Commisioned-ish

I get a lot of comments from people about commissioned work or interest in sewing/painting/drawing/baking lessons, but it often doesn't work out. People are rarely comfortable taking me up on my offer and I have enough projects of my own that I don't pursue their interests very strongly. Once in awhile everything comes together and I get to try something new for an excited audience. For the other parties involved, the memories are probably vague, but crafting with friends leaves me with strong, vivid, wonderful memories. Painting with April Dudley and Elizabeth Carter, making cards with my mom, baking with Anna Middlebrook, working with my sister, getting knitting tips from Abigail Wilson, ... I really wish I could go on and on, but did I mention how rarely this actually happens?

Eden and I attend a story time organized by our childrens librarian at a local bakery every Tuesday. It's quite fun- themed crafts and snacks, they really do a nice job. Another mother, a good friend and neighbor, was asking the librarian about resources for making your own flannel boards. The librarian was at a loss so I offered to try. We decided to do Old MacDonald for a trial run. Last night I watched a bit of Hulu and free handed some barn animals to see if  cheap, acrylic, embellished felt would be too heavy to stick to the flannel.

My friend is going to make the flannel board properly before we make more, but they seemed to work when I draped a piece of flannel over an arm chair. 

Now that I know I can do it, my friend is coming over Wednesday to learn the process and make the barn.

And who knows, maybe a sun, fence, tree, farmer, letters E, I & O... it could go on and on.

The librarian wants to see a portfolio when it's all finished and is considering commissioning a set. And on top of that, she wants something personally done for her daughter's birthday! Hopefully I'll be working on that this week and posting details soon.

I'm really excited about the potential crafting with friends stacking up: teaching someone to sew so she can make aprons for her nieces for Christmas (admittedly my favorite prospect), helping make 100% wool blankets for a sensitive skinned cutie, throwing a knitting party, helping someone learn to quilt.

My mom recently visited us for a week and we had a splendid time (especially Eden with all of her new toys :). I'll post pictures soon.