Do it. Live it. Teach it.

In addition to introducing and exploring the creativity of the artists in my life, once a month I am going to take the time to share new ways I am making my life more Eco-friendly.  Some easy, simple things anyone can do to make the world a 'Greener' place. I'm calling this segment 'Do it. Live it. Teach it'
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For my first installment, I would like to show you how i made this cute, fashionable dog collar out of an old button up shirt. I found this fun tutorial on Sew Doggy Style Blog. I thought it was so cute I had to share it AND it is SO simple. The only things you need are:

~ An old button up shirt with a collar. This project is made extra easy if the collar has a button already on it like the one i am using.  (best to try the collar on Fido before you cut it up to make sure that it will fit)

~ A bottle of Fray Check. This is used to stop fabric from fraying. (this can be found at any craft store. I got   mine at Joanne Fabrics for $1.50 with their online 50% off coupon.)

~ A pair of scissors

~ And of course an adorable model for your finished project.

The shirt I chose to use was found in the back of my closet. It was used while painting my hallway years ago so unfortunately cannot be donated, but will be *PERFECT* for this project.

Step 1.

Cut the collar right off of the shirt.

Step 2. 

Use the Frey Check on the cut you just made. 

Step 3.

Oh wait, there is no step 3...your project is finished! (see, wasn't that simple)

Now for the fashion show...

I know some of you out there who dont have a dog are thinking that this tutorial wont do you any good. Well THINK AGAIN! These cute collars also can also spruce up a child's old teddy bear, they make GREAT GIFTS for the dog lover in your life, or hell, spice up your love life by surprising your significant other by wearing the collar (and ONLY the collar) The possibilities are endless....;)

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As for the rest of the shirt, I up-cycled it by making it into 2 chew toys for my 2 good doggies. 

First, I took out all of the buttons. (and put them in my 'pile o craft supplies' for later use) then cut the shirt into 12 long strips, 6 strips for each toy.

Tie 6 strips together, leaving about 4 inches of cloth at the end.

After that, I just braided the strips and tied another knot leaving 4 inches of cloth at the other end and VOILA! A handmade toy your canine companion is sure to love.

Best part is, you just saved yourself at least $20 by making these items yourself rather than buying them at the big box pet store.  What could be better than being green while saving some green? 

 

Rochester,NY Etsy team challenge....vote for me!

As most of you already know, I am part of RNEST, the Rochester New York Etsy street team. We are a bunch of local crafters who support each other in our crafting endeavors.  Each month RNEST has a member challenge and the winner of the challenge gets to showcase their work in the coveted front top spot on the blog.

This month the theme for the challenge is 'Safari' (based on Etsy's trends for spring)

Feel free to cast your vote here for my entry to the challenge.

You are only one click away!

Meet Leo: 

Leo (♌) is the fifth astrological sign of the Zodiac, originating from the constellation of Leo. Individuals born roughly between July 23 to August 22 are considered Leos.

This 'masculine' sign is represented by a lion. In this altered art piece, the image has a tribal look.

Set in a hand painted recycled soup spoon, Leo floats in between layers of lacquer and casts a shadow over the tan colored background. The generous coat of resin that fills the bowl of the spoon gives a lustrous look that also protects.

Competition for this challenge is tough, my competitors are fierce. Kira Arts and Turtlefly
Check em' out...

Thanks for your support!

The Artists In My Life

Throughout my life, i have always been surrounded by creative, talented people. As a new segment to my blog I would like to showcase the talents of those close to me. There are so many wonderfully gifted people I was having trouble deciding on who to start with, then it came to me (and was such an obvious answer) My own mother, Gail Daitz. 

As far back as I remember, my mother has always written witty, funny and heartfelt poems and I would love to share a few with my readers. But first, lets get to know Mom a little: 

SSSW: When did you first discover your creative talents?
GD: I think I was in Kindergarten, it was just before Father's Day
we were making cards for our Dad. Enclosed is the card, that my Dad so loving sent to me. Inside it said "Roses are red, violets are blue, you love me and I love you".

SSSW:  How would you describe your style?
GD: Whimsical and reflective

SSSW: What influences your work? 
GD: I can be anywhere, and become immediately inspired, the grocery store, my kitchen, I remember
a time when I was on the job Nursing, administering medications, and it hit me, I grabbed a paper towel and began to write in between patients. It's pretty spontaneous.

SSSW: Describe yourself in 5 words.
GD: Silly, strong-willed, caring, organized, Spiritual

Now for a little taste of Moms poetry:

T'was the day after Christmas,
and all was askew,
The tree was all dried out,
didn't water it, did you?

The wrappings were scattered,
I stepped on a tack,
as I picked up the mess,
I pulled out my back!

The boxes and bows were found everywhere,
and a sticky candy cane was glued
to a chair.

Cookies half eaten, and the cheese was like rubber,
I reached for the vacuum and a found a new scrubber.

And as I was cleaning, I paused for a minute,
and saw that the fishbowl had a rubber ball in it!

I wasn't upset, I didn't go mad,
and I thought for a moment,
bout the good time we had.

The family together, made everything right,
we all got along, their wasn't a fight.

As I am cleaning,
I shed a few tears,
for the loved ones we've missed,
over the years.

Now that it's over, and my thoughts are all clear,
I wish all a blessed holiday,
and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

And another...

Entitled: Dave
     Where has all the music gone?
We sat for hours and listened to the songs you used to play
not thinking that one day, it would sadly go away
We sat for hours and listened to the stories you would tell,
and now there is quiet, but we remember them so well
We sat for hours at firesides, you kept adding so much wood
and now the fire pit's as empty as the places where you stood
We sat for hours and reminisced about years of long ago
and the tears and laughter that we shared, had only helped us grow.....
It's been a year since you left us, and remember you we will,
theirs an empty spot inside of us, that only you can fill.
But our memories will sustain us, and help to get us through,
and when we hear "Brown Eyed Girl" we will always think of you!

 

Thanks Mom.

A GIVEAWAY!

I'm on the cusp of revamping my blog and why not start out with a GIVEAWAY! This lovely piece is made from the handle of a spoon. A real fern rests on top of the hand painted green background and a generous coat of resin protects the art while giving a lustrous look. 

(This giveaway is open to the US only)
THE RULES: 

MANDATORY ENTRY #1: Go to Sunshyne Silverwear, heart the shop, and then leave a comment on the RNEST blog telling me your favorite item.

MANDATORY ENTRY #2: Become a follower of  The Rochester New York Etsy Street Team Blog and leave a comment letting me know- or if you are already, leave a comment saying you're a loyal follower. 

BONUS ENTRIES (leave a separate comment for each):

1. "Like" Sunshyne Silverwear on Facebook.

2. "Like" RNEST on Facebook.

3. Follow this blog4. Tweet and blog about this giveaway and leave a comment here with the link.

The winner will be chosen using the random number generator on Tuesday, February 22 and will be announced on this blog and in the next Wednesday Wellspring on the RNEST blog