Category Archives: Tutorials & Ideas

Tutorials & Ideas

Rock Notes: A Simple Way to Say “I love you!”

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Here’s a fun, quick, sweet way to show someone you’re thinking of them …

A few Christmases ago, I was out of town a lot. And me being out of town = Frit alone in the big house. And she hates being alone in the big house. Especially at night. Plus, we’re buddies. And who likes being away from their buddy? It’s lonely and quiet. So to help her feel not-so-lonely I tried to think of something fun to leave behind in my absence. “Rock Notes” were what I came up with. It was nowhere near as cool as the “Christmas in a Basket” that she sent me on the road with so that in every hotel room I stayed, from Idaho to Phoenix, I could set up my own mini tree complete with lights and ornaments, but it was my best effort during that crazy time.

I picked up some paint pens and river rocks (found at any craft store or the Wal-Marts) and quickly scribbled little notes on some and drew hearts on the others. Then I hid them all over the house, in places she would find while I was away.

The fun thing is that the Rock Notes are still in use even all these months later. They go back and forth between the two of us and you just never know when you’re going to go brush your teeth …

or pull back the covers …

or open a drawer …

or sit down at the piano …

only to find a little reminder that someone loves you. I’ve even found them in my luggage a time or two. It’s such a fun, simple way to let someone know you care.

*We also hide these hideous creatures for the other to find too, but that’s a whole different story.

Except to say that when I went to bed really late one night last week and found Mr. Bones tucked into my bed, I might have come close to peeing my pants. I might’ve. (From fright. NOT from laughter.)

Have a wonderful Wednesday! xo

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Tutorial: Recover a Lampshade with Fabric DIY

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I’m currently in the planning phase for a redecoration of my studio and some of the items that need to be updated are my lamps. But since I’m a girl on a budget and since I love DIY projects, I decided to simply recover the shades myself. Here’s how I did it!

Supplies: lampshade * butcher/news/wrapping paper * pencil * spray adhesive * fabric * scissors * iron * glue gun/fabric glue * decorative trims/accessories (optional)

Instructions:

1. Make your pattern. Spread your paper out on a table or other flat surface. Place lampshade on top with the seam down. Holding the pencil next to the top edge at the seam line, roll shade across paper to create a continuous, curved line. Stop once your pencil has returned to the seam line.

2. Return shade to starting position and repeat, but put pencil next to the bottom edge of the shade. Use a ruler to connect the top and bottom end points.

3. Cut out your pattern and place on top of fabric. Cut out fabric, using pattern as a guide, but add 1/2 inch seam allowance to all sides. Remove the pattern from the fabric and iron the straight edges under 1/2 inch.

4. Spray the wrong side of the fabric with spray adhesive and attach to the old lampshade. Smooth wrinkles. The adhesive will be tacky for a bit so you have time to readjust. Finish by overlapping the raw edge with the ironed edge. Fold top and bottom under and pinch to adhere.

5. Add decorative trims or other accessories (with your hot glue gun or fabric adhesive) to spruce it up!

Easy huh?! Let me know if you have any questions!

***Watch a video demonstration of this project HERE***

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Good Things Utah Appearance: Silk Flower Accessories

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If you missed the show this morning, here’s the video! Enjoy!

Other helpful links:

1. Don’t want to take the time to make them yourself? Just buy ‘em! I’m happy to do the dirty work. Click Here.

2. Step-by-step directions for this tutorial with photos

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Tutorial: Silk Flowers — Great for Headbands, Jewelry, Clothing, etc.

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The most popular item at Island Belle Boutique is by far the silk poppy hair accessories. They’re flirty, feminine, and subtle. Needless to say I wear them all the time … like every day practically. And today, because I’m nice, because I’m especially happy these days, and because the snow has melted (hallelujah!), I’m going to share my trade secret of how to make them today. Once you understand the basic steps of how to create these fabric flowers, you can use them anywhere. They make great gifts for birthdays, Mother’s Day, favors for your luncheons and/or showers, and accessories for yourself (!), friends, and daughters.

And if you’re thinking, “I LOVE these flowers and totally need some, but I SO don’t want to take the time to make my own,” just

CLICK HERE to SHOP

the silk flower line at Island Belle Boutique.

Supplies: Light-weight silk fabric * Scissors * Candle & Matches * Needle & Thread * Beads / Buttons / Pearls / etc. for the center of your flower (it’s up to you!)

Steps

1. Cut circles of varying sizes from your silk (they don’t have to be perfect!)

2. Light candle and singe the edges of your circles. You don’t need to put the fabric directly in the flame. It will melt and seal the edge just by being in close proximity to the flame.

3. Stack circles (your petals) according to your own personal preference. You can make them lopsided or perfectly spaced, sparse or extra full. Just add your own style!

4. Insert needle and thread up through the bottom of flower, thread button or bead onto the needle and insert the needle back down through the flower. Repeat this process until you have sewn on all your beads or buttons. I always recommend using odd numbers for beads, buttons, or pearls.
5. Once you’ve sewn on your last bead, knot the thread at the bottom/base of your flower. All done!

You can now attach it (with fabric glue or more stitching) to a headband

CLICK HERE

or a hair pin,

CLICK HERE

on a purse,

CLICK HERE

on a shirt,

CLICK HERE

or even on a lapel pin (for a modern take on the ever-classy corsage).

CLICK HERE

You could even add these flowers to bracelets, shoe clips, ribbon belts, skirts, throw pillows, bed skirts, napkin rings, garlands, and more!

To see this tutorial demonstrated CLICK HERE for my appearance on Salt Lake City’s morning show, Good Things Utah.

Variations:

1. Use cotton fabric instead of silk. Just skip the step where you singe the edges and let the fabric fray slightly.

2. Use different colors for each layer of the petals.

3. Add tulle between the petal layers.

4. Spray with adhesive glue and sprinkle glitter for a little glam.

5. Add feathers.

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Good Things Utah Appearance: March 5, 2010 [Ruffle Collar T-Shirt]

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Hello and happy Monday! If you missed my segment on Good Things Utah last Friday, here is the video. Enjoy!

(and here are the step-by-step instructions with photos)

Tutorial: Ruffle Collared T-shirt

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Ruffles! Ruffles! Ruffles! I love ‘em! Whether it be on tops, skirts, belts, headbands or other accessories, they add a bit of whimsy and romance to any outfit. Here is just one simple way you can embellish a t-shirt with a ruffle of your own.

Supplies: t-shirt * needle & thread * fabric for ruffle * scissors * tape measure * sewing machine (not pictured)

Instructions:

1.    If you’re using a standard t-shirt like the one pictured in the image above, feel free to cut the ribbed part of the collar off to make it a bit more loose. But it’s totally up to you. You could also use a shade shirt or even a tank top for this tutorial. If you do cut the collar, you can certainly hem it under so the raw edge is held more securely in place. I did not do so because I like the raw t-shirt edge. Again, it’s totally up to you!

2. Measure the full length around the collar of your t-shirt. Double the length of the collar and this will be the length of the ruffle fabric strip you cut.

3.    Decide how wide you want your ruffle to be. Multiply by two and add a ½ inch. This will be the width of the ruffle fabric strip you cut.
4.    Now that you have your width and length, cut your strip of ruffle fabric. (Mine was 60″ x 3 1/2″ … but don’t worry about being exact.)

4.    Fold the ruffle strip length-wide with right sides of fabric facing each other.
5.    Sew along long edge using a ¼ inch seam and press open.
6.    Turn right-side-out. You will now have something that looks like a tube.
7.    Fold each open (raw) end of ruffle fabric towards the inside of the “ruffle tube” and press in place.

8.    Using a running stitch, use your needle and thread to sew the entire length of the ruffle. Gather as you go.


9.    Pin ruffle to t-shirt collar.
10.    Sew in place with sewing machine. Once the ruffle is attached, remove your running stitch. You can usually just pull it right out, but if it gets stuck a seam ripper will be your best friend.
11.    All Done! Enjoy your ruffled collar t-shirt. (If you do make one … take a picture and send it to me. I’d really love to see what you create!)
Variations:

  • You could also add a ruffle to the bottom of the t-shirt around the hip area, or even to the sleeves.
  • Instead of sewing the ruffle around the collar, pin it in swirls around the shoulder/chest area on one side of the shirt.

Other ruffled projects: Click Here for the Ruffle Cuff Bracelet Tutorial

p.s. Welcome! Welcome! to any new visitors from the Good Things Utah site! I’m so glad you stopped by.

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Tutorial: Ruffle Cuff Bracelet

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Ruffled bracelets are popping up everywhere! I think they are going to be a popular Spring fashion trend. Enjoy this easy tutorial and make your own.

Supplies: bracelet cuff (found at most craft stores) * scissors * needle and thread * base fabric * ruffle fabric * fabric glue (I use Beacon Adhesive)

1. Measure the length of the cuff, add 1/2″. Then decide how wide you want the cuff to be. Cut 2 pieces of base fabric based on those measurements. My cuff was 7 inches long and I decided on a base of about 7.5″ x 1.5″.

2. Multiply the length of the cuff by 3 or 4 (depending on how full you want the ruffle) and cut ruffle fabric. Width is your choice. Cut three strips of ruffle fabric. Mine were 24″ x 1″.

3. Take one of the ruffle strips and baste along one edge. Gather fabric into a ruffle.

4. Even out your ruffle along one of the length edges of your base fabric. Pin to secure and sew in place with minimal seam.

5. Repeat step 4 on opposite side of base fabric.

6. With the last ruffle you will actually baste down the middle of the strip (rather than the edge). Pin and sew to the middle of your base. Trim long edge if needed so that the under ruffles show.

7. Center bracelet to the underside of your base. Glue in place (along entire length of cuff) with fabric adhesive.

8. The outside of your bracelet will look like this:

9. The inside will look like this:

10. “Finish” the inside by gluing your second piece of base fabric (or piece of ribbon) .

11. All done! Although I think I’m going to look for a string of vintage rhinestones or pearls to glue to the center just to give it a little more interest and sparkle.

Tips and Variations:

  • I personally love the unfinished/frayed edges on this cuff, but if that’s not your style, simply double the width of your ruffle strips, fold lengthwise, sew along long edge, turn right-side-out and iron flat.
  • You could also use ruffled lace instead of fabric and bypass the basting all together.
  • Instead of using one color of a single type of fabric for all three ruffles, mix it up. Mismatch colors and fabric types for an eclectic piece of jewelry.

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Tutorial: No-Knit Cable Bangle

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Is it just me, or have you seen a lot of knitted bangles around blog-land? Even cJane has a lovely collection, and who doesn’t love cJane’s fashion sense? But what if you don’t knit? Well, if you have an old sweater, this tutorial is your answer.

Supplies: 1 old sweater (preferrably with a cable pattern) * scissors * sewing machine *fabric glue (optional)

1. Measure your wrist. Decide how wide you want your bangle and how loose you want it to hang (keep in mind that knit yarn stretches. Cut fabric based on these measurements. I cut mine 8″ x 4″.

2. Fold length-wise with right sides together. Sew along long edge. Turn right-side-out. You will end up with a tubular piece that looks like this:

3. Fold one end in on itself about 1/2″ to 1″. Insert other end into folded end. Should look like this:

4. Sew (or glue) shut.

5. Voila!

(Please forgive the changing pink color in each picture. I was quickly losing daylight. And uh … pay no mind to my alien arm in that last picture. Taking a self portrait of  your wrist is harder than it seems.)

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Tutorial: Beaded Bow-tie Bracelet

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I LOVE this bracelet! I love the feminity of the bow-tie closure and the contrast of the silver spacer against the black fabric. And the beads! Well. I love ‘em. You could easily turn this into a necklace or make multiples in different colors and tie them all together for a chunkier, funkier look. Have fun! And let me know how yours turns out.

Supplies: wooden craft beads * spacer beads * ribbon * fabric (needs to be a thin, lightweight fabric) * measuring tape * scissors * needle and thread

1. Measure your wrist.

2. Measure the circumference of your bead.

3. Cut fabric 2″ longer than your wrist length and 1″ wider than the bead’s circumeference.

4. Fold fabric in half lengthwise and sew a 1/4″ seam along the long edge.

5. Turn right-side-out. Then turn raw edge of one end inside. Cut 2 10″ pieces of ribbon and insert one about a 1/2″ into the turned in edge. Using needle and thread, stitch closed using a running stich, synching as you sew. Be sure to catch the ribbon in your stiches.

6. Insert bead through open end. Next, slide spacer over fabric.

7. Follow this bead/spacer pattern until you reach the end of the tube and have about 1/2″ of fabric left (you should end with a bead).

8. Turn the fabric in, insert the end of the other ribbon (1/2″) and sew closed in the same manner as the other end.

9. And then … you’re done!

Tips and Variations:

  • Make sure that you measure your beads properly and don’t over-sew the seam. I made that mistake the first time and my wooden beads wouldn’t fit inside. Luckily the marbles from the toy bin did. :)
  • Instead of using spacers like the ones I did, you could also use jump rings, embroidery floss or even lace or ribbon (if using floss or lace, you’d just tie a knot in between each bead).
  • Use a solid fabric, but cover/double up with lace for an extra romantic and vintage feel.

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4 Free Valentine Card Downloads (from me to you!)

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So since it’s Friday, and since the big Day-o-Love is in like 9 days, and since I don’t like shopping for cards (exhibit a), and since I can never find one that says the right thing in exactly the right way anyway, I figured I’d make my own. And then I thought … maybe you could use some too?!

I’m on a black and white kick these days so I wanted something clean and simple, with the emphasis on the message. I got some black envelopes and a white paint pen to label and address mine. Cut lines are marked on the page. And don’t be surprised if I offer some more tomorrow because I had so much fun making these.

Have a fantastic Friday! Happy weekend-ing. Oh and as always, feel free to share the link with friends and family.

Download HERE

Download HERE

Download HERE

Download HERE

Craft Tutorial: Valentine Garlands

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I used to not like Valentine’s Day. But I think I didn’t like it because I thought I wasn’t supposed to since I’ve always been single on Valentine’s Day. But that’s just ridiculous. Who doesn’t love love? Even if you are single. So now I wholly embrace the day, the decorations, and the candy. Oh my gosh I love Valentine’s candy. It’s seriously the best holiday candy ever with all the cherry sours, cinnamon lips, chewy cherry hearts, strawberry jelly-beans & candy corns. Oh mercy. Have I told you that I’m off sugar as of two weeks ago? Yeah. Note to self: don’t go off sugar right before Valentine’s Day.

So anyhow, to kick off the countdown to the day of LOVE, I thought I’d share a simple craft tutorial for a couple of Valentine Garlands.

They’re sweet and simple to make and are a LOVEly addition to your decorations. All you need is an assortment of felt in your desired colors, scissors, and a sewing machine.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Cut out circles of all sizes from your felt. I chose a light pink, hot pink, and white, and I cut my circles anywhere from a 1/2 inch to 2 inches. If you were going to make this “jumbo” size, I’d cut your circles anywhere from 3 to 5 inches.

2. Lay out your circles in a line, alternating colors to create a pattern. Mix up your sizes to create more visual interest.

3. Sew them together. Like ducks in a row, one right after the other.

4. Keep sewing until you’ve reached your desired length. And then you’re done! Easy peasy right?! Now decorate! These look darling strung from just about anything. Lampshades, mirrors, across the piano, curtain rods, banisters …

You can also change it up and instead of circles, do hearts. For this garland, I used cranberry and cream felts.

Or you could do jumbo-sized hearts…

It’s really up to you. Happy sewing!

Oh, and come back at 1:00 p.m. MST today when I’ll have news on this month’s give-away.

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If you love these garlands, but don’t want to make your own, I have a few up for sale in the shop.

Pink polka-dot garland here (This one would also look cute in a little girls room all year round.)

Small red heart garland here

Large red heart garland here

How To: Sew a Simple Pillow Cover

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In preparation for my appearance tomorrow on Good Things Utah (ABC4, 10 a.m. MST), I’m excited (!) to share this tutorial on how to sew a simple pillow cover. For the purposes of this tutorial, I will only be sharing the absolute basics. Later this week, I’ll share a couple more tutorials for some of the throw pillows displayed in the segment and I will go a bit more in depth on how to embellish, quilt, and jazz up this simple pillow cover. So! Here we go!

Step 1: Choose the pillow you want to cover and the fabric you’ll be using. (If the pillow you’re covering is bright with a heavy pattern, make sure the fabric you’ve chosen to cover it with isn’t too lightweight so as to allow the pillow’s designs to show through.)

Step 2: Measure the width and height of the pillow from seam to seam. If you’re visual like me, it helps to draw a diagram of these measurements.

Before cutting your fabric, you’ll need to add inches to your measurements, so as to leave room for seams. Those additions are as follows:

  • Front piece: Add 1 inch to both the height and width. This will allow for a 1/2″ seam on all sides. e.g.: If your pillow is 18″ x 18″, you’ll cut a 19″ x 19″ piece of fabric.
  • Back pieces: Because this is a cover, you will be making something similar to a pillow sham, where the two back pieces overlap creating an opening for you to stuff the pillow through. So! Divide the pillow’s height from seam to seam by 2 and add 3 inches. Then add 1″ to the width. e.g.: If your pillow is 18″ x 18″, your 2 back pieces will be 12″ high (18/2 = 9, 9+3 = 12) and 19″ wide.

Step 4: Now cut your fabric. (Sidenote: Sometimes I’ll use the wrapping paper that comes with a grid on the underside to create a “pattern” so that all my pieces are exact.)

Step 5: Take one of the back pieces, fold one of the width edges over 1/4″ (so wrong side is touching wrong side) and iron (be sure to use the correct iron setting for your chosen fabric).

Fold again, 1/4″, and iron. The raw edge should now be hidden.

Stitch the hem closed.

Repeat with other back piece.

Step 6: Place your front piece on a table, right side facing up. Place the “top half back piece” on top of the front piece, right side facing down (hemmed edge should be running across the middle of the pillow). Place the “bottom half back piece” on top of that, right side facing down. The hemmed edges should be overlapping.

Step 7: Pin all raw edges together. And sew around all sides of the pillow cover.

Step 8: Trim corners being careful not to cut the seam. This helps the corners take the correct shape once you turn it right side out.

Step 9: Turn your cover right side out.

Step 10: Place pillow inside and enjoy!