Mary's Blog (9)

Crafts for Teacher

I am completely overwhelmed by my end-of-the-school-year gift crafting, which is slightly derailed by my upcoming trip to International Quilt Market in Pittsburgh. But I couldn't let another week pass without bringing up the topic of teacher gifts. It's been a long time since I've had to do teacher gifts -- I gave them up as each boy moved into middle school and six teachers -- but my daught… Continue

Added by Mary on May 13, 2009 at 8:10pm — 7 Comments

Your Crafty Heritage

I'm always interested in learning how people got started with their crafty hobbies. It seems like so many women my age grew up with a mother or grandmother who sewed, knitted or crocheted, and then passed on that knowledge. My crafty heritage definitely begins with mother. She sewed most of my clothes when I was a child and even made herself some coordinating outfits. But her crafting explorations hardly stopped there. She also knit, crocheted, painted fabric, cross stitched, latch hooked rugs,… Continue

Added by Mary on April 15, 2009 at 5:44pm — 2 Comments

Art to Go

If your family is anything like mine, then y'all view a restaurant table covered in paper as an opportunity to doodle, draw and play. It seems nothing is as entertaining to my kids (and husband and maybe me, too) as a blank sheet of paper and a couple of crayons. While not every restaurant we frequent has the foresight to prepare for our patronage, I have found that making art portable has been a great way to keep my kids occupied, while also encouraging creativity. Among my favorite finds was… Continue

Added by Mary on April 1, 2009 at 6:02pm — No Comments

Do you follow or break the rules?

I've been artsy-craftsy nearly my entire life. Painting, scrapbooking, beading, rubber stamping, sewing -- you name it, I've probably tried it. It's been only recently, however, that I've realized that I'm kind of a by-the-rules crafter. As much as I admire artist trading cards and collage art, I find myself at a loss when it comes to actually making them myself. Too much freedom, it seems, is not a good thing for me. I'll pull out the materials and sit and wait for inspiration. And wait. And w… Continue

Added by Mary on March 25, 2009 at 5:13pm — 7 Comments

Craft Simple

I was talking to my husband about something the other day -- what, exactly, escapes me at the moment -- but he reminded me that I needed to "simplify" in regards to the issue. Later on, as I was reflecting on my day, I recalled his guidance. I think it's easy when we're crafting to get caught up in all the tools, products and hoopla associated with our hobbies. I know that I have accumulated a store's worth of craft supplies as I plowed my way through scrapbooking, rubber stamping, beading, pai… Continue

Added by Mary on February 25, 2009 at 6:00pm — 7 Comments

Make it a Sweet Valentine's Day

I'd much rather get chocolate on Valentine's Day than flowers, and it's also near the top of the treats I love to give. This year, I'm giving my husband a sweet candy topiary.

It's really easy to make, although it does take a little patience -- and a lot of candy (I think mine used three bags of Snickers Minis). You'll need: • 6" Styrofoam ball • 6" terracotta flower pot • 7/8" wooden dow… Continue

Added by Mary on February 11, 2009 at 7:21pm — 4 Comments

Be Mine

It finally hit me a few years ago that the reason I love Valentine's Day so much is because of the many fun craft options it affords. Forget flowers and expensive dinners; I'm happy with paper, glue and copious amounts of glitter!

Since discovering digital scrapbooking, I've found that my favorite Valentine crafts involve a hybrid of digital and paper creations. It's a pretty perfect blen… Continue

Added by Mary on February 4, 2009 at 4:37pm — 2 Comments

Cold n Crafty

Winter has definitely arrived, even here in the South, and the temperatures are cold enough that venturing outside for playtime with the kids is pretty much impossible. I don't know about your kids, but mine start to get a little cabin fever after a couple of days. If you're tired of the endless rotation of kid-friendly TV programming and DVDs, then I've got some fun crafty activities for you. These are great for anytime but I especially like them when we're stuck inside for a few days (cold, r… Continue

Added by Mary on January 21, 2009 at 6:30pm — 2 Comments

It's About Time

I regularly refer to my crafting time as "therapy." My goal is to spend at least a little time creatively every day, crafting something or taking photographs or making art with my daughter. It's intensely gratifying and also calming -- plus I love having something concrete to show off for my efforts. I'm a creature of habit, a necessity for someone with ADHD, and usually spend the time my daughter is at preschool sewing or scrapbooking or whatever strikes my fancy. Most times, I'm able to take… Continue

Added by Mary on January 7, 2009 at 6:13pm — 3 Comments