It's been a LONG time since I've made something just for fun for the house. This jade ampersand was the last official project. (PS, thanks to my new archive pages that post was SO easy to find).
The podcast and MAKE29 have me in a bit more of a "business" mindset mode than craft project mode. The garden is filling me up creatively. And, obviously, the active baby who moved in down the hall isn't the greatest supporter of "free-time."
But I have had this in my head for a few months and I have to say, IT WAS SO FUN TO MAKE THIS WEAVING.
Part of why I was hesitant to get started is I didn't want to have to build a giant loom. AND THEN I HAD A LIGHTBULB MOMENT and decided to use the backside of a giant canvas (it's 3x4 feet and the front side is a painting that hangs in our bedroom).
I strung white yarn back and forth and staple-gunned it into place. (Instead of having to fuss with nails.)
And then I wove and I wove and I wove. I used a few strips of cotton fabric to create more interesting texture and shapes (those were added first) and then three types of white yarn (all purchased at Jo-ann's).
The thing about weaving is that it's totally about texture and totally not about perfection. As long as you pay attention to not pulling too tightly, you can't mess this up. It's mindless and so enjoyable.
When I was done, I cut the bottom side and tied each end off and then carefully pulled up the staples on the top side.
I strung the whole thing on a stained wooden dowel from Lowe's. (The unharmed canvas went back on the wall.)
It's huge, 26x48 inches and it's hanging in our entryway. I love it.
ps : here are more reasons why I love weaving.
This week on ELISE GETS CRAFTY, I'm chatting with Tiffany Han about saying NO to say YES. Subscribe on iTunes or stream the episode here.
