Pleated Clutches

Lately I have been using my sewing machine A LOT. So much that it is kind of driving my fiance crazy-- his office space is about 7 feet away from my loud vintage 1960's sewing machine. Unfortunately for him, the noise is not going to go away because I have a new found obsession.

For the past couple of days I have been working on creating my own pattern for a wristlet. I love having a small pouchy bag to grab-and-go with just my phone, keys, and cards. All of my previous attempts were a little bit too small -- a tight fit for my phone with no room for lip gloss. Then, I decided to use a 7 inch zipper I had lying around from a previous to make a longer version of my clutch and BINGO something adorable was born!

I had this little red tree print (I think leftover from a fat quarter) and decided to pleat the front and make a strap with the leftover fabric. This is the one I have been carrying.

 Well, after making one for myself I was totally hooked! I went fabric shopping yesterday with my mother-in-law-to-be and while we were looking for decor fabric to cover some chairs in her house (going to be super cute, btw) I picked up several awesome patterns in the fat quarter and remnants sections! I picked some coordinating zippers and started sewing as soon as I got home.

Of course my new clutches all have pleats because I'm totally hooked on putting pleats into prints at the moment. This morning I finished the fourth one and got them all photographed and listed in my etsy shop.

Check out the finished products:

I love this color combo! Bikes with plaid-- so cute!

It's hard to tell because of the print but this blue floral is pleated too.

I can imagine making a million different things out of this orange sherbet anchor print. Love it!

This one is the jumbo version. The only aqua zipper I could find to go with this fabric was a 10 inch, so I made a bigger clutch.

I'm really happy with how these came out. If they're successful they will be my first machine sewn item to sell in the shop. Staying inside and sewing is one way to get through this heatwave. It's 102 here in Indy right now, yikes!

Sketchbook

While I was out sick yesterday I decided to pick up a book and start drawing. It was the first time using my new handmade journal. The thick, fiberous, handmade paper is really awesome but it's so soft that it won't take much erasing to wear a hole in it. I made a few sketches with colored pencil. It was really nice and relaxing to take some time to just draw.

Here are a few of the doodles I made yesterday.

I'm not sure if the meditative drawing session helped but I'm feeling much better today :)

This last drawing is my favorite-- I love drawing cartoony portraits of my sweetie (any boy with a mole is obviousy supposed to be him). If I get some spare time I'll probably turn my drawings into watercolor paintings!



Art Vs. Art 2011

I decided to participate in the Art Vs. Art painting contest this year! We had four hours to paint any subject.

Now the photos have been uploaded on their site artvsart.net where the public can vote for their three faves. At the end of the voting period is the main event where paintings are pitted against each other in a death match! The paintings that don't get auctioned off to an audience member will be destroyed. Their fate is decided by "the wheel of death"-- an over sized spinner with different methods of destruction. The last painting standing earns the painter a prize of $4000.

It's all in good fun. I'm not banking on winning or even having my painting sold, but I wish I could see it get destroyed. There is a lot of talent here in Indy and it was a blast getting to see everyone paint.

Here is a photo of the painting I made in the four hours I was given. I'm really loving woodland creatures right now and of course tea parties :)

Let me know what you think or take some time to vote on your favorites :)

I've been so busy in my classroom I haven't had much time to work on my own projects lately, so it felt good to paint for myself.  More projects to come soon! Share yours with me too.

Recent DIY Ventures

Since school has started up I have been super busy planning lessons, getting my classroom organized, and the like. In the evenings and on weekends I have been working on a few projects of my own. I recently started playing around with embroidery-- just basic stitches on some remnants fabric.

Here is my first attempt:

I think You're foxy

Here is another fun little project that I have been working on. I picked up some cheap frames for a couple of dollars each and decoupaged them with some pretty scrapbook paper! I framed some of my work. I'm not sure if I will hang them up in my office/crafting space or bring them into school to show my students some of my work.

Colin and Me with our anniversary :)

Mr. Fox

 Thanks for looking!

I heart repurposing!

I just finished making this shaggy pillow for my mom. It's made out of shirts I had to wear as part of my uniform for a sales job I had my Senior year of college.

It was super easy and quick to make.  I found the tutorial on craftgawker a couple of weeks ago -- here is a link to the tutorial below. You don't have to use old t-shirts to make it but it's much cheaper and more green that way :) I even stuffed the left over snippings from the shirts inside my pillow along with polyfil I had lying around.

**Check out the Pillow Tutorial from V and Co

The repurposing project that I am most excited about is my teacup planter idea! I picked up some teacups (and one gravy boat) at my local thrift and repotted some houseplants into them. I thought it would add a cheery bit of color and fun to my classroom's windowsill.

Here is a pic of me and Lars (my wiener dog) hanging out on the patio after repotting. (BTW, this patio furniture is repurposed too-- it used to be a dingy white abomination in my mom's back yard until I spruced it up with some spray paint and took it home with me).

Here are some close up shots in my classroom

 I found a great tutorial for labels for my planters-- these sweet spoon plant makers. I ordered some metal stamps and I should get around to these next week.

From Shrimp Salad Circus

I'm loving my teacups--  and what will I use to water them with? A teapot of course (also from the thrift)

The total cost of this project has been about $12 including the plants. Lots of plants will be on sale this time of year due to the lateness in the season but despite that these house plants can thrive year round with proper sunlight and water.

What are you doing to save money and resources these days? Share your projects :)