Tiki and Hugs

Last week was a busy one. Had 2 shows to attend, and they were super fun!

Amanda, as always, put on an awesome monthly art show at Howley's. This month's theme was "Art you can hug." The restaurant was full of cutie-pie plushies. I entered a Dawn Doll that I did the outfit for. I had so much fun creating this outfit, it has socks, removable shoes, underdress, and smocking!



And then off to Cocoa Village to Ossorio's, where Jacob Mcalister put on a great Tiki-themed show for the town's bi-annual Gallery Walk. I wish I was able to hang out a little longer, because I met some cool local artists. I loved talking shop and picking their brains about their technique.


You can see my hulagirls on the second shelf on the left of the photo.

Show & Tell: My Vintage Sewing Machines

This was my late grandma's Sears Kenmore Model # 148-12040:

It is a basic machine, but sews steady and straight. I actually use it as my primary sewing machine.

I found this at a thrift store - Montgomery Ward Signature URR 251:

It's missing a lot of parts. The most crucial - motor and foot pedal. But what attracted me to it is that it still has it's original case. I think I will try to restore it over time.

UPDATE: Found a motor and bobbin cover on eBay - working good! Now I'm debating on how to fix up the case. Should I make it look like the original, or should I update it?

Embroidered Valentine Card - Robot Love

I'm really starting to enjoy embroidery. Here's a little Valentine's Day Card, made out of muslin and paper - all hand-embroidered.

Buy this at inspirelements.etsy.com.

Little Lina's Dawn Dolls for Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

My amazing friend is doing something awesome! She is making these beautiful art dolls to raise money for Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. They are available for sale at DawnDolls.etsy.com and part of the proceeds will be donated. So head over there and buy a doll, and help find the cure! Read about her efforts at DawnDolls.blogspot.com.

Inspirelements and Skellies

It'd been a busy summer. I can't believe it's fall. And I haven't posted anything since July! Next few days, I hope to catch up with all the things I've been involved in.



Inspirelements was started by a group of artists/crafters who want to share our skills with other crafters. We do custom artwork like logos, banners, promotions and websites/blogs. We are also selling our own work. So stop by and check us out at inspirelements.esty.com

Currently I am selling on etsy my Skellies series. They are cute little living-dead critters. No they won't eat your brain, but maybe your hearts! (Little zombie humor teehee)





They are hand-painted and hand-embroidered on black tshirts (available at inspirelements.etsy.com)

One man's trash is another raven's treasure

I have too many hobbies... One of them is collecting odd things. I love going to thrift stores and yard sales. I have plans for the things I find, but most of the time they end up just sitting there. Too many ideas, too little time! So, for those items I just created a little etsy store: ravengirl.etsy.com. Not much there right now but I hope you'll come and visit. My pretties need a home!

Starting an Amigurumi Doll

Yes, I have managed to step away from the computer. But not for long... I'm starting an amigurumi doll that will reveal itself at a later time. The last one [link] I did was cotton, which started to get really worn from the handling. By the time I was done with it, it looked like it went through a wash. So this time I got acrylic for the wear-n-tear. Bernat Satin Sport to be exact. I think it looks pretty good for acrylic. And I like the tightness of the smaller gauge.

Like my handmade stitch marker? I'm too cheap to go buy them so I made them out of scrap beading materials.

Actually, the real reason for the post was to try out our new camera. Got the Canon Rebel XTi EOS! Digital! Love it!

1970's Japanese Craft Magazines

I grabbed some old Japanese craft magazines while visiting my mom over the winter. They are really hilarious. My favorite is this American style decorated lounge:



And I also found this. Thought I'd share it since the long socks were such a hit at the Ren Fest:



Close up of pattern (good luck figuring it out!):

New Cat, Meet Old Cat

New cat is made using this pattern (link). I still need to finish his face...

Doggy sweater - part 2

I'm almost there! I added blanket stitching using the same yarn I made the wings. I'm in love with blanket stitching now, since my edges are still pretty messy.





Just need to finish attaching the wings and complete the legs.

Doggy sweater for Angel

I started a doggy sweater for Angel, my mom's new dachshund puppy. It's not too cold in FL but there are couple of days when it gets a little chilly. I'm making it a little big, hoping that she will grow into it and be able to wear it next winter.


I crocheted couple of angel wings to put on the back.

I'm using this pattern (link), but using only 1 solid color and no pocket.