The Found Object Project

Since the weather was lovely for the first time in a LONG time this weekend, I decided to build a small fence around my raised garden. I saw some pre-made fencing at Fred Meyers and decided to try my hand at a similar fence using materials from my own backyard. Buying the fencing new from the store would have run me upwards of $60-70! Our new frugal lifestyle does not support such luxuries. That is where creativity comes in handy.


At first it looked shoddy and ghetto and i hated it, but once I began weaving in the side rails it started to become more charming. I secured it in random spots with green gardening tap,e and by the end of the project, I had a pretty cute (and surprisingly sturdy) little garden fence. the best part? it was FREE.


outdoor crafts? pretty delightful.

Around the Room and Back Again...

So yeah. Lately, I have been spending a lot of time "trying" to get organized. Trying being the key word in that sentence. Organization? It really is an art form.

First area I want to target = The Sewing/Craft Room. I have a yard sale in the works for early this summer and I am gradually letting go of things I JUST. DON'T. NEED. The only things I am allowing myself to bring into the craft room are things that will assist with the goal of organization. I bought this little number (horizontal wall bin unit) at a thrift store for $2.99 last week and I absolutely LOVE it! All of those little gadgets/musthaves sitting on top of it? Those have yet to find their way into the garage sale boxes. I am a sucker for chickens. and unicorns. and pincushions. and skunks. ok, maybe not skunks....but he's so cute. Please note the copy of Sublime Stitching on the shelf above it. A MUST HAVE for all crafty guys & gals.

I worked on a few sewing projects today. One of which was this little 4-part pinwheel pincushion. I saw this design on another design website yesterday (i think it was MayFly) and had to make one. The original design was a 6-part pinwheel, but I cut it down to one....just for practice. I think they are delicious.

I also used the remainder of my pear fabric to make a cute little potholder and an applique dish towel. I loved that stuff. It feels good to have finally done something with it, although I do have to say.....I wish I had more.

Mmmmm Donuts! Baby Project #2

I've had a hankerin' to make baby stuff lately. Babies just need cute stuff. Rags, Bibs, Blankets, Bonnets, Rattles, Stuffed Animals...I want to MAKE IT ALL. I've had this "Mmmm Donuts" flannel in my fabric stash for about 6 months, and decided it was time to break it in. I made this really simple burp cloth yesterday. I used one of the donuts for a little applique on the white side of the rag. The trim is white Rick Rack. I'm pretty happy with the end result.

Off to find a baby to burp!

More Plush!

Years ago, I painted a tiny little picture of a fat yellow bird on a piece of 4"x 4" wood that I found at a local thrift store. I have always loved this little painting and recently decided to bring it to 3-D life. Here is an example of the first series of little bird plushies that I've made so far:

The big (momma) bird has a really cute yellow/gray polka-dot back, and the baby bird has a red back. Both have button eyes and vinyl legs. They are now available at my Etsy shop for $24.

More to come!

Little Pear, little pear.

It would be pretty safe to say that I am in love with this pear fabric (I believe it's an Alexander Henry print, but I've had it so long I can't remember now). It encompasses all of my favorite colors and it's simply a joy to look at. A visual dessert, if you will.

I've had a yard of it sitting on my fabric shelf for nearly a year now (*cough* hoarder *cough*), but this week I finally mustered up the courage to use it! Sometimes I grow so attached to fabrics that I am terrified to use them. Turns out, it isn't that big of a deal.

The fruit of my loins thus far...

1. Potholder

2. Baby Blanket

3. Pearbelly Cat

4. Baby Bib

I made the cat last month and listed him on Etsy. He still doesn't have a home :( Maybe someone will adopt him, along with a matching baby blanket. T'would make a cute baby gift, no? The bib is still a work in progress. I think need a snap-maker...oh, and someone to show me how to use the snap-maker. My good friend Gail has been making some amazing bids lately. I think she might be JUST the person to train me in the art of snap-application. Lucky her!


I have decided that I need to take some intermediate sewing classes this summer. I am pretty awesome when it comes to sewing SQUARES.....but anything beyond that is questionable. I need some skills, yo. Till then, let there be squares. I took a quilting class a few years back, and I remember being SO excited over the small techniques, details and shortcuts that I learned in the 6 week course. It's amazing and somewhat humbling when you discover that you had been doing something one-zillion times harder than you needed to. I need MORE of that.

Ok, time to get started on the laundry and the housework. Sounds dreamy, doesn't it?

First Thing's First....ORGANIZATION

I have been working on organizing my craft/sewing room since I started working from home last month. I find it extremely difficult to focus on a new project when there is complete chaos around me. It my own fault. I am a craft-supply/fabric/notions hoarder and I am committed to putting my stash of treasures to use. First thing on the agenda? Taking stock of my current fabric supply. I am a fabric store junkie. I cannot seem to manage getting out of the Fabric Depot for less than $34. Note to self: stop buying fabric. Use what you already have. Yeah right, self. Easier said that done. It's just all so delicious! The greens! The oranges! The browns! The reds! Have mercy on my soul...
















Next in line? Making a few more sets of these little guys..



They were a big hit at the Handmade NW show I did this week and I hope to unload a few more next month at Crafty Wonderland and the Alberta Art Hop. I have 4 more sets that I need to photograph and upload to my ETSY site tomorrow. These really are pretty handy little placemats. The canvas is so sturdy....perfect for a picnic or camping (for the stylish campers among us). I remember opening an issue of Real Simple (or maybe Martha) last year and there was an article on setting your camping dinner table. The woman in the image was standing next to a table the didn't look anything like any camping table I had ever had the pleasure of dining at. I was in love. I'm pretty sure paper lanterns and whittled place card holders were involved. It was magical.

It's just about time to make some dinner and curl up on the couch with a glass of Merlot. It's been a long day and I am ready to rest my fingers. Nighty-nite.

Hello New Design Blog!

Hello Friends of Sugar Lily!

As many of you already know, I recently left my day job of 6 years to begin working from home full-time on Sugar Lily. I have just completed the first 30 days of my new adventure and so far.....it's been pretty darn delicious. I am looking forward to many hours of designing and crafting in the days, weeks, months (years?) to come, and would love to have you accompany me on this journey.

This blog will function primarily to keep you in touch with new stationery products that I am working on, as well as the new sewing, crafting projects that I am creating. I plan on posting a LOT of pictures...so prepare yourself for IMAGE OVERLOAD! I will also be posting the dates/times of the craft fairs that I will be attending this spring/summer.

I will start off this first entry with an image of one of my more recent creations: Measuring Tape Tabby, modeled beautifully by my adorable niece Lilia. Tabby a darling stuffed plush cat that I recently posted on my ETSY site. Made from soft cotton materials, she's very sweet and huggable. Hopefully someone will give her a nice home soon :)

More updates coming soon!