Rag Wreath

I've been wanting to make a rag wreath for a short time now and with still having a lot of fabric left over from my drop cloth drapes, I decided to use it up.

All I did for this wreath (once again I forgot to take step-by-step pictures!) was use a wire framed wreath I purchased at Jo'Ann's for around $3, cut strips of fabric (I used drop cloths, muslin and burlap) into strips of about 2 inches wide and 14" inches in length. You can certainly make them as long or short as you want them though. I know someone might ask how much fabric I did use and guess what... I don't know! I bought 2 yards of the muslin and the rest I had on hand. 

Once I had the strips of fabric cut, I simply tied them to the wire frame. I tied the fabric pretty closely together because I wanted the wreath to be full in the end. I love the color, texture and the simplicity of it. 

To hang it from our door, I used a piece of rope/trim ( forgive me for not knowing the exact name of it!) that I found at Jo'Ann's in the aisle with all the ribbon, trim and fringe.

Not only does the wreath look great on the front door but I think it would definitely add a special touch hanging on a mirror or window frame. 

Fabric Bookmarks

The bible study group I am part of is going to be starting the book "So Long Insecurity" by Beth Moore. I'm looking forward to connecting with women from our church and journeying my way through another one of Beth Moore's books. I've never not been changed by them, so I'm anticipating the Lord to do some work in me again.

I thought I would surprise the women with a little something special. As we read through this book for the next six weeks, I thought a bookmark would be just the perfect gift.

I think I love a pretty bookmark just about as much as I love a good book.

This is a very easy and quick sewing project. It's a great way to use up scraps of fabric and what's better than a gift made with lots of love.

To begin with, cut two pieces of fabric into 2 1/2 x 7 inch pieces. You can use the same fabric or two coordinating fabrics.

Cut two pieces of interfacing the same measurements and using the manufacturer's instructions, fuse it to the back of the fabrics. I used what I had on hand, which was fusible light fleece interfacing. Because it is a little bit thicker, I just used one piece.

Now, just place the pieces together (right side up) and make a top-stitch (1/4 in.) around the edges. Make sure to leave the TOP open so that you insert a ribbon.

Now, take a pair of pinking shears and trim around all 4 edges.

Insert a piece of ribbon (or two of different widths and length) into the top of the bookmark.

Sew along the top.

And then just make a V cut at the top of the ribbon and you are finished.

And there you have your handmade bookmark.

Just think of all the people you can give these too... teachers, book clubs and bible studies, avid readers, or just those special people in your life.

Like my niece, Olivia...

More Banners

Here are some pictures of my latest projects that are listed in our etsy shop...

Use this banner to CELEBRATE all those special occasions. I am going to be using a banner like this in our home for birthdays, report card day, the last day of school, a team win, or just because!!!

We are counting down the days until baseball season in our family. So, how about a banner to cheer on your child's team! Show your team spirit by displaying a banner at games, parties, or to hang in your own home on game day...

Welcome in the warm days of SPRING with this banner...

Or this banner for special Easter celebrations which says "HE IS RISEN"...

I am linking to DIY Day at A Soft Place To Land.

Banners

My sister, Sarah and I have added three new banners to our etsy shop.

We are having a whole lot of FUN making these and quickly realizing sewing is addictive!

Even though it's cold and snowing here today, I know Spring is just around the corner.

We are taking custom orders at this time, so if you have a special celebration coming up that you would like to decorate with a banner, please let us know. There are all kinds of options... personalized banners, team names, seasonal greetings, "HOORAY", or "CELEBRATE". Prices vary depending on length, but are in the range of $28-$34.

Have a wonderful day!!!

Congratulations Banner...

Our daughter's graduation is now just a couple weeks away so it has been a busy time around our house lately. After making lists of things to do these past couple of months, the time is finally here when the shopping and finally preparations are being made. It is such an exciting time and it is a day that we look forward to with much anticipation.

The day after her graduation we are having an open house with friends and family. While trying to keep everything simple and within our budget, we also want this to be a very special party for Jessica. After deciding upon decorations and everything else, I am excited to see it all come together that day. Thank you Jessica for all your patience these last few weeks. I know that I have driven you crazy with all my questions, lists, and paying attention to all the little details. We love you so very much and are incredibly proud of you!

Jessica at Senior Prom last weekend... don't you just love the bare feet?

Some time ago, I saw paper banners on etsy that I thought were so cute and fun and could be used for any type of celebration. I thought I would give a try at making a "Congratulations" banner.

All I needed was a circle cutter, stencils, and decorative paper. I chose orange, black, and white since those are Jessica's school colors.

The first thing I did was to cut out a small white circle (2") and then stamped the letters I needed on each of them. I'm sure that you could also choose a font, enlarge it, and print it from your computer as well.

I then cut out two more circles. I think these were 4" and 6" in diameter.

Then just start gluing them together for each letter you have...

Then glue the letter on...

To tie them together I simply punched a hole on both sides of the circle and used three different patterns of ribbon and tied them together.

And then you will have this...

Vase Wrapped In Twine...

Last week Kimba from A Soft Place To Land showed us all how to make a vase wrapped in twine that was originally inspired by these vases from Ballard Designs.

I thought I would give this a try as well and pass it onto my Mom for a little Mother's Day gift. So, I pulled out the glue gun, bought some twine/rope and found a vase to use.

I then just started gluing (I found it easiest to apply the glue directly to the vase) and wrapping.

Fill it with some flowers and you will have this...

We had a wonderful day yesterday. I absolutely treasure the days that we are all together as a family. I am blessed beyond measure to be the mother of these children.

Thank you for giving me such a special day.

Spring Projects...

With warmer days just around the corner, I am finding myself wanting to take on some Spring cleaning. There is just something about being able to open the windows and having the fresh smell of lemon Pine-Sol wafting through the house.

So, while I am waiting for those warm days to arrive, I have been making a to-do list of all the little jobs that need to be taken care of around the house. Things like giving the front door a fresh coat of paint and I have also noticed that the wall in our entryway and around the kitchen island isn't looking so clean anymore. We are also going to move Jessica's bedroom downstairs (stay tuned for some before and after photos... it's going to be amazing!) so that the boys will have their own bedroom. They have always shared a room, so this is a pretty exciting thing for them.

While I am getting my list together of all the house projects that need to be completed, I have also found some fun craft projects on the Country Living website.

For instructions go here

For instructions go here

For instructions go here

I would love to try the dishes with the chalkboard paint. I also have an old mirror that could use a transformation and chalkboard paint might just be the answer. Perhaps I could hang it in the kitchen with the weekly menu on it so that when my kids ask the infamous question of, "Mom, what's for dinner?" I can simply point them to the chalkboard.

I also love these fabric covered journals because I love journals and what a great way to personalize them and make them match the decor of your room. How pretty would that be to have a stack of coordinating journals piled on a table next to your favorite sitting spot. Yes, I am liking that idea!

Ragamuffin Garland...

I just came across Kimba's post about making a Ragamuffin Pillow... go check it out and get busy on this no-sew project friends! I LOVE projects like this because I am far from being a sewer. I tried it once. Like back in 1996 when I attempted to make a maternity jumper for myself and a matching jumper for Jessica to wear to a Mother's Day event at out church. It was probably a tea party or something like that, and we were ever so cute. We were all dressed up in peach and cream plaid jumpers. What else would you expect... peach was the color the summer of 1996!

Anyway, I am going to get busy making some of these pillows... I love them! I also thought I would share with you the latest Ragamuffin Garland that I made for my friend, Carrie, who just had a little girl named Aubrey.

I've made one of these before but did this one for Aubrey a little different. I cut strips of fabric this time that were 16" long - I think it looks better. I also added the "A" and hidden in the fabric are a couple decorative hooks (drapery hooks) that Carrie can hang photographs or other keepsake items from.

Don't you think this is a fun way to spend a cold, wintery day?