Giveaway Results: Philip the Owl

Good morning/ day/ evening everyone! Are you excited to find out who won the Philip the Owl Giveaway?

And the winner is.... Cerena Leigh

Her comment #76 was chosen as a winner by random.org generator:

Now, the prize is already packed and soon will be shipped. 

Congratulation on your win, Cerena!

Thank you for participation, everyone!

Upcycling Sweaters. Part 1- Big and Little Bags.

This is a great time to find sweaters in your local thrift store - many people are putting away their winter clothing and getting rid of some pieces. You can make everything from sturdy tote bags to felted jewelry. 

It's quite easy to felt a sweater, really - just run it through your washer with hot water and soap, and then through your dryer. 

Only animal-fiber sweaters will felt, so look for wool, alpaca, cashmere, or a blend of these. If you find a great sweater that's at least 80% animal fiber with a little synthetic thrown in, give it a try - sometimes, they may felt just fine. It felted when you cannot see the stitches, and it will not unravel when cut.

 I made this bag from upcycled 100% wool sweater that I felted. I used all scraps from that sweater:flowers were made from sweater's sleeves. You will love it because it's soft, light , beautiful, and did I mention warm?

Tonto Natural Bridge

Last week, in October break, we decided to go to Kohl's Ranch, near Payson, which is not far from Phoenix. It was our second visit of that place. The weather was very nice. We went down to the Creek. To tell the truth, I wanted to see my "old friend"- an apple tree. Last time I noticed  a lot of small green apples on it. Now, this beauty had a lot of pink apples on it. Some were on the ground, touched be animals ( or worms?).

I took  good -looking one with me to the hotel. Anya, my 7 y.o. daughter, looked at me as I was crazy.What? Did you ever tried wild organic (!) apples before? O my! This one was really good. Anya trusted me and made a bite :) Then, my husband tried too. He agreed that this "free" apple was really GOOD!.  You know what?  Next early morning, we went down to that apple tree, shook it, and gathered a couple of pounds of yummy apples. I will tell you what I did with them (stay updated).

Closed Giveaway: Philip the Owl

My next giveaway is timed to October. Yes, October and the good weather in October. I am tired of the heat of Arizona (it is 97 F/+36C  on Monday) and waiting for cool air and some rain - this is a good weather for me.   Today I want to "raffle off'" one of my new favorite things at my GoodWeather shop - Mini Owl Ornament.

 

His name is Philip. He is cute and friendly, isn't he? Philip will guard your home. Made with love from upcycled soft wool sweater, he's eco-friendly and helpful all at once. He has big googly eyes that glow in the dark (yes, to guard your home at night). Phil is sitting on a natural wood branch.

Philip is from the big united family that temporarily lives at my shop and looks for a good home to guard.

 Mandatory entry: 
 
* Leave a comment here telling me what you would like to see (read) in my blog - 1 entry (In Russian: Оставьте комментарий о том, что бы вам хотелось видеть (о чём читать) на моём блоге)

Make sure to include your email address to contact you if you win (comments without Mandatory entry and email will not be counted)!

Extra entries (make sure you leave a separate comment for each). Current fans are eligible!

* Follow my blog (you can follow by clicking follow in the left sidebar) - 1 entry
* Follow me on twitter / facebook - 1 entry 

* Share about this giveaway on your facebook or twitter -1 entry
* Blog about this giveaway (include a link to your post) - 1 entry
**** Purchase anything from GoodWeather, AroundBeads , or SuperSupplies4U  shops and come back letting me know what you purchased - 4 entries.

By the way, you can use coupon code BLOG10 to get 10% off,  at GoodWeather  and AroundBeads shops. 

This giveaway will run from October 16th through October 27th, and the lucky winner will be  chosen by random.org on October 28th, 2011. The winner will be announced here, and he or she will have 48 hours to respond with his/her mailing address. If a winner cannot be contacted or does not respond, another winner will be chosen after 48 hours.
 
This giveaway is open worldwide.

DIY: Easy Buttons

Do you need sometimes nice buttons but cannot find what you need? I had this problem before, but now I make my own buttons with polymer clay.

Today, I want to share the easiest way how to make polymer clay buttons. 

All you need  are:

• Polymer clay in wanted color
• Pasta machine (or acrylic roller)
• Old button as a stamp
• Plastic wrap 
• Cutter (for 1st method)
• Tooth pick.

First Method

1. Condition Polymer clay until it’s soft and pliable. Roll it until it is 3mm thickю (my example of  polymer clay sheet is only for one button, but you make as big  as you need)

Earrings for You E-book

Hurray! I finished my second E-book tonight - Earrings for You! (My first one is Beaded Trees)

This is fully illustrated , easy to read 43 page instructional e-book how to create 13 different earrings with wire. This e-book also includes instructions how to make your own ear findings. Techniques used: wire wrapping, coiling, chain maille.

Have a peek:

 You can buy this e-book here .

Silver Rain Necklace went to final! Please vote.

Hello my friends,

I just got an email : my Silver Rain Necklace went to final at

Jewel School Design Contest!

Please, vote for my entry.    Sincerely, Albina Manning

Upcycling again - handbags

A month ago or so I was checking my closet and found more sweaters that I do not want to wear in hot Arizona. So, I am thinking about making something new from them now. Recycling... up-cycling...

I made another bag from my white sweater.

This bag has a cotton lining with inside pocket for keys and cell phone...

This lovely bag has 28" (70cm) handle.

You will love it because it's soft, unique, cozy, and did I mention warm?

You can buy this white knitted handbag here 
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Next, I went to my daughter's closet. Yes, kids grow fast, and Anya's  sweaters are not worn out :)

So, another bag, multicolored striped bag.

Made of 10% wool & 90% acrylic yarn. You will love it because it's soft, "roomy" , and did I mention cheerful?

This bag has black cotton lining.

The size - 14" wide x 11" high (36cm x 28cm) ) with 26" (65cm) handle. 

 You can buy this stripy bag here 

P.S. Should I check my husband's closet?