Old Pair of Jeans? 4 New Aprons!

This past weekend I bought A Is For Aprons, written by Nathalie Mornu and was instantly inspired to make a new tutorial on some bib aprons I used to make from the leg portion of old jeans. I realized that I could utilize the top portion of the jeans to make 2 waist aprons--what a great idea! Right???
So I began--a simple bib apron from the jean's leg. I took LOTS of pictures along the way. I added a pocket, that I had saved from another jean project, to the front with embellishments of small ball fringe and buttons. I think it turned out cute.
On to a half apron...Once again, I took pictures of every step along the way. I cut the crotch area and folded it over, sewing it down, to reduce any bulk or bulge in the center front. I cut out the sashes, and developed what I thought was a unique waistband treatment. I added tulle and other trim I had on hand to give it some extra frills.
Then the fun began--I needed to edit my pictures from both projects! Following my "normal" routine, I was downsizing them when I accidentally DELETED ALL but 2 of the 72 photos!!!! I was SICK--I needed a chocolate sundae to sooth me (well, I did resist that urge). My wonderful husband tried to help me "find" them, but sadly they were gone. We were able to download a software program that could restore all of the pictures on the SD card, and yes they were there! BUT to recover them fully I would have had to buy their program ($40!). Needless to say, I just took some more pictures of the finished products to share with all of you. I still have plans of making the tutorial while using the remaining parts of the jeans. Here's the pictures of my "trial run":

Step 1: Cut up an old pair of "mom" jeans































Step 2: Make a bib apron from a leg of the jean
































Step 3: Make a half/waist apron from the front (or back) of the top of the jeans



























I hope to get a "REAL" tutorial together for all of you soon, until then--ENJOY!

WOLF IN CHEF'S CLOTHING--MY LATEST ESTATE SALE TREASURE

My wonderful husband and I took a short trip this weekend to Ft. Worth so that he could attend a training seminar (more like a sales pitch by a medical equipment company). As he was going to be in "class" most of the morning, I had a chance to go to my favorite quilt shop in Texas. Visiting Cabbage Rose Quilting and Gifts is like a quilter's version of going to Disneyland. If you are ever in Ft. Worth, please make a point to visit this fun and friendly place.
After I left there, I was headed back towards the area where his "class" was taking place when my heart started pumping extra fast because I saw "the sign": ESTATE SALE. It was only 1/2 block to the right and my vehicle had no problem getting me there and parking close! I must have spent 45 minutes to an hour looking in every room at least twice. Have I mentioned that I love old books?--not the really old, expensive ones, just unusual ones. Well, I found a great treasure this time, I think.



"Wolf in Chef's Clothing" by Robert H. Loeb, Jr, copyright 1950. It is meant to be a cookbook offering recipes with pictures. The artist, illustrator, James W. Newhall did an excellent job with the artwork. Every page, recipe is a delight to read.
The protective sleeve is long gone, but the back flap was stuck inside the book and here is just a portion of the information it contained.



Here are some pictures to give you a glimpse of what is inside:




































It would make such a great Father's Day Gift!

Just added some awesome vintage jewelry to my Joyfulfind shop!

I just added these to my Joyfulfind Etsy shop! Scoot on over and browse a while.

More on The Inflatable Petticoat!

Recently, I was contacted by Crinolyn, the webmistress of Crinolyn.com, regarding my earlier post about those cute "inflatable petticoats" from years gone by. She sent me the following photos from ads that were in the Montgomery Wards Catalog. I just love the idea used with the full slip/petticoat!




















She also included these photos that are the colorized versions of the earlier ones I had posted. Aren't they amazing?


























Crinolyn happens to OWN one of the petticoats! She graciously took the time to take and send along photos of it for me to share with my readers.














Thank you Crinolyn for taking the time to contact me and for sharing these wonderful pictures with all of us!

Canning Jar Pincushion Tutorial

Have you seen these new Ball® Wide Mouth Contemporary Styled Glass Preserving Jars?



I love this little Half Pint size, especially if you turn it into a pincushion. I realize this is not a new idea and there are lots of instructions available for converting a jar lid into a pincushion, but I think maybe I should give you my version!
Here’s the finished product:



Supplies Needed:

Fabric Scrap of your choice
Jar with lid and band
Cotton balls or fiberfill
Card Stock
Glue gun, not pictured








Step 1: Using the lid of the jar, cut out a circle of the same size from the card stock. UPDATE: TRIM AWAY ABOUT .5 INCH OF THE CARD STOCK CIRCLE. This allows for less bulk when adding the lid to the jar.




Step 2: Using the lid of the jar, trace around it on the wrong side of your fabric. Increase that circle’s radius about 1.5” and cut out the larger circle.












Step 3: Layer the fabric, cotton balls, and lid then place the “sandwich” inside the band.














Step 4: Press the lid down so that the cotton balls and fabric form the pincushion on the opposite side of the band. Check to see if you need to move the fabric to avoid creases. Make any necessary adjustments and then fold in the fabric and hot glue it to the underside of the lid. Making sure that you place your glue inward, away from the edge of the lid. Too much bulk at the edge of the lid will make it hard to close.












Step 5: Trim away any excess fabric and hot glue the cardstock over the fabric edges.





Step 6: Line the band with a small bead of glue and insert the pincushion into it, pressing firmly. Add the lid to the jar and YOU HAVE A NEW PINCUSHION!





Other ideas (please add yours in the comments): Monogram the top and use it as a “treasure jar”. Add ribbon, paint, and other embellishments to the band to give it even more personality.

Come on In and Join the Ultimate Blog Party!

What fun this will be! My very first involvement in a Blog Party. Make new friends, perhaps win a prize (I want a gift certificate to Paperlicious!), and do some shopping maybe too.

Click on over to 5 Minutes for Moms and read all about it! Sign up and begin to PARTY!

New Items Posted to One of my Etsy Shops

While the plumber was here for 6 hours trying to put 4 sinks back together, and encountering leaks, thus making multiple trips to the "supply house"--I had time to list some of my Glass tile and Scrabble tile pendants in my Suzanne's Perfect Treasures Etsy shop. Be sure and stop by--these are all ON SALE!

1960's "New Idea": The Inflatable Petticoat!!!

I bought the 1961 Annual supplement to the World Book Encyclopedia at a resale shop a few months ago for 70 cents--you know, just because it was there. When I started thumbing through it, I came across these photos and just had to send them out to all of you.
Enjoy!

Colorful Collar of Crowns

Just thought I'd show off one of my latest creations--fit for a princess! I love to add bows to my handmade collars! This bow features a crown on top, carrying on the theme of the fabric from which the collar is made.
Super easy and lots of fun!






I have a video on youtube that shows how to make a similar bow:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAfvm5z0skk

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

Shout Out to Amy!

Do you ever just want to "try before you buy" something? Well a couple of weeks ago I decided I wanted to try embellishing doggie tees with vinyl lettering and/or designs. Now keep in mind I do not own a heat press or cutting machine, so everything would have to be done via exacto knife and household iron. So my search online began...well the vinyl comes in huge amounts, at least from what I found. So I started searching ETSY and happend upon Amy's shop, Broake & Thumb Studios
This lovely, and obviously very talented, Etsian was so gracious when I contacted her about buying just a few left over scraps to use for my "trials". She not only sent them lightening fast, but even included full directions. I also have to say, my "home method" is working so far! Yeah! I just need easier designs to cut out and use. I'll post pictures when I can.
So Amy--you are the BEST! Thank you for your generosity and kindness!

Busy Day, But I Did List Amazing Brooch on ETSY

Today was busy--where did it go? The "Granite Guys" have to come back on Monday, so I probably won't have my "kitchen back" until Wed. Taco Bueno, here we come!
I did finally get another vintage BROOCH listed in my Joyfulfind Shop on Etsy. The pictures were taken with new lighting sources and a different camera setting, "tungsten". I am pretty pleased with the pictures, but there is always room for improvement.

Quick Tip For Crafters

I decided to make some more of the "vintage earring" magnets this morning and thought I would share a tip I think I learned from Martha's Show. When working with something convex or shaped oddly and you need to have it rest upside down during your creation process (in my case for the E6000 to dry), fill a bowl about 2/3 full of rice and invert your item into it. It stays stable and you can now go on to other projects!

Phase I of Kitchen Remodel Begins! Yellow River Granite!

Lucky me! My wonderful husband is letting me add granite counter tops to our kitchen, dining room built-in buffet, and spare bath which is adjacent to the kitchen. Phase I actually started yesterday, when partial tear-out began. The granite is due to be installed today. Of course, we have been in a long drought here in TX, but it is pouring rain right now. Can't complain about rain, though. Here are my before pics:







And here are a few pics of the tear-out:





I guess all I can do today is stay out of their way and work on crafts or blogging or shopping online or add items to my Etsy shops....
More pictures tomorrow, maybe.