Hetalia Mochi Bean Bag and (yet) Another Stencil

Updating just as I promised ♥

For another gift I made a Hetalia mochi bean bag.  Hetalia is a Japanese Anime, so you are not wrong in your confusion if you are someone that does not watch anime much or at all. For those who don't know: Hetalia is a show made of short segments where countries are given human forms and personalities, which are typically based off history and ridiculous stereotypes. It is a specific type of humor - lots of sarcasm, history metaphors, and jokes based on the crazy stereotypes people create. I don't recommend it if that type of humor is outside your comfort zone.

Now, I digress; the Hetalia characters have mochi (wiki it) forms. I made one character, France, from white flannel, plastic stuffing beads, thread, felt, stamp ink, and fabric paint pens.

The pattern is a circle for the bottom and 4 rounded triangle/half petal shapes.  Google "mochi pattern" and you can find one if not multiple templates.
I used my sewing machine for the 4 triangles things and part of the sewing the circle to the connected 4 triangle things. I left an opening so I could flip the fabric right side out (since you sew things with the wrong sides facing out, so the seems and ugly stuff are later on the inside). I used the opening to poor in the beads too.  After filling the mochi, I hand sewed the opening closed.  After sewing the base was complete, I added details. I cut out a rose from red felt and sewed it to the bean bag.  A mouth, eyes, and France's flag (on back) were added with fabric pens.  Lastly, some cheek color was added using pink stamp ink.

I think it turned out cute. I would do his mouth a little better and not add fabric marker to the inked cheeks next time, but overall I was very pleased.

Kissy France face

Back of mochi. 

Flag to indicate country - I didn't know if people would be able to tell

My second craft project for today.... Another Stencil!

This is actually the box I sent the gift in. I decorated the top with an image from the Ministry of Silly Walks.

I found the pattern through google [here].  The normal procedure followed: tracing, cutting, ironing, painting.

I don't recommend boxes for stenciling with freezer paper.  The paper doesn't always want to come off.  I figured it might be like that, but I didn't have anything else at the time.

The completed piece.

For those that may be interested in following me another way or just want to look at my photos of my projects, I have a Deviantart profile [right here].

If you plan on coming back for future posts, please follow through blogger, a reader, or on Deviantart.  It will give me a better idea of my small reader group (friends, crafters, cookers, etc.).

Be back soon!

The Doctor Who scarf lives!

It has been about 4 months since I've updated, which is mostly due to school, finals, and graduation. I am now ready to start up again! I even have some posts lined up for this weekend and next week : )

Before I weave in the ends of the stripes

Okay, so that Doctor Who, 4th Doctor, season 14 scarf. I did complete it and in a shorter time than I would expect.  It is a simple knit stitch patter, so you get in a groove after a bit.  Again, this scarf was reduced in size so it would be easier to wear.  It is 2/3 the original width and length.

I am no longer in possession of this scarf because it was a gift (which went over well, yeah!). I do have pictures; unfortunately, I did not remember to take a picture after adding the tassels. I was upset with myself - the fringe = completion.

Completed (w/out fringe)

There was a bit of a mail scare with the scarf.  In a desperate attempt to get a gift out on time, I made another season 14 DW scarf!  This time it was 2/3 the original length and 1/2 the original width.  I finished it in 3 days - my hands were quite exhausted. I do not have pictures yet; I must revive my camera first.  Once I do you will be able to see the fringe.

Keeping with the Doctor Who theme, I present you with another Doctor Who stencil.  I used a stencil pattern found on Crafty Tardis livejournal.  This time, however, I made a tote bag.
Same process as in my earlier post [here], but I started at the tracing step because I already had a pattern.

Here is the finished project:

Bag was pre-made and purchased at Michael's

Thank you to anyone still following me for sticking around!

Things to look forward to: a cooking post, plushies, and my first successfully sewn costume (cosplay for those in the know) piece

Doctor Who Stencil Art - Canvas

My first crafting post!
Please excuse my writing style and way of explaining things. This is my first blog and I wouldn't be surprised if some parts sound confusing as I learn how to explain on and write a blog better.

Now back to the craft!

I wanted to give my friend a Christmas/Going Away gift before she left to study abroad, so it had to be something good.  *Idea* - Doctor Who themed gift. We are both huge Doctor Who fans and often spend our down time when working on our campus programming board discussing all things related.

My inspiration came from a Craftster post I saw while searching for ideas. (Check it our Here)
I loved what this person, taerowyn on Craftsrer, did and thought I could do an amateur version for a gift.

My process:

Unfortunately, I had a brain lapse and forgot to take pictures during the process. That would be more helpful, right?

For stenciling, this is my second attempt, I use the handy kitchen supply known as Freezer Paper. Freezer paper is waxy on one side and paper on the other. The paper side is perfect for sketching patterns and the wax side sticks to what you want to stencil on when ironed.

First, I found pictures/photos I wanted to stencil.  I decided to do the 3 most recent Doctors (9, 10, & 11) and the Tardis (If you are not a Doctor Who fan, ignore those words and just know that is 4 pictures).
I do not own Photoshop software of any level, so I had to use Microsoft Word to change the photos into Black & White pictures.

Example:

Next was tracing the picture onto the paper side of the Freezer Paper. As you can see there is a lot of black on that photo and it distorts the edges, so I had to get creative and compare pictures for an idea of where the edges of the face and hair should be.  

After tracing I cut out the parts that were black in the B&W photo with an Exacto knife. That was a learning experience and, no worries, no one was harmed during this craft project!

As I mentioned earlier, Freezer Paper can be ironed on to many things temporarily. I ironed on the Freezer Paper stencil to the canvas and used a sponge brush to dab on black paint. After the paint dried I peeled of the paper and ... WA-LA, art! 

**Something learned from the project: While stenciling is now one of my more favorite crafting techniques, canvas does not make a nice seal with Freezer Paper. I had to re-do my Tardis because the first version's paint bled and feathered everywhere.

Finished Product:

Isn't my orange desk a lovely background.

I hope to have another craft or cooking project ready soon! 

I also plan on learning how to better layout and manage this blog so it looks more appealing... we will see.