Houndstooth Scarf

I found a cute pattern for Houndstooth scarf and being from 'Bama could not resist!



It was easy to make and took about 4 or 5 evenings.  If make again, will use a more softer yarn.

Here is a link to the pattern:  http://elkstudiohandcraftedcrochetdesigns.com/2013/01/23/excited-about-crochet-patterns/ 

I had and idea for the container our fruit came in.   I bought a recipe book at the thrift  store for a dollar.  Removed as many nails from the wooden container. The Modge Podged pages I removed from the recipe book onto the inside and outside of the container.  I just used lots of colorful desserts mainly.  Just cut them out, mostly geometric shapes. I just fit it as I went, just knew I wanted the chocolate cake on the bottom and the strawberries on the front!!!   [ Next time, I will do the edges and corners first with smaller pieces, then add the bigger pieces to the sides and bottom.]  Then, over several days, I applied several layers of Modge Podge. 

 Cutting up my thrift store book.

Finished product!!

I had fun doing this, and would do it again.  Now to figure out what to do with this.  Right now, I put my Tupperware lids in it to keep them organizied.

Staf Fish Dishcloth --

Easy to make, made two in different colors for my sis-in-law.  They live in FL, so perfect décor for there!!



Want to make some more!!!

Baby Bibs --these are several I've made for friends who have babies!!

Teddy had to try on!!

 

For Brittany at work

 


For Brittany at work

 

 

TWINS!!

 

 


For Cora at work!!

 

 

 


For Carolyn at church..

 

 

 


Now that we know the baby's name!!!

 

Refinsihed table -Bird design

Got this at a local thrift store.  It was in fair shape.   Cleaned it up, lightly sanded.

First the white paint, rethinking should have done Kilz. then painted. Took several coats.



Tape Bird template in place (Michaels)

Get acrylic paint in blue and stencil brushes ( had stored in garage.)

Apply paint with stencil brush.  After you load your brush with paint, dab on paper towels so you don't have too much on your brush.  Start on one edge on stencil, work over the wood and go from there to fill in  the rest of the stencil.  You can make as light or dark as you want.   I  liked my darker.  If you want sharp corners, make sure your press down on the stencil near there when applying the paint. Resist the urge to 'check' under the stencil.  When completed, carefully lift off stencil.   I wash mine with dish detergent to keep it somewhat clean/    



I repeated on the bottom shelft.



I applied several layers of Mod Podge over the shelves

The final results!!

Another view

Inspirational Jar-- "You collected all my tears in your bottle."

Start with glass jar. Paint with craft paint on the outside

Let dry

Apply Bible Verse with glue.   Absolutely love this verse that God takes care of all our sorrows. I printed it off my printer. 

Coat with Modge Podge.   I did several layers OK, the print smeared a little, but you can still read it.  Now wished I would have just done the first two verses.

Not perfect, but holds tall items in my office. 

Shashay Yarn Scaft--so wanted to try this!!

Have been seeing those ruffled yarn scarves for years and wanted to try it.  New Years Day sale a Michaels is up my alley!!! Bought way too much yarn.

It was confusing at first, but got easier as it went along. It may be a little too fat for me, but turned out great.

I have a gold sweater and a fushia and purple and cream  to go with this

Happy with my final project!!!  Took one evening.    
 

A skirt in a day. The pattern said "sew in 2 hours" but I failed the time limit....

I have had the material for a year.  Picked up an easy pattern.. I get so frustrated sewing, I want it don't fast so pick easy-to-sew patterns.  The pattern said sew in 2 hours, but I guess I work slow.  I prewash the material, iron the pattern pieces, use a million pins to pin every thing and mark, mark.   It took me from about 6 to 11:30 PM.  

Found this a my Hancocks-- thought for under $3 give it a try.



Automatic needle threader, the more myopic I get, the more help I need.

Laying out and cutting ...

Demo-- put thread thru hole

Pull the pin out through the open end,

Pull thread length out and cut.  Done.  Thumbs UP from Jill!!!  It came loaded with 6 needles.   You take it apart and reload the needles and threader when empty. HINT: don't use magnetized needles, they don't cooperate to easily.

The finished skirt. I have tons of black and white tops.  Paired it with black tights and wore to work the next day. The length is about 2 inches above my knee, just at  my comfort zone when sitting, my next one I will add a few inches to the bottom (or top??).  It fits, but probably will go up to the next size when I use it again.  Years since I have altered a pattern, know there is a 'correct' way to do it.  

Pretty Plates--This house is for the bids!"



Start with a plate, I picked up these at a local Thrift Store.  Make sure clean, can also wipe with alcohol to make sure no oily spots.  Need template (Michaels), Paint ( used enamel), stencil brush, spray adhesive and tape.   Love my disposable paint container!!!! (yogurt container ran thru dishwasher--easiest clean up ever-- straight to the trash can. (Don't know why the photo is sideways - it was correct until uploaded here, but you get the idea.)



Follow directions on spray adhesive-- spray, allow to dry several moments, the place on plate.   It did OK, but on some plates I had to use some tape around the edges to hold on place.  Stencil with paint.It takes just a little, maybe 5cc's.  I used FolkArt Enamel acrylic paint by Plaid in Cobalt.   I just love the deep dark blue shade.  The most important point to remember is that after you load your brush to dab it on paper towels so the brush is not too heavy with paint. 

Once done, carefully remove the template and set aside. I used dish detergent to wash off the paint in between plates and dried it very well. 

Next plate!! Repeat

With sharpies, personalize.   I thought about letter templates, but too much to do all that..   If you make a mistake, you can wipe it off and start again. 

Here's all the plates I did this day after adding the words.   Had a hard time deciding if I liked the words closer to the bird or closer to the edge. 

Another view

Follow directions on paint.   Place in COLD oven, turn to 350 for 30 minutes and let cool in the oven.  Could do last thing at night and just leave in over overnight. Remember no direct contact with food, use a doily, cupcake wrappers, etc.  Hand wash or top dishwasher rack.
 

The final project!! One for my Mom, Mother in law and myself.   My mother is a HUGH bird watcher and her house is full of bird décor.   This is the first time I tried this and I think it turned out great. If to again, will get brown and green to make the branch and leaves the correct color.