Purse Flex Frames, Kiss frames and Monkey frames

 Flex frame use them , like them, love them. For this crafter the verdict is still out.
 If your a crafter you have probably seen these little gems . They are flexible metal (kinda like what you find in slap bracelets) but have a pin or cotter joint pin as a post on the ends. You slide them into a sleeve and VIOLA! you have yourself a closeable pocket. They come in a wide selection of sizes or should I say lengths. I have been working with the smaller end, 3-4.5 inches in size.


Assorted Frames (B)

 Wow, that's the word, once encased into their sleeve and sewn into place, I can bearly open them. They are super strong. I made two coin purses from a re purposed needle felted clutch that I had made several years ago. My first thought was hmm.. I have put them in backwards. But if you really look at them ,there is only one way they can go and fit together nicely. I suppose, because they are so small, that whats makes them as strong as they are. If your point was NOT to lose your coins in the bottom of your purse. You will have a winner here.They are not impossible to get into, but watch your fingers as the re-snap is quick if you let go. pic.(D)



Flex frame coin purses (D)



This small purse will have a sewn on kiss frame. (C)



First try with sew on kiss frame (A)

The sewn in kiss frames are fairly easy to use. Draw around the frame to make pattern before you begin. I even found that as you get you purse made you may need to make adjustments as you start to sew it in place. Although not shown on piece below (C) I did use a simple over under running stitch , all the way to the end then back around to completely sew it in place. My first time doing it, it was really tight in in the opening joint see picture (A) I will probably take it out and remake the purse part of it.

 I was wondering why they call  monkey frames,, monkey frames. (assorted frame picture pic (B) in background) They don't look like a monkey. Something to ponder I guess. I purchased these from an Etsy shop that was going out of business.I have seen some really cute handbags made using them. Simple to do just create the bottom of your bag, make a  long small sleeve at the top, slip the unscrewed bar in and screw back together, 'interchangeable' perfect for the girl who can never have too many purse options.

Just one crafters view on trying to change things up and make some new and fun items for my Etsy shop and craft shows.   Enjoy! - TNfrmgrl
 











Happy April : Purple Obsession clutch & Easter Handbag

Wow, can you really believe that we are in month four of the year already.
We spent most of yesterday at the farm , prepping the garden for this next season. We are a few weeks behind, TN and the south has had some crazy stormy weather this year. Mother nature can't seem to make up her mind on if she wants it to be winter, spring, summer or all of the above, Today for instance we are under severe storm warnings, the sun is kind of shinning but dark clouds are on the horizon.The wind had picked up and a cool chill is in the air. Something is brewing.

Hopefully tomorrow I will semi be back on my feet. I got my CAM cast (removable about ten days ago), sure is nice to let the piggies breath. Still can't wiggle them much. Tomorrow I hope my doc. will get me up and let me try walking. We can only hope. I thought having a knee walker would be cool, but I'm slightly clumsy and have the bruises to show for it. Better then crutches I think??!!

Just got in a mad amount of purse supplies, so I really need to get cracking on making some new items. Flex frames might be fun; along with some sew in frames and two kiss clasp frames. A little different then my standard magnetic snap clutches.

I wrote about doing alcohol ink on scarves back last summer, we'll that didn't go like I thought it would, haven't completely given it up. I read several tutorials on ink/ dye resists on scarves, so we will try it again. armed with better info.  I am going to take the scarves I made then , put a resist on them , then dye them, wash out the resist, so only some of the colors from the first time come out. It really can't be that hard. Stay tuned.

This is the Purple Obsession clutch , it is listed on Etsy site. It is Extra large in size. Needle felted with a Merino Romney mixed fleece , then thread painted in a abstract pattern.

Easter Purse, made from camel brown felt , then needle felted, wet felted then sewn onto bag to create a lovely 3D effect.

- Tnfrmgrl

New felted clutch puses

Made a couple of new needle felted clutches this week. Both came out pretty cute.

 thats it for now , have a great weekend. -TNfrmgrl

1-1-13 Tree cuttings

leaning tree to be removed

side view of it split

We found this interesting wood face after it came down last spring, when they cut the tree they left the stump .
 So very personable I think.

There is always something  to do at our farm. 

On this fine first day of the new year we find ourself with the job of cutting down a tree.               

It had split about a year ago.

a little bit of fun BEFORE the work begins.

Coming down

 cleanup begins

Fiber Bracelets and more

Good morning, I have been busily posting new bracelets picture on my Etsy site so I thought to share them here too.
More views and other NEW items can be found at www.theartsyclutch.etsy.com

Vines of Fiber

Canyon Lands

Dreams of Spring

Swirls & Swirls