The Easiest DIY Ever

I found a bunch of acrylic gas station letters and numbers at a flea market in OKC, OK that have been sitting around just waiting for something to do. I had a small stack sitting on my side table and needed something to put my coffee cup on when it dawned on me. DUH. Make them into coasters.

Being acrylic, they are a little tricky to cut. I tried using kitchen scissors but then decided to try and use my paper cutter. It needed sharpening anyway. I would suggest using an X-acto knife or sharper craft scissors.

Mark them in the middle or cut them into squares so they are even on all sides.

They have a really modern, graphic feel to them and it's another way to add a little bit of an industrial feel to your home. I found mine for $ .25 each so I didn't mind cutting them in half. You may be able to find some at your local flea market or Etsy. Here are a few.

They'd look great in black and I've seen some in orange and would be the perfect house warming gift for a friend with modern tastes.

xoxo,
Rachel

Handmade for Kids Month: Interview with Dana of Made

I'm pleased to share this interview with another one of my favorite creative mamas, Dana, of Made as part of my Handmade for Kids month at Smile and Wave. Just try to walk away uninspired!

* Why do you make things?
Hmmm. Well, I can't really imagine not making things. I think that creating is just part of how I think; how my brain and hands work...as I'm sure most creative people feel. I truly find joy in taking fabric and turning it into something useful or recreating an old shirt into something new and (hopefully) cute! It may be an addiction. But I think it's a healthy one?

As women especially, I think we all have a longing to create. And creativity comes in a variety of forms. My athletic friend once told me "I'm not creative; I run marathons." But creating doesn't have to mean "art". Some women create organization within their families, some are fabulous cooks, some create math equations and solutions to problems.

My favorite quote by Dieter Uchtdorf sums it up perfectly, ""The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul. No matter our talents, education, backgrounds, or abilities, we each have an inherent wish to create something that did not exist before. We develop ourselves and others when we take unorganized matter into our hands and mold it into something of beauty."
Sorry to get serious on you in the very first question! I'll try to lighten up a bit...

* Have you always been a crafter/maker/manipulator of surroundings?
I think so, in various forms. I remember as a kid cutting up photos to create funny picture collages with people's heads on different bodies. And I've always loved coloring with crayons (and still do--good thing my daughter Lucy asks me to help her). Pumpkin carving, gingerbread house decorating, valentine's making...these were all my favorite creative nights at our house.

But as far as sewing goes....my Grandma taught me to sew when I was 10. We just sewed straight lines on a brown paper bag, no thread. We made simple little bags and gaudy 80's hair bows. And by 12, my mom showed me how to read and use patterns. I made all sorts of elastic waistband pants, simple skirts, and dresses for church.

It wasn't till I was an adult that I realized I could sew and create from the ideas in my head--that I didn't need a store-bought pattern. So I started deconstructing clothing and learning how garments went together. And that's how most of my sewing is done these days. I either draft my own pattern or use existing clothing as a size guideline. It's liberating and exciting!

* Where do you find your inspiration?
Everywhere--watching kids play at the park, the weather, trends, walking through stores, requests from my kids. But most of my inspiration comes from the photography aspect of my projects. It sounds a bit backward, but I often come up with a clothing design after I've thought about a photo shoot location or concept.

Blogging is the best of many worlds for me. I get to share creative projects but I also get to showcase photography. And this might be my favorite part. Whenever I'm out driving, my eyes are always looking for interesting photo locations, cool houses, colorful walls, beautiful fields, ratty old fences. I actually came up with the Market skirt after spotting a bright orange wall near a Mexican market. Clothing creation is art but the photographic presentation is the bigger art, to me.

* What does your crafting space look like and how do you keep it organized?
I've got a sewing nook in our office room. You can see a little tour here (along with other FAQs). And in true creative form...I'm already itching to redo it. When we first moved in last year my husband thought I'd be in heaven (and I was compared to my old sewing space which was our kitchen table). But I knew I would outgrow the space quickly. I told him that one day I would need a whole room for my stuff, with various painted walls for photography. He laughed. And now he understands. Mostly, I need more cabinets to house fabric and trims, so there won't be any boxes sitting around. On a good day I can get it pretty organized in there because I do love sewing in a clean space. But that's not realistic.

I will say this though....If you really want to devote more time to sewing, designate a space in the house for your sewing machine to sit and NEVER put it away! This can be a computer desk in the corner of a room, your kitchen table, a folding table in your bedroom--whatever! If you leave your sewing machine out, you'll be far more inspired to sit down and sew for a 1/2 hour here or there, instead of yawning at the idea of pulling it out of the closet and messing with the set-up. Try it for a few months and see what happens!

* Do you finish your projects in one sitting or over time?
Um, both. I love fast projects that come together quickly, that I can photograph, and have ready for the blog in a day or two. But there are plenty of projects that start and then sit for months. In fact we started working on a project for our backyard that is 95% finished but won't happen till Spring time (because of the weather).

I like that though; part of how my brain works again. I need to have my hands in a few projects at once. And when the timing is right, they come together. This also helps with projects that have reached a point of frustration--mostly due to my own mistakes. The instinct is to throw it away and move on to the next thing. But usually I put the project aside for a month and when I come back to it I'm excited about the original concept again and have the energy to "make it work".

* What happens to projects that don't make the cut?
Well....in all honestly, I hardly ever leave a project unfinished or un-fixed. It just eats away at me. 99% of the time, there's a way to fiddle with something and make it work. And often, these are the times that I come up with a design idea that I never would have done originally.

The Christmas In July dress was supposed to be sleeveless. I had finished off the armholes and then hated it. So I added sleeves to the finished edge, which is odd looking but I love it. The aqua velvet dress was similar (a skirt that wasn't working turned into a double-banded bodice). I've found ways to fix holes on blankets and if I burn a hole in a swimsuit....well.....I just have to start over.

* What are some of your favorite online resources for tutorials, fabric, inspiration?
Oh wow, this could become a laundry list. Here are some of my favorites--and many of them are not sewing blogs but rather sites that inspire me visually:

Cool French blogs:
Mimi Mouse
Sous le Parasol
13 & 3

Roundup blogs of design and craft (both Spanish but great photos)
Hola Mama
Kireei

Food:
Good Life Eats
Joy the Baker
Smitten Kitchen

Pretty photos, pretty sewing, eye candy:
Vermilijoen
Adore Vintage
Grosgrain
No Big Dill
Cakies
Katie did--though she no longer blogs but has fabulous ideas like this
Birch and Bird - vintage home interiors
Famille Sumberbelle
Elizabeth Dye
Garden by the Sea

Thanks so much for putting this incredibly inspiring and resourceful post together, Dana! I appreciate the love and thoughtfulness you put into all of your work and the way you share it online. Your blog is such a happy, colorful space! If you're looking for some new projects Dana has many tutorials available for non-commercial use here. Go take a long look!

xoxo,
Rachel

p.s. All photos courtesy of Dana.

Shot Through The Heart Arrow Garland Tutorial

I've been thinking of a way to incorporate something new into Ruby's side of the room that was playful and could bring in more color and texture since we are renters and can't paint. I used to have a large painting up above her crib but she was able to knock it off at our other house and I'm not willing to have it fall on her head anytime soon. I've had a few extra arrow rattles that I designed for Red Velvet Art last year floating around the toy box and it hit me yesterday to make another and string them together as a garland!

SO, here's a simple tutorial and pattern to make your own arrow plush garland (or mobile). You'll need: 13" x 13" of fabric per arrow, a cut of fabric measuring about 3" x 44" to string them together, sewing machine (optional), stuffing, a needle and thread, scissors, access to a printer, pen.

Print out the template at the bottom of this post or create your own arrow shape. I traced mine onto card stock but it's not necessary. Cut out your shape and place it on your fabric. I used a vintage gingham that was a little see through so I added some white sheeting to the back. Trace around the stencil onto your fabric and cut it out. Repeat with as many pieces as you need for your garland.

Place your fabric pieces on top of each other and pin together with right sides facing each other.

Starting from the center on one side, stitch all the way around the arrow leaving about 1/4" from the edge for the seam allowance and stopping about 2.5" from where you started. Trim your corners and make little v-shapes in the inverted corners but be sure not to get too close to your stitches. If you don't have a sewing machine you can hand-stitch your arrow closed using small stitches.

Turn right side out and stuff. Stitch closed with your needle and thread when finished. Repeat with the rest of your arrows.

The arrow I made yesterday is a little different than the originals but I've shared the template with the original design so your arrows will look more like the pink and blue ones.

Cut your long strip of fabric into three strips and braid them together leaving about 4" of loose fabric from the end. If you're using more than three arrows you'll want to make two braids.

I cut my braid into four pieces and hand-stitched the ends onto the backs of the arrows.

I then attached it to the wall high enough for Ruby not to be able to pull down with two screws. We have plaster walls so I pre-drilled holes and then added small screws that I covered with part of the braid so it wouldn't show. We've had plenty of cloud coverage this week so even with two big windows in their room, it was a little dark in this corner. Here's a little peek into how things are shaping up in there!

Here's the pattern I used if you'd like to make your own plush arrow garland. I think this would be equally adorable if they were stacked one on top of another and connected from the middle of each arrow so that they spun around as a mobile.

(Pattern and garland for non-commercial use only please.)

I'd love to see your version if you make one. It's super easy and would work well for a boy or a girl depending on the fabrics you choose.

I've got a fun giveaway coming tomorrow and it's Project ReStyle day!

xoxo,
Rachel

Dress Up Felt Board Tutorial and Template

The fancy new Red Velvet shop opened way back at the end of October (feels like ages ago) and I was deemed the Children's Section Stylist. I really wanted Elsie and Emma to make me a badge with my title but they had dresses to hang and cupcakes to make so I had to settle on a borrowed staple gun.

I wanted part of the children's section to include something interactive that kids could play with while their mamas and their papas shopped. I remembered the felt boards my Sunday School teachers utilized to teach stories from the Bible and paired that concept with paper dolls for a kid-friendly, dress shop-themed activity. I was also inspired by Olivia Mew's felt dress miniatures. She made one for each dress she didn't purchase and then stitched them together to create a human sized dress. I love the attention to detail and how realistic they look.

More than a few people have asked how to make their own felt board so I've listed my supplies and described the easy process of putting it together. I built the sandwich board in a hurry at night in low light so I didn't get any step-by-step photos but ya'll can do it!

You'll Need:

* 2 pieces of 3/4"x2'x2' plywood (similar to this). You can buy a larger sheet of plywood and cut it down but these come pre-cut at Lowe's for easy assembly.

* 1.5 yards of felt for your background (assuming length is 58") I used gray as a neutral.

* 1 yard of felt for your backing (assuming length is 58") Mine is white.

* Two hinges (similar to this) and screws that fit and are no longer than 3/4" long so as not to poke through like mine did.

* 20" of sturdy chain.

* 4 screws smaller than 3/4" long (to attach your chain) with wide heads

* Assorted felt for dolls and clothing

* Access to printer

* Staple gun and staples

* Pencil, ruler, electric drill, scissors, protective eyewear

Step One: Cut your outer felt to get two pieces that measure about 29" x 29". Lay each piece o felt down on your clean floor. Place one piece of wood on one piece of felt. Wrap one side of the felt over and staple in the center about 1.5" from the edge. Pull the opposite side taut and staple it in the center about 1.5" from the edge as well. Then staple the other two sides in the center. Check your front and make sure your felt is smooth and fits snugly to your board. Continue stapling opposite sides of your felt until it feels pretty secure. Fold your edges neatly like a present and trim excess felt.

Step Two: Cut your backing felt so that you have two pieces measuring 23" x 23". For a quick job place one piece over the back of your board making sure it overlaps the front felt edges and staples. Secure it with staples about 3" apart. You could use spray adhesive for a more finished look.

Step Three: Lay your wooden boards on the clean floor with the wrong sides facing up. Place them so the top edges are about 1/2" apart and place your hinges where you'd like them (I suggest about 3"-4" in from the outer edges). Make sure your hinges are also going to allow the boards to close the right direction. Mark your screw holes with a pen or pencil and set your hinges aside.

Drill pilot holes for your screws on one board and attach the hinges to that board. Then realign it with the other board and check your markings. Make sure your outer edges are lined up. Then drill and secure the other board to the hinges. Test to make sure it stands straight.

Step Four: Measure up between 6" - 8" from the bottom of your boards on the outer edges of both sides and drill pilot holes for your screws. Screw one end of your chain to the board. Stretch your board as wide as you'd like it in it's resting position and then cut your chain to fit. Screw the opposite end of the chain into the opposite board. You don't want your board to tip over when being used so make sure it's resting position is about 15" or more wide.

Then get your dolls set up and organize their clothing and accessories. I suggest you let your little ones help design their own clothing or design their own pets, toys, houses, etc. I think a few boy dolls would be nice for the little guys that want to play, too. The beauty of this sandwich board set up is that two or more children can play together or one side can be used as storage for felt shapes not in use.

Below I've included the same dolls and similarly styled outfits as the dolls at the Red Velvet store with new accessories! Just print them out onto card stock or paper and use them as templates for your new felt board.

There's plenty of time to make this a special Christmas present for your little girl(s) or favorite niece(s) and you'll be sure to make it on the nice list yourself! I'd love to see your version of my Dress Up felt board and share it with readers. Just send me an e-mail at racheldenbow (at) gmail (dot) com with a link to your blog and a photo of your creation! Please note the template provided is for non-commercial use only.

EDITED: I've had a few questions e-mailed about how the felt dolls stick to the board. Felt sticks to felt so just press it on the board lightly and it'll stay up. Just pull it off and readjust it over and over and it'll continue to have a strong hold unless it gets too dirty, I imagine.

Thanks for your patience on this much anticipated project as we packed, moved, unpacked, and then got sick over here. Your readership means so much to me and I appreciate your encouragement and support!

I hope you have a lovely, unrushed weekend ahead of you.

xoxo,
Rachel

Home For The Holidays: Janae Hardy's Terrarium DIY

Hello, Smile and Wave readers! I just adore Rachel's blog and I am so happy to be a guest blogger today! I love Christmas time. It is a time to bring out new decorations and renew everything around the house. I have a little girl named Hazel who is almost two. She likes to be involved with everything lately. The other day we made a winter terrarium.

I think terrariums are a wonderful thing. You can make a plant grow in one or make a little dreamland. Hazel and I made a Christmas forest terrarium by using things from around the house and also a couple things from a craft store. What we used:

-jar with a lid

-floral foam

-faux moss

-twigs from our yard

-scrap fabric

-tulle

-mini woodland creatures

-lots of sparkles!

First, I cut the floral foam to fit inside of the jar. Then, I covered the foam with faux moss. I used a glue gun to secure the moss to the foam.

Then we went outside and found some little sticks to work as the "trees". After we found the perfect sizes, we made sure they fit inside the jar. I pulled out some vintage fabric to be the "foliage" on the tree.

I cut circles out of the fabric (large to small) and cut a tiny hole in them to fit over the tree. The hole needs to be small enough to hug the tree, but if you cut the hole too big, just secure it with a dab from your hot glue gun. I alternated the fabric and tulle layers to make the tree more puffy.

We stuck the trees in the foam and added some woodland creatures.

We got out the sparkles and sprinkled some "snow" on the trees and ground. Hazel loved this part.

Each day I will take down the terrarium from the mantel and let her pour "snow" on the trees. It's a fun way to have her involved and proud of something she helped make.

I hope you make your own version of a Christmas forest terrarium. The sky is the limit when it comes to ideas and materials for this little project! Thanks for letting me be a part of your blog, Rachel! -Janae

I really love the idea of letting Hazel take part in this easy but charming DIY! Janae is such a great mom and has one of the most loving hearts. She's also a talented photographer and has the golden touch when it comes to repurposing thrifted and vintage items. I'm so thankful that we get to hang out in real life when our schedules permit! They are expecting a little boy on Christmas Eve so this time of year will always hold an extra sense of excitement and anticipation. Thanks for sharing, Janae!

Be sure to check in regularly this week and next for more 'Home for the Holidays' inspiration.

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xoxo,
Rachel