Patchwork Pattern Maker

A little bit ago, I found this super neat Patchwork Pattern Maker from the Victoria and Albert Museum while browsing the blogosphere. You can upload a photo of anything and it creates a pattern for you. You can crop the photo, change the shape, decide how many different colors you would like to use, and determine the complexity of the piece. 

Here's a quilt made from a picture of precious little Humphrey.

Before

After

Here's one of me making a funny face.

Before

After

Cool huh?

So pretty!

I wish I could have gone to the Little Winter Handmade Market- because Portland is super neat and this video from Clever Nettle is just so pretty! I love how simple and pretty the place is decorated. So inspiring!

Free Life Center

Oh boy! This is so neat!

Find out more here.

2nd Annual Renegade LA

I'm back! Renegade LA was such a magical time and the weather was just lovely! It was perfect for being outside perusing all the lovely booths, getting some great products, creating (I sewed a coffee cozy and bound my first book!!)and supporting all of the amazing indie artisans and crafters. Take a look!

On our way!

Threadless had a super cool mobile t-shirt design studio! I also just so happened to win a limited edition tour shirt! Yahoo!

Last year I bought the cutest felted cactus. This year I brought this adorable felt strawberry plant.

Totally adorable.

Check out the extra photos on Facebook! XOXO

Sales and other fun things.

Hey friends!

In honor of the second annual Renegade Craft Fair in Los Angeles this weekend, we are having a sale at Merry May Handmade!

Enjoy 30% off all craft supplies for the entire weekend!

That's right- boutique quality felt, vintage knitting needles, embroidery hoops, wool yarn - even Sublime Stitching patterns!

Come in to get jump started on a new project. And don't worry- I'll be taking lots of pictures and collecting stories to keep you in the know. I can't wait! It's gonna be amazing.

Oh and another thing- check out these super fun and crafty videos. You will love them.

(This starts kinda slow but stick with it because it's awesome!)


(Love the flowers.)


(Super funny!)

Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes.

As some of you may know there have been some big changes in the air. And for the most part they are pretty good things. I have decided to readjust my life a bit- to allow for more time to create and blog (I'll explain more soon). I started out blogging to deal with a personal crisis but it has slowly become very important to me and I have gained so much inspiration from you all. I have come to realize how important it is for me to continually be engaged in the creative process. I have stacks of sticky notes and pages of my journal filled with ideas and creations. However I never quite have the time to put all of these ideas into action.

So why am I writing this, you ask? First, I wanted to ask you how you find balance and make time for art and crafting in your life? Sometimes it is hard to make the things you love a priority when the world tells you that you should be doing something else. And second, I was hoping y'all could keep me accountable. Check in, tell me the things you are creating- let's share ideas!

Well thanks for listening! Y'all are the best! XO

P.S. The top two photos have been stored on my computer for ages. I love them so much. If you happen to know where they are from please let me know so I can give credit where it is due. Thanks :)

Counting down the days!

The second annual Renegade Craft Fair in Los Angeles is right around the corner. I can hardly wait. I'm giddy like a little child!

Why can't it be Saturday already :)

Have you been to any fun summer craft fairs lately? Are you going to Renegade LA?

Blackboard Pumpkins

I have so been in the mood for fall lately. I have decided I am going to have a pumpkin carving/decorating extravaganza sometime this week or over the weekend. I have lots of ideas. I went to see what Martha had to say about things and, of course, she has a billion great and exciting ideas. One of the pumpkins of her site was spray painted black and when it glowed it looked pretty lovely. But then I thought- oh maybe it would be cool to paint them black with chalkboard paint! So I googled it and found those brilliant folks over at indie fixx had provided this cute example.

How great! I love crafty things!

crafts!

Another update; things have been lookin up. A girl is trying to start a Phoenix chapter of the Craft Mafia and she found my myspace/etsy and invited me to join! I am psyched! In addition to that, I had my etsy in the accessories showcase today and while no one bought anything (yet!) I have had several people favorite my shop. I know it sounds lame but hey, small victories right. I also finally made business cards and I am eagerly awaiting their arrival! So here are a few of the new items I've put up. If you shop or sell on etsy you should let me know! I love etsy. I love handmade things- there is so much love, joy, and character put into them. And I love supporting the super talented crafters that can be found on etsy and supermarket and all the other delicious sites that cater to handmade items!

i'vedoneit!

I know I've been away for some time but things have been rapidly progressing for me! Among others things I am proud to say that I have finally (!) gotten my etsy sight up and running! I am so psyched. Here are some of the things in the store along with a little flier I made for myspace/facebook marketing! Now onto making some business cards