I "dye" DIY

I've been wanting to dye some vintage slips forever.  My kids did a tie-dye project at daycare and wanted to do some of their own at home.  I figured while the dye was out...it was as good a time as any to do my own.  I have some vintage slips that are stained so I wanted to see if the dye would cover it up.  As far as covering up the stains...not so much.  But they are harder to spot now.  This started out light blue.  If I was thinking I would have taken a before shot.

It has a marbled effect that's hard to see in the photos but looks pretty cool.  Since I had a huge pot of dye I thought I would give it another go with a stained tablecloth.  Note: the stain still shows through but it does look much better with it's new color. 

The only things you need for this project is some dye, a big spoon, water and a big pot.  I soaked the darkest part the longest, probably about 20 minutes longer than the rest and gradually added more.  Simply find the middle of the tablecloth and gather it, dip the ends in the pot and drape the rest over the side being careful not to touch the burners.  This project was super fun.  I stocked up on a bunch of other colors so when I get some time and I am going to get crazy.

Ready for the weekend.  It's hot and I cannot believe my son started soccer practice again tonight.  It was 100+.  Way too hot for me.  Excited for tomorrow.  Meeting my dear friend Kari for lunch to catch up.  We played basketball together in college and I love that after all these years we still keep in touch through our monthy lunches and weekly emails.  When you get older it's the little things in life that keep us girls going and get us through the work weeks.  Thanks for that Kari...you are a peach!

Happy Wednesday ya'll!  My kids are back to destroying my somewhat clean house.  Why is it so fun for them to torment me? Me: "It's time for bed".  Sammy: "but i matin da mess maw maw".

Goodnight, 

Amy

DIY Feathered Headdress

I did this guest post over at Smmidge awhile back...and thought I would share it here since I can't get enough of headdresses!

Here is a super easy under an hour project.  I love me a quick craft.  I got the inspiration from Cloth Magazine but frankly didn't have the time or patience (right now) to do it.  I wanted instant gratification and this one required a lot of handsewing and a TON of feathers and trim!  I did put it in the archives because it's too great not too!

Here is the easy method!

 front

back

 The Supplies:

• glue gun-2- sticks of glue or more
• feathers (I used 3 different sizes)
• scissors
• trim (I chose sequins)-optional
• felt- you can also use this instead of leather if you don't use as many feathers!
• elastic for closure (I used stretchy lace)
• scrap leather-about 8" long and 4" wide (wide enough to double over the feathers you are gluing)

 

lay out your leather and start gluing the smallest feathers first...starting in the middle and working your way out.

add your bigger feathers over the small ones.  This takes  alot of glue!

Once you have a sufficient amount of feathers add a LOT of hot glue and fold the leather over the feathers. *make sure and leave a little opening at the ends to add your elastic or tie. 

 I cut about 6 inches of stretchy lace for each side...so I could tie it in a bow.

Now, lay out your embellishments.  You really don't even have to do this step but these sequins were calling my name.  I didn't like the orange leather so cut a piece of felt with scalloped edges to cover it as well.  I just hot glued them down.

There are no rules! Play around with it and add your own touch.

Here is one I made for my son with nothing but felt, feathers, glue and elastic.  

If you make your own...I want to see it!

xoxo,
Amy

Linking up here:
Coastal Charm
Our Delightful Home
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Bubbly Nature Creations
Nifty Thrifty Things

Project Restyle week 2

Second week.  Started with this chain belt...reminds me of baggy sweaters and well, chain belts.  Some thrifted yarn that my son usually uses as obstacles for his train tracks.  This took way more time than I would have expected, but I am happy with the results.  Had to use glitter on the clasp to it would open and close.                             Party with us.  Linking here!  Be sure and look for Fridays Partays.

Week 1 Project Restyle

 This was my before.  I painted my pink and red kitchen white...boring white...we hope to put it on the market come spring so I am trying hard to de-personalize.  

 Fabric I have had FOREVER that's been sitting in my basement.

 The old fitted sheet I used for backing (this counts right?).

 So weird having a curtain over this window.  In the 12 years I have lived in my home...there has never been a curtain here.

Now that week one is under wraps...can I really do this?  I am going to make an effort!

Bad Blogger

As one of my Resolutions, I am really going to try to update this regularly.  It's always in the forefront of my mind, but next thing you know I find myself in laundry, or catching up on my Y and R, or eating a box of cookies.  Yes, I watch it 5 days a week, and no I cannot have just one cookie, one box yes. 

As another resolution, I want to dive in on my laundry list of creative activities.  I found two online that totally inspired me.  I figure if put stuff out there...to my two readers...that's you Shelley and Jeremy, then maybe I will actually accomplish a little something, and become a little less self consious about this stuff.

I really want to do this map project for my kids room, but it also inspired me to make similar stuff using recycled materials.

I found both of these projects on one of my daily reads: http://abeautifulmess.typepad.com/my_weblog/


Next, I really am going to post pics from Stacey's wedding, and some pictures of the chalkboard wall I promised Shelley months ago.  But that will have to wait for another day!