DIY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Burlap Art

If you are trying to figure out a simple project to personalize your space, here's a simple idea. These are my simple step by step instructions:

Use any type of canvas. Mine was a cheap painting from Goodwill.
Cut out a piece of burlap that is a little bigger so you have extra to fold over.

I used small dots of hot glue around the edges. This way if I decide to change
the fabric the burlap will be easy to remove.

Ta da!

See my little helper again? He still thinks burlap is for laying on.

 Now take your letter and get wrapping. You can use yarn or jute.
I decided to go with a fall colored yarn.

Finished letter. Then take a piece of fabric or ribbon to attach letter.
I did a cute little slip knot. Then I just tied it to the wire behind the
canvas (that's meant for hanging). You could glue it too.

Finished!

It's a goofy looking T but I love it!

 

DIY Fall Wreath

Since we're already into October, I figured I better share my first ever DIY fall wreath. It's pretty simple really. Everyone head to your nearest Hobby Lobby and pick up these items. If I can do it so can you.

• Willow wreath; $4.99
• 4 pieces different colored felt; 4 for $1.00 (I chose tan, burgundy and purple)
• Tiny buttons; $1.99
• A decorative fall piece; $1.49
• Fabric; $3.99 for 1/2 yard

First I started by searching for some DIY felt flowers tutorials. This one was my favorite: http://papernstitchblog.com/2011/12/14/diy-felt-flowers-five-ways/.  I wasn't even sure there was such a thing but it's Google. Google has everything! Once I had a few flowers made I put a button in the middle of one or two just to make them look a little different.

Then I arranged the flowers over the wreath to see how I wanted them to lay. Once I knew they were exactly where they should be, I took some strips of fabric and wrapped it around the wreath, securing the decorative piece in place.  Then glue the felt flowers in place over the wreath and fabric. Voila! Oh, and use whatever kind of ribbon or fabric you want to hang it. I used a strip of burlap and just tied a bow. (I told you this was easy!)  I probably didn't even need to give instructions. Mostly, just go with your gut. The point is, I'm proud of my very first DIY project and wanted to share it with you!

The materials for decorating the wreath.

One of those cute little felt flowers.

Voila!

LOVE the finished project!

A close up!

I'm already trying to figure out what my next project should be....maybe my first chalkboard? Or maybe a fall table runner? You'll just have to wait and see!

 

 

 

Wedding Project 101

Similar to the one at the dress shop.
Pretty but just not unique.

While I am waiting to get my pictures off my camera and onto my latest post, I will share with you my first DIY project I made for my wedding. While dress shopping I knew what I wanted for a hairpiece and veil. The hairpiece they handed me was pretty but it was a little on the dull side. It was all one color and very common but I was so tempted to buy it just because I knew I wanted something similar to that and it wasn't super expensive. Thankfully I decided to wait. I perused online and searched sites like Etsy, and even they could get expensive. The ones that I really liked were a minimum of $40 and could go as high as $80. I decided to make my own. I figured even if it didn't turn out, I wouldn't be out that much money.

I went to Hobby Lobby and went in search of what I thought I would need.

• Plastic combs (they were bigger than the metal ones so more room to work with)
• Neutral piece of felt
• Feather (in whatever colors you like)
• Hot Glue
• Pearl accessories
• Artificial flower heads (you can get them from a pin or in the wedding section. I went with both)

After all that (and this included buying the glue and glue gun because mine have disappeared) my total was only $20. AND, if I decide to make any more I still have all the stuff with the exception of the flowers. Those I can easily find for only a couple of dollars.

I cut a piece of a neutral colored felt that would be big enough to glue all of my accessories to. I glued the piece of felt directly onto the comb. Once I arranged the flowers, beads and feathers the way I liked, I glued them to the felt. Some of them had wire that wrapped around the back so when it was all done, I added another piece of cut felt to the back to hide all the glue and wires. Voila! It was done. AND I could put it in my hair and just use one bobby pin to hold the felt piece flat to my head. You cannot see the felt AT ALL. And I chose a color that would match my hair the closest. Example, if you have dark hair, I would use a dark piece of felt JUST IN CASE.

My homemade hairpiece.
I'm just waiting on the perfect jewel for the large flower.

Here is my end result. I absolutely love it. And when I found my PERFECT dress, I  tried it on and it looked great. The ladies at the dress shop complimented it and I had to share with them that I made it. I am so proud of it! Moral of the story....you never know what you are capable of until you try. I knew I could be creative but wasn't sure I could pull this off. Now I can't wait to make my next project.....