Shrinky Stinks: The sequel

Everyone knows (BWAHAHAHAHAHA!) I don't mind making fun of myself, especially when it's so easy to do. But a normal person learns from her mistakes--or at least, learns not to replicate the same gigantic FAIL as last time. Pas moi, mes amis. I barge on, leaving ever more crafty humiliation in my wake.

To pour salt in my wounds, 6-year-olds can do homemade Shrinky Dinks successfully. However, I and I alone can go from this:



to this:



in under 90 seconds.

Yes, I used #6 plastic and permanent markers in a 350F-degree oven. Yes, I watched it carefully. In fact, I was witness as it curled itself into its now locked and deformed position...mocking me all the way, no doubt.

My Shrinky quest continues. I will someday make nice shrunken plastic foofies, even though what works for others apparently does not wish to cooperate with me.

Still, hope springs eternal. Or something.

"Tempis Fugit" - mixed media collage

100% hunted and gathered materials. Too bad you can't read the text--it says "Time is given wings".

DO. NOT. DO. THIS.

A friend sent me this nifty photo last night (now how could she evah have been reminded of little ol' me?) It beautifully illustrates the time-honored wisdom of "You can pick your friends and you can pick your nose--but there are just some crafty ideas you should definitely not pick up on!"

CBL was MIA

I've been icky-sicky-poo and definitely not up to crafting or blogging. However, I'm much better now, thanks very much! Let the games resume!

Kindred Spirits: SCAVENGING makes credit card jewelry!

I'm so excited to find another amazing blog, Scavenging--now here are people most definitely cut out of the same recycled and upcycled cloth as the Crafty Bag Lady! I absolutely loved their ideas on transforming credit cards into a funky, fun jewelry. Click here for the tutorial on making the bracelet shown above. As soon as I can get hold of a drill, I'm so making these!

Really now, is there a good excuse for just tossing stuff out???

Mixed Media Doll: Magda

I may have found my art niche! In my last Slash Sale Bonanza, I scored a Petaloo paper doll form for 25 cents. I took it apart and used it as a template for Magda, my first mixed media doll. She's dressed in junk and other old mail, along with scraps on hand. I sure did have fun making her and can't wait to explore more in this category!

(Note: After this weekend things will slow down for a while--I hope--so I can spend more time doing what I enjoy so much. Lately it's been all grandkids, almost all the time, while their mother has been occupied with all the festivities of a wedding she is in.)

Sock puppet electronics cozy tutorial (pic heavy)

Another motto of mine: NEED FEEDS. My hubby, whom I fondly call Irish, just bought the cutiest-patootiest mini-notebook ever! He's not much of a touch pad guy, though, so he also got a wireless mouse. Because the mouse is about 1/5 the size of the computer, it will hardly fit in the case; and since he daily transports all his study accouterments in his leather backpack, he didn't want the mouse just banging around in there. But the CBL, buy a mouse cover? You jest--of course you do!

I thought of a fast fix which not only enables the mouse/phone/camera/iPod/whatever protection program, but also provides another use for those ubiquitous odd socks.

Start with a sock. A hefty, thick one like this is best for padding.


Put it on like a puppet.



Squeeze the "puppet's" head together.



Turn inside out while holding the squeezed part tightly inside.


Keep going till the former inside is now outside.


Carefully remove your hand and pat the inside (which used to be the outside) into a pocket shape. There will be a double padding now which is great for your electronics.



Stitch the bottom (which used to be the elasticized top of the sock) closed. I happen to dig the blanket stitch.




Sew on a button and ribbon closure and VIOLA! (Yes, VIOLA!)



I liked this one so I pinched it for my cell and am doing another for my digital camera. Irish is using the original prototype which hasn't been sewn together yet. The elastic in that is so good that it holds the mouse in without any further help. I do plan to finish his when I can get it back!