The Art of Can Tabistry

Steampunk Corset Reworked

2012-01-25T07:38:00.000-08:00

So sorry to have taken so long to post about this steampunk tabistry corset's updates. I've worn it several times since finishing it. I have no excuse for not sharing it, except that I was still tweaking the outfit that goes with it. But, the important part is I'm getting to it now, right?

I've made many changes since the last post here. For one, I adjusted the fit in the front. The unberbust part was too high. It still could be a hair lower, I think. :) I also changed out the front laces for metal belt pieces to appear more like a busk look. I found some pleather purse straps to use as shoulder straps. And, for purely aesthetic interest, I added leather buckled straps to the sides, gold buttons and some brown trim all around the edges for a more finished look.

All in all, I think it turned out pretty nice. And, the nail polish painted tabs that I mentioned in the first post are holding up splendidly. I will probably be using the paint again on other pieces.

You can read more about the rest of the outfit I'm wearing at my general craft blog here. I have other tabistry projects planned for the near future. So, you should be hearing from me again here when I get to weaving. In the meantime, have a can-TAB-ulous time!

Another Topless Hat

2011-07-18T17:45:00.001-07:00

If you've been keeping up with the last two posts on here, you'll know I'm making some items for a RMH charity auction held in Kentucky in August. This hat is the last of these items.

It's a "topless" hat similar to the green one I made my mom. I chose this style because it is practical and easy to wear everyday, even with a ponytail. And, it would be easier to ship, too. When mom occasionally wears her own hat about town, she gets many nice comments even before they realize what it is made of.

This hat is woven with blue, white and gray polar fleece remnants to match the bag and the cozy. If you're interested, the pattern for this hat is available in my Etsy store.

The crown is made using a mix of larger soup and fruit can tabs and the small square ones. I used a few small blue acrylic gems on the crown to go with the large blue gem on the purse.

Above is a pic of all the items I'm sending (minus the model, of course). I was going for a set that could all be used together, perhaps on a game day.

If you're curious, the "new" model wearing this hat is a styrofoam head I picked up with an old hat and hat box. Got the lot for $5! Never know what you'll come across secondhand bargain hunting. At close inspection, she looks a little care worn, but she suits her purpose just fine for me. It's great to be able to shoot pics once in awhile without bugging the family to play dress up. :)

I'll post any news I hear about how the auction went, if I hear any. Sure hope they like these pieces and they're a big hit there. Now back to finishing some tutorials I'm severely behind on.

Purse that doubles as a Lunchbox

2011-07-18T16:56:00.001-07:00

Last post I mentioned that I was working on some items for a charity auction in Kentucky. Well, here is the purse/lunchbox I created almost entirely with can tabs. It expands to hold a six pack of cans!

The closure is one of the bottle cap jewels I've made for my other purse and some other items in the past.

They requested a blue/white color scheme to appeal the the University of Kentucky Fans. So, I used some blue/white and gray polar fleece I had on hand. It was strange, but the fleece appears to darken slightly when woven. No idea why that is.

As you can see the sides tuck in, which is common in many purse styles. I added a removable lining made from fused plastic grocery bags. Never ironed bags before. That was an interesting experiment I'll have to work with more in the future. It worked out rather nice for a lining. Since this is also a lunch box. It will be much easier to clean and keep condensation and other liquids from dripping out the bottom of the bag.

The base of this bag is really wide to accommodate the cans. I left a little space on top for those reusable frozen ice packs. Smaller tubes/cubes could possibly be inserted between the cans.

The closure will just reach even with the cans inside. I wanted to add a zipper around the top for better sealing, but I couldn't find a suitable one that would match and work properly.

I'll be posting about the hat next time. Until then, have a can-tab-u-lous time!

Can Cozy (or is it Koozie?)

2011-06-18T20:59:00.000-07:00

Whichever is the correct name, it's supposed to keep your can colder longer, while keeping your hand from getting cold or wet. And, it's one of the items I'm making for Ronald McDonald House Charities' annual McDazzle fundraiser auction located in Kentucky in August.

This was a very simply item. Just a circle-shape for the bottom and a tube for the sides "ladder" joined together. Just for interest, I alternated the blue with gray and white rows.

We tested it. And, it kept a can pretty cold for a while. However, the exposed tabs did get just a wee cool on the hand. Better than bare can, but kinda strange feeling. Might have been better to turn the tabs around so less tab come in contact with the hand. This would give it a more basket-like weave pattern. You can sorta see this in the inside of the pic below.

This is the first item I've managed to finish. I'm also going to be attempting to finish a matching bag and hat. I'm planning for the bag to be able to hold a six-pack of cans. I've got it about half way woven. Then, I'll have to assemble it.

It's raining tabs...

2011-06-11T07:51:00.000-07:00

...Halleluiah! It's raining tabs... :)

Must apologized for the temporary break from tabistry. We just received a huge stash of tabs from our local recycler. They're the best. We hadn't been in for a while to deposit our cans, but they were continuing to save the tabs that people bring in. We normally only get a zip lock bag or two full every few months or so, but this trip it was something like 8-9 gallons! It's taken some time to clean and sort all of those and get them out of my crafting area. But, with some help, I'm finally back to making some tabistry. I was very please to see a few colored tabs mixed in there, too.

The timing of this couldn't be any better. I have a big tabistry project to complete that I volunteered to do for Ronald McDonald House in Kentucky. I'll be attempting to finish a hat, beach bag/lunch box, and a can koozie for their annual auction in a couple months.

In the mean time, if anyone near Texas is in need of some tabs, give me a holler. I think I'll have plenty to spare for a short time.

My New Pirate Hat

2011-06-01T16:47:00.000-07:00

Hmmm...Now, where did I bury that treasure? :)

For Scarborough Ren Faire's Pirate Weekend, I wanted to whip up a new pirate hat. All this time has gone by, and I hadn't made myself one, yet. Finally, I got it somewhat wearable just minutes before we headed out.

Though, I didn't have the trim finished til just yesterday. Now, I need some feathers and other decorations to top it off. Can't decided what color the feathers should be. I'm thinking red to go with my corset. The flat cap that I originally made to go with the corset just wasn't doing anything for me. :)

I made this hat slightly shallower than my mom's hat that I posted about here. The weight keeps it firmly in place even on a significantly breezy day. I also decided to pin up the back on this one, as well. I tried painting some of the tabs black at the tip to reduce the amount of shiny silver showing. I also used some metallic gold shoelaces for the trim.

If you'd like to attempt your own tabistry pirate hat, I provide the pattern for my mom's hat with instructions for constructing hats (including taking measurements) in my POP TOP tutorial with 4 patterns available on Etsy.com. A tricorne is basically a wide brimmed sun hat that is pinned up to form three sides.

BTW, this month seems to be brimming with hats. I'll be posting some made-over felt hats and a paper mache one on my general crafting blog (mieljolie.blogspot.com) very soon. The SO has also just finished a red leather top hat. Feel free to come check those out when I get them posted.

Pop Tab Hair Falls

2011-05-06T07:43:00.001-07:00

Got inspired the other day to finish a pop tab hair fall, that I started probably a year ago. I tried a few different ways to string the tabs. Most are bent in some way.

So far, they are still cumbersome to weave. Though, this could be due to my yarn choice, too. I'm still experimenting with it.

I'm working on another fall in yet another variation that is a little easier. It's just about completed. Just need to add some decor to spruce it up. I took some WIP pics of it, so a future tutorial may be available in my Etsy store soon. I'll post it when it's finished. In the meantime, my daughter and I also made some hair falls using pistachio shells.

We had dyed some with our left over Easter egg dye. It was a fun project. You can read more about that on my general craft blog, mieljolie.blogspot.com.

In other news, I'm still pounding away on the other tabistry tutorials. I just can't get the pics right to show what I'd like. It doesn't help that I have to practically create a new piece to get them. :) But, I will have something. Sorry it's taking so long. For me, it's much easier to create things than tell how it's done. Thanks for all your patience.

A Bizarre Mutation for our Craft Challenge Entry

2011-04-08T08:35:00.000-07:00

My daughter and I wanted participate in the Craftster's "Back to Basics" Challenge together. The challenge was to make something using one or more of the following supplies:

Can tabs
Pipe Cleaner (Chenille Stems)
Pom Poms
Popsicle Sticks

For the challenge we're now dubbing our creation a "A Fan-tailed Spider-fish Dragon". However, the daughter is referring to it as a "Spagon" now. I'm really surprised how few entries there are this round. (Not that we still have any hope of winning.) Some of the submissions are pretty neat ideas. Come check out the entries and vote!

You may, or may not, be wondering how we came up with such a strange creature. Well, daughter wanted to make a pop tab spider. And, since I already work with the tabs, I wanted to try my hand at make folding paper fans with popsicle sticks. So, we compromised. I helped her with the spider...

...and made my fans on the side by myself. ;)

My daughter was very particular about the spider project. I told her that we had to work with the supplies we already had, which it just so happened we had all four of. :) Though, I told her it wasn't necessary, she actually wanted to use all the supplies listed. (However, we couldn't think how to use the popsicle sticks in this one (until we added the fan fins and tail). ;) She made a sketch of her plan.

Isn't the drawing great?! She wanted us to deviate from the drawing as little as possible. I did manage to talk her into making it a container that opens on top. It was going to be a yarn ball holder. You'd put your ball in it so you don't have to chase it around while you knit, etc...

We wove can tabs together with the "shuneal" stem and attached the legs. She had to chose between orange and brown for the body. That was all I had enough of. It turned out resembling a small pumpkin before we added the legs and pom pom eyes. :)

After we finished the spider, I started to work on the fans the very same day. I can't remember making any fans since grade school. I had a lot of trouble with the first one:

I used some faux parchment paper experiments that I had leftover from another project. It was regular bond paper stained with coffee and tea. I stained the popsicle sticks with brown shoe polish and hammered a small piece of brass tubing into a rivet to hold the stick together.

For the last of the three fans, I used brown paper sack covered in black tissue paper. One side is brown and the other is black. I used some gold Rub n' Buff lightly over the black side. A gold keyring is holding the popsicle sticks together.

Since we were only allowed one entry in the challenge, we wanted to come up with a way to show off both projects. So, we decided to do one of two options. Either the spider-fish dragon or a spider-shaped fan holder. :)

We unanimously agreed the spider-fish dragon was much cooler. Wish us luck!

Don't forget to vote for your favorite!

Mardi Gra Steampunk Style - Hat and Mask

2011-03-06T07:21:00.000-08:00

Had a costume party to attend this past Friday, so we worked on a few new steampunk items and changed up a few older ones. I was pretty stumped on what to wear to a Mardi Gras party that was Steampunk themed. So, of course I went Tribal Fusion-style as a base and added a mask and hat. ;)

I whipped up a quick mask. It kinda resembles an owl with the wispy ostrich feathers on the sides. I must thank Heather for supplying me with some of the gold-toned tabs. See, they did come in useful after all. :)

I also added a new brown feather and silver painted clip light to my hat. I wore hair flowers with some yarn falls in the back. The light came in quite useful, too. It was dark out when we got there making it somewhat difficult to put on last minute accessories beside the car.

Had a blast at the party! I'll be posting our other accessories on the craft blog (mieljolie.blogspot.com).

100th Etsy Purchase!!

2011-02-05T13:51:00.000-08:00

Yay! I just received my 100th Etsy purchase today!

Congratulations to the lucky buyer! They purchased my POP TOP Hat Tutorial and Patterns. But, with it, they also received the "Basics" and a Sneak peek at the Purse Pattern I've been working on, too. (Actually, they requested the instructions for the purse.) I just happened to have it almost finished and was happy to oblige. ;)

I still promise I'll get this and a couple other tutorials up and available soon.

Just something to show I'm thinking of you

2011-01-12T12:44:00.000-08:00

I honestly don't care much for Valentine's Day. It's never rated very high on my list of favorite holidays. However, I'd like to share a little something, so you won't think I've abandoned my blog. I created this with my daughter out of some leftover scraps from other projects and a bamboo chopstick. I need to work a little on the flights of the chopstick arrow. I wanted to try making them out of bottlecaps. And the shaping on the top is just not quite there, yet. But, whatcha think? Does it sorta resemble a heart?

No time lately to work on any new large elaborate tabistry projects. I'm still working on tutorials and revamping my steampunk underbust corset. I'll post when I have something. Thanks for the patience.

Have a Happy Valentine's Day!

Some Holiday Sparkle - Tabistry Style

2010-12-19T11:37:00.000-08:00

So, I've been a bad girl and not shared some of my past experiments. Last year while working on the stocking, I made some quick ornaments. I was hoping to take them a little farther before posting about them. But, since I didn't finish them, and another Christmas is passing me by, I thought I'd get them up "as is" and maybe inspire some of you to create some last minute gift ideas for those who have everything. ;)

Who needs to blow tons of money on tree bling, when you can make you own ornies from stuff around the house. At our house, we try to make at least one unique ornament each year. They definitely have more sentimental value this way. My daughter's tissue paper princess dolls, that we made her on her on her 2nd Christmas, are still the first decoration to deck the tree every year. But, it's more fun now that she make's things along with us.

I figured out how to make this star/snowflake? shape when I was working on my cloak shoulders. Sorry for the blurry pic. The flash doesn't like the glimmer of the tabs or metallic shoelace. I can make the points using one continuous material strip (meaning less tying off). If more rows are added over it, you can get a much more drastic scallop edge or even pointer star by repeating the technique at the same location (which is how I achieved the star in the image at the top of this post). That one, which has been filled in with a different material to form a circle, will be a future lid for a gift box.

This ball is about 3 1/4" and was created in two pieces and stitched together. I'm challenging myself to make one even smaller. I think I'd like to make some with a zipper around the middle to put potpourri or other items in. Of course, it needs a prettier loop to hang it, too. :)

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

Another crazy October has passed...

2010-11-03T06:34:00.000-07:00

...and I finally finished a tabistry project! Yay!

Meet the new corset addition. I finally finished an underbust corset and matching mini top hat just in time for Halloween. The corset still needs some minor adjustments around the front top edge. I was strapped for time and just had to go with it. I'm debating to remove or add some tabs where the lacing is. The gap where the lace holes begins is not suitable to me. I also plan to add a trim around the whole corset to finish it off better. That ought to help out a bit.

The hat was actually created on the 4+ hour drive on the way to faire. I was working on the brim the next morning as the others were still getting dressed. :) I want to play with the style of it a little bit more. Then, I will most likely adding it to the POP TOP hat tutorial available on Etsy.com

Remember back when I mentioned I'd share a new technique on giving tabs some color. Well, this was the project I'd been meaning to discuss it on. If you look closely at the pic below, you'll see that I wove the tabs upside down and that I hand painted each one with fingernail polish. I made a graduating pattern from gold to burgundy to dark purple to black and back down to gold. I think the paint really tones down the shiny silver tabs.

Since this was to be a steampunk piece, I wanted something a little different. As you might, or might not, have noticed, I tried something new on the seams. I wove them together using more tabs running across the seam. When it is pulled apart the tabs kinda peak through.

You can read about the whole steampunk outfit on my craft blog here. Ciao, until next time!!

Has it been that long?!

2010-10-16T17:57:00.000-07:00

Wow. Just realized how long it's been since my last post here. Sorry 'bout that. I've been really busy with all kinds of things. Including a steampunk costume for Halloween that is far from finished. Not much else to show just, yet. But, I guess I can finally get around to posting this ring I made awhile back.

In my quest to adorn my tribal costume, I've been searching for ideas to make unusual jewelry out of tabs and other things.

This ring is very simple. Just a tab I found that happened to fit my finger. (It would be easy to make this adjustable by just cutting the ring.) Not sure what it came off of. I've had some gold ones very similar that were from Bumblebee Tuna Salad containers. I just drilled a small hole and hung a bead from where the rivet part was removed. I attached it with jewelry wire so that it wiggles freely in the center of the hole.

As you can see here, I really didn't even smooth out the broken rivet edge. I thought it was odd that the tab was gold on the back side. Though I've found many a random tab the same way.

More projects coming soon!

Tabistry Tribal Headband

2010-05-17T12:16:00.000-07:00

I finally made time to finish a tribal-inspired headband! I've just adore the headbands tribal fusion dancers wear with the large round medallions on the sides. I was thinking one would be perfect to help hide my hair and make a better transition to my bun when wearing hair falls. Plus, I can hang all kinds of dangly bits from it! So, here it is with my black turkish vest outfit at Scarborough Renaissance Festival this past weekend. That's my "mundane" daughter with me above.

Finally got to wear my new tabistry armband and horseshoe nail necklace, too. The "tika" on my forehead is also new (to me). Made it from an anklet I picked up at the flea market. Only wish I had poofed up my bangs a bit in the front or pulled a section over to one side. I think it looks a wee too tightly pulled back.

Here another view of the armband while I was putting the last minute accessories on at the car. We had a great time at Scarby this year. Great company and couldn't ask for better weather.

I'll be putting a quick tutorial up at my crafting blog on how I made some really simple artificial hair flowers that I'm wearing with my garb with just buttons and hair pins. No messy hot glue.

As usual, have a can-TAB-ulous time!

Up and Running with a Little Change of Plans

2010-03-24T12:12:00.000-07:00

I created a discussion group. But, after discussing this with a few others around me, I decided against Yahoo groups mostly due to the inability the post comments on pictures. I've decided that Facebook might be a more common ground for everyone. It also has more useful features and probably more users than many other hosts.

Tabistry Group

Sorry, if any of you don't approve. I may move this to another site or just start another in the distant future, so keep me informed of your opinions as we start this.

Now, start sharing all you fantastic projects and ideas! We now have a place for everyone to share!

Possible Tabistry Discussion Group??

2010-03-16T10:47:00.000-07:00

Want to share tips on weaving patterns?
Need help getting started?
Need suggestions on how to create a custom piece?
Short on supplies and need more?

If anyone is interested in having a group to share progress and new techniques for tabistry, I'm thinking of starting one. It would be a great place to share supplies. I know many people would like to help by sending tabs to those who need them. I, myself, have many styles of tabs that I rarely use that I'd be happy to share.

I'm still on the fence about what host to use for this. So, please contact me if you have a preference. At the moment I'm considering Tribe.net or Yahoo Groups. I've never moderated a group before. If you know of a better place, by all means let me know. Just want to make it convenient for everyone.

Tribal-style Tabistry Armband

2010-03-10T12:32:00.000-08:00

I've been experimenting with different weaves and came up with one that is perfect for jewelry. It's a bit tricky at first, but looks nice as a armband.

This was a revised version of what I posted that my daughter made for teacher a while back. I used the same brass brad fastener in the middle to change the direction of the tabs. Later I added a dangly tassel from the strings with some silver wash beads and bent tabs to resemble cowrie shells that you find on tribal armbands and hair falls. The pendant was just something I happened upon at a local dollar store.

I think it turned out surprising nice. However, it would be better if I made a second matching one for the other arm. I've got other tribal inspired items in my brain that need to be brought to life. I may work on some hair falls with the same bent tabs and beads and I'd like to design a headdress somehow for my Halloween costume.

If you don't hear from me before then, have a great St. Patty's Day!!

Skull n' Crossbone Necklace

2010-03-10T12:04:00.000-08:00

Last month I made my mom a simple skull/crossbone necklace to wear to a goth themed party we attended.

Sorry, it has taken so long to post. But, it took me awhile to find a suitable pendant to put on it permanently to go with her pirate garb for faire. That is, until a few days ago when we found her a nice piratey pendant at a local thrift store. I had to cut the large center tab to add the pendant. I wrapped the cut with black electrical tape and covered that with black string so the pendant and black beads wouldn't fall off. I also wrapped some string and wire around the two other larger tabs for something different.

The tabs are woven together with a skull shoelace I purchased in a lot at a flea market. It's a bit stiff. However, I thought is was kinda cool that the skulls are spaced just perfectly to show up between the tabs. I must make a belt with these laces!

BTW, I did spray paint the black tabs. Though, you can find black tabs on many cans of the coffee variety, I think. I don't recommend spray paint on tabs that will get frequent wear. THey scratch very easily.

Until next time, happy tabbin'!

Back from Sherwood Forest Faire

2010-02-28T16:21:00.000-08:00

Just got back from a brand new faire near Austin, TX. For opening of it's very first season, Sherwood Forest Faire had a great turn out. It was beautiful there with all the trees. We had a great time.

Just wanted to share the quick tabistry straps I added to my light blue corset. I wove them on the long car ride to faire. Working on a project always makes the time go faster. I really want to get the skirt started for this corset. Hope to someday. :)

Right now, I've got tabistry fairy costumes beating up my brain cells! The daughter and I have decided to make costumes together. So, I've put aside many projects, and we've entered brainstorming mode. She helped me come up with some great ideas and a possible new technique for adding color to the tabistry!

Turkish-Style Vest Pattern Now Available on Etsy

2010-02-19T08:41:00.000-08:00

I know some of you probably thought this day would never come. But, I've finally listed the pattern/instructions for my Tabistry Turkish Vest on Etsy.com! For those of you who want to make one, the tutorial includes illustrations and pics as well as some details for alterations.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41019524

Hope it is helpful! Enjoy!

Great Inspirational Videos!

2010-01-26T11:37:00.002-08:00

I've been searching all over the web since I started making tabistry admiring other artist's work. There are sooo many cool ideas out there. Youtube.com is one of my favorite stops for inspriational videos. So , I would like to share some of my favs.

Escama Studios - Fashion show

And, an advertisment for Escama.

Finissimo - CFW Verao 2009 - Cia do Lacre

More purses/bags from previous year.

Novica Artisan Neide Ambrosio at Brazilian TV Show

Another video about Neide Ambrosio's work.

Some incredible recycled Fashions on Programa Tudo É Possível in four parts(In Spanish):

Part 1

I have to admit that some of these design are a bit flamboyant for my tastes, but play close attention at 3:00 for a black dress made from x-ray film and VCR tape, a plastic bottle maille dress at 5:10, and a unique tabistry top at 6:30.

Part 2

Again, some of the outfits are not for me, but there are more wonderful can tabs and the use of other parts of the can at 2:10 and 4:35.

More awesomeness from Programa Tudo É Possível from 03/02/08:

Part 1
Check out the fairy-like skirt at 1:45 made out of plastic bottles and the cd top at 7:30.

Part 2

I was also impressed with the plastic bottlecap dress at 1:40.

Also in Spanish, Crocheted Can Tabs:

An Interview with Brad Taylor, maker of a can tab lounge chair

For those who care to know, here is a video on how aluminum cans are made.

And, I stumbled on this video purely by accident and cracked up:
"Pop Tab Girl" song

Ev's Tabistry Mermaid Tale!

2010-01-21T19:13:00.000-08:00

It's taken me longer than I planned, but I had to share the incredible pic that Ev sent me.

This HAS to be the most ambitious tabistry project I've seen to date! Wow! Look at ALL those tabs! The scale pattern looks great for their fishy mermaid tails.

"This performance was part of the "grotesque delights" tour of Freak Show, which is part of High Performance Rodeo. A big festival of alternative performances here in the city." - Ev

http://www.hprodeo.ca/2010/freak-show

She used a discount jersey fabric cut to about 1/2 a centimeter, which is narrow. This is so it would be flexible to move in.

"I chose white because i planned on having a black light and i wanted us to glow. I had all our friends collecting poptabs! took forever!! i offered 1 cupcake for every 10 tabs. i dont know where you get your tabs! One of my friend's mom's owns a restaurant, without her help i don't know where i could have gotten this many in time!" - Ev

I wonder if we can still cash in on those cupcakes? :D She commented that they ran out of time finishing these costumes. Somehow, I'm not surprised. One mermaid would be a big challenge to take on. Kudos for seeing all three through!

"...we were actually still weaving minutes before the first show! Thank you so much for your website, and your inspiration!! The fins looked better than i imagined they would. i received lots of positive comments." - Ev

Thanks, Ev, for sharing your epic project with us! Hope the show was a huge success!

"Tabistry" Made the Boston Globe!

2010-01-11T09:42:00.003-08:00

Well, what do ya know?! The word "tabistry" was chosen as a favorite new words of 2009 by the writer of this article:

The year that was - The Boston Globe

The year that was - The Boston Globe

2010-01-11T09:42:00.001-08:00

The year that was - The Boston Globe

Posted using ShareThis

On a Lighter Note...

2010-01-09T19:13:00.000-08:00

I was roaming around the internet today, as I frequently do, and came across this:

A bra made using Tab soda cans made by Ingrid Goldbloom Bloch. It is also constructed with a gutter guard, dryer vents, and rivets. Now, I realize there are no can tabs holding this piece together. So, it's not truly tabistry. But, hey, it's a close relative and this is my blog. I'll post what cool stuff I want. Ha! It even has undies to go with it!

And, best of all...

A garter belt! Wow, how fantastic are they! Not practical or even wearable, I imagine. I'm thinking to myself that my tabistry has to be much more comfortable than these, but they are awesome all the same! She has more inspiring art pieces on her site, including another bra made with washers, nuts and wire mesh at:

http://ingridgoldbloombloch.com/section/104581_Lingerie.html

Great work, Ingrid! We adore your creativity and craftsmanship!

I Don't Understand Some People

2010-01-07T06:33:00.001-08:00

WARNING: If you value original designs and respect copyrights, do not buy anything from www.coquetryclubwear.com!

You know, I really try to be an open-minded understanding person. The other day I had posted a site that had a knock-off piece of my work on it. Then, I had second thoughts and removed the post and contacted the owner of the site to inquire about it before I made any further judgements. Well, I just received a reply that floors me. She has the audacity to say to ME that she came up with that design all on her own after referring to it as "tabistry" (which was coined by our own GypsyLaKat)! My word, I can't understand some people.

For those who missed my first post on this issue, the site is called www.coquetryclubwear.com which I believe is owned/run by a lady named Ellen in Mississippi. In her shop there is a section called "Pop Top Tabistry" which contains a corset for sale.

I had mixed feeling when I saw it, so I posted here about it. Then, I decided to just contact the artist to see what they were thinking. To be fair, I will include the email that I sent her:

"To whom it may concern, Hello. I'm Tiffany, also known as "mieljolie" on forums and my blogs. One of which is "The Art of Tabistry" at tabistry.blogspot.com. I came across the "Pop Top Tabistry" section of your site CoquetryClubwear.com, which made me a little happy and sad at the same time to see the corset/bodice listed there. I'm really flattered that the artist who made it liked my tabistry designs enough to give it a try. It looks very nicely done, and I really like the colors chosen and the addition of the zipper. However, when I posted my pattern for the bodice/corset on my own blog, it was displayed for personal and educational use only. It was not with the intention for others to use the design for profit. I realize some effort has been made to make the item different than what I have created, but it does not change the fact that the design is based on someone else's work. I want to express my feelings to you in hopes that you will see my side and remove it from your site. Or at least, publish credit for the design to the appropriate source. I'm happy that you are providing ready-made tabistry items to the general public, but please make them original designs as conveyed on your "About Us" page. I'm fairly certain that this was not done with any malice in mind, which is why I am writing to you with the sincerest of appeals. I wish you much success in selling tabistry clothing. Perhaps, if we all work together, many more people will see what beautiful things can be done with tabs, and your sales will grow beyond what is imaginable. I'd even be happy to advertise your new and original designs on my blog for others to admire. All that I ask is that you please please give credit where it is due. That way we can all benefit from our creativity. Hope the new year brings you success and happiness! Sincerely, Tiffany Hinnen"

I know I'm not a writer, but it was sincere enough, right? Doesn't it deserve at least an honest refusal? Now, here comes the response, so that all of you can see the kind of person I'm dealing with. Please indulge me while I comment on what I was thinking when I read it. The number represent my thought in order below:

"Thank you for contacting us. We appreciate the effort and sincerity that you put into your email. However, the corset is a centuries old pattern [1], the design of which cannot be attributed to any one person. Yours is not the first pop tab corset. In researching your concern, I have found pop tab corsets that pre-date your blog. If you have made a functioning, fully boned corset, you can make a costume corset out of just about anything [2]. Although there are many small details that vary, the basic styling of all corsets is extremely similar [3], whether it be made of canvas, leather, cotton, or pop tabs. I'm sure that having worked with pop tops, you are able to make just about whatever you can imagine using pop tabs and your aquired techniques [4]. I have done both corsetry and tabbing. So putting together a pop tab corset was not an unfamiliar endeavor [5]. However, I did not buy your pattern or attempt to re-create your corset. I did look at as many photos of pop tab items as I could find, and in doing so I briefly viewed your site as well [6]. Your site is quite nice, but our corsets are different in many ways.
I'm sorry, but I cannot credit you with the design of our items, nor will I remove them from our item list. Sincerely, Ellen Klimczak Sales@CoquetryClubwear.Com"

1. Hmmm, I wasn't aware that pop tabs were used in the construction of corsets in the renaissance. Though my pattern was based off of a Elizabethan-styled pattern generator, I sited my source.

2. I'm not at all sure how this justifies copying someone else's design. I mean, even if it wasn't mine, it was someone's, right? Though, I'd like to see all these other pop tab corsets and how similar they are to mine.

3. Wow, really? " Extremely similar"? No changes in style for how many centuries? I don't know a great deal about the history of corsetry, but IMHO the cone-shaped renaissance corset varys substantially from the Victorian hourglass shaped ones. Not to mention over/underbust, full and half length designs. Even the seams and closures move to different areas around the body. But hers used every seam mine does. How coincidental!

4. Well, yes, I believe my blog proves that I CAN make just about anything with tabs, as can anyone else who learns how to connect tabs together. So why are all of her work so similar to everyone else's.

5. She must be gifted, because putting together a pop tab corset was definitely unfamiliar to me the first time I tried it. Even after sewing/drafting patterns for many years, what parts of making a traditional corset and one out of tabs is similar besides the shape? Corset fabrics are not intended to stretch. Tabistry has some stretch, though the nature of the stiffness gives ample support. An unaltered corset pattern would not be suitable in tabistry corset making. May I also ask where she's inserting the boning?

6. Well that's just contradictory, isn't it. ;) Let me paraphrase, if I can. 'I looked at your stuff for ideas, but though mine is just about exactly like yours in style, shape, weave, and construction, I didn't copy it. Look, I even used different colors and a zipper.'

I hope you understand why I'm going through all the trouble of posting all this. My intentions are not to bash people or spew negative comments on here. I just want everyone to know what kind of company they are buying their tabistry items from. Though, I am not selling items, yet, or taking any requests for custom work, if you do indeed want to purchase ready-made items or get a custom piece made, feel free to contact me. I'd be happy to suggest some more reputable artists than this one. I can even try posting requests on here to find you someone.

Hope everyone is having a better day today than I. Until next time! :)

Stephanie's Jingly Belt

2009-12-30T19:18:00.000-08:00

Hello, once again! I'm managing to squeeze one more post on here to wrap up the year!

I just received some pics my family and I took the last weekend of TRF (Texas Renaissance Festival) and wanted to share some of them with you. While walking up to the main gate, we saw this girl, whom I believe was named Stephanie (please forgive me if I'm wrong). When I saw her belt I had to run up and introduce myself and get some pics. She made a really original jingly belt out of ... you guessed it ... can tabs. And, a lot of them, too!

I like how she strung them at the top and hung chains of them around the bottom. It still amazes me how many different ways you can use these things! Here is a closer look:

Hope "Stephanie" stops by here to see her belt. She was so kind to let us bug her.

Well, that is just about it for this year. It's been a great one. Looking forward to continuing on into the next. I have many projects still in the works for future posts.

A BIG Thank you to everyone who has taken an interest in this blog. You guys are great! And, I have good news! I may have a blog contest lined up soon! I will be giving away some of my pieces. I'm also wondering if any of you would like to craft some creative tabistry masterpieces for prizes. Let me know if it sounds like a fun idea. So, keep checking back for details. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-13T08:03:00.000-08:00

I can not believe Christmas is so close! Where has this year gone?! I think someone has been swiping days from me while I was busy crafting! :) But I do have one more project to show for my efforts.

A full-size tabistry holiday stocking as promised. I used polar fleece strips to weave it. I attempted a pattern on each side using silver and green tabs, but it is hard to see it unless you hold it at just the right angle. One side is candy-striped will the other is a diamond pattern. I'll try to shoot some pics that actually show both patterns when I get a chance.

Wasn't sure I would get this stocking finishing in time, but I did it! Having some frustration getting to know to the new camera. (I lost my old one at faire.) At least the colors are not as oversaturated. They just don't seem as clear to me, though.

I've entered this stocking in a couple holiday contests. If you would like to, I'd love some votes.

You vote once per day at Greenwala here.

Or, vote for me at: Michaels Photo Entry

I've got a few other items I'm going to try to get finished before the year ends. Wish me luck!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS, EVERYONE!!

Beth's Pirate Corset

2009-12-10T09:00:00.000-08:00

While busy at faire and trying to finish up some new things I've been working on, I started posting a lot of different artist's works made with tabs and adding them to a gallery page. You folks have sent so many amazing pics of some really unique pieces that I just had to share them with everyone! Keep them coming! I would like to keep featuring new artists on a weekly basis if possible.

This week I'm featuring Beth's (daughter's) pirate corset:

This is a Beth's daughter modeling her new garb. Beth wanted to make her daughter a pirate corset like mine. So, awhile back we arranged a swap for the pattern. I also helped her start the front panels and she did a great job continuing the rest. She also made the black skirt and her lovely and talented daughter made the red crocheted hat she is wearing. Beth tells me her daughter loved how the corset turned out and got lots of compliments at faire. Yay!

Here are some more pics of the front and back:

She chose to use my original pattern with a little resizing but with the contrasting red back panels where mine just wraps around from the sides in black. I think the back panels really make it look more interesting and finished.

For her end of the swap, together they crocheted my daughter and me some wonderful items, which I have been so rude not to share pics of until now.

Beth made this gray hat and scarf set and the most adorable stuffed Koala bear amigurumi:

And, her daughter made this orange hat:

The pom pom tops were added by us. My daughter was insisting they both needed the poms. I just happened to have a yarn that was close enough to the last one. She wore the orange one to "Hat Day" at school in October.

Thanks so much for swapping with us, Beth. We'd love to do it again, soon!

Rob's Can Tab Cupid

2009-11-16T08:38:00.000-08:00

At least she reminds me of a cupid in the first photo above. The comfort of this two piece warrior woman set is in question, but it sure is a lovely and unique outfit.

Here are some other designs, too.

Rob Emery's warrior woman designs are created out of 100% recycled aluminum. Not only are the tabs aluminum, but aluminum strips from used cans were used to weave the tabs together. Outstanding job! Using all aluminum really makes the tabs shine. When asked about the story of these outfits, this was part of the reply:

"I got into the habit of collecting tabs for a friend's school's charity but when they stopped collecting the habit stuck. Eventually I thought, maybe I could make some chainmail out of that. I tried a few iterations with tabs alone and with aluminum wire but didn't like the look - plus I was keen to make them without any other materials..." - Rob

Using nothing but aluminum must really have been a challenge! Kudos for the successful execution. Though, I pray this one never gets re-recycled!

"...I have one more suit not published yet (looking for the right model still). I am also working on a male armour suit now, with a shirt (sleeveless hauberk) and maybe pants (or at least shorts and greaves) too, though I'll have to get creative to make some knees that can bend more than a few dozen times." - Rob

Good luck with the future projects Rob! I really hope you find your solution for the knees. We're looking forward to seeing your results. Thanks for sharing!

******************************************

After viewing the portfolio website where these images are displayed, Rob appears to be an extremely multi-talented artist being able to draw, sculpt, and make costumes and props equally well (and is gifted at photography, too!) To see other nontabistry works, stroll over to rob.emery.net for a peek.

Don't forget to vote for these outfits in Greenwala's Eco-Chic Contest! You can vote up to once PER DAY for your favorite!

To view past tabistry work by others featured here, go to the Visitor's Gallery.

Image Viewing Problem

2009-11-09T10:46:00.000-08:00

Yikes! Bandwidth Exceeded!

You may have noticed some of my images aren't showing up these days. I just wanted to let everyone know that this is a temporary problem. Should be back to normal around the 18th of this month. I was using Photobucket.com to host my images, and it seems they only allow a limited amount of traffic every month for non pro accounts. If this happens again, I will move the images to a new host. Or, I may have to consider taking up donations to open a pro account in the future.

Sorry for the inconvenience.

Mieljolie

Joani's Coif and Market Bag

2009-11-03T12:16:00.000-08:00

Time to share some more tabistry created by another amazingly creative artist. This one blew me away when I saw it. Joani was inspired by my hat tutorial to create this awesome coif for her man.

She got the fit so perfect. I'm very impressed! But, not only did she manage that, she also designed her own "Market Bag" for carrying her reusable grocery bags. What a clever idea! Looks pretty cool, too.

She is so sweet to boot. She left me some really kind feedback on Etsy.com, and also commented:

"This is by far the easiest method I've tried for creating things with tabs and the results are great. Your blog inspires me to try new ideas." - Joani

I blush. I'm glad I was able to inpsire her to give it a try. Her creativity is wonderful! I asked her a few other questions, which she graciously took some time to answer for us.

>What inspired you to try tabistry?

"I've tried making things out of can tabs before (crocheted belts & purses). It was hard to crochet. I've tried linking them with chainmail rings. I've tried cutting and bending them. Your method looked much easier (and it was!)." - Joani

>How long did your project take?

"4 evenings to make the market bag (3 or 4 hours each night) and about the same for the coif." - Joani

>Approximately how many tabs went into making your project?

"The market bag took about 2500 tabs. The coif took 2352 tabs. We already had the tabs, so the projects were fairly inexpensive. The coif used about a yard of grey t-shirt material ($5). The market bag we used a spool of black ribbon yarn we got at the dollar store, so that was only $1. :)" - Joani

>Will you be making any future tabistry projects?

"Definitely. I'm going to make some more market bags, and might try some more of your other patterns. I am thinking of making a roman gladiator costume for next Halloween." - Joani

>I'm truly amazed at how wonderful the coif turned out. The bag is great, too. Have you used it out shopping, yet?

"We take it with us every time we go. I use it to carry other reusable bags. We get lots of comments about it, especially when they realize what it's made of." - Joani

That's really cool! Can't wait to she the gladiator next year. Congrats, Joani, on the CANTABULOUS tabistry! And, thank you deeply for the generous testimonial.

Cloak with Hood Scarf

2009-11-02T15:04:00.000-08:00

I finished this cloak just in time to wear to TRF for pirate weekend. I also made a hood scarf to wear with it. Later, I plan to try making a stand up collar for it when I get a chance.

Sorry about the pics. I only really wore it during the evenings at camp, so I don't have any good pics, yet. I will try to get some better ones later.

Without hood:

With hood:

Close up:

I made the fabric part out of the same polar fleece I used to weave the tabs. I worked up a new technique on this project. I found a way to increase the scallop look, which I think will turn out nice on the future collar.

I'm back!

2009-11-02T09:09:00.000-08:00

Whew! Still recovering from this weekend. Had a blast at faire and camping. We're already missing it. So much fun! Plus, I got to try out a few new garb additions I've put together.

I've been pondering what to do with this rainbow-colored Turkish vest I made a long time back. Never quite got around to finishing it back then. Then, I decided it would be perfect for All Hallow's weekend, which I believe is also the weekend for TRF's "Day of Wrong".

So, here I am with an "Elvira" we met:

And, with Taffy Saltwater in her awesome Steampunk outfit:

I gathered up all the brightest pieces I've collected over the years at thrift stores and flea markets for this one. I'm wearing FOUR skirts!

• The arm warmers are actually striped socks, which I cut the feet off of.

• Made the hair falls out of synthetic yarn. I'll be sharing a tutorial for the falls on my other blog here.

• The "evil eye" headdress is actually what I was told is a Turkish belt. I bought it at a flea market for $3 shortening it and tying it in the back with elastic.

• The tassels on my belt were made with poly rope and some tassel bead I found in a big jar at a thrift store. The rope is the same stuff I used to make the fluff on my masquerade mask.

Just before heading out for Pirate weekend, I also managed to finish up a lightweight cloak with tabistry shoulders and a matching hooded scarf. It came in very useful on the chilly nights at camp. I'll get some pics of the cloak up soon.

*** UPDATE ***

I have entered this outfit in two online costume contests. Not that I have any hope of winning either. But, if you want to show your support for tabistry and vote for me, check them out here:

http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=322964.0

http://www.greenwala.com/greenwala_contests/all/10-Green-Your-Halloween/entries/all

Thanks for looking!

Jessica's Warrior Outfits

2009-10-26T18:50:00.000-07:00

I'd like to share another amazing tabistry project sent to me by Jessica.

She sent the pics with the following description:

"I came across your website and wanted to share my tab art with you! My boyfriend and I made his shirt by gluing the tabs onto the shirt. We made it for halloween and was supposed to look like chainmail. I decided a year later that I would make my own outfit for Halloween. I went a different route and decided to weave it rather than the terrible hot glue. I am entering in a costume contest this Thursday, hopefully I win! I love all of the things that you have made from tabs and it has inspired me to keep working with the tabs! Thanks!" - Jessica

She did a fantastic job on the top and skirt! And, those gauntlets, or arm bracers, are a perfect addition. Also note the sheath on her sword and shield she is holding that is also covered in tabs and bottlecaps. Such a great outfit! I'm rooting for her to win top prize for all her hard work. It really brightens my day to see such unique and wonderful items inspired by my own work.

Now, go forth and slay more aluminum beasties!!

Lina's Prom Dress

2009-10-18T21:45:00.000-07:00

To break from the usual ramblings about my own work, I thought I'd start sharing some unique works created by other awesome tabistry artists. So if you've got something to show send it on over.

I had to start with this one. Because she actually commented on one of my pieces that, I quote:

"these things are so much more creative than what I've made. Guh. Luckyyyyy."

Yeah, right. Her name is Lina Fernandez and she made her senior prom dress out of tabs in 2008. I think she did an amazing job. So, I thought I would post it here so others could tell her how awesome it really is.

She has what looks like two different weaves in the dress. As she states in the article, the skirt was made separately and the two pieces sewn together. The weave of the upper portion is a different variation than my work. I believe it is two layers sandwiched together in offset horizontal rows. I love how she handled the bottom edge of the dress. From what I can tell the vertical strands of tabs swing freely. Well, I'm impressed. I wore boring satin to both my proms.

She shares more pics of it here. And, the article about it can be found here.

Just a Little Something For Teacher

2009-10-03T17:18:00.000-07:00

My daughter wanted to make something special for her 1st grade teacher, so she made a bracelet of her own design. While working on it, she needed a way to stop it from twisting, so I suggested a few things and we came up with this...

She choose some glow-in-the-dark pony beads and some brass brad fasteners from my supply stash. It ties on with a piece of yarn. Since she was pretty happy with how it turned out, I thought I'd post it for her. She told us after school, Friday, that all her classmates were bugging the teacher to turn out the lights in the classroom to see it glow. Anyway, her teacher liked it very much. And, now we have a new recruit collecting tabs for us. ;)

"Monster" Masquerade Mask

2009-09-25T07:34:00.000-07:00

Hello, again, all you fans of cans! We've just had our first small taste of chilly fall weather! Yay! Halloween is almost here! So, being in the spirit of spookiness, I made one of the hair holders I've been playing around with into a colorful masquerade mask using my stash of Monster (and other energy drink) tabs.

I LOVE me some anodized tabs! I used up most of my colored can tab stash on this mask. I never have many to work with because, to my dismay, they come on only energy drinks, and caffeine just doesn't play nice with me. I really like all the slight color variations of the tabs. Wish I had MORE. If any of you have any tabs to spare, I would just about beg, borrow or steal to get some more. Well, maybe just beg or trade. I've got a holiday project planned that would really be improved by some more red ones.

(BTW, awhile back I DID contact Monster about the possibility of a caffeine-free version. Hehe. The kind customer service rep actually wrote me back that she would send it on to the product development dept. for consideration. What do you think my chances are? It would probably have a plain old silver tab, anyway. DRAT!! I'm still waiting patiently for an update. ;D )

I may pick up some feathers and things to dress up the mask a little. I think a jeweled bottlecap will look nice on one side, too.

***** UPDATE 10/03/09 *****

Just finished adding some feathery decoration to the mask.

Hope it improves it. I like how the fluffy colorful stuff turned out. The idea was inspired a bit strangely. I noticed the "cracker", or tip, at the end of the poly rope whip I plaited for my daughter a while back. (The pics are on my other blog.) It got all fuzzy from cracking, as crackers tend to do. The poly rope comes in 75 ft bundles for a $1 at our dollar store. I went ahead and got some other colors (blue, red, and yellow). I may use them for other things. Can never have enough rope, right? :) Anyway, the black and white spikey stuff is plastic shopping bag. When you roll up a strip and pull it, it gets stiff and can stand on its own. I thought it was pretty cool.

Thanks for stopping by! And, have a SCARIFIC Halloween!

Hair Accessories for Halloween

2009-09-24T12:06:00.000-07:00

While making my first purse posted just before this, I came up with this idea to make hair holders purely by accident. So, I've decided to try to make some to put in my Etsy.com store. I have experimented with two different styles. The "infinity" style with streaming ends shown here:

The ends aren't really finished, yet. I'm debating to add beads and other things to the ends.

And, the plain flat one here:

I may also lengthen the idea into tie-on headbands, as well. Since Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, they're woven with black and orange t-shirt fabric. I may add some charms or ribbon to the the bottom edge.

They are secured in the hair with a chopstick. Now that I think about it, if I had used "plarn" (plastic bag yarn) these could easily be made out of discarded chinese take-out trash. Now, what would I use the pesky styrofoam or cardboard boxes for? Hmmm... Guess I could store my hair accessories in them. :)

Thanks for stopping by. Until next post, have a CAN-tastic time!

Autumn is Just Around the Corner!

2009-09-11T17:08:00.000-07:00

Pics are here as promised! Hope you like the new retro additions. While working on the hat tutorial I wanted to make a different style than the sun hats. And, after this hat was nearly finished it "told" me it needed a purse to go with it. (And, I really wanted to use up all the scrap from the hat) :) I'm really not one who uses a purse these days. I have a tendency to lay them down in unusual places. Oopsy. But, I've had a lot of folks asking if I'm going to make any purses, so I thought I'd better get one done. It probably isn't a very practical size for most, but I think it's adorable, anyway.

Both the hat and the purse are made from three t-shirts (black, blue and white) that I happened to have around because I keep EVERYTHING. They took most of all the shirts to make except a few small scraps. Because of the indecisive person I am, I made two styles of straps for the purse. The one pictured above is a wide strap to wear over the shoulder and the other is the two smaller handles shown below. They hook in with lanyard hooks. The purse has a bottlecap button on both sides that fasten to the removable closure. And, the hat has a matching bottlecap flower embellishment.

I lined the purse with some extra blue t-shirt I had left. And, I also added a small pocket inside.

Though you can't tell in the pics, I was very please at how my make-up turned out. I've been playing around with different looks and was trying for something a little retro 20's vampish or something. The pic below is the best angle I have due to the hat brim covering my eyes. It was very odd, not to mention sticky, wearing a turtleneck sweater, wool skirt and full length wool coat in 80+ degree muggy Texas heat. Wonder what the neighbors were thinking. :) I wanted to give the images a good fall/winter feeling. Just ignore the greenery, if you will. ;)

Thanks for lookin'.

POP TOP Tute and Patterns on Etsy

2009-09-10T13:41:00.000-07:00

Finally put the POP TOP Tutorial/Patterns up at my Etsy store, which reminds me that I want to say a big THANKS, again to everyone who has purchased the "Tabistry Basics". I'm so happy it has been received so well.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30706194

It's been a long time editing these tutorials, but I finally had to stop making excuses and get the hat tutorial up. I'm a bit fussy and can't quit tweaking every little thing. While writing it, I put together a new "bucket" style hat that I will get action pics of as soon as I get it and a matching purse finished. Hope to have the pics taken this weekend. **crosses fingers, knocks on wood, does little dance, etc...**

For now, you'll just have to be content with this one from the tute:

Sorry, but it started growing out of my lightbox. I still haven't got the lighting just right, but the images of the construction are much better than my previous attempts.

In other news, I was also inspired to make a couple designs for some hair accessories that I may sell on Etsy, as well. With the way things are going at present, they probably won't be ready until after October, though. We shall see. I've got my garb to get ready for TRF! Speaking of faire (and I do quite often), we'll be at Middlefaire opening weekend on September 19th for their bellydance themed weekend. I think you'll be able to guess what I'm wearing. :)

So many things to make and so little time! Better get back to my tabs.

Tabistry Grid

2009-08-25T07:08:00.000-07:00

For everyone's convenience, I've created a simple printable grid sheet to help in the layout of custom tabistry patterns. At the link below is an 8.5x11" PDF (105K) of the grid for common small square and round tabs. You should be able to layout staggered scale patterns as well as grid patterns using this sheet*.

http://www.box.net/tabistry

* The thickness and stretchiness of your weaving material may slightly change the dimensions of your finished piece.

Red Sun Hat

2009-08-03T19:28:00.000-07:00

Finally got around to shooting some pics of this red sun hat I made awhile back for someone. It's really bright red, but she's in the Red Hat Society!

It's my first attempt at a floppy brim. If there's a next time, I think I will try adding some wired ribbon to the brim edge to help shape it better.

This one is made with larger can tabs and is deliberately a larger size hat. I used the ribbon with can tabs sewn to it to cinch it in like a "D" ring belt. You can kinda see the buckle in this pic along with a removable bottlecap flower:

Hope you like it. Thanks for looking!

Underbust Update

2009-07-31T08:29:00.001-07:00

I just wanted to take a second to post an update on my progress with the "underbust" corset and cabaret bra. I'm working on them simultaneously. The progress pics aren't much to look at. But, you'll get an idea of how they will turn out when finished.

The corset prototype is just about finished. I will be making two versions. One with and one without the cups. This image shows cups, but they are easily removed. Have a couple things left to correct. I need to lower the bust line and alter the cups a bit more like the bra for better comfort.

It's kind of Frankenstein-ish at this point with all the different colored shoelaces and all. I was using scraps. The sides are a colorful ducky print I had.

The bra has been altered slightly, especially in the cups, since this photo, but this version will have crisscrossed back straps. I will eventually make a version that goes all the way around with hooks or laces.

I'm still on the fence about what colors to use on the final pieces. I have a pile of black t-shirts I might use for the bra, but I'm thinking I will use some burgundy fleece for the corset.

Tabistry Tutorial Now Available at Etsy.com

2009-06-09T09:29:00.000-07:00

Well, I've finally gone and done it. I posted my "Tabistry Basics" Tutorial on Etsy.com. In the near future, I will be putting up some of my patterns, as well. I've had so many people requesting to purchase my patterns, I had to get something up. I really hate charging for it. I have been enjoying the fun of swapping with others for crafts. I love all the unique items we have received. I truely cherish each of them. I still plan to offer the swap option, but right now my swaps are kinda getting hard to manage. :)

Hope it goes well and is useful to others. If you do purchase it, I'd love to hear any comments on how I can make it better and as easy to follow as possible.

Turkish Vest Revisited

2009-05-18T18:00:00.000-07:00

Not much new to show just yet. Except for the belt I finally got around to finishing up. I also took some pics of various stages while trying to accessorize my Turkish-style vest adding some more doodads here and there. I was experimenting with my makeup, as well. Not used to wearing so much. It felt really strange. I'm wearing just about every piece of silver-toned jewelry things I own in the first pic! :)

I had some chain I managed to put together from junk jewelry scraps. So, I added it around the belt, on the vest at the center back to replace the yarn ties, and on the front edges.

First Attempt:

Second Attempt:

Third Attempt:

I ended up wearing the red top in the first pic with the grayish skirt, black over skirt and red scarf from the last pic. My mom wore her pirate hat and waist cincher.

Guess my daughter decided to wear her clown face. ;)

I made an attempt to remove it. LOL

Grandma lookin' Piratey

I'm really close to finished on the underbust/cupped corset. Just the last 2 panels to weave and I should have something to show.

Action Pics from Scarby '09

2009-04-27T12:53:00.000-07:00

Just got back from our first trip of the season to Scarborough. We made quite a few improvements to our garb this trip.

We reworked the front of mom's bodice. She says it fits much better not being as big as before. I took out the front plastic boning, which was causing some ripples and buckling in her trim. Eventually, we are going to put the stiffer boning back in the sides, but it's not as necessary anymore now that it is smaller.

I also added an ostrich feather to her hat, which I think really gives it that extra touch.

She finally got to show off her new mug and parasol holders that were made for us by Cormac on http://www.renaissancefestival.com/ . They came in very handy.

I got to wear my new things. A corset, mug holder (by Cormac) and new (to me) mug.

We whipped up a last minute simple cincher for my daughter to wear. Here she is participating at the maypole.

As usual, we had a blast and wore ourselves out. In all, a good time was had. Can't wait to return. Huzzah!

Proximidade Blog Award

2009-04-21T08:20:00.000-07:00

I just received a blog award from Jamie Moore of Creepy Creations. Ahh, how sweet. (Though, I feel she's a bit biased. **nudge nudge, wink, wink** ;) ) I tried looking up the history of this award, but found very little information about its origins. However, it sounds like a very nice thing to do for others. So, from what I can tell we are supposed to include the following descriptive text about the award:

"This blog invests and believes in PROXIMITY--nearness in space, time, and relationships! These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers!

The instructions then say, "Deliver this award to eight bloggers who will choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."

Here are my list of bloggers (in no particular order) that I think deserve to receive an award for their more than "charming" sites.

Crafterella (oohmybees on Craftster) at http://crafterella.blogspot.com/ for sharing all her wonderful techniques and instructions for making crafts.

Bethany (Eliea on Craftster and Etsy) at http://mrsmulticraft.blogspot.com/ for her helpful advice in crochet and knitting (especially loom knitting) and other crafts.

Scott at http://www.stolloween.com/ for his incredibly inspiring paper mache work.

Marisa at http://www.radiobastet.com/ for sharing all the awesome vintage bellydance music.

Marie at http://my12grimmauldplace.blogspot.com/ for her intricate work in Harry Potter miniatures.

Veronica at http://voknits.com/ for her beautiful and creative knitting patterns.

And, though the following have already received this award, I would also like to include these exceptional ladies:

Brenda at http://loomlady.blogspot.com/ for sharing all her creative projects, techniques and knowledge in loom knitting.

Jodi at http://creagerstudios.blogspot.com/ for her and her husband's incredible attention to tiny details in their fabulous miniature creations.

Thanks to all of you for your ingenuitive contributions to the world of creative arts and inspiring so many of us to try new things.

Tiffany (Mieljolie)

New Curvier Corset in Light Blue

2009-04-16T15:05:00.000-07:00

Hello there! Finally posting a new project. I've been reworking a victorian-style corset for some time now. By victorian, I guess I mean that it is more curvier than the previous corset.

I had some trouble with the other one I made being to short to wear with the low cut pants that are in these days. So, I made one that extends down further over the hips. I also worked in what I'm referring to as an "intarsia" design into the front. I'm calling it that because creating it is very similar doing intarsia in knitting using floats.

I reduced the number of tabs in the lacing by skipping every other one. I don't have it laced as tightly as it will be for faire. I want to break it in slowly. Mom laced me upsidedown from what I prefer being small chested and all. Ideally it should be laced starting at both the top and bottom and tied in the middle, but my shoestring laces were too long for that. :)

Thanks for looking!

Oh! If you want to make your own, I do have the pattern to make this corset available for trade.

Visitor's Gallery

2009-03-31T17:34:00.000-07:00

Links to show off all the wonderful Tabistry works shared by others.

Original works:

http://attackcatdesign.blogspot.com.

Lina made her senior prom dress out of tabs.

Jessica and her boyfriend made a warrior outfits for Halloween.

Joani made her man an awesome coif.

Joani also made a clever and useful Market Bag.

Rob shares two 100% recycled aluminum warrior woman outfits with us.

Ev crafted up not one, but THREE epic mermaid costumes for a show!

Check out some of K. Dianne's tabistry crown and other jewelry pieces at http://cactusmoon.weebly.com/tabistry.html

Works based off of my patterns:

(crafterella, oohmybees on craftster) based on my turkish vest pattern. More pics can be seen on her blog at: http://crafterella.blogspot.com.

my daughter's six year old cousin's first attempt at a tabistry flower (with a little help from her mom) based on my flower favor pattern.

With a little help Beth made a corset for her daughter based on my pirate corset.

If you would like to have your own creations displayed here, just send me images or a link to my email posted in my profile. Please include a little info about yourself and/or a brief description about your piece.

Thank You for Your Support

2009-01-29T15:19:00.000-08:00

I wanted to take a moment to publically say THANK YOU to all of you who have sent tabs our way. We really appreciate the thought and effort.

I've been pretty busy lately with other craft projects before and during the holidays. So much so that my true obsession (can tabs) has had to take a back seat. I have lots of idea planned, but need to get my tabs collected and get started.

I'd also like to add that we are constantly in need of all shapes and sizes of can tabs for our creations. Anyone who has tabs they'd like to contribute, we would be extremely grateful to you. They can be sent to:

Can Tabs
c/o Mieljolie
504 Hwy 276
West Tawakoni, TX 75474

Favors

2008-12-20T20:59:00.000-08:00

Finally posting my can tab favors from TRF.

There a bit wrinkly from being in my pouch. I made most of what I passed out on the 4 hour drive to faire. They are made with just tabs, ribbon and a pinback or safety pin. Next time I plan to add a bottle cap center to them.

Turkish-style vest and belt

2008-11-20T10:08:00.000-08:00

Thought I'd get around to posting my latest can tab creations. Yay!! I'm really pleased at how they turned out. (Not so pleased at my blinding white complexion or farmer-tanned arms. Yikes!) WARNING: You may need sunglasses to view these images.

I joined another Craftster swap (gallery) and my partner expressed a desire to own a turkish vest. Well, I pondered sewing one, but our machine is still acting up. So, instead I attempted (what else?) one out of tabs.

I made a prototype in black which I thought I'd better try out for comfort. I decided to make the whole thing adjustable just about anywhere I could since I couldn't measure my partner myself and she said she'd dropped a lot of weight recently. Anyway, I wore the prototype to TRF and (to my relief) it was very comfortable.

Here it is with a sleeved shirt:

Then, on to my partners vest/belt set:

She wanted a vest that would coordinate with some turkish outfits she already had in bright pink with green and gold accents. I originally started making some armbands for another outfit she had in copper/black, but decided I should make a matching belt, instead. I would have made both, but I ran out of time. October was a crazy month for me. As you can see in the pics, I changed the style of the back of the vest a bit. However, I think I like the original back better.

Well, I hope she likes it. She really hasn't said much about it. She said she would be posting pics of it in the swap gallery soon, but I haven't seen them, yet. Still waiting to see what I will receive as well. Hope it's cool whatever it is or I want my vest/belt back! Hehe Just kiddin' :) Actually, I'm indebted to her for asking for a vest in the first place. Otherwise, I would probably never have attempted one. That would be a shame because I really like it.

*************UPDATE****************

Well, my partner up and flaked on me. Can you believe it!! I spent hours on that thing!! How rude! She didn't even post pics of what she received. I'm really bummed. :( But, on a good note, the moderator has found me a swap angel. So, I should get something at least before Scarby. *crosses fingers*

*************UPDATE ****************

Finally received from my swap angel, spooky.kitty. Click here to see what I got. I also heard back from my original partner who ran into some personal problems that has caused her to dissappear for awhile.

Bellydance Costume Progress

2008-09-03T10:58:00.000-07:00

As embarrassing as it is, here are some pics I promised to put up of the bellydance costume I'm working on getting finished. It has been raining here and while I was getting photographed I was experiencing a nice cold mist on my exposed parts. Brrrr...

I'm repurposing my empire waist bodice I wore to faire. Currently, I'm experimenting and adding all the dangly things to my belt. As you can tell in the pics, the sleeves are removable and I only have one on. I had to make the piece on my stomach wide enough to hide my beautiful appendectomy scars. (The surgeon was a butcher, but I'm still alive and kickin' so all is good.)

Anyway, there will be a round flower thing on both hips (maybe with a turquoise jewel in center) as well as many hanging strings of tabs all around similar to the front. I'm probably ditching the overskirt seen in the first few pics.

New Hats! And, future tutorial!

2008-08-04T17:01:00.000-07:00

I've got 2 new hats to show off!

Just finished a topless for my Great Aunt Claudine made with yellow t-shirt scrap and multi-colored yarn.

The other is a sun hat made with blue and white fleece strips that was made by request for a fellow crafter on http://www.craftster.org/. She's giving it as a gift to someone who collects hats. I tried some new techniques on this one. I figured out a way to weave muli-colored patterns (hard to see the music notes here) and a new way to attach the pieces together. Mom is modeling it til I can get some pics from the new owner.

I'm currently working on a tutorial on creating tabistry and how to make a pop top hat. I may also work on a "how to" video as well. So, in the near future, anyone interested will be able to get a copy to create their own.

***** UPDATE 09/18/09 *****

Thank you to everyone who have helped make my tutorials better. I now have two up finished and now on Etsy.com (when in stock) here:

mieljolie.etsy.com

I opted not to use craftedonline.com at this time. I may in the future, but for now I will just stick with Etsy.

Mom Needs a New Pair of Shoes!

2008-07-02T11:14:00.000-07:00

Well, just like the title reads, my mom was complaining about not having comfy shoes to go with her outfit. So, I said, "Why not make some!" Out of can tabs, of course! One day later, here one is:

Strange style for her outfit, I know, but they definitely fit her personality. :) She says they are comfortable, but we will have to field test that at TRF before a true judgement can be made. We need a louder bell, jewel, or charm for the toe.

***********************************************

As requested, here is a pattern for making a shoe like the one above. This is a simplified version. The original has a left and right side, but I altered it so it would be easier.

To join the two pieces, I tied the ends of the top and bottom toe point together. Then pulled a separate strips of fabric/cord between the two layers on each side of the shoe starting at the top most point. Pull the ends out of the first holes on either side of the top point. Then, start weaving into the next hole of the top layer down thru the bottom layer and then move over a hole on the bottom layer and up thru the same top hole. Then move over to the next top hole going down to the next hole in the bottom layer. Keep repeating this until you reach the last hole of the top layer. Be sure to alway go to a new hole on bottom and the same hole on top to get the curled toe.

When the toe is finished, continue around the shoe to soften the edge and make the opeing smaller. Next, with a new strip start joining the side to the bottom 'til you reach the back. I ran a strip of vertical tabs up the back to hold the two sides together. The last tab should stick up in the back where you could add a lace to tie them around your ankle.

I highly recommend lining the inside with soft fabric for extra cushion.

*********************************************

The illustration below shows how to create the staggered weave pattern needed to make the shoe.:

New Bodice

2008-06-27T06:58:00.000-07:00

Inspiration struct me the other day, so I started one using the corset pattern maker at: http://www.elizabethancostume.net/custompat/index.html. Just wanted to see how accurate the measurements would be with the tabs. Wish I would have found this before I started the first bodice for mom. Much easier. I've also created my own can tab pattern in Adobe Illustrator where I superimposed the tabs over the image created by the online pattern maker. Still working on little tweaks like the spacing, but, now I don't need to guess on the shape. Yeah!! Here is the front so far:

I've removed the AI pattern I posted here. If you would like to acquire it, please pm or email me. Sorry for the inconvenience.

I've been told the style looks like something from the Nutcracker Ballet.

As you can tell in the pic, this horizontal tabs are spaced much to far apart in AI causing it too be to wide. This is actually as good thing because of the stretchiness of the bodice. Anyway, I wanted to try adding variety by making a subtle pattern in the weave by turning the tabs over in places (as you can barely see in the above pic). Didn't show up that well, at first. But, it gave me another idea to run a contrasting cord through the upside-down tabs. More color! Look closely in the far left corner of the bodice in the first pic in this post.

I'm running into some problems with the victorian-style experiment I mentioned because I used nonstretchy shoelaces and weaved them too tight, I think. The lacings under the arms will not line up straight. Argghh!

****************UPDATE******************

Pic from TRF with flat cap hat

Pirate/Cavalier Hat

2008-06-25T14:51:00.000-07:00

This hat has evolved a lot since I started it. Originally we wanted a tricorn hat. I used black shoelaces with skull/crossbone print, hence the spotty-look.

Sun hat-style before I pinned up the sides:

Hat at the present moment with Dr. Pepper can flower pinned to side and ostrich feathers:

Here's mom modeling her hat.

My empire waist bodice

2008-06-25T14:47:00.000-07:00

I pretty much used up most of my supply of tabs on mom's bodice, but wanted to wear something to the faire as well. So, I created a much shorter project for myself.

And, the back while I was fitting it.

There is just something about dressing up to go to a ren faire that make it more fun!

Breakdown of costs:

Can Tabs = FREE
Dk Blue Velour = n/a (fabric from old jogging jacket)
Orange/Brown Braided Trim = ? ($4 for huge 20+ yard spool braided with leather)
Shoelace lacing on sides of bodice= 30 cents a pair (eBay lot)
Chemise = $1 (thrift store fabric)
Removable Over skirt and Sleeves = $1 (remnant clearance fabric)
Aqua-colored Jewel = ? ($2 for package of 10?)
Bottle cap setting for Jewel = FREE
____________________________________
Total = $2.30

Mom's Bodice for Faire

2008-06-25T14:28:00.000-07:00

NEW PIC from TRF!!

************************************************
At this point, I'm experimenting with more challenging projects. I found a local short-lived suppler of tabs and WAS rolling in them for awhile. Muhahaha! So, I started mom's bodice/corset. We wanted inexpensive, not so h/a outfits for the Scarby 2008 renaissance faire here in Texas.

A close up of the hat after a few changes.

Here is a pic of the last fitting showing the straps.

I still plan to add some extra paintstick boning to straighten out the front. But, overall she was very pleased and comfortable at the faire.

**********************************************

Here is the post about TRF: http://mieljolie.blogspot.com/2008/10/pics-at-trf.html

Post for the shoes: http://mieljolie.blogspot.com/2008/07/mom-needs-new-pair-of-shoes.html

***********************************************

Breakdown of costs:

Can Tabs = FREE
Jewels with rims on Hat = $2 ($1 per pack of 6 jewels at hobby storeclearance)
Gold shoelace on Hat= 30 cents a pair (eBay lot)
Lt. Green Leather Cord Lacing = $8 ($4 a cord at hobby store)
Yarn trim on Hat and Bodice = $2.50 (on clearance)
Nylon cord braided into yarn = 50 cents (clearance)
Dk Green Fleece = $1 ($3/yd.)
Green Scarf on shoulders = ? (I've had it forever)
White sheer shirt = ? (Mom's closet)
Dk Green Overskirt = $1 (Thrift store fabric)
Lt Green Slip Dress = $10 (Marshalls clearance)
____________________________________
Total = $25

Can Tab Crownlace

2008-06-25T14:21:00.000-07:00

After Jeudi's outfit and the start of my mom's corset/bodice, I offered to create a crown for an unofficial illustration contest on iStockphoto.com.

The first attempt is modeled by Jeudi:

We added some soup/fruit cans to the mix, as well as some cheapy rhinestones and a couple gold shoelaces.

Being flexible, it also doubles as a wonderful necklace!

Breakdown of costs:

Can Tabs = FREE
Jewels with rims = $1 per pack of 6 jewels (clearance at hobby store)
Gold shoelaces = 30 cents a pair (eBay lot)
Clasp finding from old belt = next to FREE
____________________________________
Total = $1.30

Jeudi Warrior Princess

2008-06-25T13:50:00.000-07:00

After the belt projects, I played around with weaving sheets of tabs in various patterns coming up with, my favorite, the scale look. One triangle shaped piece jokingly became a can tab string bikini top, but you're crazy if you think I'm sharing that pic! The next project made out of can tabs was a hat for my daughter. She loves pink! As any 4 yr. old girl at the time would. I happened to find some pink fuzzy soft fleece fabric strips in the clearance at Hobby Lobby. So, we made the following hat:

It's surprisingly stretchy, light and comfortable. Of course, she just had to have a costume to wear with it. She was, and is, into Xena of all characters. Below are pics of our progress to the current costume.

And, here is the latest add-ons to her outfit that will hopefully be worn to TRF this year weather permitting.

We added a sword, whip, cape and a few other accessories she picked out. The whip is a whole other homemade project I will explain in a separate post.

Breakdown of cost:

Can tabs = FREE (technically, they made money cuz we recycled some of the cans)
Pink Fleece = $2 (large package of strips on clearance)
Belt for hanging weapons = $1 (thift store)
Sword = $1 (dollar store)
Green Dress = $17 (new)
Green/Black Cape = $1.50 (thrift store)
Whip = $2 ($1 each for bundle of green rope and duct tape, pencil was free)
Armbands/Jewels = $1 each arm (from clearance jewery finds)
________________________________________
Total = $25.50

Beer-Bellydancing Belts

2008-06-25T13:13:00.000-07:00

The first project I started which drew me into never-ending can tab hunt was not even made of can tabs. Instead, I used bottle caps.

My mom wanted a noisy belt to practice bellydancing in. She used to take lessons back in the early 70's. Her instructor at the time told her that if you couldn't hear your belt, you weren't doing it right. :) Anyway, we looked everywhere for those little coins/bells you see on bellydancer costumes. No luck near us. Then, while having a refreshing drink after dancing, we came up with using the bottle caps instead. The following pics are of these belt attempts. I must say, they are indeed noisy!

Need a close up?

The caps were folded in half with a vise. Then, hung with fishing lure attachments to rings made of coiled wire clothes hanger jump rings. The sound of this belt is much lower and different than the flat caps below and is my mom's favorite belt for shimmying.

Another belt made from caps smashed flat and attached with plain lanyard hooks, shows my first attempts at using the tabs for the actual belt. I was later able to find fairly inexpensive clapper bells on eBay from a native american supply store. Not sure why they are selling bells from India, but it was a great bargain. The belt is weaved together with fuzzy yarn.

Here is a close up showing a tag we added with our joke of a slogan and the most vulgar of all bellydance poses as a logo.

"Go Ahead, Shake Your Can!"