art stuff: a new stencil & chevron pattern love

The Chevron Pattern is hot right now! I love this fresh and funky motif and gravitate to it over and over again. No shock then, when I saw this Heidi Swapp stencil, and I had to have it! This pattern is modern and chic and just plain yummy when added to an art journal page.

I have spotted this pattern all over this week. A few of my favorites are these colorful bouncy balls, I found here, and these delicious folding step stools that caught my eye here!

I think I will explore how I can incorporate this new favorite pattern into my home decor. Stay tuned!

my style: sparkle mod podge

I just have to start by saying what hundreds of other artists are saying out there - "mod podge rocks." Seriously. There is even an entire blog devoted to mod podge called just that - MOD PODGE ROCKS. It is filled with ideas for crafters of all levels using mod podge as a medium. I know that here in Florida it gets a bad name because of the humidity - but trying it on a different base may be all it takes to change your mind.

I admit - I have struggled with using it on chipboard and paper at times - but the more I work with it, the better I get a feel for it. I am really in love with it lately and have learned that I can use it on anything. Like this beautiful art journal I created for a friends birthday.

I created the base out of canvas. In the process I began painting on the canvas. I really liked the way it was looking, but it was lacking something. It needed a pop of something, that in this case, color wasn't giving me. I decided to try smearing on a coat of SPARKLE MOD PODGE. The recipient of this gift likes bling and so I knew she would love the glittery look. You could use matte or gloss finish as well.

When I was creating the cover of this journal I did all of my painting and stitching first, then I added a single coat of SPARKLE MOD PODGE over the top of all the exposed canvas areas, covering the paint and stitching alike.

I love the feel of this journal now. And it is not sticky. NOT. ONE. BIT. -and I love the pliable stability it gave to the canvas. The added sparkle gave it a pretty zing too! So - if you haven't played around with mod podge lately, I would give it another go. The perk for me? The price tag!

I created this project on my own and the makers of MOD PODGE, PLAID CRAFTS are not paying me to advertise their product. I just love it, so I thought I would give them a shout out!

on the worktable: hooked on scraps

I know I have posted several times on the love of using scraps of fabric but here I am again. I just can't bear to part with them. Just because they are small doesn't mean they aren't beautiful or useful - right? This time I paired that love with another favorite of mine. Rug hooking. What I got was an unexpected surprise.

Using a blend of fibers, hand dyed cottons, wool, tulle and more this bag turned out to be a textile lover's dream come true. Chunky, lofty, and just plain yummy. In rug hooking I take special care to vary the loft of the project, giving it added depth. I did the same here and this created the added bonus of shading- bringing out the vibrant color of the bag.

A reclaimed quilt block and vintage style spray made a perfect closure for the bag. I love the charm of the floral and tulle - a throwback addition to the funkiness of the modern hooked look. Touching this bag is wonderful!

Now can you see why I can't throw all those scraps away?

on the worktable: art journal peek

The story continues in this art journal peek. Incorporating more words with meaning and lots of color.

on the worktable: bible covers

Old quilts find new life around here all the time. This week I have been working on more Bible Covers. A fresh laundering, pretty stitching and bright flowers make them unique and pretty all at once.

 Custom orders for covers available now in my etsy shoppe! Enjoy!

on the worktable: a good dye job

Sometimes when we are feeling a little less than pretty, we just need a good dye job!

I just love all that color! These pretty pieces will be stripped for a new project I am working on. Stay tuned for more photos on that upcoming project.

sneak peek: 21 secrets

I'm getting so excited to share this SIMPLE and FUN workshop with you! Don't forget to start looking at those recyclable items with a new eye -  you never know what they might be transformed into! READ ALL ABOUT IT HERE! Then join me in creating something beautiful - REGISTER WITH  ME HERE!

***PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL INSTRUCTORS OF 21 SECRETS HAVE BEEN GIVEN AN INDIVIDUAL AFFILIATE CODE FOR REGISTRATION. IF YOU REGISTER THROUGH MY CODE I WILL GET CREDIT AND PAYMENT FOR THE WORKSHOP! I APPRECIATE EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU AND THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THIS ENDEAVOR!***

MY REGISTRATION LINK IS HERE!

On the Worktable: Vintage hankies

I so love vintage hankies!

On the Worktable: Old Quilt becomes Gadget Cases

I was happy to stumble across this very weary old vintage quilt. I love her worn feeling, her soft colors. I knew she would make the perfect quilt for the new vintage quilt block gadget cases I have been working on.

Hand dyed velvet and fabric covered buttons add a bit of old world charm.

These are available in my Etsy Store.

On the Worktable: Wristlets

New little wrist-lets are on the worktable.

Made with my favorite, re-purposed fabric scraps, these little bags are the textile equivalent to a beautiful art journal page.

Stitched, doodled, journaled and ready to go!