Thursday, February 11, 2010

Way Good Day Feature

My XOXO drawstring bags were featured on Way Good Day!

Saturday, February 6, 2010

M on the Side Feature

Bear in Briefs was featured on M on the Side! Check out her blog to see other etsy valentine's picks and her own etsy shop full of great hand printed clothing and illustrated work!

Image from mchenwears.com

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Button Monogram Pillow

I hosted another women's craft day at my house this past weekend, and was able to finish a throw pillow I've been working on for our guest bedroom. The case is made from a bronze colored silk with an invisible zipper so that the pillow form can be removed. This was my second time to install an invisible zipper. The concept is simple: use a zipper foot, sew a straight line, and don't sew over the zipper teeth. Even so, I still find it a little intimidating, but I'm pleased with how it turned out.


I also added a white pom-pom fringe, with the help of this tutorial. A while back I ordered some white vintage buttons on Ebay, which I used to make the letter "K" on the front.



Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Bear in Briefs

I've had an idea for quite some time. A new friend to add to my etsy shop. I will warn you, it's a little risque.


You see, it's bear...



but he's not wearing much.


I think his big heart makes up for it.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Fireplace Makeover

The 1980s, the decade of brass...

(c) David Corby, 2006

Well, not that kind of brass. This kind:

Before


Brass is great for some applications, but along with the wooden handles, was really dating our fireplace...sometimes it's just time to move on, so we broke with the shiny brass and updated it with a little paint.


After taping off the glass and tile, I used a sponge brush to apply high heat paint. Make sure to have proper ventilation and wear a mask, because this stuff gives off some pretty strong fumes.



A couple coats of paint later...

After



Monday, January 11, 2010

Book Swap



Do you remember in grade school when your teacher had you bring in brown paper bags so you could cover all your books....at least until Book Sox came along. yuck.


I wanted to make the accesories in our entertainment center a little more cohesive and a bit brighter so they would pop against the dark brown wood. I did a bit of rearranging and brought in some white accessories, but still needed to do something with the stack of books I had on display. Then I thought, why not cover them in paper? I used plain craft paper, in tan and white, as well as a fun patterned paper in a similar tone.

Before



After



Now crisp and clean, the perfect home for the coral we smuggled brought back from our honeymoon in the Caribbean.

Friday, January 8, 2010

Hugs and Kisses


I always try to have at least one seasonal item in my etsy shop. I forwent New Years and settled on a more iconic holiday, Valentine's Day. My latest project is these embroidered XOXO Drawstring Bags. I'm pretty sure you'd be the coolest kid in class if you showed up to the Valentine's party with these little darlings filled with candy.


I'd like to leave you with a comparison of candy heart sayings from past to present:

Then

Be Mine
Kiss Me
Be True
Be Good
Sweet Talk
My Man
The One I Love

Now

You Go, Girl
Yeah Right
Email Me
UR Cute
No Way
Cool Dude
Chill Out
Nature Lover
Do Good