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!

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.

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!)

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!

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!