Beelieve

make your own t-shirt skirt~minimal skills required!

 

supplies:

• old t-shirts
• sewing machine
• something to cut with

1. I threw in a pile colors that I might like based on a fun graphic (bad grrrls).  I do mean thrown and nothing was ironed or cut perfect during all of this.  I ironed when it was finished.

 

 (I was even too lazy to take the polarizer off my camera so the pictures look  bit off in color.) 

2.Basically you are going to build a giant rectangle.  I started with the orange graphic as potential placement on my backside...the "bad grrrl" side that shows how much chocolate I eat.  This was done all in whimsy for the tutorial and will be the perfect for the beach. 

* From there I work much like the mixed media artist in me by "framing" it with colors that look nice near each other. I tape down the "frame".

 

*I prefer the bottoms of t-shirts with their hems for most of the skirt.  They offer a bit more weight to the hanging of the skirt and they are perfect as a guide for sewing.( I also like to use them inside out) In the above picture I sewed right across the hem stitches to attach the orange piece.  The top of the orange piece that you can not see has a lot of excess and is far from straight.  Once the seam is done, I trim the excess from the back.

3. have fun and experiment, even if you have to cut a piece off that you don't like, what you leave behind leaves an interesting element.  (you can click on the pictures for easier reading)

 

 

 

4. my rectangle is complete so I fold it together with the outside (right sides) together. I do hold it up and wrap it around to test it out several times for size.  Remember it is drawstring so a little roominess is fine but too much is a moo-moo.

 

you can see even my hemline is not even but it works!

5. I used a piece of tape as a line (not pictured) so I knew where to sew.  It served as a straight guide line. Then I cut off the rest.  This one I sort of did  on a diagonal down to the hemline from just below the top part that will be folded over(that part will be straight) . The diagonal adds an interest to it.

 

6. no pictures to show for the waist, this one is drawstring. For the hole the drawstring comes out of, I just created an opening in the seam about an inch or so from the top and folded the seam side edges of fabric back where the hole is and sewed around it sort of like a square button hole.

7. The top edge was folded down to show on  the front of the skirt and I sewed around once.  I then inserted the drawstring which is just more fabric strips.  I then tried it on, tightened it just enough to fit over my hips. Tied it tight and sewed around 2 more times so the waist would not be so bunchy looking.  Be careful when you sew around anything circular that you do not have the other half of the skirt underneath what you are sewing.

 

 

 

The last skirt I made was a wrap around style.  I took the giant rectangle and tri-folded it with the right side out this time.  Then folded the top over from the inside out and sewed a seam pocket around it and the drawstring ended up on the side.

I feel like a kid with homework...whew!  Want to go check out all the Flickr Bench Monday shots but had to FORCE myself to sit here because this was a goal I wanted to finish earlier than now!  If you do not understand anything...and it is not because of you it is because of your teacher.  I am burnt out on answering all of PJ girl's questions!  I also remembered what that brain cell burner question Pajama Girl asked yesterday was when I typed the word "moo-moo" above.  She very sweetly in all seriousness asks me "Can cows sometimes have two heads?"  Just wait until I get my hands on that Mr.Honey....she did not come up with that anywhere else in this world but from something he told her.  Mr. Honey if you are reading dear...guard your t-shirts well boy!

Bench Monday~homemade poodle skirt addition

If you remember my works in progress post from the other day you will remember a scrap of gray fabric on the floor.  That was a t-shirt knit top sheet I upcycled into a poodle skirt for an upcoming 50's school concert event.  It was an impulse to make the day I started and did not feel like going to the store to get new fabric.  This was going to be a re-invented poodle skirt ala Karen style.  I started probably against all rules of sewing by cutting a giant circle out of the sheet.  Pattern, smattern...no seams in this skirt.  Then I cut out a smaller circle in the center, put a tiny slit in it to make a fold over hem that houses the elastic the size of Pajama Girl's waist...done.  Next the detail was done with scraps of fabric, cut up old t-shirts, ribbons, beads and buttons.

There is even a necklace clasp that acts as the leash clasp...this poodle has ditched the leash and is rocking to her own beat.  Notice the little blue bee, that is mommy nearby the sweetie that is having some stage fright issues.  My way of letting Pajama Girl know to beelieve in herself because I sure beelieve in her.

I had fun making the leash with just "drawing" with my sewing machine and hot pink thread...gotta love hot pink stitches on gray fabric.  I doodled this all the way around to the back of the skirt where you can find a little bird ready to sing.

There is no fold over style hem in this, just the raw edge where I "raced" around with the sewing machine randomly about 6 times.

My bench Monday stand in had something so much prettier than I on today.  She was happy to show it off.

 

Below she has it on with another white skirt underneath for the full fluff effect of a true sock hop singer!

DIY~Clothesline fresh window treatments

 

 

 

Welcome to the first part of my Spring-tacular bedroom makeover.  It was long overdue and a room neglected a bit.  I was hoping to take more pictures today but the gloomy natural light is not cooperating with me. 

The makeover began with curtains, something fresh for spring and something unique.  I have never been a fan of overpriced store bought curtains and have made just about all the window treatments in the house (these being the easiest).  Spring also reminds me of fresh linens on the line, you may have noticed the inspiration extended into all my recent Ki-ki paintings as well. 

This is such an easy way to create a spa retreat right in your own home.  We already have window shades so I could go any direction with my new window treatments.  Here is a list of all I used.

1. white twirly bamboo, bought in home accent dept at Target on clearance ($3 for 6)
2. organic cotton twin size flat sheets (Target)
3. organic cotton dish drying lint free towels (Target as well)
4. large font letter stamps,paint,brayer (had on hand)
5. large cup hooks
6. clothespins and twine (had on hand)

Total cost of needed supplies, probably less than $30 for 3 windows

I washed and dried all new linens.  While doing that I attached the hooks to the crown molding for the height and the strength of the wood vs. 150 year old plaster.

 

Next I checked for length and used the sheet bottom as the top so the finished edge would be on the bottom of the panel.  I made the seam pocket for the bamboo to slide through the hem if you will.  I measured the length it needed to be to go ceiling to floor and only had to sew one straight line across each sheet . Done!  This really does create a much taller, airier room.  Hard to describe the way it felt once done, it was instantly changing to a peaceful room to dream in.  The light filters through the organic cotton so beautifully!

The next step was a fun one.  I tied some twine to the hooks to create the "clothesline valance".  I really wanted there to be a message so I picked one of our favorite "lovely love" sayings.  "Always Kiss Me Goodnight". This worked out great for the 3 windows and spacing.  I chose large letters with a very lightened beige color.  Have fun with this, hand write, stamp, go nuts!  Vintage hankies would be adorable as well...so would vintage baby clothes.

Directions for stamping on fabric:

1.Start with washed fabric. 

2. Next, I like to iron a length of freezer paper to the back of the area of fabric I am working on for stability and prevention of paint bleed through to your work surface.

3.Use a fabric paint, or acrylic with a fabric medium mixed in but follow instructions for use.  Honestly if they are decorative and not washed as frequently as clothing you could go with whatever acrylic you have on hand.

4. A simple trick to keep the letters somewhat in a straight line.  I taped a piece of string across the bottom of each towel at the exact spot I wanted the bottom of the letter to rest.  Always write your word out in front of you on a scrap and start with the middle letter stamped first in the center, don't forget to count the spaces between words.

5.Use a roller or a brayer to apply paint to the stamp for a nice even coat.

  Once dry, hang your valances on the line with fun clothespins!

 

This project is so simple, in fact it probably took me longer to take pictures and post than to actually do it.

For a fun tie back...I prefer to tie window treatments in the center for that hourglass look, I used more twine and a clothespin.  There is a small nail on the edge of each frame to hang them on when not in use.

 

(I would show you how nice it looked if the exterior windows were clean and the yard was not brown and in need of a rake)

Tomorrow, other lovely words and simple decor

How to take a screenshot

I just recently received and email asking how to do a "screenshot" to show of such things as Etsy Treasuries, etc.

Here is how I explained it:

  First make sure everything you want in the picture is showing on the screen, it will not capture anything that you would need to scroll up or down to see.  Then I hold down the "Ctrl" key and press the "print screen" key. (then I realized you do not even have to hold down the "ctrl" key)  It will feel like you computer just did nothing but it actually placed anything you saw on your screen on your clipboard.  The I open my Microsoft works program to a blank project like a flyer, or any editing program you have to paste and edit a photo, and "paste" the screenshot there.  Then crop it down to what you want shown and "Bob's you uncle" perfect screen shot!!

 

All computers are different but here is a good Typepad link that explains other ways.

 

I just did one of my "bee spotting" flickr group.

 

 

 

I also like to add the link where I found the shot to the picture so when anyone clicks on the picture it will take you right to the site.  Give credit where it is due. 

 

I am posting this today as a helpful tidbit of info because you never know when you might bee in the spotlight.  It is one of those things that is good to know.  I am also posting it today because I am proud of all of you who are being featured out there online or magazines. It is thrilling to flip through and see names I know.  Congratulations to all!

 

Tame that little girl's...

...hair clip clutter!

A friend had waved the white flag of hair clip calamity.  The little box was just not working out any more and she made a request for a hair clip control system that will serve a purpose and be aesthetically pleasing.  I immediately worked up some ideas but one in particular came to mind.  This one from our gal Martha featured in a little "Organizing Good Things" magazine I had from 2004.

I started with a frame I had and added various spools as did Martha. Went over it all again with watered down gesso with a hint of pale peach to "de-white" it a bit.  Sanded it to distress it a bit  Then I tried attaching the ribbon with a staple gun but it seemed to cause more stress to the frame so I opted for a super strong glue in a hotter glue gun. (note this is a bit stronger than an average craft glue gun).

A secret to the ribbon hanging frame is not to actually hang the frame with the ribbon.  There is a picture hanger on the frame and my friend may use a decorative nail or hook to loop the ribbon over once the frame is in place.  Should she not want the ribbon hanger it is attached with basic thumb tacks on the back for easy removal.  I see it as an extra place to clip hair clips to. 

(Since this is photographed in PJ girl's room, I have used her stuff, available nails and just a tad of masking tape to keep the ribbon up out of the way)

Speaking of extra hair clips I made up some "extenders" in case more room is needed.  Made with ribbon glued around a hair tie and some "rejects" from some of my hair clip experiments on the end to assure clips do not slip off.  My friend's daughter "Wooga" may want to use the one with the dolphins for "school clips" and maybe another for holidays or special clips.  If they are seasonal she may want to store them in a drawer...easy peasy!

 

Since I started with so many hair-clips, Pajama Girl has a few...ok...lie!  She has so many and when we designed her "big girl" room a few years back there was a butterfly theme here and there so I made this one with the "butterfly" nets and attached it right to a small closet door. 

A note on this...I need to weed some well loved ones out but as I was looking at them I have noticed some have faded because this is next to a window.  You may want to think about where to hang these.

One last tip.  Keeping control of ponytail holders is a whole other story but we prefer plastic shower rings and tucked away in a drawer!

How to mind your bees wax

Class...class...CLASS!  Ahem, thank you.  Today we are going to learn how to grace the beauty of our art with a layer of the next best thing to honey. (covering our art in honey is not a good idea and taste too good to waste)

Facts on Wax I found here:

Beeswax is a byproduct of honey production. It makes wonderful lip balms, hand lotions, hand creams, moisturizers, in cosmetics, wood finishes, waxes, leather polishes; waterproofing products, and dental molds.
It is impervious to water and unaffected by mildew. It has a melting point of 143 to 148 degrees F. and should only be heated using a double boiler as it is flammable when subjected to fire and flames. It is pliable at 100 degrees F.

Beeswax is produced by the (female) worker honeybees. The wax is secreted from wax glands on the underside of the bee's abdomen and is molded into six-sided cells which are filled with honey, then capped with more wax. When honey is harvested, the top layer of wax that covers the cells, the cappings, must be removed from each hexagon-shaped cell.

Bees use their wax to "glue" together the wooden frames in their hive, and that must be scraped off so the frames can be separated. The beeswax, which contains some honey, bee parts, and other impurities, must be melted and filtered or strained.
Most beeswax is gold or yellow but can also be in shades of orange, brown, etc. The color of the wax is in most part determined by the type of plants the bees collect nectar from. Beeswax has a delightful, light fragrance of honey, flower nectar and pollen.
Beeswax makes superior, slow burning candles. Beeswax burns more beautifully than any other wax. It exudes a faint, natural fragrance of honey and pollen. When candles are made with the proper size of wicking, they are smokeless, dripless, and burn with a bright flame.

If you wonder why beeswax is so expensive, consider this: It has been estimated that bees must fly 150,000 miles to produce one pound of wax. Bees must eat about six pounds of honey to secrete a pound of wax. For every 100 pounds of honey a beekeeper harvests, only one to two pounds of beeswax are produced.

Now you have the facts, next the warning  This is just the way I have played with beeswax, nothing official, I can not be held responsible for injury.  With that all said and done, may we finally beegin???

First supplies you will need or improvise safely.  (stems from the my creative needs to do when I wanted to, and not wait for proper supplies)

1. matte gel medium or matte sealer, more on that in a minute
2. tart burner with tea light candle
3. all sorts of yummy wax, I use pellets, rolled, and white bleached.  The white pellets are found in the candle making sections of craft stores and make the finished item a little harder, just a pinch will do.
4. old paint brushes to donate to this cause.
5. craft heat tool
6. very important...your coffee or tea with honey, you will need something to sip peacefully while waiting for the wax to melt

Next add a little bit of everything or what every you have in your tart burner.  As it melts, grab your hot beverage of choice( if it involves a pinch of hooch do not breath too close to the lit candle).  Turn on my blog, enjoy the music.  Your wax will bee melted shortly.

Ready, lets play!

Grab your art....hmmm this random piece that I found laying around in a pile of....Kidding, I threw this together the night before I decided to do this post.

MAKE SURE YOUR ART IS SEALED IN SOME TYPE OF MATTE SEALER OR MEDIUM AND DRY BEFORE YOU BEGIN.  IF YOU SKIP THIS STEP YOU MAY END UP WITH A WEIRD DISCOLORED OR PARTIALLY SATURATED LOOK TO THE PAPERS.

I start by brushing a little bit here and there.

Below are some thicker strokes, I like that for some art pieces but not this one so...

...I heat it a bit to make it all nice and smooth.  I work over a cardboard tray lined with waxed paper so the drips do not get everywhere.

So I brush and heat quickly at the same time making sure it is all uniform (I am not that talented enough to take a picture of that.  You can actually see in the above picture some brown spots where it might not have been sealed well.  In this case, it enhances the look, too much or in the wrong spot might spoil your over all look.

Speaking of drips...I do like to prop my piece up if it is thick and coat the sides in the event there was a drip.  Usually I can prevent them, less is better but not too thin

Here she is the finished project.  More on that in another post.

Have fun, Bee Safe and do not fret.  I have never taken the temperature of the wax nor do I let it stay heated longer than needed.  I do not think it gets that hot, remember a tea light on the bottom, not anything taller as tart burners are meant to warm the wax just enough for melting and releasing the fragrance.  Speaking of fragrance... melting bees wax is just the best ever.  So nice to do this project on a rainy day with 3 wet German shepherd dogs running in and out in the rain all day.