Simple Shadowbox Tutorial

A few years ago I made this sort of shadowbox using two identical photo frames.  I thought I would share with you how I created it.  It was actually very easy to do and I know there are at least some of you who would enjoy it.  This would also make a economical display for a crazy quilt block or beadwork to keep it protected but not totally crush it.  It isn't real deep but does have a bit of wiggle room for some dimension.

As I stated, I began with two identical picture frames.  Remove the glass and backings and place flat backs together with outer edges lined up.

Most hobby stores carry the small latches and hinges as shown here.  I used the small nails included with each set to attach the hinges on one side and the latch on the opposite side.  You will want the latch to be somewhat tight so that it doesn't open too easily.  I didn't photograph it but did attach a saw tooth hanger to the back.  

The frames will now open like a book exposing the original backs of both frames.  From the inside insert the glass into what will be the cover, either tacking along the edges with framing tacks or glue/silicone in place.

For the other side I layered some batting and fabric of choice, tacking my items in place.  This was wrapped over card stock and either stitched or glued on the back side.  The back was then covered with the backing that came in the frame.  Set in place.  It should stay in place fine but can be tacked in place if desired.  You can see the layering in the following photograph.

I use mine to display my very first ribbon embroidery piece made from a kit many years ago.  The faux pearls were given to me by my great aunt when I was very young, probably 5 or 6.  I still remember her going to the back bedroom and coming out with it, laying it in my hands.  It is interesting, the things that we remember from so many years ago...special moments.

The silver button is so unique.  It is a raised 'Little Bo Peep' that sets above a convex disc.  It was in my grandma's treadle sewing machine drawer.  We found it after she had passed away.  Before giving it to me my aunt took it to a jeweler and had the shank cut off, adding a ring to hang it on a chain.  I think that probably ruined any money value it might have had, but to me it is special and I would never sell it for any amount.  I still have her treadle sewing machine too.

I hope you enjoy this tutorial and find it useful for displaying some of your treasures.

Peacock Ornament Exchange and Tutorial

When I was at the Crazy Quilt International Retreat in Kansas City we drew names to participate in an ornament exchange.  I don't know if this really qualifies as crazy quilting but it does sort of, kind of...  There weren't any hard and fast rules and hopefully the recipient will be pleased with this.

The name I drew was Tahlia.  I knew she liked peacocks so I started wondering how I could create a peacock ornament.  It turns out she also likes jellyfish, bunnies, hippos, sea turtles and Victorian items as well but by the time I learned that (within minutes) I already had ideas for a peacock rumbling through my mind.  I came home and went shopping.  I bought a deep bluegreen and a lighter, more aqua, coordinating fabric and then found a sheer netting type fabric with sparkles sitting next to the cutting table (and calling my name).  This post is photo heavy since most of us are very visual.  I thought this would be the easiest way to show you how I created the ornament.  I had the general idea in my head, bought supplies and then let my muse take over from there.

I drew a pattern on the computer and played with the design possibilities.  If you would like the actual pattern, send me your request and email address and I will send it to you.  You can adjust the size to fit your needs.

I traced the pattern onto my lining fabric (muslin) and then used this as a stitch guide (traced pattern on muslin facing out and basting to the back/wrong side of the fabric).  Note:  I placed the muslin over the pattern and traced it onto the muslin with a pencil.  Baste muslin lining to each of the five sections.

The next step was to embroider the center stem of each section.  I used a fly stitch.

I folded and pinned the pieces to see if I was going to be happy with the way it was coming together.

This is the broach (above photo) I had purchased online to use in the center of the ornament.  I later found the larger peacock pendant (shown below) at Hancock Fabrics.   As you can see I chose to use the larger peacock. 

Next I stitched each section/feather with a metallic green thread as shown using the stem stitch.  No two feathers are the same.  Just wing it (pun intended).  I know your eyes are probably now rolling ~ lol.

I then played with some sequins to get an idea of how or if they would work.

I decided to embroider (stem stitch) an oval on each according to the pattern to frame the sequins I had chosen.

I didn't want to stitch the sequins on until I was sure the decorative stitching was done to avoid the thread getting caught on the sequins.

I then attached a large copper sequin topped with a smaller faceted green sequin using a green seed bead.

The next step was to add muslin lining (with pattern outline as a guide) to the back side of each feather piece.

With right sides together I stitched together the front and back of each feather/section leaving about 1" open for turning.  Trim seams and turn right sides out.  Baste seam together.

Stitch the five sections together at the bottom.  I tacked the outer two feather sections together and the two aqua sections together at the base and then layered all five, tacking in place

Back shown above; front decorative side below.  Set this aside.

The sparkly netting was cut into a strip and gathered into a ring on one side as shown below.

 

Fan the netting out to cover the back.  Stitch the netting to the back of feather cluster.

I covered this with a fabric covered button to hide the stitching.

From the front I trimmed the netting a bit closer to the feather section with pinking sheers.  Since the netting is stiff and doesn't ravel, Tahlia can trim it closer if she wishes.

Here is the finished back view.

On the front I crunched up the part of the netting I trimmed off and stitched it down close to the center.

I then centered and stitched the peacock piece in place.

A narrow ribbon is stitched in place for hanging, hiding the stitching between the feather section and the netting.

Wouldn't a tree full of these in different 'peacock colors' be beautiful!  How about white or ivory?  This pattern would still be pretty using it to create fans with a variety of details.  It wouldn't need the peacock in the center.  You could use pretty rhinestone buttons.  Lots of possibilities!

Paper Crafting

My entrance into the world of paper crafting.  I've been designing dies for AccuCut and now have several that I've designed so decided they were doing me no good without a machine.  I ordered the Sizzix Big Shot.  And no, I am not being compensated by either AccuCut or Sizzix to mention this on my blog.  It is exciting for me to use these dies.  I'm just not sure I needed another distraction ~ lol.

Below is my first cut.  It will be fun to have some friends over for a paper crafting party. 

We are talking about a trip to warmer climate for awhile so this may have to be put on hold.  I also can't give up my needlework.  Oh my, oh my, which way do I go?

Exercising, Genealogy, Organizing and Stashing

It hit me spring is just around the corner and I am sooo out of shape.  As a result I have also added a few pounds this winter.  It is time to re-activate!  I've been sitting and stitching all winter so I decided I better at least do a few exercise each day.  I'm planning to do Ragbrai (Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa) this year and since this is a 400-500 mile ride in a week I need to get in shape for it...soon!  The last time I did the entire week was five years (and a few pounds) ago.  Time to set goals!

I've also joined Ancestry.com and re-started work on genealogy.  I find it so fascinating.  Ancestry.com has allowed me to find so much more than I ever could without it.  I think my CQJP 2012 got me started working on this again.  

On my other blog I had shared these bead/findings storage pieces at Michael's I found just before Christmas, so when I can sneak away to my studio I have been sorting beads - one of my favorite things to do.  I just purchased five more.  I really like how well they stack and how easy it is to find what I am looking for.  Of course I still have my pretty jars with beads that won't fit into these smaller containers, but at least I don't have jars with only a couple of beads in them now.

Speaking of beads, I forgot to share these beauties on my last post.  I found these (and a ton more items I didn't buy) at my favorite shop, Florilegium, near Kansas City, Missouri.  I bought 3 of the heart shaped crystal beads and 10 of the polished stone beads.  I'm not sure what I will do with them yet.  I put pins into the holes so you could see the direction of the holes.

Finally, here are a couple of UFOs I want to work on sometime, hopefully this summer.  They are calling for some new looks.

I think the teapot is going to get a coat of paint, probably white, and maybe roses painted on it and/or some lace.

I'm not sure what I will do with this small travel case, but I love the size and shape.  I had been storing strands of beads in it (go figure~lol).  Any fun ideas you have seen or would like to share?

This small ice cream parlour set is one I designed for the catalog company I worked at.  I also did a smaller (miniature) version which has a much nicer finish.  I think this would look awesome in distressed white and with the look of  mosaics on the table top or painted roses.  What do you think?

Now...to fit this all in along with my other projects already in process and things I want to learn to do.  Work is definitely getting in my way!  I think all of us with a passion and drive to create are in this same situation and will never stop creating.  At least I hope I don't.

Update to Fabric Covered Binder Design

When I looked closely at the photo of the finished album, I was not happy with the start/finish of the gimp at the bottom center.

I had experimented with some tatting and found a small section to sort of camouflage the area.  I then remembered I had a button I found in the ground at the farm when we were planting our Aronia berries.  I added the button over the center of the tatting.  The shank of the button was smashed, so I had to glue it in place with E6000 glue and then clamped it in place overnight.  I think it will hold...fingers crossed.

It adds a small piece of the family farm history to this piece which I hope will make it even more special to the recipient who grew up in this home and played on this property.  Now to say goodbye to this album and get it in the mail.  I hope you enjoyed seeing photos.