Easy Crocheted Bag

Believe it or not, one of the easiest bags I've ever made. Definitely the best knit/crochet bag.  I finished it in only 2 days!  It's from a free pattern called Crochet Hobo Bag found on Ravelry. Created by Dao at Just One More Line  

7/2013 ETA: That really is the pattern link - promise!  I made some modifications - didn't add the ribbon, added a lining and a crochet strap with a button closure.  However, I didn't write down directions - just winged it!

I'll give more details on the next podcast.  Couldn't wait to share the bag, though.

Quilted Cupcake Episode 46 is Posted

New podcast episode (Episode 46: This And That) has been posted.  I promise it's not too gruesome, even though it felt like I'd be telling you a story that ended with my hand looking like this:

(Image: http://napalmkitty.wordpress.com/)

Now I, have one of these:O'Lipfa Safety Shield Ruler Guard - 3 Pack  and I promised my hubby that I'd use them.

Upcoming Owl Project: Before

I found this cool metal owl at a thrift store. I think it was a kitchen trivet from the last time owls were trendy.  Yikes- can avocado-colored kitchen appliances be far behind?

Anyhow, I want to paint it, but not sure what color to make him. My kitchen is mostly a sunflower gold, with dark red accents.  Any suggestions?  Please leave me your ideas in the comments below.  I'm tempted to go with teal, because I'm painting everything teal, but don't know if that's best.

BTW, do you know about the Benjamin Moore Color Capture application?  It's a free little ap that lets you  snap a picture of a color inspiration that catches your eye and you can instantly find its match from Benjamin Moore's more than 3,300 paint colors.


Also, still working on the next QuiltedCupcake podcast - just have lots happening in my "real" work life, including some out-of-town travel.  I'll post here, on FB and Twitter when the next show is posted.  

Cupcake Purses

Cute cupcake purses I recently found at thrift store.  Doubt I'll be carrying them to my next client meeting, but they do make nice decorations for my studio!  Cost for both: $1.00.  I love a bargain!

Working on the next podcast.  Have some research to do, waiting for a few books.  Topic will be Shabby Chic / Cottage Style.  Should be complete this week some time.  I'll tweet when it's posted!

Crochet Flower Garland Tutorial

Garland, Banners, Pennants.  Whatever you call them, I love them.  I can't seem to get enough of them.  Here's a quick tutorial for making your own crochet flower garland.  

If you need the flowers, check out my tutorial here.  I couldn't wait to make something that I could photograph using my beautiful new jewelry tea cup stand, by TeaTimesCreations on Etsy - check out her shop for more lovely stands.  How pretty is this:

Anyhow, making your own garland is pretty easy.  Here are the steps in a handy little photo tutorial.  Just click on it make it larger:

Another Use for Aprons

Another idea I found on Pinterest. Love how my aprons look tied on the kitchen stools. And, they're handy when I need them, too.  Remember that layer cake apron?  It's from way back in Podcast Episode 6!

So, have you used any of those cool ideas you've pinned?  I'm happy to say I've used several, especially recipes.  Our favorites have been Chicken Taco Casserole, Crockpot Pulled Pork (so simple - just pork loin plus root beer) and the 30 minute crusty French Bread.  Next recipe I'm trying is Oreo Cupcakes.

We did the cupcake fondue, shockingly enough, it was just OK.  The cupcakes sorta fell apart when you dipped them in the frosting.  The kids liked it, but not sure I'd do them again.

Happy Camper

Hope all my U.S. friends had a great long weekend.  I got to spend lots of family time and lots of studio time, my 2 favorite things!  Doing a big Etsy shop update this week.  Here are the first three new items.  I call them Happy Camper, Happy Teacup and Party.

I'm loving all the pennants and flag banners I've seen online, so I couldn't wait to try some myself.  

More Shabby Chic

I had a great vintage, shabby chic week. I made 4 new pillowcases for my Etsy shop, and scored lots of great new vintage sheets for future projects.  Ralph Lauren, Laura Ashley and Tommy Hilfiger sheets are so soft and pretty.  It's so much fun to play with those great patterns.

And, I just got this adorable little Samsonite suitcase for $4.  It's perfect as a photo prop. The inside is in perfect shape, and is a great royal blue color.

I'm going to use it as my Modge Podge project for Craft Share 2011 at the Sew Can Do blog.  Check out the button on the left sidebar.  There will be new projects each week.  So happy to be included in this!

If this baby suitcase turns out well, I'm going to tackle the big suitcase I mentioned in this post.    I'm considering both fabric and scrapbook paper to cover it.  Any hints to share?

Next podcast will be all about Shabby Chic projects (are you sensing a trend here at QC HQ - that's QuiltedCupcake Headquarters ;)