Summer Flowers

This summer I was inspired to finally work on some fabric flowers. I’ve started with some from vintage fabric scraps I’ve had since the 70’s and old buttons. I intend to use them for hair accessories and to decorated some purses & wristlets. Soon I will also try some other flower patterns using knit strips.

Recycling a Children’s Book into a Scrapbook

I recently put together a scrapbook of photos for my father-in-law. He and the family spent many summers in Connecticut where he worked as an entertainer at a summer resort called Banner Lodge. We had quite a few photos from over the years & I was inspired by an idea a saw in a library book “Mixed-Media Journals: Creatively Chronicling Your Life” by Katherine Duncan Aimone.

I began by purchasing a Children’s book for less than 50 cents at the thrift store. I got one with the thick cardboard pages & I was looking for a unique shape, but rectangular ones will work just fine. Then I bought a variety of scrapbook sheets that I felt fit the theme of a summer resort.

I first used a sharpie to color over the print down the seam of each page. I used mod podge to coat each page and smoothed a sheet of the paper over the top with a brayer, placing the sheet just to the ouside of the seam of the page so that it wouldn’t wrinkle & bunch in the fold when closed.

After it dried, I flipped it over and used an exacto blade to cut around the edge.

 

I scanned and printed my photos so they would be the size I wanted and cut decorative edges on some. I also printed out a few phrases to cut out. Rather than the scrap paper, I did use a photo of one of the buildings & photoshopped my title over it to use on the cover.

Sykin - Etsy Blogger of the Month

 
Missie of Sykin is a great all around Etsy supporter, you can go to her blog daily & find a newly featured etsy item. And she has 2 shops on Etsy herself. One features item from the Pacific NorthWest and the other has Twilight inspired items. Lets give her back our support.

Handmade Onesies and Booties

We recently celebrated a baby shower for my niece who is expecting her third child. It was a lovely tea party, and she got so many cute things. Not having any kids myself, I rarely make baby clothes. It was fun to work on something different, but not easy working with such tiny items.  I sketched up my own patterns and decorated 2 onesies for her and found a pattern online for booties. Most of the fabrics I used have been around longer than my niece. Finally I’m using some of my old materials.

   (photo credits go to my husband & sister-in-law)

4th of July Weekend

Here in America it’s time to celebrate Independence Day. I love fireworks, the louder the better. We get to watch them on the beach each year.

(One of BaubCat's creative photos)

So celebrate your independence from commercial goods and check out some patriotic themed items from our EtsyBloggers Team.



2nd Chance Treasures

 Projects by Jane

Create a Thought