Wire Sun Mandala to color and life update

This wire sun mandala started with the looped outside- then it got stuck. I liked the shape, but wasn't sure how to fill in the rest. Nothing I tried looked quite right. My husband asked "Are you making it more complicated than it needs to be?"

Exactly. So then I started adding the rings. Decided that looked sort of like complicated wire work and went from there working inwards to create something like a sun.

I hope you enjoy coloring this mandala! You can click the images below for larger versions to print and color.

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So right now I have a lot of craft projects lined up for this month, but some of them are crochet projects that I need to count stitches on because i forgot to keep notes . Other than that, I've been contracted to do another coloring book for Dover!!! YAY! and finishing up a set of stamps for a stamp company. They needed a lot of images in a hurry so most of what I've been drawing as been for them. It's the first time I've had a line of rubber stamps though so I'm terribly excited about the project. 

I'm going to post two hats to Facebook and let my readers choose which pattern gets posted first. Don't Eat the Paste on Facebook

Darn Good Yarn has some limited number of kits available for my sunshine shawl-  Here's the free sunshine shawl pattern

Compass Rose printable gift box - 2 versions

I've always liked the simple elegance of a compass rose. I hope you enjoy this printable box.

There are 2 versions available. A colored one to print and make and a blank version you can color yourself.

Click the images below for larger versions to print on cardstock. Cut out, score folds, fold, glue.

Printable compass rose gift box:

Printable compass rose gift box to color yourself:

Mom coloring page

I hope you have as much fun coloring this page as I had making it. It's in the same style as this Joy coloring page. 

Click the images below for larger versions, print and color this mom coloring page. 

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Book Review- Cuter Stuff by Aranzi Aronzo

I'm wild for Aranzi Aronzo's books- especially the craft books. I love Japanese felt mascots and crafts and they are always well done.

Vertical Inc. publishes English translations of Japanese books and they are well translated so they make sense. Their cookbooks and craft books are among my favorites for that reason. This book is a translation of Feruto No Komono.

When you open the book, you'll find pages of instructions. Sweetly illustrated, it explains the supplies you'll need,  stitch techniques and abbreviations, tips for keeping things in place while you're working and how to trace or copy the patterns. The instructions are clear enough that a complete novice at hand sewing can follow them.

The projects are great. My favorite thing about felt sewing is that it's a great way to learn basic hand sewing skills very inexpensively and making some great things. For people who are more experienced, it's instant gratification. These trendy, cute projects are something that nearly anyone would enjoy making.

Projects include pencil cases, pen covers, key cases, jar or can covers, little soft trays with appliques, magnets, coasters, flowers,coin cases and card cases. All made with totally cute characters, and easily personalized. They show how easy it is to change an expression by how you make the mouth and how you can use simple shapes to personalize everything.

My own felt crafting tip- use sharp sharp scissors. I have a pair set aside specifically for felt. You could make a felt mascot to mark the handles of your felt scissors!

Stitches used are running stitch, straight stitches, whip stitch (which they call overlock), French knots, back stitch, Supplies are inexpensive. You can use eco-craft felt, or if you want to splurge, use wool felt.

It's hard picking a favorite project out of the book, but if I have to- it's the face magnets. It's a very simple project that makes a great gift.

There are also tips for using the patterns and techniques in different projects- like doing an applique on a shirt or using two coasters sewn and stuffed for an ornament.

Fun book, and one I happily recommend for anyone 9 years old and up.

This book will be released on November 24, 2015 and it's available for pre-order on Amazon now.

Facebook links-
Vertical Inc.
Aranzi Aronzo Official (in Japanese)
Don't Eat the Paste


I received a complimentary copy of this book to review, I received no other compensation, and my review is my honest opinion of the book. You can read more about my review policy here.