Another Year, Another New Start?

Here we are again....

Starting work on another project.  Never enough time in the day.  We re all home.  We are all trying to make it.  I am trying to make things.... Work things, Craft things, Home things, Family things.  Trying to make it all work on this tiny laptop.  Maybe I'll find some balance.

Right now things are actually super busy.  I'm working, though my hours have been cut back.  I am creating everyday, I am so thankful for this.  Everyday I am able to make something, a picture, a video, a craft, an activity and more....

To see what kind of things I have been working on check out the ShubertCamp on Instagram.  Or The Shubert Theater Education Page.  I have been creating lots of super fun videos geared to kids, ages 2-14!  We have Story Time, Arts and Crafts activities, Challenges, Backstage Tours and More!

I hope to be able to share everything, but once again I find that I am without enough time.  Working from home, with kids and their homework and schedules, trying to maintain family moral and cleanliness.... I forgot about the amount of dishes that pile up after a full-day home with the family.  Being able to leave the house has never been more appealing... but I don't.  We go for walks, but that's about it.  I have also started sewing again... it's been a long time.  Did you know that I used to make baby blacnkets, and burp clothes, and toys, and costumes for kids?  I was able to stay home once before.... I made my Etsy shop: janiegirlcrafts


When it was suggested that people wear masks I made some for family and donation.

It took me while to make a pettern that I liked and get the right materials.  But I think I finally figured it out.  I also found all of my fabrics and materials from the old days, in the attic from when we moved.  My studio is now a lot smaller, and I share it with the kids but I have my sewing machine out again.

I used to uses these fabrics to make children bedding, skirts, aprons, and more.

Now I make masks.  So far I have made 148 Masks and 10 scrub hats.

It's terrible selling these items, but with both Ben and my hours being cut back we have to make some extra money somehow.

I appreciate everyone who has purchased a mask.  Thanks to you I have been able to donate 75% of the items I have made.  I have been able to buys some more materials with your help, and pay for groceries this week.  I will make masks and caps until I am out of fabric...

ps... has anyone else tried getting fabric... it's hard.

So for now I am going through all of this bright, whimsical, and colorful fabric.  Maybe they will spread some joy to someones day, or make someone feel a little lighter wearing them.

If you have a need for a masks, I will make one for you.  I currently have Metal nose pieces felt "filters" and Elastic available in the shop.  If you need a mask, but cannot afford one I will give them to you.

Sewing daily 6-8am... until I run out of materials or there is no longer a need.  Please everyone, stay home- watch some of my activity videos and play with your kids when you can.  Be safe.

Digital items now in stock!

I have been bullet journaling for 2 years now.  I love that I am able to spend time organizing my thoughts and keeping track of all of the things I want to get out of life.  I found that after setting up 3 individual journals, I set up journals for 6 months at a time, that I was spending so much time trying to replicate or create new layouts that I had no time to actually fill in any of the information I was looking to track/record.  One day I came across a digital version of the bullet journal on Instagram, and my mind was blown.

After watching a few tutorials on new programs (keynote, goodnotes, and procreate) MY eyes were opened to a whole new world!  So I started by making myself a 6 month journal and testing my abilities.  I think 6 months into it I've found out a bunch of new information and created a habit in which I can truly dive into.  I love making and drawing, but find that I run out of time, or find the time when I don't have my supplies.  This is where my new iPad Pro has been a wonderful addition to my journaling life, along with my professional one.

Digital journal coming soon! However, I have been able to add my sticker book and now my first set of stickers!

Check out my Etsy Shop Listing:
Digital Post it Note Stickers

I use post it notes all the time in my everyday life.  I use them to the point where i have about 4 different colors- which are selected based on task. Along with about 3 different varieties of size, you never know where you may need to add a note!  I think this comes from my background in stage management and stage organizations, and my love of school supplies.  Having a black white page is lifeless and boring, but adding these digital post it notes added my usual pop of color to my notebook!  This week I chose red in support of Valentine's Day!

I am so happy with the sticker book I created!  I used Keynote to create a clickable PDF, this PDF has 52 clickable pages, including a cover page, 48 linked chapters, to be named as I create new stickers!  IT also includes a clickable index button, back cover including 3 colorful post it notes, and a black page to insert new pages to each chapter.  So far, I'm on chapter 14.  Someday I hope to be able to share this entire book filled with stickers!




White and Grey Digital Sticker Book

Check out this listing is the store!  I am so excited!  New works in progress every day!

Minecraft Tool Tutorial

My son lives in a world of Dimensions, as he calls it...

Pokemon, Super Mario, Harry Potter, Star Wars, Minecraft, and Splatoon characters and story lines have been incorporated into our every day lives.

Examples:  Sometimes Ash Ketchum, a Pokemon trainer, will meet us at the grocery store and he and his Pikachu will come home for lunch.  When he runs around the bases at baseball, he make Mario jumping sounds as he hits the bases.  While sword battling his father yesterday, he used the force to throw his father to the ground (good catch dad).  This morning he used Wingardium Leviosa to help me lift a 5gal bucket of water for the garden.  Last weekend our water ballon fight became an epic Splatoon Battle with the incorporation of Super Soakers.  While gardening today Max spent his time with his crafting table, fashioning his Minecraft weapons to use to build himself some shelter.

Max lives in a wonderful world and it is my job to help him develop it.  SO!  We make things.  Over the past few months we have been fashioning Minecraft weapons.  They are fairly simple to make, and only take about 15 minutes.  I've had a few friends ask for the steps, so here is a quick tutorial.

Items needed:
2 printed images of selected item
1 scrap piece of cardboard from whatever amazon package was just delivered
1 pair of scissors
1 exacto knife
1 sharpie or black marker
rubber cement
clear packing tape


Step 1:



Google search Minecraft weapon through images, once selected download image.  You may need to edit the image in someway, I use a Macbook Air and find that the preview program is all I need to make adjustments.  Through the print option you can adjust the image size, I try to make it as big as I can fit on one page without too much distortion.  Sometimes you may need to flip the image.  This can be accomplished in Preview program, on the Tools drop down, select flip horizontally.  Scale both images to the same % (picture in tutorial scaled to 300%).  I started this tutorial with 2 images that were the same, make sure when you print that the images mirror each other when placed side by side (There is a photo below, Step 5 shows a mirrored image)

Step 2:



Cut out both images.  I first started cutting each square individually, this took much longer, and also was uncomfortable for the 6 year old to hold, as the handles became pointy.  So I started cutting along the diagonal, making basic shapes.  This made the process much faster, and allowed for more playtime instead of make time for my son.

Step 3:

Once the 2 sides are cut out, paste on image onto a piece of cardboard.  I find using rubber cement the easiest, it is the cleanest as it comes with a brush, and doesn't bubble the painted image the way glue can.  Rubber cement allows for a temporary or permanent bond, this project will be covered in packing tape by the end, so a temporary bond will be just fine.  Which is helpful for those who may need to reposition the image on the cardboard for the best fit.  I always seem to have a surplus of cardboard, either from my home business, a package send from Grammy, or Amazon.  Anything roughly the size of a 1/2 sheet of paper should be enough.

Step 4:

Using an exacto knife, cut the cardboard around the image.  I make models regularly for my theater life, so I try and swap out blades at the end of each large project.  If you find your cuts aren't very clean try changing out your blade, a new blade will produce a cleaner cut, and will be easier to cut through.  I cut on a Alvin cutting mat, but another layer of cardboard will work too.  Just make sure you have a layer of protection under your cutting area, otherwise you may damage your work surface.

Step 5:

Here is where I realixed I forgot to flip my image..... no one's perfect....  If the images don't fit, try a flip!  So after I recut the image I added some paste onto the additional image on the opposite side of cardboard.  Trim any overhanging area, if needed.

Step 6:

Trace around the outside of the images with a black marker.  I like the Sharpie Flip cart markers, I started using regular sharpie, but the tip was small and aren't really the best option for coloring in the square.  The Flip Chart Sharpies however, give a nice line edge and cover more area.  I color in each of white squares and make sure all the edges have a black line around them.

Step 7:

Wrap in clear packing tape.  Some of the tools have angles and diagonals.  I find that placing a cut at each corner allows for more control while taping.  Simply cut the tape to the corner or turn and fold in it's own angle.  Cover any missed places and check the other side.

Step 8:

Give to 6 year old and watch the imagination play.  Max likes to make the tools with me, and today actually started making the "make" sound that happens while forging a metal tool.  It was very sweet.
I hope this was helpful, for anyone looking for a rainy-day project.  This project cost me some paper, cardboard, printer ink, a bit of paste, packing tape and 15 minutes.  All these items I had in house and added to our rainy day indoor morning.

Happy Crafting!

February Flusters

So instead of writing a boring blog post about how I haven't been able to keep up with all of my 4+ jobs and the reasons why I haven't been as active in the shop as I had hoped....

I AM GOING TO BE ACTIVE.

So, no back story!

February is wrapping up nicely.  I have finally gotten all of my orders out this month.  Besides being sucked into working huge amounts of overtime this month there was also massive snowfall in Connecticut.  This snowfall  caused a huge leak in my studio and I had to shut down for about a week while the snow melted and rain beat down.  HOWEVER!  The snow is melting, the roof will be fixed, so back in I go!

I wanted to share an image of one of my favorite mobile orders from this month.  I think it was just right for the end of February.  Start with the idea of love and end with a touch of spring!

Also, I was featured in a few very lovely Etsy Treasuries:

CHECK THEM OUT!

https://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTYwOTEzNDR8MjcyMzIxMjM2Nw/totally-rad

https://www.etsy.com/treasury/MzQyMTUxMjl8MjcyNTc2NzU5NA/brown-puppy

https://www.etsy.com/treasury/ODIzMTk4NnwyNzI1NzQ2MTA2/season

https://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTAxMDI3OTZ8MjcyNTY3NTI4OA/spring-pastels

Moving forward.  I have cut out a job or two to be able to focus on the shop more.  I am excited to be able to focus more on design in the next few months.  So, check back next week.  I'll hopefully have another post up!

Time to share again!

Where do the days go?

Once upon a time... there was enough time... Who am I kidding?
These days it seems there aren't enough hours in the day.  I've been trying to fill each day with as much as I can, but it never seems to be enough.  I guess it must be summertime.  They days are lighter longer but I still can't seem to get a blog post done.  I have started many, stopped, saved them for later, then deleted them.  I have never been one to go back and re-work things.  It used to drive my art teachers in college quite mad.  Well, at least I've been having fun!

After a brief trip to Maine with the family I jumped back into action!


1. Make cupcakes for my dear friend Katie's Mom's Retirement Party!  These were so much fun!  She had a couple of desserts but realized last minute that there weren't quite enough to go around.  So, knowing I always have a few cake mixes  and pie crusts around the house, I happily jumped in!  I really do love making cupcakes!  Last year for Mother's Day my husband bought me a cute frosting tip set and I absolutely love using them.  Katie even mentioned "that special janie frosting touch?" I feel so special to get requests for deserts; maybe someday I'll open a real shop and sell cupcakes along with other homemade goodies.

2. Orders! Orders! Orders!  No rest for the wicked I guess!  I am not complaining! I have had so many orders over the past two months that I have spent every extra minute of the day making lanterns, toys, or bedding sets that I haven't had a chance to make my neices birthday presents yet!  May seemed to soar by, 20 orders in one month.  I have to admit I got a bit behind so I didn't get a chance to blog at all.  I didn't even get a chance to clean up my messes.  As soon as I got one order boxed up another came in.  The workers at the post office think I'm hilarious.  I walk in carrying as many boxes as I can, then head back to get another load.  At least they know what to expect and we get things done as efficiently as possible.  One woman even said she appreciated me and that at least I know what I wanted, I think she was having a rough day.  I can relate, at least I love this job.  I am my own boss and I set my own rules and regulations.  I do have to admit that sometimes the boss is a bit much.  Someone should talk to her.

Now it's time to keep moving!  I have a few things to share and hopefully I will find the time to get to them.  I have some giveaways and reviews comming up as well as a few new designs!  I can't wait to share them with you!  As alwasy thanks for checking in, I'll try to work on getting back into the swing of things.

Happy Summer!

A little update break.

The last two weeks have been a rush! My husband was on spring break for the last two weeks. We usually take a week and drive to Florida, spend time with family, get some sun, and drive back. This spring break we decided to stay home and renovate. It just so happened that New England was also experiencing 60+Deg weather. We accomplished so much!

The smallest project we tackled over break I actually just finished. It was the last and has made the most impact. I could shoot myself though. I thought I took a "before" photo, but alas I cannot find it. I even rummaged through past holiday and random photos of Max to try and find one. Obviously this was the most boring wall in my house. It was grey and painted white below the chair rail.... snooze... 

So, I spend some free time on Pinterest and found a bunch of sources for "Activity" type walls. Check them out on my Pinterest Board.

Max has started finishing dinner before Charlie and me. So we let him down to play, now he has the perfect space to play where we can still keep an eye on him.

This project took approximately 4 days.  I started on Friday night painting on 3 light coats of Rustoleum Magnetic Primer.    Word to the wise!  This is a very stinky project, keep the room well ventilated.  Also, I suggest asking the paint department at your local hardware store to shake the can in the electric mixer!  If it's not possible to have your can mixed at a store you will need to shake and stir for several minutes.  There are metal shavings in the paint that will settle to the bottom.  Clean up is also a chore, you cannot use soap and water.  I suggest tossing the brush and roller cover after use and using a paint tray liner, no need to clean up, just toss.  I then followed with 2 coats of Rustoleum Chalk Board Paint.  Use a roller for the smoothest finish for both.  The Chalk board paint needs about 3 days to cure. 

This morning I was out running errands, basically out to buy a magnetic strip to hold knives in the kitchen, photos of that project coming soon!  Well while I was looking at them I had a fantastic idea!  I grabbed two more strips and a couple of metal containers from the kitchen area of the store.  They are perfect for holding Max's Chalk and Magnets!  They even had clear lids so he can see what is in each.  I was thinking about using old 35mm developing tins, however since I don't develop film like I used to I don't have the same access to them.  I did find basic square tins at the check out!  There was a rack with "Gift Card Tins".  You know those little squares you see the big box stores use to give gift cards in.  I snatched two, now all of the thumb tacks and restaurant coupons and gift cards have a handy place to live.

Rosie found her way back upstairs from the basement along with an old clock and cork board.  Now we have a nice community area to share news, remind us of bills, and make art all in one space.  I also have to share a close up of our House Rules.  The kitchen has recently been nick named the "War Room" based on our artwork.  Charlie's found a bunch of vintage WW2 Propaganda Posters in his grandfather's belongings.  Charlie had them framed while attending college and we have hung them in the dinning room in the new house.  So this room is now the place where things are talked out and each person gets a chance to say what is on their mind.  Sometimes art might play a part too.  But for right now, we will encourage Max to draw and create. 





























Check back soon for photos of the other projects from Spring break.  I promise they are even cooler than this one!

Coming soon!

In Memory

A Dr. Seuss inspired Alphabet Art.

Think and Wonder,
Wonder and Think.

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss.

Happy Valentines Day!

A little later than expected but I wanted to wish everyone a Happy Valentine's Day!

Last week I made this little spread to share with my playgroup in celebration of the day.  As everyone knows I love making cupcakes and sharing the things I make with others.  Valentine's day is the perfect day to share what you make with others.

Since playgroups consists of those under 18 months the treats included toddler friendly food, along with a few adult treats, the menu included:

Peeps Strawberry Hearts

Chocolate Cupcakes with Classic White Frosting

Diced Strawberries

Ella's Puree Pouches in Red of Course

Graham Crackers

Animal Crackers

These treats kept us going and gave us energy to play.  I hope you shared something with someone today!

Fantastic Birthday Party Ideas!

Last weekend my son's friend, Jasper, turned 1!  We had a fantastic time celebrating his birthday with his family and friends.   I also was inspired by his mother's awesome decoration ideas!  So I thought I would share for anyone planning the next birthday party:  Enjoy!

My friend Jes is a wonderful lady, full of warmth and thoughtfulness.  She found a way to use her son's newborn clothing to make his welcome board special.  As we walked into the house we were all reminded just how far Jasper has come.

A few days before the party my friend called to say her oven had caught fire and might not be usable for the party.  My friend Jes is also very resourceful.  She would give Sandra Lee from the show Semi Homemade a run for her money.  With little time and very little oven use Jes whipped up these semi-homemade tarts from premade shells by simply adding a whipped tart frosting and fresh berries, as well as mini muffins from a brand new mini-muffin maker, tater-tots in a warming tray, and store bought mini-quiches.  I must say a one year old's brunch has never tasted better.  I have to admit I ate most of the mini-quiches and tater-tots.  I just couldn't help myself.

Now that we have moved back into town life has gotten much better for my family. We are now closer to friends, and these friends have become our family. So to help out I was able to supply a few decorations for the celebration.

  
I have been working on a few new mobile designs specifically for Birthday Parties.  Using the party theme colors I put together this Large Paper Lantern Mobile to hang over the table, as well as a custom Burlap Happy Birthday Banner for the living room. It was great to see all the kids play together under the banner.  As you walked into each room there was a sense of whimsy and family, just how a child's birthday should feel. 

I have to admit that I am inspired and grateful fr my firends and their familys.  The more we work together the better life gets.

Check back soon for more photos, ideas, and inspirations.  If you have any questions about recipes from the party, or anything you see please feel free to contact me or comment below.

Embracing a new idea and medium, way to go purple.

So may things have passed across my desk that I just couldn't wait to add this new item to the roster.  A few weeks ago I started working on a project trying to combine poms, lanterns, and ribbon into the same mobile. This item has been a work in progress, but here's a bit about it.

The biggest Paper Lantern Mobile Yet! This new mobile will measure approx. 24"x36" and include 10", 8", 6" lanterns as well as 8" pom- poms in coordinating colors. Tied with coordinating ribbon this mobile will be the statement piece for any toddler room. I'd love to hear what you think about these new items. Feel free to comment or shoot me an email if there's anything you might like to see next!  For months I've been asked by prospective buyers about combining paper lanterns with another popular trend, pom-poms.  I have to admit I was a little weary.  I like shipping my mobiles fully assembled, simply open the box and hang. I have been worried about how tissue poms would travel.  Well I'm putting those worries on hold.  Starting now, I will not include mobiles incorporating tissue pom-poms.  Check out this listing on my Etsy shop for more photos and information.

So January has brought new projects and more orders than expected.  I want to take a minute to say thanks to everyone who stops by this blog, and the shop.  Without you I would just be doing this for myself, and lets face it... doing things for others is always more fun.

Now that January is over it looks like purple is moving on as well.  I have a lot of new projects to share and I think a quick tutorial or two next month.  I wonder what will inspire me next?

Check back soon for new listings and more process photos!

No rest for the weary...

Once again this month I bring another Purple story.  I'm still not sure anyone is actually reads my little rants, this month about purple,  Oh well.  Here goes nothing...

So far your are aware that Purple has now entered my color pallette and that I have already learned so much about my business and myself this year.  Well, I have to admit a few new items poped into existance during the past few weeks that are sticking around as well.  They just happen to be purple.

  I have been approached by a few mothers who are holding birthday parties at venues with high ceilings. They have been interested in ordering mobiles but have no place to hang them, so here is my answer! Paper Lantern Flower Bouquets with coordinating Chair and Table Decorations.

Bright, Fun, and Whimsical Paper Lantern Flower Bouquets and Table decorations are great for any nursery, birthday party or special someone. These bouquets are a great addition to children's birthday party. If you have a venue with high ceilings these arrangements are a great way to add color, height, and whimsy without the need to hang. Spruce up the head table with one or two arrangements and add intant color. Bonus, give away each "flower" to a guest and they can use it like a wand or place it in a glass at home to remember the occasion. Use the ball jar for leftover candy or keepsakes from the party. Another mother was looking for a way to designate the head table, so adding a simple lantern in the birthday girls favorite color to the back of the chairs was a great response.

So I finally posted these additional items and so far the response is slight but positive.  It was funny the day I posted these items my husband came home from work, opened the door, took one look at the dinning room table and said, "Photoshoot?"  I guess he's beginning to understand, sometime I have to take a little bit of time and set up a shot.  But sometimes Max wakes us an hour early and I still need time to clean up.

Ain't learning grand?

Where Was I?

h yeah!  Purple. Well, I'll get to the purple...

This new year is bringing many surprises and lots of work.  I have been giving some friends a hand by watching the little ones a few days a week.  I have never been so tired; oh and I forgot to mention Max and I where sick the beginning of the week.  So we took a brief break from the shop and the blogging world in order to spend time playing and healing.

Now that the coughs are gone and the weather is turning colder for some reason this color purple has walked through my door, plopped down on the table, and has decided to stay. Purple has invaded the mobiles: and it looks like its here to stay.  I have started trying to include a few process photos.  Remembering to take pictures in the middle of a project should be easier. 

I tried setting up the tripod by the desk to remind and have everything "Instantly set up". That plan bombed. I guess I like to spread out while I work, I found that the tripod was really just in the way. 

I've really tried to keep in mind my process this year.  I have the type of personality that likes everything in it's place and I actually operate better when I allow myself a little bit of "set up time".    I lay everything out, all the parts and tools. I even made myself a jig a few months back to expedite my process a bit.  Then before I know it, my project is boxed up and ready for it's trip to the post office.

My office is always a disaster area when I've finished a project. I find that if I take the extra 15 minutes I take at the end of the project the easier it is to start the next one.  Sometimes circumstances, like Max or dinner, don't allow that time and I find myself playing catch up the next order that comes in.

So far, paper lantern mobiles are by far the most popular item in the shop. This month I have sold seven different mobiles, ranging from a lighted paper lantern mobile, pictured, to a simple set of set of replacement lanterns for a mobile sold a year ago.  This year has been busier than I could have imagined.  I'm not complaining, just realizing it's time to bring my A Game, kick the sniffles in the butt, and get down to business in business and real life.

If i find that I get an extra 15 minutes at the end of the project after clean up, I'll post a little bit more about what I've learned from that project.

I can't wait to see what bit of learning the next purple project in January will bring.  Oh yes, this month is now officially dedicated to the color purple.  Don't worry, there's only 10 more days in January, there can't be too much more... can there?

It's all about the bag!

This year was all about the bag... or in my case the Santa sack.  I had so much fun with these sacks.  I even made my son's first Santa sack.  A few years ago I started making small flannel sacks instead of wrapping our presents.  My family just loved them, each year I find new fun fabrics and create new bags for each member of my family.  I had thought that I would get them back the following year.  This has not happened.  My sister in law confided in me that she gives them as gifts to her friends, she loves them so much.  So I guess I will continue making these bags next year.  In fact I will feature all of these bags in my shop next year.  Take a peak at all of the custom orders from this year!  Be sure to order yours next year!

 From all of mine to you and yours. Merry Christmas!