A few people asked if I would show how we made our caterpillar book. No problem, because the whole reason I started trying to figure it all out, was so that I could keep a little inspiration book in my purse.

I made mine out of a paper bag, because I knew I was going to paint it and the brown paper holds paint well.  Any kind of paper can be used–scrapbook paper, text weight paper, cardstock…

1.  Cut paper into 4 x 4 inch sheets. The end booklet will be 2 x 2 inches.  Any size will work, as long as it is square and all sheets are the same size.  You can make the booklet any number of sheets. I will show how to put 2 together,  but my end result is 5 sheets long.

2. Fold each sheet in half both ways and in half diagonally. Pull diagonal fold inward as seen in photo. Repeat with all sheets.

3. Glue sheets together, with glue stick, so that one sheet folds inward and the other outward.  Continue adding more sheets if desired.

4.Fold booklet closed, carefully creasing each fold with your nail or bone folder.

5. Open and decorate whatever way you see fit.

Here are some other ideas in case painting isn’t your thing:
* Make one to tell a story. Write your birthing story, engagement, or something totally made up.
* Make a mini photo album. This would be a great gift for the grandparents.
* Make a birthday or anniversary card.
* Keep it blank and make lists and/or doodles.
* Make it inspirational.  Add photos, quotes, images from magazines.

Have fun with it!!

Here in the southwest desert of Arizona, we don’t really have a typical autumn.  The weather is cool, which means that it is finally in the 80s, but there are no scarves, jackets or changing leaves.  It’s the changing leaves and Autumn colors of the higher elevations that I love most.

On our trip up to Northern Az last weekend, we had meant to collect some leaves. We came home with only a few, which are pressed in my moleskine journal.  I had wanted to make some kind of Autumn decoration for the house,  so with some creative thinking, the boys and I decided to make our own leaves.

Now, you may have beautiful leaves that surround your home, but the great thing about these is that they don’t crumble, you need paint, and they involve making a mess.  The ingredients for a fun activity with the kids.

Here’s what you’ll need:
A brown paper bag
acrylic craft paints in assorted Autumn colors (yellow, orange, green, red, brown, copper, gold)
paint brushes, sponges, old toothbrush
blow dryer (optional)
scissors
twine

1. Take one brown paper grocery bag, tear it open into one flat piece. Tear into 3-4 large pieces and crumple into a ball to give it lots of texture. Flatten out.

2. Prep paints by diluting with a bit of water

3. Slop paint all over paper.

4. Allow to dry. Use a blow dryer to speed the process (optional).

5.  Lightly sponge on metallic gold and copper paint

6. Spritz some diluted brown paint with a toothbrush to create speckles.

7.  Admire your pretty paper.

8. When paper is completely dry, cut into leaf size squares and cut out leaves (this is where the kids lose interest).  If you are lucky to have sizzix machine with leaf shapes, that would be a really easy way to make leaves. I don’t have one so I cut them all by hand. It wasn’t as hard as it may seem. I stacked several squares together and cut several leaves at the same time while watching Glee (again).

9.  Glue stems onto twine and hang your pretty garland on a window or around a door.

I bought the Green Craft Magazine over a week ago with my 40% coupon at JoAnn’s.  It was hidden under a bunch of other magazines so I was thrilled to find it. I couldn’t resist, especially after seeing it on so many other blogs.  It’s right up my alley, with the whole green theme.

It inspired me to use two thrifted tshirts to make this polka-dot tote for my friend Alexandra.  She’s been away with her family up in Oregon and I was so happy to see her, I showered her with gifts and yummy food. The bag? It’s double layered with reverse applique for the dots.

Here are some of my favorites from the magazine.

Since I had the sleeves left over from the thrifted tshirts, I decided to try making the tshirt necklaces.  It’s soooo fun.  I just cut several rings from the sleeve and gave them a good pull.  It’s like magic.  Perfectly tubular!  I tied a bunch together and that’s it.  I’m not sure If I could pull off wearing this, maybe with the right shirt?  Hmmm.

I hate it when I forget my fabric grocery bags!!  URGH!!!  I try so hard to remember. They are hanging right by the door!  But, it happens every once in a while.  I’ve been known to shove 10 lbs worth of groceries into my purse, just to avoid a plastic bag.

Well, it happened again, on Sunday. A trip to Trader Joe’s resulted in lots of yummy food and 3 stuffed paper bags. After we put the groceries away, I was folding up the paper bags and was noticing how thick the paper was. Then the creative wheels started turning and because I’ve been reading A LOT about art journaling, well…

I was able to get 2 small journals (4 x 5 inches) and one large journal (8 x 6 inches) from two brown paper bags.

Here is a quick bit about how I made them:

For two small journals cut 16 pieces measuring 5 x 8 inches. Eight sheets for each journal. For the large journal, cut the paper into five or six 8 x 12 inch pieces. I ironed each sheet with steam to get them flat and then folded each sheet in half. Then I hand stitched the binding using THIS TUTORIAL. For one of them, I hand stitched a straight stitch.

You can paint the pages with one or two thin layers of gesso to make the pages thicker and stronger and to give you a clean, white page.  Just make sure to use a dry brush or very little water with the paint to keep the paper from getting too soggy.  From there on out, the sky is the limit!  Paint, draw with pencil, charcoal, chalk, oil paintstiks, crayons, pens, markers, decoupage with paper, photos or fabric, use stamps. I use mat gel medium for all of my collage needs (or you can use modge podge)

Ideas for your journal:

*Color study, paint a different color on each page and then write feelings or draw pictures that each color evokes.
*Words.  Write a random word on each page then paint, draw something that is associated with that word.
*Copy old black & white photos of family members and paste them to your journal.  Paint colorful hats, dresses, vests on everyone.
*Use pictures from magazines and paste them in your journal.  Fancy them up with markers, pens, paints, colored pencils.
*Make a numbers or alphabet book with the kids.
*Themes:  Pick a theme , make a list then and fill your journal with each listed item.

• ~things that make you happy
• ~wishes, dreams and aspirations
• ~pet peeves
• ~goals
• ~favorite things
• ~travel journal
• ~favorite place(s)
• ~favorite people

The great thing about these journals is that they are a really inexpensive way to get creative with art. There is no pressure to make a masterpiece, just a really fun way to get ideas down on paper and experiment.

P.S.  I thought I’d see if anyone else had done this, and because this is an amazing and huge world full of a gazillion creative people, I found that my idea wasn’t all that origianl after all.  Ah well.  I can happily say however, that I learned more and was inspired by the following three really cool paper bag journal makers:

Yoli’s Sacred Journey: Brown bag art journal
Journal Junk: Paper Bag Journal (video)
Judy Wise: More Stuff

*********************Cheers!!*********************

We have been trying to go to the pool twice a week to keep the kids cool and happy.  I had been wanting to make a swimsuit cover-up ever since seeing all of these, but didn’t have the time until yesterday.

It was pretty easy to make.  I used two thrifted t shirts and my regular sewing machine. It only cost me $1, free if I had been able to find two decent t shirts in the hubby’s closet.

You’ll need:

2 mens t shirts. Find one that fits loosely. You will need the extra size for the gathered neck.  The second t shirt will provide material for the ruffled hem.
thread
sewing machine
scissors
safety pin

1. Cut Shirt~1 along the red dotted line, as seen in the diagram above. Save the hemmed piece from the shirt for the drawstring (see #6).

2. Cut second shirt as seen above for ruffled hem.  I cut my hem 5.5 inches wide, but this can be modified to any width. With the 2 cut strips, sew short ends together to make one very long continuous strip.  Sew straight stitch (using longest stitch) across the top of the entire length of the strip.  Pull bobbin thread to create a light gather. Set aside.

3.  Sew neck pleat on shirt ~1.  I used a scrap piece of fabric to demonstrate this part.
Turn shirt right side in and double fold in edge of plunged neckline (as seen in photot).  Pin in place.  Using a zig-zag stitch (straight stitch would probably work, but it’s not as pretty) sew straight down on doth sides (see the red dash line).

4.  Turn shirt right side out again and bring sewn edges together to make a pleat.  Pin in place and sew.

5. Make casing around neckline.  Fold in 1/2 inch all around neck and sew using straight stitch.

6.  Make drawstring using leftover hem from shirt. Fold hem in half lengthwise and zig-zag stitch all the way across the length.  Tie one end in knot. Attach safety pin to other end and work through neck casing.  When all the way through, tie knot on the end. Adjust gathers evenly.

7. Sew on ruffled hem. You might have to mess with the gather to achieve the correct length for sewing on. Plus, you may want more or less of a ruffle than I have.  My long strip was 1/3 longer than the total width of my shirt bottom, if that helps any.  Once you get the gather you like, cut off any excess and sew short ends together.  Sew onto shirt by pinning right sides together and then zig-zag stitch all the way around.

8. You’re done!! Go get on your swimsuit (as fun as that sounds), slip on this cute dress and head to the pool (or even better–the beach!). This is a very flattering dress, especially for those like me, with those empty-baby-house curves.

**Tips & suggestions**

* A serger could definitely be used for this but is not needed.
*When using a regular sewing machine, try not to stretch fabric as you sew.  Practice on some scrap fabric and make sure your tension and feed dogs are adjusted as needed.
* A straight stitch works well for any area that will not be stretched, otherwise use a zig-zag stitch to allow for a teeny bit of stretch.
* No hem is needed for the sleeves and ruffled hem edge – it’s knit!  It can handle that.
* This would be a cute dress too.  Try 2 colorful t shirts instead.

I hope this all makes sense. Let me know if you have any question.

A quickie post to show you these little zipper brooches that I made about a week ago.  My mother-in-law also gave  me a bag of old zippers.  As I sifted through them, I remembered seeing this video on MSL.  So, I got out my glue gun and just started playing, twisting and twirly the zipper halves every which way to see  what i could make.  This is what I came up with.

The old, dusty and faded look of the zippers give them a kind of vintagey look, I think.  I have no idea what I will do with all of them and have not yet sewn or glued on any brooch pins to the backs. I wish I had though, they are perfect for a quick  fancying-up of a dress or bag.

I found this old lamp shade at the thrift store for a whole 1 dollar.   Perfect for a lampshade recovering project ~ great size and lines too.  The fabric I bought ages ago and had just enough to try this out. I had the glue and the perfect matching bias tape for the edging so this project cost next to nothing.

I used this handy video for assistance. I did everything outside because of the glue fumes, which were very yucky.  And I highly recommend a drop cloth.  The sticky spray glue is not easy to wash off of things. Other than that, the project was fairly easy.

I finally got my hands on this book, Craft Challenge: Dozens of Ways to Repurpose a Pillowcase.  After seeing Michelle post about it, I had to get a copy and share my excitement. Thank you Michelle for sharing:)

I did two projects for this book that I am very excited about–the reversible sun hat and the simply red skirt.  It was great fun doing this and learning a bit of the process of getting something published.  Not as scary as I once thought. And it’s pretty incredible seeing your name printed in a book!

……

Even some follow bloggers that I “know”, like Bella Dia, Oh Fransson!, and Vintage Chica are in this great book.

The book itself has loads of great things to make.  Twenty-eight projects within categories such as Wear, Show and Live. I’m looking forward to trying the lounge pants, sunny lunchbox, crocheted bowl, baby quilt and maybe a dress or apron for my niece.  I definitely have enough pillowcases to work with.

Go check it out!!

I’ve been carrying an empty mint tin in my bag for months, trying to think of something crafty to do with it.  I already use one for my echinaccea and vitamin c and another for earring bits, beads and buttons (because you never know).  It finally occurred to me that I should keep my business cards in one too.  Great!  I ran to see if they fit – almost, but not quite.  Easy fix.  Used my corner cutters and–voila!–perfect fit.  Now to decorate.

Here’s what I did:

You’ll need-
Newman’s mint tin (which has a flat top surface)
Paper Modge Podge
Paint brush
Paper ( I used an old map)
Decorated piece of canvas or paper
Brads
Double sided adhesive sheet
Sharp, pointy scissors
Ribbon

1. Pop the lid off and sand with a bit with fine sandpaper, clean.

2. Decoupage small pieces of paper around the sides and edges of the lid with modge podge- small, thin pieces are crucial for getting around the curved corner edges. Be very generous with the modge podge.

3. Decorate a piece of canvas or paper for the top center piece.  I painted onto a small piece of cotton canvas, stamping and adding text from an old book, arranging some words to create my own message.

4.  Cut a piece of double sided adhesive to fit the back of your decorated piece. Stick into place onto the tin lid (make sure decoupage is dry first).

5.  Using the sharp point of some scissors, CAREFULLY poke holes through the four corners of your decorated center piece.  The tin is thin and fairly easy to poke through.

6.  Re-attach lid onto tin.

7.  Fit brads through the holes and adjust on the back side of the tin.

8.  Cut a small piece of ribbon for the bottom of the tin.  Cut a small square of double sided adhesive, the width of the ribbon.  Adhere to the end of the ribbon, then place the sticky end of the ribbon to the inside, back side of the tin (see photo above).

I really like how it turned out.  Now my cards are protected from spilled drinks, smeared lip gloss, pencil marks, and all thing messy that end up in my bag.

Now I must go back to reading Twilight.  I had been resisting, for some silly reason, but this book has been going around at work and landed itself in my hands.  I started it this morning and now am on page 300.  I have an hour or so before bedtime.  Gotta go…..

I FINALLY finished painting my China cabinet.  A few weeks ago actually.  It’s been so nice to look at considering we had been looking at THIS for the last 10 months.

It was the windowed doors that kept me at arms distance.  When I finally dove in, it wasn’t that bad.  Took me from 7am – 2pm to finish her up.  I was in mission mode.  You should see me in mission mode, I’m crazy! I don’t think I ate anything the whole time.  Maybe some tea.

The original knobs on this cabinet were antiqued bronze.  Not really my style. I was going to go hunt for thrifted/used knob, but that could have taken another ten months.  Then my husband said, “I’m surprised you’re not painting them”.  **light bulb!**

Here’s what I did:

Step 1 : Wash, dry and prime, using matte spray paint. Allow to dry completely.

Step 2 :  Spray base-coat. This color should be a lighter color then the top coat color.  I used Design Master Olive Bright #790 (it’s what I had on hand). Allow to dry.

Step 3 : Mix paint & glazing medium 3:1.  I used 3 tsp clear glazing medium with 1 tsp acrylic craft paint ~ Delta Ceramcoat Laguna Blue.  It should have a thin consistancy. Brush on a good amount, making sure to get all the cracks and crevises.  Allow to set for about 20-30 seconds then wipe gently with a damp washcloth, only removing paint on the flat and raised surfaces.

Step 4 :  Spray a protective finish.  I actually didn’t do this and they have held up well so far, but this might not be a bad thing to do if you are going to be handling them often.

Tomorrow I will show the whole cabinet and a peek at the inside.

Happy Monday