My name is Mariosal.

Hello. My name is Mariosal. I'm a new creation from the Craft Zone. I'm part of a round robin altered doll project that is underway to create a doll and story so that our imaginations can fly. This has been great fun for Elaine because she didn't think that she could be so creative. It's been more than she ever expected and her creative juices have just been flowing. The story she has created for my journey into this round robin will make her and her friends laugh and she's left me open for the adventure of a lifetime.

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 13 CRAFT ZONE SWAP

This is the date and I can't wait. I have invited more new people and I hope it will be as much fun as the past swaps. Bring whatever you don't want any more and take what you think you can use. It's time to move on to new projects and maybe you'll find that treasure to do the projects you always wanted to.
This is an early fall Sunday and it will run from 1-5 pm and most of you know that we usually go a little longer.
Refreshments will be available with time to gab and craft or just exchange ideas. I hope to see you all there for the third annual Craft Zone Swap.

The Craft Zone Swap

Once again its time to clean house. Do you have craft stuff that you no longer use? Maybe someone else has something that you need. Start cleaning now and bring your bags, boxes, baskets, whatever filled with what you don't need any more and swap it for something that you do. All things crafty welcome. Some suggestions: craft magazines, sewing items, yarn, paper, stickers, wood shapes, rubber stamps or whatever you have. I'm sure you have things to clean out that are not ready for the trash. Everything can be given new life and we need to save the landfills for stuff that's really trash. This is a free fun afternoon and light snacks and beverages will be served. We look forward to seeing you and if you would like to bring friends please do. Everyone is welcome.

Black and White

Black and white kitchen attire. That was the gift for my nieces wedding which was beautiful. Her colors are black and hot pink, but her new home will have black, white and gray tones. Staying with this color pallet I decided to make them something they could use every day. For the groom I chose an all black barbecue apron. Simple, practical and not embarrassing to wear. For the bride a favorite apron with a beautiful flounce which will meet her very feminine side while working in her new kitchen. To finish the gift I made a quilted table topper that was a project at the American Sewing Guild meeting, a pair of solid black oven mitts and a pair of pot holders made from the remaining fabrics. A white glass two tiered serving tray completed the gift. I had fun making this personal gift and I know this couple will appreciate them.

Staying Busy?

With all the warm weather that we've had up until today it's been hard to want to stay busy. It's been a challenge to be disciplined, but I keep going. As a result I have been using some of my creative spirit to refashion items into something new. My mind keeps thinking of things to do with all the stuff that I have around, but to put them in a separate pile would probably fill a room. I do a few and stack a few and it's working out that I am at least completing some tasks and at the same time having fun doing it. I guess in the long run it's fun we should be having isn't it? What's the sense in doing something if we're not having fun? At the same time there's so much stuff in the world that we can't throw it all away can we?


So here are three of the latest projects that my mind and hands created. I hope you can have fun too doing something creative with something that you already have and you can see more creations at butterflyplace.etsy.com. See you there!


Keep in touch and happy spring to everyone.

Damn It Doll

At the last play day the discussion of stress dolls came up, and we had all had some type at our disposal at one time or another in our lives. I remembered that I did have something in the form of a pattern for one, but of course with all the stuff in the Craft Zone where could it be? Well the organized person that I am, had put it with my patterns. If this isn't original I don't know what is and it only took half an hour of searching everywhere but with the patterns to figure this out. Was this a senior moment or what? We took the pattern that we had and altered it to come up with the above doll and I gave it to Jill because she seemed to be most interested in it. She said that her mother had just made herself a new one and found the information on line. Well the doll has gone with Jill to Arizona and from what I hear is a big hit. Pardon the pun. We sure hope it's getting her through the rough moments that she is dealing with and it doesn't get too worn out with use.

The following is the poem that goes with this doll:

When you think you want to climb the walls

Or jump right up and shout

Here's a little "Damn it Doll"

You cannot live without

Just grasp it firmly by the legs

And find a place to slam it

Then as you whack it's stuffing out

Yell "Damn it, Damn it, Damn it"

Midwinter Play Day

What better way to cure the winter blues than to have a play day. It was a blast. Five of us got together to laugh, enjoy some lunch, sew, create and just spill our souls with friends. I couldn't have had a better time. We will be doing this more often I promise.

Since this meeting some of us have been together again over coffee and a light sandwich and done some more laughing and have promised to stay in touch more often and take more time to be creative.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Jill whose son has been in a terrible vehicle accident and it has taken her to Arizona to be by his side. She is remaining positive and we have good vibes that he will be okay. With all that life has to throw at us it is important to take care of one another and remember that without friends some of us could not make it. We owe a lot to each other. May the fun continue despite our difficulties and may we all offer help when it is needed.

Latest Creation

Who says that waiting for the cable guy has to be boring. He was due to arrive between eight a.m. and noon. What is a person to do? Well I started working on a new bag. Just for me too. Unheard of to say the least, but I did it. I started early and kept going until the cable guy arrived. This was about eleven. By this time I was about one third of the way done. While this poor soul, (Keith by name), was out in the bitter cold wiring the house from the pole with his companion cable guy, I kept going and by the time they were ready to come in and hook up the TV it was after one and I had quite a bit more done. I had it pretty much sewn and pinned together by this time and was almost ready to finish the job. When Keith finished getting the cable in and I had signed off on the job there was time for a quick bite to eat and it was off to the sewing machine because by now I was hooked and wanted it finished. I worked along for about another hour when the phone rang and it was the cable company. They needed to inspect the mornings work and review with me a few questions, but this couldn't be done over the phone they needed to ask me personally and check the hook-up to the TV. Well my hands were sore anyway and I needed a break and fifteen minutes later I was going over my experience with the cable company for 45 minutes. It is now 3:50 in the afternoon and I'm torn between finishing the bag and preparing dinner because Lisa would be home in a little more than an hour. My choice was to finish the bag and I did. I prepared dinner later.

So now let me tell you about the latest creation. Jill will recognize this fabric right away. It is an upholstery fabric. Quite thick too that has been bonded with a knit on the back. I lined it with a coordinating gabardine and included three pockets inside. I added a tab with a hook to attach my keys and this way I won't be searching for them on the bottom of the bag. I made a smaller bag with a zipper for my medications and personal care items out of the same fabric to keep order in the bag. I used a magnetic fastener to keep the flap closed and added a butterfly pin for embellishment. This pattern is the one I have used in the past with the exception of the longer strap. As I am getting older the over the shoulder bag has bothered my arm and I was getting to the point where I would feel vulnerable and feared someone pulling my bag off of my shoulder. The messenger style has freed up my hands and taken the stress off of my body. Okay I admit I am getting older, but it was such a simple solution. This was a very difficult fabric to work with because of it's thickness and turning the handle was the hardest part. My hands ached for a day.

So next time you need to wait for the cable guy and need a project why not make a new bag for yourself. I had more fun organizing myself and figuring out what to put in and take out of my purse and now I can even keep my coupons with me. This makes it all worth while.

What's going on?

Well haven't I been away for a while? So much is happening and so much more will. Most stories to long to tell and better left untold. It's a new year and a new time and with today's economic situations what can be said. I have been taking all of the positives in life and throwing them into the Craft Zone.

Being one of those persons without a "job" isn't easy, but it's not the end either. It's another door opening and it's what I want to do any way. I am learning more about business every day and learning to get it more organized, although you'll see by the updated pictures that this doesn't look like it's happening. The organization is coming with the bookkeeping and filing and controlling the business end of the Craft Zone. I have installed new bookkeeping software and created the spreadsheets needed for 2009 and feel at least like I can perform end of month duties on time. I'll just have to stay disciplined and it will all happen.

As for the physical side of the Craft Zone, you'll see that the fabric and projects keeps rolling in and I have purchased brand new machines. Six in all, but one was given to a supporting member for her dedication to me. These are inexpensive but good machines that should stand up for a while as I take the Craft Zone to the next level. Advertising is the next step and so far I am relying on word of mouth and any where I can post an ad for free. The budget is not quite set for anything more at this time, but time will change that too.

So as all of the business and physical aspects of the Craft Zone develop there is still one part that needs work. This is the scheduling of events. I have been trying to come up with new events and I hope to add one to this years calendar. We are working on a date for the third annual swap and as soon as we can we will print the fliers for this event and give everyone time to prepare. The other event we are thinking about is the Linus project. We have been doing this on a personal level. This project creates blankets for needy children and children in hospital situations. As we all know there are many in need and we can all do some small part to help, so I'm looking forward to scheduling this sort of event maybe twice this year. There are several other ideas, but so far they are all in the planning stages.

Well enjoy the updated pictures and feel free to pass this site on to all of your friends. Who knows who will come to our next play day. See you soon. I promise

The Quilt is in Lake View

Okay it took some time, but it is finished and on my granddaughter's bed. She loved it and said it almost touches the floor. It turned out better than I thought, but after hours on the floor putting the layers together I managed to get it to her one week after her 13th birthday. It was so big and fluffy and I fell in love with it too. Lisa has named it Juicy Fruit because of all the colors involved. It will brighten her room for sure and make her feel like a special person.

I have also found temp work while I look for permanent employment. I've heard there aren't any jobs out there, but I've had little problems coming up with something. Not what I want to do permanently yet, but at least it's an income and I have my business moving too. My spirits have never been higher and I can see all possibilities. Never stop dreaming. The universe has many directions for us to follow.

I can't believe that summer is almost over for the kids. Besides a bad case of Bronchitis summer has been wonderful, but I know that my favorite time of year is here because of all the pears that are in containers on the deck. Lisa and I managed to pick about two bushel's this weekend and now we will have to find them a home. Too many for the two of us. I can smell the pie now and the air has felt like fall the past two days. So here's to the last days of summer and everyone please have a safe and wonderful Labor Day weekend.

Better Late Than Never

Okay so it's been a few months. I'm not very good at keeping up, but now that I am not working, I'll see what I can do. I had a wonderful trip to Florida with my daughter and her family. I can't wait to do Disney World again, but this time walking through everything. It was hot and humid, but I loved every ride I went on with them and even the days driving. I am scrap booking the event in the form of a story book for myself, but I can't wait to see the kids reaction to my format.

We had a great swap this past weekend. It's amazing how much fun just trading stuff and gabbing is. I have to admit that I wasn't prepared for it at all, but I pushed to empty out and I hope everyone got something that they could use. It's a dandy way to recycle and keep things out of landfills. I think more people should try it.

My wall of fabric has grown some more. I have added another shelf, but if you see bare spots don't worry I have plenty to fill it up, I just have to do it. Maybe tomorrow. As you can see I have been busy this week. My grandaughter will be thirteen Saturday (time flies) and I am making her a quilt and as I was told it would go together quick. I got it to this point in a few days. Not without issues though. I won't have it done for her exact birthday, but I have promised that I will have it to her in the next couple of weeks. I guess if I keep with it I can keep my promise. I just hope she can sleep in a room full of so many bright colors.

So the Craft Zone goes on. The lessons continue and I am hoping that by fall the number of students will increase. I have more leads on special needs woman and am working to get them here.

Not much else is new, but for all of you who viewed the pears in the refrigerator from years past, it's almost that time again and I'm not excited at all. I may be calling on you to come and get a bag full. These are the things that keep me from updating my blog, but I will improve. I have more time on my hands now.

Spring Is Almost Here?

Well we would like to think so, but today has not been one of those hopeful days. It's been a great day however to work on the spring cleaning and organizing. It's been amazing to me how much comes my way. The Craft Zone has been busy and everything has been thrown into the store room and I had to get to the bags and boxes and get it straightened out. I invested in two new shelves and put all of the fabric that was all over neatly on them. I only have one tub left to put away and I need one more shelf to accomplish this. I cleaned the closet and put overflow supplies away in there. It's taken most of two days, but the inventory is at least where I can see it now and within reach for projects.

The research for advertising is moving along and keeps me busy when I don't have students or working my full time job. I hope to have some kind of advertising in place by July 1, 2008 which is the second anniversary of the Craft Zone. It seems like only yesterday that I was painting walls and unpacking boxes with supplies to put in place. Wow how I have grown. One day at a time and a positive attitude will do wonders for someone who wishes big dreams.

I am working on scheduling the second craft and sewing swap soon. The date will be posted soon and the fliers will be heading out in the mail. We're looking for a spring swap this year in hopes that many of you will do some cleaning. So I hope that you all can change that cabin fever mood into spring cleaning and start preparing for the next swap. Hope to see you all then and I sure hope this weather clears out soon.

Sew this is now.

I know it's been too long, but actually I have been busy making my studio grow. We have expanded to cover some craft classes and scrapbooking events, but the sewing, knitting and crocheting are still number one. Over the past few months we have added new shelving, equipment, and supplies. As you can see it's expanded to the point where storage is becoming an issue. Excess supplies are being stored in an extra bedroom/office and taken out as needed. I would like to say that we are proud to be keeping true to the fact that Craft Zone is still recycling and reusing what others need to get rid of, although I am taking full advantage of sales and coupons to build my inventory and equipment.

I have also taken time to go to craft events and crops to see what the craft industry is doing and to tell you the truth my head is spinning with everything new. I have done a lot of personal growing at the same time my company is. I have many ideas for the future of the Craft Zone. I have spent many hours researching and working on a business plan and learning as much as I can, and am getting ready to learn about the advertising industry to start placing ads. All of this keeps me very busy, but I wouldn't change anything at this point.

To all of my friends that I haven't seen in a while I hope that you can understand the work load and maybe come and spend some time playing with us at the Craft Zone. I could use some time to slow down and see what it has become and enjoy your company. To those interested in any use of the space including lessons and rental, feel free to contact me and we will make arrangements.

I hope the holiday season brings good cheer to all and I promise to be more diligent at keeping my blog updated.

Elaine

Fabric arrival

Once again I've obtained another supply of fabric for the Craft Zone. There's quite a combination of fabric including some wool, cottons, posh, and flannel. I have my friends Michelle and Jim to thank for saving it for me. I've already sorted it and moved things on to Craft Bits and Pieces as a donation. It feels good to share the wealth with such a great organization and to have the resource available to me for the odds and ends things that the Craft Zone needs. Last visit landed us a paper cutter. It works well and will come in handy for all the paper crafts we do and for office use. Thanks for checking in on the Craft Zone blog. Hope to see you soon.

Hello Spring

Hello everyone. I hope you're enjoying the blog. It looks like Spring has sprung. I hope you contact us at the Craft Zone to have some fun.

Carrots

What are rabbits supposed to eat more of than humans? Carrots of course. This fun table runner was spotted in a popular quilting magazine. It's a busy but simple afternoon project including making your own bias tape and hand stitching. I found it very relaxing and the result was great. We are working on ideas to take this simple sewing process to the next step. Our imaginations began running wild. We even created ideas for the left over pieces. Can you see the future use of this process in your home decorating?

Craft Zone; and "sew we grow"

The Craft Zone is a comfortable in home studio available to anyone interested in learning or upgrading a textile craft. Our main purpose is to keep up with the renewal of sewing, knitting and crocheting as a life skill. Whether or not you want to learn as a beginner or just have a place to relax and renew your skills, the Craft Zone is the place to be.

At the Craft Zone you will find that our emphasis is on finding new life in old things. We are more apt to have older machines, retro fabric and old fashioned events to duplicate the earlier times when women would socialize while working on projects. Events such as quilting bees, sitting on the front porch knitting or just sipping lemonade, or crocheting and watching the children.

Everything old is new again. To sew a retro tote bag, crochet an afghan or use retro fabrics and clothes to build a quilt, you will find it easy today to find vintage items to include in new projects. We at the Craft Zone believe that not filling land fills will help our environment and leave mother earth with a cleaner place to raise future generations. One man's junk is another man's treasure? You bet it is. To keep things from entering land fills we have created swaps so that we can exchange materials and other items for someone else to use. Of course this is crafting supplies. We don't do garage sale items because of course there are places to take those reusable items. What we have remaining from our swaps is freecycled or donated to our favorite locations.

New to the Craft Zone this summer will be a space in the garage for those projects that include heavy glues and paints. Hopefully a large work space will be built for this task. All materials are available and within the next month we'll see some progress. I believe that I've even lined up the help needed to accomplish this task.

It has always been our passion at the Craft Zone to inspire creativity and fun. It is also our passion to have space available to those who don't have it, to work on fun projects. As stated before we recycle and reuse many items. Donations are welcome although the majority of supplies are purchased at second hand and thrift stores. Sometimes it overwhelms us at the items we find that people don't want any more. We do however stay within a budget, but if we have something you would like to work with you are more than welcome to use what we have available. Fees are kept at a minimum and we have discovered that the fees include fun and socializing which are priceless.

As you can see by some of my earlier blogs that we have students and clients of all ages. We look forward to spending time with everyone, so give us a call and we'll have fun being creative together.

January Update

Welcome to what's new at the Craft Zone. Some of my student's have been very busy learning how to make tote bags and purses. One of the more unusual bags is this karate conceived bag which is so called because of the karate belt strap. Nannette, the owner and designer has decided to advance her designs as she advances her sewing skills. There will be more bags to come for sure because she is constantly trying new things and the next karate bag is in the works. Yes she is very much into karate.

I took a spin out to Craft bits and pieces to drop off some donations and did a little shopping. I purchased a few items to use at the Craft Zone and of course a few extras. It was slow out there, but the weather has kept people away and now that we've begun to get some snow, maybe the skiing has too.

Don't forget that if you're looking for a warm place to learn something new you can always contact us and make arrangements for lessons at the Craft Zone. Ask for Elaine and she will be happy to help you out.

Well we're off to a banner year and hopefully we can teach more people new things. I hope to see you all soon. Stay warm and take care until next time.

End of year update and you can too.

I would like to wish everyone a Happy New year and show you what the Craft Zone looked like at the end of 2006. It was a struggle, but we have it moving along at quite a pace and I believe that it will continue. Thanks to help from my friends I have achieved what I consider the most important goal of my life. A business of my own. I have nothing but positive vibes about this and although I am worn thin I know it is growing steadily and 2007 will be less stressful now that it is physically near completion. I hope everyone who has helped enjoys this update.

You can do it too. I was looking through a popular country catalog before Christmas and saw a granny square afghan listed for $95 plus tax and shipping and couldn't believe my eyes. I set out to do it for the most reasonable price that I could and believe it or not I did it for under six dollars. I got remnants of yarn from freecycle and Crafts Bits and Pieces in Fairport and combined them with what I had and sure enough I only needed to purchase one skein fo white yarn to complete the project. Sure I had to make it myself, but you can too and I will teach you. Please contact me if you are interested. It's not as hard as it looks.
P.S.
Ginger girl was the sewing project for the holidays. She had sewn on buttons, some embellishments and it was a great lesson in sewing around curves. The kids enjoyed the project and we are beginning to see much improvement in their hand stitching skills and machine stitching skills. You're never too old to have fun.

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