Who knew you had to be an engineer to make a needle

Wow there are more than 100 steps for making needles and thousands of types of needles.

Here are 11 major steps to making needles:

1.  selection of wire
2.  swagging - cold forging the wire
3.  shank marking
4.  die pressing & punching
5.  milling
6.  barb grinding & soft pointing
7.  hardening
8.  chemical deburring
9.  straightening
10. plating
11. final pointing & polishing

When you stop to think about how things are made it's pretty cool and to think that is only 11 steps of the 100.

Came across this on FB not sure were the original post came from.  A great way to keep you stitches even when hand stitching.

Are You Letting Your Light Shine? And The Advent Study.

This year I have been introduced to faithart with Diane Marra of Adore Him Creations

I am proud to have her as a dear friend and teacher.  I am learning new techniques with my fellow students that have now become friends.

What is faithart you ask?
Adore HIM Creations is a ministry that teaches, inspires, provides tools and creates one of a kind faithart designed to bring Him glory and honor.  Come along with Adore HIM Creations on a journey of creative discovery, to experience and perceive the word of God in our everyday lives.  You will be transformed by the renewing of your mind! Inviting God into this new creative journey is an act of obedience. He will accompany you along the way, guiding your every step towards the Truth, the Truth that sets you free. Learning to listen to the Holy spirit  as we color, paint, journal and use shapes, colors and textures to express His presence in our lives. This is how we transform our everyday lives into a creative life that honors God.


While away in Big Canoe, GA last week with one of my fellow faithart friends we couldn't help ourselves but to journal.  We had limited supplies but we had a blast.  I think it was one of the best parts of the time away we were up till 1am. :)

Here are a few samples

If you are interested in doing an online study check out The Advent Study it starts the end of October.

The Advent Study
Diane has prepared the study.  Each day there will be a short piece to read, a prayer and questions to ponder.   You can use this in any way you wish.  You can write in your journal, you can make an altered book, you can do art journaling.  You choose your response to this study.  Learn More

The History of the Sewing Needle

I thought it would be interesting to research the history of the sewing needle just to see how it all started and how it relates to art.

I love to hand stitch there is something calming about it.  My mind wonders, I find myself in a peaceful state of mind.

I just finished my first Christmas stocking.  I was fun and I intend to make some more :)  They will be for sale on my Etsy.

Bone Sewing Needle

• History dates back to 28000 B.C. The earliest known sewing needle is developed in Aurignacia. Hand crafted and made of bones, the needle has a split head instead of an eye.
• The early needles were hand-made out of bone, over 17000 years ago by Western Europeans and Central Asians. It was used for sewing skins and furs.
• 17500 B.C – The first needles with eyes emerge.
• 7000 B.C – Copper needles are produced in Armenia.
• 2500 B.C – Bronze needles are born.
• 1195 B.C – Secret of hardening iron reaches Europe from India.
• 500 B.C – The drawing plate is used for producing wire.
• 60 A.D – Phrygier is credited with discovering embroidery.
• 1200 A.D – The needle is advertised for the first time in China.
• 1496 – Leonardo da Vinci constructs a machine to point sewing needles.
• 1615 – Aachen shows the way by making needles from fine, pure steel.
• 1730 – Stephan Beissel founds a needle factory in Aachen, Germany.
• 1755 – First ever patent is awarded for a needle with an eye.
• 1790 – Thomas Saint applies for a patent for a machine to sew shoes.
• 1811 – Abel & Michael Morall are the first to construct a device for the pressing of eyes.
• 1845 – Elias Howe & Singer invent the sewing machine.

http://www.sewingmantra.com/index.php/needles/history-of-sewing-needles/

So excited can't wait to design - Hello Spoonflower

So this morning I view a sewing video and it mentions Spoonflower.com why did my friends not tell me of this.  I feel a new avenue coming on.  :)

Spoonflower.com we are going to become good friends.  I love to design and can't wait to dive in.  And they have challenges :)

 Love design? Try your hand at creating!

Upload your designs and print custom fabric, wallpaper and gift wrap.
Registration is free, fast and easy!

All your designs are private unless you make them public.
We never sell, print, or share your designs without your permission.

There is no minimum order or set-up fee required. Order a test swatch of your design on any of our materials for just $5.

Get an instant preview of your design in several different repeats.

Choose from a selection of high-quality synthetic and natural fiber fabrics including organic cotton and silk, PVC-free wallpaper and matte or satin gift wrap.

We're based in Durham, North Carolina, but we ship all over the world.
Welcome to Spoonflower and happy designing!

Who can pass up free printables :)

I truly like to try and keep September "apply month" but when I hear about FREE printable I have to share.

Living Lucurto has a blog hop full of free Halloween printable  

As for me and my apples....I will have to find a apple recipe or craft to work on today :)  meanwhile I think this chart from William-Sonoma will help me choose my apples wisely.

Watermelon On My Mind

http://realhousemoms.com/watermelon-sangria-brunchweek/

I don't drink alcohol often but when I do it's usually a sangria and this watermelon sangria looks yummy.  Let me know if you try it.

 I tell ya it's not easy having and artsy/crafty  mind  that's all over the place. :)

 

Now I want to look up some watermelon crafts not like I don't have enough projects started, hehehe

Let's go see what I can find.

Okay so I got totally side tracked ;)

 



Teacher Appreciation Lollipop and M&M Arrangement

Wrap some floral tape around the underneath of the lollipop to help secure the streamer.

 

Wrap a piece of streamer around 18" to 20" long around the pop folding and pinching as you go.

 

Once you went around a few times add some more floral tape to secure.  Use different colored streams to make the arrangement bright.

 

Use the wooden skewers and attach the flowers at different heights, wrap with floral tape again.

 

Pick the container you want to use and glue in some floral foam.

 

Arrange the lollipops in the container at different levels.

 I had the kids paint a clay pot with some or their own art work. 

You can tape some fun size M&Ms to skewers and add them to your arrangement.
Don't forget the bow and enjoy!!

Faith Cross

Yay me :)  I finally finished a project I have had for a few years.  I am determined to finish projects that I have bought. 

It's crazy how one can become addicted to just buying craft kits to work on.  When I moved and went through my craft stuff I didn't realize how many I had bought. lol 

Part of the problem is I enjoy doing many different medias and there is soooo many more to learn :) ahh makes me smile.

Shhh don't tell my husband but I just bought a small microwave kiln to work with glass. 




Found a good article : 10 Things I Wish I Knew While Running My First Creative Biz

Tea Cup Favors

What  a cute inexpensive party favor for a tea party :)  Check out how to make them

I have decided it's time to make my house a home again.  I am redecorating and giving in to a different style then I am use to.  When I lived in Maine it was all about the bears, moose, prim and outdoor living.  Since I have lived in Florida for 5 years I think it's time to start thinking a little different. :)  Although it seems like every time I start to redecorate my husband decides it's time to move.  Change seems to happen more frequently in my life then I would like but I better not complain because it's not all bad change.

Last week it was so busy at the flower shop by Saturday we could barely move.  It was a lot of fun spending the time with the girls. 

What glue to use?

Need to know what glue to use?  Go to this helpful list from favcrafts will help you figure it out.


Happy Mother's Day

As Mother's Day approaches I am gearing up to go help my friend Ivonne at the flower shop.  It's a lot different down here in FL then in NJ.  Mother's day lasts a week I guess since a lot of the retired people are here.

I love working with fresh flowers but it's also fun making candy arrangements like the one above. 

I don't know how many times I have tried to get away from my business or crafting but it sucks me right back in.  I love seeing how people get excited and smile over a creation I have made. 

I'm working on getting a tutorial of my lollipop crepe paper flowers to share with you. 

Keep smiling :)

Having fun making some bows today.  I love fabric! :)

These are 5 1/2" x 3" bows no sew bows. 

Back To School Cookie Bouquet

Got a call for cookies in a basket.  Well anyone can just put cookies in a basket so I decided to design them in an arrangement.  I really loved the way they turned out. 

I just bought some ready made cookies from BJ's, with gloves on transferred them to individual plastic bags.  Taped them to wood pics that I taped up with floral tape added some school supplies and off it went :)

Boy does it make me want to keep on crafting :)

 









Today I am baking some Tastefully Simple treats for a friend who is doing a missions scrapbooking event and the house smells wonderful.   I love baking just so the house smells like a home :)

I enjoy selling TS it's so easy to go the cabinet and make something that tastes great using only one or two ingredients.

I have also been playing with some silk corsages.   I forget how much fun it is to work with silks.



 

Relay For Life

Did it again so excited to be a part of Bayside Relay For Life as Entertainment Chair and also that my team won the best decorated campsite and Most Team Spirit. 

If you have never been to a Relay For Life event you must go check one out.  It will change your life forever.

Just found out that our team is #3 in fundraising. :)

 

 

 

 

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Awesome Tip from TheMailbox

 

Just a Spritz

Here’s a less messy way to use watercolor paints. Instead of setting out water cups, keep a spray bottle of water nearby. When a youngster’s tray of paints begins to dry out, spritz it with water and let the painting fun continue.

Thinking of Selling Your Crafts?

I don't know about you but I love to sell at craft shows.  I love the people that I meet and the friends that you make.

I haven't entered in a craft show in a long time but I sure to feel the need to get it together and enter one.  It's a long day but so worth it for me for many reasons.



See what  Creative Income has to say about, "Which Craft Show is Best for Me to Sell my Crafts".

Finished a Flip Flop piece I was working on for my front door. :)

I forgot how much fun and how easy it is to make a motorcycle diaper cake.  

Made my first upside down pineapple cake today my husband was so excited that I made it and said it would be gone in no time :)

Finally getting my craft room into shape and the good news in that everything is in one place I don't have to go from room to room looking for my stuff.

Gift Card Bouquet

Don't what to get them?   Gift cards are a good idea and still can be presented uniquely.  Clip them together with styling paperclips and tape to a stick to give them height.   Add a little colored wrap puffs and some other fun small items.   This is one of the raffle items for Hope Ministry Fundraiser Dinner.



Today I am getting ready for Marie's Karaoke party tomorrow.  Lots to do and finish up.  Can't wait to the cake the A Bite of Love Cakes is making for her.

Free Party Printable

Look what I found go check it out Free Party Printables and lots of great ideas that Bird's Party has to offer.

Having some St Patrick's fun.   There is always so many craft projects that I want to work on but never enough time. 

Mint Chocolate Chip Oreo Cookie Heart Pie...oh my!

This is crazy, in a good way.  What a sugar rush! :)  Let me know if you try making them I'm not sure that I can I think I would be the only one eating them...hehe

Click here or on pic to go to the receipe

 

Got some new things happening.  Getting ready to move to a new home this weekend in the next town over and have decided to start selling Tastefully Simple again!