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Tuesday, March 10, 2009

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

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44 comments:

Jennifer said...

Kacey, I LOVE your clips! They are adorable! You are pretty darn crafty by the looks of it... and never underestimate the power of the cookie. And the power of the cookie as a gift, for that matter. Empires have fallen because of them...

Anonymous said...

I so admire crafty women. My grandmother has that talent and I don't know why I didn't get it. I think it takes patience. Good luck to you.

Rachael Schirano \\ Rachael Schirano Photography said...

wow, they turned out wonderful. i think they are darling!

Amy said...

Oh Kacey. I really like the one with the fish. My little one is so into fish and it made me smile. I am crafty in away but no that crafty. Have a great day.

Just SO said...

Those are adorable! You go crafty girl. You go!

Kimberly said...

I think that's pretty crafty! And very cute!

Kathy B! said...

I admire your efforts. I always thought I would/could be crafty, and it turns out... I'm not! Who knew?! I don't even have a good eye for design. It's sad when reality whomps you upsdie the head!

You, on the other hand, seem to be doing just fine! They're adorable : )

Jeannie said...

CULTURE GAP! I had no clue what the heck "clips" were until just about the picture came up. Here, they are barrettes. Guess it's the French influence.

Cute.

I dabble at knitting, crochet, have sewed, some painting but don't do the crafty crafty stuff.

Jillene said...

The clips are ADORABLE!!

Anonymous said...

I would love instructions- they are adorable!

Heather said...

THose carrot clips are so cute I want to throw up!

B said...

I should have said I wanted to be a crafty lady too, but in the past I've made too many things that are just plain horrendous to even go there. Really, it's for the safety of the entire planet. But, those clips are awesome.

Danyele Easterhaus said...

darling, i say! darling!

Ronnica said...

You did a good job!

Anonymous said...

Please, please, i can't wait for next Tuesday, I will definately try to learn to make them. I don't have any girls, I have three boys but I have girls in my family that I would love to give as gifts. THanks! Also, I knew Keri was crafty but I did not know how much!WOW(She's my cousins wife)!

The High Family said...

Great Job Kacey!

I wish I was a crafty mom too! I just need to find some patience and time...

Your clips are adorable!

Sarah said...

Those are ADORABLE!

I admire crafty women. Then I go search for the patterns, buy the materials needed and...have wonderfully great intentions.

I have hair clip stuff at my house right now, just waiting for me to make bows. Because you know, the 60+ my daughter has are NOT enough. ;)

Cute bows though!

Jamiedidit said...

I think the clips are precious! If I had kids...or if my dogs would put up with them.....I would offer to buy them.

Thanks for hecking out my blog!

Anonymous said...

Your clips are too cute! I have tried my hand at felt - my clips never turn out cute like that!

Fiauna said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog. I love those clips. I might just have to try my hand and "craftiness".

Grand Pooba said...

Those are just lovely and I definately am the type that starts krafts but doesn't finish them!

Becky said...

Man, those annoyingly crafty people! Can't live with 'em, can't steal their cute stuff...

Deb said...

I love the clips. I want instructions. Maybe I can get Princess to wear them...

Because of Love said...

Thank you so much for your kind comment on my blog! I have enjoyed joining SITS.

LOVE the clips. May have to try those myself. Can't wait to hear your secret.

Unknown said...

I love the clips they are too cute. I bet you are wondering why you didn't break down and do this sooner? You seem pretty crafty to me!

Trina said...

Those are so cute. I think my girls would actually love to make them and could probably do a decent job. I'd love you to put the directions on your blog.

Thanks for the comment on my blog. This SITS stuff is pretty exciting!

Anonymous said...

How dare you make us wait until next week!

As if I would really be jumping straight away into the craft tonight...ya, that would happen.


Well, the clips are adorable! You go with your new crafty self!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for stopping by my blog and entering my giveaway! Your comment made me laugh!

Loved your clips! Great job! I papercraft but not nearly as much as I want to!
Also thanks for the welcome to SITS! So far, I love it!

Angie

I am Harriet said...

Hi.
I'm just passing by from SITS!
I enjoyed reading your post.

Sugar On Top Boutique said...

Thank you for your comment, Francesca! You all have adorable kids! I lived in American Canyon 2 summers ago, and loved it!!!

Anonymous said...

I'm not very crafty, but I wish to be. I love your clips. They are very cute.

Ryan Ashley Scott said...

Those are fantastic - I'd love to make some of those for my niece! Also, not a crafty bone in my body, so I feel your pain. And of course cookies count as something! They are THE something.

Sara @ Domestically Challenged said...

Well, I can't craft a darn thing, but those are adorable! I am the momma of boys, so i am going to show my friends with girls.
Cute stuff, and think of all the money you are *saving* (you know, after supplies, clips, ect...)

Screamin' Mama said...

Love the clips. I'm going to have to try it now!

Ginger said...

I love the community of ths site! How wonderful!
And I am craft craptastic, as in Baby Jack will have to settle for a more traditional pillow case cape.

kel said...

how stinking cute are they??

wendy said...

hey you did a great job. and cookies totally count. happy {late} girls day!!
xoxo

Counselormama said...

Very good! Keri made some for my daughter and she get compliments all the time!

Unknown said...

Those are so cute! I love how the felt projects turn out. I can't make them to save my life, but I do love them.

Thanks for coming by and saying hi. I love your blog.

Jenni said...

Haha I watch The City too. It's my Monday night indulgance. You are So crafty. :) The clips are super cute. I guess I never thought to make clips, but maybe if I had a daughter I would be thinking along those lines.

I'm convinced that anyone can be crafty - all it takes is you creating something on your own. ANd that obviously can be ANYTHING. Having a baby is crafty :)

Thanks for your comments on my post about the album, by the way. I am grateful for all the opinions so far.

CIRCLE OF LIFE said...

what talent great job crafty ladies.

thanks for your sweet thoughtful comments on my blog yours words are always so kind. I love stoping by daily and reading what you have to say as well:)

Kerri said...

Those are so sdorable and I like them so much more thatn the flower barretes everyone is making these days! Yes, I would love to have you teach us how. I'm sure we could figure itour, but I bet we could do it better if you taught us!

forever folding laundry said...

They look great, Kace! I fear that you are dangerously close to losing your label as a non-crafty person, however. Watch out! =)

~Keri

Shelby said...

I was inspired by your hair clip creations. But I don't like to use a needle and thread. I found this site: http://www.thepaperseed.com/?p=445 and then created my own clips. I'd take a picture, but I swear they look exactly the same. So I spent $50 in buying supplies and spend a few hours experimenting with 4 different glues. Turns out I already had the supplies in my scrapbooking boxes. The permanent adhesive Tombo Mono that you roll onto paper works perfectly for the ribbon and metal clip. I did find the textured tape - it's just a fancy name for adhesive ribbon. Now Emeline can have super cute accessories personalized for each outfit! Look out. I'm on a mission!