"Hey, if I had somewhere to go, I certainly wouldn't be in Cleve-Land." -Howard the Duck

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

HAPPY HALLOWEEN !!!

 
Happy Happy Halloween!!!

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Feeling creative this year?

I've been going through my vintage sewing patterns...that I bought back when I wasn't quite so vintage myself.  The one above is among my favorites, but I know I'll never use it, so it's time to let someone else have that fun.  I adore the little Santa doll with his bag of gifts...and you can actually hide a gift in his bag!  As a bonus, you could dress like Santa yourself.  All these patterns & more are available in my Etsy shop, KittenCreates.
There's Super Santa...he's 28" tall...and would be spectacular by your tree with his sack of presents.  There are also patterns for that Teddy Bear named Teddy Terrific & candy canes included.
I've added a few patterns for aprons & placemats & napkins & such...to set a festive holiday table.
This one even covers Thanksgiving...and those pumpkins would be awesome on a mantle as well as being a centerpiece to use year after year.
This Santa & his fat little Reindeer are perfect to hold Christmas candy.
I've given many of this plump Gingerbread Boy as gifts...he looks especially cute hanging in your kitchen.
And if you're looking for a novel way to gift people with a gift card, it looks to me as if they'll fit into the pockets in these ornaments...with room to spare for a candy cane or two.
 
I'll be adding more patterns as I find them...so I'd be thrilled if you'd keep checking my Etsy shop, KittenCreates...I've found some cool vintage Christmas decorations to offer, too.  That will be another post...soon. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Halloween is on it's way...

OK...so I haven't made an ATC for years...until I saw this post on Marion's blog with her awesome Halloween ATCs.  I've swapped with Marion in the past & it's always a delight.  She lives in Germany & her artwork is spectacular...at least I think so.  I wrote to her & she was up for a swap, so the ATC above is what I sent her way.  You should check out her blog, Bockel24...she posts new work often & each post is better than the last.
 
I really enjoyed making this ATC...so who knows...maybe I'll conjure up some more before Halloween.  Or maybe I'll just eat candy.  Yeah...it's probably gonna be that last one.  Candy!

Thursday, October 10, 2013

It's starting to look like Autumn

The leaves are slowly beginning to turn colors here in NE Ohio...and the crab apples are deep red on the trees.  A sure sign that Autumn is here.  Luckily, the days have been mild so far...and we've even been able to have the windows open during the day.  I dread the day that they'll have to be closed until Spring...but the weather people are already talking about some of those blasted s#@! flakes falling by next weekend.  NO!!!
Anyway, I've been dyeing up a storm of Autumn colors of ribbon & tags.  Pretty, warm colors.  Rich Autumn hues...and available in my Etsy shop...KittenCreates.
I've also started to offer sets of tags by themselves...they're always handy to have around & all the mess of dyeing has been in my house...for your convenience.
But if sewing is more your thing...check out this cute little Jack-O-Lantern pattern from the 1980s...perfect for holding all that yummy Halloween candy in style!
I'll be adding more treasures to my shop over the next few weeks & I'd be honored if you'd check it out from time to time.  Now...it might be time to make some Pumpkin Bread.  YUM!
 
 
 
 
 

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

More PINK for October...

On Monday, I received a fabulous package from my swap partner, Melodie.  Don't you LOVE the card she created?  Everything is so right about it...the colors, the vintage photos, the sentiment, the bit of lace...and that gorgeous charm!  I may be sending the card off to a friend at some point, but the charm is staying with me!
Here's a detailed look at the charm...gorgeous!  It's already part of my collection...and may end up on an art journal.
She added some stitching as a detail on the card...so wonderful...the perfect touch for the vintage feel of this card.
I also received this pretty tag...I especially love the felt flower with the stitched center.
And last but not least...the pink goodies Melodie sent...I know I'll be using these.  Thanks to Melodie & thanks to Linda for starting up her A Swap for All Seasons again.  The November sign-ups are closed, but you can sign up on November 1 for the December swap...which is sure to be wonderful. 
 
 
 
 

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Some PINK for October

These pretty little packages left here last week & arrived in the mailbox of my partner for the October edition of A Swap for All Seasons.  It's a fun little swap hosted by my friend Linda...and she's making it really easy to play this time around.  Each month you sign up in the first day or two of the month...and then she assigns you someone to mail to...and someone who will mail to you.  All that's required is that you follow the color & theme of the month & send one handmade tag, one handmade card & one destash item that could be used to make cards & tags.  So easy...I couldn't resist.  The theme for October was Friendship & the color was pink. 

My send-to partner was Susie & I know her from swapping with her many times in the past.  She's a talented artist & you can check out her blog here.  Since Susie received her package & has written to me & blogged about it, it's time to share what I made her here.
Here's the tag...I haven't made a tag in years & forgot how much fun they are to do.  The image is from Red Lead Paperworks & I've used some fun embellishments...like washi tape for the pink polka dots. 
And here's the card...the little girl on the right as you look at it is my cousin Sally...probably back in the 1940s.  I don't know who her friend is, but they sure look like best friends to me. 
Inside the card I used this stamp that I've had for years...it just seemed to fit.  The card & tag were to be left unsigned so that your partner can use them when she needs to send a card or gift.  Nice idea. 
The pink destash item was easy...I gathered up some of my hand dyed tags & ribbon & some Baker's twine that I dyed pink over red & white twine...and the destash part of the swap was complete. 
 
The November theme is Birthday & the color is brown...so as soon as I have my partner assigned I can start in on that one.  There's still time to sign up if you want to play for November...but sign-ups will close soon...we sign up at the beginning of October for the November swap...and mail on or before November 1...so hurry if you want to play.  Oh...and Linda has a giveaway during the month, too...and she always has the best stuff...be sure to check it out.