Modge Podge Mother's Day Project

Hello Again!   

     One thing y'all might find out about me is I'm late... late for just about everything in life. Late in a sense that no matter what I do Murphy's Law catches up to me and creates some sort of insane time portal that prevents me from being on time to anything every single day of my life! I could leave my house 2 hours early for an appointment at a place 10 minutes away and still be 5 minutes late! Because of this I am just now posting my Mother's Day project on the Tuesday after Mother's Day at 2 in the morning... I hope that y'all enjoy it and of course this doesn't have to be for Mother's Day,  it would be great for birthdays, gifts, or even just yourself!

Sorry about this awful photo... Hopefully it will be replaced once these find their permanent home

   

 I only have one local craft store and due to my natural tardiness I usually have to be a last minute shopper which means what they have is what I have to work with. I found these 13" wooden letters that were boxy enough for me to use for the photos to spell out FAMILY. I then purchased 6 pages of black and whiteish scrapbook paper and then I made my way to the wonderful selection of Modge Podge! I kid you not there is around 10,000 different kinds of this stuff and you feel a little overwhelmed reading all the labels... I figured it would be best since working with photos to just go with the Matte finish so it wouldn't reflect so badly on the walls when hung. The Clear Acrylic Sealer is to seal the scrapbook paper so you are able to modge podge with it a little easier... if you don't your paper may start to crinkle up and cause creases in the finished project. Oh and don't forget your little Sawtooth Photo Hangers if your letters don't have hangers on the back of them then you will need to find a way to get them to hang on the wall. For the photos I went to a local drug store with a photo cd I created to get all of the prints done. The wallets came 4 to a 4x6 sheet so they will need to be cut down to size and I believe I had 41 of them printed.

Step 1:
     Take your scrapbook pages and lightly spray them with the Acrylic Sealer in a nice open area like outside or even your garage like I had to because it was raining. I applied 3-4 layers only to the front of the paper which seemed to be enough to seal it but also leave it still acting like paper.

Step 2:
     While those scrapbook pieces dry for an eternity in your humid hot funky garage... ok may be that's just me... lay your wallet size photos out on your letters to see if you need to cut any angles. By this I mean that if you want all of your photos to be straight on letters like the A and M and Y you will need to trim them down or you will have overhang. What I did was lay them all out the way I wanted them to look then I trimmed only the photos that needed to be trimmed... I then neatly stacked each letters worth of photos in the same order as they would go on them. This would also be a great time to add the sawtooth photo hangers to the back of your letters if you need to! Measure down about an 1" on each letter so when it comes time to hang them they will go up straight.

     Some things to make this step a little easier... Fold the photos over the edge of the letter to give you an angle to work off of... I trimmed about 1/4" in from the fold. Also if you are using the sawtooth hangers keep in mind the way a photo hangs. The L and F needed to be placed off center so the letters would hang straight once put up and additional hangers had to be used on the M and Y. Also, some brands of the hangers may end up poking through the front of your letters. Fortunately there was a belt sander in the garage and a man in the house that took those protrusions right off! I suggest looking for ones that are shorter than the thickness of the letters :)



Step 3: 
     Put a thin layer of Modge Podge on your letters and lay the strips over to cover the fronts of them. Add more Modge Podge where needed. Be sure you press down firmly to seal the paper to the wooden letters. 



Tip: Less is better!! I'm serious, if you overload your letters with Modge Podge you will still run the risk of your paper looking just awful even if it's been sealed!

  Step 4:
     Once your paper has dried onto your letters then you will need to take your razor/exacto knife and cut away the excess. I just ran it against the edge of the letters and kept fingers and hands out the way! Please use proper technique and cut away from yourself and anyone else to prevent accidents with these nice sharp objects ;) You could stop here if you'd like I think just the look of paper is GREAT!! Especially for a nice art project for the house all you would need to do is Modge Podge the top of the paper and be done!



Step 5:
    Apply a small amount of Modge Podge to the top of the paper and lay out your photos! Allow the Modge Podge to dry according to the label before applying the top coat... Once dry I applied 3 layers on top of the photos then left it to dry overnight hanging out of reach of my 14 month old.


FYI: Modge Podge takes a while to dry! Don't assume after 12 hours that you can stack these letters on top of each other because they will stick and it will ruin the finish and then you will have to redo parts of the project or possibly the whole thing... I found that out the hard way when mom popped in and I had to reach and grab to hide! 

Have a Modge Podge tip?? Please comment below!! 

Thanks a bunch y'all and Happy Crafting!!

Ashley

Maxi Dress Pattern Review

Hey Y'all!!

    This is officially my first pattern review! Eeeek! Lol .... I have been sewing for about a year and a half now and honestly it is probably my favorite crafty thing I do. Something about being able to make items for friends and family and of course my daughter just holds a very special place in my heart! I am always happy to go visit the ladies at the fabric stores and catch up with them and show them my projects... In fact after I bought my fabric for this project and stitched it together I put my daughter in it and drove straight to the store to show the ladies and of course buy more fabric.... but shhhhh don't tell the hubby!

Anyways lets get to it! Click HERE to purchase the pattern

Bebelambs 
Labri Reverse Knot Maxi

PDF Pattern sized from Newborn to a Girls 10

    If you haven't worked with PDF files before you are missing out! They are so simple and you only have to print out the few pieces you'll need to get the pattern put together to make your cuts.

Bonuses: This pattern only has 1 pattern piece that fits on a standard sheet of 8.5x11" paper! Also it goes up to a SIZE 10!! YES a 10!!! I love this because my bonus daughters are 6 years older so I can still use this pattern for a few more years with them!!


Ok so fabric choices... I honestly think that you could make this dress with pretty much any fabric but I chose to work with this knit that made me second guess my decision just because it was a pain to cut being so thin but the outcome was WELL worth it!! I also don't suggest working with knits unless you have a Serger or a machine that has a differential feed... You are more than welcome to attempt to do it but I've been there and my machine eats knits alive! Also because of the thin knit I had to line the dress with some material... I chose a Jersey Knit to line the bodice so it would stay nice and comfy for her and then just a plain thin cotton for the skirt so during these 8,394 degree summers in Texas she could stay somewhat cool. Oh and don't forget to check your fabric requirements in the pattern before you go to the store! 

    The pattern has one pattern piece which you will need to print to get your bodice pieces cut and then the rest of them are based on the size requirements you need.... Once you download your pattern PLEASE read through it!! I can't tell you how many times I have thought "Oh I know how to do this..." then screwed it up! haha it's just like cooking and preps you prior to starting your work. 

   This pattern was probably the easiest one that I have ever had to sew out! I am being 100% honest in saying that! The hardest part of the whole thing is crossing your fingers, eyes and legs holding your breath and praying that your button hole attachment works right even though you tested it out 5 times on a scrap piece of fabric before sewing it out on the actual dress itself! It took me about 2 hours from start to finish and I can't tell you how many compliments I have received from family, friends and strangers! The reverse knot allows you to determine how deep of a neckline you want which is absolutely perfect! So many patterns tend to have lower necklines than I'd like on my daughters so the fact that I can choose with this one is great! Also I have yet to figure out how to shir on my machine so I loved that the pattern had elastic casings in the back instead of shirring. This is a great alternative to shirring and I have found it in a few patterns I have used and even incorporated it into other patterns which require shirring.

Now Ain't That Cute!?

I hope y'all enjoy and Happy Sewing!!

-Ashley

P.S. Be sure to follow my blog for more crafty fun!!

Shop Til You Drop

Hello again!

    As I mentioned yesterday I plan on sharing some of my favorite places to shop with y'all! I have had an eventful last few weeks but hopefully my brain will connect properly and I can share some of my all time favorites and a few my new favorites...

I personally am redirecting my business towards more sewing than anything else so we will start there... I want to add that if you are looking for a place always check local!! I can find fabrics at my local shops that I haven't seen anywhere else and I am always happy to support small businesses!! 

Fabric.com - The find almost anything fabric site a bonus to this site is when you order you might be that lucky person to see the lovely tag on your fabric saying "JACKPOT you got the end of the bolt!" which is awesome and leaves you feeling like you literally just won the jackpot well at least if you are as obsessed about fabric as I am.

Hawthorne Threads Website - These people have some amazing coordinating fabrics. One thing I absolutely love about this site is at the bottom when you click on a fabric you like it shows you the solids and patterns that match. When you are making items where you need this, which is just about everything, it REALLY comes in handy! You can also follow Hawthorne Threads Facebook Page to keep up with new things being added and new collections that are being released!

Spoonflower - Although this site is more on the pricey side it is definitely a one of a kind place. From what I have gathered pretty much all (if not all) fabrics on this site have been designed by people just like you and me (well most likely more creative than me) who had an idea and turned it into fabric. If you have an idea and want to turn it into fabric you can do it here too!! I have actually taken my logo and made a pattern from it to make small sew in tags on some clothes! You can get a small sample piece which is perfect for that! If anything I do suggest that you drop by and check them out.

Most you already know of Joann's I am sure... but it is basically a Hobby Lobby or Michael's just more Fabric Oriented and a great place to go if you are an instant gratification buyer ;)

Hancock Fabrics - I have yet to visit one because the nearest one is actually at least an hour drive from me but I plan on going soon!! I have heard MANY great things about this store and I am almost embarrassed to admit that I haven't been to one! Soon... very very soon....

Etsy - First of all if you haven't shopped on Etsy you are missing out this place is full of peoples unique creations and the best part of it is you are supporting small businesses! I try my best to do that whenever I can! Not only can you find some unique pieces on Etsy but you can also find craft supplies... Other people who are as obsessed or more obssesed about fabric than me buy bolts of it and sell so when your places that are mentioned above run out and you are in a panic check Etsy! I have had this happen before and some Etsy sellers have saved my bum bum as the kids put it! 

Artfire - This site is very similar to Etsy but still growing, I actually have a certain ribbon I like to order from a shop on Artfire and she is the ONLY person that seems to carry it! 

The Fabric Cobbler On Facebook - Just joined recently and I can say that her prices are fair and she has a wide variety of items including some presales on items being released! I placed my first order yesterday and I can't wait to get my goodies in!!

NR Fabrics on Etsy - I went searching and searching for a place to buy knits and this is where I was directed... If I need any help finding things I go to my Facebook groups that I posted yesterday if you missed it you can check it out HERE! Anyways I found NR Fabrics and her prices are awesome! I placed an order for some knits that I can't wait to work with! 

Holland Fabric House - I recently found out about this place through a Facebook Group... All I can say is BIAS TAPE... check it out! 

If you are sewing on a budget you can always upcycle clothes and or go to your local thrift stores and see what you can find! Also I know here we have some amazing local people who came together and built a site for people to post items they have for sale sort of like an online garage sale... If you look you'll find good deals! Also with the networking that is out there join some groups and see what deals they have... just be sure to check pricing so you aren't getting the wrong end of the stick! 

Tomorrow will either be something very exciting (If I can pull it off) or we will touch base on where to buy some other fun crafty stuff like ribbon and bow supplies! 

Again if you are subscribed or following (Still learning) Please feel free to share some of your favorite fabric spots in the comments below!!

Thanks y'all and Happy Shopping!

Ashley

You Might Find Me....

     Anywhere where crafts are involved really... I have decided to put this together to inspire and assist others with my addiction and I hope that y'all enjoy. 

     For those of you who haven't had the pleasure of joining groups on Facebook they are amazing! You get to chat with other people who have same interest and get feedback on your projects help with ideas and an insane amount of tips to use during the whole process. This doesn't necessarily apply to just crafting... even if you aren't a crafter you can still find  groups that involve your interests. I think I joined my first group a little over a year ago and I have been hooked since. There is just an insane amount of help and knowledge out there! 

     The first craft group that I joined is Lets Owl Craft Together. I had just started trying to get into the bow business which is a WHOLE other story but this group really helped me with a ton of stuff that I needed help with. Everybody that I have come across in the group has been beyond helpful and fun! Great people and so far the best help when it comes to anything bow related!

     Craft Junkies was another craft group that I stumbled upon. They are super sweet people who make just about anything and everything! Lots of painters and jewelry makers and really just a catch 22 when it comes to the craft world. I have seen and found some amazing creations by some amazing people who have more talent in their pinkie nail than I do in my entire body ha ha! 

     When I started to sew about a year ago I was very unsure of my creations and I had a fellow sewer who I had found in Lets Owl Craft Together who I became friends with, she recently added me to Sew and Tell... If you are a sewer this group is BEYOND amazing! They are so informative they help with pricing they help with bargains and finding all sorts of places to go spend that money that you probably shouldn't be spending but you are going to spend anyways. I have had help finding the right patterns for things and even today somebody shared an awesome link to some amazing bias tape that I will have to share soon! 

     I also recently received my first Silhouette.... I have some experience when it comes to vinyl cutters because I grew up with a father in the sign business. Silhouette For Beginners  is a great group I have poked around the place for a while now and I have seen ladies helping ladies figure out all sorts of issues with their Silhouettes. I hope to thoroughly enjoy this group when I get a chance to play with my machine a little more!

     If you are following or viewing and know of any other groups that could help please feel free to leave them in the comments below!! 

     I hope that this post will assist some of y'all in finding a place with other people who go through the everyday struggles of creativity. Tomorrow I am going to touch base with some places that I like to shop (who doesn't love that??) 

Thanks for stopping by!

Ashley

Introduction

I guess as my first entry I should introduce myself...

    I am The Indecisive Craftaholic. I figured that The Indecisive Crazy Cooking Sewing Photographing Gardening Bow Making Learning to Crochet Workaholic Mom wouldn't work so well for a title and TICCSPGBMLCW was an acronym that people would continuously learn to fail at (including myself) so I shortened it up...

    I LOVE to stay busy. Busy in a sense that my own conscience is unable to occupy my head which in some weird way tends to keep me sane. I have 2 wonderful bonus daughters who are currently 7 and 8 years old and then my own daughter who just turned 1 on March 15th (where does the time go?). In case you weren't able to guess it I also LOVE to craft, like obsessively love to craft. I have loved art ever since I was a child and I have always been one to walk into a store see something, believe it's overpriced and then spend twice as much buying the stuff to make it myself... True story on more than one occasion. I would have to say that my most recent obsession would have to be sewing I received my first machine for Christmas 2012 and I have been hooked since. I started out making things for my daughter including tutu onesies, wipe cases and changing pads then slowly advanced into dresses and actually less than 2 weeks ago just invested in my first Serger! I am undoubtedly excited about that one!! I also recently purchased a Silhouette which has been fun but I haven't really been able to enjoy it quite yet. I do work a full time job along with all my crazy hobbies and I love it! I am an Emergency Dispatcher and did a few years with a Police Department which left me with memories I wouldn't trade for anything! I am an open book, I love to meet new people, I love to share things with people and I LOVE to attempt to teach or help people who are interested in anything that I do! I am hoping that I can share patterns and fun things that I find that are crafty or photography or food related including tutorials and easy fun things for all of us to do... I even love fish (aquariums, fishing and eating) and animals so there could be the occasional aquatic/animal post. I'm seriously everywhere all the time...

Looking forward to many more posts with y'all!

Ashley