Destructed T-Map Card Holder

So this was a complete project gone wrong gone right. I was trying to make the cover for a small notebook for a friend of mine. However when baking the plastic cover, it folded up into this super odd shape and I didn't have the heart to bend it back down. I mean, the shape intrigued me. So I decided to see what I could do with it.

Since the cover was supposed to be a map of the Boston Subway system, the fact that it was crumbled and a little deconstructed, it looked like something you might find on the ground in Boston. I decided I was either going to use this as some sort of coin or key dish. So I painted the back of it concrete gray and sprayed the whole piece with sealer. However the ink on the inside in some areas began to run like it had been rained on. I kind of liked that it got even more destructed.

After finishing it, I decided to try and stick some business cards in it and what do you know? Perfect fit! So different, but so unique.

More pi Anyone?

So with my newly rekindled love of shrinking plastic to make necklace focal pieces, I kept trying to think of neat ideas. I had been trying a few different ways to make the "not-so-brass" knuckles and I am perfecting that look. Also I decided I needed to buy new chains or wires to put these focal pieces on. I found these really nice looking precut wire necklaces on etsy.com and figured they could be perfect.

I decided I would try out the wire necklace with a PI necklace. The PI charm came out really cool because I originally sprayed it black, but when I was spraying a lotus flower outline necklace a little bit to close to it, it got silver speckles on it. Here's the end result for both the PI necklace and the lotus flower outline necklace:

Happy Hour Lamps?

So, I am looking to re-do parts of my room and make it more colorful and unique. In my spare time googling random things, I cam upon this idea for a cocktail umbrella lamp. This look so fun and colorful! I have to have it!
Apparently the idea was made popular by a Rhode Island School of Design student. Such a fun play on such an ordinary object.

I have go to try this some time soon. You can try it too, here's the DIY tutorial from HGTV.com

Not-So-Brass Knuckles

So today I spent so much time working with shrinking number 6 plastic. I decided to make some nice cut outs for necklace. I picked out a set of brass knuckles, inspired by the ones worn by Brittanya on Rock of Love Bus and Charm School 3. I also picked a lotus flower since those are one of my favorite flowers.

So after cutting, baking, shrinking, spray painting, and glossing this was my end result:
I can't wait to wear them once they are completely dry.. I also can't wait to make more.

I love Clearance Sections!

I am a complete sucker for a good clearance section. I tend to stockpile when I see things for $2 and under. Yesterday I completely hit the jackpot though. While buying tons of stuff for no apparent reason I grabbed 5 balls of yarn. They are so cute and look like sherbert, I really couldn't resist. Well after checking out and sitting in my car looking over the receipt, I noticed the yarn have rung in as $0.01! Score! I was temped to go back in and get more but figured, the cashier might notice. Maybe next time..

What luck and savings though!

Sweet Pea

This was a nice little surprise from my bean plant the other day. So pretty.

Knitting away...

I have been busy lately with odds and ends. Some school stuff. Some unnecessary stuff. But I have still had plenty of time to knit.

My great aunt Dorie taught me to knit back when I was 8 or 9. It has always been one of those things I do to relax when I get stressed. But I honestly hadn't done it in so long so when my friend Kayla and I decided to knit and crochet again I was excited. I've actually been more productive knitting than I have been with my beading lately, which is surprising.

First I made a few hats. I know, its summer in New England and not the best hat weather. But, I really wanted something to keep my long hair out of my face and off my back. So I made a very loosely knit almost hairnet-type beanie. But after wearing it a few times and being less than satisfied with it, I decided I wanted to make a long slouchie beanie. Something that was somewhat rasta looking. So I made one! I was actually really happy with how this one came out. The way the multicolored yarn wound up swirling around the beanie was awesome. I am going to make a few more, but I am going to make them with a brim and on the inside of the brim will be a ribbon one can tie to adjust the beanie to stay tighter on your head.

Last night I decided to try and make a bag. It took me a few hours to do but it was worth it. I was very pleased with the result and the colors really worked out well. My only issues is I wish I had made it a little wider. Right now it is about 8 inches wide, which is a pretty good size. I just kind of wanted to make it the size of a canvas tote bag. It still is super cute for a small beach bag or something. I'll be making more for sure. Maybe I will make a slouch beanie in this color since i have yarn left over. Perhaps...