Life is {Sew} Daily

Monogram Wreath Makeover {Summer Edition}

2013-05-17T19:25:00.001-04:00

A few years ago, I made a monogram wreath. I LOVE monograms and have them in several places in our house. They are timeless and I think they'll always be in style in some form or fashion.

You can view the tutorial for the monogram wreath here. As the seasons have passed and my tastes have changed, I have madeover the same monogram wreath just by changing out the floral stems, picks, and ribbon, etc. I love this wreath and haven't found one I like better for my front door so I keep using it over and over and over.

Here's what it looked like a couple days ago...

And now it looks like this...

This is one of my favorite versions I used last year...

With a better looking door, I was motivated to get out and scrub the porch clean and put new plants in my large porch planter, get new cushions for the chairs and add some hanging plants. I'm loving it! Now, all I need is a glass of iced tea and a good book.

I'm sharing this with these parties.

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Succulent Garden

2013-05-16T09:30:00.000-04:00

I've mentioned a few times here lately that I love succulents. I think it's safe to say I've become slightly obsessed with them. Several weeks ago, I posted about these. Then, I bought a couple more in a different variety about 2 weeks ago to use in another area.

But when I found these at Walmart for $6.96 just the other day, I could not resist. I knew I had to make a succulent garden for my front porch. It came with so many that I made this:

...and still had enough for this...

...and this...

...and this.

Have you fallen for the succulent trend, too?? I'd love to see what you've done with yours. Leave a comment with a link to yours!

I'm sharing with some of these parties.

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Have a wonderful day!

Painted Clay Pots {Tutorial}

2013-05-15T08:43:00.000-04:00

There's something about a clay pot. I'm not sure why I love them so much, but I do. They are simple, beautiful and they get more lovely with age. They also remind me of the biblical reference to clay and how God is the Master Potter and we are but clay in His hands. He molds us to be exactly what He wants us to be and we become not only useful to Him, but a masterpiece.

I wanted to embellish some clay pots for some succulents I bought to display and after seeing this {gilded clay pots} on Pinterest, I knew I had to try it. Because I liked the look, but didn't want to try to find the gold leaf and waste all that time, I used the Antique Gold craft paint {less than $1} and a foam brush to paint it on. Literally took just minutes start to finish including planting. Try it! You'll love it.

Here's a song my music pastor wrote that I love about the Master Potter.

Molding a Masterpiece by Ron Hamilton

Master Potter, why do You labor all day,
Giving such effort to rough, worthless pieces of clay?
Why such feeling in Your hands? Why such care in every touch?
Why all the struggle? Your creation is nothing but dust.

I'm molding a masterpiece, a work of great beauty.
I'm molding a masterpiece; My labor's not done.
A trophy, a treasure of worth beyond measure
I'm molding a masterpiece, a masterpiece of love.

Loving Jesus, why are the children all here,
Gathered around You and eagerly clinging so near?
Urgent matters clamor loudly, and the children interfere
Why do You hold them, and so tenderly dry every tear?I'm molding a masterpiece, a work of great beauty.
I'm molding a masterpiece; My labor's not done.
A trophy, a treasure of worth beyond measure
I'm molding a masterpiece, a masterpiece of love.

Heavenly Father, sometimes I question Your way:
Why do You ask me to mold simple pieces of clay?
Give me eyes to see the future, though it's hidden from my view;
Give me compassion as I'm molding a treasure for You.I'm molding a masterpiece, a work of great beauty.
I'm molding a masterpiece; My labor's not done.
A trophy, a treasure of worth beyond measure
I'm molding a masterpiece, a masterpiece of love.

I'm sharing this with some of these parties.

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Happy Birthday, Ebates! Celebrate with 14% cash back!!

2013-05-13T12:48:00.001-04:00

If you need to do any shopping today, you need to first go check out ebates.com and see if your favorite store is offering 14% cash back! There are dozens of stores online, including Old Navy, Tommy Hilfiger, GAP, Under Armour, AVON, Godiva, Macy's, Banana Republic and Puritan's Pride, that are offering 14% CASH BACK TODAY in order to celebrate the 14th birthday of Ebates!! You cannot lose in this situation. Pair this cash back with the ongoing sales at your favorite stores (i.e. Old Navy has shorts starting at $8, sandals starting at $12.49) and you've got yourself some big savings!

If you are new to ebates, sign up here! If you already have an account, go quick and get some savings!

Framed Birdcage {Tutorial}

2013-05-10T13:46:00.001-04:00

I've been on the lookout for a cute, metal birdcage to hang on the wall in my daughter's room. I had seen some at Hobby Lobby, but wasn't sure yet about purchasing one until the other day. The metal art was all 50% off again and I knew it was time to buy. I'm working on updating my oldest daughter's room, but unsure of the whole plan yet. So, I'm just working on it as I find things I like. This is one project I've been thinking about for awhile. I don't know if it's because I saw my sister do a project similar a couple years ago or if I just liked it some much I wanted to do one somewhere in my house, but here it is....

{This room is a work in progress, as you can see, but I decided to swallow my pride and keep it real for the picture. Hopefully, in a couple of months, I can show you an 'After' pic!!}

I'm sharing this with some of these parties.

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Thanks for stopping by!

Pinspiration Hoop Art {Tutorial}

2013-05-08T08:38:00.000-04:00

I'm finally back to blogging after a short break. I was helping my sister celebrate her upcoming birthday in Disney World last week! You can read all about it here, if you're so inclined. She has some good tips for planning a girlfriends' trip to Disney there. I highly recommend it!!
If you're like me, and you're on Pinterest, chances are you have hundreds of great ideas stored up in some of those boards you've created or possibly even hundreds of 'likes' that you plan to create....someday. Well, I've decided to try and do some of the things I have pinned and liked on Pinterest. One of them I tried yesterday and love the results!

I pinned this pin that originated here a long time ago. And when my two youngest girls decided to share a bedroom, I knew I wanted to incorporate this into their new room to fit their personal styles. These are two of the ones I made...

{don't forget to tighten the fabric again before you hang!}

To make: Just pick your background fabric and felt for your project. Then, cut your felt into shapes of things you want on there. If you need a guide, print a graphic image from google and use it as a pattern. Use needle and thread to embroider the details on. You could do all black felt for a silhouette look! I may do that for my oldest daughter's room!

Now, I just need to repaint their room, move some things around and then I can hang them! Hopefully, the painting will happen soon. Stay tuned!

I'm sharing this with some of these parties.

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Thrifty Finds + a Couple Tips for Thrifting

2013-04-26T08:00:00.000-04:00

I love going to my local thrift stores! We have several around here that price their stuff fairly cheap. I don't find something everytime I go but sometimes you just have to walk out empty handed. These are a couple of my tips for thrifting...

1) Go in with a plan or a list. (Or at least an idea of the type of things you are looking for.)

If you go in just to look around you're likely going to come out with stuff you don't really need or have any idea what to do with it. Don't get me wrong, I love to go and 'just look', but more often than not, I'll end up buying stuff I don't have a place for.

2) Just because it's cheap doesn't mean you should buy it. There are a LOT of great deals out there especially at yard sales, but seriously, remember that this treasure you're looking at is someone else's junk. Some of my friends yard sale and find great things to resell on ebay and they make money doing that. If you're going to do that, make sure you have a plan and a place for it all so that you don't become a hoarder. Get it, list it and get rid of it. Using the ebay app for iPhone is great here. You can look up whatever item you're hoping to sell (before you buy it) and find out what it's going for on ebay. This will give you a great idea of whether it's worth it to buy it or not.

3) It's okay to walk away. When you're at yard sales, it's sometimes awkward to walk away empty handed. Get over it. (I still feel awkward.) Just because the person is standing there staring at you browsing at their junk doesn't mean you have to buy it. I'm not a yard sale pro by any means, but I hope to do more of it this year. My friends are great yard salers!

These are a few of my recent finds by thrifting!

What rules to do you go by for thrifting? Are you an impromptu buyer?

Happy Yard Saleing this weekend!
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I'm sharing this with some of these parties!

Paper Doll Wall Art {Tutorial}

2013-04-24T08:00:00.000-04:00

This almost doesn't even classify as a tutorial because it's just so simple. The idea came to me about 5 years ago. I am a big Mary Engelbreit fan and was getting her magazine, Home Companion, at the time. Every issue had her adorable characters in them in the form of paper dolls. The dolls were on cardstock and way too cute to just leave in the magazine. I don't remember if I saw the idea somewhere or if I just had a genius moment, but I decided to cut out a few of the paper doll sets and frame them for my daughter's room.

I just bought three basic white frames and some scrapbook paper.

Cut out the paper dolls and place them in whatever arrangement you want.

It's that easy! I loved this wall art! It is a little bit faded from being in direct sunlight for 5 years, but still one of my favorite ideas for a girl's room. Easy art!

I'm sharing this with some of these parties.

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Butterfly Silhouette Art {Tutorial}

2013-04-23T08:00:00.000-04:00

Confession. Sometimes I find some really great deals on neat stuff that I'm looking for. And sometimes I find some really great deals on neat stuff that I didn't know I was looking for and have no idea where I'm going to use it {but I buy it anyway - because it was a great deal!}. I know I'm not the only one.

I found this wall art at Goodwill about 2 years ago for $3 and it has been sitting around waiting for me to use it. I'll use the birdcage for another project, but the butterflies were perfect for this!

I'm sharing these with some of these parties!

Follow Life is Sew Daily on Facebook. I finally made a dedicated page where you can get all the updates as they get posted on the blog! Also, I'll share other things on there that may not make it on the blog! Thank you kindly.

{Five} Happy Years!

2013-04-22T08:00:00.000-04:00

We are celebrating a milestone in our family today! Our youngest girl is turning five years old today!

It is so hard to believe five years have passed since this blonde headed blessing was gifted to us by God.

She has been a constant source of joy and laughter in our family, as well as, constant entertainment. She fits the third child birth order to a tee.

Her sisters adore her and she them.

She loves princesses, unicorns and rainbows...

...and has great fashion sense.

Her dimples make us melt.

How can you not love this face?!

Happy Birthday, sweet girl! You are a treasure from the Lord!

Chevron Canvas {Tutorial}

2013-04-19T08:00:00.000-04:00

It's no secret that one of my favorite patterns is chevron. It comes in so many colors and widths and variations and looks great on art, clothing, home decor, etc. I've used it on curtains, throw pillows, skirts, baby items and now art. I'm planning a room redo for my 9 yr old's bedroom and she's been begging me for a Paris room. So, I'm slowy - very slowly finding things for her room and will be changing everything from the wall color to the bed skirt. The other day I came across a blank canvas at Goodwill for $1.50. I knew I'd use it for something but by the time I got home I knew its purpose. Here's how I made a personalized chevron canvas for her future Paris room.

Now, you can leave it or you can personalize it with a monogram or a picture or whatever you feel like doing! I chose to do an M for my daughter's name. After a few texts back and forth with my sister, I decided to paint the M gold. {Stay tuned for more gold painted accents for this future Paris room!}

I had a big chipboard M laying around from Hobby Lobby so that's what I used to make this. I had also bought Antique Gold craft paint for another project so I was able to make quick work of this.

Or if monograms aren't your thing, hot glue a smaller canvas to the center and personalize it any way you want! Decoupage a picture to the top canvas or have your child draw on it or whatever you want! Be creative! There are tons of ways to use canvases.

Check out my other chevron tutorials here.

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I'm sharing this with some these parties.

Words to Live By

2013-04-18T08:00:00.000-04:00

Some days you just have to be reminded of this. I haven't had one of these days recently, but over the years, I've had plenty. I have a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics and took several semesters of various sewing classes. I'm pretty sure the seam ripper is my most used tool besides my sewing machine itself. We have a love/hate relationship, my seam ripper and I. It's a handy tool, but I never want to need it.
Have you seen the new seam rippers?

Very ergonomic. For those who plan to use theirs for hours on end. Yikes! Here's to hoping our seam rippers will just be a decorative item on our craft tables!! But if you need a good one, you can find that one here. Or just go to Hobby Lobby. I saw a good selection there.

Happy Sewing!!

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Greenhouse Inspiration {Succulents}

2013-04-17T08:00:00.000-04:00

The first time I noticed succulent plants was a couple years ago in a magazine. I really like the look of them - thick, almost plastic-looking. I also like that there are different kinds of them. The other day my sister blogged about some that she planted for herself and I had no idea they were that easy to plant and keep alive. I don't really have a green thumb. When it gets super hot outside, I slack in the area of watering porch flowers. But these I thought would work well inside my house in my window and other sunny areas.

{Vase from World Market - I bought it with my $10 Reward they gave me for my birthday. Sign up with them if you aren't already signed up!}

{Terrarium - birthday gift from my Mr. - buy one for yourself at Kohl's.}

{Succulents bought at Lowe's - indoor garden section.}

These are handpicked by my kids. The best flower bouquets of all!

Sewing Lesson #1 {Straight lines}

2013-04-16T12:31:00.000-04:00

Sewing is one hobby that has a lot of opportunity and doesn't require tons of skill and years of classes. All it takes is knowing a few basic things and then experimenting with those few things. My daughter {age 9} has been begging me to teach her to sew. So, on a couple of occasions I have let her get behind the machine and practice. We started with learning one very basic skill: How to Sew a Straight Line. Sounds extrememly basic and simple and it is, but if you can sew a straight line, you can sew practically anything! This is how we got started:

{Click here for the doll skirt tutorial.}

This was a fun little project and a great way to use up lots of scrap fabric I have! I have a feeling the dolls in this house are all getting a new wardrobe over the summer! {And I'm not going to have to do most of it!} Sewing is a life skill that will be useful forever! I'm so excited to teach my girls to sew!

Sharing this with some of these parties!

Framed Moss Monogram {Tutorial}

2013-04-15T12:50:00.000-04:00

I'm sure by now everyone has Spring fever! Down here in the South, last week's pollen was incredibly thick and everything was a bright green color. Then came a much needed heavy downpour that really helped to wash everything off. My azaleas are blooming, the trees are all a beautiful bright green and some people have already had to mow their grass. Ours will need it by the weekend. With all this warm, Spring weather down here, I have been trying to find ways to bring the green indoors without the pollen. I found some inspiration and thought I'd share it with you.

Pottery Barn has these Live Moss Letters for $79/each.

Or you could do what I did and make your own for less than $10/each. Here's how:

Now, hot glue small sections at a time and wrap the moss around each edge. Cut off any excess.

I decided to take an 11x14 frame that I already had and wrap linen fabric around the glass and back, putting it back in the frame and then "hanging" my "M" from the top with black and white striped ribbon. I did put dots of hot glue on the back to secure the ribbon and some of the linen. I love how this turned out! Now, I am just trying to decide where I want to hang this. I might do a monogram wall. Stay tuned!

I'm sharing this with some of these parties.

Mason Jar Pin Cushion {Tutorial}

2013-04-10T09:26:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago, I was out shopping around my local thrift stores and happened upon the cutest little mason jars. There were 6 of them priced at .75 cents each. I couldn't pass them up! Immediately, I thought about making at least some of them into pin cushions. It took me awhile, but I finally got around to making two of them last week. These are so easy to make and who doesn't need a pin cushion? Or two?

These would be great as gifts for your favorite crafters or a fun project to make with your kids!

I'm sharing with some of these parties!

Tomato Bisque {Mmm Mmm Monday}

2013-04-01T08:00:00.000-04:00

Who doesn't love a good comfort food? Soup is in my comfort food category and I think you might love this one too! My mom found this and shared it with me. You can find the recipe on my food allergy blog, Living the Allergic Life, but I thought I'd share the pics with you here.

This takes tomato soup to a whole new level! It was very quick and easy to make. So, make this your next rainy day meal! Add a little grilled cheese and you're set!

Recipe here.

Felt Hair Bows {Tutorial}

2013-03-29T08:00:00.000-04:00

I debated on whether or not to do a tutorial for these because they can be found all over the internet and Pinterest. But after I made them, I decided to go ahead to document it. I like to keep track of all the projects I do and this blog is the perfect place for them. So, without further ado...

These colors are perfect for Spring and Summer! I can't wait for my girls to wear these with all of their outfits to keep those bangs out of their eyes.

And if you're not inclined to make them yourself. You can purchase them in my etsy shop {My3Chickadees} for a steal of a deal! More colors coming very soon!

I'm sharing with these parties!

What's New?

2013-03-28T08:00:00.000-04:00

I've added new items to my etsy shop and thought I'd show you! It's been awhile since I've made stuff for the shop, but I'm slowly getting back into it.

Minnie Mouse Tutu Set

Mustache Diaper Tote Bag Set

Felt Hairbows

You can find my shop highlighted in my sidebar to the right! Stop in and check it out from time to time. You never know what you'll find!

Happy Thursday!

Diaper Clutch {Tutorial}

2013-03-27T08:00:00.000-04:00

I don't have babies in my house anymore, but I have lots of friends who do. I decided to make something baby-related because it's Spring and lots of baby showers happen in the Spring. It's been awhile since I did a baby-related post so here you go! This diaper clutch is very practical for throwing in the diaper bag or car to keep a few diapers and the travel wipes in. Just grab it and go when you don't need the whole entire diaper bag. This is perfect for the quick trips into the store or for keeping in the car or stroller for those unexpected diaper changes! I decided to make this one to match the tote bag/diaper bag I made here. {And you may see these in my etsy shop real soon.}

First, take your chosen fabric {I used leftover dropcloth from these projects} and measure one piece - 20" long x 8" wide.
Now, fold fabric longways with right sides together. So, you'll have a folded piece that is 10" long x 8" wide.
Pin sides together. Sew or serge the sides.
Turn right-side-out.
Follow directions below.

Make the strap by taking a 2.5" wide strip of fabric, folding it in half. Iron. Then, fold rough edges under 1/4" and iron. Finally, sew a straight seam down the open edge. Strap is done. Sew it as pictured above.

You can find the freezer paper method here.

I'm sharing this with a few of these parties!

Mustache Tote Bag {Tutorial}

2013-03-26T08:00:00.000-04:00

WARNING: Long post ahead! Long tutorial. Looks harder than it is!

We all know that mustaches are ALL.THE.RAGE. right now and have been for some time.

{Even Hubs got in on the mustache action!}

I am just loving and laughing at all the mustache printed fabrics that are available right now. So, when I came across this one I had to buy it. Actually, someone else was purchasing it and that's how I noticed it. I couldn't forget about it after walking all through the store so I went back and bought some. Then, I decided it would be the perfect fabric for a tote bag or diaper bag, library bag or any type of bag!!
Here's how to do it. It's lengthy, but I tried to put as many pictures as possible to help you through it. If you still have questions, feel free to contact me.

Stay tuned - More mustache-related projects ahead! You will see this bag in my etsy shop very soon.
I'm sharing this with a few of these parties!

Basket Liners {Tutorial}

2013-03-25T08:00:00.000-04:00

Several years ago, I found a neat idea from Martha Stewart. She {or her people} had taken a coat hook shelf and hung it at counter height in an entry way. It served a great purpose and allowed the shelf part to actually get used since it was now at a height that was usable. I thought it was genius. That's when I began my search for a shelf kind of like that to put on an odd wall in my kitchen underneath my chalkboard. I found this one at the Pottery Barn Outlet for a good deal and snatched it right up. It's perfect for holding hairbrushes, hairbows, and all sorts of girly stuff. Keys, loose change, etc. also get thrown in there. Sometimes they're just full of junk and have to be cleaned out, but it's much better than having everything all over my counters. Backpacks and purses hang on the bottom hooks. It's the perfect solution for my space.

It did not come with baskets, so I started looking around. That's when I realized how expensive baskets were! I looked for awhile because I needed just the right size. One day I was shopping at Big Lots and found them! $7 each and they were already lined. I brought them home and was thrilled that they fit and were the right color. The liners worked great for 6 years, but with all the changing of the color scheme around here I just noticed the other day that they no longer match. So, what was I to do but try making my own....out of drop cloth. So, here ya go.... It was very simple and quick. It took me longer to write this post than to make the liners. That's how simple it was. I can't believe I put it off for so long!
BEFORE:

Use your current liner as a pattern or lay it out on top of new fabric to mark and cut. My liners only had two seams. The main piece of fabric went from front down the middle and to the back, then, two side pieces were sewn on.

Place liner in basket and fold the top edge over each side of the basket. Mine fit perfectly! {Sigh of relief}

I'm sharing this with some of these parties.

Chalk Art {Spring Edition}

2013-03-22T11:02:00.000-04:00

Spring is here although I think last week's weather was way more springlike than this week's. With the small changes I've been making in my house for Spring {and the constant reminder from my 2nd child that when she's a mommy, she's going to decorate her house for every holiday and every season - Thanks, Aunt Julie!} I decided it was high time to change the chalkboard art in my kitchen. About a year or so ago, I found the very best wooden frame to use for a chalkboard. I had been looking around for the perfect size frame to fit a specific wall in my kitchen. Then, one day I went to a local thrift store that I often visit and noticed certain tag colors were 75% off. So, I went through the art and found THE ONE! I ended up paying only $4.75 and didn't even have to paint or distress it. I only had to tear the macrame 'art' from the 1960s out of it and used very thin particle board that Hubs had in our garage to make the chalkboard section. I just sprayed several coats of chalkboard paint onto the smooth side and then hot glued it into the frame. Best thrift find I've ever found!

Did you know that sidewalk chalk works like a charm for chalk art?! It's not just for sidewalks anymore.

I used this method of making a chalkboard to do this little framed pic.

My little sweetheart and assistant {aka. Shadow} decided to do her own chalk art! I think she did a great job!

I'm sharing this with a few of these parties.

15 Minute Dropcloth Table Runner {Tutorial} + Centerpiece

2013-03-21T12:45:00.000-04:00

My kitchen table is the most used table in the house. It gets eaten on, drawn on, colored on, crafted on, etc etc. It was the first table I ever bought and I've had it for 11 1/2 years. So, it's starting to look a little worn. I normally leave it plain or just with a vase of flowers on it because it gets used constantly, but after making my dropcloth curtains for the door behind it, I felt like it looked mighty plain. I started thinking about what to do and decided that since I happened to still have the dropcloth left out from these projects, I'd make a table runner out of it! It literally took about 15 minutes start to finish. It's as simple as sewing a straight line. Everyone can do it! So, if you need to brighten up an old table consider using this durable and washable dropcloth.

If you want to make a quick and cheap centerpiece for Spring or Easter, this is what I made. My girls love it. It's simple and I think they just like having something Eastery on the table.

I spent $20 on two 4'x15' dropcloths at Big Lots and so far I've made these curtains, this kitchen curtain, this pillow cover, a tote bag {soon to come} and the table runner out of them. I still have quite a bit left to make many more projects! I'd say that's pretty thrifty.

What dropcloth projects do you want to make?

I'm sharing with these parties. Happy Spring!!

{Featured On}

2013-03-19T12:44:00.000-04:00

It's always exciting to see my projects show up somewhere in the internet world. I love seeing my posts repinned on Pinterest from my Life is {Sew}Daily board. Hopefully, people actually use the tutorials they pin on Pinterest. I try, but have to admit I've pinned hundreds of things that I haven't tried yet. Some are just for inspiration, but others I really want to try!! Last week, I was looking at my blog traffic and noticed that my Ruffled V-Neck T-shirt was featured on Heidi Klum on AOL.com in the Crafty Clothing Revamp. {Slide #10}

You can view the tutorial for the Ruffled V-Neck T here.

I was also happy to have my Bow Tie Tutorial featured on Tip Junkie last week! That is one of my most popular tutorials pinned on Pinterest and it's one of my favorites, also! I love making the bowties and have sold lots of them in my etsy shop and to local friends. {Currently not in the shop, but hopefully soon.}

It was exciting to be featured! The whole reason I do this blog is to help people see how easy it is to make something with their own hands whether by sewing or not. It's very simple, but also very rewarding.

What DIY are you hoping to try?