Janet of All Trades

Every Christmas the decorating spreads to another room in my house. This year I am thinking about a small tree in the bedroom, just a little one with a few lights. While thinking about that tree I came up with some quick and easy trees for my craft room. I started with fabric scraps in my favorite colors and a 10 inch $1.00 foam tree. After ironing the fabrics, I started to wrap it around the tree, securing it with a pin. Wrapping it until it was completely covered and then securing the back with pins. Next I trimmed the bottom straight across. Then I secured the bottom with a pin. Now the pin was also used to balance the tree on a spool. No Sewing or glueing needed as my scraps can be used for another project it I want to. The perfect trees for my Craft Room Simple and easy. Festive and match my decor.  And the fabric can be reused! I love them.. Now just three more trees to decorate! Enjoy!

This past Sunday I attendend my Very First Craft show as a vendor in about 40 Years. I decided it was time to show the world my creations. I first packed up my bags the night before and was all ready to leave the house at 8 am. I packed everything in Vintage suitcases since I could use them for my display.  I had someone nice compliments not only my jewelry but on my display and mannequins that I made from pillowcases. I made a few sales but many people took my card and I had numerous hits on my Etsy shop the next few days. It slowed down at the end of the day since it was a beautiful November day and I am sure people were outside taking advantage of it. It was fun,exciting and exhausting, since I was coming down with a very nasty cold.  Now I am getting ready for my next show at the beginning of December,so I need to start working on a few more pendants and possible some leather rings. It was a great experience and I hope do attend a few more ...

 It's been in my blood since I was a child to want sell my creations. If it wasn't tickets to a puppet show,decoupage rocks as paperweights it was the monthly Newspaper for Maple Avenue with yours truly as the editor. So tomorrow I embark on this adventure again after 40 + years in the making, my creations are packed up and ready for everyone to enjoy.  I am nervous and excited as I feel like my life may be changing forever. Thank you to all that will come out tomorrow and support and to those who believe in me. Oh and so sorry for such sappy post! I will report later next week on the outcome with many photos! Enjoy!

This past week at work I saw the biggest,hairiest and scariest spider I have ever seen up close. This is not him but pretty close to what he looked like and it inspired me to create a few friendly spiders for Halloween since how scary could they be?  First you need three pipe cleaners.  Take two and fold them in half and the cut.  Next with your four legs, take another pipe cleaner and start wrapping around the center of the legs  Wrap so it looks like a little ball since this will the body.  Keep wrapping until you have used the entire pipe cleaner  Separate the legs and bend little feet at the end and the spider is done. Now I made a few and they are quite friendly but they seem to have taken over my home. Hey, get off the couch!  And off the lamp! You'll burn yourself. Stop surfing, oh your reading my blog.. well okay then.  I like you but just as a friend so please get off my leg. Oka...

I  made a huge decision to try and sell my pendants at a craft show and have been busy working on pendants and displays. I found these Artist figures at Ikea this past weekend and they are perfect for displaying my pendants.  I have been working on some lovely new key designs and I hope I sell just a few. If not I have some great ways to display my own jewelry I will sure to update on the out come of the show as well as my full table display! Enjoy!

 Halloween is quickly approaching and although I no longer dress up, I do like to create and wear to celebrate the holiday. When I found these Glow in the Dark stickers at the Dollar Store, I instantly knew I had the perfect use for them.  First I collected a few buttons and cut one of the stickers up to make it look more scary. I then cover it with Mod Podge and let it dry. Then covered it will Mod Podge Dimensional magic. I made a few more using buttons and pendant trays and I now I am all set for the big day.  Some Cute and Scary Pendants. They Glow in the Dark too!  I might wear one or maybe three.  So easy and very inexpensive. Enjoy!

I had been traveling most of the month of September and the one trend that is popular everywhere is braided and beaded bracelets. Like theses from Nialaya  braided bracelet with Skull beads that are handmade in Hollywood. A Shambala style with a stylish clasp. Our this Lovely Beaded Bracelet from the from Silorama  for Wimbledon that looks like mini Tennis balls. I love this braided and chain bracelet from Aureli Bidermann , not only for the color but the paper clip closure!  And lastly, my find and purchase at the beach for $.98 each! Braided bling.. I don't think I could make it them for less! But I might try! Enjoy!