Irene's Blog

Preserving Their Stories

2010-03-05T14:42:00Z

I've been playing with my scrapbooking supplies a lot lately while the snow's been on the ground. Specifically, I've been trying to put together an album for one of the Love-Of-My-Life's older relatives. She's beginning to have a little trouble keeping up with current events and family members that aren't around on a daily basis. In this new book, Preserving Their Stories, from Leisure Arts and Creating Keepsakes magazine, I've found some much needed inspiration.

Preserving family memories is a universal hobby that presents a special challenge for families with loved ones experiencing memory loss, such as from Alzheimer's disease. This ground-breaking guidebook provides a wealth of effective ideas to help individuals, families, and caregivers. It's loaded with advice on how to gather memories from various sources and have meaningful conversations with memory loss sufferers. Projects include memory prompts, such as a daily journal, a guest book, puzzles, and games, plus informative layouts, such as a family tree, family recipe book, daily routine schedule, photo phonebook, and albums that identify grandchildren and other loved ones.

After looking at this book, my album took a totally different direction. I turned it into a large print address/phone book featuring large photos of her family and friends with all their important information listed with the photos. I even included their birthdays and other special events to make it easier for her to keep up with them. And to make it even simpler, I gave her some handmade cards and envelopes suitable for any occasion.

A Zoo For You

2010-02-26T15:21:00Z

Get ready to meet some incredibly cute critters! I'm certainly captivated by them! In fact, amigurumi—the Japanese art of crocheted dolls—continues to charm crocheters around the world with their small size and appealing features. That’s why Leisure Arts decided to reintroduce these adorable zoo animals in this how-to book A Zoo For You by Cindy Harris.

These little figures are so quick and fun to make, you may be tempted to crochet the entire collection for yourself, your friends, and all the youngsters you know. Projects include Monkey, Brown Bear, Hippo, Tiger, Rhino, Giraffe, Polar Bear, Zebra, Elephant, Alligator, and Lion.

I've already got requests from all of the eldest child's college friends who want an amigurumi to call their own!

It's Valentine's Day!

2010-02-14T14:00:00Z

Happy Valentine's Day everybody! Hope you're having as lovely a day as I am...

I love Valentine's Day. The Love-Of-My-Life made breakfast for me this morning and presented me with a pot of daffodils and my favorite chocolate candy with nuts. I gave him a goody bag filled with cracker jacks, little bags of mixed nuts, and a bag of raspberry filled chocolate hugs.

I made a valentine basket for each of my daughters. The baskets are made with cotton fabric strips worked on 5 mesh plastic canvas from the Heartwarming Basket pattern I found on LeisureArtsLibrary.com. I actually made my baskets bigger than the one's from the pattern 'cause, of course, I went overboard and bought too many goodies to fit in a little basket, but everything worked out okay! The girls seemed pleased with their loot.

Holidays and Plastic Canvas

2010-02-12T14:31:00Z

I've been teaching a friend's daughter to stitch on plastic canvas. We started out slow, with some easy coasters and magnets on 7 mesh canvas, but now she's ready to try some projects with some assembly required. Since we've got some fun holidays coming up—Valentine's Day, President's Day, and St. Patrick's, I got her started on a cute Seasonal Trio of tissue box covers that I found on LeisureArtsLibrary.com.

We've already finished the Valentine Train. She did all the stitching to cover the canvas, and I used the assembly (which was fairly advanced) to show her how to join plastic canvas pieces. Now she's ready to tackle the George Washington and St. Patrick's leprechaun tissue box covers all on her own.

Stitching on plastic canvas is a great way to get kids interested in crafts. Most designs are simple enough that a beginner can be successful with minimal input. And if the weather at your house has been as cold and snowy as it has been at mine, you know how important it is for kids to have something to keep them occupied besides TV and video games!

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T14:48:00Z

It's 2010! How did that happen? I seem to have misplaced 2009...It seems that time flies when you're having fun...

The beginning of a new year is a time for remembering. Remembering the year gone by, the things that happened, both the good and the bad. What did you learn from your experiences?

The start of a new year is a time for planning. What do you hope to accomplish in 2010? What goals will you set for yourself...?

Lots of thinking to do on this cold winter's day while I cook the traditional black eyed peas, collard greens, and cornbread for our dinner.

And maybe I'll work on a little cross stitch while I comtemplate. I'm liking the little design pictured above. It reads, "Come close...that we may remember...when...winter comes."

Wishing You A Happy New Year!
Irene

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T14:39:00Z

Hope you and yours are having the happiest of holidays seasons. Enjoy the simple things like food, fun, and being with the people you love.

Merry Christmas!
Irene

(If you like my little crocheted snowman, you can get the low priced, instant download pattern at LeisureArtsLibrary.com.)

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T13:00:00Z

Hope all of you have a Happy Turkey Day in progress! I've got the turkey, the cornbread for the dressing, and the sweet potatoes in the oven. The pumpkin pie was baked last night along with the mini cherry cheesecakes. The layered salad and deviled eggs are in the fridge. Green beans are in the slow cooker, and it's almost time for the Love-Of-My-Life to peel the potatoes.

I've got one girl child getting the good china ready to go and the eldest (home from college!) is counting silverware. They're also getting out my pretty gravy boat and the divided cranberry dish that I found at an estate sale this summer.

And me, well, while they worked, I've been painting Thomas The Turkey on an ivy bowl. I'm going to fill it up with the leftover Halloween candy and hope some of it gets eaten by someone besides me.

The relatives will be arriving soon, so I guess I'd better clean up my mess and get the tablecloth on the table. Here's wishing you all a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

Step into The Crochet Closet!

2009-11-20T13:00:00Z

I know you've been seeing all those really cute sweaters in the store! And if you're like me, you want to add every last one of these outfit finishers to your winter wardrobe, but the budget really doesn't allow for such decadence...

It’s every woman’s dream to simply open up the closet door each day and find the perfect outfit ready and waiting. Thanks to The Crochet Closet, for crocheters, that dream can become a reality! These 15 feminine fashions by Lisa Gentry offer up the key pieces to finish any outfit with unique flair and confidence. For work or play, fashion-conscious crocheters will want to pair these dressy or casual sweaters, vests, and jackets with their favorite slacks, skirts, dresses, and jeans. Fun, figure-enhancing, casual, or elegant—the look that suits the mood is available with crochet!

The Crochet Closet includes: Carefree Cardigan, Buttons & Shells Jacket, Puff -Sleeved Cardigan, Double-Up Jacket, All-Buttoned-Up Vest, Classical Jacket, Blue Heaven Sweater, Something Special Cardigan, Openwork Jacket, Best Bouclé Cardigan, Belted Pant Coat, Weekend Warmer Sweater, Nice Stripes Vest, Elegant Swing Coat, and Sweater With Flair.

As a designer of crochet and knitting patterns, Lisa Gentry is always finding new ways to improve or embellish those arts. Many fans of crochet know Lisa as the Guinness Book of Records Fastest Crocheter. She’s also America’s fastest knitter, currently holding that title with the Craft Yarn Council of America.

The Best of Sew Simple Magazine

2009-11-13T15:53:00Z

As I may have mentioned before, sewing machines frighten me, but I've found another new how-to guide to help me cope with my fears—The Best of Sew Simple Magazine.

Welcome to the world of simple sewing! With this treasury of the best of Sew Simple magazine's fresh projects and easy instructions, you now have the freedom to express yourself. Even if you've never sewn a stitch, you'll learn the basic skills while creating polished projects that you'll be proud to flaunt. If you're a seasoned seamstress, you'll find tons of inspiration and dozens of irresistible ideas. With Sew Simple's easy-to-follow illustrated instructions, comprehensive technique guide, and timesaving tips, it's never been easier to express your personal style without breaking the bank! Revamp a room or make over your wardrobe. You can easily customize your world with these 50+ projects for home decor, clothing, and gifts.

Happy sewing!

Memories Sew Sweet

2009-11-06T15:47:00Z

I like to do paper collage art, and I collect vintage images and ephemera. So, when I saw this new book, Memories Sew Sweet, it immediately got my attention. The whole idea of another venue for using my beloved images was certainly welcome.

When creative interests merge, the results can be amazing. That’s what happened when Sandy Berry decided to add images from her paper ephemera collection to quilts and pillows. Reproduced on computer printer fabric, the girls and women from Sandy’s vintage photos, postcards, and trading cards show off their bonny hats and dresses to perfection. By adding fabric cutouts and other fun embellishments, Sandy made her designs one-of-a-kind.

The 14 projects include 6 quilts (Sweetheart Stars, Beth’s Summer Basket, Dance of the Dragonflies, Passion for Postcards, Paper Doll Dresses, and Vintage Memories) and 8 pillows and sachets. Sandy's images are included, or you may use your own. Either way, your creations are destined to become heirlooms!

In fact, I may have to borrow some of Sandy's images for use in my paper collages.

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T16:05:00Z

Hope you're planning to have lots of fun this Halloween evening! With one child off at her first year of college and the other gone to her own Halloween party, the Love-of-My-Life and I aren't quite sure what to do with ourselves...

We've thinking of retreating to our recliners for a vintage scary movie festival featuring horror films from the 30s and 40s. Some of our possibilties include:

• The 1930 Dracula with Bela Lugosi
• Boris Karloff's Frankenstein and The Mummy
• 1941's The Wolf Man with Lon Chaney, Jr. and Claude Rains
• Jacques Tourneur's Cat People and I Walked with a Zombie

I haven't figured out our menu for the evening yet. Guess I'd better get busy with that in case I have to run to the store. It's sort of new for me to be able to plan a meal just for the husband and I without any picky kids to consider.

(If you like my photo of the little Halloween Bear, you can get the pattern to crochet him up in the form of an instant digital download (for a really great price) at LeisureArtsLibrary.com.)

Mary Engelbreit Greetings, Gifts & Decor

2009-10-23T15:30:00Z

I've really been loving the new Mary Engelbreit style that I've been seeing in her most recent publications from Leisure Arts—and her newest, Greetings, Gifts & Decor, is no exception.

You can always rely on Mary Engelbreit to come up with fresh ways to make creativity fun. These 28 ideas for papercrafting have all the sweet and sassy style that makes Mary's artwork famous, yet you'll see at a glance that these flowers, birds, and other fun motifs are completely new and created in today's popular colors! The papers and stickers in this book will not only help you make greeting cards and tags, but also framed art, organizers, and party supplies. Fashion mini file folders from fruit-printed papers for the refrigerator door. Give a friend a bouquet of perky paper flowers. Just for fun, you'll also find some cute ideas like a 3-D scene in a bell jar and a collection of necklaces!

Beading Workshop

2009-10-16T15:40:00Z

Leisure Arts proudly announces the publication of Beading Workshop—an inspirational how-to book featuring all the basics plus 102 beaded jewelry and accessory designs.

Beading Workshop is the do-it-yourself beading book that dares to be different. It includes everything a beginner needs to know, as well as inspiring ideas for experienced jewelry designers. Every bead enthusiast will enjoy browsing through these pages of breathtaking bracelets, necklaces, rings, earrings, and more—102 captivating designs guaranteed to spark creativity.

More importantly, would-be beaders will travel far beyond the ordinary as they immerse themselves in the fascinating world of making beaded jewelry that is offered by the Beading Workshop!

• The Beading Basics section features a wealth of information on beads, tools, and findings, including why they're necessary and how to use them.
• Techniques at Work illustrates just how to use color, multiple strands, wire, pattern combos, focal points, dangles, and pendants to create designs that are fresh and original.
• The Inspiration section filled with an extensive showcase of design ideas. Necklaces, bracelets, rings, pins, key fobs—an incredibly wide array of sparkling concepts sure to spark the imagination.
• There's even a Techniques Index for ease in locating those tempting techniques that must be tried.

Debbie Mumm I Care with Quilts

2009-10-09T14:13:00Z

It's important to think of people other than yourself all year round, but we're coming up on the holiday season—that special time when we really need to share our good fortune with others.

Quilters, I know you feel that way, so here's a book you going to want to check out for inspiration—Debbie Mumm's I Care with Quilts.

Some of the most giving and caring women on the planet are quilt makers. This book by artist and designer Debbie Mumm focuses on quilts and projects that communicate a message of caring through their design, color choices, or concepts. Whether it's to support a cause or charity that's near and dear, an ailing loved one, or a friend who needs a little extra TLC, the 25 fast and fabulous projects in this book tell a story of love and caring. The book features a variety of easy quilt piecing techniques and finishing options plus suggestions of nonprofit foundations that distribute donated quilts to specific causes. It is organized by theme, including military service, cancer awareness, heart health, babies, comfort, emergency blankets, and more.

New Knit Along with Debbie Macomber

2009-10-02T14:04:00Z

Exciting News For Knitters Everywhere!

Best-selling author and knitting enthusiast Debbie Macomber is pleased to announce the release of the newest addition to her Leisure Arts’ knitting how-to series—Knit Along with Debbie Macomber: A Charity Guide for Knitters, featuring 14 of Debbie’s favorite knitting charities and 18 patterns to knit.

Because knitters are generous people who love using their skills to help others, Debbie thoughtfully created this reference book for their use. Knit Along with Debbie Macomber: A Charity Guide for Knitters allows readers to discover how some national and international charities utilize their donations of hand knit items to help people in need. Knitters also learn how to find local organizations in their area—such as shelters, hospitals, and churches—that distribute hand knitted gifts to the individuals they serve.

Knit Along with Debbie Macomber: A Charity Guide for Knitters spotlights 14 of Debbie’s favorite charities that actively seek donations of handknit items such as blankets, socks, hats, mittens, sweaters, and vests. The charities include Project Linus, Phillip’s Wish, Christmas-at-Sea, The Snuggles Project, and Citizen Sam (Operation Helmetliner).

Additionally, Knit Along with Debbie Macomber: A Charity Guide for Knitters features a charity-minded knitter’s wish list of projects—most of which can be made for several different charities—including a chemo cap, helmetliner, hooded scarf, scarf, two pairs of mittens, slippers, two sock patterns, a child’s vest, two children’s sweaters, one adult vest, a bulky sweater, baby blanket, afghans, two afghan blocks, and a child’s blanket.

The Wrapping Scarf Revolution

2009-09-25T13:56:00Z

New Book Invites the Eco-Conscious to join The Wrapping Scarf Revolution!

Leisure Arts proudly announces the publication of The Wrapping Scarf Revolution by Patricia Lee. A lovely tradition from Asia, the wrapping scarf offers earth-savvy Americans an exciting and elegant alternative to wasteful gift-wrapping materials and shopping bags made of paper and plastic.

Wrapping Scarves have been used in Asia for centuries by men and women alike. The idea is so simple that even children wrapped their lunches with wrapping scarves before the widespread use of disposable brown bags. This ingenious method of wrapping and carrying will open earth-friendly eyes to a whole new world of beauty. And it’s not a matter of if the technique works, it’s only a matter of getting started! Being eco-smart while retaining beauty and convenience—it’s more than possible with wrapping scarves!

Growing up in a traditional Korean household of four generations, author Patricia Lee was no stranger to wrapping scarves, or bojagi as they are called in Korea. Seasonal clothes, blankets, and even food were routinely wrapped up with old bojagi. However, it wasn’t until a visit to her birthplace of Seoul in the early 90s that she discovered how artistic and sophisticated wrapping scarves could be. She fell in love with the beauty, simplicity, and functionality of the wrapping scarf and has modernized this ancient tradition for a new generation of people interested in smart, sustainable living.

Throughout the pages of The Wrapping Scarf Revolution, Patricia shows how wrapping scarves can easily be integrated into anyone’s lifestyle. She shares simple techniques for knotting reusable fabric scarves into ten styles of gift wrap and six must-make handbags. Six additional scarf-tying methods for carrying odd shapes and beautifying household items are also included, plus tips for creating handmade wrapping scarves. Patricia is the founder of the BOBO Wrapping Scarf Company and lives in Connecticut with her husband and two sons.

According to Patricia, “The Wrapping Scarf Revolution is about reducing the waste in our lives while still celebrating beauty and fine things. It is also a way to connect with not only the cultures of the East, but to all the cultures of the world who are finding new and old ways to heal our damaged planet.”

What I Saw on the First Day of Fall

2009-09-22T13:24:00Z

Happy first day of Fall to you all!

I haven't seen any leaves changing color yet. It's still 80 degrees outside.

The sun was shining on my way in to work today; of course, it was also raining at the same time—big fat raindrops! What I did see was rainbows. A series of rainbows followed me down the interstate this morning—all red and yellow and pink and green...

I saw pumpkins at the store, and not just the traditional orange pumpkins of autumn, but white pumpkins. A puzzled man in the produce section engaged me in a conversation concerning those white pumpkins. He'd never seen such a thing before and wanted to know if they really were in fact pumpkins. I'm feeling compelled to create a white pumpkin porch display.

What I haven't seen is any good pots of chrysanthemums yet. I always have to have two or three pots of the dark burgundy ones. To me, they just say fall.

And now I need to go fall clothes shopping. I need to get sweaters and long pants and to put the flip-flops away.

It's the time of the year to pull out my big crochet projects in anticipation of cooler weather. I've got a half finished Christmas afghan (I started it last Christmas) that I need to finish up for this Christmas. Wish me luck!

Eco-Chic Decorating

2009-09-18T18:13:00Z

Got the decorating bug? Want to save the planet? Save your money? Have fun doing both with projects from Eco-Chic Decorating. Anyone who can apply tape, use a glue gun, or sew on a button has enough craft knowledge to rescue a huge variety of items that would otherwise be headed for the landfill.

Many of these 120+ ideas in this book don’t require any crafting experience at all, and you end up with amazing “new” furniture, accessories, and gifts that only cost you a little time and a few crafting supplies.

Once you know our secrets of Renewing, Reinventing, and Recycling, you can make castoffs desirable again, either by refreshing their appearance so they can continue in their original use or by recasting them into exciting new roles.

You'll have so much fun that you may forget that this way of decorating is very green!

4 New Crochet Books from “The Crochet Dude”!

2009-09-11T19:18:00Z

Leisure Arts proudly announces the publication of four how-to crochet books—all of them packed with brand new designs from “The Crochet Dude” Drew Emborsky!

• In All Caps!: This exciting collection of crocheted headgear is the creative invention of Drew Emborsky. In All Caps! features seven fun and fashionable designs, all made in Caron® Country yarn, including a stocking cap, tam, bucket hat, beret, striped cap, and headband—each perfect for the woman who loves original style!

• All Washed Up: In All Washed Up, we’re proud to present Drew Emborsky’s latest crochet designs, a collection of nine all-original dishcloths using cotton yarn. These delightful dishcloths make the perfect gift to give or to keep. Featuring quick-to-create bobbles, post stitches, and treble crochets, plus ruffles, rounds, and more, they’re sure to add fun to kitchen drudgery!

• Must Have Handbags: A bag for every reason, with styles on the cutting edge of fashion—in crochet! Drew Emborsky’s Must Have Handbags features six very cool ways to take it all along. Plus, optional handle instructions are included for three of the bags!

• Sweet Pet Comforts: Our furry friends love a soft place to rest. And what cat or dog doesn’t enjoy the excitement of a new toy to play with? Sweet Pet Comforts, Drew Emborsky’s collection of seven pet-friendly designs to crochet, is sure to please four-pawed pals with naptime comforts and fun items for recreation.

Drew Emborsky, aka “The Crochet Dude,” learned to crochet at age five. After studying fine art in college and doing the “starving artist” thing for years, he began crocheting for charity. During this time with the charity group, he became known as “The Crochet Dude”, which then led to the launch of his wildly popular blog, www.thecrochetdude.com. Since then, Drew has published numerous patterns in magazines and compilation books, and his own full-length books, has appeared as a guest on various TV programs, and is currently the crochet expert on the hit PBS show “Knit and Crochet Today.” Drew lives in Houston, Texas, with his cats Chandler and Cleocatra.

Labor Day Creativity Update

2009-09-04T18:18:00Z

Hope all of you are planning a wonderful Labor Day Weekend with your family and friends!

I just had to let you know that I didn't entirely fail at the whole food for the potluck/handmade stuff for the family reunion auction creativity thing. But I may have cheated a little bit…

I bribed the youngest child (with a trip to the mall when I've regained my equilibrium) into assembling a veggie tray with goodies from the deli. (I made dip from ranch dressing mix and sour cream!) Of her own volition, the child also made a bunch of cookies using the slice and bake kind out of the dairy case with some added sprinkles, nuts, frosting, and candy topping to make them look kind of homemade. And I bought tubs of potato salad from the deli and transferred them into a pretty bowl.

It also dawned on me that nobody ever said the handmade crafts for the auction had to be made by my own hands. So yes, I begged a friend to stitch up several pairs of knitted socks. (She made them from patterns in a really nice new book called A Cuff Above.) I conned another buddy out of a couple of crocheted scarves plus several embroidered dishcloths, and a third provided three cute crocheted hats that she had in her project stash. (Yes, I have some really great friends!)

Lesson learned: Sometimes, in a pinch, when it's all just too much, you don't have to do it all yourself. Sometimes, celebrating someone else's creativity works just as well. And in the spirit of the occasion, you can take a break and let others join in the creative "labor". Happy Labor Day!