ARTspiration
Artists or art that turns me on and feeds my muse! Like it or dislike it, what about this art inspires your own art or creativity? This piece, The Double, is by artis, Jared French (1905-1987)
YOKE DU YOUR
The party’s host paid her guest a great compliment. “You are one good-looking man,” she said. “Honest—I’ve had only one beer.”
His glow was only slightly dimmed when his wife interjected, “Imagine how great he’ll look after two.”
DESIGNspiration
Look around you. Design is everywhere! How can you incorporate the beauty that surrounds you into your art or craft? I just love this photo. Frankly, it’s what I feel like most days . . . LOL
IDEA I LOVE
The weather is beautiful and terrific for dyeing outside. Why not try your hand a Shibori. Look, I know I’m not suggesting dyeing ‘classic’ indigo shibori, but why not try the folding methods in a red dye, green, or purple . . . Shiborify your creativity. Start here with a FREE tutorial:
http://honestlywtf.com/diy/shibori-diy/
LET THE DIME CHALLENGE BEGIN
Start collecting your dimes in a 2-liter bottle. The experts say that once you fill it, you’ll have saved $700 (how’s that amount of scratch for adding to your stash?). The best part is, you won’t even feel it. xoxom
IDEA I LOVE
Keep your credit cards all in one place after you whip up this cuter than cute Sew Zipper Card Pouch! Then again, you just might want to skip the zipper and sew your cards inside. Here’s the FREE tutorial:
http://www.craftpassion.com/2014/08/sew-zipper-card-pouch.html/2
BREATHLESS INSPIRATION
SICK BOOK SCULPTURES BY GUY LARAMEE
Aren’t these terrific? I really am in awe of the talent and vision of so many artists. I may book-sculpt my sewing room — All I’ll have to do is buy an old book and crumple up the pages!
IDEA I LOVE!
Here’s a hack taken from Ballard Designs. This sewist, inspired by* what she saw in the Ballard catalog didn’t want to fork out $118.00 for 2 burlap pillows. Instead, she made a set for $3.99! Here’s her tutorial on how she did it (and you can, too*):
http://sethandkait.blogspot.com/2011/01/ballard-designs-knock-off.html?m=1
*Please notice that the designer did not rip-off the design but was ‘inspired by.’ That’s what copyrights and intellectual property are all about.
YUMMY DISH!
GNOCCHI WITH SUMMER SQUASH, BASIL, AND FETA
This simple summer pasta calls for just a few ingredients.
What You’ll Need
gnocchi, fresh or frozen
olive oil
yellow squash
garlic
kosher salt and black pepper
Feta
torn fresh basil leaves
FOR THE FULL RECIPE, CLICK HERE: http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/gnocchi-summer-squash-feta
IDEA I LOVE
Itching to cross stitch but don’t want to spend the last of your healthy 30 years trying to complete a never-ending project? Why not give this schweet lil’ Queen of Hearts pattern a shot. It’ll take you a day or two (if that). You’ll be so hand-work content and you’ll also have a finished project under your belt. Here’s the FREE pattern:
http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/queen-of-hearts-3
SO DRINK, CHUG-A-LUG CHUG-A-LUG
SUMMER HURRICANE COCKTAIL
light rum
dark rum
passion fruit juice
orange juice
grenadine
Orange slices
maraschino cherries
Get the Hurricane Cocktail recipe by clicking here: http://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a5631/hurricane-tropical-drinks-cocktails/
IDEA I LOVE
I have pins stuck in every chair, sitting in every bowl, resting in every candy dish, in needle boxes, the needle books, in various pincushions, etc. but nothing is as cute as this charming and easy-to-make vintage magnetic pin holder. I think it’s time to hit the yard sales this weekend, don’t you? Click here for the FREE tutorial:
http://thecottagemama.com/2016/07/easy-magnetic-pin-holder/
IDEA I LOVE
I get that this isn’t everybody’s taste. For instance, I could never wear a floral bib necklace because one of my triple chins would cover it all the way down to the last link. Since you, of course, have nothing to worry about that department, you might consider making one of these delicate floral pickup necklaces (just keep picking up the next charm and adding it). While you’re at it, why not bling it up with some heat set crystals or your own touches of acrylic paint. Here’s how you make one:
http://www.patcatans.com/craft-projects/jewelry-making-ideas/delicate-floral-bib-necklace
WORDS TO LIVE BY
(I’m kinda guessing that Gayle ran the bath and poured the champagne)
IDEA I LOVE
Drying your hands in the kitchen can’t get any easier than this. Dripping water on the floor from the sink to the stove might be a problem, however. All you need is a hand towel, Velcro, and your trusty sewing machine. I love this idea but doesn’t this remind you of one of those creepy towel dispensers that used to hang in public restrooms in the 60s? Find the tutorial here:
http://www.homeyhomedesign.com/2012/05/foiling-pet-peeve.html
MAN CAN LIVE BY BREAD ALONE!
SOUR CREAM BANANA BREAD
What You’ll Need
butter
sugar
eggs
flour
baking soda
salt
mashed bananas
sour cream
vanilla
FOR THE FULL RECIPE, CLICK HERE: http://reluctantentertainer.com/sour-cream-banana-bread/
MEMBA?
When your mom would crochet Barbie clothes for your dolls ….
…while everybody else got these?
IN THEORY
9 Steps to Staying Motivated, for Artists, Makers, and Creative Freelancers
by Sarah West Ervin
COOKIES!
FLUFFERNUTTER COOKIES
What You’ll Need
creamy peanut butter
marshmallow fluff
granulated sugar
egg
baking soda
salt
FOR THE FULL RECIPE, CLICK HERE: http://www.jenniferthurstonwrites.com/?avada_portfolio=fluffernutter-cookies
FASHIONspiration
Carretto Siciliano print dress
$2,495.00
55% off $1,122.75 (Import duties included). Buy yours here:
http://www.farfetch.com/shopping/ALL/item-11332117.aspx?storeid=9206&ffref=pp_recom
IDEA I LOVE!
Believe it or not, I really love a mug rug. My friend Bonnie has made me a set, my friend Lynn sent me a duo of mug rug carrots (which reminds me . . . I need a Hello Kitty mug rug. Do they make them?). I use them all the time. The bright colors of this particular mug rug caught my eye and I just knew I needed to share it with you. For the pattern, click on the link:
http://sew.guru/gdh4d#http://sew-fantastic.blogspot.co.nz/2011/03/mug-rug-tutorial-scrappy-colorblock.html
BE DAZZLED!
Fabulous Nardi Venezia Enamel Sapphire Diamond Gold “Arlecchino” Brooch Pendant, $12,000 (what are you waiting for, you haven’t sewn your credit cards into the pouch yet, have you?)
This sensational jewel depicting a harlequin with a sleek black enameled mask and strewn with multicolor sapphires and other gems is from the famed Venice jeweler Nardi. Carnival is an important event in Venice during the pre-Easter season, and many people flock to Venice to celebrate the event. Nardi, famed for his moretti (moor’s head) jewels, created this unique piece to unite the concepts of the moor’s head and carnival in one jewel. Note that the stones are mounted bottoms up, which creates a softer, more subtle sparkle than if they were mounted face up. Measures 2 5/8″ up and down and 1 5/8″ across, 18 karat yellow gold, with an exquisitely carved white chalcedony face. Secure double pronged pin catch at the rear, plus a sturdy loop to wear the jewel as a pendant. Signed “Nardi Venezia”.
PATCHWORK, BABY!
BRITE AND BUSY QUILT
I was so pleased to see that Marinda Stewart, my old buddy, is still designing quilts for fabric companies and magazines. She designed this quilt for Michael Miller, and it’s called, Brite and Busy Quilt. I really like this quilt. It’s modern but it’s not stark – and enough with the white space and quilting so dense your snuggly ‘quilt’ feels like plywood, already. You can get the free pattern for Marinda’s quilt by clicking here:
http://www.michaelmillerfabrics.com/get-inspired/free-downloads/scottie-toss-quilt.html
SHOEspiration
Boho Boots In Colorful Vintage Ethnic Hmong Patchwork. Grab a pair of these terrific boots here:
http://www.siamesedreamdesign.com/collections/womens-boots/products/sadie-vegan-womens-boho-boots-in-colorful-vintage-ethnic-hmong-patchwork
IDEA I LOVE
There is embroidery, then there is embroidery. This free design and tutorial is yours for the taking — all you have to do is click on the link:
https://trishburr.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/vintage-bluetit-pansies-instructions-new.pdf
KNITspiration
Ready! Set! KNIT! You realize that we have less than 30 days until September begins? It’s hard to believe that it won’t be long before we are sitting in front of the fireplace and wrapping ourselves in comfy Afghans. Here is a terrific color block, knitted blanket. The design is modern and simple, yet the color changes are so frequent that you won’t get bored knitting the same damn thing over and over and over and over again. Click on the link for the pattern (pretty, isn’t it?):
http://www.knitpicks.com/patterns/Ultimate_Knit_Palette_Blanket__D55756220.html
LOL
GARDENspiration
How in the world did I get to be 59 years old without having identified microgreens in my salad? I guess the real question is ‘How do I get to be 59 years old and still hate salad?’ I am pretty sure it all comes down to growing microgreens in your home and adding them to your salads and meals. Here is all you need to know about microgreens, the salad you can grow inside. Just click on the link:
http://www.rodalesorganiclife.com/garden/microgreens-the-salad-you-can-grow-inside?cid=OB-_-ROL-_-AF
MUST HAVE
Better Houseware Corp. Silicone & Stainless Steel Collapsible 40 oz. Tea Kettle, about $35.00
IDEA I LOVE
Let’s be honest here… Could you really live a fulfilled life without having learned how to watercolor a pineapple? I didn’t think so. Here’s the tutorial:
http://www.linesacross.com/2016/07/paint-watercolor-pineapple.html/
IMPRESSED!
I’m sorry to say there is no tutorial for this little crocheted blanket, but I was so impressed because it’s so tiny. This dollhouse afghan literally fits in the palm of your hand, and I just wanted to share with you. To see more click on the link at the bottom of this post.
http://marjatantalo.blogspot.it/2012/03/tama-ihanainen-aarre.html
DESSERT!
Individual Whole Peach Pies
(I’ll have 7, please….)
What You’ll Need
prepared pie crust
very ripe peaches
honeycomb
egg
turbinado sugar
FOR THE FULL RECIPE, CLICK HERE: http://www.yummymummykitchen.com/2012/07/individual-whole-peach-pies.html
CROCHETspiration
Grab your crochet needle, autumnal colored wool, and start making this beautiful autumn log cabin throw now, so it will be all ready for you when the weather turns cooler. Can’t crochet? If you play your cards right, maybe this summer’s pool boy will keep you warm this winter and you can skip the crochet altogether… Here’s the free pattern:
http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/autumn-log-cabin-throw
MY CRAFT UNIVERSITY CLASS
Instead of adding plain borders, elevate even the simplest quilt top to a work of art. Mark uses humor and creativity to teach borders step-by-step, making this a great online course for beginning and advanced quilters. After you learn these borders, you will want to make them again and again.
You Will Love This Course If You:
Want to add new borders to your skill set
Enjoy making your own artistic choice
Want to make your borders shine
Like to learn more about working with panels
Enjoy getting inside info and history about quilting
Enjoy creating holiday-themed quilts
Enjoy quilting for yourself and others
Want to add a holiday theme to your quilt borders
Want to add interest to your borders
Want to design your own holiday border blocks
For more information on how to take my class or to take the class, Just click here: http://bit.ly/20yUzWK
IDEA I LOVE
I love needle felted wool. It is so much fun to construct, yet I’m never quite sure what to do with my needle felted wool results. Look, I’m not going carry a little girly change purse but you can. Find the free tutorial for how to make these wet felted coin purses by clicking the link below. Don’t these remind you of Baltimore Oriole nests?
https://feltmagnet.com/textiles-sewing/Wet-Felted-Coin-Purses-Easy-Tumble-Dryer-Method-Make-Multiple-Items-Fast
FACEBOOK VIDEOS . . .
Eight weeks ago, I began hosting LIVE Facebook chats. A few weeks ago, Mr. Electric joined me. Catch us LIVE every Saturday morning at 11 AM on the Mark Lipinski Facebook page (except this Saturday as Mr. Electric will be attending his sister, Jill’s, wedding but I’ll be there at 11 AM EST sharp). Replay will also be posted on Facebook.
I’m still trying to figure out if I can move these recorded Facebook videos to my YouTube channel, and eventually how to present LIVE streaming videos through YouTube rather than Facebook (any help out there? I’m lost). In any event, here are the last 4 videos we taped. xooxm
Introducing Mr. Electric . . .
https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fmelipinski%2Fvideos%2F10153612113885811%2F&show_text=0&width=400
My Favorite Things . . .
https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fmelipinski%2Fvideos%2F10153624799725811%2F&show_text=0&width=400
https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fmelipinski%2Fvideos%2F10153638380475811%2F&show_text=0&width=400
https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fmelipinski%2Fvideos%2F10153653425380811%2F&show_text=0&width=400
So, as I was pulling old books from my shelves to get ready for more “vintage” books to post to eBay, an old baby announcement fell from the pages of one of the needlework books that I must have purchased from a used bookstore ages ago. Now, I’m on the hunt to find the source and mail it to them. If they happen to be not so far away from New Jersey, I might do a LIVE Facebook Feed Door Knock.
The surprise door knock to return the baby announcement . . .
https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fmelipinski%2Fvideos%2F10153669433690811%2F&show_text=1&width=560
IDEA I LOVE
Here is an easy, colorful, and graphic table runner to prepare you for fall. The Maple Leaf design is a classic in patchwork, and patriotic in Canada, but I think, personally, I might opt for some very traditional autumn colors, and maybe change up the direction of each leaf? Just an old board man’s opinion — it’s just fine the way it had been designed. Get the pattern to create your own colorful maple leaf table runner (along with a tutorial) by clicking on the link:
http://www.thesewingparty.com/2015/11/modern-maple-leaf-table-runner-tutorial/
WHAT’S ACTIVE ON PICKLE ROAD STUDIOS eBAY THIS WEEK
For those of you who may not follow my Facebook pages, I have decided to sell off all of my stash – books, fabric, patterns, notions, watercolor books and supplies, books and manuals on creative writing, the works. Not only do I need to clear clutter in my life to allow for more creativity to creep in, I still have some outstanding and continuing medical bills that I have to pay. For me, it’s a win-win situation. Here are some of my auctions that are active on eBay as of today.
eBay Stash Slash-A-Thon!
Stash Selling/Doctor Paying
Thanks for your help!
Just click on the photo to place your bid for that particular auction that you’re interested in. It will take you to the auction page.
All bids begin at 99¢*
FOLLOW ME ON eBAY at PickleRoadStudios
or
If you’re on Facebook, you can join the Mark Lipinski Stash Busting, Doctor Paying eBay Listing Stuff group.
If you are a member of the Mark Lipinski Stash Busting, Doctor Paying eBay Listing Stuff group, you get first crack at all of the BUY IT NOW eBay auctions and direct sales. Anything posted there will be available only to the members of this group until midnight EST of the day they were posted. Once someone in this group, chooses to ‘auction ‘rather than ‘BUY IT NOW’ that specific auction will immediately be released to the masses.
I am busting my stash to both downsize and pay off my mountain of doctor bills after my kidney transplant and 3-month lung-issue hospital stay that left me unemployed and in debt. Let me know if I can help you in any way or if you have any questions. Thanks for your support. xoxom
Join the group by clicking on this link: Mark Lipinski Stash Busting, Doctor Paying eBay Listing Stuff
Last chance, these auctions are almost finished! Just click on the photo to place your bid
Newly listed today . . . Just click on the photo to place your bid
OUT OF PRINT, COLLECTOR’S ITEM
OUT OF PRINT, NO LONGER AVAILABLE
COLLECTOR’S EDITION
OUT OF PRINT, 2001
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