Stitched Paper Gift Bag

 Here's an easy, fun way to turn a plain paper bag into a personalized gift tote.

1. Stamp the entire bag.

2. Spritz the entire bag with glimmer mist to add additional color and sparkle.

3. While that is drying, trim a separate paper sack with decorative scissors; cut to size of front side of gift bag.

4. Stamp paper and spritz paper lightly with glimmer mist, let dry (this should only take a couple minutes).

5. Cut bright fabric scraps into circles for flowers.

6. Enable free motion stitching on sewing machine and attach flowers with varying stitch designs. Then add stems and leaves. I like bright thread and live by the motto "the messier the better."

7. If you want to free motion a word or message I suggest lightly writing it in pencil, then following along with stitching.

8. Have fun, get creative, try anything!

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Repurposed Pillow Covers

My first "commissioned project!" Okay, okay, it was for a friend of my mom's - but hey, I'll take whatever props I can get! My mom had given her friend one of my scarves as a birthday gift and when she heard I was making a foray into pillows she was the first to make an order. So, like many other times in my life, I say "THANKS MOM!"

I used pants, skirts, skirt lining and a jacket to pull together the "old world, patchwork" concept she was after. I also wasted a LOT of time stressing about making something perfect for someone else's home. In the end she liked her pillows and I had a very good night's sleep!

What I love most about these pillows is that they all go together, but are all slightly different. This project was a great inspiration for future ideas!

I found six toile du jouy patches while up to my armpits at the Goodwill bin store. I think they had been curtain tabs in a previous life. After a good washing they were her favorite part of the pillows. I didn't realize what a popular print it is until I started seeing it everywhere. Now I need to find some more - I miss them!

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Ugly Monster Doll - Skater Dude

So this is my last Ugly Monster Doll for a while but I just had to share this little guy. He was inspired by the skater, flannel look. Hope you like him!

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Ugly Monster Doll - With BLING!

Who says an Ugly Monster Doll can't be stylish! This lady is rockin' pink teeth, a lavender lace belt and gems!

She was a gift for a super-stylin' girl I know!

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Ugly Monster Doll - College Edition

If you saw the Ugly Monster Doll I made for my daughter a couple weeks ago you will notice this one is different. My son is a monster University of Oregon Ducks fan (pun intended!) and he asked for a Ducks theme for his little monster. This time I made my own pattern which was fun - I'm definitely going to start doing more of my own patterns!

I sketched the "O" after looking at one of his football posters and made my own applique.

The back side is my son's other love - John Deere - which just happens to sport the same colors and U of O! That makes it easy for mom!!

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Ugly Monster Doll

My daughter turned three last week and I noticed she's been interested in the "ugly" dolls in the store. After a very quick search on Pinterest I found a tutorial with a free pattern! I made this in about an hour the day of her party. So easy and fun and to my surprise the big kids at the party loved it as much as the little ones! A big thanks to RevoluzZza.com for sharing the monster with my little monster!!

Printed pattern layed out on a scrap of fabric to determine sizing.

Front and back ready to become a monster!

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