There's Some Catching Up to Do

I have been working on several art projects, mostly to do with design.

This year's Valentine from Della included an individual sprinkle doughnut to her friends:)

Last year's looked like this (obviously the healthier option) 

My current project is for Della Bean's upcoming 3rd birthday. Here are two out of the five templates I've made to create a box inspired by the UP house. 

 To go along with that theme, I'm also making "Ellie Badges" for Dell and her little friends. 

And a coloring page...

Aside from that, I've been obsessing over the idea of learning to screen print at home. With that in mind, I made some simple designs that someday, I'll be able to start with! Here are a few:

If ever you want to use my designs for a project, that's fine! Odds are you'll get to it before me:) Beware, some of them are inspired by designs I've seen elsewhere, so don't go selling them or anything. Personal use only:) We don't want any angry artists about!

H&M Bib Hack Tutorial

Here's where I got my inspiration. It's not exact, but close enough for me! 

I salvaged the back of this filthy thing! Tshirt material is the best cuz it's soft and flexible.

Here are the pieces you'll need:

Start by lining up the points and adjusting the top material to fit the shape, like so.

Then make some mirrored pleats.

I swear by Fabri-Tac, it keeps everything in place. If you don't have it, pins work great, too.

Place the two neck pieces facing right-sides together like shown.

Pin and sew.

Cut off the excess.

It should look like this when layed out.

Then put this piece and the backing right sides together.

Pin those babies together!

When sewing, start near the point and move up, and once you've come full circle, make sure you've left room at the bottom to turn it right-side-out. (You'll see what I mean 4 pictures down).

There will be a little bit of excess Tshirt material around the scoop of the neck, to ensure you sew the two pieces together properly, just trim it.

Like this:

Well lookie there!

And there's a nice little opening at the bottom for me to pull it's guts out. Do just that.

Once it's right-side-out, iron the seams flat, and fold the points under to make a "finished" edge.

Start sewing at the point and make your round again, with a 1/8-1/4" seam allowance. (Below shows where I started my back stitch).

And voila!!!! You're done!

I still need to add the snaps (or Velcro if you prefer) but that's very easy, and they come with instructions when you buy them.

I apologize about the crappy photos, they were taken with my phone, my computer is down and I have zero access to my beloved photoshop! Hope it gives you the gist though:) I'd be happy to answer any questions!

Lights

The finished product. I thought it would be much easier than it ended up being, but now that I've successfully made one, I think I will have a go at a few more. I love the industrial look. Here's a look at the materials:

Recycled Baby Food Jars: $0

Switch Light: $1 (dollar store)

1 5/8" Washer: $.75 (Home Depot)

(or if it's you're lucky day, find some laying around in your shop/tool bag!)

Recycled milk/cream/half and half cartons: $0

Portland Cement: $12 for a 90 lb. bag (Home Depot)

Patience: Priceless.

Gretchen* Doll

Nothing is a Good Place to Be: random illustrated thoughts.

My Latest Concoctions.