Wednesday, March 12, 2008

slow going

The gift making process is slow going. I keep getting sidetracked. And then I get all nervous wondering if anyone would even want the things that I am making. They seem so...insignificant. I am not feeling too sure of myself with my gifting plan so far.

This is the artsy clutch, again, from this book. I am going to be using this for a gift bag, essentially. For the loop closure I used the elastic thread that holds baby shoes in pairs when you buy them. Frugal or genius? Not sure. Miserly? Probably. It works well, because you only need a bit for each loop.

Inside the bag will be some handmade cards, inspired by this book.
(In case you are wondering, no, I can not come up with one single original way to stylize these photos.)
There is something really fun about sewing fabric to paper. If you haven't tried it, you really should!

And here is probably my favorite card of the lot. The selvage tucked in there makes me happy. It doesn't hurt that it's pink, either.

47 comments:

* elizabeth * said...

that bag is so fun. and the cards look great, too. did you glue before stitching?

Lina said...

Hey that came out great! About stitching on paper - this makes me nervous! Did you use any particular needle?

Amanda Jean said...

lina,

I didn't use a particular needle. after sewing through paper you may want to change to a new needle when you are going to sew fabric again. or have a duller needle set aside especially for using on paper.

Amy Jo said...

I love that little bag - and what a great idea putting some hand made cards in it! I think the recipient will love it!

Paula said...

I think we are are own worst critics. I mean, honestly, anything we make, no matter how small, if made with love, carries a very high price. We invest our time, our creativity, our love into these items. Who wouldn't love them? Besides that, your "little" clutch is adorable!

Amy said...

Oh I know I am my own worst critic for certain! I have a stash of hairclips that I simply will not list on etsy because I hate them, but I am sure someone might find them perfectly lovely...I just couldnt even imagine that myself!
All of your items are perfectly lovely I must say! I do love pink as well and it just looks perfect!

Sandra said...

I know how you feel,but anyone would like this for a gift.We are always harder on ourselves.

Heather said...

I love your clutch and cards. I also own both those books and pull them out for an inspirational escape when I am hiding in my craft closet hoping the family forgets I exist for a few (quiet) moments. Highly recommended reading.

Bee said...

The clutch is beatiful and what a great idea to give the cards inside the clutch ~~ very nice:

*~hj~* said...

I am lovin' the orange... They probably seem insignificant because you are so use to making big things (quilts for example) but they are wonderful gifts no matter what anyone says about handmade ;)

Thriftin and Craftin said...

I'm so thrilled you want to join in on my inspiration challenge. Crazy Mom Quilts is one of my favorite blogs. Can't wait to see what you come up with!

Jodie said...

Great cards and the selvedge just sets it off so well.

Lissa Jane said...

Looks great AJ.. I like using selvedges too, seems a waste to toss them out..
and who wouldn't want a gift like that?

I dont mind 'recycling' stuffs for gifts either, its a waste of $'s to throw something away you could use later, so recycling shoe holdertogethers is a great idea!


Lissa

Katherine said...

Great looking gifts, Amandajean. Your sewing is always so inspiring. Need to make those fabric cards. Thanks for the motivational 'nudge'.

dutchcomfort said...

Wonderful gifts!! Love the cards and the bag and the colours, hm, yummy colours! Love the selvedge on the last card.
Why do you doubt your skills? You’re so talented and inspirational!

ZuzanaK said...

I love that clutch! You have a way with colours, you know? They just look right.

Btw, is there going to be another quilt-along? I'd love to make a proper quilt now and somehow, making one on my own seems scary.

Anonymous said...

I love those clutches and must put it on my to-do-list. Love your cards and the little bit of selvage looks great. I too love selvage but don't know what I'll do with it all yet?

Mama Urchin said...

I love that selvedge too.

lera said...

Love the selvedge idea! Cute. And I love that you put together a package.

Another great idea for the elastic is to use hair rubberbands. They come in a variety of colors and thicknesses and they are the right size.

Marcia said...

The bag and the cards are a great idea. I'm always looking for birthday/Christmas gift ideas. It's fun to have a quick project.

Roxanne said...

What a great gift idea! I have the same problem - a handmade gift just doesn't ever seem like it's "enough". But it is! And this gift is beautiful! Two gifts in one really!

Emily Cole said...

I think those are great gifts - I'm sure anyone would love to get one from you! I love the selvage in that card too! It's really cute!

Anonymous said...

Frugal AND genius. I love it.

house on hill road said...

the selvage makes me happy too!

Anina said...

I love those cards. I know what you mean about sewing into paper. It somehow does something to your inner self. I wanna go do that right now. Weird?

G'G'ma said...

Love your idea of putting cards in a homemade bag. Great when you need a little something to send beside a card. Today I've got 13 cards to make for the rest of the month, birthday and get well. Lois

Anonymous said...

Your projects are great! I received a similar bag as a gift and I love it. It's perfect for holding a sock or other small knitting project. Whoever receives your gifts will be so happy!

Philigry said...

oh, love these. what great gifts. I love your ideas! so inspiring,and i know the gifts will be loved!

Reethi said...

The bag looks great! And I love your cards, so pretty, and such a fun way of using up those scraps. (I cut out the clear elastic hanging loops on my t-shirts, and use them when I'm sewing a t-shirt on the shoulders to keep them from stretching out. So, I'm voting genius on the elastic closure.)

Elizabeth said...

as usual i love it all!!!

a friend to knit with said...

such a great little bag. and a perfect gift.

Clair said...

Fun cards. Maybe next week we can make some cards, too.

Leanne said...

Great gift - great card(I would love a pressie like that) so no need to worry.

Peg - Happy In Quilting said...

Great gift ideas, just love what you have done with the cards...

Alice Grace said...

Absolutely gorgeous! You are so talented!

Val said...

I love your ideas! I love your quilt a long. I am slow but still going. I have really enjoyed it. I love the cards! I love it all! You are very smart.

Shannon said...

Love the clutch! I am totally going to try sewing on paper because your cards a gorgeous!

cookie said...

your blog is so inspirational!
love everything you do! cards are great,so is the clutch and your quilts are amazing! i hope you have another quilt along challenge soon, i would love to take part.
love

Melissa said...

Love your blog. I loved the cute little button bag, and I agree sewing on paper is a blast (I used stock card paper), fun! I made some beautiful Valentines day cards- fun stuff!

Can I just tell you how much I love your quilts,love them!! You are so talented!!

Linda said...

Yes, we all have those moments of insecurity. Your gifts are lovely. Quit worrying and enjoy the journey. If you give from the heart, you know what your feelings are, we can only hope that the recipient will feel that love. If they don't then they miss the blessing! Hugs, Linda

Liz said...

Whoever gets these will be thrilled! Nothing beats a homemade gift.

Julie said...

beautiful job amanda
julie

Marcia said...

I was just looking at this post again and thinking the selvege across the back of the card would be kinda funny, like the Hallmark stamp...

sulu-design said...

This whole post is ready for the pages of a magazine - gorgeous cards, amazing color, and wonderful photo styling in that second shot!

Chara Michele said...

Oh I love how you used the selvage on that last card! I think handmade gifts are a wonderful idea & yours look wonderful! :)

Coffeebean's Dailies said...

Hi! Just love your site and your fabric choices! I also love that you love pink and thank God for the internet as the ladies here are always not so nice about my loving pink! I live in the Middle East and don't have the access to fabrics that those of you do. However, I make due and go through the net alot! I wanted to ask, what paper did you use for your cards? Love the idea!! Thanks, Alia in Muscat

Amanda Jean said...

alia,

i use card stock for the cards.

aj