Friday, September 30, 2011

Grids & Grommets

This purse was made from the Grids & Grommets pattern from Indygo Junction.  This bag is very versatile!  The handle can be arranged to have two handles (like shown above) or one long cross body handle.  Way cool!

My mother chose the fabric for this bag.  She is very talented in choosing fabric that looks fantastic with the style of bag.  I wish we lived closer so that she could help me more in this area. 

There are two different sizes in the pattern.  This one is the smaller version.  It is small but surprisingly holds LOTS of stuff. 

The flower was made by cutting 4 layers of 3 different sized circles (mine were scalloped) from synthetic fabric.  Place a brad through the center and then heat the fabric circles with a heat tool.  These are fun flowers to make. 

Enjoy your day!

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Grommet Grab Bag

Here is a bag pattern from Indygo Junction.  It is the Grommet Grab Bag.  The inside is lined in pink like the flower).  I made this for a friend but I think I should make myself one now.  :)

The instructions were clear.  The only part of the instructions I got confused on were the handles...but that was just a me issue.  After I figured out their explanation of how to put together the handles,  I chose to make them a different way. 
Instead of assembling the tubes then weaving them through the grommets then sewing a tube around the seam of each handle.  I ended up assembling the handles while they were woven through the grommets. 
I did this by:
1.  I cut my handle fabric strip 1 inch longer (for a 1/2" seam allowance).  
2.  I folded and pressed both long raw edges in toward the center. 
3.  I wove the  handle with the cording and fabric strip through the grommets (unsewn at this point). 
3.  On the short edges, I opened up the fabric strip flat and sewed the short ends together. 
4.  I pressed the seam allowance open then re-folded and pressed to match the previous pressed creases (from folding and pressing in long side raw edges.)
5.  I then sewed together the ends of the cording.
6..  I then very carefully, took my time and sewed along the folded long edge to enclose the cording.  I had to take it sections at a time and rotate it through the grommets. 

Overall it was a very quick and easy bag to put together. 

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Hambo Hoedown #35

Hap-Hap-Happy Hoedown Time!

This week's Hambo Hoedown Challenge is to "case" a card.  I had NO problems finding a card (or 30) to "case."  I, however, had issues making a card.   I attempted no less than 5 cards.  But scrapped them for one reason or another.  Then I made a card--with glue and everything.  I was getting ready to post it and...well...I don't know?    Anyone else have moments like this?
So, I went back and started another card.  


For the above card  I  cased this card by Melissa Edwards.  It can also be found by looking on this page here.
I'll go ahead and share my other card...

For this card I cased this card by Sarah Horne.  It can also be found by looking on this page here.
So, of course...I ask my family which card to use...they chose opposite of me.  Oh well...

Also, I have been trying to leave some love on various blogs.  But there must be a little gremlin at work because many times I get an error message...something like you are not authorized to post from this blog.  (after I log into my blog).  I don't know....

I hope you enjoy your week!
Supplies Used (card 1):
 Hambo Stamps-Dragonfly-digi
Dies: Spellbinders Nestabilities-Oval, Labels Four
Patterned Paper-Sassafrass Lass

Supplies Used (card2)
Stamps:  Hambo Stamps-digi, Cornish Heritage Farms-Vintage Text
Dies:  Spellbinders Nestabilities-Ovals, Scalloped Ovals, PTI-buttons
Punch:  Martha Stewart Craft

Monday, September 26, 2011

Bijoux Baby Jewelry Roll

     I was so excited when I saw this pattern. I couldn't wait to make one.  I don't know why.  I've been wanting to make something like this for a while. 
     This Bijoux Baby Jewelry Roll pattern is offered exclusively at www.fabric.com for free. 
     It was really a quick project to make.  Only about 4 hours including cutting-out pieces and hand sewing the back of the bias binding. 


     The only part that was a little tricky is the inner part with the zippers.  When I placed the pattern pieces to see how they fit together, I sort of figured that when all parts--zippers, center and pocket pieces, were assembled it would be too long.  It was.  I ended up having to trim about an inch off of the center section.  I think this has to do with how wide the zipper is.  I also changed the button fastener on the ring holder to a snap...to make my life easier.  :)

     I don't think the instructions stated how wide of bias binding to purchase or make.  I guessed and made mine 2" wide.

     While I do LOVE many Hot Patterns patterns, instructions are minimal at best.  I have found that sometimes it is helpful to take the pattern pieces and place them together to have an understanding of how it all needs to be assembled. 

     Have a great one!

Friday, September 23, 2011

Hoedown #34

Time for another Hambo Hoedown Challenge!
I love this week's challenge.  Read all about it here...play along if you'd like.  It is for a great cause. 
This submarine image is perfect for our family.  My husband used to work on (or more likely in) submarines. :)
Supplies Used:
Stamps:  Hambo Stamps-Pig Sub-digi
Dies: Nestabilities-scalloped oval, classic oval
Embossing plate:  PTI-Sunshine

Here is another card...
Supplies Used:
Stamps:  Hambo Stamps-Pig Sub-digi, Prima Marketing, Inc.-Photo Frames
Punches:  McGill-File Label
Dies:  Sizzix-Bubbles

Have a great one!

Thursday, September 22, 2011

M &M Peanut Butter Cookies

I was thinking the other day that my kids really need to learn to cook and bake.  I was cooking and baking by myself at their age.
I taught my oldest to make mac n cheese and quesadillas.  That is all he cares to make...so he said. :)   He rarely cleans up his mess, too.  LOL!
Anywho, I thought of a simple recipe to get them started.    I know they love to eat these cookies. 


This is an extreemly easy recipe.  My mom gave me this recipe.  Both my mom and son are not able to eat gluten.  There's no flour in these here cookies. :)

Peanut Butter Cookies

1 Cup Peanut Butter
1 cup sugar
1 egg
Mix all ingreedients together.  No mixer needed.  I like to add in Chocolate Chips and/or M&M's.  We use an ice cream scoop to place on cookie sheet then flatten with the bottom of a glass dipped in sugar. 
Then bake 375degrees until they look done. 

ENJOY!

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Hoedown #33

This week's Hambo Hoedown Challenge is to incorporate something from around the house that you don't normally see on a card. 
I used candy.  You know...for Halloween.  Ya, that's why it's in the house...for Halloween. :)  Just like the milk chocolate chips are for "baking" purposes.  :)


I've been fighting off my kids.  They've been trying to eat my candy now that they know it's in the house.  I can't believe they haven't found the rest of the bag.  I don't have it hidden.  They think that these are the only two candy bars in the house...PLEASE they should know me better than that! :)

Enjoy your weekend!

Supplies used:
Stamps:  Hambo Stamps-House 2-digi
Dies:  Nestabilities-Scalloped ovals, Labels Four, Sizzix-Bat, Fence, Ghost
Punch:  EK Success-pumpkin
Decorative Scissors-Provo Craft-Grass