Poor David, he has a heavy burden this year, by goodness though.....
Showing posts with label holiday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label holiday. Show all posts
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Monday, September 6, 2010
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Building a better elf
I seem to be remaking some of the old ornaments that I have sold on Etsy, I think I've finally got the hang of "up for retail" before the holidays. Did you know the Halloween candy is already discounted in the department stores? Ha! Just joking.
This is Peter and Paul, you can see the original post here.
They are from a pattern I made when being inspired by elves, I don't think I wanted them to be so skinny but I went with it anyway. I cut the first ones larger than my paper pattern and then forgot which parts I enlarged, remaking them is going to be a challenge but this time I corrected the pattern.
These are a bit tricky to do, the face seam is in the center of the body fabric and you really have to know what you are doing when it comes to turning them right side out.
This is the stage my husband make fun of me about, the body parts laying around. Each piece is stuffed and hand stitched, the bottom of the body is weighted. Can you see I made a major foe-par I made from the first pair? I never wrote the color of the fabric on each pattern piece and I assumed the hands were white. They aren't, they're red.
I got my cheese box full of buttons and I hoped to find eight matching shanked, I did, all of them.
These ended up taller than the others but I'm pleased with them. Attaching the legs are hit or miss since the bottom has aquariums rocks in it, it tends to shift while inserting the 4 inch doll needle.
I had wanted to put bells on the shoes and this time I did, it works well.
One thing that has always bugged me about these is the shifting in stitching, since it needs to be partly stitched in the hat and fully in the face before sewing it to the body, the hat gets pushed while turning my stitch direction and the fabric ends up overlapping, try as I might I can't get this to stop in this small area.
Luckily I had my felt out (what a handy material!). The trim around the hat is perfect but would not be in any other place. I think it would take away from the primitive aspect of them.
So I tried to get a few photos for Etsy, I used stuffing instead of batting but it was windy on this day and some of it blew off, argh! I'll do them over on a calmer day.
This photo is nice, I think I'll use this one but that's it. When I looked at the original pair I discovered I forgot the eyebrows also.
This is Peter and Paul, you can see the original post here. They are from a pattern I made when being inspired by elves, I don't think I wanted them to be so skinny but I went with it anyway. I cut the first ones larger than my paper pattern and then forgot which parts I enlarged, remaking them is going to be a challenge but this time I corrected the pattern.
These are a bit tricky to do, the face seam is in the center of the body fabric and you really have to know what you are doing when it comes to turning them right side out.
This is the stage my husband make fun of me about, the body parts laying around. Each piece is stuffed and hand stitched, the bottom of the body is weighted. Can you see I made a major foe-par I made from the first pair? I never wrote the color of the fabric on each pattern piece and I assumed the hands were white. They aren't, they're red.
I got my cheese box full of buttons and I hoped to find eight matching shanked, I did, all of them.
These ended up taller than the others but I'm pleased with them. Attaching the legs are hit or miss since the bottom has aquariums rocks in it, it tends to shift while inserting the 4 inch doll needle.
I had wanted to put bells on the shoes and this time I did, it works well.
One thing that has always bugged me about these is the shifting in stitching, since it needs to be partly stitched in the hat and fully in the face before sewing it to the body, the hat gets pushed while turning my stitch direction and the fabric ends up overlapping, try as I might I can't get this to stop in this small area.
Luckily I had my felt out (what a handy material!). The trim around the hat is perfect but would not be in any other place. I think it would take away from the primitive aspect of them.
So I tried to get a few photos for Etsy, I used stuffing instead of batting but it was windy on this day and some of it blew off, argh! I'll do them over on a calmer day.
This photo is nice, I think I'll use this one but that's it. When I looked at the original pair I discovered I forgot the eyebrows also.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Scare scene
I thought since I had my felt fabric out and being sorted, I'd get another felt project done for Etsy.
I'd done a post on these before, look here. I also know this is my mother's favorite, it's pretty cute. I started doing these in the early 90's but on a small scale, I switched to the large size when I did the first post.
I'm really pleased with the fact that enlarging it gives the ability for it to stand by itself.
I searched everywhere for the pattern as when I was organizing the studio, I forgot where I put these! I was becoming upset with myself and had to stop looking for a day or two. I could re-write the pattern but that's not the point. I finally found them in the last possible place.
I'd done a post on these before, look here. I also know this is my mother's favorite, it's pretty cute. I started doing these in the early 90's but on a small scale, I switched to the large size when I did the first post.
I'm really pleased with the fact that enlarging it gives the ability for it to stand by itself.
I searched everywhere for the pattern as when I was organizing the studio, I forgot where I put these! I was becoming upset with myself and had to stop looking for a day or two. I could re-write the pattern but that's not the point. I finally found them in the last possible place.Anyway, all the characters are hot glued together, be careful of your fingers, the felt is not as insulated as you'd think. Add stuffing for dimension.
I use my handy, dandy glow in the dark paint for the fraidy cat.
Gather the pumpkin and weight the bottom of it, I use clean aquarium rocks.
My picket fence is obviously hand constructed, I also leave it pretty rustic looking (unsanded, uneven spray painted).
I can honestly say that when I was cutting the bat I thought "Now I've had enough of these."
I use my handy, dandy glow in the dark paint for the fraidy cat.
Gather the pumpkin and weight the bottom of it, I use clean aquarium rocks.
My picket fence is obviously hand constructed, I also leave it pretty rustic looking (unsanded, uneven spray painted).
I can honestly say that when I was cutting the bat I thought "Now I've had enough of these."
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
4th of July Fun
Wow! Is it hot here in New England right now. 90's for a temp and in some spots, over 100. Whew....
Anyway, we made it to my mother's home for the fourth of July. My husband set the fireworks off and they were wonderful this year. It's hard to tell what will work best for a show and what will be very fiery, but he did them justice.
I finally got the chance to pick up the packages Lola sent home from Florida with my mother when she made a trip down there in April. Such nice stuff Lola sent and such a nice lady. Look at the holiday fabric and 2 Christmas door panels, a large card holder and a ole' fashioned Santa pillow. I love the polar bear with the Santa, so old world.
These homespun fabrics are to die for. I was saying " look.....look.." to my husband as I was unpacking them. He teases me about the fondness I have for fabric.
Many blues too. You can't have too many blues, you can do so much with them.
This is the first photo I took of the fireworks and wow! I came out soooo good. The others didn't do so well.
Anyway, we made it to my mother's home for the fourth of July. My husband set the fireworks off and they were wonderful this year. It's hard to tell what will work best for a show and what will be very fiery, but he did them justice.
I finally got the chance to pick up the packages Lola sent home from Florida with my mother when she made a trip down there in April. Such nice stuff Lola sent and such a nice lady. Look at the holiday fabric and 2 Christmas door panels, a large card holder and a ole' fashioned Santa pillow. I love the polar bear with the Santa, so old world.
These homespun fabrics are to die for. I was saying " look.....look.." to my husband as I was unpacking them. He teases me about the fondness I have for fabric.
Many blues too. You can't have too many blues, you can do so much with them.
This is the first photo I took of the fireworks and wow! I came out soooo good. The others didn't do so well. There is more that Lola sent but it will "be continued" tomorrow.
Thank-you, Lola! C&G Design
Words and photos by Dawn,C&G Design.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Thursday, June 17, 2010
2 New Ornaments
I was thinking this morning about how it is getting to be time to think about the holiday, not getting ready for but in preparation of making decorations for Halloween. Etsy has a four month posting so right about July is perfect, time to make more scare scenes!
Anyway, here are a few ornaments I picked up today on my trip thrifting, they are in a baggie and some of the pins have fallen out due to it. I think the maker did not use glue either. I thought they are so pretty and it's a nice change for using sequins which I have plenty of.
Merry Christmas! C&G Design
Anyway, here are a few ornaments I picked up today on my trip thrifting, they are in a baggie and some of the pins have fallen out due to it. I think the maker did not use glue either. I thought they are so pretty and it's a nice change for using sequins which I have plenty of.
Merry Christmas! C&G DesignWords and photos by Dawn,C&G Design.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Happy Groundhog Day!
I did it! I did it! I did it! I loaded video! I loaded video! I loaded video!
Happy groundhogs day! Happy groundhogs day! Happy groundhogs day!
C&G Design. C&G Design. C&G Design.
Words and photos by Dawn,
C&G Design.
Friday, January 1, 2010
"Resolushuns"
1/1/1 0h, sounds interesting, this is a re-post from last New Years Day. I just think it's so cute.
By Margaret G. Hayes
Illustrated by Grace G. Drayton
1913
ONCE'T ther' was a 'ittle boy---
What maked some resolushuns,
On New Year's Day---'at he would stop
A-bein' sech a "Noo-sanse."
He sed, he'd start in takin' bafs
Without no drivin'to it;
He sed, he'd go to bed at night
Soon as he's telled to do it.
An' after this he'd stick to trufe,
'An never tell a fib;
He never more'd put a frog
In baby sister's crib;
He'd never take the cookie box
When cook had jus' fresh filled it;
He'd always say: 'at it was him
Too Muvver's c'lone, an spilled it.
He'd let the poor cat live in peace,
No more fill Gran'dad's pipe wif grease:
He'd quit a-teasin' 'ittle girls
Wif catty-pillars in their curls.
When Sister's best beau comes to call
He'd never hide--an' tell--a-tall;
He'd never climb on kitchen roofs
To hide Granny-ma's false toofs;
He'd never take Aunt Belle's gold puffs,
An' stuff 'em in her new beau's cuffs.
Green apples? No, he'd never steal,
Nor monkey wif Big Bruvver's wheel:
He'd clean his teef, an' scrub his neck,
An' never sulk the leastes' speck,
When comp'ny comes an' he's helped last.
Folks 'll forget his naughty past.
These resolushuns, when he maked 'em,
He meaned to keep--but oh, he breaked'em!
So now he says: "Folks, do not fear"
I'll make a bran' new set--Nex' Year."
Spell check not needed, ha! C & G Design
By Margaret G. Hayes
Illustrated by Grace G. Drayton
1913
ONCE'T ther' was a 'ittle boy---What maked some resolushuns,
On New Year's Day---'at he would stop
A-bein' sech a "Noo-sanse."
He sed, he'd start in takin' bafs
Without no drivin'to it;
He sed, he'd go to bed at night
Soon as he's telled to do it.
An' after this he'd stick to trufe,
'An never tell a fib;
He never more'd put a frog
In baby sister's crib;
He'd never take the cookie boxWhen cook had jus' fresh filled it;
He'd always say: 'at it was him
Too Muvver's c'lone, an spilled it.
He'd let the poor cat live in peace,
No more fill Gran'dad's pipe wif grease:
He'd quit a-teasin' 'ittle girlsWif catty-pillars in their curls.
When Sister's best beau comes to call
He'd never hide--an' tell--a-tall;
He'd never climb on kitchen roofs
To hide Granny-ma's false toofs;
He'd never take Aunt Belle's gold puffs,
An' stuff 'em in her new beau's cuffs.
Green apples? No, he'd never steal,
Nor monkey wif Big Bruvver's wheel:
He'd clean his teef, an' scrub his neck,
An' never sulk the leastes' speck,
When comp'ny comes an' he's helped last.Folks 'll forget his naughty past.
These resolushuns, when he maked 'em,
He meaned to keep--but oh, he breaked'em!
So now he says: "Folks, do not fear"
I'll make a bran' new set--Nex' Year."
Spell check not needed, ha! C & G Design
Friday, December 25, 2009
Thursday, December 24, 2009
My Homemade Nativity
Since this is the busiest time of year, finding time to blog is becoming scarce. I want to share a re-post from last Christmas Eve. I made this cute little nativity 12 years ago. We had just started getting into a regular routine with the business... decorations were short so my son and I joined Dad (he was working on propane appliances in our yard!) outside in the chilly cold and used a few pieces of scrape wood to fashion this manger, the people were purchased at the dollar store as one set. Shortly after Christmas we found we were having a baby! This time is special to me and very unforgettable.
Merry Christmas and Peace on Earth. C&G Design
Merry Christmas and Peace on Earth. C&G DesignSaturday, December 19, 2009
Pink Saturday Tradition
It's another Pink Saturday theme and this week is all about traditions.I can't really say that my family has passed on a special, unusual item, duty or saying for the day of Christmas.
I can say however, that as kids we were allowed to open the smallest gift on Christmas eve and that was true year to year.
Having children of my own has made me discover they have many extended family to share, I would have to say our tradition is to spend the weekend before Christmas with my in-laws and Christmas eve with my side of the family. We celebrate Christmas day to ourselves and have for many years, it works well.
Click here to see more traditions. C&G Design
Friday, December 18, 2009
Goodies
Just a short post and a really bad photo! I wanted to show what I did until the wee hours last night. I made these Christmas trees, (it works better with green wrapped Reese's) and these little mice which I first saw on CC's blog, Lace 'n Ribbon Roses.I'm sending them to school with Madame today, they should be a hit, all 30 of them. Today will be the last school day before a 2 week vacation and today is the Christmas concert to which my daughter has a solo on her saxophone. I fear she will hit a sour note but she's well practiced and tells me it's easy, all three of the songs she has to choose from. This is the last year for me to visit the elementary school after 11 years straight and I'm so happy she has earned her place and privilege for these honors. C&G Design
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Water
Well, I'm on my last designed ornament of this set, I'm not quite sure if they will head to Etsy at this late point....maybe I will have a sale after Christmas, who knows?
The element of water was easy, blue and dangling. How well this hem lace works on covering the styrofoam ball. These have been a joy to do.
I had some large blue zig-zag trim I gathered to make a little forget-me-not flower on top. Water....flowers, forget it, it's a stretch
On to my real work, a doll project. C&G DesignTuesday, December 15, 2009
Fire
I had just a minimal idea of what I wanted for the "Fire" ornament, I knew I'd have to use orange, red and yellow. I wasn't quite sure how.
I ended up splitting the base with red and yellow, I also ran a little of gold trim around the ornament to use as a guide for my fire. You can see some of it in the above photo, they remind me of sparklers popping off at each side.
I decided on a whirly black base just because black pops with the red and yellow.
Sequins and gold beads adorn the red part of the ball, I felt this had to be different from the yellow although I don't know why!
The back of the "fire" seems bare.... a call for some more gold was in order!
The red side reminds me of a fancy shirt.
I thought the gold tassel was the perfect addition. C&G Design
I ended up splitting the base with red and yellow, I also ran a little of gold trim around the ornament to use as a guide for my fire. You can see some of it in the above photo, they remind me of sparklers popping off at each side.
I decided on a whirly black base just because black pops with the red and yellow.
Sequins and gold beads adorn the red part of the ball, I felt this had to be different from the yellow although I don't know why!
The back of the "fire" seems bare.... a call for some more gold was in order!
The red side reminds me of a fancy shirt.
I thought the gold tassel was the perfect addition. C&G Design
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