tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14223815439820400002024-03-17T07:54:10.069-04:00helana and alifinding inspiration in family life, crafting and designTracey Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038948547170505961noreply@blogger.comBlogger140125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1422381543982040000.post-40978095503664609142013-12-12T15:34:00.000-05:002013-12-12T15:34:59.880-05:00Wrapping up with Felt<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BsF7Yvx91kI/UqoVAA0mUzI/AAAAAAAACNs/CzSoQMR4nmM/s1600/Felting+wrapping+title+page.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BsF7Yvx91kI/UqoVAA0mUzI/AAAAAAAACNs/CzSoQMR4nmM/s640/Felting+wrapping+title+page.jpg" width="440" /></a></div>
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Well hello there. It's been awhile :) I've been busy but sadly not with fun stuff here. I did manage to wrap up a small piece for<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"> <a href="http://www.jennifercarrollmedia.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Jennifer Carroll's Celebrating Everyday Life November/December Issue</span></a>. </span> I just grabbed my mess of supplies from our dingy rental basement and threw together a little tutorial on taking fabric, yarn and felt scraps and making them into something you could be proud to give.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ea8L8YvAQZ4/UqkR93E6MPI/AAAAAAAACNA/RGdYELk6yMQ/s1600/supplies+to+magazine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ea8L8YvAQZ4/UqkR93E6MPI/AAAAAAAACNA/RGdYELk6yMQ/s640/supplies+to+magazine.jpg" width="448" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gg89dfsKPpo/UqkV71qWRtI/AAAAAAAACNc/HAKqODFgORQ/s1600/IMG_7555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gg89dfsKPpo/UqkV71qWRtI/AAAAAAAACNc/HAKqODFgORQ/s640/IMG_7555.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Here is a little detail from one of the toppers.</div>
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You can check out all the great ideas and stories<a href="http://www.jennifercarrollmedia.com/" target="_blank"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ea9999;">here.</span></a> I really love this cover ... I am tagging it for next year's holiday.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AKAxjZfSCWA/UqkTabVNJ1I/AAAAAAAACNI/Yi9IWgSQW9w/s1600/novDecCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AKAxjZfSCWA/UqkTabVNJ1I/AAAAAAAACNI/Yi9IWgSQW9w/s640/novDecCover.jpg" width="489" /></a></div>
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One of my favorites is the cocoa party!!! I dream of setting up something like this on my new stone porch. There is something so welcoming about a cup of hot chocolate. For now it is a dream, as we continue to finish up all the little and big details at the new house.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--4D8iWm71o4/UqkTiNbMGAI/AAAAAAAACNQ/Ywmg3bgFMxA/s1600/CocoaParty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--4D8iWm71o4/UqkTiNbMGAI/AAAAAAAACNQ/Ywmg3bgFMxA/s640/CocoaParty.jpg" width="489" /></a></div>
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One of my favorite cocoa gift ideas is busy getting pinned over on pinterest. You can find it <a href="http://www.helanaandali.blogspot.ca/2011/12/wrap-it-up-thursday-teacher-gifts-part.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">here</span></a> and <a href="http://www.helanaandali.blogspot.ca/2011/12/hot-cocoa-and-race-to-finish.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">here</span></a>.</div>
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I hope to be back before the holidays to share a couple of wrapping and gift ideas.</div>
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Keep Warm!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GVxz4DdJlwQ/UqoZN8C_s3I/AAAAAAAACOk/vXJPz4cLdFs/s1600/IMG_4053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GVxz4DdJlwQ/UqoZN8C_s3I/AAAAAAAACOk/vXJPz4cLdFs/s640/IMG_4053.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From my hot cocoa recipe (see above)</td></tr>
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Tracey Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038948547170505961noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1422381543982040000.post-72331006734235113712013-09-01T11:45:00.000-04:002013-09-01T11:45:13.894-04:00Welcome Fall ... with a necklace DIY<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Well it has been awhile and I can't say why - except that I'm busy with <a href="http://www.helanaandali.blogspot.ca/2012/10/staging-101-where-have-i-been.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af;">the new house</span></a> and all the decisions big and small that come along the way. I am thinking that this fall I am going to share some of the trials and tribulations of house building and share some of my design inspirations and dilemmas encountered. There is so much out there to cull from but that can also be a stumbling block. We'll see...</div>
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In the meantime... thank goodness for <span id="goog_1211566648"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;"><a href="http://www.celebratingeverydaylife.com/magazine" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">Jennifer Carroll and her Celebrating Everyday Life magazine<span id="goog_1211566649"></span>.</span></a> </span>She has forced me to come out of my box and rev up those creative juices again. Without her prodding I am not sure I would keep "making". I find it hard to deal with all the everyday stuff, including most of my supplies packed up in our rental, and get out the stash to make something.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dD04hgMZKMU/UiNYyYGEOpI/AAAAAAAACL8/GT4y-X8-en4/s1600/CraftStashNecklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dD04hgMZKMU/UiNYyYGEOpI/AAAAAAAACL8/GT4y-X8-en4/s640/CraftStashNecklace.jpg" width="490" /></a></div>
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I recently did get out the stash to make this "craft-stash necklace". I was please at how it came out and plan to use up some of the rest of my supplies to make a version of this in a few other colours. You can find out all about how to make it as well as some other gorgeous fall projects and style tips <a href="http://www.celebratingeverydaylife.com/magazine" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;">here. </span></a> Thank you again Jennifer for including me in your beautiful publication.<br />
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At the beginning of the summer, Jennifer got me busy again and I came up with a re-work of a dollar store beach mat. You can find out how to make this and other great projects at <span id="goog_133863718"></span><a href="http://www.appstore.com/celebratingeverydaylifewithjennifercarroll" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">this link<span id="goog_133863719"></span>.</span></a><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EiTNWU42Y5g/UiNaYYcqhsI/AAAAAAAACMg/4Q75L_hXnp4/s1600/grouping+ice+tea+in+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EiTNWU42Y5g/UiNaYYcqhsI/AAAAAAAACMg/4Q75L_hXnp4/s640/grouping+ice+tea+in+front.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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I hope to be back much more often this fall as the kids go back to school and life begins to follow along more of a routine.</div>
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See you soon friends...</div>
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Tracey Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038948547170505961noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1422381543982040000.post-13963209686392515992013-05-09T10:40:00.000-04:002013-05-09T10:40:05.660-04:00Mother's Day Prize Ribbon - DIY<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P5kkSkwK4Ps/UYuulkjIwxI/AAAAAAAACLA/x9_3CpZV4T0/s1600/titlepageprizeribbon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P5kkSkwK4Ps/UYuulkjIwxI/AAAAAAAACLA/x9_3CpZV4T0/s640/titlepageprizeribbon.jpg" width="412" /></a></div>
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Here is a quick gift for mom to wear to her Mother's Day Celebration...out of a coffee filter!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IXx3RJvFTHI/UYuug0ikzYI/AAAAAAAACK0/Afp_28Reu5Y/s1600/filtermultilabel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IXx3RJvFTHI/UYuug0ikzYI/AAAAAAAACK0/Afp_28Reu5Y/s640/filtermultilabel.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="446" /></a></div>
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By dying the natural filter in red food coloring, I was able to layer up a prize ribbon, by adding a few embellishments.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hwQtAKyAUoI/UYuul-Ht6ZI/AAAAAAAACK8/9LJOarS1LaI/s1600/steps+to+flower+labels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hwQtAKyAUoI/UYuul-Ht6ZI/AAAAAAAACK8/9LJOarS1LaI/s1600/steps+to+flower+labels.jpg" /></a></div>
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STEPS TO CREATE THE "FLOWER"</div>
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First, flatten then soak the filters in red food coloring (some more than others)</div>
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I created the "flower" portion of my ribbon my layering one flat dark pink, one lighter pink with curled edges, one natural flower created with a running stitch and decorative running stitch border.</div>
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Next layer is a yo-yo with the folds outward and finally a centre button with the folds facing inward.</div>
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Sew all the layers together when you add the button.</div>
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Once I created the flower I added a special banner for mom. To create the hanging ribbon portion I used strips of tissue and some hot pink fringe I had hanging around(lower left)</div>
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the tissue ribbon was cut in a dove tail (lower right)</div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UciaSAvM0Fg/UYuufHbHC9I/AAAAAAAACKs/XFnYi5ox8IM/s1600/filter+adding+backingjpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="345" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UciaSAvM0Fg/UYuufHbHC9I/AAAAAAAACKs/XFnYi5ox8IM/s640/filter+adding+backingjpg.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I used a brooch backing in cardboard to the back of the assembly but you could just as easily use a safety pin.</div>
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I basically used the model of prize ribbons I have made for my etsy shop and the one I created in a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"><a href="http://helanaandali.blogspot.ca/2011/05/in-beginning.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">detailed tutorial for amy power's inspired ideas birthday issue</span></a>.</span></div>
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It's a fun last minute project to add a little something special to maybe a brunch or tea and you could customize it for a birthday or bridal shower.</div>
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I'll see if the girls let me wear it this Sunday ... I'll probably embarrass them ... as usual</div>
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Tracey Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038948547170505961noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1422381543982040000.post-1980930905308845102013-05-01T20:36:00.002-04:002013-05-01T20:36:50.923-04:00Mother's Day DIY<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I've noticed my Mother's Day Wreath has been <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/142004194470793024/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">pinned</span></a> alot the last couple of weeks and now I know why - It's May 1st and Mother's Day is just around the corner! </div>
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I've been working on a couple of new DIY's for Mom but I thought I would start the month out with a round up some crafts I've worked on over the last couple of years that would work well as a quick gift for your mom, aunt, best friend or grandma!</div>
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1 - <span id="goog_894736602"></span><a href="http://helanaandali.blogspot.com/2011/10/felt-flower-ring.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af;">Felted Rings</span></a><span id="goog_894736603"></span> - a quick little craft you can do with felt scraps. <a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><br />
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2- <a href="http://helanaandali.blogspot.com/2012/01/knit-up-some-love.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd;">Felted Knitting Needle Toppers</span></a> - if your "mom" knits and you want to try felting these toppers are an easy way to give felting a try<br />
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3-<a href="http://helanaandali.blogspot.com/2012/02/inspiration-stone.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;"> Inspiration stones</span></a> - a personalized paper weight is a very inexpensive, unique gift<br />
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4-<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"> <a href="http://helanaandali.blogspot.ca/2012/04/diy-photo-wreath-for-mothers-day.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Mother's Day Wreath</span></a></span> - this takes a little bit of time but can come out each May<br />
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5- <a href="http://helanaandali.blogspot.ca/2012/07/flea-market-tea-cups-glitterfied.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">Glittered Tea Cups</span></a> - I had fun with my friend Tiffany making these cute cups - easy peasy<br />
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6- <a href="http://helanaandali.blogspot.ca/2012/04/layer-cake-from-better-homes-and.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">Pastel Pink Cake</span></a> - I was so proud of how this BHG cake turned out - it would be great for a Mother's Day Tea<br />
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7-<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"> <a href="http://helanaandali.blogspot.com/2012/03/wrap-it-up-thursday-sweater-cuff-for.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">Sweater Cuff Cup</span></a></span> - Most moms like coffee or tea and this would be a cute way to bring them something special Sunday Morning<br />
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I can't wait to show you some of things I've been working on. I have missed crafting and it is a struggle to put stuff together with everything packed up - but I think I will rework my craft storage so I can easily work on an idea when it comes to me. I definitely feel better making things ... and the sun helps to :) </div>
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Happy May!</div>
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Tracey Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038948547170505961noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1422381543982040000.post-40993514531586868732013-04-10T13:12:00.003-04:002013-04-10T13:18:46.468-04:00Spring has Sprung!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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... at least in digitized form!</div>
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<a href="http://celebratingeverydaylife.com/about/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">Jennifer Carroll</span></a> has a new issue of her beautiful Celebrating everyday life - and I think she really knocked it out of the park, with over 200 pages of great finds, DIY's, recipes, styling, interviews, parties and well everyday celebrations :)</div>
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I virtually met Jennifer through <u><a href="http://decor8blog.com/ecourses/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b4a7d6;">Holly Becker's blog course</span></a></u> and so when she asked me if I would like to contribute to her magazine re-launch - I was thrilled to say the least. The timing meant that I was unable to contribute a new project (the deadline fell during the move) so instead she was kind enough to include my <u><a href="http://helanaandali.blogspot.ca/2011/12/wrap-it-up-thursday-nest-of-yarn-gift.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af;">nest of yarn</span></a></u> as a spring DIY. I am so honoured to be included in this lovely publication. It has it's own app for download<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"> <u><a href="https://search.itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZContentLink.woa/wa/link?mt=8&path=apps%2fcelebratingeverydaylifewithjennifercarroll" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">here</span></a></u> </span>to view on the ipad. How cool is that?! You can also read it through <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><u><a href="http://www.magcloud.com/webviewer/540700?__r=228488&s=w" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">magcloud here.</span></a></u> </span> And there is a great clippings option to pin images or in this case create a collage for your blog...</div>
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I just love the colours in the Cinco de Mayo celebration from Jennifer, Pat Roberts and Sherry Spencer. The homemade graduation ideas have me thinking about Ali's approaching graduation from middle school this spring! I also just love the pom pom DIY from Kelly Elko. Finally, the garden luncheon with the crown tablesetting (same team as the Cinco de Mayo celebration) looks just spectacular on my ipad.</div>
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You can find out all about the magazine and Jennifer at her blog <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"><a href="http://celebratingeverydaylife.com/more-ways-to-view-celebrating-everyday-life-magazine-are-now-available/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">here</span></a>.</span> </div>
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And for a sneak peek, I have a mini-version on my side-bar.</div>
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I am really loving this first look at spring, while the weather people here warn us of another snow storm. I think I will stick with Jennifer's version of what spring should really be about. It has me coming out of my crafty deadspace and thinking about my project idea for her next issue ...</div>
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come on spring - spring already!</div>
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Tracey Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038948547170505961noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1422381543982040000.post-68701793326234852632013-03-29T15:13:00.002-04:002013-03-29T15:13:48.666-04:00Last Minute Easter Projects<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Find the links to these DIY's here</div>
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Clockwise from top left - <a href="http://helanaandali.blogspot.com/2011/12/wrap-it-up-thursday-nest-of-yarn-gift.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af;">yarn nest</span></a>, <a href="http://helanaandali.blogspot.com/2012/03/springy-desktop.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">yarn pencils</span></a>, <a href="http://helanaandali.blogspot.com/2012/05/neon-felt-ring-diy.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">felt rings</span>,</a> <a href="http://helanaandali.blogspot.com/2012/04/gatherings-magazine-feature-diy-spring.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">nest pins</span></a>, <a href="http://helanaandali.blogspot.com/2012/04/wrap-it-up-thursday-east-of-india.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">egg-wrapping</span></a>, <a href="http://helanaandali.blogspot.com/2012/08/kool-aid-dyed-knitting-needle-toppers.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">knitting needles</span></a></div>
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Well... after a very, very long absence I hope to be back and contributing to the blog on a more regular basis. I have come to realize that I kind of lose my crafty mojo, when I am focussing on something else that takes up a great deal of my time.</div>
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So ... although today I don't yet have a completed diy for Easter, I thought I would compile some of my quick tutorials that have an Easter feel.</div>
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I think the yarn nest for a gift topper would be wonderful with bright, spring-like yarn. The little pencil toppers are very quick to pull off - easter colours as well would be really cute. The neon rings - another quick project would be sweet in a little easter basket. The nests I did for Gatherings Magazine, last mother's day, would be great on your spring jacket for easter brunch. Wrapping up a little lip gloss in a scrap covered plastic egg are cute little gifts for your guests. And finally... fun, bright knitting needle toppers could get you in the mood for spring knitting projects.</div>
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Have a wonderful weekend with friends and family and I hope to see you here more often in the near future.</div>
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Happy Easter !!!!</div>
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Tracey Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038948547170505961noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1422381543982040000.post-88281726386695582422013-01-24T10:17:00.000-05:002013-01-24T10:17:09.700-05:00Felted Soap Stones<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://s1357.beta.photobucket.com/user/fisher1964/media/gif_shop-1_zpsc25f008a.gif.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="felted soap stone spin photo gif_shop-1_zpsc25f008a.gif" border="0" height="400" src="http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/q742/fisher1964/gif_shop-1_zpsc25f008a.gif" width="300" /></a></div>
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What is a person to do when it is cold outside? Play around on the computer. Clearly a one handed gif is a little wobbly but you get the picture.</div>
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As promised weeks ago I am going to share a quick little project I squeezed in, in between cleanings and house viewings. These soap stones are not new to the crafting world but they are alot of fun to make and I love trying to replicate the felt roving strands to look as much like a beach stone as possible.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9Sc5p8QsOc/UMfOJcOkdDI/AAAAAAAACFI/SjRe24fHY9A/s1600/square+soap+stone+title.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9Sc5p8QsOc/UMfOJcOkdDI/AAAAAAAACFI/SjRe24fHY9A/s1600/square+soap+stone+title.jpg" /></a></div>
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I have many little soaps I have received as gifts that I could never use up. My dad also brought me some lovely lavender soap from the south of France on one of his cycling trips. I have tons of the stone coloured roving around that I bought when our local knitting shop closed down. Helana used to make them for her<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af;"><u> <a href="http://helanaandali.blogspot.ca/2011/05/in-beginning.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af;">pet pebbles</span></a></u>.</span> Combine them all and you have a little stone of soap ready to use or gift to a friend.</div>
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The oval soaps make a really authentic beach stone. The little eggs look so cute as little pebbles.</div>
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The centre image in each photo shows how you can just wrap up the stones loosely in the roving before their hot water treatment.</div>
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1 - supplies at hand including a small felting needle (optional) soaps and roving - grey, brown and natural<br />
2 - loosely wrap the soap with grey first, then a few strands of the light brown and finally strips of the natural to create the veining.<br />
3 - I ran some very hot water over my creation just to get an idea of how the placement is working<br />
4 - all that fluffy roving attaches itself to the soap with a few dunkings.<br />
5 - to really pack it down I put them in nylon sockettes and rubbed them<br />
6 - I let them drain at the bottom of the kitchen sink<br />
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They make a nice little hostess gift. I'm thinking they might look good piled on in a bowl in our new powder room. I have about a year to plan that so I'll have to tuck these away in the pile of boxes that are amassing themselves all over the house. </div>
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Keep warm and toasty!</div>
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Tracey Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038948547170505961noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1422381543982040000.post-62169709859113906312013-01-10T16:04:00.000-05:002013-01-10T20:09:39.214-05:00Holiday Collage<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-weight: bold;">Happy New Year to All !!!!!!</span></div>
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Please forgive my absence. I have come to realize that I am not so great as a multi-tasker. Imagine a mother that can't multi-task. Perhaps, it is just this way when I am stressed, but I find it absolutely erodes all my creative energy. It took a while to sell<u> <a href="http://helanaandali.blogspot.ca/2012/10/staging-101-where-have-i-been.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af;">our house</span></a> </u>and because we had so many people through, just the act of cleaning and tidying was about all I could do by the end of three months! </div>
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We managed a visit with my dad over the holidays and while my lovely girls managed to surprise me with great pjs and slippers, I pretty much just ordered up a few things that I would like to read and craft and put it under the tree for myself. Is that bad?</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-davU4zG4Hpc/UO8iCcdEKwI/AAAAAAAACGg/DRm_Psn__KA/s1600/71589_338087439632341_1384543283_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-davU4zG4Hpc/UO8iCcdEKwI/AAAAAAAACGg/DRm_Psn__KA/s640/71589_338087439632341_1384543283_n.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div>
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First I wanted to share the 2013 sparkler art. You may remember my favourite<u> <a href="http://helanaandali.blogspot.ca/2012/06/learning-to-lov3-my-home.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">lov3</span> </a>f</u>rom last year. Well they forgot to do it this New Year's, but that is okay. This will have to do. It was a very windy night and we didn't have the usual beach bonfire but I still love this record in time.</div>
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Just before we left, I had a little crafty moment I squeezed in. Tutorial to follow in the upcoming week.</div>
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This was gifting to myself, but also sharing so that's not too bad. Right? I ordered up some of Purl Soho's own<u> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><a href="http://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/8944-Purl-Soho-Super-Soft-Merino" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">super soft merino</span></a> </span></u>and came up with a little cable slipper that I could get a pair out of from one skein. (Each skein was about twenty dollars so I had to make them count!) I also made a yummy long sock with an entire skein but because I only had one in the off white colour, I must wait to order up another in the spring. I may see if I can come up with a pattern to share. Mine are the green ones. Helana and Ali have the hot pink :)</div>
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And to round out a holiday of colour - check out these book spines. It almost doesn't matter if they have anything relevant on the inside - the spines are just too lovely. However, I managed to one - not look at them (too much) when I put them under the tree - and two - have an actual look through after I surprised myself. For some, I even read all the way through and will review in the upcoming weeks.</div>
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I hope to post more but I have to tell you we are moving in two months, to a rental for about 8 months, while we build a new house! Instead of crafting, I may end up chronicling this journey through 2013. </div>
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Keep you posted (hopefully) ...</div>
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Tracey Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038948547170505961noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1422381543982040000.post-61346118849176123052012-11-21T06:00:00.000-05:002012-11-21T06:00:03.493-05:00Feather Toppers - From Felt<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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As promised, here is a more "fallish" version of a felt feather topper. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"> <u><a href="http://helanaandali.blogspot.ca/2012/11/felt-feather-topper.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">Earlier in the week</span></a></u>,</span> I put together watercolour pencils and feather toppers. Today I applied the same DIY to knitting needles. A quick little craft project to squeeze into your day. It uses up little bits and pieces you might have on hand (or ones that can easily be found and your local craft store) and in the end of a few crafty moments you have a little prezzie for someone special :)</div>
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1. Once again, I cut out the feathers from felt bits and pieces, free hand.</div>
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2. I added a few wraps of yarn to the top of the needles to create a base to glue the feathers on.</div>
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3. The watercolour pencils came in handy for a feather tag.</div>
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4. I added the needles to a small ball of yarn I had in my stash. These needles packaged up with a few small project ideas would make a great little present for a niece or babysitter. (project cards are from <u><a href="http://www.chroniclebooks.com/titles/knit-knack-kit.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">knit knack kit</span></a></u>)</div>
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I'm not quite ready to do a full on Christmas themed project so this little project has eased me into winter. From neon feathers to these autumn sky shades - somehow these colours make me want to light a fire and knit up a storm ... but I can't relax until we have finished trying to sell our house ... so little projects like these will have to do.</div>
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Tracey Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038948547170505961noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1422381543982040000.post-7600144811510902682012-11-19T06:00:00.000-05:002012-11-19T06:00:11.125-05:00Felt Feather Topper<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Wow. It's been awhile. I've realized that when I am under stress, I find it hard to be very creative. Yes my knitting of leg warmers or socks actually helps to alleviate a bit of stress - or pass the time at coffee shops when we have house showing. I even found the time to knit up a couple of monkeys for <u><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/helanaandali" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;">the shop</span></a></u>. But the creation of projects for the blog or anything else. Forget about it. And to make matters worse - I can't make a mess ... it's hard to be creative if you can't make a mess. At least for me.</div>
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So... this project is my attempt at alleviating my creative frustration, and hopefully a little bit of stress as well.</div>
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I took a watercolour class in the spring and realized - You know what?... it's not as easy as you think. That's why I love watercolour pencils. They let you create a painterly effect, with some sketchy colours here and there, that is much more difficult to achieve with standard watercolours and brushes.</div>
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Ali had some watercolour pencils and during the house purge I came across one of my old pocket sketchbooks.</div>
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Just like I did for <a href="http://helanaandali.blogspot.ca/2012/03/giveaway-springy-pencils.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">my spring project for Amy</span></a>, I wrapped up a pencil, in this case a watercolour pencil, with yarn. A dab of glue at the pencil tip and another at the base is all you need to hold it in place. (1) With my pile of felt bits I decided a feather was a great shape to go with. I just cut the feather shapes free hand and about 3/4 's of an inch wide and 2 inches high. (3) Another dab of glue for each feather and you have a topper for your pencil. (2) Two feathers each pencil seemed to work well.</div>
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Now, based on my feather theme, I continued with a label. Just a watercolour pencil feather sketch ... add water to your scratches and it is pretty effective. I actually really loved how my feathers turned out. I think I will play around with this style of watercolour painting again.</div>
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This is an example of an inexpensive little gift you can put together for teachers, babysitters... friends of your kids. I loved how I could use up my stash of little bits and pieces and create something new (I'm not allowed to bring anything new into the house when <u><a href="http://helanaandali.blogspot.ca/2012/10/staging-101-where-have-i-been.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">we are trying to sell it</span></a></u> ... house rules :) )</div>
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It all came together, wrapped up with a bit of yarn. It doesn't scream holiday but sometimes that's good.</div>
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Stayed tuned later this week I will show a more fallish version of this gift topper. But for now, my gift giving is bright and cheery ... and quick and easy!</div>
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Tracey Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038948547170505961noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1422381543982040000.post-10801192634569892242012-10-02T15:39:00.000-04:002012-10-05T17:13:07.286-04:00Staging 101 - Where have I been?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Wow - it's been awhile!!!!!</div>
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Just after my last <u><a href="http://helanaandali.blogspot.ca/2012/09/wrap-it-up-thursday-back-to-school.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">post</span></a></u>, I found out we had an opportunity to move somewhere new in our 'hood but it meant that I had to have the house ready for sale in just over a week Wow - talk about stress. I purged and I purged then I cleaned then I staged and now I just keep cleaning. What a roller coaster.</div>
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To make up for my lack of posts ... this is going to be a long one!</div>
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Of course to stage for sale means streamlining. My before was a few years ago now so I must say that I had already streamlined a fair bit before "the after" that you see. The biggest difference is the wonderful pillows I had already ordered and added to this room, this summer. They come from an online store called <u><a href="http://www.tonicliving.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Tonic Living</span></a></u> - really great service. I actually found out about them from a blog outside of Canada but then I found out they are just down the street from me - too great right?</div>
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I needed a modern look to the room. I have the habit of always picking washed out blues and linens - I needed a little infusion of colour!</div>
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Now the bedroom "before" was from when we moved in, 10 years ago. Hand me down nightstands and a cute iron bed that was not at all practical. I LOVE the space now - Cynthia Zamaria, that helped stage our place, makes a mean bed. I actually had Scott take pictures so I could remember how she set it up. She just won Four Houses and has started a design/staging business.</div>
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Our basement was a catchall for all the lonely pieces of furniture we have collected over the years. The before was taken when the girls were little. I had already added the Crate and Barrel couch but Cynthia really made this space a room. She used my own pieces but added a shelf over the t.v. and a carpet (from a hardware store believe it or not) to anchor the space. She beefed up the pillow quotient and if it didn't have to be so clean I think this would be "the hangout" for the girls.</div>
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I don't have a before for the office - just trust me... It was a mess!! We got rid of two desks, added Cynthia's great <u><a href="http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/S49885032/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;">console table from Ikea </span></a></u>(I think I am going to buy my own - it is so nice) and lots and lots of great accessories. Still to do - paint that upper deck sign blue and green to match. Note to self ... do that!</div>
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Normally I am making crafts and tutorials to share in this space but today since I have the pictures - I thought I would give you a tour of the space. These pics aren't mine - by the way. I broke my camera lens during the purging process. These are the pics they use for the listing so the quality by the time they have reached me - isn't the greatest. So forgive me. The house isn't really that big but with the aid of a real estate's wide angle lens I have so much more room!!!</div>
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The one thing that is missing in these spaces is our personality. Yes family photos have been replaced with images of surf, sand, rocks and the general theme of a beach house. It was fun to do but it really lacks character - you'll see what I mean.</div>
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This is Ali's room - and the one little kind of how-to I had time for was to take fabric from pillows and bedding that we used in her room and wrap them around old canvas frames we already had. It was a quick way to tie the room together. She had a wonderful organic flow of magazine clippings, make-up, fashion, etc. all over the top of her bed - that had to go. For now.</div>
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We decided to really play up the cosiness of our bedroom and not remove the big chair. Cynthia's painting ties the colours all together - I really appreciate original art. I guess she will want it back, though. Oh well. For now I can pretend it is mine and pretend I have time to relax in the window seat.</div>
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Helana's room is pretty much how it started out. Only a bit neater with the addition of a throw and lamp... and a few zebra accessories. She had pictures printed out of all her friends, camp, family, school etc all printed like polaroids - neatly covering an entire wall in the desk nook. That had to go for now as well.</div>
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The guest room just had a little rejigging. Cynthia's bed making talents made a big difference here.</div>
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The front of the house is what is so special about this spot. Nestled amongst the trees it is sometimes hard to believe I am 10 minutes from downtown.</div>
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The family room is streamlined and clean. Except when rufus is around. I have to cover everything in sheets to save myself from vacuuming more than I already have to!</div>
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The kitchen was just de-cluttered with a few more blue/turquoise accents added. I miss all my" mom scheduling" on the blackboard. Oh well ... hope I don't forget a practice !</div>
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The living room/dining room was brightened up with some of Cynthia's gorgeous lamps. I never really appreciated a good lamp until now.</div>
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That's the craft area behind the couch - all my craft books lined up and all my projects in baskets. I can't wait to get back to it ... but for now it will have to wait.</div>
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I really love this house. And to say there were some tears when I first saw the sign on the lawn is an understatement. If all goes well, we can start again on another adventure - I think it is time for a change. If it doesn't work out - that's okay. I got rid of alot of stuff - of course you have to keep your sense of humour at a stressful time like this. We have all our potential garage sale/purge items in storage - and Scott realized delivering them to storage and keeping it all there is costing probably more than what we will ever get for it. </div>
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Oh well - you have to laugh right? That is what is getting me through the cleaning, purging,wiping, fixing, painting ...</div>
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Thanks for putting up with me ... who knows when I can get back to this. I am going to try and throw in a little tutorial here and there. Wish me luck!</div>
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Tracey Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038948547170505961noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1422381543982040000.post-33865858033347207392012-09-06T20:16:00.002-04:002012-09-06T20:16:46.656-04:00Wrap it up Thursday - Back to School Teacher Gift<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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What is the connection between teaching and apples. I did a little research and two theories emerge. One, it was a gift of food for poorly paid teachers and the other, it represented a gesture of good health. Perhaps it is a combination of the two, but for whatever reason, apples have become representative of the relationship between teacher and student.</div>
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I thought it would be cute to take the little <u><a href="http://evolutionofsmooth.com//" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">eos lip balm</span></a></u> in melon (almost red don't you think?) and add a welcome back to some paper leaves and when that looked too plain I cut off an actual apple stem. The leaves and stem were easily attached with a little sticky - tac.</div>
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A nice gesture for the first week of school, I thought.</div>
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But hey, if your teacher is really special (and what teacher isn't) and you have the time there are a few other little things you could do ...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HTgsWzBwVm0/UEkez3YlBhI/AAAAAAAAB64/HFhD4M6pGjE/s1600/first+day+of+school+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HTgsWzBwVm0/UEkez3YlBhI/AAAAAAAAB64/HFhD4M6pGjE/s640/first+day+of+school+collage.jpg" width="447" /></a></div>
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The classic apple was reimagined as an adorable cupcake by the authors of <a href="http://www.hellocupcakebook.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ea9999;">Hello Cupcake</span></a>. (top picture) I love the Back to the Grind from <u><a href="http://www.jacolynmurphy.com/2011/08/mama-java-favors.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af;">Jacolyn Murphy</span></a></u>. (there is a tea one as well) The sweet lined paper pouches are from Heather Shaw's <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f6b26b;"><u><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/61888736/lined-paper-zippered-case" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f6b26b;">Pi'losale on Etsy</span></a></u>.</span> Bakerella opted to do pencils as a push- pop instead of a cakepop. I really want to try to make cupcakes like that! I struggle with cake pops but <u><a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/2011/04/28/mini-oreo-apple-pops-teacher-appreciation/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">The Crafting Chicks via Skip to my Lou</span> </a></u>made an adorable mini oreo pop that might be a little easier than a traditional cakepop.</div>
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Well ... Back to School ... Back to Reality ... Back to the grind. Just like the fresh new notebooks of school - I'm starting fresh this fall - into the throes of purging out the old and unnecessary and focusing on a clean fresh start for the new year of school. Instead of feeling sad at the summer ending, I'm welcoming back clean, crisp air and a new year of possibilities.</div>
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Tracey Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038948547170505961noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1422381543982040000.post-83884463375149659262012-09-04T01:22:00.000-04:002012-09-04T01:22:41.034-04:00Babysitting Craft Kit - Plastic Rings<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Who knew you could repurpose plastic milk carton rings into fun jewelry? Well, I saw this a lifetime ago in American Girl or some kind of kid's craft magazine. I can't find the original story but I decided to do a new version, for the babysitting gigs the girls start getting in the fall. </div>
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They have a group of girls they babysit that love to craft and it is always fun to find something for them to do that doesn't require alot of supplies or make a huge mess.</div>
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With a layer of glue, a piece of yarn or twine (one with the addition of a paper initial) can be wrapped in a circular design starting at the center. (top photo and lower left)</div>
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Layers of paper tape can be arranged in a design and then lifted onto the front of the ring and then clipped and wrapped to fit. (middle row)</div>
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With a dip of the top in glue, I added beach glass to one, added sticker gems in a design and dipped another in glitter. (top photo - center right) *note- coat the glitter ring with clear coat or hairspray to stop it from shedding and cover the stones and gems with clear coat to help keep them on*</div>
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All the supplies fit a small cardboard suitcase and can easily be transported. (bottom right)</div>
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My girls used to love crafting with their babysitter and this craft is great because it is fast, easy and relatively mess free. (moms love that :) )</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C2AwDoYKnrs/UEUsGlh-QmI/AAAAAAAAB40/a2_lGZalB4I/s1600/rings+on+hand+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C2AwDoYKnrs/UEUsGlh-QmI/AAAAAAAAB40/a2_lGZalB4I/s1600/rings+on+hand+.jpg" /></a></div>
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The girls wanted to wear the neon twine and yarn rings which makes me think you might not need "little" kids to make these rings...</div>
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Tracey Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038948547170505961noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1422381543982040000.post-86923553917947115842012-08-30T21:34:00.000-04:002012-08-30T21:34:41.580-04:00Wrap it up Thursday - the simple flower<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;">A simple flower topper</span></div>
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From ellinee.com - link for tutorial <u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.ellinee.com/blog/diy-paper-orchid/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">here</span></a></span></u></div>
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I missed wrap it up Thursday last week so, I had to finish off the summer with one final wrapping. This one is so beautiful in it's simplicity. It's been a big hit over on <u><a href="http://pinterest.com/traceyfisher/pretty-packages/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">pinterest</span></a></u>. I am always overwhelmed when someone shares their hard work so generously and this wrapping is no exception. With a download and print you are all set to create a simple and beautiful gift wrap that would fit a wedding, birthday, housewarming or shower gift. All the hard work is done - now you can sit back and look like the thoughtful gift-giver you are.</div>
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Next week I hope to be back in full gear. Kids back in school, routines to establish and the last (hopefully) warm days to savour. I've been playing around with pics for a new banner and I have a fun project for back to school babysitting gigs.</div>
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Have a great weekend!</div>
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Tracey Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038948547170505961noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1422381543982040000.post-1091166767345124262012-08-23T16:23:00.000-04:002012-08-23T16:23:36.611-04:00D.I.Y. Ombre Espadrilles<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I came back from the Keys and dove right into a little project I have been thinking of for awhile. While out yesterday, picking up fall books, I scooted by JCrew and saw that the Soludos (espadrilles) for JCrew were on sale. $14.95, down from $24, down from $39 dollars. I have been wanting to try dying a pair all summer and at this price, how could I resist? </div>
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I wasn't fully prepared to take the leap until I tried a few sample ideas on some similar scrap fabric I had. I originally thought that I would do some kind of ikat print but when I tried that, and chevrons, stripes and ombre - it was the stripes and ombre that I thought came out the best.</div>
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It was very easy to do ... and fast. I used a Tulip one-step dye kit that required minimal fuss. The powder is already in the bottle - you add water and shake. Ready to go. When it came to my samples, I used a simple little brush and I liked that effect the most. I threw on the ombre sample for the front and the stripe sample for the sides and thought it might work. Worst case scenario - I would paint the hole thing with the dye. I also slipped plastic wrap into the shoe to fill out folds to make it easier to paint and also to prevent the dye from running through the fabric. (Note - I used such little dye on the brush that it never made it through the fabric. Not even on the toes.)</div>
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1 - I stared with the toe and worked out. The dye worked a little different on the shoes than in my sample but I got the hang of it before I ruined the first shoe.</div>
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2 - Once I liked the depth of the colour on the toe, I continued working layers of the dye so that I was almost just dry brushing the area around the top of the foot.</div>
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3 - I just went freehand with my stripes and even though they weren't perfect it all seems to work itself out when it dries. In other words, the dye on canvas appears very forgiving. My first stripe, the width of my brush (about a third of an inch) started at the middle of the foot where ombre layer finished. I worked the stripes on one side to the heel, than began the stripes on the other side at the ombre layer and met the stripes up at the heel again, eyeballing so that the stripes were as even as possible.</div>
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4 - Once I had the general idea with one shoe I went on to the other with the exact same steps.</div>
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5 - I worked just a little dye with the brush and filled out any obvious imperfections and areas that didn't seem dark enough. </div>
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I am not sure if I might use my steam iron tomorrow to set the dye. The directions say to wash the garment after letting it set (wet and covered in plastic wrap) for 6 - 8 hours. I applied this dry so that won't work. I am going to let it dry for a few days then steam. Hopefully the whole thing doesn't run in the rain ... I'll let you know if it does. I tried wetting the samples and they ran just a little but they hadn't set for long, so we will see.</div>
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I kind of wished I started this project at the beginning of the summer. I could have made a whole rainbow of colours but they wouldn't have been on sale ... and therefore I wouldn't have wanted to take a chance so maybe this is for the best. It's August and I think there is still a little room for summertime crafting ... don't you?</div>
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I hope September is warm ... </div>
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Tracey Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038948547170505961noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1422381543982040000.post-8639931691030645232012-08-16T07:00:00.000-04:002012-08-22T13:09:29.055-04:00Mini Inspiration Boards for your Desktop<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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How I want to feel, where I want to be and how I want my home, have been reduced to a mini desktop collage I created for daily inspiration.</div>
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A while back, I created some desktop inspiration stones (left) from recycled glass based on a framed inspiration board I created in a workshop (right). You can see that project<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><a href="http://helanaandali.blogspot.ca/2012/02/inspiration-stone.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"> <u>here.</u></span></a> </span> </div>
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We have some mini canvas frames we have collected from dollar stores and art stores. I thought it might be fun to put together another desktop inspiration.</div>
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To make my mini inspirations on canvas I began with my magazine collection and cut out phrases and images that fit my themes. (1)</div>
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I checked to see what it would look like laid out on the canvas (2)</div>
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I used acrylic modge podge and painted it on the canvas and the back of my images and words. (3)</div>
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I started with the images I wanted in my background (4)</div>
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I finished it all up with a coat on the entire top of the collage (5)</div>
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For my board that relates to inspiration for mind - I simply added the words to the plain canvas and clear coated. (left) For my board that inspires my coastal dreams I added a turquoise wash of paint and created an ombre effect, for my background.</div>
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Dreams, mind and home - all reduced to a canvas measuring 2X3 inches.</div>
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You know what? I think it might already be working. I'm off for a quick trip with a girlfriend down to the Keys - my coastal dream has already been achieved. Next up - finding peace and zen ...</div>
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I'll be back here the middle of next week. Have a great weekend!</div>
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Tracey Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038948547170505961noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1422381543982040000.post-35528035120443276282012-08-09T08:39:00.000-04:002012-08-09T08:39:37.481-04:00Wrap it up Thursday - Cottage Gifts<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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We've been invited to a couple of cottages this summer and I always struggle with what to bring to our generous hosts. You want to be invited back again, right?, so besides helping out in the kitchen and cleaning up it's nice to let your hosts know how much you appreciate their hospitality.</div>
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Well, homemade goodies are always appreciated I think, but wrapped up in a nice package make them extra special. (first row) The <u><a href="http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/231873/destination-wedding-lanie-and-matt-beaver-creek-colorado/@center/272506/destination-weddings" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ea9999;">pancake mix</span></a></u> left (Martha Stewart Weddings) and the <u><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.ca/2012/05/breakfast-hostess-gift-banana-bread-and.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">homemade banana bread</span></a></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232;"> </span>right (Jenny Steffens Hobick) are a nice way to elevate something simple.</div>
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(middle row left) A new cottage owner would really appreciate a<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"> <u><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/273462/housewarming-bucket?xsc=eml_org_2011_03_21" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">bucket of handy basics</span></a></u></span> (Martha Stewart) and I think the <u><a href="http://www.wholeliving.com/136142/25-eco-chic-ideas-your-home/@center/136755/green-home-guide#/27782" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">fire starter</span></a></u> right (Whole Living) piled up in a beautiful basket would be awesome.</div>
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(bottom row) <u><a href="http://www.julieblanner.com/2011/08/housewarming-gift.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">A simple jar of natural cleaning supplies</span></a></u> (Julie Blanner) or <u style="color: #cc0000;"><a href="http://www.bakerella.com/mix-things-up/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">cookies ready to make</span></a></u> (Bakerella) would be an easy way to say thanks!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7wqrhJ7MdpU/UCOnHRra5RI/AAAAAAAABqo/J607VOtZhEA/s1600/coasters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="596" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7wqrhJ7MdpU/UCOnHRra5RI/AAAAAAAABqo/J607VOtZhEA/s640/coasters.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you are really feeling crafty, and you have the time beforehand, wouldn't it be nice to make these <u><a href="http://www.girlinair.com/2011/03/map-coasters.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">coasters</span></a></u> (Girl in Air) with map pieces of the lake or cabin you are going to. I like this because they are super useful and the host will always remember your thoughtfulness, year after year.</div>
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This has been a gift I have put together a couple of times this summer. <u><a href="http://www.zokuhome.com/pages/products-quickpop-maker" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;">The Zoku popsicle</span></a></u> maker with the <u><a href="http://www.creaturecomfortsblog.com/home/2012/7/10/popsicle-party-printables-diy.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a2c4c9;">amazing watercolor popsicle</span></a></u> tags from Creature Comforts. They work so well together and for hosts with kids, I think it is a great gift that everyone can get together too make and enjoy. </div>
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Sometimes, those lazy days at the cottage affords all of us the time to play around with things like popsicle makers, where we may not take the time in a fast paced lives back in the city. </div>
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I hope you are enjoying your last few weeks of the summer and even if you haven't had the chance to visit a lakeside cottage or cabin, these gifts still work for a barbecue for friends or why not have one yourself - maybe a popsicle making party? </div>
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</div>Tracey Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038948547170505961noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1422381543982040000.post-9919817882436617082012-08-06T07:08:00.001-04:002012-08-06T08:11:20.788-04:00Kool Aid Dyed Knitting Needle Toppers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OOAIBf-3jS0/UB-z4RwGstI/AAAAAAAABoo/d4xAXoYLhYw/s1600/Topper+Title+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OOAIBf-3jS0/UB-z4RwGstI/AAAAAAAABoo/d4xAXoYLhYw/s1600/Topper+Title+500.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C4eFGJAvV24/UBZss7XAA3I/AAAAAAAABe4/5rVrBCQJ4Oc/s1600/Koolaid+Roving+Dye+Collage+resized.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C4eFGJAvV24/UBZss7XAA3I/AAAAAAAABe4/5rVrBCQJ4Oc/s1600/Koolaid+Roving+Dye+Collage+resized.png" /></a></div>
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After reading<a href="http://www.sccmag.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ea9999;"> stitch | craft | create magazine</span></a> in the spring, and their article on dying yarn with kool-aid, I knew I had to give it a try. I decided instead of yarn I was going to have a go with wool roving and come up with a felted project with all the bright colours. I left the roving immersed in the kool-aid (1/2 cup water added to one package for each colour) for the better part of 24 hours. Then according to the girls at Craft Magazine, I needed to set it in the microwave. I put each colour of roving in its own microwavable bowl and sealed it with plastic wrap. In for 30 seconds on high to check. Then another 1 minute and 30 seconds to set the colour.</div>
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I decided to make topper for knitting needles and made the balls by needle felting on a felting pad using the technique I showed with my heart knitting needles and my bird pencil toppers for inspired magazine.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BZTo0s-oZn0/UBar1b5nQeI/AAAAAAAABiw/tMEzgThLM3E/s1600/IMG_4022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BZTo0s-oZn0/UBar1b5nQeI/AAAAAAAABiw/tMEzgThLM3E/s640/IMG_4022.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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After the initial needle felting, I like to give the balls a hot wash in net bag in the washing machine. See the above before (left) and after (right). I find they come out nice and compact with a consistent shape.</div>
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A little snip into the bottom of each ball for the needle and a snip (if required) of the needle top, for insertion. Into the pouch made in each ball by the slit, I add a squirt of fabric glue - and the newly snipped needle end, and you are good to go ... or knit:)</div>
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One quick note. You may need to add a number to your needle with permanent ink so you know what size it is. Some of the needles I use just have the size on the wooden top that you will be snipping off.</div>
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And ... A word of caution. After the roving dried almost completely, I put it in an aluminum pie tray to completely dry. We were off to a cottage and when I returned I found that the kool-aid dyed roving ate through the tray. CAN YOU BELIEVE IT ?! Did you ever do that experiment in school where you took a tooth meant for the tooth fairy and dropped it into a cup of coke for a week to see what would happen. And you found that your tooth was well rotted by the end of the week. (That worked for me ... never wanted to drink coke again!) Well this does it for me with kool-aid - not that we had it around here for but it does make me think of the amount of sugar our kids can be exposed to!!!! I asked my chemical engineer father what caused it and he things it was the citric acid and ascorbic acid in the mix.</div>
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Yikes!</div>
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I think that the reaction with the aluminum took away from some of the vibrancy of the roving but it is still a pop of colour in another wise plain pot of needles. With the August weather (and the feeling of fall just a few weeks away) I need to stock up on fun little projects like this. It will make my fall knitting just that much more cheerier.</div>
</div>Tracey Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038948547170505961noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1422381543982040000.post-50882407809069028852012-08-02T21:18:00.002-04:002012-08-03T08:24:56.942-04:00Wrap it up Thursday - Faux Woodgrain Wrapping<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Well, let me begin by saying that this wrap it up post is later in the day because of a mess up, in a big way, that started early this morning. It was a lovely morning and I thought I would finish up my post on wrapping up a knitting project I finally completed. The trouble is I tried to carry too many things at once and the dark brown paint you see on this faux wood grain wrapping spilled over the carpet. I mean all over and after finding someone, a professional - very early in the morning - to show up and try to get it out, to no avail - I had to resign myself to the fact that this little wrap it up cost me new basement flooring. Oh well, I never liked it any way.</div>
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You see, it all started with this project <u><a href="http://www.purlbee.com/hudson-bay-crib-blank/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">from Purl Bee</span></a></u> (upper 2 photographs) A very simple, so I thought, but ambitious (for me) baby blanket inspired by the quintessentially Canadian, Hudson Bay Blanket. Now I normally knit<u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;"> <a href="http://helanaandali.blogspot.ca/2011/05/knitting-for-babies-that-arent-mine.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">small projects</span></a></span></u> but I thought that it was time for me to take up something more substantial and in honour of my cousin's little guy's first birthday, I thought this might be just the thing to take on. (and on and on)</div>
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That was back in February. I even took this sucker to Florida in March, thinking I might be able to get it finished down there and mail it in the U.S., as my cousin lives in Colorado. Boy did I look silly under the palm trees knitting away a Hudson Bay Blanket. Well, finally, I finished - this week!!!! I am proud I stuck it out. See it out on the front stone patio - I almost want to keep it myself! It is alot bigger than a baby blanket, because of the thick yarn I used, which is a good thing because this little guy is almost a toddler now!!</div>
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My aunt is heading out for a visit and I think I have convinced her to take it in her luggage. So, I needed something to wrap it up that was light and airy - I couldn't put it in a box. Inspired by <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/266806/wood-grain-wrapping-paper?czone=holiday/workshop-christmas/workshop-christmas-gifts&center=307034&gallery=274678&slide=266806" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af;">Martha Stewart's wrapping </span></a>(photograph 1), I set out to create a faux woodgrain wrapping on natural paper. </div>
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After mixing brown paint with acrylic glaze, I painted small stripes of glaze on the paper and followed with a graining tool. By using a brush the same width as the tool, you can almost create a planking effect. (photos 2, 3 and 4) It's amazingly effective when it dries.(photograph 5 - bottom)</div>
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When the strip of planks dried, I made up a large square sheet by cutting the strip in three, and with the help of a glue stick, the seams virtually disappeared.</div>
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Since my Canadian cousin now lives in the rugged mountains of the U.S., I wanted to give her little guy a little piece of Canada. I hope that he is able to enjoy it for years to come. I even included a little information on the history of the Hudson Bay Blanket, all wrapped up in a "rugged" little package that included his initial as a tag.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3JIz-7cN6Ao/UBsTv9FRhUI/AAAAAAAABns/2dMUKZzoer8/s1600/20091203-hudson2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3JIz-7cN6Ao/UBsTv9FRhUI/AAAAAAAABns/2dMUKZzoer8/s1600/20091203-hudson2.jpg" /></a></div>
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Now that I have finished my big project (except I guess the new project of fixing the basement floor) it's time to take on something smaller. Maybe a version of the gorgeous <u><a href="http://www.blogto.com/fashion_style/2009/12/its_a_snuggie_no_wait_its_a_hudson_bay_blanket_with_sleeves/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">Smythe Jacket</span></a> </u>and their interpretation of the Hudson Bay Blanket. Well ... maybe not ... maybe just a hat for the fall :)</div>
</div>Tracey Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038948547170505961noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1422381543982040000.post-6737960265850885172012-07-30T13:05:00.000-04:002012-07-30T13:05:02.903-04:00Ombre Felt Flower Ring<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I love making felt rings and I have amassed quite a collection in many different colours. While working on another project coming up next week, I decided to give a try with creating an ombre effect with a scrap strip of felt I used for my<u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"> <a href="http://helanaandali.blogspot.ca/2012/04/wrap-it-up-thursday-neon-coffee-sleeve.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">coffee cup collar</span></a>.</span></u></div>
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1 - By putting the strip on its side in the dye, I just let the colour begin to seep up the felt.</div>
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2 - when dry there was a slight ombre effect - maybe not quite the one I expected but it was there</div>
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3 - by cutting a strip approximately 1 inch by 5 inches and folded in half, I began to create my flower form for the ring. You can find more details on technique <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"> <a href="http://helanaandali.blogspot.ca/2011/10/felt-flower-ring.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">HERE.</span></a></span></div>
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4 - all stitched up, this version of the ring is subtle but pretty and soft</div>
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ps. the dye I used is cherry kool-aid - stay tuned next week for full details on using this as dye.</div>
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For other versions of the flower ring take a look <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ea9999;"><a href="http://helanaandali.blogspot.ca/2012/05/neon-felt-ring-diy.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ea9999;">here</span></a> </span> or <a href="http://helanaandali.blogspot.ca/2011/10/felt-flower-ring.html" target="_blank"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;">here</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;"> </span></div>
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There is nothing like a little flower power in the middle of the summer ... don't you think?</div>
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</div>Tracey Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038948547170505961noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1422381543982040000.post-40990476952630926892012-07-23T05:00:00.000-04:002012-07-23T05:00:06.351-04:00A few days ... for a bloggy break<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I am taking a wee bloggy break this week. But rest assured, I have been working away on all sorts of projects. Annoyingly, I sometimes do a bit of work on each one, not fully completing any of them, but that is another post entirely.</div>
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In a week's time, I'll be back ready to share the above and more.</div>
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In the meantime, I may be spending some of my time on the new window seat in my bedroom. It was a floor model and perfectly fit into the jut out of my window. I still have to decide how to deal with the curtains but I love how I can perch up over my front lawn, looking out at the oak trees and the hammock I have yet to perch on.</div>
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It's the perfect spot to hang out with my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Carpe-Diem-Journal-Mary-McDevitt/dp/1452107009" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;">journal</span></a>, <a href="http://www.bedheadpjs.com/styledetail.aspx?id=1416&categoryid=32&index=18&showall=0" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">mother's day pajamas</span></a> and <a href="http://helanaandali.blogspot.ca/2011/06/knitting-for-my-girls.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">knitted socks</span></a>. The problem is, I only have the patience to hang out for a few minutes at a time. There are so many summer projects, gardening projects, day trips and in general stuff to do, I often find that I don't appreciate the moments to enjoy some of the very projects I slog away at.</div>
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Well, I hope to work on that this week.</div>
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Here's to the breezy, warm summer days and nights that I hope you are all enjoying. See you soon!</div>
</div>Tracey Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038948547170505961noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1422381543982040000.post-66898890143744308942012-07-19T05:00:00.000-04:002012-07-19T07:15:31.130-04:00Wrap it up Thursday - Cover Love<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I am such a sucker for a great cover! I am so sure that if the package is good, whether it be a book cover or a label for tea, it must be good. This is just a small selection of what catches my eye (some I have thought about for a couple of years!) in the stores, blogs or shopping websites and I just have to STOP myself from purchasing them right then and there. So I can't recommend the following based on any experience at all - except that it looks good:)</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sugar-Baby-Confections-Candies-Delicious/dp/1584798971/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1342630738&sr=8-1&keywords=sugarbaby" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ea9999;">sugarbaby</span></a> by Gesine Bullock-Prado - Helana read her book on starting over and loved it but I just want to make the beautiful candy floss on the cover. It has to be good, I mean, just look at it!</div>
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<u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tessa-Kiros/e/B001IGFK5A/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">Falling Cloudberries and Apples for Jam</span></a></u> by Tessa Kiros - once again haven't read them or even looked inside but the spines are simply delicious.</div>
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<a href="http://www.moonstruckchocolate.com/c-6-chocolate-bars.aspx" style="color: #666666; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Moonstruck Chocolate</a> - They are from Portland, reviews on their website include - <i>the best chocolate bar I have ever eaten</i> - but I didn't know any of that. I just know it has to be good by the paper cut design on the wrapping.</div>
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<u><a href="http://ca.kusmitea.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">Kusmi Tea</span></a></u> - never tried it but, Oh my gosh!, it has to be divine just look at the colours on the tin.</div>
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I love all the<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"> <u><a href="http://www.loveandtoast.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Love and Toast</span></a></u></span> packaging and I have tried the lip gloss and hand creme. I am VERY sure though that <u><a href="http://www.loveandtoast.com/t/body-care-collection/shampoo-and-conditioner" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">this</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;"> </span></u>shampoo is equally as lovely and how nice it would be on a bathroom counter.</div>
</div>Tracey Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038948547170505961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1422381543982040000.post-22967120899723240972012-07-16T09:31:00.000-04:002012-07-16T09:31:25.470-04:00Flea Market Tea Cups - Glitterfied!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Truth be told - I don't really work on projects with anyone else. Except for classes, and one evening of making scented bath salts for friends, my craft projects are, for the most part, solitary endeavours. So when my dear friend <a href="http://tiffanypratt.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ea9999;">Tiffany Pratt</span></a> asked me to spend an afternoon playing around with a auction score of hers, how could I resist?!</div>
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You may recall I made Tiffany <a href="http://helanaandali.blogspot.ca/2011/11/glitter-pie-guest-post.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"> a Glitter Pie Bracelet</span></a>, as a guest post, for her <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"><a href="http://msglitterpie.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">Glitter Pie Blog</span></a>.</span> I had seen bits and pieces of her home in pictures and let me say it did not disappoint. With a white back drop, she has layered projects, gifts, art supplies, flea market scores (this list goes on) to create a dreamy, ethereal space that can only but fuel a creative soul.</div>
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Tiffany loves to work with recycled supplies in her projects so we started by using up her candle remnants. I was a little worried about heating it all up, but she had it under control and expertly poured all the cups with melted wax that had been made from some isolated white bits, orange bits and pink pits. </div>
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The fun came when we dipped into our crafty supplies, some from me, some from her, and added glitter, flowers and paint to make them unique and unexpected.</div>
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I loved them set out down the centre of the table - I think it would look great as a centrepiece for a brunch, shower or mother's day tea party - the guests could take their own candle home after the party.</div>
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We customized each candle, according to the cup, keeping some simple and "ms. glitter pieing" others like the one top left. Tiffany made that for me and I got to take it home!</div>
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I made this one for Tiffany. She loves daschunds and I used the same sticky clear sheet I did for my <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af;"><u><a href="http://helanaandali.blogspot.ca/2012/03/chevron-dish-tutorial.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af;">chevron dish</span></a></u>.</span> With a daschund silhouette drawn and cut from the sheet, I applied my dog to the floral area of the cup and painted over the area, creating a reverse stencil when I removed the sticker.</div>
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You might think, it wasn't the greatest idea to spend a hot summer afternoon in an space without air conditioning, heating up wax, but guess what? ... it was :) </div>
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Thanks Tiffany, for a wonderful afternoon!</div>
</div>Tracey Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038948547170505961noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1422381543982040000.post-92006445023395738802012-07-12T01:00:00.000-04:002012-07-12T06:59:17.010-04:00Wrap it up Thursday - Pretty Pinterest Picks<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I thought that today I would share some of my favorite wraps from my pinterest board - <u style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/traceyfisher/pretty-packages/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">Pretty Packages.</span></a></u></div>
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1 - Calla lilies - from <u><a href="http://ohhappyday.com/2012/04/paper-calla-lilies-diy/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">Oh Happy Day</span></a></u></div>
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2 - pretty toppers of bows, flowers and pinwheels - from <a href="http://octoberafternoon.typepad.com/october_afternoon/2012/06/kim-watson-guest-post-cakewalk-farmhouse.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">October Afternoon</span></a></div>
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3 - pastel blue watercolor popsicle with twine - from <u><a href="http://www.creaturecomfortsblog.com/home/2012/7/10/popsicle-party-printables-diy.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a2c4c9;">Creature Comforts</span></a></u></div>
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4 - toppers of bows, flowers, banners, ruffles and medallions - from <u><a href="http://www.ohhellofriendblog.com/2012/05/collection-packaging.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;">Oh Hello Friend</span></a></u></div>
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5 - the beautiful simplicity of flowers and twine - from <u><a href="http://thesavvyphotographer.blogspot.ca/2011/05/fabulous-packing-by-camille-deann.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">The Savvy Photographer</span></a></u></div>
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So far this summer, the days are easy and breezy as we begin to fall into a summer routine, after the end of the school year and our whirlwind trip. I've been working around in the garden and working on a few crafty projects I hope to share over the next few weeks. I think I might use Ez's (Creature Comforts) popsicle tag for a cottage gift next weekend - I really LOVE it!</div>
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I hope you are enjoying the summer days wherever you may be - hope they are long, warm and full of smiles !</div>
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</span></u></div>Tracey Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038948547170505961noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1422381543982040000.post-87655875865142062732012-07-10T10:08:00.000-04:002012-07-10T10:08:50.914-04:00Thank you ... Merci!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jqaQlibiazI/T_wk74Sk7JI/AAAAAAAABaY/VMKwfkrtvV0/s1600/the+goods+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jqaQlibiazI/T_wk74Sk7JI/AAAAAAAABaY/VMKwfkrtvV0/s1600/the+goods+resized.jpg" /></a></div>
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These are the goods I picked up when we hit Paris on our trip and made our way to a concept shop called<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.merci-merci.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"> <u>Merci.</u></span></a> </span> I had read about it on other blogs and knew I wanted to make a stop there at some point during our travels. I am such a sucker for packaging and I love the wording on the bags. It reminds me of <u><a href="http://shop.lululemon.com/home.jsp" target="_blank">Lululemon</a></u> and their inspirational quotes on bags. I picked up a sweet little scarf to remind me of our trip. And the girls and I picked up simple journals to fill with things we picked up on our trip. The little red thread and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Merci</span> charm has yet to have purpose but really ... does it need one?</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IDsQWdMlhp0/T_wk-IxJSiI/AAAAAAAABag/H1VrYl7CDVo/s1600/merci+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IDsQWdMlhp0/T_wk-IxJSiI/AAAAAAAABag/H1VrYl7CDVo/s1600/merci+resized.jpg" /></a></div>
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This is the courtyard out front. I was a little disappointed the car wasn't all jacked up with a display like the ones I have seen before (see below). The little library behind Scott in the picture is a charming lunch spot.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FBuXqyXl4bg/T_wlFH8UvYI/AAAAAAAABao/sH2JxugiX08/s1600/merci+collage.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FBuXqyXl4bg/T_wlFH8UvYI/AAAAAAAABao/sH2JxugiX08/s1600/merci+collage.png" /></a></div>
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These pictures provided the inspiration I needed to put this shop on my to-go list. I first saw a look into Merci through decor8<u><a href="http://decor8blog.com/2010/08/10/merci-gorgeous-shop-in-paris/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af;"> here.</span></a></u> And found other stories from <u><a href="http://www.lescarnetsdudesign.com/?p=266" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;">Les Carnets du Design</span></a></u> and <u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">E<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><a href="http://ellageorgia.com/be-inspired/2011/09/merci/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">lla G</span></a><a href="http://ellageorgia.com/be-inspired/2011/09/merci/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">eorgia</span></a>.</span></span></u></div>
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The linen pillows, duvet covers, napkins and aprons are that rough, rustic linen that I love. If I could have, I definitely would have brought a bunch home but we travelled with carry on bags. Pretty good for a bunch of girls don't you think ? Scott doesn't know how lucky he is...we could have travelled like the car bottom right.</div>
</div>Tracey Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08038948547170505961noreply@blogger.com5