Another peek!

Hi!
Here's another peek at the upcoming Sizzix Triple Play Blog Hop. Our first item is a cute little 3D House. Here it is partially constructed. I've left the roof off for now so that it's easier for me to decorate.

I can't wait to show you what I've done with it!

Until then, happy crafting!

Sizzix Blog Hop Sneak Peek

Happy Fall!

And, yes, it finally feels like fall here in central California. It's raining and the leaves are falling everywhere! It's time for the broom and the rake. I love the wonderful fresh smell of the air and the musty dampness of the earth as I rake up the leaves. The colors this time of year are so remarkable. And, the loss of leaves surprises me with new textures and silhouettes as the bark and branches of the trees are exposed to view. The season beckons me to get out of my cozy craft room and go for a walk in the woods to see the changing venue.

But, in the meantime, back in the cozy craft room, I'm having a great time decorating my 3D House. It's the first die cut in the Sizzix Triple Play Blog Hop. Here's what it looked like when I got it in the mail:

In a couple of days, I'll show you how it looks constructed. I love working with 3D. I've made a lot of 3D objects in plastic canvas, so this is right up my alley! I can't wait to see all the little houses created by others on the blog hop. There are just so many ways to go with this little house.

Until next time, happy crafting!

Sizzix Triple Play Blog Hop!

Hi crafters!

Coming soon to over 60 blogs near you: The Sizzix Triple Play Blog Hop!

It should be oodles of fun as more than 60 talented designers decorate the same Sizzix cut-outs. I can't wait to see all the fantastic creations, and I can't wait to get started on my own models. The first project will be posted on November 4th, so stay tuned!

Happy crafting!

Terry

A new book!

Hi crafters!

I like to say that I'm a self-taught crafter. And, in many ways, I am. I've had very few arts and craft teachers, but I learn easily from books and magazines. When I get a new craft magazine or book, I pore over it, first looking at all the pictures, then going back and reading the directions. I tend to do this several times, putting it away for awhile, then bringing it back out and going over it again. Then, I put it on my shelf and, when I'm in a lull in my designing, I take out a stack of magazines and flip through them for inspiration. There's always some new color combination or technique variation that jump starts my own creativity.

I made a comment on Margot Potter's blog recently, and in a random drawing, won a copy of her new book, Bead Chic.

It's full of on-trend jewelry ideas that will fit right in with today's styles, but it's also has a good layout of the elements of designing jewelry. Margot details how elements like scale, color and texture can change the a design into something that looks totally different. There are lots of beautiful examples, both hers and guest designers. There is also a great section with photos on all the basic jewelry techniques.

This is a great book to use as a springboard to create your own unique creations. I'm going to create my own version of the Talisman bracelet on page 97. I've always wanted to make a bracelet like that!

Happy crafting,

Terry

A new project

Hi crafters!

I'm always up for a new craft challenge. And, I'm so proud of my progress on this new project that I just had to show and tell!

I'm making a knitted headband for my granddaughter. It has yarnovers and slipped stitches. And, it's on #3 needles! Now, that's progress for me in relearning and expanding my knitting skills. It's not just garter stitch anymore!

One thing my knitting group has recommended to me as they watched me knit with my old, long aluminum needles are bamboo needles. And, now, I can see what they meant. Those long needles are just irritating on smaller projects. I like the grip of the bamboo needles, too.

So, you can teach an old crafter new tricks! Thanks, ladies!

What new skills are you learning?

Keep on crafting (and learning!),

Terry

Fall is in the air!

Hi all!

The change to fall weather has arrived a few days earlier than the calendar schedule. Mother Nature has her own way! On this side of the United States, the summer was cooler than normal, so this early rain and cool temperatures aren't helping our crops to ripen. But, it has happened before and will happen again. It's farm life; you are at the will of the seasons for the most part.

So, that's the farming side of my life. As for the nature-lover and crafter side, I welcome the change of seasons. I love the way the first rain settles the summer's dust and washes the air clean sending up a luscious wave of damp and earthy odors from the falling leaves. Bright, warm colors start to emerge amid the greens. I start thinking about combining wonderful shades of gold and russet red into my designs and shaping leaves from all sorts of different materials like paper, copper sheets and printed fabrics.

And, on the home side, there's nothing like rain for making the house feel like a warm haven of light and peace against the storm and clouds of autumn.

I'm ready for a walk through the woods to collect a few turning leaves and graying branches to decorate the table. Or, for a steaming bowl of soup made from the ripening acorn squash and sprinkled with freckles of nutmeg. It's time to make a plaid scarf combining the rich colors of autumn in fleecy yarns and metallic fibers.

Happy fall and, of course, happy crafting!

Terry

Valentines in August

Hi crafters!

I'm busy creating as usual. My mind never stops! I wish my fingers could move as fast as my mind!

Today I created a Valentine box. No, you can't see it yet. Hopefully, a magazine will pick it up for February.

Such is craft designing, creating designs at least six months ahead. It's sometimes difficult to get in the mood for Christmas in July or Easter around Thanksgiving. And, it can be difficult to find materials for that holiday out of season.

Here, in wine country, the season appears to be approaching fall. The nights are cooler; the afternoons warm. It beats the cool, foggy summer we had. I'm hoping for a nice Indian summer to ripen the grapes!

Keep on crafting!

Terry

Last year's crop