Inspired by Tohoku Totes: Dominque Santiago Designs

Introducing ATA Girl Dominque Santiago of DS Designs

Dominique is an artist with a sewing machine and material.  Everything she has shown me has been wonderful, so I asked if she would be interested in being one of our ATA Girls.  Once she stopped jumping up and down in excitement - I put her to work coming up with the following article and something to put in our ATA Girls store.  I think you will be pleasantly surprised.  In addition -some of her other projects have also included these wonderful items.  (I'm trying to convince her she needs to make some to put in the store.)

To reach Dominique - simply place comment on this article - or contact her directly at dsdesigns21@gmail.com.   For now - read on and get to know our newest ATA Girl!  ~    Dani

 The Tote

I fell in love with the Tohoku tote the first time I saw it.  I have made 5 versions of this tote using different fabrics and have a few more planned.  As a mom, it's a cute alternative for a "diaper bag" since my kids are getting older (only one left in diapers and hopefully not for long!).  I can fit a days worth of "stuff" including a diaper or two, snacks, my wallet, phone, camera (I never go too far without it), and even a water bottle.  Sometimes a toy car or dinosaur make it in there too - can you tell I have two boys?

Anyway, onto my version of the tote... 

There are a couple immediate differences I incorporated into the pattern - the most obvious includes replacing the bow with a flap.  This was strictly a personal preference.  I have nothing against bows.  This one is just a little to big for my taste and I think the flap gives it a little more security and dimension - and it was with the help of Dani that this was used instead.  THANKS Dani!!  I am, however, a HUGE fan of buttons, as you will see on most of my other projects.  I just love love love them!  So, the flap was a perfect spot to add one (or two) as an embellishment.  On some I also added a yo yo fabric flower underneath my button.  On others, I used a ribbon through the holes of a large button.  Therefore, I also put the same magnetic snap as in the tutorial on the flap instead of on the inside as shown in the original directions.

One of the things I discovered upon making totes and purses is that it is helpful to use a more sturdy fabric as the liner.  It is similar to canvas or twill and I found it at Joanne's in the utility section.  It is relatively inexpensive (and I will only buy it when on sale or with a coupon – or both).  The other difference, although pretty minor, is the addition of an extra pocket.  Perhaps the most important one, I made mine to perfectly fit my cell phone.  :)  The double pocket is perfect for the credit card wallet, lipstick or chapstick, keys, etc...

I use accent fabric on some of these totes that is recycled corduroy pants I found at Goodwill.  Lastly I also use interfacing as it is mentioned in the linked tutorial which adds yet another layer of “sturdiness”.  I added interfacing to the straps which is another change from the original. I found it helps stiffen them.

As for the credit card wallet, it is easy and I really didn't diverge from the tutorial linked here.  It is super quick and easy and I almost always include it with my totes or purses that I have given as gifts.  I love to use the button closure version (surprised?).  Personally, this is what I use to keep all my gift cards, that would normally get lost in my "regular" wallet.  I also use it to hold an id, a credit card or two and cash when I don't want to carry my full, bulky wallet on a night out.  It also holds wallet size photos (I may have one or two of these).  Lastly, this is perfect to put gift cards into when giving them as gifts to others since it adds a little personal touch to an impersonal type gift. 

Some of the other things I have made in the past include: pillow covers, valences, curtains, table cloths, a skirt, heating pads with matching storage bag, owls, penguins, whales, kids messenger bags, day purse, evening clutch, e-reader sleeve, fabric square storage bin, comforter covers, and roman shades. (Damn you Pinterest!)

A few projects on the horizon include, make up bags, more totes and purses (always coming up with new designs), lunch and snack bags, table runner, place mats, maybe a quilt and whatever else I can think of  to make!  I'm always open to ideas!!  I am happy that I will be able to feature a number of my new designs and projects in the ATA Girl store.

Here is the link to the blog with the pattern and detailed tutorial for the tote:  http://www.iammommahearmeroar.net/2011/09/tohoku-tote.html.

Here is the link to the wallet:  http://mysocalledgreenlife.com/2011/08/how-to-sew-credit-card-wallet-business.html

Garden Fresh: Kale and Potato Au Gratin Recipe

So -- much to my surprise our garden is doing well this year.  Considering that much of Wisconsin is in a  state of extreme drought, our little spot of paradise in the upper northern section seems to be getting all the rain that everyone else wants.  Which means that all the rain barrels Leo and I created this spring to hoard the rain water (we now have about 1000 gallons saved!) has not been needed .... yet.  I anticipate that August will empty our containers without any trouble at all.   Anyway - back to my point.

I have an overabundance of certain veggies (Kale and Zucchini specifically), so I decided to take a look at my stash of recipes to find something tasty.  I made a Kale and Potato Au gratin that turned out so great I thought I'd share.  After all - artsy people do have to eat now don't they.

1 large bunch of kale (about 1 pound) washed, remove leaves from stalks and tear or cut into pieces.

1 small onion - diced

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon butter

3 large potatoes, peeled and sliced into ¼ inch thick slices

2 tablespoons butter (sliced into pats)

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp salt

½ tsp pepper

1/2 cup shredded cheese (Colby-jack or cheddar)

2 tablespoons flour

2 tablespoons of butter

3/4 cup milk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Oil or grease a 2-quart baking dish.

In a saute pan, heat olive oil and butter.  Saute onion until soft.  Add Kale to pan and cook until wilted, stirring occasionally.   Let cool.

In same pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.  Stir in flour until smooth.  Slowly add milk, stirring constantly.  Once milk starts to thicken, add salt, garlic powder and pepper, stirring constantly.  Add shredded cheese and stir until cheese has melted.   Set aside.

 

Layer potatoes and kale mixture in baking dish, making sure you start and end with the potatoes. 

 Place pats of butter on each kale layer.  Once layers are complete. 

Pour sauce mixture over entire dish.

Cover and bake at least 45 minutes or until potatoes are done.

I think you will love this change from a traditional dish.  Enjoy!

~ Dani

Steampunk Egg: Get it in Gear

Today's story starts a few years ago, when I asked my sister (Diane) to travel to an "egg show" with me.  I was teaching classes and needed someone to "man" my booth in the convention hall.  She graciously agreed and was instantly immersed in a whole new world of art.

The first year was kind of rocky - but at the end she said she had a good time.  The second year, after I pleaded and begged for her to go with me again, she agreed.  We also did some inspirational thinking and came up with a new kind of egg for her to create.  Something never before seen.  I cut an ostridge egg for her and she took off.  She covered it with a 2 part paint that made it look like it rusted, and put different sizes and dimensions of spikes through it (also rusted). Finally she wrapped the some bright gold wire around some spikes and added gold wire springs to the whole creation.  What a stir it created - everyone stopped at the table to talk to her.  She definitely made an impression with her first ever egg creation.

On the ride home, we started talking about other designs she could do.  She tossed an idea out that I loved.  Unfortunately - I've been a VERY bad sister and haven't sent her the eggs I promised, all cut and ready for her to decorate.  Imagine my surprise when last week a surprise turned up in the mail (it was my b-day).  She took the idea and ran with it anyway - creating something so absolutely COOL that I took it to work and it sits on my desk.   Read on for more on this incredible design.  Guess I'll really have to send her those egg boxes I cut for her now!

BTW - Diane - you are the best sister EVER --- I LOVE my egg.  ~ Dani

The SteamPunk Egg  ~ by Diane

My sisters birthday was coming up and since she is an "Egger" ( A person that decorates real bird eggs with beads and dioramas etc) I thought I would put my somewhat less traditional touch on a somewhat less traditional egg and send it to her as a gift.

"Steampunk" refers to a blend of Victorian/Science Fiction kind of Time Machine-esque fashion, accessories and costumes that feature the victorian colors and styles along with a science fictiony gears, gadgets and doodads. Easier to understand once you see examples of it, than to describe it, lovers of the movement enjoy the complex nature of "invention."

With this in mind, I began to create an egg that was to look like a copper metal machine, straight out of some kind of science fiction movie.

First I painted a wooden egg with a copper metallic paint and then went over it with black acrylic paint highlights to create hatch-doorways with rivets and a look of riveted plates of metal over the egg shape.  A quick coat of Modge Podge adds shine.

Then, using gel superglue, a tweezers and watch-part gears, faces and other miscellaneous "steampunk" bits, I began building my "machine." This was not easy for a person who wears bifocals. I dropped numerous tiny bits on the floor, or they'd shoot out of my tweezers and across the room to places unknown, but eventually, after a few days of building up a layers of gears, I was satisfied with the look.


Want one for yourself? Email me at dianesteinbach@yahoo.com and place your custom order. (each egg may vary slightly as they are handmade)$35 plus shipping.

Beaded Lizard Pattern: For Kids or Adults!

Ok -  I admit - I was bored.  How is that possible, you might ask, when I have tons of things to do, projects to make, items to create...... don't know - but I was.   Maybe I was just in a mood, but there it is.  So I started going through some boxes of stuff that needed to be weeded through and low and behold I came across this lizard that Leo and I made on our first (and only) cruise.  Thinking back - I'm not sure why we made it - but we did, and usually it rests on our Holiday tree that contains all the souvenirs of our travels.  Since it's cute - and an easy project to do with kids as well as adults - I thought I'd put together a really good pattern to share with you all.  

You will need:

Beads - any size will work - pony beads are best for kids
Small bead for tail end.
26 gauge colored wire / yarn or string - about 1 yard - whatever you use must be able to pass through the beads multiple times.
wire ring (if you want to make a keychain)

In the diagrams I have color coded each side of the stringing material to make it easier to follow.

Place 1 bead at the halfway point on your stringing material. (This is the nose).

Next, place 2 beads on the string, passing each side of the string through the bead so it comes out the other end. This means you will have 2 pieces of string/wire/yarn inside the bead.

Next, take 1 different colored bead, 1 bead, and 1 bead same color as the first on this row and place on string (This will give you 2 eyes that are the same color). Again, remember to pass both ends of the stringing material through the beads and pull tight gently.

Next place 2 beads that are the same color as the rest of the "head" and pass both ends of the stringing material through them.

For the front legs - string 6 beads on each side. Taking the end of the string, count back 3 beads and pass the string/wire/yarn through the last 3 beads. If done correctly, you will have 2 strings going through the last 3 beads and 1 string going through the "foot"

String 2 beads and pass each string end through to the opposite side. These 2 beads are the beginning of the body.

After you have passed the string through the 2 beads (last instruction above) string 3 beads, passing the wire/yarn/string through. The next row, string 4, then string 4, then another 3 and then 2. This will end the "body" and allow you to immediately begin the back legs.

The body can be done in any pattern or with multiple colored beads. Watch the diagram and note the diamond pattern possibilities.

The back legs are created the same way the front legs were done..

Once you have placed the last 2 beads of the body, you will need to string 5 beads, one at a time, for the tail. As you string each bead, pass the ends of your wire/yarn/string through from each side, causing a wrapping effect on the bead.

After you have strung the final bead, take both ends and pass them through 1 last smaller bead (must be smaller than beads used in body to "plug" the hole.)

If using yarn or string, tie 2-3 knots and trim the excess.

If using wire, wrap the wire tightly around a toothpick. Gently push the wrapped wire off the pick to achieve a "curly" tail look. 

Enjoy your new reptilian friend! 

~ Dani