Raspberry Jam

I think most of you have noticed Benzie's newest additions -but a proper welcome is in order for two new beautiful colors!

Raspberry and Blue Raspberry -delicious!

These two new colors also deserve a new updated Heathered Color Collection -right in the shop.

The Heathered Collection coordinates perfectly with each other. I love the mason jar labels Lisa made just for Benzie -perfect for gift giving! You can purchase some of your very own from Sew Love the Day's shop. Thanks Lisa!

Felt like a tutorial: Costumes

A few of my favorite costumes for Halloween or just for dress-up. I'm especially loving the hooded sweatshirt takes -easy and quick!

1. Shark attack! from Fiskars.

2. Have girls? -make a bouquet! from Martha Stewart.

3. Lion hoodie by A Beautiful Mess.

4. Little Miss Sunshine via Real Simple.

5. Little Miss Piggy -love those ears!  via Real Simple.

6. Big bad wolf -another hooded sweatshirt! via Ellinee.

Instagram Flashback: September

1. September was full of organizing, cleaning, and restocking. See last months #4 on the reason for my recent interest in cleaning. But isn't that a pretty view of my studio?
2. The most anticipated craft show of the year -Renegade!! Here is what my friend Katie said about it... and senior citizens. Next year I'll take a cue from them and wear my white rubber soled sneakers, it's really not worth the blisters kids. My favorite vendor by far was Poppy and Fern -oh, my -her embroidered items were just beautiful! I picked up a bowtie wearing giraffe necklace, I'm told he knows how to party. I also got to say hi to Susannah Bean, one of my very first felt customers. But most importantly I got some good friendship time in with Katie. There's nothing like an old friend.
3. We took my new 6 year old to see Disney on Ice as a late birthday present. It was done well -in traditional Disney style. I definitely appreciated the more artistic and theatrical aspects and hearing my daughter gasp 'Ariel' at the sight of The Little Mermaid. It was magical for her. Not so much for big brother. P.S. Check out the felt wand she is holding -it's from the tutorial!
4. I've had this dream of making no-knead bread in my dutch oven. But first I had to get a dutch oven. When I finally got it for a steal at a garage sale it still just sat in storage until this month. But I made chicken in it instead. Anybody have some great bread recipes? Preferably whole grain ones?
5. More organizing. I love my needle holder from The Small Object. I got that at Renegade last year.
6. And we ended the month with an 8 year old! Really! A Nerf party was in order -I made bullet baggies out of felt of course. I think I'm going to like this year. He's becoming more thoughtful and I see seeds of kindness starting to sprout. In ten years he'll be a senior in high school. Oh the places he'll go!

See you next month. For more instagram fun my name is @benziedesign.

Magic Star Wand DIY

I recently created a star wand tutorial for Mayi Carles Heartmade blog. Felt, sequins and glitter -all sewed up to make some magic! Do you see the secret little pocket?

I chose the colors for the wands from the Mayi Carles collection at Benzie. Don't they look amazing together? If you haven't heard of Mayi -you're in for a treat! Her personality is magnetic and guaranteed to leave you encouraged, renewed and ready to take over the creative realm!

Here are the supplies I used -get the full tutorial here!

And make some magic!

Felt like a tutorial: Pillows

I am enjoying a few hours to myself each day while the kids are in school. Even if those hours are spent with me running around the house picking up, dusting, vacuuming, washing laundry and cleaning the kitchen – at least I am able to focus on my work with few distractions.

One thing I’ve noticed – with this huge increase in housework – is the disarray of our house! How did it get like this? Summer must cause rampant increases in dust growth and clutter buildup.

I am able to look at the home décor that surrounds me with fresh eyes, and one thing stands out – how lifeless the pillows are in our living room. This is the same living room that doubles as a gymnastics practice area and fort building center. The thought of making some fresh pillows with new fluff on the inside makes me happy – and I’m sure I could spare an hour or two of my cleaning to create some! With all of these styles below I may need to make a few of each.

1. Pretty Flower Pillow – from Better Homes and Gardens

Simple and sophisticated, create a floral pattern with felt on this cushy pillow.

2. United States Map Pillow – from The Children's Nest

A patterned fabric for the map on top of a basic felt pillow; you choose the heart's location.

3. Pillow with Rosette Clusters – from The Etsy Blog

Lots of folded felt circles create the texture on this stand-out pillow.

4. Triangle Pillow – from Creature Comforts

Very basic triangle shapes arranged how you please make an iconic design statement.

5. Sunburst Pillow – from Living Savvy

A basic pillow frame with strips of fabric looped around a small central circle, swap out felt for the pillow sleeve to have more durability.

6. Knotted Pillow – from Kris Krafting

Careful measuring and sewing will give you this beautiful pillow; worth the effort for the texture created.

7. Felt Monogram Pillow – from Little Lovelies

Matching monogram and basic pillow form team up for this classic couch comfort.

8. Felt Ruffle Pillow – from Persia Lou

It's easier than it looks to make this monochromatic ruffle pillow, simply pull the stitching strings.

9. Felt Flower Pillow – from Purl Bee

Make a statement with this layered felt pillow; careful measuring and cutting give you a striking design.

Jen Van Oosbree is a stay-at-home mom with two daughters and enjoys convincing her husband that being a stay-at-home mom is a lifelong career.  She brings monthly DIY selections to the world of Benzie Felt Fanfare.

Instagram Flashback: August

1. Last month of summer started out with a camping trip to the Indiana Dunes -the dunes were beautiful! The bogs not so much due to our lack of rain -but I love the other wonderfully made treasures found on our hikes!
2. Iowa. Isn't it beautiful?
3. The Mister and me. I love being married to him!
4. See those little ones? This pic marks my first day as a mother to school aged children! I'll be honest, the past 7 years haven't been all magical play-doh time and bedtime cuddles. I've got two of the most rotten, stong-willed, obstinate children on the face of the earth. But before you read me wrong -I say all those adjectives with much love and admiration for children come out much like their parents. I have and continue to be sanctified by my children. Now I give their teacher a turn. 
5. Did you know that lentils are high in iron? Especially the brown ones. Red are much prettier though!
6. What do I do all day with my kids in school?! I've been cleaning out closets, cooking and of course crafting! Feels so good!


Happy September everyone! 
More instagram love @benziedesign...

Winner of the scallop wreath!

Congratulations to #18! Margaret, you can contact me to receive your lovely wreath or kit. Thanks to all who participated!