simply sublime

Hot Lips

Making Hot Lips Pillows with Martha -- it was Crafting Nirvana:

Here I am sewing side by side with Martha Stewart -- What??  How did that happen?!

Note the big smile on my face here -- that's because we're almost done and I'm so happy that I didn't pass out.  

A big HUGE thank you to all the warm, wonderful, über talented people on the show who made me feel so comfortable, and helped make it such a fun day for me, including Lenore Welby, Noel Rosselli, Katharine Magliocco, and Hosana Houser.  The whole thing was surreal, since I'm use to spending the day working in my pajamas.  But I loved every minute of it.   A big hot lips kiss to all of you!

To view the whole segment, and for step-by-step directions check out Martha's website.  

 

Etsy Scrapbook

I had so much fun at Etsy last week, where I hosted a holiday card making craft night. I met so many, terrific, creative people, and just had a great time being at Etsy headquarters (I admit it...I was kind of giddy!)  The offices are located in converted loft in Brooklyn, and are just as cool as you might imagine -- filled with all sorts of Etsy-like touches including a ping pong table, disco wall covered with vintage album covers, and duct work cozied up with crocheted granny squares!  I still haven't gotten over it:

Photo via Whitezine.

Photo via AVC.     

 Here are a few snapshots from the craft night:

My friend Alice brought her daughter, Sarah, and a friend. So glad they made it!  

Everyone left with stacks of cards, ready to use or give away:

Check out these quilt-like versions -- I love them!

Visit Etsy's blog, the Storque, for more inspiration and info about future events at Etsy Labs. And thanks again to Etsy's craft guru, Julie, for a great evening!

 

CRAFTERNOON at the NY Public Library

This Saturday, November 20th from 2 - 4 pm, I'll be the guest author at the New York Public Library's Handmade Crafternoon Series.  We'll be making stuffed ornaments (a project from my new book) using vintage images from the library's incredible digital collection.  Here's a sneak peak at some of the art Jessica Pigza, one of the organizers, has pulled together for the event:

I'm so excited about this afternoon craftathon!  Jessica (aka The Handmade Librarian), and her co-host, Maura Madden (author of Crafternoon) have organized the event and gathered together all the materials guests will need to make their own vintagey ornaments.  There will also be a raffle for a couple copies of the book.  And best of all, the event (and ornament making) is free!  So if you're in the area, stop by. Check out the Library's site for more info and a map and directions.

 

 

I ♡ Wonder Bread

I've wanted to make something using Wonder Bread wrappers for a long time, and finally came up this Wonderful Apron featured here on the cover of my new book.  Turns out I'm not the only one who's crazy for this iconic loaf.

I first read about Wonder Bread artist, Catherine McEver, on Shelterriffic.  She's embroidered all sorts of scenes on the doughy canvas, including her own tribute to Van Gogh's "Starry Night."  I love it:

 And check out Barbie's new gown (also by Catherine McEver):

Is it just me, or does this great bag, designed for Target by Poketo, remind you of something?? 

 

And if you really want to go whole hog Wonder Bread, here's a free wallpaper download for your computer.

 HOW FUN!

 

IT'S HERE!

My new book "officially" comes out this week -- YAY!  And it's true what they say, it's like giving birth (Only writing this book took a lot longer! I'm still working on losing all the baby/book weight I gained, and cleaning up the mess I made these last many months.  The good news is, I'm now sleeping through the night!) It's very exciting to finally see the real thing, and when I got my author's copies above, I felt like I did when I was a kid, and the UPS man delivered my long anticipated "Baby Tender Love" doll. 

Some folks who pre-ordered the book on Amazon have already received their copies. Thank you all for your sweet comments, I love getting your feedback!

Here are a few of my favorite photos from the book, shot by the outrageously talented Scott Jones:

Fabric Covered Soaps:

Wink, WInk  Eye Mask: 

 
Hello, Cupcake! Pincushions:

Tomorrow I'm going to share some supplies I discovered along the way.  I hope you'll check back.

 

Martha, Martha, Martha!

Can you believe I got to make one of the bags from my book . . . with Martha . . . on her show?!  It was an out-of-body experience to be stapling and duct-taping with the Queen of Crafts herself.  I made this No-Sew Tote and several others for The Martha Stewart Show and the segment airs today (Monday, October 6th)!  I was so excited to be a guest on the program right alongside actress Kate Walsh and the Muppets!  Below are some of the beautiful fabrics we used to make the bags.

    

Martha made her bag out of Seven Islands Tulip Damask (above left) and I used an Amy Butler fabric called Bright Buds, similar to the one above, right.  These fabrics and some others I used on the show were from Purl Patchwork and Reprodepot.  To get instructions on how to make my No-Sew Tote Bag above, you can go to  Martha's website.

Bag Mania!

Check out these cute bags that 10 year old Alana and Marissa made last night at my No-Sew bag party.  It was held at the fabulous  Quilt Cottage in Mamaroneck.  A good time was had by all.  The purse cookies were yummy, too.

My Book is Coming Out Soon...

...and so is my blog. Be sure to pre-order your copy of the book here. Please visit again shortly!