14 December 2009

Trim up the tree... Part 2

My love of arts and crafts definitely comes from my mom. She always came up with great craft projects for my sister and I, especially around the holidays. Here are a few of my favorite ornaments from Christmases past:


My mom sewed this simple star ornament using scrap fabric. I love the Indian feel of it, and think sari fabric would make beautiful home decorations for any season. Now that I can sew, I can't wait to stitch up more of these cute ornaments!



For awhile my family was all about the Country-Western look (well, everyone except for Dad). My mom made this Cowboy Santa using wood and acrylic paint. I'm not sure if she designed it herself or used a pattern from a magazine, but I do know she cut the shape herself using a jigsaw.



This simple ornament is a great recycling idea. The silver disc is a lid from a frozen juice can. We punched designs (with parental help, of course) into the lids using an awl and hammer, and then attached some lace to the backside. Stars, evergreen trees, and snowflake patterns would also make for some lovely lid ornaments.



This European Santa is one of my favorites, as it's one of the first ornaments I remember making almost entirely by myself. Mom cut the wavy Santa shapes from wood, and helped draw his face. We used a wood burning tool to trace out Santa's face, and then painted his hat, beard, and face.

01 December 2009

This site could be very dangerous

bespoke custom made ladies shoes

A bespoke shoe that I designed at Shoes of Prey.



Once again the Blogs of Note feature has introduced me to an awesome new website. Unfortunately their latest choice, 22 Michaels, is really testing my will power and wallet. The blog follows a group of Australian entreprenuers who have started Shoes of Prey, a site that lets you design custom heels.

I am a shoe junkie, and have already spent way too much time designing heels that are (for the time being) completely out of my price range. Here's hoping I win the lottery and can pony up the $215 USD I need for my creations.