Jessica Flores Design

Magazines Revisited

What would we do without magazines?  Finding one rolled up in my mailbox is enough to set my heart aflutter when they begin rolling in at end of each month.  Last year I think we had nine or ten subscriptions coming to the house between the three of us:  Better Homes and Gardens, Country Living, Martha Stewart Living (with a free year of Everyday Food), Midwest Living, Family Circle (which was the poor stand-in the publisher issued to those of us Country Home subscribers when it kicked the bucket without warning.  It was my favorite!  so sad . . . ), so anyway . . . where was I? . . . National Geographic (a gift from Grandma Darlene), Wired, and Your Big Backyardfor Little Nora.

 This year, we're tightening our belts, and that means goodbye to Martha and most of the other subscriptions. To satisfy my cravings for all of those glossy pages filled with beautiful rooms, DIY ideas and expensive accessories, I've decided to dig into my stock pile of back issues--pulling a stack of not-quite-outdated volumes at the end of each month.  I have really been surprised how fresh and new most of these magazines have seemed to me!  This month when I leafed through the pages of an old Better Homes and Gardens, I found a great idea on one of my dog-eared pages.  

I had a eureka moment and pulled out a rainbow package of crisp, heavy tissue paper I'd picked up in Nashville last fall and went to work snipping ropes and ropes of hearts in all sizes from red and pink paper.  I don't remember ever making those strings of paper dolls when I was little.  Oh the fun I missed!  Instead of draping my hearts over a table lamp, I festooned my pendant shade with them. I think it will make a very romantic canopy for a valentine fondue date I have planned with a special guy (and little gal) next weekend.

I even added a few strands to the boring brown paper bag I took to the baby shower.  I didn't spend a dime on the gift or the packaging.   Shhhhh! 

I never knew budget living could be so much fun!

 

A Baby Gift

 

Sewing for babies is so much fun!  I picked up a copy of a great little book of ideas at Barnes and Noble a few years ago on the bargain shelves, but haven't had a chance to use it in a long time.  So, I was happy to hear that we would be throwing a shower for my co-worker, Jen on Saturday--and then I was even more happy to hear that she's expecting a girl.  Come on!  You know girls are so much more fun to "bedazzle."  

My mom had just made a double-sided little "minky" blanket with ribbon tags for a friend's baby in Mexico and had some of the ultra-soft pink stuff left over.  It was just enough to pair with a favorite piece of flannel I had, which was covered with bugs, and the rainbow of colors made it fun to pull out bits and pieces of all kinds of ribbon from my stash to make my own "taggie blankie".  

 

But I needed a little something else to complete the gift, so I browsed Etsy for a little while trying to find an idea to rip off--ahem--I mean to inspire me.  I ended up coming back to a soft stuffed block from the Baby Gifts book.  Then Etsy helped me jazz it up with its own ribbon tags and jingle bell inside.  It is a complete sensory toy (well, except for the smell, but I decided to ditch the idea of stuffing it with mashed bananas).  I used as many different fabrics as I could to create a touchy-feely toy--corduroy, satin, flannel, cotton, and terry cloth, plus the ribbons.  

When I laid it on the bed to take the photo, I decided that my next one must include a scrap of bumpy, soft chenille--vintage of course along with natural bamboo filler--a true eco-toy!

Cupid Strikes

 

Yesterday Nora and I spent the day festooning the house in hearts and making some wacky Valentine arrangements.

 

The wonderful items in this arrangement came in a "take all" box at an auction a few summers ago.  There is an old clam shell painted like a flapper lady, a tiny candy box with lid, some beautiful, sparkling tinsel that I think must be made of lead, it's so heavy, a little black cast-iron heart-shaped dish, and the coup de gras--an ancient Lucky Strike cigarette inscribed with a date from 1934 and the names of the guests at what I can imagine must have been a rollicking party--Julie, Ethel, Pauline, Bill, Henry, Percy (!) . . . It's tied up with a long pink satin ribbon.  Oh to hear the memories that must have surrounded it!

I added some old buttons on wire and vintage pipe cleaner, sat it on an inverted flower pot from my collection and capped it off with an inverted hurricane lamp then scattered more buttons around the base.  It all sits on a pretty glass cake stand I found at a garage sale ages ago.   

. . . and then I just couldn't stop, so I grabbed my antique valentines and propped them up like so many posies in a crusty old flower frog along with more button flowers, paper hearts and such.  

  

Sounds easy, doesn't it, but it was really hard getting them all to stand up nicely with just some little wire curlicues.  I'll have to think of a better way to do it next time.  Suggestions?

We finished our decorating party by taping paper hearts to all the windows and mirrors.  Today I pulled out a "new" vintage Swedish Valentine-themed tablecloth I found at a second hand store after the holiday last year. 
  It looks so sweet on my kitchen table, but it won't be two mealtimes before it will have to be tossed in the wash.  That's why I seldom use them, cute as they may be.  Perhaps I need to make some place mats. . . yes, right after that ironing-board cover, appliqued t-shirts, tea cozy, coffee press cozy, and commissioned painting.  I did make some progress on a baby shower gift today, though.  Stay tuned for pictures of the snugglies for the cutie patootie!

Mixing it up

For a couple of months now I've been trying to stick to a schedule of tasks for each day--my housekeeping, crafting, paperwork, exercise etc.  It has helped keep things running smoothly and allows me to focus more during my playtime with Nora.  But it's always fun to be spontaneous when something special presents itself in your day--something like Monday, which dawned encased in a fuzzy coat of frosty ice.  

The weather man called it "Frozen Fog."  We call it "Frog," and surprisingly the sugar coating of icy loveliness lasted into the next day as the sun hid behind a thick veil of "frog."   

Nora and I decided it was a great day for a nature walk, so I armed myself with my camera and she found her magnifying glass.

We tracked wildlife

found interesting compositions in the trees

and tasted them too!

The next day presented even more unexpected events. Ice on the roads cancelled preschool, so Nora was treated to extra TV time while Mom finished work on another knitting needle organizer.  There was still time for a special craft project to keep us busy, however.  My friend Erin shared this idea on her own blog a couple of weeks ago, and I've been dying to try it.     

(Note the snazzy home-made sweatband made by my little crafter from an old sock and some markers!) 

You'll need a recycled tea tin, or if you just happen to have a little Havana Honeys cigar container, which I'm sure you do, they work even better--just make sure they're made of metal and have an attached, hinged lid. 

Help your little one find some largish letters to cut from old magazines and then glue each to a sheet of magnetic backing with a glue stick.  I used a magnetic vent cover, which you can find at a hardware store for probably less $$. Cut each letter out with scissors. We also threw in some Sesame Street characters for fun.  

Then you'll need to prep your tin.  I covered the inside and outside of the lid with thin scrapbook paper using one of my very favorite (guilty pleasure) craft supplies:  photo-mount spray.  It's volatile and toxic, but it adheres paper to almost anything like magic.  I also personalized the lid with Nora's name in shiny black sticker letters.  She's been carrying her little laptop alphabet kit with her everywhere for the past two days, asking me how to spell everything!  They're great for the car, restaurants, Dr.'s office, etc.  But I would suggest using at least two of every letter in the alphabet--even more of the vowels.  I still need to add another "R" to our kit, so we can spell the dog's name properly!

Happy crafting!

This is just a test. . . .

no, really this is just a test post, but while I'm at it, I might as well share a gratuitous shot of my darling daughter, right?   . . . and a link to the flickr page of the photographer who shot it:  The brilliant Erin Murphy!

Love the Giver

When my great-grandmother passed away, I asked for a token from her china cabinet--an antique mug embellished with a little rose and the words "Love the Giver".    I think it was a common sentiment from Victorian days, but when I look at the gaudy little cup encrusted with cracked leaves and shiny gold paint, I envision some poor soul presenting it to my granny and being grateful that he didn't have to say in so many words, "it's not much, but it's from my heart."  

As artists, everything we make is a gift, and when it is created with a special someone in mind, we really pour our hearts into our work.  The giving fills our gut with butterflies and makes us feel self-conscious and proud all at the same time--like sending a child out on stage for her first piano recital--her hair pinned back in a big satin bow.  I know from experience, that our recipients cannot always understand how personal it is for us to give, so we must guard our hearts as we hand over our wares sometimes.  

But when you make something for a fellow artist or collector, you can truly create in a safe place, and the process is a joy from beginning to end.  I hope that's how my co-worker and friend, Lindsay, felt when she made this surprise for me this week 

 

I haven't had a new planner at my desk since I'd started 10 years ago, and I think what I'd been working with was handed down to me from the person before.  It was time for an update, so when I sent my request for the boring black Franklin-Covey binder to Lindsay (queen of supplies, spreadsheets and handmade cozies), I told her with a bit of sarcasm in my email that maybe I'd just make a cozy for it someday.  (Yeah, right.  When do I ever make time to sew for myself!?)  Then lo and behold, when I walked in Wednesday morning, this darling, personalized little ditty was sitting on top of my mess of a desk shining like a dozen roses with my name embroidered in 7 perfect letters. I knew who it was from before I even opened the card, and with this treasure given between kindred spirits there was no need for even the most gentle reminder to "love the giver."

Fun with Felt

Last week in the drear dead of winter on a day no more noteworthy than the next, I received an envelope in the mail with these

dainty little felt flowers with adhesive backing and a tiny copper brad poked through the middle.  Oh, the possibilities in such a product!  They were a "just because" surprise from my friend Jodi.  Today I made use of one of them by sprucing up a little lapel pin I had started.  

 I think it will look pretty sassy on Jodi's puffy blue trench coat.  

Seriously, how much fun is felt?  It needs no hemming, it's soft and colorful and it cuts like butter. You can whip up the cutest things with it in no time flat.  Sometimes when I want a new little splash of color on my dreary winter coat or a bland blazer, I'll run to my fabric hutch, stack a few felt circles together, tack on a button and pin it to my lapel with a straight pin in about 10 minutes.  That's less time than it takes to do my hair.  I hear Heather Bailey has a new line of high-quality felt in some really beautiful colors.  Something for my wish list! 

Now time to get back to the craft table.  I have plans to surprise a little someone with another quick project I need to complete before preschool is over! 

Knitting Needle Organizer

I'm feeling good about the craftiness of this year already!  I was pleasantly surprised by an Etsy order awaiting me in my email yesterday, though I've been really horrible at keeping new items listed there.  Coincidentally, it was the yo-yo garland that graces my new banner.  Am I on to something?  

I also finished this new custom knitting needle holder for one of my mom's knitters last week.  

It features Amy Butler scraps coordinating with a black and white polka dot.

There are two rows of pockets for traditional needles, two larger pockets for circulars, and a little button down pocket for notions.  It all folds up neatly and secures with two vintage buttons.

I'm thinking that a matching bag is in order.

Have you heard about our studio?  The Loft is a home studio space where I show my paintings, greeting cards, handbags and other creations along with those of a few other local artists, including my mom, Gayle who makes wonderful collage art with found items and ephemera, cards and hand-knitted lovelies of all kinds.  But mostly, it's a place for knitters to get together weekly and stitch, learn, chat, and shop for lots of fun new yarns and notions.  We occasionally have classes on jewelry-making and kids art too.  Make sure you bookmark us to stay updated on what's new!

Lipstick

Tomorrow we step into the future--a brand new year. . . . but, as usual, I'm much more interested in chatting about "old stuff."   Yesterday my mom sent me an interesting email about the not-so-distant past that I thought would be worth sharing.  Taken from a 1949 Singer Sewing Manual, it offers some hints and tips for ladies who are preparing to sew.  Enjoy!

 1. Prepare yourself mentally for sewing. Think about what you are going to do…never approach sewing with a sigh or lackadaisically. Good results are difficult when indifference predominates. 

 
2. Never try to sew with a sink full of dirty dishes or beds unmade. When there are urgent housekeeping chores, do these first so your mind is free to enjoy your sewing. [This view from my hallway makes me happy, so I try to make the bed every day.  I will not show you the sink full of dishes.  It does not make me happy. I tried getting an artistic shot of it, but it's just not photogenic in any way.]

 
3. When you sew, make yourself as attractive as possible. Put on a clean dress. (I swear I'm not making this up) Keep a little bag full of French chalk near your sewing machine to dust your fingers at intervals. Have your hair in order, powder and lipstick put on…if you are constantly fearful that a visitor will drop in or your husband will come home and you will not look neatly put together, you will not enjoy your sewing as you should.  [constantly fearful? LOL!]

I did manage to put on a clean shirt today and slick on a layer of lipsmackers and mascara, but that's as good as it's gonna get.  At least Dan didn't give me a weird look when he walked in the door.  My advice if you're still in your sweats when your DH walks in?  At least have a couple of little black forest chocolate cakes wafting their aroma from the oven.  

My friend, Erin, has a great motto:  "Motherhood doesn’t have to be frumpy, but yet full of shiny lips, red high heels, hugs from husbands, and happy children."  That line has echoed in my mind almost every time I step out the door since I read it.  Check out her blog at www.frundy.com.

 I have always had a thing for lipstick.  It probably comes from my beloved "Grandma" Darlene whom I've never seen without a perfectly-polished pout (that's her and me in the treasured photo on my vanity below).  She was a beauty pageant queen, you know.  Whenever I need a little beauty pick-me-up, I just reach for a tube of Avon lipcolor and the string of pearls she brought me from a trip to China when I was about 12 years old.  

Aren't you grateful for how far we've come?!  Now go put on some lip gloss at least and give your hubby a big smooch, and if you're going out tonight, don't forget the pearls and heels.   Happy New Year!

Christmas Gift Reveal

Now that the packages have been opened and the oohs and ahhs shared, I can show you what I made for my momma this Christmas

I used a wide-welt corduroy for the outside of this bag and lined it with a pretty floral flannel that I had left over from another project.  The handles came from another bag that Mom herself gave me from a deconstructed Goodwill Store purse.  When it was time to embellish, I found a bag of seed beads at the bottom of my sewing box, so I just began stitching them on in little rows following the ribbing on the corduroy.  I topped each with a little button blossom from my jar.  Hiding inside are two pockets for a cell phone and keys.

The little black and red clutch in the last post was for my sister-in-law.  She commented that she wasn't a "big purse person" after opening it and asked what I carry in my huge shoulder bag.  I told her "my wallet, a little zipper pouch with lipstick, mirror and nail file; hand lotion, hand sanitizer, coupons, a notebook, a mini photo album, tissues, cell phone, keys, sunglasses, an old film canister full of vitamins and tylenol, . . . . what am I forgetting . . . oh, and usually I throw in a mini tape measure just in case I find a set of blinds or a bench for just the right spot." . . . and a razor. . . sigh, maybe I'll have to send this pattern through the Xerox machine at 400% if I want one for myself.  A woman should always be prepared!