CraftyWestern

Cork and Fabric Bulletin and Photo Board for baby's room

2010-12-16T18:29:00.000-08:00

To post cards and photos in the baby room I covered a cork board with some of the fabric from the nursery. I added ribbon to tuck pictures into but since it's cork I can also use push pins to hold things up. The frame is just a backless frame from Michaels that we painted to match the furniture.

Monkey business - cute baby mobile update

2010-11-27T18:40:00.000-08:00

I used the guitars from the nursery material to add a little fun to the monkey baby mobile.

Austin T-Shirt Baby Pillows

2010-10-17T15:24:00.000-07:00

Todd & I are expecting a baby- we're due Christmas day! So we've started getting the nursery ready. Our house is tiny so the nursery is also the guest room and my sometimes home office when it's too hot/ cold to work in the converted vintage trailer we have in the yard.

We decided on an Austin theme room with groovy guitar fabric and various Austin references. I made these easy slipcover pillows for decor in the crib using Austin t=shirts as the front and coordinating fabric to the roman blinds I made for the back & trim.

Here are the instructions I followed to make these cushions:

http://cottagemagpie.com/projects/accessories/pillows/how-to-sew-pillow-cover/

I highly recommend this pattern since it's easy to follow and has no zipper/ buttons etc required. The covers are also easy to remove for cleaning. Here are a couple of photos of the front & back:

T-Shirt re-do

2010-03-27T14:47:00.000-07:00

I have seen a few articles and blogs on how to turn a t-shirt into a sofa cushion. This is just a slight twist on that idea.

I needed a cushion for the spare bedroom desk and wanted something fun in a sturdy fabric. I also waned the cushion to keep its shape so I used a 2" pre-cut foam square. You can buy them at a fabric store pre-cut or you can buy a larger piece and cut it yourself if you have multiple chairs. I think it would be fun to make cushions for chairs at your kitchen table. You could use t-shirts from your favorite restaurants.

I used one of my husband's t-shirts from a Day of Drags race a few years ago. These are old school races that are like stepping into 1954. Guys that work on and race their own cars. Guys that look like Fonzie with girlfriends that look like Frenchy.

To make cushion covers cut your t-shirt the width of the cushion height plus about a half inch on all sides. You might want to cut the front piece separately from the back if you have a big scoop neck in the front. I added a zipper on the side of the back of the chair so that I could remove it to wash it.

Now I get to think of that fun day at the drag races anytime I sit down at the desk!

just because

2010-01-23T18:43:00.000-08:00

Todd gave me some just because flowers and I just had to share. Not only are they gorgeous but they include a cabbage (!) I now understand they are quite hip but I hadn't seen them before. It's like the craziest looking rose you'll ever get.

where I create

2010-01-10T16:43:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite things about the movie Handmade Nation was that you got to see where creative people create. Most of the people in the movie have either studios or places in their homes that are 100% dedicated to creative zone.

Since Todd & I live in such a small house, I don't have that luxury but that just means I get to be creative everywhere in the house. Here are some pics of our house where I create and get inspiration.

Thanksgiving bouquet

2009-11-22T14:13:00.000-08:00

Here is a fun, inexpensive bouquet that won't wilt. I made tissue paper flowers and mixed them with leaves and pumpkins from the local craft store. I spray painted large tomato tins from the Mexican restaurant across the road from Todd's gallery for the containers. The final touch was some vintage pumkin labels we bought on eBay. The theme I chose was autum/ thanksgiving but you could use the same technique and make the flowers red & green for Christmas, pink & yellow for Easter etc. Enjoy!

Garden Gnome Halloween Decor

2009-10-27T19:13:00.000-07:00

Here's a really easy & inexpensive way to add some Halloween decor to your yard. If you already have some Garden Gnomes or other Garden friends. Mine are the regular concrete forms you can buy at a roadside shop. I've customized them by painting them green to match each other.

One of them is a Jackalope but it didn't start that way. It was a regular rabbit when I found it at the store so I asked them to add dear antlers to it. The extra cost was just the amount for the antlers and you could add them to any other animals.

The Halloween masks I added were each less than $1 and stand up to rain.

Remembering Gran: Dia de Los Muertos Alter

2009-10-17T12:20:00.000-07:00

This Dia de los Muertos / Day of the Dead alter is for my Grandmother, Doris (Hays) Thompson. October 18th marks the 10 year anniversary of her death. Sometimes it seems like we just lost her since her spirit is so strong in my dreams and in my life. I miss her very much and thought this would be a great way to honor her memory on this anniversary. She was a crafter herself, always sewing or cooking or decorating. I used elements of all these in her shrine including sewing patterns and recipes. I had her nursing photo printed on canvas and include the traditional sugar skulls and marigolds.

Flower Patch Jeans

2009-10-14T16:49:00.000-07:00

Here's a fun way to turn a mexican embroidered dress into a top & embellished jeans. I bought mine at Canton which is a huge flea market east of Dallas. You could also try Goodwill thrift stores or your local Mexican imports store. The dresses are surprisingly affordable even brand new.

First I cut the bottom off to make a top. I just turned up the bottom and did a straight stitch all along the bottom. Although you can buy this style shirt they usually just have the flowers and pattern on the top part. This way you get flowers all over.

Next I cut out individual flowers or groups of flowers that I want to use as the patches. Once you have everything cut out, fold the edges under and iron so that the prett side is facing out. Pin them to your jeans and sew in place by hand. You can also re-stitch them with a sewing machine to make sure they hold up to wear and washes. I chose to keep everything on one side of the jeans but you can have fun placing them wherever. You can also use the same technique to add them to t-shirts, sweatshirts, bags etc.

I also added the butterfly patch to mine which adds another fun element. You can buy patches like this at your local craft store.

Have fun!

Easy to make Butterfly headband

2009-10-04T17:24:00.000-07:00

Here is a super quick way to add fun to your hair without much money. Either find an old headband in your collection or buy one at the pharmacy, supermarket etc. You can find the butterflies at your local craft supply shop.

The butterflies have metal wire already attached to them. Wind each butterfly around the headband individually to arrange them as you like.

The butterflies come in different colors. You can also apply the same technique to birds, silk flowers etc. If the flowers or bits you chose don't already have wires attached to them you can buy some thin wire, wind it around the stem etc and attach them in the same way.

Have fun!

holy craft! I met Faythe Levine.

2009-09-16T07:47:00.000-07:00

Faythe Levine was at the Austin Premiere of her craftabulous indy film Handmade Nation. I bought the book of the same name and she signed it for me. That's pretty much the extent of the meeting but I was excited. Anyone that has the energy to create and then push it so it gets a premiere or printing is cool. I'm in awe since I know it takes so much more than talent and luck. It's all the energy and the research and smiling to actually get it done. If you want some inspiration, I highly recommend both the movie & the book. Watch the trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwFbMFqfsKM

Austin craft royalty of Jenny Hart/ Sublime Stitching http://www.sublimestitching.com/ and Ramonsterwear http://www.ramonsterwear.com/ are featured in the movie. I loved seeing the spaces they work in. Just about everyone in the film create in their home or garage/ studio area. The fabulous woman who taught me how to make charm bracelets, Jennifer Perkins of Naughty Secretary fame is in the book. www.naughtysecretaryclub.com/

I also had Knitta sign my book for me. She's got this amazing guerrilla knitting gang in Houston. Basically they graffiti with knitwear. How great is that? Now I want all the telephone poles on my street to have their own sweaters! How could you not smile whenever you see it? http://www.knittaplease.com/

Devil Makes Three, plus one

2009-04-27T20:00:00.000-07:00

On a commuter flight from San Diego to LAX last week I met a guy from Maui on his way home for a wedding. You just never know when you might get a good tip. We made the most of our 40 minute flight and I got new art and music out of the deal.

The art:

Caleb OConnor

My seat mates brother. He showed me some paintings on his iPhone and I was totally blown away. Then I saw the detail when I launched the site on the laptop. Dang.

The music: Devil Makes Three

We were talking about Santa Barbara and he had seen this band there. The opening act caught the speaker on fire. He wasn’t sure how but it cleared the bar and set the stage for a hell of a main act. Pun intended.

These make me want to get home from this trip and paint country music stars with a devilish twist. A concept I started a few weeks ago but haven’t still haven't made real. "If you're gonna do wrong buddy, do wrong right.."- The Devil Makes Three

Lone Star Write up

2009-04-19T10:00:00.000-07:00

This weekend was the Lone Star Round Up in Austin and although rain (and hail!) threatened to make the entire event a bust, good ole Texas weather lived up to it’s reputation. If you don’t like the weather, wait a minute, it might change.

Friday night we checked out the hot rods parked on Congress and went to the Continental Art Gallery to check out the car art. Jeff Norwel l, a fellow Canadian (from Ottawa no less) had some great pieces in the show. Sounds like Jeff is interested in an art trade with Todd so I'm super excited about that! After the gallery we went downstairs to listen to Marti Brom. I really have no idea why this woman isn’t famous. She is an absolute power house. She moved to DC a couple of years ago so it’s a real treat to hear her back in Austin. After Marti the Red Light Burlesque started up and after about 2 ladies it was time to get home.

Saturday Todd set up a Roadhouse Relics booth at the round up. Since he didn’t go on Friday the spaces left were in the swap meet area. Aside for the grease, dirt and fumes, it was a great place to be. The bike races and music were in the same area. Got to hear Marti sing again as well as Ted Roddy sing his Elvis stuff.

Saturday night Todd’s friend Dan called and said he was going to hang with Jesse James at his place in town, the Austin Speed Shop. It used to be Mercury Charlie’s place so we knew it well. You had to have a round up wrist band to get into the party but once you were in there was plenty of free drinks and hard music. Dan invited us to join him in what I’ll call the bubble room. It was a 3 windowed room in the speed shop that is the office/ retail area. Guards at both doors so definitely invite only. He introduced us to Jesse who was holding a bottle of Jack to take with him on his way out. Sandra Bullock was in the bubble room with us too but she had a mini swarm around her. I have to say she is absolutely gorgeous. After our brush with celebrity, we cruised out of the crowds and got some Trailer Park Boys videos to round out the night.

Just another hillbilly white trash royalty weekend in Austin, Texas.

SXSW - the art of a free weekend

2009-03-22T18:32:00.000-07:00

Yard Dog is one of my favorite art galleries. It happens to be here in Austin and on Friday it also happened to be serving free Shiner beer. On top of that, it had free music in the form of a showcase for Bloodshot records. We heard the Meat Purveyors and Justin Townes Earle. The sound was pretty crappy but as I mentioned, free. Jon Langford was in the audience. He was playing Saturday but it was his artwork I was there to see. I’ve got a couple of his pieces at the house but the one I was ogling in the gallery was this one of Johnny & June. It’s from a photo I have on my myspace page.

Saturday we hung out at Todd’s gallery and I worked on some new concepts that combine old school country with modern style. I’m still working it out but will share once I have something I’m happy with. Actually still trying to figure out the medium. Paint. Photo. Screen printing. All of the above? So I worked on that and a bunch of south by folks poured through the gallery. Early afternoon we went over to Jovita’s for Twangfest. The poster was the best part. It was screen printed with a Mount Rushmore image with the faces of Johnny Cash, James Brown, Dolly Parton & Bob Dylan. We also went over to G&S on a recommendation to check out The Dixons. So glad we did. It was a little like being in Nashville in 1973. Seedy dirty bar and some fantastic country music being played by guys in western suits, skinny ties and cowboy hats. Upright base, pedal steel. Sigh. It was a great night.

Today we went to the Flatstock poster show after the bluegrass brunch at Threadgills North. Flatstock was a little overwhelming. It simultaneously inspired me and made me think nothing I could create can come close to the talent. Posters for $20 that should be hanging as original art for 20 times that amount. Actually probably much more. I bought a poster by Amy Jo. Here's her addition to promote the show.

SXSW & Art Peace

2009-03-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

It’s SXSW week here in Austin. That means all the good restaurants are full with beautiful people in expensive 2nd hand clothes. Excellent people watching. One of the best parts of the mix of people is it’s hard to tell the difference between the next John Mayer, a million dollar music exec and a homeless dude on 6th street. Except for the badge hanging from their necks, there is really little difference. Ok, maybe the shoes. You can tell by the shoes but the hair, the slightly crumpled shirt and faded jeans are all the same. The badge thing doesn’t even work since the real VIPs don’t seem to wear them.

My husband Todd & I don’t get badges so our SX music experience so far has been some pretty excellent coverage on our local radio stations KGSR & KUT/ NPR. Last night we went to an opening of a show called New Brow at the gallery previously known as Gallery Lombardi. There was a Shepard Fairey piece there I fell in love with. Of course it was already sold. But wait, it was 1 of 2. Maybe there is a second? Alas, that one is being held for a show in San Francisco and is also already sold. It really is a stunning piece. I called her Art Peace since she was holding paint brushes against the war. Kind of like Shepard himself. Also at the show were pieces by Ron English, Glenn Barr and a new one I didn’t know, Greg Gossell. Wow. Check him out if you like pop art.

This morning Todd had a photo shoot for Paste Magazine at his gallery for a band called the Avett Brothers. We didn’t know their music but my friend Lindsay squealed when we mentioned them. So I’m listening to their myspace now and agree. They will be known. I just pressed repeat on St. Joseph’s.

OBAMANOS

2009-01-20T17:11:00.001-08:00

"Good god almighty this stuff ain't real...."- from Bob Dylan's last thoughts on Woodie Guthrie. But it's true. Woodie Guthrie is in the grand canyon at sundown and Barack Obama is President.

He had music and poetry at his inauguration. He had Shepard Fairey create his official poster. Shepard Fairey. The street artist that has been arrested 14 times for public displays of art. I know things will be better for the arts. and well for everyone.

If Obama says he is humbled then I am speechless.

HOPE image by Shepard Fairey, Compassion image by the amazing Guy Juke www.guyjuke.com

itsy bitsy start to Etsy!

2009-01-13T19:39:00.000-08:00

It's a new year and it's already started as a fabulous one. I just see many crafty experiences in our future. I've been painting, bracelet making, drawing, doodling, and now etsy-ing! Is that a new word? For those that don't know etsy, please check it out. There is so much amazing home made stuff on there. It has to be hand made or 20 years + old for you to sell on etsy. And now I'm there. yippppeeeee!

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6282429

All Wrapped up

2008-12-22T08:12:00.000-08:00

Christmas is almost here! If you're doing some last minute shopping and wrapping, here's an easy eco-friendly idea. Use new or vintage tea towels to bundle up your presents. I found these 2nd hand beauties at a flea market but your local Goodwill probably has a few up for grabs too. They double as a second gift and there is no waste. Vintage scarves work great too. For a fancier look you can tie them together with a pretty hair tie or add a pin, hair clip etc. I've gone low cost here and just used some yarn to tie them together. For the tags I photocopied some old images onto regular colored construction paper.

Holly-day cards

2008-12-21T12:10:00.000-08:00

My dog Holly has been the constant character in my Christmas cards for most of her 11 years. This year she got dressed up and added her mug to our white (trash) Christmas card. We forgot the cigarette to hang out of her mouth the day of the actual shoot but it's there in spirit. I also forgot to hang the wreath so that got added to the photo as did the Merry Christmas above the neon Austin. I'm a big fan of personalized cards any time of year and this concept could easily be adapted to birthday cards too. You can create your own by taking a photo anywhere that has the town name in it's sign. Just cover up anything that doesn't work with clipart/ the happy birthday sign etc. City Limit signs are always good. Oh- and I added the lyrics to Robert Earl Keen's Merry Christmas from the family on the inside of our card. If you don't know the fabulous REK- check him out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P37xPiRz1sg

Cheers & happy, happy holly-daze to y'all!

Claire Danes & me

2008-11-22T11:13:00.000-08:00

I haven't met Claire Danes nor have I even seen her in person but I now have a connection to her. She's my first celebrity customer!

She's in Austin filming Temple Grandin Thinking in Pictures http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1278469/ and the movie prop folks stopped by my husbands gallery. They loved my painting of Dolly Parton and took some photos of it to 'show the boss'. They thought she'd love it too. A couple of days later they came back to the gallery with Claire's credit card and drivers license. Yipppeeeee!

Here's the painting she bought.

Willie P Bennett- Dia de los Muertos / Day of the Dead

2008-11-02T15:25:00.000-08:00

Willie P Bennett was a very dear family friend that passed away this year. He is one of my most favorite people in the world. He was a fabulous man that wrote, sang, played and smiled through life. He will be missed by many and cherished forever by me.

The altar traditionally includes four main elements of nature. Willie's includes traditional breads (earth), tissue paper snow flakes & music (wind), wine (water) and candles (fire). We've sent up the display in the front window at my husband's gallery so check it out if you're in Austin. http://www.roadhouserelics.com/

I’ve seen altars for rock stars, politicians, husbands, wives, kids, mothers and dads. Have fun making one for someone you love or admire. Incorporate stuff they loved and would want to have if they were to come by and hang out with you on All Saints Day.

Enjoy. Enjoy life.

Willie did.

Take a listen to him here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDLAG2H27jQ

Pop goes the Dolly

2008-10-16T08:44:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking about turning my paintings into jewelry bits and other things. Pretty hard when the painting has a lot of detail. Function was for the first time an element I had to think about in my art. Tattoos for instance can have a lot of detail but they just don't translate very well if they are too small...so I went for a pop art, cartoony look as a test. Camera phone quality photo but you get the idea.

Debut, Debate & Delima

2008-10-15T19:32:00.000-07:00

My first attempt at writing some live content.

I've got the Presidential debate on in the other room. Even turned off the Hayes Carl cd to semi listen. I'm Canadian so can't vote down here...but y'all can. Please do.

This weekend has some tough competition for stuff to do. There's MakerFaire, The Day of the Drags (old school car racing- pre '64s), The City-Wide garage sale and the plant sale at Lady Bird Johnson wildlife center. What's a crafty girl to do??