washi tape

Another craft supply that was impossible to resist, even if I didn't need it: washi tape. I've seen it online but not in any stores around here. And I can at least refrain from buying craft supplies I don't need when it requires online ordering - but then I came across a bunch of it at a department store in Japan, and it wasn't too expensive...

aren't they fun? I kind of wanted to buy the whole display but restrained myself to these 5

I used them to jazz up some plain white candles I had sitting on the mantle. I always meant to embellish them somehow, so this is nice for a change, but not permanent, in case I ever want to do something different. You could also similarly embellish lampshades, vases, glasses, Easter eggs, and more!

 

 

painted placemats

 

In Work with What You've Got week, the first supply I've been accumulating and needed to actually start using: acrylic paints.

I had a strip of canvas left over from my floorcloth project, so I decided to use some of my paints to turn it into placemats suitable for outdoor use. I started by prepping the canvas with polyacrylic just like the floorcloth, then used stickers to mark off my design.

After rolling on the paint and peeling off the stickers, I let it dry and then did two more coats of polyacrylic.

Finally I cut the strip up into four equal rectangles, and now I've got some fun placemats to use outside (if it ever cools off enough to actually eat out there - going on a record-breaking 18th day in a row above 90 degrees around here).

christmas craft haul

I've been on crafting break over Christmas (aside from handing out my homemade gifts!), but I'm ready to go with some new projects in the new year with these great gifts I received:

I found these nifty Martha Stewart tools in my stocking from my mom:

fringe scissors

bone folder

My grandma gave me a calligraphy kit that includes instruction manuals, ink, pens, paper, etc., which is perfect because I learned a bit of calligraphy a long time ago and was starting to think about picking it up again.

(similar idea to what I received)

My grandma also gave me a box of various ornaments that she's made in the past, so now I have lots of prototypes for future crafting.

And finally... from my in-laws, a sewing machine! I'm not a very skilled sewer, but I would like to be (and I already have some project ideas lined up).