Applique' Apron

My recent passion has been learning to applique'. I am in love with it! It is so much fun, and can be really calming when you get into it. So I knew that I wanted to make an apron, and I had found this really adorable half apron at Anthropology that I couldn't resist buying. The pattern was simple, a basic "rectangle" of fabric with a folded over waist band and apron ties. I had tons of fabric in my craft room so I didn't need to go out and buy a whole bunch, I just needed a big enough piece for the actual apron, and a long enough piece to make the apron ties. A hot iron and my sewing machine was all I needed to create my apron, which was now my "canvass" for the applique'.

I found this really great book on Applique' by Janet Pittman. Since I had never done any applique' before, I wanted a book that just covered the basics. I read through the whole thing before I went out to buy the supplies, that way I would know what I needed to get, and not waste any money on anything unnecessary. Sometimes it can be confusing when you are starting out a new project or idea, and going to the fabric store can be overwhelming with all the different choices. This book really helped me decide which applique' method was best for me, and for the project I wanted to do.

I always make sketches of what I want to design. I knew I wanted a pocket and an owl and flowers. My sketches then turned into patterns that I traced and cut out on card stock white paper.

Using my patterns I appliqued my pieces on the apron using a paperback fusible web transfer method (which is basically an iron-on technique.) I used both hand and machine stitching to embellish the applique's. The machine stitching was a bit more unpredictable and harder, since I only have a basic sewing machine with a few different stitches. I like the look of the hand stitching better. I used a thicker embroidery thread so It would show up better.

After the stitching was completed I then added buttons and a ribbon at the bottom for extra cuteness.

The owl was the first thing that I appliqued. It took several tries to get it right, and it took some time to figure out the various stitches on my sewing machine. *Note* Keeping tabs on which stitches you used on what setting makes it easier when you want to use the same exact stitch again.

My apron is completely machine washable, (which I think it needs to be) and my next applique' project is going to be matching oven mitts and pot holders. Yay! I'm really excited about my new art technique. As soon as I get the hang of it, I'm going to make a bunch more in different colors, patterns, and styles and then post them for sale in my Etsy shop. So keep an eye out for those in the future. But for now, this apron is mine to adore! (click on the pictures to see a larger version)

Painted Art Dolls

So here are my painted art dolls. This first one is finished, painted with acrylics and protected with a satin varnish that is painted on. She has movable arms and legs, and her dress is sewed out of fabric and permanently attached to her body. I added a loop to the back of her dress so she can be hung on a wall. She sits by herself or can even stand against a wall.

The second art doll is the one that sits on her base. She is unfinished and will have movable arms as well. I think I like the first one better as she is a more "traditional" doll with arms and legs. So I don't think I will be making anymore dolls with bases. I also like the first doll's shape better. She has a more defined head and neck, whereas the other one is wider.

Art Dolls- work in progress

I love making art dolls. They are always so much fun, especially when they start to come to life. When I make something, I usually start out with a few sketches in my sketchbook. I like to keep one close by so when an idea comes to me, (even in the middle of the night) I can jot it down before I forget. With these dolls I had a general idea of what I wanted. I knew I wanted them to be made from muslin and stuffed painted. So here are two of my art dolls, in progress.

I created paper patterns first, then traced them on the muslin fabric. I then sewed them on my sewing machine leaving an opening at one end to rightside the pieces out. Using "pinchers" and a crochet hook help get the job done. I stuff them w/ polyfill and sew up the hole.

Now the pieces are ready to be painted with gesso and sanded. Doing this is like preparing a canvass to be painted. I repeat the process several times till they get just right. Now they are ready to be painted!

On this one I made a bottom for her to stand on out of sculpey and glued it in place. It also helped weigh her down so she could stand on her own. I am making one doll like that with seperate arms attatched, and the other doll will have the more traditional body w/ legs. More pictures coming soon, so keep checking back for the finished result.

Brads: not just for scrapbooking

Recently I made a custom order for a felted bag. She wanted tones of greys and black, a fleur di lis, and studs. What is felting you ask? Well, felting is when you crochet or knit something out of wool yarn, wash it in hot water so it shrinks down. The combination of hot water, agitation, and a little bit of soap cause the wool to shrink, and the fibers to fuse and bond together making a durable yet pliable medium. (You can also felt old wool sweaters and then make stuff out of them, but I prefer to crochet my own wool to felt.)

I line the bags with fabric I sewed on my sewing machine, and stitch on my own hand made label. I also use a magnetic purse clasp for secure closure, and for this order she also wanted a pocket.

For the studs, I found some brads in the scrapbooking section. They were perfect! A bit tricky to place exactly how I wanted, but in the end I got the right look. I also think I found the perfect fabric for this bag. I just love it. I might have to make one for myself.

Fondant Cakes

Not only do I love crocheting, making bags, clocks, and cards, I also love making cakes. Anyone who knows me, knows that I love to bake. I have ever since I was a little girl, baking cookies, cakes, and pies. I recently decided to try my hand at stacked cakes covered in fondant. It was a bit tricky at first, but I bought a cake decorating book called Confetti Cakes, by Elisa Strauss. This book was my guide in teaching myself how to make beautiful cakes. There are lots of tips, techniques, and recipes to help you get started in making your own creations. I also recently got her other book 'Confetti Cakes for Kids', which is really great too.

I started out making my families birthday cakes, and then got the confidence to try a more complicated wedding cake when my sister asked me to do her cake. This is my latest wedding cake that I made for a friend.

Each rose you see, is hand formed out of fondant. I used a leaf cutter for the leaves, and pearls for a touch of sophistication.

The black flowers were cut using a flower cutter then placed in an empty egg carton to retain the shape while drying.

The top of the cake was my favorite to create. I used leaves, black and emerald green ribbon as well as pearls as filler around the flowers. I used florist wire and tape I bought in the flower arranging section at the craft store to make the ribbon loops. But the handmade roses where what was the most time consuming part of decorating the cake, but very fun to make! My cakes are truly one of a kind. For more pictures of my cakes, take a look at my cake photos.