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Thursday, November 19, 2015

Compass Rose printable gift box - 2 versions

Compass Rose
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

Printable compass rose gift box to color yourself:
Compass rose gift box to print and color


Friday, November 13, 2015

Mom coloring page

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. 

Small JPG version:
Mom coloring page with rainbows, flowers and a sun- available in jpg and transparent png

Large transparent PNG version:
Mom coloring page with rainbows, flowers and a sun- available in jpg and transparent png


Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Book Review- Cuter Stuff by Aranzi Aronzo

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.


Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Thank You knotwork to color


Oh I do hope people like this knotwork thank you. It took all day to draw it.

Click the image below for a larger version to color. Probably with very sharp pencils!

Small jpg version-
knotwork thank you note to color- available in jpg and transparent png

Larger transparent PNG version-
knotwork thank you note to color- available in jpg and transparent png




Sunday, November 1, 2015

Colored Pencils Cabin- coloring page

Colored pencil cabin to color
So last week I posted a bit of joke between my husband and I on my Facebook page-
craft box quote
It went crazy viral. It surprised me, but it got over 1000 shares and reached 95,000 people. Apparently I'm not the only one living in a craft box. 

Anyway, that totally inspired this coloring page of a cabin made of colored pencils, because I know some coloring enthusiasts could say the same thing about their coloring supplies and the idea of a "pencil box" made me smile. I hope hope you enjoy this coloring page. Click the images below for larger versions to print. 

Small JPG version:
Coloring page- a cabin made of coloring pencils in jpg and transparent png formats.

Large transparent PNG version:
Coloring page- a cabin made of coloring pencils in jpg and transparent png formats.