"Heart Venture" Stamp Collage

While cleaning and unpacking, I found a bag full of mails from my mom sent in 1998 while I was in Switzerland, all handwritten letters. The first thing I noticed was the stamp covered envelopes, making me wonder why the post office used so many stamps on each envelope left almost no place to write addresses. I have no interest in finding how much it cost to mail a letter from China in the '90s, probably not cheap. The letter themselves are priceless. I don't think my mom would ever communicate with me in this old fashion way again. Looking at the stamps, it reminded me I used to collect stamps as a kid. I still have my stamp album sitting on my bookshelf in Tianjin. It's been there for two decades, probably untouched, and I miss it! Here is what I do to used stamps before adding them to the collection.
First soaking the stamps to get them off paper. Then dry stamps on plastic place mat. Last, pressing flat by placing dried stamps in heavy books.
Instead letting these stamp covered mails sitting in a corner, I decide to display the stamps as art. To add varieties and interests to the display I used some colorful ones Bob's grandma saved for him, mostly from Canada and New Zealand in the 80s, of course no shortage of surprises, a couple from the CCCP.

I named this piece "Heart Venture".

Mythological Creatures Poster

Trying to get the idea on how to transfer typewriter style font to my poster board. If I can't think of better ideas I will try to free hand the "facts" onto my UO reproduction.

I did the poster with Sharpie pen and acrylic paint on mat board. Well, there is whole world of Sharpie art out  there. Google for yourself.

Sharpie work on Ducati

The White Rabbit

Fell in love with the Framed Alice Wall Art from Urbanoutfitter, decided to recreate one myself.

Here comes my weekend project. Frame is from Goodwill $1.99. I have everything else. Picture done in pencil. 

I found the original wood engraving illustration of the white rabbit by Sir John Tenniel online from here. 

Here is the UO version (5x7) vs mine(10x12).

Flower Loom Crafts

Easy looming projects anyone can do from American Girl Flower Loom Crafts, got from BN store.

Knitted Bunny

This is the "Lovable Toys"--Rabbit from Last-Minute Knitted Gifts, another book I checked out from the local library. You can use the pattern for the body and vary the head and ear patterns to make a bear, or an elephant. I finished this project last year and Nikki still plays with it. Since she's got a yellow bunny and this white one pairs well with the yellow bunny. In her world, they are the mommy bunny(knitted) and the baby bunny. I put them out for this coming Easter.

Some Knitting Projects

I haven't been back here for years!
I've done so many craft projects last year, here is only a few.
Bob's Arm Warmer
I knitted a pair of arm warmers for Bob last year around my birthday as his birthday present.
Material used: Lion Brand Wool Ease 80%Acrylic 20%Wool , that's all I can remember. Ribbing pattern, k2p2 for 18in?

Nikki's Flower Washcloth

I have done this project a while back. The pattern was from a book I checked out from the library. If I found the book again, I will update with detailed information. This is what happens when I don't update the site and I don't have a "blog" in mind.  

Nikki's Halloween Wig

Nikki dressed as Arial last Halloween. I made this wig to go with the costume and because it was made of bright red yarn, some people mistaken her as Raggedy Ann. Hey, people, can't you see the fish tail? 

\

Vincent's Baby Hat

I got the pattern from Michaels, and it's easy to make. 

Vincent's Cardigan

My biggest project from last year. Pattern from "Knitting for Two" by Erika Knight. 

A Collection of Booties and Mitten

Vincent doesn't like anything on his feet. The white and blue theme can't hide the fact booties are for girls. 

Just Another Hat

A pattern designed by ME! Only if I can remember what I did. Some ribbing with stockinette stitch....