A blog about

A BLOG ABOUT CRAFTING ADVENTURES IN THE FAR NORTH

Thursday, December 31, 2009

A Family Raised on Craft

Each year I try to take time out to calmly reflect on what has passed, and usually I fail miserably. My brain does not want to sit down in one place with no scarf on the needles, no scissors at the ready, but with only a moment, my memory, and me. I am the epitome of a multi-tasker, or, as I'm more familiarly known as, a multi-crafter.

When I do get enough space to speculate, I am often left wondering where I get this incessant drive to create. Where do any of us get the drive? I have a grandmother I barely knew who knit up a storm, and a great-grandfather who used his brush to create scenes of boats and Alaskana as elegant as any in a gallery. Could I really have inherited this drive from family I never met or barely knew? Perhaps that is part, but it can't be all.

Click Here to Read More . . .

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Belated Santa Day Wishes


So, Santa Day is over- hope it was fantastic for everyone!  I'm a bit behind the ball with all of the holiday hullabaloo, so forgive me please!  But in the meantime I'm leaving you with a little Santa love!

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Get Your Glitter Fix! (without the mess)


I am so excited about my newest endeavor- Alaska Crafter goes to the Juneau Empire!

I will still be writing the column for the Capital City Weekly, but will also throw some crafty goodness the Empire's way as well!! What a wonderful Christmas for meeeee!
And hopefully for you too because there will be a lot more tutorials and a new section called I'll-Ask-A Crafter.  Get it, Alaska Crafter, I'll-Ask-A Crafter.  Teehee.  Anyhow, I will answer your crafty questions so please send them my way- either in a comment here or send it to tanna.craft@gmail.com.

Now, to the real point!  Ornament Craftrama went off without a hitch (okay, I burned some cookies- but it was nearly hitchless).  So here are some ornament photos to get those ideas flowing for you.  For the tutorial on how to make these lovelies click here

Use a toilet paper tube as a stand while you're working.
Check out more photos and tips after the jump!

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

What a Crafter Wants!


Do you love a crafter?  Is this what she looks like on Christmas day breaking into all the wonderful crafty gifts she's received from you?  This week's CCW article is all about what to get for the crafter in your life, read on . . .

      As a crafter I find it exceedingly easy to think of gifts for me and my crafty friends. We simply trade around our clever creations and everyone comes out a winner. Take this year for example: I am receiving fabulous illustrated art, earrings, possibly a softy snake, and hopefully a few cozy knitted items. So handy! But not everyone has it this easy when buying for their crafty loved ones. Never fear, my top 7 gifts for crafters is here! These gifts are universal so get out there and get giving!

read more . . .

Monday, December 14, 2009

New Products for Etsy!

Just a few new products for the Etsy shop!  I came down with a cold this weekend so while I've been meaning to post the new cozy tube scarfs I have, I haven't had time to take pics!  So stay tuned, they are on their way!

 In the meantime I am unveiling a new product- the ice cream pint cozy!  A totally brilliant idea that a friend brought to my attention.  I'm making her one for her hubby this season, but in the meantime I made a few to sell to you!
Check out more after the jump!

Ornament Making Craftrama

Coming this thursday to a house in Alaska!

this lovely decoration might just be on the menu!

 
Tutorial coming after the RAMA!  Fun Fun!

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Public Market fun


Now doesn't that just make you want one??  A cozy pink hat that is! What an absolutely perfect little
model she was at the Public Market.  A million thanks to her and her mama who bought her the cap!

Ruby's Hill and I shared a booth, see the post below to check out her wares.
And check out more fun pics from the show after the jump!

Monday, December 7, 2009

Anji of Ruby's Hill


Do you need a little Santa this holiday season?  Then meet the maker of lovely ornaments, stunning jewelry and fantastic paper crafts, Anji Gallanos.  She owns Ruby's Hill and was kind enough this year to let me share space at her booth for the Public Market, and then blog about me- what a sweetheart!!

In turn I wanted to share her lovely wares from the Market and let you know that you still have a few more days to pick them up this season- either from her etsy site, her artfire site, or head over to the Juneau Artist's Gallery.  Her company, Ruby's Hill, is named after her grandmother whose name was Ruby Hill.  What a delicious name!
 
But never fear, you can buy her creations after the holidays as well- they look just as good in January!
 
Now you'll have to ask Anji the ins and outs of her process, but her newest jewelry takes copper and enamel and turns it into these radiant, natural pieces that are both colorful and earthy at the same time.  A wonderful combination if you ask me.

To check out "As the world of Anji turns" find her blog at anjigallanos.blogspot.com.

Sunday, December 6, 2009

More Local Crafty Holiday Gifts


If you're not at the Nugget Mall right now you may be missing one of the last great craft fairs of the season.  But never fear!  Homespun Mercantile is coming to the rescue.  This lovely little shop located between Curves and Martha's flowers at the Airport Shopping Center in Juneau, is full of gifts galore handmade locally.  Shall we take a peek?

click read more for the jump to the rest!

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Handmade Crafts in Town




If you're out and about this holiday season looking for that perfect gift than look no further than right here.  Locally made goods by artisans abound in J-town.  Check out these crafters and where they'll be this holiday season after the jump.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

It's Public Market Time


For Juneauites and crafters, Black Friday usually means the annual trip to The Public Market.  By far the largest arts and crafts show of the year, this market is open to crafters, artisans and vendors looking to get their stuff sold for the holiday season.  I am no exception!!

This year I am pairing up with Anji Gallanos of Ruby's Hill to bring scarves, ravens, hats, baby booties and more!!

Cap'n and I had a photo shoot the other day with my new Nikon D-5000 (LOVE IT!!) to demo how you can wear TP Alaska scarf styles (yes, even men can rock them).  It was tons of fun, and the weather was cooperating for a minute.  We barely had to go anywhere, just off our front porch!  We were glad to dash inside for hot tea moments after.

two days and counting to the market . . .

Hope to see you there!!! -tp

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

slipper obsessed


Well, each year at the same time I get a little slipper obsessed (I'm sure you can imagine why) and I get into a frenzy in which I MUST make a new pair.  Some previous attempts were here and here and here when I created sweater slippers and quilted slippers and singing slippers and slipper gifts!


 
This year was no exception and I threw aside my steadfast rule of "I don't knit pairs of anything" to conjur up some cream and cocoa slippers to snuggle in. Suddenly I slipped them over my toes and realized they were too LARGE!  To my chagrin they fit Cap'n to a T.  Well, sort of chagrin - I suppose they are adorable on him and his toes are important too.  But really, now I have to make two more for me!  Who has the time for that?

I suppose I will be making a pattern soon (after I work out the bugs in my own pair) so other toes can enjoy them as well!


Thursday, November 19, 2009

Getting Crafty After Dark

Around here when the winter settles in we are greeted each morning with a blanket of clean white snow - and then 10 seconds later the sun sets and inky darkness takes it's place. Ok, I may be exaggerating, but days are short and nights are long and dark. This week's article is about exactly that. read on below-




Winter could very well be named the craftiest season. From needle worked blankets, hats and scarves, to handmade holiday gifts, to décor and creation in celebration of family, it has all the right elements. But for me there is one pesky hiccup that I can't see past, literally. The darkness that settles into every nook and cranny in town makes it hard for me muster up the courage to craft on. Some find inspiration in the darkness and can easily craft their winter woes away. I prefer to give my space a facelift and I find the craft follows. So each year as the termination dust creeps down I get to work on my list of craft cures for after dark.
follow this link for jump to rest of article

Monday, November 9, 2009

Baby Shower Pennant Tutorial


not only have i just been crowned a new Auntie (see last post- whale pattern tutorial), but i have tons of friends who are currently preggers right now- what fun!!!!

one lovely lady was celebrated over the weekend with a fabulous baby shower.  i got down to crafty business in the decor department.  the colors for the bash were zesty orange and lime so not only did we decorate with fruit (you use what you can up here in Alaska!) but i whipped together a cute pennant that works both as decor at the party, and gift to decorate the baby's new room.  and just for you i've whipped up a tutorial to go along!  Check it out after the jump!

Friday, November 6, 2009

A Whale for Baby Pattern

I wrote this week's article on crafting for baby's because my lovely sis just had her first.  We were there when the tyke was just 3 days old and got to love his tiny self!!

And then, of course, we inserted him into our carved pumpkin because even at five days old the boy is CRAFTY!

I brought the new nephew a little gift of a stuffed whale, which was just right for his little hands.  It was great fun coming up with this pattern, because of course Cap'n wanted a whale too!  So here it is (it's also in the article if you want to check it out there). Please give me feedback on the pattern for improvement!!



A Whale for Baby Pattern


 
Supplies: Blue top fabric, fun belly fabric, matching thread, scissors, baby-safe stuffing, needle, whale pattern (print out image above- scale to size you like!)

1. Cut your contrasting whale fabrics - Two top pieces of blue and one belly piece of a fun fabric.
2. Pin the belly pieces to the body, right sides together starting at the tail and heading toward the nose.
3. Using a ¼" seam allowance, sew the 2 body pieces to the belly using a straight stitch from dot to dot (nose to tail).
4. Sew the two body pieces up the back with a straight stitch, leaving open the space for turning the whale.
5. Turn whale right side out and stuff.
6. Sew whale closed with a slip stitch. (Optional) Pull thread through whale and knot tight to create a "blowhole" indent.


You may repost, remake and redistribute as long as you link back, give cred, and not sell!!  Thanks so much!

Monday, November 2, 2009

Vacation Part 1: Michigan

we've finally returned!  and now I can share our adventures with you!  what fun!!




the first leg of our trip was in Michigan where we saw a few leaves change, went to a football game, and most importantly coveted some fresh apple cider straight from the mill. MMMMMMMM!

outside the mill they have delicious treats to take home.  we bought some cherry butter- sooo good!


 
more delicious vacation after the jump!!!

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Heavenly headbands in Seatac

>> Our first stopover was Seatac airport where the crafties were out
>> in full force. Besides meeting a lovely craft addict on the plane
>> we saw lots of local crafted goodies in the fun crafty stores -
>> mire craft updates to come on the road.
>>

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Mmmmmmm dogs

While visiting some fantastic friends in Seattle a few weeks ago we
went to a nice little beach and made these- yes, bacon-wrapped hot
dogs. So amazingly delish.

Getting Ready for Vacay


okay, in three days the Cap'n and I will be off travelling to many exciting places - Michigan, Mexico and Colorado!  And we get to meet my new nephew/niece (we don't know yet which!).  I am sooooo excited!!!!!

so, here is a parting pic of the new craft room which will be lonely for a few weeks- sorry dear craft room!  but know that upon my return the craftin is back.  in fact, stay tuned because i am about to bring Craftrama back with a vengeance because we have some great ideas, and great crafters ready and willing.  Yippee!

i may even be posting on my travels if i can get my phone to rock it- so stay tuned!

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Mushroom Shelfs

Check out this project- perfect for SE AK!

100% thanks to Paul at Findermaker! Totally brilliant and he even has a tutorial for you!  I want to see these oot and aboot next time I'm over to your place!

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Drink Beer- Organize socks- Tute

so, in the early morning when i stumble from bed, to shower, to underwear drawer i always seem to run into the same problem - mismatched socks!  i know you're surprised.  but tanna, you say, you're so alert and perky in the morning, how can this be possible!  hah!

let's just say socks are picked before coffee is consumed- ACK!

so, i have devised a solution to the miserable state of my sock drawer, and luckily for the cap'n it involves drinking lots of beer!


Here is the before

You need a couple of these- any flavor will do - even non-alcoholic!
Now don't drink all the beverages right before you do this.

Remove socks - insert six packs and mark the packs at the top of the drawer sides.

Cut the 6 packs on your marked lines.

refill your drawer like a really organized person would who wears equally matched socks every morning.  ahhhhhhh.

Friday, September 25, 2009

Back to School and Plastic Free



ok, technically i am not going back to school- but I still need sandwich wraps, (see above) lunch bags and snack bags and veggie bags and reuseable portable devices of all shapes and sizes- don't we all?

so in honor of that ideal- and the crafty spirit behind making instead of just using the plastic-status-quo I've written this week's craft column about ways to GET CRAFTY, NOT PLASTICY! boy, that probably would have been a much better title, hah!

so, check out the article here. i was assisted by friend and fellow crafter, Anji Gallanos. Check out her blog Ruby's Hill - she is a mom and a fabulous crafter. I LOVE her seaglass creations.

also, check out the links from the article:
- the No New Plastics Facebook page if you want to join Anji in trying to cut back/cut out plastics for a week- it sounds like a real challenge, but worth it
- Tipnut has 35 reusable bag patterns for FREE for you to make, handy-dandy!
- Instructables user Scoochmaroo has a sweeet pattern for a Reusable Sandwich Wrap- totally worth it, I'd say
- and get clever making your own yogurt instead of collecting hundreds of little unrecyclable cups (well, at least they are unrecyclable in SE Alaska- maybe other places have 5!)- WikiHow shows you how!

And coming up i'll be gettin' crafty with leftover plastics so all those bags you've been saving until now won't go back in the landfill- but can turn into something super-stylish instead.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

AF 2009- Wheeeee!

well, the craft addicts and I gear up for the Autumn Festival craft fair all year because it is just right up our alley- crafts, friends, goodies and even craft beer! who could ask for more?

so, I've written it up a bit in my most recent column (as you could guess!). Take a peek at that if you'd like!

i won't give away too much about what is in store at our table but I will say we will have things for small ones, things for tall ones, things for delicate touches and things for rough play. papery things, and boxy things, and soft things, and hard things. things you can wear, and things for your hair.

and a SUPER surprise i hope i can pull off inspired by this blog post.

see you saturday at the JACC!!! mwah

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Community Garden Fair

last weekend my ma, aunt and i geared up (literally- it was pouring cats and dogs) to check out the community garden's yearly competition. it was so lovely!
it is quite different to get vegetables and flowers to grow in such a rainy, cool climate so it is always fun to see what people can get to grow here! a few things that even i can plant, or that grow wild- rhubarb, blueberries, salmonberries and lupine. this year we had strange bouts of SUN! so, it was fun to see all the things the gardeners coaxed up.
there were gorgeous flowers at this year's fair. but i was spoiled on flowers from ma's garden.

ma lives right on the bay and has a garden on the beach and one up near the house. it is really impressive. this year she planted swiss chard, lettuce, carrots, peas, zuchinni (they were enormous!), garlic, brocolli and tons and tons of flowers. her favorites are forget-me-nots, the state flower. they are a tiny little blue flower and they are delicate and beautiful. i'll have to get a pic of one for you to see.

coming up this weekend is the second annual farmer's market downtown at the JACC. If you are here you should go! i will be whiling my time away in Seattle! yay! where i will be attending a wedding, doing some bridesmaid shopping, and having a generally fantastic time in the SUN! see you when i'm back!