Reworked Wednesday - Light fixture?!

Back to Reworked Wednesdays!  I've been busy lately as I've been planning a 5 week vacation!  That's right, I have five weeks off of work and I'm going to take full advantage of it.  In the middle of March I'll be heading off to Spain and Morocco for a wonderful vacation that, in my opinion, is much needed!  I could go on and on about how excited I am, but I figured I best get back to work.  

I found this awesome plastic chandelier on Pinterest and had to share. How cool is this!?

Reworked Wednesday - Frayed Edge Book Mark Tutorial!

This week I was finally able to find time to make my frayed edge bookmark tutorial.  To see my original post about the bookmarks, click here.  They are easy to make and the best part is that they don't require perfect sewing skills!  Also, the bookmarks make great, inexpensive gifts for all the non-e-reader, readers in your life!  

Materials needed:
Fabric scraps
Felt scraps
Any material scraps that can be sewn into a fun pattern
2 pieces of canvas for bookmark base (mine are appx 2.25 x 6.25 inches) but any size will do
Thread
Sewing Machine
Pins


Step 1: Gather your fabric scraps. 
I like to get all my scraps together as I use them for inspiration.  Many times I don't have a clue as to what design I am going to make and seeing the types of fabrics I have available helps me make the decision.  Its also great to use felt, ribbon, or anything else that you have lying around.

Step 2: Create your design.
Once you have looked through your fabric scraps and have decided on a design, cut it out of the fabric and arrange the pattern on the canvas bookmark base to make sure that it fits.  For this tutorial I have decided to make a little flower bouquet and vase.  I also had fabric with a cute little bee so I decided to include him as well.

Step 3: Sew the design to the bookmark.

After you have laid out the design on your bookmark, peel off the top layers of materials until you reach the bottom layer.  Pin the pieces in place and sew to the bookmark.  For my design, I started with the flower stems and the bee.  One of the great things about this project is that it doesn't have to be perfect.  I sewed pretty rudimentary circles around the bee and semi-straight lines for the stems.  All "non-perfections" add character to the piece, at least that is what I think!

Once the bottom layer is sewn in place, continue onto the next layer of the design.  Pin and sew that in place.  For my design, it was the blue flower in the upper left of the bookmark.

Continue until the entire design has been sewn to the canvas.

Step 4: Sew the front and back of the bookmark together.

Once the design on the front is complete, its time to sew the back of the bookmark to the front.  Lie the two pieces of canvas fabric on top of each other and pin them in place.  Sew around the edge.  I used about a 1/4 inch seam, but it really doesn't matter.  I also had to go over some of the pieces I had previously sewn on as well.  Again, not a big deal.

Step 5: Fray the edges.

Once the front and back have been sewn together, its time to fray the edges.  To do this, just pull a few strands of canvas from each of the four sides of the bookmark.  This makes a fun edge for the bookmark.

After the edges have been pulled and frayed, you are all done!  You have a fun, cute bookmark to use or gift!  There are endless possibilities for the project.  Below are just a few more examples of bookmarks I made.  

I hope you enjoyed my first tutorial!  I would love to hear your thoughts and comments.  Feel free to ask questions if you have any!  

Riley Blake's Fly a Kite Is Now Available!

The Fly a Kite collection from October Afternoon by Riley Blake is now in stock!  Check out the great new designs that are available for ordering now!

Fly a Kite Ice Cream Designer - Cream

Fly a Kite Main - Teal

Fly a Kite Strawberry - Pink

Fly a Kite Circle - Cream

Reworked Wednesday - "52 Reasons I Love You"

With Valentine's Day right around the corner, I thought it would be fun to do a themed Reworked Wednesday.  I came across this project by PaperVine and absolutely loved it.  It is the perfect project to make for that special someone.  You can even put your own twist on it.  Maybe make a few cards special coupons or gifts.  Either way, I'm sure he/she will love the personal thought and time that went into making it!  Click the photos below to link to the tutorial!

Photos by PaperVine.