A Diamond in the Stuff: Thrifty Thursday

This evening, I am working on my "must have" "wish list" so I can get what I need to feel equipped to launch: R&K Crafts! Of course, I couldn't agree with Courtney more. Ornate frames...when ever you come across them are a must grab-- no matter how many you have at home. A Diamond in the Stuff: Thrifty Thursday: "It's been raining here like crazy so I haven't really had much chance to go thrifting. With all the rain all I really want to do is cud..."

Decoupage votives!

Summer is in the air (well, maybe not yet) ...  but, give these a shot anyway.
http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2011/02/how-to_stained_glass_votive_ho.html

Amazing Urban Quilts by Amy Ahlstrom

These aren't your "grandmother's" quilts. I love quilts. I don't own a single one because on a trip to Pennsylvania , I discovered the Amish roll like a street gang, shaking ppl down with those prices! What in the name of Jebadiah are they spending all that cash on? They have no electricity, the gas crisis isn't really a concern, the children aren't begging for only this seasons Abercrombie. Its crazy. But, I'd buy one of these. They are very stylish.

Amazing Urban Quilts by Amy Ahlstrom

Great idea to UPcycle soda bottles.

My little girl would love a shot at an afternoon of making these: any thing with glitter and Mumma is a winning combination! I should soak that up before it wears off! LOL!

CLICK the link:
http://kids-theme-parties.com/spiral-hanging-decorations-from-recycled-plastic-bottles-step-by-step-tutorial/

I think that's Martha's address!!!

Let's take a minute to have a humorous post. A post that will solidify for you how serious I am about the 'craft game' LOL. **obviously ##s have been changed to protect Public Figures who can sue me!**

Scene:
This morning: called ING savings to reset my PIN #  (again!!!)

Act 1:
Leading up to customer service call:
tried to reset PIN via online with my email and those cute little security questions that ING savings makes up on their own from what ever government file they have access to on your 'background'

It asked me 2 questions.
1. which of these addresses (business or residential) have you been associated with?
A. 578 Park Street (nope, although: I am sure this has something to do with being Bostonian)
B. 9 Elm Way (No, this one isn't even creative. Come on ING!)
C. 41 Turkey Hill RD (Huh? No. But, Turkey Hill does RING a HUGE bell!)
D. 65 Stewart Street (LOL. Makes me think of Martha! LOL. Wait. A minute...)
E. None of the above (I picked this one, cause I've never lived or worked at any of the above)

Second Question:
Not really relevant-- I did get it correct, because it was an easy one. In fact, the idiot who tries to steal my identity... will succeed based on the ease of this 'security question' alone!

Welp, turns out I got the 1st question WRONG. ING feels I do know one of those addresses and I'm still thinking no I don't! So, I have to call 1-888-ING-FIX-IT (totally made up number, don't call it. Its probably not child or christian appropriate when really called)

While waiting to speak with Darlene, a wonderful Southern belle, who made me think of that TV show "Out Sourced"> It dawns on me TURKEY HILL. TURKEY HILL!!! OMG. Turkey Hill is the name of Martha Stewart's farm. I am willing to bet those creepy security ppl over at ING meant for me to pick C!!! Because I am well, not so secretly, in love with Marty!!!

Hahaha. So, when rehashing the story to 'Darlene'. I tell her my question #1 dilemma. I really have never worked nor lived at any of those addresses!!! But, I tell her, "I think C. is the address of Martha Stewart's farm. And I know this because I love Martha and I would know that somewhere in my mind-- psst. with far more precedence over remembering my PIN number".

Darlene agreed this is obviously a sign, not only that I need my ING savings PIN reset, but also that The Accidental Artist and R&K Crafts on Etsy will be a huge success. Who knows, maybe even prison sentence at Camp Cupcake HUGE!!!!

LOL.
Happy Weekend,
XOXOXO

Pendants from paper!!! Great idea.

Certainly, something...I'd look into making! I can't wait to have my craft room set up for all this creating!!!

Click the link:
http://totallytutorials.blogspot.com/2011/03/tutorial-how-to-make-pendants-from.html

Daffodil time!!!

I'll also be sure sure to give these a try too!

Click the link:
http://ahootandaholler.typepad.com/my_weblog/2010/03/felt-daffodille-tutorial.html

I can't wait to make these! My grandfather

used to love

daffodils!

The Wishing Elephant: Felt Poppy Flower Tutorial

Anytime I come across a felt flower tutorial... I am get this insane desire to try it out myself! Check these out! So cute!
The Wishing Elephant: Felt Poppy Flower Tutorial: "These flowers are fairly simple and shouldn’t take longer than an hour to complete. Perfect for headbands, brooches and general e..."

Getting ready for launch?

In hindsight, let’s all hope: I don't stop and think-- ‘Well, that was a horrible idea!". Although, I probably won't! In reality, it actually can't possibly be a horrible idea...because my friend, Jacqui, who is never wrong in her career advice to me, suggested I launch an Etsy shop months ago! Really, it’s true, if Jacqui told me: it would be personally rewarding, life affirming or financially lucrative for me to light myself on fire= I'd ask around for a lighter or book of matches! She has been spot on dozens of times in the past! Not to mention that I've been given great support from so many other people. Just this morning, I got the positive feedback I need to feel confident that I could actually make this work. Thanks, Auntie Susie, Lydia, Beverly, and my honey: Mr. C!  So...

She is a good friend and she gives great advice. Here is to knowing she has not steered me wrong yet!

~Jenn

A Diamond in the Stuff: Primitive Apothecary Jars

I love these. I could definitely pull these off. I think. Take a look.
I think these could be pulled together for relatively little money. The jars can be bought in bulk from Walmart or Target or any local craft store. The wood pedastles and accents can be bought inexpensively from the same locations. What a great idea for an interesting home accent.

Click the link:
A Diamond in the Stuff: Primitive Apothecary Jars:

As promised A FANTASTIC: Felt rose tutorial!

Its like I said before: I can't sew! I can't do much of anything impressive with a needle and thread. That was of course until I found this fantastic tutorial. I have recieved so many wonderful complements on my felt roses and I certainly owe my ability to put them together to a woman named, Marie from Leicester, England.

If you'd like to learn how to make gorgeous felt roses like I do have a look at the tutorial!

Click the link:
A Sewing Odyssey: Felt rose tutorial



Made by me (2011)



Close up of the roses I learned to make with Marie's tutorial

 My latest creation
Gifted to Bella P. (2011)
Materials used: Straw wreath interior, wrapped in gray metallic oragenza
foam glitter embellishments made with my Sizzix Big Shot Die cutter
Yellow felt roses with green felt leaves

Where it all started...

I come from a very artistically gifted family. ME. Well, me...not so much. I can't draw a straight light with a ruler. I'm just not gifted that way, I guess. I also fall short of the mark on painting, sculpting, sewing, knitting, and cooking. Pretty much what ever artistic endeavor you can think of I would honestly admit that I have no natural aptitude.

3 tier Diaper cake for a baby boy
Materials: Diapers, ribbons, cardboard inner
strutcher, elephant stuffed animal
Bought by Cheryl P. (2010)



Yet, when I want to try my hand at something: there is just nothing that I can't teach myself. Save: free hand drawing and cooking at the caliber of excellence that my Mahm ("Boston" for Mom) is capable. However, all along--I've been a stealth little 'crafty craftman'. It started when I made my first diaper cake way back in 2004. After that I was asked by a relative to design and decorate the centerpieces for her wedding reception. Then just like that; I was a 'crafter', sort of an artist in my own right.



Christmas wreath
Materials: straw wreath, blue yarn,
 pearl beading, snowflake ornaments
Given as a gift to: Beverly G. (2010)



I've done many different things over the years, but unfortunately, I've only recently started photgraphing my many pieces. Lately, I make a lot of wreaths. I was initially inspired by many examples of yarn wreaths that I have seen on Etsy.

Halloween wreath
Materials: straw wreath interior, yarn
foam Halloween theme cut outs, rubber spider
Given as a gift to Dan and Millie E. (2010)

Currently, I am doing alot of work with felt and making flowers out of felt for my many wreath ideas. In fact, my next post will be the tutorial that I used to teach myself how to make these gorgeous roses!

Close up of felt roses made for a Valentine's Day wreath
Gifted to Jacqui & Paul L. (2011)