Eclectic Studio - Tammy Morrison-Koenig

I  found this pattern for these hex slippers on ravlery last year and love the pattern so much I have now made 3 pairs. They are an extra warm cabin slipper.    These are not for beginners because of the adjustments you have to make when making and attaching the soles, but overall these slippers are fairly easy to stitch up and a great way to stash bust your yarn. http://priscillascrochet.net/free%20patterns/Wearables/Hexagon%20Boot%20Slippers.pdf This hexagon slipper has a double thick sole and is made up of 3 motifs per slipper but if you wanted to make them into slipper boots just add 2 more motifs at the top of each slipper attaching in the front and back V and sides.  I did take into consideration some of the other peoples reviews that have worked up these slippers and rounded off the toes on the last 2 rows by sc2tog at each end. Also the instructions were not that clear on the hook sizes for the different shoe sizes, I used a 5 for these pairs r...

This plant only eats once a year and is fed by the children that didn't use their manners from last Halloween. As you can see this plant does not go hungry. I don't know if it a man eater anymore than an ill mannered child eater. I created this man eater out of a balloon and paper mache (see my recipe for paper mache paste here) http://tampster1.blogspot.ca/2015/10/haunted-paper-mache-pumpkins.html#.VhKOI_lViko . So to start this project,  I first covered the base in a few layers of stripping and then took fuller sheets that have been soaked in the paste and folded and manipulated it to form the ridge.   The tongue is just the mouth cut out, turned 90 degrees and reattached. The mouth was built up using tinfoil that was rolled into a snake and taped on. Then it was all mached together. I cut some thin corrugated cardboard in the shape of the leaf and paper mached it into place. Then I added some veins using pasted paper towels that i laid down to add ...

People are always asking questions about these wonderfully frighting pumpkins so I thought I would share some trade secrets so that you can construct your own. These pumpkins have been to h*ll and back and have the scars to show for it. I was inspired by the pumpkin ideas from the Stolloween site. If you have never checked this site out, go now! He has the most AMAZING pumpkins and Halloween props around. This site also has recipes for paper mache and paper clay. This is the recipe I use for my paper mache. 1/3 cup flour 2 tbsp rice flour 2 tsp salt 1 tsp baking soda 2 cups boiling water 1 cup cool water 1. Mix the dry ingredients. 2. Mix in the cool water with a fork or whisk, adding the water a little at a time to keep it as smooth as possible. 3. Stir the flour mixture into the boiling water. 4. Allow it to boil for two or three minutes. This can be stored in the fridge for a few days, just stir it up and you are ready to use it again.  I find this to be the mos...

When you lack a "front door" you have to draw the crowds in some how. So our show stopper this year will be the Mausoleum for the from of the garage. A very quick and effective Halloween project that is sure to be a conversation piece among the neighbors. You will notice that there are 2 empty spots these will be saved for a dead body and an empty spot.  These super easy faux stone markers are made from 1 inch foil backed insulation sheets. I purposefully used these because they can take spray paint, hot glue and writing.  From 1 sheet I managed to get 22  9*21 inch blocks which fits perfectly into the "framed" spaces.  Then I lightly sprayed the foil side with black spray paint, this allows a little of the silver to show through, which add dimension. Then I took my oil pencil and added the wording, nothing fancy and not all the same. I did use some stencils for some and free handed others. Using the wax pencil also makes it weather proof alleviating the step...

I t's that time of year again when we start our Halloween decorations and planning. This year we needed to add some new grave markers and this is what we came up with. Supplies needed: *plaster of Paris                             *water, bowl, and stir stick                              *molds                              *pink or blue polystyrene insulation sheets. I used 1 inch and 1/2 inch sheets                              *Exacto knife, box cutter, solder gun                              *black, white and brown exterior paint and paintbrush                    ...

"Sleigh Ride" is one of the fragrances from New Directions that I receieved for the more masculine soaps I made this year and I love it!  Their description of the scent includes top notes of eucalyptus, citrus, ozone floral with nuances of strawberry. Floral mid notes of cinnamon, carnation and tuberose blend into a warm base of cedar, violet, balsam, powder and musk.  It may be just be me but when I smell it I am reminded of my grandpas sweet pipe tobacco. Inspired by the name of the fragrance, I designed this soap in a white base (snow) and added a pencil line of activated charcoal (for the shadows that you would see on a moonlit stroll through the woods)and added a sharp peaked top that shimmer with white glitter (to represent the shimmery snow caps in the moonlight) . This soap is a treat for all your senses. What do you think? Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Adeps Suillus, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, tita...

Isn't this crocheted "Spiderman" inspired hat the cutest? If my little man could wear this hat day and night he would, he loves it that much. :D I found the pattern here spiderweb hat (free pattern)  made some adjustments to the size and edging, added some eyes and instantly I gain super hero status in my kids' eyes.  This is a really nice thick hat, with a raised stitch. Leave the eyes off and it is still a very nice hat for older boys or girls too.

Thank you Pinterest and all of you that contribute to it. I always feel like a kid in a candy shop when I visit this sight. I was already a crafty person dabbling in many interests, but this site has really given me the opportunity to explore areas that I would have never thought of before, like crochet. Never been formally taught to read a pattern or follow a chart, I did manage to struggle through a few scarfs and a Barbie blanket or two..lol. But since I joined this wonderful site I've learned so much and can sit down and follow both a pattern and a chart with no problems. So this year for all the kids in my life I made them hats. I know you are asking what kid wants a hat for Christmas. Well now I am having a hard time getting them to remove them as they think they are cats meow!  :) This first one is the "lalaloopsy" inspired doll hat.  SOOOO Cute. I just winged this, as it is really quite straight forward. Basic beanie (I stopped at row 8 and switche...

  I am so excited to have put together this Halloween Paper doll costume this year. It will be completed with anime doll makeup and a big red buffon wig.   This is an easy no-sew, last-minute easy Halloween costume idea.  Here is how mine came together. Supplies needed:  2 pieces of poster board. This color choice will all depend on your outfit. I chose white as I knew I would be painting it.                  pencil                   scissors                  a formfitting outfit you already own                  sharpie or another permanent marker           ...

Here is one of the techniques I use to attain the rotting flesh look on cheap plastic dollar store Halloween props.  Supplies you will need: plastic body parts or skeletons cheap plastic wrap - it doesn't matter what brand  heat gun or high-temperature hairdryer wood stain ( I used oak because that is what I had laying around) spray paint ( red and black) craft paint (red, black, dark brown, white, grey and green)   First, wrap your cheap skulls or bones in a few layers of plastic food wrap. It doesn't matter what brand. Then take your heat gun and melt areas away until you get your desired look. Some hairdryers may not be able to get hot enough to do this. Then take your wood stain and start adding a little colour.  Color choices are completely up to you but i used red, flesh, dark brown, black, white, grey. On the skull, I added some black spray paint in the hallows of the eyes to add a little more dimension.  Hope this in...