Gwenny Penny: Homemade Sewing Labels I've been promising this little how-to for a while. I like to add a little homemade sewing label to certain projects, especially my pillows. I've had several people ask me to explain how I make them, and I'm glad to share my technique. You've seen my labels before on my Acorn Patch Pillow, Vintage Postcard Pillow, and Scrap Buster Fall Pillow... I'm going to show you two different methods, and both are super quick and easy to make. Method 1 You need a piece of scrap fabric 2" x 4" and ink jet iron-on transfer paper. Cut out one of your names from your transfer paper. Now you're ready to start working with your fabric. Press... Fold the fabric in half, bringing the raw edges together... Press again... Place you name face down on one side of your fabric along the folded edge. Iron your transfer paper in place following the manufacturer's instructions for your particular paper... When the paper and fabric have completely cooled, peel off the paper backing... And you're done! Method 2 I'm linking up!
Painted Wall Art for Non-Artists Some people think that if you're crafty, you're also an artist--and vice versa. That's not totally true, however. In fact, neither Sharon nor myself consider ourselves artists, but we still pretend every now and then. This is not an original Tristin idea. Pretty, huh? I did. Here's what you'll need: A canvas in the size of your choice (I chose 16x20) Cream colored paint (I used spray paint since I already had it) Brown acrylic paint pen Acrylic paint in colors of your choice Round sponge brushes used for stenciling First, of all, I spray painted the canvas with cream spray paint because the canvas was too stark as it came in the package. Don't be scared, but it's time to start the "real" artsy stuff. Once you're happy with your branches, it's time to bust out your palette, a.k.a. a paper plate with globs of paint. The next picture is primarily for showing you the sponge brushes I used. As I added color to the painting, I felt the need for some extra branches. Boo-yah artists.
embroidery stitches You can add to your needle-and-thread versatility with a repertoire of the basic embroidery stitches. You’ll find no limit to their usefulness, from making a patch ornamental, a handkerchief more personal, a guest towel more inviting, to giving your wardrobe and your house furnishings, in general, a more precious look. Here are several examples of attractive border designs using basic embroidery stitches (vintage patterns). You’ll find details of the stitches used at the bottom. *Click the images to view a larger copy Vintage Border Designs - Click To View A Larger Size Basic Embroidery Stitches Used In Borders - Click To View A Larger Size Source: The New Encyclopedia Of Modern Sewing (1946)
Painted Feathers I’ve always loved the idea of painting fake feathers, and with festival season underway it seemed like the perfect time to do it. I originally thought of these purely as decorations but then it occurred to me that they’d be a great finishing touch for a festival outfit. This is a great activity to do outside on a warm sunny day, and once you start it’s slightly addicting! What you need: fake feathers, paint (I used acrylic paint), and a paint brush. I got this paint from Utrecht and I love it. I added a little bit of water to the paint before applying to the feathers, and they absorbed the paint almost like watercolor. After the entire feather was covered I added some dots and lines with white paint. Get as creative and colorful as you want with the feathers! I wanted to add in some of the smaller brown feathers to my arrangement, so for those I kept it simple and painted them in colorful ombre shades. Arrange your feathers on a wall as beautiful spring artwork! Photos by Julia & Brigette.
Sandpaper Printed T-shirt Kids Craft This is a super simple sandpaper printing technique that will keep your kids busy and make one cute shirt! The best part about this fun little craft is that the supplies were bought at the Dollar Store, even the T-shirt! We used crayons we already had so we only spent $2.00 on our new T-shirt. Supplies for Sandpaper Prints good quality crayons, a t-shirt, iron and fine sandpaper. Directions for Making a Sandpaper Printed T-shirt Color a fun design on the sandpaper. Place a piece of cardboard inside the t-shirt to keep the design from bleeding through to the back of the shirt. Place a piece of parchment paper or paper towel on top of the sandpaper to protect the iron. Remove the sandpaper. To set the color, place a couple of paper towels on top of the design and iron.
Silhouette Chalkboard Tutorial The result is just adorable! I've never met a mom who isn't in love with her child's silhouette. I know I love Paige's! That little nose just kills me. (I love that kid!) You wanna make one?? 1. 2. 3. (Good grief, she's cute-I'm going to just go snuggle her after I'm done with this post...) 4. 5. 6. 6. Create the cutest grocery or t-do list your eyes have ever beheld! You could just set it on the kitchen counter, or add a picture hanger, or little screw-in hooks.... And attach some ribbon! I really meant for this to be a Mother's Day gift idea, but it's getting a little close for that! Now be sure to go see what Dana's up to!
sheep pillows Several years ago I drove through Europe in the Springtime and I will never forget seeing all the adorable lambs frolicking in the fields. They were unbelievably, utterly cute. I wanted to get out of the car and pet each one we came across. Recently when I was thinking of a project to add some springtime cheer to my apartment I kept thinking of the little lambs and decided to try my hand at making a lamb inspired throw pillow. This project turned out to be even quicker and cuter than I imagined so I sewed my first little lamb a friend to play with. Materials To make a set of two pillows: One 18-inch square piece of Wool Felt in TanOne 18-inch square piece of Wool Felt in EcruOne piece of Wool Felt in ChocolateSweet Dreams Cotton Stuffing100% cotton thread to match each wool color.One Little Lamb Pillow Template (available to download for free here) printed and cut out Cutting Choose either the tan or the ecru felt as the body color of your first sheep. Sewing Stuffing and Finishing
Shrink Plastic Flower Head Pins Spring has sprung early here in North Eastern Ohio, and we’ve got lovely flowers blooming outside. I wanted to bring some of that “spring” indoors to my crafting table. So I made some sweet little flower headpins! They are actually really easy. You’ll need: Clear shrink plastic (I used clear for that translucent look.)White glass headpinsAlcohol-based markers (I used LetraSet ProMarkers)2 inch flower punch (I used the “Whale of a Punch” by EK SuccessHeat toolSanding block or sandpaperHot Glue Gun Helpers (not mandatory, but really helpful) First, punch out your shapes with the punch. Then scuff up your plastic using the sanding block and color the sanded area using your alcohol-based markers. Make sure that the scuffed/colored surface is face DOWN, away from the headpin. Next, apply heat and shrink the plastic. Let it cool for a few seconds so you can handle it safely. Use Hot Glue Gun Helpers if you have them handy! Repeat until you have a full bouquet. About Jenny Barnett Rohrs
Hammered Spoon Tutorial Hammered spoons are a beautiful addition to your wedding tabletop. Perfect for an elegant, rustic wedding, use them as favors, escort cards, or table numbers – the options are endless. I’m so happy to have McKenzie Brickl of La La Soiree and Kate Sommers of KNG Sommers Photography stop by EAD today to share a step-by-step tutorial for creating your own hammered spoon place cards, and you can see them in action on a lovely olive green and gold tabletop they created! Scour local thrift stores, flea markets or yard sales for spoons and make sure that they are not stainless steel – look at the handle – which appears too shiny and is very difficult to pound out. Select pieces that are made of silver (you can tell because it does tarnish). You will need: Safety gogglesBall peen hammerSmall sledge hammerBench blockMetal stamp set (we used ¼ inch letters, and wouldn’t recommend going any smaller)Fine grit sand paperSharpie Instructions: 2) Flip over and pound down edges. Voila!
Junk Inspired Memo Board How to make a hanging Memo Board from the junk in my garage... I divided up the board into 3 spaces. Painted one section with chalkboard paint.... On the second section I added cork for a bulletin board... And the third I left blank for hooks... I stenciled on the words "notes" and "keys" and sanded for a distressed look... The chalkboard was ready... I added rusty screws and a canvas flower to the cork... and hooks for keys at the bottom.... I hung the board from an old chain. And wouldn't you know it but Daughter #2 snagged it for her new room! Susan Linking to the places I like to visit:
Rosette Bracelet So I posted my What I Wore Wednesday post yesterday and showed off this awesome (ifIdosaysomyself:) Rosette Bracelet I made to wear to a baby shower. And the crowd went WILD ... all 7 of you! lol ;) So I worked real hard today to get a tutorial up for ya'll! I didn't take any pictures when I made the white one, so I took this opportunity to make myself a yellow one! Supplies: Fabric - I love remnants and scraps for this Felt - preferably in a color matching the fabric if at all possible, if not, no big Ribbon - 7/8" in a color matching the fabric if you can, if not, use a coordinating color and I've used as small as 5/8" but I prefer 7/8" Scissors & Hot Glue Gun Now this is a typical remnant you might find at your local fabric store and was 29" by 44/45". 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Believe me, I've tried lol You just keep twisting and there's no rhyme or reason to it, just twist until you get the shape and size you want. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. It should look something like this ... ish ... 14.
Vinyl Record Bowls I got the idea to make these little bowls a few years ago when I bought Mark Montano's book, the Big-Arse Book of Crafts . (Mark Montano is the most brilliant crafter around-- I love his books and his projects.) One bowl I made sits on my dresser and holds little hair knickknacks, and I gave a few bowls away, but I never got around to writing a tutorial about it. To make a vinyl record bowl you need: -Real bowl (One that can go in the oven.) This project is so easy and fun. After you take it out of the oven, just press the record down into any bowl or shape that you want. Hold your record in place inside the bowl until it hardens again. (My favorite one.) And that's it! You can keep whatever you want in these bowls, I think I am going to take mine to work and put them on my desk.
DIY : Print Your Own Fabric Guest post by Karina from Maple Ash and Oak Hello there, I am Karina from Maple Ash and Oak. Here I will show you a simple and inexpensive way to create your very own fabric pieces. No need for large screens, squeegees, and emulsion. Beautiful prints can be created with simple methods and materials. What you will need: *2-3 yards 1/4" Foam *Fabric (for your prints and a cover cloth) *Textile Inks (can be found at your local art store) *Scotch Tape *Markers *T-pins or Sewing Pins *Plastic Folders or Tray *Scissors *Exact o Knife *Contact Paper (transparent) *Containers *Spatulas *Iron *Rubber Bands *Stamps (optional) Start by preparing your print space. Now you can take your fabric and pin it to your print table. Now comes the fun part... creating your designs! After the paper is peeled from the contact paper place it on your fabric: Now take out the extra piece of foam you set aside. Take out your textile pigments and mix as desired. Or simply hang your new piece of artwork and enjoy.