Saturday, December 1, 2012

Photo Card

Wrapped Bone Holiday
Create custom new year's invitations at Shutterfly.com.
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Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Hounds-tooth obsession!

My friends I am in love with hounds-tooth print! Why I do not know but I just adore it in all of its old wonder :)
Along with loving hounds-tooth fabric I love a good fabric sale! I had gone to Hobby Lobby seeking a finale' for my Mom who is saving an antique lampshade when I stumbled upon a box of fabric pieces leftover for sale. In this box of wonder I found 1 and 3/4 yard of hounds-tooth upholstery fabric. And I thought hmmm...new clutch yes please!
just bought these! love them :) black patent w houndstooth print sperrys! This is where the obsession started I bought these a few months ago and I was hooked! <3

Tools:

outside fabric for clutch (I would use a thicker fabric for sturdiness)
inside fabric: think either cotton or satiny- I used an old satiny shirt from the thrift store a steal at .29 cents!
Button of choice (I used a large chunky button found as a single button from Joann's)
snaps: (I used basic snaps with a snap machine but you could use a magnet or larger snap)
scissors
pin
thread to match fabric

 Step 1: I began by deciding the shape of my clutch. I laid the hounds-tooth fabric out and trimmed to the size I needed. Make sure to cut off any loose ends to ensure nothing is sticking out on the finished project.
 Step 2: I took the old stain ladies shirt and cut the back out along the seam of the arms and neck of the shirt.

Step 3: I began to pin the fabric together so that the satin would be on the inside and edged with the hounds-tooth fabric.
Step 4: Once the fabric was pinned I began to stitch around the edges leaving .5 inch for me trim before folding the edges over.
Step 5: Once the red interior fabric was completely attached I trimmed the excess and folded the right and left sides to create a large rectangular envelope shape. I had 1 inch sides.

Step 6: To finish the clutch I used a "random zig-zag" stitch shown here random zig-zag stitch so that it would mimic the hounds-tooth print.I sewed the left and right side about 4-5 inches up each side with a 1 in trim on each side. I left the top open so that I could attach the snaps and button.

Step 7: I used a plastic snap attachment to attach the snaps to the top (flap) and bottom (base) of the clutch.
Step 8: After attaching both snaps I folded the flap about 2 inches again looking like a straight flap envelope and  stitched the trim edge around the flap.
Step 9: Adding the button: for this piece it was purely decoration but could be done as the actual closure on the clutch.

Here's the finished project!



Another success! There are a few things I would change on the next one like using a magnetic clasp and folding the trim more closely so that no edge shows when opening the inside.
But very happy and ready to try it out this weekend! :)


Children's crafts

Sometimes when I come up with a new craft idea I think man I wish I had a little one to do this for...But that is why my friends and family have kids so I can dote on them with my new projects:) One of my bestie's little one turned two this winter and immediately I thought what do little girl tots love to do?  PLAY DRESS UP! So the idea for a dress up box was born!
For the project I don't have any before pictures but I will do my best to explain what I used and the process in which I completed the box!

Tools:

-1 large wooden box- I found one at Hobby Lobby for a 1/4 of the original price
-sand paper
- spray paint (I used Krylon brushed metallic) I have to say I was not happy with the color as it turned out it was not "caramel latte" as seen here http://www.krylon.com/products/brushed_metallic/ it came out mostly silver and was very spotty I used a rubber glove to mix the color.
-felt (color of choice, I used Hot pink)
-pre -painted wooden shapes-I used the following:
*princess crown
*unicorn
*treasure chest
*the letter A
*mirror
*castle

-clothing, and accessories for dress up.
This was the best part! Party City, Michael's crafts, Target dollar section, and Hobby Lobby made this so easy! Kids can entertain themselves for hours with the littlest things so have fun with this!

Step 1: Sand wooden box/chest and paint
I laid newspaper in the garage and left the door half way up (this was a very windy February day) I would recommend full ventilation. I sanded the box so that it was smooth-you don't want the child getting a splinter etc.
After sanding and wiping off excess dust it is time to paint!

Step 2: Painting the box was the hardest part as I stated the paint was not at all what I expected it was blotchy and I had to use a rubber glove to get a smoother color and more metallic finish. I did probably about 4 coats to get the box completely covered and blended well.

Step 3: Let the box dry. After 2-3 hours of drying time I measure the inside of the box and lid in order to cut the felt to add to the inside. I used Elmer's wood glue and glued each side of the box and lid separately. After the felt is added I allowed it to dry before adding the wooden decals to the outside.

Step 4: I added the wooden decals also using Elmer's wood glue. I placed them on 2 sides and the lid.

Step 5: add the costume fun and tie with a bow :)

The finished project:





It was a hit :) Craft success!

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Scarves!

So the ever popular accessory the scarf! I have to admit I am a bit smitten myself. I have been making several and find it is best to use stretchy and thin weight material otherwise you end up with bulky heavy scarf and who wants that in this lovely spring time weather?
So I am loving tee shirt material it is a versatile fabric with so many uses! For this project I used black tee shirt material $5.99/yrd at JoAnns used a 40% off coupon for this and a  filigree designed tee shirt material found on a clearance isle at Walmart for $1.88/yrd. I had two yrds of each material and cut it vertically to utilize the length of the scarf and to get the double sided look I wanted.
So once I had my pieces trimmed. I placed the fabric with front sides together and pinned all the way around the material. I sewed  three sides together completely with about 1/8 of a inch of material as my seam. Once I had three sides sewn I worked on the third I stopped about 3/4 of the way down the third side leaving an opening for me to turn the scarf right side out.
So I started with the corners and a closed lid ink pen to push the corners out. Since the fabric is stretchy this part was a breeze! Once the scarf was turned out correctly I sewed my opening shut. This is the final result. Still needs some ironing.
There you have it another successful accessory on a budget! For one scarf cost is $5.47!

DIY Dog bed cover on a budget

Ok sometimes we need to treat out fur babies too... I finally got around to making my pooch a new bed cover. It is amazing what you will find at thrift stores. A few of my favorites are local to the area, (Valley Thrift) and national such as (Salvation Army). There is something to be said about a good day of thrifting. I always look in a few specific areas, one is books there is a never ending supply of good reading in thrift stores and I have found several new releases for less than a $1! Which if you are a reader this is a steal! As well baby blankets, bedding and other tapestries, and the glass/container isle
So for this project I used the following items:
1. Thrifted white sweatshirt material baby blanket $1
2. pink light weight sweatshirt material found in all places Walmart reduced isle! 99 cents a yard!
3. one zipper I used a 26 in. which is what might be used for a sleeping bag. $3.74
4. Pins

Ok So I started with the shape of the bed I wanted to cover and when I found the white blanket I realized it was close to perfect fit. Since my material had white sparkly polka dots it was perfect to use as a trim around the bed and also helped hide the zipper!

So I lined up my design fabric with the blanket edge leaving enough to use edge of blanket as a trim, I pinned then sewed three sides leaving the third side open for my zipper.
This is the completed edge. It is not perfect but I love the way the trim turned out.
Once all three sides were sewn I set out to add my zipper. This was my first time working with a zipper and its not as bad as I expected. I sewed one side with zipper intact then sewed the other side zipping it up as I went.
The finished product was a perfect fit for the bed and for my budget! Total spent $6.74 and my Shumby girl approves!


Wednesday, March 28, 2012

My newest craft obsession LACE!

After joining Pinterest I of course decided that most things can be created DIY style.

After seeing a gorgeous lace tipped scarf I set out to do my own version. I came up with two styles and tons of ideas on what to do with the left over lace!
this is the original concept a scarf worth $1100! http://www.brownsfashion.com/home/women.aspx

This is my version. I used 2 yards of jersey tee shirt material and 1 yard each of black and white lace trim. Thanks to JoAnns coupons all three materials cost a whopping $11.65 for two scarves! I'll take it!

Material:
1 yrd gray jersey tee shirt material
1 yrd white lace


So we will start with tipped scarf. I used one yard gray tee shirt material. I sewed this into a tube which is not a necessity but I wanted it to feel thicker like there is more substance. So I folded the material and pinned with straight pins. Sew the edges until you have a tube with an opening at each end.
Adding the lace:
I pinned the lace along the edge deciding how much trim I wanted. This should be adjusted based on the lace you choose and the length of the scarf. I then used a zig zag stitch (on the front side of the scarf)to stitch lace onto tee shirt material. Zig zag provides a stronger hold and blends well into the lace. On the opposite side I used a regular stitch. For this scarf sewing the ends was not necessary, adding the lace took care of that.



Materials:
1 yrd  gray jersey tee shirt material
1 yrd black lace trim

For the second scarf I created an infinity loop. This was more challenging and I would suggest using a longer piece of fabric for the scarf possibly 1.5 yrds.
I started with the tee shirt material and I stitched the side like the previous scarf. I then stitched the ends closed to created just a plain double sided scarf. Adding the lace to connect the pieces I pinned the lace to one end first and adjust the trim. I then used the zig zag stitch to stitch the lace on bot sides. Once one side was attached I did the same to the other creating a loop. I love the finished product but again would like it to be a little bigger.