A Very Polished Necklace

I  few years ago I purchased some small glass glob ornaments.  I knew I wasn't going to use them as ornaments - but as a necklace - and use fingernail polish to paint them.

 I mentioned this to my sister and she said she would like to make it. Here she is testing each color on aluminum foil. Some of them really change color when brushed out.

Once the colors where chosen, she poured a puddle of polish onto the foil. Roll the glass in the polish covering the bottom half.  We added ornament hooks then hung them to dry - which doesn't take long.

 Here the are all dry and ready to go.  I just love the colors....she is making a necklace but what a great bracelet it would make too....there were a few leftovers that I can use....

 They look like jewels in her hand.  This technique of dipping could also be used with glass Christmas ornaments and lot of other things....hope you give it a try. 

 So Beautiful.......

A Facelift for Mickey

When I got a new car I took off my cute license plate surround.  I had it for many years and it looked tired.  Most of the color had worn off.  I had put it in a bag and forgot about it - then with all the organizing we have been doing I found it again.  I decided it needed some help - out came the fingernail polish I use for crafting and starting in. 

 You can see how things looked on the first Mickey.  The other two have had the ears, nose and eyes painted.  Quite a difference.  Fingernail polish is lacquer which will not wash off and lasts a long time.  With a built-in brush - painting is a breeze.

 I used a bright red for the words.  It may take two coats but be sure to let the coat first dry - which is actually rather quick.

Here is my finished surround.  I was lucky and found yellow nail polish with a striping brush - really thin and long - which helped when painting around the letters.  After adding a few dots around edge I was done.  I just love how it looks - so cute.  After I put it on my car I will have to head to Disneyland to show it off. 

Why I Was Working On the Kitchen Table......

Well, this is rather embarrassing....My sister and husband came to visit for a few weeks.  Each time they come I have a special task (tasks) that we do....i.e. help Cheryl clean-up.  Today we decided on my work area.  As her husband was putting in a new garbage disposal (50 years old) she and I started in.  We started with the shelves that included fabric at least 15 years old.  The second shelf was already cleared and we are now starting on the next.  We ended up with 11 bags of fabric that we took to Goodwill - they can open up their own fabric store.

 Here it is all cleaned up - but filled again.  This includes some of the ones I saved plus extra from table (see below).  It looks so good - now I know what I have so I won't have to buy any more fabric (yeah right!). 

 This is my so - called work table.  This is why I was working on the kitchen table.  I would get things - stack it on table and forget about it.  I had many avalanches of stuff off the table.  The newer fabric is on the shelves  - at least it's by color. 

 Here is the same table.  Everything now has a home and I know where it is - no more digging through the pile a risk to life and limb.  I can actually put my sewing machine on the table......and work.

 Here it is in all it's glory.  One day, 11 bags to Goodwill, two bags of garbage and 5 storage bins later.

I can hardly wait to get started creating things in my clean work area.  Tomorrow we start on the porch....wish us luck.

Cutie Booties

I have been busy these past few months - I can't just sit and do nothing, so I have been embroidering.  I have embroidered towels, jewlery, and these cuties......

 I used a basic bootie pattern with wool felt.  There is nothing better than the feel of a needle going through felt.  The entire bootie is hand sewn.  I made the shoe lace by cutting a strip of felt, wrapping around a bamboo skewer then basting along the edge.  Remove the skewer and you have a great tie.  The flower is a strip of felt rolled up with a button center. 

 I just had to make a red and turquoise pair.  Same pattern but with a purchased felt flower to which I added embroidered detail.  Add a ribbon for ties and you're ready to go.

 I used turquoise felt for the sole of bootie, sewed around then cut with scollop edged scissors.   Love the look.  Now I just need a baby to wear them. 

These are easy enough to make in an afternoon, maybe give it a try and let me know how you do.

Blooming Easter Eggs

I know it's a little late for Easter Egg ideas - but it may not be too late to put these in your idea file for next year.

I just loved they way they turned out. 

 Making them is really easy.  Wrap ribbon around center and glue in place.  I found paper flowers in the $1 bins in Michael's.  I mixed and matched the colors and sizes.  Glue a gem to center then circle with the smaller gems.  They are so sparkly and bright.

 Once I got started I couldn't stop -  the color combinations are endless.

 I even used rick rack and trims around the centers on some.

Here is how I gave them as gifts.  The bucket was again from a $1 bin - this time from Target.  I glued on pre- made felt flowers and stuffed it with Easter grass.  Place in a cello bag, tie with a ribbon and you have a great, inexpensive Easter gift for someone or place in a large bowl for a cute table decoration.  Hope you like it.

New Bibs with Riley Blake Designs

When I saw this fabric I knew I had to have it, didn't know what I was going to make at the time - just knew I had to have it.  This is called Woodland Trails by Sheri Berry.  So Cute!

 I decided to make bibs since the round design lent themselves so well.   I added some embroidery stitches for dimension.  Add some rick rack and bias tape around the neck and you're ready to go.

 The fabric is sold as a panel with so many different designs....can hardly wait to make the rest.

 A cute owl......with some added buttons

 and mouse.....

These were so fun to make - hope it gives you an idea so you will make some too.

Red Riding Hood Purse

I love this purse.  I picked up the fabric in Hawaii - I just had to have it - it's red and turquoise. I made up the pattern and added a felt flower I picked up at Michael's. 

I embroidered the leaves for detail.  I just love the feel of the needle going through felt.  I also love the red checked bias tape I purchased at Joann's. 

Haven't used this yet - I may sell it on Etsy.  Let me know what you think - I may be able to give it up.

I can also put together a turtorial if any one is interested, just let me know.