Showing posts with label gift idea. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gift idea. Show all posts

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Product Review: Earrings from The Tiny Bee

Time for something new on this blog! Time for my first product review! If you love jewelery (and especially handmade jewelry) then you are going to L-O-V-E  love this review. Melissa, of The Tiny Bee, kindly sent me a pair of her yellow Chrysanthemum Earrings to review and I must say - these earrings get a big thumbs up from me! Read on for details on why I love these earrings so much.


First let me say that I sometimes have trouble with earrings. I gauged my ears when I was younger and have saggy holes as a result. These saggy holes tend to droop when I wear heavy earrings. Seeing as the earrings from The Tiny Bee are polymer clay I was a bit worried my ears might droop when I wore them but they didn't! I put a larger back on them and they held firmly against my ears all night. The backs that came with the earrings would work wonderfully if you didn't stretch your ears like I used to - that's my own fault.

The second problem I sometimes have with earrings is when my hair gets caught in them. No one likes the pain that comes from brushing your hair and ripping out an earring. These earrings did not catch my hair once and I wore them to a concert with a mosh pit! I'm surprised at this since I have very fine long hair. It gives me confidence to wear these lovely earrings more often for sure.

The final thing I would like to look at with these earrings is design. Are they beautiful? Check. Are they professional quality? Check. Do I love the color and composition? Double Check! Did I get complimented while wearing them? Check! Will I be wearing them again? YES - and soon!

In summary, I love these earrings. At around $8.00 a pair I think I know one of the stores I'll be looking at during the holiday season. The factors that make these earrings so wonderful in my opinion are that they are affordable, beautiful, made with quality craftsmanship, and of course that they are handmade. I would absolutely recommend The Tiny Bee to all my friends and family.





If you would like to win a pair of these earrings from The Tiny Bee you can enter the giveaway here. Easy entry for everyone! Open Worldwide until September 30th, 2013.



Thanks for reading!




Tiny Tipis LLC makes and sells Artisan Quality Canvas Products. Would you like to see your shop featured or sponsor a giveaway on this blog? Contact me here for details.

Monday, September 2, 2013

Headband Giveaway Winner!

Congratulations to the winner of the Headband Giveaway sponsored by Talila Design.  Jens Ken Lundstrom, entry #210, won by following this blog! The handmade headband is on it's way. 






Catch more giveaways HERE!

 


If you would like to be interviewed for this blog, sponsor a giveaway, or have a product review done please feel free to contact me here.


Tiny Tipis LLC makes and sells Artisan Quality Canvas Products in addition to blogging.

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Giveaway Time! Bridal Headband just for You!

  Win a Gorgeous Bridal Hair Piece from Talila Design!

Visit Website

  This Giveaway has ENDED.  See more here.




You may be getting married soon, going to prom, or just looking for that special item to compliment an outfit. Look no further. Talila Design hand crafts unique jewelery and accessories for the bride-to-be. Of course, I think the princess in all of us can appreciate her beautiful pieces as well. Hop on over to her Etsy shop to peruse all the wonderful items and when your done don't forget to Enter to Win the lovely headband shown above. This Giveaway is open worldwide with FREE Shipping - more than a $20 value! Visit daily for more chances to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Winner will be contacted by email for their shipping information. Winners are randomly selected by Rafflecopter and will have 48 hours to respond before a different winner will be selected. Giveaway ends August 31, 2013.

 
Isn't she lovely with a classy Bridal headband?



Want more chances to win? Follow this blog to keep up with all the best Giveaways by Handmade Artists.  


Talila enjoying time spent working.

Other Current Giveaways:

Check back soon for the next Giveaway!




Tuesday, June 11, 2013

To Dye For

Select your color here.


 NOW AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE ON THE WEB!!!

Tiny Tipis has listed more colors of Vegetable and Produce Dyed Bags for your visual consumption. These all natural bags will last longer than store bought canvas bags and they boast a wide variety of colors that can only be found in nature. No two bags are alike making them a true natural tie-dye.




Read about Tiny Tipis first event here.



 Hand Painted Designs are available at your request. Custom orders welcome. Get noticed carrying a Tiny Tipis Dyed Bag!!!





Dyed with all natural Vegetable and Produce Based Dyes




Every Tiny Tipis Dyed Bag is unique.



Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Tiny Cat House Tipi Tepee Teepees

Cat House Tipi





Our first pictures from a customer are in! Many thanks to David, the owner of Elvis and Pocahontas, for his purrrrrfect photos. The two retired Abyssinian Show Cats reportedly enjoy lounging in their Tipi between rounds of play. These happy cats are proud to be owners of a Tiny Tipis brand Tipi Tepee Teepee!










 Tiny Tipis is a small handmade company providing environmentally friendly products to help customers reduce their carbon footprint. We focus on using high quality materials with attention to detail and running our company as close to zero waste as we possibly can. All shipping materials are recyclable, compostable, and/or biodegradable. See more of what Tiny Tipis does for our planet at any of the links below: 
 
 

 Thank you for being environmentally responsible!!!

Thursday, March 7, 2013

To Dye For


 I love Natural Dyes. It's a recent thing. Maybe even a new obsession. The smell, the variety, the mystery of what will I get this time?... It makes my heart go pitter-patter.

Canvas Market Tote in Rose
When I was in 1st grade I sat next to a boy named Wesley. Other kids made fun of us. We didn't care. We used to sharpen our colored pencils together with a common interest in the resulting color of the shavings.  Somehow, for some strange reason, it made us happy. Wesley and I bonded over the simple pleasure. 


I haven't seen Wesley since 1st grade but I still think of him when I mix colors. The child-like eagerness to experiment comes back in the blink of an eye. I wash my soul in the colored water and it gives back to me the vibrant joy I seek.

Only Nature makes colors like this...

You can purchase a piece of my soul if you like. It comes in the form of a soft hand dyed market tote that will serve you well for a long time. I guarantee it is made with all the love and care one can put into it.


Thursday, February 7, 2013

DIY Valentines Day Gift

The Heart-ful Hand Warmer

A Picture Tutorial by Tiny Tipis

   
Visit the Tiny Tipis Store Here
I saw an idea on Pinterest this morning and had to try it. Since I was at a loss for what to give my husband for Valentine's Day I decided to make him something to keep him warm. I like to keep those that I love well-fed and warm. This simple present was free (recycled materials) and took about an hour total even with me pausing for pictures. Give it a try and let me know what you think.

 Supplies: Two scraps of T-shirt, Two rectangles of Fabric for exterior, One scrap of fabric for Heart Shape, Half a cup of 20 minute White Rice, Scissors, Thread, Sewing Machine, and Extra Thread to Hand-Embroider the Message.


Step 1: Sew one t-shirt scrap to the back of each piece of outer fabric. The T-shirt acts as a liner and stabilizer.


Step 2: Place Heart where you want it on the outer fabric and sew around the edge with a zig-zag stitch. You can use any shape you want. I used a heart so I could give it to my hubby for Valentines Day.

  

Step 3:  Embroider your Message with the visible side on the outer fabric. You could use a machine for this. I did it by hand to give it extra personality. I think this was my first time hand-embroidering.


 Step 4: Zig-Zag stitch around the edges with outer fabric facing in. Leave a 1 or 2 inch gap to turn and fill the handwarmer with the rice.

  

Step 5: Turn so that the correct side is now facing out and topstitch around the edges. Still leave the gap open so that you can fill the pouch with rice.

 

Step 6: Fill the Hand warmer with  20 Minute (NOT instant) White Rice. I used 1/2 cup but you can adjust the amount to fit your needs. More rice means longer heat. Less rice means a lower profile to fit better in a pocket. Top stitch the gap you left to close it.


 Step 7: The final step is to toss it in your microwave for 30 seconds. Pull it out and feel the heat. For a warmer effect microwave it longer. For less heat microwave it for a shorter time. The one I made stays warm for almost 30 minutes!





My hand warmer says, "You are loved" in shorthand or nerd lingo. What message would you embroider on your pocket size hand warmer?


 

For more great DIY ideas follow Tiny Tipis on Facebook, Pinterest, and Blogger. Also cruise over to the shop to see what's for sale today! Thanks for reading!!!

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Second January Feature - Crooked Corks Wine Racks

How is your year going so far? Have you been able to stick to your New Years resolutions? My resolutions this year were to get organized and to finish projects. I want to make a point of finishing the lovely things I started! I'll admit it, I'm already falling behind on the finishing projects but the organizing is going great!

I'll bet you've been waiting all week for the new feature artist and super secret coupon code. A new and tasty talent for you to sip up into your eager mind... Wait no longer! This week I have an especially juicy, and perhaps even fermented, treat for you.

Crooked Corks Wine Racks


Elise, the brilliant mind behind Crooked Corks, hand-crafts each wine rack sold in her online store. Her wooden wine holders are made with careful attention to detail to ensure the functionality is second only to the visual appeal. Here was what she had to say when asked why her shop is so unique:

"Crooked Corks creates custom made wine racks, wine stands, wine gift sets and wine accessories for anyone who simply enjoys a glass of wine. Our natural wood designs are made by hand and are designed to be unique, eye catching, and functional. We love exploring the different flavors and cultures wine brings to our kitchen table and taste buds. Wine is special, and so are you!"

The idea for Crooked Corks creations was born from a very special Christmas gift given to Elise by her husband a few years ago, a handmade wine rack of course! The gift brought tears to her eyes as she unwrapped it and inspired her to start her shop. Now, over 3 years later, Elise still loves selecting old, new, and recycled wood to turn into the wine accessories she will sell in her store. You can find Crooked Corks on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Wanelo in addition to their Etsy Store.


You have to check out these gorgeous hand crafted wine racks! Order from them now and receive 10% off your entire purchase with the Special Coupon Code BLOGTIME.


Thanks for looking! To browse items from Tiny Tipis visit the following sure-to-please links:
Buy Direct from Tiny Tipis Website

Follow Tiny Tipis on Pinterest for all the latest and greatest Pins.



Tune in next week for a great feature on Angelinas Avenue
Like to see your shop featured here? Leave me a comment on how to contact you with details!

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Happy New Year - 1st January Feature

Happy New Year Everyone!!! How were your holidays? Mine were great but I'm so glad to be done with all the craziness. This year I decided to take a look at other artists and creative people that I admire. I want to share their passion with you and hope that you will be inspired. As a bonus the artists I feature will be sharing a super uber secret coupon code for you to use in their store. Do you feel loved yet? Good.


www.etsy.com/shop/TheNavigatrix
Meet Sally-Ann. She is the creative genius behind Etsy Store The Navigatrix. Her store features Upcycled Steampunk creations and other Victorian inspired jewelery. I asked her what inspired her and why she started making Steampunk accessories. Here is what she had to say:

"I have a background as a professional modelmaker and began making costume and props for Live Roleplay, a favourite hobby. I began getting involved in Steampunk fairly recently, being introduced to it by a friend and by my brother Matt simultaneously, who both encouraged me to take my Steampunk costume creations further. My creative impulse has re-awakened and now I'm doing the cliche: making stuff on my dining room table out of bits and bobs and inspirations. Etsy taught me the verb 'to upcycle'; my materials come mostly from charity shops and family hoards!"

Her brother Matt has an Etsy Store as well, Arcane Armoury. The two of them work closely together to inspire each other and create one of a kind items. Both Sally-Ann and her brother are located in England and come from a creative family. Sally-Ann has a degree in model making from the University of Hertfordshire and enjoys being a mom.

If you would like to purchase any of Sally-Ann's lovely items you can find them in her Etsy Store and don't forget to use your special coupon code: BLOG15 for 15% off!




Thanks for reading the Tiny Tipis blog and as always, you can find my creations at any of the following online vendors:
Buy Direct from Tiny Tipis Website


Follow me on Pinterest for all my latest and greatest inspirational Pins.


Tune in next week for a great feature on Crooked Corks

 Like to see your shop featured here? Leave me a comment on how to contact you with details!

Saturday, July 14, 2012

Confessions of a Crazy Crafter

     Sometimes I think Springs and Summer are my favorite months. I feel incredibly productive with so many hours of light! One of the things on my plate this summer is leading a charity event for an animal shelter. I chose the Teller County Regional Animal Shelter to help on behalf of Artist's Helping Hands for many reasons.
     - They are a no kill shelter meaning they do not put animals down if they don't find owners.
     - They aided many people that evacuated during the Waldo Canyon Fire in Colorado.
     - When our dog found his way to their shelter they called to let us know and took such good care of him while he waited for us.
help furry creatures
Cassius the Great and my wonderful little man pose for me.
I'm excited to collect donations during the month of July 2012 for them and have already seen a great show of support from the charity group. I hope to hand out treats to some of the animals when I deliver the donations. If I am able to I will make sure to take pictures and post them.

     One of my personal projects this month is a cloth book of shapes for my son. Using an old pair of jeans and some colorful fabric scraps I've managed to cut out squares, diamonds, circles, rectangles, ovals, stars, and triangles. I am then sewing these onto large pieces of fabric which will become the pages. I can't wait to see the look on his face when I give it to him. Books are his favorite "toy."

     As I face moving in some 45 days I find myself hoping this next home will be a place I can stay for a while. With 3 bedrooms, a greenhouse, and an area inside large enough for me to start making full sized tipis it sounds like heaven to me. The yard is a decent size as well (though it needs a lot of work) and I hope to get permission from the landlord to keep chickens. It's a big move. The house needs a lot of work... cleaning, repairs, TLC, and such. The price is right though and despite all my nervousness I'm really excited to start on such a large project.

grocery bag shopping tote quality canvas sack     As far as Tiny Tipis goes I must say it is well. I recently filed my LLC forms making it an official company. It's the first step in taking things to the next level. I've also been evaluating ways to expand and offer more choices. One way I plan to do this is by offering hand painted bags. These are fairly easy to do, don't take up extra space in my currently small home, and the end result is making my customers very happy. For each new design I keep a stencil that can be traced on the canvas and then paint each one by hand with acrylic paint. I could cut corners and iron on printed designs but I don't want to loose the personal touch the hand painting adds not to mention the higher quality end result. I plan to start a line of more modern ones as well that will feature graffiti style art.



     For my own closet I decided to go through it and start recycling and upcycling my old clothes. A work in process is this thin shirt. It had holes at the hip seams that needed fixing and I decided to start giving it a new life. As soon as I finish it I will post a step by step blog on exactly what I did to it. Of course I had to add some lace to it.  ;)

recycled top feminine
I love lace  <3 <3 <3

If you would like to follow my garden blog you can do so here!

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Step-by-Step Vintage Hunting Vest Upcycle

     I was browsing the items at a yard sale one day when I found this treasure of a hunting vest. The piece had character and had seen many days of love and use but lacked any kind of style that would make me wear it in public. So I decided to redo it! With a little lace and an hour of my time I transformed this beast into a beauty. Here's how:









     1) I removed the fabric on the back that just kind of hung there using my seam ripper. This took maybe 10 minutes.












2) I got a bit impatient and added lace around the collar next. To do this I buttoned the vest and marked where the left and right sides came together above the buttons. I don't use pins when I sew so I just folded the lace under and started using a zig-zag stitch to attach it where my first mark was. I didn't cut the lace to length until I was perhaps 2" away from having it fully sewn on the front. Then, I tacked the lace down every so often to keep it from rolling up around the neck while being worn.











3) I used my seam ripper to finish separating the fabric below the arm. I wanted to give the vest a more feminine shape so to accomplish this I measured 1" in on each side at the base of the back. I connected this to the top where the armhole comes together. That's the brown line you see in the photo. I cut the excess off and sewed the seam back together. If you aren't confident in your altering skills you can always pin and try it on before you trim.













4) The last step was to add lace along the back where I took the old fabric panel off. To do this I once again folded my lace under at the edges and used a zig-zag stitch to attach it to the vest. Again, to avoid wasting lace, I always sew first and cut the lace to length when I'm a few inches away from having it completely sewn on. This eliminates concerns about elasticity differences between the vest and the lace.









     I left the back of the vest shorter than the front as a style choice. I like the way it causes the fabric to add even more of an hourglass shape around the waste. This can make boobs look bigger, mid sections look slimmer/longer, and hips look more feminine. Below is the end result... it's hard to get good pictures of yourself! This vest can be purchased on my etsy store if you like it as much as I do.



Thursday, June 21, 2012

Fabric Bowl Project Obsession

http://whipup.net/2008/09/20/how-to-fabric-bowl/
I've been a bit obsessed with fabric bowls this week. What a useful concept! They are washable, portable, and nearly unbreakable (perhaps the most useful feature for a stay at home mom.) I saw a picture on pinterest of a tutorial on how to crochet a sturdy bowl using multiple threads. When I clicked the link of course they wanted $4.99 for the "pattern" so as a seamstress/artist/creative type I stared at the picture for a moment and then set about making myself a bowl. I've since moved on to making nesting bowls for my husband and I's fifth wheel as these proved so nice.

First I would like to cover the various types of Cloth Bowls I saw. There are wrapped and sewn bowls, pattern sewn bowls (I call them petal bowls because of how the pattern looks before sewn), woven bowls, glue hardened bowls, and crocheted bowls. Of these types of handmade bowls the ones hardened with glue or fabric stiffener are the least portable. A soft bowl can be folded so that it fits in a small flat area and takes up less space - something I appreciate very much for storage space in the camper.

I decided to try the crocheted bowl since I had the materials readily available. Since there are two threads involved it makes the bowls a little stronger and more able to retain shape. The outer thread that is seen is plain yarn while the inner thread is an old t-shirt I cut into strips. The t-shirt yarn is thicker than the regular yarn so it gives the bowls the stability the standard yarn lacks. As you can see in the photo I used a single crochet and simply worked my stitch around the t-shirt yarn. When I've completed 10-15 stitches I gently tug the t-shirt yarn and it tightens everything. I repeat this the whole way through giving the bowl a more finished look. Don't tug too hard on the t-shirt yarn though or it will cause the prior stitches to buckle. 

I don't really have a formula or pattern I follow. I increase stitches and do my best to keep the first few rows flat and even because these become the base of the bowl. When I have the base 10% larger than looks needed I stop increasing so the sides will start to come in. I like to pull the sides of the  bowl in at the top as an extra stability feature. I do this by decreasing stitches on the top 2 rows only. I do the top 2 rows with a contrasting standard yarn and no t-shirt yarn filler. 

You can cut the t-shirt yarn and simply leave it loose in the stitches over it or you can pull it out and use it as a decorative stabilizer. I pulled my white t-shirt yarn out when the main bowl color ended and stitched it in swirls around the exterior of the bowl. This seemed to pull the various rows together even more and added a look I liked. 

The first bowl I made. It contains my husbands lighters on the counter.
There are no limits to these bowls except your ability and creativity. Crochet stitches come out so try something new. If you don't like it just pull it out!

To see other things I've made that are for sale or to request custom items and art visit my Etsy Page.


Sunday, April 15, 2012

Tiny Tipis Goes International

A Simple Inspirational Moment

Shipping is a major part of any company these days as the internet digs it's claws deeper into every corner of the earth. People in Russia could be reading a blog that you might have written for an American audience! Such is the nature of the beast though with Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and the likes taking over the generation I grew up in. Today, I discuss shipping because I had a first for my business. Today, I shipped Internationally for the first time.

I hadn't planned on shipping globally yet. I figured it would be months, maybe even years, before I would need to. When I received a note from the buyer saying I could send it to either a United States or Australian address I was at first inclined to send my canvas items withing where I am familiar, but; that brought up questions. What would it cost? Was it reasonable? Should I expand my company to serve that many people?

I quickly pulled up the USPS website and typed in the info I had. The page loaded and I scanned down the prices until I got the option I normally use within the US. Well, I thought, that's not as scary as I expected. Besides, it really wasn't up to me if it was reasonable or not. The buyer could decide for themselves.

I sent my customer the prices I calculated plus a dollar of buffer. I gave them more options than I anticipated I could have this early on. The response came quick along with a paypal payment to my account. The deal was good! I had my first customer located in Australia and my first chance to expand past the boundaries of the United States.

The next morning I packed my truck with boxes and envelopes to ship including the envelope marked for Australia. My stomach gurgled at me with nerves as I hopped in the drivers seat. I knew the principal of what I had to do. Step 1, find the correct forms. Step 2, figure out how to correctly fill our said forms. Step 3, hope I calculated my prices right.

I was lucky and got to the Post Office during a slow time so there wasn't a line. It always makes it easier to interrogate the workers about shipping regulations when there isn't a chain of angry impatient people behind you. To my surprise, I had grabbed the exact forms I needed. Check a box here, enter a weight there, fill in the addresses, and sign the bottom... the lady stamped the square in the corner of the page I filled out and complemented me on needing minimal guidance.

I asked if there was a way I could take a few extra customs forms so next time I needed to ship international I would be more organized for them. The lady helping me was thrilled. "Of course!!! We encourage it!"

On my way home I thought about all the times I had mailed letters as a child. As I grew up technology started to take over the times I would have normally slapped a stamp on an envelope. Bills, letters to family, photos, Christmas cards with money... all things I can do easier from a computer.

I felt triumphant. It didn't matter how simple the process was, it was something I was clueless on and highly unsure of. I had shied away from it but now I saw that there were so many more customers available. Shipping need not stop me now.

For today I close with this thought:

 May we never stop learning with soft hearts and open minds. Let us conquer the world with love and knowledge. Never give up.


Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Catch My Dreams -Featuring Dream Catchers made by Tiny Tipis

Dream Catchers are a popular part of Native American Art and culture; but, not many people know the history and legends surrounding them. Very few dream catchers sold in stores are "real" dream catchers these days as they are made from non-natural and processed materials. Let's take a step back and investigate the origins, legends, and traditional materials that led to the popular Native American themed decorations.
All Natural Dream Catcher with Beaded Green Leaves by Tiny Tipis

According to Wikipedia dream catchers originated with the Sioux Nation but spread among the other nations to represent many things. They have also been said to have originated from the Chippewa tribe (also Ojibwe or Annishnabe). Some tribes considered them to be a symbol of unity between peaceful nations while others thought of it as protection from night terrors. Still, present day popularity presents a challenge for the Native American dream catcher as certain people consider it too commercialized.

The legends surrounding dream catchers vary greatly from tribe to tribe. According to Soul Tones:

"An ancient Chippewa tradition
The dream net has been made
For many generations
Where spirit dreams have played

Hung above the cradle board
Or in the lodge up high
The dream net catches bad dreams
While good dreams slip on by

Bad dreams become entangled
Among the sinew thread
Good dreams slip through the center hole
While you dream upon your bed."

The First People website describes the Chippewa Legend as follows:

"A spider was quietly spinning his web in his own space. It was beside the sleeping space of Nokomis, the grandmother. Each day, Nokomis watched the spider at work, quietly spinning away. One day as she was watching him, her grandson came in. "Nokomis-iya!" he shouted, glancing at the spider. He stomped over to the spider, picked up a shoe and went to hit it.
"No-keegwa," the old lady whispered, "don't hurt him."
"Nokomis, why do you protect the spider?" asked the little boy.
The old lady smiled, but did not answer. When the boy left, the spider went to the old woman and thanked her for saving his life. He said to her, "For many days you have watched me spin and weave my web. You have admired my work. In return for saving my life, I will give you a gift."
He smiled his special spider smile and moved away, spinning as he went.
Soon the moon glistened on a magical silvery web moving gently in the window. "See how I spin?" he said. "See and learn, for each web will snare bad dreams. Only good dreams will go through the small hole. This is my gift to you. Use it so that only good dreams will be remembered. The bad dreams will become hopelessly entangled in the web."

Most tribes have similar variations of these legends. The reason for the name dream catcher is apparent in the legends as the spider's web catches only the bad dreams but lets the good dreams float on by. The heart-warming qualities that make people love them can be seen in the nurturing side that personifies the spider as a gracious and kind being.
When dream catchers originally started being made the Natives didn't have access to glass beads, metal hoops and the likes so they would use what nature provided. Willow branches were the most common since they were so easy to bend into a circle. The original dream catchers were all natural and as a result they broke down over time. Modern dream catchers use manufactured materials for cost reasons, to extend the life expectancy, and also because it is easier to produce a consistent product. These man made material products lack the feel of a real dream catcher even though they may be more visually appealing to the consumer in some cases.

Dream Catchers symbolize many different things to people. The legends that surround them and the meanings are almost as varied in history as they are today. Each person must find the meaning that fits them best for we are each as unique as the dream catchers that catch our dreams.

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Why Do I Make Tipis in a Series?

Lacing Pin Strip on a Tiny Tipi accented with Rose Petals
As an artist, seamstress, and tepee maker; I am inclined to find a special beauty in each thing that I create.  The artist in me strives to give a personality to each little tepee while the seamstress demands perfection in every seam. With teepees I decided to make them in a series much like a painter would make a series to show how they studied a subject from every angle. The resulting tipi cover is impressive.

What is a series?
     According to TheFreeDictionary.com a series is:
              1. a group or connected succession of similar or related things, usually arranged in order

 I define my series by pattern and material. I research the tipis of the tribe I chose and translate it into a functioning miniature version. I then use this teepee pattern to sew as many small tepees as I can from one batch of canvas.

I buy canvas according to quality, quantity, and price. Sometimes I buy as little as 5 yards and other times I buy much more. The amount of canvas isn't as important to me as the properties of it. One cut of fabric becomes a single series of tiny teepees. In this way each tepee becomes a work of art even when the canvas is blank.