Wood Works

Posted by Jessica on January 13th, 2012 at 03:27pm

This week?s Meet and Make designer is Carol Steely. Carol loves quilting and sewing and shares her designs on her blog, Fun Threads. She especially likes creating quilts with raw edge applique, and offers free templates and tutorials so her readers can make her imaginative quilts too. Carol also maintains an Etsy shop where she sells quilt tops and other crafts.

Let?s meet Carol!

10 fun facts about Carol

1. I?m addicted to iced tea
2. I can?t parallel park a car
3. I wear blue jeans most of the time
4. I helped to rebuild a VW bug engine
5. I HATE hot weather and being hot in general
6. I taught myself to crochet when I was 8 years old
7. I?ve sewn a Victorian bustled dress from an authentic pattern
8. Craft ideas swirling in my head frequently wake me up in the middle of the night
9. I was a mechanical drafter for a company that made collision repair equipment
10. My handwriting is so bad some days I can?t even read it. Thank goodness for computers!

Here?s Carol?s project!

?All We Need? Tote Tutorial
This is a lined bag

Finished Size: 12 inches tall x 12 inches wide x 5 inches deep

Primary Technique: Pieced and fusible applique

Seam allowance: 1/2 inch

Supplies

• LOVE pattern ? Download HERE
• 1 yard black print
• 1/3 yard solid black
• 1/4 yard solid pink
• 1/8 yard pink print
• 1 yard Pellon 40 interfacing
• 1 5/8 yard of 1 1/4 wide belting
• 1 sheet Steam-A-Seam Lite 2
• Sulky 40 wt. pink thread to match the solid pink fabric
• All purpose black thread
• Chalk wheel (optional)
• Rotary cutter, mat and grid ruler (optional but very helpful)

Cutting Chart ? Cut in the order given

Backing ? Black print
15 1/2 x 18 inches

Lining ? Black Print
15 1/2 x 18 inches (cut 2)

Wide Borders ? Black Print
Sides 4 1/4 x 11 1/2 inches (cut 2)
Top 1 3/4 x 18 inches
Bottom 4 1/4 x 18 inches

Letters ? Pink solid
9 x 9 inch square

Center Panel ? Black solid
10 x 10 inch square

Thin Borders ? Pink print
Sides 1 3/4 x 10 inches (cut 2)
Top 1 3/4 x 11 1/2 inches
Bottom 1 3/4 x 11 1/2 inches

Interfacing
15 1/2 x 18 inches (cut 2)

Strap
29 inches long (cut 2)

Instructions

Step 1 ? Create the Applique

If you need additional help a detailed tutorial on how to make fusible applique can be found on my blog HERE.

1.  Trace the design on to the Steam-A-Seam Lite 2 sheet. The design is already drawn in reverse for you.

2.  Peel the backing paper off.

3.  Place design on the back of the dark pink fabric. I like to hit it quickly with the iron to make sure it?s sticking well.

4.  Cut out the design beginning with the small center cut outs first.

5.  Center the design on the solid black square. When you are happy with the placement fuse it in place.

6.  Use a chalk wheel to connect the lines forming the letters.

7.  Stitch around the letters with an applique stitch, zig zag stitch or satin stitch using the rayon thread.

8.  Press the square without steam to flatten the stitching and straighten the block.

Step 2  ? Attach the Narrow Borders

Seam allowance 1/2 inch

1.  Attach the pink print side borders and press.

2.  Attach the pink print top and bottom borders and press.

3.  Attach the black print side borders and press.

4.  Attach the black print top and bottom borders and press.

5.  The front of the bag is now finished.

Step 3 ? Create the Outer Bag

1.  Stack the layers as follows and pin evenly ? Interfacing, bag back ?pretty? side up, bag front ?pretty? side down, interfacing.

2.  Sew the side and bottom edges.

3.  Use a chalk wheel to draw a 2 1/2 x 2 1/2 square at each bottom corner of the bag. Cut off these squares.

4.  Pull the seams together squaring off the corners. This will create the bag?s shape.

5.  Sew across the corners.

6.  Press the entire bag neatly giving it shape.

Step 4 ? Create the Lining

1.  Pin the lining fabrics together evenly with ?pretty? sides touching.

2.  Mark an opening on the bottom edge for turning the bag later.

3.  Sew the side and bottom edges (do not sew between the opening marks).

4.  Use a chalk wheel to draw a 2 1/2 x 2 1/2 square at each bottom corner of the bag. Cut off these squares.

5.  Pull the seams together squaring off the corners. This will create the bag?s shape. (see photos above)

6.  Sew across the corners.

7.  Press the entire lining neatly giving it shape.

Step 5 ? Attach Handles

1.  Center and pin the handles to the top of the bag. They should be 4 inches apart.  Make sure they are facing down like the photo.

2.  Stitch across the straps to hold them in place.

Step 6 ? Attach the Lining

1.  Stuff the bag into the lining with ?pretty? sides touching.

2.  Make the top edge even and pin.

3.  Sew around the top edge of the bag.

4.  Turn the bag ?pretty? side out through the opening on the bottom of the lining.

5.  Sew the opening shut and stuff the lining into the bag.

6.  Top stitch around the upper edge of the bag to hold the lining in place.

Your Tote is Finished! Enjoy!

Tags: quilt designer, quilter, Quilting, tutorial

Under Meet and Make Tags: quilt designer, quilter, Quilting, tutorial

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Have you been thinking about the new tool and platform ever since we mentioned it on the blog last week? Today we are sharing some more information about the Genius Ultimate Platform System debuting this spring. 

What is the Genius Ultimate Platform System, and how does it work?

The Genius Ultimate Platform System is a new, innovative way to die cut and emboss! The kit comes with a brand new MAGNETIC platform.  It also includes two mats, one for embossing and one for cutting (see the chart below for more details on each mat).  The cutting mat is new and improved, longer-lasting with less curling. As a bonus, the kit includes a one-of-a-kind nesting die pictured below (a $24.99 value).

Why should I buy the Genius Ultimate Platform System?

-Compatibility: This platform is compatible with the crafting/die-cutting tool you already own. It works in all leading die-cutting tools. No need to buy a completely new die-cutting system!

-Magnetic platform: Your metal dies will stay in place for more accurate and efficient cutting.

-Longer platform: The 6″x13″ size is longer than leading platform systems. Fit more and larger dies in one roll through your machine.

-Durable mats: These new and improved cutting/embossing mats are thicker, more durable, self-healing, and will last longer.

-Grids: Each cutting mat includes a grid and centering ruler for accurate cutting and quick measuring.

Which dies and embossing folders can I use in the Genius Ultimate Platform System? 

What does the one-of-a-kind nesting die look like? 

Pictured here is the nesting die included in the Genius Ultimate Platform System.  With 10 nesting pieces at a $24.99 value, this is a great addition to the kit.  Use it to make tags, cards, garlands, scrapbook pages, ect.  A great basic die to have in your collection!

What tools is the Genius Ultimate Platform System compatible with?

The Epic 6 by Lifestyle Crafts

The Sizzix BigShot
The Sizzix Vagabond

The Cuttlebug by Provo Craft

The Sizzix BigShot

And of course… the Evolution by LIfestyle Crafts (debuting this spring)

When will the Genius Ultimate Platform System be available? 

 The Genius Ultimate Platform System will be available online and in stores this spring.  Specific dates coming soon.

Stay tuned for more details, pricing information, and demonstration videos!

Irish Blocks

Created by OMC Designer Jill

Supplies Used:

Oh My Crafts -  5″x3″ and 4″x3″” Wood Blocks Set

Doodlebug :  Sugar Coated 12″x12″ Cardstock – Sweet Pea

Doodlebug : Daydream Spot Glitter 12″x12′”Cardstock – Limeade

Bazzill : 12″x12″ Classic Cardstock – Black 

EkSuccess : Large Corner Rounder Punch

Ranger Ink : Stickles Glitter Glue – Lime Green & Black Diamonds

Oh My Crafts : My Color Acrylic Paint – Phantom

Inkssentials : Ink Blending Tool – Applicator Foam

Tim Holtz : Distress Ink Pad – Vintage Photo

Tsukineko : Versafine Ink Pad – Onyx

Inkssentials : Glossy Accents

Mod Podge (Coming soon to OMC)

Instructions:

1. Paint each block with My Color Phantom black paint.  Let Dry.

2. Sand the sides of each block using sandpaper or rough nail file.

3. Ink each side of the wood where you sanded it to give it a distressed look, using Inkssentials Blending Tool with Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pad – (Vintage Photo color).

4.  Mod Podge each side of the block and let dry.

5. Cut out 3 – 41/2“x21/2” pieces of Daydream Spot Glitter cardstock – Limeade. Round corners using the EK Corner Rounder Punch.

6. Cut out 2 – 31/2“x21/2“ pieces of Sweet Pea Sugar Coated cardstock. Round corners using the EK Corner Rounder Punch.

7. (Optional) Emboss each piece of paper with your favorite embossing folder.

8. Ink the edges of each paper using the Inkssentials blending tool and the Versafine Onyx ink pad.

9. Attach each paper to its piece of wood using Mod Podge on the back of each piece of cardstock. 

10. Press firmly to make sure it is attached.

12. Attach each letter to the blocks using Inkssentials Glossy Accents.  Let dry.

13. Make 3 dots in each corner of the cardstock with Stickles, Lime Green and Black Diamond glitter glue.  Let dry before touching so you don’t smudge your Stickles!

Happy crafting!

I thought it would be nice to share some tips regarding using dies to plan and decorate a baby shower.  You might think you need several dies to pull off a great shower, but you can really pull it off using only 3-5 dies give or take.  Here are the steps I would take when choosing what dies to use for a shower.

1. Choose your favorite set of Nesting Dies:  You can do so much with a Nesting die.  Mount a menu or invitation, make a garland, create a tag, make confetti, ect.  The options are really endless!

2. Choose an Alphabet Die you like: Alphabets come in handy when creating garlands, tags, monograms, wrapping gifts, ect.  

3. Pick a Box Template Die to create a favor: This isn’t necessary, but the Box Template dies make for great party favors. See them all here.

Now let’s take a look at this adorable circus-themed bridal shower. The party planners illustrate here how just a few essential dies to help them create a few, simple decorations for the event. 

The Garland: The party planners used the Nesting Doily Circles die, Nesting Circles die, and Blue Sky Alphabet die to create this garland. I love the way the oversized ribbons add a finishing touch.

Pinwheel & Rosette Decor Pieces: The Rosette die and Pinwheel die make for darling accent pieces that can tie together your color scheme.  You could also use these pieces as a cake/food topper. 

Cake Topper: The Celebrate Alphabet die is so fun. I love the way they made it into a cake topper by connecting the letters with brads and attaching it all with two striped straws.  A perfect cake topper! 

Favors: Tying perfectly into their circus theme, they gave popcorn boxes as the favor.  To add a tag, they put the Nesting Doily Circles die and Nesting Circles die to good use again.  Handwritten on each tag was the phrase “ready to pop!”  A fun little something for the guests to snack on throughout the shower or to take home later. 

Using a few basic dies can really make a huge difference! The best part? You can re-use them for your next shower.  Just choose a different color scheme, paper, ect. and you’ll have a completely original shower all over again.

Photos via Lindsay

Jamie Cloud Eakin is the popular author of three books ? Dimensional Bead Embroidery, Beading with Cabochons, and Bugle Bead Bonanza ? with more than 50,000 books in print. She was generous enough to do a little interview with us, and even more, to create and let us share a wonderful stitch index for Dimensional Bead Embroidery and Beading with Cabochons, as she explains below.

Jamie lives in Modesto, California, and she teaches classes all over. See more of her work at http://www.studiojamie.com/.

Jamie, what are your favorite bead shops?

I love ALL bead shops! I can?t walk into one without some treasure that calls my name and has to come home with me.

But it really is more than just the beads. I love spending time with other beaders and people who love beads.

There is a joy and energy in bead shops that is difficult to describe. I think many people go to bead stores and bead shows thinking ?I?m here for the beads,? but it really is so much more than that.

My theory is that the creation process accesses certain parts of our brain. Whether you are designing something yourself or following a pattern by someone else, the transformation process, the creation process, has an elevating influence on the person.

Classic Chic Earrings project from Dimensional Bead Embroidery

I think this happens more in beadwork than in some other crafts because of the process itself. You?ve heard many times, ?When you are angry, count to 10 before you act to calm yourself.? Well, think about how many times you are doing this ?counting? when you are beading ? lots!

For this and other reasons, I think beading lets us get in touch with the best of ourselves. The end product is a huge bonus, but it?s the process itself that keeps us beading.

There are many types of beading ? from stringing to elaborate stitches ? so there is a process available for everyone. It doesn?t matter what your choice of process is, it is all wonderful.

How much do you teach in a given year? What do you enjoy about teaching, and what do you find most challenging about it?

How much? That?s hard to say in terms of a number or count ? let?s just say LOTS.

I teach at my local bead store and some shows and even at my local bead society.

I love spending time with other beaders. I get a special pleasure seeing new beaders discover the joys of beading and experienced beaders take it to a whole new level.

It is really fascinating to see how different people can see the same instructions and interpret them differently. The challenge is to create instructions and illustrations that work for everyone. Teaching a class where you can see the reactions to the instructions is a big help in doing that.

Midnight Waterfall Necklace project from Dimensional Bead Embroidery

Dimensional Bead Embroidery, your recently released book, is already a popular bestseller, and of course your Beading with Cabochons is widely regarded as a bead-book classic. But these are both technique-driven books focused on bead embroidery. Why would a beader want to have both of them?

Good question! This really comes down to my philosophy of beading, which says that techniques are tools in your beading toolbox. Both books are filled with techniques, and there is very little overlap. So you actually need both to fill your toolbox.

I find that many people who do bead embroidery tend to use the same techniques over and over again. These books give you more options for design ? and for beading fun!

Personally, I?ve used a list of stitches and techniques at my beading station that I refer to when designing. I thought a much more useful thing would be pictures and a page reference guide for other people.

So, I created a kind of cross-index of stitches in both books that shows a picture of the technique results, which book each one is in. and the corresponding page number. [Download a PDF of the index here.]

Both of these books are used by many beaders as reference books while they?re designing and beading. I think this index will help those people.

Jamie Cloud Eakin

Jamie, what are you working on right now, bead-wise?

I?ve been working on new books concentrating on design. One of the questions I hear most often is, ?How do you come up with that?? These books attempt to answer that question and give advice for doing it yourself.

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Have you made the special people in your life a Valentine’s Day card yet? It’s not too late.  Here are some of our favorite valentine cards to inspire you. For a list of products used on each card, click the individual images.

Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us here at Lifestyle Crafts!

Feb

19

Join Knit It Now to get access to free tips like this one. Take your machine knitting to the next level with this website.

Click HERE to learn how to do this and lots of other machine knitting techniques!

Not a Machine Knitter? Check out this YouTube video on hand knitting a picot hem!

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