Vintage Fabric Dress

Here’s what I did with the bulk of this vintage fabric.  It started off as a shirt that was rejected by my three-year-old, so got a new life as a dress with the addition of a ruffle.  It’s blousy, but so comfy and free.  A little hippie dress.  I love this fabric and am holding on to the last tiny scraps.

Ladybug

This ladybug was a gift for a two-year-old whose name happens to rhyme with “lady”.  So this is her little bug.  The thing about making plush toys is that you don’t quite know what they’ll look like until you get them stuffed, which is why we have a few Land of the Misfit Toys experiments around here (this, for example).

Perhaps I should have given this little bug some legs.  Although I changed the shape a few times, I still feel that it came out a bit too bulky.  She can always use it as a football.  I used a recycled cashmere sweater from the thrift store for the belly and under the wings.  I grabbed some other sweaters and hope to make some stuff for the girls next week.  So, more recycled projects to come.  And as always, more experiments.

Halloween Luminary

I’ve been seeing a lot of nice decoupage projects lately, so thought I’d give it a try.  I used an abstract design for this, but I think it would be great with a spider web, bat or owl.  This project would also be nice in white for the winter holidays.  I didn’t have a piece of paper long enough to cover the entire vase, so I wrapped three sides.  It would be interesting to create a design on the back side so it will cast a reflection onto the wall.

Supplies:

  • Black card stock
  • Measuring tape
  • Candle holder or vase (preferably cylindrical or rectangular)
  • Decoupage glue
  • Craft knife and cutting mat

Step 1:  Measure your vase or votive holder.  Cut paper to the correct width and length.

Step 2: Using your craft knife, cut random abstract shapes over the entire sheet.

Step 3: Brush a very light coat of decoupage glue onto the back of the paper.  Center your paper and carefully adhere it to the glass.  Press down all areas.

Step 4: Brush over the entire candle holder with a thicker coat of decoupage glue.

Done!  If you make this project, please be sure to post a photo to the Make it Monday Flickr pool here.

Etsy Finds Friday

Textile Earrings, $17 from Maria Cavallero.

Custom Family Portrait, $115 from Middleburg Folk Art Studio.

Funky Flower Jar, $100 from Plum Home.

Blueberry Juicy Bug, $14 from Dream a Little.

Vintage Fabric, $10 for 21.5″ x 25″ from Thrifty Pyg.

Vintage Lollipop Ornaments, $30 for a set of 4 from Paper Dolls for Boys.

Ruler Ribbon Trim, 4 yards for $4.85 from The Trim Goddess.

Leos Are Dramatic sterling necklace, $32 from Mark Poulin Enamel Jewelry.

Miniature Clay House, $10 each from The Little Red Door.