Cherry The Poppet

Cherry
Originally uploaded by AlwaysInspired

Finally I can share the poppet that is made from the teaser pic I posted forever ago! She made it to her new home and is being well loved I'm sure. This pic is her without her eyelashes and blush which I added right before sending. She has an open front kimono, obi, petticoat, and bloomers. I was going for sweet and I think I managed! Her hair was a blast to do as she has 2 large buns on top of her head and a cherry blossom clip. If you'd like to see a pic of her in just her petti and bloomers hop on over to my flickr account!

Reverse applique elephant

Reverse applique elephant
Originally uploaded by AlwaysInspired

I made this cute little top for the IYP swap. My partner has finally received so I can start to share some crafty goodness! I bought the tank and did the reverse applique. I free handed the elephant and then just reverse appliqued!

Tiny mushroom

Tiny mushroom
Originally uploaded by AlwaysInspired

I was looking for a way to make mushrooms for a project I'm going to be working on and I thought of origami. I did some searching on line and found an awesome video by the origami artist Vincent Floderer. I rustled up some paper and gave it a shot! I used colored tissue and an old sewing pattern. They turned out just perfect! I am a bit addicted to making them now. I plan on tucking them in swap packages and using them for a specific project for a wonderful personal swap. This is my tiny one. I think I'm going to try smaller! You can see more pics of my mushrooms on my flickr account!

Big and Little Kinley

Big and Little Kinley
Originally uploaded by AlwaysInspired

I know I already shared the little look a like poppet, but I had to share this photo! The mom took it and gave me permission to post it on here. Is'nt it just adorable! I think he's very happy with his mini me!

All dolled up

Me
Originally uploaded by AlwaysInspired

I'm not usually a fan of pictures of myself, but playing around with the camera the other day I actually found a pic I like. I was wanting to show off my cute hair do and the poppy clips that a dear friend (Digital Misfit aka Heidi) made for me. I wore them to a board meeting for the art center and got many compliments!
On the crafting front I have tomorrow off and plan to finish up my package for the invite your partner swap. I also want to start work on my personal swap package for the fantatic Woodland_Faerie. I have so many wonderful ideas for her! I was going to post a teaser pic of her doll's beginings, but remembered she reads my blog so everyone will have to wait until the doll is done and in it's new home!

A little look alike

Kinley
Originally uploaded by AlwaysInspired

My Auntie participates in the secret peer activity at work and last year for the final gift of the year I made her secret peer a doll. This year I made her secret peer a doll for her son. He is made to resemble the actual little boy! His name is Kinley. Auntie helped me make him so I could get him done in between work and other swap obligations. She learned to stuff, sew up stuffing gaps, and joint. I did the rest! She reveals herself to her secret peer tomorrow! I can't wait to hear the reaction!

What a day!

I like to smile!
Originally uploaded by AlwaysInspired

Yesterday was gorgeous outside. While I should have been doing yard work, I instead did nothing all day, and it was glorious! Aaron and I watched a movie, took Merlin for a walk, and then I sat outside with Merlin and snapped some pics and painted with watercolors for a bit. If you'd like to see a couple more photos of Merlin's happy day check out my flickr. A lot of the pics I took he had his eyes closed! We had fun though. He was smiling in this pic because I was rolling in the grass with him. I think we all need to roll in the grass sometimes!

Dragon Pillowcase

Dragon
Originally uploaded by AlwaysInspired

As promised here is the 2nd case I received in the Embroider Me To Sleep Swap on Craftster. From the wonderfuly talented Inez! The hubby has already claimed this one. They will be put on the bed during the next bedding change tomorrow!

Embroider Me To Sleep Goodies!

Ship
Originally uploaded by AlwaysInspired

I received my pillowcases from Inez yesterday and I was blown away! This is just one of the sweet cases she sent. If you'd like to see the other I'll blog it tomorrow, or it is on my flickr account. Her stitching is so crazy neat! The pirate ship was based on some tattoo flash she found. The clouds tie the cases together so nicely. I'll be using these for years and years! Stay tuned tomorrow for the 2nd case!

The great adventure!

Nautical pillowcases
Originally uploaded by AlwaysInspired

For the embroidered pillowcases swap I organized I picked the perfect partner! She loves pirates and nautical things. I knew just what to stitch for her! These are vintage designs from the HoopLove pool on flickr. They took a long time with all the fill stitching, but I just love how it turned out. They are now at their new home along with the 2 tiny extras I included in the package. If you'd like to check out closeups of my stitching or the extras you can sail on over to my flickr account!

Starry Night 2

Starry Night 2
Originally uploaded by AlwaysInspired

For the IYP 12 swap Jeni requested a starry night mini canvas. I had to comply. I decided to wrap the painting around the edges and I love how it turned out. Even better than the first! I'm so in love with mini works of art!

Vera Scarves!

Signiture closeup
Originally uploaded by AlwaysInspired

A while ago my family and I went junk shopping. I'm crazy over vintage scarves and when we go to this certain junk store I always end up taking home at least one. On this day I happened upon 2 Vera Neumann scarves! I was just lamenting about how I had the wonderful Vera table cloth, but none of her scarves and then, bam, two in one day! I grabbed them both along with a beautiful Echo brand scarf and one that has no makers name. What a wonderful day. If you'd like to see full pics of each scarf you can go to my flickr.

The bird is Awesome!

Bird of Awsomness!
Originally uploaded by AlwaysInspired

Well, I can't share the final outcome of this wonderful project as it is for a swap, but I can share the bird's fate. To be covered in glitter and made sparkly! I love sparkles! I saw this on Craftster and had to try it. I will have to post the rest of the project after my swap stuff is received!

The soon to be bird of awesomeness

The soon to be bird of awesomeness
Originally uploaded by AlwaysInspired

So, I have a million wonderful things crafted, that I cannot share because they are all going to new homes for swaps! So I thought I'd post a terrible teaser! This little birdie is being transformed into something so cool it made my hubby say "wow, that's cool!" Trust me that is a high compliment. He usually grunts at my craftiness.

FOC Raffle Goodies

FOC Raffle Goodies
Originally uploaded by AlwaysInspired

So I blogged sometime ago about the little 3 canvas gnome art I did for the Friends of Craftster raffle swap. Here is what I was drawn to receive! From Spotnik! Two wonderfully crocheted headbands and as an extra a sweet little kokeshi doll! So cute! I would model them, but having strep throat makes a person feel a little not so beautiful. They are so soft and I plan on wearing them very soon!

Poison On Your Lapel

Poison 2
Originally uploaded by AlwaysInspired

I made this brooch as an extra for a swap. Vintage lace, vintage buttons, feathers, chain, and a small vial. The vial contains oil and food coloring which gives it a really neat lava lamp type look. I sealed the vial with glue first and then a layer of wax to make it look old. So much fun! I hope it is well received as an extra for the swap. It was sent out yesterday! I had to take the pics on the art desk because it was dreary here yesterday, but today we have sunshine!

Happy May Day!

Squirrel
Originally uploaded by AlwaysInspired

Happy May Day to all! I just thought this picture conjures up thoughts of spring. This little guy was on the fence at my in laws house and I had my camera handy. My dog, Merlin, loves to hunt them when he goes to visit. He check the entire yard and around each tree for the scent! So funny to watch him. I hope to have more crafty goodies to share soon!