Now all the sun has to do is work it's lovely magic on the rest of the back yard and I will be a very, very happy girl...
Is it snowy where you live? Are you like me and counting the days (hours and minutes) until it's all gone or will you miss it?
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Inspiration Shot: It's Melting!!!!
This isn't a particular beautiful shot but when I saw these giant icicles I felt something I haven't felt for awhile....hope! Hope that all of the snow is finally going to go away someday soon!
Now all the sun has to do is work it's lovely magic on the rest of the back yard and I will be a very, very happy girl...
Is it snowy where you live? Are you like me and counting the days (hours and minutes) until it's all gone or will you miss it?
Now all the sun has to do is work it's lovely magic on the rest of the back yard and I will be a very, very happy girl...
Is it snowy where you live? Are you like me and counting the days (hours and minutes) until it's all gone or will you miss it?
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Show and Tell: More Beaded Jewellery
Do you remember way way back (last September) when I showed you some of my beaded jewellery projects from the past? Well, I didn't show you everything. I was really into jewellery making for a few years and made loads and loads of pieces.
Here's a fun necklace that anyone can make:
I just strung up several strings of seed beads and added a few chunkier ones to add interest. I didn't get all caught up in worrying about symmetry (very unlike me actually) and just let it come together on its own.
This bracelet, on the other hand, is very symmetrical and measured out:
I'm still getting used to my new camera so these shots aren't super great but hopefully you can see the interlocking circles. There are three rows of linked circles in pink that interlock with two rows of the same in white.
I don't think I ever wore the two pieces together (at least I hope not) even though they use many of the same beads.
Leave a comment and let me know your thoughts. Have you ever had a hobby that took up all of your time for awhile that you suddenly forgot about? I feel like this is what happened with my jewellery making. I still use many of the skills I learned but I don't make complex pieces like I used to. Maybe I'll get back into again...someday~
Here's a fun necklace that anyone can make:
I just strung up several strings of seed beads and added a few chunkier ones to add interest. I didn't get all caught up in worrying about symmetry (very unlike me actually) and just let it come together on its own.
This bracelet, on the other hand, is very symmetrical and measured out:
I don't think I ever wore the two pieces together (at least I hope not) even though they use many of the same beads.
Leave a comment and let me know your thoughts. Have you ever had a hobby that took up all of your time for awhile that you suddenly forgot about? I feel like this is what happened with my jewellery making. I still use many of the skills I learned but I don't make complex pieces like I used to. Maybe I'll get back into again...someday~
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Hidden Treasures: ROY G. BIV
If you're not part of the Etsy community (yet), you're missing out on an incredible place that is totally committed to the art of the handmade. It's a wonderful place to find everything you need, or just want, while supporting fellow crafters and artists. It's also just a treasure trove of great ideas and inspiration.
For something new this year I thought I'd post a treasury of various Etsy sellers each week. Click on the thumbnail to visit the shops and see what else you can find. And while you're hanging out at Etsy you can feel free to visit me at the Etcetorize etsy shop~
For something new this year I thought I'd post a treasury of various Etsy sellers each week. Click on the thumbnail to visit the shops and see what else you can find. And while you're hanging out at Etsy you can feel free to visit me at the Etcetorize etsy shop~
'Roy G. Biv' by Etcetorize
An Etsy rainbow of creativity~
 Red Cotton Twill Lines ... $39.00 |  Blood Orange Lip Balm $3.50 |  Sunshine Yellow Swarovs... $20.00 |  Reserved for Kim Infini... $ |
 Jewelery necklace of be... $1.00 |  Hello Sugar - Organic O... $5.50 |  Green leather passport ... $24.00 |  Vamporium: Baby Blue Cr... $65.00 |
 Goldenrod - Handpainted... $14.95 |  Spring Green Chunky Bea... $58.00 |  Handspun bluefaced leic... $32.00 |  Blue Flower Photograph ... $10.00 |
 Kelly Green Peony flowe... $2.00 |  Sky blue mini journal w... $12.00 |  Estate Style Vintage Ea... $16.00 |  FREE SHIPPING SALE - Al... $195.00 |
Treasury tool is sponsored by Lazzia.com A/B image testing.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Blingy Cushion
If there's one room in my house that is sadly in need of some sparkle and blingity bling it's my living room. I've bought some fabric to make new curtains but thought I'd start with something a little smaller this week just to add that first spark.
I recently bought this cute Tee on the clearance rack at Winner's and decided to use it as my inspiration:
Here are the supplies that I used:
Steps:
1) Measure your cushion and add a half inch to all of your measurements. Cut out two pieces of fabric the same size.
2) Create a template for the design you want to put on the front of your cushion. I traced an outline of the butterfly from my top for my basic shape:
3) Using a vanishing pen I lightly traced the image onto my cushion fabric:
4) I started with the outline image and hand sewed a single row of sequins on. I used invisible thread so that the stitches wouldn't be very noticeable. It's almost like a fishing line or beading thread.
If you have pets, this is a good time to let them outside. The sparkle of sequins and the flash of invisible thread flying through the air might be too much temptation to bear for some of them:
Here's the outline of my shape:
5) Next I filled in the shape with more sequins. I used different shapes and colours to add more texture and interest.
I didn't try to copy the t-shirt butterfly. It would've been too labour intensive. Although this is a pretty easy project, it can become very time consuming.
6) Once you have your shape all filled in you just need to put your cushion together. Simply place your fabric right sides together and pin on three sides, leaving one edge open to pop your cushion form in. Sew together with a half inch seam allowance.
7) After it's sewn you can finish your edges with a zigzag or serger if you like. Cut diagonally across all four corners so that they poke out when you turn it all right side out.
8) Turn your cover right side out and insert cushion form:
9) Pin your last unfinished edge and slip stitch or ladder stitch the opening closed.
And Tah Blingity Dah, you have a pretty cushion!
Try different variations. If you want to try a simple version just do straight lines and then you can zig zag it all on with a sewing machine. Or create bubbles of different colours. Check out the sequin shelf at your local fabric store and go for it!
I'll be posting at all the new linky parties on the linky tab so be sure to check them out for more fun ideas.
Leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts. What kind of shape will you use on your cushion?
I recently bought this cute Tee on the clearance rack at Winner's and decided to use it as my inspiration:
Here are the supplies that I used:
1) Measure your cushion and add a half inch to all of your measurements. Cut out two pieces of fabric the same size.
2) Create a template for the design you want to put on the front of your cushion. I traced an outline of the butterfly from my top for my basic shape:
 |
| Check out how I made that cute pencil here . |
4) I started with the outline image and hand sewed a single row of sequins on. I used invisible thread so that the stitches wouldn't be very noticeable. It's almost like a fishing line or beading thread.
If you have pets, this is a good time to let them outside. The sparkle of sequins and the flash of invisible thread flying through the air might be too much temptation to bear for some of them:
Here's the outline of my shape:
5) Next I filled in the shape with more sequins. I used different shapes and colours to add more texture and interest.
I didn't try to copy the t-shirt butterfly. It would've been too labour intensive. Although this is a pretty easy project, it can become very time consuming.
6) Once you have your shape all filled in you just need to put your cushion together. Simply place your fabric right sides together and pin on three sides, leaving one edge open to pop your cushion form in. Sew together with a half inch seam allowance.
7) After it's sewn you can finish your edges with a zigzag or serger if you like. Cut diagonally across all four corners so that they poke out when you turn it all right side out.
8) Turn your cover right side out and insert cushion form:
9) Pin your last unfinished edge and slip stitch or ladder stitch the opening closed.
And Tah Blingity Dah, you have a pretty cushion!
Try different variations. If you want to try a simple version just do straight lines and then you can zig zag it all on with a sewing machine. Or create bubbles of different colours. Check out the sequin shelf at your local fabric store and go for it!
I'll be posting at all the new linky parties on the linky tab so be sure to check them out for more fun ideas.
Leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts. What kind of shape will you use on your cushion?
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Inspiration Shot: Cost Rica
By the time you see this I will have been at a conference for work, out of town, for three whole days. If I had kids at home maybe I would be jumping for joy for the relaxation break, but the truth is, I don't, and it's for work, so I don't expect it to be too relaxing.
As I was getting ready for the trip I remembered this shot:
This fellow was giving "tours" of a little place called Puntarenas in Costa Rica. I think Puntarenas is actually a fairly large city of around 100,000 people but I remember it feeling like a tiny little town.
What I remember the most was the driver though. He seemed like he was having a ball at his job. Just driving around, playing the drums, honking his horn, blaring music. It was a good laugh.
I decided that while I'm away at my conference I will try to keep these shots in my mind, and be inspired to have fun and enjoy my job as much as I can....just like Mr. Puntarenas~
What do you do when you get in a funk at work? or do you love your job so much that you don't have think about these things? Leave a comment and share your thoughts~
As I was getting ready for the trip I remembered this shot:
 |
| Puntarenas, Cost Rica |
What I remember the most was the driver though. He seemed like he was having a ball at his job. Just driving around, playing the drums, honking his horn, blaring music. It was a good laugh.
I decided that while I'm away at my conference I will try to keep these shots in my mind, and be inspired to have fun and enjoy my job as much as I can....just like Mr. Puntarenas~
What do you do when you get in a funk at work? or do you love your job so much that you don't have think about these things? Leave a comment and share your thoughts~
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Show and Tell: Coffee Table Recycle
I don't have before and after photos but I thought I'd still show you my great coffee table transformation. It was just your typical honey coloured wooden coffee table with missing glass tops that you can find at almost any 2nd hand shop. When I saw it though, I knew it could be so much more:
I painted it white, replaced the glass panes with wood...
added some seats...
threw some baskets underneath to hold my hats and gloves...
And voila! A bench was born.
Now I have the perfect spot for putting on my boots and hiding (some of) my winter clutter.
Leave comment, let me know what you think. I'll be posting this on the linky parties throughout the week so make sure to check out the linky party tab~
I painted it white, replaced the glass panes with wood...
 |
| I love this fabric, it's a beautiful decorator print from the drapery department of my fav fabric store. As soon as I saw, I knew I had to use it for something~ |
threw some baskets underneath to hold my hats and gloves...
And voila! A bench was born.
Now I have the perfect spot for putting on my boots and hiding (some of) my winter clutter.
Leave comment, let me know what you think. I'll be posting this on the linky parties throughout the week so make sure to check out the linky party tab~
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Hidden Treasures: Days of Disco
If you're not part of the Etsy community (yet), you're missing out on an incredible place that is totally committed to the art of the handmade. It's a wonderful place to find everything you need, or just want, while supporting fellow crafters and artists. It's also just a treasure trove of great ideas and inspiration.
For something new this year I thought I'd post a treasury of various Etsy sellers each week. Click on the thumbnail to visit the shops and see what else you can find. And while you're hanging out at Etsy you can feel free to visit me at the Etcetorize etsy shop~
If an item doesn't have a selling amount below it just means that it's already sold. Check out the seller's store for similar items, you never know what you'll find!
For something new this year I thought I'd post a treasury of various Etsy sellers each week. Click on the thumbnail to visit the shops and see what else you can find. And while you're hanging out at Etsy you can feel free to visit me at the Etcetorize etsy shop~
If an item doesn't have a selling amount below it just means that it's already sold. Check out the seller's store for similar items, you never know what you'll find!
'Days of Disco' by Etcetorize
You make me feel like dancin'~
 Manhattan Bright Satin Catsu... $480.00 |  Vintage 60s 70s Unworn Glam ... $75.00 |  Bulk Value Set of 12 Tortois... $8.00 |
 8 inch Round Disco Ball Mous... $11.99 |  BEE GEES' Spirits Having... $20.00 |  Disco Metallic Purse $10.00 |
 Disco Chic Dress $140.00 |  Sequin butterfly top $29.00 |  Squirtle - Loose Vegan Miner... $5.00 |
 BOGO Sale - Pink and purple ... $10.00 |  Vintage Gold & Black Metal M... $20.00 |  sz 7 7.5 clear rainbow 70s 8... $35.00 |
Treasury tool is sponsored by Lazzia.com A/B image testing.