Promotional bookmarks!

My promo bookmarks arrived today from Overnightprints.com. Hooray!!!

Doodle Stitching...

Pincushion log that looks like a dessert cake...
Originally uploaded by sparkletrash

My newfound obsession with embroidery sent me on a hunt for a beginner's guide with patterns and samples that actually appealed to my aesthetic. Amidst a sea of tired old flowers on embroidery hoops, Aimee Ray's Doodle Stitching, proved to offer a delightful angle on this timeless craft.

I was first drawn to the whimsical design on the cover and found each pattern included to be cuter than the next. Additionally, her instructions are easy to follow, with helpful diagrams every step of the way.

Tonight I spent the evening making the "Wooden Pincushion" which is something I actually really needed. Since I'm still building my embroidery floss arsenal, I had to take a little creative license on the colors, using pink instead of light brown. This unfortunately (or fortunately), led to my pincushion looking like some sort of weird dessert cake rather than a tree stump.

I do still consider this endeavor to be a success. I now have a functional pincushion which will come in handy as I continue my love affair with embroidery.

For more info on Aimee Ray and Doodle Stitching please visit http://www.dreamfollow.com!

Green Machine

Organic Cotton Crochet Necklace
Originally uploaded by sparkletrash

Spring is probably my favorite time of year. When the sun breaks through the haze of winter, the colors are brighter and the air is sweeter. I can't help but feel the pull toward hope and renewal and possibility.

Anyway... in the spirit of this feeling, I'm committing to incorporating as many earth-friendly materials into my work as possible. Since the beginning of the year, I have been in addition to working through my stash, I've been unraveling pre-loved sweaters and scarves to crochet new projects. In the event that the re-purposed yarn won't work in a particular project, I am committing using natural fibers - organic when possible (like these new organic cotton necklaces!) or recycled acrylic yarns.

I'm really looking forward to this challenge and am interested in hearing about ways in which you've made your art or your life in general a little "greener."

My first embroidered necktie

My first embroidered necktie
Originally uploaded by sparkletrash

Today, I was inspired by this tutorial at CraftStylish. I went to GoodWill and purchased a few neckties to test out my new skill.

This tie is my first attempt. I did a freehand owl design that I'd drawn up for another project. I'm pleased to report that the whole thing was done over two episodes of House - including embroidery, re-sewing up the back, applying the tag and the tack.

Hooray! Can't wait to try it out again tomorrow.

I'm continuing on my fingerless glove kick.
Not only are they a great way for me to work through leftover odds and ends in my yarn stash, they are also the perfect accessory for this time of year while the chill is still hanging around.

I've posted the following two pairs for sale on Etsy. They area looser fit and offer more arm coverage than the purple glove pictured above.


This pair is an acrylic/ wool blend and accented with re-purposed fleecey fabric hearts and buttons.


This pair is crocheted using 100% acrylic yarn and accented with re-purposed upholstery fabric hearts and buttons.

Also, the Jersey City Craft Mafia has announced our first official event, Art Attack on April 26th!!