Thursday, June 28, 2012

Stenciled Fabric: Summer Tote!

Earlier this week, I stenciled some fabric.  And what do I do when I have some extra fabric around?  I make a tote!  For the tote, I used this tutorial from Megan Nielson Design Diary.  Very quick and easy.  I did add a lining for stability and a pocket for my phones.  I've been carrying it all week to work.  I love the sunny yellow print, perfect for summer!

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Printing Fabric: Stenciling

I bought this craft kit, Lotta's Printing Studio, several months ago at Nordstrom Rack, of all places.  Written by Lotta Jansdotter, a popular textile designer.  It was only about $5.00.  It contains about 5 stencils, linoleum cutting tools, a couple of sponges and a small instruction book.  Today, I gave fabric stenciling a shot.
The stencils in the kit, unfortunately were made of paper.  So, they really couldn't be used over and over again.  So...
 I used this paper stencil to cut a stencil out of acetate.  I purchased the acetate in the "stencil" aisle of the craft store.  About $3 for three sheets and easily cut with an xacto knife.
 I had a few bottles of fabric paint on hand.  Also purchased at the craft store.
 I applied the paint with a couple of different tools.  I tried a stencil "brush".
 And I tried the sponge that came with the kit.
 Here's my palette.  I usually just use a paper plate when painting.
And the outcome!  Turned out pretty well.  I think I liked using the brush better than the sponge.  Yet another quick and easy project.  I can see how you could produce prints very quickly.  This would be a great avenue to produce items for a craft show or something like that.  Stay tuned for a future project using these prints.



Thursday, June 7, 2012

Owl #2 (Embracing the Neon Trend)


Last month, I bought a creepy owl at a flea market and turned into an adorable knick-knack.  This past weekend, I found this little owl and while he was pretty cute as is, knew that he would make a wonderful addition to my owl collection.  (I've been wanting to collect something for quite a while now.  Perhaps this is it!)  So, I decided to give him a couple of coats of neon pink paint (neon is all the rage these days).  It took about 4 coats of paint.
I used this "Sizzling Pink" neon paint by Americana and applied the paint with a sponge stencil "brush".  It really helps lay the paint onto a rough and uneven surface like this little guy.

The finished product!!  
(Neon does not photograph well, this picture does not do him justice.  Much cuter in person!)

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Summer Statement Necklace



I have not tried a tutorial around these parts for a while, but when I saw Making It Lovely's post on a Statement Necklace, I knew it would be my next attempt.  (In an effort to give all credit it's due, the author of the tutorial writes her own blog at For the Love Of...)  I purchased all of the supplies at Michaels but have to admit that I went to three area locations to actually find these specific beads.  And then could only find them in one size (it is suggested to use three different sizes).  I bought 4 strands of the bead as well as all of the findings and chain for about $15.  It took me one evening of television watching to complete.  I love the way it turned out!  I can see this becoming my new summer statement necklace!


Monday, June 4, 2012

Flea Market Finds from the Funky Flea

On Saturday morning, I went to the Funky Flea!  It's an annual flea market at a shop called The Pink Cabbage in Ellicott City, MD, benefitting the American Cancer Society.  I went with my friend, Heather.  She purchased the first item pictured below and perhaps the best pick of the day!  When I saw this vintage doll house for $5, I knew we could not pass it up!  But I really don't have the room for it.  Luckily, Heather did!  Not sure what she'll do with it, but so happy that we didn't leave it behind!  I am so in love with it!


 Since I am a former St Louisan, I could not pass up this adorable little Spirit of St Louis mug.  
 I love old maps.  This one was in pristine condition!

 Apparently, I also love owls.  How many items do you need to have for it to count as a collection?  I bought one a couple of months ago and turned it into a fun little turquoise knick-knack.  I couldn't pass this little guy up.  Stay tuned for his make over!
I also picked up these two little punches.  I have a project planned for the bow punch.  I had been on the hunt for one of these and couldn't pass this one up for only .50!!
I also purchased this little frame.  So cute and only $1!
And finally, my favorite pick of the day.  Purchased at an antique mall in downtown Ellicott City.  Only $5!  No idea what I'm going to do with it.  But loved it!