Need Some Free Inspiration? How about a Book Giveaway!

The Handmade Experiment is here with TWO books by Rae Grant, full of activities for you and your kids to do together. Hey, there’s even some they can do all on their own. Just think, you might have fun AND get that lazy summer afternoon you’ve been dreaming of all winter. Sounds good, right? Well, let me tell you…

Who’s your Strawberry?

I finally finished Strawberry! With a little help from Jenny Ryan…

Get Outta Here and Go Outside!

A little nervous about summer time and having the kiddos home ALL the time? I’m with ya. But I’ve done a little research and there are plenty of things to make and do to keep the whole family entertained and happy through those months where you are the only teacher.

Shucks, they’re only shirts.

Thought I’d show off a little. These are some things I’ve been working on lately. Q’s shirt is the first one I’ve made. I didn’t use a pattern or tutorial. I’m calling it the Floral Frankenstein because of all the piecing together I had to do. ha!

Looking for a Mama’s Day gift handmade in Portland?

I woke up this morning and found a couple of interesting items in my email. Tempting to me even though I’m making my Mama her gift this year, these events would be great places to find handmade items for your mother’s day celebration. The Irvington Artisan Market is tomorrow, April 25 from 10am – 4pm, at the Irvington Tennis Club in Northeast Portland.

Get your craft on – Inspiration Wednesday

I was hoping to have a triangle hat tutorial ready for you guys today, but I have regretfully fallen far behind. So many projects are beginning to pile up and instead of finishing them I bug out and start something new. I WILL get my act together soon, but it is sunshiny in Portland so you’ll have to forgive me.

Instead, I’ll introduce or perhaps just remind you of two really great blogs/magazines that I often use as inspiration and that excited me about handmade before this experiment even began.

Souvenirs

Speaking of crafty, my post on Friday was so short I didn’t really get to list all the wonderful items I had in my queue. So here are some great finds that remind me of a weekend in the country and make me miss our getaway even though I’ve been home only a few short hours. Enjoy!

Weekend in the Country – your Must Have Monday before the weekend even begins

Ah… we haven’t been on a getaway in over a year. I’m so excited! A dear friend has invited us to her mom’s in rural Washington. I’m anticipating bike rides, long walks, perhaps a picnic, loads of great food, lots of laughs, and maybe if I’m lucky a cat nap or two.

In no way perfect, but…”

Every time I go to show someone one of my finished sewing projects, these are the words I say, “It’s in no way perfect, but…”. Part of me is sad that I feel I have to somehow justify my work like this.

Gots to Get Over the Hump – Inspiration Wednesday (better late than never)

If you are a parent or teacher of young kids, you know how hard it is when the inspiration dries up. The Best of Making Things by Anne Wiseman is the best cure for a dry spell I know.