Quilted Stars Tutorial

This was so simple, and really I don't know why I'm even bothering to type up the tutorial... with the exception that I am deranged and didn't think of it earlier. So, maybe somebody else could use that simple (and gentle) smack to the head. Followed by the 'duh' that usually comes when you have a light bulb moment.

Now... I used the quilted stars on the last layout I put here on my blog (Eating Oatmeal All By Myself for Round One of the Treasured Hunt).

Here's a shot of it used on the layout...





So, beware this is picture heavy... but it really only takes 5 minutes or so to accomplish (maybe a few more if you are hand sewing).

Supplies Needed:
Fabric (I used some courdoroy scraps I had left from purses last year)
Scissors (good for cutting layered fabric)
Batting, Felt, Fleece, etc.
Needle & Thread or Sewing Machine
Fabric Pen
Template (or freehand if you are good)

So now let's get to the fun part...

The first thing you want to do is trace/mark your template (or freehand your shape) on the WRONG SIDE of your fabric. Now, don't get me wrong, you are welcome to do it on the right side, but I'm not nearly that good. For my template I used a star chipboard piece I had in my stash.

Here is a pic of my traced copy.

At that point you want to place it against your backing material (I used a couple scrap pieces of felt). You can see my markings through the fabric. If you can't see your markings through the fabric you might want to try tracing gently on the right side of the fabric.

Then just start sewing on your markings.... easy peasy!

On this piece, I sewed the star shape then decided to encase it into a square. Excuse the toy cars - he was trying to bribe me away from my project, but I couldn't crop them out - cause he was so cute about it!

Once you finish sewing you can either keep it square or cut the star shape out. And more car toy bribes.

Here are the finished pieces. They took no time at all and they actually looked really cool!






I did use a contrasting thread on my pieces, but you don't have to. I thought it would make the star shape a little more emphasis. This really was super easy and made a great coordinating and textured embellishment for my page.

Treasured Scrapbooking Treasured Hunt!

I couldn't decide if I wanted to participate in the Treasured Hunt over at Treasured Scrapbooking. Well, I decided to bite the bullet and just go for it...

The requirements for Round 1 are patterned paper from 3 manufacturers (fancy pants, scenic route & fiskars), 1 sheet cardstock (bazzill), 5 and only 5 buttons, something handmade (quilted stars), at least 5 words in your title and 2 pictures taken by you.

The title thing stumped me for a bit, as sometimes I don't even use a title. But I finished it today and am pretty happy with how it turned out. :)

The quilted stars were really easy and I'll be doing a tutorial post on them in the next day or so.

And if you like a good challenge - you can still play along with the Treasured Hunt just for fun, even though the deadline for the actual contest has passed.

My Guys - Momenta

I got this page done for a sketch challenge at Citrus Tree Studio. Since I haven't scrapped in a few weeks, I figured I should start with a challenge to get myself back in the groove. Not sure if that worked, especially since I won't have much time to do anything else until September. But, we'll see...

I used all Momenta products with the exception of the star chipboard.

Momenta Supplies:
Endless Summer Paper PA-1108
Primary Textured Cardstock PA-0658
Earthtones Textured Cardstock PA-0659
Black Metallic Alpha Stickers ST-1814

Dirty Scraps #15 {Games}

The current challenge at Dirty Scraps is about games. For those who have a toddler, who have lived through having a toddler or have just spent time around them... you know that I'm stuck playing these mind games on a daily basis. Some days I really wonder if I am even getting through to him, but then when I least expect it, I actually see that I am. :)



So here is my page for this challenge. It's a digital using mostly Momenta freebies, although I did add in a couple elements from some other designers.

Journaling:
I realize it is part of having a child and raising you to do the right thing, but there are days when these mind games we play are just enough to do me in. I say no and you do it anyway. You are learning you can’t get away with it, but the hardest part is actually teaching you that. I have to come up with new ways to teach you each and every day. And you come up with new ways to push the limits each day too. Some days I want to give up and bang my head on the wall, but I resist and hope that eventually I will get through to you!

the domestic side of me...

So I haven't been doing much paper crafting these days. It seems like there are plenty of other things keeping me busy. My mom brought me a bunch of tomatoes from their garden. Mind didn't produce, honestly the plants didn't even grow. I think they got potted as it took me awhile to get them planted. But, I got some fresh ones none the less.


So I picked up some onions and peppers and made a batch of salsa.

Now I have peaches and nectarines in the fridge that I need to puree & freeze. I imagine there might be a few smoothies in our future, maybe even a peach cobbler.

sometimes we just don't get what we want!

With all the activity here at our house (leaky main water pipe, the dogs escaping, plumber appointments), I haven't had much time to scrap. To be honest, by the time I do get any sort of 'down time' I'm frankly exhausted and usually wind up catching a couple minutes of sleep.

So Jeff has asked me a couple times how old my facebook profile picture (a subtle hint that I should update it I guess). Today, as Grayson and I were sitting I decided to give it a try. The quick photo shoot was just that - quick! He decided it would be better for him to take pictures or the pictures needed to be of his car, his arm, etc.

And here is my personal favorite... the stoner family.

So there you go, you don't always get what you want. Especially if you have a toddler!
Maybe next time. :)

Scrap That Baby Prompt 10

I was excited to be asked to work with Scrap that Baby for their Prompt 10 Challenge! The challenge is How I Met Your Father.

There is a cool Pebbles prize available from the sponsor Scrappy Jo's too.

I created a digital page for this challenge, using a variety of elements from different designers. Be sure to check out the challenge blog, it's especially for scrappers with young children!