cherishables: November 2011

Sunday, November 27, 2011

The Golden Snitch

A few days ago, one of the craft blogs I follow posted a tutorial on making a Golden Snitch ornament. The tutorial was posted last year on Tiny Apartment Crafts. I decided to give it a try.

5 messed up ornaments later, this one isn't so bad:

Here's a picture of the original as a comparison:

My wings are a different shape and I used glitter paint instead of glitter. I also forgot to buy gold paint to cover the glue spots. All easily mended as I want to try one with glitter.

I also used a Sharpie paint pen to draw on the design. The worked well for me because I'm no artist so I can't paint freehand. I think, however, the next one I make I'll paint over my paint pen markings as I like how the gold paint is darker than the ball, which gives more definition -- like the actual Golden Snitch.

This craft definitely takes time. There are lots of steps & they all need dry time in between. It's a great project to work on while you're doing other things. However, when it's time to glue on the wings, stop what you're doing & give yourself lots of time. You need to hold the wing in place for a while (I held mine at least 10 minutes) before the glue really starts to dry & you can leave it to cure.

Don't let any of this stop you from trying this craft. It's really a lot of fun and the end result is terrific. In a day or so you can have your own Golden Snitch on your Christmas Tree! It would also be a fab gift for the Harry Potter fan in your family. Just be sure to package it very carefully, as it is very fragile.

Let the Christmas crafting begin!

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving!

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Traditional with a twist

I'm not one to buy the latest trend. Before I started making my own purses, each season I would struggle to find a purse I like. A couple of years ago metallics and studs were in style. I searched for weeks before I found a purse I wanted to carry.

So, when I came upon a pattern to make a houndstooth purse, I jumped on it. It's the ultimate in traditional style.

Pattern by rakjpatterns.etsy.com

This pattern was very easy to work up. While it is a traditional pattern, the purse has a nice modern shape. The author suggests using an old belt to make the buckle, but I couldn't find one so I made a strap out of black wool and felted a buckled on to it. I really like how it came out. Very reminiscent of a belt strap. I finished this purse with a long, black, strap. It can be worn short, as shown, or unstrapped & lengthened.

When I get some time, I'm going to make this in other colors. Brown & cream is a definite. I'm also thinking about resurrecting some of those preppy color combos from my youth.

Color suggestions anyone?

Santa's Formalwear

I've been having a lot of fun with the Santa purse pattern I purchased from Etsy. Though my purses have a bit of a different shape, more of a cinched in waist, I absolutely love this pattern!

After making two red purses and getting such great feedback, I decided to make one in another color. I thought an off-white color would give it an old-world Santa feel. Take a look!

Santa wears white! After Labor Day! <gasp>

Now that its done, I'm thinking more like Santa out on the town. Tuxedo-stylin' Santa! This is what Santa would wear, if he was Bing Crosby.

I love it! I don't think I'm selling it. Instead, I think I'll carry it every day....beginning December 1st.

Monday, November 21, 2011

Giveaway!

The holidays are coming up. What better time for a giveaway?!? "Like" my page on Facebook to be entered to win a custom-designed and handcrafted wristlette!

The wristlette measures 6.5" wide x 4" tall. With a comfortable 4" wrist loop. It is fully lined, in cotton fabric, with a zipper. It fits very comfortably on the wrist and is secure way to carry your cash, cards and ID when holiday shopping. It also makes a lovely gift!

One winner will be randomly selected when the Cherishables page reaches 50 "Likes" in Facebook. Just be one of the 50 who like my Cherishables FB page and you're automatically entered. Follow this blog to FB, search for the "Cherishables" name in FB or follow this link to enter: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cherishables/230928666920324.

I'm happy to mail anywhere in the world, so don't be shy about forwarding this to your international friends. Best of luck & thanks for reading!!

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

WIP - works in progress

When I first started crocheting, I was determined that I would not have any WIPs or works in progress. I would start a project and finish it.

That worked really well for a long time -- over 2 years. Of course, my projects were small then and I needed to finish them in order to see any mistakes and fix them with the next project. Then I started crafting for gifts and (keeping fingers crossed) profit. All good intentions went right out the window.

Now I have WIPs all over the house. Here's the purse I was working on for myself:

Doesn't look much like a purse, does it? It's the body and two side gussets. I still need to make 6 pockets and 4 pocket flaps & straps. Then I need to put it together, felt it, line it and put in a zipper. I was supposed to have this finished by September 1. After all, it's a pumpkin colored purse. I wanted to carry it in the fall. I will be VERY happy if it's ready for next fall. In fact, I vow right now on this little blog, that I will finish this purse. After Christmas. Right now I need to go finish two commissioned purses and a slew of Christmas gifts.....

Let me rephrase. I'll be very happy if I EVER finish this purse.

So, how big is your WIP pile?

Monday, November 14, 2011

It's the holiday season....

I can't believe Thanksgiving is next week! Christmas is right around the corner. If I needed any proof, I got it this weekend at the craft fair. It was Christmas Central.

Speaking of, here's a pic of my table at the SGG Fair:

Thanks a million to my sister for taking the picture!

Next year, two tables! LOL

I made a few sales. Handed out a lot of business cards and got some names & emails to start a mailing list. In all not bad. I have everything listed on Etsy, if anyone is interested. A felted purse makes a wonderful, personal, gift. Unique & one-of-a-kind!

I also have a bunch of Apple Jackets listed as well. These would make great teacher or co-worker gifts and excellent stocking stuffers! Remember fruit in the stocking? I do! Why not wrap it in a cozy?!? :-)

Now, to make some turkeys. I kid, I kid....

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Preparations

As you know, this Saturday is my very first craft show. I have no idea what to expect. I've shopped many a craft show, but this is my first time on the other side of the table.

I'm probably way over-thinking this, but it's been prep-week all. week. long. I have a list a mile long, but have finally crossed some things off. For instance I know
1. what I'm going to use to display my stuff
2. what I will use as a sign (I actually have a banner!)
3. that I have enough business cards
4. that my bags will look pretty (b/c they have a sticker on them with my logo)

What I don't know
1. do I have enough stock?
2. will anyone buy anything?
3. has this been a major mistake?

Three unknowns vs. four certainties. I think I'll be okay.

If you're in the area, the show is at St. Greg the Great School in Hamilton from 9-3pm on Saturday, November 12th. Hope to see you there!

Monday, November 7, 2011

First ever craft fair!

Cherishables will be in Hamilton, NJ this Saturday, November 12th at St. Gregory the Great's annual Fall Craft Fair. Hope to see you there!

Thursday, November 3, 2011

New month, New look

Today I launch a new look for my website. A lighter, brighter look. What do you think? I love it!

It's busy, busy, busy around here. I'm getting ready for my first craft fair -- coming up next week. They always have great vendors. I've shopped that fair for years and have gotten lots of lovely things. If you're in the area, I hope to see you at St. Greg's in Hamilton on November 12th.