Dyeing Easter eggs is usually a bit messy. Easter project #1 was no exception. However, I came up with a few ways to make the process more enjoyable.
#1: Using cupcake 'tins' for each child's dye. I placed both 'tins' on a cookie sheet to catch spill overs.
#2: I cut up cardboard paper towel centers to place the eggs in while they dry.
#3: I stood close at hand with wet towels and a happy spirit. A little mess never really hurt anyone, right?!

This evening I attended my aunt's birthday party. My mother and I used the movie Chocolat as our inspiration. Art Nest was there too...see the tea towels laid across the french bread baskets (which we used to serve the meal in)...I made one for each of the guests as a party favor. They also doubled as place cards. The tea towels are hand stamped with my bird and the individual guests name. What's my favorite part? Besides the crepes filled with chocolate mousse and topped with fresh strawberries...I get to keep the two quilts (used as table cloths) in exchange for the many tea towels I created...simply lovely!

Today I had an 'ah-ha' moment with the zipper installation. I really can't tell you how much easier the 'right way' is. I decided to forget the band at the top...it wasn't functional - and you know at the Art Nest I'm trying to live and create more simply. I now need to work on polishing the details: 1) lining up the zipper in the center 2) sewing closer to the zipper 3) what is my new fascination with zippers anyway?!
I carved the little bird stamp by hand several months ago and she's appearing on lots of my creations these days. I have recently been neglecting my block prints - my first love. Poor, lonely printing supplies~

I've never sewn a zipper in. I've never lined anything. I've never sewn a purse. So, let's just say that this little clutch project was very educational. I had grand plans of hand embroidered sparrows in the corners of the clutch but after I took a wrong turn with the zipper installation, I decided to just finish the project and started re-evaluating my strategy.
I do love the color combinations (plum zipper + mustard fabric = breathless me).
I learn the best by trial and error. I've always been that way. I am excited to start another clutch tomorrow...this time armed with new blueprints and a bit of experience.

Farmer's Market is fast approaching and I've been creating these sweet patches to sell at my booth. This weekend I'm planning to stay in the studio as much as possible. One of my children broke both his radial and ulnar Thursday evening...of course it was the day my husband was out of town...but the little guy has been so brave and I can tell he's more chipper today! Have a wonderful, creative filled weekend, ya'll!

Tired of the gray and creme tea towels yet? Good, because I'm not either! I just made B these pants out of two of the tea towels. They are flared , baggy and beautiful. I want a pair for me!

Spring Break Project #2 - Planting Seeds

We had a full day of playing, planting, and friend making. Each person in our household had a new friend over at some point during the day. Lots of talking, crafting and, of course, planting took place. Hopefully something will grow in the next week...I do not have a very green thumb. Now, I'm trying to come up with a project for tomorrow...any suggestions?

Spring Break project #1 - Painted Place Mats

Today the children painted squares of canvas material using acrylic paints. The sun was shining through the window lined studio and we all enjoyed this little moment. Last week I came up with the idea of using ice cube trays for paint caddies...the deeper wells kept the paint in instead of spilling over the edge as it does while using the circular plastic paint trays.

When we were finished painting, I had to photograph the children's hands...so sweet!

Tonight I will add a quilted backing and they can eat their breakfast on their creations in the morning!

I've recently invested in some new watercolor paint brushes. It is important to keep brushes separated by the medium they are intended for. As I was contemplating how to store my new brushes and paints, I knew I did not want to use a plastic bin or another ugly coffee mug. I decided to make my own custom tote. After an entire day of tedious sewing, I am pleased to share the results with you.
To the right, there is a brush storage pocket that is specifically measured to fit my brushes. On the left, a paint storage section that holds 15-26 tubes of watercolor paint. A striped flap folds over the top of the brushes to prevent them from slipping out. The interior is canvas and the pockets are Heather Ross fabrics. The outside is my favorite part: a found tea towel and hand stamped art nest label. The gray and cream stripes are so dreamy and complimented the light colors of the the interior. I used four D-rings and created canvas belts to keep the the tote snugly rolled. Creating this paint and brush tote was a very rewarding experience. I know that it will accompany me in all my artistic endeavors!
On a side note: the background for these photographs is my painting table. Years ago I literally pulled the table out of a pile of clutter on the side of the road. My father had it refinished as a surprise. I was so touched my his encouraging gesture!

It's a pincushion ring! Be the first to sneak a peek at

Art Nest's new Etsy shop!