cleaning a handmade carpet

[xnikki118x.livejournal.com]

I'm not sure this is the best community for this question and I apologize for that. I'm hoping some people will have made these though and will have a idea about their care.

I received a small kitchen rug that was handmade. I have no idea how to clean it. Whatever sealer is on the bottom seems like it might melt in a dryer but can it be thrown in the washing machine and hung to dry? If not, how can I get it clean? I have a 2-year-old who sometimes likes to throw his dinner around and beating the carpet outside isn't cutting it anymore. I just really like this and don't want to ruin it, though. [My almost-40-year-old cousin with pretty profound MR made it and I don't want to mess it up.] Any ideas?

Here are pictures of the front and back, for reference:
( here )

Masquerade masks!

[me-maneuver.livejournal.com]

January was quite an exciting month! One of my resolutions was to start doing more with my masks. I've already done a four mask give-away and donated three to a charity auction, which makes me feel really great. I had gotten into a slump, but now I've come up with a few really fun new designs. I'm especially happy with the peacock masks. They really sparkle and are fun to paint and decorate.

I've made more masks in the last month than in the previous 5 months combined. My painting is improving and I think the construction is getting better, too!

All of my masks are hand cut, shaped, and crafted out of 8 oz vegetable tanned leather. I use acrylic paint, crystals (Swarovski, if I can), feathers, buttons, scrapbooking embellishments and even leather spiky accessories.

( January's mask pictures )

Chameleon pouch

[filthy-bunny.livejournal.com]

First of all, thanks so much for all the kind comments on my last post! :) Sorry I didn't reply to anyone sooner, I seem to be crazy busy lately.

Here's my latest project: an appliqued case/pouch for my brother, whose birthday is tomorrow. I didn't make the case itself but I added all the decoration.



( A couple of close-ups >>> )

I have no less than four close family birthdays in February, plus Valentine's, so I expect to be making a bundle more things before the month is through!