Altered book transformation - creating a purse from an old book

 

And here is what I have been working on lately.... An altered book that turned into a purse... I decided to focus myself on creating for the purpose of creating with this piece instead of attempting to direct my work towards a visualized end result, and the outcome was fantastic (I think).  I had so much fun with this project and the processes involved actually engulfed me.  I had a difficult time waiting for stages to dry, as I was so involved with the techniques and methods while working on this.  I did not set out with an expectation of what I would create, instead I just let myself create without pressure or stress.  What I started with was a Readers Digest hardback condensed book, and I new I wanted to take a stab at trying to alter it- but, I did not intend on creating a purse.  Mishaps became blessings in the process and when one avenue did not work, I just allowed the work to head down a different path.  I did photograph each of the steps and plan to make a tutorial in the upcoming week.  I hope you like this as much as I do. I used the butterflies on the front to symbolize the flight and freedom of the project, and the bicycle represented moving forward on the path.  The purse has a fabric lining and the entire exterior has been lacquered to preserve the design elements.  A mixed medly of techniques and applications were used including collage, image transfers, sewing, painting, stamping and embossing (to name a few).

I hope you take a few minutes to explore the wonderful creations of others presented at the parties I plan to participate in with my purse- find them at the following:

See some fun fall inspiration! Get more bang for your blog by feeding your feeds to Mommy Tyme!

So, as I seem to do every morning, I was browsing around some of my favorite sites and blogs and thought

Collection of my favorite findings from the blogs, the sites, and more....

Mixed Media Mosaic Wreath- 15" - Cloth Paper Scissors

Some frightful mixed media artwork that is just hypnotized you.... Brilliant works from a menagerie of artists

 /http://gingersnapcreations.blogspot.com/

An incredibly delightful shadowbox theme that brings out the kid in all of us-

http://icantwanna.blogspot.com/2010/10/shadow-knows.html



And last but certainly not least....


In the pattern arena is this very unique and so fun shawl, caplet, cowl- whatever you want it to be piece! Again, the genius behind this is that it can be made with your own unique taste and style by changing out the colors and fibers- and it is Eco friendly because you are using up all those scraps and ends that normally you would just throw out! Is this the most fun fashion statement you have seen in a while? Well, I have a new pattern creator to add to my Favorite's list! Janice Rosema! Wonderful.


Wild Thing freeform capelet pattern PDF by janicerosema on Etsy


As I was preparing this list, I thought... Hmmm.... I am always coming across some fascinating ideas that I bet others would love to know, but unfortunately, I can not spend every waking hour sharing these insightful ideas!  Thus, the cloud formed above my head and the lightbulb turned on!  What if I just added the snippet function from the blog gadget to my blog list?  And it worked!  The latest post from all my favorite blogs popped up allowing anyone visiting my blog to get a small "taste" of what is happening everywhere else (really this is not my idea, in fact it is how I find some of the coolest tutorials tucked far away on a blog I probably would have never found on my own..) So, if you would like to get a little free publicity for your blog- just comment with your url and I will add it to my favorites and then your icon and your last post title with a few words will be listed for others to check out!  So make ATTENTION Grabbing headlines!

Now, idea 2!  A flash of lightning struck!  A few weeks ago I had set up a page of feeds, links and buttons/badges from some of my favorite sites on my website.  I had this extra page that I needed to fill as I was revamping the whole site (which I am still in the midst of,.) but I did not want people to get bored and just breeze through the site- this would give them a place to park and browse for a moment, and hopefully come back.  Well, it seems that a lot of people are visiting that page (likely the high rate of keywords from the various feeds!)- so, if you would like to be added to that, increase your traffic a little, and be able to get your name to people you may not have had the opportunity to contact otherwise.... Simply comment and leave the url to your blog- Now before I get overwhelmed with "how do I do that?" just go to your blog settings and make sure you have set the setting for syndication or blog feed to YES- this allows people to subscribe to your blog and add it to their roll, or their feeds.  Next - make sure you have the gadget added (under design or page layout) that is titled Subscribers or Feeds- this allows others to subscribe to your blog on a daily basis. -   PLEASE add in your comment here that you give me permission to post your feed or add your blog to my favorites!  This just ensures there are no copyright issues - EVER!

Now, the one and only catch is.... I ask that you either grab my button and post it on your blog- or you add me to your list of favorite blogs!  That is it- That is all! 


Ooooooppppssss...... I almost forgot.... if you have an idea, hot spot, or found something just totally awesome out there in the world of the handcrafted Artist- and you really think the world should know- Give me a comment with a link/url or something so I can track it down and show it off!  I know there are hidden corners and caves in the world wide web that I have yet to explore, so if you can help me out, FANTASTIC!

  

Talent is the Flame, Genius is the Fire - Post your Work !

Well, for the past few weeks I have been showing off a variety of shops and handmade works here at the that fit the theme "Talent is the Flame, Genius is the Fire".   I found that saying one day while looking for a quote for a card I was making- and I just fell in love with it.  It is inspiring, and comforting (I think!).  My take on it is that talent sparks the fire that is your genius.  Your genius can emerge in many manners, including your form of art.  But, this not only applies to art, but to everything in your life- the talent sparks it, but your pursuit and your mastery of the skill is the fire of genius.  I think this can be related to academics, physical endeavors, sports, relationships, etc.  We all posess some spark of talent for each area of our lives, but the diligent pursuit of this talent and skill is what feeds the fire. So, if you have not checked out any of the cool shops or items I have been hosting, browse through the archive or recent posts and see these delectable pieces from Etsy and Winkelf!




Now I want to show off the piece I was trying to create that became the motivation for my pursuit of "Genius is Fire"- Iam not saying this is genius, but it is my own pattern that I have been working on for a while, and after many many attempts I think I have it nailed.  With that, I went for colors of fire and flame- bold yellows, oranges, burnt colors, and then some bright sunny orange and yellows to filter the darkness and make it "pop".  So I am calling this my Fire Scarf.  The pattern is actually really easy with some basic crochet skills and I am now attempting to master the conversion of a word document to a PDF so I can share it!  So, if you are interested in nabbing the pattern, stop back by and I will let you know when it is posted!  In the meantime, thoughts on this scarf?  Do you have any recent works that fit the theme "Talent is the Flame, Genius is the Fire"?  If so, list them!  I am looking for all Genius works here!  Once you post, I will show you off here and my other blog and website! So- just send me the URL of your HOT Item!

 

You can find this at http://www.artfire.com/users/MommyTyme

Post the URL to your favorite Genius project in the comments section of this post then look for it at an upcoming post here, and at http://mommysreviewsyoucanuse.blogspot,com

Other: re-cycle/ treat package

Other: re-cycle/ treat package

As I scour all the galleries at the various sites I get supplies from, I am always finding something that is totally new, fun, and inspiring! With my eco friendly pursuit these days, this is a perfect project type! What a creative way to repurpose packaging materials from everyday items! Check it out and tell me what other ideas you have....

Anyone up for a challenge? I would love to see a creation made by YOU that utilizes or repurposes some type of packaging material- It can be any kind of packaging material- plastic, cardboard, etc. Start posting links to your projects in my comments section (dont forget to add the URL) and I will show you off on the facebook page, my website, both blogs, and in my next newsletter! So, get busy going green!

Contest ends 10/30/10

July has come... Show your Independence in your creativity...

Well, obviously June just passed me by! With my classes and the huge project I had due for my final, June just slipped away from me! So, I wanted to kick July off with a Huge Bang! For the July Pursuit I am searching for creative works that assert your Independence from the norm! Show me something that makes your creations individual and unique- How do you differentiate yourself from others who work in the same medium? If you want to share a story, tell a bit about your item, or just post the picture and link to let us ponder... Go ahead!

Now, another fun angle I have added to the pursuits is a Yahoo Group! You can share your work, your photo's, your links to your shops or blogs and more! Just promote yourself! The idea of the group is to give viewers a resource to find you! Load photos, show off your shop,link it to your blog, and more! Have patterns or tutorials? Share them!

Also, enter your twitter into the tweet along page (tab is at the top)! Once you add your link, go to twitter and do a search for the hashtag #POH and find all of us there! Then you can retweet each other and the July Independence Items you have all posted! Make sure to add this to the yahoo group, too!

It is all about promoting one another and showing each other off! I have always said, the most interesting people you will ever meet are the creative minds that work with their hands! Make new friends and share your tips, insight, and personality with the world... Here is the place to do it!

Once everyone has posted links and photo's for July I will create a slideshow and show you off on the yahoo group, the blog, my website, and the facebook fan page! So show your independence from the norm and get your most creative and unique project posted here!

Have fun! Take a minute and comment on the others, too!


Here is the link to the group:

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Subscribe to PursuitofHandmade

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Handpainted cake server and more... May's pursuit of handmade!

I have a treat for you today... Linda is the next feature in our Pursuit of Handmade, and all I can say is ... "wow!"- just look at this gorgeous cake server! she has plates, bowls and more to match! Handpainted with gorgeous pink flowers- what a perfect gift idea for May!





Here is what I dug up on Linda..."I've been painting since the beginning of time. Roses, Painting and Pink are my passions. I love Shabby,Victorian, Cottage Chic decor. There is nothing I love more than to reclaim an item and give it new life"

You can check this item out and all of her beautiful work at:

http://www.ribbonsrosesandmore.com/category_11/all/Vintage-Kitchen.htm



Would you like to be featured in the Pursuit of Handmade? All you have to do is hop over to http://mishapsofmommy.blogspot.com and add your URL to the comment section! Then help us promote one another by tweeting the links, tweeting the blog, etc. add the hashtag " #POH " after every tweet so we can retweet each other with ease!

Hope to see you soon...

Wow!  I cant believe it.  Today I opened my etsy mail and was thrilled to find out that I had been chosen as one of the top handmade creations of the week on this fantastic blog- Check out the link below!  The title is straight lines and loopy lines, and my Plumeria and Floral Bath salts are posted!  These salts are really great with rosehips, lavender buds, and  essential oils, they create a fantastic relaxation experience!  I am so thrilled to be part of this blog!  Check it out, see the other FANTASTIC artisans listed, and leave a comment yourself... You may be the next to be promoted!

Recipes- healthy, cheap and easy Weight Loss Sabotage Free Tazo Tea, free ebooks for crafters, MORE!

Some Yummy, healthy, low calorie, low fat recipes you can't miss out on...

Share these with your family and friends at your next big event, or just for dinner this week!

Strawberry mousse- super quick and easy

Tropical fruit salad

Free sample of Tazo tea Here


Trying to lose those extra poounds? Well here is an article you do not want to miss- the 10 WORST deserts for weight loss- these actaully hinder your chances to lose weight!

https://www.qualityhealth.com/featured-article-segment?fa=46&rf=38925&ct=36924&mc=MjA2MjgwNDA.

Looking for freebies for baby? Have an upcoming shower or a friend who is due? Don't miss out on these. Just sign up and you will receive valuable coupons, freebies, samples and more!

http://planningfamily.com
/pfcpa2/?tc=107018&subID=325


Crafters, Crafters, Crafters...

See the link below for FREE e books for every craft imaginable. No catch. I use this site all the time. They are literally FREE.

http://www.favecrafts.com/index.php/hct/Free-Craft-eBooks#

Create with your kids

Here is a fantastic way to create with your kids! Fun, cheap and GREEN! Teach your kids social responsibility while celebrating Christmas in July! Enjoy!

This craft is inexpensive and made with used lightbulbs. Start saving them now! An easy but very creative project that even the little ones can help with! Instill artistic interest at an early age and reap the creativity as they grow!


Check out this great link for the project!

http://www.favecrafts.com/Christmas-Crafts/Simple-Marbled-Christmas-Ornaments#