"Fan of" CatzillaCrafts

This week I want to brag about CatzillaCrafts. I admired her stuff online for a while, but a few months back I was able to see her awesome crocheted cacti in person!
Needless to say, I was weak in the knees and I went home with a cute cactus (featuring an even cuter pink flower).

Her Etsy shop is full of many other things besides cacti. There are many plushies (owls, cats & other creatures), cat toys, record bowls & purses.

She also offers crochet patterns. All of it is wonderful and I'm looking forward to buying some more goodies.

CatzillaCrafts has been selling on Etsy for years and her patterns have been featured in magazines and will be seen in an upcoming book.

Please go to her shop, look around... enjoy the desert scenery... and buy me another cactus. They are super affordable, so you can always buy yourself one too!

"Fan of" Sublime Stitching

Dream Garden by Jenny Hart

m. ranae designs is a big 'ol fan of Sublime Stitching!

Sublime Stitching is the dream of Jenny Hart, stitcher-extraordinaire! In 2001, Jenny launched Sublime Stitching out of her own personal need for better embroidery instructions and her "stitch or die" attitude.
She, alone, brought back the resurgence of embroidery in teens & 20-somethings. Her easy instructions & hip patterns have launched the craft of embroidery into new heights (and new age groups).

I found Sublime Stitching in the back of an old issue of Bust Magazine (my favorite magazine... feel free to buy me a subscription). After that I was logged into Jenny's site reading & practicing her how-to's. I also tried to get a stitching group together here in Asheville, but the response was minimal and we didn't get past one meeting. But I've been stitching ever since.

Recently, I submitted a project of mine for Sublime Stitching's Combo Contest, where we were asked to combine at least three of Jenny's patterns into one project.

Here is my submission:


So if you're looking for a new craft to try, try Sublime Stitching on for size. Through her website you can purchase kits to get you started. She also has a few crafty books that have been published and you can find those at any book store... just ask for books by Jenny Hart or Sublime Stitching. And check out the website & blog for more info & how-to's.

Enjoy!

It's Time

I’ve been tossing around ideas for a while now on how to improve my blog. I know, at the very least, that I need to blog more.

So I’ve been keeping a notebook of blog ideas and as of Monday (tomorrow) I am starting a new format.

The new format is:
Mediocre Mondays - You know how Mondays just kinda stink because the weekend is over and you’ve got 5 days of work ahead. No one wants to put effort in on a Monday. So for Monday’s blog post it will just be a photo. Easy, simple & takes the least amount of work.
Tips & Tricks Tuesdays - These posts will feature ideas, short-cuts and tutorials. This is the day to watch for if you’re curious how something is done.
What’s Up Wednesdays - Wednesday will be the day we review what is happening in my little room. You can see what projects are in the works and what is ahead for the week.
Time Traveling Thursdays - This will be a fun day, trust me. I’ve been crafty as far back as I remember. Thursday will be the day we look back at my previous craftiness (Barbie clothes, anyone?).
“Fan of” Fridays - This will be the day I shine a spotlight on other crafters/cool stuff/news/blogs/etc.

I won’t post five times a week, quite yet, but the goal is at least 2-3 times a week. For sure, you will see the first post tomorrow.

Thanks for reading so far... I hope the journey gets better from here.