Sashiko Fabric Box

Here's a little something I made as part of a gift, a fabric covered box with sashiko (Japanese embroidery) bellflower accent.

I didn't take step-by-step photos but maybe these few will inspire you to make your own!

 

The purple and flower are representative of September. An excellent month if I do say so myself.

I traced the box that was going to be wrapped onto the wrong side of the grey fabric, outside of box against wrong side of fabric. Before cutting it out I hand embroidered the bellflower and added a 1/2 seam allowance. Then flipped the box so the inside was against the wrong side of the lining purple fabric, again adding 1/2 seam allowance all around.

Using Modge Podge in sections on the outside of the box, I glued the outer fabric to the box. The longest part of my creation here is the snipping of all those corners and the then carefully gluing down the flaps. I made sure to dab all inner corners with fabric glue to keep them from fraying out. Especially on the lid!
On the lining, corners were snipped, flaps pressed down and glued in place.

There are two little flaps that go under the lid which you'll see later. I cut them off because it just made it easier to wrap the box. I covered them separately, leaving the bottom (where they were cut off from the box) seam allowance hanging down and glued together. I then added them back, sandwiching that bottom seam allowance of the flaps between the box layers.

I placed and, in the case of the front ribbon, hand stitched the ribbons and reattached the side flaps before gluing the lining in place.

Binder clips came in really handy through this whole project as you can see from the above pics. They hold those corners and seams good and tight while drying, which is a must with all those layers bulking things up.

Here is a finished front view with the lid up.

 

This is all inspired by, and for, my Japanese grandmother if you couldn't tell. I filled the box with 2 dozen homemade cookies she likes (plastic wrapped!), a maneki neko, a bookmark, and origami. ♥

Feel free to ask any questions about the making of the box!
xx ~Static

Create 365 - Day... umm...

So yeah, I made it through half of my 365 but I'm going to have to let it go at that. Between new kitten wrangling, studying for a new career --hopefully along side my creative work, and sewing I just keep losing track. Being a grown up sucks sometimes.

Anywho, I will still be posting my stitchy & other creative goodness. Maybe I'll start a new 365 next year when things have settled *fingers crossed*.

Here is my latest custom, so you can see I'm still stitching:

Lil Bub Head Bookmark!

This sweet ooak face is completely hand embroidered. The perfect bookmark for the Lil Bub book, don't you think? This Bubmark now lives with a friend that is a huge fan. Hurray!

Alright, I need to get to a stopping point on 2 of the 5 ginormous dolls (2 feet tall!) I'm working on. Then study, study, and more studying.

xx ~Static

Create 365 - Day 191 & 192

Okay, lots of stops and starts this past week. I have also just started studying for what hopefully will be a new (additional) career. Unfortunately, since I've been trying to figure out what works best in getting both studying and sewing done, I have only finished two days worth of 365-worthy stuff. The good news is that I think I've figured out how not to exhaust or stress myself out doing both.

Anywho, now for the good stuff. This cutie pie was a test doll to work out the kinks of what I have in mine for my gaggle of nieces this Christmas. I customized it to my taste since I'm keeping it. Here is my 13" tall Cutie Vamp Doll.

The ones for my nieces will not have fangs or bat dresses but you get the idea. The next ones will be twice as large, and will be fleece where this one is felt for the most part. They'll also be all machine stitched except for detailed bits. I'd never finish if I had to sew them all by hand!

This is counting as two days because the doll body was done one day and the dress was redrafted and sewn the next available stitchy day.

Well, time for me to get studying! Yay?

xx ~Static

Create 365 - 191 to 195

Day 191 & 192

A pair of Grumpy Neko Snap Clips!

 

Day 193 & 194

 

Shark Rocket Bookmark & Checkered Rocket Bookmark

 

Day 195

Witch Neko Ornament

 

I've got a full plate today so I'm happy that I got a minute to squeeze this in. These are all available in the shop right now (click the images) if you want them. I haven't decided if they're will be more of these designs or not. Definitely limited edition though!

Alright, gotta run. Phone call to make and then studying to do. But, first, COFFEE! Aah.

xx ~Static

Create 365 - Day 185 to 190

Where have I been? I don't know. Around, I guess. Busy, you know, doing... stuff. I suppose you want to see what "stuff". Okay, since you asked so nicely...

Day 185 to 188

In order of photos: Purple Iris Eyeball Bookmark, Turquoise Heart Bookmark (x2), and a Red Lightning Bolt Bookmark (Ziggy or HP? Hmm.)

Day 189 to 190

Grumpy Neko Snap Clips! So cute they hate it.
And, no, that is not my hair. Well, I own it but it's a snazzy synthetic track.  I wish I had the patience right now for that dye job. Did it myself once years ago, maybe some day again.

Back soon with more weirdness. xx ~Static

Create 365 - Day 179 to 184

Well I got a little behind but not really. Maybe by a day. I unfortunately forgot to snap a pic of a recent item before I sent it off so I'll just have to make up for it in the next few days, right? Right. Anywho here's the latest batch of stitchy goodness...

Top row: Creepy Carnie Conversations, Dusty Catacombs, Vampire Kisses
Mid L: Hey Little Sister v2
Bottom L & R: The Roses are Red Red Red, Tumbling Cats

Click the image to check them out along with the other goodies in my shop!

xx ~Static

Create 365 - Day 178

Today is a food day because that is probably all I'm going to have time to create. Since it was requested of me I will include the recipes/links to the recipes! Yum, here we go.

First up is Chocolate Chip Banana Bread/Muffins. This is my MIL's recipe and I'm not sure where it originally came from but sure is tasty!

Oven: 350 degrees F
Grease or foil two 8"x3" pans ~or~ line muffin tins

1/4 cup shortening
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 cups Bisquick
2 very ripe bananas - mashed
2 tsp faux vanilla extract (sub: 1 tsp real vanilla extract)
1/3 to 1/2 chocolate chips

Cream shortening and sugar. Combine remaining ingredients and mix until well blended. Split into pans or spoon into muffin tins.
Bake time: apx 45-50 mins for pans, 20-22 mins in regular muffin tins.

♦♦♦♦

Then we have some Sweet Corn Bread.

The recipe I use is pretty much this one. The only thing it doesn't give tips on is mixing the wet ingredients in the small bowl. I lightly beat the egg and then combine it with the sour cream. In a microwave safe measuring cup I put the milk with the butter and pop it in the microwave to melt (30-60 seconds). Stir, let it cool a bit and then add to the egg and sour cream. Sometimes I even add a dash or two of faux vanilla extract too.

♦♦♦♦

And, last but definitely not least, we will be having Jambalaya tonight. You can find the recipe for that here. Love that site, by the way! The weekly meal plans are a must to check out. I don't follow them exactly but it definitely gets you going in the right direction for homemade food.
Back to the Jambalaya, I tweaked it to my taste, of course. No celery, no additional salt or pepper since there's plenty in the Creole seasoning that I made, and no green onions. I did not use oysters (bleh) or hot sauce either. Also, I don't use quick rice so the simmer time is 45 minutes to an hour (I like it thick). As for the Creole seasoning, too much Thyme gives me a headache so I severely reduced that to 1 teaspoon.

Eat up! xx ~Static

Create 365 - Day 177

Today I made...

 

...pointy-toothed grinning Hair Clips! Inspired by the hair clips the character Katsuragi Yako wears in the anime Majin Tantei Nōgami Neuro (Demon Detective Nōgami Neuro).

xx ~Static

Create 365 - Day 172 to 176

First, here is the full picture of Day 172 & 173...

Special promo for my friend, and awesome artist, Connie Faye. She will be at GenCon Aug 15th-18th with tons of art for your buying pleasure and these limited edition promos. There's only a handful of these Bookmarks so be sure to stop by her table early if you're going!

So, I have been crazy busy cleaning up the house for a weekend guest, sewing, swapping, and ironing out some custom work. Which explains the lack of posts these past few days. But, enough about that, here are my latest hand stitchings:

Day 174

 

Shooting Star Bookmark. I actually finished two but one got packed away before I remember to take a pic.

Day 175

  

Frankenstein Heart Bookmarks.

Day 176

 

Black Heart Bookmark & Love Brains Bookmark. Not so sure about the Love Brains Bookmark but I can't put my finger on what I don't like at the moment. Still too busy to stress over it right now. I'll come back to it. All the other, except the Locket ones, will be listed soon!

xx ~Static

Creat 365 - Day 172 & 173

So I spent part of last night and then this morning finishing this batch of newness.

All I can show right now is the pretty hand cut Satin Ribbon because it's a surprise. I've got my fingers crossed they'll go over well.  I'll post the full pic when they've made it to their destination.

Too sleepy (yay!) for witty banter, so to you I say, goodnight.

xx ~Static

Create 365 - Day 171

My dahlias are starting to bloom! The only thing that irks me about gardening is fighting with the bugs and slugs. They need to stop eating my plants. Or else. The best thing I've found so far for the bugs is Neem oil and the slugs don't like coffee grounds, but the dahlias do.

Anywho, since I'm so tickled about my dahlia plants I made another Swirl Dahlia Barrette.

Golden Yellow, Burgundy & Turquoise. Apx 4.5" wide on a 2" French barrette. The color combo was inspired by the color scheme of a favorite blog, Kisses and Chaos, written by the enchanting Miss Alli Woods Frederick.

Alright, I hear sleep calling me. Until next time, xx ~Static

Create 365 - Day 169 & 170

Nekos go marching two by two...

These two cuties already have homes lined up on the East coast. Although, I do plan on getting more Nekos listed in my shop. Eventually. :p

xx ~Static

Create 365 - Day 168

Looks like Batlings are starting to slowly flap their way onto my work space. The latest arrival is a smirky little Red Batling with Black and White zebra striped wings and Golden Yellow eyes.

♦♦♦♦    ♦♦♦♦    ♦♦♦♦    ♦♦♦♦

Also the winner has been drawn for the giveaway! Congrats to...

*~ Areeba S. ~*

Your package will be on it's way as soon as we get a minute to get to the post office!

Thanks so much to everyone that entered ♥. Stay tuned, you never know what I'll giveaway next!

xx ~Static

Create 365 - Day 167

Santa's come early! Oh dear, but he doesn't look too well. Maybe some cookies and milk will make him feel better?

Did you know that Etsy does a big Christmas in July Event every year? Yup. Just search Etsy for CIJ for all specials, or etsydarkteam CIJ if you like the darker side of things. Some will have markdowns applied already, some will have coupon codes posted in or under their banners. Runs from July 11th to 21st 2013.

Some Etsy sellers like to start a little early, like me! Use the coupon code CIJ15 at checkout for 15% off your purchase in my shop (excludes shipping and custom orders). Good until July 21st 2013.

xx ~Static

900+ Facebook Fans Giveaway!

In celebration of breaking 900 on my Facebook page I am giving away a Beckinstein Dahlia Barrette! This tri-colored style is named after the lovely Beckinstein Shinn of The Vespertine Dream. She was the one to suggest I make these again.

Giveaway Info:
I am giving away 1 Beckinstein Dahlia Barrette in my shop's trademark colors of Red, Black & White, as shown above.
Plenty of ways to enter so read on!

This lovely Dahlia Barrette is carefully hand cut and folded by yours truly. It is jam-packed with petals to make it quite full, sturdy, and stunning.
♦ Red, White and Black petals and center swirl.
♦ It is approximately 4.5" inch wide.
♦ With a 2" French Barrette.
♦ 100% synthetic felt, perfect for those of us with (or without!) wool allergies.

Need an example? I'm wearing a larger, 5"+ version here.

This contest will close on July 8th at 11:59 PM CST. One winner will be randomly selected by Random.org after the contest closes.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Much luck & xx ~Static

Create 365 - 164 to 166

Day 164

A pair of Small Cotton Eyelet Lace Bows. Apx 3" wide with 2" french barrettes at the back. The barrettes are mirrored so one can be worn on each side of the head. Machine and hand sewn.

 

Day 165

A Large Cotton Eyelet Lace Bow! Apx 6.5" wide with a 2" french barrette.

 

Day 166

A sweet, smiling Sparkling Orange Halloween Neko!

 

I did skip a day of creating (not of the 365) but it was the fourth and we had company. I really could include that day here since I cooked like a mad woman (jambalaya, corn bread & a few dozen peanut butter chocochip cookies). But, I didn't take any pics and as they say on the interwebs: pics or it didn't happen. Right? ;) S'all good.

xx ~Static

Create 365 - Day 163

Nyan! So cute and so sparkly.

I may still give this one a ribbon and bell. I haven't totally decided yet. Can you tell I'm looking forward to Halloween? Well, I better get back to getting ready for possible company tomorrow. We might actually be hosting a holiday. There's a first time for everything, I guess. ;)

Enjoy the holiday & be safe, batlings. xx ~Static

Create 365 - Day 162

Still making hair flowers. Here's another Swirl Dahlia Hairclip in Black and White.

Still trying to think of what to make next. Cats have been coming up in conversation a lot lately so I think I may just go with that. I'll make some Maneko Nekos, to be more exact. Making actual cats is kind outside my expertise and, really, that would be kind of weird even if I could.

Until tomorrow, my darklings! xx ~Static

Create 365 - 148 to 161

Okay, so, due to things that could not be controlled (migraines, my scattered creativity, an over-thinking brain and a bit of squashed hope) I am obviously way behind posting. I have been creating though! Here's what I've worked on during my blogging absence:

Day 148
Swirly wall switch.

Looks much better than they ugly, cracked thing that it originally was.

Day 149
Here is a Daisy Circle Skirt.

Oh wait, there is no pic yet because I wore it already and now it's in the wash. As soon as it is laundered and ironed I'll add it in. You'll just have to take my word on it.

I made another skirt for myself, hurray! I keep seeing cute skirts and dresses but so many are too short for my taste. I prefer knee-length or longer, thanks. I just don't want to be getting "friendly" with all the town every time I bend over, ya know?

Day 150 to 156
Seven new limited edition reversible headbands.

Top: Kittens and Cobwebs, Peaches and Screams, Pushing Up Daisies
Mid-Left: Peach Dreams
Bottom: Daisy Chain, Sweet Zombie, Candy Kittens

Click the pic to go see all 32 of the LE headbands I currently have available.

Day 157 to 161
Dahlia Barrettes, one of which which will be given away soon in celebration of breaking 900 on my shop's Facebook page!

 

It looks like I lost a little over a week's worth of creating but it couldn't be helped so I'll just soldier on. Hopefully I can keep up with my 365 a little better now and not take 2 years to finish it! We shall see, we shall see.

xx ~Static

Create 365 - Day 143 to 147

I haven't been able to post daily, obviously, but I'm still going with my 365! Here are the latest additions...

Day 143
Here's the finished draft of the Bodice Front of the base pattern pieces I've been working on for myself. I forgot how involved this part was! I even started over at one point instead of backtracking a mistake. Whew! I was a bit rusty but I got my groove back.

Day 144
Here are some Circle Skirt drafts. They could be used as two different sized skirts but together they are the front and back for a 50s style swing dress.

Day 145
Circle skirt! Peachy, isn't it? I couldn't resist. I need more fun circle skirts in my wardrobe. They're very versatile, casual or dressy depending on what you wear them with, and just plain cute.
I tried to snap a pic of me wearing it but the lighting was horrible. Maybe another time. Seeing it on a hanger just doesn't do it justice.

Day 146 & 147
Two more Grumpy Nekos for the lovers of grumpy cats everywhere.

xx ~Static

Create 365 - Day 138 to 142

Getting back into the swing of things slowly but surely. Just because I haven't posted doesn't mean I haven't created!

Day 138
A Grumpy Neko

 

Day 139
A loaf of bread from a different recipe than the last one.

 

Obviously it is delicious because half of it was gone before I remembered to take a pic.
Protip: Microwaves double as a decent bread box if you don't have one.

Day 140
A cotton face mask for when I have to deal with stinky things like cat boxes or bug spray.

 

Day 141
Another Grumpy Neko! This one is to sponsor a giveaway by Starrlight Jewelry -&- Sanctuary. Details as soon as they're available.

 

Day 142
And, last but not least, I am finally giving in and drafting a bodice sloper (a template to work off of) in my current size. I'm tired of looking at pretty dresses I can't afford or that are way too small for my curvy self.

 

This is the bodice back piece. The front piece will be coming along shortly. And, I'll need to redraft a circle skirt too but that's the easiest of the bunch.

Alright, well, a short sleep is in order and then it's back to work for this batling! I'll be making french toast with the homemade bread and then I've got that drafting to finish.

xx ~Static

Create 365 - Day 137

A wee Cthulhu! Aww, isn't he just a cutie? I actually meant to make him a bit bigger but I flubbed the measurements before I reprinted my mini pattern. I didn't notice until I had already started cutting and decided to just roll with it. I can always make a bigger one later. This one is about 7" tall with semi-poseable arms.

I still feel he needs a little something-something though. Aside from his wings which are drying on the table in front of him. Any suggestions?

xx ~Static