First, the kits. I started off by completing a sewing box kit from Jean Day. She has really nice feminine kits, artwork and doilies in many scales, so stop by her Etsy shop and daydream! I really enjoyed making the sewing kit, and there is so much stuff in it that your sewing box will overflow like mine! I even have leftovers to use in other projects!
Next up was a collection of Dragonfly International kits. I just love these laser cut kits because they are so easy to do and to customize, and Deb's site is so full of fun stuff to shop for! The candy box kit and purse kit were super fun!
The lady's screen kit got a whole new life as a fireplace screen. It was fun to customize it for the cottage living room!
I have a lot of bookshelf space in the living room and bedroom alcove, although a lot of it is allocated for delicate knick knacks. Not knowing exactly how many books I'd want on the shelves, I used part of the materials in a book making kit by L. Delaney on Etsy. I only made 27 of them. I've made plenty of mini books for my projects over time, but her method is quite interesting.
I've had these chipboard suitcase kits from Alpha Stamps for quite some time. They were originally intended to go into the flower shops a couple years ago. They don't come with instructions, but I am sure one of their staff crafters has a blog post about it somewhere. I just winged it, and since they are going to be filler pieces I wasn't too concerned about detail. They were fun though seem to need more shabbiness.
I made the laser cut side table kit (MenutmonShop Etsy but no longer selling?) and pitcher kit (Angie Scarr), both of which need to be painted. As do the coffee table, chair, dresser, nightstand and vanity set. We had snow here the last couple of days, with more predicted for the weekend, so spray painting is on hold for a while.
I have plenty to keep me busy - just making the replacement fabric panels to recover the chair is enough for hours!
And I can always dust off my sewing machine and begin making the cushions, bedding and pillows - Oh Brother!!! That's going to require an excavation!
I did make a few styles and sizes of shopping bags for the lady of the cottage using Julie Warren's Bag Tutorial as a guide.
But I still need to make the apron for the kitchen. I also have several flower kits that need to be made up for filling pitchers and vases...
I know what to do and how to do most of it, so what's the problem?...
I feel lazy, I am hungry and I want a nap. Yep - I must be a bear!
Hopefully, it'll pass quicker than winter.
Have a great week!
xo xo,
Jodi
Well if this is lazy then, I must be dead! lol... This is a lot of stuff for someone who is un-mini-motivated Jodi! Oh my goodness those Chocolates are delightful. They will be a great prop for a Valentine's picture. :) Cute handbag, I'm thinking of making some from bulldog/binder clips, have you seen what people are doing with those. Amazing!
ReplyDeletehttps://www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjw2OrWlKjgAhWEknAKHWYaDTAQjRx6BAgBEAU&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pinterest.com%2Fpin%2F311874342925603150%2F&psig=AOvVaw2VK_wPQ5kcUPYcLw5KDob4&ust=1549578680894955
I love the changes you made to the screen, where is that going? Is it dividing the dining area from the living? I LOVE your suitcases! They are so adorable. I pink candy stripe gets me everytime.. Winging it suits you. :D Too bad Menutmon shop isn't selling anymore, it looks like they had some great stuff. But oh that chair Jodi! Where did you get that! I love it and want two immediately.. lol It's right up my style alley. :D I'm looking forward to your makeover of that one the most. I saw Julie's tut for the bags and thought I might try too.. I wondered if putting foil inside folded fabric might make them stand up and be positioned better if I wanted to use a soft fabric, but yours seem to be doing fine.... Ugh, I put off projects for days, weeks even, because I have to conduct an archaeological dig in order to get out the required tools & products. lol.. While I procrastinate, I'll sit by and wait to watch you make more flowers! :)
Oops, didn’t read correctly.. a fire screen._ Brilliant repurpose! :D
DeleteThanks Sam but there really isn't much time invested here! I just saw a binder clip purse for the first time the other day - very interesting! Thanks for the link!
DeleteYou know I probably could have used the Cricut to make the fireplace screen, but I just had to see if I could utilize the kit. I'm a weirdo!
Yeah bummer about Menutmon - I am glad I bought the four kits back when I did! The chair was a Bespaq Direct one, Lorraine I think, I picked up on eBay for around $20 last year. I have a thing for chairs too! Hopefully it comes out okay!
The wooden/cardboard bottoms on Julie's bags really do help them stand up - my material is just thin cotton as opposed to the fiber type she used in the tut but they are fine.
Staying tidy is so hard when each room requires a million side crafts, supplies and tools but being excited about something really helps overcome the angst about getting everything out. Hopefully my excitement will return soon! Right now, I just want to snuggle on the sofa with a comforter and play Zelda! :O)
I've always equated being lazy as NOT doing anything but lazing around Jodi-style is an interpretation I like much better! And I believe that passing the time with making kits is a great way to get something done in between not doing what you had originally intended.
ReplyDeleteLove the kit-bashed fire screen and the the suitcases - Woweee what a Transformation!!!
Love the chair and the bags and the books and especially Jean's sewing kit! Once again you have demonstrated that joy of putting kits together and making them totally unique and infinitely fascinating- but then, that's what Bears can do! ;D
Thanks Elizabeth! There were a couple days where I had some motivation, but not my usual level, so I feel like a lazy person - which is not to say that's a bad thing! Just not usually my neutral! Kits are a great focus maker when my creativity leaves me - I can generally follow directions and at least feel like I am making some sort of progress. This always happens to me at this point in a build and I always worry that I am going to abandon it! Hopefully, just giving it a few days (weeks?) will allow some excitement to creep back in again!
DeleteI am trying to get motivated to get up out of my chair and go downstairs and do something. I've been trying to make a block puzzle, with some not so good luck, so I lack a bit of motivation. I adore the the little sewing basket. I may just have to make one and I just love watching Julie Warren's videos. She is the best, so your little bags are so sweet and cute. Oh. I just love it all. And now we wait to see how you use all of those sweet, wonderful little pieces.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ann! I know the feeling! I think the trick is to just stop fighting it and let the laziness happen. That's what I'm going to try, anyway! I hope the mini mojo returns to both of us, soon!
DeleteFor not very productive you've done a lot! The sun is shining here and I'm getting nothing finished. I love the firescreen kit-bash, and all your other completed pieces are so neat and pretty. Yep, the suitcases need something more but maybe wait to see where you're going to put them. If it's not a very prominent spot they might be fine as they are. Looking forward to seeing the upholstery!
ReplyDeleteThanks Megan! Oh sunshine can be such a lure away from responsibility! I wish it were summer and that that was my reason! The house is cold and outside is frozen so snuggling under a blanket is my temptation.
DeleteYes they do need something... wish I knew what. Maybe letting it marinate a few days will help. And I know better than to start on the upholstery unless I am feeling it and completely In The Mood!
what a great activity for someone who hibernates. magnificent achievements!
ReplyDeletehugs
Thanks Claude! I am going to come re-read your words when I am feeling useless! :O)
DeleteHello Jodi,
ReplyDeleteThat looks pretty productive to me! What a great job you did on the kits. You have so many wonderful things to fill your amazing house with. The Sewing box kit is a favorite of mine and I love what you did to that luggage. Amazing! It is great to stop everything and hibernate some times...that is when brilliant ideas come to us.
Big hug
Giac
Thank you Giac! I sure hope you are right and that inspiration and motivation will come over me again if I just give it a few days. For some reason, whenever there is snow on the ground, my mind thinks "Snow Day"! More is coming tomorrow, so I only see lots of sofa snuggling with Russ and the puppies for the weekend!
DeleteLike everyone else I am astonished at your achievements whilst doing battle with the idea of being lazy. Everyone a gem. I think I can detect a snifter of guilt that you aren't doing what you feel you 'should' be doing. Oh, how I can relate to that right now. Meanwhile, in your case, much loveliness is achieved. Brava.
ReplyDeleteThank you, but... Guilt, yes, boredom, a little, motivation, zero. I think we should really try and challenge ourselves, Marilyn, and just enjoy doing nothing. How often does that happen? :O)
DeleteWowwww...muchas minis para rellenar esa magnifica casita que nos están haciendo disfrutar.
ReplyDeleteUn abrazo
Gracias Marion! Tengo muchas ideas para llenar las habitaciones, pero ninguna de las motivaciones en este momento. Tal vez voy a coger la fiebre de primavera pronto!
DeleteLOL I think laziness is underrated! We all need a rest sometimes. And your rests are more productive than my busy days it seems.
ReplyDeleteI love your fireplace screen and your furniture is going to be just gorgeous! Can't wait to see the flower kits!
Ha ha! Thank you! You are a wise old soul, Sheila! Guilt was installed in me at an early age and we were expected to be constantly productive. I feel a little rebellion coming on. Think I'll go play a video game! ;O)
DeleteIf only I could be as lazy as you...it seems that you have accomplished such a lot in a short period of time! All of these kits are lovely put together and have encouraged me to get busy with those that I have in my stash...thank you for an inspirational post! Cheers, Alayne
ReplyDeleteThanks Alayne! Truthfully, I gave very little effort to minis over the last couple weeks. Kits are so much fun and can be the perfect solution when our own minds can't come up with what to do next! I hope you do get your kits out and have a blast with them!
DeleteWhat fun kits you've been working on. I would never, never call this lazy! I really love the way your suitcases came out, and all the other little things you made are adorable, particularly the shopping bags. I assume the chocolates came with the chocolate box kit, or did you make them? They look good enough to eat! No wonder you are feeling hungry. ;-)
ReplyDeleteThanks Deb! I just love fun kits, and to me they are really fun when they are easy enough to be successful with them! I don't know how many kits have ended up in the trash after much frustration!
DeleteThe chocolates do come with the kit, though you have to foil wrap some of them. Essentially, you paint the boxes and put them together with labels. I added a little Mod Podge to my chocolates to make them less chalky looking and more creamy, but the kit is designed for success so is really fun! And yes, I would not say no to a See's Butterchew right about now!!!
Ah! The Mod Podge was an excellent addition. It gives them that lovely, glossy look.
DeleteHi Jodi. Take a breather! It’s OK! You have had a productive year with the cottage so don’t feel bad that it is taking a back seat right now. Motivation will return. You can always pick one small project and do a half hour in the evening or weekend, just to keep ticking along. It’s a hobby - enjoy! Oh and everything looks fabulous by the way!
ReplyDeleteThanks Shannon! It feels like every To-Do has a major obstacle, so being able to at least keep entertained with the kits makes it feel less like I am "off track". Usually, an idea will hit and get me excited and that's all I need!
DeleteYou call this being lazy? It would take me at least 3 months to make this lot. You chose beautiful kits and you made them gorgeous. Fantastic achievement.
ReplyDeleteHugs, Drora
Ha ha! Thanks Drora! I really appreciate the encouragement! I actually took a close look at some of my smaller kit structures the other day and thought about starting one of them. Maybe I am craving the building part and not so much the decorating? As we say in the US, I must be off my rocker!
DeleteNo me extraña que quieras descansar, has trabajado mucho y es todo precioso.
ReplyDelete¡Gracias Isabel! ¡Intentaré mantenerme entretenido hasta que pueda pintar, coser o la próxima idea divertida me golpee en la cabeza! :O)
DeleteHi, Jodi - I wouldn't worry about being lazy if your laziness can accomplish so many and varied projects! You amaze me with your productivity. My own particular form of laziness produces nothing - not even guilt! It does seem as though you've had a lot of fun making all those pretty things from kits and tutorials. I especially like the striped suitcases, and you did beautiful work on the sewing box. The Lady's screen is beautiful; that's such a great color, and I love the floral insets. I think you've earned a hearty snack and a long nap! Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteMarjorie
Thanks Marjorie! I am envious of your guilt free laziness and shall strive to achieve the same! It was fun to do the kits and tutorials, and my To-Do list is not short of suggestions to keep me moving forward, but none of them stir excitement yet. With another round of snow coming today, cabin fever may just motivate me to finish something!
DeleteYeah, I hear ya, one bear to another. This is that time of year that I start five things and maybe settle on one or two. :D I love the tiny cases from the plain boxes especially.
ReplyDeleteI nearly cracked open a Carlson's kit the other day. Then I felt like I would be cheating on the cottage! I may just need more variety in my life. Maybe I need to talk to the cottage about an open relationship, and how having more than one project going won't make me love her any less. Oh but wait... That's what I told the poor New Orleans!!! :O)
DeleteHi Jodi! I think you have got a Ton of things done!!! All those little lovely kits are just the cure for the "Hibernation Blues"..... and they obviously have you coming up "Roses"! :):) I love the pink stripe suitcases and the little sewing kit is awesome! So are all those books and the bags!!! I think you are amazing and unstoppable!!! :):)
ReplyDeleteAwww Betsy Thank You for the encouragement! "Hibernation Blues" is the perfect way to put it, and seasonal depression is a recurring thing for me! Often, if I can just get myself to start something, the goal finishing (OCD?) side of me kicks in and I'm on my way! So Monday evening, I WILL START THOSE FLOWER KITS!!! :O)
Deleteperezosa ? yo diría super-activa …! fantástico el resultado de los kits ...
ReplyDeleteGracias carmen ¡Es genial tener instrucciones a seguir cuando tu cerebro simplemente no funciona por sí mismo! : O)
DeleteCuantas cosas bonitas has estado haciendo, es normal que quieras descansar un poco, y que vuelvas pronto a enseñarnos esa casita adorable.
ReplyDelete¡Gracias Eloisa! He perdido la capacidad de saber qué hacer a continuación, ¡y hay tantos obstáculos que superar que estoy cansado antes de comenzar! Oh bien ... mañana! : O)
DeleteAs always great to see this, the kits are very nice,you are busy with it, I have found lazer kits for my new home, nice material.
ReplyDeleteOh how exciting! I can't wait to see it Gonda! With your skills and imagination, it will be spectacular!!!
DeleteOh Jodi! I feel your dilemma! It's hard to get and stay motivated when it's so cold outside. All one wants to do is hide under a blankie, stay warm and eat bon bons all day! LOL! I love all your little projects and look forward to seeing them in the cottage.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Teresa
Thanks Teresa! Connecting to something you're excited about is sometimes elusive! I don't like when it happens because I get board so quickly! But I have put the cottage to-do's aside for a little while to work on another challenge!
DeleteHi Jodi, we all have our slow times! That said it looks like you've still been very busy! I just love taking a walk through your kits and projects. I haven't really done any kits but you make me want to try, it looks like a fun way to get inspired. Can't wait for all these pretty things to find homes in your build!
ReplyDeleteThank you Kristine! You would really enjoy making kits, and I am sure you will have a lot of opportunity to do so with them for big house! My issue is usually that I become bored so easily and so my stick-to-it goes away at about this point in every project. I just have to find something different to do for a while and then, thankfully, it comes back!
DeleteI suppose you know by now that it always makes me happy whenever I'm able to add a new English expression to my personal list. So "lazy" can also mean "being very productive" and/or "working hard and achieving terrific results"! What a discovery!!! My, you've been busy as a bee - let's not forget that attaching kits is also time consuming, especially if so much personal touch is added like you've did for example with those suitcase boxes or the Now-I-am-a-very-proud-and-pretty-fireplace-screen. So stay being lazy this way… and get yourself a bit of tasty chocolate every now and then. Oh, and Fluby wants me to tell you that according to his opinion it's great to be a bear! ;O)
ReplyDeleteHugs
Birgit
Ha ha! You are so funny and way too kind! :O) I am happy that you like the kits and results!
DeletePlease tell Fluby it has been fun to practice being a bear, and I should like to try it again in the future. Now though, I am board and must find something that is interesting, challenging and keeps me busy! My mind on pause is not a fun place to be!
That looks super productive to me! But I love it all. I love the Dragonfly International kits and I've been reading Julie Warren's book on making kitchens, so maybe I will try to make the bags too. They look great! I also love the suitcases - I just love that striped pattern. And that sewing kit! That looks great too.
ReplyDeleteThank you Penelope! The results you achieve in doing the How To articles you find are amazing, so I am certain your foray into furniture making is going to be fun with sensational results!
DeleteHa, compared to me you're working at light speed! :0P My enthusiasm always tail off when I'm close to finishing a project and given the choice of snuggling with puppies or getting covered in craft glue...no contest. Pups win every time
ReplyDeleteOh Pepper! When I saw your name my heart smiled!
DeleteThe slowing at the end of a project is something I am still trying to figure out about myself, and maybe I just need to stop thinking of it as a major personality disorder, lol!
These furry babies are such a temptation away from minis, and they are never happier than when the entire pack is lounging on the sofa or snuggled up in bed!