L is for Letterboxing

Another one of my favorite pass times is Letterboxing. It is the reason I started carving stamps. The basic concept is that there are thousands of little containers (Lock N' Locks are my favorite) all over the world. In these containers are a stamp and a book. You also have a stamp and a book. You follow the directions, hopefully finding the prize which is the stamp. First you stamp the boxes stamp in your book. Then stamp your stamp in the boxes book. If you like it you repeat the process. Some of the stamps I have found are simply amazing. Most have been hand carved, which I prefer. The best place I have found to get the directions and discuss the finer points of the hobby is Atlas Quest. They have a great section for beginners and information on how the hobby started. I would like to share some of my favorite pages out of my book with you all.

This one is my favorite because Gwen carved them when she was 6 and 7.

These were from a Renaissance event.

 

L is also for LTC

LTCs or Letterbox Trading Cards are a branch off from letterboxing. They are 3 1/2 x 2 1/2 and contain a hand carved stamp. Other than that you there aren't other rules. Sometimes the swaps focus on a certain theme and those are my favorite. These are a few of the cards I made.

Morning Star

Hugin and Munin

Gadget

Dronkey

Yellow Trumpet Tree Blossom

Hey Diddle Diddle

Gwen made this one it is Epona from Zelda.

Follow your craft,
Michelle

B is for Basket Weave Stitch

So this stitch was under the easy category. The pattern didn't have me dropping or picking up stitches or anything I hadn't done before. However, the yarn I chose to make it out of gave me fits. First, it is variegated. The variegated yarn is awfully pretty on the spool, but rough on the eyes when combined with basket weave. Second, it was cotton yarn which behaved totally different from the acrylic and wool I had been using. Of course that is another story for another day...like tomorrow's C. I couldn't really see the pattern with the variegated yarn.

I tried some of the yarn left over from Gwen's scarf and the pattern just popped out. I love the way it looks. This stitch would look amazing as a huge blanket and it is dense so it would keep you toasty all night.

I did find a use for the swatch I made with the variegated yarn. It is the perfect size to be a Monster High Doll skirt. Gwen seems pleased with it.

This is the pattern that I used, the same one that I shared with you earlier. I wish I had looked around a little before I picked the pattern because the E-How video is simpler. I can't wait to make something out of this stitch using the easier method.

B is also for Busy

We were blessed to get to go to Disney and a few other outings that have kept me from crafting as much as I would like. Your bonus for B is an adorable picture of the kids at Disney.

Follow your craft,
Michelle