Young Women Value Blocks

I'd been wanting to do some sort of decoupage project on wood blocks for some time now and the other day I thought of this. They were super easy. The only thing I had to buy is the blocks because I already had everything else. I printed "Young Women Values" and each of the values in different fonts to give it a little variety. I used scrapbook paper that I had on hand along with punches and borders. The little flowers you see are cut from a "page a day" Mary Engelbreit calendar from several years ago. I hadn't used Mod Podge in many years. Just applied it with a foam brush to each layer as I went. I wanted to practice and show the other YW leaders. We'll be doing this project for mutual soon.

$1 Apron Tutorial

I found this piece of upholstery material at the Goodwill a couple weeks ago for $1 and thought it would make a great apron! It started out about 28" square.
First, I cut two 3" strips off one side to use for ties.

I folded the ties right side together and sewed one end and one side then used a pencil to turn them right side out. For the vintage apron I topstitched around the ties but didn't on this apron since the fabric is a lot stiffer I figured they would stay in place.

Then I cut a 6" strip off the other side of the fabric and turned the top & bottom over a 1/4" twice and topstitched along each edge to hold in place. After sewing across the pocket I pinned it in place and sewed along the bottom of the pocket. I also topstitched two lines down the pocket to turn it into three. After the pocket was in place I turned the bottom and sides over a 1/4" twice and sewed to finish it.

Finished apron. Can you see where I sewed across the pocket to make three?
Good thing I still had my walking foot on my sewing machine. It was a little tricky to navigate sewing through all the layers since this fabric was pretty thick.

Here's my self portrait in the mirror wearing my new apron. It's going to be so handy! It might end up as my gardening apron to hold my tools. I have lots of weeds to pull in the back yard and need to get started on them!

Vintage Apron

I've been so busy crafting lately that I haven't spent nearly enough time posting all my creations. Since I hadn't sewed a piece of clothing in about 15 years I thought a simple apron would be good practice. I went to JoAnn's a couple weeks ago and got a couple cute patterns that were on sale for a dollar each. This is made from the Sewing for Dummies pattern. It's made from some fabric I had in my stash that appeared to be quite old. It just ties in the back. The pattern called for making the neck strap adjustable through two D-rings but I just made an extra tie and sewed it to both sides to slip over my neck - much easier! Sorry the picture's not that great. I thought this would be easier than setting the timer but the lighting not's too great. I figured this would be a good way to use up some random pieces of fabric I've collected over the years. I'm sure I'll be making more soon!

Valentine Jewelry Gift Boxes

In preparation for my Valentine's Day Boutique this Sat. I made some Valentine gift boxes. They will be free with jewelry purchase while supplies last!

Long Beach Boys

While I was in CA last week visiting my family I acquired these school pictures of my cute nephews. Took a break from cleaning house today to frame them up with supplies I found around the house. Who says hoarding is a bad thing?