sewZinski-Where Flossy meets Saucy

DIY your own sewZinski flower journal!

2011-08-01T13:28:00.000-04:00

Check out Do It Yourself Magazine's Fall 2011 Issue. There's a whole spread on embroidered creations. The article features a hand embroidered flower journal cover that I made. You can download the free template at BHG.com/DIYflowerjournal. Embroider it up, applique it on, and you're ready to go with some fun new hand embroidered embellishments.

If you have any questions on the project I'm happy to help! Just drop me a message here or shoot me an email at sew.zinski (at) gmail (dot) com.

There's also a bunch of amazing embroiders featured. Be sure to check out their pages as well. I haven't picked up my copy yet, but when I do I'll be sure to update their links here.

Have fun stitching!

Summer Time Giveaway!

2011-06-20T13:27:00.001-04:00

It's summer. It's hot. If you're like me, the only thing that makes you want to leave the house is a visit to the beach, air conditioned shops, or cold drinks with friends. To celebrate the onslaught of summertime fun, I've decided to host a giveaway! That way you can shop from the comfort of your air conditioned home, and maybe grab something fun for when you do decide to venture out into the real world.

To enter, please visit my shop on Etsy here, look around, and tell me which item is your all time favorite. Then post your response with the link to your favorite item below this blog post, or on my Facebook Page.

I will pick one person at random on June 30th to receive a $25.00 store credit to be used on anything in the shop! I don't care if the item is new, old or sold. I'd love to see what people's favorite items are. It'll help me in creating new lines in the future.

Feel free to spread the word, and thanks for stopping by!

xxxx Sarah

UPDATE JULY 5TH!
Thank you to everyone that participated in my sewZinski.blogspot.com giveaway on the blog and my facebook page. The winner is Betsy Kaplan! (I sent you a message Betsy on how to redeem your $25.00 store credit.) What fun! Met a lot of cool people and got valuable feedback on my products. You guys are the best!

Kapow!

2011-05-30T13:51:00.001-04:00

Hand Painted Sake Cups upcycled from vintage Coor's lab apothecary crucibles

The other day I was hand painting these little sake cups and my stepson walked in and remarked that they were cool. This is always a good thing, since he's a young teen and I imagine he has a much better grip on what's cool than I do. Since his 13th birthday was coming up this weekend, I decided to make him cupcakes that were decorated in a similar style.

I imaged hand painting the cupcakes with icing. Comic book sound effects on the tops of the treats with colored sugar and black icing. Each one being a little yummy work of art.... then I remembered that I don't really have time or patience for that kind of silliness, so I came up with this solution instead.

It was a much quicker solution to making cupcakes look cool. I hand designed cupcake toppers and wrappers, cut and punched them all out and threw them onto the delicious vehicles of cream cheese and chocolate. KAPOW! Decorated, yummy treats in under an hour.

I thought I'd share the cupcake toppers and wrappers as a PDF for anybody that wanted to do this themselves. There are two versions of the cupcake toppers, in case you wanted to get really fancy and color them yourself. (personal use only please.)

Black and White Comic Book Sound FX Cupcake Toppers PDF

Color Comic Book Sound FX Cupcake Toppers PDF

Kapow Cupcake Wrapper color/black and white PDF

Supplies to make cupcake decorations

You will need:

paper for your printer (I used heavy cardstock, but regular printer paper works)

Scissors

1" hole punch

clear tape

clear glue stick

colored toothpicks

decorative hole punch for starburst design

Print out the desired cupcake toppers. Color if needed. Punch them out. Punch out paper for backing. I used plain white paper to back the words and starburst design, but after I was done, I realized it would look even cooler if I had used a micro dot patterned card stock. But the plain white paper worked too.

Apply the glue stick to the insides of both circles, put a toothpick in between and press together. Let dry.

Color and cut out the cupcake wrappers, tape the ends together with clear tape. Be careful not to overlap the ends too much or your cupcake won't fit inside. The larger opening is the top where the cupcakes get dropped in. Insert the finished cupcake toppers and you're done!

Finished decorations before adding to the cupcakes

BRING ON THE CUPCAKES!

Here's the recipe for the yummy cupcakes I made to be dressed up with the wrappers and toppers. I chose a chocolate cupcake with a creme cheese filling because I thought it added a nice KAPOW to the dessert. I'm sure you will agree. Remember, I was on a time limit here, so to make it super easy, I used a boxed cake mix and creme cheese frosting out of a can. If you feel like Donna Reed, you could go the old school route and make everything by scratch.

So I found this recipe for self filling cupcakes at AllRecipes.com, and changed a few things.

Following the directions from the recipe above, I used a Devil's Food Cake Mix for the base. The changes I made were as follows:
-do NOT mix the chocolate chips in with the cream cheese filling.
-When it comes time to add the cream cheese filling, use1 Tablespoon instead of 1 teaspoon. -Before covering with batter, place a bunch of chocolate chips on top of the cream cheese. This makes for a creamy filling that also keeps the chewy chocolate chips still intact.

The cupcakes end up looking pretty full, but that's good because it all settles in baking.

Cover cupcakes with a bit of batter, you don't need to hide everything.

While baking the cream cheese filling and chocolate chips should sink down to the middle of the cupcake while being enveloped by the rest of the batter. So when they are finished, they look like a regular cupcake.

finished cupcakes with a hidden surprise of YUM!

Just ice them, decorate, and you're ready to blow people's minds with your amazing crafty culinary skills. The boy was impressed, so was my man. I was happy that I was able to accomplish baking a delicious, pretty treat.

Happy Birthday C!

Cupcakes without wrappers. Still yummy.

You're so Pretty

2011-04-15T17:56:00.000-04:00

I actually decided to take an afternoon off from crafting. It's been much needed. The day was going well, painting nails, listening to Beach House, and waiting for my friend to use Google Talk to video chat. (I just discovered the wonders of this. I heart it so much right now when I'm missing my out of town girlies.)

The major added bonus to my afternoon was a package that arrived. I had decided to do an exchange with Cara from Little Pretties by Cara Veeder. It was a box from her. Let's just say I was blown away! Not only did I receive amazing earrings, but packaging is so well thought out and put together. She added a bonus or two which made it all that more exciting. I love surprises!

the diamond earrings are suede. love.

Her work is adorable. Very well made and a keen eye for what's feminine, yet classically cool. I couldn't wait to wear all of the earrings. The thing that made me smile the most was the card that said "You're so pretty." Who doesn't want to open a package and have a card in there telling them that? Totally sweet. And yes, when I put her earrings on I feel pretty.

Thank you Cara!

Please visit her wonderful Etsy shop. She has lots of goodies in price ranges that make the "one for you and two for me" gift buying concept work. This also made me realize I have a lot of work to do in the marketing department. I want to have cute packaging too! Cara, you've inspired me. I need to step up my game.

To Japan, with Love by Hey Jen Renee

2011-03-14T09:20:00.000-04:00

click here to bid

Please visit my talented and generous friend's blog, Hey! Jen Renee, to read more about how you can help support Red Cross Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Disaster Relief Efforts.

She is putting up for auction a gorgeous handmade Noro yarn knitted scarf. I know that if something happened in the U.S. like the disaster that happened in Japan last week, we would appreciate any efforts others would make towards helping us overcome such devastation. Thanks for checking it out and be sure to spread the word and share her link with others!

Here's the beautiful handmade scarf up for auction

I've gone international

2011-02-08T14:54:00.000-05:00

Yes, it's been a few months since I posted, but I plan on changing all of that soon. The holiday season opened my eyes to a whole new meaning of the word "busy". Luckily it sparked a lot of inspiration, new designs, new lines, and new markets for me to pursue. All of that will be revealed here soon, but for now, I thought I'd share a great artist/designer website with you.

Click here to be transported to showcase

Check out the February showcase and you will find sewZinski work and an interview with me! I will also be selling at her shop soon. I'm excited.

I like coffee... I like to draw... Let's combine the two...

2010-11-17T11:14:00.000-05:00

Dino Disco Boogie Clutch-$75.00

Recently, I've been thinking of other ways I can use my love of designing and creating on different mediums besides embroidering on leather. As much as I enjoy that, it's nice to change things up a bit.

The requirements I made for myself for these new projects: I need the items to be affordable and desirable to both men and women. I also want the new items to still fall under the "eco-friendly" category, like my wallets do with their mostly upcycled leather composition. What to do... what to do...

Then I had remembered back to when I used to work paint on ceramics, both at work and for my own personal amusement. It was enjoyable, but the past products had mixed results because I have little patience for painting, and the glazes aren't true to color until they are fired in a kiln. This lead to some interesting color combos in finished products. (damn, I wish I had a picture of what I've made in the past to insert here. It would definitely be the punchline.)

So I did a little research and discovered a product that I LOVE!!! Pebeo Porcelaine 150 Paint Markers.

Alfonzo approves of my choices

They can be a little tricky to use since they have a tendency to clog. I've read this complaint over and over again, so I kinda wish they'd look into a better delivery system to the head of the marker. When they do work correctly, they are a joy to use.

After much experimenting and research to make sure they are durable and safe, I looked for a product I could use as the vehicle for my drawings. I settled on a double wall insulated ceramic travel mug with silicone lid.

Artemis looks like she NEEDS coffee, but I'm pretty sure that's not good for kitties

Diving into things the way I normally do, I just started drawing. I hate carbon paper, and I'm not a huge fan of tracing, so I usually draw everything by hand directly onto the surface of whatever it is I'm working on. Hours later, I was covered in paint and very satisfied with the results of my work. Here's the first batch of mugs I've made.

Ahoy!-front of mug

Ahoy!- back of mug

Reveille- back of mug

Reveille- front of mug

Sweet Cheeks- front of mug

Sweet Cheeks- back of mug

As you can see, I drew a lot of inspiration from old sailor and circus tattoos. I find the line work of tattoo flash very conducive to drawing with these paints, but I'll be pulling from other sources for more designs on ceramics in the future. I need to do a few that are a bit more manly as well.

So that's my new drawing endeavor--- What do you think? I still have a lot to learn, but I think it's going to be a fun journey. There is always opportunity to personalize these mugs, just ask me through the convo link on the left in my Etsy shop and I'd be happy to customize one for you! Or shoot me an email at sew.zinski (at) gmail (dot) com.

I'm thinking they'd be great gifts for the coffee loving man or woman you love. Also a great disguise for the closet alcoholics in your life.

"What's that Aunt Bessie? Yes, I'd LOVE to spend the Holidays listening to you be passive-aggressive about my cooking. Let me just grab my eco-friendly "coffee" mug."

Christmas shopping, done.

Let me also take this moment to plug my most favoritest yummiest coffees in the world:

Seattle Coffee Works! Their single origin whole bean coffee is so outstanding, you'll wonder why you ever spent money on chain house coffee swill. If you don't know where to begin, I suggest my favorite guatemala-antigua-finca-aurelio-y-lorena. I don't know how to pronounce it, but I love to drink it. Plus only $5 flat rate delivery. Try it. I keep hoping they'll sponsor my crafting, but alas, it hasn't happened yet.

I also have friend, Calee Himes, that paints lovely ceramics, be sure to check out her hand-painted goodies here. She's located in Des Moines, IA and can usually be found at Market Day.

Here' a How to from Louchelab on painting ceramics yourself if you'd like to give it a go.

Thanks for checking out my new goodies!

I've been a Busy little bee...

2010-10-01T11:00:00.003-04:00

Super Hero Lightning Bolt Metallic Leather Headband

Wow! Things just got rather crazy rather quickly. In the middle of getting ready for Stitch Rock I had a bunch of wholesale orders and custom requests come in. I had to decide if I wanted to take them, and not do Stitch, or go to Stitch and pass on the orders.

After much pondering, I decided NOT to do Stitch Rock. YES, it's a fabulous show, YES, I'd probably make money, and meet TONS of sweet people, and YES I'm bummed I'm not going... but I'm trying to think long term too. I think either decision has it's positives and negatives, I hope I made the right choice.

Sooooo....because I'm not doing Stitch Rock, and I already had a bunch of new merch done for the show, in the next couple of weeks my Etsy shop will be brimming with lots of new items I've never listed on there before. Headbands, hair clips, bracelets, rings, appliques, wall art, wool felt items, and (of course) WALLETS!

That part is exciting for me too. It always seems like I push myself to create up to the last minute of a show, but I don't push myself as hard to create as many items for my shop. That has changed. I am going to concentrate a lot more on making for my shop as if it WAS a show. Because in reality, it is.... MY SHOW. It should always be full and stocked with the best and newest of my abilities. I'm EXCITED!! I'm INSPIRED!! (hence the multiple usage of CAPITAL LETTERS! AND EXCLAMATION POINTS!!!)

I'm working on some new items that got me giddy and my embroidery hands itching to get stitchin. I've acquired, through much sweat and toil over EBAY auctions, (damn things are so addictive) a bunch of vintage fabrics that I will be incorporating with my embroidery to create wall art and mixed fiber art pieces. I've been wanting to do this for awhile, it's time to just dive in and begin. The giant floor standing embroidery hoop is going to be my new BFF. The only downside is they might take awhile to complete, so I'm going to need to dig deep and be patient with myself.

Oh, and here's a link to my Pinterest Embroidrery Favs. This list is constantly growing because I still haven't transferred all of my Favorite embroidery finds from my Flickr Favorites. I love looking through this Embroidery Group on Flickr as well.

Here's a link to a blog that I think is clever and has a bajillion things I want and love:

The Jealous Curator

(She has an eye for design and a love of handmade that I admire)

now... back to Stitching!

(one last thing, of course I still have time for more customs and orders. The holidays are getting closer, and I love making presents for you and your friends. Multi orders will get you a discount!)

The Perfect Laura Palmer

2010-09-03T15:51:00.003-04:00

Soaking up the last languid days of summer require the perfect afternoon cocktail. Luckily, my friend Brenda has fixed that problem for me with her Laura Palmer Drink Recipe. If you enjoy ice tea, vodka, and lemonade, this drink is for you.

I recently found the PERFECT glasses for drinking this lovely libation out of.

vintage ice tea glasses found on Winkinpossum's Etsy Shop

These glasses are the perfect height, frosted, with a kick-ass pony and black star design. Cool and a bit wicked looking at the same time...just like Laura Palmer.

I also wanted to thank WinkinPossum for great customer service. She knows how to treat her Etsy customers right.

Enjoy Your Labor Day Weekend!

Angry Rooster

2010-08-25T10:05:00.000-04:00

Angry Rooster

Got some props on Dude Craft. That makes a girl's day. I would definitely recommend checking his blog.

Perfectly cool example of things he finds that I otherwise would have never heard about would be this fantasy tree house.

via DudeCraft more pics on Dornob

It's like Hansel and Gretel meets the Ewoks meets Lord of the Rings. Who wouldn't want to have that to play in as a child?

mmm... BACON.

2010-08-18T12:56:00.003-04:00

photo courtesy of mgbales on Flickr

It's Iowa State Fair week back in my home town of Des Moines, IA. This means it's hot as hell outside, and there will be about 100,000 people walking around with bellyaches from all the crazy food concoctions at the fair. Anything you ever wanted (and didn't know you wanted) can be found there to consume with fervor. Most of the food items on sticks. The Fair is full of people watching, beer, and gluttony.

This got me to thinking that I never got to try the chocolate covered bacon at the fair last year. This is a travesty that must be corrected.

Now that I live in Fl, I realize that bacon love is not just a localized Iowa thing. Bacon worship can take many forms: Paintings, scarves, jewelry, housewares... the list goes on. Here are a few goodies to tempt your bacon loving tastebuds. The color combo of brown, pinks, reds and white are very pleasing, and a great way to saunter into fall. No napkin needed.

Bacon Board Pinterest

Bacon bowtie $40.00 by Toybreaker

Guilty Pleasures no1. print $15.00 by twoofhearts

Bacon Magnets $4.99 by The Design Dudes

hand painted scarf $57.00 by crrysstall

better than bacon notecard by scarletbloom $14

Felt Bacon Wristlet by purpleandlime $17.00

Bacon Coaster Set by diffractionfiber $18.00

Hand Carved Bacon Stamp by sugarskull7 $10.00

hand crochet bacon scarf by bernicesutherland $80.00

Lastly I thought I'd share my favorite bacon recipe of all time. It's called meat candy. Please to enjoy:

3 packs of little smokies

3 packs of really good bacon, none of that low fat stuff

1 lb. of brown sugar

toothpicks

cookie sheet

aluminum foil

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F

Cut the bacon into thirds, roll a little smokie inside one of the thirds, spear with toothpick.

Repeat until all the bacon and smokies are wrapped and lined up neatly in foil covered cookie sheet.

Then cover entire bacon/smokie line-up with brown sugar

Place in oven for about 1.5 hours. The brown sugar will caramelize the fats in the bacon creating a hard candy shell.

After bacon looks cooked and crispy around the smokies, remove and transfer to another plate. If you let them sit too long, they will stick to pan.

Then scarf down your meat candy! Don't forget to share. If you bring this to a party, be prepared to be asked to make it over and over again. It is always a favorite.

First Florida Show

2010-08-06T10:42:00.000-04:00

Craft shows. You never know what the day is going to be like. This particular show will be my first one since I moved down to Florida in January. Away from the familiar, I must admit I'm a bit nervous.

Previous shows I've done in Iowa were with familiar places and friendly faces. Craft Saturday was a great gathering of local indie crafters from Iowa run by a talented and super accommodating crafter extraordinaire Danelle Williams. She always made me feel welcome, and brought in a great variety of artists and crafters. The best part was I could share a table with my fellow crafter, neighbor, and bestie Chrissy Jensen, who now owns Domestica .

Showing up to her house early in the morning to tag my products, hauling the tables in and out of the venue, filling my travel mug full of secret cocktails to make the day more interesting, and laughing.... a lot. She held my hand through a lot of the process and I liked it.

Now, it's just me.

Bigger venue, more crafters, more everything, and it's all new to me. No familiar faces, no return customers, no inside jokes. I'll admit, it's a bit intimidating, but this is what I asked for. I wanted to follow my dream of being ME. The me that I wanted to be. "BE Your Own Hero". That keeps repeating in my head after listening to Eps.34 on Indie BIz Chicks podcast by Chrissy Herron.

I'm ok with the newness. I've made friends with it. It will be the motivation that makes me push myself. Without the familiar, there are no preconceived expectations, which means I can raise the bar as high as I want.

Now it's not JUST me. It's me and whatever else I want to achieve.