$5 pillow

So in light of the last post- I thought I would share one of my recent sewing endeavors- and it only cost $5 (actually less). So, it began with two plain brown napkins bought at the Thrift Store for $0.99 each. Then I printed off a simple icon picture of an elephant, cut it out, tape it on to the pillow and simply sewed around it. Afterwards,I put in a $2.00 pillow form that I also got at the Thrift Store (I washed it, don't worry), and stitched up the bottom!

It turned out really cute, cost barely anything and it's another nice way to inject colour that you like, plus now an icon that you like! (And from the picture, obviously one that my bunnie Quinn likes :))

Anyways, just an example from the previous post of how easy it is to make a cute little project!

Sew what!

Sewing seems to be a skill that our parents and grandparents were proficient at but something we only dappled in (grade 7 sewing class was the extent for some of us). So I, as an avid cross stitcher transfer some of my skills to sewing (there is a difference between the two). I've had a few conversations with some of my friends who have always wanted to learn to sew.

So, here I am compiling a few good resources for those who want to teach themselves to sew!

Martha Stewart.com- offers projects (complete instructions, materials and tools lists), templates and help with techniques. March 30th, Martha is launching "Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts". I have yet to see it (obviously) but I do own her Encyclopedia of Crafts, and it's amazing and so easy to follow and I assure you that this will be as well.

Design*Sponge- I've already mentioned this in a previous blog, however they have some recent posts with Sewing 101 projects and techniques.

The best thing about sewing, is that you can learn by doing- making mistakes is ok-it's the best way to learn. If you want some cheap fabric to test on, check out: Walmart by the cutting counter- they often have scraps pre-cut for cheap prices, secondhand stores always have napkins and scrap fabric, and fabric stores always have good bargain buys.

For those who need some more structure, fabric store (i.e. Atlantic Fabric) offer sewing classes (a common pre req is complete lack of knowledge on sewing, so don't be scared!) Also, if you're scared- start out with a kids project to get familiar!

Anyways hope this helps to motivate you to sew!

Wordle speech from the throne

Ok so I did a previous post about Wordle, a really cool website where you put in words and pick colours etc. and it makes a collage of the words you put in- you can make great gifts and neat pictures.

Today while catching up on my news, I stumbled upon an article: A graphic look at what the Governor General said in which they put the words of Wednesday's speech from the throne into Wordle! The more times a word appears, the larger it gets, hence, a really neat way to look at what was mentioned most. Anyways really neat way to look at the speech and interpret what you personally think the size and appearance of certain words mean.

Enjoy!

Swiffer Duster

No I do not secretly work for Swiffer or Procter & Gamble, I just seriously love this small investment I have made. I feel old after I use it because all I can think of is "When I was young we had to dust everything by hand!" But seriously, great invention- great for allergies, easy to use and a super simple pleasure! Investing in one is highly recommended!

Disclaimer: no I do not love dusting with it that much that I will come to your house and dust.

Oh and btw- I got a pink one which obviously makes it more awesome. Just sayin.

Waste Not, Want Not (WN2): If you’re not thrifty, you’re probably mean

Hi! I'm back! And I'm back with something unoriginal (not mine) it's someone else's! I stumbled upon this great National Post article: Waste Not, Want Not (WN2): If you’re not thrifty, you’re probably mean

This article is part in a series by Post writer Jane Macdougall who describes its background: WN2-
As in Waste Not, Want Not. Where thrift is not only the new black, but your new favourite colour.
Thrift: the quality of using money and other resources thoughtfully and not wastefully. The premise of WN2 is that thrift sorts out a whole bunch of our current problems.Better than a shiny new gadget, thrift will improve your life. It can make your bank account richer, your planet greener and your life waaaay cooler. Did I mention that it will also make you richer? Yes, thrift can do all that.

That’s because thrift is sleek and sexy and comes in one million fabulous flavours.

And yes, I said sexy. Because thrift is creative. And there’s nothing sexier than creativity.

WN2 is going to show you how better choices can deliver a better life on a greener planet.


Check out the article I found- and others in the series- guarantee you will learne something! Here's an excerpt:

"My relationship with stuff is more realistic now. A car is not a panacea; it's a means of conveyance. An expensive watch doesn't offer an extra hour in the day. Pricey lipstick doesn't make your kisses taste better. Thrift is proving to be instructive."


Love.

Enjoy!!

Spring Break!

So I've been in school for 8 years now (seriously...fml) and this is my last spring break!! I wrote my last midterm EVER the other day! For spring break im heading to toronto to see my friends, shop and do nothing!

In light of these plans, I will have a blog break. Yeah they exist. I just made it exist lol.

Anyways, have a happy week- I will be back with all kinds of goodies!!

xo

Design Sponge diy project: valentine lightbulb

Here is a link to a really cute vday project (for any of those non-v-day haters out there!). It's really cute, really inexpensive and the directions are simple! Enjoy!

diy project: valentine lightbulb