A Zig-Zag Album for Arnold Grummer

This little project is something that could be used as a small photo album for any occasion by just changing the type of handmade paper and paper casted embellishment.  It could also become a small journaling book or mini scrapbook keepsake.

VIsit the Arnold Grummer blog to find the information you need to create your own, yhen check out the other interesting ideas from the other contributors to the blog.  You will find some fun things to try!

ARNOLD GRUMMER BLOG:http://arnoldgrummerpapermaking.blogspot.com/2015/04/zig-zag-album.html

Decorative Trimmings Ideas With Designers Craft Connection

Another fun design challenge this time using trims from Decorative Trimmings.  This particular project was made using just one of the requested trims for this months challenge.  I am excited about the others I requested and received and will be using them in upcoming projects.

The theme given to follow was "Weddings".  Here I created two items for a bride on her special day.  Two white linen bags, one to hold make-up and a small  tote to hold anything a bride had to have on hand for the day. This same combination of bags could also be made for the bridal party in a color to match their attire.  This would make a lovely bridesmaid gift from the DIY bride-to-be.

Close-up of 1" White Star Guimp Trim

Materials 
White Star 1" Guimp Trim #02550-001
White Linen Fabric
White Lining Fabric
Iron On Low Loft Fleece Interfacing
White Thread
White 8" Zipper (or slightly longer)
Sewing Machine

For Bag
Cut 2 - 10 1/2" x 11 1/2" pieces of white linen
Cut 2 - 10 1/2" x 11 1/2" pieces of white lining fabric
Cut 2 - 10 1/2" x 11 1/2" pieces of fusible fleece interfacing
Cut 2 - 2 1/2" x 23" pieces of white linen (Handles)
Cut 2 - 11" lengths of White Star trim for bag
Cut 2 - 23" lengths of White Star trim for handles

For Cosmetic Bag
Cut 2 - 7" x 8 1/2" pieces of white linen
Cut 2 - 7" x 8 1/2" pieces of white lining fabric
Cut 2 - 8" lengths of White Star trim for cosmetic bag
Cut 1 - 6" length of white ribbon for zipper tab

Sewing

Iron fusible interfacing onto the  wrong side of lining piece of fabric according ot manufacturer directions. Place right sides of fabrics together for the front and back of bag.  Sew along the top (10 1/2") edge, using a 1/2" seam.  Turn and press along the top edge.  Place a cut length of the decorative trim onto the right sides of bag pieces, placing both in the same spot.  Stitch down center of trim using a slightly longer stitch.  Place the front and back pieces together,  with right sides facing  and  matching the trim on both pieces, sew around the bag.  Trim seams if necessary, cut with pinking shears, then use a zigpzag stitch to finish the seams.  To form the bottom of bag - Form a corner at the seam line, measure about 2"  up from the to point, draw a line about 4" across; the stitch on the line across, backtacking at both ends.  Repeat for other corner.  This will make the bottom of the bag flat.  NOTE: Either trim the points for leave and use some Fabri Tac™ glue to hold them down.  

Iron the two handle pieces in half; iron the raw edges to the inside fold; press strips well.  Place the longer length of decorative trim onto the handle strips and stitch down the center.  NOTE:  Make the trim piece slightly longer so about an inch of the trim can go around the ends of the handle pieces; pin to hold in place, then sew.  Hand stitch the handles onto the bag.

For cosmetic bag, sew front fabrics and linings together along 7" edge for the two sides.  Turn and press the edge well.   NOTE: Use a 8" or longer zipper so it can be trimmed.  Place the metal "stop"  and pull  at least 1/2" from outer edge of fabric pieces.  Sew one of the pressed edge  pieces to the zipper, using a zipper foot and topstitching about 1/8' along edge.  Repeat with other side piece, making sure side edges of both pieces are even. Continue the sewing using a regular sewing foot. Place and sew a length of decorative trim to the bag panels, as done for the larger bag.

Open zipper to about the middle of the bag.  Place the two sides together, rights side facing each other: pin to hold.  Start sewing at the top of one side, sew around the three sides of the bag.  NOTE: Use a 1/2" seam.  Sew carefully through the zipper at both ends. Backtack both spots.  Trim the excess zipper away.

Like the larger bag, measure 1" from each  of the corners at the bottom of the bag, draw a line about 2" long.  Sew across the line, backtack to hold ends. Trim the corners neatly.  Turn bag right side out; push out corners.  Tie a length of ribbon through the zipper pull; trim.

Deflecto Design Team - Celebrate & Honor

Almost every month brings reasons to celebrate or honor someone, be it family or friend.    The first idea to share is a twist on a banner.

From Deflecto magnet sheets, I cut a banner flag shapes.  NOTE: Cut as many flag shapes for the greeting of your choice.  Cut decorative papers to match the magnet shapes.  Attach the papers to the magnet shapes using double-sided tape.  Cut a square from Scotch Brand chalk tape and trim the edges with decorative scissors.  Place the chalk tape square onto the magnet flags.  Each of the flags are embellished with a die-cut 3D paper flower and two punched paper leaves.  NOTE:  Each of the flags and the paper leaves are shaded around the edges with some inks.  Use chalk or a chalk marker to write you greetings on the squares. With a hole punch, make two holes near the top of each flag.  Lace a length of ribbon through the holes, space evenly.  Place the banner on a door.

One of my very favorite Deflecto frames is this floating-type frame.  On its own it is just a lovely frame but it does lend itself to a wide variety of embellishing techniques.

To add just a slight touch of color I used clear acrylic stickers.  Stickers are a very easy way to add a personal touch to a plain frame.  With these stickers I added foam dots to the center backs for placement on the frame.  By adding one or two layers of dots you can arrange the stickers for a more dimensional look.  NOTE:  After placing the dots on the backs and before removing the release, brush the adhesive part that shows with a little bit of talcum powder to remove the "stick".

The last of the acrylic frames once again has some simple embellishments that can give it just a little something extra.  Four shapes were made from Makin's Clay.  Directions for this are as follows:  Make the casting using a mold of choice and follow directions from manufacturer, using white Makin's Clay in the molds.  When dry, paint as desired.  Cut a decorative background paper of choice for inserting in frame.  Glue the Makin's Clay elements to the corners of the frame.  Add a tiny banner that spells out the special someone you are celebrating with alphabet stickers.

My Handmade Flower Garden

So while the weather finally warms and nature begins to spring forth a new season, here are some visions of blooming flowers of a different kind

Some of my many handmade flowers - made from handmade papers, decorative papers, fabrics, felt, felted wool, burlap, plastic fun foam, stitched and metal.  All are used for various decorations, cards and wearables.  That is how my garden grows!

Keepsake Princess Frame with Makin's Clay

Creating this little keepsake frame to commemorate two occasions with my youngest grandchildren was fun with the help of Makin's Clay®.

The inspiration came from seeing the latest version of the Disney classic fairy tale "Cinderella" with them.  While visiting Disney World last Spring, with the girls and their parents, I captured the instant moments when they met each of the "Princesses" during our visit.  Wanting to create a keepsake that included a special photo and elements from the new movie, I combined several for the finished frame.

Now use this link below to visit the Makin's Clay Blog for all materials and instructions to create something special for any little princess in your life

MAKIN'S CLAY BLOG