I made little gift bags for Valentine’s Day. I filled them with small silly things, like heart erasers, gum balls and fuzzy critter dudes.
The critter dudes must have been pretty excited about the bags because while I was working on the filling the bags, I turned around to find these guys having a little conversation.
(photos by Ann Kelle)
A pink heart twirl skirt by Heather Chopra. Perfect for Valentine’s Day!
(photo by Christy Johnson Photography)
This past weekend I went to the Art Crawl here in Nashville. My favorite art was an art installation of what seemed to be a million pieces of tiny white paper folded into a massive wall hanging. It was breath-taking, similar to the work Sarah & Bendrix. Simple, modern and oh-so pretty. See more of her work here.
(photos by Sarah & Bendrix)
Little booties that look so warm and comfy. See more here.
(Booties by Bison Booties)
Hearts and the color red/pink are popping up everywhere. It could mean only one thing . . . Valentine’s Day is almost here! I had SO much fun designing these kid’s classroom valentine’s card, especially the little girls inspired by the Disney characters. (This is my favorite one.) I also designed some new party invitations. I always had a thing for Valentine’s party as a kid. I knew there would be two staple things: 1. cupcakes and 2. chips. I would pile my plate high with chips and cupcakes. Total hog heaven.
See all my designs here:
Kid’s Classroom Cards
Valentine’s Party Invitations
Valentine’s Day Greeting Cards
(photos by Ann Kelle)
Huggable, squeezable and loveable. So cute. Visit the shop here.
(photos by Haley by Hand)
It was only a month ago that the presents were neatly wrapped under the tree, eggnog accompanied our afternoon “tea times” and Christmas tunes were being played everywhere. But, now the sparkly tree has been taken down, Christmas gifts have been adored (or returned) and we’re left with the hope that next year, it will be even better . . . and just maybe you’ll have some fabric to play with, like Jingle.
Jingle is my new holiday collection. This collection is so fun. Lots of plans for this line . . . stockings for my make-believe mantle, Christmas pjs, and a Christmas apron for me and my Mama. Kimberly Jolly has already made a cool quilt pattern (that’s free!). My Jingle collection is set to be in shops in May. Roll ups and ten squares will be offered. (Psst fabric shop owners . . . the line is available to order from your RK sales rep or online now. But be sure to order by March 15th if you want the goods from the first shipment.)
Accompanying Jingle, are new holiday colors to Remix. The Remix family is growing so much.
(photos by Ann Kelle)
Snuggle up, baby. I want . . . no I NEED one of these. My Dad got my Mom this awesome throw-blanket-thingy that quickly became my favorite blanket to snuggle under over the holidays. But, I am 100% confident this blanket it better. Plus, it has pink in it.
(Owl blankets by Janae)
I had a good time at AmericasMarts (with the exception of getting a headache that has lasted for four days. no fun). I attended some great seminars, ran into friends, and ate good food. While walking the show, I was surprised to see several exhibitors were there with products made from my fabric. I saw nap mats, dresses, baby blankets, play blocks, and much more. Totally unexpected. I wasn’t able to take pictures of everything, like Bitsy (who’s booth was beautiful) and Swankie Blanket. But, here are a couple of products I took pictures of. It’s always fun seeing what people are making with my fabric.
(Links for snapshots: Bib by Ella Jean, Pocket bib by Infantissma, Hand cushion by Padalilly, and Reusable snack bags by Itzy Ritzy)
(iphone photos by Ann Kelle)
I saw this jacket while walking the Quilt Market this past fall. Two things I love about jackets . . . hoods and pockets. And this little dude has both! And guess what? A pattern is available right here.
(photo by Fishsticks Designs)
I told you guys about the Cool Cords, but did I mention some prints were selected from the Urban Zoologie line for corduroy? Corduroy overalls lookout!
(photos by Ann Kelle)
If you’ve been reading my blog for long, then you know I love school and office supplies. I’ve been meaning to share with you my collection of Color Pop for awhile. Paper goods with a burst of color and fun designs . . . because sometimes you need a pick-me up at school or work. Available at Books A Million.
(photos by Ann Kelle)
The Bitsy Bag is an adorable blanket created by Mandi Rinks. Your baby can kick, roll, or even sit up and the blanket remains snug around your little one. They’re made from the minky and silky satin fabric so it’s extra soft and cuddly. View the entire collection here.
(photo by Bitsy)
Spread the cheer with New Year’s photo cards I designed for Tiny Prints. And enjoy 20% off through January 10th (Enter code NEWYEAR12). See them all here.
Popping in to say I wish you a thousand good times in 2012. Happy New Year!
(print by Seventy Tree)
Wishing all of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I’ll see you guys in 2012.
(Free embroidery hoop instructions here by Striped Feather Company)
What’s slicker fabric you ask? It’s one of Robert Kaufman’s newest fabric-type. This laminated cotton fabric is water-resistant and perfect for totes, raincoats, bibs, lunch boxes, coin purses, and the list goes on and on. The slicker laminate comes in the new Remix polka dots as well as some of our favorite designs from Urban Zoologie. Available in stores in March 2012 . . . just in time for April showers. Read more about it here.
(top photo by Ann Kelle and bottom swatches from Robert Kaufman)
Name: Coffee Cup Huggie
Gift for: Teachers, daycare workers, dog walkers, or people who like to take a regular mug and make it happy!
Fabrics Used: Red, Black, Yellow (Summer), Lime Dots from Remix
Pattern: Free pattern available here (updated 12.19/11)
The last project from the Handmade Holidays series is actually the first project we came up with. I sat down with a teacher and asked them what kind of gifts they’d like to receive. I found out that teacher’s love coffee. So, how about a coffee cup huggie for the teacher who loves coffee?
Although I like the huggie’s best without any embellishment, the decorative trim makes it a little flirty, which I dig.
After you’ve sewn up your little huggie, put together an cool gift box of coffee goodies. I tried each and every one of these items that are pictured and can vouch for their awesomeness. Here are some ideas (from left to right) . . .
1. Espresso truffles. Chocolate and coffee, need I say more?
2. White chocolate pretzels . . . the perfect blend of salty and sweet
3. Gift cards are always nice. All my teacher friends love these!
4. A bag of coffee
5. Herbal Tea bags.
6. Creamers. Creamers come in all sorts of flavors. You could also get syrups like vanilla or caramel.
7. Honey Sticks
8. Chocolate cover espresso beans (the best for last)
(photos by Ann Kelle)
Our last “featured” crafter is Virginia Lindsay of Gingercake. She’s always cooking up sweet sewing projects on her blog, so I had to ask her for another idea. Today’s gift idea is a great stocking stuffer. Virginia says that Moms love to throw these in their purse and pull them out when running errands to keep their little one busy.
Featured Crafter:Virginia Lindsay of Gingercake
Gift for: Secret Santa gift, co-workers child, or the serious colorer in your life.
Fabrics used: Turtle and Dinosaurs from Urban Zoologie
Pattern: Pattern is available here. Use “AnnKelle” code at checkout for discount of 25% off.
Best gift ever received? “My SEWING MACHINE! My mom gave it to me when I was 15 when I showed the tiniest bit of interest but I didn’t really start using it until I was 28.” — Virginia
Name: Gift Card Holder
Gift for: Hair dresser, babysitter, co-worker, or workout buddy
Fabrics Used: Mod-Flowers and Yellow (Summer) Dots from Remix
Pattern: Free pattern available here
Gift cards are always a popular gift idea. But, this gift card holder doubles as a wallet or even a business card holder.
Sometimes gift cards can be impersonal. So, be sure to put it with something that let’s the gift-receiver know how thoughtful you are. You can give them one or two things or give them a little paper suitcase full of their favorite things.
Some ideas for a “favorite things” suitcase:
1. Scented candle . . . try to find out what their favorite scent is.
2. A cute shade of pink polish
3. A fun journal or notebook
4. Cupcakes (or another baked good) from a favorite bakery
(photos by Ann Kelle)
Shelly from Lemon Tree Studios makes some of the most bright and playful things. I love just about everything she makes. But, her petal pillow is one of my favorites. He’s like sunshine on a cloudy day.
Featured Crafter: Shelly Hickmann of Lemon Tree Studios
Gift for: Kids, your child’s friend, or anyone that likes happy things
Fabrics Used: Scraps from Remix and Urban Zoologie
Pattern: To receive a FREE pattern email Shelly here. (The deadline for a free pattern is December 18th.) Following this deadline, you may purchase a pattern here.
Best gift ever received? “Beside from the wonderful gifts that my children bring, the best tangible gift I have ever received was my first sewing machine….given to –me by my mother-in-law about 5 years ago. I started sewing that night, and never looked back!” — Shelly
If you’re short on time and would like to purchase one. They’re also available for purchase here.
Name: Pot Holders
Gift for: The “cook,” chocolate lover, teachers, someone sweet, or your favorite cookie maker.
Fabrics Used: Lollipops and Ice Cream Cones from Dessert Party
Tutorial: Free tutorial available here
Oven pads are a quick and easy sewing project. But, to turn this into a great gift item, package these oven pads with a box full of sweets that you either made or purchased from a bakery. You could also include a gift certificate to favorite bakery for an added bonus. Sweets for a sweetie!
Did you know an oven mitt pattern is available (for free) in the Insul-Bright package? Pretty sweet.
(photos by Ann Kelle)
Not only does Morgan have the cutest kids, but she also has some great sewing projects on her blog, Sweet Stitches. This Anywhere Bag can double as a light weight backpack, gym bag or even an overnight bag for sleepovers. I have a thing for bags, so I just had to share this project.
Featured Crafter: Morgan Garza of Sweet Stitches
Gift for: Kids, teens, bag lovers, or moms and dads on the go.
Fabrics Used: Cars from Ready, Set, Go!
Pattern: free instructions are available here
Tips: After you’ve sewn your little bag, don’t stop there! Next, fill it with simple, small fun gifts, such as matchbox cars, legos, blocks. You can always take a trip to the dollar store for all sorts of inexpensive gifts that will leave your little one smiling.
Best gift ever received? “My favorite gifts are handmade ones. My favorite so far has to be a toss up between a stuffed sewing machine for my daughter that my sister made or a dress for my daughter that my grandmother made from a pattern she has had for at least 50 years! It is so special and I can’t wait for my little girl to wear it.” — Morgan
(photo credits: the anywhere bag, wooden blocks, legos and cars)
