Jacquie's Up-Cycle Nation: Autumn Craft Supplies

Growing up in New England, I loved creating autumn decorations with my mother.  Her craft supply closet had almost everything we needed for primitive leaf garlands, pumpkin pot holders, and wee festive critters.  What we didn't have on hand we could find in nature or dye to meet our color needs.  Today's Etsy up-cycle artists are still employing time-tested techniques to produce top quality supplies hot fall trends.

Cooler autumn evenings lend themselves to working with warm wool.  3BagsFulled is busy turning last year's sweaters into this fall's craft supplies.  Perfect for penny wool, wool applique, and small sewing patterns. 

Vintage ephemera adds instant whimsy to any project!  These orange and white transportation tickets are available at ZoeAmaris, where the shelves are well stocked with paper supplies for every season and so much more! 

Gourds galore are waiting for creative souls at ridgetopcottage. This Etsy up-cycle artist works with Mother Nature to perfect the canvas straight from the earth.  

Vintage buttons are the icing on the creative cake!  From pillow accents to changing the look of a favorite jacket to breath-taking jewelry, the versatile button stands center stage!  Pick up these brassy beauties at AddVintage.

Wrap it up!  Don't forget the ribbon.  The final touch for every autumn masterpiece.  Howsewears crafts vintage inspired ribbons by hand-dying seam binding in colors that inspire!

For more fabulous supplies search recycled craft supply on Etsy.

LOVE  &  UP-CYCLE NATION!!

Jacquie Wheeler

Hand of Bela Peck

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Handofbelapeck?ref=si_shop
https://www.etsy.com/shop/BelaPeckHome

http://handofbelapeck1759.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hand-of-Bela-Peck/294397987277061?ref=hl

Jacquie's Up-Cycle Nation: Primitive Summer

Artists working in the primitive tradition are natural up-cyclers.  Inspired by Early American needlework,  primitive designs employ naturally dyed threads, cast off notions and fabric often cut from old garments.

These Etsy primitive shops are fully stocked with summer-perfect projects and finished pieces.

Inspired by life on the farm, Not Forgotten Farm offers a variety of folk art needlework projects, fabrics, and wooden notions perfect for use and decoration.

Delight in magical dolls and scrap-tastic creations with a nod to natural themes at Baggaraggs.  With item descriptions that read like bedtime stories, shopping here is a treat for the imagination.

Welcome to the world where every day critters become big time personalities! The Goode Wife offers easy to follow patterns that perfectly blend primitive and whimsical! 

 

Travel through time with Vermont Harvest. Beautiful punch needle designs, nostalgic ornaments, and dreamy prim doll patterns reside here! Treat yourself to a complete kit and skip that trip to the craft store.

Don't forget the pin keep!  Penny wool takes on a summer vibe at Ragged Revival.   Check out this artist's store for penny wool jewelry, table runners and so much more!

 

For more whimsical prims search primitive on Etsy.

LOVE  &  UP-CYCLE NATION!

Jacquie Wheeler

Hand of Bela Peck

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Handofbelapeck?ref=si_shop
https://www.etsy.com/shop/BelaPeckHome

http://handofbelapeck1759.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hand-of-Bela-Peck/294397987277061?ref=hl

Handmade Spotlight - New Beginnings Spring Celebration

Are you ready for Spring? The Old Farmhouse Gathering Etsy Team has been thinking Spring!

 

 

Everyone has been busy putting together spring related creations. You can CLICK HERE to see all of the items that are included in the New Beginnings Spring Celebration, or visit etsy.com and search the letters nbcofg.

 

 

Below is just a small sample of what's being offered, if you like what you see you'll want to take some time to check it out.

 

 

Happy Spring!!

Deena Davis

www.byyourhands.com

 

Jacquie's Up-Cycle Nation: Give 'Em The Slip

Last year's chair cushions showing their wear?  Don't throw them away!  Give them a quick, easy-peasey facelift with slip covers made from an old button-down shirt.

Spring has sprung across the country and as we dust off our front porches, entryways and fave outside spaces we realize Ewwwwwwww- the winter has taken a toll on those seat cushions!

  I always cringe at the thought of spending money on generic over-priced cushion covers!  Everything needed to spruce up this seat is already at home.

What You Need:

Old cushion

Sharpie Marker

Old button down shirt (or a button front full skirt works well too)

Cotton or poly batting

With shirt buttoned, turn shirt inside out, lay flat. 

The button side of the shirt will be the slip cover bottom.

Place the cushion on top to use as pattern.

 With Sharpie marker, trace the cushion's shape Remember to add extra room (usually and additional 1-2 inches) to allow for the cushion depth.

Cut 1 layer of batting the same size as the fabric, place against wrong side of top layer.

Pin all three layers together.  Stitch 1/2 inch along the outer edges.  Reinforce with a zigzag stitch.

Unbutton all buttons and turn slip cover right side out.  Press. 

At this point, embellishments can be added such as simple knots, buttons, or decorative hand stitching. 

 Place old pillow inside new cover.

Re-button bottom side, place on chair, and enjoy!

Rut-roh- Now the rest of that corner needs a face lift!

LOVE  &  UP-CYCLE NATION

Jacquie Wheeler

Hand of Bela Peck

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Handofbelapeck?ref=si_shop

http://handofbelapeck1759.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hand-of-Bela-Peck/294397987277061?ref=hl

Jacquie's Upcycle Nation: Jello Mold Pin Cushions

This week's trash to treasure is a quick and simple pin keep made from items most likely in the back crevices of every home: an outdated sweater and a vintage tin Jello mold.

As winter woolies are packed away for another year there is always an odd wool sweater, blanket or scarf that hasn't seen the light of day for more than a few seasons.  No need to be embarrassed by that 1990's cute theme sweater that never seems to disappear!  Now is the time to up-cycle it to new glory!

 Next dig to the back of the kitchen cupboard, behind the cookie cutters and under the mismatched random Tupperware lids to pull out those old vintage metal molds. The smaller single serve size works best for this project.

If not already at home, these tidbits can also be found in abundance at local thrift stores. Just be sure to use items of 100% wool. 

 Machine wash and dry on high heat to "felt" the sweater.  This compacts the fibers to create a stretchy but firm fabric.

After a wooly is chosen and felted, you will also need the following:

*Sharpie marker  *Wood glue  *Scissors

*thread or embroidery floss

*fiberfill* embellishments

With a Sharpie marker, trace 1/2 inch out from the mold onto the folded fabric, right sides together. 

 Don't worry if the circle isn't perfect.  The stretch of the fibers is very forgiving.

Cut the circles out and pin at center, leaving right sides together.

Machine stitch 1/4 - 1/2 inch from circle's edge.

Cut 2 inch slit on bottom side of circle. No need to clip around the outside. (All hail stretchy fabric!)

 Turn right side out and firmly stuff with fiberfill.

 When you think you can't stuff it any fuller, stuff a little bit more! Place the ball inside the mold to test the shape, firmness, and roundness.  Once you are satisfied with the appearance, slip stitch the opening closed.  These stitches should not be pulled tight but left loose like a toothy grin.

Fill the mold with wood glue.  Don't be shy- go ahead and slather it in, leaving the interior top inch clean.  This will prevent any oozing over the outside edge. Once the wool ball is inserted in the tin, place the pin cushion (right side up) under a large book to apply constant pressure as the glue dries. Let it remain drying under pressure for at least 6 hours.

 Wallah!!!  Your Jello mold pin cushion is ready!

 Now you can admire the fabric in its simple state or go hog wild with the embellishments!

 Here are a few examples of pin cushions I have made in the past.  I adore needle felting and find these wee canvases irresistible! 

Theme sweaters offer instant embellishment that turn a fashion faux pas into an heirloom keeper!

Experiment with your own style!  Mix up the molds- any shape and size can be used applying the same steps. These sweet keeps make perfect gifts for the stitcher in your life!

HAPPY UP-CYCLING!!

Jacquie Wheeler

Hand of Bela Peck

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Handofbelapeck?ref=si_shop

http://handofbelapeck1759.blogspot.com/

http://handofbelapeck.typepad.com/blog/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hand-of-Bela-Peck/294397987277061?ref=hl

Today's Featured Shop -- Scarecrow Cabin

Today's featured shop is Scarecrow Cabin.    You will find handmade quilts and primitive home decor here.

Bo Peep and her Sheep Primitive Stump Doll and Sheep Pillow - Primitive Ornies - Primitive Bowl Fillers

Garden Steps Quilted Table Runner - reversible

Primitive Wool Penny Rug / Table Topper

Sheep Door Hanger

Be sure and visit Kelly's shop to see all her handmades.   https://www.etsy.com/shop/scarecrowcabin