voo doo Costume:

old t-shirt, puffy paint, flower wire, old necklace that you are willing to take apart, sharpies, gue gun, felt, wire cutters and batting.
Draw a heart on the felt cut out
Take apart necklace, color beads with sharpies (it worked! I had white beads), hot glue beads to end of flower wire (strongest you can find), cut wires at different lengths. Cut little holes in the felt heart and then glue the wires into the hearts backside. Make sure to bend ends of wire or glob glue to keep from poking through! OUCH!
Place batting all over the backside of the pin filled heart and then glue all around and place on shirt!
Draw on fake stitches with puffy paint. Glitter if needed Let dry.
REVIEW: I loved these costumes, fun to make and everyone said we should have entered a contest. I kept them, maybe next year? Beware of people poking them though! Fun times all around!

We held our first ever pumpkin carving party. Isn't this Spider I made the cutest?

Long time no blog!

2010-10-11T20:23:00.000-07:00

Well hello there folks! Promise I have been doing crafts. I swear actually. They just haven't been much fun because they involve my new job! Loving the job, it keeps me much busier than I would like, but I think after my first school year things will calm down a bit. Right now I am just trying to get into the routine of things.

Some new things:

I recently came into new glitter! I can never get enough glitter!! It's everywhere right now.
A self-made Halloween costume-working on it this week.
Cross-stitch that reminds me of my childhood and all the holidays
Hopefully more work with my sewing machine. Remember those cute fabrics I posted a long time ago, they are still sitting in my craft buckets. Sad.

Also, my friend Adrian has this awesome give-away of hair products by Kevin Murphy. Go sign up for her blog and leave a comment. It's a super cute blog-she posts hair/fashion etc.

Alright, promise to post before Halloween with pictures, then more regularly as the holidays approach.

Oh, Brother!

2010-08-11T08:00:00.000-07:00

Okay, this is a big crafting event for me. Drum roll please....I got my first sewing machine!

It's a Brother XL 2600i, a great sewing machine for beginners like me. It's weird saying beginner because I have been "sewing" for a long time, just not with a machine. I am so used to do everything by hand with embroidery that I am amazed at how fast the sewing machine is. The one part I am finding difficult is that I do not know the machine all that well yet. It takes practice! So, once I get the hang of my shiny new toy I will be making this:

Butterick Pattern 5474-I will be using the kitchen fabric from my previous post to make the pink apron shown above! Once I get one apron down I plan on making more for gifts...or for myself they are all so darn cute! I also want to make a cloth cover for my sewing machine, so that is yet another project to look out for!

Big Hart's

2010-08-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

No, I did not spell "Hart" wrong. Hart's Fabric is a great place to go if you are tired of the same old fabric at JoAnn's, Hancock Fabrics etc. Hart's carries fabric by different artistsand they have a big selection. Yes, it is a bit more expensive, but in my opinion it's worth it!

It may not look like much from the outside, but check it out....

Row after row of fabric. (Photo's via Google Images)

Is this fabric not the cutest? I had to buy some! (Photo: Me)

I am not sure what I am going to make yet, but it will be fun trying to figure out my next project! (Photo: Me)

So stay tuned into the bait to see what I come up with!

Baby Shower

2010-07-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

I missed a week of blogging! I apologize, but I have been moving. I have been in my new place about a week and now we are getting back on track.

Remember my previous post: It's Baby Season ? Well, the baby shower came and went! I love seeing new moms enjoying my creations.

Flower arrangement with the plane and party favors I made

Baby Cake Balls Pops-difficult to get to stay on the stick. Froze them, first, then tried freezing with the ball on it already. All around a big crafting difficulty. I don't think I will ever put them on sticks again! Look cute as rattles though right?

Feeling sluggish?

2010-07-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

What is that I see? A little banana slug! Indeed!

Okay, okay! So he is not a snail, but he still belongs here.

This is my second attempt at needle felting (see previous post: Lady Bug). I decided I had to do something with my yellow wool. I thought a bright yellow banana slug would be perfect. I got my needle felting kit from NifNaks. The kit was only $15.00 included: 2 needles, 6 colors of wool (you get to pick) and a foam pad. In addition, it came with a history of needle felting! The modern form of needle felting started in the 1980's, but felt can be dated back as far as 6300 B.C. Pretty cool! Only thing, it is a bit time consuming and watch out for your precious fingers, I stabbed myself a few times!

Ahoy!

2010-07-07T08:00:00.000-07:00

Are you tired of onesies yet? I am! This is my last one in a batch of five I have created! The baby shower is this Saturday, so I finished it just in time. Only problem I had with this onesie is the color, it made transfering my pattern (from Urban Threads) difficult.

I ended up using chalk first to transfer the pattern. However, the chalk would not stay, so I traced over the chalk with pen. You can still see the pen marks since I haven't washed it yet. Overall, it turned out cute and what mom to be wouldn't love this!?

Next week's bait:

Felting! I have already finished a project, but I am waiting until next week to show it off.

Zee Plane! Zee Plane!

2010-06-30T15:12:00.000-07:00

I promised an update on Wednesday, so here it is! This is a work in progress. I thought I would get it done by today, however life gets in the way of crafting! Especially in the summer when the sun is hot and the pool is cool!

How to make this bait:

Step 1-Find patterns for your design. My cousin-in-law has a plane theme for the baby. So I typed, "cute onesies" into google images and you can get tons of ideas right there!
Step 2-Copy & paste patterns into Microsoft Word and size them accordingly, (can be done with other programs) I prefer Word. Now print!
Step 3- Take a pencil and rub graphite all over the back of your patterns. Press hard, make sure there is plenty of graphite on the back.
Step 4- Place patterns on onesie with pins and trace with a pen. Be sure to press down hard so the pattern transfers.
Step 5- Go over parts of pattern with pencil that did not transfer well (sometimes I use washable pen).
Step 6- My personal favorite step: EMBROIDER! I used chain stitch for most of this project. The clouds are glow-in-the-dark!!

Last but not least- Enjoy your hard work and have a sunshine filled day!

Coming up next on the bait:

--Next Wednesday be looking for more onesie patterns (are you getting tired of them yet?)

--Trying to get more publicity for this blog, hardly anyone reads it! If you look at this please leave a comment! Or I might start a page counter, ads and trying to get some people lookin at my stuff!

--Felting! Hopefully getting projects going....see ya next week!

It's Baby Season

2010-06-23T13:27:00.000-07:00

Well, the Snail-Bait has received a face lift. What do you think? I like the new blog templates, but I would like to change the background. Beyond a new face lift, I have some new projects to share. My cousin-in-law is expecting a baby boy. We are throwing her a baby shower and these are some cute onesies I made:

The pattern is from Trey & Lucy they so kindly posted their pattern for ties and guitars. I thought the ties would be my favorite, but I ended up loving the guitar! I cannot wait to see it on the baby.

To make a guitar or tie onesie:

Step 1: Buy a packet of onesies for cheap-Target or Walmart has great prices! Packs of 5 onesies for around 7.99.

Step 2: Buy or find the following around the house:

--Fabric (can be scraps!)
--Wonder Under (or Steam to Seam) 1 sheet for guitar, 1/2 sheet for tie
--Iron + ironing board
--Pins
--Embroidery thread to embellish
Step 3: Follow instructions on the Wonder Under to pin pattern to wonder under and fabric accordingly. Cut out! Peel the Wonder Under from the fabric and the "web" part should be stuck to fabric. Place your applique on the onesie. Don't worry it won't stick just yet, so you can move it around until you find a placement you like.

Step 4: Turn on the iron! Make sure you place cardboard or something inside the onesie so it doesn't stick together! Also place a piece of fabric over it so Wonder Under does not get on the iron.

Step 5: After your pattern is adhered use embroidery thread to make designs!

Coming up next on the bait: Every Wednesday I am going to make it my goal to post. Next Wednesday-I have two more onesies that are embroidery only that I will show how-to and progress. Maybe even a video!

Felting!

2010-05-23T19:02:00.000-07:00

I went to Maker's Faire today for the first time. I was amazed at all the different stuff! I was looking for one thing though. Needle felting! I have really wanted to try it, but I have not been able to find anything at a reasonable price, until today! NifNaks had a great kit for $15 which includes the foam board, 6 bundles of roving (you get to pick the color) and two felting needles. The kit comes with instructions and a bit of history about needle felting. They suggest starting out by making a ball. My ball turned into this:

Isn't my lady bug cute!? It wasn't as hard as I thought it would be, but it did take a long time. This little guy is a bit bigger than a quarter. Love it!

More pictures of the Maker's Faire to come!

More Crafts

2010-05-22T22:28:00.000-07:00

More beautiful coffee filter roses. This bunch was created by my mom for my clinical supervisor. they are double delight roses. We chose this cute teapot to put them in.

They look beautiful in the early morning light. Don't they? Look very real!

Find the pattern at marthastewart.com --> paper roses

Freedom!

2010-05-22T22:18:00.000-07:00

How to paint your graduation mortar board (cap). Step 1: Print your design, color back with white chalk all over. Place pattern on cap and trace over with pencil pressing down to transfer your design. Lift up your pattern and the chalk pattern appears.

Step 2: Paint-I tried regular acrylic, but puff paint works the best. Do not use the puff paint bottle, hard to control the outcome. Instead, squirt some onto a plate and use a paint brush!

Step3: Bedazzle! I used Martha Stewarts Irridescent 12 Pack glitter and store bought rinestones. Use Jewel It glue and tweezers to place rinestones.

Step 4: Admire and wear your awesome and unique graduation cap. Don't forget to take a lot of pictures!

It's Almost Time!

2010-05-16T21:21:00.000-07:00

I have 3 days left of externship and 5 pages of a final until I am officially done with my MA degree! I am already finding more time for crafting. I started a new felt project, bought new supplies, and will be decorating my graduation cap! For now I will leave you with these beauties-coffee filter paper roses painted in water color. My mother learned how to make them! Thanks to Martha Stewart and Mommymakesroses.com

They seriously look real. My mom made another bunch for my supervisor and I will post pictures by Wednesday! So come back soon!!

Learn something new everyday

2010-04-19T21:47:00.000-07:00

Alright time to get nerdy! Did you know that crafting reduces anxiety?

"Patients with mood disorders often 'live inside their heads'. Participating in a craft can help patients 'move' forward."

Often people who are in hospitals, recovering or in therapy benefit from craft "therapy". I, myself have anxiety from time to time (which is normal for most people!). When I craft on a consistent basis and have an outlet for "my brain"; I seem to be more relaxed. My brain is "moving forward" because you are spending time making something, either just for you, someone you care about, or just for fun and it takes your mind off your worries.

"Robert Reiner, Ph.D., a New York University psychologist and the study’s author, the findings prove what crafters already know: Crafts de-stress. “The act of performing a craft is incompatible with worry, anger, obsession, and anxiety,” he says. “Crafts make you concentrate and focus on the here and now and distract you from everyday pressures and problems. They’re stress-busters in the same way that meditation, deep breathing, visual imagery, and watching fish are.”

I guess I already knew this, but to know scientifically that my crafting is a form of therapy and it actually works is awesome! However, like I have said before with graduate school coming to a close in about 4 weeks (classes anyways) I have ZERO time for crafts.

The last straw, hurdle, jump whatever you want to call it= super stressed/anxious, overwhelmed, overworked, studying like crazy, with little time to eat, sleep or finish my work..... let alone craft.

Counting the days_____39______ until I can offically call "time" my own again!!!

After May 29th watch out world, Snail Bait will be back in action and I may even start a new blog about my career in SLP---which is sure to involve a lot of creativity! :)

Easter Goodies

2010-04-03T17:40:00.000-07:00

My mom and I made 94 cake balls today for Easer. Click here to learn: How To Make Cake Balls We used a recipe that was similar, we used chocolate to coat and added decorations! Suprisingly easy to make, the coating part was a bit tricky but decorating was fun! We saw some very creative cake balls while searching the internet! Some made into lolli-cake balls for weddings and showers. Some made into animals with fondant. Fun to get creative!

Not exactly Peter Cottontail! Looks like a box of chocolates!

Chocolate Cake Balls-regular chocolate (white drizzle) and peanut butter chocolate (sprinkles)

White Chocolate Cake Balls-Funfetti Cake with Sprinkles! They taste just as good as they look!

This is Bowie to Bowie, do you hear me out there man?

2010-03-05T22:32:00.000-08:00

My sister is a big Bowie fan! She asked me to make her a Bowie inspired cross-stitch. I made the pattern myself based on Bowie's famous lightning bolt and hair! I put on some vintage Dawson's Creek and began stitching! I finished it in one evening. Hooray!

The bait has killed me...

2010-02-16T22:30:00.000-08:00

I will not have time for crafting for a while. Last semester of graduate school, extern 30+ hrs a week, and two major tests (licensing and grad exam) to study for.

I have done some crafting and baking just to keep myself sane. If I get a free minute I will come back and post. So keep checking! I may be back.

In other news I was introduced to Google Reader. I love it! Now that I have an iTouch I can keep up with my blogs all day long! Hooray. If you don't know what google reader is yet, check it out!!!! It's a blog readers dream!

Hearts and lots of them!

2010-02-03T14:27:00.000-08:00

It is not very often that I get to make crafts for men, so it's a bit of a challenge when I get a request. I had stitched Zachary a quote he used all the time. His friend Mike loved it and requested something as well. I thought about zombies, southpark etc. However, I settled upon Bubble Bobble the Nintendo game. Mike introduced the game to me and the three of us spend hours playing it together. It doesn't hurt that the characters are cute little dragons! Both patterns curtosy of spritestitch.com.

After making the big one, I just had to make the cute smaller one for a Valetine's card. The editing (pink heart part) was done on picnik.com. Today they had a celebration for 1 billion uploaded pictures so I took advantage of premium editing!

Recent snow on the mountains, this is the view from my bedroom window, zoomed in as far as possible!

I truly enjoy decorating my room, last month it was snowflakes and this month.....

(again edited a lot using picnik.com)

Paperheart garlands are easy to make if you have a die cut machine. I used scrap book paper and construction paper. I hung them from my curtain rod using a paperclip and some thread. Of course it helps to have sparkly white lights to accent them too.

Puppy Love

2010-01-24T17:39:00.000-08:00

Stormy Weather

2010-01-18T15:59:00.000-08:00

Wooo! Northern California is getting a series of intense storms this week. Today began the first of 6-7 storms. The blue sky is peaking out for now, but soon the rain clouds will come pouring back in.
I recently got a Flip camcorder for Christmas here is a video of the rain....

The dark clouds remind me of the Pixar short "Partly Cloudy" on the movie "Up!" if you haven't seen it yet, go watch it!!! The short was adorable and I just can't look at a grey cloud the same way again :)

Goodbye 2009, Hello 2010!

2010-01-01T17:36:00.000-08:00

Well, I promised pictures of some Christmas presents, and now that it is no longer 2009 or Christmas time I think it is safe to post these beauties!

Exhibit A: The homework monster for my cousin Thea. He is adapted from an Urban Threads design. She is currently attended UC Berkley getting a double Masters! I feel her pain and made her the amazing homework monster. The best part is I made him bendable and magnetic!!!

Exhibit B: This is an old Speech Therapy card from 1974! I found it while doing my student teaching. My uncle's John and Garrett have three chickens I helped take care of. Thus, I thought they would enjoy this, I made the chickens true to life (Henny-Penny red, Pumpkin is Orange and Claudia is Black & White!)

I am currently on vacation in San Diego and did not bring my crafts with me so I had a chance to truly relax. However, when I return to San Jose school starts back up again with hurrican force and I am afraid I will not longer have time to craft :(

5 more months until I am done with school and will have more time and money to CRAFT! I can't wait!

and the frenzy continues....

2009-12-23T23:07:00.000-08:00

Well, Merry Christmas "Steve" everyone! It's the day before Christmas Eve, therefore "Christmas Steve". Don't ask, it was a childhood tradition still carried on today! To celebrate I ran errands with mom, caught up on some televison and made these:

Both patterns are Urban Threads, sewn with inspiration by me! I was shocked how fast I got them both done. Just started both of these this evening and am working on a third.

I apologize for the dark quality, it's hard to take good pictures at night.

Smells like Christmas

2009-12-22T18:01:00.000-08:00

Well, my room smells like Christmas that is, fresh balsam to be exact (bath and body works). It is the only candle that smells just like a fresh cut tree! Speaking of trees! Here is my white seashell tree. I have yet to create a tree topper (starfish) been too busy, but I will get around to it later.

I strung pearls on the pretty ribbon and then used a glue gun to attach. Martha Stewart suggests using a tiny electric drill. A. I do not own one B. That would take a while!! C. shells might crack. So I used my own ideas.

I had some failed projects this week but nothing was worse than this:

My embroidery thread that is organized in numrical order decided to throw itself up all over my floor...sad. I let it sit there for a while before cleaning it up!

PS. I have more pictures coming the day after Christmas! One present I finished today and actually suprised myself with how cute it is! :P Come back to see the Christmas Presents, Dec. 26th!!

Suprise Vintage Project!

2009-12-17T13:31:00.000-08:00

I started working on this a while back, when we had a Sunday "Crafternoon" with my cousins. Crafting runs in the family! I actually worked on it for soo long that I hurt my wrist! haha.

I wasn't able to work on it for a few months due to school, however now that I am done I finally finished it.

It is a vintage postcard I found through searching the internet. I adore vintage mermaids, bathing beauties, classy pin-up type artwork. I fell in love with this and decided it would be fun to make! I am very excited it is done, wish I had used a better fabric that didn't pucker but I am happy with the end result! It will be hanging in my room once I find a good place to have it framed.

Here is the original postcard artwork I used for the pattern (wish I knew who made it!):

Let the crafting continue!

2009-12-15T16:50:00.000-08:00

I started making holiday candles last year, I believe they were on Bugs and Fishes but not totally sure. They are probably on this blog or my previous blog. They are cheap to make, but time consuming and patience testing! I have two that I love and have burned the last 3 years and are still going strong. Made some for my mom and grandparents. However my sister requested a "sweater snowflake pattern" because she wanted one! I starting looking up patterns from Swedish and Swiss patterns, with no luck. After much searching I found out it was Norwegian! I just love this pattern and I am pleased with the way it turned out. Candle: $1.89 cinnamon Puff paint in white: $1.29 Pattern Free! So about $3.00 to make.

So for those of you who know me it is no suprise that I adore GLITTER. I found 16 colors of glitter at Michael's. I knew there had to be a project in which I could use it, and I remembered Martha Stewarts graded glitter seashell tree from her December magazine. I loved the tree and decided I would make some! For about 6 dollars total, I made ALL of these fabulous shells. I need to figure out a way to hang them, but for now they look beautiful sparkling on my floor. Warning: you will be covered in glitter for days if you make these! And make sure you spray them with a finish so the glitter stays!

Alright now back to my sewing projects!

The gifts, glorious gifts!!

2009-12-13T12:26:00.000-08:00

I have been working on this since I began my blog. This is a vintage stitching pattern found at an antique store. It uses single stitchs and I have never done a craft like this! It was a bit difficult to define the pattern using single stitches. I am used to cross-stitch! After thousands of beige stitches I am finally done! To get the perspective I included a pen...ugh soo many beige stitches!!!! The poor thing is warped and I need it framed! But I got it done by Christmas and will be giving it to my grandpa.

Another gift was for my Speech-Language Pathology supervisor. Her name has been blurred for privacy. If you didn't notice she loves tea. The patterns are via Sublime Stitching (love their stuff!) I had fun with this quick project. I think personalized gifts are my favorite thing to make!

My next project will be one for myself. I have another fabulous vintage postcard project in the works and something christmasy! I am also dying to try needle felting! It seems like felting wool is hard to come by in San Jose....I will try it eventually!

Dear me!

2009-12-08T23:37:00.000-08:00

Oh dear me, it's December. Things have been a complete whirl wind!

Let me see, I spent 4 days in New Orleans, then Thanksgiving and 3 days in Monterey, then finals began shortly after. You think with all that, "vacation" I would be well rested and ready for finals.

Wrong.

I am more stressed out than usual. It may have something to do with the fact I have a short winter break. I begin winter session courses Jan.4th and go STRAIGHT THROUGH TO GRADUATION!!!

Exciting and totally overwhelming at the same time. So much to do in only a matter of months.

I have been crafting when I can, I will post pictures next week when my "short school recess" begins.

New Orleans!

2009-11-17T23:47:00.000-08:00

The time has come! I am leaving bright and early tomorrow morning to go to New Orleans! I kinda feel like I have been there, but that's because Disneylands "mini" Bourbon St. looks just like the picture below!

I cannot wait to see all of New Orleans glory in person. Although I am attending a conference, I am going to take some time to relax, buy a beignet, maybe some voo doo dolls, creole or jerk seasons and enjoy the surroundings!

Oh, let's not forget the 5 hour plane ride that will be full of catching up on my stitching projects!! Talk about the perfect vacation!!!

Witch's Brew, Slime, and Eyeballs

2009-10-25T19:58:00.000-07:00

Another spooky weekend here in San Jose. Here are some of the highlights:

Prize winning pumpkin, created using an embroidery pattern

Witch's Brew

black currant juice from Whole Foods, Brandy, icecube hands/face various plastic body parts! and dry ice!

Our Pumpkins

Bones (pretzels, marshmellows & white chocolate)

Eyeballs(homemade peanutbutter balls dipped in white chocolate)

Oktoberfest at Teske's German Bar!

PS. Attempting to mess with my format and stuff. I guess I was behind on the updating etc...

One Batty Batty, Two Batty Batty....

2009-10-19T17:42:00.000-07:00

It's been a few weeks! Gosh, time is just flying by! I am working about 55 hours a week (student teaching + school) and I am loving it! However, as I have said before it does not leave much time for crafting. I did manage to put the books down and relax long enough to make a BAT!

Isn't it darling? I got the pattern from Urban Threads. I love Sublime Stitching patterns more than Urban Threads...but I liked the bat.

He is in my bedroom and it just makes me think of Halloween!

I also started up on the "old car project" I am determined to finish it for my grandpa for Christmas! I also have my other mystery project in the works. Hooray!

Enjoy!

De baby!

2009-09-20T21:25:00.000-07:00

I caught up on school work for a bit so I could enjoy a weekend that was almost homework free! My good friend from high school is having a baby boy! Here baby shower was this weekend and so it is now safe to post the cute onesies I made her!
Lissa and Timmy have been good friends since kindergarten! He can't believe she is married and pregnant! Neither can we!! :P

The baby's initials are JJM! I love making personalized baby things! I might have to make another one when Jeremiah arrives with his birth date, weight etc! Fun!

I just L-O-V-E LOVE this one! I made the pattern from clip art and found the saying "I scream" on-line, too cute.

All of us girls re-enacting our prom picture. We haven't all been together in years!

It was nice to see good friends, especially those whom I have known for so long! I also went to a fabulous house-warming party with the same group of friends. Then I went up to San Francisco for my cousin's birthday! Last but not least, I went to the art and wine festival today.

All in all, a fun filled weekend! Time to get back to the daily grind. Hope to post another project I have been working on soon, but my wrist has been bothering me since "Sunday crafternoon." Might need it checked out, cause I can't sew with an injury!

Sluggin' along,
Rach

School, already?

2009-08-30T15:52:00.001-07:00

Yep, it is that time of year! I am back to "school." Taking 19 units this semester. 10 of which are "student teaching" which equals 30+ hours a week, unpaid. Fabulous!

Needless to say crafting will be put on the backburner again. With the exception of baby clothes for friends becaus I can't give that up! Again, I will try to attempt and make some crafty time because I have some unfinished projects that I would really like to post!

For now here is another baby onesie! The pattern is Sublime Stitching and I used glow-in-the-dark thread for "nap time and the clock" yay!

Sending the baby package tomorrow! HOORAY!

Then back to the uncrafty world of school....darn!

It's Summertime and the living is easy....

2009-08-06T22:31:00.000-07:00

I finished up my last clinic of my graduate studies on July 29th! More than half-way done. In celebration I went a little bit crazy with the crafts. Here is what I have been up to:
On our last day of Adult Clinic we threw a party and ripped our last paper chain link together-

My grandparent's 60th Wedding Anniversary is this weekend! We are throwing a party in their honor. My mom and I decided we needed to get crafty. Thus, these beautiful party favors were born! All 46 of them, made while watching soap operas on a lazy afternoon-Jelly Belly's YUM!
Pretty paper seals
The finished product!
I am posting these pictures even though I haven't sent the gifts yet. A friend of mine had a baby girl. Some of you may know I absolutely LOVE to make baby things. Here are some preview pictures. BEE and Jenna designed by Me @Snail-bait and the cupcae is a Sublime Stitching pattern (more to come as I finish the last project)-
Baby Jenna
This one is my favorite..While I was stitching baby clothes my sister made this lil' gnome, drawn by hand and then made into a felt stufie-
Last but not least, I went out for my grandmothers 81st Birthday at my Uncle John's restaurant Los Gatos Gourmet-
After the party this weekend for the 60th Anniversary my cousin's and I are having a SUNDAY CRAFTERNOON!! I can't wait to spend time with family and work on more projects. Stay Tuned..I leave for San Diego for a while to relax and craft some more before Autumn sets in!

It itches!!

2009-07-12T17:37:00.000-07:00

I have the crafting itch! It just won't go away! Now that I started up again I will not be able to stop.

I have been working extremely hard this summer, and yet I still don't feel right. Maybe it's just me. maybe it's all the school left? Maybe, I will never really know..

What I do know is that I have a new vintage project I am working on and it might take me a long time to finish.

Why is it that I always feel guilty starting new projects when I still have old ones that are not done yet!

"diiirrrty souff"

2009-07-09T10:36:00.000-07:00

Yeah, the dirty south! New Orleans, Louisiana here I come!! well in like 4 months. I have never been to the south of the US. I have been to the following states: California (duh, I live here), Wyoming, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Utah, Montana, Arizona, Minnesota, Michigan, Indiana, Virginia, Maryland, Washington D.C., Hawaii, Illinois, and I think Ohio? So this coming November, I will have a layover in Texas (I count those states) and then spending the weekend in New Orleans for the ASHA Convention.

I am just excited to travel! I go between San Jose and San Diego all the time, but I haven't left the state in a while. I have more cross-stitching ideas and embroidery patterns. I really need to get a project done for my grandpa. I should get on that!

Time to stop procrastninating and get my homework done. Until next time...

Another subversive inspiration!

2009-07-05T16:44:00.001-07:00

Alright, so I should be preparing for clinic. Instead, I made this:

I was inspired by the phrase "I fudged it up" and by the movie The Hangover in which Alan states, "I fudged up guys" in reference to accidentally drugging his friends. Whoops!

I just love the Popsicle, I designed the pattern myself!!! Down to the little droplet of melting fudge. Yum.

Now what should I do with it? Too weird a shape for a frame, bookmark maybe?

Homemade Subversive Cross-Stitch

2009-07-03T23:22:00.000-07:00

I told you I had a project in the works that might be, well...kinda gross! It makes me giggle every time I look at it. I was inspired by Subversive Cross-stitches blog/flickr account. I love looking at the absurd, rude and creative things that people make into cross-stitch! I had to make one!

Here is it:
Step 1. Find an amusing quote. This is a quote from SouthPark that my boyfriend and his friends say all the time. It never ceases to make me laugh.
Step 2. Design your pattern. Yes, I designed this pattern myself by piecing bits of designs I liked together. Here it is in the beginning stages:

3. Finish your cross-stitch while laughing because you have made something totally ridiculous. At at first glance, it looks pretty, but once you read it's not soo pretty after all! I made the butt design all by myself! :) So proud. HA! HA!

lightbulb!

2009-06-17T22:52:00.000-07:00

Oh the "freedom" of summer has finally inspired me! I put "freedom" in quotes only because I am still in school :( But luckily only one class :)

So, I have been wanting to submit something to Subversive Cross-stitch's Flickr for a long time. But I wanted to come up with someone orignal. That site can be kinda dirty, vulgar, and inappropriate. That's why I love it, it's not what you would typically expect from home made crafts.

So what is this genious idea? Well I am not telling you yet. Here is a hint: My boyfriend and his friends got it from a comedian (i believe) they say it ALL the time. It could be hung on the door of your bathroom. Hahah.

It's going to be a quick and easy craft. Yet disgusting. I am soo sending to him when I am done. LOL's

Back in Action

2009-06-12T09:34:00.001-07:00

Well hello! I am offically in summer mode! Although I am still enrolled in school, my unit load is only 3 for the summer! Hooray!

Here are some things I promised:
1>) I went down to San Diego, twice! I actually really enjoyed myself! I went to a wedding on the beach

2) My mom's artichokes are in bloom! I just had to test out my camera's zoom skills. I would say pretty good! I have a version of this as my wallpaper!

3.) Zach's birthday! I made this cake that is my all time favorite cake (and i typically really don't like cake) It's like a brownie cake! made with lots of chocolate!!!

4.) Crafting! I actually got some embroidery in! I bought a duvet cover for Zach's comforter and embroidered his initials!

As summer school settles down I should be crafting more! And I have a brand new camera, so I at least I can post pictures! Keep coming back!

Latest crafts

2009-05-15T09:43:00.000-07:00

1) The very hungry clincian book I made for class-soon be uploaded
2) A gift for someone
3) That car I have been working on for like 2 years, well I am making a vow to finish it by fathers day so I can give it to my grandpa! let's see if I can do it!!

Crafting Epiphany

2009-05-06T14:12:00.000-07:00

Finaly! I am crafty again! The best part is, it's homework! My professor informed our class that we had to make a visual of the assessment process for a client. My mom suggested an idea, and I totally ran with it! So far it's adorable and I am putting in far too much work on this for what it's worth. But does that really matter if I am having a blast doing it!? And I don't feel guilty spending lots of time because it is school related.

I am going to scan my project in once I am done...exciting!

sad day

2009-05-02T22:24:00.000-07:00

I was going to take a picture of my pile of cross-stitching magazines to explain why I couldn't just pick something! Alas, my camera has died. Due to the fact that I am in a crazy graduate program, I am not working for $$$. Thus, no new camera for me yet! :) In time.

So, for the time being hang in there with me. As summer approaches I feel my craft juices flowing again! I like it!

I have flagged some of my magazines for future projects. I still need to finish an old car! I had another idea, but I decided if I made it...well that I would have bad karma. So I decided to toss that project until things get a little bit settled down.

I might be making something for my boyfriends birthday as well! Time to steal mom's camera if I make anything! Check back soon, I promise I will have something in the coming weeks to share!

Honestly, I fail.

2009-04-22T12:38:00.001-07:00

So,I am soo uninspired lately! I makes me very sad. By the time I am done with my projects, homework and clinic; my brain is just flat out fried. It sucks! I have had some time to craft and nothing came to mind. I am hoping that after the next two weeks are over and summer begins that I can start my regular crafting again. I miss it.

For now I was tagged by Ashley! So here goes
The Honest Scrap award comes with a caveat or two. First, you must tell your readers 10 true things about yourself that they may not know. Second, you must tag 10 people with the award.

1.Unlike Ashley I am very OCD. I don't like people touching my radio, I can't stand people who eat "loud" things in class, I freak out a bit when things are messy, and I must have a to-do list or my life doesn't work right.

2. I must have my toenails painted at all times. typically with this little white flower stickers on them. Another OCD habit of mine that not many people know about!

3. I love fruity smelling bodywash! I am not a big fan of food smelling stuff, but anything tropical and fruity I love!

4.I have a really strange degree and not many people understand what I do! I freaking love my job and I can't wait to get started being an SLP!

5. People who are hypocrites,lazy or unresponsible really piss me off. I am a very motivated person with goals and aspirations, so to see someone being stupid just bothers me because they could have potential!!!

6.I only used to write in pencil, being left-handed I hated pen because my handwriting is all messed up. However, now that I am in graduate school I typically only write in pen! Which is totally weird!

7. I too have been skinny dipping! More than twice!

8. I have three stuffed animals on my bed! The pink snail from blues clues I bought at Great America, a black bear holding a puppy that my boyfriend got me, and Bee's Knees that my mom got me when I was a little baby and she worked at bumble bee tuna! hehe!

9. I really want cat. I think I have become allergic though, and my parents are getting another dog. But once I move out, I am sooo buying a kitty!!

10. If I had to wear one thing for the rest of my life it would be my rainbow sandals, a victoria secret lace long and bra, a pair of comfy jeans and a cute t-shirt. :) Basically what i wear everyday already!!

I don't have enough people to tag, but do it if you want to!

3 Cups of Coffee and One Diet Monster Later....

2009-04-06T22:10:00.000-07:00

I am still crashing. I would love time to fast forward to Wednesday Morning at 9am. Not only because it is my birthday!! But I will be done with my nutso week! I have my first assessment ALONE tomorrow, a big brain injury test, than an essay to write. I will let you know if I make it though the day. Not to mention, I got a brand new client and will be seeing him for an hour on my b-day. Yikes. I can do this, I have been through worse and survived. haha.

here are some artsy pictures I took of Zach's nephew- I had fun with my camera!

Back to Work

2009-03-31T19:23:00.000-07:00

I had a wonderful spring break! I am back to school. April is one hell of a busy month. I have projects up the "you know what" and it is a pain the "you know where"

All of my crafting and creativity is being swallowed up by Therapy Notebooks and school projects. :( Hope to do something for fun soon.

I turn 24 next Wednesday!! Maybe pictures and crafting later...

Sandy Cheeks

2009-03-19T10:34:00.000-07:00

Oh, sorry...Did you say something? I was a little bit distracted by the real life version of this:

I am in San Diego for Spring Break. I really miss this place, I couldn't even tell you why. It's open, fresh and the beach air makes me feel free!

I have a midterm to work on, but when I am done with this I will be DONE! SWEET! Then I can enjoy the beach, a margarita and cheap trashy novel. Maybe even get some crafting done. Hip Hip Hooray!

Good Morning

2009-03-11T09:53:00.000-07:00

I made another Morning Monster! My best friend Ashley's Birthday was a couple weeks ago and I made her a PURPLE monster! Here he is:
He is bigger than the one I made before! I like it!

Anyone else want one? He was so much fun to make :)

Say Cheese!

2009-03-08T22:30:00.000-07:00

My cousins from Washington came to visit this past weekend. My grandparents were out of town, and all of us girls were sitting around reading People magazine. There was an amazing picture of macaroni and cheese with an accompanying recipe. It was dinner time and naturally we were hungry. We made macaroni and cheese from scratch, and it was delicious! I need to write the recipe down so I don't forget!
Seasoning salt and pepper was the perfect addition!

Makes you hungry right? Yum!

Fresh Bait

2009-02-28T16:54:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my new and improved crafting blog. I already enjoy this blog so much more! It's fun and suits me much better.

The new title: Snail Bait. Now I don't mean the killing kind, I mean bait as in flowers! Snails love to eat them!

I will be fixin' this place up some more in the next couple of days. This is just the beginning.

Enjoy.