Craft With Your Stash Challenge

Towards the end of 2018 Jen from Craftic announced a new challenge….#CraftWithYourStash. For 2019, Jen pledged she would not purchase ANY new crafting supplies. ANY! Was she delirious? Maybe dehydrated? She can’t be serious, right?

It took for me to start digging into my craft room to realize maybe it was time I did the same. 1) Because my supplies were overflowing to the point that it was hard to navigate the room (hoarders style), and 2) because I had no idea what was hiding at the bottom of those piles. So for the past few weeks I put aside any sewing or crafting and started working away at the piles.

I discovered craft kits I didn’t realize I had, tools that (let’s be honest) I was never going to use, dozens of magazines I had never read, and fleece…..lots, and lots of fleece.

So, in 2019 I won’t be buying new craft supplies. Ok, disclaimer, I AM going to set aside $5 per month that I can spend on minor supplies if I need them to finish a project (gotta be realistic….like if I need a specific kind of glue, or I run out of something critical. NOT fleece.), but other than that, my projects must be made with items from my stash!

Who else will be participating in the #CraftWithYourStash challenge? Let me know in the comments, or share your projects using the hashtag on social media! Happy Crafting!

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DIY Spiderweb Earrings

Truth time: I’m not much of a Halloween person. [gasp]

I know, I’m weird. I don’t like horror movies and I don’t care for Halloween parties (sweaty costumes, creepy masks….no thanks) so I’ve never felt a big motivation to spend money on Halloween decor or outfits.

This means that whenever I do dress up, its gonna be DIY, and its going to be cheap! Of course, this project fits that criteria perfectly!

This project is super simple as far as materials go, but a little challenging if you’re new to using a glue gun (or just awkward in general, like me). That being said, the materials are super cheap so its hard to get mad if one comes out wonky!

You will need the following:

• Glue gun (I found it easier when I used a low temp one)
• Glue gun sticks (make sure to have a few for practice. You’ll need about 2 for the actual project)
• Parchment paper
• Black paint/paint brush
• Earring findings (I used Hildie & Jo hooks for sensitive ears and matching jump rings)
• Jewelry tools to open and close the jump rings

Step 1:

Lay out a piece of parchment paper and with the hot glue create a spiderweb. You can either freehand (which is what I prefer), or you can draw the shape you want on the parchment paper and follow it. I found that the “best” looking spiderwebs have 4 intersecting lines.

This is the hardest part of the project. Practice getting an even flow out of the gun, but if you get clumps here and there it just adds to the charm! I find that moving slowly is easier for me, but it may depend on how your gun warms up the glue. Don’t worry about the strings, you can either pull them off later, or leave a few in for a more “webby” look.

Step 2:

Once the glue dries up (should only take a few minutes) take a paint brush and go over your spider web. Do the back part first, let it dry. Flip to the front, and paint.

Step 3: Attach your hardware and its ready to wear!

Told you it was easy!

I can’t wait to use this technique to make other glue gun crafts!

 

Craftcation 2018 Recap

I’m sure the world is wondering… “Sabrina, how was Craftcation? Was it really as good attending the 2nd time around?”

The Answer: YES! Returning to Craftcation as an alum was a very different experience than going as a first timer, but it is just as magical, energizing, and inspirational as the first time. Its now been 2 months since I returned from the conference, and I still get warm fuzzies thinking back to those 4 days.

To refresh your memory on what I’m talking about, you can check out my post about last year’s experience here.

Here are a few things I did differently this year:

• I was an ambassador! Dear Handmade Life takes applications every year for ambassadors, basically those of us who CANNOT shut up about Craftcation. I was SO honored to be selected. The cherry on top was being gifted an ADDITIONAL swag bag upon check in. It was pretty epic.
• I took more business classes than crafting classes. I know, I know, it sounds crazy! But there are SO MANY accomplished and successful presenters that teach every year, and I found myself not being able to resist the business sessions.
• I rented a car. The train was a fun adventure last year, and there’s always a shuttle for those who didn’t bring a car, but I wanted a little more flexibility this time around. I’m so glad I did! I got to do some fabric shopping in LA the day I arrived and some sightseeing on my last day there. (I also lost my phone on the Rental Car Shuttle, but that’s a whole other story…)
• I skipped class. But to be fair, they recommend you skip a class or two! Last year I scheduled something for EVERY session, but this year I consciously scheduled in a few open slots. I used that time to go to the beach one morning, to make the obligatory trip to Superbuzzy for fabric shopping, and to check out a few breweries.

Beer Flight at Topa Topa Brewing. Succulent centerpieces were on point.

Some other highlights (since I seem to be sticking to last year’s post format…) :

• Laughing and crying (simultaneously) at the Bust Through Imposter Syndrome panel.
• Experiencing my very first Earthquake! We were in the middle of our Etsy Think Tank when the room started vibrating vigorously. Luckily I was in a room full of West Coasters who knew what was going on.
• Spotting a Tsunami warning sign the next day at the beach. (If I’d seen it before the earthquake I’d have been a nervous wreck!)

Don’t worry. She’s not running away from a tsunami.

• Getting distracted while taking a boomerang on the beach, getting splashed by a rogue wave, and having to go back to the room to change my wet leggings. (oops)
• Taking a class with Debbie Stoller, then teaching her how to make friendship bracelets later that day!

Embroidery Floss Everywhere!

Thank you for being a friend

Thank you for being a friend

Embroidery Floss Everywhere!

Cross Stitch Lesson with Debbie Stoller

• Iron Craft Ventura. A.ma.zing. The hosts were hilarious and the crafting was impressive!!! I’m so happy this existed and I was able to witness it.
• Getting a tattoo. Ok, it was a fake, but the experience was legit…aside from the fact that the tattoo parlor was a hotel room. It started with a shot of bourbon at the door, involved sterilization of the tattoo site, and latex gloves. I’d say that’s pretty legit. (Also, I for real want a scissor tattoo now.) Oh, I should probably mention this was part of Wanderings (see last year’s post for an explanation).
• Another Headshots session with Sarah Deragon. The lead up to this was a bit of a rollercoaster and I almost ended up canceling the session a few days before. I’m so happy I didn’t. Sarah is a magician and even a bit of a therapist without realizing it.

 

• My solo Beer Trip. The beer nerd in me was singing as I drove down the highway to Oxnard, and my introvert heart was so happy to enjoy a little bit of quiet time away from the party.
• Beach House Tacos with Robin. I randomly roomed with Robin last year, and we kept in touch and decided to room together again this year. It was so nice to be able to wrap up our Craftcation experience before heading our separate ways.

Opening Keynote Dinner

Opening Keynote Dinner

The beauty of attending Craftcation as a 2nd timer (or, I would imagine, as a 3rd, 4th, or 5th timer…) is you’ve already gotten the basics under your belt. You know the venue (shoutout to Ventura Beach Marriott!), you know more or less how things run, and chances are this time you know a few people!

For me, my 2nd year gave me a chance to look at the event with more focused eyes. Last year got me fired up to kick my business back into gear. This year I’d had an opportunity to put some of that learning into place and think to myself “what’s next?!” I took advantage of office hours, tried to make new friends (have I mentioned everyone is SO friendly?!), and meet some of the people I was already stalking on Instagram.

(Next year: convince the organizers to make a yearbook so I don’t have to feel so awkward when I creep over to ask “hey, are you @XXXX on Instagram?”)

Have you ever been to Craftcation? If so, what were some of your highlights from 2018?

 

 

Join me at #Craftcation18!

Update: Registration is open! If you’d like to attend, I’d love it if you used my referral link:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/craftcation-business-and-makers-conference-2018-tickets-36936346607?aff=cc18ambaff&afu=10760440487

 

 

It seems like just the other day I was getting home, excited to share the feelings I was feeling after the whirlwind that is Craftcation. But here we are nearly 6 months later, and its nearly time to Register for 2018!

https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpatchworkshow%2Fvideos%2F1462702937101712%2F&show_text=0&width=560

If you’re a maker, blogger or creative business owner then join me for four inspiring days that you’ll never forget. Craftcation has over 100 hands-on workshops and business classes, so whether you’re coming to craft, grow your business or a little bit of both, there’s lots of making, meeting and learning in store for you.

Craftcation takes place April 4-8, 2018, in the beach town of Ventura, California, (about an hour north of Los Angeles). Craftcation utilizes Ventura’s historic downtown buildings and businesses as well as the beach for special events like networking meet & greets, cocktail socials, a pop-up shop, opening celebration, yoga, as well as food and art tours.

Check back with me on 10.5.17. Registration opens then and I’ll be sharing my registration link! (And of course, the first 50 people to register get $50 off!)

If you want to hear more about my personal experience at Craftcation shoot me an email, I’m more than happy to talk anyone’s ear off about it! (Or you can read my old post: Craftcation 2017)

Craftcation 2017

Coworker: “So where are you going on your time off next week?”

Me: “Um….craft….cation…?”

Coworker: [blank stare]

Its super hard to explain to anyone why a grown woman would need to use up her vacation days to fly across the country to go crafting with a bunch of strangers. (….because I’m a grown woman and I do what I want?)

That is, unless you’ve been to Craftcation.

So what is Craftcation? Its a 4-day Conference that happens every year in Ventura, CA. Hundreds of crafty creatives get together and attend hands on craft workshops and classes for creative business owners. Its run by the incredible Nicole Stevens and Delilah Snell of Dear Handmade Life.

I made the decision to attend Craftcation about this time last year, as I went onto the Dear Handmade Life website/social media and saw all of their Craftcation 2016 coverage. I had never heard of anything like it, and everyone looked so…happy! Attendees gushed about the amazing experience, and I knew I had to do it. I bought my ticket in October as soon as they went on sale, booked the hotel, and hoped for the best.

I attended by myself. I’m usually quite shy but I wasn’t worried (even though I usually worry about everything.) Between the posts that Dear Handmade Life published and the insights from attendee group on Facebook, I was assured that it wouldn’t be an issue navigating the conference solo. And they were right. Even though the majority of attendees would call themselves introverts, once I was there everyone was super pumped and friendly. I also had 3 random roommates that turned out to be amazing people. (Shout out to Rachel, Robin, and Nica!)

The conference officially starts on Thursday, but on Wednesday they host a few classes and a Happy Hour event for those who arrived early. I arrived too late in the day to take advantage (train issues. Long story), but after my first In-N-Out experience (animal what?) and a walk to watch the sun set on the beach, I settled in to get ready for my first day.

The next few days were so great and went by way too quickly. I took a total of 7 classes, attended 3 business workshops, as well as the Keynote speech (Jenny Hart!) during Dinner on Friday and the Closing remarks (Tiffany Han!!!) on Sunday. I had my headshots taken and went on a Walking Photo Tour with Sarah Deragon , and met Crochet Idol Twinkie Chan!

Was distracted by succulents at Olivas Adobe (and hey, there’s Delilah!)

Downtown Ventura as seen from City Hall

Blue skies at City Hall

Watching photography master Sarah Deragon at work during the Photo Walking Tour

My Pre-TSA Succulent Terrarium

My Block Printing Masterpiece

Wood Burning Lettering

Chalk Lettering

Watercolor for Beginners

Other highlights of the conference:

• My minor freak-out in my Fabric Block Printing class when they told us we would need to draw our designs. I powered through and ended up making a really cute (in the way a mother finds her children cute?) scissor pattern on my tea towels! This was my favorite class and something I want to continue doing!
• Showing up an hour early with my roommate to the branding workshop by Lela Barker to make sure we all got seats. It was at least 40 minutes before anyone else showed up, but whatever! The workshop was great. (Lela Barker is amazing!) It made me realize I have so much thinking to do about my sewing business.
• Finishing my Succulent Terrarium only to ask myself how am I getting this home? It made it home, but not before getting manhandled by TSA.
• An impromptu photo shoot with my roommate at the Dance Party. Because after the Walking Photo Tour I’m obviously a pro photographer.
• Skipping class to go fabric shopping at SuperBuzzy. Good thing I set a budget, or I would’ve needed a 2nd suitcase.
• The Food. They provided a few lunches with registration, as well as a dinner. Not only were the venues lovely (Lunches were at City Hall. Dinner was a Olivas Adobe), but the food was DELICIOUS. I don’t remember exactly what we ate, only that I kept wishing we had a fridge in the room so we could take back leftovers every time.
• Wanderings. I was blown away by Wanderings. To be honest, it sounded kinda…cheesy. Rooms volunteer to host a pop-up shop or activity, and we wander through the hotel from room to room. I seriously underestimated my fellow attendees. Such a fun, bizarre, and exhausting experience, but I loved it!

There were so many moments where I’d walk around and think where else could this ever happen? Like when I walked to the hotel terrace and found a group of girls huddling around a table full of fabrics and a button maker that another attendee had brought so everyone can make magnets. (I made 5.) And when I’d walk by and see a class in progress in the middle of the Marriott Lobby. I met so many lovely people, and most of all left inspired. Not only to finally do something with my business, but to create freely and without judgement from myself.

Craftcation 2018 dates have already been set for April 4-8. Maybe I’ll see you there?

 

 

Donut Divas Tasting Event

Today I’m taking a break from beer and crafting to tell you about a blogger tasting event I was invited to a couple of weeks ago. I was lucky enough to be one of 15 bloggers invited to Donut Divas for a dessert tasting!

I’d heard plenty of great things about this place but hadn’t yet stopped by. If you haven’t heard, they specialize in carnival foods (yes, you heard read right), and have a brick and mortar shop in Miami, as well as a catering program. I’m talking elephant ears, corn dogs, funnel cakes….and of course donuts.

As soon as I walked into the store I felt like I’d walked into a carnival tent. They have a front seating area, where you can order off the menu or pick up some popcorn (assorted flavors!), candied apples, or ice cream.

Stages like this are why I wish I knew how to tap dance…

If you go a little bit further in there’s an area with some carnival games, followed by a mini stage and larger seating area which is perfect for hosting a party.

Photo by Paola of South Florida Bloggers. Pictured; Bloggers NabiVerushka, Diana Rodriguez, and me!

We took a few minutes to play some Ski ball, bean bag toss, and had some fun with their photo booth and props!

And then….the food.

They brought out large platters of 5 different items for us to try:

Fried Oreos – I’ve had fried Oreos a few times in my life, but these may be the best. They weren’t overly sweet or dry….or even super greasy. Biting into one of these felt like being snuggled with a nice fluffy blanket.

Red Velvet Fried Oreos – these were the crowd favorite, but….not my favorite. (oops). Don’t get me wrong, they were still good! Its just hard to compete with the perfection that the regular fried oreos were. The dough was slightly more dense than the regular dough, and of course sweeter.

Churros – the churros were nice and crisp, and just the right amount of sweet! Some drizzled condensed milk gave it the right touch. Yum…

Elephant Ears – Ok, these were my favorite!!! I was wary at first, they looked like breaded chicken cutlets on the platter, and thicker than I was used to seeing at The Fair….which meant I was expecting them to be greasier. But one bite…..and it was like biting into a cloud (I’m guessing). Light, fluffy, slightly crisped…I salivate thinking back on it!

Mini Donuts – I wasn’t expecting much from these. (Yes, I know we were at Donut Divas, but I’m just not a powdered donut type of girl!) Well, I was pleasantly surprised….these donuts were GOOD. Crispy, fluffy, not at all greasy tasting. They felt like they were melting in my mouth. Like the churros, I had these with a drizzle of condensed milk.

If you haven’t been to Donut Divas yet….GO! I plan on returning to try some of their savory offerings (corn dogs!), as well as get my hands on those Elephant Ears again!!

The thing about eating with bloggers: you MUST get a good picture of the food! =D

Donut Divas is located at 5779 SW 8th Street, Miami FL and they’re open from 11am to 11pm daily.

This event was organized by South Florida Bloggers, a chapter of The Blogger Union.