Thursday, August 30, 2007

My Little Craft Room



It's almost more of a "craft hall." The old-fashioned house we're renting has a tiny breakfast nook which I claimed as mine. It's not very messy because I wasn't crafting when I took the picture. It looks more used now...




I inherited this old chest of drawers when I married Billy, the bachelor with great furniture. It's been in his family for many years, and it's perfect for paper, yarn, and other supplies. (Yes, I share the breakfast nook with the refrigerator. Oh well. Beggars can't be choosers.)



This pie safe (also a family heirloom Billy had) is in the dining room. That's where I keep all my fabric, vintage quilts, and a basket of stationery. Oh, and children's books in the bottom. A wonderful piece.

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Piggy Banks


I spent a few minutes yesterday making piggy banks for my littlest 2 (from old baking powder containers)...Not perfect, but a quick and easy project. They were tickled pink!

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Embroidery Stitch Guide


Turkey Feathers now has an embroidery stitch guide up and running! Good for me, because my embroidery skills are rusty. Check it out!

(The embroidered pillowcase above is one I made years ago for my hopechest. It's getting a bit worn, but I still love it!)

Sunday, August 26, 2007

The How and Why of Simple Craft


Why does the world need another craft blog? Well, it may not, but even in the craft blog world I saw a void of inspiration for simple, quick projects. I'm a busy wife and mom and crafting happens in small snatches, if at all. If I wait till the house is clean and the laundry is done before I craft, I never will (because those tasks are never completed). But I do need an outlet for my creativity, so when I can slip a moment in, I need projects that bring fast results. I've found that I have to apply a few other principles to my crafting...One is to use what I have on hand much of the time, another is not to overload myself with "stash" (the clutter is overwhelming), and a third--the most important--is not to fall prey to perfectionism. Bottom line, I don't have time for perfection, and I have to learn to be content with my best under the circumstances.

By the way, the whimsical dolls above were made by my sis...She freehanded a pattern and stitched them up. Simple craft at its best!

Friday, August 24, 2007

Quilt Top


On our last trip to visit Billy's parents, I came home with this lovely quilt top, probably pieced by one of his great-grandmothers. The backing is even attached--all I have to do is add batting (from my stash), baste, and quilt. A true treasure!

This is true simple craft--let someone else do the hard work and I do the rest!

Thursday, August 23, 2007

Blog Roll

I've begun a blog roll with a few craft/artistic blogs, favorites old and new. Check them out! I'll be adding more along the way, so stay tuned.

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Photo Tips, Anyone?


So many bloggers take such lovely photos. Obviously mine aren't that great...The one illustrating this post is one of my better ones. Does anyone care to offer any tips? I know light is important...Beyond that, I'm clueless!

Felt Flower Pins


Just right for a little girl!

Little Girl's Apron


A bit of fabric, a bit of ribbon--it's that simple!

Welcome to Simple Craft!


I'm a busy wife and mom with lots of ideas but not much time for crafting. Here I plan to post my simple, frugal craft projects. Other people's craft blogs have inspired me. I hope mine inspires you.