The closure

(click photo to enlarge)

Here is how the closure turned out. I drilled 4 tiny holes on the top with a Dremel and stitched on the top strap. I used a rivet to attach the bottom strap and a Sam Browne button stud for the closure.

Cigar box project progress. kinda.

I spent the whole morning yesterday trying to attach leather straps to the side of the box with brass rivets (pictured) that were just a tad too short. After thinning down the leather and sanding down the box I gave up on the straps and just glued in a brass grommet (C.S. Osborne size 00) with the strongest glue that I had (Barge Cement) and added a thin leather cord for the strap that knots in the inside. I actually ended up really liking how the grommet looks on top of the golden label. What's also good about this simple solution is that I can easily adjust the strap length if I need to.

Today I am taking the leather straps that I originally intended for the sides and using them as a closure. This is definitely one of those design-as-I-go projects. Tomorrow I will post a pic of how that turns out.

cigar boxes

A donation from my uncle. Something new to play with! I want to try to make a couple paint boxes and a satchel. I've already designated the first box on the top for Pippa C.'s (my new Blythe) upcoming wardrobe and pattern storage.

I am going to use the individual cigar tubes to store my pencils/pens. I might spray paint them a fun color or try to scrape off the decoration with a metal scrubber...or scrape off the decoration and then spray paint them... or just leave them the way they are.

recycled tea box

One of Sal's co-workers was getting rid of this tea box, so he saved it for me. It fit my whole collection of Washi tapes plus room to spare! This particular box had removable dividers, so it was so easy to fill it up with tape. I saved the dividers in case I want to arrange the tapes in a different way later on.

mini leather booties & tights

first attempt at making leather booties for my Blythe.

I originally bought this polka-dot fabric to attempt to make myself a cardigan, but it is perfect for tights!

My first Blythe!

She looks a little sweaty from her trip across the ocean. I'm wondering what is the safest way to remove some of the shine? Make-up?

Even though she is shinier than I expected, I'm excited to have her here and to make some new clothes for her. I've been itching to make some shoesies. Maybe some leather Blythe booties coming up...

kitchen additions

My Perch Design cups (left) that I bought about 4-5 years ago are happy to announce some new family to the kitchen, a mug and salt shaker (also from P D, purchased at Renegade Craft Fair this past weekend) and some bacon salt from the Filling Station at the Chelsea Market. The kitchen cabinet is doing well and has welcomed the little ones with open doors.

Illustration Friday- "swept"

Timmette is swept away by Timmie love.

More experiments with a limited palette. I'm definitely a fan of simple vintage style.

Cleared out some wall space in my studio for some new paintings! I will be posting all the new paintings I will be working on this Summer on my painting and sketch blog.

Illustration Friday - "Shadows"

What's lurking in the shadows of your kitchenette?? This kitty cat got his hands, um, paws on some Haagen-Dazs Dulce De Leche ice cream (highly recommended btw).

Around the homestead

I just realized after taking this picture that all my pillows are woodland themed, (l-r) hedgehogs, bear, log, and mushrooms!

First attempt at a Timmie style hat for humans

Came out much too big. I will keep it for myself and wear it when I go open the door for delivery men. I'm sure it will be a hit.

tired Timmie

Timmie and I are feeling sluggish. It is already so hot over here! Where is Spring? It doesn't help that my back is hurting from (semi) aggressive bike riding I've done this week (ok, ok, not so aggressive) to make up for the it's-the-end-of-the-world-must-eat-as-much-ice cream-as-I-possibly-can-binge. So no ice cream this week. Also I've been keeping track of my calorie intake with the free app "lose it!". Have you used it? Kind of fun. It makes calorie counting like a game. Supposedly crocheting and internet surfing burns about 100 calories/ hr...craft and surf away :D