My Coloring Book

Do you like coloring books? It took me a while to warm up to them. I started with coloring postcards and was initially intimidated by the skinny lines (aren't we supposed to color within the lines?).

But in my attempt to "Do something creative everyday", I got this one four years ago. It's all about flowers (and I do love anything floral). 

It's the size of a paperback novel...very easy to carry around.  

I like to color with the seasons and experience what happens outdoors: daffodils in the spring, hydrangeas in the summer, mums in the fall, and poinsettias in the winter. 

I like to use watercolors and freshly sharpened colored pencils.

I usually try to finish a page in one sitting. But sometimes, I start the page and complete it on another day.

Here are a few samples of my work:

It's a quiet and relaxing activity. It makes me mindful but allows my mind to wander, too.

Once I've colored all the pages, I plan to turn it into a journal where I can write reflections on the blank back pages...TADA!

Crochet Flowers

I'm so happy you stopped by today!

Crochet is one of the crafts I'm currently learning and trying to improve on. The materials are simple to find and it's not an expensive hobby. My grandaunt used to crochet. She made doilies, runners, and bedspreads that looked like fine lace. I also have nieces who love to crochet. They make beanies, headbands, and baby blankets! 

There are many resources like You Tube and Pinterest that will teach you how. The library is also a good place to find well-written books on the subject. 

This book by Caitlin Sainio was right up my alley because I wanted to crochet some flowers.

The book has a lot of pictures and easy to follow instructions. Here are some of my first attempts:

A four leaf clover 

Phlox 

 Oxalis

 Flax

 Jasmine

They are pretty as is but let me show you how I like to use these crochet flowers:

I sewed on a button at the center.

Then I sewed on a hair elastic at the back.

Now I've got a unique hair tie...TADA!

I sewed two different flowers on a headband.

These flowers add a personalized touch and turn plain hair accessories from blah to TADA!

How about you, do you like to crochet?

High Five, Mommies!

Celebrating all you wonderful moms! If you still have a mom, tell her you love her today. If you're a mom, take the day off and enjoy!

Shoes for Spring

Hi everyone! Did you guys ever see the movie "The Devil Wear Prada"? It's a behind-the-scenes look on how a fashion magazine is put together. It stars Meryl Streep as the feared editor-in-chief Miranda Priestly and Anne Hathaway as an idealistic assistant.

In a brainstorming meeting, Meryl Streep/Miranda Priestly, with great sarcasm, delivers one of the most iconic quotes from the movie: "Florals? For spring? Ground breaking."

But it's true! What shop does not carry clothing and accessories in the most colorful floral prints? 

Even shoes have a touch of blooms! Look:

Inspired by these sandals, I decided to make a pair of tiny flower brooches. 

Instead of leather, I'm using felt sheets in different colors.

With thread to match and a pair of bar pins.

I cut the felt into thin strips and shaped the ends with scallops and fringe. I also made a few leaves and flowers with the remnants. 

To create a flower, I sewed on a running stitch on one end.

I pulled the thread and guided the felt to roll into itself to form a spiral. Then I sewed the ends with several stitches and finished with several knots so that the flower doesn't unravel.

I added a pearl to the center as a dainty detail.

I also experimented by sewing together two colors of felt.

Here, stacked flowers in different sizes then attached together with a glue gun.

Planning how to layout the flowers on the bar pin.

I added the leaves to the bar pin also with a glue gun.

Then I attached the flowers to the bar pins with more hot glue. Instant flower brooches...TADA!

I can now update the look of a pair of sandals from blah...

...to TADA!

I like how a small and crafty touch can quickly transform what's already in my closet, extending its use from season to season.

Thank you for visiting today!