Hand of Bela Peck

New Cats On The Block Tutorial

Spring punches the earth with color and rids us of our dreary brown stale winter. 

Here in Texas the fields are alive with vibrant wildflowers, the butterflies are surfing the sweet jasmine breeze, and the song birds reign.  Sitting quietly in the new grass, prowling, spying..... just waiting- are the new cats on the block! 

The arrival of Spring also brings my tradition of purging the sweaters.  I tend to buy lots of sweaters each year and then wear only one aside from my fave ratty old man cardigan. What better way to keep loving our wooly wonders than to upcycle them in to something sweet and sassy!

Old sweaters are so soft and wool sweaters can be easily felted by machine washing and drying.  This makes for clean and easy to care for fabric that can be upcycled in to softie toys, coffee cup cozies, and handmade baby shower gifts.  Possibilities are endless!

These cats are made from the sleeves of old striped sweaters. 

 

  Using my own template, I snip around the top to make ears

  

Then I sew the top by machine,

 turn the cat right side out, stuff and hand stitch the bottom shut. 

Embroider your fave expression and ta-daaaahhhh!  A vibrant cat is born! 

Don't have any sweaters you want to chop?  Check out your local thrift store.  Not only do you get a great project for pennies but you also help a charity in the process. 

Check out these other fab Etsy artists who also love upcycling the old yarns :)

LOVE & OLD SWEATERS!

How Bunny Grey Got His Spots

There was a time when a trip to the pediatrician was exactly that: a trip to the pediatrician.  Usually it was to get yet another doctor's note for school to explain away the usual absences associated with school age children and their germy ways.  I always took along a stitching project because my hands would  (and still do) go stir crazy if left idle for more than 2 minutes.  But Baby Girl is now 17, and when a routine doctor visit took a turn for a nightmare in 2011, with an unexpected need for open heart surgery, there hasn't been a routine doctor visit since.

When I brought Baby Girl lunch at school just before noon yesterday I knew something wasn't right.  She was shaky and grey, complaining of abdominal pain.  Within the hour the school nurse would call and one look at Baby Girl doubled over on the couch- I knew it was going to be a loooong visit at the doctor's office.  Grabbing my car keys, cell phone, wallet, and the nearest craft project- we bolted out the door.

This is routine now.  Pain will subside, tests will be run and we will wait for results.  This is when I pull out my stitching to pass the time.  It helps with nervous energies as well.  A mother's mind is keen at imagining the worst possible outcomes in a doctor's office if left to wander in the sterile box of a waiting room.  Armed with a blank wool bunny I made earlier this week from an up-cycled coat, and some natural wool roving from Milltown Primitives, I begin the calming work of needle punching polka dots.  Slowly, bunny grey is coming to life as Baby Girl is resting.

More spots will be added as we venture to the ER with what looks like appendicitis. Even more spots will be added as appendicitis is ruled out and another battery of tests is performed. Slow little perfect circles sculpted in place with the needle as Baby Girl is wheeled back in to the room.  On the outside she and I are tough as nails.  Inside we are freaking out at the idea of another surgery.  Polka dots are finished up just before the final diagnosis of "possible" appendicitis and we are sent home to keep watch. 

 And this is how bunny grey got his spots :)

LOVE  &  CALM SPOTS

 

Related articles

A Simple Bunny

Bunny Foo Foo

Chillin' With The Girls

Bunny Foo Foo

With Spring just around the corner I can't help but make Bunny Foo Foos by the armfuls!  Theses up-cycled gems are super easy and one of the first Rustic Foo Foo collaborations for me and my bestie, Ashlie (of Painting Bliss).  Ahhhhhh the memories!

We both have grown considerably since 2008, but some ideas remain a  friendship staple.  Whether it was a shared idea interpreted in different media or actual projects that were shipped cross country for completion, our thoughts have been a connected thread of inspiration from the start.

  

Over the years, many a Foo Foo bunny has been sent as baby shower gifts, toddler basket fillers, or primmed out for country Easter displays.  They have gone as far as Sweden, Denmark and Alaska.  Bunny Foo Foo was my first ever Etsy sale and has recently become my first ever pattern with the help of Lisa, of Wooly Primitives!

  

 So simple yet so significant in so many ways!  Bunny Foo Foo will be the official mascot of the Rustic Foo Foo on the day Ashlie and I open her doors- whether it be a shared booth or the official storefront we've dreamed of since day one!  We know the power of shared inspiration and working toward a common goal.  Though she is 2000 miles away, Ashlie is in every step of my journey.

LOVE  &  FOO FOO FRIENDS!

 

Related articles

A Friend For All Seasons

A Simple Bunny

A Simple Bunny

Sometimes I just need to be told what to do.  My creative mind races 160 mph daily and at times it is difficult to see the glowing red light signaling a slow down is in order.  That's when it's time to dive into the archives and pull out an oldie but goodie!  Something with simple lines and easy to follow instructions, not subject to my overly-self-scrutinizing.  Something from waaaay on back that I can up-cycle into 2013! 

  

I found this Heart's Content pattern at Goodwill years ago- knowing I could still use the basic primitive shape.   Of course, I can't find the cover picture in my studio mess but you all know those famous 80's country style rabbits! I chuckled at those white cotton bunnies with the big mauve bows adorning a powder blue basket handle.  I sighed with good memories of 1987- the year I graduated high school! I remember going to many craft shows with my Mom and swooning over such rabbits all frilled out with starchy lace and satin ribbons.  I know if I went back to my old room, I would find Mr. & Mrs. Cottontail still nestled in the antique doll crib. 

I made my version of this bunny using linen and a generous grungy soak in spiced coffee.  Setting him out in the warm spring sun to dry, he made fast friends with Harley Bear and Fiona who anxiously waited for wee rabbit to come down from the tree branches to play.

Bunny will soon receive a name, a spring in his step, some prim features and hopefully give chase to Harley Bear- looks like she could use a little exercise for that winter weight gain ;) 

I'm not sure whatever became of of Heart's Content patterns but I love the timelessness of the primitive tradition!  Makes me wonder who will be chuckling at my work in 25 years!

LOVE  &  UPDATING THE '80'S

 

Related articles

Elida's Progress

Cold Hands, Warm Hearts

Tending The Herd

Spring sheep have begun grazing in my studio and I am delighted with the new materials for this year's herd! Mohair blends returns as my usual fave but the thrifting gods have been very very good to me this week, allowing for some new sheep style on the block!

One of my greatest joys is giving new life to old garments- especially vintage coats whose wide collars or boxy silhouettes render them doomed to destruction.  Houston is home to a plethora of monstrous thrift stores with pristine offerings! The warmer climate makes coats a mere fashion statement so often they are cast off in mint condition once the fad has passed.  Mohair blends, cashmere and leather have been my top picks but I have been on the long search for spotless sherpa and this past weekend I scored! 

This 1990 beauty has been a dream fabric!  The outside leather is cheesecake soft!  Cutting in smooth lines with very little "wool dust" (my term for those wee fibers that permeate the nostrils).  It even sailed through the sewing machine like a silent sailboat on a misty morning! The result is a compact, prim perfect sheep!  Using "cracked" leather (a new-with-tags leather coat find that I initially felt guilty for hacking- but I got over that quick!)  gave this wooly guy the aged expression I wanted.

This weekend's sheep were made from three coats: A vintage mohair blend, a vintage sherpa, and a brand new distressed leather.  Each coat cost me $1.50!  Using up-cycled goods allows me to use top-o-the-line fabrics and keep my prices at an everyday level.  Up-cycling also keeps our landfills a little cleaner and is in keeping with the true primitive tradition.

If you would like a Sherman (sherpa- $35) or Molly (mohair- $25), send me an email at [email protected] or look for them in my Etsy shop later this week. 

LOVE  &  UPCYCLE NATION

Related articles

Peep Show

Of Mice and Romance

New Studio Mice in Production

Chicks In Love

Hendly Market Needfuls

When I moved to the Galveston area last year I found sanctuary in the artsy shops of The Strand.  An area rich with history, loaded with ghost stories, and romanticized with horse drawn carriages, The Strand is my reward for having to live in the south suburbia abyss of Houston.  Technically I live one mile closer to Galveston than to Houston so I can claim "Galveston area" if it makes me feel better. :) Oh and it does!!

Hendley Market is my one stop shop to pick up Papaya Art cards, lavender soap, and silkworm cocoons hand dyed by Sheep and Hook Fibers.  A trip to Hendley Market on a homesick day instantly lifts my spirits.  Imagine my elation to now be a part of such an eclectic and marvelous landmark store!  I just melt seeing my wee cocoon mice nestled in the beautiful work of Sheep and Hook Fibers!  Read more about this fabulous Texas artist here in the Islander Magazine!

I now have my own counter display!

Hendley Market is housed in one of the oldest buildings on the Strand and was used as a Port lookout post during the Civil War.  The proprietors of Hendley  Market warmly welcome customers' bare feet and dogs while browsing the wide selection of Texas artists, antiques, toys and uniques.

I frequently visit the sewing goodes.  Why use my own buttons when I can dip my hands into the chilly earthy relief of presorted mother of pearl lovelies?  At 10 cents per button I can entertain myself until the staff kicks me out!

Hendley Market is a trip around the world within four brick walls!  Beautifully hand crafted masks, purses, and woolies ensure there is something for everyone!  Whether you are shopping for an inexpensive trinket of whimsy, luxurious local yarns or one of a kind Texas artwork, Hendley Market has it!

  

If you happen to be in the Galveston area stop in and see what's new at Hendley!  If you live far away- check out your local area for unique stores that delight the soul!

LOVE  &  SHOP LOCAL!

 

Related articles

Chillin' With The Girls

This Little Mousey Went To Market

Market Day

Of Mice and Romance

Peep Show

Peep Show

Ahhhhh spring is just around the corner!  Twirly tweets are heard in the trees as the pairing up and nesting festivities begin.  The cardinals and blue jays have returned to that overgrown shrubby tree  in my neighbor's yard.  The mourning doves are publicly displaying their affections on the rooftop much to the dismay of my dog, Harley-Bear, who can't chase them away.  And the opportunistic weeds have taken their jump on the growing season.  That means peep season is here and my hands have been busy stitching away!

Sweet Peep production is in full swing in the studio.  This year I've added primitive grungy and mohair birds.  I love working with washed woolens from up-cycled vintage coats.  The wool and mohair blend shrinks up to a fluffy, delightfully compact fabric. 

   

Peeps are currently available at Hendley Market on the Strand in Galveston, and in my Etsy shop.  This batch will be debuting this weekend in both locations.

LOVE  &  SPRING PEEPS!

Related articles

Chicks In Love

Cold Heads, Warm Hearts

Going Coastal: Holiday Shorebirds

Of Mice and Romance

Early Work Mercantile Debut

Elida and Pheobe have made their debut in the Early Work Mercantile!  I am so excited to be a part of this group of fabulous primitive arists! 

Elida and Pheobe are both one-of-a-kind dolls.  I never duplicate my historical dolls or offer the pattern for sale.  Every 1st of the month I will have new dolls offered  for sale in the Mercantile.

Elida's details were time consuming but oh so worth it!  My hand is still cramping from her tiny stitches!

I just love all her undergarments!  Living in the Texas sun I can't imagine how early pioneering women didn't pass out in the summer with all of the layers required to be socially presentable!

    

Pheobe had lots of cheek drama as I tried to get her to look subtly Puritan and not so much red light district clown.  But in the end she turned out perfectly scowly and not too bitter.

Stop by the Early Work Mercantile to check out fresh picks from some of the best primitive artists around!

LOVE  &  THE PRIMITIVE TRADITION!

Related articles

Chillin' With The Girls

Elida's Progress

A Whale Of A Start To 2013!

Ghosts of Saint Olaf's Kirke

Elida's Progress

 A friend posted on Facebook yesterday asking why artists are their own worst critic.  It was a timely question as I was working on Elida and second guessing small stitches, pleats, and gathers; occasionally wondering why I ever gave up my dependable career for the rogue creative life. Looking at Elida after hours of working on her, I was only able to find her flaws.  But those flaws are what are essential to the primitive tradition and in morning's light- I only see Elida's prim beauty.

Second guessing keeps me humble and reminds me that I must trust the journey.  Every doll starts out a blank slate with layers of oddity.  Paint mistakes abound and need to be reworked into the design.  Thank God for gesso and sandpaper! Lips are especially difficult for me.  There's always one stitch that sends my brush awry and out comes the sandpaper again!  The early stages of my dolls look like pasty zombies. 

   

When it comes to the finery- I prefer layers of linen and lace.  Wee legs are crafted of vintage linen.  Elida's bloomers are made from an old linen napkin, her underskirt is also vintage linen topped with a scallop-hemmed calico print.  I machine stitch the basic dress forms but the remaining tucks, gathers, and hems are all done by hands- usually in layers as I custom fit the dress to the doll.  Anyone who wants to take apart my designs should be prepared to spend hours un-doing wee layers of tiny threads stronger than any industrial glue.

   

Originally Elida was going to wear some black leather boots made from an old Coach jacket.  The leather was soft and supple but didn't turn as easily as I had anticipated.  Currently those boots are half turned, torn and have been chucked into the back garden in a fit of frustration.  Elida opted for the painted boots :)

She still needs her top skirt, her hair to be needle felted in place and a few last stitches but Elida will be complete by time I go to bed tonight.  She has a February 1st engagement and she will be on time, by God!  I might not rest my head until 3 am, but she will be done!

 LOVE  &  SPEEDY SEWING!

Related articles

Chillin' With The Girls

Chillin' With The Girls

Elida  &  Pheobe

With Hubby in Bangkok, my daughter off with her friends, and a house all to myself it was a weekend made for sofa lounging, a lotta lattes, a Twilight marathon, and stitching up some new primitive dolls. 

Dolls are my truest love.  Making wee dresses and spending hours over tiny details and historical research really soothes my Yankee soul.  Perhaps it was from watching my mother's meticulous winter stitches, keeping warm under layers of quilting in the works, or dressing my own dolls in the clothes mom made by hand; these memories come back as I bring to life the historical women who intrigue me.

Elida is a pioneer child who arrived in Texas from Norway.  Born on the journey, her name means "speedy sailing".  Though her parents loved arriving in Galveston, they moved inland to avoid certain death by yellow fever.  Elida's family made a home in the tiny Norwegian settlement of Norse, Texas.

Pheobe Ann Pease is one tough cookie!  She set sail on her husband's whaling ship The Cambria, sailing around the world.  She returned to Martha's Vineyard in 1861, so her child would be born on American soil.

The girls participate in the picking of their finery.  Vintage linens, lace and embellishments add a true time-worn feel to each doll.  Wool yarns are a favorite for hair.  It is soft, rich in texture, and easily styled. 

  

Elida was dreamt up from my many ghost hunting trips in and around Cranfill's Gap, Texas, where Norwegian influence dominates and small farming communities remain untouched by modern inconveniences.

Pheobe was  a nameless stump doll made a few years ago but remained dormant in the unfinished project bin due to her scowling face.  Stumbling across a photo of the real Pheobe Ann Pease in a whaling book, I couldn't figure out why she struck me so that I immediately purchased the book.  Then it dawned on me- the kindred souls had found each other! 

   

These girls already have a destination and are nearly ready for their new adventure.  Another day of stitching, movie marathoning and, of course, LATTES, they should be ready for their big debut!

LOVE  &  BRAVE WOMEN!