I'm not really one to make resolutions.
When I *do* make them, I have the lack of willpower to keep up.
Sure I need to lose weight, try new things, and take more joy in my life...
But who doesn't?

I am a crafter.
I am creative.
I currently have a Crafty Cave that does not inspire me... Aspects I love about this space:
1. It exists
2. My Hoopla Wall is abundant with awesomeness
3. I've got a comfy chair (nobody expects the spanish inquisition) Things I want to improve upon:
1. Better lighting
2. Appear Uncluttered (Storage and Concealment Curtains for said storage)
3. Organized Small Crafty Things
4. Utilize the Closet better It's to be expected that I LOVE this space.
Clutter and all.

It's just not the refuge I want it to be, more of a hovel to cower in at the moment. (Gollum, Gollum) 1. Yarn Bomb Ottoman and Metal Desk Bits
2. New Ironing Board Cover (already aquired)
3. Pretty up the Armoir without painting, or banging holes in it (because Lee would kill me)
4. Painted Peg Board for Weapons of Choice (scissors, small baskets, rulers, tapes, quarterstaff, magic wand) This is my Crafty Cave Intention Statement.
I pledge to try and post a progress picture once a month,
motivation is my kryptonite.

So, Happy New Year to all you lovely people!
I hope your next year comes with oodles of niceties!!!

Anyone have any favorite craft supply organization tips?
I would be super psyched to hear them!

I made a polka dotty change to the look of my blog.
Polka dots are currently a very uplifting thing for me.

Posted by B Lyn at 8:50 AM 2 comments: Labels: general craft, home, musings

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Teacher Christmas Gifts 2013...they "rule"!

Long time, No Posting.
Sorry about my slacking....
I've no excuse, nor clever ruse.
I'm also putting off gift wrapping.

OK, Now on to the Teacher Christmas Gifts for 2013!

Ruled Paper Canvas Bags
(they "rule"!) Along with my "kind of vow" to not craft for anyone, I was in a bit of a crunch for the
Teacher's Gifts this year. I had 5 teachers I needed to gift for.

Then I stumbled onto this great Tutorial for these pre-bought (GASP!) Canvas bags
through cometogetherkids.com.
Here's the official link for the bags: Guest Host: Rachel from Sun Scholars I ended up doing 6 bags because I remembered I have a teacher too!
I go to a Satori Violet Belly Dancing class every Wednesday night.
I adore this class and my teacher, Cassie, so she needed one too. The Tutorial was very fun to read and easy to implement.
I finished them all within 1 1/2 hours!
If I were to say anything about the bags it would be to
use ULTRA FINE TIP Sharpie Markers.
The regular size will bleed on the canvas.

As Professor Hinkle would say... Hope everyone is having the greatest LAST WEEK BEFORE CHRISTMAS EVER!

Posted by B Lyn at 7:20 AM 1 comment: Half Blood Prince Ornament!

Just in time for the Holiday Season!
(sung to the tune of "Away in a Manger")

Away in a classrom,
on a shelf in the back.

Snape hid his old textbook,
crib notes written in black.

He was brilliant with Potions,
and words he won't mince.

A Secret Hero,
Our Beloved Half-Blood Prince. This is a teeny tiny paper ornament project with actual miniature printable pages from the book.
Spray adhesive bled through a bit, but I think it gives a bit of an aged look. Lately, I've been working diligently on 2 swaps.
The "I <3 Tea" and "Geeky Christmas" ones.

I'm crafting those instead of presents this year, for no reason in particular.
I'm not taking a stand...but perhaps I am...
Maybe it's my way of surprising people and mixing things up a bit.

It's actually quite freeing!

Here's to a low-key Holiday Extravagant to everyone!!!

Posted by B Lyn at 7:57 AM 1 comment: Labels: craft swap, general craft

Monday, December 2, 2013

Flourish and Blott's Tote Bag!

These days, every store has their own reusable shopping bag...

From the recent Return to Hogwarts swap I whipped up this fun lined bag. To get the image on, I used the Freezer Paper Technique and my Fine Point Gel Fabric Marker. Here's the hard surface I used to work on. This pen is great for fine lines. There's no "setting" time and it doesn't smudge after about 2 minutes.
I do like to iron just to be on the safe side. Here's the lining. She stated Slytherin House, Green was definitely in order! I love this linen outer fabric.
I picked up a BUNCH from the Thrift, and will be very sad to see it used up.
Perhaps I have enough to finally make pillows for my bed?
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