Crafting Clips

My new year’s resolution for 2009 is to become a crafty lady. Last year, I wrote about some of my crafty friends. I have two girlfriends who are annoyingly crafty, Wendy and Keri. They have that je ne se qua and the ablility to make stuff whenever they want, usually without directions. Keri sells her Lovey Dovey Clips through Etsy and, in addition, makes the cutest cakes ever. Wendy is an all around artist with gallery showings in NYC and LA. She most recently was written up in Elle magazine. On the side, Wendy whips up little plush robots and birds, takes amazing photographs, and cooks her own jam. To top it off, both these ladies make it seem like what they do is no big deal. Everyone makes handmade goods, right? Like I said, annoying. In fact, my last conversation with Wendy went something like this:

Wendy: “So, I’m making Jasper a cape for his first birthday. Do you think Emi would want one too?”

Me: “Sure, but only if you have time. I don’t want to put you out. Where did you find the pattern?”

Wendy: “Oh, there is no pattern. I just figured it out. It seems pretty easy! I figure while I’m making Jasper’s, I can just make one for Emi.”

Me: “Uh, okay. Um, maybe I’ll be able to return the favor and make Jasper something one day. Thanks, friend”

(Cookies count as something, right?)

This year, I’m turning over a new leaf and attempting to be crafty. So far, I’ve only conquered one craft, but I’m pretty happy with the results. My first craft of the year was felt clips for Miss Emi. I love felt - all things felt. But I cannot, for the life of me, understand why things made with felt are so expensive.

When I found out I was having a girl, I ran out and purchased clips from my favorite company, Giddy Giddy. Giddy Giddy is a local company that makes THE most adorable clips. I’ve seen many people try to imitate their designs, but you can’t beat their craftsmanship.

I love these clips, so much so, that I later purchased about 8 more of them. EEK! Justifying purchases is my special gift. Yes, I’m quite blessed in that department. I figured they are handmade and would last a long time. My next daughter could potentially wear them, right?

What I was not anticipating was Emi losing them almost as soon as they touched her head. I’d put one in her hair and the next thing I’d know, it would disappear. I’m sure there are felt clips littered all over San Francisco, thanks to my little one. Needless to say, of the 8 clips that I originally purchased, we are now down to 3. When my husband recently asked why I was making clips, I did not dare tell him it was because his daughter had lost about $50 worth of hair clips.

Here is a shot of my most recent clips:

All in all, the clips were pretty to easy to make. I had anticipated them to be much more difficult then they actually were. I did have to search around the Internet a bit and find some tutorials, but mostly I found my way by trial and error. Good thing felt and clips are so inexpensive! It also didn't hurt that Keri is a pro at making her clips and gave me some great tips.

This is the perfect craft for anyone who is not good at finishing daunting projects. You can make these clips easily in under an hour. I was going to give you a step by step instruction guide on how to make your own felt clips, but my bed time has approached (a.k.a “The City” & “Gossip Girl” are on.) However, if you are interested in the instructions, I'd be happy to write about it next week. Just let me know in the comments.

Next Tuesday, I’m very excited to share with you my secret resource for all things crafty. I know you’ll be on pins and needles all week awaiting the post. Oh, the anticipation!

-Kacey