cheeky green designs

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T16:51:00.001-05:00

What does a vegetarian get her carnivore husband for Valentine's Day?

Heart shaped meat of course!

I saw this jerky and couldn't pass it up - though that's not something
I would typically encourage him to eat!!!

The next two weeks are going to be super busy here for miss Cheeky Green, so I'm going to try to get in a quick "holiday" post.

I'm still working on a scarf order, in shades of blue, for delivery this week...not knowing exactly what she'd like, thought I'd make several for her to choose from (because after all, it's just time, right?)- this is the latest:

You can't see in the pictures but there is actually a silver yarn draped throughout which gives this scarf a touch of bling - 'cuz every gall needs a touch of bling.

I took a time-out from the "blues" and did a silvery purple scarf just for fun - well, hopefully not just for fun, for sale!

I laid the silver embellished yarn out in rows and left some hanging from the ends to form a fringe....the pictures don't show the sheen of the silk or the embellishments...it's really much prettier in person - sigh.....

I discovered a new favorite "felting" tool:

My flat iron!!!

While I already knew the wonders this tool could work on my unruly mop, I didn't realize what a dream it would be for folding over the edges of the silk. Why do I want to fold over the edges you ask? Because it's either that or hem them...and hemming silk is, well, let's just say, I'd rather have my wisdom teeth pulled with no meds.

Well, another scarf awaits me. Until we meet again....

Chronicles of Blizzard 2011

2011-02-02T20:40:00.005-05:00

I know "blizzard 2011" sounds dramatic, but that's what the local tv station called the last 2 days and I thought I'd go with it; OK - no "A" for creativity on my part but you get the point.

Anytime the forecast calls for a blizzard one must stock up on food, in my case, vegetables....

I didn't know how long this storm would last, but we were going to have enough vegetable stock to get us through until spring if needed. I had 3 huge pots simmering on the stove.

(I know it looks bad, but boy did it smell yummy! And it tasted pretty good too.)

Once I was certain starvation wasn't in our future I could move on to more important things: felting! I received my new ball sprinkler in the mail yesterday and was dying it give it a try.

This gadget is actually made for watering bonsai trees, but is a felter's dream for wetting down your projects - and I just happened to have one underway when it arrived. I had already laid out a length (actually 2 table lengths) of a hand-dyed blue silk in order to make a nuno-felted scarf.

The scarf shrinks about 40% during the felting process, so in order to get a scarf that you can actually tie around your neck you have to start big - real big! This is about 115" long.

I then laid out some decorative yarn:

Then some silk hankies for some sheen and added texture:

I just realized I took no pictures of the scarf once the wool was laid out, but trust me, I did it.

And then the ~~work~~, ah, fun begins! Rolling, rolling and more rolling. (there are no pics of this because A: I looked horrible and B: I couldn't take a picture of myself!) Once you've rolled until your arms are shaking from exhaustion - you throw, throw, throw. But that part is actually kind of fun as you can really get your aggressions out.

In the middle of the 800+ rolls it takes to get this done I began to feel guilty about Dave out shoveling the drive by himself.

The snow wasn't quite as deep at the garage door as in the middle of the drive, but you get the picture of how much snow there was. So, donning my shoveling gear, I joined him.

Who is that masked ~~man~~ woman?

After shoveling one path from the parking area almost to the road, I'd had enough, was thoroughly sure I no longer wanted to live in Michigan, and came back in to finish the scarf.

It is still drying but here it is laid out on the same tables.

See how it barely crosses over to table two? To refresh your memory (I'm assuming yours is like mine and you have forgotten already how long the original was) here's the silk before felting:

All the way to the end of table two. I haven't taken a final measurement yet because it will probably shrink a bit more before it's fully dry. Then I can see just how much shrinkage there was. I can also get some better pictures then, it's amazing how much the color (especially the silk) changes - it makes for a much prettier scarf.

Well that, boys and girls, is how I spent my Blizzard 2011. How did you spend yours?

I Know, I Know...

2011-01-26T19:43:00.001-05:00

No excuses...I'm just not good with routine, and sitting down each day, or each couple of days, and blogging is routine...something I need to work on. It's a good thing I don't need any daily drugs to survive, because I'd be gone in a month.

I've done quite a lot since we last spoke...the biggest being a dream trip to Ireland:

And, as if going to Ireland wasn't enough, I got to meet one of my felting idols, Nicola Brown and felt in her 240 year old farmhouse - it was an experience of a lifetime!

Nicola showing one of her complex bags.

In October she came to Michigan and I was again able to felt with her, along with another felting idol Dawn Edwards in Kalamazoo.

                                    Dawn, Nicola, fellow student (forgetting name at the moment) and me
                                    showing of the complex bag I learned to make - obviously this is not at
                                    the class, but at a lecture given by Nicola afterward.

Since felting with Nicola I've been on a bit of felting frenzy. One of the things that she taught me was inclusions - and I love them:

Purse made with stone inclusion, wool nepps and mohair locks

close-ups of inclusion

I've also been attempting a lot of nuno-felting - which is completely addicting:

I tried my hand at making a beret - I'll admit, this is version 2 - the first is now a lopsided pot-holder!

I manage to work at my job - Pages In Time - once in a while:

And I even tried my hand at pottery painting:

OK, OK....enough for one post. I'll be back, I swear, yes, I'll be back!

Woops!

2010-08-03T09:29:00.000-04:00

I knew I had been a little negligent this summer, but didn't realize I had been this bad! I guess I've been enjoying summer a little too much, and getting down to business too little! Part of what's kept me away is planning a dream-trip to Ireland, on which I leave TODAY! This is absolutely amazing to me, and can't wait to share my experience when I get back.

While in Ireland I'm going to have the unbelievable experience of taking a felting class with fiber artist Nicola Brown - take a minute and visit her website and you will be astounded!

http://clasheen.wordpress.com/

Well, better get packing...we'll talk soon!

Thanks to Mother Nature...

2010-05-15T11:27:00.002-04:00

Garage-Sale-Thursday did not happen until Friday -and, hmmmmm...today is now Saturday & I'm just getting around to posting it- so I can't blame everything on poor Mother Nature now can I?

Oh well, blame aside, after the rain stopped I did get to do some garage-saleing....I only hit a few sales but the gettings were good! A church sale proved to be a Cheeky Green Bonanza! Several parishioners, or maybe just one hoarder like me, had cleaned out their sewing room(s) and their loss was definitely my gain!

The entire days haul! Check out the iron I got for $2 - it is WAY better than the one I have - even has a retractable cord.

Someone had donated an entire bag of upholstery trims....mmmmm - what a find....and, it even included...

a bunch of crystals from a chandelier...what fun!

and a bag of scrap trims even scored my a Hilton sewing kit...now there's the find of the day!

and of course I can't pass up linen napkins...my collection is now huge...no need for disposable icky paper napkins around here!

And after a hard days shopping I made a pit-stop at the grocery store....I think this was the deal-of-the-day there:

I thought that was too funny not to mention.

Well, off to have a glass of - uh, er...sew I mean!!!

Aren't We a Wild Group?

2010-05-11T14:39:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I was fortunate enough to have a rare Monday off and planned to meet some friends for coffee. (See Chinamommy and Chronicles of Chris in my blog list) Now, getting 3 ladies to decide on a time and place is trial enough (you know the drill: Where do you want to go? I don't care, where do you want to go? Doesn't matter to me - you pick. No, I'm ok with anyplace, you pick. This goes on until you think meeting for kool-aid in Guyana is the best choice, and then you still have to pick the time!) so, of course, after the plan Panera at 10:30 was set, no mention was made of what we would actually do once we met up. So what do three 40-something year olds do when they get out...no kids, hubbies or plans? They bring books for an impromptu book club...

Can you guess who brought which book?

"Gorgeously Green" (aka my bible), is really a no-brainer (unless of course you've never read my blog before!!) but which of us is the Happy Hooker?

The answer: Chinamommy (Misschell) is the Happy Hooker, and Chris planned for us to have an encaustic workshop- at my house of course.

Aren't we a wild group?

But my friends are not just wild, they're talented:

Chris made this unbelievable sculpture of a tiny pole-dancer (there is a story behind that!) for Misschell's birthday...I wish you could see it in person....there are no words to describe her work.

And head on over to Chinamommy's Etsy shop for adorable finds like this:

And Cheeky Green has been busy stocking her Etsy store...today I added this little gem:

Lot's more to come...better get going!

Garage Sale Thursday

2010-05-06T13:01:00.001-04:00

Remember the days garage sales were on Saturdays? I remember my Grandma P and her sisters meeting at sunrise on Saturdays (you had to get there early to get the deals) with their newspaper in hand (are garage sales even listed in the newspaper anymore?), the HOT sales all circled in red, pockets filled with quarters and dollar bills - you never paid full price for anything, hence the need for quarters - and off they went for an exciting day of bargain hunting. Now, you go on the internet to find the sales and then wish like heck you had a newspaper to look at because you weren't actually smart enough to write down any of the sale locations. And sales are now on Thurs and Fri with an occasional Sat thrown in. What do people who have real jobs (those unfortunate souls stuck in an office from 9-5 daily like I used to be) do? I guess since they having paying jobs they don't need garage sales. Cheeky Green, however, is not one of those people and garage sales are a pleasant necessity to keep my shelves (well hooks, closets, totes, any free space!) stocked.

Today started slowly, I almost gave up after the first 5, or so, sales; then things picked up. Perseverance does pay off! Then, as a bonus, the sun came out and I probably walked a couple of miles...so I got my exercise and Vitamin D all while working...now that's my kind of job!!!

My first purchase of the day:

Not one, but TWO, dog leashes. I know what you're thinking, "Isn't she a crazy cat lady? Why dog leashes?" Well, you may see dog leash, I see purse handles!! You don't know what a find these were! They alone were almost worth the day's outing. Under the leashes is a modern fun shower curtain destined to be an amazing tote bag...be sure to check back soon!

Then I found:

Wool Sweaters..in fun colors to boot! The one on the right is actually a pretty bright orange...not the red it appears in this pic.

And then there was:

I have actually bought this sweater before! It made a really great Christmas stocking, so I'm thrilled that I'll get to make a second version of it.

Also:

These vintage Jell-o molds are actually for my friend Chinamommy if she wants them. She makes the cutest cupcakes with them (see her blog link to the right). These are large, though, so I'm not sure she'll want them, however if she doesn't I'm sure I can find something to do with them!

That was the end of my garage sale finds (not bad for a couple of hours and about $17), but this turned out to be my lucky week! In honor of Cinco de Mayo, the salvation army had all clothing 5 for $5 - so yesterday I got these little gems:

This will probably equate to at least one diaper/tote bag, a regular tote and some purse linings...but who knows? There's always such a mystery involved.

And, of course, at that price, I couldn't just shop for Cheeky Green, so Kristi got these:

A couple of shirts, a couple of pairs of sweats (hey - I work at home a lot!) and a pair of jeans. All for just $5 - and I kept to my "no new clothing" pledge!!

And a quick peruse of the housewares department scored me this:

Now, you say, why a glass apple dish?

Because, with my others , it makes this:

I actually got one of these from my grandma's house when she moved out, and have since found two at the thrift stores. I'm trying to work my way up to an orchard!!

Well, these items aren't going to sew themselves to I'd better get off the computer and onto (well, not onto) the sewing machine!

Back on Track

2010-05-04T09:42:00.000-04:00

All right, I've preached about living green enough in my last few posts...so I'll get back to a little Cheeky Green business...but, of course, CheekyGreen is about living green...but...there I go again!

My latest project isn't really CheekyGreen -it's Just Cheeky - which means it isn't a recycled/repurposed item...but it's still fun all the same. My friend Kimberly has a beautiful baby girl, May, who just celebrated her first birthday. Kimberly asked me to make her Mother's Day gifts for her Mom, MIL and Grandma. As I'm sure none of them are reading this blog, I'll share the pics of the gift for her MIL - which is currently on route to Australia as we speak. Boy, am I becoming international! LOL

Kimberly wanted to use pics of each month of May's life and entitle it "The 12 Months of May" - cute huh?

The cover....

Opens to this (the binding isn't on yet in these pics)

Isn't she cute?

I really should be finishing the other two I have to make instead of sitting here on the computer...but what fun would that be if I wasn't rushing to get done at the last minute!

On a cheeky green note I'm working on, in my opinion, what will be the cutest little tote bag or purse...haven't decided the final design yet. I found these valances at a school rummage sale and they just screamed bag to me:

I started to work on the bag and decided I needed some coordinating fabric, which, of course, for me entails a trip to the thrift store. So, at Goodwill I found the most HIDEOUS hot pink tablecloth:

...perfect for purse material but, seriously... I shudder to think of the dining room this had adorned!!!

Well, if I'm actually going to get anything done today I have to get my butt out of this chair...adios!

Tales of a 40 Year Old Green Girl's Super Saturday

2010-05-02T11:29:00.003-04:00

Today's post should be entitled "random thoughts by Kristi" but then, aren't all my thoughts random? I also toyed with "off-topic Sunday" but I have never really defined a topic for my blog, so I'll stick with the title chosen.

Yesterday was a really good shopping day for me. Then again, aren't all shopping days good? Not really, but this one was.

I think most of you know I turned 40 late last year...something that has not proven to be as bad as I had anticipated. The only bad thing I've noticed about 40 is the face looking back at me in the mirror...not too happy about that. So, of course I've been on a quest to improve my skin...but the challenge is doing it in a "green" manner. I just can't lather my skin with chemicals and pollutants that may make me look good in the short term, but the end results are NOT good to me or Mother Earth - seriously, read the book "Gorgeously Green - 8 Steps to an Earth-Friendly Lifestyle!" So you can only imagine how excited I was to find a health food store in Rockford that carried many of the products I need for my green beauty routine. Thank you Vital Nutrition! Yesterday's purchases were rather slim, but many future trips were planned. Somehow I narrowed my choices to these:

No, the Quinoa is not for my face...though I believe eating it has health benefits that improve your skin, but the soaps were a big score for me: Olive Oil soap...both for felting and for shaving, Bee Pollen soap that is supposed to have great effects to the skin, and Cucumber and Comfry which both cleanses and tones the skin.

My next stop was to one of my favorite places Gild the Lily, also in Rockford. This green girl needed some "new" clothes, but of course buying new goes against my green lifestyle (check out Wardrobe ReFashion for more about this). I can't say enough about this store. I have shopped it since Kimberly first opened and am amazed and impressed at how well she and her mom have done. The store has grown from a one-floor consignment clothing shop to two floors featuring both clothing and home decor items. They also have a couture section for those of you dressing in higher style than me. She also carries a line of unique jewelry that you want to check out. Here are a few of my treasures...sorry girls, they're all mine!

This treasure still has the tags on it!

This really is cuter than my picture shows...and for just $12.99!

The last stop of the day was really a treat for me. My friend Kimberly took me to a Korean market, what a wonderfully unusual place to shop. My mission for the day was two items:

Sesame Oil - much cheaper at the Korean market than your local supermarket ( did you know that slathering yourself with cold-pressed sesame oil is great for you and your skin?)
Seaweed - yes, I said seaweed. Watching Martha Stewart (yes - I've become a Martha fan) I learned of the benefits of eating seaweed. It is GREAT for your skin. Another surprising benefit is that it is salty and crunchy. So, if you're a chip addict like me (something not good for you or your skin), it makes a healthy almost no-cal snack when you craving some salt and crunch.

But, of course, my purchases were not limited to those two items.

The coconut vinegar was a complete surprise to me and I just had to buy it. I also found soba noodles which I had been looking for, some seaweed noodles to try, and rice vinegar which was much cheaper than at the grocery store. I can't wait for my next visit to buy some kimchee and kimbap!

I've probably rambled enough for one day. I'll just end by saying if you're in Rockford make sure you stop in and see the girls at Gild the Lily and Vital Nutrition...it will be worth your time!!!

A Wild-Wild Roller Coaster Ride!

2010-04-28T20:04:00.000-04:00

Unbelievable! That's all I can say about the month of April. As if making items to be sent to Paula Deen and spending the day with Time Holtz (otherwise know to me as my boyfriend!) weren't absolutely amazing enough I just found out I'm going to be featured in the August 2010 issue of GreenCraft magazine! What an honor!

I had submitted a purse and billfold several months ago and more or less put it out of my mind. So what a surprise it was to receive an email telling me I'm in. Several people have asked what they will be featuring so I thought I'd share with you a sneak peek. Of course: 1. My photos don't compare with what their photos will be (at least I hope!) and 2. I wasn't smart enough to take a picture of the items together.

Painted newspaper purse

A peek at the inside pocket

Billfold front

Back

and inside.

Hope you enjoyed them!

Happy Earth Day!!

2010-04-22T07:00:00.002-04:00

How does Cheeky Green spend Earth Day? Well, I had intended to do it in a "green" manner - hitting the garage sales! But, as luck would have it, I will be spending it in an entirely different "green" manner - at work - making the green. Hopefully there'll still be some bargains left on Friday.

In honor of the occasion I thought I'd go off-topic (no Michigan shaped mittens to be found today!) and just talk green. I can't start any green discussion without mentioning the book Gorgeously Green: 8 Simple Steps to an Earth-Friendly Life by Sophie Uliano

I received this book for my birthday, and not to sound overly dramatic, it has changed my life. Well, maybe not changed, but had an incredible impact on it. Sophie stresses the importance of a green lifestyle in a no-pressure, no-nonsense way. No guilt involved, just pleasure and great information. Read it - I can't say enough....

Here are a few of the ways I live green on a daily basis...and please note how simple they are:

kind of a no-brainer - but when you can't reduce or reuse - recycle!!!

unplug appliances when not in use - you do know they use energy even when turned off - right?

replace harsh chemical cleaners with safe products such as vinegar and hydrogen peroxide - both are not only safe but cheap! turn your old t shirts into rags - not only cheaper than paper towels, but better for our planet too!

I'm so excited to have gotten this retractable clothes line out on the patio...using your clothes dryer less not only saves energy, but prolongs the life of your clothing.

I also got this drying rack for use in the laundry room....I can just feel our gas bill going down!

with 3 cats in the house litter is a big part of our trash...I feel better now that we are using yesterday's news - made from recycled paper. not only is it better in the landfill but their are possible health effects from clumping litter that I'd rather avoid...and the mining process for litter is not good for our earth...this really is a win-win product! (go to their website for a coupon!!)

thanks to Gorgeously Green I have ditched my old facial products for safer more eco-friendly products...I love the results. and disposable razors are horrible for the planet....I've just discovered this Gillette Fusion razor and it is AMAZING - I've never had a better shave with NO cuts...it just glides over ankles and knees, I can't recommend it enough!

and finally, once an item has reached the end of its useful life for you, don't just toss it, donate it. remember, your junk is another man's (or green girl's) treasure.

This green girl's gotta go. Hope you had a great green day!

What a Week!!!

2010-04-17T10:37:00.001-04:00

I can honestly say I will probably never have another week like this in my life. It started by receiving an emergency email from the Food Bank requesting that I make a scarf, mittens and earmuffs for none-other than Paula Deen. What an incredibly exciting and incredibly daunting task. I've never made a pair of earmuffs so it was also a bit of a learning experience for me, but you're never to old to learn now are you? Linda at the Food Bank was pretty specific in what they wanted - mittens in the shape of Michigan, and earmuffs with my flowers on the "ear part" - the color choice etc... was left up to me. Given the time of year I was faced with a bit of a challenge in that I couldn't run out and buy some ear muffs to alter, nor could I go pick out sweaters to make the mittens; and my felting supplies (for the scarf) are all special order - no local vendors to run and get supplies. I was limited to supplies on hand - thankfully I have just a few of those! LOL

I actually went online and researched pictures of Paula Deen and found that she wears a lot of coral/orange so that is how the color scheme came to be. (Well, that, and these were supplies I had in my stash.)

ugh...such choices!!!

I did a small test piece of scarf first....

Laying out the wool on the silk

Adding the embelishments.

Now comes the fun part...you wet the wool, cover with bubble wrap and rub and rub. Then you roll up the entire piece (bamboo blind and all) and roll, and roll, and roll and roll... Seriously - if you want Michelle Obama arms this is the hobby for you! Then, with all your mite, you throw it down over and over again, rinse, dry and voila....

Finished scarf

I wish you could see and feel the piece in person - nuno felting creates such an amazing texture, look and feel. There is nothing else quite like it.

The entire ensemble

Modeled by Linda....

I sure hope Paula enjoys these! More importantly, the point in sending them is an attempt to coax her into coming next year to the Full Plates Forever Gala - a huge fundraiser. I can only hope all my hard work pays off in some large donations to the food bank. Keep your fingers crossed!

And, on an even bigger note, I got to spend Tuesday with my beloved boyfriend - the amazing, phenomenal, incredibly talented, unbelievably cute (I could go on and on!) - Tim Holtz!!!!

Thanks to Notions Marketing and Sandy at Pages In Time for letting me attend this incredible workshop. We learned so many techniques and tricks, got to have our pictures taken with him (of course I look TERRIBLE as usual) and even received a copy of his new book, which, of course, he signed for us. Couldn't have asked for a better day!

Well, that was one heck of a week. What could next week bring that could possible top this? I guess only time will tell!

Bright Notes on a Dreary Day

2010-04-09T09:32:00.002-04:00

I feel so bad for the kiddos here in Michigan right now. Last week, while school was in session, we were enjoying balmy summer weather, now that spring-break is upon us the weather has turned wet, cold and winteresque - not what anyone ordered. I will say that the blast of summer weather brought on allergy season with a vengeance, causing me pure misery (and its very hard to felt - or do anything- when you can't see through your watery eyes, your hands are permanently wiping your nose and I won't even mention the sneezing), so I'm not totally despising the rain - just the cold temperatures. But despite the adverse conditions I did get some felting done.

the start of purse....hmmm, how will I finish it?

some flowers - the bottom 2 are not finished...looking for the perfect center for them.

Ok...like the weather, I feel this post is dreary and going nowhere...think I'll save the rest for tomorrow. All right, probably more like next week! Hope you manage to enjoy what's left of this lackluster spring break - hey - the sun is trying to peek out! Hooray!

Delinquency Described

2010-03-21T10:10:00.007-04:00

As you can see I've failed miserably at my resolution to blog 3 times weekly - why oh why do I make resolutions? At least non-food related ones- I've done fine at giving up chicken and fish and being a complete vegetarian - it seems it's easier for me to not eat meat than blog - go figure? Maybe it's because I'm such a quiet personality -LOL!

But don't think just because I haven't been blogging that I haven't been busy. Let's see, quick update:

I met Paula Deen

I really was only a few feet away from her...but the only picture I could get was of me near one of the t.v. monitors!

I became a Piston's poster-making-machine for a Food Bank Telethon at a Piston's game:

I had my wisdom teeth pulled - thankfully no photos of that!

I tried my hand at resist felting with a new material (to me) - meriboo - which is a Merino wool/bamboo blend fiber:

OK - this purse isn't done - completed pictures to come...

And I became addicted to Flickr and subsequently a plethora of felting blogs...which has led to some unbelievable felting opportunities. In fact, I've made a few new felting friends in the last month. I was even fortunate to meet and take a class from one of them. I found Dawn Edwards of Felt So Right while trying to find a felting class to take while I'm in Ireland later this year...in a twist of cosmic fate Dawn lives right here in Michigan (quite a ways away from Ireland) and, in fact, lives only an hour away from me. Dawn invited me to her home to teach me some of her amazing felting techniques.

The end results are this nuno-felted scarf and funky wool hat:

As usual I'm not happy with the pics...but the actual products are quite fun! Here are some pics of our day:

laying out the wool

ugh...my hair!

now to work on the back side...

added the embellishments...

my classmate Catherine and I rolling out hats...again, and again, and again....

off to the washboard...

on the hat block...

Marge Simpson has nothing on me!

Catherine sizes her hat....

Dawn helps Catherine to get the fit just right....

got the size and shape right and now it's on the dryer.

We had such fun that day! I can't wait until we get together again.

And I'm equally excited about another felting opportunity coming my way. My addiction to flickr led me to the website of Nicola Brown. I was in a quest to take a class with her in Ireland when I stumbled upon Dawn's website (what a lucky day for me!). I have been in contact with Nicola and am planning to meet and learn from her while I'm over there - this is such an amazing opportunity. And, in another amazing twist of fate, Nicola may be coming here to Michigan in October and I may get another opportunity to work with her. Please click on her name and check out her website to see just how lucky I am....

OK - better leave some stuff to tell in future posts - need to make sure I come back soon!

Clutch...again

2010-02-10T13:28:00.002-05:00

Clutch
Originally uploaded by cheekygreen

Quick post...just wanted to add this slightly better photo of the clutch I finally finished. Off to work on something new!

3 in One

2010-02-09T17:21:00.001-05:00

purple felted flower
Originally uploaded by cheekygreen

So I vowed to blog 3 times weekly come the new year. Well I haven't even remotely come close to that, so I'm making up for it by blogging 3 times in one day. Just wanted to share another "completed" flower. The sheerness of this flower played havoc with my camera...I really couldn't get a great shot of it....but here you are anyway.

Felted flower

2010-02-09T17:05:00.001-05:00

Felted flower
Originally uploaded by cheekygreen

Just a quick updated photo of one of the flowers shown earlier...now with some darker felt stamens.

The proof is in the flowers...

2010-02-09T11:26:00.000-05:00

Just to prove I have been working I thought I'd post some preview pics of some new projects I'm working on. As usual the pictures are not good - ughh! - but they at least give you the illusion of the flower. I've got to work on stamens for most of them, I'm just trying to let the flower talk to me and tell me what kind it wants! I've also brought up a variety of fabric and beads from downstairs that I want to try and incorporate into my felt today. Wish me luck!

So here goes the pics...like I said, please forgive the photography!

Better late than never!

2010-02-08T21:40:00.001-05:00

clutch
Originally uploaded by cheekygreen

As usual I have been neglecting my blog but, happily, not my felting. The ladies at the food bank have praised and encouraged me so much they sent me into a felting frenzy. Right now there are so many flower bits and pieces strewn throughout the house it looks a bit like a wedding took place here!

They also inspired me to FINALLY make something out of the first piece of felt I ever made - now a peppy little clutch, complete with felted button closure.

I'd talk more but I've flowers and flowers and flowers to felt!

My Bad!!!

2010-01-23T10:25:00.002-05:00

OK....here I go again!

I think it's time to rename my blog "Tales of a Blogging Loser"....I just can't seem to keep this thing updated. And, as some of you pointed out to me, my 2010 resolution of blogging at least 3 times weekly has already been blown out of the water - and it's only January 23 - BTW - "Happy Birthday Mom!"

So, instead of trying to change me, because we know that's just not going to happen (LOL), I think it's time to change my blog. Instead of just focusing on what Cheeky Green is up to, I want to focus more on the what the "green" world is up to - with an emphasis on crafting of course. Perhaps this will get me on here when I don't feel like I have much to say - I know, I know - jaws are hitting the floor thinking "Kristi not having much to say?????" - but it's true!

So I am going to begin with what Cheeky Green has been doing, and while it's not crafting related, or "green" in the traditional sense, it is very green, and VERY worthwhile. Thanks to the show "The Biggest Loser", of which I am a die-hard fan, I have discovered our local food bank - Feeding America West Michigan - an absolutely amazing organization. Little did I know when I worked in Comstock Park all of those years, I was just down the road from America's largest food bank. And if you're like I was until just recently, you hear the word food bank and really don't know what it is - most of us envision a soup kitchen and lines of hungry people waiting for a meal, but that is not the case. The food bank is an enormous warehouse (over half an acre with house-sized refrigeration units) that collects saved and donated food that would largely end up in a land-fill and distributes the food to1,200 pantries, homeless shelters, soup kitchens, domestic violence shelters, rescue missions, and other charity agencies across 40 Michigan counties.

I don't want to end up a soap-box for the food bank so I'll encourage you to visit the website and read the statistics, they are alarming but very encouraging, and decide for yourself if and how you'd like to get involved with the battle against hunger. But there is one fact I'd like to leave you with today. Many of us, including myself, have participated in food drives where you bring in a can or box of food for the hungry. This is a good thing and we all feel better for doing it. But, if you took that same $10 you spent on the food you donated and gave it to the food bank, they are able to buy $200 worth of food for the hungry, and they have a way of storing and distributing the food to those in need. Just wanted to leave you with a little "food for thought"!

Hope you are enjoying a great day and a full belly!

Christmas Greetings!

2009-12-24T19:52:00.002-05:00

I wanted to take a moment and wish everyone a warm and wonderful Christmas. The weather here has taken a turn toward icy rain, so I hope all you travelers arrive safely at your holiday destinations.

I've been busy down in the craft room this holiday season playing with my "new" machine:

This is my Christmas present "from Dave" - doesn't he know just what to buy me? It's not quite the $5k embroidery machine I've been coveting, but it has 99 embroidery stitches and has been quite handy and fun so far.

I have actually managed to put it to use. In addition to using it to do a "fancy" leaf patterned stitch on the inside of my pink "football" purse pocket (see prior post) I have been playing with some of the other stitches and trying my hand - or should I say "machine"- at some free-form embroidery. It will take me a bit of practice to perfect, but the possibilities are oh so exciting! Here are my two latest creations. The messenger bag was designed to be reversible so that you could use that wild retro-paisley pattern outside as well, but the corners don't turn-out as well as I'd like them to...oh well, it's still a fun and funky bag regardless!

Oh, and for those of you who missed my Facebook post, I'd like to share some photos of my assistant Abby:

Yes, my ever-so-helpful assistant was pulling OUT the pins after I'd put them in...ugh - it's a wonder I get anything done!!!

Anyway, hope you're enjoying a spectacular holiday and looking forward to a fabulous 2010!

Yes....I'm Bad!

2009-12-14T16:40:00.000-05:00

Well, here I am again apologizing for not keeping my blog up! I did have some computer problems, but that has been resolved awhile and I still didn't get my blog updated. My New Year's Resolution will be to blog at least 3 time weekly...now that it's public hopefully somebody will keep me to it!

I want to thank those who went to the Beneath the Tree show...it was an amazing experience and I hope everyone enjoyed the shopping and house browsing - I know I did. Anyone who didn't make it I say GO NEXT YEAR - you will love it!

I've been collecting fabric galore lately - thank you Aunt Peggy! And I bought a new used sewing machine last week, so I really have been sewing away....just haven't been posting or listing!

Here's the latest style bag I'm making, and if I do say so myself, it's really cute in person!

As usual, my pics aren't very good...but the purse is a football shape with a flat bottom you can't see very well. Also not showing very well is the stitching on the interior pocket which is a decorative vine pattern made with my new machine.

Well, better get back to the sewing room, I'm in the middle of a new reversible denim messenger bag with zippered pocket...oh what fun!!!

If there is anything you want and it's not listed just let me know - custom orders are ALWAYS welcome!

The Final Countdown

2009-11-14T09:11:00.003-05:00

It's the final week until Beneath the Tree and I'm hard at work finishing the final details. I've finished many re-purposed Christmas Stockings, several wool sweater purses, and some place mat tote bags. I've even made a selection of mini albums to sell. Right now I'm working on some of my trademark newspaper purses.

Please join us Friday, November 20th from 11AM to 9PM and Saturday, November 21st from 9AM to 2PM. The event features seven houses in the Byron Center and Grandville areas with work of over 100 local artists for sale. Cheeky Green will be in house #3 - an amazing home you'll want to see! Check out the website for more info.

I will post some preview pics in the next few days.

Happy Shopping!

Scrapbook Paper Wreaths

2009-10-12T15:43:00.000-04:00

I took a little time away from my upcycled Christmas stockings to make an easy but somewhat elegant Christmas wreath made from paper. I like the end result so much I thought I'd share with you. Hope you like it too!

I Am So Excited about this!!!

2009-10-11T10:08:00.002-04:00

I've been down in my craft room deconstructing old clothing, pillow shams, sweaters etc... into beautiful "new" Christmas stocking in preparation for what I hope to be an amazing upcoming show. Please join me on November 20th & 21st at Beneath the Tree. (Click on the name to see their BEAUTIFUL website) It is not only a craft show (it's time to think Christmas shopping!) but it's a tour of incredibly decorated homes. What a concept! I'm not sure yet which home I'll be in, but will share with you when I find out. The website also lists all the talented vendors that will be there so you can start your shopping list now!

Hope to see you there!

The End Result

2009-09-23T10:11:00.002-04:00

Wow, a rainy Monday was just what I needed. I spent the whole day painting paper, sewing & cutting...the stuff of all girls' dreams! I even managed to take some pics which seems to be my nemesis these days. Technology doesn't seem to be my friend. :( My camera decided to start a slow tortuous death, of course this started last weekend at the 80's theme wedding that I was so "like totally geeked to get some rad pictures of", needless to say the end results are disapointing.

But now that our time machine has landed back in the new millennium I must leave behind the world of lace, dangle bracelets and ring watches - yes, I wore a ring watch - and return to reality: paper, paint and sewing machines. And here are the end results:

I'd better take advantage of this creative frenzy I'm in and get some ideas out of my head and into the world.

I'm Still at it...

2009-09-21T11:08:00.001-04:00

Aren't rainy Monday mornings perfect for working on some new ideas? With some upcoming shows and other exciting opportunities in my future it's time for me to get down to work. I've been bouncing around some ideas in my head (lot's of room up there to bounce!) and am finally getting down to business. I've wanted to do more experimenting with paint, masks, and other "collage" elements in my purses and what better time than a rainy Monday morning...no, rainy days and Mondays don't get me down! Here are some sneak peaks:

Getting ready...starting with a base coat of paint.

My assistant Alli is always SO helpful...

Unfortunately the blue contrast doesn't show well on camera.

but the pink.....

The colors aren't great...but here is a piece with the mask still on and one that's done...

as usual the pics don't do them justice!!!

Of course, these haven't made it to purse form yet, but I'm sure the finished project will be fun. I really want to experiment with some added elements but will stick to this for now...

As usual, here's my token promise to be back soon with finished pics!!!

Enjoy the rain!!!

Exciting Stuff to Come...

2009-09-11T19:27:00.005-04:00

I know, I've been away awhile - you've heard that before from me haven't you. Well, I've had some fun stuff going on - one of which was summer- which is now over and I VOW to be back on my blog regularly. Yes - I mean it this time!

Along with summer I've had some projects I've been working on that have kept me away. I've been trying to keep my Etsy store stocked with some of the backstock I have here, and that photo-taking and description writing really takes some time. I've been playing around a lot with my camera and reading up on photography in an attempt to get better pics. No masterpieces yet, but getting better.

I also found these great thrift store cabinets I've been painting for my craft room. I'm trying to get them all retro-mod-fun which has taken some time. When they are FINALLY done I will post pics. Then I can get all my sewing stuff down in my craft room and maybe get some actual work done.

I've got some exciting shows coming up - details to come!!! Can't wait to share these.

Also have some other exciting stuff possibly in the works, don't want to jinx myself by telling, but will let the blog world know as soon as things are more clear. How's that for being a mystery woman?

Well, tomorrow we attend an 80's themed wedding...I'm sure I'll have some fun pics to post of that....

Oh what fun!!!

2009-08-20T21:38:00.003-04:00

My new toy came today! While perusing the internet for information on my favorite new subject - photography - I found the coolest little gizmo. Now mind you, every year on vacation we (ok I) take a group photo - and every year I forget my tripod which forces me to either go beg a neighbor to come over and deal with our unruly gang, or I have to improvise - this year it involved a lawn chair and a piece of 4" pvc pipe (they mocked me - but it worked!) Well NO more!!! I discovered this:

Yes - it's a bottle cap tripod!!! Just slip it onto the lid of your bottle and instant tripod - it even tilts!!! No more begging others to take your photo or sitting your camera precariously on ledges to get that great shot....just slip it in your pocket and you're just a drink away from your perfect pic.

I know - your asking "where can I get a bottle cap tripod?" - at photojojo.com: http://photojojo.com/store/awesomeness/bottle-cap-tripod

Hope you enjoy yours too!!!!!

Yep...as usual

2009-08-14T08:54:00.002-04:00

it's been a while....it's not that I don't think about you....it's not that I don't care....it just seems my timing is never right! I think of all kinds of things to blog when I' m away from the computer...then when I'm here...I've either no time or nothing to say - I know - those of you who know me are saying "Kristi - with nothing to say?????" - but it's true.

It's been a very fun and busy summer....I was not home for most of the month of July (good excuse!!!). I spent some fun family time up at the cottage and then headed to MN for a 30-40-50 Birthday/Retirement party....of which I was one of the birthday people (I won't say which of the ages I'm turning!) Since I've been home of done some croppin' for hire but haven't taken any pics to post - dumb!

Today's plan is to take pics and list some of the MANY newspaper wallets and purses I have in stock (email me if you need something - it's probably already made! ), get some paint and start redoing the Goodwill cabinets I found Wed. when I had a flat tire and bopped over to Goodwill while waiting to get it fixed (see everything does happen for a reason) and then this evening plan to golf with my hubby...something we don't do nearly enough.

I'd love to sit and chat but then I wouldn't get any of this done now would I?

So Much for Fun & Games

2009-07-26T12:34:00.001-04:00

Vacations are over and I'm back to work...well, errr, sort of....maybe it's more play than work? A trip to the library Friday inspired me to get out my wool and play some. Of course, the library trip was to get books on photography (my latest mania) and Ireland (trying to plan a trip for next summer :) But a quick peek, and it was just to peek, down the sewing aisle, caused me to check out two books on felting and this is the result:

Now, what am I going to do with it? Always the question with me. Maybe I'll make some more and do a felted flower arrangement. A brooch would be good, but it's rather large...hmmmm?

I was also felting a catnip filled fish cat toy, but, as you can imagine, my "helpers" tested it for me long before it was done, and now it's just a catnip filled oval that's covered in cat saliva...I guess I know that if I ever get to finish one it will be a hit! My ultimate goal is to make a felted "portrait" and a rug....only time will tell if I ever do....

OK, OK...

2009-06-30T12:52:00.003-04:00

I haven't been too good about posting! I have however been busy making chipboard mini-albums. I have a fun retro children's album listed on Etsy currently. And for a twist I just listed a retro camping album on Craig's list...thought I'd see how that venue goes.

Here are some pics of the camping album - I just LOVE this retro feel paper!

You can paste a full 4x6 photo on the backside of the chipboard page and add journaling, more photos, etc...on the pre-made pages. I've stamped and added chipboard embellishments for a dimensional feel. It really is a fun way to display a number of photos. The 4X6 size also allows for easy carrying - perfect for a brag book.

I'll be on vacation for most of the next 2 weeks so I won't be on-line - I finally have an excuse!! Hope you have a fabulous 4th and take lots of pics to scrapbook!

It's Finish-It-Friday...

2009-06-12T10:13:00.001-04:00

and what am I doing? Completing any one of the 30 or so projects I've started and not finished? Working on some of the new purse designs I've been dreaming of? Or even organizing my craft/studio area? No.....I'm reading up on how to toilet train my cats! A very worthwhile project: environmentally -Kitty litter is horrible for the environment, financially -it's very expensive, and, well, it's just plain gross to deal with. But, here's the thing, my cats are 13, 12 & 10....I think that ship (a very tiny one that would fit in the toilet) has sailed! So as I sit here and dream of a litter-box free life, time flies by and I'm getting nothing accomplished...such is life, oh, but what a good life it would be litter-free!

Yes - I am alive

2009-06-08T09:42:00.003-04:00

Yes, if anyone was wondering, I am alive and well. It seems life just took me away from my blog for a bit, but now I'm back and hopefully with a vengeance!

A lot has happened since I last visited...including the death of a beloved family member taken away at the prime of his life. Everyone is still reeling from the void he left in the family, especially his young wife and child. It really took away my focus for a bit, but now I hope that this realization that life is so uncertain will inspire me to do bigger and better things during the limited amount of time I have on this earth. My new mission has begun!

I also worked on getting my working area organized...I still have a long way to go, but am in good shape to actually work down there now. Apparently I own a LOT of stuff....who knew???? I will post some pics soon, so you can see what a disaster I had to work with!

I also managed to have some fun while I was gone too. A girls' weekend with my nieces, a weekend up north to celebrate my hubbies b-day, another weekend to celebrate my BIL's 40th b-day...It's so nice to FINALLY be done with snow so we can get out some...I really wonder why I'm in MI sometimes :(

Well, off to get some work done, but I WILL be back soon!

Coffee, Wine & Dessert!!!

2009-04-07T09:02:00.004-04:00

What more could a girl want...maybe diamonds? I'm not sure if you'll be able to get diamonds, but Schnitz Ada Grill will be catering & Cascade Winery will be offering wine tasting @ Koetsier's Greenhouse's Girl's Gather at the Greenhouse, Friday May 1 from 5-8PM. This is an amazing event - upscale vendors selling clothing, jewelery, purses etc...pampering booths (at the Christmas event you could get your teeth whitened, massages, & an array of pampering products)...and of course, wine & food! There were also booths featuring cookbooks, candles, frames and other must-have girl products!!!!

I'll be featuring an array of Cheeky Green Products (many never before seen!) including my original paper purses, as well as totes, purses and beach bags from repurposed items as well as some new. I will be showcasing some of these items in future posts.

The Christmas event was packed (despite the incredible amount of snow that fell that day - HOPEFULLY this day will be snow-free!) and everyone had a great time (ok -wine, coffee & chocolate - how could you not have fun?). If you didn't make it to the last one I highly encourage you to come to this one, and if you were there I hope to see you again!

If you haven't had a chance to check out my friend Misschell's blog or her Etsy shop I want to temp you with a peek at her newest creation:

How fun is that? (Link to her site on the right)

Hope you are all enjoying a creative day!!!

OMG - It's Friday Again!!!

2009-03-27T10:19:00.002-04:00

I almost forgot that it's Finish-It-Friday today!!! Has it been a week already? Seriously....

Let me know what you finish today...send pics...I'd love to see them!

2009-03-25T13:39:00.005-04:00

Thought I'd go back to my "roots" and make a new paper purse or 2. We have these wild new prints in the store and they cried purse to me!

Once again, not the greatest pic, but will have to do. Obviously, this purse isn't from newspaper, or even recycled materials...it's good-old-fashioned scrapbook paper.

Here's a shot of the interior pockets.

Wouldn't be a purse (well a good one anyway) without a matching billfold!

The back- change pocket with storage behind it
The interior features 6 credit card slots and a pocket to hold unfolded bills.

And all of those spring papers are calling my name!

I have to take pics of the matching wallet.

Off to work!

So...Did You?

2009-03-24T10:23:00.001-04:00

I forgot to ask - did you finish-it on Friday? Let me know...send pics...I'd love them!

Hooray - It's Super Saturday

2009-03-21T10:24:00.008-04:00

Today is Super Saturday at the store where I work. It's a clearance & storewide sale - busy busy , busy - equivalent to the day-after-Thanksgiving sales at most stores. I love Super Sat. - it's so invigorating. What wasn't invigorating was seeing this out our back windows when I woke up:
Isn't it the first weekend of Spring?

This post is actually supposed to be a follow-up to Finish-It-Friday... ha...I'm finishing it!!! (ok...maybe that was only humorous to me!!!)

I did finish quite a few things - 4 bags, the beads for the pink purse handles (the gloss requires a day or so of drying time so couldn't completely finish), and a few other misc. items. Along with washing the bedding, towels and my latest thrift-store-findings. All in all it was a pretty productive day by my standards. Maybe it was because of the help of my assistants:

Hard at work as usual!!!

In seriousness, I did accomplish this:

Well, I may want to add a felt flower to the third bag from the left, but I'm calling these done anyway!!!

I also painted the beads for the pink felted purse:

Just waiting for them to dry so I can finish the handles.

Well, better get off this thing and off to work!

Finish-It-Friday

2009-03-20T07:00:00.002-04:00

Today is Finish-It-Friday. This is a concept from the Yahoo Group Scrapper's Challenge to which I belong. It is a policy I've tried to adopt since joining (oh...about 5 months ago) & haven't finished! So today is the day! I vow to finish at least one project I've started - hopefully the pink felted purse with the leopard lining! I have so many to choose from that I get overwhelmed & get nothing done.

I challenge you to do the same. Find that album, layout, half-knit-sweater, closet you started to spring-clean and gave up on - anything that's been nagging at the back of your mind to get done. What a refreshing way to start the weekend, well, that & a Kristi Coffee! Unless of course you're one of those people who always finish what you start - if that's the case, you need to get more hobbies!

Ok...So It's Me Again...

2009-03-18T13:14:00.009-04:00

Yep...twice in one day. I wanted to get some better pics before debuting this new bag...but will get started with the ones I have.

After playing for several days making little girl's denim bags I was left with several pairs of jeans that looked like this:

And, while summer is fast approaching - hopefully, I just didn't think anyone wanted to see me in these less-than-Daisy Dukes...and I know I didn't want to see anyone else in them! So I put my thinking cap on (it fits once in awhile) and came up with this little number, perfect for a day at the flea market, vacationing, or anytime you need a little carrying space but don't want to lug around that bulky purse:And the back -

The fully lined interior:

The messenger-style tote (it goes across your shoulders and rests on your hip) uses both the original front & back pockets of the jeans for extra storage of your cell, your keys, some loose change...whatever it is you need to stash. The lining is from an old shirt & I've decorated the bag with a recycled scarf - & since it's not attached so you could swap it out to match any outfit.

Since I don't have a pic yet of it actually draped over a shoulder, hanging from a light fixture will have to do:

I hope to get some more made soon and listed for $15.

Hope you enjoyed it!!!

Thanks to everyone!

2009-03-18T10:11:00.003-04:00

This week I've had some nice emails from the Etsy community from people who have featured me in their blogs etc... Coming from such a talented group of people I feel honored. I thought I'd say a special thanks to the Journal Junky for featuring my on her blog - "a blog of creativity". Thanks!!! She has some really fun and GREEN items featured on her blog...take a minute and visit her if you get a chance. And to anyone who may be visiting my site from there...I have MANY bags in stock that are not currently listed - including billfolds and lunchbags...let me know if you're interested in something, if I don't already have it, I'm sure I can make it.

Yesterday was SweatShop Tuesday at my house (I mean no disrespect to the poor people who have survived sweatshops - somehow we've adopted the name and it stuck!). My very creative talented friends and I get together on Tuesdays to create...some sew, some stamp, some scrapbook...sometimes we just eat and talk. It's always very fun and usually productive. I encourage everyone to pick a day and get together with friends....it's very inspiring - the ideas that flow sometimes are amazing...not always fit for print, but amazing!

I came up with some new bags..pics to come and worked some more on my pink needle-felted purse. Here's a sneak peak at what the final product will be like:

Love that leopard lining!!!

Call Me a ReFasionista!

2009-03-15T13:35:00.003-04:00

Or a wearable artist? Or, maybe, oh... just Kristi !!! But I do fancy that I'll be all of those things some day.

I just found the BEST blog - Wardrobe ReFashion. It totally fits with my CheekyGreen philosophy. Basically, you pledge to not buy new for a period of 2, 4, or 6 months - or even life! All clothing must be Recycled, Renovated, Preloved or Thrifted, or Handmade. Employment related and special needs clothing (ie sports, school), shoes and undies are excepted from the rules, although you are encouraged to have a go at making these.

In extreme circumstances, maybe a special event, or the worlds greatest and most amazing never to be repeated sale that you simply can not pass up, you may use the Get out of Refashionista Jail Free card. You are able to use this card once during the 2 month part of your contract; ie 1 for 2 months, 2 for 4 months etc. Of course you need to fess up on the blog and display the button!

You must post on the blog at least once a week to let the community know what you've been up to. This will not only give you brag points, but inspire and encorouge others! Of course you need to display the button on your blog and have copied the pledge in at least one post, and provide a link to your pledge under the button.

You need to be honest and admit when you've fallen off the Refashionista Wagon! Go directly to Refashionista Jail, do not pass GO and do not collect $200! Apply for parole once there.

I LOVE this concept. They are starting a new round in May...with applications being accepted after April 15th. I'm going to give it a go - how about YOU???

Work in Progress

2009-03-12T22:09:00.009-04:00

Since I can't seem to get the export/import thing to work (so I can get my old blog material over to my new blog) I'm just going to overkill the postings today. I'm having so much fun I want to show some work-in-progress pics. I'm working on a felted purse...the first I've made where I actually made the sheet of felt (both with my needle felting machine and by hand).

Here's a pic of the finished sheet of felt:

Boy, is the color bad - it's two toned pink and mauve...not this mud color!!!

And here, through the magic of the internet, is a pic of the purse shaped felt:

And from the side:

Now all I need to do is add a liner, some fun trim and a handle and voila - instant purse!!!

I'm also working on what I hope to be a funky apron from a pair of jeans:

I thought the paint stains on these old jeans would add a fun touch - can't wait to see what the finished product will be!!!

Ta Da!!!

2009-03-12T16:08:00.004-04:00

The sun finally did come out (though it's still very cold) and I got some pics of my "new" (everything but the trim is recycled!!!) spring girl's bag. Not the best pictures, but the pic taking part is not my favorite, nor my forte, and I really wanted to get some sewing done. So far today I worked (darn work always gets in the way of fun time!), ran to the Salvation Army and got some goodies for "new" bags, to Smith Owen for felting needles for my machine (I broke 5 yesterday - at $16.25 for 5!!!!!) and to Hobby Lobby for a hand felting tool and yarn. Now I'm finally home and ready to sew...but wanted to get some pics up first.

So, here's the new bag.
The flower is a bit more pink than the pic shows. It's about 8 inches high and 8 inches wide at the top. The bottom is pleated and squared off. It also features a pink lining with pocket-made from a button up shirt! - the bag itself is from an old pair of jeans & the flowers are felted sweaters... oh how fun it is to be green!!!! Here's a peak at the interior:

Please let me know what you think...and if you have any suggestions!!!

Off to the sewing machine!

Snow is a 4 Letter Word & Spring is Not!!!

2009-03-12T08:24:00.003-04:00

Yesterday, with Spring quickly approaching (so the calendar says) my thoughts turned to Easter dresses, bonnets, purses and spring bags. I whipped up an adorable little girl's denim purse with fuzzy trim and felted flowers that would make any little darling who carried it the envy of all - well, maybe it's not that cute, but it is a great little accessory. And today, we're waking up to snow!!!! Oh well, I'm not going to let some little white flakes interfere with my spring fever...more spring fashions to come today...along with some pics... (if the sun ever makes an appearance so I get some good lighting!!!)

Toto...I don't think we're in "Typepad" anymore

2009-03-11T10:30:00.001-04:00

Don't adjust your sets...this is the "NEW" Cheeky Green website...live and in green!

I'm excited to debut this...but am saddened that all my hard work on the old site will be lost :(
Not that it was anything spectacular, but....

Well, I have to make up for some lost time now...reload some pics and of course get some new stuff up and going. Can't do that sitting here typing!

New Site New Look

2009-03-09T17:58:00.008-04:00

I thought it was time for a new look...ta da!!!!

I've been playing with this for a while now...it took me so long to figure out my old site that I was really slow to take on a second one. But here I am...you can teach an old crafter new tricks! Of course doing this took away all my time from making purses, albums, mittens...you know - something important!!!

However I do have an assistant: Princess Olivia is so helpful!

I did take some time a way from blogging to do some laundry and read a few chapters from "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain" - I'm determined to learn to draw, an art form that completely passed me by, but according to author Betsy Edwards even I can learn to do it...we'll see???

I also jotted down some ideas in my new "inspiration book" made with my newest toy....the pink Zutter Bind It All!!

I now carry this with me all the time and whenever I have an
"ah ha" moment I jot it down...seems that the closer I get to 40 the more problems I have remembering :(

Well, off to do my homework...I guess learning to draw requires work...ugh....anyway, I have to go mentally shift images from the left side of my brain to the right....sounds painful to me!!!