So, my friend, April, is one of the organizers of a fantastic local craft showcase that happens twice a year. The holiday show is coming up on Saturday, November 12th. For more information about Bliss Handmade, follow this link. They've got some seriously gorgeous stuff there and I'm so excited to attend.
Also, commenting on the vendor showcase posts on the blog gets you entered to win gift certificates to use at the show. And, if you bring canned food to donate to Food For Lane County, you'll be entered to win a fabulous grand prize.
So, head on over to blisshandmade.blogspot.com and read all about it. Hope to see you all there!
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Argyle? Yes, Please
Laura, my dear friend, sent me a link awhile ago to a tutorial on how to make this fabulous argyle wreath. She knows I adore argyle because I'm a big dork. I, however am not as talented in the "scissor" arts as many of you are, so I had to make my own flowers, instead of making the fabulous felt roses that are so hot right now.
My other dear friend, April, taught me to make these flowers and they're super easy to do. For a tutorial on making this argyle wreath, follow the link here. And don't forget, just because it's a Christmas wreath or an Autumn wreath, that doesn't mean it has to be. Make it for whatever ocassion you want it to be. Make it personal, and you'll love it that much more.
Happy Creating!
Kristin
My other dear friend, April, taught me to make these flowers and they're super easy to do. For a tutorial on making this argyle wreath, follow the link here. And don't forget, just because it's a Christmas wreath or an Autumn wreath, that doesn't mean it has to be. Make it for whatever ocassion you want it to be. Make it personal, and you'll love it that much more.
Happy Creating!
Kristin
Friday, November 4, 2011
Paper Chain? Nope, It's Fabric
Okay, here's the thing, I have ridiculously expensive taste in everything. I'm not joking. I get catalogs in the mail for clothes that cost $200+ for a shirt...A SHIRT!! Do I buy that stuff? No, I'm cheap, I don't have that kind of money and even if I did, I wouldn't waste that much on one thing. No way.
So when I saw this fabric paper chain in the Land of Nod Catalog for Christmas, I wanted it.
But there's no way you're going to get me to pay $29 for it. I mean, I know it's not THAT much money, but it's only 20 links long, which means I'd need a lot more links to have it go where I wanted it to go.
That leads me to "knockoffs". Yes, I do knockoffs. I figure out how to make something similar, using my know how, my supplies, and my hands. And typically, when I make a knockoff, it looks almost the same, without the $$$.
Without futher ado, here is my knockoff fabric paper chain. Keep in mind, I've only done 8 links so far, simply because I have about 80 other projects going all at the same time, but I will have it done soon. Oh, and this is the "Birthday" version. I am also making a holiday version...tonight.
So, How did I do it?
Well, here's the rundown. You will need:
3+ Coordinating Fat Quarters
Mod Podge
Sponge Paint Brush
4 Sheets Scrapbook Plastic
Sharpee Marker
Rotary Cutter/Mat
Iron & Board
Paper Scissors
Velcro Dots or 3/4 yard Velcro
*If you use the Velcro yardage, you will also need a hot glue gun.
All you have to do is this:
Cut the plastic into 8 1/2" x 1 1/2" strips. I used the Sharpee marker and my rotary cutting mat to measure and mark so I could make sure I got them all exactly the same size.
Iron the fabric. Cut the fabric into 9" x 4" strips.
Once you've got the fabric and the plastic cut, bust out the Mod Podge and the Brush (make sure you work on a protected surface so you don't cover your good dining room table with Mod Podge).
Start by brushing Mod Podge over one entire side of the plastic, then place the plastic Mod Podge side down on the WRONG side of the fabric, as centered as you can possibly get it (I just eyeball it).
Next, coat the plastic with Mod Podge (this is the side you didn't coat last time). Fold the ends of the fabric in, coat the right side of the folded over ends with Mod Podge, then fold one long side of the fabric in and press it to the plastic and fabric ends.
Now you need to coat just the remaining 1/4" of raw edge of fabric on the wrong side with Mod Podge. Fold that edge under. Now coat the fabric side that hasn't been folded to the plastic with Mod Podge and fold it over, pressing it to the plastic and the fabric. Your link should now look like this, sans the velcro.
Let the link dry, then attach velcro. I am lazy and use sticky backed velcro dots or squares, but if you buy regular velcro, you can attach the velcro using hot glue.
To attach the velcro, you will need to position one side of the velcro on the inside of the link, and the other piece of velcro on the opposite end on the outside of the link. When the velcro has had some time to adhere to the fabric, you can velcro the link together.
Why do we use velcro, you ask? Well, this way, you can store your fabric paper chain flat during the "off season" and it won't get bent up, scrunched, or otherwise damaged.
Here's a couple of great things about making your own:
*Use your own taste in fabrics, or use your leftover scraps up. This way, it's personalized for you. No one else will ever have the exact same thing in their home.
*Choose fabric for any occassion (how about one for Independence Day, or for that tailgater you're throwing during football season).
*Cost: For the whole chain...under $10. Yep, under $10 and that's if you're lazy like me and buy the more expensive sticky velcro.
So, keep getting those catalogs and watching those great designers. You can create amazing knockoffs for a fraction of the price, and your home can look like you spent a million bucks, when you really spent just a few.
Happy Creating!
Kristin
So when I saw this fabric paper chain in the Land of Nod Catalog for Christmas, I wanted it.
But there's no way you're going to get me to pay $29 for it. I mean, I know it's not THAT much money, but it's only 20 links long, which means I'd need a lot more links to have it go where I wanted it to go.
That leads me to "knockoffs". Yes, I do knockoffs. I figure out how to make something similar, using my know how, my supplies, and my hands. And typically, when I make a knockoff, it looks almost the same, without the $$$.
Without futher ado, here is my knockoff fabric paper chain. Keep in mind, I've only done 8 links so far, simply because I have about 80 other projects going all at the same time, but I will have it done soon. Oh, and this is the "Birthday" version. I am also making a holiday version...tonight.
Well, here's the rundown. You will need:
3+ Coordinating Fat Quarters
Mod Podge
Sponge Paint Brush
4 Sheets Scrapbook Plastic
Sharpee Marker
Rotary Cutter/Mat
Iron & Board
Paper Scissors
Velcro Dots or 3/4 yard Velcro
*If you use the Velcro yardage, you will also need a hot glue gun.
All you have to do is this:
Cut the plastic into 8 1/2" x 1 1/2" strips. I used the Sharpee marker and my rotary cutting mat to measure and mark so I could make sure I got them all exactly the same size.
Iron the fabric. Cut the fabric into 9" x 4" strips.
Once you've got the fabric and the plastic cut, bust out the Mod Podge and the Brush (make sure you work on a protected surface so you don't cover your good dining room table with Mod Podge).
Start by brushing Mod Podge over one entire side of the plastic, then place the plastic Mod Podge side down on the WRONG side of the fabric, as centered as you can possibly get it (I just eyeball it).
Next, coat the plastic with Mod Podge (this is the side you didn't coat last time). Fold the ends of the fabric in, coat the right side of the folded over ends with Mod Podge, then fold one long side of the fabric in and press it to the plastic and fabric ends.
Now you need to coat just the remaining 1/4" of raw edge of fabric on the wrong side with Mod Podge. Fold that edge under. Now coat the fabric side that hasn't been folded to the plastic with Mod Podge and fold it over, pressing it to the plastic and the fabric. Your link should now look like this, sans the velcro.
Let the link dry, then attach velcro. I am lazy and use sticky backed velcro dots or squares, but if you buy regular velcro, you can attach the velcro using hot glue.
To attach the velcro, you will need to position one side of the velcro on the inside of the link, and the other piece of velcro on the opposite end on the outside of the link. When the velcro has had some time to adhere to the fabric, you can velcro the link together.
Why do we use velcro, you ask? Well, this way, you can store your fabric paper chain flat during the "off season" and it won't get bent up, scrunched, or otherwise damaged.
Here's a couple of great things about making your own:
*Use your own taste in fabrics, or use your leftover scraps up. This way, it's personalized for you. No one else will ever have the exact same thing in their home.
*Choose fabric for any occassion (how about one for Independence Day, or for that tailgater you're throwing during football season).
*Cost: For the whole chain...under $10. Yep, under $10 and that's if you're lazy like me and buy the more expensive sticky velcro.
So, keep getting those catalogs and watching those great designers. You can create amazing knockoffs for a fraction of the price, and your home can look like you spent a million bucks, when you really spent just a few.
Happy Creating!
Kristin
Friday, August 12, 2011
Argyle Fleece Throw
I am completely head over heels in love with argyle...and always have been. I know, I'm a dork, but there's just something about argyle that makes my heart skip a beat.
So, when Laura sent me a link to this project, I was in complete love with it. Now I will have to make one, but I will not be working on it until after the kids are in school and the weather is cold again.
Even though I wont be working on this project until winter, I wanted to share it here with everyone, because it's "to die for" as they say.
For Full instructions on how to make this fantastic argyle fleece throw and for more fantastic projects, head on over to craftstylish.com.
Happy Creating!
Kristin
So, when Laura sent me a link to this project, I was in complete love with it. Now I will have to make one, but I will not be working on it until after the kids are in school and the weather is cold again.
Even though I wont be working on this project until winter, I wanted to share it here with everyone, because it's "to die for" as they say.
For Full instructions on how to make this fantastic argyle fleece throw and for more fantastic projects, head on over to craftstylish.com.
Happy Creating!
Kristin
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Supper From the Garden
Tonight we had our first meal from our backyard garden. It was sooooo great!!! I didn't know I could be so satisfied from eating fruit, veggies, and some bread. Yum!
So here's what we had and what I did:
3 Zucchini
3 Potatoes
3 Carrots
1/2 Onion
3 Cloves Garlic
Peas
Corn
So I minced the garlic and onion, then tossed it in the pot with some vegetable oil on medium heat until the garlic "spoke". Then I tossed in the potatoes and carrots, then the zucchini. I sauteed everything until it was fork tender, then added the peas and corn, until it was heated through. Oh, I also seasoned with salt and pepper to taste.
On the table it went, with some fresh bread and butter, and watermelon and raw milk to drink. That was it. Nothing fancy, definitely filling for the whole family, and we had leftovers too (they're always Brad's favorite breakfast).
It was simple, it was real, it was great, and I'm really enjoying the harvest from our backyard garden. Now if only our tomatoes would turn red, so we could have those with dinner too. That would be fantastic!
What kind of things are you making from your backyard garden?
Happy Creating!
Kristin
So here's what we had and what I did:
3 Zucchini
3 Potatoes
3 Carrots
1/2 Onion
3 Cloves Garlic
Peas
Corn
So I minced the garlic and onion, then tossed it in the pot with some vegetable oil on medium heat until the garlic "spoke". Then I tossed in the potatoes and carrots, then the zucchini. I sauteed everything until it was fork tender, then added the peas and corn, until it was heated through. Oh, I also seasoned with salt and pepper to taste.
On the table it went, with some fresh bread and butter, and watermelon and raw milk to drink. That was it. Nothing fancy, definitely filling for the whole family, and we had leftovers too (they're always Brad's favorite breakfast).
It was simple, it was real, it was great, and I'm really enjoying the harvest from our backyard garden. Now if only our tomatoes would turn red, so we could have those with dinner too. That would be fantastic!
What kind of things are you making from your backyard garden?
Happy Creating!
Kristin
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Gear Up For School
A new school year is swiftly approaching! I'm not ready...yet. So, in order to get ready for a new year, I have a few things that need to be made.
This year, I hope to have 2 kids in school, not just one, which means twice the school supplies and twice the preparations and twice the homework once school starts.
My 4 going on 5 year old, Brielle will be turning 5 just before school starts, but must test into kindergarten because her birthday falls after the deadline here.
However, even if she does not get to go, she will need some things for her birthday...and for winter.
So, in an effort to prepare early, I'm going to start now sewing her "school" dresses. Brielle absolutely refuses to wear anything but dresses and tights or leggings.
One of the patterns I plan on using is this one:
This pattern is from Oliver + S. It is called the "Family Reunion Dress" and I love the simplicity of it. I think that the subtle accents and pintucking add an elegance and playfulness that are perfect for Brielle. Now to find the perfect fabric to pair with the pattern and showcase Brielle's personality.
I also plan to make this pattern, also from Oliver + S:
This is the Ice Cream Dress. I love this one as well. These dress patterns are perfect for little girls who like to look pretty but like to be able to move as well.
Of course, they have one other pattern I would like to tackle, but it's a "3 scissors" pattern, meaning it's a little more difficult than these 2, which are "2 scissors" patterns, so I think I need to practice up and hone my craft a little more before I attempt it. But, I will share it here, simply because many of you are at a "3 scissors" level or better in your craft and you'd have no trouble with it.
Here it is, from Oliver + S:
This one is called the "School Photo Dress". I love it, but it's a little more than I'm able to handle right about now, so it will have to wait.
Oh, and in case you're wondering, I do not get paid to promote this line of patterns, or any other product for that matter. In fact, I don't get paid at all. I just really find the retro styling and clean lines of these patterns quite refreshing.
After the dresses are made, I plan to make a few of Brielle's needed school supplies for her, instead of buying them. The big one is (drumroll please) a pencil case. It's not like it's a difficult project and I can use leftover fabric to sew one up. In fact, I'm pretty sure I made one, complete with grommets when I was in 8th Grade.
So here I go, getting geared up for school, and sewing away, so that my hopefully brand new kindergarten girl can look fabulous and have some fun too, all while saving me money.
Happy Creating!
Kristin
This year, I hope to have 2 kids in school, not just one, which means twice the school supplies and twice the preparations and twice the homework once school starts.
My 4 going on 5 year old, Brielle will be turning 5 just before school starts, but must test into kindergarten because her birthday falls after the deadline here.
However, even if she does not get to go, she will need some things for her birthday...and for winter.
So, in an effort to prepare early, I'm going to start now sewing her "school" dresses. Brielle absolutely refuses to wear anything but dresses and tights or leggings.
One of the patterns I plan on using is this one:
This pattern is from Oliver + S. It is called the "Family Reunion Dress" and I love the simplicity of it. I think that the subtle accents and pintucking add an elegance and playfulness that are perfect for Brielle. Now to find the perfect fabric to pair with the pattern and showcase Brielle's personality.
I also plan to make this pattern, also from Oliver + S:
This is the Ice Cream Dress. I love this one as well. These dress patterns are perfect for little girls who like to look pretty but like to be able to move as well.
Of course, they have one other pattern I would like to tackle, but it's a "3 scissors" pattern, meaning it's a little more difficult than these 2, which are "2 scissors" patterns, so I think I need to practice up and hone my craft a little more before I attempt it. But, I will share it here, simply because many of you are at a "3 scissors" level or better in your craft and you'd have no trouble with it.
Here it is, from Oliver + S:
This one is called the "School Photo Dress". I love it, but it's a little more than I'm able to handle right about now, so it will have to wait.
Oh, and in case you're wondering, I do not get paid to promote this line of patterns, or any other product for that matter. In fact, I don't get paid at all. I just really find the retro styling and clean lines of these patterns quite refreshing.
After the dresses are made, I plan to make a few of Brielle's needed school supplies for her, instead of buying them. The big one is (drumroll please) a pencil case. It's not like it's a difficult project and I can use leftover fabric to sew one up. In fact, I'm pretty sure I made one, complete with grommets when I was in 8th Grade.
So here I go, getting geared up for school, and sewing away, so that my hopefully brand new kindergarten girl can look fabulous and have some fun too, all while saving me money.
Happy Creating!
Kristin
Monday, June 27, 2011
Earlier this month I participated in a challenge of at Stay Cool- Stitch Up A Dress. I made Vogue 1027 in a navy lycra fabric. I love how this dress hangs, the fabric, the style. I made a second dress in a purple knit. Unfortunately the purple isn't as strong as the navy fabric, so the weight of the skirt pulls down the bodice more than I would like. It is still a great dress, though. This pattern is wonderful! The dress is easy to make and I love the style. I haven't found a dress that I liked on me since I was a teenager! I will definitely be making this one again.
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