A Rainbow Pouch

Here is a project cobbled together from things I found in my sewing kit.

Fabric remnants, a zipper, and embroidery thread.

Inspired by something I saw at a shop, I decided to do a little DIY.

I sewed a rainbow! I like to use the term "sketching with thread".

I added a zipper, sewed this on and also closed the seams (you can use a sewing machine or do this by hand).

Here is my finished rainbow pouch...TADA!

Because I had thread left over, I made a tassel. No need to waste even a small piece...TADA!

Handmade Gift Bows

It's all about gift wrapping today!

I saw this at a store and thought I could make it myself. Why buy when we can D-I-Y?

I found some pink tissue in my craft stash.

I used some basic supplies like scissors, glue, and tape. 

I folded the paper in half and cut a fringe along the fold. I opened up the paper in the opposite way so that the petals form these arches. Then I rolled the paper onto itself and glued the edge in place...TADA!

Here's another idea:

I cut a fringe from the strip of paper. Compared to the first fringe I made, this is not cut along the fold giving the fringe a grass-like look. 

I wrapped the paper around the box and taped it in place. 

Then I embellished with stickers...TADA! 

Using the same technique, I made a flower by rolling the fringe and attaching it to the box with washi tape...TADA!

Doesn't it look like a carnation? 

And here's a final idea:

I cut multiple circles and stacked them on top of each other (adding a bead of glue between each stack). Then I cut fat fringes and twisted the bottom of the paper to bunch up the circles.

Now the paper looks like a pompom flower...TADA!

Even if you don't have bows on hand, you can make them yourself, turning plain paper from blah to TADA!

You'll find more D-I-Y bow ideas here, here, and here.

The Gift of Calligraphy

Several years ago, I took a calligraphy class from the endearing and talented Maybelle Imasa-Stukuls. I was elated to discover that she published a book last year!

It's called "The Gift of Calligraphy, A Modern Approach to Hand Lettering with 25 Projects to Give and Keep."

Inside, she gives a short history on calligraphy and how it has evolved to "Modern Calligraphy" or a style derived from one's own handwriting. And that is confidence-building for sure! I've pored through books and observed some demos on the rules of proper calligraphy, feeling insecure that I'm not doing it correctly. Well, Maybelle encourages us to let go of perfection. 

The book is a resource on how to set up a work space, the best tools to use, and the proper way to hold a pen. 

The art direction, a collaboration with Rebecca Thuss and Patrick Farrell, is just lovely!

Like any other hobby, it's important to practice, practice, and practice!

And these are my practice sheets...TADA!

Once I got the hang of it, I tried out the different project ideas in the book:

(1) Pictorial Calligraphy: fill a shape with words written in calligraphy (ex. the classic song "New York, New York" inside an apple)

(2) A favorite quote that you can display (with or without a frame) on your work desk

(3) Make your own gift wrapping sheets

(4) Parcel Mail Art: in the book, Maybelle decorated a wooden box with a label, twine, vintage postage stamps, and a wax seal. Here is my version where I re-purposed a cardboard box:

*****

(5) Brush lettering on fabric: I added "Cheers" to this cloth gift bag using a permanent marker

(6) Draw your own Botanical Poster (I was inspired by spring blooms)

(7) A Message in a Bottle! I wrote some letters and put them inside these empty vanilla bean/pod vials

(8) Labels and Tags for packaging, mailing, and gifting 

I love how these projects help improve my calligraphy style and double as gifts or packaging for gifts...TADA!

"The projects in this book range from easy to advanced, and I created them with the idea of making and giving something handcrafted. I hope you will find that the act of making a gift to give is also an invaluable gift to yourself. Take pride in the fact that you created the gift by hand -- and let go of the idea of perfection. If you are patient with yourself and remember to have fun, you will discover the many ways that the gift of calligraphy can spread love and kindness in unexpected ways." - Maybelle Imasa-Stukuls

Treasures from the Trash: A Chalkboard Easel

Hey guys, look at what I found in the trash:

It's a chalkboard easel!

One side has a chalkboard 

The other side has a whiteboard 

On top there's room for a roll of drawing paper and there are shelves to put all the drawing materials one could possibly need.

It just needed some cleaning up. Sadly, I didn't take it home -- I just don't have the space for it. But if I did, here are some ideas to turn this chalkboard easel from blah to TADA! 

via Popsugar

Clean it up and paint it in a new color. Use it to dress up a small corner as a child's creativity space.

via Pinterest

Use the chalkboard easel as an inspiration board in a craft room or a vision board in a home office. 

via Pinterest

Use it to welcome guests at your next party...TADA!

via Pinterest

Turn it into a menu board for your next potluck. Decorate the shelf with flowers that guests can take home afterwards.

via Pinterest

Here's another menu board idea for "Taco Night".

via Pinterest

Use it to invite potential customers into a local shop or booth at the craft fair...TADA!

via Pinterest

Or use the chalk board easel to display your merchandise at the farmer's market or craft show.

Maybe you have some furniture that need a new lease on life? Turn them from blah to TADA!

Shopping in my Closet : A Summer Outfit

Hi guys! Today I'm introducing a new section in my blog called "Shopping in my Closet". I got this idea from a beloved aunt of mine. She lived next door from my parents' house and she would have lunch with us every Sunday. After lunch I would always ask her, "What are you going to do this afternoon?" and one of my favorite replies from her was, "I'm going shopping in my closet!" And she did have a magical closet -- I would run to her every time I needed a cute party outfit!  

Shopping in my closet. Isn't that a blah to TADA! idea? We tend to accumulate a lot of stuff and sometimes we forget what's in there. 

Let me show you what I found: 

This is a kimono made from sheer, light fabric.  It doesn't have any buttons or closures so the front drapes gracefully. 

It was a gift from a dear friend of mine. But I've never worn it. Eeeep! Not because I don't like it but because I don't know how to wear it. 

But with a little more digging in my closet, I came up with these combinations:

Kimono + blue tank top + jeans = an outfit for movie night or brunch with the gang that I can wear with sandals and a straw bag...TADA!

Kimono + white top + denim cut-off shorts = I can wear this to a backyard party or a day at the beach...TADA!

I'll wear it with my favorite hat and a pair of sneakers or flip flops...TADA!

Maybe I can also wear the kimono with a plain sleeveless dress or as a bathing suit cover-up. I would love to know if you have other suggestions, too.

I hope this post has inspired you to shop in your own closet and turn your everyday fashion from blah to TADA!