Fashion by Hand: November 2011

Getting to Know You: Passion to Create

This is a chance to get to know some of the members of HandmadeMN and a little bit more about what they make and do in their own words.

Today we are getting to know BarbAnn Pappas of Passion to Create who blogs at passiontocreate and lives in the Minneapolis area.

What do you make and why? Currently I am making Shawl/Hair sticks out of gemstones and fallen carved wood. I am a big knitter and I just couldn't find nice shawl sticks to compliment my hand knit garments – “Sticks and Stones” were born. When I showed them to friends, they loved them and encouraged me to make more and sell them.

Where do you do your making? I am so lucky to have a studio in my home, since I work in many mediums and I dabble in lots of things; I need lots of storage and a work space that can be left undisturbed until I return. The walls of my studio are lime green and they make me smile when I walk in the room. I have attached a picture when it is neat and tidy – not often.

What is your favorite part of the process? I just love making something from raw materials. I enjoy the creative process and get energized by it. I like to see where the process will take me. I am often stunned to realize that I could do it. I love fibers, beads, paper, wood, metal, and clay to name a few; and I use multiple materials at the same time.

What do you listen to or watch while you are working? I am a voracious audio book listener. I listen to fiction and mainly historical fiction. I loved the Outlander series, but also crime mysteries like the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo trilogy.

Tell us something else that we don't know about you. I am an educational administrator in my “real life” but I will be retiring in June 2012 and I can’t wait to unleash the pent up creativity! I currently am working in fiber and beads, but I have done decorative painting, I love to spin, and weave and I make dolls.

HandmadeMN Giveaway - Smiling Tree Toys

By Jessica of Clay By Clay

Congratulations to our latest giveaway winner! Thanks to all who entered and we wish you good luck with this week's giveaway!

This week's giveaway is from Justin and Kathleen from Smiling Tree Toys. They are giving away this adorable toy car.

This giveaway is for one Classic Racer in your choice of color. Your little one will cruise in style in a Smiling Tree Toys' Classic Racer! Available in any of three colors, this gem is teething safe, silky smooth, and drives like a charm. Whether baby's first toy or a special addition to your preschooler's fleet, it's simple, safe, and super duper fun! The toys are handcrafted in Smiling Tree Toys' family woodshop in southwestern Minnesota using local and sustainably sourced hardwoods. It's hand sanded to perfection and finished with our very own blend of beeswax and organic camelina oil (a relative of flaxseed), both grown on their family's land. It doesn't get any more Minnesota local than that! Justin and Kathleen donate to Peace Corps youth development projects for every toy they sell. Your support helps them circle the earth with smiles.

Open to US and International residents.

How to Enter:

Visit Smiling Tree Toys, pick your favorite item and leave a comment on this post about it. (Scroll to bottom of post and click on Comments)

Please make sure we have a way to contact you!

For Bonus Entries:

Please leave each in a separate comment, as each comment is an entry (To qualify for extra entries you must do step one above).

1. Visit other HandmadeMN team members shops (listed in the sidebar here) and leave a comment(s) here with your favorite pieces.

2. Blog about this giveaway with a visible link back to this posting and comment here with a link to your post.

3. Tweet about this giveaway and leave a comment(s) with a link to your tweet(s).

4. Follow our blog (you want to do this anyway to learn about upcoming giveaways!). Leave a comment here letting us know you are a follower. If you are already a follower, leave a comment anyway, as each comment is an entry.

5. Follow HandmadeMN on Twitter. Comment back here with your Twitter link. Existing followers just leave your Twitter link here.

6. Become a Facebook Fan of HandmadeMN. Comment back here with your Facebook name. Existing fans just leave your Facebook name here.

7. Become a Facebook Fan of Smiling Tree Toys. Comment back here with your Facebook name. Existing fans just leave your Facebook name here.

8. Follow Smiling Tree Toys' blog. Leave a comment here letting us know you are a follower. If you are already a follower, leave a comment anyway, as each comment is an entry.

Contest ends Saturday, December 10, at 12:00 noon Central. One winner will be chosen by Random.org.

Good luck!

HandmadeMN members are not eligible to win.

White Friday

Welcome White Friday! To celebrate a new tradition, here is a simple knit doll, about nine to ten inches tall, and her simple knit wardrobe. With some very easy needle sculpting, she looks very much like a small Waldorf doll. Here are the patterns:

Knit doll pattern

Knit camisole and underwear

Simple knit dress

Simple knit sweater

Simple knit pullover sweater

Simple knit pants

There is also a picture tutorial to help you make the doll, here at Knit Doll Tutorial. All of these patterns and the tutorial can also be found on the left sidebar of the blog, under Knit Waldorf Style Doll Patterns.

These are the first knitting instructions I've put together, so if you have problems with understanding them, let me know and we'll figure out what it is I'm trying to convey :-)

What a pleasant way to spend the Friday after Thanksgiving; a gentle alternative to waiting in line for the latest toy or gizmo, that most likely will be forgotten in the crush of so many gifts. I can't help but think that a single gift, made with love and given with joy, trumps store bought any day :-) And think of the pleasure you will have in the making and creating.

I hope you all had a blessed Thanksgiving, and enjoy the coming Holy Day season. You should enjoy every gift you give :-)

Fun Friday Finds ~ Black Friday Edition!

By Maggie Schultz ~ BodiceGoddess by Maggie

Time for Black Friday!
All of the items in today's Fun Friday Finds are discounted for Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales.
Check out our Black Friday post for more information.

(Click on the image to go to the Etsy Treasury!)

Visit these HandmadeMN shops to see more:

Click on any of the names below

First Row (Left to Right):harvestmoonbyhand,WildDogStudio, scissorsavvy, Palettepassion

Second Row (Left to Right): GlassGardenDesigns,HandmadeBits4u, BeatificBijoux, ShaggyBaggy

Third Row (Left to Right): MissBaccessories, earthgrowncrayons, Twistmo, JulieMeyer

Fourth Row (Left to Right): CheriCMeyer,MaryFosterCreative, OdodoOriginals, keptfresh

Shop from HOME and SAVE this weekend!

by Toni of Wild Dog Studio

Don't miss the HandmadeMN Team Holiday Sale this weekend!

Spend your Black Friday weekend away from the crowds and the malls. Go shopping in the comfort of your own home, and most importantly Buy Handmade!

Many of our team members are participating in this weekend's Holiday Sale, with an incredible array of great gifts just waiting for you!

The sale runs from Friday through Monday. Here's a list of participating shops for your shopping pleasure...

Harvest Moon by Hand
Waldorf-inspired window stars; and hand-embroidered and eco-friendly felted toys
Sale Details: 15% off all items with coupon code MNsale

Wild Dog Studio
Fine Silver, Fused Glass and Recycled Glass Jewelry
Sale Details: 20% off all items with coupon code MNSale!

HandmadeBits4u
Microwave Bowl Potholders, Hand-Chenilled Potholders, Quilts, Bags, Totes, Wallets
Sale details: MNsale for 10% discount

Twistmo Wall Decals
Quick and easy way to decorate with a TWIST!
Sale Details: Up to 30% Off my original designs and wall words! No coupon needed.

Scissor Savvy
Journals, sketchbooks, albums, all made from vintage and recycled books
Sale details: 20%off with coupon code MNsale

Palettepassion
Hand painted silk scarves and accessories
Sale details: Free global shipping with coupon code MNSale

Glass Garden Designs
Handmade fused glass and beaded jewelry
Sale details: 20% off all items with coupon code MNsale, except Clearance items

Beatific Bijoux
Romantic, vintage-inspired jewelry
Sale details: 20% off with the coupon code MNsale

Miss B Accessories
Handcrafted hair accessories and belts for children
Sale details: 20% off all items with coupon code MNsale

Ododo Originals
Beaded flower hair clips and brooches
Sale details: 15% off, no code required

Earth Grown Crayons
Handmade Soy Crayons
Sale details: 15% off all items with coupon code MNsale

Mary Foster Creative
Flower photography prints, note cards, 2012 calendar
Sale details: Free US and reduced international shipping

Shaggy Baggy
Totes, handbags, buckets
Sale details: 30% of with code MNsale, Free shipping (no code needed)

Kept Fresh
Prints and Cards
Sale Details: 20% off all items with coupon code MNsale

Cheri C Meyer
Free Form Bead Weaving & Wire Wrapped Jewelry
Sale details: Free Shipping - no code required

KomfyKozy
Handmade jewelry and accessories
Sale details: Free shipping with coupon code MNsale

Light Reading
lamp shades
Sale details: 10% off with coupon code MNSALELR

A Handmade Princess
Knit goods
Sale details: 15% off all items with coupon code MNSALE20

Shanti Designs
Handmade yoga mat bags and accessories
Sale details: Free shipping and lavender sache with coupon code MNsale

Peas and Carrots Too
Aprons, bags, napkins, capes and more!
Sale details: Free shipping with coupon code MNsale

BathNBeads
Bath & Body Products, Jewelry
Sale details: 15% off use coupon code MNsale

Dragonfly Adornnments
Beaded gemstone jewelry and fused glass pendants
Sale details: 20% off all items with coupon code MNsale

HandmadeMN Giveaway - Sweet Bee Honey and Crafts

By Mara Olden of Dragonfly Adornments

Congratulations to our latest giveaway winner! Thanks to all who entered and we wish you good luck with this week's giveaway!

This week is Myla of Sweet Bee Honey and Crafts is giving away this honey of the gift set.

Myla is a hobby beekeeper who proudly offers honey from her hives as well as beeswax candles made from locally sourced beeswax. This delightful gift set will come with your choice of glass or plastic 8 oz. jar of all natural, pure honey from her hives and set of 6 pure beeswax tealights. The glass container is pictured with the tealights.

A delicate, mild and sweet, light honey made by the bees themselves. Bring the taste of summer to your palate with this honey. These tealights are hand-poured into molds and the wicks are 100% cotton and are primed for cleaner burning. This particular set will come with 6 tealights that are in reusable plastic cups. Beeswax makes a clean burning candle and these will last for about 4-5 hours. With no added scents, your beeswax candles will have a wonderful and mild aroma of honey. The color is a beautiful golden yellow and will vary from candle to candle

How to Enter:

Visit Myla's shop, pick your favorite item and leave a comment on this post about it.

Open to US residents.

Please make sure we have a way to contact you! For Bonus Entries: Please leave each in a separate comment, as each comment is an entry (To qualify for extra entries you must do step one above).

1. Visit other HandmadeMN team members shops (listed in the sidebar here) and leave a comment(s) here with your favorite pieces.

2. Blog about this giveaway with a visible link back to this posting and comment here with a link to your post.

3. Tweet about this giveaway and leave a comment(s) with a link to your tweet(s).

4. Follow our blog (you want to do this anyway to learn about upcoming giveaways!). Leave a comment here letting us know you are a follower. If you are already a follower, leave a comment anyway, as each comment is an entry.

5. Follow HandmadeMN on Twitter. Comment back here with your Twitter link. Existing followers just leave your Twitter link here.

6. Become a HandmadeMN Facebook Fan. Comment back here with your Facebook name. Existing fans just leave your Facebook name here.

7. Become Myla's Facebook Fan. Comment back here with your Facebook name. Existing fans just leave your Facebook name here.

Contest ends Saturday, December 3rd, at 12:00 noon Central. One winner will be chosen by Random.org. Good luck!

HandmadeMN members are not eligible to win.

Fun Friday Finds—Cranberries and Pumpkin Pie

By Sharon Parker ~ Arty Didact

Every holiday has its colors!

(Click on the image to go to the Etsy Treasury)

Visit these HandmadeMN shops to see more:

Click on any of the names below

First Row (Left to Right): Tiny Hands, Sacred Suds, TC Witchcraft, Lolly Bop Baby

Second Row (Left to Right): Auntie B's Wax, Wild Apple Design, Palette Passion, Crafterall
Third Row (Left to Right): River Bird, Scrap Savvi, Amu and Pri, Mirasol Farm

Fourth Row (Left to Right): Harvest Moon by Hand, Twistmo, Embe, CIndy Lindgren

Mod Podging with Glitter {how to / tutorial}

Ever wonder how 'they' got glitter to stick to wood?

You know who 'they' are!

{Disclaimer ~ I am a UTES fan...this Y is for a friend}

There's a trick to this one...kind of like my Glitter Ornaments!

Can you guess what the trick is?

Yup...it's the Clear Acrylic Coating Spray

It's the same stuff I used to seal my Stamped Tile Coasters.

1 ~ Spread Mod Podge over your wood. Don't be stingy!

Note ~ I always paint my piece first.

2 ~ Pour glitter over Mod Podge. Again, don't be stingy!

Note ~ Be sure to do this over wax paper so you can save the excess.

3 ~ Let sit for about 15 minutes and then dip sideways to get rid of excess glitter.

4 ~ Spray Krylon UV-Resistant Clear Acrylic Coating over entire piece. Note ~ You should do this outside or in a well ventilated area. It's strong stuff!

YOU WILL GET A DULL LOOK IF 1} YOU USE TOO MUCH OF THIS STUFF AND 2} IF YOU SPRAY TOO CLOSE TO THE GLITTER! USE SPARINGLY AND SPRAY FROM OVER TWO FEET AWAY!

And there you have it...beautiful glitter that won't fall off!!!

Finishing the Christmas list

I had to take a break from the knitting and dollmaking to finish up a couple of items left on my Christmas list. I don't know about you, but it has been a couple of decades since I shopped on 'Black' Friday, the Friday after Thanksgiving.

The plum colored cowl is from the Jan/Feb 2011 issue of Crochet Today, made up in Stitch Nation Bamboo Ewe. It was lovely yarn to work with, and has a wonderful drape. You can wear it with the buttons in front, or in back. Looks great either way.

The bolero is a pattern I've had for ages, published in 2001 by the American School of Needlework. It is worked in Lionbrand Homespun, which is NOT my favorite yarn to work with. However, it made up beautifully. This is the second time I've made this bolero; an easy pattern with a neat 'cable' look border accomplished with front post double crochet stitches.

Maybe we should start a new trend, called 'White' Friday, and spend the day making something as a gift for friend or family for Christmas :-)

Have a heartfelt and blessed Thanksgiving, my friends!

Charlie, helping to oversee the photo shoot :-)

Lemon Poppyseed Bundt Cake...again - Out of a Box {recipe}

K...so this one might not be entirely new but it rocks {and didn't nearly get as much love as I felt it should have...hint, hint}} so I'm reminding y'all of it's fabulousness...mmkay!!!

LEMON POPPYSEED BUNDT

But not just any LEMON POPPYSEED BUNDT ...

THE ONE AND ONLY LEMON POPPYSEED BUNDT

Got it?!?

GOOD!

Seriously, I'm totally drooling over myself right now!

So, if you haven't already seen it...CLICK HERE!!!

And show a girl some love huh?!?

HandmadeMN Giveaway - Dragonfly Adornments

By Jessica of Clay By Clay

Congratulations to our latest giveaway winner! Thanks to all who entered and we wish you good luck with this week's giveaway!

This week's giveaway is from Mara of Dragonfly Adornments. Mara is giving away this fun pendant.

Mara created this glass pendant by layering black glass, dichroic glass and a clear blue glass over the piece. She fused the pendant in her kiln at about 1400 degrees for several hours. The blue glass highlights the beautiful dichroic glass. Mara used dichroic glass with shades of cobalt blue, aqua, as well as, hints of green. She has attached a large bail so you can use just about any necklace with it.
Open to US residents only.

How to Enter:

Visit Dragonfly Adornments, pick your favorite item and leave a comment on this post about it. (Scroll to bottom of post and click on Comments)

Please make sure we have a way to contact you!

For Bonus Entries:

Please leave each in a separate comment, as each comment is an entry (To qualify for extra entries you must do step one above).

1. Visit other HandmadeMN team members shops (listed in the sidebar here) and leave a comment(s) here with your favorite pieces.

2. Blog about this giveaway with a visible link back to this posting and comment here with a link to your post.

3. Tweet about this giveaway and leave a comment(s) with a link to your tweet(s).

4. Follow our blog (you want to do this anyway to learn about upcoming giveaways!). Leave a comment here letting us know you are a follower. If you are already a follower, leave a comment anyway, as each comment is an entry.

5. Follow HandmadeMN on Twitter. Comment back here with your Twitter link. Existing followers just leave your Twitter link here.

6. Become a Facebook Fan of HandmadeMN. Comment back here with your Facebook name. Existing fans just leave your Facebook name here.

7. Follow Dragonfly Adornments on Twitter. Comment back here with your Twitter link. Existing followers just leave your Twitter link here.

8. Become a Facebook Fan of Dragonfly Adornments. Comment back here with your Facebook name. Existing fans just leave your Facebook name here.

Contest ends Saturday, November 26, at 12:00 noon Central. One winner will be chosen by Random.org.

Good luck!

HandmadeMN members are not eligible to win.

DIY OREO Turkeys {tutorial}

Last November

before I started blogging

and before I started taking pictures of every single project I created

I made some Turkey OREOS

{thanks to my sis-in-law for taking the pic}

They were a huge hit and the kids loved them.

I will most definitely be making them again...and here's how

OREO Cookie Turkeys by The Idea Room

{one of the first blogs I started ~~stalking~~ reading}

If you would like to make something cute and fun and SIMPLE for Thanksgiving...try these!

Trust me...EVERYONE will love them!

Fun Friday Finds ~ Veterans Day

By Mara Olden ~ Dragonfly Adornments

President Woodrow Wilson first proclaimed an Armistice Day for November 11, 1919. In proclaiming the holiday, he said "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations."