Before you link up though, make sure to find out if your project from last week was featured over at Distressed Donna Down Home.
Now onto this week's party!
 |
| Donna, Tamara |
Please don't forget to post our button on your blog~
Thanks for sharing!
Sunday, November 30, 2014
Make it Monday!
We're getting closer and closer to the big day in December, so I know you're all crafting like crazy! I can't wait to see what you've all been working on.
Before you link up though, make sure to find out if your project from last week was featured over at Distressed Donna Down Home.
Now onto this week's party!
Your Hosts:
Please don't forget to post our button on your blog~
Thanks for sharing!
Before you link up though, make sure to find out if your project from last week was featured over at Distressed Donna Down Home.
Now onto this week's party!
Please don't forget to post our button on your blog~
Thanks for sharing!
Saturday, November 29, 2014
Make Your Own Nail Stickers
My nails were doing ok until I had to go and change out almost every bulb on my Christmas tree this week. Now they're a wreck and I can't be bothered to paint them again. My solution....DIY Nail Stickers!
Here's what you need to make your own stickers:
-Blank stick on labels and a printer
-Cutting machine or pencil and scissors
-images
Steps:
1) First find your images online and print them onto your label sheet. My labels are 3.33" X 4" (shipping labels) and I just did some Google searches using phrases like "Small Christmas Background" or "Small Sequin Background" etc.
2) Now find a nail template online like this one from LifewithFaith.org
3) If you don't have a cutting machine just cut out the shapes, trace onto your labels, and cut out. If you do have a cutting machine you can use the trace and replicate features to let your machine to all the work for you.
Import your image and then find the Trace options:
Click on Select Trace Area and move your pointer to select one section of the nail images.
Now click on Trace Outer Edge. Once you've done this you can move the original image out of the way and just use your traced image. You will probably have to readjust to fit your finger size.
Don't forget to Replicate another set by mirroring the image first.
It took me a few tries to get an ok fit. I was a little disappointed at first when they wouldn't stick but then I took off my nail polish and tried again.
Much better!
Try coating with a layer of clear polish to really seal down the edges.
So much fun! These won't last more than one party, but I find the expensive ones from major nail brands don't do much better either.
What images would you put on your nail designs? Leave a comment below~
Here's what you need to make your own stickers:
-Blank stick on labels and a printer
-Cutting machine or pencil and scissors
-images
Steps:
1) First find your images online and print them onto your label sheet. My labels are 3.33" X 4" (shipping labels) and I just did some Google searches using phrases like "Small Christmas Background" or "Small Sequin Background" etc.
2) Now find a nail template online like this one from LifewithFaith.org
3) If you don't have a cutting machine just cut out the shapes, trace onto your labels, and cut out. If you do have a cutting machine you can use the trace and replicate features to let your machine to all the work for you.
Import your image and then find the Trace options:
Click on Select Trace Area and move your pointer to select one section of the nail images.
Now click on Trace Outer Edge. Once you've done this you can move the original image out of the way and just use your traced image. You will probably have to readjust to fit your finger size.
Don't forget to Replicate another set by mirroring the image first.
It took me a few tries to get an ok fit. I was a little disappointed at first when they wouldn't stick but then I took off my nail polish and tried again.
Much better!
Try coating with a layer of clear polish to really seal down the edges.
So much fun! These won't last more than one party, but I find the expensive ones from major nail brands don't do much better either.
What images would you put on your nail designs? Leave a comment below~
Thursday, November 27, 2014
Tell a Tale: Wishes and Sorrows
For those of you who like to live in a land of magic....
Summary (from Goodreads):
For every wish there is a sorrow...
Wishes are born from sorrows, blessings are sometimes curses, and even fairy godmothers cannot always get what they want. In this original collection, Cindy Lynn Speer, the author of “The Chocolatier’s Wife”, brings to life creatures of myths and tales, mixing them into a vibrant tapestry of stories, happy and sad, magical and real, each lovingly crafted and sure to touch the reader’s soul.
Step into the world where magic is real, and every mundane bit of reality is as magical as a true fairy tale.
Review: Disclosure: I recieved a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This book is quite far outside of my comfort zone of reading. I don't normally venture into fantasy and I rarely ever read short stories. That being said, I really enjoyed this collection and quickly fell in love the author's writing style.
The first story about the Bell Witch really drew me in. I instantly connected with the characters and the story and could easily envision all of it every step of the way through the vines.
It might be the romantic in me, but The Tower in the Desert, A Necklace of Rubies, and But Can you Let Him Go? also stood out to me.
The author has a wonderful way of setting the scene and welcoming you into each story. Most are a retelling of stories we already know but I enjoyed the twists and turns. I'll definitely be on the lookout for more from this talented writer. I would love to see how she does with an entire novel
Do you read short stories? What's your favourite Fairy Tale? Leave a comment below~
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Beanie Scrapbuster
If your looking for a project that is quick, uses up scraps, is super easy, and practical, then look no further! I have the perfect project for you!
Around here head gear is not an option. If you don't want to freeze your ears off (OK, they won't actually fall off, they'll just feel like it), then you have to wear either ear muffs or a hat, better known as a toque.
I found THIS amazing and totally FREE pattern a few weeks ago from Heidi and Finn. You can also find it on my FREE Sewing Patterns Pinterest Board. (If you love to sew you really need to follow this board, it is full of awesome Free patterns.)
It's actually a kids pattern but the largest size fits my head perfectly. I made one for my boss from a T-shirt with our company's logo on it and it fit him too (and he loved it).
This comes together so fast that I went on a sewing spree and started using up all my scraps to make as many as I could. The 2 at the bottom are for my niece and nephew and the rest will be donated to a local daycare that's used mainly by mom's who need all the help they can get.
If you follow me on Instagram you might remember that I was gifted an entire box of T-shirts from work. I figured refashioning them into kiddie hats was the best use for them.
I still have a few more cut out from my scraps left over from my Nordic Leggings too.
These will make great gifts at Christmas. Head over to Heidi and Finn and start making your own batch of beanies to keep your ears nice and toasty warm this winter~
Around here head gear is not an option. If you don't want to freeze your ears off (OK, they won't actually fall off, they'll just feel like it), then you have to wear either ear muffs or a hat, better known as a toque.
I found THIS amazing and totally FREE pattern a few weeks ago from Heidi and Finn. You can also find it on my FREE Sewing Patterns Pinterest Board. (If you love to sew you really need to follow this board, it is full of awesome Free patterns.)
It's actually a kids pattern but the largest size fits my head perfectly. I made one for my boss from a T-shirt with our company's logo on it and it fit him too (and he loved it).
This comes together so fast that I went on a sewing spree and started using up all my scraps to make as many as I could. The 2 at the bottom are for my niece and nephew and the rest will be donated to a local daycare that's used mainly by mom's who need all the help they can get.
If you follow me on Instagram you might remember that I was gifted an entire box of T-shirts from work. I figured refashioning them into kiddie hats was the best use for them.
I still have a few more cut out from my scraps left over from my Nordic Leggings too.
These will make great gifts at Christmas. Head over to Heidi and Finn and start making your own batch of beanies to keep your ears nice and toasty warm this winter~
Sunday, November 23, 2014
Make it Monday
Welcome back to another day of creativity and inspiration!
It was very hard to pick features this week. Not because there weren't loads of fabulous projects and thrifty finds....but because so few people linked back to the party :(
Please don't forget to add a link to the party (either to Etcetorize or DistressedDonnaDownHome) or add our button to your linky party page. That way we can feature your amazing work.
Your Hosts:
Now onto this week's party.
It was very hard to pick features this week. Not because there weren't loads of fabulous projects and thrifty finds....but because so few people linked back to the party :(
Please don't forget to add a link to the party (either to Etcetorize or DistressedDonnaDownHome) or add our button to your linky party page. That way we can feature your amazing work.
1. Jewelled Creations- My Salvaged Treasures 2. Refashioned Sewing Bee Jacket- I Sew, You Sew
3. Refashioned Hoodie- Vikalpah
Your Hosts:
|
| Etcetorize DistressedDonnaDownHome |
Now onto this week's party.
(Here's the button you need)
Thanks for partying with us!
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Christmas Ball Garland
Last week I decided to start putting some of the ideas on my Pinterest Boards to work. First up, a Christmas project....
I pulled out this big container of 100 coordinating Christmas balls that I bought at a Boxing Day sale a few years ago. I really didn't need to buy more Christmas decorations but they were on super duper sale so I couldn't resist.
Then I followed the tutorial I pinned ages ago from Upside Down Grace. This project is beyond easy and can be finished while watching TV.
I wasn't sure how long 100 Christmas balls would get me. I thought I could make my garland long enough to drape down my banister but no go. So it ended up on top of mantle~
I added a little cheap greenery underneath and some tea lights behind and now it has a sort of magical glow.
Right now I've also got my Christmas Luminaries up on each side but I'll probably add a banner and few more bits and bobs from now until December.
Have you started decorating for Christmas yet? Maybe it's just a blogger thing? Leave a comment below~
I pulled out this big container of 100 coordinating Christmas balls that I bought at a Boxing Day sale a few years ago. I really didn't need to buy more Christmas decorations but they were on super duper sale so I couldn't resist.
Then I followed the tutorial I pinned ages ago from Upside Down Grace. This project is beyond easy and can be finished while watching TV.
I wasn't sure how long 100 Christmas balls would get me. I thought I could make my garland long enough to drape down my banister but no go. So it ended up on top of mantle~
I added a little cheap greenery underneath and some tea lights behind and now it has a sort of magical glow.
Right now I've also got my Christmas Luminaries up on each side but I'll probably add a banner and few more bits and bobs from now until December.
Have you started decorating for Christmas yet? Maybe it's just a blogger thing? Leave a comment below~
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Vintage Pattern Haul
If you watched any of my videos that I shared over the past few weeks then you know that I already have way too many patterns.
And you also know that I am a total sucker for small size patterns from the 1970's.
So, knowing all this you might wonder why I just purchased another pile of patterns...until you see them!!!
On a whim I popped into the thrift store the other night. I mostly just go to look at their sewing patterns. I casually picked up a large Vogue envelope not expecting much. I turned it over and literally gasped out loud.
There in my hands was a mint condition size 10 (small for Vogue) 1970's Edith Head pattern! I literally gasped out loud and clutched it close to my body so no one else could see the treasure I had found!
Then I realized that there were a few more that were sitting upside down. I didn't dare wish for more, but there they were...
Narducci! Givenchy! Versace! Oh my! I was heaven. I was about to walk away when all of sudden I found another small pile....with another EDITH HEAD!!
And then it happened...I almost fainted...the holy grail of patterns....DIANE VON FURSTENBURG WRAP DRESS!!!
There are actually 2 other Vogue versions of this pattern and truth be told I don't know which one is more valuable, but all I know is that I have one of them :) (I have a Simplicity Jiffy knock-off too that I made here, but it's just not the same....even though it is)
Believe it or not there more. I actually found the will power to leave some behind, the ones that I knew weren't valuable on EBay and that I would never sew myself.
Everyone one of these patterns is in perfect condition. They're cut but they're perfect. As I was going through the patterns I kept wondering about the woman before me who owned them. We had such similar taste and might have been similar in size. I hope when the day comes that I have to donate my whole collection to a thrift store that someone cherishes them as much as I have and maybe even wonders a little bit about me~
What's your most amazing thrift store find? Leave a comment below~
And you also know that I am a total sucker for small size patterns from the 1970's.
So, knowing all this you might wonder why I just purchased another pile of patterns...until you see them!!!
On a whim I popped into the thrift store the other night. I mostly just go to look at their sewing patterns. I casually picked up a large Vogue envelope not expecting much. I turned it over and literally gasped out loud.
There in my hands was a mint condition size 10 (small for Vogue) 1970's Edith Head pattern! I literally gasped out loud and clutched it close to my body so no one else could see the treasure I had found!
I won't make this as a gown but I love the top portion and could see making it as a blouse~
Then I realized that there were a few more that were sitting upside down. I didn't dare wish for more, but there they were...
Narducci! Givenchy! Versace! Oh my! I was heaven. I was about to walk away when all of sudden I found another small pile....with another EDITH HEAD!!
And then it happened...I almost fainted...the holy grail of patterns....DIANE VON FURSTENBURG WRAP DRESS!!!
There are actually 2 other Vogue versions of this pattern and truth be told I don't know which one is more valuable, but all I know is that I have one of them :) (I have a Simplicity Jiffy knock-off too that I made here, but it's just not the same....even though it is)
Believe it or not there more. I actually found the will power to leave some behind, the ones that I knew weren't valuable on EBay and that I would never sew myself.
Everyone one of these patterns is in perfect condition. They're cut but they're perfect. As I was going through the patterns I kept wondering about the woman before me who owned them. We had such similar taste and might have been similar in size. I hope when the day comes that I have to donate my whole collection to a thrift store that someone cherishes them as much as I have and maybe even wonders a little bit about me~
What's your most amazing thrift store find? Leave a comment below~