Thursday, November 27, 2014

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Crossbody Owl Purse Pattern & Tutorial


We've been invaded. A flock of owls has come to roost at our home...


A few months ago my six-year-old granddaughter and I were browsing Pinterest when she asked if I could make her an owl purse. I love it when I get requests from my children or grandchildren for something specific, so in preparation of the Christmas season I whipped up a pattern last week and got busy...


Normally, when I make a pattern I need to tweak it after the first go around, but this time the pattern worked from the get go! That was awesome, because I knew I wouldn't be making just one. I would be making a flock.


Four of our little granddaughters will be receiving these -- along with matching coin purse -- for Christmas. I asked each momma to measure across the body of each little recipient, to make the strap length perfect for each one. The two, three and four-year olds are getting one size bag and the six-year-old is getting a slightly larger version (blue in above photo).


I must admit... I'm in love.


For the month of December 2014 I made this pattern and tutorial
available free of charge to the readers of my blog.

However...


my
Little Girl Owl Crossbody Purse Pattern and Tutorial
 is now available for sale in my Etsy store.
Please go here to purchase a "personal use" pattern!


A "commercial use" pattern is also available in my Etsy shop.
The commercial use pattern gives the buyer license to make and sell items made from this pattern.

Both the small and larger version of the bag are
included in the pattern.


These little owls will be flying to destinations all over the U.S. in time for Christmas.
I'm pretty sure they will love the little humans that will take them in!

Friday, November 14, 2014

Monday, November 10, 2014

"Give Thanks" Plaque Attack...


 Tutorial and Link to Vinyl

It's been a couple of years since I've published a Plaque Attack on my blog. This one is going to be an all time favorite of mine. It's no secret that Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I love everything about it -- being surrounded by family, a fabulous dinner, the smell of autumn, a time to count blessings and express gratitude -- it reaches all my senses and sensibilities. This plaque symbolizes all of that to me.


TUTORIAL

Materials:
  • For 5 plaques: One 1"x12"x6' length of pine board ::: For 1 plaque: One 1"x12"x13" pine board
  • Dark walnut wood stain
  • Vinyl wreath & quote
  • Sander & sanding paper
Directions:

1.) I made five plaques at the same time so I purchased a 1"x12"x6' length of pine board and had it cut into five 1"x12"x13" pieces -- with a little remaining. {Take that remaining piece home in case you want to practice beveling the edges of it, before you bevel the edges of the plaques.} Home Depot will make these cuts free of charge, so I always have my wood cut before I leave the store.

2.) I wanted the edges of the plaques rounded (beveled), so I put the hubs to work on his router. This step isn't necessary, but it makes for a more finished look. If you like a rustic look, there's no need for beveling the edges.


3.) Next I used my orbital sander to whip the plaques into shape. It took me less than a minute a plaque to get them ready to stain...


4.) Stain both the front and back sides of the plaques...


It always amazes me how wood takes stain so unevenly, but that rustic, imperfect quality is what I love most about working with wood...


5.) When the stain is dry, apply the vinyl "leaf wreath" -- centering it on the plaque horizontally, and placing the tops of the leaves about one inch from the top of the plaque. After the leaf wreath has been affixed to the plaque, center the quote inside the wreath and add it to the wood plaque.

My friend Sharon has this vinyl wreath and quote available at her online store, Vinyl Wall Expressions. Follow this link to purchase this beautiful golden and white custom vinyl to make a plaque of your own.The vinyl measures 9 inches wide x 10 3/4 inches long.


6.) I put a light coat of Rust-oleum Clear Matte Spray Finish on the top of the plaques once the vinyl was affixed to the wood. This will protect the wood and keep the wood from fading. Done!


These plaques were such a fun project, and I now have five beautiful gifts to give away this month. I think one of these plaques would make a beautiful hostess gift.


The vinyl for the wreath is a beautiful metallic gold color, and I love the simple phrase that sums up Thanksgiving to me.


Happy Thanksgiving.


Monday, November 03, 2014

Fabric Flower Headband for BIG & little Girls


It's been a couple of years since I created this pattern for a flower headband...


One thing I love about this simple headband is its versatility. It can be worn by women, teens, or little girls. Here's a picture of my friend and her 6 year old daughter wearing one. I make the flowers a little smaller these days...


In August my 10 year old granddaughter asked if I could make her few more, and I finally got around to it last week.


These take minutes to make and very little fabric!


If you would like to purchase the pattern, you can do so for $5 in my Etsy store.  
Click here for the pattern.