Stitch by Stitch: Review

Today I received "Stitch by Stitch: Learning to Sew, One Project at a Time," a 223 page book by Deborah Moebes that was just re-released and am so excited to share it with you! This wire bound hardcover book even comes with a cd filled with patterns and guides! 

Liberate Creativity & Mod Podge Rocks

Guess where my project is today????



Click on her the icon to check it out!

Thanks for the feature Amy!

Santa Mailbox

So....for some of us Santa will come on Christmas Eve, the kids will leave a note for Santa with some cookies on the table, go fast asleep (We hope!) and in the morning run down the stairs to find presents under the tree! The whole thing is quite magical for them...so let's make it a bit MORE magical!

What about a special "Santa Mailbox" where the kiddos can send notes to Santa, AND Santa can send messages back???? Oooh, how fun! Here's what I did!

Change Up Your Kids Winter Hats

My boys winter hats get a little boring over the season, so I came up with a fun snazzy set-up for a cool kid! Why not have 1 hat that can alterate its look?!!! I found a dollar store grey hat, sewed some velcro to the front and came up with a few designs that can be "stuck" to the front of the hat....check it out!.....

Level: Beginner

Time: 1 hour or less (Depending upon how many designs you make of course!)

Topic: Kids, Accessories

Update Your Lamps!

So.....I had an okay lamp on our end table in our bedroom, but I'm never okay with "just okay"
So of course I have to update it! I found some buttons, some straws, spray paint, glue gun.....and forget about it!!!!

Extra Storage for your Stroller

Let's just get it out of the way - my photos aren't terrible, but they're not great either! Clearly I had the wrong settings and didn't pay attention enough to notice. UGH! At any rate, this tutorial is too cute and handy not to share, so I'm sucking it up and letting you all in!

This is a winter coat that was supposed to fit my second son for this winter, however, he's bigger than my first was at this time, so it wouldn't work! Yes, I could donate it, but how in the world would I be able to help Liberate Your Creativity if I did that! With this coat I created two separate projects. The first one was with only the hood. The removable hood has two snaps at the base and buttons along the button to secure itself to the coat.

Burlap & Starfish Wreath

I'm excited to feature Roeshel from The DIY Showoff today! Roeshel has offered a great project using burlap! Burlap is always a fun fabric to get creative with - so many uses and it's always wonderful to see what people come up with while using it! Be sure to visit Roeshel's site - she's got a great eye for creativity!
_________________________________________________________________________

Level: Beginner

Topic: For the Home

Time: 1-4 hours

Easy DIY Burlap & Starfish Wreath

Cutom Printed Napkins

If you have an upcoming anniversary party, birthday, wedding or some other function, consider making some custom napkins for the event! This may seem tasky, but it's sure to be something for your guests to talk about!
This is a simple project! All you need is a printer, digital photo and napkins!

Zoinks! Even More Scooby Doo Ideas!

I hope yesterday's  Scooby Doo Doo post inspired you a bit when planning your next festivity. I also wanted to show you what game we played as well as a cute display for an easy peasy appetizer.

Charley insisted there be a "mystery" at the party. So I came up with a plan that when the kids were outside playing musical chairs (to the tune of Scooby Doo of course!) the presents would be disappear! At the end of the musical chairs game I said "Okay guys, it's time to open presents!" Everyone cheered and bolted to the presents table. The table was EMPTY! There was a clue printed
out along with a handful of large magnifying glasses (found at the dollar store).

Scooby Dooby Doo!

I'm recovering from Scooby Doo overload! Our 5 year old's birthday party was yesterday and I thought I would share a few fun ideas I came up with for the 25 kids invited....yes, 25! I know this may automatically place me in the cookoo corner; however my feeling is the bigger the better...plus, it's only 3 hours! These straws were the hit of the party (kids and adults alike)! I simply googled "Scooby Doo" images and printed off a sheet of each image. I cut two small slits and wove the straws through. Ta-da, super fun straws!

Now....the kiddos certainly need beverages!

Buckle Earrings

Topic: Accessories
Time: Less than an Hour

Why do I have an entire muffin tin full of unpaired earrings? Simply put is because I have an unrealistic idea that somehow I will one day find where my 1 year old "hid" mommy's pretties. The day I find the pairs to some of my fav earrings is the day all of my socks find their pairs, so I might as well do something else with the pieces I do have! Rooting around my drawer of randomness tonight drew up a couple funky silver belt buckles! Here's a little scrappy summary of my creations.....

Pin It

Applique Inspiration

One of my fav things to do is create appliqued tee's for little one's. Wanted to share with you some of my favorite one's to date (Designed by myself & Erin Hannon). Appliques are very simple - come up with a design, find some great fabric (100% cotton works best), iron fabric to ultrabond lite, cut out design, iron on to garment and stich around for effect! The possibilities are vast when creating appliques - they're really great for fixing a stained shirt or pair of pants!

Oh Where Oh Where Did I Go????

Wanted to send a quick HELLO to everyone.....so completely sorry I've taken a hiatus from this site! Bottom line is I started back to full-time work June 1st and I've been swamped! I thought being a stay-at-mom was tough! Whew!

I'm finally getting into the swing of things and plan on coming back to Liberate Creativity very very soon. Please don't give up on me, I promise to be back! This site gives me inspiration, happy feelings and a sense of creativity....I need this, I need you all!

Currently I'm obsessed with Project Runway and have been fantasizing about re-purposing some new chic work outfits for, as well as redoing winter coats for my boys......all coming soon!

Love to you all,
Becky

Summer Banner

Hi, I'm Becky from Liberate Creativity. I'm super excited to be visiting Lipstick and Laundry today! Jen and I had this idea of swapping Summer Banner ideas, so here it goes. Be sure to check out both our tutorials to get some super fun creative inspiration!

My banner was inspired by my fav summer items....Hot Dogs, Flowers and Flip Flops!

Poppy Summer Garland

Hi I'm, Jen from LipstickandLaundry, trading places with Becky from Liberate Creativity ... Hope you enjoy the Summer California Poppy Garland!

California Poppy Garland...

ETI Funky Fun Tray

So I was offered a great opportunity to use Envirotex Lite....I came up with a super fun idea to use an old tv tray we had lying around.

Chalkboard Wine Glasses

Level: Beginner
Time: Less than an hour
Topic: Painting

Okay, I love wine. I've said it....the secret is out! Since I've shared it with you all, you should know my newest ideas.....let's forget those wine charms and introduce some easy-peasy labels.....no one wants to lose their wine glass at a party for goodness sakes!


Step 1: Gather your wine glasses

Viewmaster Pouch

Level: Intermediate

Time: Expect 1-4 hours

Topic: Accessories, Sewing

Hi there! I'm Jess from Craftiness is not Optional and I have a fun little project to share today!

Plastic Fusion

Level: Intermediate

Time: Expect 1-4 hours

Topic: Repurpose

I'm stoked to be making a guest appearance on Sweet Rustic today! Check out my Plastic Fusion tutorial here.

Dry Erase Possibilities!

Have you ever tried Dry Erase paint? Okay, seriously, you should. Recently I completed a couple easy-peasy projects using this amazing paint.....

1. Dry Erase "Idea" board for my craft room

2. "Menu" board for my kitchen

Simple Photo Frames

Hi my name is Stephanie Lynn from Under the Table and Dreaming and I'm delighted to be visiting Becky today!


Level: Beginner
Time: Expect 1-4 years
Topic: Housewares

I have a simple frame to share with you today that can also double as a little note holder too.

Get to Know Mary Janes And Galoshes

Have you been to Mary Janes and Galoshes yet? If not, you need to check out this site! Taylor Ballweg is amazingly talented. I'm stoked to have her here today sharing insight into her life, lessons and personality! Thanks so much for joining us today Taylor!

Egg-straordinary Mosaic Wall Decor

Okay, so check this out.....another great idea to repurpose all those plastic easter eggs we have lying around. Remember Monday's post of the Strand of Lights made from plastic eggs? Well, today we're making some Art Decor.....super egg style!

Egg-Cellent Strand of Festive Lights

How many extra plastic Easter Eggs do you have lying around???? Geez oh peat, we reuse them year after year; however we seriously need like 20 for next year....not hundreds! I've come up with a couple great projects to reuse these plastic gems! Seriously, you'll want to check this out!

Level: Beginner
Time: 1-4 Hours
Topic: Repurpose

Gift Bag Organizer

Here's a simple and fun organization idea for all those gift bags, tissue and ribbons! If you're anything like me I can rarely find tissue paper amongst the millions of gift bags when I'm rushing out of the house to a party (running late as usual!). This organization has helped keep it all more straight and easy to access. (It's also a great thing to do for baby showers, bridal showers, birthdays, etc. - how excited would that person be to have everything all sorted and organized for them directly following their party?!)


Level: Beginner
Time: Less than an hour
Topic: Organization


Supplies Needed:
XL Gift Bag
Clothespins

Happy Friday!

Design-It-Yourself Clothes by Cal Patch

Book Review: Design-It-Yourself: Pattenmaking Simplified by Cal Patch

The Breakdown
This 158 page book, Design-It-Yourself: Pattenmaking Simplified by Cal Patch takes patternmaking to a whole new level! Patch's book is separated into 3 parts: Preparing & Taking Measurements, Making Patterns, and Customizing and fitting. Patch offers fun and modern directions for completing 20 different garments. The book is filled
with detailed description and instruction for building the perfect pattern; she not only tells how to make it, but also explains as to the reason you should pay extra attention to tailoring, detail and fabric choices. Patch includes countless drawings and detailed graphs in attempt to leave no questions unanswered. The book includes a table of contents and index, as well as a references page, and a helpful measurement conversion chart.

My Favs about this book

My favorite things in the book is that it's easy to navigate and is extremely detailed. Patch's book made me excited to make my own patterns and offered an amazing foundation to do just that! Patch encourages the reader to think big and realize that you can create patterns for any piece of clothing! Another favorite part of the book was the section that explained how to create patterns from pieces of clothing that you already own.....and showed how to do it without cutting them up! This was right down my alley and I hope that Patch considers writing an entire book dedicated to this sometime down the road too! Okay, another fav about this book was Patch's section on "Insider Sewing Techniques." She broke down and simplified various seam finishes (mock-french seam, overedge zigzag, etc.) and explained to the readers exactly how to execute the finish flawlessly.

Big Gulp....Anything I would change about the book
Although I very much enjoyed this book I fear it's certainly not a perfect fit for a novice sewer without the inspiration or desire to learn. The book is filled with such wonderful information, but if you're not necessarily ready for the challenge than it could seem overwhelming.

I certainly recommend Cal Patch's book to add to your crafting inspiration collection. This would be a perfect book for a sewing buddy's birthday!

The Craf "tee" Tote

Seriously, I'm completely humbled and pumped that Megan from Brassy Apple agreed to make a guest appearance here! I have been a follower for years, and to be perfectly honest, I don't think she realizes how completely uber talented she is! Megan was given a crazy gift of creativity, and it shows in her work! She's posting such a great project, so make sure to enjoy!

-Becky

 

Felt Wreath

Level: Intermediate

Time: 1-4 Hours

Topic: Housewares 

Hello there. My name is Liz from Piggies Pleasures. I am so pleased to be visiting Liberate Creativity today for this little guest post tutorial!  I have been blogging for several years now and crafting for even longer. Blogging and crafting allow me time to escape from reality for just a bit and focus on the fun things in life that I love so much! One of my passions is that of the fiber arts. I have been spinning yarn for several years now and I find fibers to be so fascinating. I am spinning yarn happily and ferociously to work on the re-opening of my Etsy store which really is a long time coming. So, in honor of all things fibery, (yep, I don’t think that is a word) I will be demonstrating how to make a yarn wreath.

 

Meet Persis from Miles of Style

Q: Tell us a little about yourself

A: I always find it difficult to talk about myself.  I guess I can start off by saying that I'm a business graduate, working full time with my husband in his business. I'm also a qualified fashion designer and write a blog called Miles Of Style, where I share all that I admire in fashion, design and photography. It's a busy life but I love what I do and cherish every moment in life.

Bathroom Door Revamp

Bathroom Door Revamp!

Level: Beginner

Time: Expect 1-4 Hours

Topic: Housewares

This is our Bathroom door. This Bathroom is attached to our Kitchen. It's not very sound-proof....like, at all!  

So I thought I could maybe "sound-proof" it a bit, plus make it cuter...

Software for Crafters

Alexis Bonari is a freelance writer and researcher for College Scholarships, where recently she’s been researching pediatric scholarships as well as the ever popular pell grant. In her spare time, she enjoys square-foot gardening, swimming, and avoiding her laptop.
Alexis contacted me asking if she could share some great online tools for creative folks....oh, look - I have LOTS of those people! Hope you enjoy some "techy" information.
-Becky

Software for Crafters
Crafters are more the creative type then the tech-savvy type. But there are a number of great software programs that can offer inspiration for crafters, provide basic tutorials or patterns, help crafters create their own patterns and designs, or even help crafters better organize their business efforts, including expenses and sales. Here are a few of our favorites:
http://digitalfire.com/index.html - The Magic of Fire
"Slay the glaze dragon" with this software and formulate, adjust, and maintain the physical, mineralogical, and chemical properties of glazes and clay materials. The software will help you identify weaknesses in the glaze and make adjustments, or create your own glazes from scratch.

http://www.knittingsoftware.com/ - Knitting Software
Several software programs are available on this site, including the Sweater Wizard, Stitch and Motif
Maker, Sock Wizard, Swatch Wizard, Hat Wizard, Buttonhole Wizard, and Mitten Glove Wizard. The programs are designed for the hand knitter and guide you through specific projects.

http://www.tilecreator.com/ - Tile Creator
Create glass mosaic tile designs on your home computer with this software. Use it to create murals, wall coverings, mirror frames and stepping stones. Just import your image, choose your colors, set your parameters, and the software creates the pattern for you.

http://www.dfly.com/glasseye.html - Glass Eye 2000
This software promises to help you create designs for stained-glass windows that are "easier to view and edit than any pencil and paper drawing." Easily manipulate your drawing by resizing, realigning, and ensuring symmetry. You can also play with color and lead widths to make adjustments.

http://www.stitchcraft.com.au/ - Stitch Craft
Create Cross Stitch projects, tapestry, rugs or other grid-based needlework projects with this program. Use the easy photo conversion feature, choose from up to 1,000 thread colors, and pick from dozens of stitch types. Three different versions of the software is available, based on your needs.

http://www.quiltpro.com/ - Quilt Pro
Quilt Pro offers a number of programs for quilters, including the comprehensive Quilt Pro software,Strip-Piecing Wizard, Triangle Magic, Foundation Factory and specific pattern programs. The Quilt Pro software allows users to create quilts with eight different layout styles or to draw their own blocks. Users can also choose from over 2,500 blocks and preview piecing charts, templates and yardage information.

http://www.wildginger.com/ - Wild Ginger
Use this software to create your own professional patterns for fashion design. Choose from several different programs to suit your needs, and create your own designs, patterns, and prints.

http://www.plasticcanvassoftware.com/default.htm - The Plastic Canvas Design Studio
Import photos or your own designs and convert them into patterns for your plastic canvas projects. The software also includes tutorials for beginners who or those that need a refresher.

http://www.rexancrafts.com/ - Rexan's Craft Organizer
Can't remember where you put that pattern? Don't remember the next step to take in your current project? This program can help you organize all your files, patterns, instructions, photos, and more. You can also create contracts and receipts if you decide to sell your crafts.

http://www.peacepattern.info/designer-software/ - Friendship Bracelet Design Software
This free, downloadable knitting software offers patterns, tips, and tricks for designing your own friendship bracelets. Choose your colors, the number of threads, and the number of rows.

A Visit From Lemon Squeezy Home

Christie from Lemon Squeezy Home has joined us today to let us in on her creativity process. You definitely need to check out her Etsy shop, Lemon Squeezy Shop.....some serious cuteness going on! If you needed a lift of creativity today, Christie's the one to do....take it away....

Mosaic Artistry

The process for me to design and complete a mosaic can take anywhere from just a few days to several months, depending on the size of the piece and what else is going on in my life.  I also own a Cafe & Catering Co., so I am pretty busy several months out of the year. 

Giveaway Winner - Bookbinding Journal

Congrats to the winners of At Home with Handmade Books by Erin Zamrzla!

The winners this time are: 

Erin said...

Great question! Hm, I know my husband's grandmother likes to write notes and such. I think she would appreciate one! Thanks for the giveaway!

April 13, 2011 9:58 PM 

Stephanie said...

my son who is 4 and loves to draw and make art.

April 14, 2011 2:28 PM 

Erin & Stephanie, Please email becky@liberatecreativity.com with your mailing address and the books will be mailed from the publishing company.


Thanks to Random.org for choosing our 2 winners!

Kids Room Plaque

How Does She is visiting us today.....we should feel very special....SERIOUSLY! Thanks so much for doing a guest tutorial....it's SO super! Read on people, read on!

Come in...It's PLAY time!

Level: Intermediate

Time: Expect 1-4 Hours
Topic: Houseware & Kids

Adding to the kids bedroom decor!

We got together with a couple of my daughter's friends and made this. It was a super fun 'swap' and I will get a post up soon on 'swapping talents'. You'll soon be thinking of ideas to keep your kids busy this summer and only have to do 1/6th of the work:)

And The Winner Is.....

Congrats to Shanner who won our earring giveaway! 

Shanner was excited about the giveaway and said...

Feathered Earings would be light enough weight for me to dance in! Cool giveaway and great etsy shop. I loved the yellow and magenta bracelet as well as the copper dangle and hoop earings.

Thanks to Random.org for choosing our winner - and thanks to all the readers that entered!

I will contact the winner via email.

Don't forget to enter our other weekly giveaway here!

Bookbinding Journal Album

Talk about stoked....I couldn't wait to share this tutorial with you all! Elena from Natures Cubbyhole is an amazing artist who crafts the most phenomenal pieces. Not only is she talented, she's also UBER ultra great for giving us a tutorial on bookbinding! WOOT! Enjoy the read and hope you get inspired!

______________________________________________________________________________

Hi everyone! I’m Elena and you can find more of my creative innovations in my online shop at www.NaturesCubbyhole.com. Today I wanted to share with you a guide for crafting a unique softcover album for wallet-sized (2.5” x 3.5”) photos. I’ve always thought that these mini photos don’t get enough love for all of their convenience and portability. You’ll be able to fit 40 photos in the model below, but the page quantity can be lengthened or shortened however you see fit! I’ve used vegan and recycled/rescued materials in a vibrant Springtime color theme offset with soft yellow, but anything works with this design.

Level: Advanced

Time: Who Knows, but it will be a blast!

Topic: Bookbinding

 

In order to speed up crafting time,

At Home WIth Handmade Books - Review

I just received a copy of Erin Zamrzla's newest book At Home With Handmade Books (Released TODAY!!!!) I couldn't wait to throw it open it and be overcome with creative inspiration. I wasn't dissapointed!

The Breakdown
Zamrzla's book is filled with 190 pages of bookbinding projects. The Table of Contents is separated by the "type" of book binding techniques (i.e.: Accordian books, Flutter Books, Four-Hole Binding, Yamato Binding, etc.). Zamrzla goes further to give a brief history of the various bookbinding techniques. The lack of index at the end of the book goes unnoticed mainly because the Table of Contents does an excellent job of directing the reader. At the end of the book there is a Resources page, to help us locate the materials needed. I adore she included a photo and short bio at the back as I'm always intrigued what the author looks like. I'm not weird, come on, you wonder too, right?! Okay, maybe it's just me.

Project Details
28 unique projects fill this how-to book. Templates are included for the projects, so you can easily photocopy (or trace) the designs. Zanrzla does an excellent job of breaking down each project and goes into thorough explanation on the execution creating your very own. . Bookbinding can be a tricky technique to master, but reading through the book truly made me feel like these projects were all within my novice reach.

My Favs about this book
I appreciated the fact that all of the materials and tools needed are easy to find at any hardware or crafting store - I mean, who wants to have to locate (and buy!) an obscure tool that you'll use for one project, right?! Also, the Photography is beautiful. The entire book has a calm nature about it with photos that accentuate each project.

Big Gulp....Anything I would change about the book
Listen, I'm opinionated and generally have plenty to say about what I would change about this and that, but honestly, I wouldn't make any changes. What? Becky's speechless? Write this date down.

I certainly recommend this book to add to your crafting inspiration collection. Erin Zamrzla's book At Home with Handmade Books is available April 12th - TODAY!!!!

Okay, okay, I adore this book - let's do a GIVEAWAY! I will give 2 copies of this book away.

To enter giveaway:
Comment below answering the question: Who would be the recipient of your first bookbinding project?

**Get an extra entry if you Tweet this post (just put an extra comment that you did so please).

This giveaway will end Saturday, April 16th....gosh, TWO giveaways in one week??? I must be in a good mood! Enter the other one here.

Chalkboard Train Track Table

Level: Beginner

Time: 1-4 Hours

Topic: Paint, Repurpose

On Charley's 2nd birthday I was insistent that we get him a train table! For goodness sakes, he adored the one at our pediatrician's office, so of course he would love one at home, right?! WRONG! Charley has spent zero to little time with this train table - mainly because we bought a double-story track that had to be glued and screwed to the table to be able to stick together....that made him mad! He wanted to be able to change things around. So I had hope that Wilson would use it.....not yet, but he's only 1, so I continue to hold up hope! Instead of freecycling the whole thing, I came up with a great idea - MOMMY-ReDO!!!!!

Giveaway - Trendy Feather Earrings

The weather today is.......wait for it......SUNNY!!!!! WOOT! This has made me in the mood for a giveaway. A fun and funky artist Amy Corn has offered a cool set of great earrings for a lucky reader!

Visit AmyCorn's Etsy site or her Facebook site Here

To enter to win, just leave a comment below with your fav item she currently has listed for sale (make sure to include your email address).

Giveaway will end at midnight Wednesday, April 13th.

*If you Tweet this giveaway you'll get an extra entry, just tell me in a separate comment below.

Good luck!

Spring Banner

Hi, I'm Nicole from Our Cozy Nest and I'm excited to do a little guest post here today.   I decided to do a  Spring Pennant Garland Tutorial.  I was hoping that maybe if I hung this outside, mother nature would get the hint and stop sending snow here to Utah.

Level: Intermediate

Time: Expect 1-4 hours

Topic: Sewing, Household

My inspiration were these gorgeous Easter dishes from...