Thrifty Thursday

If you know me, you know that I am thrifty.  I love to coupon, repurpose and reuse.  I've been working on doing some cleaning and organizing in my studio, aka my third bedroom, and I was amazed at how much lace I have.  I did purchase a stash from my friend Jean, but I have so much.  Now, I'm not really a lacy kinda gal, but  do like some shabby chic and Victorian items if they aren't too ornate.  So.....drum roll, please.....my new ornie:

The ornie is made of antique white felt and is trimmed in lace, assorted trims, buttons, and even some pearls.  While I was at it, I decided to try my hand at making a pattern.  I have sold patterns before, but never an e-pattern.  So, since this is my first crack at it, I am offering it to you for free!!!  Just click on the pic of the ornie on the side bar and the pattern is yours.    I am going to walk you through it just in case you have an issue with it:

I used an antique white colored felt.  You could use any color or could use flannel, terry, warm and natural batting or even fleece.  Just be careful that the fabric is sturdy enough.  I used three thicknesses of this light weight felt but with a fleece you might get by with two and you may have to use four thicknesses if you use a lighter weight fabric such as flannel.

For this size star, I cut three rectangles approximately 5 x 7 1/2 inches.  I traced the star onto one thickness of felt only.  Then I flipped over the rectangle and laid out my lace and trims on the unmarked side.  I totally covered the rectangle with a large lace scrap and then added my ribbon and smaller scraps randomly.  I pinned them in place and sewed along the small pieces to keep them in place.  I guess you could glue them or hand stitch them, but I used my machine.  Then I flipped it back over and stitched along the traced line. 

 

Cut out the star a little outside your stitching line.  About a quarter of an inch is about right.  Then place your cut out, lace trimmmed star right side up on top of your remaining two rectangles.

If you are going to make this as an ornament, cut a piece of ribbon or lace and insert the loop between the top and second layer.  Pin in place and sew entirely around the star on the stitch lines.  Cut the bottom two layers, using the star on top as your guide.  I used a pinking shears to give it a jagged edge.  Also, if you are using a fabric that ravels, you may want to pink to reduce the fraying.  Fray check can also be used for fraying if you want to use a scissors.  Felt, fleece, batting will not fray. 

Then finish!  Be creative.  I used two buttons.  Either sew or glue them on.  I added a ribbon bow and some pearly beads to finish it off.  If you want to make this a brooch, simply glue or sew on a pin back.  If I were going to make this a pin, I might even add additional lace ruffles to the back.  You could use old jewelry, charms, sequins, bells, etc.  Have fun with this!!!

Tutorial Tuesday

This is a really short tutorial today on how to make this beautiful rustic garland.

Very simply, you need to purchase the lights (strand of 20 at Dollar Tree is $1) and weave in to a strand of garland.  They have garland at the dollar store, but this is some that I had on hand after purchasing after Christmas last year.  I think I paid around a dollar for it, but it was too large, so I cut it in half.  Next, I added these cute little bells that I purchased at Dollar Tree, 12/$1.  So it took two packs.  They come in silver and gold tone, but I wanted to make it rustic so I painted with a brown primer.  When dry, I used a needle nosed pliers and punched a hole in the back big enough to fit over the mini lights.

Just be careful not to make the hole too large, or it will fall off the lightbulb.  (If that happens, just add a little glue to hold it on)

Just slide over the bulb and there you have it.  This could also be done on a wreath, or you could rag tie a garland on a strand of lights (more on this later) or you could leave in the original finish.  Maybe add glitter to the bells before putting on the lights.  The possibilities are endless!  This would look great on a mantle, sideboard or down the center of your table.  Have fun with this!

What cha working on Wednesday????

So, I know I promised to post yesterday, but some things just are outside of my control.  I did take some pictures of some of my holiday decor.  This is my favorite piece of furniture in my whole house, my Hoosier cabinet.
I know that the pic isn't the greatest, but over the years, I have collected nearly 400 Santas, santa ornaments, and decorations referencing Santa.  I always fill my Hoosier with them as well as my curio, my shelves, my window sills, etc.  I will work on better pics for the next post.

Now, for that craft idea.  Many of you know that I love to shop at Dollar Tree.  Well I found these bags of 6 candy canes there.

Next, I tore muslin into strips about 3/4" wide and wrapped it around the cane.  In the opposite direction, I wrapped red ribbon.  You could use green or any other color, or use a check (like I did) stripe, etc.  Be creative.  Then embellish!  I tied on a string or cord hanger too.

As a tradition, I gift each of my children and grandchildren an ornament each year.  My mom used to do it for my kids.  She always said that when your child became an adult and moved out, they would have a memorable start to their own tree.  These little ornaments can do double duty.  I attached a key tag that you can find in any office supply store and wrote the name and year (one on each side) on the tag.  These can be placed on their dinner plate as a place holder as well.

There can be a lot of variations to this simple craft.  You can tea stain the muslin and tag for a more rustic look.  Instead of ribbon, you can use narrow strips of fabric.  You can use a spray adhesive and add glitter (or brush on mod podge).  I just wouldn't place a glitter ornament on a dinner plate.  You can use metallic fabric and ribbons to add a bit of glitz.  You could glue on beads, sequins, etc.  In other words, GET CREATIVE! 

Lastly, I finally got a link from Colorado's Best so if you missed my segment here it is: 

http://www.coloradosbest.tv/videos/    

Finished second tissue holder

Here are a couple of pics of the second tissue holder that I finished up last night!  I just love them!  Can't wait to make more!  You can purchase either of these items from my Etsy Store: www.etsy.com/shop/3peas2010 .