Saturday, November 9, 2013

Swarls-it©2011 Tutorial

I will be adding the instructions later today.  I think you guys are going to enjoy making these.

Supplies Needed:

All items listed purchadsed @ Hobby Lobby Store
If you are one of my followers and you live in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  I went to the (HL) on College Drive.

1- pair of scissors
2-extra long glue sticks
1-glue gun
1-pattern
1-sheet of heavy weight plastic canvas
1/2 yard-felt (your color choice)
2-Alagator clips
1-wooden ruler (inches)
1-roll of clear scotch tape
1-manila floder (to create your pattern on)
1-roll of home decor trim (your color choice) (in my design I used color pink/green Item#350819/5-yds. to a roll. 1/4"inch wide)
1-bunch of small flowers (to add accent)
1-pack of small tassels (used on some of my designs of Swarls©2011)
1-pack of flat back pearls (I used pink)
1-bottle of Arleenes extra thick glue (the bottle is white with a marve label)
Copyright notice:  Feel free to make as many as you desire to keep for yourself or to give as gifts.  If you would like to sell them.  Then contact me before moving forward.  You may reach me @ cbcarrol@live.com or call 888.312.4734 I will be more than happy to assist you.

Remember, if you can get your supplies before tomorrow then you will be able to follow along with me.  I will not up load the instructions and pictures until Sunday, November 10, 2013.

Below is a picture of the finished item.  
I will see you all later today.

And remember, Keep Living the Crafting Life.©1995



Eminem - "Rap God" (YouTube Music Awards)

http://www.youtube.com/v/fySaWH6qIVg?autohide=1&version=3&autohide=1&feature=share&attribution_tag=t-KRchJVyww5hzzDXzFtRg&showinfo=1&autoplay=1

Sunday, October 27, 2013

The New Birthday Boutique Style Hair Bow©2013

 Katherine wanted a Bow that took up some of the elements in her hair accessory.  As you can see that I added the felt with top stitching just as the dog on the grament.  I then added the little colored sticks that are very soft and flexable. The center knot was the same as the trim around the leg of her outfit pant leg. When my clients place an order for a Birthday Bow, this is the only style that they will be re-created from but, in the colors that they need.



  As you guys can see this is the back of the Birthday Bow.  With the type of work that we do as Craft Professionals. Our work must look good from every angle.  My clients do look underneath the bows that they order.  Just a little TIP!!

 Miss Katherine is just a DIVA!! She just had to have the week coming up to her BIG DAY.  Cute outfit!!



 This is the MAIN BOW OF THE BIG BIRTHDAY BOUTIQUE STYLE HAIR BOW. Every color has been added to bring out the beauty of this hair bow.  As you can see you may order these in sets of 2's.



Miss Katherines mom made a great choice in the actual Birthday Dress.  Each element is represented here.  Her mom was so proud on October 18, 2013.  Mom, you did a great job!  Keep up the good work.
So, come on into Ms. Katherines first Big Birthday Party.  The party was just for the family.  I was there her mom Mrs. Emily S. and her God Father Mr. Darnell S.  However; none of us wanted to be in the pictures.  Please enjoy!!

The first shot you all are looking at is the table setup.

This is a closer view. She did not do bad for her first birthday.


As you can see.  She did not want these bows in her hair any longer.  So, her mom removed them.

Here she seems to be happy once again.  She loves her passie. When she puts her left foot up under her eating table. You can say, that she is very, very happy.



Now you guys are looking at her very own SMASH Cake.  I thought that it came out pretty.



Well, after we just set there looking at her looking at the cake.  Finally, she put her hand in it and touched it.  WOW!!




This is it.  I just love doing this!  This is really FUN!!!!


I hope you all enjoyed coming to Miss Katherines first birthday party.  Oh, I her mom spelled out her nick name.  Kat!! We call her this when we get together everyday of her life.  Meaning, me and her mom.


We enjoyed having you all over for cake and ice cream with Miss Katherine on her first B-Day.  Please come back for a visit again, very, very soon.  Now next year we will be giving her a party somewhere here in her hometown of  Louisiana.

Also, I just want to say to all of my many visitors that come to my blog each and everyday.  Thank you for taking the time out of your lives to share your time with me.  I started this blog last year and have gotten great response from all of you.  I have visitors that come for a while from as far away as the UK.  Please do keep coming by and enjoying what I have to offer to the crafting community and the world.  Oh, and thanks to everyone who voted for me in the contest that Martha Stewart and American Made created.  I will be uploading the winners in a few days.  In the mean time.  Please submit your craft projects so that the world can see just who is out there and what you all are creating.

Remember, Keep Living the Crafting Life.©1995

















Thursday, August 22, 2013

Summer is all most gone!!!

Hello to my friends and crafting family.  I have been working on just about eveyhing that has poped in my head.  I have a little class for you guys.  Please let me know if it is easy for you all to follow?  Leave your comment in the box below.  The Crafting Coach:  Faux Quilt Bow



Materials Needed:

Note:  I just purchased a raiment piece of fabric from Hobby Lobby.  But, I chose this piece because of the quilt like pattern it had.  That made my project easier.


Now measure the length of the fabirc you want your bow to be.  Remember this tip.  The finished bow will be 1/2 that size when completed.  My finished bow was 4-1/4"in. wide.
You have measured your fabric and have now cut it out.  Now lay that aside.


Now measure your felt just a little shorter than your fabric for your bow.  About a 1/4"in. shorter at the left and right of the piece of felt.  Now in the next picture you see a pattern that you are now going to use.


Take your pattern piece and lay it on the cutting mat.  



Fold your felt piece going east and west going away from you.  Lay your pattern piece on the fold line matching the straight edge of the felt.  Now make your cut.  Just make sure that the circle part of the pattern is facing towards the center of the felt piece. Do this cut  for both sides. 


When complete your felt piece should look like this.  


Now lay your felt piece and your fabric piece out flat side by side.  



Now lay the flet piece on top of the bow fabric.  Remember the bow fabric should be on the wrong side facing up.  Now you see that the cuts you made earlier are on the east and west side of your bow fabric.  This is the correct position.

The reason why you made these cuts was to remove some of the bulk when you are ready to do your running stitch down the center of the fabric and felt sandwich.


You are now folding to get your center point for the bow.  I usually just eye ball this.


As you can see here.  You are now going to apply a bead of hot glue from the straight edge to a little before where the cut was made.  Do this on each flap.


Measure your finished bow after you have glued everything in place.  I did not want a very large bow as you can see here.  But that is totally up to you.



Once you have your center.  Now bring the north and south pieces to over lap each other.  Make sure you are in the center of the bow.  I usually just lay my sheers on top to hold it in place why I get my needle and thread.


Now do a running straight stitch down the center of the piece.  Now you can see why we took away some of the bulk from here.  It makes it easier to gather your bow.  If you want your bow to have fuller folds.  Then make your stitches long.  If you want your folds smaller than make your stitches shorter.



How that you have brought your stitches together.  Just wrap the thread around about 5 times.  Then close off at the back of the bow.  Do you see how by adding the felt makes the bow look like it has been quilted?


This is your finished bow.  I then just picked up a charm from hobby lobby that came 4 on a card.  I loved the high heel shoe.  I just cliped it on the bow knot and that is it.  You are done.

If you like you can use the open mouth clips or just a bobby pin.  Either way.  They will think that you set down and quilted this bow design.  Sorry the clip picture did not come out any clearer.


I do hope that you all enjoyed this tutorial on making a Faux Quilted Bow.  It was my please to go over the steps with you all.  Now for the ones who have no intention of making this.  I also sale them on my site.  If you are interested in purchasing one of the or as many as you like?  Just email me and I will get back with you.  

Again, thank you so much for allowing me to share this faux technique with you.  And there will be more to come!!

Remember,  Keep Living the Crafting Life.©1995














Friday, July 5, 2013

My Heart is Broken!!

Things have been happening so fast and then again so slow.  I know I can share this with you all.  I have never met a crafter that was an uncaring person.  My life just seems to be in limbo.  I just can't find my way right now.  I just can't seem to sleep anymore or enjoy the things I once enjoyed?  In September of 2000, was the beginning of the end for me.

On September 10, 2000; I lost my very best friend.  The person I shared my life with for over 15 years of my life.  Mr. Percy Mumford, Jr. He was the first man in my life that said, Life your dream.  He truly believed in me. He was my lover, my friend, the one I could tell my secrets too.  I cannot tell you anything about his funeral.  For I don't remember it.   Then in 2005, I lost my Father.  Mr. Richard Clark, Jr.  I could not believe that he was gone.  I can remember setting in the church just watching him in the coffin.  When the lid on the coffin was closing, I can remember just looking at him until it was closed. You see, my father use to come to my moms house everyday.  I mean, everyday.  We would talk the talk.  Now that I think back to the last time I saw him alive.  He was so happy that day.  He called to me from the front of the house because I had walked to my bedroom which was in the back of my moms house.  He said, I'm gone.  I said you leaving?   He said, yes.  I see you tomorrow.  I said, okay.  Then I just stood there for some reason.  Until this day. I have never visited his grave.  I am just not ready yet.

Now that was the brick to fall in my life.  Then March, 2012; I lose my mom.  Yes, I know she was my grandmother which was my fathers mother.  But, to me.  She was my mother.  Mrs. Emily A. Perkins.  She had been in my life for over 55 years.  Whatever I know as a woman?  She gave me that.  This was the third brick to fall.

I know you all understand where I am coming from.  I just don't know which way to go anymore.  I read my bible on a daily basis.  And being a Deaconess in my church also helps me to get through this.  The three most important people in my life are gone.  I just wish that Heaven could have waited just a little longer for them.I just don't think I am ready to stand up on my own.  I have had that support system all of my life.  Now, it is gone.

Thank you all so much for allowing me to share my inner most feelings with you.  I feel better now.  Thanks for being here for me.  I truly feel that we are not only friends but a family.

Remember, Keep Living the Crafting Life.©1995

Saturday, June 29, 2013

Crafters & Hobbist There's A New World Wide Contest!!

Martha Stewart - American Made 2013 - Nominee BadgeJust a bit of news.  Martha Stewart American Made 2013 competation is off and running.  That's right.  Just follow the link above and it will take you to my entry.  I really need you guys to give me your VOTES!!  I am going aganist 1000's of entries from all over the world.

This is also a great chance for you to place your entry as well.  So, just click on the badge above and give it a world.  Even if you are thinking about entering the competation? Please give me your votes.  Let me know and I will give you my support in return.

Let's get this show on the road and get crafting or what ever your skill set maybe.  My hope is that one of you guys that visit my blog or myself will be in the running.

Remember, Keep Living the Crafting Life.©1995

Monday, June 10, 2013

I'M BACK ON TRACK!!

Hello to my crafting family.  I know you guys have more than likely wondered where I was??  Now, you know I feel as if we are one unit.  So, I do not mind letting you know.  I do not remember if I have ever told you guys that I was disabled?  Well, I have back and neck problems.  I have been in the bed for the last several weeks.  Today is the first day I have even able to setup and get too my computer and reconnect with everyone.  I have really missed you all so very much.  

Well, now that you'll know where I have been we can now pick up where we left off.  I have found this great  store that is now located here in Louisiana.  They have  everything that a quilter and a creative craft person can truly use.  The name of the store is All Stitched Up by Angela.  The online store opened a new location on the 1st of this month.  I know that a great deal of you live right here in Louisiana and I have the web address for those of my family that don't.  The address 1730 Front Street . Slidell, Louisiana.  The web store. A New Business in Our Neck of the Woods!! http://www.allstitchedupbyangela.com  I have an idea!!  Let's all get together at a meeting place here in Louisiana and do a caravan down to Angels store? What do you think?  If you would be interested in doing something like this.  Send me an email:  louisianadaytrippers@live.com  Come on you guys.  It will be FUN!!  

I have been up a while.  I will be back online again this week to let you all know if we have anyone who wants to join me.

And remember, Keep Living the Crafting Life.©1995











Tuesday, April 30, 2013

SALE!! SALE!! SALE!!

Good morning to my fellow lovers of crafts.  Please go over to my web store and you will that there is a Huge SALE going on now through June 1st.  That's right.  Everything in the store has been dropped by more than 50%.

I have been doing so good in my store sells that I wanted to give something back.  Thanks you guys for your support. 

THE BIG CRAFT SALE IS GOING ON NOW THROUGH JUNE 1ST.

Don't forget Mother's Day is coming sooner than you think.  It will be here May 12, 2013.  And that is next Sunday.  So, get your orders in!!

I am working on some new ideas for you'll to see.  Give me just a little more time. 

And remember, Keep Living the Crafting Life.© 1995 


Saturday, April 20, 2013

Crafts by Carrol New Online Store is finally up & running!!

Hello to all my crafting friends and family members that visit my blog on a regular basis.  

The site is finally up and running.  At first I just had so many problems with the uploads.  And if I remember correctly.  It took several days pass the time I originally told you'll and the rest of the world that the store would be open.  Never-the-less.  I stuck with it and now it is open and ready for your business. 
On (2) of my items I have coupons that you can redeem at check out by putting in a simple phrase.  When you first visit the site.  You may feel that it is high?  but, you must remember that customized work is not cheap.  And there is nothing in stock until I get your order.  So, that way.  All you are doing is looking at the photographs of different items that may assist you in your living time on this great earth.  
As I am sure you know that Mother's Day is only a month away.  And each and everyday that passes it gets closer and closer.  I have a little story to share with all of you.  Back in May, 1986.  My sister came down from Alaska for a visit.  Her husband at the time was in the Service.  Well, she dropped over to my house and one thing lead to another and she said, "Carrol did you not take up Commercial Art? ", I said yes.  Why?  There must be something you can come up with to make to sell? I tried something that I had never done before.  I said to myself.  What could I possible do but make a corsage?  That's when my mind started thinking.  There was this straw hat on the other end of the table.  I said.  Why not turn that into a corsage?  So, I started sketching out ideas.  Finally after about (2) days of working on this off and on.  It came together. I had no idea what I was doing you guys.  Honestly.  My God Mother saw the finished product and said that she could sell this.  She took the corsage and in a few hours came back with over 50 orders.  I could not make them fast enough to keep up with the demand.  And the rest is history.   I would like to show you'll what the Mother's Day Hat Corsage looks like today after almost (30) years of experience now behind me.


Believe me when I say.  My first attempt at this was nothing like this.  Just go to my New Online Store to place your orders for Mother's Day Gifts.  When you get to the check out.  Enter the phrase:  mom2013 and 10% OFF will be removed automatically.  This is my gift to you for your support.  While you are visiting.  Take a look around the site and stay for a while.  You just may see something else that you like.  Remember.  The items that you see are all samples.  You will chose your colors that you need to have it in.  This as you know is a customized business only.  Nothing is made until you place the order.  Measurements:  The Hat only measures 4"in. across in either direction..Also, remember these rules:  If you are ordering one for yourself?  You will order RED.  If your mom has passed.  You will order WHITE. If you want to order one for your pre-teen or teen.  It will be Pink with a hint of RED, or WHITE.   If you are ordering one for your mom and she is still alive.  RED.  If her mom has passed.  WHITE.  These are great gifts to give to your friends, family members, co-workers, board members in your church.  Just click the link below: 

My New Online Store!!

As you'll know.  I do a great deal of research.  I found this site on Facebook.  It is a blog.  Click the link below.  This site is filled with great information that both men and women can use in  our everyday lives.

The Push Dump Fat Button Blog!!

Let her know that I sent you guys over.

Remember, "Keep Living the Crafting Life."© 1986.  Enjoy!!

Monday, April 15, 2013

I Just Got My New Web Store Up and Running!!

I am so sorry that it has taken so long.  I just had problem after problem.  Anyway.  Pop on over and remember there are only a few items there now.  But, I will be adding as the weeks go alone.  Make sure you check out the surprise I have waiting for you all.  And remember, get your Mother's Day orders in early.
Welcome to My World of Customization!

Keep Living the Crafting Life.© 1999

Sunday, April 7, 2013

Saturday, April 6, 2013

I'M BACK!!

Good morning to all of my crafting friends and new friends who are visiting for the very first time.  Welcome.  So, let's get into it.  I have really missed you all so much.  For the last few weeks I have been ill.  I don't know if I have told you all but, I am a disabled person.  And because of this.  Many times a month I will be in the bed from the pain in my back and legs.  This time I have been down a long time.  Today, I am feeling back to myself and ready to start shearing. 

Why I could not post like I wanted too.  On Monday of last week.  I did receive several special orders and it took me a while but, I did fill them.  I could not accept all the orders that I received because I could not put in a full days work.  But, these few I did complete.  Just look below to see the pictures.  Enjoy!!

I have uploaded my LOGO.  I want you guys to get use to seeing it.  I will have to give credit where credit is due.  My logo was designed by Maven Media, LLC.  Her prices are very good.  Meaning.  She is small business FRIENDLY!!  So, to all my small businesses out there.  Send her an email.  She comes to you.  That's right.  She will come to your home or office on your time.  So, give her your business and you will be happy that you did. EMAIL:  ESIGN1@GMAIL.COM.  

 
This is how the new chapel caps that I have been creating for almost 30 years now come packaged.  Open color choices.  I create them in (3) different sizes.  Large, Medium and Small. 
 
 
 
 
Here I have taken the Chapel Cap out of the bag so that you can get a better look @ it.  As you can see.  These caps are made of 100% lace that is imported, a double-face satin bow, placed on a clear comb.  You can order them in any color choice.  Order them for yourself or any church or group orders are welcome.  There are discounts in place for large orders. 
 
 
This item is from the Switch-a-Rue Accessories Collection© 2011.  If you guys remember.  I told you how the system works.  It saves mom's a ton of money on accessories for her daughter, grand daughter or nieces.  Everything that you see can come off and you will be left with the sock.  When you go out and buy another outfit for her.  Then all you will order are the replacement Switch-Its.  That's it!!  No more buying another pair of socks or a complete bow for her hair.  These items do come to fit the age of the child.  Now if she is a baby.  Then you would order yours with headband and socks to match.
 
This is a picture of how the set looks with the outfit.  Ms. Mary J. from Baton Rouge ordered this for her very special daughter.  Don't you guys think that it really came together?
 
 
This is another look at an outfit for a little younger girl.  Her mom also purchased from the Switch-a-Rue Collection. The age of the little girl is 5 months.
 
Here you can see the accessories.  They complement the outfit completely.  Remember, everything comes off and mom can reuse the socks and the clip.  So, she does not have to  go out  and purchase a whole new pair of socks and a bow for her daughter.  She only needs to purchase the Switch-it's to replace these accessories that are on here now. 
 
This is the newest addition to the line.  The Mint Puff© 2013.  This was created for a very special lady in my life.  Ms. Lester B.  She lives here in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  How it works?  This is a reusable container to keep your mints in.  It fits so nice in your handbag.  It is created with Chiffon Ruffles and beautiful handmade silk roses accented with true pearls in the center of the rose then all brought together with a handmade white pearl tassel.  It feels so good in your hand.  Every woman would love to have one.  This item comes from the What a Woman Wants Collection.
 
You guys can all get these items created to your taste @ my new website.  It will go live on Monday, April 8, 2013 @ Midnight Central Standard Time.
 
Also, for the Grand Opening.  I am offering Coupons that you can use on the site or in person here in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  Just leave a comment below with your name and email only.  I will reach out to you over the weekend.
 
New Web Store Address:
 
Just one more thing that I would like to  add.  I did more research as you guys know that is what I do.  Well, I have come across this great website.  It is a great source for you guys out there who are new to Crochet or you just want to double check your skill set. 
 
The Craft Designer's name is Dana Beach. Just click the picture right here to get there.  Just remember when you guys go over for a visit, please let her know that I sent you to her.  Enjoy!!
 
 
For all of my hobbyist and professional craft people in the family.  This website is just another great one.  Here you can get certificated in your field.  Just think,  you will have call letters behind your name if you chose to use them.  The classes to become an Instructor are not hard or very long.  You have up to (30) days to complete the course.  Believe me, that is more than enough time.  Then you will be able to tech in your hometown in places like Michaels, Churches, Community Centers, etc... The sky is the limit.  And guess what??  Your fees that you charge for your classes is your own money.  Really!!  The site under Instructors Resources will walk you through everything.  Please when you go for a visit.  Let them know that I sent you guys over. Please come back here and let the rest of us know how you enjoyed your time there?  Just leave a comment below.  Thanks a bunch!!  I almost forgot to let you guys know that I am a current Instructor with Spotted Canary. 
 
Well, that is all for now.  It is so good to be back with my crafting family and visiting friends.  Just remember that my web store will go live on the following date.  Please come over for a visit and I hope you enjoy your time there.  And please, stay as long as you like. 
 
The store will be open for business on MONDAY, APRIL 8TH, 2013 @ 12:00 MIDNIGHT CENTRAL STANDARD TIME.
 
My goal is to make your shopping experience a great one. 
 
And remember as always, Keep Living the Crafting Life.© 1995
 
 

Thursday, March 14, 2013

What I have been working on!

Hello to my crafting family and friends that stay with me and those that just pass by.  Thanks for checking out my blog.  If you see something that you just cannot live without?  Then, leave a comment below and send me a email with your contact information.  The dresses that you see are to show how the entire outfit looks together.  Okay, enjoy.



 
 
 
 

 
I hope you guys enjoyed the show.  I have been working hard.  Lastly.  This is a photo of the Wrap-It.  This fabric allows your hair to breath.  And it is light weight.  Also, it can be ordered in prints.  At the present time I am also working on the prints for this item and my baby line.  I should have my web store up and running in about another week or so. 
 
Well, that is it for now.  I enjoyed visiting with you guys.  And, I will return soon.
 
And remember, Keep Living the Crafting Life. Copyright © 1995
 
Don't forget, if you see something you cannot live without?  Leave me a comment below or send me a email with your contact information.