Monday, December 21, 2009

Ruffle Duffle

ok, so it's not a duffle, just a tote,
but I couldn't resist the rhyming.
I've been trying to use up the fabric in my stash
so I don't feel guilty buying more.
It's a tan muslin like on the outside and lined
with a white cotton (pocket and all!)
with taffeta ruffles.
So cute! and so easy to make!
Check out more great ideas over at Somewhat Simple
and ASPTL!

Friday, December 18, 2009

anthro inspired apron

I got this apron as a bridal shower gift,
it's from anthro and I love it!
If only I could wear it out!
I love the ruffle detail, fun fabrics,
and cute pocket!
I decided to make one inspired by this
with some extra fabric I had in my stash.
Here it is!
I am really happy with the result.
I opted out of doing the belt, maybe next time.
But I did add some cute coordinating
buttons to the pocket.
What do you think?
If you love it so much, you can purchase it in my shop!
Check out more great ideas day over at Somewhat Simple
and ASPTL!

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Oh Christmas Tree...

Oh Christmas Tree,
I'm so glad I'm done with thee!

So I love this advent calendar from
PB Kids, but I didn't love the $80 price tag,
and the fact that they discontinued it!
So, 4 dollars, and 2 weeks later, here's my version!
Yes, it took me 2 weeks because I got burnt out from it quite a few times.
And yes, It still needs numbers.
And yes, the pockets aren't perfectly straight
(I swear they were when I was sewing them on?!)
But it really only cost me 4 dollars!
I had tons of scrap felt from previous projects.
The beads, sequins and ribbons were already in my stash.
So all I bought was 1 yard of green felt!
But even if you did had to buy the felt, ribbons, sequins, and beads,
it still would only cost you about 12 dollars!

And, although it's not perfect,
I made it, which makes it special!
What do you think?
Successful or unsuccessful knock-off?

Monday, December 7, 2009

snowed in

It has been snowing for the last 24 hours,
and it's still going strong!
Here's a view from the front of our house...
from the back of the house...
and the killer icicles on our roof!
So, it seemed like the perfect day for a project!
I saw these napkin rings a while back on PB
and fell in love!
they are no longer available, so I didn't catch the price,
but I figured I could make a cheaper version myself!
I picked up these at the dollar store a few weeks ago.
I cut off the cheapo fabric,
and was left with a gray plastic napkin ring.
I then bought some mini jingle bells from Michael's,
which were on sale last week.
And, hot glued them right on!

Here's how it turned out!
I love the chunkiness of mine,
and the fact that they were most likely cheaper than the PB price!
What do you think?
Need a set of your own?
Send me an email or convo me on Etsy,
and I will make you your very own!

I'll be linking up to Strut Your Stuff Thursday
over at Somewhat Simple!

Monday, November 16, 2009

nut wreath

I have recently discovered my love for wreaths
and love the nut wreath featured in the November
issue of Martha Stewart Living.
So here is mine.
I made mine with a 12" wood wreath form
(leftover from my pumpkin wreath)
1 bag of walnuts
1/2 bag of pecans
1/2 bag of hazelnuts
lots of hot glue
ribbon
it was super easy and very fall-ish!

another easy fall decorating tip
fill vases or apothecary jars with pine cones
easy and festive!
hurry and get these done,
only 10 more days till Thanksgiving!
check out more great DIY ideas here

Thursday, November 5, 2009

anthro knock-off

A while back I spotted this little beauty at anthro.
I also spotted it's price tag... 158 dollars!
So what did I do?
Made my own!
I got the teacups from the Pottery Barn and Williams Sonoma outlets,
the plates from HomeGoods,
and used Elmer's china and glass cement to put them together.
Grand total: less than 20 dollars!

It looks a little lonely sitting there by itself,
doesn't it?
there!
much better
the perfect size for mini cupcakes!
I have a feeling that Miss A and I will be getting
a lot of use out of this in a few years when tea parties
become a daily occurrence.
what do you think?
good knock off?
check out DIY day over at ASPTL for more great ideas!

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

30 minute pillow sham

Once you realize how easy it is to make a pillow sham,
you are never going to want to buy one again!
For this tutorial I am going to use a 14"x14" pillow insert.
You are going to need to cut three pieces of fabric,
one for the front and two for the back (which gives you an envelope enclosure)
Piece 1, the front, should be 1/2" bigger than your actual pillow.
So mine is 14 1/2" x 14 1/2"
The other two pieces will be rectangles.
They will be 14 1/2" high, but only 11 inches wide.
To get this you should half your pillow size, which is 7
then add a 4" for an overlap.
making sense?
Once all three pieces are cut out, get your two rectangles and an iron.
Iron about a half an inch down the long side of your rectangle.
It will now measure 14 1/2" by 10 1/2".
Now sew down the edge.
Once that is complete, pin all 3 pieces together, right sides together.
Then sew all the way around, 1/2" on each side.
This will make your sham turn out to be 13 1/2" x 13 1/2",
which fits nice and snug on your pillow insert!
Now turn right side out,
and this is what it will look like (back view)
Slip in your insert, and there you have it!
I'm using this one as a tushie cushie for Miss A's new highchair!
So easy right?!
And it's easy to remove, wash, or switch out!
Let me know if you have any questions!
I have pillows for sale in my etsy shop, check them out!
I also do custom orders!
Check out ASPTL for more great diy projects!