Multi-Flower Accessory

These accessories are designed to be worn on the hair, on a headband, or as a pin.   I'm selling these on my etsy store at http://craftedbyerin.etsy.com  I love the fact that they're versatile.  If wearing it as a hair clip gets old you can pin it to your purse.    Bring on the FUN!

Bring the spring inside!

Flowers and wooden spool

The spring time flowers may be sprouting, but this instant flowerpot is full of spring colors.  The flowers are made like a yo-yo with buttons.  Green chenille stems reside in a painted wooden spool.  This simple project is worth the time.  Let me know if you want a tutorial to this. 

Been awhile

It's been awhile since I last wrote on my blog.  My etsy store has been taking a lot of time, but for the most part I have been a little down.  I get overwhelmed sometimes and get frustrated with myself.  I really hate feeling down especially when I am so blessed.  I love my family and have so much to be thankful for, so feeling down it not right.  There is a pile of projects that are waiting for me and all I do is just stare at them.  I know that I will get over it and tackle on these projects.  So until I make some new stuff to tell you about I will show you some stuff that is on my etsy store at http://craftedbyerin.etsy.com

gold and silver coiled metal earrings.

glass and acrylic earrings

Child's size clutch, quilted fabric

I have been making lots of clutches and even business card holders out of jeans, cotton, and buttons.  I will share that with all of you soon.  Thanks for hanging with me.  Erin

Time is flying!

Where has time gone?  To catch everyone up I just started by Crafted by Erin Etsy store at http://craftedbyerin.etsy.com.  There's about 35 items up for sale.  I decided to not list everything yet because some are seasonal crafts for Christmas and Halloween.  Does anyone buy seasonal items when the season is months and months away?

I am still job searching and keeping my fingers crossed to be asked to interview.  Job hunting is very discouraging and frustrating.  It is especially frustrating when so much rides on it.

My children are doing great and continue to bring me joy.  My professor from college told me that educated people are less likely to have children versus lower income people because lower income people want their children to take care of them when they're older.  I'm certainly not wealthy, I am educated, and slightly lower income, but I wanted children because they bring me JOY, not because I want to be taken care of.  I feel just the opposite.  It is my job to take care of them, and make sure they have the right tools to be happy in this life.  Whew, sorry if that goes to far into the subject.  I just wanted to say that I love my children and couldn't be happier.

To close, keep your fingers crossed for a job to land in my lap.  I pray everyday for such a miracle.

Until next time,

Erin

Upcycled Mother's Clutch Tutorial

This is a tutorial for upcycling some worn out jeans from my girls. I had this pile of jeans that had holes in the knees, but held a special attachment to my heart.  The jeans these days are really cute with awesome details. For this clutch I used my daughters size 8 jeans with jewel details and really cute embroidery along the pockets. 

The clutch is fully lined and I added a wrist handle.  A zipper is used to close the clutch. 

I used the same fabric for the lining as the wrist band.  Have Fun!  Here's the tutorial to make your own memories with a Mother's Clutch. 
1. First cut out the back section of the jeans you want to use.  You will have to use a seam ripper to detach the belt loops.  This cut piece will be your pattern shape for the lining and back piece. 

 2.  The next step is to take the front piece (which is really the backside of the jeans) and use it to cut the back piece.  For this piece I opened up the leg of the jeans and cut out the pattern. 

3. Now cut out two pieces of fabric for the lining.  I used some colorful scrap fabric for the lining.  Make sure you have enough for two pieces and the wrist handle. 

 4.  Now take your front piece and pin on the zipper.  I used a 14 inch length of white zipper for this clutch.  I buy them bigger because I never know what size I will make the clutches.  It's very easy to cut of the excess.  Pin the zipper on with the wrong size of zipper OUT.  The rights sides of the zipper and the jeans should be facing each other.

5.  Stitch the zipper to front using a 1/4" seam. 

 6.  The next part is pinning the lining to the zipper.  The right side of lining fabric should face the right side of jeans.

 7.  Stitch the lining using a 1/4" seam.  

 Here's what it should look like after stitching. 

8.  Pin the back side of jeans to the zipper.  The picture below will help you align the correct side to the zipper.  The zipper is wrong side OUT like before. 

9.  Stitch the back piece to the zipper using a 1/4" seam.  

10.  Pin the last piece of lining to the zipper for the back side of fabric.  Use the picture for better reference.  Stitch the lining using a 1/4" seam like before. 

  11.  Open out the clutch. This is what it should look like. 

12.  The next step is to construct the wrist band.  Cut out a piece of fabric that is about 3" wide by 11" long.  Iron or sew interfacing to the wrong side of fabric.  Next, fold the fabric with the right sides together lengthwise.  Stitch, then turn the fabric right side out.  I really dislike this part of the operation:(.  Once the fabric is turned iron it flat with the seam in the middle.   You are now ready to attach the band to the clutch. 

13.  Pin or baste stitch the folded band to the clutch.  See picture below for placement of band. 

 14.  Now the fun part of sewing the clutch.  Line up the jeans fabric together with right sides together and the lining fabric right sides together.  Pin it together.  When pining the lining together leave about 4" of opening at the bottom of lining for turning the clutch out at the end. 

 15.  Stitch the enter clutch together using a 1/4" seam.  Don't forget to leave an opening in bottom of lining to turn the purse out through. 

 16.  After the sewing is done reach through the lining and pull the clutch through the hole.  Another suggestion is to leave the zipper open half way.  It's a real pain to try to pull the clutch through the hole only to get stuck when the zipper is closed all the way.  

 17.  Almost done with the sewing.  Pin and stitch the opening in the lining closed.  Once the lining hole is closed stuff the lining back inside the clutch.  

Here is the finished clutch.

Here is the finished clutch with our fabulous lining.  

 I hope you all like my new design on upcycling worn out jeans.  Let me know what you think.

Daily struggles

It's amazing how one thing can change your life so easily.  My husband and I are currently unemployed.  The job search has been a struggle and a disappointment.  I was denied unemployment because of attending college, so we have been living on my husband's unemployment.  There is one job opening at the local bank and I applied to this position.  Cross my fingers that this job comes through. 

I have so much to be thankful for and know that God has looked out for us.  I truly believe that He will work this out and we will have jobs soon.  My blessings are enormous.  We have two great girls that are in elementary school, participating in Upward basketball ( we are so proud), their church Discipleland night, and excel in school.  We have good health and a roof over our heads. 

I pray that the economy will turn around, and especially the housing market.  I hope you are all happy and look to your own blessings in life.  Erin

Donate to a good cause

I am donating three necklaces to Jennifer Chase to help out with the adoption fees.  Please visit their blog to learn more details.  http://teamchase4andcounting.blogspot.com

Wooden beads that would look good on men and women.

This is a three strand beaded necklace.  The colors didn't show up very well, but the colors are gold hued.

Green toned acrylic necklace.

I hope this helps out with their goal to offset the adoption costs.  If you would like to donate any pieces of your crafts contact Jennifer. 

Erin