Funky Patchwork Pillows

Every time I see a funky crazy quilt or patchwork garment, I think of  the song

 "Coat of Many Colors" by Dolly Parton.  It used to make me cry when I was a kid, but that's another story.  It might be sole reason I never toss my scraps no matter how small.  Well, since my scrap box was exploding, it was time to use them up and honor the lovely Dolly with a project.  I had a blast making these pillows and reminiscing about all of the fun projects they were used in over the years.  Remember to use even the smallest scraps for your projects...Oh, and always Make Your Mark!

 Color blast!

I even got to use up some old doilies and lace scraps that have been  hanging around for years!

Watch how to make them here!

My Inspiration!

STUFF I USED

Trim scraps (like pompom, ric-rac & fringe)

Poly-fil Pillow Stuffing

E-6000 Fabri-Fuse

Scrap fabric

Iron & ironing board

Buttons

18" x 18" fabric squares

Sewing machine 

PattieWack Tassel Maker

Colorful yarn

HERE'S HOW

1.  Cut and piece your scraps onto an 18" x 18" fabric square

2.  When you're happy with your design, photograph it with your phone so you have a reference

3. Iron your pieces so they are completely flat

4.  Carefully glue the pieces down one by one making sure all edges are secure

5.  Add various trim scraps to give it some dimention

6.  Place another 18" x 18" square on top and stitch around the pillow leaving a 5" hole

*The hole is so you can turn it right side out and add your stuffing

7. & 8.  Turn your pillow right side out and stuff it with Poly-fil (my favorite stuffing)

9.  Pin the opening together and stitch closed on your machine or by hand

10.  Make a tassel for each corner by wrapping several different colors of yarn around a tassel maker at the same time

11.  Stitch a colorful button on each corner

12.  Tie a tassel to each button and you're done!

My funky trio

Happy Summer!

No-Sew Rag Rug Ottoman Makeover

I've been obsessed with 99c store rag rugs since my first day of kindergarten when we had to bring one to school for nap time.  I have a picture (somewhere) of me holding one under my arm and a HUGE box of 64 Crayons in my pudgy little hands.  It was a glorious day for sure.  Now I like to use them to spice up my patio and cover outdoor pieces that have been rained on and left in the sun just a little too long.  This no-sew project will spice up some outdoor seating in a flash.  The best part, this cost about $6 to make!  Have fun and don't forget to Make Your Mark!

Ready for my first outdoor party!

Never underestimate the power of a yarn pompom!

Toss in some lanterns from Home Goods and you're golden!

 Watch how to makeover the ottoman here!

STUFF I USED

E-6000 Fabri-Fuse

Rag Rugs (make sure to find a size you can use so you don't have to cut them too much)

Old ottoman in need of some love (and color)

Fringe, wood beads and cotton ribbon

Yarn pompoms

Needle and thread

HERE'S HOW

1.  Cut the rag rugs to fit the sides of the ottoman

2. & 3.  Glue them on with E-6000 Fabri-Fuse and let them dry

*You can pin them in place while they dry, too

4.  Cut one rag rug so that the fringed ends hang over the side of the ottoman about 5" or so

*This is to cover the top raw edge of the side pieces

5.  Glue the top "flaps" on with a generous amount of Fabri-Fuse

6.  Glue an entire rug over the top to cover the rest of the top of the ottoman

7.  Pull about 10" of cotton ribbon through a large wood bead (using a bent 

wire as a needle) and not the loop so that it doesn't slide back through the bead

8.  Wrap an 8" piece of fringe around the cotton ribbon at the base of the bead and then stitch through the top of the fringe (through the cotton ribbon) to create a tassel

9.  Stitch 2 tassels on each corner of the ottoman

Optional:  Stitch colorful pompoms on each corner for some more fun!

 You're invited to my next party!

Try it on a round ottoman.  Just as easy!

No Sew Boho Ottoman DIY

Because I live in a small house, I get bored with my decor quite easily.  Since I can't switch out my sofas and chairs (like Oprah) I have to settle for small things like a coffee table or throw pillows to change things up a bit.  This week I decided to switch out my big coffee table and toss in an ottoman to double as seating in a pinch.  I was able to customize it to the exact size I wanted AND pick out a fabric I loved, too.  You can't beat that with a stick!  Remember, if you dream it, you can MAKE it! Also, if you can make it, you can certainly Make Your Mark!  Have fun and write if you have any questions.  I'm always around.

 My new centerpiece...At least for now

A coffee table you can sit on, too!

This ribbon detail was all E-6000 glue and some clever pinning!

Watch how to make this here!

STUFF I USED

Staple gun

Furniture Legs

Wood Measurements: 

2 pieces pine board: 1''x12''x24''

2 pieces pine board: 1''x12''x22 1/2

2 pieces 1/2" thick plywood: 24''x24''

Fairfield Cushion Foam

E-6000 Fabri-Fuse

Poly-Fil Hi-Loft Batting

Glue gun

Hammer and nails

Fabric

Matching Trim and ribbon

Electric knife to cut foam (optional)

HERE'S HOW

1. Nail the 1" x 12" pine boards into a 24" x 24" square

2.  Nail the 24" x 24" plywood on the top and bottom

3. & 4. Measure, cut and glue the 3" foam on top of the box

5.  Cut a piece of high loft batting to go up one side, across the top and down the other side and then staple in place around the base and up the sides

6.  Cut another piece of batting to cover the remaining sides, doubling the batting across the top of the ottoman and stapling in place on the base and up the sides

7.  Flip the ottoman and secure the batting all the way around the base, folding in the corners to keep it neat

8. Pin the fabric over the top of the ottoman to keep it in place

9. Flip the ottoman and staple the fabric to the base making sure to pull taut as you go and stapling up to, but not exactly to each corner

10.  Fold the excess fabric like you are wrapping a present and staple it across the bottom of the ottoman and then secure each corner with more staples

11.  Optional:  Glue a piece of fabric (about 23" x 23") to the base of the ottoman to cover the staples and raw edges

12.  Screw in the furniture legs on each corner

13. - 15.  Pin, iron and glue ribbon in a square across the top of the ottoman

16.  Glue ribbon and fringe along the base of the ottoman with more E-6000 Fabri-Fuse and pin in place until dry

Join me for a snack?

No Sew Vogue Inspired Blazer

A few weeks ago on my weekly visit to JoAnn Fabrics, I picked up some beautiful floral cotton fabric (even though I had no idea what I was going to do with it at the time).  I know you know what I'm talking about!  Finally, I decided on a blazer makeover since I haven't made a fashion DIY in quite a while.  At first I was not convinced this was going to turn into something I wanted to share, but I kept at it.  Finally it turned into what I like to call "Laura Ingalls Wilder meets Elvis".   I love the mix of glitz with floral.  When I got my fall fashion magazines and saw all of the glizty floral on the runways, I knew this jacket is right on time.  Remember to UP-style your old clothes with embellishments, be fashion fearless and ALWAYS

Make Your Mark!

On the dress form in my studio

It's all in the details!

 

Watch how I made it here

STUFF I USED

Allure Dimensional Design Adhesive Paints

Thrift store blazer

E-6000 Fabri-Fuse

Gems

Rhinestone trim

Cotton floral fabric

 HERE'S HOW

1.  Cut out the flowers as carefully as you can

*You'll need quite a few to cover the jacket and sleeves

2.  Figure out your placement and then start gluing them on with E-6000 Fabri-Fuse

3. - 6.  Embellish them with Allure Dimensional Design Adhesive Paints 

in matching and contrasting colors

7.  Cut small 2" pieces of plastic rhinestone trim

8.  Glue colorful rhinestones and bursts of rhinestone trim from the edges of the flowers

9.  Glue rhinestone trim around the edge of the lapel and down the front of the jacket

*Let everything dry overnight

Funky No-Sew Christmas Stockings

Grab some funky fabric and make some NO SEW Christmas stockings for friends and family.  Not everyone is a fan of red and green, so I say GO COLOR CRAZY and make stockings just right for a Christmas in South Beach!  Hot pink faux fur and lavender pom pom trim are the perfect combo to rock this holiday but I also included a traditional red and white version, just in case you're not into punk rock stockings.   Remember buck tradition, make messes and always Make Your Mark!

Pom poms, ric rac and faux fur....Oh my!

 My traditional red & white version

Skip the ric rac for a more subtle, punk rock stocking!

Watch how easy they are to make here!

   

 STUFF I USED

Faux Fur

Funky upholstery fabric

Ric rac and pom pom trims

E-6000 Fabri-Fuse and Fray Lock

Clothespins

HERE'S HOW

1. Pin and cut the stocking pattern on folded fabric

*You need a front and back

2.  Glue the pieces together with E-6000 Fabri-Fuse

3.  Starting (and stopping) 4" down from the mouth of the stocking, glue pom pom 

trim around the very edge of the stocking

4. & 5.  Flip the stocking over and glue ric rac trim over the raw edge of the stocking 

using E-6000 Fray Lock

6.  Cut a piece of faux fur 10" x 18"

7. 8. & 9.  Add a thick line of E-6000 Fabri-Fuse along each 18" edge, fold each edge over 2" and place books on top until it dries

10.  Cut an 8" piece of ric rac, fold it and glue the loose ends to the inside corner of the stocking

11.  Using a generous amount of Fabri-Fuse, glue the folded faux fur around the top of the stocking and place a book on top until it dries.

Merry Christmas!

Otomi Fabric Pillows and Lampshade

I'm a huge fan traditional Otomi fabric (but it's expensive and not always easy to find) so, I decided to make my own.  Traditional Otomi fabric is hand embroidered, but I seriously don't have the patience (or skill) to embroider my own.  Instead, I invented my own version using some of my favorite tools.  Yup, I pulled out my E-6000 Stitchless glue and went to town.  I also decided to decoupage a lampshade which was even easier than the fabric.  You might remember that I used this technique when I made my Artist Pillows and my Fully Lined Foxy Makeup Bag.  Check them out if you get a chance.  Remember to find alternatives,  use tons of color and always

Make Your Mark!

 A little backyard set up!

Watch how easy it is to make here! 

 STUFF I USED

Colorful cotton fabric
Otomi patterns
E-6000 Stitchless and Fabri-Fuse

Polyfil

Americana Decoupage 

Lampshade

Pom Pom trim

Heavy cotton fabric

Iron

Sewing machine

HERE'S HOW 

1.  Cut out several of each pattern in cotton fabric

2.  Pin them in place on a piece of heavy cotton fabric

*I made pillows and cut 2 pieces of heavy cotton fabric 20" x 20" in size

3. & 4.  Add a fine line of E-6000 Stitchless around the edge of each shape and iron in place

5. 6. & 7.  Cut pom pom trim to the size of each side of your pillow and stitch it to the pillow with the pom poms facing toward the inside of the pillow

8.  Place the other piece of heavy cotton fabric on top of the first and stitch around the edges using 1/2" seam allowance

9.  Leave a 5" hole on one side

10.  Flip the pillow inside out, stuff and stitch the hole closed

FOR THE LAMPSHADE

11. & 12  Apply the shapes to the shade with Americana Decoupage and using E-6000 Fabri-Fuse add the pom pom trim to the edges and keep in place with clothespins until it dries

No Sew Upholstered Boho Chair

So happy I finally get to share this project with you!  A few months ago I saw a similar chair for a small fortune and decided I wanted to try to make one of my own.  I had no idea where to start but after a bit poking around, I figured it out.  The best part?  It's NO SEW!  That's right, not one single stitch.  I used the amazing fabric glues by E-6000.  I know many of you don't have a sewing machine but still want to change up your furniture.  Well, this is a terrific way to makeover an upholstered chair without sewing.  The idea is to artfully fuse the new fabric to the existing fabric for a whole new look.  It takes some time and patience, but it's worth it!  Remember, makeover furniture, make things colorful and always Make Your Mark!

 Stuff I Used

E-6000 Fabri-Fuse

Colorful piping

Heavy cotton fabric

Scissors & pencil

Straight pins

Fringe

Large flat area to cut

Embroidered Suzani Blanket

 Here's How

1.  Pin heavy cotton fabric over sections of the chair, one section at a time and pencil the shape

*Use the inside of the piping or seam as your guide

2.  Label each pattern piece so you know exactly where it is on the chair

3.  Repeat on the arms, seat, back and base of the chair making sure to ADD and extra 2" around the base of each pattern (on the bottom of the chair)

4.  Carefully cut out each piece along the drawn lines

5.  Repin the cut pieces on the chair to make sure that it fits properly

*Trim if you have to, but make sure the pieces are perfect

6. & 7.  Layout and pin all of the pieces for the chair on the fabric and then cut

*Make sure arms are mirrored in the pattern pin everything before you cut to avoid mistakes

8. 9. & 10.  Pin the cut pieces to the chair and then glue them to the chair one section at a time with E-6000 Fabri-Fuse

*Keep them pinned until they are dry

11. & 12. Repeat with all sections making sure to add extra pins around the curves and glue around all of the edges of each piece

13.  Remove the feet of the chair and glue the extended fabric under the chair

14.  glue piping or cord in the crease between the piping and the fabric to cover the raw edges

*Pin this in place until it dries

15.  Pin and glue trim around the base of the chair

Done!

 Ready, Sit, Go!  How about my new eco-friendly grass!

No Sew Rag Rug Pillows

I'm all about NO SEW projects since so many of my friends out there don't have sewing machines.  I love figuring out ways to make pillows (and everything else) with as much ease as possible and these rag rug pillows were such a breeze to put together.  Just use my favorite glue, E-6000 Fabri-Fuse and you're good!  This stuff is washable and dry cleanable AND also has stretch.  Think of the possibilities.  Remember, have fun, use color and don't forget to Make Your Mark!

Another colorful addition to my outdoor space

I love that they will match ANYTHING!

The perfect floor pillows......They are rugs after all!

Watch how easy it is to do here!

STUFF YOU'LL NEED

Rag rugs

E-6000 Fabri-Fuse

Large office clips

Heavy cotton fabric

Pillow stuffing

HERE'S HOW

1. & 2.   Measure your rug and cut a piece of fabric the same size

3.  Optional:  Fray the edges of the fabric by pulling the end threads

4. & 5. Place the fabric on the rug and squeeze a generous line of E-6000 Fabri-Fuse around all of the edges leaving a 5" gap on one side

6.  Place some books on the fabric (so that the glue is sure to get in every crevice of the rug) and let dry overnight

7.  Stuff the pillow starting with the corners and edges first, then the center

8.  Add more Fabri-Fuse to the opening and clip closed with metal office clips while it dries

DONE!