NEW! Portfolio Organizer Sewing Pattern

After many requests, I’ve finally created a pattern for one of my favorite designs; the portfolio organizer! Adding it to my growing lists of available patterns, it’s been one of the most popular items in my shop and has been featured in many places, including The Wall Street Journal, The Small Things Blog, and Simple Living Media. While I created this organizer to be used with notepads, my customers have found new and exciting ways to use them. From simply storing their to-do lists and stationery to keeping Kindles and Mini iPads tucked away. 

Finished designs measure about 6” x 9.25” closed with approximate pocket size of 5.25” x 8.5” (a 5” x 8” journal fits perfectly!)

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Available as an instant download with the BEGINNING sewer in mind. Includes:

• 10 printable pages with clear photos and precise, step by step instructions
• my own tips and tricks for creating a high quality finished clutch
• resources and links 
• ideas for creating different versions and other projects. 

Materials needed:
•Canvas/ Duck Cloth: 2 pieces 10” x 13” 
•Cotton Print Fabric: 6” x 13” AND 10” x6” 
•Muslin or Solid Cotton: 6” x 13” 
•¼” width Elastic: 10.5” in length
•Fusible Interfacing: 2 pieces 10” x 13” each
•thread & sewing needle appropriate for fabrics and multiple layers*

NOTE: this sewing pattern and FINISHED item is intended for personal use & not for resale as a sewing tutorial in print or other format. 

Like these organizers but would rather purchase one instead? Sure! You can see them in my shop too! 

DIY Paint Swirl Ornaments

We whipped up this pretty ornaments just in time to hand out as teacher gifts. And can I just say I'm addicted and want to keep making more. I cleared out the Michael's glass ornament section, ordered from Amazon and still wish there were more glass globes to be had. 

In any case, these are one of the easiest, kid-friendly-est, and prettiest DIY Christmas gifts we've made in a long time. And since it's so easy, you can customize the colors for your gift list. 

I found this tutorial ages ago and made a few tweaks. Most of it is self explanatory really, get some glass clear ornaments, pop the top off, squirt the paint inside, swirl & swirl, and voila! 

Here's some tips we discovered: 

• Use a thinner craft paint (Folk Art was good, Martha Stewart needed some watering down) otherwise the paint just sits in globs at the bottom and refuses to swirl
• Add a touch of water to paint bottles & shake to mix if too thick, careful not too much water - the result is a milky paint 
• Add paint one color at a time, swirl, and then add the next for a more distinct 'color block' effect (see Pink & Gold ornament) 
• Add paint colors at same time for a marbleized effect (see Green & Aqua or Purple & Gray ornament)
• When done swirling, set ornaments upside in dixie or plastic cups so excess paint can drip out. 
• Check on the ornaments every 30 hour or so, as they may need a bit more of swirl as paint drips out
• Let completely dry for 1-2 days

Happy making :) 

New Pattern - Snap Card Case & Wallet

Hooray! I've whipped up another pattern to share (see my previous clutch pattern here). It's one simple technique, two pretty projects -  double-duty patterns are my favorite to design and sew!  I'm sharing my snap wallet with interior pocket that could easily be carried as a clutch AND the little card case to stash your business cards or license. And since they’re a snap to make, you can whip them up for pretty gifts. The pattern includes 12 pages of instructions and printable templates.  I also throw in lots of sewing tips and links to supplies and resources. It's available here or in my shop for $8  

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Or, of course, you can always just purchase the finished items in my shop too! 

snap wallet

snap card case

card case galore

functional & pretty with an interior pocket

Hand Lettering Tips and Inspiration

Loving all this beautiful lettering I see everywhere. Makes me think of my high school notebooks filled with my experimental handwriting and script. Random words, curlicues, block letter, shadowing, fancy cursive - pretty much everything except the assignment (it's a wonder I made it into the Honor Society ;)   I'm now seeing that all that time-wasting could've been put to good use had I kept with it!

I'm thinking of brushing up on my writing skills - would make my thank you notes a whole lot prettier …and maybe just maybe, I could create a piece of hand lettered wall art for our house. I've found a few bits of inspiration, like tips from Breezy Cheetah on how to fake grate handwriting and Melissa Esplin's tutorial on Lettering with Watercolors (photo above).   And the amazing Cocorrina shares some of her personal lettering tips along with dozens of pretty designs she's created.

A few artists with lettering I love: 

jasmine dowling

brim papery

coco mingo

coco mingo

alston wise

Ribbon Clutch Pattern

One of the aspects I love most about creating is coming up new patterns or my own way of making things. As I've mentioned before, I rarely cook with recipes and I don't sew with patterns. Sometimes it's a glorious failure, other times a happy success. And, when possible, I love to share the results with you!  That's why I'm thrilled to offer this new pattern for a Ribbon Bow Clutch Purse. It's one of my favorite bags and one that you can use in a variety of ways. And, depending on which type of materials you choose, it can go from a practical daytime bag to an evening clutch.  I'd love to say I use mine for sweet summer date nights, but in all honesty it's a pretty way to stash things during the day as I jet around town, taking the boys here and there. 

The bow also adds a nice touch and makes it easy to coordinate with wedding colors, making these bags perfect for DIY bridesmaid clutches.

This pattern is $5 and available as an instant download with the BEGINNING sewer in mind. 

Includes:

• 7 printable pages with clear color photos and precise, step by step instructions
• my own tips and tricks for creating a high quality finished clutch
• resources and links 
• ideas for creating different versions and other projects. 

Buy Now


A few others versions: 

Pretty and Free Script Fonts

Hello & happy Monday! I've whipped up a collection of some of my favorite script fonts - they're all elegant, pretty, and maybe best of all - free! I gathered them up for a new bag design I've got in mind.  I'm finding it difficult to choose just one - which is your favorite? 

Font Titles & Links:
1. Dawning of a New Day 2. Notera 3. Cursif 4. Tamoro 5. Contribute

Enjoy!

Lovely Summer Projects To Make This Weekend

Call me crazy but I'm looking forward to the boys being out of school. We need a break from all the driving around, scheduled activities, and hurried mornings. I'm looking forward to some lazy, sunny days and backyards picnics. All that day dreaming gets me inspired for summer projects! (Not sure how realistic my list is, but let's not burst that bubble just yet...).  Here's a lovely few summer DIY projects I've found. 

Want more craft & design inspiration? Check out my pin boards :)

1) summer pom pom throw / sugar & cloth   2) printable floral stationery / cocorrina 3) tassel necklace / alice & lois

Spring Inspired Weekend Projects

tote bag: fabric paper glue

Hello & happy Friday! I've gathered up some of my favorites projects just in time to whip something up this weekend. From a cute tote (above) to an adorably easy necklace, these projects all seem doable and perfect for spring!

animal keychains: ginger snap

dip dye placemats: design love fest

washer necklace: nestled

DIY Plastic Card Holder - Guest Tutorial from Show Me Pretty

{{ editor's note: Hello! I'm beyond excited to share this guest post tutorial with you guys today. Not only is this DIY plastic card holder super adorable, it's from the ever-sweet Rita at Show Me Pretty. I love her blog and have enjoyed getting to know her, she has so many fantastic ideas! Thank you Rita! xo  }}

Do you know those moments when you just don't feel like carrying around a big heavy tote filled with things you don't need (but carry around anyway, just in case)? I have to admit that I have always been a fan of huge bags and wallets. But lately I started to realize that there's this feeling of freedom attached to carrying just a few things with me: the few ones that I truly need and nothing else. So, besides getting rid of some things, I also designed this very simple and easy to make card holder and gave my old heavy wallet a rest.

I like to use unusual materials and I always do my best to make sure I'm being as environmental friendly as possible (which means I don't like the idea of wasting and I always try to recycle old objects/materials and incorporate them in my DIY projects) which, in this particular case, means that I have an eco-friendly one of a kind card holder made out of an old plastic/acrylic box that came with a candle I once bought.

The good news is that you can also make your own card wallet, following this step by step tutorial. Give it a try and embrace the freedom of carrying around nothing but the basics. Less is more, isn't that what they say?

You can find more of Show me Pretty here:

blog: http://www.showmepretty.com/

facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShowMePretty

pinterest: http://pinterest.com/showmeprettycom/

Best Curtain Tutorials

Ok, so we've lived in our new home for almost a year. And some of the projects I thought I'd get done that first month are still on my to-do list. But we're making progress over here, trying to turn an 80's fab home into something modern with charm. This weekend, we took down all of the awesomely orangey wood blinds with plans for more more sleek and colorful curtains and shades. Since I'd love to add color and splash with the fabrics, I'm thinking of making a few of them (add it to the list!!) - after hours on pinterest, I think I found some of the very best tutorials for all types of shades, with no sew, advanced, and painted ones too! 


{from left to right}

Stamped Chevron Curtains from Crazy Wonderful
Simple Tab Top Curtains from Simple Simon & Co. 
Basic Shade from Young House Love
Grommet Curtain from Vanilla Joy
Fixed Roman Shade by Keeping Up With The Manns

Any home projects you're working on? Look forward to sharing any progress (hoping I'll have some to report anyway....)

A peek at the orange wood goodness- the trim & chandelier are on the list too....

Heart Strings Valentines Day Pillow Tutorial

{FOR PERSONAL, NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY}

My sweet valentine. 

A few years ago, I created my 'heart strings' pillow - previously available in my etsy shop and a reader favorite. And just like my Tree Pillow, I thought it was time to give it an update! Here's my new Heart Strings Pillow, on grey with a single red heart and aqua chevron backing. 

It's a quick little project and adds lots of valentines goodness to a room (though I think I'll seriously keep this one out year round ;) 

Since so many folks recreated the first one, I thought I'd share a little tutorial this time around. Most of it is pretty straight forward, the only tricky part is laying out the hearts evenly & stitching them in place. 

Here we go: 

16" pillow form (or any size)

17" fabric piece for front

two 12" x 17" fabric pieces for back side

felt pieces ( I use the gorgeous felt from Benzie Bazaar)

heart template (i just sketched mine out) 

Trace and cut out 13 white hearts and one red from felt (or any combination you want). 

Either with disappearing fabric pen, or just your trusty eyeball, lay out the hearts in a format you like. I made mine in 4 vertical rows, starting 2.5" in from the side and placing the hearts in the middle of the line. From there, the middle rows are 4" apart. 

Carefully stitch in straight lines down through each heart. This creates your pillow front. 

For the back side, I made an easy envelope style backing.  See my super easy Envelope Pillow Cover Tutorial for directions. 

Presto! Heartsy goodness!

So, what do you think? I'd love to hear your thoughts, and if you make one of these pillow, send me a photo!

Valentine's Day Crafty Roundup

We've *finally* taken down the last of the Christmas lights (please tell me I'm not the only one...) and the pirate party is all cleaned up....  Now it's time for all things valentines-y! 

Here are a few of my favorites:

{top}
I Love You Bunting (entire alphabet) Two Brunettes via Ruffled Blog
Printable Valentine Garland - Whisker Graphics


{middle}
Heart Tree - I Gotta Create
Heart Coffee Cup Sleeve - Martha Stewart
Heart Wreath - The Idea Room


{bottom}
Heart Doilies - Martha Stewart
Valentine's Day Print - Persnickety Prints

Heart Garland - Landee See, Landee Do


{another Valentines Day Crafty Roundup from the years past}

Simple Napkins - Tutorial

I love making gifts for friends and last week I whipped up a set of simple napkins for one of my best gals.  We've all been trying to use more cloth napkins so I made these with a flower print perfect for autumn. I plan on making dozens more for our home, a mix of prints and colors to brighten up the table. 

It's a super simple, one hour project. But you know, sometimes simple - done right- is best! I think this is an awesome beginner sewing project. 

Start with four pieces of 18" x 18" fabric (you could obviously go bigger, but this size is good if you're using a yard of fabric). I like to prewash mine, just to ensure they're not all wonky after the first wash. 

Fold over and press two, opposite sides about 1/2".  The trick here is to make these even and pressed.  

Then, fold over those same to sides to create a clean edge. Again, press, press, press. 

Now, top stitch along those two sides. I like to get fairly close to the fold edge, so it's not going to have an extra little flap. If that makes sense.

Ok, here's my special little trick. You've got two opposite sides folded, pressed, and stitched. Now, we need to do the two *other* opposite sides. If we just folded those over then a little raw edge would peek out the corner, so to prevent this, I fold in the edge, to make a perfect little right triangle. Press & Press! 

Now folder over those sides, just like you did with the first two. See, no straggly raw edges peeking out! Now, top stitch along those sides as you did with the other two.

All stitched :) 

Press again & enjoy!

These would be great to sew up for Thanksgiving dinner, don't you think? What's your favorite simple sewing project?