Have you been to the library lately? Books, especially nonfiction how-to types, have become beautiful works of art with gorgeous photography and illustrations, specialty papers and metallic inks, and something for every interest. I love stopping at our local library, walking through the new books aisle and flipping through the pages for inspiration. Last spring I stumbled across Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland with beautiful illustrations by Anna Bond, and instantly fell in love with her style. The illustrations have color and whimsy and character all wrapped up in an eye-catching composition. So imagine my amazement while fabric…
I love using unique techniques for my handmade cards, and one of my favorite embellishments is, of course, sewing! The stitches add texture and give the cards a special detail. I like using it in different ways – to frame a picture or words or to draw a shape. You can stitch little pockets and even sew on ribbon and fabric embellishments. To sew on paper, it is easiest to match the top thread with the bobbin thread and test your stitches on a scrap paper to adjust the tension. Also lengthen the stitch, because using small stitches will perforate the…
This is the second project in a series using the patterns in Virginia Lindsay’s book, “Sewing to Sell.” It has great crafty sewing projects and inspiration for taking your sewing creativity to the next level. Project #2 Zipped Pouch I decided to try the Zipped Pouch because I was looking for a last-minute hostess gift, and I thought it has a great combination of cute and useful. And by using fun fabrics with gold accents along with a cream canvas and a metallic gold zipper, it will have a great stylish look. I made mine a little smaller…
Here is another handmade paper crafty project I made using a scrap piece of wood as a base and silver wire for hanging. I thought these would make cute summer gifts that could be hung by a little shelf in a beachy themed bathroom, or tacked on a “to do” board for a little pick me up during the work day. To start, I found a quote about the sea – how it makes us feel walking along the edge with our toes in the sand and the relaxing sounds of the rolling waves. I printed the quote on light blue…