CraftyBitch

Operation Comfort Doll

2012-01-23T08:37:00.000-08:00

This weekend I had the opportunity to craft with local ladies Rachel Carlson & Kate Matlock at SewPo. It was a night of crafting with a cause, sewing these adorable plush dolls for Operation Comfort Doll. The finished dolls are distributed to women who reside in domestic abuse shelters around the U.S. Not only was it heartwarming to make a charitable craft, but inspiring meeting more local crafty ladies!

Happy Halloween from Angus & the Majorette

2011-10-30T21:09:00.001-07:00

Kids under the age of 3 are the best candidates for Halloween costumes because they really don't have an opinion yet - nor do they mind if you dress them as up as someone they have never heard of before. Sooooo, I chose to transform my 2-yr-old as Angus Young. Since my husband is a rock history nerd, we had to do the costume justice by adding the felt Gibson SG.
The hat, blazer and shorts were mostly taken from vintage patterns for reference, then I added a reconstructed thrift store tie which was the perfect color. Hell's Bells he looked amazing!
At age 4, most girls want a costume that is pink and has some glitter or shine component. I added a retro twist by turning her on to this baton majorette idea. She even came with me to the fabric store to pick out the pink glitter lining and silver sequin trim.
The hat was constructed out of poster board paper and was the trickiest part. Ironically, finding a baton was the biggest challenge! We ended up having to order one online. I LOVE making costumes for Halloween - as one blogger posted today, "Halloween is my Fashion Week." So true...

Pendant Cluster Necklace

2011-10-01T13:25:00.000-07:00

When your last name is "DeHart" you tend to acquire quite a few heart-related pendants and other jewelry. I decided to cluster a few of my favorite heart lockets to create a vintage-inspired necklace.

The Appliqué Way

2011-09-11T14:24:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately it's that time of year to start thinking about back-to-school basics for my kids (although it's currently 90 degrees in Portland! Hoodies are a staple item in this wet-weather town but I was struggling trying to find something "simple" that my 4-yr-old-fashionista would agree to wear that wasn't an explosion of bad graphics and brand logos. I found some solid-colored hoodies at H&M kids, then my daughter helped choose and cut out some floral designs from my scrap bins. My favorite part is the flower that she insisted I add to the hood. This was my first real venture in machine appliqué, but found it quite easy and addicting. I recommend using the iron-on adhesive backing which adds stability to the fabric to the appliquéd as well as keeping the fabric in place without pins.

Portland Craft Party

2011-06-11T20:59:00.000-07:00

I had such a blast last night volunteering for the I Heart Art Portland Etsy Craft Party at the Museum of Contemporary Craft. It was an amazing night benefitting the Japan Earthquake relief. I was assigned to work the Artist Trading Cards table where I was so inspired by the amount of creative talent crafting cards from various found papers, prints, markers, rub-on letters and other craft supplies.
Not only were folks creating mini works of art, they were actually swapping their new trading cards with others and making new connections. Group hug, anyone?

Dottie Daytime dress

2011-06-10T21:08:00.000-07:00

With Summer on the horizon, I am so inspired to finish some projects that have been stashed in my "projects" bag in the sewing closet. I love this dotted stretch knit fabric and the folks over at SewPo helped me find a fun contrasting cotton trim for the pocket and hem.
My daughter loves the bubbly print and the stretch knit is perfect for the playground.

Put a Lid on It

2011-06-07T21:44:00.001-07:00

The sun in Portland is finally starting to come out and play and with it comes the sundresses and sunscreen. I have been dying to make a pattern out of the new oliver + s book "little things to sew". The reversible bucket hat was just the right project that I could crank out during my daughter's nap in 2 hrs. flat. Whew!
My daughter's only request was to "put a big flower on it" so I fashioned a gathered flower from the tiny bits of fabric remnants. I love the fabric-covered button made from the leftover contrast fabric. In order to keep the hat reversible, I attached the flower with a large snap so that it can be removed or repositioned on the opposite side.
I purchased the green and navy fabrics that I picked up at SewPo go so well together and the finished had fit her perfectly! I may make another version of this hat in a coated cotton for next year's rainy season.

Gather 'Round for June's "Sew.Darn.Drunk." Workshop!

2011-06-06T08:50:00.000-07:00

It's time to start rockin' Summer frocks and plunging necklines. We're whipping up some stylish neckwear at this month's Sew.Darn.Drunk. workshop. You'll learn to make a "Gather 'Round Necklace" from fabric yo-yo's and vintage buttons. All fabric, supplies, instruction, fizzy beverage and snacks will be provided! No previous sewing experience necessary. If we see a return in warm weather we'll even set up outside the bus, Summer camp style.
Shop Lodekka for an additional 25% discount before or after the event.

Mark your calendar for Thursday, June 9th at 6:30 p.m.
Admission is $30 or bring a friend and only pay $25 each.
Call Erin to reserve your spot at (503) 703-3605.
Lodekka is located at the corner of N. Williams and N. Failing.
* Feel free to bring your favorite concoction if our monthly beverage is not your cup of tea!

"Felt So Good" to make this case

2011-06-03T10:39:00.000-07:00

At our last "Sew.Darn.Drunk" workshop we created eyeglass cases and wallets from felted wool sweaters. The results were amazing, not to mention that the evening was a warm one and the drinks were flowing.

Get "Felt Up" in May!

2011-04-27T20:20:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, May 12th we're at it again - "Sew.Darn.Drunk." aboard Lodekka. This month we'll be crafting eyeglass cases and wallets from felted sweaters. No sewing experience or craft knowledge required. We'll supply all of the materials, instruction, complimentary adult beverage and snacks. You can even score some great raffle prizes! Call today to reserve your space - seating aboard the bus is limited. Call Erin at 503-703-3605.

First "Sew.Darn.Drunk." a success!

2011-04-27T20:09:00.000-07:00

What a fantastic first workshop! Special thanks to Eidelyn Gonzales for not only being a super-crafter, but sharing her amazing pics from the event. The downpour outside the bus couldn't keep us from having a whale of a time.
The beers were tall and pretzels were fresh. I taught the ladies how to make fabric flower brooches from vintage men's neckties. We ended up with an array of "varieties" of flowers.
Lodekka was the perfect backdrop for our craft workshop. Who wouldn't want to craft on a double-decker bus?
Thanks for coming everyone! Hope to see you next month.

It's time to get "Sew.Darn.Drunk."!

2011-03-24T12:24:00.001-07:00

Lodekka Double Decker Dress Shop is partnering up with Andrea "CraftyBitch" DeHart to present Sew.Darn.Drunk., a monthly craft workshop with a twist. Each project will utilize vintage threads and notions to craft one-of-a-kind projects including accessories, home decor and wearable fashions.

On Thursday, April 14th, we're going to "Tie One On." Learn how to convert a vintage necktie into a fashionable fabric flower accessory in addition to a fabric-wrapped bangle. No sewing or crafting experience necessary! It's easy, fun, and all supplies will be included.

All materials, instruction and a complimentary beverage will be included with the price of admission. $30 fee per person or bring a friend and get 2-for-$50. Enjoy a 25% discount at Lodekka and raffle prizes that evening.

Seating is limited to stop by the bus or call Erin at 503-703-3605 to reserve your seat today. Lodekka is located on the corner of N. Williams and N. Failing in Portland, OR.

Shot Through the Heart Valentines

2011-02-13T20:46:00.000-08:00

These fun and simple DIY Valentines were easy enough for a 3-yr-old to make! And the only thing we actually bought was the pencils, which only set us back $2.
The heart shapes were cut from 2 colors of construction paper, then glued together. We purposely chose to avoid the obvious red and pink colored paper. Next we stamped our message on a sheet of paper, then scanned the image into the computer and created an entire sheet of messages to be printed.
My daughter adds the final touch with acrylic paints and glitter. The inner heart message sticks directly onto the wet paint background. When the cards are dry, use a hole-punch in the upper right corner and lower left then insert the pencils. Can you feel the love?

Lady Lumberjack Shirt

2011-02-09T13:05:00.000-08:00

Plaid is the fad these days and what better way to embrace the cold then to make a customized Lady Lumberjack shirt. Drive on down to the local thrift store and pick up the largest men's shirt you can find. This project will show you how to make a fitted silhouette with custom details like raw fringe and puffed sleeves. Click here to view the entire project on Craftzine.com!

* Extra special thanks to my niece Kaili DeHart who braved my needles and scissors to be my muse and model!

Soft "Rock" Guitar

2010-12-13T19:37:00.001-08:00

Your little guitar hero will love this rockin' toy, sized just for little ones. It's light, flexible, and fully ready to rock. Now you can bang your head without leaving a bruise. You can find instructions on how to make my "Soft" Rock Guitar toy on Craftzine.com.

My son loves to kick out the jams!

DIY Bauble Wreath

2010-12-11T20:33:00.000-08:00

Originally I envisioned a wreath made of only recycled ornaments from thrift stores. Ultimately I knew that I didn't have the patience or skill to wire all of those delicate glass bulbs. For a mere $10 I was able to score some boxes of multi-colored glass ornaments and a simple faux fir wreath at the local thrift store. Then I used floral wire to attach the ornaments to the wreath. Don't look too closely or you'll see my mug in the balls.

It's Hair! Sew It All Vol. 2

2010-12-09T21:44:00.000-08:00

Still haven't found the perfect D.I.Y projects to make in time for the holidays? Well drop everything and run down to your local fabric store to pick up a copy of Sew It All Vol.2. CraftyBitch is featured in 2 projects that are quick and easy. Choose from 3 different headband projects or the felt tissue box cover (including a smaller portable pouch for your purse).
You can also purchase a copy online through the Quilt and Sew website by clicking here.

Be "Cross" this Christmas

2010-12-07T14:17:00.000-08:00

When making last-minute holiday gifts, the trick is to be quick, yet with a personal touch. Cross-stitch is such a fun way to make a customized pendant for your crafty friends. You can read the full tutorial on Craftzine.

CraftyBitch is on the Bus!

2010-11-25T08:24:00.000-08:00

CraftyBitch has joined forces with Erin Sutherland of Portland's newest dress shop, Lodekka! I'll be on board every Friday afternoon adding some TLC to the vintage threads and refashioning some vintage garments. Grab your bag of alterations and bring them down to the bus!
Photos courtesy of Jen Downer.

There's a Little "Evel" in All of Us

2010-10-31T13:15:00.000-07:00

Have a Happy Crafty Halloween! I have been dying to share the costume I created for my son this year. Sewing all the vinyl stars was totally worth it. My favorite features are the cape, the cuffs and the walking cane (he's a senior Evel). Hey, I figured he wouldn't dare wear a helmet so I had to accessorize somehow. Let's ride!

Costume Craft-Along Complete!

2010-10-24T13:57:00.000-07:00

Looks like we made it - literally! We've completed the Costume Craft-Along for this Cupcake Fairy mashup. And the little fairy approved of the final look shown here.
For the wings, I wanted to utilize the silver cupcake papers (found at most grocery stores, craft stores, or baking supply shops). We cut each paper into 4 pieces, then loosely flattened them out. One at a time we glued the wedges onto a piece of cardboard that was cut into the shape of wings. I recommend starting from the outside edges and working your way in. This is a great craft to do with kids!
The wings are attached with 2 elastic loops that wrap around her shoulders. We also added a crease down the middle back simply by folding the cardboard to give it more flexibility.
The same cupcake paper technique was used to make the tiara. We started with a cardboard base which I attached to a store-bought headband and wrapped with satin ribbon and trimmed with brown rick-rack.
I love this mini felt appliqué we added to the tiara. It's the same design as the felt appliqué on the apron, just smaller and without the face details.

Here are all of the previous steps for reference:
* The Cupcake Fairy skirt
* The Cupcake Fairy apron with appliqué

* Whisk wand
And the fairy wings & tiara made with silver cupcake papers complete the look.

Hope you had fun crafting this Cupcake Fairy Costume with me this Halloween!

Send pics if your handmade creations too!

Costume Craft-Along: Cupcake Fairy Whisk Wand

2010-10-21T16:30:00.001-07:00

Now we're really cookin'! Our Cupcake Fairy costume is sewn and now the final accessories are being crafted. The whisk wand is not only clever, but one of the easiest pieces to make. You probably already have an extra whisk in the back of your kitchen drawer. Otherwise they're cheap and easy to find at most grocery stores.

I started with a plastic tube (from a previously broken wand), wrapped sturdy masking tape around the whisk handle and tube to join them. Then I wrapped pink satin ribbon from the base of the whisk down to the bottom of the tube. Secure the end of the ribbon with a dab of glue or do a simple whipstitch to finish it. To top it off, I added a sparkly gem and ribbon. Now if this whisk wand could magically clean my kitchen I'd be set.

Keep following along with me on this Costume Craft-Along.
We've already constructed:
* The Cupcake Fairy skirt
* The Cupcake Fairy apron with appliqué

* Whisk wand

Next pieces include:
* Fairy wings & tiara made with silver cupcake papers

Stay tuned!

Costume Craft-Along: Cupcake Fairy Apron

2010-10-18T12:54:00.001-07:00

The Cupcake Fairy Apron turned out as sweet as buttercream frosting. I used a pink plaid cotton fabric and cut 2 rectangles - 1 for the skirt and 1 for the bib. The skirt panel was gathered, then attached to the bib portion. Brown rick-rack was used to trim the edges, including the small pocket on the skirt. I made 1 long rectangular strap for the waist tie and two smaller ones for the shoulder straps, which cross in back. Don't bother with making button holes for the buttons on the bib, just sew through all layers and use a snap on the back of straps where they meet the waistband. Quick tip - be sure to measure the length of the apron skirt based on the length of the tulle skirt. You want to make sure that the tulle skirt rick-rack details are visible!
I wanted to drive home the "Cupcake Fairy" theme by adding this cute felt cupcake appliqué. I cut the 3 pieces (cupcake, frosting & cherry), then glued them to a white piece of felt. Next, I embroidered the stitching details and added the button eyes. Don't forget the sprinkles!

Keep following along with me on this Costume Craft-Along.
We've already constructed:
* The Cupcake Fairy skirt
* The Cupcake Fairy apron with appliqué

Next steps include:
* Whisk wand
* Fairy wings & tiara made with silver cupcake papers

We should be wrapping up this Craft-Along by the end of this week so that you have plenty of time before the holiday parties begin!

Tissue Box Frame

2010-10-11T15:33:00.000-07:00

Hello Fall! Hello wet, runny-noses! Hello cold and flu season! I found myself buying the 12-pack of tissues at the store yesterday and it's only October. Luckily there are a variety of bright, modern prints to choose from these days.

Used facial tissue is not something to craft with, but the colorful printed cardboard boxes lend themselves to a plethora of projects. Here I cut apart a small square box of tissues, using the top panel and one of the printed side panels. Don't forget to tear away the plastic sheet from the opening. My daughter lent her artistic abilities for a custom birthday card for her cousin. I finished the side edges of the top panel with my scalloping shears to make it more decorative. Sandwich the 2 panels together with glue and you've got a cool, recycled craft perfect for cards or photo frames!

Costume Craft-Along: Cupcake Fairy Skirt

2010-10-08T11:13:00.000-07:00

Step 1 complete: A Cupcake Fairy skirt with layers of puffy tulle and rick-rack icing trim. If you're new to sewing with tulle I have some advice - this is not the time to try it, go straight to Target and buy a pre-made tutu. I layered in a few tones of pink tulle and it took me quite some time to complete this skirt. But I'm crazy about the oversized rick-rack trim and "twirl" factor.
I started by making a simple circle skirt out of a satin lining fabric. I based the size according to the final length of the skirt and my daughter's waist measurements. I used a total of 8 yards of tulle in 3 different shades and gathered them in rows from the hem up to the waistband. I cut strips of the tulle then folded them in half lengthwise to create a softer edge and add more volume.
As you can see, the skirt gets a bit puffy. For the waistband, I made a casing for the elastic and sewed to to the top edge of the skirt, hiding all of the frayed edges and tulle madness. The satin skirt lining was finished using a basic rolled hem. The oversized rick-rack was sewn directly to the edge of the top layer of tulle.

Keep following along with me on this Costume Craft-Along.
Next steps include:
* Cupcake Fairy apron with cupcake appliqué
* Whisk wand
* Fairy wings & tiara made with silver cupcake papers

Hope you're having as much fun as I am!

Back-To-Cool Labels - Part II

2010-10-05T15:20:00.000-07:00

Remember last Fall's posting "Back-to-Cool" custom label project? Those work well with jackets and heavyweight outerwear. This follow-up project is primarily for those interior labels that can get scratchy or stiff. Plus - no computer software or printer required! Simply pick up some alphabet stamps at your local craft store and twill tape (I went with the 1/2" width). For the ink, try the VersaCraft stamp pad that is specifically for fabric. Don't forget to heat-set your labels before the first wash!
When you're ready to attach the labels to the garments, fold under the raw edges of the twill tape and do a simple whip-stitch on either end. When you're ready to pass on the outgrown garments, it's easy to remove the stitches.

Button Rings

2010-10-04T14:27:00.000-07:00

What do you do with ever-increasing vintage button collection? Make jewelry like this gorgeous ring I made during a craft workshop at Collage here in Portland. Layering the buttons made the possibilities endless. Be sure you use the correct glue and let it set completely before you model your wares!

Sweet Costume Craft-Along!

2010-09-29T09:07:00.000-07:00

Sad is the day when your children start to have special requests for Halloween costumes. More than likely they're the predictable princess or fireman. This year I decided to do a costume mash-up of the two things my daughter likes best: fairies and cupcakes. She was thrilled with the idea and I get to get my craft on.

What better way to share my process by inviting all of my craft followers in a Craft-Along! I'll be posting steps to this unique costume in various entries as I go along. Many of the supplies you should be able to pick up at second hand or dollar stores as well as some basic supplies at your local fabric store.

Think whisk wands, layered tulle, rick-rack and lots of foil baking cups. Hope you'll craft along with me and please send me your pics to post at the end of the project.

Steps include:
* Cupcake Fairy skirt
* Cupcake Fairy apron with cupcake appliqué
* Whisk wand
* Fairy wings & tiara made with silver cupcake papers

Another Skirt Transformation

2010-09-28T13:50:00.000-07:00

Ever have those garments that you never wear, yet you can't part with the fabric? Well, this not-so-flattering on the hips mini skirt was one of those items in the back of my closet. Rather than tossing it into the giveaway bag, I decided that this playful stretch-knit piece would make a great maxi sundress for my 3-yr-old daughter.

I constructed the top bodice out of the waistband panel and used some elastic smocking along the back to make it fit without having to add a closure. Next, I gathered the skirt fabric and re-attached it to the new bodice. Even though this was a mini skirt on me, I wanted to add some more length to the hem to give the dress some more weight and added contrast. I found a black stretch-knit fabric remnant which did the trick.

I love the final flower detail in which I used some additional skirt remnants, gathered and shaped to make a floral broche. The raw edges mirror the raw edge seam used to attach the bottom of the skirt panel. Inside the flower I added a black vintage button to add some sparkle and hide those inner seams.

Northern Exposure

2010-09-01T10:58:00.000-07:00

CB and the Family have made the big move from San Francisco to Portland! So much creative energy and inspiration that I'm trying to take it all in. I still don't own a hooded jacket (maybe next craft project?), but I did get myself a spunky little blue bike. The kids are experiencing this season they call "Summer" and I'm always looking for excuses to make sundresses and skirts. Looking for local stitch-n-bitch groups to invade so give me a holler if want to craft with me!

Roll with it, Baby!

2010-08-19T13:07:00.000-07:00

Are you super crafty? Want a chance to showcase your woodworking or car-crafting skills? You don't even have to live in San Francisco to participate! PLUS - if you mention "CraftyBitch" on your registration, I'll even include a pic of your entry on my blog. We're also accepting donations for the Silent Art Auction. Now for the details:

The Hell's Belles Car Club of San Francisco is hosting its

5th Annual Pinewood Derby & Art Auction

on Saturday, September 25, 2010.

Held at the fabulous new 941Geary Gallery

(just around the corner from the Shooting Gallery & White Walls Gallery) SF,

it's a benefit for the Bay Area Women's & Children's Center in the Tenderloin, SF.
Music courtesy of DJs Bardot & Michael Charming!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Here's how to join the fun:
- Get a Derby kit and create your own race car to race on a track in the gallery against other participants!
- Get Derby kit and create your own art car masterpiece to display in the gallery!
- Donate a piece of car culture-themed art to be a part of the silent auction for charity!
- OR just come and check out the fun! Free to spectators!!

Here's an amazing pinstriped handbag auctioned off in previous years.

Sundress to Toddler Skirt

2010-03-11T14:36:00.000-08:00

This Winter weather has been brutal and I've all but given up on the idea of wearing my sundresses anytime soon. I was inspired by the jersey skirt project as seen on the Ruffles and Stuff craft blog. The perfect solution to cleaning out my closet and making a more stylish, comfortable skirt for my daughter.
What I love about this transformation is that I was able to keep the patch pockets intact and there was plenty of leftover fabric to make the waistband.

Vintage Pattern Party Dress

2010-02-28T13:40:00.000-08:00

I love to collect vintage patterns, especially girl's party dresses. This was the perfect combo for my daughter's third birthday. The piping defined the seam lines and it tied with a bow in the back.

A Princess Party without all the Poof

2010-02-25T10:27:00.000-08:00

I fought it and fought it and fought it - my daughter finally took interest in everything Disney, especially the Princesses. For her 3rd birthday, she wanted a Princess Party. My challenge was to not be the wicked witch but somehow meet her in the middle. We came up with a "Royal Tea Party" theme which included crowns, tea, cupcakes and I made her a dress that passed the "twirl test".
Instead of goodie-bags, I made a custom felt crown for each child. In addition, I had a bowl of jewels that were backed with Velcro so that they could customize their crown. The crowns were fastened with a ribbon so that each guest could size them as needed.

For decorations, I cut triangles from craft paper, trimmed the top edge with scallop scissors, punched 2 holes and then threaded the ribbon through. No sewing needed! The princess element was the crown & Snow White images stamped on various triangles.
The adults munched on tea cakes and scones displayed on a custom tiered dessert stand. Tea and juice boxes were served as beverages and everyone had a royal time!

DIY Tiered Dessert Stand

2010-02-23T21:41:00.000-08:00

Throwing a tea party means having adequate serving supplies to display those dainty bits of food. Knowing that I would probably not host another tea party until my daughter's next princess party, I opted to make my own. I collected 3 glass plates and 2 glass candleholders from the local thrift store. In under $10 I found just the right pieces.
In order to frill it up, I used paper doilies on the backs of each plate as stencils. Use small bits of double-stick tape to hold the doilies in place. A large cardboard box makes an excellent contained area for spray painting. Lightly spray around the open areas of the doily being careful not to over-saturate the paint or it will run. When the paint dries, stack up the plates and candle holders. I used a heavy-duty double-stick padded tape between the layers so that nothing toppled when the guests pulled treats from the stand.

Where I Shove my Stuff

2010-02-22T16:38:00.001-08:00

Take a peek into my crafty storage solutions on Craftzine's blog entry today!

Photo Valentine Envelope

2010-02-12T12:05:00.000-08:00

Photo mailers are functional, yet so dull, especially when sending pics for a special occasion. In an effort to create a protective barrier that also looks great, I came up with this simple & quick solution. I am a sucker for thicker-weight scrapbooking paper. The only problem is, I don't scrapbook so I'm stuck with large pads of beautiful paper.
To mail 5x7" pics, I used 12x12" sheets. Place the photos in the middle of the sheet and fold around all 4 sides. Don't get too technical, just eyeball it.
Next, cut the sides as shown using the fold lines as a guide. Fold the sides in first, then the top and bottom tabs. Punch holes in the top and bottom tabs, thread ribbon through and tie. You can add a custom tag to the thread as well. I used the paper scraps and cut the edges with decorative shears. Now you're ready to put the finished piece in a mailing envelope and send!

Love is in the Hair

2010-02-08T21:54:00.000-08:00

I wanted to come up with a way to create a Valentine accessory that wasn't your typical brooch, bracelet or earring. I started with a red headband and added the pink rick-rack for the foundation. Next I designed the bird silhouette and wing pieces and cut them out of wool felt. I love the idea of incorporating the heart shape between the two open wings. I joined both sides with the pink contrasting embroidery floss. Once the bird was slightly stuffed and ready to attach to the base, I decided it needed more texture and another element to frame it. I cut some additional felt in feather-like shapes and also attached it with the pink floss.
Download the pattern to make your own Lovebird Headband!

Get Your Heart On...

2010-02-04T11:24:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and I can already feel my sweet tooth calling. I wanted to find a craft that was cheap, unique, fun and something my preschooler could help out with. Craftzine.com recently featured an article on molded crayon hearts and immediately I knew this was the very project I was looking for.

One rainy Saturday we took a trip to S.C.R.A.P. and loaded up a bag full of broken, misfit crayons. The challenging part was stripping all of the paper off the crayons. I still have multi-colored remnants beneath my nails. Target was selling the mini heart silicone muffin pans (which get pretty wrecked after this craft, I must say). We spent quite some time sorting the crayon bits by color, then chopping them into pea-size bits and filling the muffin pan. It took 15 minutes per batch at an oven temp of 275°F. DON'T try to transport the pan before the melted crayon is set. I spent another afternoon tediously scraping dripped red crayon off the linoleum floor. Oops!

The colored cardstock paper was also found at S.C.R.A.P. ($3.00 for the bag 'o crayons and a thick stack of cardstock!). I designed the type and graphics in Illustrator and then ran the cards through my home printer. Note the "I'm a crayon!" detail. Didn't want her classmates to think they were getting a swirly, tasty treat and take a little bite. The bottom edge was cut with scallop-edge scissors for the finishing touch.

Personalize It - FREE tutorial

2010-01-20T12:21:00.001-08:00

Christmas with two kids means LOTS of "thank you" cards to write. Buying cards can really add up and who needs that when your funds were all spent during the holidays? I opted to make some personalized cards this year utilizing the blank cards and envelopes we had leftover from Cooper's birth announcements. I chose a picture of each of the kids with the best side profiles. In Photoshop, I traced their faces using paths, then saved the paths as Illustrator files. In Illustrator I finished the design by adding the flourish design and simple type. To my surprise, the quality came out quite nice when ran through my home printer. The biggest obstacle was centering the design which took a few tries and adjustments. It would be fun to repeat the concept every year as the kids got older!

To read the full tutorial on how to make your own, visit Craftzine's full article here.

The Perfect Match

2010-01-18T14:37:00.000-08:00

On first glance, this is nothing more than a pretty book of matches. Once opened, the accordian-fold coupons come bursting out. This miniature project has endless possibilities. You can use the panels to showcase pictures, poems or just sappy sayings to your loved one. The matchbook was constructed from medium-weight scrapbooking pages. Score the folds lightly with a craft knife, then staple the front of the bottom panel close to the fold. The "coupons" were designed in Illustrator then printed on my home computer. Sometimes the best gifts come in the smallest packages.

Sweet Seats

2010-01-02T12:31:00.000-08:00

At some point all kids need a table and chair sized for their miniature bodies. I'm sort of a snob when it comes to kid's furniture & clothes. I am not satisfied with the common Ikea variety. While strolling through a local thrift store, I spotted these adorable chrome chairs buried in the back of the furniture section. The chrome was in decent condition and the seats just needed to be repadded and covered. I absolutely love this cotton print and I only had about 1 yard left - just enough for the project. I unscrewed the seats from the frame, stripped the original torn vinyl cover and toxic padding. Next, I used an iron-on vinyl adhesive on the new fabric to make it more durable and easy to clean. With the new padding in place, I simply wrapped the fabric around the seat, placed a square of red oilcloth over that and stapled completely around all the edges.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year - Halloween!

2009-10-31T22:19:00.000-07:00

For many Craft-0-holics such as myself, Halloween is truly is the most wonderful time of the year. The sweet treats are great, but nothing can top the satisfaction of completing a truly original costume.
Before my son was even born, I had already decided that my boy was going to dress up as Popeye. In doing the research, there were a few variations on the look depending on what era of Popeye you found. I started with a simple black onesie and then sewed the nude arms to the cuffs, tipped in red elastic for easy on-and-off functionality. I stuffed cotton balls between the 2 layers and drew the anchors directly onto the fabric. The hat & collar I simply designed on paper before cutting the fabric. The collar has a snap-front so that I wouldn't have to stretch it over his head. The hat is secured with a thin elastic strap. I wanted to play with scale which is why I made it purposely small & tipped to one side.
My daughter is obsessed with Mary Had a Little Lamb, so naturally I found this store-bought pattern to follow and picked a cotton print that looked somewhat vintage. The hat was purchased at a second-hand store and I added the large ribbon to finish it off. The lamb is secured in her trick-or-treat bucket by the yellow ribbon around it's neck.

Ladies Choice

2009-10-15T22:37:00.000-07:00

Recently our classic car club, Hell's Belles, had it's annual Pinewood Derby & Silent Art Auction. I'm not quite the wood whittler, so I opted to make a piece to donate for the auction. Rather than a painting or photograph, I wanted to embroider an "illustration". Keep in mind that the final size of this piece was only 4" x 4". Tedious, but a fun challenge.
I started with a layout in Illustrator combining line art, type and a bitmapped photograph. Next I printed the image in black onto iron-on transfer paper (this time NOT reversed, as you usually do for iron-ons). I ironed the image onto the backside of the cotton fabric to be embroidered.
With the right side facing up, the image is ghosted on the fabric surface which makes a perfect guideline for the embroidery. Secondly, the iron-on transfer paper provides a natural stabilizer once applied to the fabric, making it sturdier to work with.

Back-to-Cool Labels

2009-08-12T13:37:00.000-07:00

When asked to add name labels to my daughter's clothes in preparation for preschool, I imagined a smudged black marker name written sloppily across the back neck. There must be a way to do it better! Then I came up with the idea of combining iron-0n graphics along with an iron-on self-adhesive. I designed the following 2 versions and was quite happy with the results.

I started with a simple design I created in Illustrator. The overall size came out to be approx. 1.5" inches around. Don't forget to REVERSE THE GRAPHICS before you print them out on fabric transfer paper.

I ironed the graphics onto a piece of smooth, soft 100% cotton fabric. Next I ironed a sheet of self-adhesive backing. Cut out the labels in any shape you wish. Finally, I ironed the labels into my daughter's sweatshirts & jackets. I would recommend using a zig-zag or straight stitch to secure the edges. We all know these garments will be washed often.

For more ideas on garment labels, try this simple project - Back-to-Cool Labels - Part II.

Applique hooray!

2009-08-12T11:00:00.000-07:00

My son Cooper having a "whale of a time" in his embellished onesie.

Between feedings and naps, I like to find quick and easy crafts for baby. I found this great article on Cookie Magazine's site called DIY Iron-On Onsies. The idea is so simple and it really jazzes up a plain onesie or tee. Great use of leftover fabric scraps too!

Car Craft Caddy

2009-08-06T09:02:00.000-07:00

Check out my most recent Car Craft Caddy project on Craft Magazine's blog. This step-by-step sewing project will help you organize your projects while you're on the go! It's easy, fun and totally customizable for your creative needs. Read my tips on adjusting the pattern for kid's crafts or airplane travel.

Wedding Bells & Birds

2009-06-26T09:04:00.000-07:00

Try your hand at my
Bird's Nest Ring Bearer Pillow & Flower Girl Basket
CRAFT magazine's blog (craftzine.com) featured my project today!

Cuddly Critters

2009-06-19T10:52:00.000-07:00

My next sewing workshop is directed to both Parents & Kids, crafting together. I came up with these 2 plush animals that are not only cute, but easy to construct. The simple shapes are cut from felt, with button eyes and simple embroidery stitches. Add a little dried lavender to the stuffing for a relaxing bedtime buddy.

Sew Simple Article

2009-05-19T10:36:00.000-07:00

Check out Sew Simple Magazine, Volume 12 (pg. 30-33) for my latest article. You've seen this chalkboard placemat project on my blog in the past, but now it's in print! So exciting.

Iron-On & Rock Out!

2009-05-07T13:04:00.000-07:00

I can't pass up a good iron-on and with baby #2 just months away, I'm lured to the "embellishment" aisle at the local craft store. I like both the design and flocked fabrication of these swallow iron-ons.I actually bought the iron-on first, then was on a mission for the perfect shirt to use. I think they make a great match!
These foil iron-ons were silly and irresistible. I can't say that I was that impressed with the overall quality of the foil version, but hey, they are ROCK messages for crying out loud!

Diaper Wreath

2009-04-19T11:05:00.000-07:00

As I promised, here is the finished Diaper Wreath for the front door at the baby shower. I got this idea from Martha Stewart (of course). It came out great. I used 2 sizes of diapers to make the shape more interesting and tied them to a wire wreath frame. You can pick these up at most craft stores near the wreath supplies. I used 3 colors of ribbon and added various plastic baby trinkets to finish them off (bottles, babies, rattles, etc.). Tie it up with a bow and there you go!

April (Baby) Showers!

2009-04-08T20:22:00.000-07:00

My best friend is having her first baby soon so I jumped on the chance to throw her a shower. Being almost 6 months pregnant myself, I'm full of creative energy and have baby on the brain. I designed this "logo" of interlocking hearts based off of their wedding invite then added the baby icon in the middle. Originally I had wanted to print the design on fabric and sew the swatches to the front of the cards. There is a website called Spoonflower that allows you to upload your own designs for custom-printed fabric. Unfortunately the production was delayed and I ended up printing the designs on regular photo paper. When the fabric finally did arrive, I decided to use the swatches to make little lavender sachets as favors for the guests. I really like how they turned out. Stay tuned for pics of the "diaper wreath" I'm making for her front door!

Stroller Sack

2009-01-10T14:52:00.000-08:00

Recently I had a request to conduct a workshop on sewing stroller sacks. I picked up 1 yard of printed no-pill fleece fabric and grabbed our umbrella stroller. 1 yard was the perfect yardage for our 2-yr-old daughter to fit. Instead of adding zippers on the side seams, I opted to overlap the fabric across the front. It perfectly tucks underneath her body with a closure added. One of the few thing I like about fleece is that the edges won't fray so cutting slits for the straps to come through are very easy & clean. The final result was very stylish, warm, and easy to sew!

Write On!

2008-11-25T14:18:00.000-08:00

Portable entertainment is a necessity with a toddler in tow. Art is such a great alternative to portable DVD players so I crafted these chalkboard placemats for doodling on the go. You can buy the chalkboard oilcloth by-the-yard at certain fabric stores or hardware stores. I backed the chalkboard with a colorful oilcloth pattern so that the entire piece was waterproof and durable. For the chalk pouch, I simply folded 1 long piece of oilcloth to form a pocket and added an industrial snap to one side of the pouch and one side of the placemat. This way you won't loose your supplies, but can remove them when you need the entire surface for your masterpiece. Another detail I added was a strip of felt on the backside of the chalk pouch that functions as the eraser. The entire pouch closes with a dot of Velcro to keep the goods inside. The article and instructions can be found in the April '09 issue of Sew Simple magazine.

Viking Girl

2008-10-31T19:44:00.000-07:00

Oops, I did it again. I couldn't resist yet another off-beat Halloween costume for my 1 1/2-year-old daughter. She already had the viking helmet, which she often wore around the house. I merely switched out the stumpy red braids for the long, blonde locks that I got from a beauty store. The gown was taken from a angel costume pattern which I trimmed with the brocade ribbon. The belt is a gold braided belt, wrapped multiple times. The trickiest element was the "chain mail" crocheted vest. I am a bit amateur when it comes to making knit or crochet garments without a pattern. Needless to say, it took more than a couple tries to get it right. The silver metallic yarn worked perfectly, although it wasn't the easiest to crochet. I fastened the straps with suspender clasps for easy on and off action. Although she probably had no clue what she was dressed as, she really enjoyed wearing the costume and we had such a great time trick-or-treating.

That's a Wrap

2008-02-09T13:15:00.000-08:00

Working with Craft Magazine is always a joy. The projects are fun & creative and the staff is equally talented. Not only did I design this simple wrap skirt project for a recent article, but got roped into modeling the final product for the publication. I think I'll stick to being crafty...
This is the patterned side of the skirt. The grosgrain tie waistband allows for ever-expanding waist sizes. The pocket was just a bit of flair to add interest.
Reversed, I used a heavier dark-wash denim. It adds great weight to the skirt and allows the wearer to simplify the look. When the wind blows, you get a hind of the print on the inside.

Mini Me

2008-01-11T20:36:00.000-08:00

No, we don't dress alike (yet), but I was pretty proud of my recent garment transformation. I wore this dress over my bulging gut when I was pregnant. Post-pregnancy it was stretched beyond repair so I re-cut the fabric and fashioned a mini version for Adeline.

Halloween Highlights

2007-10-31T20:12:00.000-07:00

My mother made costumes for her 4 children every Halloween without fail. Now with a daughter of my own, I literally count the days until Halloween and the countdown to the costume-making month. Adeline's first costume, at 8-months-old was this an appliquéd Wonder Woman onesie with attached wrist cuffs, soft boots & matching headband. If there was a way to construct an invisible jet I would have tackled that too!

Wedding Belles

2007-10-01T14:12:00.000-07:00

Jamie & Randy are great friends of mine. In fact, Jamie and I are in the car club, Hell's Belles together. When she asked me to design and construct her wedding dress I was so excited. Her style is very classic & vintage. We went with a silk charmeuse and Jamie found the most amazing vintage lace trim. Repairing parts of the lace that were deteriorated was a challenge.

I absolutely love the mantilla veil she chose and spent a lot of hands-on time sewing the straight lace to an oval veil shape. The results came out amazing and she looked gorgeous.

Pugrate

2007-06-05T20:28:00.000-07:00

What could be more fun than tackling a dog costume? When approached by CRAFT Magazine to design a canine costume, I immediately envisioned a Pug Pirate, complete with knickers and a parrot on the shoulder. Short of an eye patch and peg leg, this buckaneer was a real salty dog.
Download the pattern to make your own Pug Pirate Costume!
Be sure to head to Craftzine.com to download free wallpaper of the pirate pug!

Dude Looks Like a Lady

2006-05-09T15:00:00.000-07:00

I was approached by a pet store owner at Leslie's wedding to design some high-end dog clothes. I did some research online and found mostly frilly, almost costume-like dresses for dogs so I decided to take another approach. I wanted to use my silk brocade remnants to make a more sophisticated, fitted, Kimono-inspired silhouette. Since I don't have a dog of my own, I enlisted our cat Clyde to pose as my model. This first design was my favorite with the contrast in colors, wide sash & loophole cutout at the neckline.

The second design was simpler with just a wide sash that wrapped around the waist.

The buttons at the neckline give this design a touch of class. The green goes well with Clyde's eyes...

Finally, I frilled it up a bit with this tulle skirt attachment.

Crafty Meets Daryl Hannah!

2006-04-23T13:09:00.000-07:00

Craft Magazine puts on quite a show at it's annual Maker Faire. I have spent a few years working in the Swap-O-Rama-Rama event where you assist other crafty fair-goers in reconstructing used garments into hip new treasures. Daryl Hannah was on hand at this particular show and asked me to assist her in transforming a slip into a funky top. I managed to settle my nerves and not prick her with pins. She jumped on my sewing machine and completed the project in record speed. She was a great sport!

Red Hot Bride

2006-02-19T14:23:00.000-08:00

I usually shun requests for bridal anything. When Leslie contacted me about doing her dress I was skeptical, until I she showed me what she looking for. Red wedding dress? I'm in! She was such a fun & funky client and I had a lot of fun layering 3 shades of red tulle to create just the right color mix. The silk dupioni had just enough sheen to make it formal and is so easy to work with. We accented the waistband with a simple black floral ribbon. To top it all off, I made a cropped faux-fur shrug.

Secret Storage

2005-12-12T14:47:00.000-08:00

I wish I could take credit for coming up with this secret storage design, but I cannot. I did, however take a stab at the project. I had a few blisters after I carved out the inside pages to make the storage area. Once it was completed, I lined the inside with felt and covered the inside pages with a decorative wrapping paper. The book closes with Velcro tabs. Makes a great gift!

CD Sleeve Project

2005-12-09T14:40:00.000-08:00

One of my music-buddies once started a "CD of the Month" club with 12 of his closest friends. I have to say I had more fun coming up with a fun way to package the CD's more so than selecting a playlist. I went to a thrift store and picked up some old records in their cardboard sleeves. I cut down the sleeves to fit the dimensions of a CD and even cut out a small slit to allow for easy removal of the CD itself. The best find was the blank CDs that look just like little records!

Gift Boxes Galore

2005-10-05T14:28:00.000-07:00

I spent a lot of time creating special pendants for my mother and mother-in-law when we got married. I wanted the gift box to be just as special. Combining bejeweled boxes with mini butterflies really made them stand out.

Mother's Momento

2005-09-20T14:34:00.000-07:00

Coming up with the right gift for my mother and mother-in-law for our wedding was a challenge. I didn't want to give them the traditional hankie, framed couple photo or store-bought jewelry. I decided to make a soldered pendant that was custom and personal. Since I had a very "untraditional" dress made of black vintage lace over creme silk, I thought it would be nice to use a piece of the lace as one side of the pendant.
For the backside of the pendant, I illustrated a little note with the date. I finished off the pieces with a jeweled chain and heart clasp. I even took a soldering workshop to learn how to put the piece all together. Needless to say they were so happy with the results.

Untraditional Diaper Bag

2005-06-03T13:02:00.000-07:00

Who says you have to have the mass-market diaper bag that everyone other new mom in town is toting? This was such a fun project I did for a client who requested a more untraditional take on the new parent necessity. These rice bags are make such such sturdy canvas and the graphics are so happy and bold.

The most labor-intensive (no pun intended) part of this project was the lining. As most parents know, there are lots of things to tote in a diaper bag and each compartment is very specific to the items they carry. I added lots of pockets, zippered compartments and the traditional elasticized bottle holders on the sides.

Cavity-Inducing Sushi

2005-02-09T14:40:00.000-08:00

I would love to take credit for this sweet treat, but I actually found the article in Parenting Magazine a few years back. The idea is "sushi" composed of a mini cupcakes, coconut frosting, fruit roll-ups & assorted candied toppings to simulate the fish. Not only were they fun to make, but they made quite the conversation piece at the office party (and a grand prize to boot)!