Pink decoupaged guitar

I loved making this $10.00 guitar scream "L@@K" at me. This was a plain guitar that was purchased at a fair here in Vegas. It cost a whole $10.00, the embellishments, pretty much free, I used pictures from craft magazines that I already had. The glue, decoupage glue can be purchased at Walmart or any craft store and Sealant gloss or matte. Sand paper is optional, but I recommend using it to prepare your surface so that the pictures adhere and stay better. The rest is all up to you. You can go with a color scheme and theme. Or you can just go wild and tear and paste anything that you think will look good. To see different angles and views of this sweet guitar, just click on the link under the picture.

Season Clearing House

This is the perfect time of year to pack away the summer and bring on the wooly. That is if you lived any other place but the desert. Although we do have somewhat of a climate change, we are still not hitting those low temps on the thermometers. I have been living in Las Vegas for over three decades now, and I swear I say the same thing every single year, "Is it me, or is it colder this year then it was last year? I think the real answer to that question is, "I am getting older, my bloods getting thinner and so is my skin". I dare not complain though, I would hate to put a damper on our wonderful fall/winter seasons. So the whole point of this story is that when I was going through closets and closets of clothes, I came across things that I hadn't seen in years. I actually found a dress that I loved and hadn't worn in at least 15 years or so. I decide I could really put myself in a great mood or I can sink my battleship. Should I dare try on this dress? I did, it fit, I'm stoked, and that dress ain't goin' anywhere. It is going to hang right there in my closet until another decade or so rolls by. I will post a pic of me in this dress, so you can see what I mean, when I say how pleased I am that the dress still fits.

You can make all kinds of fantastic pieces with buttons. I love, love, love buttons. I could spend hours just sorting through all these unique little treasures. The options are endless. So gather up those buttons and create something.

Olivia's Digg's

My beautiful baby Olivia.
 This is my newest niece. Isn't she gorgeous. She is wearing one of my latest designs. Called "Olivia's Diggs".
These are the perfect gift for that special little girl. Onesies are always in style and every baby wears them.

Perfect Paper Doll Keepsake Collection

Perfect Paper Doll Collection
This is a wonderful way to keep your little ones enchanted for hours on end. You can make these wonderful paper doll keepsake boxes and dolls complete with an entire wardrobe and accessories fit for any princess. These paper dolls can be played with, without worrying about paper cuts and little tears. Never have to worry about those little folds getting torn off, because to make these little treasures you will cut them off yourself.  So gather up all your supplies and make your little princess her very own keepsake to past on from generation to generation. 

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

1. scissor
2. printed color or black and white copies of paper dolls. You can either get these from the internet or use old paper dolls from many other resources. Here is a great source for your cut outs. http://alteredartfun.blogspot.com/2009/02/vintage-paperdolls.html
3. decoupage glue http://www.plaidonline.com/apmp.asp#ModPodgeBrands
4. a box (Pier 1 is a great resource for unique shaped boxes). http://www.pier1.com/SearchResults/tabid/37/txtSearch/boxes/Search/boxes/List/0/Default.aspx
5. reusable adhesive The most important part of the whole project. http://www.acecatalog.com/bluestiktrade_reusable_adhesive-pi-27466.html Any brand is fine, just make sure it is OK for age appropriate children.
6. laminate http://www.epinions.com/review/Avery_Self_Stick_Laminating_Sheets_9_x_12_3_mil_50_Sheets_Box/content_27328194522 (I have my own laminate machine, but you can use the Self Stick Laminating Sheets. They are reasonable in price and work just as well.
7. brush for use with decoupage, I like to use a sponge brush.Here is the kind I use, they come in different sizes. http://www.woodcrafter.com/rpb11inspongebrushpkg10.aspx     
8. sealant This is optional, but I love the finished look of this. This is the brand I use. http://www.dickblick.com/products/krylon-triple-thick-crystal-clear-glaze/?wmcp=cj&wmcid=feeds&wmckw=21710-1005-2342&AID=10495307&PID=1609763&SID=tfc_-_11_6_090908_e11deec4d563a3478557f9206308    
9. brayer http://www.misterart.com/g453/Speedball-Rubber-Brayer.htm
   

HERE'S HOW TO MAKE THE PAPER DOLLS: 

1. Print out all the paper dolls that you are going to use.
2. Then before you are ready to laminate them, cut them out, not detailed cutting, but just so that you can fit as many paper dolls on the page as possible. Then you are going to laminate them.
3. After all the dolls, wardrobe and accessories are all laminated, take a sharp pair of scissors and start cutting each piece out neatly. Make sure that you also cut the little tabs off that you would normally keep on if you were cutting out paper dolls the old fashion way. 
4. Now with the reusable putty, add some little dabs to the front of your paper doll and then you can start to dress your doll with any outfit your little heart desires. 
   

HERE'S HOW TO MAKE THE KEEPSAKE DECOUPAGE BOX:

1. Cut out enough paper dolls and accessories as needed to cover the inside and outside of your box.
2. Now you are going to add a coat of decoupage glue to the portion of the box you are ready to place your paper dolls onto. 
3. Continue adding all your cutouts leaving the paper doll tabs on this time for the effect. 
4. When your entire box is covered to your satisfaction, it is now time to completely coat the entire box.
5. Let dry over night, and then you can add as many coats as you like to give it a sealed, glossy or matte look, depending on the type of Decoupage glue you are going to use. You can also use regular white craft glue, but I suggest you add water to thin it out.
6. Then when you are sure that every inch of the box is dry, you can seal it with a Sealant. That is optional. I love to add this extra step, I love the look of this.
7. Now take all your laminated paper dolls and putty and fill up your Decoupaged Paper Doll Keepsake Box.

and were back again...

That is were back to changing the name of my Ravelry group from ADHD KNITTERS to STRAIGHT JACKET KNITTING, and now to ADHDKNITTING. Now having done this, I cannot get into my own group to edit anything. I forgot to make myself the Administrator. I have sent a letter to the Help folks on Ravelry and hopefully they will help me out. Fingers crossed.

Famous Chicken Salad, NOT, but damn good chicken salad...

Recipe to my Famous Chicken Salad
Here's what you'll need:
Chicken (whole chicken) or you can just use chicken breasts.
celery
onions
fat-free mayo
garlic salt
pepper
*carrots optional for the soup broth when the chicken is cooked.
Here's how:
With a large pot, fill with water and add all the above ingredients except for the mayo. Cover and cook on a low light until the chicken is completely cooked.
Take the chicken out of the pot and put aside until it cools down enough for you to remove all the chicken from the bone.
With a large mixing bowl, add the chicken, meat only, making sure that you have removed all the skin, bones, and gristle.
Of course your hands and your nails should be spotless.
Take your onions and celery and with a grater, grate them on the smallest grate directly into the bowl with the chicken.
Add the seasonings and the mayo.
Here's the most important part, with your hands start to mix the ingredients until the chicken salad is the consistency of a spread. Trust me on this. Then take tin foil or plastic wrap and place in refrigerator for a couple hours to let it cool down and to let all the ingredients ferment. We love to serve on large fresh rolls with lettuce, tomatoes and onions.
The broth is perfect as a side dish with egg noodles to complete this meal.

Now this is priceless...

We all love our ice-cream, but really...

Snakes Charmed I'm Sure

Snakes Charmed I'm Sure
Originally uploaded by STRJKTKNITTING

Snakes Charmed I'm Sure

Knitted, felted snakes attached to a knitted felted wool basket. I love the idea of these colorful snakes slithering around this charming basket. A great way to keep your yarn or your UFO's in order. The double headed snake above the lip of the basket separates this snake charmer from all the rest.

Crazy beautiful sun...

crazy beautiful sun
Originally uploaded by adhd_knitting

This is exactly what the sun looked like today Sunday, August 30, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada at sundown. I have never seen anything like this is my entire life. It was surreal...

Red Hot Hot Hot Chili Peppers

Red Hot Hot Hot Chili Pepper
Knit up a bunch of these Red Hot Hot Hot Chili Peppers. A fast and fun way to spice things up with your knitting.
















What you'll need:
1. US 6 needles straights or circulars
2. Fjord yarn Red and Dk. Green
3. Darning needle
4. Filler *Optional
Here's How:
With MC (red) CO 1 st.
1. K1 f&b (2 sts)
2. Purl
3. K1 f&b 2 times. (4 sts)
4. Purl
5. K1 f&b, k2, k1 f&b. (6 sts)
6. Purl
7. K2tog, k2, k2tog. (4 sts)
8. Purl
9. K1 f&b to end. (8 sts)
10. Purl
11. K1 f&b EOS (every other stitch) starting with k1 f&b on 1st stitch. (12 sts)
12. Purl
13. K2tog 2times, k4, k2tog to end. (8 sts)
14. Purl
15. K1 f&b 2 times, k4, k1 f&b to end. (12 sts)
16. Purl
17. K1 f&b 3 times, k6, k1 f&b 3 times. (18 sts)
18. Purl
19. *K2tog, k1, rep to end. (12 sts)
20. Purl
21. *K2tog, k1, rep to end. (8 sts)
22. Purl
Cut red yarn. Add green yarn for the stem.
23. Knit even.
24. Purl
25. K2tog to end.
26. K2tog, BO
With darning needle seam together. You can add filler if you want a fuller looking pepper...

OCD POOL FELTING FEST

OCD POOL FELTING FEST
Originally uploaded by adhd_knitting

It's a pool party, and the only one who came was me and my long forgotten knits and bits...

ocd felt feast

ocd felt feast
Originally uploaded by adhd_knitting

This is what happens when you get an OCD stroke of felting frenzy. I took some of my little knitted and crocheted items that I hadn't thought about in ages and threw them all into the pool and felted them with soap. It was a long hot day...

My First Fondant

First Fondant
Originally uploaded by adhd_knitting

This was my first attempt at making a birthday cake using fondant. I learned a lot on this cake, and now know some do’s and don’ts for the next time. And oh yeah, there’s gonna be a next time. The possiblities are endless…

My Big Fat Hairy Cacti...

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:
Yarn Fjord color Dk. Green
Mystique White by Knitting Fever

Novelty yarn for Desert Flower *Optional.
Needles 9 US (set of 4 DPN's) You can use the Magic Loop method or 2 circular needles. Whatever feels good to you.
Filler to stuff your cacti.
Darning needle

HERE'S HOW:
With your DPN's and MC (Dk. Green) CO 48 sts. dividing them evenly onto 3 needles and join to workin the round.
Round 1-25 Work 4x4 ribbing for 25 rounds.
Rnd 26 Decrease round: K2tog,(staying in pattern) k2, p4, k2tog, rep to end ending with p4.
Rnd 27-30 Follow the pattern evenly as follows. Knit the knits, purl the purls.
Rnd 31 Dec. round: K3, p2tog, p2,rep. to end.
Rnd 32-33 Work in pattern.
Rnd 34 Dec. round: K2, k2tog., p2, rep. to end.
Rnd 35-36 Work in pattern.
Rnd 37 Dec. round: K2, p2tog., p1, rep. to end.
Rnd 38 Work in pattern 2x2 ribbing.*Optional you can add eyelash yarn held together with MC if you would like to add to the topportion.
Rnd 39 Dec. round: K2tog, k1, p2tog, p1, rep. to the end.
Rnd 40 Work in pattern.
Rnd 41 Dec. round: K1, p2tog, k1.
Rnd. 42 Work in pattern.
Rnd 43 Dec. round K2tog to end. (6 sts)
With your darning needle sew through these 6 stitches and gather and seam through to secure thecacti. Cut yarn.
*Optional If you used wool, you can hand felt your cacti to had firmness and stability.
Take your filler and fill your cacti until it is evenly filled.

To cover the bottom of My Big Fat Hairy Cacti:

You will need your DPN's, pick up sts. evenly onto 3 needles. join.
Round 1: Purl
Rnd 2: P2tog to end.
Continue rounds 1 and 2 until you have a few sts. left.
Then with darning needle, sew through remaining stitches and secure.
Cut yarn.

PIG'S IN A "FELTED" BLANKET

This is another way to reuse or redo felted crochet or knitted wool.
My version of “Pigs in a Blanket”. You won’t be serving these little porkers at any cocktail parties,
but you’ll squeal with delight at how much fun they are to make.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:
FLAT FELTED PIECES OF PINK AND CREAM FELT. (1 SQUARE 4"X4" PINK , 1 SQUARE 4"X4" CREAM) *YOU CAN MAKE THEM SMALLER OR LARGER.
2 TINY CIRCLES OF PINK FELT FOR THE EARS. 1/4" OR SMALLER
OVAL SHAPE PINK FELT FOR THE NOSE (YOU'LL HAVE TO EYEBALL IT FOR SIZE).
SCISSORS
NEEDLE AND THREAD
GLUE
BLACK BEADS FOR NOSE
PLASTIC EYES

PIGGIES IN A FELTED BLANKET WITH
A SIDE OF SUNNY-SIDE-UP EGGS AND
SAUSAGE…

HERE'S HOW:
Use the picture as a guide.
For the Piggy part you take your pink square and roll it from side to side. Sew together.
Then take the cream or contrasting color felt for the Blanket and wrap it around the Piggy (wrap like you would a pastry). Sew together.
Then you take the tiny pink circles for the ears and just pinch them and place a stitch to secure them so they stay curved and then sew them in place.
Now glue the oval pink nose and sew or glue the little black
beads for the nostrils.
Now add the eyes with glue.
There ya go, “Piggies in a Felted Blanket”.

"Cactus Cakes"

Here's a link to the "Cactus Cakes" tutorial:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/23510559@N06/sets/72157621973217005/

What a great way to recycle, upcycle, reuse, and redo something old to something new.

No, you don’t eat them silly, you display them, anywhere you want. They are made from leftover wool knitted or crocheted mishaps. I can’t bear to throw anything fiber related out. I must admit I didn’t come up with the name “Cactus Cakes”, though. I was just calling them "Cactus". A fiber friend marked this as a favorite and said they looked like “Cactus Cakes”, hence (who says hence anymore) the name “Cactus Cakes”.

What You'll Need:
1. Long pieces of felted knits/crochet fabric. The long strips will depend on the size "CC" you are going to make. 24"
strips will make a decent size "CC"
If you don't have any pieces from past, "OOPS, I accidentally washed my favorite cashmere sweater".
You can also go to any thrift, salvation army, or your neighborhood garage sales to find old knitted/crochet blankets,
sweaters, etc.
Or just go through your closest, I'm sure there is something just collecting dust that can be felted for this project.
If all else fails, then just knit or crochet a flat piece of fabric using yarn that will shrink (felt).
2. Very sharp scissors or rotary cutter.
3. Fabric glue or needle and thread.
4. Fun fur or any brand of eyelash novelty yarn.
5. Beads, embroidery, studs, sequins, etc. can be added as well.

How to make:
1. Take your felted fabric and cut it into long strips approximately 24" long and approximately 1"-4" wide.
(Remember these are just suggestions. You can make your strips any length or size you want).
2. Take your first strip and now you are going to cut V's across the top border from end to end. Repeat this on all
your strips. You will need to make some longer and shorter then others if you want to roll one inside another in order
to be able to make them into different levels.
3. After you have completed cutting all your strips, you are going to roll them into your "CC". To make them stay you
can either sew them (I like to use upholstery thread, they come in many colors.) because it is extremely strong. Fabric
glue is another option. Either way is fine.
*Optional, you can add beads, embroidery, studs, sequins, or whatever you can find to embellish your "CC".
Make one or make a ton. They will bring color and character to any room.
You can also add them to headbands, or as a brooch, the options are endless...

"My Big Fat Hairy Cacti" Pattern:

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:
Yarn Fjord color dk. green
Mystique by Knitting Fever

Optional* Laines Du Nord Opaline Yarn used for Desert Flower
Needles 9 US set of 4 DPN's You can use the magic Loop method or 2 circular needles. Whatever feels good to you.
Filler
Darning needle
HERE'S HOW:
With your DPN's and green yarn CO 48 sts. dividing them evenly onto 3 needles and join to work
in the round.
Round 1-25 Work 4x4 ribbing for 25 rounds.
Rnd 26 Decrease round: K2tog,(staying in pattern) k2, p4, k2tog, rep to end ending with p4.
Rnd 27-30 Follow the pattern evenly as follows. Knit the knits, purl the purls.
Rnd 31 Dec. round: K3, p2tog, p2,rep. to end.
Rnd 32-33 Work in pattern.
Rnd 34 Dec. round: K2, k2tog., p2, rep. to end.
Rnd 35-36 Work in pattern.
Rnd 37 Dec. round: K2, p2tog., p1, rep. to end.
Rnd 38 Work in pattern 2x2 ribbing.
*Optional you can add eyelash yarn held together with MC if you would like to add to the top
portion.
Rnd 39 Dec. round: K2tog, k1, p2tog, p1, rep. to the end.
Rnd 40 Work in pattern.
Rnd 41 Dec. round: K1, p2tog, k1.
Rnd. 42 Work in pattern.
Rnd 43 Dec. round K2tog to end. (6 sts)
With your darning needle sew through these 6 stitches and gather and seam through to secure the
cacti. Cut yarn.
*Optional If you used wool, you can hand felt your cacti to had firmness and stability.
Take your filler and fill your cacti until it is evenly filled.
To secure the bottom of the cacti:
You will need your DPN's, pick up sts. evenly onto 3 needles. join.
Round 1: Purl
Rnd 2: P2tog to end.
Continue rounds 1 and 2 until you have a few sts. left.
Then with darning needle, sew through remaining stitches and secure. Cut yarn.

FUNTTONS

I AM IN THE PROCESS OF MAKING MY FUNTTONS AGAIN…LET ME KNOW IF THERE IS A PARTICULAR CHARACTER YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE…

These FUNTTONS are light as a feather. I can make them in any theme you like. They can be made into buttons, necklaces, rings, magnets, pins, earrings, stitch markers, or anything else you can think of...
1. I first make the base. This is the button that I created many years ago. You can't imagine how light and airy they are.
2. Then you choose a design, theme, whatever.
3. I then take your picture/pictures, theme, whatever and create these fun Funttons. Both sides can be decorated. The front of the button is slightly rounded, the back is completely flat.
4. I can add crystals or studs to your funtton if requested. Then I lightly sand them to make sure they are smooth.
5. After all the art work is applied, they are then sealed. This is the longest part of the actual process. I seal them approx. 4 times for a stong seal and shine. Sanded once again when they are completely dry.
6. I can drill a small hole through the Funtton for you if desired.
7. Then I ship them to you and you can decide what you are going to use them as. The options are endless...
So that is what goes into the making of my "Funttons"

"Wind Dancing Wind Chimes"

I made this wind chime out of vintage jewelry for a Ravelry friend in memory of her mom. I also wrote a poem to go with it based on information my friend sent me about her mom...

Your Panties Rock!

Don’t get your panties in a knot. Unless your felting fiber rocks...
WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

1. Bag of office supply style rubber bands.
2. Old pantyhose (if you use fishnet stockings, they will make a cool fiber indentation in your rocks).
3. Yarn that can be felted.
4. Washing machine with a HOT cycle.
5. Laundry soap. 
6. See note below 
7. *Optional, bells to put inside your yarn balls before felting them.

**Optional, I used rubber stamp/ink pad to use as a guide for my needle felted word "KNIT" on one of my rocks.
If you decide to do this technique, only stamp one letter at a time because the ink will smear while you are needle felting each letter.

HERE'S HOW:
1. Gather up leftover yarn that will felt. Enough to make the size rock you are seeking. Remember
that there will be shrinkage.
2. Make sure that the yarn you use is a natural fiber that can be felted.
3. Make sure that you wind your yarn into tight little balls or big balls, it doesn't matter. Size is irrelevant.
4. Then grab a pair or two of some old pantyhose.
5. Take the yarn balls to be felted and start to knot them into your panties like the photo's to the right.
on the right. You will need lots of rubber bands to tie them with. Make sure your not wearing your panties at the time…
6. When all your balls are knotted up, throw them into the washing machine on the hottest cycle.
Run them through the whole washing cycle to get as much water out as possible. If they aren't felted enough after just one wash, do it again until your satisfied with your rocks.
7. Let them dry. Completely… Drying time will depend on the yarn and the size of the rock.
Display them as is, needle felt them, or use them as a pin cushion. Whatever you choose. Your
Panties Rock!
*NOTE
This is a PM I received from one of our creative minded Ravelry member PamelaBee. I thought the idea was brilliant and asked if I could add it as a bonus to this project.
She said of course, so here it is:
PamelaBee said: Just a random thought (you get a lot of these when you get older). If you stuff a bell inside your initial ball of yarn, you can transform these into cat toys and give them to cat-owning people who have severely hacked you off. The constant tinkly noise will get on their nerves but they’ll be stuck with it because it will, of course, become the cat’s favourite toy… :)
I said: Pamela, your brilliant. Can I post this with my pattern and of course you get full credit your name included? I love your way of thinking. Hugs, Gail
PamelaBee said: Course you can - glad it raised a smile. I’ve seen a similar type of ball at our local County Show and the lady had put beads inside one of those little plastic containers that Kinder Eggs come in - (don’t know if you have those in the US but any tiny plastic container will do just to increase the noise level) and stuck it inside the ball before winding and felting. You would then have a double whammy and combine the torture with both cat and baby … :)
I said: LOL, I’m going to edit my pattern right now with your add on. Hugs, Gail