If you have a pile of denim saved for a project or three, you’re in luck! Today I launched my brand new class, Upcycled Denim Herringbone Pillows!READ MORE
If you are a current member of the Modern Quilt Guild, my webinar “Quilting Inspiration from Reclaimed Textiles“ is now available for viewing on their site.READ MORE
These upcycled pin cushions are the perfect touch to make for yourself, or as a gift to a friend who sews. Try sticking in some pre-threaded needles, all ready to go for everyday mending. Or maybe some pretty glass head pins. They are made from scrap fabric and those little sake cups and tiny little ceramic cups and vessels I see often at the thrift store. There is usually just one of them, and I thought this was a fun way to use them.
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(Photo by Armstrong Pitts Studio)
Another project I did for a client a few years back. An easy way to unify mismatched thrift store glasses for your DIY Halloween party. With spooky drawings done with a black paint pen.
These DIY Halloween Trick or Treat bags are made from thrift store t-shirts and are surprisingly sturdy (meaning- they hold a lot of candy). They require a little reverse appliqué, and by using the bright yellow t-shirt I found, the effect of the eyes is very bright against the other colors.
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I started the Wise Craft Handmade YouTube channel to share simple quilting tips, hints, and techniques, as well as other DIYs that I love to do. My goal right now is to get one new video posted per week, and I’m three weeks in.
Finding the right Fathers Day gift is not easy, at least not around here. The Dad here seems to have everything he needs, except a boat (and that’s not going to happen). One thing he does like are those classic, LifeTouch-style school portraits that mark every passing grade in such an iconic way. Most photos are digital, but these are everything but. This is a great DIY to help keep all those photos together and brag-worthy. It uses thrift store- bought leather, which I love. In fact, I taught an entire CreativeLive class on how to upcycle leather into your projects. Its usually cheap (if you go for the out of style, unfashionable pieces especially), and often, one piece of clothing can supply leather for many projects. So you can make a brag book for each child!READ MORE
Sometimes the best ideas are the simplest. This holiday ornament DIY is from plain old costume jewelry I found at the thrift store for next to nothing. First I picked out some necklaces, brooches, and earrings that were extra sparkly. Back at home, I cleaned them up, and did a little disassembling. Using some tools we have around the house, like needle nose pliers and metal cutters, I broke or cut off any parts I wouldn’t be using. Then I used some 20 gauge artistic wire to fashion a loop to hang it on the tree. On some of them I added satin ribbon for a little color.
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