Open for business!!!

I finally started my etsy.com shop!!!! Here's the link:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=81181

Get familiar with this whole website if you love handmade gifts and want to find something special!

Happy hunting!

(Can you tell how excited I am by all of the !!!!!!!!!!!!'s I'm using?!!)
Rachel

day 5: customize a snow cap

1. find a simple snow cap with lots of potential, but not much personality ;)
2. sew a funky flower from bits and pieces of random felt, fabric and buttons (can also try... pipe cleaners, vinal or rhinestones).
3. sew flower to hat.
4. give hat to a cute friend who likes to wear cute hats.

have a good day and merry *almost* christmas! Elsie

Day 4: Create a Colorful Banner

I made this banner to put above my son's crib. However, it can easily be altered to be used as a birthday or holiday decoration. Using coordinated fabrics and quilt binding, I managed to finish this in an evening.
I cut out triangles that were 6" tall and 5" wide and spaced them 2 1/4" apart. I laid them out on the floor before sewing them to make sure the colors looked good together when doubled back.
An alternative to using fabric would be using scrapbook paper and embellishments to create something just as lovely. Add stars, letters or other symbols to each flag to personalize it. Use bold contrasting colors like black and white with pink lettering for an edgier look. Have fun!
Rachel

Finished product from last post!

I ran out of room for pics in the last one. Here's my finished stocking.
R

Day 3: Sweater Stockings

Yay for easy ways to reuse old threads! Here's a quick way to make a stocking out of an old sweater with a limited amount of sewing and embelishing. FIRST, cut out the sleeve of your sweater and trace your pattern. I made one that was about 7 inches long and 5 inches wide. I also used the sweater's seam for one of my seams to save some sewing. SECOND, unfold your stocking so that the wrong side is facing up. Then fold over the top to make a seam. THIRD, turn stocking over so the right side is facing you. I added rick-rack to bring in some color and cover my top stitch. FOURTH, I sewed some random buttons by hand onto the top of one side. FINALLY, turn the right sides together and sew. Then turn inside out to view your beautiful new stocking!!! Give as ornaments or cute Christmas gifts stuffed with new scrapbooking materials. Take pics and show us what you all are creating. We'd love to see your work.
Rachel

day 2: customize a t-shirt

you can do this with any simple printed t-shirt... this one happens to be a puppy shirt (from target). I used ribbon and a button to add a cute bow to the little skulls hair and covered the cardboard hanger with cute ki memories patterned paper. i love making handmade gifts, but honestly... this year i have had NO TIME... so this is a fun way to give a gift that personal touch without spending hours and hours! this project only took me about 15 minutes. have a fun day!!! Elsie

12 days of gift making.... day 1

hey guys! :) we are going to do 12 days of handmade gift ideas.... my first one is this fun t-shirt (ok.. i made it for myself, but it can ALSO be a gift idea, right?) i just hand stitched random peices of ribbon (that i stole from my sister) to the front shoulder of the shirt. Try to make it messy and imperfect.. the more messy, the better! You could also try sewing the ribbon in patterns or making designs with them (like birds, flowers or clouds?). Emma

pretty things that make me want to make stuff....

i picked these up in Australia last month....fashion totally inspires me to create. I love all the details, colors and moods there are in fashion! so much fun! :) Emma and Rach, what is inspiring you right now?

Elsie