The Landlocked Sailor (crafting, lifestyle)

REVIEWED BY: Ms. Cairo

MY RECOMMENDATION: YES

AMAZON SUBSCRIPTION LINK: Save the Textiles! Everyday Upcycling at The Landlocked Sailor, by Sarita Li Johnson

WEB ADDRESS: http://thelandlockedsailor.com/

BLOG DESCRIPTION: This blog is about sustainable crafting, simple living, and running an online business on Etsy.com.

MY REVIEW: This is an excellent blog for people who are environmentally conscious and are looking for ways to do their bit. There are quite a few posts about crafting and "upcycling" rather than recycling, slightly less posts on running an online business.

They are all interesting, and if you're a crafter, you'll enjoy this blog.

Sample post:

Three Ways to Transform Salvaged Fabrics (Into Something You’ll Actually Want to Use!)

It’s his favorite T-shirt. You know, that one he got at his first concert or that he wore every day at summer camp. Yeah, that one. The one that doesn’t even fit anymore, and has a couple of ketchup stains. There is NO WAY he’s going to throw it away or turn it into a grease rag. But should it just be sitting in a drawer, all sad and unusable? No!

T-shirts are easy enough to turn into pillows or quilts, but what about pants, belts, jackets, or baby clothes?

Sometimes you have an item you’d really love to salvage and upcycle, but there just isn’t much fabric there, or it’s oddly shaped, etc. You could always make those “butt jeans” handbags (you know the ones I mean) or use a bunch of tiny pieces to make patchwork, but both of those things have been done, redone, and overdone. They don’t stand out. (Don’t get me wrong about patchwork. It is a time-honored tradition, it takes a lot of patience, hard work, and precision, and it is beautiful. But there is more to repurposing your favorite article of clothing than cutting it into a million pieces and making a quilt out of it.)

It’s time for something new.
What is more appealing to you: “Oh look I cut a bunch of things up and sewed them back together in random order” or “Oh look I cut the legs off a pair of jeans and sewed the bottom shut” or “Thanks! I love this too! No, you can’t buy one just like it. I actually made it out of two dresses I wore when I was a baby.”


Easy Envelope Clutch PDF Sewing Pattern by Keyka Lou on Etsy
Salvaging textiles and upcycling them makes a statement. It says: “I found materials that had outlived their usefulness and gave them a new lease on life.” It might even say: “I am very resourceful and not wasteful. I find beauty where other people overlook it.” But it should never say: “I just can’t bear to throw anything away, end of story.”

But where can you find patterns that lend themselves to small pieces of fabric?
Strategy #1: Look for small patterns. A coin purse or wallet only takes so much fabric, and these things are infinitely useful. Bonus: If you find a pattern you really like, make a dozen or so using a different fabric every time. They’ll make great gifts, and are an easy way to stock your Etsy shop if you have one. (More on Etsy in another post.)

Strategy #2: Use the salvaged fabric as a decorative element. If you’re making (or buying) a big tote bag, a skirt, a hat, or anything else, think about embellishing it a bit. You don’t have to think rhinestones and sequins, but how about applique? Reverse applique is also very cool. Check out this great tutorial at craftstylish.com. Bonus: You can use the same technique on several different pieces for a coordinated, but not identical look. Think of it as a twist on the “Best Friends” necklace.

Strategy #3: Sort your fabrics by color, and use small amounts of contrasting fabrics to make one larger, coordinated piece. Huh? Ok, think of it this way. Imagine you have a pattern for a handbag. It might have one pattern piece for the front, one for the back, one for the flap over the top, one for each side, one for each strap, etc. If you used a completely different fabric for each of these pieces, it might end up looking like a circus. If that’s what you want, go for it. But experiment with a few different fabrics. Try making the body out of one fabric, and the flap and lining from another. Do they look good together? Great! It might be easier for you to picture at first if the patterns are advertised in contrasting fabrics. Check out Keyka Lou’s Etsy shop for some great examples (like the one pictured on this page). Bonus: By mixing a common element into a series of bags or other accessories, you can create a “set” even when you don’t have enough fabric (or the desire) to make them identical.

RECENT POSTS:
--Upcycling and Refashioning Contest Extended Through August!
--Make Your Kids Some Awesome Clothes: Blogs Can Help!
--This Week on Etsy: Top 5 Sellers of Fabric for Upcycling
--Road Trip Ready Design
--Three Ways to Transform Salvaged Fabrics (Into Something You’ll Actually Want to Use!)

_______________________
Ms. Cairo writes several blogs including:
Seaborn: Oceanography Blog
Star Trek Report: Space Sciences
Topical Murder and Dated Death

Ocean Wave Quilts (quilting, crafts)

REVIEWED BY: Ms. Cairo

MY RECOMMENDATION: YES

AMAZON SUBSCRIPTION LINK: Ocean Waves Quilts

WEB ADDRESS: http://oceanwavesquilts.typepad.com/

BLOG DESCRIPTION: My blog will consist of quilting, sewing, cooking, some travel, and some knitting. I belong to a quilting group that does lots of things! I share those experiences with you as well.

MY REVIEW: This blog is newly available on Kindle, and as such costs $1.99 to subscribe. I must say I've always been confused by the way Amazon prices its blogs. They should start at 99 cents, and the author should have the option of pricing it higher. However, typically they start out at $1.99, and if no one has subscribed after two weeks, and if the blogger hasn't lost heart because no one has subscribed, they'll drop the price down to 99 cents, and then people will start to subscribe. (That's not to say that people don't subscribe to blogs that cost $1.99, but those are typically sports blogs or financial blogs, not blogs on quilting!)

Well, if people enjoy quilting and learning about how to do it, perhaps $1.99 a month won't seem so onerous. (And really, what's $1.99? The price of two cups of coffee in one day?)

But this is a fun blog, written by a woman who is very knowledgeable in quilting, and writes enthusiastically. If you're a quilter, I think you'll like this blog. The author provides lots of photos. They do suffer a bit in greyscale, as opposed to what you see on the web...

Here's a sample post:

I saw a table runner in a magazine made of strips. Whenever I have a piece of fabric smaller than a fat quarter, I cut it in 2 1/2" strips, and store them in a box, separated by color. So, I get this bright idea to make a table runner out of "leftovers".

All I did was sew 2 1/2 " strips together in random lengths, till it was the length of my table. I kept adding rows until it was wide enough, then switched to some greens for the last row on either side, and across the two ends. I layered the top with some leftover hydrangea fabric for the backing. Then I can use the other side as well.

I practiced a loop-de-loop leaf design for the quilting. I then bound it with a soft blue batik, again, leftover strips. So, a brand new table runner, and I didn't buy a thing! This table runner would look great with prints, or brights, whatever you like! I happened to have these batiks in my colors, so that's what I used! If you make a runner, I would love to see a picture of it. I finally have been "in the mood" to sew. Maybe having a few minutes time has had something to do with that, lol. I have all kinds of things in my mind, and on my cutting table...so stay tuned......

RECENT ARTICLES:
--Something out of nothing
--Don't ya just love it?
--Ladies of the Evening
--Sewing Slump
--Ho Hum, another one done

___________________
Ms. Cairo writes two blogs of her own:
You Fly Girl: Women in Aviation
Volcano Seven: Treasure and Treasure Hunters

Appalachian Morning Creativity Blog (hobbies, arts and crafts)

REVIEWED BY: Ms. Cairo

MY RECOMMENDATION: Yes, with reservations

AMAZON SUBSCRIPTION LINK: Appalachian Morning Creativity Blog

WEB ADDRESS: http://appalachianmorning.blogspot.com/

BLOG DESCRIPTION: The spirit of creativity is alive and well throughout the world--supported, not replaced, by technology. Shared from one hand and heart to another. Encouraging creativity—in this case through art and craft—plants the seed for creativity in thought, in relationships, in problem solving. Appalachian Morning blog celebrates creativity wherever it is found and gives practical tips, esoteric musings, and information on various visual arts and creative opportunities.

MY REVIEW: If you are in to crafting, I think you will enjoy this blog. It has not been updated since March 21, 2010, however.

Nevertheless, it looks like a lot of fun. Check it out. It may even inspire you with your own work.

Sample post

Needle Felting (Photos not reproduced)

I needed a break from crochet...well, really I didn't, but my right wrist did. I'd had such fun making a felted hat, from crochet, earlier this winter, that I was drawn to some books on creating felted animals and other things (art wall hangings, etc.) from wool.

I love the feel of wool, especially white wool roving. I use it in creating what I call "spirit dolls." (At left is an old flyer featuring these...some are still for sale at Studio4 Art Gallery in Nelsonville, Ohio).

Anyway, I wanted to learn something new, so purchased a book called Wool Pets: Making 20 Figures with Wool Roving and a Barbed Needle by Laurie Sharp. I bought 2 bags of 100% wool from Wistyria Editions in Grnd Haven, MI. One bag of "furry friends" and one bag of "brights." I also bought a "pen style needle felting tool" from Clover (available on Amazon) and Felting Foam, also from Wistyria.

When all these wonderful things came in the mail, I settled down on the couch with my wonderful new supplies and the latest episode of "24/White Collar/The Good Wife."

In one evening I had my first wool pet! Here's a photo of my little penguin, the book, the wool, the felting pen, and my real pet, Farley, asking why she isn't the main focus of the photograph.

The penguin described in the book has beads for eyes. I didn't have black beads in the house (pink, clear, red, blue, green...no black!); so I used white wool rolled into a little bead-size ball and then a black tinier round of wool on top of it to get "googley eyes."

My pengin has a white tummy because I used white wool as the directions said. I do not know why the penguin on the cover seems to be made with a body of grey wool with a wisp of white over top. This discrepancy between what was shown in the photo and described in the directions, was a bit bothersome, but I am not the sort to follow directions too closely anyway.

The felting needle I purchased was actually THREE needles in a holder. It worked okay, but SILLY ME! had I read the directions included with the needle, I would have found that I could choose to have one, two, or three needles present when working.... I wonder how much easier it would have been to do the eyes with just one needle? Probably much easier.

I was surprised at how easy this craft was to pick up and do right away and what a cute item I ended up with. I have no idea what to do with it, but this took me back....

When I was a teenager I loved felt. I still do. I paint with it! Well, more accurately, I paint on top of it. I like to glue it onto the canvas, then put modeling paste on top, then acrylic paint on top of that (stay tuned for more on this). But, when I was about 14 or 15 and had some illness that required bedrest...okay, a bad case of mono and, no, I hadn't kissed anyone! Anyway, I had a lot of felt (the acrylic kind you can get for $1 a sheet or so) and hand sewed little felt creatures that I then sold in a craft store. They were pretty cute and I'd like to make them again. I just might, using this new technique.

If you haven't yet tried needle punch felting. Give it a try! I'd love to see your results.

RECENT ARTICLES:
---Creating a Children's Book - illlustrations
---ATC sketchbook from an altered book
---Diva Chihuahua Likes Fun Fur Yarn
---Discovering Needle Felting

___________________
Ms. Cairo writes two blogs of her own:
Winged Victory: Women in Aviation
Volcano Seven: Treasure and Treasure Hunters

Craft for Health (Lifstyles & Culture)

REVIEWED BY: Ann Currie

MY RECOMMENDATION: YES

AMAZON SUBSCRIPTION LINK: Craft for Health

WEB ADDRESS: http://www.craftforhealth.typepad.com/

BLOG DESCRIPTION: At Craft For Health, design & craft expert Kathy Peterson and Nurse Practitioner& RN Barb Dehn, The Craft Practitioners, join forces to share empowering anecdotes, inspiring stories and crafty tips about the therapeutic benefits of crafting.

Creating handmade health is our specialty, no matter what ails you.

MY REVIEW: This is a fascinating and cathartic blog that combines crafts and stories told by those who are hurting, depressed, or ill.

Guest bloggers come together to weave a beautiful handwork of love, loss, joy, and pain. The stories are both poignant and creative. Some talk about craft projects, others about their diseases, some about their loved ones. Some just talk about their talents. Of all the blogs I have read and reviewed, I have never seen one like this. Even if you are not hurt or hurting or interested in crafts, I encourage you to visit this site, it will be worth your while. I am neither a sentimentalist, nor a crafter but this is an amazing thing to see.

The writing is from the soul and you can feel the depression, the pain, the joy, whatever the writer wants to convey. It is the naked truth. I think by the time someone has the strength to post on this blog, they are either seeking help and/or hope or they are sinking and just letting someone know. It is truly therapeutic.

The site is full of links to the guest blogger's own sites and the categories are a great source to seek posts relating to specific diseases. The labels are a great resource for different crafts. Whether it is jewelry, soap, beading, or crocheting, there is some of it here.

Sample post:

Insecure and Critical of Myself From my Job Burn by Susan Vernicek

My two driving forces in life from a young age were to run my own business and have a positive influence on others. Like many fine women I know, I’ve always had to work hard for what I wanted. I’m a native New Jersey girl from Wharton, where I still reside, and have always had a creative spirit. After graduating with a Fine Arts degree and a dual focus in Graphic Design and Photography from Frostburg State University, I had a tough time finding a job. I decided to spread my wings and spend a summer in London with a friend. When I came back, I had a renewed sense of purpose, and found a job in the graphics department of a medical company. While I learned quite a bit with many unique experiences, I found my inspiration from my bad experiences within the company.

I spent five years working closely with pharmaceutical companies, doctors, and others in the medical field. I would work on rating scales for doctors. The scales looked like a poster with a number of images. The scales show progressive improvement from ‘before’ to ‘after' for Botox injections, plastic surgery, etc. The images are altered to match a grading system that the doctors validate. The grading would range from zero to five, for example, with five showing a severe case of improvement. There was such an intense process that these scales went through to be approved, but the process made me feel insecure and very critical on my skin and body. I always judged men and women's features based on my current project and ended up comparing myself to others. It was mentally exhausting!

For example, I would take my photo; they used my face model for a few scales. So here I am, working on my face for hours, removing and adding wrinkles according to the scale. I would have to create the scale in stages of wrinkles from none to severe. Every day at home I would critique my face! I couldn’t get the imperfections out of my head and couldn’t get away from the mirror fast enough. I was always dissecting my face and my features. It was a vicious cycle that I am happy to be out of, yet thankful for at the same time because the end result was Identity.

Being a woman with many interests, and all the same concerns as my female counterparts, I relied on the media for information that could help improve and inspire my life. Through my own discontentment with all the in-your-face ads and useless information about diet fads, fashion trends, and celebrity gossip found in other magazines - Identity was born. I believe our role models should be in our everyday lives; not photo-touched fashion plates on a page. Identity is my gift to every woman, for being who she is, and the best that she can be. I hope you check it out and enjoy it.

RECENT ARTICLES:
--When my creative urge hits, Its so overpowering it cannot be ignored
--Crafting Soap is my Anti-depressant
--I spent an entire week painting a pineapple and I felt better plus GIVEAWAY
--How Mod-Podge, Acrylic Paint, and Glitter Helped Mend one Women's Heart by Beth Engelman PLUS GIVEAWAY

_______________________
Ann Currie publishes:
My Life a Bit South of Normal
Silver Pieces: The Strange and Peculiar

evie s.

REVIEWED BY: Ann Currie

MY RECOMMENDATION: YES

AMAZON SUBSCRIPTION PAGE: evie s.

WEB ADDRESS:www.evie-s.com/news

BLOG DESCRIPTION: A design, craft, and beauty blog by graphic designer Evie Shaffer. Highlighting art, DIY projects, and beautiful design.

MY REVIEW: This blog is tied to her etsy shop. She posts about crafts for your wardrobe and home she has done with before and after pictures. Most posts refer to items that can be purchased from her shop. She posts interviews she has conducted with artists. And, there are some DIY (Do It Yourself) projects. 

One interesting personal project are the pictorial posts that follow the progression of her second pregnancy. If you are interested in crafts, some DIY projects, and evie s.' store, then this blog will probably interest you. I found it more of an extension of her shop, than a blog, but there are many like that on the web.

RECENT ARTICLES:

Finally painting again

Last minute valentine's ideas

A beautiful idea - Artists changing the world

Winter Beauty

Yet another wardrobe refashion
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Twig and Thistle

REVIEWED BY: Ann Currie

MY RECOMMENDATION: YES

AMAZON SUBSCRIPTION PAGE: Twig and Thistle

WEB ADDRESS: www.twigandthistle.com/blog

BLOG'S DESCRIPTION: Daily Inspiration For Home & Life

MY REVIEW: This is an updated blog that is more arts and crafts. Each post has at least one idea of how to make an item – a gift, a goodie, something for your home. The recipe or instructions are always included (or a link is) and a picture.

The author is quick to give credit to friends and colleagues for their contributions. She is always upbeat and positive. (She is one of those folks whom you wonder if she ever has a bad day!)

The blog is full of pictures of items she has found, shops and resteraunts she has visited. It is inspirational, but you draw the inspiration from her. I am not an “a&c” person, but this is an excellent blog.

And, let me explain myself here, when I say arts and crafts, I am not talking about simple “let’s glue these 2 sticks together and wrap them in colorful pipe cleaners” crafts. I’m talking about very sophisicated and impressive work that takes talent. And, some of it is clever. A great blog. Upbeat and creative, she shares and gives credit.

RECENT ARTICLES:

• Alt Love No. 1
• Love posters by Ty Mattson
• Say it with jam and Nomination
• Valentine’s day round up
• Rita’s living room