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:

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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.