So, if you know me at all, you may be aware that I’m somewhat craft-ily challenged. Oh sure, I can create things. Especially of the digital variety. And I can even do stuff with paper and glue and scissors. Sometimes. If there’s a pattern. And very detailed instructions. And someone telling me what to do. Every single step of the way.

But all y’all out there who have crafty creativity flowing out of you and pouring onto your blogs and such… well, that’s just a different realm for me.

Once, Nick and I thought we were crafty. We thought we were going to hand-make presents for everyone for Christmas. Seemed like an economical way to give meaningful gifts. So what did we think we could create out of thin air without so much as an example to go off of? That’s right… snow globes. Any of you who were part of the Great Snow Globe Catastrophe of 2003 will remember… and we sincerely apologize.

But I am pleased to announce the beginning of the end of my craft impairment. That’s right, ladies and gentlemen. This week I have created not one… not two… but 3 different projects using only the power of my brain (i.e. no patterns). I submit them below as evidence.

I was browsing through the Oriental Trading website, when I saw a project kit for these. I almost ordered them to use next year, when I took a closer look. I thought, “I could do that!” Typically, those are my famous last words, as the plan in my head rarely turns out the way I want it. But Mylie and I made these earlier this week out of toilet paper rolls and construction paper, and I thought they turned out swimmingly.

Mylie vacillated this year between being Tinkerbell and being “Jessie” from Toy Story II for Halloween. Since it is sacrilege in our family not to have a theme, poor Nolan’s options were either Peter Pan or “Woody”. And though I think Nolan’s squishy fat legs would have been adorable in green tights, it appears that every little girl in the country is going as a fairy this year, so we opted for something a little different. Nolan’s inner macho-man (as well as his future teen ego) thanks us. So, Toy Story it is.

After over a week of isolation due to the H1N1 that hit our house hard, we were a little behind on the costume making. But, by last night we had finally rounded up all the needed supplies. But, since Toy Story is apparently the most unpopular theme this year, I was unable to locate any patterns. For anything. Anywhere. So, it was up to our brains and eyes to figure it out. Let’s face it, I was rather hopeless.

Seriously, the last thing I have sewed in my life was in my sophomore year in 4-H. And the last time I had to create a pattern from scratch? Eh… never. It was anyone’s guess as to whether we could pull it off, but we did it! Nick and I worked from 10pm to 3am last night and we did it!

A few details to call attention to:

Cowgirl Shirt Panel with authentic swirly thingers

And did I mention they’re sewed on, not glued?
Woody’s Felt Cowboy Boots
That’s right people. I made a 3-Dimensional Pattern without even using a tutorial from the internet. Because none exists. Seriously, go check if you don’t believe me. I made those puppies with sheer force of will.

Authentic Cowgirl Shirt Cuffs
Nick made this pattern, I did the sewing & decorating. Not too bad, if I do say so myself.

So there you have it. Crafts by Karli (& Nick). Don’t get too excited… I’m not going to be starting a craft blog anytime soon. Let’s just say I’m pleased to discover that a little shred of a domestic diva is alive in there….somewhere. And if she only comes out once a year, well, I’ll welcome her with open arms. And take lots of pictures to prove her existence!

This entry was posted on Friday, October 30th, 2009 at 4:17 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.