#89 try/learn a new craft

On my birthday this year, my present to myself was a $7 “teach yourself to crochet” learners kit.  (this was actually my 23^rd birthday, not my 75^th) After about 35 seconds of using said kit, I wished I knew enough stitches to crochet myself a noose. It wasn’t that I couldn’t do it. I could have if I’d really wanted, but it was just so boring. So crochet was NOT the craft for me. 

This week, out of sheer boredom, I downloaded the “stumble upon” application to my computer and promptly became good for nothing.  I’ve actually given myself a sore thumb by clicking over and over on my laptop to go to the next great site.  As you can tell, I really need something productive to do, and so stumble upon, in its infinite wisdom started recommending craft sites to me.  I’ve now decided to become the queen of all things craft. The next Martha Stewart. I will become her. I will. 

Below are how-to instructions for a few of the projects I’ve completed in the past two days. Once I plug in my sewing machine I’ll be able to get several more completed, but for now….

#1: Wall Art Inspired by this. 

Supplies: Two canvases, old book pages, glue, water, paintbrushes, scissors, pencil, and black paint

Mix 2 parts water to 1 part glue. Paint the mixture onto book pages and lay flat on canvas.  I wrapped them around the edges when they hung over, but had to use clear tape later to seal them to the sides because they didn't stick well.

Be sure to paint the ENTIRE sheet (pay special attention to the edges and corners!)  Pages may be bumpy, but will flatten out when dry.

These are bird silhouettes.  I typed "Bird Silhouette" into Google and printed the ones I liked.

Sketch out the design you would like in pencil...I drew the branches and leaves freehand and then traced the birds in the spots I thought they looked best.  Now all that's left is to paint. I used acrylic black paint. The website this came from recommended Sharpie markers but I didn't want to be high while I completed my picture so I stuck with paint.

                   

 My finished products!

#2 Paper Flowers

Start with a piece of paper...I chose to use pages from the same thrift store book that I used in the wall art.

Cut a fairly circular shape.  The irregular edges will provide some interesting lengths for the petals.

Starting from the outside, cut spirals into the paper, keeping them the same width as much as possible. You need a nice round piece in the middle that will come into play later...

Beginning with the outside of the spiral, roll tightly around itself all the way to the end.

Once you've rolled all the way to the center, let go and you'll have a nice little flower. Add a dab of hot glue to the center part that you left in a circle and press the inside of the flower down so it sticks in place. *please excuse the glare...I'm trying to figure out  my camera.  For a better example of what the flower will look like, check here.

#3 Pillow Embellishments

I began by cutting apart a stained shirt.

I traced circles onto part of the shirt. You will need six to make the flower.

Cut out...

Fold four circles into quarters.

Lay one circle flat, and stack four that are in quarters on top.

I hand stitched the corners of the circles together so they'd stay in place. Lay one more circle flat on top of this design, and gather in the middle for a cute and easy flower.

I hand stitched the flower, along with two black leaves cut out of cotton fabric, to a pillow I previously made from quilting squares.  Around another pillow, I tied what had been the bottom hem of the shirt just like a gift ribbon, with the knot tied in the back.

And there you have it...a few of my recent craft attempts :)