Hoedown!

Happy Wed.!
For this week's Hambo Hoedown Challenge click here.
The challenge is to use a metal charm, dog tag, or dog bone.

The new image this week is actually Doghouse Blues.   I, however,  used the dog image from the Doghouse Set. 
Anyone else been watching The Voice?  I believe the final show is tonight.  Hope I have time to watch.  If not, I guess I'll catch it on the internet. 
Have a great one!
Supplies:
Stamps:  Hambo Stamp's-Doghouse Set, Savvy Stamps-thank you
Punch: Ek Success-border punch,
Dies:   QuicKutz-scalloped nesting flowers
Cutting Machine: Cricut-Paper Pups cartridge
Embossing folder:  Cuttlebug-Traffic Jam
Bling:  Darice
Patterned Paper:  DCWV-La Creme Stack

Sunhats

Ahh, these hats are fun and easy to make.  One can be made in a few hours.  I keep thinking I am going to make myself one, but I haven't...yet.  I don't usually wear hats.  I do love them though.  I have made several. 
As you might be able to guess by now, I LOVE flowers.  I add them to most things I make.  My mom tells me "You have to add flower(s), It's your signature." So, hats are no exception.  For the most part, when I make flowers, I  kind of play with the fabric and see what happens. 
Here are a few hats:

Outside

same hat (inside out or outside in). 

I like to make this hat reversible.  It's like two hats for the price and sewing for one. 

I made this as a gift.  I took this pic long before I had a blog and knew I'd be sharing it. 

The hats above were made with the Amy Butler Blue Sky Hat pattern.  This pattern, like most Amy Butler patterns, have clear instructions and lots of pictures.  There are several different sizes  that can be made with the pattern (head measurement 21 1/8"-23 7/8").  There are two variations on this hat one is a sunhat with the brim the other is a skull cap (without brim).

The hat below is a different sunhat pattern made from a free pattern:

I was playing with scraps for this hat.

The pattern link for this adorable: Sunny Side Up Sunhat.
I found that this pattern ran small.  I gave it to my daughter.  She is a tween-ager...it was small on her, too.  So, if you plan on making one you might check sizing and adjust accordingly.

Have a great one!

Make it Monday #21

Hello!
The Papertrey Ink Make it Monday Challenge can be viewed here.

I used the large  Labels 5 Nestabilities die and one that was 2 sizes smaller...for the masking.  Like in the video I placed the center mask on and I inked the edges with grey ink.  I then stamped the vintage text stamp with black ink.  I placed the outside mask on and stamped the inside images.
Hope your week has started out great!
Supplies:
Stamps:  PTI-Enjoy the Ride, It's a Celebration, Cornish Heritage Farms-Vintage Text, Unknown--Transportation Signs
Dies:  Spellbinders Nestabilities-Labels 5

Zipper Top Tote--Experiment

Well, I am feeling a little bit excited.  I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. I really like zipper closures on bags.  So, I once again, experimented and took wild guesses as I sewed and came up with this:

Is anyone getting tired of this fabric?  If not, see this post, and this, and this.  I have officially used every last piece of this striped fabric. 

This is what I did with the last few scraps....

Roses made from scraps.

All right, back to the bag....

Top zipper

 The zipper top is the part I had absolutely no idea how to add.  I just guessed and sewed....ripped out....guessed and sewed....ripped out (repeat) (repeat), etc...  LOL!  You get the idea?  I hope it looks like I knew what I was doing.  I don't really know if I could explain what I did.  But I hope I can repeat it.  Maybe I could better it, too.  I guess that was the whole point of my experiment...to try different types of zipper closures.  This closure is slightly different from the zipper closure on the insulated tote.  On the insulated tote, I added the zipper before I even sewed the sides together.  On the experiment tote, I added the zipper section as one of the last steps. 

Inside

 In this last picture you can see the inside.  It has a zipper pocket on one side (it has a red zipper) and a slip pocket on the other. 
If you look back at the first picture, the red thing on the front is a pocket.  I also put pockets on each side...perfect for sunglasses.
Here is a link to the pattern that inspired my bag.  Mine, however, has changes.  Like I stated earlier I am experimenting and learning.  I'd like to design and sell my own bags, eventually.
I made the rose from scraps.  Then I glued on green ribbon for the leaves using a hot glue gun.  I then glued a pin on the back of the flower and attached it to my bag.  I also like to experiment with scraps to make different kinds of flowers.  :)
I took this bag on a "test drive" out shopping.  I asked my daughter how my bag looked as I shopped.  Of course, you have to ask several different times because the bag might look different in different stores or even different sections of the store. Know what I mean?  Anywho,  I got a thumbs up...not sure if that meant "whatever mom...if I give a thumbs-up she won't ask again for another 5 min." or "yes, my mom is crazy."  LOL!
Have a great one!

Petunia

The first time I saw this pattern, I wanted to make one. I finally got my hands on the pattern, then I got intimidated by it.  I really don't know why.  Then I couldn't decide what fabric to use.  Then I convinced myself, it'd be a flop.  Finally, I just took the plunge and made the bag!
This pattern for this bag is the Petunia Bag from Izzy & Ivy.  OH!  How I LOVE all their patterns!  If only those dresses would come in my size....and I wouldn't look ridiculous wearing them.  HAA HAA!   I think most of the sizes are even too little for my daughter.  If I use one of their adorable patterns, I might even get over my issue of sewing clothes. 
Anywho!  Back to the bag...

This is a full frontal view. :)

A little bit closer-up of ruffles

The inside.  Next time I will remember to change the bobbin thread...oops!

The front and back basically look the same.  When cutting my strips for the ruffle my width of fabric was 60".  I do believe that they were using 42".  I just decided to keep mine longer and have a fuller ruffle...and it meant less cutting.  :)
The fabric I used for the outside is a taffeta.  The fabric was a WONDERFUL birthday present from a friend.  It came with many yards of other wonderful fabrics as well.  The inside is a silky navy blue--also part of the gift.. 
I've made a few bags from Izzy & Ivy Patterns and the instructions are very clear with lots of illustrations. 
When I first finished the bag,  I thought I'd make a flower.  I tried few different styles of flowers that I had around.  I didn't like it as much as I thought I would.
Enjoy your weekend!

Hoedown Time!

Howdy! 
It's one of my favorite times of the week...HOEDOWN time!  The challenge this week is to use string or fiber or twine or jute.  I decided to sew with fiber.  I've had these fibers for years...never use them.

This Hambo Stamp's image and sentiment is sooo funny!  It is called Pig Inmate.  Click here to go get yourself this 'un. :)
Is eveyone having a wonderful summer (winter-southern hemisphere)?  I hope you are!
Well, I suppose I've delayed working out long enough...UNLESS somone would like me to do something else.  :)
Have a great one!
Supplies:
Stamps:  Hambo Stamp's-Pig Inmate-Digi, JudiKins-Deco Background
Fiber:  Trimtex-Picture Perfect:  Memory Book Fibers
Sewing Templates:  Bazzill Basics--Border, Li'l Davis Designs-Li'l Stitchers-Tag--I haven't seen these templates avail. for many years.
Patterned Paper-DCWV-La Creme Stack

Reverse Masking

It's MONDAY! 
This week's Make it Monday technique is reverse masking.  Check it out here.  Nothing says happy holidays like 100 degree F weather!  :)  Yep, I also like to watch Christmas movies in the heat of summer, too.  This is the time of year I start to think about Christmas cards and gifts.  So, watching Christmas movies and listening to Christmas music helps get me in the spirit of things. 

I masked off and used red ink (like in the video) to color the poinsettia image.  I then stamped polka dots using PI's Polka Dot Basics set and white ink.  I colored the center of the flower using a yellow sharpie. 
Have a great week!
Supplies Used:
Stamps:  Papertreyink-Year Of Flowers-Poinsettias, Polka Dot Basics
Paper:  DCWV
Dies:  Spellbinders Nestablitiies- Labels Five

Make it Monday and MFT

Happy Friday!
I combined two challenges.  Make it Monday #19 rock and roll technique and My Favorite Things Weekly Sketch #24.

I used the rock and roll technique on the flower.  I've seen this technique but I don't think I've tried it before.  It was fun. 
Hope your weekend is wonderful!
Supplies Used: 
Stamps:  PTI-Garden of Life, MFT-PI Boy and His Dog Gone Cute
Dies:  Spellbinders: Fancy Tags, MFT-Die-namics-Dainty Doily Die
Punch:  EK success-border punch
Embossing Folder:  Sizzix-Floral
Patterned Paper:  K & Co-Sweet Nectar

You're HOW old?

Happy Wed.!  This is Wed., correct?  I'm not quite sure.  If it's not then let's pretend it is.

Since it's Wed.--or not--that means it's HOEDOWN time! Whoo Hoooo!

This week's Hoedown challenge is to use red, teal and your choice of white, ivory or craft colors.  To help me--since I'm obviously having a day--I used this week's Mojo Monday sketch.  Have I mentioned I love sketches?  Especially all the great Mojo sketches!  They never disappoint. 

The main image is Laughing-Digi  Stamp from Hambo Stamps.  LOVE IT!

OMG!  The humor of this digi stamp fits me perfectly! If you'd like to buy this stamp please visit the Hambo Stamp's web site and get yourself one.   

Do any of you watch the TV program The Voice?  I am quite hooked on this show.  Admittedly, I originally started watching because...you know...Adam Levine is very pleasant to view.  :)  But, I look forward to watching it every week...more than just gazing at Adam.  There is some amazing talent on the show.  Anyway, I got the bright idea to work out on the treadmill during the show last night.  I walked while the show was on and sprinted during the commercials.  DO YOU KNOW HOW LONG THOSE COMMERCIAL BREAKS ARE!?!?!?  Ugg!  Any who!  It prob. explains my state of mind today.  I must not have gotten enough oxygen to my brain.   LOL!

I hope you all get enough oxygen to your brains...and have a great week!

Supplies Used:

Stamps:  Hambo Stamps-Laughing-Digi

Dies:  PTI-Doily Details

Punches:  Martha Stewart Crafts--border punch

Gift Card Case and/or Biz Card Holder

My daughter has a birthday party to go to this weekend.  Since I'm usually at a loss as to what to get, I sometimes give gift cards.  I was going to make a paper gift card holder, but I wasn't too excited about it.   So, I was uber excited when I came across this post this morning, I knew what I was going to be making to put the gift card into.  :)  I also love being able to use scraps. 
The project calls for a key ring.  I didn't have one and didn't feel like going into town to get only a key ring. So, I improvised with what I had.  I also made mine larger because I wanted to include the paper around the card, too. 

 Again, here is the link for the instuctions to this project.  Scrap It:  Gift Card Case or Biz Card Holder.
Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Hambo Hoedown #19

Hip Hip Hooray!    I don't know why...just felt like saying that.  :)
Whoo Hooo!  It's Hoedown time, once again!  If you'd like to join the fun please do.  For more info on the howdown click here.  Please check out the Hambo Stamp's site.  I love all the funny and awesome stamps they have...both digital and rubber.  I do not receive endorsements from them. I only receive a free digital stamp every week for participating in the hoedown challenge--which you could receive also, if you participate in the hoedown challenges. 
The challenge this week is to use the sketch provided.  If you've read my blog before I'm sure you know that I don't like to use sketches.  LOL!  Just kidding!  I actually might have a slight addiction to them.  I LOVE sketches!

My card

Hambo Stamp's Hoedown #19 Sketch



The awesome stamp they sent to all participants this week is the Three Ties digital stamp.   I made this a "happy day" card...I have made (and mailed)  our Father's Day cards already.  Whoo Hooo!  I feel like an over achiever.  LOL!  So, I might opt to use this as a male birthday card...or whatever. 
Thank you for all the prayers for my cousin!  He has made improvements but the past few days there have been further complications.  So, PLEASE continue the prayers.  Thank you ever so much!
I hope you have a wonderful week!
Supplies: 
Stamps:  Hambo Stamp's-Three Ties-digital
Punches:  EK Success-circle punches, Stampin' Up-Ticket Corner
Dies:  Spellbinders Nestabilities-Labels Five, Sm Ovals, Sizzix-Rat-A-Tat Alphabet
Patterned paper:  Scenic Route--?  stash
Bling:  Darice

Insulated Tote

I sure am having fun with all the insulated bags.  I came across a great pattern for an insulated shopping bag for frozen groceries.  I HAD to make one.  The original pattern used a velcro closure.  However, I had a zipper that was burning a hole in my stash...LOL!  (Oh! All right....I'm not skilled at putting zippers in, but I'm learning. For some reason I felt a strong need to use this zipper.)  So, I took that insulated shopping bag idea and combined a few different techniques from different patterns and online tutorials, changed the deminsions to fit the fabric I had (and zipper--I don't know why but I never feel comfortable cutting a zipper...strange but true.), then made my bag. 


Bag Front with pocket



Look at that zipper closure!

We use the insulated bags to take family lunches for road trips and/or field trips. I used outdoor canvas for the bag and rip stop nylon for the inside. 
Have a great day!

Mojo and Make it Monday

Happy Monday!
I combined two Monday challenges this week, Mojo Monday  sketch #194 and Make it Monday #18 using  tissue paper for texture.

Father's Day Card

Mojo Monday sketch

Yeah!  I, once again, managed to make a card so that I can easily mail it. It's a good thing since we have to mail cards to both our fathers. 
I only had white tissue paper.  I decided to ink the tissue paper with blue and brown ink.  I let it dry then attached it to white cardstock.  I cut the tissue papered cs into strips and stamped the strips with the polka dot basics image using white ink.  Then glued the strips to the card and sewed it using a sewing machine.
Thank you!  Have a great week!
Supplies:
Stamps:  PTI-Polka Dot Basics, Purple Onion Designs-Happy Father's Day, Scallops, Stampers Anonymous-The Journey
Dies:  PTI-Doily Details
Punches-Ek Success-Circle punch

Hambo Hoedown #18

Greetings!
Hope everyone is fantastic!
Well, it's that time of week...hoedown time!
This week's challenge is to use button(s). 

This very cute Hambo Stamp's digital image is called Strawberry Kid.  There are more new--just released--digital images, like grapes, banana, carrot, orange/yam, apple, and a tree...to see them click here. 

I pulled out my ever expanding stash of scraps to make this card.  Also, since I am trying to make cards that I can put in the mail easily, I die cut my buttons out of cardstock. 

Thank you all!  My hip/back is 100% better.  :) 

On a different note, I have a prayer request or what ever you can do to send some positive get well energy.   My cousin was in a bad accident last weekend.  He was driving his motorcycle on the interstate and a deer ran out in front of him.  He has multiple head, brain, neck, chest, and leg injuries. He is in critical but stable condition.  Thank you!

Supplies:

Stamps:  Hambo Stamps-Strawberry Kid-Digital, PTI-Button Botique

Dies:  Spellbinders Nestablities-Labels Six, and Fancy Tags, PTI-Button #1

Paper:  Scenic Route?

Decorative Scissors:  Provo Craft-Grass

Make it Monday #17

This week's Make it Monday Challenge is a cracked glass technique. 

I used the cracked glass for the center of my flower.  I had originally had a shape die cut, stamped, colored and did the cracked glass technique.  However, the the ultra thick embossing enamel I used (interference blue) was slightly too dark.  It didn't look good.  So, I punched out some circles from the failed die cut.  I then bent them further and glued them to the center of a die cut doily. 
Have a great day!
Supplies:
Stamps:  PTI-Just the Ticket, A Little Argyle
Dies:  Spellbinders Nestablilities-Labels Five, PTI-Doily Details Collection
Punches:  Martha Stewart Craft:  Sunburst
Template:  Anna Griffin-leaf template
Embossing powder:  Interference Blue Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel--not sure on brand...the jar is not labeled