With Valentines Day around the corner, what better way to share love than to use your creativity to help some special children feel  l❤ved and supported?

Put Your Passion to Work!

If you are interested in putting your sewing, knitting, or crocheting talents to work for the good of others, I invite you to join the current “Littlest Warriors” (Project 16) at Craft Hope. We have participated in past projects and found it to be a great way to give back something creatively.  If you haven’t heard of them, please learn more about Craft Hope on their website. Jade Sims is the founder of Craft Hope, and continues to bring crafters and causes together to create items that are needed during crisis. Haiti, Birds rescued from the Oil spill, dresses for little girls in a Mexico shelter, and sock monkeys for the littlest burn victims, are just some of the successful projects at Craft Hope.

Cancer Breeds Warriors

The Littlest Warriors is their most current project, and they are asking for handmade beanies and bags for children that are facing a challenging journey with cancer. The children can carry their bags, filled with all their favorite things for their hospital visits, or treatments. You have the option to fill the bag with items that would delight any child (please use good sense, and keep safety in mind). Cute, unique, funky beanies are also desired (all sizes from babies to teens). And, don’t forget they need items for both boys and girls. It’s a great opportunity to create “stitches that count.” It doesn’t matter if you make one item, or 20, they are all needed, and wanted.

I hope that you will consider creating a special beanie or bag for a child that is so brave, and so appreciative.  The deadline is March 12, so there is still plenty of time. You can find all the information you need at Craft Hope.

“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” ~ Dalai Lama

It has been a little over a month since we set up shop at Happy Delusions, in Renton, WA, sharing this unique venue with many other talented artisans.  Mary Clymer is the very charming owner and operator of this thriving little gift shop in downtown Renton, which features many “one of a kind”, handmade designs from an array of arts and crafts.  We would like to share with you a few of our items, along with some artisan favorites, although there are too many to show here.  We hope that if you visit downtown Renton that you stop in, and check it out for yourself.  Our local festival, Renton River Days is coming soon!

• Pookasplace
• Happy Delusions
• AnnaMaries Accessories

And here’s a little preview of our items…TLC Inspirations

We are experiencing many changes this year, most of them positive.  Rachel has moved to North Carolina (due to hubby’s job) which has brought a slew of challenges for her and her family.  It was an 8 day journey with a moving truck trying to avoid floods and tornados, but they made it!  They are currently getting settled in their new home, and new community.  Since they have never been anywhere on the east coast, there should be a lot to learn and explore.  I miss them, but sometimes moms just need to let go, and let live.  We have many ways to stay connected, and continue our TLC Inspirations partnership, thanks to technology.

Since we closed down our online shops temporarily, we have been expanding our crafting into new directions.  Rachel has been learning how to machine and needle felt, and she has created some adorable and unique handbags.  I, on the other hand, have become more interested in machine embroidery, and trying to implement that beautiful craft into some of my bag designs.  We hope to have some of these new creations available to our customers online soon.  We will keep you posted.

On another note, we started a YouTube channel a couple of months ago, and will be creating tutorials, so that we can share our experiences, ideas, and knowledge.  We hope that you will watch for upcoming tutorials, and visit our YouTube Channel, and subscribe as we add more content.

Find us on FB, Twitter, YouTube, and of course, here on our blog.

Bonnie & Rachel

Christmas Grinch Pendant by spoiledroyalgirls

Every Who down in Whoville liked Christmas a lot, but the Grinch, who lived just north of Whoville – did not. The Grinch hated Christmas – the whole Christmas season. Now, please don’t ask why; no one quite knows the reason. It could be, perhaps, that his shoes were too tight. Or it could be that his head wasn’t screwed on just right. But I think that the most likely reason of all may have been that his heart was two sizes too small.

He puzzled and puzzled till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before! Maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas… perhaps… means a little bit more!

And what happened then? Well, in Whoville they say that the Grinch’s small heart grew three sizes that day. And then – the true meaning of Christmas came through, and the Grinch found the strength of *ten* Grinches, plus two!

~The Grinch Who Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss

Merry Christmas!  May all our hearts remain large beyond the season.

Bonnie & Rachel

Recycled Art, Vintage People

Sometimes creativity just runs through a person’s veins, and Terrie, of Temporary Insanity is one of those people.  Her and her husband are on a constant search for everything, and anything they can recycle into art.  The Vintage People are extroadinary creations  made from vintage hardware that has taken a new form.    She blames it on “Temporary Insanity” but we view as uniquely creative.   Terry has graciously accepted our invite for an interview, and we are thrilled, and priveledged to share her story with you.

Tell us a little about yourself. I have been creating art all my life. I had my first art show at my grandmother’s house when I was about five. My relatives obligingly paid dimes and even quarters for my first creations. If I remember correctly, they were drawn with crayon, the big box of 64 colors. Then I moved on to painted rocks that my uncle sold for me in his flower shop. Later, as a rebellious teenager, I began fashioning deerskin leather halter tops and purses. (Am I dating myself now?) They were adorned in hand cut lacing, feathers, and turquoise stones. As an adult I became a floral designer and later I started the first incarnation of Temporary Insanity. I wanted to work at home with my then two small children and I started a hand painted clothing business that had a cowboys and Indians theme.(I live in Colorado.) That lasted for seven years and we had a great run. Fun times!

Now I juggle my art with interior design, which I also consider to be an art form. My people come from all the stuff I’ve collected over the years, simply because I was attracted to it and knew that one day , it would become something real, like The Vintage People.
I am a full time interior designer with my own business, Design the Hall-Way, as well as an artist. Interior design is really a giant 3D collage, mixed media assemblage of colors and textures, space and form. When I am designing a home, a most personal, sacred space, I am creating art in 3-D for the person who lives there. I am very passionate about it!

One word that describes you. Quirky

One word that describes your designs. Original

Do you work better in quiet or chaos? I work better in chaos. Things are spread out all around me. If I can’t find something, I’m usually sitting on it. There is always music playing!

Do you have an idea in mind when you are searching for vintage or recycled pieces to create your artwork, or is it the other way around? Do you just find unusual items and then the inspiration begins? I look at things in a very different way now. I see body parts everywhere, in everything!

Are any of your altered art creations based on ACTUAL people?   What is your inspiration for your designs? The first Vintage People that I made were for Christmas presents for my family. I used their pictures and sentimental items that reminded me of each person. We painted a large tree on a couple of old doors and it became a “family tree.” As I start each Vintage Person, it’s like they reveal their story to me as they are created. I love writing up the story! They make me laugh. The more outrageous, the better, and yes, sometimes, I am thinking of someone I know.

What is your favorite creation or project that you’ve made? My favorite thing that I’ve made is probably the family tree. Everyone got such a kick out of it and they argued about who would get the door with the tree on it. It was very fulfilling.

Is there an art medium, or a craft that you would like to learn that you haven’t attempted yet? I want to learn how to paint and I want to learn the art of mosaics. I just joined a creativity cluster with other women and we are going to try our hand at clay next month. I love to brainstorm and work with a group!

Do you have any words of wisdom for other artisans? Hmmm….words of wisdom for other artists….do NOT listen to the voices in your head that say,”that’s not good enough. Who would buy that? So and so is a better artist than I am…blah, blah, blah.” You are not a judge of what you create. It is simply your job to create without any self-conscience, because your vision is unique!

It seems your life has taken many creative turns. Do you think you will still be doing this in five years? I don’t know if I will still be creating The Vintage People in 5 years, but I absolutely know that I will always be creating something because it makes me so happy!

Thank you,
Terrie Hall

A little “Temporary Insanity” is good for all of us!

Temporary Insanity Blog

Temporary Insanity on Facebook

Thank you Terrie, for sharing your creative journey with us!

Bonnie & Rachel

Once in awhile, I get a serious itch to try something new, and this is one of those times.  Rachel and I  know how to crochet, although we still have a lot to learn.  We admire those needle artists that crochet and knit such intricate, complicated designs, and drool with a little envy.  After looking at some knitting tutorials, working with TWO needles is just way too intimidating. ONE needle is enough of a challenge! Don’t get me wrong, I love a challenge, but this seemed to be a road to frustration.

Recently, I ran across a website promoting loom knitting, which is an ancient technique in it’s own right.  Are you familiar with this form of knitting?

THE HISTORY OF LOOM KNITTING: (Borrowed from internet, original author unknown)
Looms were used during the Middle Ages in France, Britain, Germany and other parts of Europe to knit tasseled caps, shawls, petticoats, blankets, stockings, bags, purses, sacks, nets, hammocks and curtains. It’s believed that the apprentices of Guilds knit the carpet required for their Master on frames (knitting boards) as well.

I was fascinated with the possibilities, and excited to try it.  Maybe I could actually learn how to knit!  I shared it with Rachel, and she was also intrigued and interested. I bet you can guess where I am going with this…

After a little internet searching, and research, I decided that we should order a knitting boards and round looms (it was conveniently Rachel’s birthday, so guess what I got her for her birthday?).

After 2 weeks, and a bit of awkwardness, we have managed to get the hang of the rib stitch and the stockinette stitch.  We have not actually made an item yet, but I am gearing up, and with a little luck, skill, and perseverance, you will begin to see knitted items appearing in the TLC Inspirations Artfire and Etsy shops.  I am beginning to understand how  all the stitches, amazingly, come together.  I am fascinated with yarns, and threads, and how they can be be woven, stitched, knitted, knotted, crocheted, embroidered, twisted, and crafted into so many beautiful creations.  The texture, color, and movement conjures up endless possibilities.   I will be thrilled if I can create a great hat and scarf or a cozy, warm shawl to wrap around my shoulders when our predicted cold winter arrives.  These knitting loom techniques have inspired  us to step out of our comfort zones and broaden our horizons.

Here we go, into the busy holiday season!  Have fun!

Just a reminder that we will have a crafty new artisan interview (who will it be??) and our giveaway coming soon.  Thanks to all of our readers.  We hope you enjoy our posts, as we try to post a little something for everyone’s interest, and share a piece of our daily lives with you.

Bonnie & Rachel

“True art is characterized by an irresistible urge in the artist.” ~ Albert Einstein