Chevron trend on the Cheap!

Months ago, I picked up this full sized chevron print sheet at a thrift store for $1.95. Yes,  under two bucks for fabric, that's hard to beat. The chevron trend is everywhere now, so I thought I'd better do something with it before I'm over it. 

I have begun with the simplest idea, an envelope pillow.

Here it goes...

I started with 3 pieces of the fabric. First piece was 16 x 16, the size of the pillow. I didn't allow any extra for the seam so the the pillow would look stuffed. Next piece was 8 x 16, then 12 x 16. These two are for the back. On each of these two, I had hemmed one side that was 16 inches.

Here is the 16 x 16 face up.

Then the two back sides are laid on top, right sides down, hemmed sides overlapping.

I placed some pins to hold it in place, then sewed around the entire perimeter.

I turned it right side out and stuffed it with my pillow.

So, while scouring the thrift stores and garage sales, I scan the linens and clothing, not necessarily to use them for what they are made for, but to use them for easy projects like these envelope pillows.

Compare this blue chevron pillow (dry clean only...yeah right), which is over $50 plus shipping from Overstock.com (which I love), $1.95 plus the Ikea down insert was around $7,  makes it $8.95. I still have left over fabric, which may end up on my dining room chairs.

Painted Thrift Store Mugs

Not too long ago, I purchased these plain coffee mugs for $2.70.

I purchased Folk Art Enamels in Vivid Orange. The Enamels are specially for glass and ceramics and the price is around $3. You can print out a Michaels coupon and get 40% off if you'd like. 

I chose an easy pattern using dots in rows, starting at the bottom.

I

Next row is right on top of the previous. I did just eye ball the placement, but you could draw a guideline to keep the dots more straight.

Third row, I started under the handle so I knew where to start for the rest of the mugs. 

Although the product is a waterbase and non-toxic, I chose a pattern that wouldn't be touching your mouth.

Let dry for 1 hour, then place in a cool oven and heat to 350.

Bake for 30 minutes, then let it cool in the oven. You can then either hand wash or place in the top rack of your dishwasher.

Pretty enough for Easter brunch???

Sweater Beanie Hat

This past weekend was 80 degrees at the west coast. Then the weather dropped to about 60 degrees. Brrrrrr. So time to make a hat.

I was browsing at "Make it and Love It" where she had this easy tutorial on how to turn an old sweater into a hat. She has made a few, and they are so cute. Find her tutorial here.  Hers are much better than mine, but here's what I did on the first try. 

I pulled out a sweater from the donate bag and cut out the shape.  I cut both sides at the same time so they were even:

Then, right sides facing each other, I used the sewing machine to sew them together, leaving the opening for the head.

I turned it right side out and hand stitched rosettes I formed from some strips of the sweater.

Sew, it wasn't too hard, and it didn't cost anything. The hardest part was making the rounded shape of the beanie just right. I did do some extra trimming and sewing to have a better fit. 

This is a great way to upcycle those stretched out, or shrunken sweaters for use on a 60 degree day.

Glass Herb Vase

 All the glass jars that we buy filled once with jelly, pickles, salsa, make great vases. I keep a small collection of different sizes and shapes, which come in handy for fresh herbs and flowers. 

The annoying thing is the sticky label that is difficult on many to take off. To get the label off, I either soak them in hot water or run them through the dishwasher, then peel. Goof Off and a rag helps remove the adhesive too.

Well, sometimes I just want a little instant gratification. With a paper bag, scissors/xacto knife, glue, and a sharpie, I just cover the label.

All there is to do is cut strips from the paper bag to fit around the jar. Leave a little extra length to glue it to the other end of the strip.

For herbs, you can make your own label using a handy dandy sharpie (the cilantro one I used a rubber stamp flower).

Now I have herbs in the kitchen at my fingertips,

 and it looks pretty too!