DIY

Monday, December 9, 2013

Fireside Wrap


I have been wanting a polar wrap for awhile, and when I saw this fabric, I knew it was the one. It reminds me of camping and especially campfires.  I am usually wrapped up in it most of the evening. It's perfect for snuggling in and also for running to take my puppy outside.

Please excuse my morning look of uncombed hair and no make up but I figured that it was appropriate for the occasion and I usually wear a long tee and my bloomers that I got from my girls trip to the farmers market.  I love my bloomers and I'm on the hunt for fabric to make more to sell. I think everyone should have a pair of the original sexy undergarments.
Now here's how I made it...


1- Using 2 yards of polar fleece, I used an existing shawl I already had to make a pattern. If you don't have one. Fold your fabric in half lengthwise and cut a slit up the center thru only the top piece, then cut an inch or so on each side all the way around to make a larger opening. This project is very forgiving and you can
customize it to your arm length. I'm a petite 5' 2" and I made it to fit me 3/4 length sleeve length.

2- Then fold over 1/2 inch and sew up each side and the inside neck seam that you cut. And trim any excess fabric close to the stitch line.

3- It's fringe time. I cut my fringe about 4 inches long and 1/4 inch apart. Practice on a scrap piece to decide on the look you want before cutting.

Then enjoy with your hot cocoa by the fire. If you make one of your own, I would love to see it.

XoXo




Thursday, October 3, 2013

Just put on a happy face...




I recently found this little tea cup. I loved how it had a little pocket for your tea bag. It has proven to keep my cup without any tea bits in it and i can leave it in there and just pour more hot water thru it to get two cups out of 1 tea bag. I'm so thrifty. I collect white dishes and have quite a few pieces that i have collected from the thrift store over the years. I dream of displaying them on open shelves someday. But this one needed more personality.
I used this deco art glass paint marker that i got from JoAnn's craft store and it worked like a dream. After drawing my happy face. I followed the directions on my pen which said to let it air dry for 8 hours and then place in a 250 degree oven for an hour. It's supposed to be dish washer safe after it's cooled but I wouldn't take the chance with this little guy. I like hand washing my special items and this cup truly makes me smile.

XoXo

Rachel

Thursday, September 19, 2013

DIY Pretty Pigeon Pillow


I found this pattern at wildolive.com and knew i had to make a pillow.wildildolive.com
Start by tracing your pattern on your fabric with a pencil
I used all 6 strands of my floss and did a running stitch for all my out lining and strayed from the pattern just a bit by adding a little border. Then cut it out with my backing fabric to match and sewed 1/4 Iinch all the way around, leaving a 3 inch opening. Cut slits 1 inch apart all the way around to make it easier to get all your round edges when you turn it right side out.
Stuff with fiberfill and whip stitch your opening shut, and your done. You have a nice addition tio your home.

Have a great weekend everyone.

Xoxo

Rachel

Wednesday March 13, 2012

DIY Doily Embellished Cashmere Hat



Where are you Spring?Our weather has been so unpredictable lately. We will have a warm day and then a freezing day the next. This pretty hat will get me thru any more cold days we might have and if not, I will be ready for next year. I made this from a cashmere sweater that had a whole in it. Heres how I did it.

1- I measured my head and then divided it in half and measured that length across the botyom of my sweater and cut out my hat shape.

2- One quick seam and it was done. I used a zig zag stitch to make sure it didn't frey.

3- Then I added a small doily by hand stitching it on and adding a vintage button in the center.

It is so soft and keeps my head and ears warm. Try and make one of your own from a recycled sweater. You will fall in love with it all over again next year.
Xoxo
Rachel


Wednesday, February 13, 2013


Easy DIY Knot Quiting


Choose your materials- I found this vintage fabric at the thrift store. I initially planned on using it to make a skirt out of but then I saw that it was sewn into duvet cover all ready, I had to make a blanket out of it. I chose cotton thread which is a little heavier than regular thread and I chose the white so it wouldn't distract from the print.


place your batting over the top and trim to size.



After you place your batting inside and smooth out and pin in place. Start knotting it off. I started 2 inches up from the bottom and a knotted every 5 inches across. But you will have to divide up your width to decide how many inches you will go depending on your size. Then to make it easy, i put the my hand down at the stitch on the first row and put my stitches for the next row at the top of my middle finger to make the spacing easy.
I placed a double knot and trimmed to my desired length

I no sooner got it done and my dog tried to claim it as her own. I informed her she would have to share. This is an easy quick technique to finish off a basic quilt. It would be great as a gift for any loved one and it lasts forever. My mother in law used this for baby blankets that where my husbands and that now I own and they are still in perfect shape. Try this out and let me know what you think.

XoXo

Tuesday, October 30, 2012


DIY Neck Roll Pillow


I actually just winged this project. But It was so easy. Here's  the how to....

Materials:
1/2 yard of your fabric of choice I used ultra soft velour
 Matching thread
Poly fill



1)  Fold fabric in half lengthwise and cut to your desired length. I made mine larger because I of sick of rolling off of it in the middle of  the night.

2) Pin the edge and sew from end to end.

3) Cut 2 squares of the same fabric larger than the circle opening of each end.

4) With your tube still turned inside out, flip your fabric square over, so the wrong side is face up, and pin all around the edge. Cut around the outside of your circle and repeat on the other side. Then sew along edge. Repeat on other side leaving a 3 inch opening to turn right side out.

5) Fill with poly fill and hand sew opening closed.


Enjoy your sweet dreams with a well supported neck.






Monday, August 27, 2012


DIY- Painted Wood Bead Necklace


I love this color combination. I was actually inspired by a skirt pattern that I had and that had me running to the craft store to find similar colors. I actually already had the bead, that were in my kids craft collection. I used light wood beads mixed with dark wood beads. I used joann's brand of paint and a clear glaze to finish them. I found it best to string them on wire and paint them. I let them dry completely before painting on the glaze. I used leather cord to string them on and used the hardware that was provided with it as my clasp. It was a fun and quick project that you can personalize any way you like. Have fun making your own and if you have any questions, please leave your comments below.

                                                                XoXo


Tuesday, August 21, 2012


DIY Decopage Messenger Bag



Courtesy of Honestly WTF

I thought this idea was so great. Decopage your favorite fabric your favorite messenger bag. In this case it's a great bag from H&M. I love that store and this bag is right up my alley. I love quick projects like this.Here is how mine turned out.



   Here are my tips:

1- Pick a simple designed bag.  This one had nice flat pockets in the front.

2- I would keep the amount of pieces to glue down to a minimum and don't overlap. This is where i came into some problems. You won't get the flat look if you do layers.

3- Seal you items with only 1 layer of decopage. I did 2 and i thought it was too stiff for my liking.

4- I used a thin fabric, this was a vintage pillowcase.

Directions:

1- Paint your desired background color and let it dry thoroughly before adding your images.

2- Cut images out very close to the edge.

3- Put a coat on the back of your image and set into place.

4-Let dry and then apply another coat to seal.

5- I let mine dry over night before using.

I know it didn't turn out perfect but I love it anyway. I hope your are inspired to try this yourself.

Wednesday, July 18, 2012


Crochet wooden hangers

I had such a fun time  making these.
I followed the tutorial from Dotty Angel.
Even if you don't want to make the hangers you have to read her bio.
It is the most enchanting bio story I've ever read.
Even tho it not real,
You can't help but wish is was your own story.








Dotty Angel

I plan on making more of these.  They were an easy and fun project. And will look cute when I start listing my vintage dresses on my etsy shop.  Thanks for stopping by.

                                                                             XoXo

Tuesday, July 10, 2012


Embroydery Floss wrapped Bangle

Supplies: floss, craft glue, wooden bangle, sponge brush and scissors

I love these fun summer colors



I have had these wood bangles that I got at Michael's in the clearance for 50 cents forever. I have wood burned one too, which was fun.  I applied the craft glue in sections then smoothed it out with the sponge brush, then started on the inside and wrap tightly as you go. Then finish each section end in the inside of the bracelet.  I love the colors and how it turned out. I can't wait to pair it with some sun dresses.


XoXo






Tuesday, June 26, 2012


DIY- Say Goodbye to those clip on earrings




Rip off those vice grip clip on earring backs and replace them with post backs.  I love these vintage plastic earrings.  They reminds me of those dot candies that you peel off the paper and are pure sugar. Yum.  I used the same technique as I did these enamel hairpins. I'm sure you could do this with any old earring as long as you can hide the earring post behind the piece you glue it to.  I hope this convinces you to give those clip on lost souls a second look .

                                                                               XoXo



Wednesday, June 20, 2012


DIY- Vintage Linen Beach Bag


After my straw bag blew out of the back of our truck on our last road trip. I had to come up with a new beach bag to take to the pool and lake.

My hand stitching to hold the fabric in place
Here's how i did this project:

1- I picked a vintage sheet that I loved. This was a hard one because I absolutely hate cutting vintage sheets, if I don't have too. But this one was perfectly summery.

2- Use your bag as a template to make your 2 outer pieces. I cut mine square, even tho the bottoms were boxed off, which i will do when i sew it. I used taylor's chalk to make my cutting line.

3- Cut out your pieces leaving a 1/2 inch seam allowance.

4- Sew your 2 pieces together and then box your ends out on the ends by flattening out your seamed edge out to a triangle and sewing across to make a triangle on the ends and then trim.

5-Fold down top edge 1/2 and iron

6- Turn right side out and place your bag inside and then hand stitch your linen piece to the outside of your bag.

7- Finish by taking the thread of your choice and do a running stitch around the parts you want to of your design to hold the fabric and place.

Now your ready to take your bag pool side or on the boat if your like us.  I will be posting later this week on what we pack in our summer bag.


xoxo

Wednesday, May 23, 2012


DIY- Etched Glass Water Cravat

Use your decorative scissors to make your design




Add your etching cream in a thick layer.

                   






   I think they turned out pretty cool. I love filling them with lemonade and such and the kids like having drinks already missed up and ready to pour. Make some for your family so your prepared for the upcoming hot summer.  Lemonade for all!


                                                                               XoXo


         












Monday, May 21, 2012



outline your checkbook onto fabric and cut inside the line

add a layer of your mod podge on the checkbook and then apply the fabric and smooth out
and trim any excess after it's dry and then add a final layer to seal.



I know checkbook are practically obsolete but we do still have to use them sometimes. I do most of my bills online but sometimes you still have to pay with a check, so why not schnazzie that sucker up.  Dust it off and give it a new look.

XoXo


Rachel

Friday, May 11, 2012


Fabric Heart Hair Comb


Don't throw away your scraps of fabric. You can use them for little accessories like these. I made a tiny paper template and cut my fabric and felt out the same sizes then used embroidery thread to to do a running stitch to attach pieces together. Then I layered them as I went and glued them down with E6000. It's a cheap quick project and you can have it done in 20 minutes flat and be ready to hit the town.

                                                                             XoXo
 
                                                               

Thursday, May 10, 2012


Etched Glass Drink Me Cup














I used the negative from scrapbook stickers and tried to line it up as straight as possible and then with an old paint brush i generously applied the etching cream.  I used Armor Etch and I let is set there for 20 minutes and then rinsed well. After the lettering turned out so well, I decided to add some polka dots by using paper whole reinforce stickers from the office supply and I think it made it more finished. this project was a lot of fun.

                                                                              XoXo

Wednesday, May 2, 2012


DIY- Chevron painted Vintage purse




I recently did this project of painting on a vintage purse. I have been wanting to have a chevron purse and haven't been able to find one so I painted one up myself.  Some tips that I would give if you want to do one yourself....

1- get your ruler out and measure our your chevron's and mark with a pencil to give your a guide

2- At first I tried to painters tape out my areas but that proved to be tedious and I don't have patience like that and I don't mind some imperfection in my projects. So I just free handed it.

3- I used acrylic paints and a flat tip paint brush to do my  pattern. I think this worked out fine.

4- I sealed it with modge podge to keep it from wearing out. I would try the matte version next time. I'm not a big fan of the sheen on it. Especially for taking pictures, as it leaves a glare as  you can tell.

It's a great way to update an old purse and add some fun to your wardrobe. I only spent $1 on the purse and some paint supplies I already had lying around so it was a cheap thrill. Try it yourself and if you do send me pictures of your finished project.

XoXo

Rachel




Friday, April 27, 2012


Embroidered Love Bird Pillowcases



This pillowcase was so fun to do. I love the way it came out. I'm in the process of making another one to have a matching set. It was one of those patterns you get in the craft store. So it's an easy print to find. I love embroidering pillowcases. It remind me of the ones I got of my grandmothers when she died. They are one of the things I cherish from her. Someday someone will get mine and I hope they will cherish them too. Have a great weekend everyone!

XoXo

Rachel

Wednesday, April 18, 2012


Vintage Suitcase Redo


This is the second suitcase that I have done like this and it's so much fun.  This wasn't vintage fabric but I did tea stain and wash and iron it to get an aged appearance. I went by the tutorial at A Beautiful Mess. I tried to cut my fabric as close as possible to the correct size so I didn't have a ton of fabric to tuck in the stitched edge. I used a butter knife and it worked well. I let the final mod podge layer dry overnight before I used it and it holds up great. I will never pass up another one of these suitcases. This was actually part of a 3 piece set that belonged to my husband grandmother. So it's nice to give new life to a family piece. Comment or email me if you have any questions.

Friday, April 13, 2012


My new line of Zipper Clutches


Today was such a gloomy day that I decided to work on a new line of Zipper Clutch purses for my etsy shop.  After getting school work done, we had popcorn and hot chocolate and then I got to work. I'm doing bright liners and zippers to make them super springy. My sister fell in love with this one so of course she got the first one. I'm still picking out fabric to make more. I would like to get a dozen sewn up before I post them to my site. I will publish updates when I get closer to being done.  Have a great weekend everyone!

Tuesday, April 3, 2012


Easy way to put your child's artwork on to fabric

Can you tell she has angst when it comes to drawing.


We edited it out and took the best ones and since she drew with sharpie, it was easy to trace with a pencil.

After she got her stitching done, I helped her with the flowers that were more complicated.

Adding tiny googly eyes is a nice and easy way to add character. 

I painted the frame lavender and then glued a piece of felt (signed with name and date) on the back. Hang with a piece of ribbon and your done.



This is a fun and memorable craft to do with you kids. My husband actually laughed when he came into my bedroom and we were both snuggled in my bed working on our stitching. Like mother like daughter.



Wednesday, March 21, 2012


Easy way to add some charm to regular clothes pins

Your materials: clothespins, mod podge, sponge brush scissors, paper and pencil.

Use your paper clip as a template to mark your paper to size.

Cut out enough strips to cover each side of the clothes pins.

Apply your mod podge to attach paper to clothes pin and then after both sides are dry, apply another coat to seal.




I attached magnets strips to the back of some of them with E6000 so I could also use them  to display cute photos or in this case vintage post cards (borrowed from my sister). And to seal up chip bags with style.

Tuesday, March 20, 2012


Funny Jewelry Holder








How funny is this project. Super cute for any little girls room. It's pretty straight forward. Perform a hippo amputation and we are using the upper half.I used an exacto knife and it cut it easily. It is funny to see the buns by themselves.  I painted the wood plaque  with a bronze acrylic paint, after it's dry, apply mod podge to the center portion, keeping it off the area that you will be applying the animal to. Apply the super fine glitter to it over a piece of paper to make it easier to put the remaining glitter back in it's container. Apply your hanger of choice to the back. I used short screws and some wire.  Use E600 to glue your hippo on and let it completely dry before using.  It makes me smile every time I see it. 

Friday, March 9, 2012


Help your kids get creative...make your own angry birds.

My daughter had fun making this and it turned out so cute.  She was making it for her cousin. This is one of those times when you tell your kids no to something and they figure out a way to make it on their own. I would use wool felt next time. I think they would hold up much better, especially the kind of abuse that kids put the toys they love thru.It was her first sewing project and I think she did great.  Say no to your kids sometimes and see how resourceful they can be.


Thursday, March 8, 2012


Before & After- Mail holder


It started as a thrift store rescued wire basket with wheat embellishments on it, that i quickly tore off.  I need a mail holder at work to adorn my deck and letters fit perfectly in it. With just a new coat of paint and paper label, it made a nice new schnazzie addition to my desk at work.


post card stamps on this side

and regular stamp on the other side


So don't pass up a beat up piece at the thrift store and see what you can turn it into. I love this and it keeps the mail on my desk at bay.

Thursday, February 23, 2012


Combine Your Vintage Jewelry To Make A Unique Sweater Cli[

I have had this vintage sweater clip for awhile and I had this charm that was my grandmothers that I planned on making into a necklace but instead I decided to add it to this piece with a jump ring to make a unique item. I just love it and it really does keep your sweater in place. I have a couple of larger boyfriend sweater that tend to slip off my shoulder but I love wearing because they are long and I can wear them with my comfy leggings. I would like to make more of these for my etsy shop. Do you have any sentimental jewelry pieces that you can piece together to make something great? Check your jewelry boxes.

Wednesday, February 22, 2012


My Infinity Scarf Obsession



I admit it, I have a new obsession with infinity scarves.  And apparently they  make me make funny faces when I wear them.  With one quick seam, you can convert your regular scarf into a fab infinity scarf. I got this one at the thrift store for $3 bucks. With larger weave ones like these I would recommend using a smaller stitch length and to go over it a second time with a zig zag stitch to really seal the edge or use fray check.  I like that it stay in place and doesn't tighten around your neck as the day goes on.  I have a couple more i want to do this too. Look for some scarves that need an update. You might find some in your own closet.

Wednesday, February 8, 2012


How to sooth a cold- the vintage honeybee way.

I have had the flu all week and here are a couple of things that have gotten me on the road to recovery. Hot tea is just the ticket. Made with honey of course. Nothing soothes a throat better and makes you feel cozy.

I like my tea in this one person tea set, i put on of the tea holders in my cup and the other in the pot and then fill them up with my kettle, so I don't have to keep getting up. Also the metal bird is for lemon, just quarter a lemon, open the top, put it in and squeeze into your tea. This blue ceramic jar is full of sugar if you would prefer to have that instead.



When you put your tea in, close it and tap on the counter so any loose bits fall out before you put it in your cup

I found this at the thrift store and i keep it out on my stove top always. It makes me smile


I also like to keep a hankie for coughs, kleenex for sneezes, and hand sanitzer on hand to keep the remote free of the germies. Don't want to spread it to the kids. I hope these tips will be helpful for your next cold and help you have a speedy recovery.

Tuesday, January 31, 2012


Portable Embroidery Kit

I recently made this to take to the airport, for my sewing supplies. It turned out so cute and had everything I needed. Try this one out for yourself.


apply mod podge to container and paper

put a coat over any items  you put on top to seal

cut a piece of felt, the diameter of the inside lid and hot glue only around the outside edge.


I added this little squirrel from a 50's children's science book I had.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012


Chevron Crochet Blanket



































                                                                                                           
  Weather like this gets me in the crochet spirit.  And since my girls have outgrown all of the blankets that I've made them in the past, I wanted to make ones that would last them for many more years to come.  I am Chevron obsessed lately and this was a very easy pattern to make. I love simple patterns. I cast on 103 and counted over 3 stitches and started double crochets all the way across, ch3, then dc 4, then crochet the next 3 stitches together, 4 dc, and then 3 dc in the next stitch, repeat all the way across, ch3 and repeat 3 more rows before changingcolors. I did 66 rows but   you can make it as long as you want to.  Make one of your own, easy and fun.



Monday, January 16, 2012


Repurpose your enamel jewelry into cute hair baubles






I picked these clip on earrings ages ago and i wasn't sure what to do with them. I knew wearing them as they were was not an option. Those clip on's hurt. So this was a perfect solution for me because I always need cute bobbies for my hair and these stand out great against dark hair.











After you have glued the bobby pin back on. Find something to balance it on and let it set up over night.




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