Felted Purse

I learned how to knit and crochet from my grandmother when I was in first grade and made a lot of scarfs, mittens, sweaters, doilies, hats, etc through high school but took a long hiatus from knitting for a loooong time.  Then I fell in love with the felted purse my girlfriend Lynda was making.

Here is a short tutorial so you can make your own!  Choose 100% wool yarn that will be your base yarn and add any decorative yarn (doesn't have to be 100% wool), and knit to the shape and size you want. Keep in mind the size will shrink approximately 20~40% depending on how long you felt.

This is what it looks like all knitted

Put the finished project inside a pillow case with the end tied so it won't come out during the wash.  Wash it in hot water in top loading washing machine (not enough agitation with front loading machine) with a little bit of detergent for about 10 min.  Check to see if it felted and wash some more until you get the desired felt and size. You will know when it's done when you no longer see your knitting stitches and it looks like a solid fabric. Put it through the spin cycle still in the pillow case.  Take it out of the pillow case and start shaping your purse by stuffing it with micro fiber towels.  Air dry until completely dry.  Add a beaded handle line the inside with fabric and this is what it looks like when it's done!

Tada!  All dressed up!

While searching for beads for the purse handles online I kept seeing so many beautiful creations.  Once I tried my first wire wrapping necklace I was hooked!  This is how my jewelry making journey began in 2008.

My Favorite Podcasts

I spend about 2 1/2~3 hours commuting to and from work.  I've tried to learn Spanish but being visual I just couldn't grasp it.  So searched for podcast that would continue to stimulate my right brain and here are my favs.

Craftcast with Alison Lee - Love Alison's podcast!  She is an incredible hostess and interviews the who's who in the craft world.  I really love her in-depth interview style and it's great to get to know so many master artists/teachers.  She also hosts online classes.  Check out her website!  http://www.craftcast.com/ 

Creative Mojo by Mark Lipinski - Mark is hysterical!  I don't think I had an episode where I didn't laugh out loud.  I just love hearing how he loves to collect or as he proclaims "hoards" craft supplies, tools, and books.  He makes me feel like I'm not alone in this feverish quest to fill up my studio with more stuff!

Craftypod by Sister Diane - So many great episodes by Diane.  I don't think there is a subject she hasn't discussed.  I've learned a lot about the business and marketing aspect of crafting which is so vital when you are first starting out.

Let me know your favorite crafting or jewelry making podcast.  Would love to add more to my list :)

Taking the Plunge!

I finally decided to take the plunge and created my blog!  Please excuse me while I step into uncharted territory.  My journey in jewelry making started in 2008 when I saw a felted purse made by my dear friend Lynda and she kindly taught me how.  While searching for the beads for the handles I kept coming across beautiful beads and jewelry created from them.  Since my first wire wrapping project I've ventured into Metal Clay (silver, copper, bronze), metal fabrication, and my latest obsession is enameling.  Time is one thing I don't have a lot of since I still work a full time job with a loooong commute but I try to use whatever time I have to create something that brings a smile to someone.

I currently have my work at two beautiful galleries on Kauai.  Nani Kauai Gallery located in Princeville Shopping Center on the North Shore and Moonbow Magic located in Hanapepe Town.  I feel very fortunate to have two incredible gallery owners supporting my art.

Thanks for joining my creative journey with me and hope you will find something that will adorn your heart.

Mahalo!

Kumi ♥