Art Bag

 Artsy, Crafty, Re-cycled fabrics, my own pattern &  Art Bag Creation.

Remember when I mentioned all those art bags & posted about all the wonderful inspiration? Well I haven't been in the painting mood lately, but I printed out something I painted onto muslin and created an art bag / purse using felt, burlap and fabric scraps I had laying around. I used some decorative machine embroidery. Although far from perfect my daughter Sammie fell in love with it. She asked me to make the straps so she could wear it from shoulder to hip. I thought I would share the results and a few steps I am going to take to make it better next time.

If you have ever printed something from your computer you will notice how sometimes the colors just don't match the image. That is just what happened here. It was pretty light on the muslin that I printed it on. But I used permanent felt tip markers to draw in shapes and color it up. I need to fix color prior to printing!

Well, you know how I hate to stop even where there are mistakes. I decided since I started and this was kind of like a pro to type any way to finish what I started instead of scrapping it. I love figuring out how to create patterns on my own. This image shared is the back where underneath the front flap is sewn in and connected.

Another thing I will change when I create my next one is the strap material. For this I didn't want to go out and purchase anything. I wanted to use felt I had, burlap from a recycled coffee sack, woven burlap scraps I had from the wedding table runner we made, and for the straps I had these great silk pants that were ripped which I cut and created them from. Added a vintage button from one of the grandma's stash & ta da.....

A happy girl modeling her new art bag with gnomes. I promise to share  my next one with you when I make it! & I hope I can even try painting directly on fabric when I get unstuck from my painting slump! Here is the acrylic painting completed which the art bag was made from.

 If you'd like to see my post about the art bag inspiration just click here. Also visit here to see the original post of the gnomes acrylic painting  and if like you can visit my link on the side bar where I have video of  how I finished the painting on You Tube.

Have you ever tried creating and sewing an art bag?  What art or crafts inspiring you right now? 

If you have never sewn a bag & need a pattern and instruction this might be something you would like. Amy Butler's Style Stitches.

Hello there I hope your week is off to a good start creatively! I thought I would share this baby quilt I put together for my daughter who is having a boy. I didn't use a pattern I used a simple block style and on the back is one color then I used decorative stitching. This one is all machine quilted. I used vibrant fabrics with patterns when piecing it together. There are pinwheels, kites with suns, stars, stripes and squares. I guess I could of shot a better picture. When the bindings on I'll take another!

This baby quilt is a Toddler size quilt

You can see as I flip it over I stitched around the squares with a leaf - line pattern. 

I made a matching little pillow and put the leaf pattern along the top and bottom of it.

Speaking of binding. That is something I need to get better at. On this quilt I just used a silk type blanket binding I made from fabrics I had here at home. I think I am going to make a special handmade quilt which will be smaller, baby size and just have to decide on the pattern, purchase materials and do a little research on binding. The one above is the kind the little one can take everywhere! 

I thought I would share a You Tube Video to a baby quilt tutorial that has four parts to get you started on your own project. This is part one. You can see the others on You Tube if you like, they take you from start to finish. I'll keep you posted as I go along on my next project. Also I may also do an art quilt / hanging with some remnants I have laying around. Any how, summer is here! The kiddo is at home and I better get back to my mom duties. I hope you are finding time to fit some creative things in this summer!!

I'd love to know what your planning, do tell!

Little Things To Sew

I just found out 90% sure my daughter Krissy is having a boy! That means I can find  little sewing projects to suit a boy. Now of course I have come across a few sewing projects that are for down the line like this little vest by Oliver + S. The cool thing about finding this pattern is they have a book full of projects suited for babies & kids. Which means I can sew some projects for baby's older sister too!

 Oliver + S Little Things To Sew

These projects are all wrapped up in one book;  Oliver + S Little Things to Sew: 20 Classic Accessories and Toys for Children is filled with items you will want to make again and again. Projects include a hat with bear ears, a winter scarf with a slip-through closure, an explorer vest, a tutu, an art smock, a penguin backpack, a messenger bag, a red riding hood cape, a travel quilt, and many others.

My favorite project pick for sister is this puppet theater door hanger. It would be a perfect way for her to entertain herself while mom is busy with the baby and give mom a show at the same time. I am swooning over this book right now and to get my hands on some blue fabrics & this book! I am also planning on making a special blanket or quilt, promise to share more on that later.

Do you have a favorite sewing project book or pattern? What is your favorite item that you have sewn for a little one or gifted to a little one? I'd love to know~

Teriyaki Chicken With Broccoli Recipe

 Sweet Ginger Broccoli Stir-Fry

I wanted to share this recipe I found from Weight Watchers Magazine, that is a few years back. It is below. But I am also going to share a link to a recipe I found on Hub pages that looks great, but not so quick or easy. It is a Sweet Ginger Broccoli Stir-Fry with Tofu or Chicken that serves 2. (The recipe is a little more involved and calls for ingredients you may have to stock your kitchen with from a special store or larger store) You will see the differences in the recipes. I love that they use orange zest and Thai Chili sauce in the Hub pages recipe. I can see using elements of that recipe to change this one up, but I gravitate to the simple for every day style cooking. So I hope all you creative cooks who are looking at quick and easy family meals have one less night to fret over cooking with these great recipes!

I made a few alterations but it was quick and easy prep time 15min. Cook time 10 min. and better yet, pleased all the family members. Weight Watchers call the recipe Teriyaki Chicken and Broccolini  in my version I didn't use the ginger, and broccolini? I used broccoli heads trimmed. I also pre-cooked the broccoli just to crisp but able to fork in. See notes at end of the recipe.

This recipe serves 4.

1lb. skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1/4 inch strips
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp pepper
3 tsp. canola oil
1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
4 thin slices peeled fresh ginger, cut into slivers
3 garlic cloves, minced
1lb. broccolini, trimmed
1/2 cup water 1/3 teriyaki sauce

1.Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat in a large nonstick skillet over high. Pour 1tsp of the oil and swirl to coat the skillet; then add the chicken. Stir-fry until cooked through, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate; cover to keep warm.

2. Heat the remaining 2 tsp. oil in the skillet. Add the bell pepper and stir-fry until crisp, about 1 minute. Add the ginger and garlic stir-fry until fragrant, about 1 minute. *(this is the part I changed) Stir in Broccolini and water. Cover reduce the heat, and cook until the Broccolini is crisp-tender and the water has evaporated, about 3 minutes. Add the teriyaki sauce and chicken; cook, stirring constantly, until headed through, about 1 minute.

So I basically followed the directions except I * pre cooked the broccoli and eliminated the water/ broccoli step at the end. After stir-frying garlic & (ginger if you like) add broccoli heads, teriyaki sauce and chicken. Stir, constantly until headed through. * make rice if you like to serve with it if you like.

Well, I hope you enjoy the recipe and have a wonderful week ahead!

What is your favorite quick and easy style recipe? 

Color Inspiration & Weighty Matters

Today I thought we'd get crafty and creative with our color inspiration, first up; Who doesn't love a good old fashion milk glass vase, plate or candy dish? At the price of vintage milk glass when I saw this I was swooning and new this was exactly what I wanted to do with my recycled pretty glass jars I had been hanging on to. The link under the image will take you to the well put together video tutorial. It is so worth viewing, that is if you love milk glass.

Source: houseandhome.com via Theresa on Pinterest

Milk Glass Tutorial from Vaughn Mills Presents House and Home H&H TV. *latex paint

Source: sprinklebakes.com via Theresa on Pinterest

While we are on the subject of color and pretty things I have a little confession to tell you. Yes, I have decided for my own health I will not be eating things as pretty as these! But there is no law looking at them while I am on my journey to better health! Right? Oh unless it drives me to eating them, covering my eyes as I write this!! New mantra " I will have will power! "

Source: home-biba.blogspot.com via Theresa on Pinterest

Now, this is a color combo I would love to be able to pull off when I drop the (**) lbs! Too much sitting all winter, a new carpool lane where you don't walk the kiddo into the school and have to park a million miles away, sitting while blogging, sitting while creating art....Well you get the picture! No I am not blue about it, nor am I seeing just red about it. I am going to do something about it! And ensure I get walking to start! So if occasionally I slip in a post of how I am feeling about it all, well I hope you do understand. *PS If you read both blogs, yes today I posted the same on both. Please forgive me!  lol

How do you stay active and healthy while your focus is on your creativity? I would love to know! Toss me your best tips why don't you.

I have to say the magazine is a deal! Two years with no auto renewal!  I have  a few old copies and would love to get a new subscription. I have to say I loved the recipes and articles. This might just help keep me on track!

Thread Storage Options

This summer I plan on doing sewing more frequently. I want to continue to teach Sammie some projects and my daughter Krissy is having a baby in December. With that said I could use some, good thread storage and  easy access to my threads when switching projects. I came across these thread storage ideas.

 

  

Grey Luster Girl

The is a thread storage diy tutorial and I thought this would be so cute. I can have it made to match the decor of the room, its handy and its an easy project for myself or on the honey do list. 

Online Cool Gifts

Who wouldn't love a thread spinner sitting right next to  you? Its pre-made and ready for purchase.

Crazy Mom Quilts

I am all about making my spaces pretty, but I don't have a dedicated sewing space. If you do this might be an option to have all your notions and threads color coordinated and lined up so pretty. Crazy Mom Quilts has quilting tips too. You might just want to check out her blog if you are interested in quilting.

Haka

Now who wouldn't love a custom made thread holder? If I had the perfect drawer and dedicated space this would be top on my list of must haves.

Designs by Sick

Now I must admit I like this idea, for a sewer on the go around the house. This is a jewelery organizer!  Dorothy has a few cool storage tricks up her sleeve and all the details of how many threads it stores. 

 

Jenny Sewing Studio

When all is said and done I always go back to my favorite which is my grandma's handed down sewing basket something like this. Easy to take around the house, grab from and have the threads stay clean. But mostly I think it is the memories it holds that make it my favorite! 

What is your favorite thread storage option? 

Top Crafty Things To Try This Summer

Who doesn't want to try new crafty things? If you don't, move on over and let the crafty ladies be first in line! All you crafty ladies put a ring on this list! Each link goes to a tutorial .*some not needed you'll be directed to image.
Feel free to Copy, paste and Share! But,*Please link back to original post!

Listen, it's time to take a look and see the results!

Source: flickr.com via Theresa on Pinterest

1. diy cake plate

2. create homemade stamps 

3. make a pin wheel

4. picture frame photo display, no tutorial necessary see image below

5. make a journal cover

Now some eye candy of those crafty items!

Source: centsationalgirl.com via Theresa on Pinterest

Source: bettyjoy-tutorials.blogspot.com via Theresa on Pinterest

Source: stylemepretty.com via Theresa on Pinterest

Source: flickr.com via Theresa on Pinterest

Source: None via Theresa on Pinterest

Now this is only the beginning of my top crafty things to do this summer tutorial round-up! So be sure and drop in for some more crafty inspiration!! Have a crafty tutorial you want to share? Email me & lets get it on the list!   MsartistTheresaHuse (at) g (mail) dot (com)

What is the top crafty thing you want to try this summer?