Mama Kuma Craft

JOURNAL HAS MOVED!!!

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 07:49:49 GMT

THIS JOURNAL HAS MOVED TO:

Lovely_Latte.livejournal.com

If you want to re-add me as a friend, please do so!

Thanks and have a great day~~~~~~~~

Oh dear...

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 04:36:21 GMT

I've been gone forevers!
Oh well I've been makin' stuff.

First off:
A girl requested a custom zipper clutch from my etsy shop, and I happily agreed (I was flattered really ^^;). She was very into the reusable/washable cloth pads, and she sent me a few links saying she feels the need to pass on the word! Well so do I :D Check out these reusable/washable pads with cute japanese fabrics! Make your own, or get some from etsy.

Reusable Menstrual Products - general info and why you should make the switch!
Live Journal Post - many links
Modern Acorn - etsy shop. unfortunately she is behind on orders and has nothing for sale atm. Check out her sold items.
Etsy Spotlight - an etsy article featuring shops that sell related items

Okay enough...um...blood....anywho XD

--------------------------

Here is the custom request for Dalya...She was so nice! You can see more pics in my Etsy shop.

I tried to make a dress X_X! No pattern. Like usual...its nice, but there are so many things I would do differently the next time I try it. I don't even know where to begin.
Yes yes...hello. It's me -_-

A rabbit Paper Mario with a fabric bird that hangs by a string by my bedside :) I have NO freakin' super glue. Just tape, and an exacto knife.
The birdy was inspired by this girl. Except hers are WAY more adorable!!!

My new bookbag for school/whatever!!! Yay! I never tried making patchwork before...I'm not even sure if I did it right but I really love it. It reminds me of my blanky that I slept with as a kid (and now just sits in my closet being lonely)

The colors don't look nearly as bright here as they do in person...give me slack. It IS a cell phone camera after all.

My "yellow rose" zipper clutch! I almost god the yellow color right with photoshop...I seriously need a new camera.

--------------------------

I have two essays to do this weekend...so I'm not sure how much I'll be making! Anywho. Hope everyone is having a good time!! Byebye.

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 17:56:54 GMT

Vocabulary Word of the Day
Zakka (zah-kah) --- "In Japan, all the 'small, various products used in everyday life' are commonly called 'zakka,' a term which encompasses household goods, daily necessities and sundries. However, zakka has also come to represent a style of art and craft that is simple, charming, and of Japanese esthetic. Most items in the zakka style are handmade, but there are commercial companies that mass produce items using the style. The Japanese dictionary describes zakka as "general merchandise", "miscellaneous goods", "sundries", "sundry goods" including interior goods, kitchen goods or even cosmetic product." - squidoo.com

Website of the Day
Kitty-Craft - random japanese craft cuteness

Random Updates
I'll be leaving to Michigan....again XD This Saturday actually. Seems that there has been an extreme lack of posting on my part. So sorry! I haven't been inspired recently, even though I set up my sewing area all nice so it is ready to go whenever I have to do some quick work...but...Yes no updates for another week or so. It is spring break for me and I am off to see my Shawny boy! Anywho. Hope you all have a good easter!

Pin Cushion

Sun, 16 Mar 2008 05:04:49 GMT

Not bad for a first try...I just stuffed it with plain cotton balls. (it's all I have at the moment) The thread was a b#tch to get through the center though :/

Ah...the one thing y cell phone camera amazes me with...close up shots! Forget you expensive digital Nikon camera with manual adjust lens!!!

A fabric I originally got for Valentines day, for a little heart hangy thing I made for Shawn.

And it rests on my sewing machine for the time being. That's Link back there...fuzzying up all my fabric and paying no regards to my embroidery hoop >_>;;

A New Beginning

Sat, 15 Mar 2008 01:25:17 GMT

My little pansy-in-an-eggshell finally has the tiniest little sprout!
Also, I made something for Shawn for our 1 year anniversary (next month!)

I hatched it about a week ago. I can't wait til it grows up all pretty!

I started with a favorite (if not THE favorite) video game character of his. (Kirby ^^) I found a picture online, then drew it with pencil onto some fabric I had, and added the chibi stars. I then sewed the square onto the main brown fabric with X designs.

I also added a black hair tie, and a yellow star button to help keep the book closed. (not SUPER functional, but hey. It's cute damnit)

...it opens up to reveal lots of little pockets for holding pens/scissors/small rulers/etc!!!!!! I recently learned how to do a hidden stitch to finish off edges...^^;;
There is a really simple coaster tutorial here that shows how to do the hidden stitch.

Here is the inside without pencils or anything in it. You can faintly see where I sewed the divider lines. I was able to find a thread that matched the linen perfectly 0_o!!

Here is a marriage anniversary chart. [no, we aren't married YET...but I still like the symbols and meaning that go along with the years]
The only paper thing I'm giving him at this point is a card...unless I think of something else before April. Ideas?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Year	British	American	Modern
1st	Paper	Paper	Clocks
2nd	Cotton	Cotton	China
3rd	Leather	Leather	Crystal, Glass
4th	Fruit, Flowers	Linen, Silk	Appliances
5th	Wood	Wood	Silverware
6th	Sugar	Iron	Wood
7th	Wool, Copper	Wool, Copper	Desk sets
8th	Bronze, Pottery	Bronze	Linens, Lace
9th	Pottery, Willow	Pottery	Leather
10th	Tin	Tin, Aluminum	Diamond
11th	Steel	Steel	Fashion jewelry
12th	Silk, Linen	Silk	Pearls, Colored gems
13th	Lace	Lace	Textiles, Furs
14th	Ivory	Ivory	Gold jewelry
15th	Crystal	Crystal	Watches
16th	Tungsten		Silver holloware
17th	Turquoise		Furniture
18th	Bismuth	Bismuth	Porcelain
19th			Bronze
20th	China	China	Platinum
25th	Silver	Silver	Sterling silver
30th	Pearl	Pearl	Diamond
35th	Coral	Coral, Jade	Jade
40th	Ruby	Ruby	Ruby
45th	Sapphire	Sapphire	Sapphire
50th	Gold	Gold	Gold
55th	Emerald	Emerald	Emerald
60th	Diamond	Diamond	Diamond
65th	Star Sapphire	Star Sapphire	Star Sapphire
70th	Platinum	Platinum
75th	Diamond	Diamond	Diamond
80th	Oak	Oak	Diamond, Pearl
90th	Granite	Granite	Diamond, Emerald

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

.....and here is a randomly cute egg site for your enjoyment:
I LOVE EGG

....another side note:
Super Smash Bros Brawl? FREAKING AWESOME :D! I want to make a pikmin doll now (i've been playing as Olimar/Sheik mainly)

Oh boy~

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 20:29:53 GMT

Wee! So I've been gone for over a week haven't I? Well I have good reasons. Trust me. [super smash bros brawl for the nintendo wii, shawn coming to visit, school...]
So anyway, I decided to do some embroidery after a long while of not doing it.

freaking camera phone...no good with color, but nice details.

Yes...I actually liked it with two of the petals not filled in. I thought there would've just been...too much thread all in one spot if i filled it in ><

unfinished picture

another work in progress picture

officially on break until March 10th

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 02:27:50 GMT

Yey I went to Michaels and got some cheap fake flowers and little fake birdies! I have always liked those little colorful birds since I was little. Now it is decorating my bay window. (my cat kept trying to eat the birds though...so now they are inside the bowl ><)

No updates for a while...Sorry for anyone who may be reading this T_T) I might be able to do some community lurking but that's about it. Anyway...happy crafting people!

Sites of the Day
Craftzine - blog
Cuteable - random cute finds
PinkLemonadeBoutique - nice bags
Lucky Kaeru Fabric- an etsy fabric shop
Pixel Tutorial - how to make retro 8-bit style things out of perler beads
Snugglemuffin's Blog - maybe not so crafty, but lots of pretty things to look at and inspire you!

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:39:39 GMT

Updates
I wasn't able to post yesterday. I'm really trying to post something every day you know? Even if it is just a little something. But, life gets in the way as always ^^ I'm also going on a 10 day hiatus starting this friday. I doubt I'll be able to update. But, after that I'll get right back on it. So anyway...here are some things to read and look at!

Things I'm working on:
*A Blue and White Lolita Bonnet (almost done, just needs the embellishments on either side. No ears or anything like that)

*An Elephant Plushie (got the idea from someone in a plush community I'm in. She was needing some dolls for her new baby-to-be's room...and the reference picture she posted had adorable chubby animals, including an elephant! Right when my mom saw me working on it, she asked why I was sewing the republican symbol >< I suppose that really isn't the first thing I think of when I see a chubby little elephant.)

Things I want to Make:
*Fish Bowl Decoration (as explained in a previous post...here is a picture I made of ideas. Unfortunately, I can't do anything with water because my cats fight all the time and would knock it over for sure) The first one has a big leaf hanging out of it, with a lotus blossom at the bottom, and the second one has a fake frog and crab. woo!

*Embroidered Pillow Covers (I was looking at a pottery barn magazine [mainly because we are going to be moving, so that means we get a whole new house to decorate] and I saw some embroidered pillows. They look simple enough to do...a big giant square, maybe a zipper on the side...and some embroidery! The thread they used here looks massive...but I think I could get the point accross with smaller thread. Looks like they did a bullion/french knot on the leafy one. Can you tell I like nature themes yet? ><

Lazy Sunday Afternoons...yum

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 22:47:02 GMT

Zipper Purse Tutorial
Twelve 22 - Lined Zipper Purse Tutorial
This is the tutorial I found that taught me how to make little zipper purses ^^ I figured out how to add the little wristlet style handle myself...It isn't too hard. Just take a strip of fabric and fold it over a few times, then sew it all the way down...Does that make sense? XD I'll have to make my own version of this tutorial with instructions for lined pockets and the wristlet strap.

What Should I Do With This?

My boyfriend sent me a beautiful bouquet of flowers for Valentines day ^_^. Unfortunately, they started to wilt, and the water in the vase smelt of something most foul. So, I saved a few flowers and leaves by pressing them, and threw away the rest. I am left with this fish bowl style glass vase that I don't want to throw away!(yes, I am a pack rat. Now you know my dark secret) At first, I thought of painting the outside, or making a miniature fake garden with tiny animals(sort of like Brian Burkhardt's work). Any ideas? Suggestions?

Etsy Store of the Day
Ndeurshoes - extremely expensive, but beautiful hand painted shoes
This store had an item featured on the front page of Etsy. They have inspired me to paint my next pair of shoes that I get :D [On a side note: Who freaking agrees that we should be NOTIFIED if we are ever featured? What are the odds that you are going to actually see your item being featured? Zero! How would you KNOW?? My friend featured one of my items once (which sold really fast btw - thanks XD) and I had no idea until she told me. End rant :p]

Tote

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 00:04:53 GMT

Embroidery Site
Sublime Stitching - good pictures for learning basic embroidery

Flickr
I updated my flickr page and put on a few drawings/sketches, and a few things I made a while back.

Made Today
I promised I would make my sister a bag...

A nice green tote is what I ended up making for her. It is lined with plaid, and has a very sturdy outside fabric that reminds me of bamboo for some reason...

the back

inside pocket.

the fabric tie you see there can be removed and stored in a pocket.

double pocket in the front.

hangin' out.

detail (as much as I can give with a camera phone anyway)

Me wearing it :o
I took a chance and didn't use a pattern. (I usually don't for most things)

Fabric Friday #1

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 19:46:22 GMT

My Monochromatic Mood
Hey! It's fabric friday! I've noticed that black and white has been pulling my insterest lately...so here we go:

1)

2)

3)

4)

5)

6)

Fabric Sites Used:
Fabric Tales - lots of Japanese fabrics
HartsFabric - more than you could ever want. Seems a bit expensive though...
Mwendas - Etsy shop

**Why do I do this little collection of fabrics every friday? Well, mainly, I just love fabric with patterns :p I also enjoy mixing and matching different fabrics, and getting inspired by the images on them as well. Even if you don't get inspired, at least you'll have a few links to some online shops that you may not have seen before! I hope you enjoy this little segment of Mama Kuma Craft~

**Suggestions to improve this are welcome! If you have a store and you want some fabric you are selling to be featured, let me know. Or, if you just want to post a good fabric store, feel free to.

**Vote for your favorite! just post a comment :o

Next Friday's Theme: To be announced.

Gothic Lolita Bunny Bonnet

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 06:38:32 GMT

Updates
I made a little something today...it's my version of a Lolita Bonnet. With bunny ears :B!
I want to make some more like this...I love the fabric colors and patterns and how nicely they go together. Tomorrow I might try making one with cat or bear ears, or maybe I'll start working on my shirt....

Sorry to scare you with my big ol' face like that first thing :p Yes, I know my shirt doesn't make sense with a Loli bonnet. Shh!

Mesh fabric for the inner ear + dark red rose pattern.

Yes! It jingles ^^ I hand sewed the bells on each side, along with the mesh ribbon.

Model pose~like the frizzyness hair?

Full shot from above.

Underside shot froma bove (I plan on trying to sew the ears into the two main layers of fabric. But they still look fine this way I think. Not like you look under there when you are wearing it anywho :/

I've had these two little gold keys in my sewing box for a while...I decided THIS was the project to use them on. They match the bells.

Next step: refine technique a bit, and make a 'light creamy' version :D!!!

More embroidery practice. I learned how to make a french knot from a youtube video. I'll make a post of some good tutorial websites later.

That's all for now. I hope this weekend will be good for sewing~

Embroidery o_o

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 02:22:58 GMT

Updates
I went to JoAnn's fabrics today. I found some nice off white linen and some cotton plaid goodness for lining. If you check under the cut you can see the one of the linens I bought. I'm planning on recreating a style of shirt that I like...it's an old shirt my dad gave me a while back that has a big neck part, and big sleeves. I'll post a picture of that too >< But unfortunately, due to it's age, it has lots and lots of holes in it. Does that stop me from wearing it for a sleep shirt? Oh no ^^ But I do need something like it for wearing in public right? So...weekend project here I come ;D

I got myself a small embroidery hoop and some skeins today too!! Woohoo! I glanced briefly at a beginners embroidery book...but I'll either have to look online or get my self a little book so I can actually learn some techniques...in the mean time, come see what havoc I wroked!

flower petal

omg fish o_o I think I want to sew a couple of these on my bathing suit...hee...maybe it'll help me swim faster.

Sheepy, on my black short shorts. The fabric was stretchy so...some things came out funny. The sheep should help me sleep :p

Pocket decoration on one of my night shirts. Kinda cute I suppose... I kept reminding myself not to accidentally sew the pocket closed >< how much would that suck?

thats all for now. Like I say, tips, tricks, opinions, and/or compliments are always welcome~

Goodbye for now~

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 03:51:47 GMT

Site of the Day
Fabric Tales - Japanese fabric
[cute fabric with lots of Japanese style patterns. A bit on the expensive side though, like most Japanese fabric unfortunately]

Livejournal Icons
I love Seiichi Hayashi! I definately want to try and sew something like one of his artworks on a bag or something...some embroidery might have to be involved... Until then, enjoy the livejournal icons~

* * * * *

Flickr

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:45:25 GMT

Update: Flickr Account

I made a flickr account just for my craft things, and pictures of toys from my collection - Please come look :D

Livejournal of the Day
Dream Follow
Unfortunately it looks like she hasn't updated the journal for quite some time, but she still has some amazing things! She is an expert at embroidering. I may have to try my hand at that very soon. So go! Get inspired!

Ebay Update

No! I didn't win that adorable bear book on ebay...*kicks ebay* >_> I'm just kidding though. I do like ebay...but...amazon! I'm comming for you next O_o!!! Although their selection may not be quite as large, I'm still going to go with them for price (once I figure out what books I want to invest in)

Okay one more...

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 02:44:31 GMT

See? Some days I'll make multiple entries, and other days...well...I'll wait weeks in between entries ^^; I'll try not to! Promise!

I've been meaning to pick this up
It is a paperback book called "Sock and Glove - Creating Charming Softy Friends from Cast-Off Socks and Gloves" Fun eh? I tried making an animal out of an old glove...lets just say...it died a horrible death. I could use this book for a reference! I first saw this book in the Kinokunya by my school. I'll post if I ever buy it.

This is the book I'm trying to win from ebay. The title says "Easy Lesson - Little Bear"
The pictures are so cute inside and it has a pattern for you, and lots of ideas for making teddy bears ;)

Site of the Day
[Sew Mama Sew]
I found this site a couple days ago...she has a really fun blog to read, and great fabrics for sale!

First Craft Blog Entry

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 01:44:11 GMT

Yep. I didn't think I'd start one...but...oh well! Welcome to my craft blog :D I like to make things on occasion...totes, clutches, doll clothes, stuffed animals...anything really. I'll post things here regularly, as I make them. Maybe you will be inspired to try some things too! Suggestions are always welcome, as well as comments for new craft ideas or links to other fun craft sites. Enjoy your stay!!

Newly Made

Size compared to a bobbin. One one side of each leaf, there is a button. I sewed little white X's because it looked kind of nice as a trail leading away from the button. If you position the leafts right, it resembles the yin yang symbol.

I love my little Japanese coffee cups!!! They were given to me by a Japanese student I hosted a while back.

I HAVE NEVER MADE A BEAR LIKE THIS BEFORE! As you can clearly see :p I'm trying to win an auction on ebay for this japanese bear making/pattern book...the pictures seemed to make a lot of sense. I got a pattern for this one on a random site. (I'll try to find it again) I need to work on hiding the seems...I think I have some ideas of what to do to hide stitches around the arms and legs, but the attatching the head to the body still seems hard. I'll have to keep looking for a good tutorial! Until then...scraggly bears all the way ^^

A nice little DS wristlet I made. The inside is a super cute fairy fabric that I got on ebay, and the outside is a simple green and white plaid. I got the zipper in a bulk lot on Etsy. Oh so many zippers! So much cheaper than Jo Ann's fabrics :o

Detail...

Handle detail...

I love this bright modern looking fabric. I got this on ebay too, from the same seller as the fairy tale fabric above. Just another wristlet I plan to sell.

The fold looks kind of cool. Maybe i'll make more like this...

Matching Leaf Coasters. I didn't want to make it padded, because I didn't think a cup would sit well on it. But I shall try in the future to make a padded coaster anywho. I have a few ideas for shapes - bird, skulls, cute faces, flowers - we'll see.

Today's Craft Blog
Kuky Ideas
[useful crafts, a daily comic, and an adorable little girl to top it all off]