Felt Coasters
I have to work hard to remind myself that successful crafts, cooking, and lives do not depend on an ascending scale of bigger and better. Sometimes you cook a souffle that rises higher than Conan O’Brien’s pompadour and sometimes you impress the entire neighborhood with the abundance of blooms on your windowsill or the most beautiful scarf in creation. Sometimes you take a trip to Paris that is a whirlwind of kir royales and romantic looks.
But then there is everyday life, which can want for inspiration and loveliness. Rather than feel the pressure to make a random Tuesday a carnival of amazement, I’m trying to remember how great the little touches are, and how satisfying making one tiny, pretty thing can be.
I’ve gotten back to basics here with the simplest materials: big squares of felt for $.44 and $.29 skeins of embroidery floss. I used a straightedge as my guide to cut the felt into smaller felt squares about 2×2 inches. Then I tried to figure out the blanket stitch. It was a cinch once I made up a way to stop and start a line of stitches. I worked on these while listening to great Brazilian music some friends brought back from their vacation in Rio. The coasters turned out sweet and lovely, a sure way to brighten any random Tuesday.
amanda: Beautiful photo (makes me want to flip through a POP catalog!).2 years ago
mary jane: Love that Tom Jobim. Cute, simply satisfying coasters too!2 years ago
Sarah: Amanda, A POP catalog?!? Here’s hoping! We could sell industrial lamps you designed?
Mary Jane, Actually, if you’re into Brazilian jazz, what I was actually listening to was this AMAZING record by Elizete Cardoso (I just now found a link). Keep that in mind, the next time you’re in a record store or, um, Brazil!2 years ago
Baerbel: Lovely post! I really like that all your projects are easy to do for normal un-crafty people. You rock!2 years ago
Chelsie: Sweet! I wish I was crafty! Ooh, I really like your glasses too. May I ask where you got them? Beautiful post.2 years ago
Alison R.: Haha, I love the link to “Robots” to illustrate everyday life. So funny! If only it didn’t feel true…2 years ago
Sarah: Chelsie, I got the glasses at Beatrice’s store when she taught us how to recover vintage dinette chairs.2 years ago
Elizabeth: I think I might be able to make these.Maybe.Crafty I am not.But they look gorgeous!2 years ago
soraya theophanous: Greetings from Limassol, Cyprus! I really enjoy visiting your page, thanks for sharing.2 years ago
Morgan: I too love these glasses. They are beautiful!1 year ago