Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Felted Fun! The Conclusion.

I am sorry to report that my first attempt has not been a complete success. While you can see from the photo below that it has more than succeeded in its cuteness, but my measurements were a bit off, and so when zipped the case puckers and does not lay correctly. I think this is largely due to the inclusion of a zipper in my design. You'll notice I also decided to try sewing the kitty applique down with my sewing machine rather than by hand with contrasting large grey thread. Which style do you like better? Since I have the opportunity to redo the case, I can tweak the applique as well.



I now have a whole new appreciation for crafters who sew items with zippers! I found it very difficult. I have been searching around for a design idea involving velcro and found this on etsy:

felt velcro case


Isn't it wonderfully cute?! It is by indibe on etsy and while it is a bit more than I would like to spend, it is inspirational for me to try and craft my own case again, this time with velcro!

p.s. Does anyone know where I could find a large sheet or wide strip of velro in goldenrod yellow? Thanks!

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Newly Discounted Items in SALE section!

Just a little update:

As of right this moment, there are 10 newly discounted items in the sale section of raechan.etsy.com! As always, free shipping and gift wrap for every item purchased.

Get a head start on your Christmas gift-buying. Happy Shopping!

p.s. I am trade friendly, so feel free to convo me about a swap! Trades make Christmas shopping more fun, not to mention much easier on your wallet!

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Felted Fun! Phase 2

This morning I began sewing my little cat applique on to the outside layer of my laptop case! I lightly glued down the cat first, and then began sewing around the edges. My trusty bottle of FrayCheck came in handy again also, as the edges tends to get a bit fuzzy with a more detailed cut out. I will say that it is pretty difficult to sew through 2 layers of felt with a larger needle. My hands were pretty tired, but I feel like the result came out nicely! Here is a picture of the cat (sewn down) and some of my supplies.

I was pretty excited to have found such a bright yellow zipper to match my case. Unfortunately, the cats felt whiskers fell off while I was trying to sew it to the case exterior.
I had not tried to make such a small cut out before, and apparently it doesn't work well. I am thinking I may just pick up some yellow embroidery floss and create the whiskers that way. If anyone has any suggestions for the whiskers, let me know!

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Felted Fun! A feline adventure...

I have decided to try something completely new and different from anything I sell on etsy or have made before. I am attempting to make a felt laptop case! I have chosen a great charcoal gray felt for the exterior (I have gray cats, and I must take in consideration their shedding factor.) The zippers and the interior of the case will be made with bright goldenrod yellow felt! It is a fantastic color, and every time I look at it, I feel happy and sunny, even on the rainiest day.

A little cat cutout I made of the yellow felt will make an applique for the front of the case. He is very kawaii, and has a very large head and tiny body. :) I thought it would be a great idea to create a little cord/usb/mouse pouch, and what better way to decorate the exterior than with a wee mouse applique. A mouse bag to hold my mouse...cat and mouse set....ha. ha. I know; I'm witty. Go with it!
 
My cat likes it too!

Saturday, September 5, 2009

New Vintage Finds!

As promised, here is a necklace featuring those adorable white vintage swirl links. I'm pretty tempted to keep it, but I feel as though I should share its awesomeness with etsy shoppers! :)

I harvested the chain from other vintage jewelry as well. I am currently working to clean, restore, and repurpose a multi-layer chain necklace. It's definitely a statement piece. Very very long, and has a variety of different lengths of chain. The chain used in the white swirl necklace came from the multi-layered one, as it was broken, and no longer long enough to work for its original necklace.

I refitted the multi-layer necklace with gold plated chain, to contrast with the matte vintage chain. It's definitely going to be very exciting looking. Keep an eye out!

Today I listed a vintage braided bracelet as well as vintage enamel unicorn earrings. Very cute! I wasn't sure what the metal was for the bracelet, but it reacted after being cleaned and placed in liver of sulphur. I am thinking it is most likely silver or silver plated. Sigh, I love each and every piece I make. It can be so hard to part with something and sell it. At the same time, it is a pretty cool feeling to know that people who aren't my mother like my designs and are wearing my work right now!

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

White swirls and brass roses...lots of fun little treasures

I bought a surprise mix of 6lbs of vintage jewelry, and I am so excited to start making things. I love re-purposing or repairing vintage jewelry :) I found these excellent white swirl pattern metal links, which are just begging to be made into a necklace. Keep an eye out for one in my etsy store!

I am trying to figure out what the best way is to attach these adorable brass roses I have on to a necklace or earrings. They have a little ruby chip in the center, and no real way to hang them from something else. I will have to brainstorm this week, because these roses are too cute to stay with me! I want to share my excitement with someone else.

Speaking of sharing the excitement, I will soon be introducing a "destash" section to my etsy store. I have all sorts of little goodies left over from previous projects. I should be starting to post those this weekend.