handmade-today

Two is Too Much!

2010-08-22T12:55:00.000-05:00

Happy Sunday! After tons of contemplating and with much more crafty stuff to share, I have decided to narrow my crafting blogs back down to just ONE. So, if you enjoy the Handmade-Today blog, I hope you will switch over to my other blog, Linda Barutha Designs, and continue to follow me. I've been creating new items and classes, and it is just too much to be sharing all of it in more than one place. And, for those of you that utilize my small business coaching and online marketing services, I am still VERY busy with that work as well, which you can find more about on my website, www.LindaBarutha.com.

No matter how you do it, I hope you will continue to find me;D

New Cardmaking Class!

2010-08-21T21:13:00.000-05:00

Yippy! I just completed designing my Blooming Texture Cardmaking Class!

If you live near Mukwonago, WI, I will be teaching this class in person on September 11th. But now for some bigger news...I'm packaging this class and making it available to everyone! This class features 2 Ippity Stamp Sets and designer paper from October Afternoon. My Blooming Texture class kit will teach you how to create your own flowers and add plenty of texture to all of your papercrafting. Click the links in the sidebar to order your Blooming Texture Class Kit today!

A little of this and that...

2010-08-19T19:58:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was my birthday and considering that I'm now just one year away from the big 50, it was a good one. I haven't been stressed about this dark number, but check back with me next year at this time;D I want to say a special "thank you" to everyone that wished me a great BDay via text, email, facebook and good 'ol fashioned telephone!

On another cheery note, I spent last weekend cleaning and organizing my craft room. I put a collage of my new pictures under the "Creative Spaces" page on my blog. I hope you check it out and enjoy;D

New Stamps and Journals

2010-08-15T10:04:00.000-05:00

Good morning! After spending my ENTIRE Saturday cleaning and reorganizing my craft room, I finally had some time left over to sit down and play with my new Ippity stamps:D

So much fun! I think I'll be back in my space to create even more! Happy Sunday everyone:D

Let's Get Ippity!

2010-08-11T13:26:00.000-05:00

I hope you will join us for:

Join us on Splitcoaststampers forum tomorrow, as we reveal all of the rubber goodness! Then, when you see what you like, shoot me an email and I'll get it ordered for you:)

What's an Ippity Chick?

2010-08-10T13:56:00.000-05:00

Well, an {Ippity} Chick is a beautiful princess that will bestow wonderful rubber stamps upon you in return for cash:D

Check out their awesome Spring Collection! Oh, and did I mention the paper?! When I was at CHA, I was doing a make n' take (below) at the Ippity booth and I fell in love with the paper we were using. It is from October Afternoon. The combination of Ippity's beautiful products and reasonable prices were just too iresistable for me to pass up!

So, I will feature Ippity goodies as a part of my blog for you to drool over:D Stay tuned for more!

Looking for the Crafty

2010-08-09T13:01:00.000-05:00

This is the beginning of my FAVORITE time of the year! My birthday is in August and this always reminds me of the children going back to school and the onset of fall...cooler whether, colors and smells! When I was a child, every birthday gift included going back to school clothes. And believe it or not, I loved it!

As an adult, I also get very rejuvenated at this time of year. So, I have two goodies to share with you today. 1) I am now an {Ippity} Chick! 2) I'm planning a fall workshop! So, stay tuned within the next few weeks to find out how you can be a part of my rejuvenation!

Summer CHA Anyone?

2010-07-11T20:24:00.000-05:00

I can't wait! We are just a few weeks away from Summer CHA in Chicago! FINALLY, something close enough for me to drive to! My mom, aunt and I already have our room rented;D I'm so excited!! My favorite designers like Wendy Vecchi, Donna Downey and Papertry Ink have been posted their little teasers;) It's hard, but I'm holding onto my purse strings tightly until then...hehe;D Let me know if you are going!

I'm lovin' flowers!

2010-07-10T14:28:00.000-05:00

Cards

2010-07-10T14:04:00.000-05:00

Soft colors, flowers and lace = My Kind Of Card;D

Thank you Veterans!

2010-05-31T13:24:00.000-05:00

Crochet Purse

2010-05-07T22:09:00.000-05:00

Seriously, it's so funny how you think your doing nothing, but then when you drag out the camera to take a few pictures of what crafts you've been working on, you realize that you really have been working on things --- fun things:) So, I do apologize for the crappy lighting, but, sometimes you only have night-time to take pictures. This is a pic of just one of my latest projects -- a crochet purse. It's not completely done -- yet -- but, I plan on finishing it this weekend. I was thinking of adding a flap to close it. Stay tuned...

Batteries

2010-05-07T21:58:00.000-05:00

How many of you use a digital camera? I have experienced so many problems with my batteries for my camera lately, that I'm starting to rethink the use of reusable batteries. Any insight to what works for you would be most appreciated.

So, I've been busy, but not posting. Sorry! For my "Count your blessings" project, here is my progress:

This is actually the center of my 100 square piece. My first blessing is my marriage....as should be.

I think it is going to be difficult to express my blessings in a one inch square, but, I'm up for the challenge.

From Stitchalong to Counting My Blessings!

2010-04-26T22:47:00.000-05:00

Good evening! I hope you had a wonderful Monday. Amy from inspireco is on to sharing some more fun with us. A few weeks ago I completed her 39 Squares Stitch-along, which was designed to stitch a square for each year, celebrating her birthday. Here is my finished project:

Considering that I haven't embroidered in over 30 years, I'm pretty happy with it. Now, Amy has invited us to participate in Counting our Blessings with 100 squares! I'M TAKING THAT CHALLENGE:) I bought my material and need to think about my layout before starting. But, stay tuned, because I'll be back later this week with my first square:) If you get a chance, stop by Amy's Counting My Blessings blog and visit all of the other wonderful stitchers. Don't forget to say "hi":)

Stitchalong Finished

2010-04-10T23:02:00.000-05:00

I finally completed my stitchalong!

I can't thank Amy enough for starting me on the journey of enjoying stitching again! Before I started this project, I hadn't stitched in over 30 years! Not only have I thoroughly enjoyed this, but I've also met some new bloggers along the way! Thank you Amy:)

Keeping me from Stitching!

2010-04-02T09:23:00.000-05:00

Crocheting these little purses as Easter gifts for my three nieces has kept me away from stitching (deadlines, you know:) As usual, I design the pattern as I go. If you are interested in the pattern, I'll be writing it up next week and posting it. To see more closeup pictures of these purses, visit my other blog at http://lindabaruthadesigns.blogspot.com.

Not Stitching Fast Enough!

2010-03-30T19:33:00.000-05:00

OMG! I thought I was staying on task with my stitching (not my blogging:( But as I started counting my finished squares I realized I'm falling behind! Maybe it's because of the darling 3 little Easter purses I've been crocheting:) I'll share them tomorrow:o)

Square 20 and more!

2010-03-25T07:05:00.000-05:00

Boy, is time flying by! My apologies for being so tardy. I can't believe we're on the other end of this week already! I actually have been stitching though, so I hope you like:)

Enjoy what's left of the week:)

Square 19

2010-03-19T18:50:00.000-05:00

I really, really, REALLY need a new camera! Any close shots look TERRIBLE!

Here is my sampler so far. I'm starting to like it:)

Square 18

2010-03-18T08:30:00.000-05:00

Square 17

2010-03-17T06:00:00.001-05:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

My sampler so far...

My sampler so far

Square 16

2010-03-16T06:00:00.003-05:00

Square 15

2010-03-15T06:00:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the blurry picture. I decided to try a "new-to-me" stitch. FUN!

Square 13 and 14

2010-03-14T18:57:00.000-05:00

Sorry I was MIA this weekend! It's been a very busy weekend! Time to catch up on "my" time;)

Square 13 is my version of a cherry blossom tree. I can't wait to see and smell them again:)

Square 14 is just some scrolls and seed beads.

Square 10, 11, 12 - Oh My!

2010-03-11T08:22:00.000-06:00

Yes, I was on a roll last night! Sooooo much fun;D

I can't wait for the weekend so that I have even more time! I'm starting a new crocheting project this weekend and have finished another that I will share with you shortly;o) Have a great day!

Square 8 and 9

2010-03-10T12:28:00.000-06:00

OMG! So sorry to be running behind! Check out the cute little birdie I made! His tail is done in the satin stitch and the rest of his body in french knots. Boy, I really need to go visit everyone else and get some new inspiration:D Thanks for stopping by!

Square 7

2010-03-07T22:00:00.000-06:00

Sorry for the blur in the middle of the image. I scanned it for a better picture, but the square above this one has a pearl button in the center, which my scanner doesn't like.

Stitchalong Day 6

2010-03-06T08:00:00.001-06:00

WOW! If you would have told me at the beginning of the week that I would actually complete a stitch a day, I wouldn't have taken that bet.

Stitchalong Day 5

2010-03-05T08:00:00.001-06:00

I'm so happy when I go and blog hop to the other's sites to get ideas of what to try next! This freehand house and flower are definitely a first for me!

Be sure to check out everyone's!

Stitchalong Days 3 and 4

2010-03-04T21:34:00.000-06:00

OMG! Time really sneaks up on you! Here are my squares from yesterday and today:)

I apologize for the bad pictures. Unfortunately, by the time I get home from work it is dark out so I don't have that beautiful, natural sunlight to take pictures in. My weekend pics will make up for it though:)

Stitching - Day 2

2010-03-02T19:00:00.001-06:00

Well, I think some of the cob webs came off today (thank goodness)! I'm much prouder of today's square, since I actually practiced my chain stitch AND a lazy stitch! Wow! All I can say is, baby-steps;) BTW, my camera doesn't do close ups too well, so I apologize. I'll try to use my other computer tomorrow so that I can just enhance my pics after taking them. Sorry;-)

Stitching - Day 1

2010-03-01T22:04:00.000-06:00

Well, I wasn't kidding when I said it's been a long time since I embroidered! I'm actually quite embarrassed to show you my first square, however, this is a way for me to get back in the groove and practice, and I certainly am not going to give this away, so...

Trust me when I tell you that you should be happy that this isn't a close-up:) I'm hoping for improvement tomorrow (as I'm sure you are too)!

Getting ready:)

2010-02-28T16:45:00.000-06:00

I haven't embroidered since I was a teen (and, yes, that was a long time ago). Anyways, in order to get me back into it I'm joining Amy on her stitchalong of 39 days of squares. To watch us, be sure to check the groups progress here.

Now, I better start researching my how-to's:D

Almost done...

2010-02-22T13:21:00.000-06:00

The base of this wall hanging is done. I just need to attach the flowers, etc. This is going to be a birthday gift for my 5 yr old niece in May. I hope she likes it:D I spent last night teaching myself how to make the flowers. This yarn is very thick, but I wanted to stay with the same colors throughout. I'll post a final picture in a day or two.

And the Winner is....

2010-02-21T22:03:00.000-06:00

Sherry! Congratulations Sherry! Please email me your mailing address so I can get your candy in the mail:D Although we only had three entries, I' thrilled to have each of you! Hopefully you will enjoy what I have to offer in the upcoming months and will tell your friends to join in:D Have a great week!

Crochet Project - Day 2

2010-02-21T09:35:00.000-06:00

I'm off to the store today to get some more yarn:D

New project

2010-02-20T16:50:00.000-06:00

I love to crochet! In the past year I have totally rekindled this love. I don't do anything difficult or fancy, but I just find it so relaxing to spend my evenings crocheting while sitting with my husband in front of the TV. The best of both worlds -- he's doing what he wants, and I'm doing what I want -- together:)

I'm not going to tell you what my next crocheting project is, because it's a project in my head that keeps evolving. But I will show you bits and pieces until I'm ready to put it all together.

Be Crafty!

Blog Candy...Less than 24 hours...

2010-02-20T16:45:00.000-06:00

You don't want to miss your chance for something free, now do you? Help me celebrate my new blog by becoming a Follower and you will automatically be entered to win this 12x12 collage made on a piece of wood and ready to be hung!

FINALLY!

2010-02-17T06:54:00.000-06:00

Yep! Finally I can unveil my beautiful new site! If you are a handmade junkie like me, then why not join me here? Become a follower or better yet, join our creative journey into the handmade revolution. How do you do that, you ask? Well, if you love to make things handmade and want to share the love, simply leave me a comment with your email address and I will send you all of the details on becoming a Handmade-Today Revolutionist! That's it!

Now, in celebration of the completion of our new site, I've got some handmade goodies to give away! To win, simply become a follower of our site and leave a comment on this post. Since we are so new, I will give you until this Sunday at 10:00 a.m.CST to enter. What will you win? Something "handmade", of course:D

Testing the new siggy

2010-02-15T02:11:00.001-06:00

Bla Bla bla

Why Handmade-Today?

2010-01-01T21:00:00.001-06:00

Happy New Year! One of the things that I love about welcoming in the new year, is planning my new personal business ventures for the year. I believe we are all a work-in-progress, and when I look back at my life, I see plenty of evidence to support this. I love learning how to fine tune myself and include all things that make me happy into my life. So, let me tell you a little story about my creative journey.

I have always relished the arts and crafts. As my children grew, I always included plenty of arts and crafts in their life, as well. About 5 years ago, as my children became adults and grew out of doing crafty projects with their mom, I realized I needed to officially include handmaking items into my life. I started with scrapbooking, which evolved to stamping and cardmaking. Then I moved on to altered arts, mixed media, collage, and now onto sewing and crocheting. My husband and I created a scrapbooking retreat up north, but due to the decline in the economy, we had to abandon that business venture. I delved heavily into papercrafting, designing and teaching others.

As you can imagine, since I "love" surrounding myself with others that enjoy creating anything handmade, I thrive on the inspiration I get from meeting new crafting people. In the back of my mind, I'm always trying to rethink my contribution to the handmade society. Well, the creation of "Handmade-today" is my answer!

Handmade-today will feature interviews with all different artists and crafters. Here is a list of just some of the items you will find at Handmade-today:

*Handmade Markets--They are quite successful in the UK, so I think it is high time that the US offers them as well. Handmade Markets differ from your traditional craft fairs, because each vendor must be the creator of his/her own wares for sale. These markets will consist of juried vendors and be located in well-traveled, urban settings. 2010 will feature a Handmade Market in the fall. More details to come in the next few months.
*Classes and Workshops--I will personally be teaching various craft projects throughout the year. Some classes will be online, so all of my online peeps can join in:D
*Shopping--"hello" Who doesn't love to shop!
*Gallery--One of the best ways to get inspiration for your projects is by viewing others. New galleries will be introduced monthly.
*eNewsletters--My FREE monthly eNewsletters will be fresh and fun! Loaded with pictures and often featuring project tutorials and patterns.
*Business Consulting--If you are a crafter that wants some guidance and direction on turning your love of crafting into a business, this service is for you! My services include planning out our business direction, laying out your website and blog and assisting you with branding and marketing.

So, I hope you will join me on this creative journey. Please bear with me the next few weeks while I get everything up and running. It's going to be a fun ride, so hang on tight!