MissClaraBelle

So, a ring and a pillow walk into a church...

2011-04-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

No, it is not the intro to a joke, my friends, Chris and Carolynn are getting married and I they let me exercise my crafty MacGyverness on their ring pillow. I won't show you the whole thing, that is just for them, but I am pretty pleased with it and I was even able to work in their logo.

Vintage Fashion Expo

2011-03-22T20:32:00.000-07:00

The good people behind the Vintage Fashion Expo put on an amazing event again and totally made my day. It was heaven complete with vintage patterns, costume jewelry, gloves, purses and the thing that makes me weak in the knees... craft supplies. It was an all around awesome day and I highly recommend that you go, if you get an opportunity.

High Fashion Duck Tape in Action!

2011-03-17T08:00:00.000-07:00

Come take my Teen Crafting 101 class and learn how to make a Duck Tape Clutch. Awesome, right?

I am Cinderella or maybe Dorothy, Part 2

2011-03-13T20:31:00.000-07:00

I admit it. I have a problem. I am addicted to glitter. The glittering of shoes has continued and I am still in love. I will try to resist my addiction, but can it be really that wrong when it makes these beautiful/sassy/awesome creations? Although, there are the side effects... i.e. excess glitter blanketing my apartment.

I am Cinderella or maybe Dorothy

2011-03-13T13:24:00.000-07:00

Either way my sassed up shoes are awesome and fit for any Disney movie or maybe just a night at the bar. Here is the tutorial.

Materials:
Shoes
Glitter - I used large sized pieced of glitter and it took about 3 oz
Modge Podge
Clear Glaze
Sponge brush or other method to apply glitter/Modge Podge mixture

1. I used a pair of flats that had some embellishments so I had to remove those first.

2. Mix glitter with Modge Podge I used a 1:1 ratio, Just remember, this part does not look beautiful, but don't worry the Modge Podge will dry clear leaving only the glitter.

3. After mixing the MP/glitter to your liking apply to the shoe uppers making sure to not drop any on the sole of the shoe. You should apply to the entire shoe upper and then allow to dry for 25 minutes. Then apply an additional coat of mix. You will need to apply 4-5 layers of mix being careful to allow it dry between each application.

4. After you have applied 4 layers of the MP/glitter mixture allow to dry for approx 12 hours. Then apply a thin layer of clear glaze. I used Dresden Clear Glaze.
Ok, you are officially done, now go enjoy your shoes!

2011-02-27T19:41:00.000-08:00

Kids Sewing 202/Teen sewing 101 - Lazy Pants - Two/ Two hour session
What you will learn:

How to cut a pattern
Create waist casing
How to make some awesome "comfy" pants

Class Times:
March 12 - 9:30am-11:30am - Session 1
March 19 - 9:30am-11:30am - Session 2

April 9 - 11:30am - 1:30am - Session 1
April 16 - 11:30am - 1:30am - Session 2

Teen Quilting 101 - TV Blanket - Two/ Two hour session

• Measuring, cutting & piecing
• Working with denim & flannel
• Layering materials
• Finishing techniques

Class Times:
March 12th - 11:30am - 1:30pm - Session 1
March 19th - 11:30am - 1:30pm - Session 2

Teen Crafting 101: Duck Tape Clutch - One/Three Hour Session

• Creating & weaving tape strips
• Adding a magnetic clasp

Class Times:
March 12th 1:30pm - 4:30pm
April 9th 1:30pm - 4:30pm

Kids Sewing 101: Pillowcase

What Kids Learn:
• Sewing machine basics
• Simple construction

Class Times:
March 12th - 2:00pm - 5:00pm
May 7th- 12:00pm - 3:00pm
June 4th - 12:00pm - 3:00pm

Kids Sewing 301: Kids Tunic - Two/Two Hour Sessions

What Kids Learn:
• Following a more advanced pattern
• Understanding garment construction
• Creating waistline casing
• Adding trim

Class Times:
April 9th - 9:30am - 11:30am - Session 1
April 16th - 9:30am - 11:30am - Session 2

May 7th - 4:00pm - 6:00pm Session 1
May 14th - 4:00pm - 6:00pm Session 2

Kids Quilting 101: Floor Pillow - Two/Two Hour Sessions

What Kids Learn:
• Measuring, cutting & piecing
• Layering materials
• Finishing techniques

Class Times:
April 9th - 4:30pm - 6:30pm - Session 1
April 16th - 4:30pm - 6:30pm - Session 2

Vintage Fashion Expo

2010-09-22T19:25:00.000-07:00

I have seen heaven, and I have returned to tell you about it. Well, that is if heaven has mohair, bright colors, costume jewelry as far as the eye can see and vintage clothing that makes me want to sell my car to buy. This weekend I went to the Vintage Fashion Expo in San Francisco and it was one of the best antique or vintage events I have ever been to. Truly, the selection was amazing and the vendors were incredibly friendly. If you ever have a chance to go, run don't walk to get your tickets(don't worry they weren't expensive I picked up mine on Goldstar). My favorite thing about vintage fashion... all of the inspiration, I am off to sew.

I'm Back

2010-09-09T20:39:00.000-07:00

Ok, so it has been way to long since I posted, but I am back in the saddle. While I wait for my punishment from the blogging police for my absence I wanted to share a project I have been working on. Tomorrow, is my parents 42nd wedding anniversary, and since I am out of grade school, I can't really get away with giving them a ceramic hand print. However, I think I did something a bit better than that.

Happiness in a Cookie

2010-06-21T15:29:00.001-07:00

I went to an adorable new cafe called, The Good Chemistry Bakery on Saturday. I have to tell you this adorable all gluten free bakery is a must see, or must eat as evidenced by my photos.

Before:

After:

There are birds in my house!

2010-06-04T22:20:00.000-07:00

See! This is what happens when scrapbook paper meets a glue gun and tape.

Messenger Bag

2010-06-02T09:00:00.000-07:00

Just took a stab at the Messenger Bag tutorial from Make it Do, and it was quick, fun and I can't wait to use it. Amy from Diary of a Quilter did a great job with the tutorial and it only takes a 1/2 yard of 2 fabrics. Come on, you know you have some remnants on your shelf that are calling out to be made into this adorable bag.Here is how mine turned out. Be sure to check out these two great blogs, and post any photos of your messenger bags in the comments section.

Perfect Picnic Bowl Cover

2010-05-31T15:47:00.001-07:00

Hello, and Happy Summer! I hope that everyone is having a relaxing weekend as we kick-off the BBQ season. As I grilled with several friends yesterday, I realized the the pot-luck season is upon us so in that spirit I am sharing a very cool bowl cover, perfect for bringing your favorite dish to any Summer outing in style.

You will need:
Sewing Machine
Scissors
Thread
Elastic
Quarter to Half a Yard of Fabric depending upon how big you want it
One Large Bowl for sizing

1. Lay out your fabric "right side down" place a bowl or other large circular template on top.

2. Trace template using a pencil, erasable marker or other lightly colored writing tool.
3. Cut the traced circle from your fabric. I used the circle as the suggestion, and instead added 2 or so inches to my circle by cutting outside of the line by several inches. it should look like this once you have completed this step.

4.Fold the edges of the circle inward approximately 1/2 inch and pin. The exact measurement is not crucial so don't stress.

5. Ok, it is time to take to your sewing machine. Sew around circle leaving room to thread your elastic within the casing you are creating. Leave 1-2 inches open to thread the elastic.

6.Attach a safety pin to the end of your elastic and thread through the casing you have created around the edge of the circle. The fabric will begin to bunch around the elastic. After threading the elastic around the circle connect the two ends and sew together.

7. Close the remaining 1-2 inch opening using your sewing machine.

Congrats you are done, now take your favorite yummy dish to your next picnic. On an interesting side note it looks disturbingly like a shower cap.

Box Cushion Preview shh....

2010-05-03T13:48:00.000-07:00

Just made these adorable box cushions for my favorite antique chair. I love them, and if you want to know how to make them be sure to register for my box cushion class.

Piper's Pearls: bringing the outdoors indoors

2010-04-27T11:44:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I know I haven't put any of my projects up lately, but I promise I am furiously sewing. In the mean time check out Piper's Pearls amazing tree mural. No, seriously, amazing. Check it out

Alice in Wonderland needle work

2010-04-17T18:17:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone is having an amazing weekend, and enjoying this beyond beautiful weather. Feeling Stitchy just highlighted some great Alice in Wonderland
embroidery patterns. Be sure to check the patterns out here. Ok, I am off to enjoy the sunshine

No Sew Apron, I promise

2010-04-05T20:28:00.000-07:00

As you know I am an avid crafter/DIY'er, and often times this extends
into cooking and baking. However, I have to be truthful, sometimes my
favorite part about working in the kitchen is wearing an adorable
apron. Somehow when I tie an apron on I am convinced that my culinary creation will be magically transformed into something fit for Julia Childs.
This rarely happens, but I still enjoy wearing the apron, and I am always
delighted when I walk into my kitchen and see my aprons hanging
on the wall.

Here is a project that proves making an apron can be even more fun than wearing one, especially when it is budget friendly and requires no sewing!
This project took about 45 minutes, and was light
on the clean up. I promise.

Materials:
• 3 Fabric Quarters - These are 18''x21'' remnant pieces of fabric, and generally run about a dollar a piece. or you can also buy them in a pack of five or six, which is what I did.
• Steam a Seam or Stitch Witchery - If you use Stitch Witchery sub that in when I use Steam a Seam, and do not iron adhesive
• 2 yards of 1''-2'' ribbon

Tools:
• Iron
• Ironing Board

Make the job easier items, but not required

• Rotary Cutter
• Clear cutting edge/Ruler

Ready, Set, Craft!

1. Select 2-4 pieces of fabric quarters depending on how colorful you
want your apron to be. I selected three.
2. Iron your pieces on medium heat.
3. After you have ironed each piece Lay the clear ruler on top of
each piece of fabric, and cut two pieces of each color. My pieces are
about six inches wide, but you are free to select your own width.

4. Layout your desired pattern for the apron.

5. Cut 1/2 inch (lengthwise) strips of Steam a Seam
6.Lay one piece of fabric "print side up", peal one side of paper away
from Steam a Seam, and press firmly against fabric, peal away the back
side of the adhesive and lay down the second piece of fabric "print
side" down lining up the edge of the fabrics.( Your fabrics should be
right side together) Then iron edge for five to ten seconds.

7. Repeat this process until all pieces are attached. (This will depend
on how many pieces you are using.)

If you do not want pleats go ahead, and skip this step

8. After the apron is assembled lay out the piece "print side up".
Begin from the left side, and fold one pleat to the left by folding
the fabric under the "top". Do the same on the right hand side of the
pleat. If you have not done this before they should look like the pleats are "facing" each other. Complete this process on each fabric piece. You are creating a"pop up" on each strip of fabric.

If you skipped the pleating join in again.

9. Place Steam a Seam strips across the top of the apron in two rows
the width of the ribbon.

9. After pealing back the top Steam a Seam tissue paper, lay the
ribbon "satin side" across the adhesive strips press firmly.
10. Almost there iron across the ribbon bonding the fabric and ribbon together.

11 Congrats! Your No Sew Apron is complete run to the kitchen, and make something or just wear your apron with some pears and pretend you are June Cleaver.

Valentine Flags

2010-02-10T23:10:00.000-08:00

Valentine Flags

Materials:
1 yard of fabric of different prints
Matching thread
Straight edge
Rotary cutter/scissors
Sewing machine
Paper/Card stock
Valentine’s Day is nearly upon us, and while normally I would say it is too commercial this year I am swept up in the whimsy of it all. So I decided to make a string of flags with Valentine colors. It was incredible easy, and took about an hour.
1. On card stock, cardboard or a piece of paper draw a triangle. I did it by making an eight-inch line across the bottom of card stock. Then make a mark at 4 inches. Using a ruler extend the line 9.5 inches long at a 90 degree angle. It should look like a T. After you have completed that connect the lines of your triangle, and cut out. It should look like this.

2.After selecting the fabric you would like to use fold the fabric “right side” together leaving the “wrong side” of the fabric face up. Place your template triangle on the fabric, and trace the triangle onto the fabric. I used a fabric safe pencil, but you can use another writing tool if it is more handy.

3.Cut out the triangle using the rotary cutter or scissors. They will look like this. I made seven flags so I cut out 14 triangles. You can adjust this for how many you plan on using.

4. After the triangles have been cut place one triangle face up, and place the other of a different print on top of the triangle face down. Pin the triangles together.

5. Sew the two longest sides of the triangle together then turn it right side out.

6. After you have completed sewing your flags move onto the binding. Depending on how many flags you made your binding will be a different length. I cut a 2-inch wide by 2-yard long strip of fabric. Then fold the bottom and the top of the fabric toward each other.

6B. Then fold the fabric one additional time making a “sandwich”.

7. Pin each flag between the two layers of the binding.
8. Sew the binding and the flags together.
9. Hang up, and enjoy!

Doilie Garland in three steps and for less than $5, I promise

2010-01-08T18:26:00.000-08:00

So, I have a confession to make... I love doilies. Call me an old lady, but I can't get enough of them whether they are beneath my tea cup, part of a Valentine, decoration or even the doilie collars that Sandra Day O'Connor used to wear. They are so feminine and sweet. Here is how you make doilie garland for less than $5 in three steps.

Must have materials and tools:

20 Paper dollies – These can be found at many stores, I found mine at Smart and Final

4 yards of string or ribbon – I used Martha Stewart holiday baker’s twine

Hot glue gun and glue sticks, but Elmer's glue works equally well

1.Fold desired number of doilies in half

2.Place string in the center of folded doilie along crease, and secure
with adhesive. I used string, but any ribbon will do. I also used a
hot glue gun, but Tacky or Elmer's glue is just as good.

3. Continue the process until you are happy with it.

Done!

This is my garland mixed with hearts for Valentine's Day

Lounge Pants

2009-12-15T22:39:00.000-08:00

Pajama/Lounge Pants

Christmas is huge in my family. Not only do we have time-honored traditions like decorating the tree and baking yummy cookies, but we also have the lesser-known embarrassing traditions that include my mother making my sister and I matching pajamas. Fortunately, we have put to bed this particular tradition, but this year I thought I would bring it back with a few renegade edits.

Necessary Materials:

2-3 yards of fabric – I used 3 yards of flannel fabric

Spool of coordinating thread

Cutting tool – I used a rotary cutter

Cutting edge/clear ruler

Favorite pajama/lounge pants for sizing

Sewing pins

½ in. elastic band

sewing machine

1. Fold fabric in half length wise, and lay on table

2. Lay a pair of your existing pajama pants on top of fabric for sizing.

3. Place cutting edge approximately 1 inch from the edge of the pajama pants and use the rotary cutter to cut fabric. You will not be able to use the cutting

edge on the curved are so you will need to be mindful when cutting this area.

4. After cutting the flannel the cut piece should look like this, but you should have a total of 4 identical fabric pieces.

5. Select two pieces and place the “right side” of the pieces together. This should look like you have folded your pants inside out.

6. Then pin the curved area at the top together as seen in this photo. Please note how I have placed the enlarged area of the pin to the right so when you are sewing the pins are easily removable. If you are left-handed you may want to switch the orientation of the pin.

Repeat steps 5 and six for the remaining two pieces.

It is at this point that I am thrilled to introduce you to my brother. No, not an actual brother my sewing machine

7. Place the pinned piece on the sewing machine. Use a straight stitch and a short stitch length to sew the curved area.

Congratulations! You have completed half of your pajama pants.

At this point in the project your pants should look like this.

8. Repeat step 7 on the other side of your pants

After completing step 8 you will have the front and back of your pajama pants.

Now place the two pieces of fabric together “print side” facing each other.

9. Pin the inner and outer side of both pant legs.

10. Ok, enough pinning for now. Use your sewing machine to sew the pinned side of the pants using a half-inch seam allowance making sure to not sew either the bottom of the pant legs of the top of the pants where the waistband will be placed.

11. Great job! You have completed the biggest part of this project. Now, turn the pants “right side out”

12. Fold the bottom of each pant leg inward, and press.

13. After you have pressed the hem of the bottom of each pant leg stitch the bottom of each leg

14. Measure the necessary length of elastic, and sew the ends together.

15. Now fold the top of the waistband inward in the same way that you did with the pant legs, and press.

16. Place the elastic between the two layers of fabric where you have folded it inward.

17. Last step – Stitch the elastic into the pant by sewing along the bottom edge of the waistband. Meaning if you were wearing the pants the stitch is holding the elastic in.

Congratulations! You have completed your awesome new pajama/lounge pants. Enjoy your less embarrassing holiday wear.

A few notes:

These are not intended as children’s pajama pants, as children’s sleepwear must be fire resistant, and tight fitting to the body in the event of a fire.

Sewing Project

2009-07-30T15:20:00.000-07:00

The other night I was a little bored, which is always dangerous sew (pun intended) I decided to do a quick project this is what I came up with. A dark denim wash bag lined with orange cotton and the best part an adorable embroidery trim. It is perfect for a day at the beach, trip to the library, transporting a laptop or just your wallet. Will be in my Etsy store soon so keep an eye out. My apologies for the not so great pictures

Brilliant

2009-07-25T22:23:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I know I said the last video was the best ever, but this is also pretty awesome. Any couple who can do this is destined to last. Don't forget to turn off the music in the side bar while viewing.

Beauty in Oakland

2009-07-24T15:33:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough to have my Dad visit me in Oakland a few weeks ago, and I can't say enough what an amazing trip it was. We spent time around Lake Merritt exploring the gardens, watching the birds and even venturing our in a canoe. While I love my neighborhood it was great to see it with a fresh perspective and spending time with my Dad was beyond amazing. Here are some shots from our adventures.

See, you really can buy love

2009-07-16T07:54:00.000-07:00

Ok, not really but I came very close with this little find. It is a vintage adding machine that I picked up from Campus Collectibles in Shreveport for only $2. It may be hell getting it back to Oakland on the plane, but it is worth it.

Fun in Shrevport

2009-07-12T08:16:00.000-07:00

Took some time to explore Shrevport yesterday and of the local antique stores. I don't have to tell you I went a bit crazy, but in my defense some of the items were beyond great. Sadly, I am constrained by the airline bag limit so I could not load up as much as I would like, but I still grabbed a few treasures. Old Bossier city had some amazing murals that I wanted to share. Off to a relaxing Sunday with the Family I hope you are too.

Everything really is bigger in Texas

2009-07-10T06:15:00.000-07:00

Wow, I just completed the journey from Las Vegas to Shrevport,LA and it was an adventure. Between the rest stops, gas stations and hotel breakfast bars it was a long journey, but well worth it. Here are a few photos from the passenger seat as we drove across Texas, Arizona and New Mexico.