Christmas by Artist Janet Hill

An oil painting of of modern day wise men bearing gifts from afar has inspired Benzie's newest color collection titled "Christmas". Subdued, orderly (something we all seek during this crazy month!) and simply beautiful; artist Janet Hill adds yet another lovely, perfect print to her collection. Take some time to shop and learn more about Janet at her website.

I like to think of myself, sitting in the chair below with a plate and fork ready to eat dessert; only a slice of course. (of each cake!) And the ornaments hanging in the background? Just finished using the new "Christimas Color Collections" felt pack and some needle and thread. Craft and cake -what can be better than that? Merry Christmas dear friends, merry Christmas.

(p.s. did anyone notice the clever smile in the last post?)

A walk through October

Isn't it beautiful?

It's October.

I can smell it in the air.

And see it in the sky.

Introducing October in the shop.

It makes me want to smile.

All photos of inspiration (excluding the felt photo) are from the talented "I Brake for Bokeh". Visit Tracey at her shop, flickr, or her blog and wish her a happy Autumn!

Aurelie Tu, Modern Weaver

Aurelie Tu is the designer behind these unique vessels and geometric table runners. Can you imagine the artisan's hands weaving pieces of felt in and then out methodically; eventually creating something so substantial and functional? Visit Crafted Systems to read more about Aurelie and her work in her community of Portland, Oregon.

If you are curious about the more elementary forms of weaving -try out this tutorial on basic woven place-mats. Or be inspired by this woven basket using this tutorial from How About Orange. Basic weaving is a great way for children to learn pattern and repetition and make something useful in the creative process. Scissors, here we come!

Tooth Fairy Winner!

Congratulations to Beetle, random number 11! "When I was travelling in France, I learned that instead of a 'tooth fairy', they have a small mouse who comes to visit when a child loses a tooth..."

How sweet is that? A mouse!? I checked out the children's book "Throw Your Tooth on the Roof" and learned about many different traditions following a lost tooth. Many traditions included a mouse, but some more unique ones include feeding it to your chickens or throwing it into the ocean. I loved all of your comments and suggestions -from handwritten notes or special glitter coins from the tooth fairy herself. And to encourage good brushing I tell my children that "the tooth fairy can only take clean teeth".

I want to leave you with a photo of a felted mouse created by Barby Anderson, so soft and sweet, I have fallen in love with these. Take some time to visit her flickr stream, I think you may be there a while. And thanks again to those who participated in the tooth fairy pocket giveaway -you are appreciated!

Tooth Fairy Pockets and Printable Pattern

Two months ago my 5 year old firstborn informed me of a loose tooth. Not willing to admit that he is growing up -I ignored it and passed it on as some sort of tooth injury (as we have had many of them!). But another week went on and with some persistence of my first born (and a change of heart from me!) I checked it out for myself -and yes! The tooth is loose! It has yet to fall out -but now we are prepared to celebrate this rite of passage!




I sewed very simple pockets, using the Promise Colors Felt Collection. For the tooth, I took white felt, ironed on fusible webbing, traced the tooth pattern, cut, then ironed it on to the already sewed pocket. And that's it -done! Isn't that simple? I think these would look adorable outlined with basic embroidery stitches -and wanted to give you the opportunity to do that. Here is the pattern!



But I also have these all ready and available in my shop -also including a bit of fairy dust to make it all so magical. And there is still more! An opportunity for one reader to win one tooth fairy pocket by sharing your tooth stories! Loose teeth, lost teeth, and fairy stories -I want to hear them!

Color Inspiration: Sand Dunes

I took my first visit to the Indiana Dunes when my children were two and four years old -it has now been a year and the colors of my visit are still imprinted in my minds eye. The gorgeous soft sand making its way around my toes and the slender spikes of grass jutting out from a sandy landscape. The blues of sky and sea make a beautiful beach -a beautiful painters pallet. As I looked though my felt collection -these colors came together reminding me of that wonderful summer day.


Sand Dunes Color Collection now available in Benzie Bazaar.

Wedding Bouquets: using the non-traditional

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A beautifully mixed bouquet of ribbon, fabric, and felt. The added buttons, from grandmothers attic, are a memorable way to add "something old" to your wedding day. And these "fresh" flowers will be around a lot longer as well!

1. This bouquet was created by the very talented LaLaLaurie. Most reminiscent of the bouquet I held on my wedding day eight years ago -mine a perfect sphere of fully handcrafted white crepe paper flowers with hints of blue and green. I love the use of velvet ribbon. How would you incorporate velvet and felt together?
2. This bouquet is created fully out of felt and is all hand embroidered by Princess Lasertron. She has undertaken hundreds of bouquets, all in the most amazing colors and endless eye candy.
3. Rose Bud Bouquet and easy to do tutorial! I love the body and fullness this arrangement makes and the contrast of pearl centers.
4. I appreciate the simplicity of these flowers and bright button centers. Purchase this flower arrangement from I Do Take You.
5. Another classy Fabric and Rick Rack bouquet -a unique color combination and rick rack flowers create great texture and form to this flower arrangement.

I can imagine many more lovely additions to these fabric and felt flowers -how about live flowers? Or feathers and birds? I like beads and pom poms! Either way, a bouquet is a wonderful way to personalize and carry out a theme of any lovely couples wedding. To have and to hold...

A new beginning.

I have so many visions for this creative outlet, this online journal. Visions of beauty via the handmade; specifically using felt but I imagine that it will house much more than just felt creations. A place to celebrate our concepts, inspirations, and ideas while we give and grow from what we see and learn.

Thanks for taking this journey with me.