April Crafting Challenge went down; I just forgot to tell you about it

There were made crafts in April!! I promise! I just didn’t post about them.

Here’s what’s up: the recipient for April is a great guy named Alan who lives somewhere in California. We met on New Year’s retreat a few years back because it’s where you meet awesome people. Alan is fun and generous…and an awesome dancer. He teaches dance in California, helps the homeless, and godparents some pretty cool kids. (I just included some links. Ladies…be prepared to swoon).

Thing is: CRAFTING FOR DUDES IS HARD. Like, what are you even supposed to make them? So instead I just pulled out TONS of crating stuff, as shown above.

I had that glass jar and I was thinking about wrapping it with wire and beads and making a tea-light lantern, but Christine was like, “But, he’s a guy.”

So instead I settle for a fairy mobile.

I’m not sure how this is more masculine, BUT IT MADE SENSE AT THE TIME.

And they’re not actually fairies, more like mythical beings. Plus, they’re suspended in dance mode, and I thought that Alan, being a dancer, would appreciate that.

Step one: start with a plan. That sketch is my plan. (In my head I think it was more etched out). I made some wire-figures for sizing and strength purposes. So cute!

Step two: add foil. If you have foil in the center you can use less clay. #protip Plus, the foil is stronger. (I think). Do you like this mini-guy? :) — Step two: add foil. If you have foil in the center you can use less clay. #protip Plus, the foil is stronger. (I think). He’s like a mini Tin (foil) Man! 🙂

Get out the clay and begin to work. Here's the thing: I haven't worked with clay since high school. I know where I keep the clay, but I don't ever take it out. That's why I dig the crafting challenge--it forces me to be creative. — Get out the clay and begin to work. Here’s the thing: I haven’t worked with clay since high school. I know where I keep the clay, but I don’t ever take it out. That’s why I dig the crafting challenge–it forces me to be creative.

Here are both figures, now clay-covered...but needing their hats! — Here are both figures, now clay-covered…but needing their hats!

Now with hats! (And bead-buttons and a bow tie!) Here they are about to be baked. (Do you like his little curly-toe shoes?)

Baked and suspended. The mobile begins to take form.

I took the inner-ring of an embroidery hoop and attached beads and bells and shells (shells!) around the edge. Then I covered a piece of line in beads and made a little loop at the top so it could hang well. Here’s the problem, though: it wasn’t weighted properly! Look at how tipsy! So, I added another bead to the other side–and then it was off-balanced to that side. Arg!

It took me a dozen tries with various beads and combinations-of-beads. Finally, I was close. Not perfect…but close. And then I glued a RIBBON ROSE to the top and it threw off the balance again! So I glued on to the other side. Soooo close!

The wee folk are suspended with fishing line. I also glued a piece of felted wool around the top, as a finish of sorts.