A Happy Fix

by Diane on 07/31/2010

 I am a happy girl right now for a few reasons – 1.  It’s the weekend!   and  2. If you read my last post you know that I was having trouble with my scanner.  I am happy to tell you that my scanner and computer are happy together again.  I have updated the Barbie Purse tutorial with a downloadable template so you will have the actual pattern now. You can find it here,  Barbie Purse Pattern.    I also fixed the link to the printable files that I had trouble with of the wipe-off labels from a project I posted a few months ago.  You can find them, here at Wipe-Off Label templates 1  and Wipe Off Label template 2

I found the adorably happy, smiling faces in the photo above on Etsy, at a site called, Barrel of Monkeys.  They are pins.   Seeing them all grouped together – all the colors, hairstyles and bows are so infectious.  They make me smile just glancing at them.   I hope you are getting lots of opportunities to be smiling this weekend, too.

{ 0 comments }

They Call Me Carol, But I’m Diane

by Diane on 07/29/2010

I celebrated my birthday not too long ago,  but I was not the only one celebrating that day.  Someone very close to me was also turning a year older, although she is officially in the record books - 5 minutes older than me!  She is my twin sister, Carol.  She is the one on the right, I am on the left of our “little sister” Laura on her wedding day.  

We have always made good bookends for her and always add instant symmetry to all of our “sister” photos.   In this photo I am the one bending down and Carol is on the left.

People have always asked us, What is it like being a twin?  Did you ever switch classes in school? Switch boyfriends, fill in for each other on the job?    Who’s smarter, taller, skinner, funnier, nicer, meaner,  etc, etc, etc…  We never thought we looked alike and would get away with any shenanigans, so the answer is no to trying to fool people.   When I was in 7th grade I had to write an  autobiography. I titled it, They Call Me Carol, But I ‘m Diane.  That is the best way I can describe what it is like being a twin – I can answer to two names along with having a built- in buddy.  Being a twin is really no different than being a “single”.  Our twin-ness  makes us look alike, but we are very different in many ways.  

I wanted to give Carol something special for our birthday, something that would make her smile, something she would treasure always.  She collects vintage Barbie clothes.   A bracelet with Barbie shoes came to mind and would be just her style.   I planned on completing it a month ago to arrive on our birthday, but that didn’t happen.    One month later – it is finally complete.  I am going to show you how-to make a bracelet out of Barbie Shoes and fun gift- bag that resembles another vintage Barbie accessory. 

Here is the collection of shoes I found to make the bracelet.  I got them on ebay.  Type in “Reproduction Vintage Barbie Shoes”.  The real vintage shoes are pretty expensive, so look for the reproductions.

To start, using a bead hole expander or awl, make a hole in the back of each shoe.

Then put a jump ring through it.  You may have to use a pair of needle-nose pliers to get the ring in the hole.  If the shoe is made of hard plastic it is pretty easy to get through. The rubbery feeling shoes took a little more effort.

Then just start attaching them to a bracelet chain.  I used 20 shoes.

I also added some pearls and crystals to add some contrast.

The completed bracelet. 

Now that the bracelet is finished I wanted to make something that said “Barbie” to put it in for a fun presentation.   One of the most stylish accessories I remember as a child dressing Barbie in the 1960′s in her knock off Dior’s and Givenchy’s was a clutch style handbag.  Carol and I always referred to it as “the Barbie purse”.  We each had the silver version, but some of our friends had it in corduroy or gold lame.  I thought I could make the gift-bag resemble the vintage “Barbie purse” making the gift all the more fun for Carol to receive. 

I am going to wrap the bracelet in colorful tissue paper and place it in the Barbie Purse.

Here is how I made it:

Gather:

File Folder

Decorative paper or foil if you want to cover the file folder

Spray glue or a glue stick

Velcro tab

1/4″ diameter Pearl bead, needle, and white thread or embroidery floss

1/4″ width Red Liner double stick tape

Ruler, Scissors, Pencil, Craft knife

1.  Here is the image of  the template.  Download the link below and size on a copy machine if needed, so it is as wide as a  file folder – 11 1/2″. 

Click the link below to download a pdf. file of the template:

Barbie_Purse template

2.  Trace the pattern onto a file folder, making sure to place the center directly over the  fold on the file folder.  This will be the bottom of the bag.  Mark score lines (broken lines) on file folder.  Using a ruler and  the tip of a pair of scissors or the open end of a paperclip, score along the broken lines.  Cut out the bag with a craft knife and ruler instead of a pair of scissors, you will get straighter lines

3. Fold pre-made score lines that came on the folder and the ones you just made  towards you.  This starts to form the purse.

4.  Turn the purse over so the outside of the purse is face down.  Cut a piece of foil large enough to cover one side of the purse, leaving at least  1/2″ overlap.  Lay foil shiny side down on a work surface. Spray the dull side with spray adhesive.  Spray the back of the purse.  Let it get tacky and then carefully smooth foil over the bag making sure there are no air bubbles or large creases.

5.  Turn purse back over.  Trim foil by cutting tabs into the excess.  Run a glue stick on the outer edge of bag and fold the tabs over.  

6.   Using another piece of foil, trace flap and cut  the shape out of the foil.  Spray glue on dull side of foil and place on the inside flap.  Smooth and trim if necessary.

6.  Place a piece of Red Liner clear double stick tape along one side’s tab and place front over matching edges to form purse.  Repeat on other side.

7. Sew a bead onto front of flap.  Place Velcro tab with loop and hook sides already joined to under side of flap to cover the stitches.  Close purse so the other side of the Velcro will attach to the body of the purse.  Make sure they are lined up.

Variation #1

Tissue paper flower instead of a single pearl clasp.

Gather:

1 piece of tissue paper, bead or button, stapler, hot glue and gun, scissors.

1.  Fold tissue paper in half and cut in half. Lay pieces on top of each other and fold in half and cut again on fold.  Keep doing this step until you have a stack of tissue paper that measures approx. 3″ square.

2.  Staple center.  Using scissors, shape square into a circle.  Cut petals into circle by cutting from edge into center. Repeat cuts all around.   Fluff with fingers to make flower come to life. Hot glue bead over staple.  Glue onto flap of Barbie Purse instead of the single sewn on pearl.

Variation # 2

Beaded Bag

To make the Barbie Purse totally glamorous you can cover it with teeny tiny beads or glitter.  After cutting out the bag from the file folder, cover entire outer side,( except last scored line that will fold over) with a sheet of Red Liner clear double stick tape.  Remove the backing from the sheet.  Dip the purse in a tray filled with teeny tiny beads or glitter. Roll it over and over to make sure all areas are covered.  Finish assembling bag according to directions.

Red Liner Tape - Red Liner Tape Sheet - Acid Free - 2 pack 8.5" x 5.5" Sheets  Red Liner Tape Sheets       Red Liner Tape - Red Liner Tape Rolls 1/2"  Acid Free 5 YardsRed Liner Tape Rolls

I am linking this post to:

Tatertots and Jello

Funky Junk Interiors

Somewhat Simple

The Shabby Chic Cottage

Finding Fabulous

Fireflies and Jellybeans

Life as Lori

Just a Girl

Frugal and Fabulous Designs

Chic on a Shoestring

Black Kat’s Design

Seven Thirty Three

{ 10 comments }

I can’t take credit for this very clever way to make your own French enameled tags.  Rachel at One Pretty Thing  found this project and shared it on her site.  I read the post and loved, loved, loved the tags and couldn’t wait to make them to label my kitchen baskets.  Gail, at Can’t Stop Making Things came up with this project.  She used brass key tags and stamping supplies to make perfect replicas of the enameled number tags that the French use in winemaking.    She has an excellent and easy to follow tutorial on how-to make them.  They are very easy and if you are a stamper- super simple.   

 These wine tags were Gail’s inspiration.

Gail noted that she bought the tags at Ace True Value Hardware Store.  That is the only place I found them. Lowe’s and Home Depot do not have them.  If you have an old-fashioned hardware store in your town they may carry them also. 

Tue Value Hardware Store

 I took her advice and used clear stamps for perfect placement of the numbers on the tags.  You also need a  Black StazOn stamp pad and clear embossing powder. I found these at Michael’s.

Stamping Supplies needed to make French enamel tags

I thought these tags would be the perfect detail to hang on a set of baskets I have in my kitchen.  You can see more about them here, in a post about my kitchen make-over.

Here they are-

 Before 

 

 

And with the added detail of the enameled tags

After

 

I think details really do make a difference -that added special little touch that gives something more character and interest.

 I love them.

  

You will find Gail’s step-by-step tute, here at Can’t Stop Making Things.

I am linking this project to:

Today’s Creative Blog

Under The Table and Dreaming

I Heart Naptime

Keeping It Simple

Making The World Cuter

The Girl Creative

Skip To My Lou

It’s A Blog Party

All Thingz Related

{ 19 comments }

My Very First…

by Diane on 07/22/2010

…authentic, found on a northern Pacific beach, shiny, bubbly - glass fishing net float!  I am so excited.  I cannot tell you how much I adore these and have wanted one since seeing a home in Hawaii with them displayed all over.     Large and small ones under tables, on window sills, piled in baskets - everywhere.    Mine, that sounds nice doesn’t it?  Mine all mine- my first one.  It is about 3 1/2″ wide.   I found it through the Glass Float Junkie’s blog and Etsy shop.    Kamichia found this float on a trip to the Aleutian Islands.  She had to go by seaplane.  How cool would that be?  Her story is a collector’s dream adventure and so interesting to read.   She has a short video clip and post about her trip.  How I wish I could go beach-combing with her.  

Decorating Your home with Glass Sea Floats

Since my husband’s lay-off, I have had to put my decorating projects on hold.  This was just something I needed – a little gift from me, to me.  A little decorating detail to make me smile until I can really tweak a few rooms in my home.    My new float is from Japan.  Isn’t she pretty?  I chose her from Kamichia’s collection because she is blue and has lots of glass bubbles.   I am not sure where I am going to put her yet.

Decorating with Glass Sea floats

Perhaps on my sofa table.

I used a plastic ring that retail stores use to hang scarves, to keep the float from rolling off the table.   The rings come in different sizes and are perfect to hold any ball shape decorative item when it is on display.  Christmas ornaments, carpet balls, anything that rolls – and they are free.

Scarf rings as ornament ball holders

I could add my float to the Pottery Barn bowl that I have filled with shells that I have collected from beaches far and wide.

Pottery Barn Bowl with Shells and Glass Sea Float

Or in my blue and white bedroom.

How to make a No-Sew Bed Hanging

No matter where she ends up, I know she is going to have some company soon.  I want to collect lots and lots of them in all different sizes and shades of blue and purple.   If you love these floats as much as I do, you are in for a real treat when you visit the Glass Float Junkie. 

 

I am linking this post to:

Frugal & Fabulous Design

Funky Junk Interiors

The Shabby Nest

The Shabby Chic Cottage

House of Hepworth’s

Somewhat Simple

Finding Fabulous

The Inspired Room

Tidy Mom

{ 17 comments }

Trash into Gift Giving Treasure

by Diane on 07/19/2010

I am collector of throw-away” stuff”.  Not junk, but honest to goodness – discards.  My friends and family know to give me  their throw-aways, which are different than cast-offs. Cast-offs are unwanted items like furniture and lamps.  Throw-aways are bits and pieces of packaging, parts of items – stuff that seems useless once it’s original purpose is complete.  Throw-aways are what I can’t seem to say “no” to.  I love the challenge of coming up with some new use for these discards that will be Ohhh… la la worthy. 

Recently, when I saw a bag filled with film canisters at a local camera store being thrown away – I had to speak up.  I couldn’t bear to see it tossed and asked the salesman, if I could please have them.  He handed the bag right over to me and asked what I was going to do with them.  I told him, I didn’t have a clue, but I will come up with something sooner or later. 

These plastic film canisters are becoming obsolete, but can still be found at camera stores and where film is processed.  Here are my rescued throw-aways.

Before

  

After

 Prest-O Change-O !  Add some decorative paper, buttons, an earring, tulle, some sheet music, along with some hot glue and you have-

 Pretty mini- gift containers. 

They make giving something little-extra special

Gifts that will fit:

Anything small – earrings, rings, and other jewelry (if the jewelry is on a hanging card, discard the card and place the jewelry into a piece of tissue paper), rolled up dollar bills,  a key to something big, like a car.   

Top: Vintage clip-on earring with the clip removed.   Canister Cover: A piece of a Neiman Marcus Christmas catalog cover.

 Top:  A gold and pearl button on top of a larger black button.  Canister Cover:  Scrapbook paper

 

 Top:  Mother of pearl button with a tulle rosette and rhinestone button glued on.  Canister Cover:  Gift-wrap

Top:  Vintage button  Canister Cover:  Sheet music

Top: Square button with a silver pearl button glued on top.  Canister cover:  Wallpaper scrap.

Aren’t they pretty?  They were practically free – only the cost of the materials I used to decorate them with – most of which were throw-aways, too. 

 How would you add your style to a  film canister and what would you put in it?   I would love to hear your ideas?

I am linking this post to:

Visit thecsiproject.com

Tatertots & Jello

Funky Junk Interiors

Southern Hospitality

Sumos Sweet Stuff

The Girl Creative

Making The World Cuter

Today’s Creative Blog

Crafts Keep Me Sane

Tools Are For Women Too

C.R.A.F.T.

Reinvented

All Thingz Related

Blue Cricket Design

On another note:  It is time to show-off your holiday style.

I am starting Christmas in July here at IMOS.  Click on the link below or up in my nav bar to link up your Chirstmas decorating and craft project and ideas. They can be old or new posts.  If you don’t have a blog, leave a comment or e-mail me a photo and I will add it to the page.  It will be on-going to use as a reference when you need some creative inspiration in the upcoming months – as the 2010 holiday season will be here before we know it. 

{ 31 comments }

How-to Make a No-Sew Cushion Cover

by Diane on 07/15/2010

I have been trying to get all my overdue outdoor projects done this past week.  I have been pretty successful.  I wish I could tell you that I just love to do these projects, but that would be lying.  The biggest reason this project is complete in a timely manner is because friends are coming to stay with us for a few days.  This was the motivating factor in my sudden burst of energy to give this swing that hangs from the pergola on our deck a makeover.  I don’t think  there is anything more motivating to get DIY projects done than having guests to your home whether it be for over night or a party.  

This swing is very comfortable, but I wanted to add a cushion to it,  not only for comfort, but to add a pop of color as well.    I love the upholstered look of cushions, but also love instant gratification and being able to easily make something with fabric without sewing  a stitch.   

Before

 

Here is my swing in my garage waiting for it’s makeover.  It was covered in a greyish cast of worn off  stain and mildew

I washed it with detergent and mildew remover, then rinsed and let it dry out in the sun.  Look at the arm, do you see how it is worn.  I won’t have to sand this – it is very smooth.   I didn’t paint this it, I used solid color stain that just wears away over time.  This was after 3 years outside, except when it stored in the basement during the winter months.

 I have found Behr House and Fence Stain the best product for outdoor wood. It  holds up beautifully, is easy to apply, and best of all, easy to clean up with soap and water – my kind of product.  You can see from this beaten and battered can – that it  has been used many times.    If you have ever painted with oil based outdoor paint, you know it smells and can take days to dry.  When it gets old, it gets chippy and needs to be sanded before painting, not so when you use a solid color stain.

I set the swing up on a table in my garage and gave it 2 coats.  I let it dry for 1 hour between each coat. 

I then hung it back on the deck under the pergola.  This is my favorite place to sit in the evening, especially in the fall when it starts to get cold. I bring out a blanket, some hot tea,  and get all snugly and gaze at all the stars in the night sky. 

For the cushion:  I went to my local Joann’s Fabrics on a day when all the foam was 50% off.  I had no idea that it was on sale and was happy to get such a great deal!  I needed about 5 feet.  Cost was $24.00.  It is 2″ thick foam and very dense.  To cut it to the exact size I needed, I grabbed the electric knife from my kitchen drawer. (The only other time this knife gets used is to carve the turkey on Thanksgiving.)  I have a T-square and measured and marked where I needed to cut.

Super easy to cut foam with an electric knife.  If you don’t have one, take your exact measurements to the fabric store and have them cut both width and length for you.   Take the excess home to use for another project.

 

To make the no-sew cushion cover:   pretend the foam is a gift box and wrap it as you would a gift, using fabric instead of wrapping paper.

Use large 2- inch safety pins instead of tape.  I got mine at the dollar store.

Fold over the raw edge of the fabric and pin every few inches along this no-sew seam to hold the fabric onto the cushion.

Wrap the corners neatly and pull taut and then pin.  The width of my foam was almost the width of the fabric. Normally I would like to have a bit more fabric to pull over the side edges, but this works.  No one will see the pins.

Flip it over and then it is ready.  I placed it on my freshly stained swing.  I wanted this cushion to be easy to take on and off.  I didn’t want any ties to deal with, so I made sure the foam fit very snugly, so it stays put when I sit on it and easy to grab to take inside when it suddenly starts to rain. 

After

 

I am linking this post to:

Tatertots and Jello

Under The Table and Dreaming

Finding Fabulous

Just a Girl

Funky Junk Interiors

Frugal and Fabulous Design

It’s A Blog Party

Blue Cricket Design

Somewhat Simple

The Thrifty Home

{ 30 comments }

Christmas In July

July 12, 2010
Thumbnail image for Christmas In July

See this basket?  Look closely.  What do you see?  Jingle bells, Christmas cards, friends smiling faces, beads, and tinsel.  Holiday project stuff, right? - in July?  You are probably thinking that the holidays are 4 1/2 months away, but there is a reason I am showing you this now.  Every Christmas for the past 4 years, yes, you guys, [...]

Read the full article →

In “Their Own” Style

July 10, 2010

I see so many inspiring and creative ideas around the blogosphere every week that make my heart go pitter-patter.   I love to see the creativity and personal style in all my fellow bloggers’ posts and thought I would share a few of my finds with you.    It is a raining here today, but we need it badly - our [...]

Read the full article →

How-to Make a Towel Slipcover for an Outdoor Chaise

July 7, 2010
Thumbnail image for How-to Make a Towel Slipcover for an Outdoor Chaise

These two chaise covers have been patiently waiting for a make-over since last summer. They are faded, ripped, and too short for the chairs.  If you have outside cushions you know they can get beat up pretty fast, especially if they are left outside rain or shine.   I had a plan to re-do them, but just kept putting it off [...]

Read the full article →

How-to Make an Easy Seashell Window Treatment

July 5, 2010
Thumbnail image for How-to Make an Easy Seashell Window Treatment

Being “down the shore” last weekend and seeing all the” beachy” decorating reminded me of a window treatment I made for a segment I did for Lifetime Television’s,  Our Home Show.  The segments topic was super easy no-sew window treatments. I demonstrated how to make 3 or 4 treatments using all sorts of items.  I can’t remember all of [...]

Related Posts with Thumbnails
Read the full article →