YBC Book Review - "Little Felted Dogs" by Saori Yamazaki

I love to create.  What about you?  Do you enjoy the sense of fulfillment when an idea in your head becomes something tangible?  Something you can touch, see, hear, and even eat?

Creativity uses parts of your brain that do not get utilized in everyday activity, and learning new techniques expands your mind even more.  That's why it is depressing to see that the arts (and play) are slowing but surely being removed from the public schools.  But they say, "it's never to late to learn".  Or, "teach an old dog new tricks".  

So with that in mind, I got Saori Yamazaki's book, "Little Felted Dogs".

Felting is an old technique that is making a comeback, and when I saw the word easy on the front cover, I figured, what could possibly go wrong?

Hmmmmm, a loaded question for a not so graceful gazelle like me. hahaha

Looking through the book there are pages after pages of really simple instructions (with pictures) for many breeds of dog.  So I set out to learn something new.

I made an *ahem* quick stop at Hobby Lobby for supplies, and was going to take pictures of my progress making my first felted dog.

Wellllll, let me clue you in, those felting needles ARE SHARP!  And the finger covers, while they are thick and strong, and NOT needle proof.  Plus they made it hard to manipulate the wool.

After much grumbling and blood letting, I decided to not share any pictures of what was definitely NOT a dog that I had created. hahaha

But, I will never, never, never give up.  I will continue to try and learn this technique (without all the crying and blood) and when I have mastered it (meaning I can create something besides a lopsided ball) I will come back and share it with you.

Now for my review of this book...I like it.  I give it a bloody thumbs up.  And I am keeping it in my book case in the studio.  Saori created this book to be as easy as possible.  The directions are clear, and the pictures are wonderful.  All the dog breeds look real, and I do highly recommend this book for artists looking to expand their crafts.

Here's a little bit about the author, Saori Yamazaki.  She is the author of several felting books written in Japanese and English, and she lives in Japan with her 3 dogs.  This will be my next book of hers that I want, because I love baby stuff, and there are no legs to try and attach. :~D

Now it's your turn, click on a link, and check out this book for yourself.

Expand your mind.

Challenge your creativity.

Learn something new today.

(then share your new talent in the comment section for the rest of us to enjoy)

Be blessed,

Debbi

"I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.  But the opinions are totally mine."

SACE 2015 Fall Show Sneak Peek #1

I have been so busy this year with craft show after craft show, that I have sorely neglected my blog.  But I am going to remedy that with this sneak peak at some of the handmade lovelies you'll find at The Statesville Artisan and Crafters Expo Fall 2015 show.

First up is Arty Fartsy.

Artsy Farsty is a small craft business that was started by Brooke and Emily. They make ladder yarn necklaces, earrings, and stationary.

Then comes The Hobby Sisters.

"Our names are Candice and Katie and before you ask, no, we aren't really sisters. :-) Our kids are great friends who love to play together so we were always hanging out together so we started making these things and this all just kinda happened. We hope you love our stuff as much as we do." You can also find them on Google+.

Carol will be there as Blessed Stitches.  She creates hooded towels, key chains, and other various handmade sewing items.

I did absolutely no gardening or canning this year, so you will see me visiting Kim's booth, Sweet Morning Farms.  Artisan jams and fresh breads....yummmmmmy.  My Hannah is a bread fanatic, so I will have to hide my money. lol

Now this is a local show in Statesville, NC so I'm sure many of you won't be able to visit us there.  But on the day of the show I will be sharing tons of pictures and links.  If you are in town, come on down.  We are also having a chili cook-off, and that is sure to be fun.

Be blessed,

Debbi

The CraftStar Catalog

The CraftStar has started something new a few months ago - 

The CraftStar Catalog.

And this week, I am a part of it with my 

Silver Ruffle Scarf.

This is a lightweight scarf that measures a full 58" long, so you can wear in long, or double it for a fuller look.  It's created with a soft metallic yarn that shimmers when you move, so it would look amazing paired with a black dress for your festive holiday office party.  Plus, I am almost finished with a matching clutch (just need to sew in the lining) to complete your look.

Here are two of my favorite items from this weeks catalog...

I love the Southwest look, especially any turquoise.  So when I saw these beads, I was ready to snatch them up.  But guess what?

THIS IS SOAP!

I love it!  Little rock shaped pieces of soap created to look like real turquoise, right down to the gold veins.

You'll find this at Rock Hound Soap.

Speaking of beads, all creatives need supplies.  And I have to admit that beads are a weakness of mine. (Along with paint and yarn, lol)

So I have to share these incredible glow-nouveau mirage beads.  (Think mood beads of the 70's).

These change color as they get warm - or cold.  So much fun!  Find them at Poppie's Beads N More.

There is more to be seen in The CraftStar Catalog...and even more on The CraftStar site.

So go get your shopping on!!!

Be blessed,

Debbi

Book Review - DIY Type by Dana Tanamachi

I recently received the book "DIY Type" by Dana Tanamachi for review.

I was sadly disappointed.

When I first requested this book for review from Blogging for Books, I was hoping to get some really new and creative ideas.  Instead I got a book with 50 stencils, and a few run of the mill project ideas.  Now the pencils are of sturdy paper, and nice size, but they are not what I would consider a unique type. You can purchase these stencils at any local craft store for a lot less then what you would pay for this book.  So unfortunately, I can only give is a 2.5 stars.

Be blessed,

Debbi

"I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review."

I'm Just Rambling On

It's been a busy past couple of weeks, too busy actually.  What ever happened to the slow "dog days of summer".  Remember as a kid that summer was stretched before us as a long lovely season of nothing but sleeping in, playing with friends, and just having fun?  There should be a rule that when we become adults, our to-do lists should become null and void during the summer. Yeah, I wish, :0)

So, would you like to know what's up in my little patch of sunshine?  Over the winter I watched all 7 seasons of Clean House on Netflix, so of course I had to purge my house and have a yard sale.  It took me weeks to sort through all my "stuff".  It's amazing how much "stuff" you can accumulate over the course of 15 years.  But the yard sale was good, and my house is a little less cluttered.  Now to relax with my family and look forward to new summer challenges.

This past Tuesday we took the kids to our local water park.  Yes, we have a pool, but at only $5 per person, it was a nice family outing.  Of course, I forgot my camera so I didn't get the great shots of Chuck and Hannah on the water slides or the lazy river, but I just had to catch this on my cell phone.  It tickled my funny bone, which is not that difficult.

And yesterday Hannah and I hosted a girls jewelry making party for our homeschool group.  Of course, I forgot to get out my camera, but we did have a good time.  I loved seeing the next generation of artists and jewelry designers explore the wonderful world of beads.

Yesterday I also got my square reader in the mail....so I am ready for the craft show season.  Tonight I'll be scoping out our local farmers market, and making a list of local craft shows to visit and/or participate in.  The problem with southern craft shows is the HEAT!  I'll probably stick with the local farmers markets, because they are cheaper, and in the evening or early morning when it's cooler.  Plus I can go as many weeks as I like, and even skip a week or two if I have a scheduling conflict.

AND, as part of my blog book review commitments, I received this new book from Random House Publishing.  I am so excited and can't wait to learn new techniques.  Look for my review on this book in a few weeks.

 

So, how has your summer been so far?  Hot?  Busy?  Are you in any local craft shows?

Tell me, what's up in your little patch of sunshine?

 

Be blessed,

Debbi