Button Monogram

My goal is to start sharing with you my crafts that I do (on occasion) that you can do at home as well!

My first is the adorable button monogram. I chose to do it on a backing of scrap fabric, but you can use a pretty piece of scrapbook paper, construction paper or you can even do it on a piece of wood covered with fabric...the list goes on and on.

I went to the thrifty (aka the thrift store for those who have never called it the thrifty) and looked through their used frames. You'll find some great frames for super cheap and even less expensive are the frames with no glass. Perfect for this craft.

I started off with an inspiration from this blog.

Things you need/I used:

paper
printer
fabric
frame
buttons
hot glue gun/hot glue
pins



For the fabric background, pick a fabric that isn't too busy. Solids are great or something like I chose (eyelet) is great because it uses a solid color but it has a design element because of the texture. Something like matelasse or pique would do nicely.

I took a printout of a lowercase "e" sized nicely for an 8"x10" opening and pinned it underneath my fabric. If you are using fabric, make sure you are taking into account that you will need to overlap the fabric behind the frame backing. Because I was using a white fabric, the letter shown through nicely. If you can't see through your fabric, I would suggest cutting out the letter and tracing around it with a pencil or even a pen. For those using card stock or other paper, you can print your letter right on that.

Heat up those glue guns! I haven't talked about glue guns much before, but make sure you have a low-temp glue gun. Those high-temp guns will result in 2nd degree burns for sure--ouch!

I used a package of buttons that I bought at JoAnn Fabrics. Of course, you can use assorted buttons that you have collected over the years or were lucky enough to score at that last estate sale.

I started by taking the larger buttons and placing a small amount of glue on the back and placing them within the boundaries of your letter. It's important not to stray over the lines! Also, don't use too much glue as it will seep out from under your button creating unsightly glue bubbles that aren't easily removed. Don't worry about the glue spider webs, those are easily remedied at the end with a blow dryer;)

I should have taken pictures of this whole process, but I didn't. Thank goodness for my BFF, Sarah. We did the craft together and she took pics.

After you've staggered the larger buttons and filled up as much space as possible, you can start filling in the empty spaces with the smaller buttons. It's important to really try to not cross over the lines. I took some of the smallest buttons to see if I could squeeze them into the space on the first layer. Then, I started working with color and size to create 2-3 layers of buttons throughout the design. Just go with what you think looks good. As long as you're staying within the lines, you can't mess this up. Don't be afraid to use cute shapes like butterflies or airplanes. Go with your creative instinct!

You'll know you're done when you look at it and you smile. I unpinned the paper from underneath, and framed this gorgeous creation. It's going to go perfect in my little girls room.

Have fun!!

Cheers,
Jayna

Cutting Corners

I'm in my 7th month of pregnancy which it seams (haha) is much like my first trimester. Tired, painful and the lack of ability to sleep come 4 am. Such as it is, this is a very productive time in my day. I get up, answer Etsy convos that came to me late last night, look at new fabrics and veg. This morning I was perusing the Riley Blake Blog for new fabrics when I came across a post about Cutting Corners. It seems that I have stumbled upon yet another source for free quilt patterns. But alas after looking, they have a lot more than quilt patterns. So far I have discovered FREE tutorials on key fobs, children's clothes, a table runner, a zipper flower and so much more. These are some of the designs I already love!!

Even more, with this adorable girls dress (and other patterns), they actually have the pattern pieces there for you to print out. These tutorials are very detailed. The instructions and explanations of fabrics, cutting and technique are just what we all need. Sure, I'm a good seamstress, but there is a ton of room for improvement and better technique.

There's also a "Rotary Club" where they review useful sewing tools and that's where I discovered this little ditty, the Skip Stitch.

Just put on your rotary cutter and you can run this little bugger along the edge of fleece, flannel or other fabric to create slits for your over-edge finishing with crochet or knitting or whatever else your little heart desires. Talk about cutting corners. I can imagine there are several ladies out there using scissors or a knife for this very task. Here is a cute blanket I found on Etsy thanks to Heart2HeartStitchery with a gorgeous crocheted edge ....and it's made out of flannel Riley Blake fabric. How fantastic is that??

My mom makes these blankets for each of her grandchildren and I'd love to post a pic of one of those, but did I mention that it's 4 am and my children are nestled all snug in their beds?

Thankfully it's Sunday. I'm looking forward to taking a nap this afternoon while hubby reads his Sunday paper and looks after my precious daughters while I lay dreaming of wonderful new fabric and the many ways to use it. As always, thanks for reading:)

Nighty night.
~Jayna