A Big Winter Project with Needle + Thread

Over the holiday break I handsewed 300+ yoyos. I was seriously out of control. If you've seen my Etsy shop, then you see all the new designs and creations I've listed this month - all due in part to my wicked insane sewing spurt.
BEFOREAnother thing to come out of this madness is a slew of new hair accessories I've put into my Indie Genius shop earlier today. In addition to the regular bobby and clips pairs, I've made little tiny clips and small bobbies in singles for only $5 each. If you're in the Dallas area, stop by Indie Genius today and get a pair or five! You'll be supporting your favorite fabric jewelry local artist! *flashes smile with gleaming sparkle*
AFTER

What's In the Package?

I have always prided myself on pretty packaging (and alliterations!), making it a habit to include a handwritten "Thank You" for each purchase. This year, I'll be wrapping each purchase in pretty tissue paper and baker's twine. Each package will also include a post card with a bio and pic of yours truly. Visit my Etsy shop today and see if something strikes your fancy!

Found! Doodle Embroidery by tefi

A couple of years ago I bought Doodle Stitching by Aimee Ray. The images inspired me to doodle my own artwork, which I did while I was pregs with Ian - now 2 years old as of yesterday. Tempus fugit! Please ignore the fact that the cloud (below) looks like it's giving my house the finger. Or that those giant flowers look like they belong in a remake of Day of the Triffids.

My Wreath Debut

Since my name means "garland" or "wreath" it was only a matter of time before I started making some and covering them in fabric yo-yo's. Each is one-of-a-kind and will look so pretty on your wall or door. Right now I've only made 11" wreaths. I'll be making much bigger ones, I promise! (These suckers take a long time to make.) Pretty wreaths this way.

My New Year's Resolution for Other People

Be a nice email person by not ignoring emails people send me. And by "people" I mean "Stephanie." I will work on this resolution by doing the following: 1) Click unread message. 2) Read. 3) Think a little. 4) Hit reply. 5) Start typing words. 6) Hit send. 7) Feel confident I've been a nice email person. Just sayin', y'all. (C'mon now, don't pout. This is just for kicks and giggles. It's not directed at you! Unless you're my husband, in which case you wouldn't be reading my blog anyway so we're good, dear reader.)

Ye Olde New Year's Resolutions

I am resolute to accomplish the following, dangit. I will! *slams fist into open hand* 1) Expand my tefi repertoire. These past couple of years, I've expanded the kinds of items I make, in addition to jewelry. Years ago I started off with simple beaded jewelry, which I still love making, but have lately fallen in love with fabric and sewing by hand (needle and thread, not machine). Aside from jewelry, I also carry magnets, mirrors, hair clips, bookmarks, coasters, brooches, and most recently - wall art. This year I'd like to add: coffee cozies, buntings, wreaths and notebooks. (The wreaths are already made! Just need to photograph them. They are lovely!) 2) Finish my works-in-progress. Got to finish those stacks of coffee cozies and buntings that I pre-cut months ago. Months, people! Geez. This also means: 3) Reacquaint myself with my dusty sewing machine. Must take a class to boost my comfort level and relearn how to thread a bobbin. A what? Exactly. 4) Open myself up to more inspiration. It's everywhere, around each corner. I feel I am missing opportunities to be inspired because I'm too busy worrying about other things. 5) Stop worrying about other things. Really, what's the point? I could be sewing! 6) Create new fabric necklace designs. I've already got a few new ones on the way. Must create more! I want my designs to be ever-changing, yet true to my vision. Whatever that means. 7) Be more spontaneous. I seriously have a problem with spontaneity, too much of a planner. Must jump in the lake every now and then without checking the temp with my toe. Know what I mean? 8) Pull off my long-planned guerrilla street art. Not gonna say anymore. You'll just have to wait and see if I pull this off finally. (yes it's legal, and yes it's awesome) 9) Begin training Ian for his future tefi internship. Just look at those opposable thumbs! I could use help with some sewing and cutting. I'm only half kidding. HAPPY 2011, Y'ALL!

Want want want this fabric.

Sweet and foxy fabric by mummysam.etsy.com. Gimme gimme. Gimme!