Eco Books Inventive Project from the Recycling Bin September 23, 2009

Eco Books Inventive Project from the Recycling Bin by Terry Taylor Amazon Link

I’m so excited, I just can’t stop squeeing. My wonderful UPS man dropped off a box of these books for me just 15 minutes ago. I immediately cracked one open and found my project. I’m on page 48 & 49 with a bio in the back.

There’s a back story about my Book Jar that I feel I should share. My grandfather, aka my hero, passed away in September of 2007. This project was part of my healing process after his passing. I used to visit my grandparent’s house after school when I was a kid. When I would come in he would ask me what I learned for the day. Whatever my reply, his was always the same, “Learn all you can and can all you learn.” There were many tears shed during the months of creating all those tiny books while thinking back on my precious time with him. I’m so proud of my tribute to him.

Natural Dyes July 30, 2008

I am in love with this yellow that yellow onion skins gave me.  I have one more bit of wool still in the pot because I’m experimenting with how long the wool gets left in the dye pot and color intensity.  This batch sat for around 40 minutes.  I also dyed a bit with some Darjeeling tea and it gave me a very nice subtle pinkish tan.

I’ve had awesome mail days this week. Monday I received a sweater from Aardvart (who makes really awesome fused glass and resin jewelry) and today I got a box of felted sweater scraps from Kaboogie (who makes adorable little baby shoes).  Thanks so much you two!!

Toile Book July 10, 2008

Recently, I made a custom book for a fellow Etsyian that needed a guest book for her upcoming wedding.  She sent me the paper she wanted for the cover and I worked my magic into this gorgeous book.  I honestly think this may be one of my favorite blank books I’ve made.

I attended the Etsy Lab’s How-To on fusing plastic bags. After toying around with fusing, I used one of my fused plastic sheets to create this journal. Expect to see this one (and more) to be showing up in my shop.

I have a bunch more books made and in the process of finishing but the weather hasn’t been cooperating with me so I can take photos & get them listed. I’m participating in a Christmas in July sale and want to have my shop fully stocked before the 26th (the day of the sale).

First Cardings and Felting May 19, 2008

On the left and middle are carded batts of recycled random yarn bits from other projects. I save all my yarn bits (and sometimes other people’s too). On the right is a batt of BFL wool and soy silk. It is so soft you may just melt if you feel it.

This is a paper bag I made during Etsy Lab’s Craft Night in the Virtual Labs tonight. Just the right size to put all three batts into.

I attempted needle felting tonight… and yes I’ve already stabbed myself, twice, in the same spot. It’s a simple little ball but I’m amazed at how nearly perfectly round I made it on my first try. I need to find some real needle felting foam because the craft foam I bought just isn’t working that well.

World Book Day Sale April 22, 2008

In honor of Earth Day – April 22 – and World Book Day – April 23 – I’m having a sale in my shop.

The Crafty Kitten

10% off every item! Sale runs April 22 – April 27 Midnight EST.  Please wait for an updated invoice after check out.

Also, check out my fellow Bookbinding Etsy Street Team members who are also having a sale for World Book Day.  Search the tag “bookbindingteam” in the Etsy search box to find my other teammates. 

EBFarms.com has a quiz that you can take to win a free market tote.  Contest runs through April 30 and bags will be shipped out in June.

Commissoned Scarflett February 11, 2008

This commission came through the Appalachian Arts Center. I had one for sale but the buyer wanted it a little bit longer. Made with peaches’n cream cotton in fiesta ombre.

I had an awesome weekend. Friday, I attended the 2nd anniversary party for the AAC. Saturday & Sunday, I was a lazy bum! After the busy busy rush of last week, I just pooped out. Today I’m back in full swing though. I’ll be posting some new things in the shop (hopefully tonight). One thing is a necklace that my SIL made. She wants to test the waters of Etsy with it before signing up. Here’s a photo:

I will also be posting this scarflett. I made it from this hand spun yarn. I designed the pattern myself, but lost where I wrote it down. Between the hand spun yarn and lost design; this is truly a one of a kind.

The Upcycled Safe Sex Pamphlets are now a limited edition. My meds have changed so once they are gone, they are gone for good. I have 2 listed in the shop now and enough materials to make two-three more. Get them while you still can!

Kidmade Popsicle Crafts December 30, 2007

Ah, the Popsicle stick. I don’t think any kid that ever attended a public school escaped Popsicle stick crafts. There were many that I remember mostly photo frames and coffee mug trivets. I don’t know if other schools did this (probably not in today’s standards) but we had to keep our sticks from ice cream time at school and even bring some from home. They were washed of course. One teacher took the Popsicle craft to another level of recycle craftiness with the introduction of the toilet paper roll. We made a Popsicle stick/toilet paper roll pencil & note pad holder. I colored all my sticks different colors so that it would go with any décor, lol. I don’t remember what holiday we made this for but I know that I gave it to someone as a gift; complete with some sharpened down pencils with no erasers too.

Kidmade Paper December 19, 2007

For Christmas one year, my mom bought me a sort of science kit. It had many different experiments that you could do and it had stuff that you could make too. My mom and I made several different things from it like Rock candy (which should have specified to not make it in a glass container), Mayonnaise, and recycled paper.Paper was a lot of fun to make but it didn’t turn out very well. I remember taking old class notes and newspaper and putting it in the blender with some water. We made a huge pulpy paper mess. After we blended the paper, we were supposed to spread it onto a screen but I don’t think we had one or we didn’t have the right kind. Maybe we just didn’t put enough pressure on it. My paper turned out like the formed cardboard packaging material that is all gray and chunky. It didn’t even look like paper. It was still a lot of fun to make with my mom.

What to do with all those cards….. December 18, 2007

Zakka Life has an excellent idea of what to do with the cards you get through out the holidays.  Click!

Pamphlet Books Back In Stock November 2, 2007

I have 3 Upcycle Safe Sex Pamphlet Books available in my etsy shop!