I can’t tell you why, but my best friend CC loves skulls. Not real ones, pink ones. So when trying out a new pattern for a tote, I embellished the front with a orange embroidered pink skull-and-crossbones. I kind of like it!

I can’t help myself sometimes. I just have to see how things go together.

I buy makeup when there’s some free swag in the deal, and one day I got samples in a little zipper case. I wanted to see how hard these are to make, so I ripped apart one and recreated it into this version. I have to say, though, it wasn’t all that easy working vinyl in this way. I used clear thread and tried to get the fabric to run smoothly under the foot on my sewing machine. It didn’t go all that well. This is my first and last make up bag in using this type of pattern. Regardless, I am happy with the result and carry my on-the-go makup in this bag instead of the one I got at the counter.

Those of you following me may have been wondering where I’ve been. I have the most spectacular news…but first, the non-news…

For the Holidays, my theme is buttons! I wouldn’t normally take myself for a button person, but after I started making my own out of clay, felt and (pictured above) screen printed fabric I was hooked. Now I search thrift stores for the coolest buttons to fill out the collection.

You may remember my foray into wallet making. I started with Vinyl (read about it here) then graduated into sewing felted wool sweaters. Pictured at left is one of my wallets with a sculpted porcelain button. I’ll have this and others for sale at the upcoming Crafteria at Frances. Cyndi and I were thrilled to be of of the 40 chosen out of the 150+ makers who applied. It takes place the First Friday in December~
Friday, December 3rd, 6-9pm. Below is the close up…

Finally, my favorite of all my current makes~the button bracelet. All my buttons come together in one fun grouping that are selling like hot-tamales this season. I thoroughly enjoy the process of choosing and tying these little bundles of delight. They are available on my Etsy site >> Click here!

Okay, now the big news. Let me start out by saying that I am a graphic designer by education and trade. I gave it up five years ago because I no longer found it fulfilling or fun. Since then I have painted large canvases that hang in private collections and several galleries around the country, written a novel, got hired by Provo Craft to create crafting content (how-tos), and remodeled a vintage Airstream to inspire my creative heart. As for working in the design community~I never looked back.Then, a few weeks ago, the most extraordinary connection happened and I was asked to join the creative team at philosophy inc.

I never expected to find such an awesome group of people in my life. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to work for a premier skin care company with the nicest, most talented people I have ever met. So, in light of that, I may not be posting as regularly as I used to. I’ll keep you posted on my making, though. Tune in soon~

xoxSarah

It has been a dream of mine for ages to hold weekly workshops in the Airstream. Finally all the planets are aligned and the season is here ~ Visit my Classes Page or email me for more information or to sign up ~ sarah@26-letters.com. See you Tuesday!

I was sitting shop for a friend the other day and had my Felt Kit with me (I take it everywhere like people carry around books to pass the time). Low on supplies~having only a felted wool sweater sleeve and white roving~I simply started working to see what would happen.

Now I am not one for overused icons, but there was something in me that said this dark, blank canvas~a little sleeve end sewn up to make a phone protector~was Paris at night. I thought, "Okay now, what is in Paris at night?" Well, the Eiffel Tower, of course. It’s lit up from tip to toe.

I needle felted this version of the so-famous-martians-know-what-it-is tower. Turns out the stab holes from the needle do a pretty good job of simulating the look of the lights. Finally, I embroidered "Bonsoir" ("Good evening") on the back. I intended to give it to a friend, but my phone is so comfortable in it, I may keep it for myself and make her another one.