MY FLOOR LAMP CHRISTMAS TREE

Yep, you heard right-a Christmas tree made from an old floor lamp.

The whole thing kind of took root when I saw this huge, gorgeous Christmas tree in a mall. It seemed to be just all assorted Christmas balls all piled into the shape of the tree. There must have been 1000's of them but I loved it and thought at some time, maybe when I won the lottery or something, I would try to duplicate it in some way. 

OK, after Christmas last year, walked into Goodwill and lo and behold, all the Christmas stuff was really, really cheap so I loaded up my car with as many boxes of ornaments as I could carry and ran home to take a stab at making the mall tree. Thing being- I was just a few 1000 short. 

So what do you do- improvise. 

I found this old floor lamp in storage, got out some ribbon [or it was probably just a roll that hadn't been put away if truth be told], a hula hoop that one of the kids had left [the idea was good but it didn't work, it was not heavy enough-so more improvision],  and a hole punch.

Here is what I started with:

Holes were punched into the ribbon to attach the ornaments cut then into strips that would double over a round to fit over the lamp

Then all the ribbon strips were attached to the bottom ring, ornaments attached and and angel [also not yet put away] stuck on top.

This is what I ended up with:

Actually, no where near the mall tree but it was ok.  I found these photos while looking for something else and decided to share my after last year's Christmas craziness. It lights from the inside since the floor lamp actually does work. 

hhhmmmmm! this just gave me another idea on using that old floor lamp. So glad I didn't get rid of it. I think it is one that I got at an auction for maybe $1. 

Maybe that guy, Jeff Foxworthy, is right-if you have a stash of old floor lamps, cardboard tubes, glues, ribbons, yarns, fabrics, threads, empty spools, empty oatmeal and salt boxes, empty ice cream buckets, etc., etc., etc., you just might be a craft hoarder. 

Anyway, I have a great time crafting, hope you do, too

Happy Crafting

Carolyn Wainscott

My Cowgirl/Cowboy Boot Christmas Stocking

A day late, a year late-sometimes a decade or lifetime late but I guess better late than never. A year ago I found sketches for fancy Christmas stockings that I had done a couple of years before that and decided to finally make them. The Victorian Christmas stocking was completed, several in fact, with video completed. A patchwork version was completed and put online but somehow the Cowgirl/Cowboy Boot stocking got lost in the shuffle. There was a whole lot going on-par for the course.

In searching for something else, I found my photos of the Boot stocking and lo and behold, a video that just needed to be edited. Did I say "just"? Editing videos takes longer for me than all the other processes involved. Some of these young whippersnappers can whip right through all this electronic stuff but it takes Granny a long time to cut and paste-it eventually gets done. 

The pattern was finessed. Video edited. 

The Cowgirl/Cowboy Boot is one of the most fun things I have done. All those fringes and beads were dug out-some chainette and bullion fringes, sequins, and especially my turquoise beads . There were a couple of chambray shirts with beautiful southwestern appliques that were cut up, appliques salvaged to be put on a stocking. [Those had been in a box for years-couldn't throw them away-I knew the perfect project for them would come up]. There were some quilted Santas from past projects. Old jeans are perfect for the boot stocking. Fancy fabrics make gorgeous boots and it doesn't take a lot, use up those scraps.

At some point of coordinating, I had to stop and start putting together. The combinations were becoming endless. Here are some that I made:

The trusty old hot glue gun was put to good use. Lots of hot glue. 

Here is the video that may help explain some of my maybe not so clear instructions in the pattern. 

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The Cowgirl/Cowboy Boot stocking pattern is available in My Pattern Store on www.Craftsy.com @ http://www.craftsy.com/user/43851/pattern-store along with my other patterns including the patterns for the Victorian Stocking and the Patchwork Stocking. All are quick and easy because that is how I like to create. 

While on the www.Craftsy.com site, I noticed there were several free classes available that I would like to try like this one:

@http://www.craftsy.com/class/bag-making-basics-reversible-tote-and-zipper-pouch/148

Have a great time making the boot stockings and all your other crafts.

Carolyn Wainscott

How To Make A Quick Fusible Patchwork Christmas Stocking

The editor of one of the online craft sites I make videos for requested Christmas stockings so I designed this one to use up small scraps of Christmas fabrics and the patches are fused-not sewn. It is a simple pattern but the patchwork and the cuff that can be fancied up make a real centerpiece on the mantel and it uses up snippets that might just end up being thrown in the trash-goes to show ya-don't throw anything away.

My step by step video shows you how to make the stocking from creating your own fabric by fusing scraps to the finish sewing.

 The downloadable PDF pattern is available in My Pattern Store @ http://www.craftsy.com/user/43851/pattern-store with my other patterns.

To see beautiful handmade crafts, check out the Project section @ www.Craftsy.com and if you have a project to share, feel free to show off your handwork with the rest of us.

If you have been thinking about learning a new skill or finessing an old one, check out all the classes and workshops available @ www.Craftsy.com whether it be quilting, sewing, crocheting, baking, knitting, etc. and any of them will make a great, unique gift for that crafter you have been thinking about.

Happy crafting, be sure and share your creations with us on my Facebook page-Carolyn's Canvas or Craftsy's Project section.

Carolyn Wainscott 



BRINGING THE OLD FORWARD-THE CIRCUS ELEPHANT BABY QUILT

Applique-my favorite quilting method. I lean towards a large motif surrounded by complimentary blocks, stripes, rows or whatever suits the design. The quilting bug bit me big time over 30 years ago and my taste hasn't changed.

 

Oh, I had always made crafts of all kinds using products of all kinds including fabrics of all kinds but quilting took over as my mother started making all kinds of quilts after she retired. Her quilt books accumulated, we went to quilt shows, admired all the great work and leave with new enthusiasm to make more and more quilts. Quilting has kept its place at the top of the list since I started and my first designs are still some of my favorites.

 

 One of my long ago designs is "The Circus Elephant" baby quilt. One of Mom's quilt books had an article about the "Hawaiian" quilting technique and I loved it. It seems Hawaiian natives adapted quilt making into their own art form from the methods being taught by missionaries. Their appliques were created by folding and cutting-and I wanted to create around that idea so "The Circus Elephant" and "Carrousel" quilts came into being.

These appliques were cut at the same time in the Hawaiin quilting technique of folding and cutting-kind of like folding & cutting a snowflake. With one cutting, you get 2 quilt appliques to make 2 quilts or use one applique for matching curtains, pillows, wallhangings, rocking chair cushions or whatever you can dream up.



I don't think there have been many times in my lifetime that I haven't been working on everything at the very last minute-is there anyone else out there like that? In September, 1985, the first "Circus Elephant" was being stitched on as I flew across the ocean to Hawaii for the birth of grandson, Daniel. The quilt was for him and I barely got it done before he decided make his appearance.

Four years ago, the quilt was brought out from its keeping place a few months before the birth of Daniel's baby girl to cover her before she was born.

The design is the same, the method is the same, the materials are the same except now the pattern can be transmitted almost instantly online and a step by step video tutorial is available @
http://youtu.be/xELOBj0ejkA if you have any problems with the written instructions. I am a visual person so this is the way I like to learn and evidently a lot of others do also judging from the viewership for all the how to videos on YouTube. I love being able to share my crafting and quilting on the internet.

The video with written instructions are also available on www.FaveQuilts.com  @
http://youtu.be/MuG1y8QAtKI & http://www.favequilts.com/Quilts-For-Baby/Circus-Baby-Quilt-Patterns-Using-Hawaiian-Applique. Check out all the quilting ideas available on FaveQuilts while you are there-they are almost endless. You can also sign up for the newsletter to get updates almost daily.

 The Circus Elephant will be posted @ www.Craftsy.com on the project page-it is kind of an internet show and tell where you can share all your handmade creations. It is really neat. It is like a craft show every day with all kinds of crafts. It has become almost a "Crafters' College" with all the courses that are offered on scrapbooking, quilting, knitting, crochet-with the nations's top instructors in their field.

I am clearing time to finish the paper piecing course I have downloaded. The nice thing is being able to stop and start the video as needed and it is almost like having your own private instructor right there with you.

 

One part of www.Craftsy.com that I am thrilled about is the opportunity to make my designs available to others. Of course, the Circus Elephant Baby quilt pattern will be available in My Carolyn's Canvas Pattern Store @ http://www.craftsy.com/user/pattern/store/43851 along with my other patterns that I hope to keep adding to.

Happy crafting and quilting
Carolyn Wainscott







   

How To Make A 10 Minute, No Sew Canopy For Your Little Princess

This is one of my tutorials featured on Favecrafts.com @ http://www.favecrafts.com/Kids-Room/How-To-Make-A-Quick-No-Sew-Easy-Canopy-For-Your-Princess.

Have you checked out Favecrafts lately? All kinds of tips, techniques, crafts and links to more crafts than we can do in a lifetime. It is one of my favorite sites. 

This canopy is one of those projects I have had in mind for a long time. The chiffon was ordered and received months ago for this and other projects. I got a whole bolt of over 10 yards. Pink never goes to waste around here-I have 6 great granddaughters to create for.

Since I didn't have a bed to hang the canopy over conveniently, it was hung on a pole that was handy. The table and chair were close by and wanted to be in the photo, I thought they looked kind of cute so allowed them to nestle under the quick canopy.

The whole thing took less than 10 minutes-the video is just about the actual time it took to put together. That was better than I had thought. The canopy would take the least time in the whole room and that includes hanging from the ceiling. Check out the video for step by step instructions:

You will need:

7 or 8 yards of fabric-the chiffon I used is about 50" wide

I also used the tulle along with the chiffon for another layer for "fluff"

a 2 piece quilt or embroidery hoop with adjustable outer hoop [any size you have-mine is rather large]

at least 4 "S" hooks

a ceiling hook

wire/chain/ribbon to hang canopy

The canopy will be posted @ www.Craftsy.com to kind of show off a little, I guess and give others ideas for decorating for a little princess. The site gives us crafters and artists a kind of "show & tell" space where we can share our hand made creations and see others' work whether it is crocheted, knitted, quilted, painted, etc., etc., etc.  I discovered the site several months ago through a link on Facebook and have been an avid follower ever since. I receive a daily newsletter telling me about new posts by the crafters that I follow and I also check out all the projects posted by all crafters  several times a week.  

Now there are online classes available plus the opportunity for us independent designers to share our patterns we have developed. The site is wonderful.

www.Craftsy.com's online courses include all crafts. I am taking an online class on paper piecing. It is like having a private instructor in the room with me, any time day or night. I'll be telling you more as I get to sit down and spend more time with the step by step demonstrations.

 

Go take a look around, register to become a member  if you wish. See great handmade work. Share your creations with people who appreciate your work and take advantage of online courses in a new craft or pick up new tips and techniques in a skill you have done for years.

Happy crafting

Carolyn Wainscott 

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Check out my patterns for your American Girl doll, quilts and crafts in My Pattern Store on Craftsy @

http://www.craftsy.com/user/pattern/store/43851:

my reversible top pattern is very versatile as are all the separates that mix and match. It is free for you to try:

http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/sewing/toy/ag-reversible-top-by-hannahs-closet/1998

http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/sewing/toy/ag-reversible-skirt-by-hannahs-closet/8465


http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/sewing/toy/ag-reversible-shorts-by-hannahs-closet/8030