feeling artsy-fartsy crafty

in ,

as long as i can remember, i've loved crafting.  when i was 10 or so, i so vividly remember making my aunt two large poster drawings for her new baby's room; i drew and colored them and was so very proud.  and i always loved cross-stitching.  i just loved working on any craft in general.  and now, my kids are the same way, including ryder.  they. love. crafts. as an adult, after getting out of the air force, i began digitally scrapbooking.  and when i was pregnant with ryder, i was a quilting fool.  and then, we moved to san diego and in 2006, my craft became photography, which i believe was my ultimate calling.  however, i still long for other non-photography-things crafty.  the problem?  time, of course, which i plant to elaborate on in my next blog post--the whole being a mother and work-from-home-photographer thing.  it definitely needs it's own dedicated blog post.

lately, i've been seeing all sorts of fabulous craft projects (via facebook and my google reader).  i long to get back to that place, where i am working on cool handmade projects.  and i want to do cool craft projects with my kids.  i want my kids to see the beauty and value of a handmade gift.

so this morning after breakfast with santa, we headed to walmart (the only craft-like store within 40 miles), in hopes of purchasing a bunch of craft supplies. and we did!  we bought items to make felt polaroid christmas ornaments, wooden ornaments and sun catchers for the kids to paint and some quilting supplies.  unfortunately, i had given all of my quilting stuff to good will (unfinished quilts, tons of fabric, patterns, cutting board, etc.), after not quilting for a couple years.  :-(

here's a few projects that i totally love and plan on doing over the next few months.  i'm so excited!!

i personally think there is nothing greater than getting a handmade gift at christmas time!!  i hope others do too.

felt polaroid christmas ornaments , tutorial by katie.cupcake

promendade market tote, pattern by denyse schmidt quilts

felt ball wreath, by pickles (i plan to hang mine all year long ;-)

here's a quick iphone pic of a hanging wall quilt i did for kiele in 2004.