Image courtesy of The Graphics Fairy
Jeanine
Ikea is one of my favorite stores. Every time I go there, I stock up on these pretty red-striped grain sack-ish dish towels. I've been wanting to use them for a pillow for quite some time, and this weekend I finally took the plunge.
After measuring and sizing for my pillow insert (20"), I started by sewing three of the four sides together. I then turned it right-side out and broke out some black fabric paint.
I just purchased this pretty French stencil from Etsy and it was the perfect size for my pillow. It features a wreath design too but I was feeling a little lazy and just stenciled the wording and fleur de lis.
It took about a half hour to stencil and then I had to let the paint dry. I made one little oopsie on the S in Paris. You might not be able to see it, but it's there. Once the paint was dry, I closed it up.
This is the first time I've made such a large pillow and used a pillow insert. I really love the look and hope to make a few more this winter.
Linking to: Between Naps on the Porch: Met Monday and A Stroll Through Life.
Jeanine
Linking to: Between Naps on the Porch: Met Monday and A Stroll Through Life.
Jeanine
I'm calling this my accidental Santa pillow. Yup, I never intended to make a pillow yesterday.
I was working on some decorative bowl filler sacks using some vintage fabric. I got this great ticking from Etsy earlier in the week from one of my favorite shops - Kitteridge Mercantile. Anywho, I had this long piece and after I had sewed the sides and bottom, I realized it was too long for a sack.
Long story short, I ended up adding some filling and closing up the side that was still open. So now I had a plain pillow. I went through my crafting stash and couldn't find anything I liked to add to the front. I spied one tiny piece of iron-on transfer paper and printed off this Santa image.
Problem was, I had already stuffed the pillow. Could I iron-on the transfer when it wasn't completely flat? The answer to that question is yes! It was definitely tricky but as you can see, my image transferred on just fine - albeit, it's a little light. I added a grungy bell and 25 tag on a red safety pin to finish it up.
And that is the story of my accidental Santa pillow!
Jeanine
And that is the story of my accidental Santa pillow!
Jeanine
I've completed the first of this year's handmade holiday gifts. My mom loves to read, so I wanted to make her a pretty tote that she could bring back and forth with her to the library.
Truth be told, I'm not sure if she's a Jane Austen fan, but it was the perfect image to use (get it at The Graphics Fairy!). I printed it out on iron-on transfer paper (my last sheet to be exact) and added it to the front of the tote.
I'd like to say I made the canvas flower embellishment. Alas, I did not. I picked it up at AC Moore last week. I did add the red button though for a touch of color. I hot-glued both to the top of tote.
It's a great size for books (look closely, I have some peeking out of the top) and has a velcro closure. I hope she loves it and gets a lot of use out it. But ssssssh...it's one of her Xmas gifts.
Jeanine
Jeanine
Last week, AC Moore had flat-faced Mason jars on sale for 99 cents each. And they were just what I needed for this quick holiday project.
First, I painted the insides of the jars red. Once that was dry, I used painter's tape to cut pieces for my trees. I added those to the front of each jar.
Next, I gave the outsides a couple of coats of white spray paint. When they were dry, I peeled off my painter's tape to reveal little Christmas trees. I sanded the tops a bit to let even more of the red paint show through.
I finished them up by using some of this festive fabric I picked up over the weekend. Can't wait to add some candles and use them for the holidays!
Jeanine
Jeanine
Lucky me! We had a bunch of small fall fairs and garage sales to hit this weekend. Saw LOTS of overpriced pieces, but did manage to score a few gems.
This wreath is originally from Target. The price tag says $25. Ouch! I picked it up for $3. And how great are the sleigh bells? I love how they look just draped over the wreath. They were 50 cents.
This vintage cow bell was only $2. It's a nice one to add to my small collection.
The Bobsey Twins books were 2 for $1. On top is a vintage biscuit cutter. That was $2. Ignore the dust on the floor. We were getting our electric panel updated this weekend. No power = no vacuuming for me.
I think these little Santa candle holders are adorable so I had to bring them home with me too. Only $1 for the set of 2 - although they are marked $2. I would have loved if they were facing right and left - instead of left and left, but what can you do?
I scored not one, but two, Scrabble games. Of course, I grabbed them for crafting purposes but my boys enjoy playing Scrabble, so I'm letting them have the newer version to play with. Got a bunch of fabric quarters in holiday-ish color palettes.
My 6 year old loves the cat and owl cookie cutters. I'll be painting the wood server and giving it a Frenchy touch no doubt. Looking forward to using it as centerpiece of sorts for the holidays.
Not a bad haul for the weekend. Overall, I spent about $25 for everything (including some kid stuff not pictured).
Jeanine
Not a bad haul for the weekend. Overall, I spent about $25 for everything (including some kid stuff not pictured).
Jeanine
