Lynda Makara Creations on Etsy

My name is Lynda Makara. I always remember wanting to be creative. As a kid I would sketch and make pictures with colored chalk. Then when I was ten my mom taught me how to sew. The first thing I made was a pair of pajamas. Soon I was making all my clothes.

Over the years I explored other needle arts such needlelace, battenburg lace, silk ribbon embroidery and doll making. Many times while working on a project I just wanted to keep going late into the night. But at that time I had a "real" job and had to get some sleep. There was a poem pinned on my bulletin board that I would look at while I was working. I don't remember the origin of the poem but it summed up my feelings exactly:

When I am a grown up woman
With my hair up on my head
I'll sit and sew til very late
And never go to bed!

Today my "real" job is my art and I frequently work late into the night. I enjoy making things with my hands and I like to figure out how things are made. I like to use supplies that are already on hand or repurpose something found at a thrift shop.

Sometimes I just want to design something completely different

Beading tutorial: peacock earrings
Anyone with basic sewing skills can make a pair of peacock earrings like the ones in this beading tutorial. You just need a few simple sewing tools, along wi...Crafting tutorial: yo yo flowers with a kick
Yo yo flowers are back! I've got a new twist on this old favorite. These yo yo flowers have a kick because I've added some layers and embellishments that you...Crafting tutorial: angel kitty pin
You can make a super cute angel kitty pin with a few fabric scraps, buttons and beads. So gather up those little odds and ends you saved from other projects,...Crafting tutorial: fabric cuff bracelets
See how fast and easy it is to make cuff bracelets out of fabric. This is a great way to use fabric scraps from your stash. You can even use an old pair of j...Simple glass painting ideas for recycled jars
Want to save your empty glass jars from the recycling bin? You can make them into decorative containers by painting them with simple designs. I'll show you s... Turn a mason jar into a fun and funky lamp
Do you have some old mason jars you don't know what to do with? Why not turn them into unique lamps! The one I've done here shows you just how fun and funky ...Turn an ugly mirror into a work of art
The thrift store is a good resource for cheap and interesting supplies to use for your arts and crafts projects. I look for old frames, mirrors, whiteboards,...Decorate for Valentines Day
It's Valentines Day in Lynda Makara Creations' Etsy shop! Take a look at the these unique Valentine decorations to display in your home or to give as gift...Adorable folk art sheep sculpture, Sheena the sheep
Meet Sheena the sheep, an adorable 3" tall folk art sheep sculpture available in Lynda Makara Creations' Etsy shop. The size is just perfect to go with ...Cute faux feather tree for Spring and Easter decor
Here's an oh-so-cute Spring and Easter faux feather tree available in Lynda Makara Creations' Etsy shop. Named Spring Explosion, this faux feather tree is b...Easy chicken stew
What could be more soothing on a chilly day than a savory chicken stew. I'm going to share my favorite chicken stew recipe--so comforting, so delicious and s...How to make pineapple upside down cake
Ooey, gooey pineapple upside down cake looks so festive and tastes even better than it looks! The buttery caramel sauce and the fruit combine to make a cake ...The lazy woman's exercise: kettlebells
Are you a lazy exerciser? Do you want a shortcut to fitness? You can get an effective workout in just 15 minutes, less time than it takes to drive to the gym...Kiss Your Dentist Goodbye by Dr Ellie Phillips
Brush. Floss. See your dentist twice a year. Most of us believe that's all we need to do to take care of our teeth. And yet most of us still get cavities, ha...