knit wit

I learned a few things during my first attempt at felting:
1. darker colors work best
2. the websites that said the felting process would only take 20 minutes lied.
3. nesting bowls are adorable
4. I want to try it again

tin can couture?

I can't believe after all my trips to St. Louis it took five years for me to learn about (thanks mom!) and go to The Craft Alliance. It is a non-profit organization with an gallery, workshop area for art classes, and a fantastic gift shop. The current exhibit, "Articles of Dress," is a display of dresses and accessories made out of everyday things like playing cards, bottle caps, or wire. Who knew plastic spoons and forks could look so chic.

brittle bash

The 80s band Bow Wow Wow released a popular single that so clearly articulated a message of love and positivity. The song is "I Want Candy" and this repeated verse always sounds sweet. As a life-long appreciator of candy, I decided it is high time I learned how it is made. I purchased Field Guide to Candy (which could also be titled "An Ode to Corn Syrup") and started drooling. There are recipes and histories of so many different varieties of candy from marshmallow peeps to taffy to all things chocolate-dipped. I decided to start with a classic: peanut brittle. It was so fun to make it in one of my great-grandmother's pots and see the changes in the mixture as if it was chemistry project. The color and shine was so fantastic and it was a blast to break it up. Oh, and it was quite tasty too.

fur rondy

This post does not really fit into the category of 'pretty crumpets' but I did want to share. I went to Anchorage, Alaska to attend a conference. I don't know why this surprised me, but there's a lot of fur in that town. Fur coats, boots, hats (sometimes with the faces of the animal still there), jock straps (really) and LOTS of stuffed bears (including one in JCPenny). Speaking of fur, it was great timing that Fur Rondy (short for the Fur Rendezvous Festival) was going on at the same time. The festival included a sad little carnival area, snow sculptures, and of course, a ceremonial start of the Iditarod. Go dogs go!

how to make a tooth fairy kit

I started making these for my friend's consignment store, Little Closets. It is easy to do: simply knit a tiny "tooth tote," and include a poem to the T.F. on a scroll for the child to sign (it is also a good lesson about how to write a letter). Here is the one I made up:

Dear Tooth Fairy,

At first my little tooth was loose
It wiggled around like the neck of a goose.
I would poke it with my thumb and push it with my tongue
And then, finally, it was out: and I sung!
So now the stars are out and all is right
Thank you, Miss Fairy, for taking my tooth tonight!

Sincerely,
Michelle Molar

Then put the tote and the note in an old spice jar, make a label, paint the lid (my is still drying) and give it to any little one who wants a visit from the tooth fairy.

captain nipperkin

A wonderful surprise came in the mail the other day: a felted replica of my dog Pirate. It is from a glorious artist/friend/Renaissance woman and it is my new favorite thing in the world because it combines wool, crafting, and dogs- three things I can't live without. I named him Captain Nipperkin (nipperkin means 'small drink' in pirate speak). THANK YOU E!

button button

Little Closets is the BEST new store in Long Island City, NY. Not only do they have baby and kids' consignment (which is a 'green' thing and a 'frugal' thing and therefore hip), it also offers French lessons, storytime, and gatherings for neighborhood kids. The owner is a friend of mine and said I could sell some of my cards there. I'm into buttons now, but I'm going to start on a new batch soon.