Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Time Out

I have not posted any new projects or "how to" posts for some time now. I just wanted to let anyone interested to know I am getting through a family situation that has required all the skills I have ever learned and new ones I am embracing for the experiences they are.

My creativity is alive and well and I will be adding new and delightful creations. I hope to be posting again very soon and expanding my horizons to uncharted territory (at least for me). Thanks to all those who have took the time to check out my posts!

as always
create with joy
Tammy


Thursday, January 26, 2012

Another Mans Shirt Made Girly


This was so much fun to do!!  Using the same idea from my previous post, I  made yet another slip dress for myself from my sweethearts old dress shirt!  
It had a few stains on the bottom so I got a little creative with some brown paint, mixed with textile medium and found an inspirational photo on line and ta-da! 
I also added ruffles to the neck line, no finished seams, just raw edges! Such a fun look! 
The possibilities are endless!!
as always, 
create with joy!
Tammy

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Mans Shirt made into Dress for Me!




I love making stuff from stuff! (giggle)

 This was a super easy project! I was able to take a mans XL flannel and turn it into a super cute  sun dress!  I can wear it during cooler months by just putting a short or long sleeve shirt under it.

It is really soft and comfy!  Instructions below. And by the way.... the pattern you choose to use does not matter. Just pick one similar from any maker you desire.

Have fun!!!





 I started with a simple slip dress pattern. It calls for placing the center front on a fold. I simply buttoned it up cut one side out and then flipped the pattern over to the other side. Because this pattern is form fitting, by using the button up front already in place , I have built in buttons ready to rock!


I folded the back in half and laid the back pattern piece on the fold and cut it out.
 


Using the upper back of the shirt I laid out the pattern piece for the back facing. I chose to lay it out in such a way as to incorporate the clothing tag.  Just for kicks.









I used the one of the sleeves for the straps.







And the other sleeve for the front facing.






I sewed darts into the front piece and as you can see, the buttons and pocket are still intact. SO CUTE!
This is the front and back facing sewn together at the sides. (see my tag still in place? :)
 I laid my straps at an angle and then pinned them in place, here I simply folded it over to double check it is where I want it.

Then I have pinned the facing in place , cutting the center front because of the buttons. And sewed it in place.
 I chose to put it on and then pin the straps in the exact place I wanted them, I then sewed them on and added a button on top to accent them. 
This was a fun project I will do again and again! 
as always, 
create with joy!
Tammy

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Home Design on a Budget


Giving New Life to My Home on a Budget


I have been Reinventing Furniture and clothing since I was a young adult. (Which, in my case, is quite a few years ago.)  Looking to broaden my knowledge I ran across  The Inspired room , a blog that is just what I was looking for, inspiration with "how to's"!
 I love the challenge and the cost (most of the time is $0.00) When the networks started broadcasting DIY shows on cable I was overjoyed! 
And now with the internet and YouTube anything and everything is available!  
 I LOVE IT!!

With times like they are, most households are pulling up the purse strings, in a matter of speaking.  On the other hand, it is very rewarding to give new life to what we already have and staying “green”. 
Besides, throwing our stuff out, or away, for the earth to absorb is just not ok anymore.  

Painting furniture  can be easier than you may think and surprise you delightfully
My Romantic Home posted some beautiful pictures of both before and after painting several pieces worth checking out. The blog is one of my favorites for instruction and inspiration. 





 Making slip covers for your sofa, chairs, comforter on your bed, even kitchen or dining room chairs is really simple by following 

 
This is a Beautiful site, full of Inspiration!  I found this step by step tutorial for making a slip cover for the winged backed chair in the picture.
For chair video click above, for home page to Miss Mustard go here: Miss Mustard Seed.


You can use extra linens and dye them if needed to get the color you want.   Sheets are such a great size for these types of projects, as compared to purchasing new and expensive upholstery fabrics from the fabric store.  
 Although, I do believe in supporting our local sewing and craft stores, sometimes the budget is just not there, but our desire to redecorate is. 
There are so many how to videos available with a simple YouTube search or even through some of the on line sewing and craft sites and blogs.

Finding bargains for those few items you want to add is easy, but may be a little time consuming. I personally love the “treasure hunt”!  Knowing ahead of time what kind of room I want to create and then keeping my eye out for an item I can refurbish or simply use “as is”.  Thrift stores yard and rummage sales, swap meets, and on line sites such as ebay or MY LISTA, are bottomless pits of “stuff” and on my lista its bartering, so you seriously can get what you need for free! Free stuff is always the best!  Keep your ears and eyes open, ya just never know when you might see that perfect item on someone’s curb, or someone is moving or getting rid of stuff.

Giving your home a personal designer look is as easy or difficult as you choose to make it. To get started, pull up pictures and sites on line for inspiration.  Then, take inventory of what you have on hand, and make a general list of what it is you are looking for.   Don’t be afraid of what YOU like. After all you are the one living in your home and it should make YOU happy first and foremost.  If you find something you love and have no idea how to start your project and cannot find any how to videos on the technique don’t worry, you may just have to ask a few questions on a few DIY sites and “somebody” is going to have exactly what you were looking for. 

Recruit a friend if you are feeling a little intimidated. Sometimes it helps to have a partner in your creative adventures.  Your creative side is just waiting to burst out and express itself. And in my opinion, there is no right or wrong “rules” to decorating, although the formally educated bunch may disagree with me. 

It is your home, your space, do as you wish! Now, you have now been officially invited. Let’s see what you can do!

As always,
Create with JOY!
Tammy

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Link to make your own ANGRY BIRDS


  Here is the link to make these adorable angry birds!


Angry Birds

I love this craft site, there are so many talented and creative crafters and artists on it. It is free to join, I highly recommend it , its just a fun site!

K Mommy posted this with great response. Here is a link to her blog which I also found very cool. http://momtionary.blogspot.com


as always, create with JOY!