A Crafty Journey: Reflecting, Creating, and Celebrating!

Hello, fellow crafters and creative spirits! Fran here, and I’m absolutely buzzing to share all the delightful projects I’ve been pouring my heart into, as well as some exciting new ventures coming your way. It’s been a whirlwind of threads, fabrics, and pure joy, and I can’t wait to walk you through it all.

My June Bear-y Adventures!

June was truly a “bear-y” special month for me! I dedicated myself to the adorable art of bear making, and oh, what a journey it was. It came with its fair share of delightful challenges, but every stitch was a step towards something beautiful.

I even documented my entire “Fran’s Bear-Making Journey” in a video, where I delved into how I first started this heartwarming craft. From creating a cherished memory bear for my parents to exploring different techniques—with and without joints—it was a deep dive into the world of plush perfection.

A significant highlight was venturing into mohair! I crafted my first two mohair bears, which felt incredibly luxurious and rewarding. I loved dressing them up and even made a tiny sailboat for them. Say hello to Sassy and Salty, my nautical little friends! To help you on your own bear-making quest, I also put together a video covering the 10 essential basics of bear making, perfect for anyone looking to gain some foundational knowledge.

Beyond bears, I spent some time organizing my creative space, focusing on sorting fabrics by color and texture—a truly satisfying endeavor that makes future projects so much smoother. And with a touch of festive cheer, I crafted a charming Scandinavian heart Christmas ornament. This no-sew wonder, made from just two pieces of fabric woven together, was so simple yet so elegant!

I also embarked on a three-part “Two-Hour Teddy Bear” series, using a simple pattern for the head, paws, ears, and arms. While I hit a minor snag with the arm proportions, I’m already planning a re-do to perfect it. Crafting is all about learning and growing, right?

Looking Forward to a Festive July!

As we step into July, I’m shifting my focus to some wonderful home decor projects. With many of us enjoying outdoor activities and soaking up the summer sun, I thought it would be the perfect time to bring some cozy and creative touches into our homes.

I’ve already begun cutting out all the scales for some whimsical fish-shaped cushions, perfect for my wicker chairs. Imagine the splash of fun these will add!

Get ready for some truly unique tutorials! I’ll be showing you how to create delightful hats, purses, and accessories using everyday items like jar lids, bottle caps, and even pill bottle tops. It’s amazing what treasures you can make from things you might otherwise discard. Plus, I’ll be sharing a short tutorial on crafting noses and eyes for bears using a variety of materials like buttons, doll eyes, and epoxy sculpt. These little details truly bring a bear to life!

I’m also dedicating some time to revisit old videos and complete any unfinished projects I’ve suggested in the past. It’s a great way to tie up loose ends and refresh my creative flow. Behind the scenes, I’m tweaking my website and designing some snazzy new business cards—exciting times ahead!

And for a truly festive announcement, I’ve decided to enter my life-sized rooster and chicken creations, featured in my “Birds of a Feather” video series, into the prestigious Vancouver Island Exhibition! Wish me luck—I’m so thrilled to share them with a wider audience.

I apologize for the slight delay in getting the teddy bear videos out, but I’m thrilled to say they are now ready for you to enjoy! I truly hope you love these projects as much as I do. Remember, every master crafter started with the basics, so don’t hesitate to dive in and build your skills one stitch, one cut, one creative idea at a time. Happy crafting!