Clean.

Happy mail day = 10 pounds of fiber

On our road trip to Maine last fall we carried two unusual items of cargo in our otherwise ordinary camper.

1. A gigantic tote full of lambskins (to deliver to a natural tannery in Vermont) and
2. Three huge bags of sheared wool from our flock, destined for Green Mountain Spinnery, also in Vermont. 

We delivered both back in September and we've been waiting for their return with all the patience we could muster.

Yesterday the fiber boxes arrived!

Skein after skein of beautiful, soft, homegrown yarn from our very own fiber flock, plus a large box of scrap wool and roving that we can use to spin at home and to stuff dolls, pillows, and toys.

It's hard to adequately explain how this feels. To hold in my hands enough yarn to knit a sweater for every member of my family and then some - and know so well the sheep that it came from.

It's been a long time coming and I can hardly wait to cast on my first project. 

Based on the advice of my fiber mentor and friend Kathryn, the first thing on our agenda was to wash the wool one more time to increase the softness and spring.

Into the bathtub it went with a bit of wool wash and the hottest water our water heater could muster. (Wool only felts in hot water with agitation or with changes in water temperature.) There it soaked for a bit before a second wash in clear water; then each skein was carefully hung to dry.

This morning I am amazed at how springy, soft, and delicious this yarn is. From my own flock! 

I can hardly wait for spring to arrive so that we can forage some dyestuffs from our farm and woods. I also dried and froze some natural dye material last year (black hollyhock blossoms and pokeweed berries) that I can use in the meantime. Oh, my. This is going to be fun! 

As for the roving, well, we have plans for that, too.

I pulled out my spinning wheel to try spinning a bit and before I knew it I had a helper in my lap. Soon she was working the wheel on her own. There's a steep learning curve to be sure, but Lupine isn't daunted. 

And neither am I.

(You can see her working on her first spin here.)

Homegrown sweaters, here we come! 

 

Doll make-unders

Lupine spent much of last weekend working on a project that we're both quite taken with.

Inspired by Tree Change Dolls, she gave two thrift store Bratz Dolls make-unders, transforming them with nail polish remover and acrylic paint.

And while there are so many things that we could discuss here (not the least of which is why we market dolls like the originals to children), I think I'd rather let these photographs do the talking.

The original doll is shown below at left, and Lupine's first make-under at right. What a transformation!

The process for a doll make-under is simple. Indeed, Lupine did all of the work (save stitching some corduroy pants) on her own.

After she repainted their faces Lupine spent days sculpting, sewing, and woodworking everything her dolls needed.

It was a lovely project in so many ways.

And then Lupine came to me with one of her dolls. The doll (originally clad in a tight dress and stiletto heels) was wearing a cotton shawl and calico dress and was now holding a small basket of green leaves. Her doll, Lupine said, had foraged a basket of medicinal herbs. She unpacked the basket, one tiny sculpted plant after another.

"There is nettle, mint, white pine, and motherwort."

And I knew then that the Bratz dolls were gone, and the ones that stood in their place spoke to who my child was and what she valued more than I ever could have imagined. Transformation complete!

 

You can learn more about Tree Change Dolls here and watch her how-to videos if you or your child are inspired to create your own!

 

 

How to decoupage a switch plate cover & be all sorts of awesome

I think the most enthusiastic feedback I got on my recent kitchen remodel was about my snazzy Nikki McClure switch plates. I cranked them out in an evening and they were so quick, so simple, and so darn satisfying. My kind of project, since anything more ambitious than this tends to languish half-done for years in my craft room.

A few of you asked for a proper tutorial on how to make your own, so when I made a second set for a housewarming gift last week I decided to take a some photos and write up a tutorial for you.

Here it is!

How to Decoupage a Switch Plate Cover & be All Sorts of Awesome

 

1. Choose your artwork.

Old calendars, magazines, kid-art, and medium weight scrapbooking paper all work well. Thin paper can be too fragile for this project and card-stock tends to be too thick, so aim for something sturdy but not too thick. Fabric also works, they say, but I haven't tried it yet.

Note that some papers will wrinkle. If you aren't sure how you feel about that do a test with a scrap of paper you don't love. Stick it to something plasticy (an old milk bottle for example) and see what happens. Wrinkles don't bother me, so I use whatever paper I love.

My paper of choice (thus far) has been Nikki McClure art from calendars going back a few years. I think I have a girl-crush on Nikki's art and can never bring myself to toss old calendars of her work. (One of you sweet people even mailed me one after seeing my decoupaged suitcase a few years back. You're nice.)

 

2. Using your switch plate as a guide, cut a rough rectangle approximately 1" bigger all around than your plate.

Be sure to center the switch plate over the art you want to appear on the completed project. You'd also be wise to check that the switch itself doesn't become an awkward appendage or something obscene depending on the art you choose. (Unless that's what you're going for, in which case, align that switch carefully with whatever you want it to prove. I won't judge.)

 

3. Notch your corners.

You can do this by cutting your paper at a 45 degree angle at each switchplate corner (a good idea I came upon after these were already made), or by notching them as shown below.

Note how I angled the flaps slightly to make wrapping the paper around the back easier in the next step. The flap on the right below was notched even deeper so it wrapped nicely to the back.

Do a test wrap and snip more paper away until it's not too bulky at the corners.

4. Coat the back of your notched paper with an even layer of Mod Podge, working the Mod Podge all the way to the edges.

 

5. Quickly center your switch plate over the paper. Turn over and adjust the paper as needed to center. Smooth front with your fingers to remove bubbles.

 

6. Now turn the switch plate over in your hand so the back is facing you. Wrap the longer sides of your switch plate firmly around to the back and press flaps into plate with your fingers as shown below.

Repeat with short flaps.

7. After all four flaps are pressed firmly into place, turn the switch plate around in your hand looking for any bubbles or loose spots.

Smooth them out gently with your fingers. Too much pressure and you'll rub the color right off your paper, so be gentle!

 

8. Lay your switch plate face down on a cutting mat or piece of card-stock. Using an Exact-o knife, carefully cut an X in the switch opening.

 

9. Fold these flaps toward the back, adding additional Mod Podge if needed to hold into place. These can be buggers so keep at it until they stay put.

10. Poke a small guide hole from the back in each screw opening using the point of your Exact-o knife.

 

11. Flip the switch plate over and press on these guide holes with your finger to make a small depression in the paper at each screw point as (poorly) shown in the photo below. (It's hard to see. Sorry.)

 

12. Using your Exact-o knife to cut a tiny X in each of these depressions with the point of the knife. This will ensure that your paper does not tear when you attach your switch plate.

13. Coat the front of your switch plate with a light, even coat of Mod Podge.

 

14. Allow to dry completely and repeat 1-2 more times.

15. Finish with a clear coat of spray paint if desired. (I skipped this step and they are holding up well just the same.)

You're done! Carefully screw into place and admire the awesomeness you just made, or pack them up in a gift basket or care package for a friend and share the love.

Warning: this project is addictive. You might make dozens. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Originally posted in 2014

I think the most enthusiastic feedback I got on my recent kitchen remodel was about my snazzy Nikki McClure switch plates. I cranked them out in an evening and they were so quick, so simple, and so darn satisfying. My kind of project, since anything more ambitious than this tends to languish half-done for years in my craft room.

A few of you asked for a proper tutorial on how to make your own, so when I made a second set for a housewarming gift last week I decided to take a some photos and write up a tutorial for you.

Here it is!

How to Decoupage a Switch Plate Cover & be All Sorts of Awesome

 

1. Choose your artwork.

Old calendars, magazines, kid-art, and medium weight scrapbooking paper all work well. Thin paper can be too fragile for this project and card-stock tends to be too thick, so aim for something sturdy but not too thick. Fabric also works, they say, but I haven't tried it yet.

Note that some papers will wrinkle. If you aren't sure how you feel about that do a test with a scrap of paper you don't love. Stick it to something plasticy (an old milk bottle for example) and see what happens. Wrinkles don't bother me, so I use whatever paper I love.

My paper of choice (thus far) has been Nikki McClure art from calendars going back a few years. I think I have a girl-crush on Nikki's art and can never bring myself to toss old calendars of her work. (One of you sweet people even mailed me one after seeing my decoupaged suitcase a few years back. You're nice.)

 

2. Using your switch plate as a guide, cut a rough rectangle approximately 1" bigger all around than your plate.

Be sure to center the switch plate over the art you want to appear on the completed project. You'd also be wise to check that the switch itself doesn't become an awkward appendage or something obscene depending on the art you choose. (Unless that's what you're going for, in which case, align that switch carefully with whatever you want it to prove. I won't judge.)

 

3. Notch your corners.

You can do this by cutting your paper at a 45 degree angle at each switchplate corner (a good idea I came upon after these were already made), or by notching them as shown below.

Note how I angled the flaps slightly to make wrapping the paper around the back easier in the next step. The flap on the right below was notched even deeper so it wrapped nicely to the back.

Do a test wrap and snip more paper away until it's not too bulky at the corners.

4. Coat the back of your notched paper with an even layer of Mod Podge, working the Mod Podge all the way to the edges.

 

5. Quickly center your switch plate over the paper. Turn over and adjust the paper as needed to center. Smooth front with your fingers to remove bubbles.

 

6. Now turn the switch plate over in your hand so the back is facing you. Wrap the longer sides of your switch plate firmly around to the back and press flaps into plate with your fingers as shown below.

Repeat with short flaps.

7. After all four flaps are pressed firmly into place, turn the switch plate around in your hand looking for any bubbles or loose spots.

Smooth them out gently with your fingers. Too much pressure and you'll rub the color right off your paper, so be gentle!

 

8. Lay your switch plate face down on a cutting mat or piece of card-stock. Using an Exact-o knife, carefully cut an X in the switch opening.

 

9. Fold these flaps toward the back, adding additional Mod Podge if needed to hold into place. These can be buggers so keep at it until they stay put.

10. Poke a small guide hole from the back in each screw opening using the point of your Exact-o knife.

 

11. Flip the switch plate over and press on these guide holes with your finger to make a small depression in the paper at each screw point as (poorly) shown in the photo below. (It's hard to see. Sorry.)

 

12. Using your Exact-o knife to cut a tiny X in each of these depressions with the point of the knife. This will ensure that your paper does not tear when you attach your switch plate.

13. Coat the front of your switch plate with a light, even coat of Mod Podge.

 

14. Allow to dry completely and repeat 1-2 more times.

15. Finish with a clear coat of spray paint if desired. (I skipped this step and they are holding up well just the same.)

You're done! Carefully screw into place and admire the awesomeness you just made, or pack them up in a gift basket or care package for a friend and share the love.

Warning: this project is addictive. You might make dozens. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Originally posted in 2014

DIY Fairy Wing tutorial

Hello, lovelies!

Before we dig in on today's post I want to let you know that beginning this week I'll be sharing a LüSa Organics giveaway and/or coupon most Saturdays here on Clean. Check back tomorrow to see what I have for you. I promise to make it worth your while!

And big thanks to each of you who have chosen to support our small business as well as coming here to read my words. It means so much. (More thank you know.)

One more bit of housekeeping - it has become much harder to stay in touch through Facebook (my standard way to share with you in the past). It's time to subscribe to my blog!

Subscribing simply means that when I write a new post it will show up for you in your email. That's it. No spam, no silliness, just an email of new posts. Simple.

Sign up here.

Don't miss another post!

x Rachel

~ : : : ~

DIY Fairy Wing tutorial

I'm betting a few of you are still getting ready for Halloween. (We sure are!)

I made these wings a few years back and I loved them so much I could hardly stand it. The tutorial is as simple as can be, and start to finish they take under two hours.

For. Real.

So grab your glitter and some hangers and let's get crafty! (If nothing else it's an excuse to use the word "panty hose" again.)

Here's how.

I woke in the morning with a random plan to be Rollie Fingers for Halloween. (I was a huge Brewer's fan as a kid and this guy's mustache has always been a source of strange fascination for me.) But my own kids were freaked by the idea of their mother in a baseball cap and a wool handlebar mustache. And then I couldn't find my baseball cap and the whole plan unravelled. I had to be something else.

But what? My costume stash is pretty lean these days, consisting of a too-tight-for-me-now wedding dress, a pair of cowboy boots and an Amish straw hat. And that combination was scarier than the mustache, so I needed a plan-B. A fairy! Of course. But Lupine's wings were too small.

I searched Pinterest for ideas and came across two useful tutorials (this one and this one.) I read them each over once, got a little overwhelmed, and just went for it on my own.

And they were so easy. Ridiculous. And because of the amount of glitter I used, extremely satisfying as well. (I don't know what it is about glitter. I wish I could put it on my food I like it so much. Okay, not really. But unlike most adults I actually adore the stuff.)

These wings took me less than two hours from start to finish (including a trip to Walgreen's for nylons when I realized that I simplified all of my tights right out the door last spring).

So easy and so much cuter than a handlebar mustache.

Here is what you need:

Four metal coat hangers or equivalent amount of other very strong wire

Duct tape (packing tape also works in a pinch but isn't as strong)

2 pairs of nylons of preferred color, mine were size large-ish and full length, though in retrospect thigh-highs would work great.

Fine glitter

White glue or Mod Podge

Paint brush

1. Shape each of the four hangers into a wing shape. My top and bottom wings have a slightly different shape giving a distinct top and bottom, but go with whatever you like.

2. Cut off the hooked part of each hanger and tape together your left and right wing pairs, as above.

3. Slip a nylon leg on each wing segment and cut it off at the appropriate length. Knot on the back. (Feel free to call them "pantyhose" if you'd like to channel my grandmother during the process.)

4. Tape together the left and right wings to make a connected set. You're almost done!

5. Using diluted white glue (1:2 water to glue), paint the edges of your wings and sprinkle with glitter.

Paint designs on the wings and add more glitter. I did simple swirls and dots and allowed the excess glitter to add to the design. Remember: it won't be perfect, and it is a law of physics that glitter will not stay where you put it. Knock the surplus glitter off of the wing and onto a tray or newspaper and reuse.

Tip: Don't rub the glitter into place or you may smear the glue.

Allow to dry while you admire your work.

Your house. Will be full. Of glitter. But that's okay. Because now your house is magical instead of messy.

6. Hide your packing tape under ribbon or fabric and hold the ribbon in place with glue and a safety pin hidden on the back.

7. Attach a super long length of ribbon (the long cream-colored ribbons below) for straps at the center point. Cris-cross over your chest and tie in the back or at your side.

Tie them on and say to your reflection, "You are so magical I can hardly stand it. Mwah!"

 

Originally published in 2012.

 

Book Giveaway: Making Peg Dolls and More

If you've been around here for long you know we're a bit peg dog obsessed over here.

As in: I dare you to type "peg people" in the search bar to the right and see just how many posts come up. On second thought, don't. It a little embarrassing how many posts on the subjects I've written through the years. Goodness.

When it comes to homemade treasures, our house is brimming with peg dolls.

From zipper pulls to favorite necklaces, key chains to doll house dolls, mobiles to ornaments. There are even peg doll fairies peeking out from under the leaves of the house plant in our kitchen.

Really.

It's a shameless love affair, with just the tiniest dose of shame for overdoing it.

So when long-time Clean reader Margaret Bloom invited us to review her new book (and share a copy with you!) it was a a no-brainer. Our paint brushes were ready. We couldn't wait to see what Margaret had dreamed up for us this time around.

Making Peg Dolls and More is the second whimsical book of of Margaret's that we've had the pleasure to read.

Her first book, Making Peg Dolls, (which I shared with you back in 2013) holds a duly-earned place of honor in our craft cabinet and has been well loved by all the crafty folk around here.

Her new book picks up where her first left off, with inspired new projects that move beyond what the expected for peg doll crafts.

Working with peg people, other wooden bits, ribbon, paint, fabric, and other embellishment Margaret guides you through crafting wall hangings, mobiles, puppets, and other charming projects. Her ideas are sure to inspire the crafty people in your home for years to come. There's even a zipper pull project inspired by one I made for Lupine several years ago. (I'm so happy to see that project included, Margaret!)

Margaret was kind enough to offer up a copy of Making Peg Dolls and More to one lucky reader. If you'd like a chance at winning just leave a comment below. I'll close comments and choose a winner by the end of the week!

Comments are now closed. Congratulations to our winner Keri who said...

"What a lovely book! Would love to read it."

 

And if you win a copy or not, do save a place on your bookshelf. You'll be so glad you did.

  

Making Peg Dolls and More Book Tour

 

February 2nd :: The Crafty Crow

February 3rd :: Clean

February 4th :: Castle in the Air

February 5th :: Salley Mavor (Wee Folk Studio)

February 6th :: Remedial Eating

February 7th :: A Child's Dream

February 9th :: Forest Fairy Crafts

February 10th :: Bella Luna Toys

February 11th :: Ben & Birdy

February 12th :: Twig & Toadstool

February 13th :: Wee Wonderfuls

Backyard forts (Or: Let's not overthink this)

I spent one evening this weekend searching Pinterest for the perfect backyard tent to make with my kids.

And I found some charming designs. Wooden frames, hemmed fabrics, grommets, twinkle lights - the works.

Every one was picture-perfect.

And as I closed my laptop I decided that we wouldn't make backyard tents this weekend after all.

Because I had no bamboo poles, dowels, or 1x2's. I only had two grommets, and no yard after yard of perfect fabric to cut and sew into a tent. And frankly, no ambition to take on a six hour craft project after weeding eighteen thousand thistle plants out of my strawberry bed.

 

Don't get me wrong. I adore Pinterest. I find great inspiration there. But sometimes what I see is all a bit beyond my reach.

 

And then as I looked out on my kids playing in the backyard I realized what was happening.

It was the perfection myth bubbling up again.

The false idea that if it isn't photogenic it isn't worth doing.

That if it isn't perfect it isn't enough.

 

What nonsense.

I wasn't going to play that game.

We were building forts, dang it.

 

So instead of going back to Pinterest I went to the linen closet. I pulled out some old bedsheets, blankets, and table cloths.

I went to the barn and gathered all the bailing twine we pulled off the hay bales last winter.

I grabbed my pocket knife and we set to work.

Not Pinterest-style, but old school. Like what I built when I was a kid with only my imagination to guide me.

 

And we did it. In one afternoon.

Two fabulous, simple - and yes - imperfect play forts.

Total cost: $0.

Total time: 5 minutes for Lupine's, all afternoon for Sage's as he tweaked and modified and tricked his out again and again.

And the play value? Fan-freaking-tastic.

 

Want to make one, too? It's easy. Really.

You can squeeze it between the sidewalk and your garage, tuck one in the corner of your patio, or set it up in the woods. Be where you are and use what you've got.

Heck, you could even make one without a yard if you screwed a couple of lag bolts into your living room walls and anchored the corners with bean bags or duct tape.

And, of course, it doesn't need to be perfect. (But you already knew that.)

So grab your kids, some old sheets, and get outside.

Here's what to do:

Supplies

• Large bedsheet, table cloth, or other sturdy fabric
• Rope, twine, or clothesline
• Knife or scissors for rope
• Tent stakes or a few strong sticks
• Four small rocks
• Clothespins (optional)
• Blanket and pillows for the ground (optional)

 

How-To

1. Find the biggest flat sheet you can spare for the day or the week or forever. (You can still use them for sheets as for this basic version there's not need to cut or sew it.)

2. Run a strongish rope, clothesline, or spliced lengths of bailing twine tightly between two trees, a tree and an eye bolt on your house, or your fence and playhouse. Whatever you've got that will hold the weight of a sheet. Be creative! Set the height based on the size of your sheet (smaller sheet = lower line). Ours is a full sheet and set set it at waist/chest height.

3. Suspend your sheet along this rope. The sheet above is centered but you could also hang it off-center for a more one-sided shelter. If needed use spring clothespins to secure your fabric.

4. Sage suggests tucking a small rock into each sheet corner and tie a rope or piece of twine tightly around the rock. (The rock will keep the corners from slipping out.)

5. Secure to a tent stake, root, tree trunk, or stick pushed into the earth. Angle the stake back toward the tent to keep it from pulling out.

6. Trick it out with doors, windows, walls, tree branch supports - whatever inspires you or your kids. (Optional)

7. Line with a blanket or pile of pillows if you wish, and get in there and play!

 

There. Now aren't you glad you didn't get disouraged by those pretty, fancy play tents?

Me, too.

 

Take that, perfection.