Packaging

~ photo heavy post ~

I have been a little busy with birthday parties for grandchildren and getting some Bunco prizes packaged.  And, I wanted to share a few 'prizes' with you today.

The first two Bunco prizes that I am sharing with you today, I have already shared how I made them, and all their particulars.  But I wanted to share how they will be packaged.  I like my package to match the 'prize' and to keep with a color scheme/theme.  I like everything to look like it belongs and the color scheme/theme be present throughout the event.  I think they refer to this lovingly as OCD.

For each bag, I have heat embossed my logo in white on a kraft gift bag.  I have also added a strip of the cream colored lace, and an altered clothes pin.  However, each bag is unique and coordinates with the 'prize' inside. {smile}

Ok, here is a card set I created earlier and this is the gift bag that I made to coordinated with the card set.  (See the original post for the card set HERE.)

This is an altered frame I created earlier, too.  My first attempt at quilting.  I'm no pro.   So, please look at my project with a kind eye.  (See the original post for my altered frame, HERE.)

Before I get to the new 'prize', I wanted to point something out.  See the altered clothes pin at the top of each bag?  I painted them with white home-made chalk paint, and hand-stamped the 'made with {heart}'.  I added a coordinated color of ink to the blossom petal tips, and then added some glitter, a bow, and a half pearl.  These clothes pins also make a wonderful message 'clip'.

Now, for the new item.  I am not a great sewer.  Actually, the most sewing I do is on paper.  I love the whole process.  The hum of the sewing machine, and the quite of my mind.  To make these quilted fabric coasters, I used material I already had on hand.  

I made a pair of fabric coasters.  I added a layer of batting to the center of each coaster, just to give them some more absorbing power of condensation.   And here is how I packaged them:

Whew.  Here is only three of my 'prizes'.  I have a total of 11 to make.  So, only 8 more {frown}.  I really wanted to have all of these completed by July 1st.  And I don't think I will make my own dead line.  So, let me get started on a few more.  I'll post soon.  Promise.

Thank you for stopping by!  Hope you have been inspired!

Hand Crafted for a Friend

close-up of the tags

Howdy!  Thank you for stopping by to see what I have been crafting.  As some of you may know, I really enjoyed the whole experience of creating my own chicken wire message board.  I enjoyed it so much, I went out looking for another frame.  Well, my excitement got the best of me, and I cracked the frame during the chicken wire installation {frown}.  So, I am out searching for another.  It was kind of an expensive lesson to learn, but it has been learned.

Anyways, while I was altering that one, I also altered a smaller frame for a different project.  My poor husband, he must think I have lost my mind.  This new frame is a lot smaller than my message board frames.  But, it punches a lot of pizzazz!  The 'opening' of the frame measure 3" x 3".

I started with a silver frame (sorry, I forgot to take a picture of it), I spray painted it in Ivory Satin finish.  Let it dry for 24 hours.  Applied my antiquing glaze.  Let it dry for 24 hours.  Applied a sealant.  Let it dry for 24 hours.  And put it all back together.  During the various drying times, I worked on the insert, and accomplished other chores, including going to work, and participating in the swap meet last Sunday.

a Bunco prize

This creation was inspired by a very similar picture frame Tammy Roberts had done.  I actually read her specific blog post and followed her process.  Upon locating her blog post for this post, it appears that her blog is down. {frown}  So, I am not sure what has happened.  But Tammy R. is a very talented person, who shares what she knows and is very inspiring to me {smile}.

a different view to show the detail on the frame

Anyways, here how I put it all together:  Tammy recommended that you cut your fabric, batting, and chipboard 3 inches wider and longer than your photo frame opening.  (I did 2 inches.)  Stack your materials from the bottom up: chipboard, batting, and material right side up.  Sew a basic quilters square.  I don't quilt, so I did a basic diamond pattern.  I started on the two longest diagonals and filled in from there.

I cut a blossom shape out of felt.  I used a spiral blossom piece. (Tammy layered her blossom pieces.)  Tammy also stitched only the very edge of her petals.  I did the best stitching I could.  I am no pro at using a sewing machine, so you can't really see my stitching (its not so much at the edge {frown}).

Adhere a rhinestone to the center of your blossom.  Tammy did the same.  Now add whatever embellishments that catch your eye, tickle your fancy, and have fun!

While I was working on this picture frame, my goal, was to create a porcelain looking frame.  I just love that vintage look.  I applied the antiquing glaze to help showcase the detail on the frame.  Without that definition, the frame looked too flat.  And not from my type of paint, but rather the detail got lost.  

close-up of the butterfly stick pin

The fabric was purchased at a big box sewing store from the remnant bin.  The leaves were hand cut from cream burlap.  The ribbon was purchased at a small craft boutique during a recent trip to Phoenix, Arizona, when my oldest granddaughter had a dance competition.  The tiny clothes pin is from Stampin' Up!.  The tiny tags were made with a tiny tag stamp set and coordinating punch by Stampin' Up!  The kraft vintage button is from Paper Trey Ink, and the rhinestone is from Jolee.  The butterfly stick pin is from Maya Road.

Thank you for looking.  I hope you have found something of beauty and possibly have been inspired as well {smile}.

a Bed for Stripes

Good Morning.   

an unfinished sleeping bag for Stripes

I wanted to just pop-in real quick, to share a little sewing project I started.  I was spending time on Pinterest, earlier this week.  And I stumbled on this cute sewing project: The Three Bears' Sleeping Bag, by flossieteacakes.  What is that? you ask.  Well, they are quilted sleeping bags for your child's stuffed animals.  How cute is that, right?  Well, after some grumbling, I purchased the PDF instructions, and I'm supper happy I did!  While I was at the fabric store on Tuesday, I purchased some quilting fabric that I wanted to use, to make my oldest granddaughter a sleeping bag for her stuffed zebra, Stripes.  Here are some photos.  (I'm not finished with this project, yet.)

top of the mattress

bottom of the mattress

the quilted top

As you can see, I can't sew a straight line, and I need to cut a few more threads.  But, this was my first ever attempt at quilting.  So, I'm not too hard on myself.  All I have left, is the pillow, and the trim.  I'm pretty sure Haley, will love it.  

I'm fairly new at sewing.  I've made a few rag quilt lap blankets, and a few clutches, some fabric coasters, altered one-sies, and now this.  So, when I say that you can easily whip one (or more) of these together in a weekend, I'm not kidding.  The hardest, but funnest part, is selecting the fabric.  There are so many, many different patterns to choose from, I suggest that you have an idea of what you're looking for, before you start looking.  As with any project from the heart, the hardest part is starting.  But, I'm pretty sure, that once you start, you'll enjoy the process as I have.  I'm not sure if it's the hum of the sewing machine, no distractions, or the fact that I am creating, but I truly love the process.  So, I guess this little sleeping bag has enriched two lives: Haley's and mine.  {smile}.

I hope you get to craft today.  I'll post more photos once I finish.  Thank you for stopping by.