Benzie: A fanfare of felt.

Striped Straws: Valentines

2012-02-09T11:09:00.000-06:00

I can't get enough of striped straws these days -and no party is a party without them! And thus my inspiration for these candy-free classmate valentines. You make every sip sweeter, Valentine. Oh yes you do.

Materials needed:
Printable Labels, cut to size:
Red front / Polka-dot back (click on bright green download button)
Gray front / Polka-dot back (click on bright green download button)
Benzie Blend Felt (I used Strawberry and Parchment), cut into hearts (I used a die-cut)
Striped straws in red and gray
Double sided tape
Scissors

Step 1: Fold felt heart in half and make two small cuts into the fold approximately 1/2" apart.

Step 2: Place an inch of double sided tape along the back side of the labels (polka dot side).

Step 3: Slide heart and label on the straw.

Step 4: Press down to adhere.

And you're all done! There is also a place for your child to write his or her name on the back of the label. I suggest this to be done first -before the valentines are assembled. These would also be a perfect match to your favorite beverage, tied with twine. You make every sip sweeter valentine!

Valentine Surprise: Felt like Love

2012-02-06T07:00:00.000-06:00

I made some special valentines for you this week. I wanted to share some Benzie love -you know, I "felt like love".

And you want to know what's inside? Well, felt hearts of course, die-cut from Benzie's very own. Six little (and not so little) hearts in complementary colors and in multiple sizes. In love yet?

Valentines will be included in every felt purchase $18.00 and up (before shipping) until Valentine's day or unless the Valentines run out. But no worries -felt like love can never run out...

Felt like a tutorial: Be Mine, Valentine

2012-02-01T13:48:00.000-06:00

His name was Russell. My third grade crush. He had spiked blond hair and I thought he was the cutest boy in the whole class. I would always put his thumb down for the game Heads up Seven up, and he always knew it was me who had done it. After our class Valentine exchange that year when we were lined up to leave for the day, I gave him a very special Valentine, an Iowa Hawkeyes watch! He accepted it and that was that. I was sure he understood how at that moment, with the gift of the watch, just how much I liked him.

I will never forget the excitement of my third grade Valentine exchange. It was so important that certain people received the simple cards, and others got ones with lots of hearts drawn on for extra emphasis! And who could forget Nathan’s mom with her cookie sheet of homemade sugar cookies with each student’s name frosted on one of them. It was not a holiday at school without one of those cookies!

The magic of Valentine’s Day is truly made better with homemade gifts. These felt finds for February are sure to give you a spark or a start on your way to making the day exceptional for those closest to you.

1. Fortune Cookies – from Martha Stewart

Felt fortune cookies stuffed with your own fun sayings.

2. Felt Rosette Ball – from Frankly Speaking Too

Decorate in style with this burst of color and texture.

3. Be My Bluebird – from Sew, Mama, Sew!

Make a valentine that will last from year to year.

4. Heart Garland – from My Pile of Sugar

A creative way to make heart shapes that will hold.

5. Valentine Pins – from The Purl Bee

These Valentine pins would be great to hand out to classmates.

6. Arrows and Hearts – from Katie Did

Let the kids use their own scissors to make these bracelet Valentines.

7. Felt Heart Pockets – from All In One Day’s Time

Stuff these darling creations with whatever candy you please.

8. Arrow Cupcake Toppers – from The Sweetest Occasion

Felt arrows to push into heart shaped treats.

9. Felt Valentines & Envelopes – from Everyday Celebrate

Fun for the kids to play with, and even more fun to giveaway.

Jen Van Oosbree has lots of love for Benzie felt, graphic arts and anything Girl Scouts. She will be bringing monthly DIY selections to the world of Benzie Felt Fanfare.

Actions speak louder.

2012-01-18T19:42:00.000-06:00

Wow.

Some powerful words, often heard - but how often taken to heart? I'm a parent, and having children has been the biggest motivator in changing my actions. I can tell them my expectations, I can try multiple reward systems and even teach them to pray for a changed heart; and that's the easy part of parenting! But how do I carry on conversations when I'm on the phone? Am I complaining? What is my attitude reflecting when I'm cleaning - my petty irritations, or joy? How do my husband and I deal with disagreements - selfishly or with grace? That's the hard part, I guess.

This also carries over into how I expect Benzie's customers to be treated. In both shops (felt and handmade) I strive for photos that communicate and descriptions that clearly and honestly state what it is that you're purchasing. I don't want there to be any unpleasant surprises! Benzie values integrity and it saddens me to come across shops that fib about the wool-content in their product or mislead a potential buyer on the way items are constructed. It's hard to show actions in an online world - but I want you to know that every garland is lovingly made, every description honest and each sheet of felt carefully packaged; wrinkles ironed out and promptly mailed to you my customer. I know how hard it is to wait for those packages! You might not see them - but these are my actions of appreciation for you - because actions always speak louder than words.

Image found via Oh, Hello Friend who found it via Atypical Type A (which may be my long lost crafting twin as her tag line reads "Creative Adventures of a Perfectionist") and final credit to the artist John Tibbot, whom I just supported by purchasing a print.

Felt like a tutorial: Birds

2012-01-12T18:55:00.002-06:00

I love the onset of winter bringing with it spurts of activity from birds outside my windows. Once in awhile they all gather at the bird feeder – all of them: cardinals, blue birds, pigeons, chickadees, black birds, woodpeckers. And what a site it is to see, I catch myself walking by the window and stopping just to watch them. Pigeons, being lazy, stay underneath the feeder eating up dropped seeds. Bluebirds swoop in scaring away a family of chickadees into a nearby bush. Cardinals sit on the treetop waiting for their turn.

Most of the time, when I walk by the window, all I see are huge squirrels… they have figured out how to jump and slide down onto the bird feeder, hooking their back paws onto the feeding posts, hanging on with their front paws. They go to town eating as much seed as they can, working in teams; one squirrel on the ground while the other sloppily grabs food from the feeder. I always have high hopes that the birds will fly in and reclaim what is rightfully theirs!

This month I have found a wonderful selection of felt bird tutorials to inspire you in your crafting adventures!

1. Bird in Flight – from While She Naps
Create some motion with wings spread wide and an open beak.
2. Bird Mobile – from Spool
Handmade birds stationed on found sticks create a lively mobile.
3. Spring Felt Birds – from Poppytalk
Simple pattern with birds on a wire or to decorate a tree.
4. Felt Bird – from Lavender’s Blue
Simple stuffed bird makes a great winter friend for your home.
5. Sweetie Bird – from Rhythm of the home
Darling stuffed bird with wire feet.
6. Felt Bird – from NZ House
Button eyes and feather stitching details give this bird a crafty quality.
7. Felt Bird Sachets – from Positively Splendid
Stuffed with dryer sheets, these sachets combine fresh scents and cheer.
8. Red Cardinal – from Apine industriose

A realistic looking stuffed bird with bead eyes and twine feet.

9. Little Bird – from Paper and String

Perfect gift to make for a child, these bright birds are adaptable as a keychain or brooch.

Enjoy the winter season and the birds, and if the squirrels start to eat your bird seed, I’ve found that running outside and shouting, “Caw, Caw” at the top of your lungs startles them a bit.

Jen Van Oosbree is an admirer of Benzie felt, graphic arts and anything Girls Scouts. She will be bringing monthly DIY selections to the world of Benzie Felt Fanfare.

Thoughts of Summer

2012-01-10T17:50:00.000-06:00

January is always a favorite for me -endless holiday list thrown away (finally!), empty calender, and a year full of possibilities ahead. And with that -so much energy and hopefulness in my heart. I anticipate adventures, new ideas and growth -in my family and in myself. But inevitably -hard times will come. I hope I will always find the Summer: bright, energetic and totally invincible.

Society 6 found via The Ardent Sparrow

New Colors of Merino Wool Blend Felt

2011-09-22T22:21:00.000-05:00

Benzie welcomed a pretty big addition this summer -10 beautiful new colors increasing our rainbow to 80 hues and shades. It's been pretty fabulous watching these colors fit in with the rest -and you must love them too -they are constantly requested! We are now Etsy's largest supplier of wool blend felt -the most colors available in cut sheets and by the yard. Now that's exciting.

Here are the beauties: Magenta, Cantaloupe, Lemonade, Geranium, Seasprite, Cyan, Icicle, Lilac, Foxglove and Seaside. My favorite is Geranium but I think Lilac might be a close second -what's yours?

These little packages are filled with one inch samples -one for each new color and are perfect to add to your color chart. Want one? Ask for a Felt-fetti sampler with your next order.

But now for a little celebration gift -but this weekend only: enjoy 10% off your purchase using code 80ROCKS. Any order, any size. Now go get crafting.

Introducing Guest Curator: Gingermelon

2011-08-12T19:57:00.000-05:00

I am thrilled to announce the first ever guest curator at Benzie! I first discovered Gingermelon while searching for doll patterns and fell in love with every one of the beautiful collections offered. Shelly is a true artist and a gifted crafter which is apparent in her creations. Her pixies and stufflings beg to be collected!

Shelly chose beautiful and soft colors that are reminiscent of her dolls and stuffed animals. The ten colors in her collection are Ivory, Oats, Blush, Cantaloupe, Latte, Fern, Lilac, Rainstorm, Blue Spruce and Zucchini.

These Pocket Pixie dolls shown below are my favorite. I can't wait to make them!

What a gorgeous collection! I encourage you to check out Shelly's blog and shop and let me know how you would use Gingermelons Color Collection. It's a tough choice!

Gingermelon's Color Collection can be purchased at Benzie's shop.

Gingermelons Blog: www.gingermelondolls.blogspot.com/

Gingermelons Shop: www.etsy.com/shop/Gingermelon

Felt Art by Castle

2011-07-16T19:22:00.000-05:00

Have you seen the artwork by Castle? Felt cutouts embroidered on linen. Fun and Funky and totally inspiring. A visit to Castle's shop is definitely in order.

Color Theory by Benzie

2011-04-02T20:22:00.000-05:00


Playing with Watercolors by Leslie Shewring of A Creative Mint Felt by Benzie

Color Theory by Benzie

2011-03-19T16:08:00.000-05:00

Seasons by Cathy McMurry
Felt by Benzie

Pirate Valentines

2011-02-12T22:15:00.001-06:00

Aren't these Valentines perfect? The perfect weekend project for me and my littles of course! The creative mind behind these pirates is Mer Mag -not only does she share her idea but also a printable pdf as well (in boy and girl pirate). Thanks Mer Mag!

So simple you could still pull it off before Monday -Mer Mag's stitching on the felt eye-patches is super cute but you can also make it Kindergarten friendly by pulling out the glue stick. Doesn't the pencils make it look like little ship sails? Arrrgh, Valentine!

Valentine Felt Cookie Tutorial

2011-02-08T16:45:00.002-06:00

I love nothing more than hearing about what people are making with Benzie Blend Felt. When Jahje contacted me about a sweet valentine tutorial -I couldn't pass up the opportunity to share it with you! All you need is some Benzie Blend Felt, needle and floss, scissors, scrap paper and a bit of polyfil. Jahje has graciously allowed me to share the instructions on Benzie but here is the original post. Then you must visit Jahje's soft and whimsical mobile shop, Baby Jives, simply beautiful!

Now on to the cookies!

1. Fold your pattern paper or tracing paper in half and cut out half a heart. Think back to making valentines in 2nd Grade - you know how to do this!

2. Pin your heart pattern onto your red felt and cut around the edges of the heart with your regular shears.

3. Pin your heart pattern on top of your 2 pieces of tan felt which you have stacked and cut around the edges of the heart with your pinking shears. Follow the edge, don't cut into the paper.

4. Separate your tan felt pieces and fold 1 piece in half along the center line. Cut a smaller heart into this piece to create a hollow center (see photo below of finished pieces).

Now you have all your pieces cut out and you are ready to start stitching. I did this all by hand but if you are in a hurry you could do this on your sewing machine instead, you just won't get the nice embroidery detailing.

5. Pin your top cookie piece to your middle red heart layer and pull your embroidery floss through from the red piece up through the tan piece so that the knot will be under the red (and won't show). Now sew around the edge of the heart window with a running stitch (see this tutorial for refresher).

6. Once you are done it should look like this. Now get your other cookie piece (the one without a heart cut into it) and place it beneath and pin all three layers together.

7. With all 3 layer pinned together - start a new length of embroidery thread from under the red layer and pull through to the front tan piece so your knot will be hidden inside the cookie. Sew all three layers together with a running stitch around the edge approximately 1/4 inch from the edge.

8. When you are a few inches from where you started your stitch at the center take a little bit of polyfill (one small handful worth) and place it in the heart. Then continue your running stitch around the remainder of the edge.

9. Wrap the thread around your needle and pull the needle through to make a knot. Then pull the knot into the heart and clip the thread so it will not be seen.

You are done! You now have a beautiful heart cookie to share with someone special in your life.

Thoughts on Plagiarism in the Creative Marketplace

2011-02-01T19:29:00.002-06:00

Subliminal hand work created by Nea.

It's dirty.

Deep down, in the very core of my being, I believe that we were created to be unique, and to create unique things. Sometimes designers, artists and crafters fall below their creative potential and steal someone else's work.

The truly amazing world wide web has flashed images of art and design, craft and photo into our minds -one after another with increasing speed. The delivery is exhilarating and overwhelming -but is any of it really new? A wise man once wrote "Nothing is new under the sun". Our ideas have grown and matured and changed -but at its very core -is anything really original? But we are created to create and what artists share is meant to be enjoyed. We are naturally inspired by good design -sometimes we may even desire to recreate that product as an exercise in learning -that is okay. Don't put your name on it and don't sell it. Give credit where credit is due.

What do I do if I like someone else's craft?

Think long and hard before you choose to copy; a designer's income and reputation is at stake. Ask yourself what do you like about the artist’s work? How can you use the inspiration as a stepping stone to something even greater? It may be best to simply appreciate your neighbor's talents and focus on developing your own unique brand of photos, presentation, copy and design.

What do I do if I think someone else is copying my work?

Think long and hard before you accuse someone of copying. The accused could actually have the same thoughts about your work -could it be a mere matter of coincidence and therefore even be used against you? We are influenced by the same culture and visit the same circles. Give your competitor the benefit of the doubt. If the copy and paste is blatant -please stick up for yourself, politely and professionally. And never slander in a public forum. We're trying to avoid being dirty -right?

I also encourage you to read DIY is not Duplicate it yourself from Decor8. Also, if you don't read this thought provoking article from Paper n Stitch, at least view the poster!

Christmas by Artist Janet Hill

2010-12-03T22:06:00.003-06:00

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

2010-10-08T21:30:00.001-05:00


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

2010-09-10T15:13:00.008-05:00

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!

2010-06-05T18:43:00.000-05:00

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

2010-05-25T18:29:00.003-05:00

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

2010-05-14T16:34:00.020-05:00

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

2010-04-28T21:52:00.001-05:00

source
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.

2010-04-23T14:47:00.000-05:00

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.