Yesterday I had a pretty productive nap time. Sometimes I just feel like blobbing out on the couch while my kiddos rest, but other times I am full of energy and get right to work. Yesterday was one of those days. Please excuse the randomness of my projects, lately I've been working on many different things at once. First up, some more sewing. I'm getting a bit better, but still definitely need A LOT of practice. Here is my first official pillow ;)
My lines are getting a bit straighter which is definitely a good thing.
I still need to work on hand-stitching it closed after I stuff it, but I'm sure that will come with time (right?).
Overall, I would call my first official pillow a success. I'm still a total rookie for sure, but plan to continue on until I'm a master :)
Next up are two mini-makeovers for the flea market. My sis and I found this awesome "flea market" resource where they have tons of cheap junk just begging for a makeover. When I say cheap, I mean CHEAP. Both of these pieces were $1 each and I think I can make a few bucks off of them. We'll see.
I totally forgot to shoot a before picture, so you'll just have to visualize it. Picture the most boring light wood colored butcher block type napkin holder. Boring. Solid and practical, but bo-ring.
I spray painted it aqua (of course) and added a little burlap and faux nail heads (aka thumb tacks). If I'm being honest, this little project didn't turn out looking as chic as I had planned. Kind of crafty looking for my taste. But, even if I make $5 on it, I'l' be a happy girl.
I originally thought I could just stick the thumb tacks into the butcher block to attach the burlap, but it was too hard to push them in. So, I snipped off the pointy parts of the thumb tacks and used my glue gun to glue them on. I just free-handed the word "bonjour" on it for some French flavor. I don't know. Cute-ish. What the heck, it's just a napkin holder anyway. Ha ha.
Last but not least, a cow. Actually this little guy may make you want to stop reading my blog. Ha ha! I wouldn't consider my style "country." I am more beach cottage shabby chic - maybe a tad French country. A tad. But, this little cow belongs in a country kitchen for sure. (again, no before pic. Just picture the tackiest painted country cow you can think of).
He got coated in chalkboard paint and now he's a memo-cow :) Mooooooooooo.
All in all, these last 2 mini makeovers aren't really my fave. But, I think if they're scattered around our other treasures at the flea market and priced to sell, I think they may find a happy home.
Bye for now ;)
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you did a great job with the pillow! and i love the cow- i think it is so fun!
ReplyDeleteSo pretty! I love love your pillow!
ReplyDeleteJo-Anna
Ali, I LOVE the cow. I want the cow. Seriously, put her in your Etsy shop and I will buy her from you! I'm a country girl and not afraid to embrace it by decorating my house with cow and chicken stuff. :P
ReplyDeleteAnd your pillow turned our wonderfully! Good for you for sewing and sticking with it. I'm very much a novice sewer too but I finally have a sewing machine set up and can't wait to churn out pillow covers, curtains, etc. this summer when it's too hot to be outside.
Oh, speaking of pillow covers, have you tried the envelope style ones? They will change your life. Check out this tute from Restoration House: http://bringrestoration.blogspot.com/2011/02/five-minute-cushion-and-faux-grain-sack.html
I'm spatially challenged, so at first I was a bit confused as to how the pillow all comes together since you're having to turn right sides together and make a few folds, but it does, trust me. And you will love it because you don't have to hand-sew anything shut! Plus, then if the kids dirty it, you can pull out the insert and wash the cover.