mynewtherapy

Holiday ornament wreath DIY

2011-11-20T02:32:00.001-06:00

I've always wanted one of these and thought I'd try my hand at it. Had a few random ornaments and filled in the rest from the dollar store. Some hot glue and a bit of patience....and voila!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Fabric wreath

2011-11-20T02:29:00.001-06:00

I'm a bit late to the game on fabric wreaths and I usually don't make wreaths to begin with, but I saw this and thought "what a great way to use up my scrap fabric."

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Now on Facebook

2011-11-20T02:17:00.001-06:00

mynewtherapy is now on Facebook

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Aging photos

2011-07-03T14:02:00.001-05:00

I found this old photo of a family member and really liked the look but wished the focus was more on her. Since I have wanted to try some new techniques and try my hand at aging with distressing ink, thought I'd work with this.
I think it came out well and really like that the focus is clearly on her now.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Fabric and other items that hold odor

2011-06-02T11:27:00.001-05:00

I have a habit of rescuing various sewing type items from yard and estate sales-like unfinished quilts, fabric, lace, and binding. Sometimes when going through stuff in a house/basement/garage, it's hard to tell if there is any odor on the item, other times it's clear but the item is something that is really wanted or for some reason (eg, value) you just cant leave it. Recently I came across a large bag of lace and binding-and aside from it costing more than $1 to buy all of it at the store, I just can't seem to live with the fact that it's just going to be thrown away.
Turned out it was all full of a musty (stored in a basement for a long time and maybe smoked around) odor.
I decided to try to get rid of the odors, I rinsed all of the items (separating out anything that might bleed color), then soaked them in a bucket of warm water and Tide Boost (that's just what I had) for a bit (maybe an hour). Rinsed them all out again and they seemed fine smell wise but for good measure I repeated the soak and rinse then hung them all out to dry, and what do you know, they are all odor free now, yay!
I even tried this with some wool fabric I found that was really heavy in musty odor, that I soaked and rinsed 3 times and now there's not a hint of odor.
I thought the lace/binding was so pretty hanging out to dry I had to take a pic, albeit not at all close to how nice it looked.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Jewelry Holder

2011-04-07T12:14:00.001-05:00

I have seen all of these cool jewelry holders, made from picture frames or repurposed items, online.
Recently I have found that I'd like to have some kind of jewelry holder in my bathroom-where I normally take jewelry off and put jewelry on-however my bathroom is small, there is nowhere to place a stand and my wall spaces are limited-by size and a availability. I didn't want to spend more than a few dollars at the most so...this is the result.
I found 2 of these things (not sure what they are) at a yard sale, the "frame" is wood and there is a rope on the back for hanging I guess, but it doesn't hang flat so it needed a frame hook thingy on the back. Now, how to get my jewelry to hang without having to buy any hooks...I found a random drawer pull and got some buttons from my stash (the kind with the "hook" on the back, not the flat ones) and glued them on with hot glue (or heavy duty glue-which is better), let it set 24 hours and to my surprise, it worked!
Invested $=$5 for the 2 "frames", $0 for random objects around the house, $0 for glue I already had.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Happy New Year!-Rabbit

2011-02-04T12:51:00.002-06:00

Here it is, Happy New Year to all! I embossed the rabbits and attached it to the paper. Simple but sweet I think.

Paper Dolls

2011-01-24T21:33:00.005-06:00

I love this little Japanese paper doll that I made. I had used some instructions from another blog, but found that they weren't the size I wanted, and that I wanted to change some things, so....I made my own template and came up with this. I used my scrap scrapbook paper, glue, cardstock, and scissors, that's it! These are so fun and I just know that kids could make them too. This one came out to about 6 in. long and 4 in. wide, but just cut the bottom some and make the "hair" not so ridiculously tall, and it will fit right on the front of a card.

I think it would be great to use on the front of a card. Any other ideas for use?

PS-If anyone would like the template/instructions I made, just let me know and I'll write it up and post.

Craft Party

2011-01-19T21:58:00.003-06:00

To start the year off I am hosting my first ever "Craft Party." Plan to have some challenges and some standard things to do, like make Valentine cards. I've been sewing, cutting, organizing, etc. to get all the supplies ready for everyone, including those quilted Valentine hearts. This is the invitation I ended up making (RSVP and address left off for picture purposes). I sewed the edges and embossed the letters (need to keep working on that).

Quilted Valentine Hearts

2011-01-19T21:45:00.004-06:00

I can be a lazy sewer sometimes, especially when it comes to sewing for card making. I had made some quilted hearts last year but decided it was too time consuming to make them so that there is a clean side seam and doing the turning it inside out, hand sewing closed, etc. Welcome my new "lazy sewer" method.

Using scrap fabric, scrap lace and binding, and batting, I made these delicious quilted hearts and plan to use them on cards etc. My favorite part about these, they are completely reversible-meaning that if I like one side better than the other, I just use that side, yay!

How to make: (1) sew fabric scraps on one side of batting, then sew scraps on the other side of the batting (2) any pieces that on the fabric that need covering can be covered by placing scrap lace, batting, or whatever overthe part that needs to be covered and sewing it down. (3) Ready to cut out the hearts, any size and shape you like-can use a cookie cutter or free hand, whatever. (4) once all the hearts are cut out, zig zag stitch around the heart and you are done!

Mod Podge Tea Box

2011-01-06T11:35:00.010-06:00

Sometime ago I was inspired by a mod podge tea wrapper clipboard, over on Mod Podge Rocks, and decided to save up my instant tea bags and make a tea box using those wrappers, and now I have finally done so.

I used a box that some stationery came in and my old tea wrappers I had been stuffing away in an envelope. I think the end product is very fun and could be used for anything, not just tea, but this is definitely a good way to see the tea that I have in one cute box.

What do you think?

Happy New Year-Year of the Rabbit

2011-01-02T19:50:00.004-06:00

Happy New Year to all. I wish everyone a healthy and happy year. New Year's must be one of my favorite holidays and there are many traditions I have around New Year, one of those is to send out New Year cards with the theme of the animal that is the animal for that year (the Chinese/Japanese new year). I can't wait to start making the cards to send out :)

Oh, and by the way, my craft room/space is now officially underway so I will post pics as that progresses (Thank you Dad for the cabinet!!)

There will be lots of updates and tutorials to the blog this year and I hope that they are fun and useful to you. If there is anything you'd like to see on here let me know and I will try my best.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2010-10-04T20:30:00.002-05:00

It is October, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Honestly, I haven't ever really thoughtfully and purposely done anything, that I can recall, to raise breast cancer awareness in this month.

This month I have decided to make pink themed cards and give a set to each breast cancer survivor and person in treatment that I know and to send one to each person I am close with. While I won't be raising breast cancer awareness, I am hoping to raise spirits and let others know that I care. Maybe I can even get someone I know, who hasn't had a mammogram and is supposed to, to go get a mammogram.

Valetine's Cards

2010-03-14T04:46:00.004-05:00

I realize it is well past Valentine's so, sorry. Maybe these will give you inspiration for a "love" card or cards next year.

Im finally getting Cback into realizing it is 2010

2010-03-14T04:39:00.003-05:00

It took a long time this year for me to shake up to the fact that it is 2010 and along with that comes my 2010 goals, both craft and life goals. I'm going to throw a few up here I can think of off the top of my head but will add more later, I'm sure.

2010 goals
1. Really, finish that MLK book.
2. Try to only read one book at a time, and finish that book.
3. Create the craft room you want with what you have, plus, a $100 budget (for painting).
4. Send more handmade cards to people just to say hello. (I think I sent 2 last year so, I'll try to do more than 2 random cards this year).
5. Submit that manuscript.****and maybe work on the other 2???****challenge yourself Julie.
6. Volunteer
7. One random act of kindness per month.
8. More embroidery, sewing, scrapping stuff this year on the blog

Another craft room and ideas

2010-03-14T04:33:00.002-05:00

Oh what a joy to see this room. There are several things I love here that I would like to make sure to remember. 1. A desk, that appears to be used for its purpose, to work on. Yes, I need one of those. 2. I like that system of hanging stickers, sheets, etc on wire hooks to just scroll through easily 3. Moveable wire shelving, I like anything that moves easily and serves the purpose of storage. 4. I see paper color organized on a shelf. I definitely like being able to see the paper on display this way (as opposed to drawers)

I'm back-with Terra Chips!

2010-02-11T11:48:00.005-06:00

It has been quite a long time since my last post, admittedly, I have been slightly off the radar for the last 2 months, but I am trying to get back into the groove now. And here is where I rave about Terra Chips, one of the drains on my bank account. Terra Chips are soo good, you must run out and get some now if you haven't had them already. I literally buy 3 bags at a time because they are that good, and I don't even like chips.
Terra Chips are vegetable chips and they are yummy delicious. I have noticed that there are several varieties out there that I haven't now so, it is my mission to try every single variety (he he). I saw on their website there is a dollar off coupon so, see link below and go get some!

Terra Chips Coupon

Terra Chips I've had
1. Original
2. Sweet Potato (yum!) and good dipped in hummus
3. Zesty Tomato
4. Stripes and Blues with Sea Salt

Recycled Christmas Stocking

2009-12-10T21:01:00.006-06:00

QUILT BEFORE

STOCKINGS AFTER (ONE STOCKING, EACH SIDE)

Recently my grandmother passed away and while going through her stuff, I found some very old quilts, quite a few with large holes and tears that were not fixable. I just couldn't make myself throw them away.

So, given the season, I decided to try my hand at making a Christmas stockng using the pieces of one of the old torn up quilts. Mind you, I have never made a stocking nor did I have a template for one, I just winged it, hence the results.

Still think it's cute and keeps someone's hardwork to be appreciated and used.

Etsy shop is updated!

2009-12-04T23:42:00.013-06:00

For the Handmade Gift Guide Holiday Holiday Sale, I have now put some things up in my Etsy shop. What could these include? Scarves, bags, and tutus.

Here are some pics, check out the link to the top left if you are interested. And be sure to check out the Handmade Gift Guide Holiday Sale site for other neat stuff.

Etsy Shop-Shop Handmade for the Holidays

2009-12-04T13:28:00.004-06:00

I am finally getting back to my etsy shop. The Handmade Gift Guide Holiday Sale is Dec 6-12th. I will have my Etsy shop up and ready for selling by then (ooh busy).
Please consider supporting the handmade movement. Everyone loves a handmade gift.

A centerpiece to impress

2009-12-01T22:27:00.008-06:00

I found this while browsing through the Thanksgiving section of allrecipes.com

I hosted my first ever Thanksgiving this year and had 9 guests. So, since I don't really do Southern food, I thought I would try my hand at this thing. Everyone loved it just as I loved it in the picture online, and really, it is as easy as can be. Much easier than making a homemade pie crust. And, this is edible or you can spray it to keep it for later uses (but don't eat it if you spray it, ew).

Just, please ignore the trash can in the background in the second picture, I promise, it's far away from the table and come on, it was Thanksgiving day cooking.

Link to the directions here.

Craft Room

2009-11-24T13:09:00.003-06:00

Here is another gorgeous craft room I found. This looks like it's pretty much for sewing, but there are several useful things that can be found here for most all crafters.

First, the colors, I like the bright colors, makes me want to be there. I also like that it doesn't seem like it's not "messupable."

Hmm, what do I want from here, the bright colors, the big ironing table, and the dowel like thing that is holding up all of that ribbon and other goodies.

Oh, and I want the fun curtains too.

HGTV Craft Room

My thread

2009-11-20T08:37:00.005-06:00

Courtesy of dear old dad, I am heavily armed and ready to tackle any embroidery project my mind can think of, which is great but...mostly I just like to look at all the pretty colors :).

2009 Goals-update

2009-11-16T08:32:00.002-06:00

At the beginning of the year I made a list of goals for 2009 (copied and pasted below). Here is the update.

1. Learn to make basic childrens clothes (lucy dress) DONE
2. Learn to use pleater and make bishop dresses-- Signed up for the class but it was cancelled (so I did try)
3. start playing tennis again-- DOING, then took a break
4. enjoy life-- DOING, trying
5. compliment people more often (totally subjective goal but working so far)
6. Read a Beethoven biography IN PROGRESS, DONE!
7. Finish MLK's autobiography IN PROGRESS, STILL in progress
8. Finish the Ethics for the New Millenium book IN PROGRESS, DONE!
9. Create craft space that is organized --Done, messed up again

How to make a tutu

2009-11-04T08:35:00.005-06:00

I found myself wanting to make a tutu and decided to write the tutorial up with what I hope are clear pictures. The tutu's came out great and I am quite pleased with them. I gave one away to a 7 year old little one who wanted to be a ballerina for Halloween. Now what to do with the other 9...?

How to make a tutu
(Will approximately fit 18 months-7 years)

Tweezers

2009-11-02T22:16:00.002-06:00

Why am I talking about tweezers? I realize this must seem dumb, and I too would have probably thought so earlier, but I found these tweezers and they are fantastic. Rubis Tweezers are the best, the best, the best tweezers around. Get rid of whatever tweezers you have (unless it's Rubis) and buy a pair of these. They are fantastically sharp and precise and you will never have a problem using these or pulling out the tiniest splinter.
Had you asked me, pre Rubis discovery, how much I would pay for tweezers, I would have said, 12-15 dollars max. However, now that I have used these, I will gladly fork over the 25 or so that they cost. Seriously, go try them.

Rubis Tweezers

Craft Rooms

2009-10-30T20:48:00.006-05:00

Looking for a new place to live in the next year or so. With that in mind, I am going to look for something where I can have a room designated as my crafting space (I know that's a lot to ask). So I am starting to look for ideas for craft rooms so that when it comes time to move, I will have a rough layout of the room and can come prepared instead of haphazardly throwing stuff in there.
All that to say, I will be periodically posting craft spaces on here that I find, or people send me. So if you have a craft space you would like to share, please pass the pictures along.

Click here for more pics of the HGTV Craft Room

Mod Podge and Tea Bags, What?

2009-10-13T08:39:00.002-05:00

So I found a new blog I am enjoying that had inspired me to make the fabric covered clothespins and I saw she had a link to a really fun tutorial to make a tea bag covered clipboard.

This is very fun, I could think of at least five different things one could do with this method. For one, I could make my own tea bag box by buying one of those wooden craft boxes at Michael's or some other craft shop, and applying the tea bags to that. Fun!

Now I need to start saving up all of my tea bags...

How to make fabric covered clothespins - Scrap Buster

2009-10-07T09:53:00.004-05:00

Sew Mama Sew is having a Scrap Buster Month for October so I came up with an idea to cover clothespins with scrap fabric (truly scrap since it's so small) place a magnet on the back and instantly have both magnets for the fridge and "chip clips." Fun!

Here is the PDF of the instructions.

Printable Recipe Cards

2009-10-06T11:57:00.007-05:00

a list of printable recipe cards

1. Cute 4 different stylish recipe cards
from messyvegetariancook.com

Click here for the version that you can type in

2. Cute 4 different Fall themed recipe cards
from messyvegetariancook.com

Note: this would be great to make a stack of them, put a cardboard (heavy cardstock) backing on, cardstock or cool front cover, and then use padding cement (also known as padding compound) to seal the stack together and give away as a gift.

Oh so long

2009-10-06T11:30:00.001-05:00

Sorry it has been so long, so much has been going on. 1. Started new job. 2. Got the flu (yes the icky one) 3. Got a new sewing machine!!!

I will slowly be posting things back on here as I have managed to collect new things.

How to photograph food

2009-08-19T12:02:00.001-05:00

As I am cleaning out this month I am going through magazines and ripping out pages I want to keep and setting them aside in a box, then sending on the magazines to local areas who could use them. As I was goint through my May 2008 Rachael Ray I found a brief note as part of an article that was..."How to...Photograph Food" and I thought I would put it on here for others too.

From Rachael Ray magazine May 2008 p. 30
It's easy to take photographs as tasty as the dishes themselves, especially with these tips from food photographer Lou Manna:

Reflect Light. Prop a mirror or foil up next to the plate to aim light onto the dish; to diffuse light, prop up wax paper instead. AVOID DISTRACTING BACKGROUND PATTERNS. Stick with solid-color plates and fabrics. GET IN THERE! Most beginners shoot from too far away, Manna says. The food should actually look huge in the camera's viewfinder. (And don't shoot straight on-angles are more interesting.)

Well, maybe I can get better pics of food now that I have these tips of info.

How to make a diaper cake

2009-08-08T21:54:00.005-05:00

Part 2 of the Baby Shower:

I wanted to make a diaper cake as a centerpiece, searched and searched, came up with a simple way, with pictures.

Ingredients: Baby bottles, diapers, a few rubber bands, and any trim or decoration you want.

Step 1: Start on some kind of flat surface that you can pick up and carry. The amount of diapers you need depends on the size of the diapers, and the size of the cake you want to make. For the one I made, I used size one diapers and used one large package and a few extra but could have made it with just the one package.

Step 2: You need something to put the diapers around, best thing, a baby bottle.

Step 3: Roll the diapers. Many instructions out there say to place a rubber band around each one, this was completely uncessary. I rolled diapers, you can see about 7 on the first row around the bottle, I placed a rubber band around the outside of those, you just put the rubber band on and squeeze in the diapers into the rubber band. For the second layer, just do the same thing, place a rubber band around your first layer and then squeeze in the rolled diapers into the rubber band. Now your bottom level is ready.

Step 4: Just do the same thing around the top of the bottle. You just use less diapers around this time, so that it looks like cake layers.

If you want more layers, just add another bottle and repeat the steps like you did before.

Now time to decorate however you want. I used an animal theme for the party so I found animal themed ribbon, wrapped it around where the rubber band was showing, and taped it so it would stay. Then I found some animal wood cut outs at Michaels and stuck them in along the ribbon. I also added some blue ribbon with a bow in front to make it a little cuter. The best thing about these is that you can design it however you want, it is relatively inexpensive to make, the mother can use all of the diapers and the bottles, and you have a centerpiece.

By the way, I have never made one before and it only took more maybe an hour at the most. Go for it.

Baby Bingo

2009-08-08T21:45:00.004-05:00

I know I am really behind on posts, so I'll start where I left off when I was preparing for a baby shower. I wanted to do baby bingo to keep guests occupied while the mother to be was opening presents. Those guests that got "bingo" would win a prize. I filled in the bingo cards with items from her registry but tried to keep it generic to things that one would find on any registry.

I wasn't willing to pay a chunk of money for this since I could easily do it myself and am offering this up to anyone else who may want to use this, for free. I made 20 different cards so it should be enough for most showers, just print and use.

I printed mine out on different colored card stock (I believe 4 per page) and then I cut the bingo cards apart with scalloped scissors to make it look nice.

hmmm, i cant quite figure out how to put a link to this yet, in the meantime, just email me if you want the baby bingo.

Handy bookmarks

2009-07-11T13:29:00.002-05:00

I got the idea of using paint sample pieces to make bookmarks from another site (I can't remember which one). But I decided to add a little hole punch in the middle and take scrap pieces of fabric and trim and pull them through to make them a bit cuter. I think they are so lovely. I've noticed now that at some of the stores the paint sample cards are a bit wider than they used to be, so I just cut those in half. Super quick and easy bookmarks, love it.

Thank you

2009-07-10T21:00:00.003-05:00

For the woman who sparked my interest in quilting and helped me develop strong family bonds through quilts. I will miss you but will carry on with your traditions. Thanks for the memories grandma.

2009-07-06T10:20:00.002-05:00

I LOVE this mask. Usually I find that masks don't do anything, except take some time out of my Sunday nights. But this one, this is different. I have now purchased my second jar and highly recommend this to anyone with problematic pores or oily skin. Love it love it love it.

Trying to catch up

2009-06-29T07:57:00.005-05:00

I have been neglect in my duties to post, sorry. I have hosted a baby shower (lots of new things to post from that), made new bookmarks out of "trash," and just bought a new purse (finally). I had promised myself a new purse back around May of last year if I passed my comprehensive exam without any revisions, and I did pass without revisions. However, I was very conflicted about what bag to purchase. Long story short, being conflicted, feeling bad about spending the money, then not having a job, and now as of last week needing a new sewing machine (story later), I decided that the money would go to the sewing machine. However, I was in the store the other day to buy my first pair of Spanx, and as I was walking out I saw the bag I loved. It was new, they had just gotten it in, and it was love at first sight. So, priorities, here is the bag. By the way, I still get the new sewing machine later because I had also promised myself a new bag if I passed my second set of comprehsive exams without any revisions (yes!). Besides, this bag will last a lot longer than those Manolo Blahniks I saw for $695 that were just beautiful.

Strawberry picking and making strawberry jam

2009-05-27T11:29:00.004-05:00

Yum!

After reading about inchmarks Friday night strawberry jam making session, I decided I needed to give making jam a shot.

We went to the strawberry patch and picked some deliciously sweet fresh strawberries, this place just has the best strawberries ever.

Came home, made the jam the next day (minus the pectin). It was so much fun

making jam that I decided to try a bit of inchmarks comments to add some blueberries to the jam mix.

Found some fresh blueberries, used the remainder of the strawberries I had, and made some "heavenly hash." This time I used the pectin. :)-

I think in total we have about 8 jars of

each, plus some for eating right away. Now, what to do with all that jam I made in a family of infrequent jam eaters?

Etsy shop to get updated

2009-05-21T09:50:00.003-05:00

I put one of the purses up in my Etsy shop and finally put a link to my shop under my links section to the left. I will be updating the shop soon!

Been on vacation

2009-05-12T09:14:00.003-05:00

Been away on vacation, hence the lack of posts. Back now and planning a baby shower I am hosting this weekend. Oh, and it turns out that I am indeed allergic to poison ivy, oops. In the meantime, here is a quick fun crafty thing I found the other night.

How to make a kleenex holder from Martha Stewart.

Photographs of Doors

2009-04-09T16:52:00.003-05:00

I think I have a thing for taking pics of doorways/entryways

Ideas for Purses

2009-04-09T16:47:00.003-05:00

How to clean an iron

2009-04-09T16:38:00.003-05:00

So, I got a fancy new iron for Christmas and use it just for crafts (since I don't really iron clothes). I also like to use stitch witchery sometimes and can be a little lazy about it.

Turns out I got the iron "dirty." Who knew an iron could get dirty and then result in damaging your fabric, permanently with a stain. I asked my grandmother about cleaning an iron and she said to just use a wet washcloth and rub it over and over on the washcloth until the stuff comes off the iron-didn't work.

So I am in the store the other day, just standing there waiting on someone searching for something, and I see a man pick up a package off of a thing hanging from the shelf. Bored and curious I go to see what he bought and what do you know, it is iron cleaner. This stuff cost like 3.00 or so so I decided to give it a try; it totally works and now I can go back to just screwing things up on my own! yay!

Scarves, scarves, and more scarves

2009-03-27T15:42:00.008-05:00

I went on a scarf making frenzy in the winter and ended up with a bunch of scarves, even started making mens scarves. Some scarves are made from scrap kimono pieces and others with scrap wool and mens ties; all are lined in a soft flannel. The one scarf that looks like a quilt is actually made from a recycled old quilt top and is my FAVORITE, it's for sale in the etsy shop-I think I have 2 different ones left.

Grand Revival Ava Bag

2009-03-27T15:37:00.004-05:00

my first handmade purse. This is from the Grand Revival Ava Bag pattern and is reversible. I did use a lightweight interface for this bag but if I were to make it again, I would probably use a heavier weight interface or canvas so that this bag would hold its shape well.
Not bad for my first try and not bad considering the directions for this one were a bit complicated when it came to making the handles for the bag.

Purses I made-Swing bag

2009-03-27T15:19:00.010-05:00

I made some purses out of 2 different patterns, one was using the Amy Butler swing bag pattern. All of these bags are reversible and on the swing bags I added pockets to all of them. My favorite is the darker bag-that one is made out of a heavier cotton canvas material, but I like them all. The stripes and polka dot bag is for my mother in law, I hope she likes it. And no, the pocket is not crooked, it just looks like it in the picture.

Notes: I really like the size of this bag and how sturdy the handles are. Adding the pocket to the bag makes it better.

What to do with old sheets

2009-03-21T17:33:00.004-05:00

I am drawn to these older floral sheets I am finding at yard and estate sales and am inheriting from my mother in law. Some sheets I find have stains on them but the rest of the fabric is fine. I am debating on how to use these without turning them into rags.

Right now I'm thinking of using one of the king flat sheets I found as a quilt back and cutting up the sheets with stains and using those to make a quilt top out of. It seems like it would be a really comfortable quilt if it were all made out of sheets, I'm just not sure yet (especially since it takes so long to make a quilt). I am going to have to keep brainstorming, however, I do know I would like some pillowcases made out of some, just in case I make the quilt.

Hmm, I bet a skirt, pajama pants, or an apron would be good too.

What to do with old sheets.

1. Make a pillowcase

2. Use flat sheet as quilt backing.

3. Make a duvet cover (if you have 2 flat sheets)

4. Make an apron

5. Make a skirt

6. Make pajama pants (probably really nice for the summertime)

7. Make a quilt top??

8. Yoga mat bag

9. Curtains

10. Laundry bag

Yoga Mat Bags

2009-03-20T21:07:00.006-05:00

I bought a yoga mat to use at home because I was tired of my feet slipping around on the floor, plus, if I go to a yoga class somewhere, at least I know mine is clean. Anyway, I thought I should make a bag instead of buying an expensive one. I found some fabric I must have purchased some time ago on a discount and decided on that, thankfully I also had some leftover matching string to use for the drawstring-so I didn't have to buy a thing.

This bag was so easy to make, no instructions needed, no pattern, just figure it out-i love that.

It was so fun to make the one that I made another for a friend who has recently started going to yoga classes and has a mat but not a bag. I highly recommend this project as a gift or for yourself. I think the total time between measuring, cutting, sewing, and putting the mat in the bag was about 30 minutes.

For my mat I needed about a little over a yard to make this.

Directions:

1. Roll up the mat and place on fabric (the length of the fabric).

2. Wrap the fabric around the mat leaving a couple of inches extra and use that as your cut point for the circumference.

3. To cut the length, just cut a couple of inches beyond the bottom of the mat and a couple of inches above the mat.

4. Cut the strap to about 34 inches long and 7 inches wide.

5. Cut the bottom of the bag by placing the mat standing up and cutting a circle around the bottom leaving about an inch beyond where the mat is.

6. Take the strap and press a 1/4" seam on all edges. Fold the strap in half and press. Sew the strap on the open side with the wrong sides together, sewing all the way around the entire strap using a 1/4" seam (this gives it a nice finished look).

7. Take the fabric for the tube of the bag and with the right sides together, 1/4" seam where you want the top to be. Then, press a 1/2" seam over that 1/4" seam. Sew the edge of the seam.

8. With the right sides of the tube together, sew down the length of the tube, but don't sew the edge that you have pressed (otherwise you won't be able to get the drawstring through).

9. Sew the bottom of the bag to the bottom of the tube by keeping tube wrong side out and placing the round bottom over the bottom of the bag. Sew the round bottom to the bottom of the bag without sewing the bag together.

10. Sew the strap to the bag by placing one end at the bottom seam of the bag and sewing. I used a zig zag stitch and sewed a small square to make the strap extra secure. Then take the other side of the strap and place it at the bottom of your top seam and sew a small square.

11. Finally, take whatever you are using for a drawstring and attach a safety pin to it and weave it through the casing you made for the drawstring then tie the drawstring together and there you go, you have your yoga mat bag.

another onesie redecorated

2009-03-18T15:48:00.003-05:00

this one is a size 6-9 month long sleeved onesie. i just cut out some cute puppy fabric for this one. i think it's cute.

Aprons

2009-03-18T07:31:00.003-05:00

I have been wanting to make aprons for some time now, especially after reading this wonderful Apron Book. Unfortunately (or fortunately) I didn't want to use a pattern because it seems fussy. So the other night, I thought of using one of my old hand me down dresses to make an apron. It worked great because the bottom of the dress already had a border and was hemmed. The only real work I had to do was decide the length of the apron, separate the hem, make some seams at the sides and the top, cut off the straps and make hems for those, then sew away.

I was so happy with the result of that apron and really like the length that when I saw a yard sale pillowcase I had picked up I decided to make an apron out of that too. It turns out that a standard size pillowcase is the perfect size for making an apron, just cut down one side of the seam and open up the pillowcase. Then it is the same process as if I were using the bottom of the old dress. I like them, and especially like how they each took about 20 minutes to make (at the most).

I guess I could have ironed them before the picture...

Estate Sale Bag

2009-03-14T23:56:00.006-05:00

I went estate saling today, kind of. I planned on going to 4 but couldn't map the address to one, something happened with the other, and anyway, the last one I went to I ended up buying a couch and a bag that I just love. This bag is made of a tweed material.

Around a month ago I was at another estate sale and saw this bag sitting on the floor and instantly had to have it. It wasn't like anything I already have, it's a large vintage green tiara samsonite that seems to be a carry on bag; the bag is lined in a satin light green with flowers on it.

So, it seems I am now estate saling for bags and not just sewing notions, materials, and linens.

new stuff part 3

2009-03-13T12:41:00.002-05:00

Here are 2 bubbles. The first bubble, in blue and white gingham check is a size 3 mo. and is not designed to be reversible.

The second bubble with the trains on it is a size 6 mo. and is reversible. The reversible size features a plain baby blue fabric.

All of the bubbles are made with snaps in the crotch and elastic in the legs. I tend to put just a little bit of extra elastic in the legs so that they will fit comfortably.

When I get someone to model all the purses I have made, I will post those on here too.

more new stuff part 2

2009-03-13T12:37:00.002-05:00

Here is yet another t-shirt onesie, this time made out of one of my own t-shirts that I stopped wearing but was in fantastic shape. This shirt came from my first (and only) X games that was in San Diego sometime in the 90's where I saw Tony Hawk skate. I am glad to have been able to repurpose this.

more sewing

2009-03-13T12:34:00.004-05:00

So here is more stuff I've been making while I have not much to do. The pictures aren't great, I think something is wrong with the camera. I think I will post each of these in a separate post so that it's easier to view.

This dress is a size 3T and is reversible, so, 2 dresses in one. One side features the disney princesses fabric and the other side features a matching lavender light print with two pockets featuring 2 different princesses. I bet some little girl would love this.

Update on the t-shirt onesie

2009-03-09T08:53:00.004-05:00

So I made several versions of this t-shirt onesie out of old t-shirts I had. After 2 attempts I finally got the directions right (I am spatially impaired) and made the 3rd onesie correctly. I just used a shirt I found at GoodWill for $1 (good place to go for practice t-shirts till you get the hang of it.

Now, time to make a few more of these to make sure I have the hang of it.

What a great way to use those t-shirts you don't want to get rid of.

Here is the link again for how to make a onesie sack out of a t-shirt.

Decorate your onesies

2009-03-09T08:41:00.003-05:00

I found a tutorial on howaboutorange for making plain onesies a little bit cuter. I wish I could take a better picture of these but the light isn't good right now, maybe I will replace the picture later, but, you get the point. The only deviation I made from the tutorial is that I used stitch witchery instead of the ultra heat n bond, just because that is what I have.

I made the Auburn football onesies for a friend having a baby this summer who are big Auburn fans. The other two onesies I made for a friend in Iowa who just had a baby (who I'm not sure what she would want but I wanted to get her something no one else would) and the Texas onesie for a friend in Texas ha! How is that for specialized gifts. I love it!

Howaboutorange tutorial for a spiffed up onesie

Two more neat things I found

2009-02-24T18:58:00.003-06:00

I wanted a way to put labels on clothing without having to order some that looked stupid and found this tutorial, so far I have printed out the labels but haven't ironed them on yet.

Make your own clothing labels

I found this link today from howaboutorange, I am putting this on my list of things to do, probably make a cute gift for a child, or...maybe turn them into coasters if they are laminated or some such thing.

Make your own memory game from fabric

Some things I have been up to

2009-02-24T18:47:00.006-06:00

So I am now officially unemployed and find that I have a lot of time to pursue the fun things in life. I have taken a sewing class and learned how to make a Lucy dress and a Taylor bubble and I am really happy with the first Lucy and bubble.

New goals for 2009

2009-01-24T02:13:00.004-06:00

I don't make new year resolutions, cant recall ever doing so, maybe this is though.

a couple years ago i decided i would sit down and make a list of things i wanted to do in the next year (sounds like a resolution). i would cross these off as i achieved each. i guess i'll make public a few things i can think of now that i want to do in 2009 and just add as the year goes on.

1. Learn to make basic childrens clothes (lucy dress) DONE
2. Learn to use pleater and make bishop dresses
3. start playing tennis again DOING
4. enjoy life DOING
5. compliment people more often (totally subjective goal but working so far)
6. Read a Beethoven biography IN PROGRESS
7. Finish MLK's autobiography IN PROGRESS
8. Finish the Ethics for the New Millenium book IN PROGRESS
9. Create craft space that is organized

New Sewing Class-Beginner

2009-01-24T02:06:00.002-06:00

I just started a new sewing class this week where I will learn some basic information about working with patterns and I will make a Lucy dress and a bubble! I plan on doing a reversible Lucy dress but not bubble. The class is 4 weeks long so it will be a bit till I can show some pictures but I will certainly write about any trials, tubulations, and successes on the way there!

oh frustrating, i cant find pics of the patterns im using on the internet, i guess i will take pictures of the packages and put them up tomorrow.

oh and thanks lauren for letting me finish smocking that dress for you, it is going to be very relaxing and therapeutic to me!

New keychains up in the etsy store

2009-01-24T01:49:00.004-06:00

I finally made the effort to take a picture of these and upload them to the etsy site. Maybe someone will buy them.

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5772557

I am seriously contemplating putting up for sale 3 of the 5 funky patchwork vintage scarves I have made....I'll post here later and see if I get any interest.

New crafty stuff I have found

2009-01-15T14:04:00.003-06:00

ok, i have so many pics to upload but-i am going to list some of the things i have found on the internet that are really fun to do (especially if you don't have a clue how to sew or anything)

1. T-shirt onesie
http://thismamamakesstuff.blogspot.com/2008/08/tutorial-t-shirt-to-newborn-gown.html

2. Pillowcase dress (maybe be old to you, but new to me; again, list sites I've found useful)
http://www.jenleheny.com/pillowcase-dress-instructions
http://www.everythingsewing.net/pillowcase_dress_how_to.htm

It's a New Year!

2009-01-07T08:38:00.002-06:00

It is the new year and time for a fresh new outlook. So many things have happened since the last post and I have found so many more neat things that I will be posting like mad. Instead of going on and on about my life, below is the list of highlights from the last month or 2 and then I will just post the good fun crafty stuff. Happy and Healthy New Year to all!
1. Graduated (phew!)
2. Relaxed!
3. Enjoyed time with family and friends
4. Got a really good massage
5. Baked, baked, and baked

Seems like as good a time as any

2008-11-25T09:41:00.003-06:00

it's been awhile and many things have changed, as they tend to do with the passing of time.
good and bad things have happened between the last post and now-im sure not unlike others. maybe it is the approaching holiday season or just the series of events in the last few weeks, but i am feeling very grateful for everything i have.
i guess i could go on and on about things that aren't positive, but, right now it seems inappropriate.
life changes are difficult sometimes.

on a strange note-i picked up some Yogi Peach Detox tea at the store the other day (on a whim) and find that it is actually pretty good. i dont care for herbal teas at all, nor do i even care for some of the ingredients in this tea, but they blend so well together. Even if it's not beneficial, i think i will keep buying it.

oh wow, even better. when i went to the site to link to the peach detox, i saw that they are giving away a 3 tea variety sample pack. yay! Click here for the link to the free Yogi tea samples.

busy busy busy

2008-11-04T15:35:00.001-06:00

who isnt right. but i did need to write and tell you all that i have found a new cd that i love, if you like hope sandoval, its much like that. check her out.

jessica lea mayfield-link to her myspace page

New bookmarks, yay!

2008-10-23T13:14:00.003-05:00

So I made these bookmarks out of leftover fabric scraps that I had that I thought were too small to do anything with. I am so glad that I found a use for them.
I think they are really cute!

What dreams did you have as a kid?

2008-10-15T13:17:00.002-05:00

What did you want to be when you grew up? What did you picture your life as in the future?

I was reading something about Gwen Stefani the other day that said she always imagined herself being a housewife and having kids, that was what she pictured her perfect future as being.

It made me think again about what I pictured my life as being when I was younger. I always saw myself as traveling around the world. Not necessarily going on vacations around the world-i never thought of these things as vacations. But rather, living in different places for periods of time, or being in different places for the purpose of working or helping others.
I remember when i was in school (undergrad) telling people I wanted to be a flight attendant and people would laugh. But really, I always thought it would be a fantastic job. It paid enough to pay bills, you got to travel, and an added benefit to the job would be free travel. I mean, all I ever really wanted was a job that would allow me to fulfill that dream. I wasn't concerned about money or kids or getting married, just about how to get to where i wanted to be.

now i am wondering, how can i attain that. i mean, it is still a dream of mine, but i wonder now, how much is that a dream of mine? if this is what i really want, then i can find a way to make it happen. and i also wonder, how many people are out there just floating around living their life and going through the motions as opposed to living their dream or finding a way to live that dream.

Chelsea Handler is inspiring

2008-10-11T18:14:00.003-05:00

well, i think it's been awhile since i posted. one is because i have been busy being miserable with myself, writing, and generally being miserable with myself.
anyhow, i got a book in my last amazon.com order that i ordered because it was on my list of "recommended" items. i read a few pages, put it down, read a few pages, put it down. then i read a few pages a day or so ago and read the rest of the book.
i have to say that the book was just what i needed to lift my spirits. i dont watch a lot of television but understand that chelsea handler has a television show and that shes really funny-but i havent seen it. but based on reading my horizontal life, i must get her other book that's out.
i tell you, the book made me laugh, a lot. but on a side note-i think she has inspired me to have a better time in life. i think im in the same state that she finds herself in during most of the book-you should read the book, it's hilarious.

Haagen-Dazs-Sticky Toffee Pudding

2008-10-03T23:58:00.003-05:00

so the point of this blog is to be a place for me to have therapy. therapy where its only one sided, no other view to contend with, the amount of reflection required is dependent upon what i decide i want and when i want, its at the time and place i want it, when i want it, and in the form i want it, not scheduled once a week for an hour-like i really schedule my moods.
i am particularly in a writing mood. i wondered a few things, the first of which is-wow, there are people with a glimpse into how my mind works now.
anyways, i thought about this robe i am wearing and it triggered a memory. i remember about what year i bought the robe, where it was purchased, and the person that was with me when i made the purchase. it got me thinking a few things. first-what is it about memories that suddenly come back-those that are seemingly meaningless. then, i thought about how they really arent that meaningless if we set and reflect on them.
i have two takes on the memory of this robe.
1. it makes me think about how if i have memories and specific emotions attached to items OR if i have memories that tend to elicit memories that i dont want to have, then i should get rid of those items.
2. it makes me think about how stupid i was for spending that much money on a robe. all i was looking for was a robe to wear when i got out of the shower. but i didnt have a clue about how to do that, clueless. i was already 17 years old. how is it that a seventeen year old girl doesnt know a thing about where to even begin to go to buy a robe. how is it that my thought was that i needed a robe, so i needed to drive an hour to the galleria to victoria's secret just so i could get a robe. and that whatever selection they had in there was what i had to choose from-cause of course, no one else sold robes-where else would i go? and of course, what 17 year old girl doesnt require an $89 robe? i mean, that much money for a robe now is ridiculous-and its what, 13 years later.
now mind you, i realize i still have the robe and so if you divided up the cost over the years it seems like i got a bargain. but, come on, that wasnt the point.
so, it makes me think, where in the crap was my female role model? shouldn't i have had more of a female role model in my life? was i really that completely without guidance?
i know, its just a robe, but the thing is-it's made me think about things. i dont come to these conclusions based on one incident alone. i come to these conclusions based on the cumulation of events over my life.
so now what?
i lay here on the couch, therapying away, in a robe that triggered a small opening of the gate. its too bad all that happened before i could blog about how good that ice cream was i had tonight.

Phew, sigh of relief

2008-10-03T20:52:00.002-05:00

ok, so i feel much more balanced today, phew. while i was at michael's yesterday, i picked up this pack of 8 photo cards with envelopes for $1.00. They are really cute, I'm surprised I would buy something that cute, especially given my current moods. Anyway, thought I should add something cheery here.

I turned in my work today, and fingers crossed, it will be liked. Worrying about it won't help me so, I think I'll just work on some stuff that has to get done regardless of the outcome. In the meantime, maybe I will be able to refocus the next few weeks and come out of the gates at the end of the month at full speed-ready to tackle anything. let's just not crash.

J crew is having their extra 20% off sale again! yay!

2008-09-26T10:01:00.003-05:00

Enjoy an extra 20% off sale items!
Coupon Code: EXTRA20

ends Sunday September 28

and don't forget-they don't really advertise this but you can get a 15% discount on jcrew purchases online and in store if you are in college. To use this online, you need to call them and they will apply it to your order. So, if you are in school you get the 15% off plus the extra 20%, yay!

how many lives do we lead?

2008-09-25T21:42:00.003-05:00

how many lives do we lead? i am thinking i have about 2 or 3. some people more but i bet a lot of people have more than one, at least more people than one might think.

tonight i am not leading my current (known to everyone) life, i am somewhere else psychologically, have been since this afternoon.

i am pretty sure that i am just pretending im not living the life im living.

i am out here if you cant sleep.

Lotus Flower?

2008-09-19T15:04:00.010-05:00

Let's get some photos up

2008-09-19T15:04:00.007-05:00

Murad-Skin Perfecting Lotion

2008-09-18T13:22:00.002-05:00

Ok, I think I am loving this stuff. I know I wasn't going to post today but wanted to do this before I forgot. I have oily skin, definitely prone to break outs when stressed. I have used so many different moisturizers, clinique, prescriptives, clarins, olay, ponds, ddf, md pericone, christian dior, and who knows what else. but i got a free sample of this at sephora around christmas and it was just enough to give me a try of it.

i went back a couple of weeks ago and got enough of a sample to last a few weeks so i could really give it a try. its been a few weeks now and I love it! it is totally lightweight, not drying at all, moisturizing, but somehow keeps my skin from not being so oily. plus, i think its got all that good skin care aging stuff in it, retinol and aha/bha complex (whatever that is). but i do know about the retinol. so if you have skin like mine and continue to spend years and years looking for a decent moisturizer-here you go-try it out and get a sample.

disclaimer: i dont work for sephora or murad or anyone else to where i might benefit promoting this product.
Sephora-Murad Skin perfecting Lotion

Tiffany's Celtic Heart

2008-09-18T12:30:00.003-05:00

So, I got my necklace in the mail yesterday and I love it! I am wearing it today in hopes that it will help bring me luck and protection. This is among my, love it stuffs!

Today really has had its ups and downs

2008-09-13T21:32:00.007-05:00

Part 1

It's been a long few days and I am feeling tired-much more tired than normal. The day started out with me in a rush but then calmed down (or calmed rather). I had noticed the sun shining down so brightly, the light was so pretty. Then I saw this tree, so perfectly placed and sitting there as if it was born to be there in that spot and that spot was made just for that tree. And I saw the light shining down on it as if something magical was happening. I paused and looked at the tree, with the sun shining down, and kind of smiled inside. I spent a few moments looking at the tree and walked away. But I kept coming back to the tree, maybe 3 or 4 times, because I really was mesmerized by it (and no I had not had any drugs or mind altering substances). So I took a picture of it, to kind of try to capture the moment. From a semi-objective perspective, it's not a good picture. But from my perspective, it brings me back to being mesmerized by its power.

oops, I was again so mesmerized by that picture that I forgot to finish writing.

So-on goes the day and as I was leaving that area, where I saw the tree, for that day, I couldn't help but being drawn to another image. An image that was in such stark contrast, psychologically, to that of the tree. This flower growing and blooming out of a fence-the fence having split the flowers and its growth. How to look at this situation? Are the flowers having to fight against the strong fence? Is it that it has joined with the fence and is now part of the fence? Was this just poor landscaping? Or something else?

Tonight

My ultimate favorite song to listen to for some about 8 months now has been
Beethoven's Piano Sonata #14
I can listen to it repeatedly

I have listened to Fur Elise for my entire adult life whenever things haven't been going well and I listen to it repeatedly

I just played it and it reminded me that this song helps
and yet
I can't help
but be drawn to listening to Sonata #14
instead

Every gal should have a sun umbrella

2008-09-13T21:02:00.005-05:00

Another post to add 9/13 10:36 am

Good old fashioned pen to paper now-or rather pencil to paper.

So now I'm not only not connected to the internet, but I don't have the computer. So I'll just just a note down.

Every gal should have a sun umbrella. And not just any plain old umbrella will do. It must be an umbrella that says something and not one that says, I just had this in my car for a rainy day. But one that says I thought about what this umbrella says about me AND that it protects me from the sun.

Here was mine for today. I wonder what it says about me?

Bags I want

2008-09-10T22:04:00.008-05:00

I cannot give you what you seek

2008-09-10T08:53:00.003-05:00

Good Morning everyone. I hope that everyone is having a fabulous day so far. It is hump day and I definitely feel like that is an accurate metaphor for how I feel about my life right now. So many things are coming together, so many things need to be attended to, important details, things that impact my life and others and not just for now, but for the future.
Sometimes the things that you want so desperately, and long for so desperately, just don't come to fruition. And quite frankly, it may have absolutely nothing to do with me-it just is.
I don't particularly like to reference movies or TV but sometimes find it helps to explain or better describe a point. In one of the Lord of the Rings movies (they were running them back to back the other week) I remember the guy (the one that's supposed to be the "real king" or some such thing) turning to the woman and saying "I cannot give you what you seek." And he gets on his horse and rides off. To me, that is how I feel sometimes-I am the one hearing the words "I cannot give you what you seek." And quite honestly, that is a hard pill to swallow.

An accidental finding-Tweezerman

2008-09-08T09:46:00.003-05:00

I am starting to feel like with every "mynewtherapy" post I should balance it out with a "Things I love or Craft" post. So, here is another thing that i LOVE. I was perusing the drugstore.com site for who knows what when I saw this little thing advertised on the page that other people had bought. Hmm, let me check this out. Based on the reviews-solely based on the reviews-I purchased this item which first, I didn't know existed, but second, would never have looked for to buy. I have to say, I really do like it and think that it adds a lot to my life. The only thing about it is that I don't really use it for pimples, really just blackheads-as that's mostly my problem. If you want to check it out click here.

Disclosure: Please note, I am not affiliated in any way with any of the companies whose products I place here, so, I have no financial incentive in this. I just want to pass on information that might be useful to someone else.

Time to get some craft on today-Key Fobs

2008-09-06T10:33:00.011-05:00

Well, some of the ribbon I ordered came in yesterday along with part of the material I need to make the key fobs. All I need now is the cotton webbing which I plan on picking up today when I head out later. I want to go ahead and get one made because I have someone in mind that I would like to give one to on Monday in appreciation for her and her work. I hope she likes it.

Anyway-I learned about how to do this from my current favorite creative blog (link on the right side of my page) How About Orange. But the original instructions came from JCaroline Creative who has a tutorial for this. Click here for the tutorial .

After I get my first one made I'll post a pic, at least it if turns out decent (fingers crossed).

Update: I made two of these tonight. Hancock's didn't have 1 1/4 in. cotton webbing so I just bought the one inch kind. I also used stitch witchery instead of the heat n bond. I actually think I like the looks of the keyfob when using the 1 in webbing instead. The only thing is the clasps I have are 1 1/4 in. so it looks a little different. I'm not sure if I like this or not, I may end up going to the 1 1/4 in. webbing and buying it off the internet or something.

The hardware is actually nickel, they just look gold in the pic.

Craft project-Shoe Bags

2008-09-05T17:00:00.005-05:00

Growing up as I did, we always used cloth bags to place our shoes and underwear (separate bags of course) in when we packed up to go somewhere. I have since wondered why others don't do this, I mean, who wants the bottoms of their shoes that have touched who knows what, touching the inner contents of their bag? Certainly not me. Fortunately, I found this lovely tutorial for making a shoe bag on Martha Stewart's site. This project is certainly for beginners but is a useful thing for all. I didn't sew the inner part where it keeps the shoes apart cause I'm lazy and don't really care if my shoes bang up against each other. Also-I didn't use velvet, I just used whatever material I liked and instead of a satin drawstring cord, I just used cute ribbon. Hope you enjoy!

target="_blank">Click here for instructions.

Clean and Clear Blotting Sheets-Love them!

2008-09-05T16:50:00.003-05:00

Ok, I just remembered how absolutely fantastic these blotting sheets are and feel the need to tell anyone that doesn't already know about these that they need to try them.

I have tried a bunch of different blotting sheets because I have really oily skin. I've used the ones with powder, the ones without, the ones from Japan, cheap ones, expensive ones. And I have found, by far, that these Clean and Clear ones are my absolute favorite. I think it's mostly because of the texture of the sheets. They aren't like all of the other blotting papers where they are like sheets of thin paper. They are more like a very thin latex type sheet and really, they don't smear your make up (if you wear any) and they do a fabulous job at effectively absorbing the oil.

No, I am in no way affiliated with the company that makes these but I wanted everyone to know about it. I hope to post some more random products that I love and want to share with everyone.