Saturday, April 10, 2010

swapping with mia, part 2

You can read about what I sent Mia here on her blog, but I wanted to add a few more details. (You can also read her hilarious account of mailing my stuff here... really, it's so funny! You gotta love four-year-olds.) Go ahead. I'll wait. :)

I wanted to make Mia something from every crafty category I dabble in: sewing, crochet, and scrapbooking; plus my first foray into plastic canvas since I was 10 years old.

The first thing I made was the amigurumi turtle, using this pattern. Problem was, with the natural cotton yarn I used, his head was MASSIVE. Made the little thing topple over like nobody's business. Here's the prototype:

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His head is on the left, body on the right. Because they ended up basically the same size, he wouldn't stay upright. I didn't bother to add legs or eyes... he just went right into the Dark Bin of Unfinished or Ugly Projects. You know you have one.

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I redid him with a soft acrylic yarn and used a smaller hook (I think? I don't remember if I actually did, but I meant to!) for the head. He stays upright on his four little legs and I gave him beads for eyes. Much better!

Next, I made coasters. I found a woven tea towel at a local thrift store with Colorado-themed pictures on it, and used this pattern. Technically the pattern is for cocktail napkins but I thought they were too small. Coasters it is! I made a set of six.

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The one above is one of my favorites. We actually live near Big Thompson Canyon and I just love the flower. The one below is my other favorite.

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Next, I made a mini sewing box. I used plastic canvas and this pattern. Inside the box, I made dividers for three spaces: a mini pincushion, buttons and thread/safety pins/needle threader.

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I made a set of scrapbook cards, using some of my favorite papers and embellishments. I liked them so much I *almost* kept them for myself and made a different set for Mia. Lucky for her, I decided to send them on!

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The last one is my favorite. I love how the curves in the paper and the flap of the card create a moon and stars effect. (Not sure why the "thanks" one is so blue, I took all the pictures in the same light. Oh well. Never said I was a great photographer!)

Tippy the Turtle came from Hobby Lobby. I thought Mia's Boys would get a kick out of it. Apparently he grew pretty big!

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The apron was one of my favorites. I'm so glad she liked it! I was out thrifting (I don't think I told you this, Mia!) and saw this awesome sheet set with retro flower/tree looking things. I snagged it immediately, and a minute later saw the tiny flower print sheet set that matches it so nicely. I am developing a serious love of thrift stores. I used these two fabrics and this pattern to make Mia's apron.

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Last, I made a post-it holder. I also made one for myself. :) I've seen instructions all over the web... just use an acrylic frame from Wal Mart or a similar store and go to town with scrapbook paper and embellishments. I hot glued the post-it pad because it was to heavy to hang by the sticky stuff alone. Hopefully it'll easily peel off when Mia needs a new set of sticky notes! We teachers have a serious love of office supplies!

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Yay! This was the most crafty fun I've had in a long time. Mia is a lovely person to have as a bloggy friend! Go to her blog and show some bloggy love!

3 comments:

  1. Okay. Seriously. Too much cuteness. I LOVE getting the backstory, especially the turtle...hilarious!!! I am fascinated to know about the apron coming from sheets...if you only knew how many hours I've already spent, staring at the fabrics, rubbing them, and wondering where they came from...outloud wondering... to my husband, who, I have to say, doesn't share my fascination. Harumph. :) Totally explains the retro feel of those flowers!!

    And that's so funny about the cards, too. The turtle is my favorite (for obvious reasons) but I love hearing about how the moon came to be, because when I first opened that one, and realized how it was working, I sat and opened it and shut it several times, trying to figure out if you did that on purpose! It's really quite clever.

    I have some double sided foam tape for the post it notes! I'll probably just leave the last one on and attach new ones with the foam? I don't want to risk ripping the post-it and leaving a scrap behind. It's too adorable for that!

    Thanks Carmen!!!!! You are the best. :)

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  2. That poor first turtle and his overgrown head. He'll live an eternity in a dark bin of loneliness. :)

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  3. Cute! I love how you adapted the napkins to be coasters. What an awesome swap package!

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