3 machine embroidered bookmarks February Crafting

February, February, it's usually a slow craft month. 

And for the past few years that is especially true for me.

But it is lucky 2013!!

Luckily, I'm more organized this year and have started to make stuff every month.

I've even picked a theme for this year.

2013 is my Official "Year of Enchantment".

Having a theme for the year is a good idea.

I came up with this theme because I saw the movie "The Hobbit - An Unexpected Journey" and was enchanted by it. 

I don't know why. 
Maybe it was Richard Armitage as Thorin.   
Works for me that is....

Anyway, I've always liked fantasies and this year, for some reason, I've also deeply interested in a Celtic things and the Renaissance period.

For this month, I've spent a little time, (Okay, a lot of time) thinking and creating stuff for the official "2013 Year of Enchantment". 

This year watch for posts with designs of : 
dragons, magical creatures, owls, 
and ... well, anything that comes to my mind.

My BEST ideas come right after eating chocolate....
Try it sometime... It may work for you.

I have spent the last 2 weeks working on some 2013 Year of Enchantment bookmarks (after inspired by Valentine chocolates-LOL). 

Doing this project was sort of an "Unexpected Journey" for me,  because it was the FIRST time I've  used my Brother Sewing and Embroidery machine for an embroidering project.

 I opened my cyber wallet and got some fantastic deals on lots of "stacked" designs from Embroidery Library.  I chose designs that were narrow and long and of course I was limited by the hoop size (4x4in).  

As in most of my creations,  I start with "my own " idea on " how to" construct the items (always an unexpected adventure for me). 

And in all of my creations, in the actual manufacturing of them, I  had to tweak the process, selecting the right materials, colors, glue, thread etc.   I've got a great deal of experience in how to "fix" flubs- LOL.


Below are the first creations of "2013 the Year of Enchantment".


Reading is Magical!!
With 3 white embroidered unicorns on stiffened felt, and with colorful ribbons, these bookmarks has some pals to help you discover the magic of reading.

There are also some magical  pals embroidered on sparkly paper.

All Fired Up for Reading!
These bookmarks have 3 reasons to get fired up about reading.  Three colorful fiery dragons on white sparkle fabric with long colorful ribbon "flames" of tails, can get you started on your unexpected reading journey. No fire extinguisher is needed or wanted for this fire.

Be Wise and Read 
Whooo?   Whooo? Wants to become a little smarter and wiser?
Owl Power times three!!! Stacked on white or gold sparkle fabric, these colorful owls with colorful ribbons or feathers make reading a real hoot. 

What do you think, did I deflub  the bookmarks, good or what???

January Crafting - Well Almost

Some crafters say that January is a slow month.
 Some say it's a time for catching up and doing inventory. 
Some say it a time to try new things, purchase supplies, and plan for the year's craft-a- palooza!

Do you know what I say?

I say that some are right!

During this month I'm very busy... Okay, I think I'm very busy.   

Well I'm kinda busy er OKay I am slacking off a bit.

So what have I've been doing craft wise during January?

I've been doing the "to do" list, that's what!

On the "to do" list is a lot of to do's .  

Like- shop for ribbon from 2012 year end sales
       - take inventory of  items
        - shop for ribbon  
       - repackage my heritage and holiday hair ribbons- smart up em up for display purposes
       - create a 2013 list of new craft ideas to try
       - shop for ribbon 
       - update my craft library with ebooks, books, and links 
       - shop for ribbon  
       - buy a few stuffed animals for resale
       - buy supplies for dangles, bookmarks, and composition covers
       - shop for ribbon  
       - try some new machine embroidery items
       - clean up and re- reorganize my craft room
       - shop for ribbon  
       - take a 1st time trip to Vogue Fabrics  
       - do a search for upcoming craft shows 
And - shop for ribbon !!

As you can see, I'm living my motto "One cannot have enough ribbon, so let's go shopping!"

So what are you doing craftwise?

Alleluia! Lutheran Church Heritage Craft Faire Picutures

Were you able to attend the Alleluia! Lutheran Church Heritage Craft Faire on Saturday December 1, 2012?

No?   

Well, don't worry because you are in luck.  I've taken some pictures of the craft items and of course I'll share them with you. 

But first, this craft show was amazing.  

What made the show so special is that it only had handmade items from local crafters (no commercial vendors were selling).   
 
A special thanks to all who were involved in this event.  The venue and the craft show administrators did a great job of planning for this craft show.  And, as you could tell,  they did an excellent job because there was a balance in the variety of the type of craft items, and how well the show was organized, advertised and attended. 

I was able to take a break from shopping   (OK, I ran out of money, but who cares???LOL) to take some pictures of the crafts.  I always asked if I could take a picture and only 3 of the 50 or so crafters did not agree.    

I have posted below, in no particular order,  the craft items.  I have selected the best of my photos to post.  Enjoy!