The Easiest DIY Sewing Project Ever

Happy Friday y'all!  How about a crafty project.  My motto is if you can't find it, can't afford it, then make it for nearly nothing. Upcycle, renew and reuse.  I made an easy pillow for the 4th using what I could find on hand.

I made one a little different last year.

The thing to remember here is you don't have to limit yourself to a patriotic theme.  You could easily paint waves instead of stripes.  Or maybe keep the strips and add a crescent moon with stars.  Heck paint some butterflies or dragonflies.  I have to keep it really basic because I'm totally not talented when it comes to painting.  Oh' but wouldn't wedges of fruit like oranges, limes and lemons be cute!

Here's a picture of my inspiration. I think I found it on Pinterest but it was created by Kierste over at Simply Kierste.  She is one crafty girl with a great blog.  She gave a tutorial and I basically followed her directions with a few variations.  Please click here to see her post.  I know you'll enjoy her blog as much as I do.  I adore her pillow.

I thought I'd show you the basic's on making these.  Lets start with this years painted pillow.

• Step 1:  Use any old fabric you have on hand like I did.  A burlap or muslin works great.  Decide how big you want your pillow to be.  I wanted mine to be a rectangle since it would be a flag. I decided that I wanted my finished pillow to measure 19" x 14".  Before cutting it out I added 1" to each measurement for seam allowances.  Fold your fabric in half before cutting. I cut mine 20" x 15".
• Step 2: On just one piece of the fabric measure out your placement.  I decided to have "3" stripes at  2 1/2" each.  That left 6 1/2 on the top for stars.  Using painters tape, tape each section being sure to use a spoon or something to really press the tape edge tight so paint doesn't seep under.  Don't worry if it does you can touch it up with a art brush.  I don't plan on washing these and since they're under a covered porch I didn't use fabric paint.  I just used craft paint, you can even use house paint.

• Step 3:  For my stars I used cheap vinyl shelf paper from the dollar store and cut 2 1/4" stars on my cricut.  You could also print a star shape from the internet and make a cardboard template and trace your stars but you would have to paint the blue first, unless you want to do a lot of tedious painting around the stars.  TIP: Be sure to put cardboard under your fabric before painting because it will seep through.

• Step 4:  I half measured and half eyeballed my stars placement stuck them to the fabric and then painted the blue right over them. It would have been nice if I would have had a little foam roller but I didn't so I used a foam brush.  The brush did cause the edges of the stars to peel up a bit and the paint to get underneath.  Because of that I used a small paintbrush to paint the stars white.  I had originally planned to just leave them the natural fabric color. 

• Step 5:  I carefully pulled the vinyl up while the paint was wet.  Once dry, I painted the stars white. You can also paint your white stripe now.  Once the white dries tape over the white and blue so you can paint your red stripes. Let dry.

• Step 5:  Time to sew.  My fabric doesn't really have a right and wrong side but if yours does pin right sides together and stitch 1/2" seams. It doesn't get much easier than stitching straight seams.  Be sure to leave an opening in the bottom big enough to add your pillow. *NOTE:  You can use double sided hem tape or even fabric glue or a glue gun if you don't want to try sewing.

• Step 6: Turn your pillow right side out.  Trim corners like I've done below being careful not to cut through stitching. Use the end of a spoon or fountain pen to push the corners out completely.

•  Step 7:  Press you hem opening so it will be ready to sew after stuffing.

•  Step 8:  You can do like I did and use an old bed pillow.  I just cut one 14" down from one end and most pillows are 15-18" wide.  Sew up the end of the pillow (the other 3 sides are already sewn).  To water proof my stuffing I used an old vinyl table cloth.  Yea, I never throw anything away.  You could also use 2 plastic grocery bags putting then on in opposite directions.  Bags don't need to be sewn but I did sew the table cloth around the pillow.  The just stuff it in there.  Pin your seam closed and then simply hand stitch or machine stitch closed.

The smaller flag pillow was basically the same steps but instead of using paint I sewed a bit of patriotic plaid fabric that had stars and red seam binding for the strips.  It was stuffed with loose batting.

 

I hope you decide to make your own pillow.  It really is easy.  If you make one please come back and let me know because I'd love to see it too.

Stop back by tomorrow to see another before and after project.

Hugs Y'all...

♥ Tracy 

P.S.  Don't forget to come back Monday when the 5 day giveaway starts.  It's our first Celebrate Summer Giveaway!!  Amazing prizes worth $450! **Update: This giveaway has ended.

 

Decorating with Old Glory for the 4th of July

With things a bit busy around here I haven't even had a chance to share my 4th of July Porch.  I always feel a big gush of pride when I'm able to hang up my red, white and blue buntings.  It says summer's here and there's nothing else like the 4th of July anywhere else in the world!

I've pressured washed the porch and it's all fresh for summer.

My red rockers look like they were painted just for the celebration.  These have gone from natural to yellow, to black, to red.  I'm debating whether it's time for a change again.  I hope to get some #paint soon and get the porch brightened up.

 I did repaint a few pieces already, like this little side table.  I made this simple little flag pillow last year.  More about that in another post.

 My former neighbor gave me the cute little bench before moving earlier this year.  She told me sweet memories of her children play driving a car on it and then her grandchildren doing the same.  I sanded and painted it with plans to stencil a phrase across the back.  That will happen soon.  The tin buckets above were from the dollar store a couple of years ago and I just got those painted in time for the 4th.  Notice my little white star on the back of the bench.  It's a carpenters wooden folded measuring tape.  It folds into the perfect star.

I found both of these lanterns in two different thrift stores last year.  One was from Ikea and the other from Big Lots.  Identical - who knew.  A little paint and another patriotic item for my porch.

The pillow was a zero cost diy project.  I took some linen like fabric that I had on hand cut 2 squares to the size I wanted.  Painted them and stitched it together.  I'll have a post about both pillows up soon. If you can stitch a straight line you can make these pillows.

I love the candle light as the sun goes down.

Well that's my little spot of Americana.  I hope you enjoyed your visit and that you'll be back soon.  I'd love it if you'd leave a comment.  They make my day so much brighter.

Hugs Y'all...

Tracy 

Tuesday's Style After 30 - Get Your Red, White and Blue On

I kid you not, the 4th of July is just over a week away! Do you plan what you're going to wear or are you just a fly by your seat kinda gal?  

Well here's some Pinterest Red, White and Blue inspiration to get y'all started.  I adore this pretty patriotic frock!  I think there are so many different belt styles you could add to it.  Patent leather red or navy would be pretty.  Or what about a navy or natural rope belt with a nautical theme latch on the front.

Source: rstyle.me via Tracy on Pinterest

Here's another cute dress that looks so cool and summery.  Add a big blue beaded  necklace or earrings to set the 4th theme.  A belt would work with this one too.

Source: cosmopolitan.fr via Tracy on Pinterest

I'm in love with this blue blouse.  The drape is so pretty and would enhance any ones figure.  It looks like it might be a crepe de chine fabric.  With the heat that we have during this time of year I would pair it with white shorts instead, take away the shoes and bangles, and add a red bag.  As far as jewelry, I'd again look for a red bauble necklace or something with stars to complete the holiday theme. Some pretty sandals with a metal starfish design would be the perfect footwear.

Source: maggie-jackson-carvalho.polyvore.com via Tracy on Pinterest

Another top that that accentuates your waist and bust line.  You may want to avoid the flare if hips are an issue for you.  It seems to be my problem as of late (well it may be more of a derrière thing).  I adore the simple all American red plaid design on the fabric but with a twist.  It also looks like it's crepe de chine to me. Again I would go with shorts or capris, or for a dressier affair a white pencil skirt would be impressive.  Of course you know what I'm going to say next... Be sure to add that touch of blue, it is all about the day! I'd go with a nature straw bag.  Change the shoes to sandals or a simple heel if your wearing a skirt. 

Source: Uploaded by user via Tracy on Pinterest

Chambray is always in fashion and it's the official all American go to.  We American's love our denim. The bag is perfect but the shoes and earring have to go.  I'll let you have your way with those. My ideas would be seashells such as starfish again or possibly sand dollars or even a nautical look with an anchor or rope design.

Source: taraelliottchetty.polyvore.com via Tracy on Pinterest

I can't get away with the jacket here.  I mean when the fireworks are going off it's still in the 80's here.  But this would be great for any of you with cooler evenings. Love the snappy sandals.

Source: rae-ann-nolan.polyvore.com via Tracy on Pinterest

Okay before you think I've lost my mind and decide to tell me about it, yes I know it's not Memorial Day.  Just go with me people - we're looking for a red, white and blue theme.  This blouse is more in keeping with my weather.  It looks like it's effortless and comfortable to wear.  The blouse is loose and the shorts aren't too short.  If I was going to carry a clutch bag I would chose a woven natural linen or straw. Add blue using different jewelry, sandals or even a tie in your hair.

Source: handpickedinc.polyvore.com via Tracy on Pinterest

I'm not sure about the belt with this top at least not in Patent leather.  Maybe it's because the belt looks hiked up so high too.  I'm petite at 5'3, so I'd have to hem this. But this top certainly has drape and a pleasing look.  I love this style on someone like my mom who was 5'9" tall.  (My son's 6'2" and yes I've got height envy). The earrings are a little too orange. Pair this with grasshoppers or deck shoes instead. Let's switch the pants to capris or shorts and call it done.

Source: laura-snitcher-riel.polyvore.com via Tracy on Pinterest

Chambray with red and white plus a nautical theme.  Need I say more?  Well we will have to find a longer pair of shorts.

Source: polyvore.com via Tracy on Pinterest

This last outfit is all about the dress and belt.  Love them!!  The shoes are okay and I like the bag alot just not with this dress.  The bow and glasses must go unless you're dressing your 6 year old and then please don't give her these glasses.  Remember how I said a belt would go great with the first dress.  I didn't even realize it until now but this was totally the belt I was describing!  Serendipity!!

Source: Uploaded by user via Tracy on Pinterest

There you go with my picks for an All American Girl outfit.  If you put one together I'd love you to share so I can pin it.

By the way - Did you enter my Olay giveaway.  After all the sun you'll get on the 4th you'll be happy to win this!!  Just click HERE to enter or see the button on my sidebar.

Whatever you wear this 4th of July just make it fun and be safe.

Hugs Y'all...

Tracy ♥

Playing with Paper and Glue for the Red White and Blue

First, I want to apologize to everyone who has left comments lately.  My computer's been giving me a fit for nearly a week now and it takes me forever just to get a post up.  Hopefully by tomorrow we might be back on track.  I appreciate all of you and your comments so much, it breaks my heart not to be able to let you know individually.  Danged computer, I barely even have any hair left. LOL.
I finally grew up and now I get to play with paper and glue.  So I  made this to hang in my MIL's nursing home room,to celebrate our nations 235 birthday!  I finally played with my Cricut too and made the little flowers and leaves.  I can't wait to do more with it.  Go America!!!

When I was little we had an old craft book that belonged to my sister Joni or maybe it was just the families.  It was the early 1960's but I'm sure the book was from the 50's.  I loved that book it was black and white but to me, it was the most interesting book we had.  I looked at that old tattered book all the time.  I know my mother would be saying not again as she saw me heading her way with that book.  I was forever asking her if we could do some of those projects.  The answer was always the same, maybe tomorrow.  I'm sure mama had no clue that it was so important to me and that I would grow up loving to craft.

Mama never did care much for crafting that was more fun than it was practical.  Mama wasn't old fashion by any means. She always was interested in learning more.  I still remember her taking a high school night class on accounting.  It wasn't something she needed to do, she was a stay at home mom, she just wanted to.  She worked when she was younger and even for a short while when she first married.  Mom loved to play bridge, crochet, do needlepoint, cross stitch, crochet and knit.  She had more patience and coordination than I did.  But oh' how Mama could sew.  She was a seamstress extroidinaire.  Again, not craft sewing but clothing.  She was so good at sewing tailored clothing.  Something she only did for her and her girls and maybe a friend or two.   She learned from her mother just as most girls did in the 30's when it was so important and so neccessary. Maybe that's why she didn't care for quilting like my grandma.  Maybe she had seen too much of that done out of neccesity.  But later she still took more classes to learn the finer art of tailored slit pockets and things of that sort.  She had a very Jaqueline Kennedy, (mom's name was even Jackie) or Chanel Coco sort of style.  Simple was more. 

I can remember Grandma occasionally sewing on her old treadle singer sewing machine. I'm so proud to be the owner of that old sewing machine of Grandma's now.  Mama had a singer too, which I learned to sew on.  Thank goodness it was an electric machine.  I've had several sewing machines since then and none have been as good as that one was.  And none have certainly lasted as long.  That was way back when they were American made and made to last and last.  Most items were made that way back then.  It only seemed practical to make a product that would stand the test of time.  Later as business dynamics changed.  Companies came to the conclusion, that for a business model, that may not be the most profitable plan.  And so started the long or short road to the throw away society.

I love America and to me America means the history of our ancestors.  The strength that it took for them to fight for such a young country, to believe totally in it's purpose through good times and bad.  To be proud to call America home in the worst of times.  Always banning together for the common good when it truly mattered.  For the great sacrafices that families endured in times of war and how they still continued to love and believe in this great country of ours.  A country built on freedom, liberty and justice for all. 

I'm sure every country believes they are doing whats best.  And it's citizens are proud and have undying love for their country but as an American I know that our forefathers left their homes and came to this unknown land to make a better life for future generations. 

I've seen our society go through a ME generation and I believe we're seeing what was reaped from that now.  If anything positive has come from the economic crisis our country has recently faced, it's the coming together again.  The equal suffering of the rich and poor.  Oh' there will always be ones who are still spending what we as middle class could never even concieve.  They bank accounts may have even taken a hit but it's not like their daily lives will ever feel it.  But for the most part neighbors are more empathatic of others because they have been touched in some way by this shift in money.  Maybe there's something to be grateful for in that.

Thank God I live in America, The Land of the Free!!!

Have a wonderful and safe holiday weekend. 

XOXO's....Tracy :)

Featured Post - Staring Lori Hairston and the Red, White and Blue

I adore her creations.  And I couldn't wait to share my new to me discovery with you.  You may have already found Lori but if not, it's my pleasure to introduce you to Lori Hairston.  Lori's the cutest girl from Oklahoma City who creates the most fabulous paper art.


As soon as as saw this 4th of July banner I was enthralled with her art and wanted to see more.  Lucky for me she's been blogging since 2008.  I found so many adorable things that I didn't want to leave the page.  It's a good thing Lori leaves so far away or I'd be begging her to come over and craft with me every day.  Lori was kind enough to let me feature her and answer a few questions for me.  Be sure to read Lori's (my first) interview at the bottom of this post. 

Isn't this the greatest Americana banner ever!!!

I'm lovin' the vintage goodness of it.  This really speaks out and celebrates our 235th birthday!

 These block she made are so fun and super cute.  This is just one of six images.

Here's a 2nd image from the set of blocks.

I  can just imagine some child (or me) being over the moon when they receive a ribbon like this one.  Don't you just picture a home town parade or country fair and this being the Grand Prize Ribbon!

And Lori's not just a Red, White and Blue Girl.  Oh' no she's much more than that.  She has such a love of vintage images and her creativeness knows no bounds.  Take a look at this Sweet Cherries card.

 Is this not the most precious Easter Card?!  Called the "The Sweet Girl with the Really Big Hat"  says it all.  You know how they how a fruit of the month club as I've always dreamed of, the gift of a flower arrangement a month for the year.  Well now I'm dreaming of receiving a card (or any other thing) a month from Lori.  Wouldn't that be the perfect gift from the hubby a prepaid year of goodness.  There's a new business there for you Lori.

I hope you've enjoyed looking at Lori's creations as much as I have.  You can click here or on any picture to be taken to that particular page to visit with her.  She's a must see!

My first featured interview with Lori herself.

CPC: How did you first begin crafting?

LH:  I had always dabbled in crafts, but really began scrapbooking when my daughter, Lauren, left home for school seven years ago. I had empty nest syndrome really bad - had to have something to fill up my time...

CPC: Are you interested in other crafts besides paper crafts?
LH:  I also create soldered jewelry, do a little sewing (purses, little animals), and also enjoy baking.


CPC: What is your favorite creations so far?
LH:  Favorite creations include holiday decor (especially Halloween, 4th of July, and Christmas).

CPC: When do you find time to craft?
LH:  I work, so crafting takes place before I go to work, lunchtime, after work and weekends - just about every day!

CPC: Have you published any of your awesome art?
LH: I have had a few projects published in on line publications, like Scrapstreet Magazine.

CPC: What influences your works?
LH: Influences are mostly just what makes me happy - vintage images and pretty papers and stamps. Then I just have fun with them!

CPC: Do you sell your art?

LH: I do sell my creations. I have my things in two stores here in OKC and then twice a year I have a show and sale at my house, so that people can special order things.

CPC: What's next?

LH:  What's next? I'm not sure... I'd like to put together some "few-of-a-kind" specialty kits that include vintage items and perhaps have them in an etsy shop.

CPC: Do you have any tips on organizing your craft supplies, your time. Do you have any tips on planning your designs, etc...

LH: I have no trouble organizing -but can't keep it that way! I'm a mess! It's too bad, because some days I spend a lot of time looking for that certain item I KNOW I have


SOMEWHERE...


CPC: Is there anything you'd like to tell us about you?
LH:  I've been married 29 years to my wonderful husband, Dennis. We have one daughter, Lauren, who lives in Wichita with her husband. Our house will be turning 102 years old this year, which is really old for Oklahoma. We love it, but is it ever a money pit! When I'm not papercrafting, I'm often reading.

Thanks so much for sharing your story with us Lori!

God Bless America

Happy 4th to everyone.  Please be safe and have fun.

XOXO's....Tracy :)