Design by Night

Tired of shopping at the same (and only) fabric store in the area, I have been playing around with reusing thrift store or hand me down clothing. This past week I made a headband out of a slightly used camisole and thought I would share the before and after.


Finished flower from camisole



Start




Working on placing petals


Pinned flower, right before sewing beads

Finished headband

Recently, I have been playing around with using recycled materials to make flowers for my hair accessories. Usually, the recylcled materials are old clothing or fabric but while brewing up some coffee I percolated an idea.

I noticed how the filters were a bit gauzy and more durable than normal paper. So I saved some of the used coffee filters. After some time spent folding, tearing, cutting and sewing I came up with a way to make a coffee filter flower. When I hammer out the details I will share the instructions but in the meantime I thought I would share my java inspired creation.


Furthermore, I need some ideas on what you would do with a coffee filter flower. I made this one into a pin but I'm sure there are better ideas out there, unfortunately my idea cup runneth empty on ideas.

In anticipation of my favorite season, I have strayed from my usual feathery work and started to create burnt fabric flowers in rich autumn colors. Somehow it seems fitting that the flowers are made by burning fabric since one of my favorite fall smells is that of burning leaves. Here is a sampling of my work that can be found on my Etsy page.

While shopping in thrift stores fabric, not clothing style, is what usually catches my eye. Months ago I purchased a see through light blue shirt for 98 cents, brought it home, washed it and have restlessly moved it from room to room wondering why I purchased a translucent shirt that would fit in Molly Ringwald’s Pretty in Pink wardrobe. Not that I don’t like Pretty in Pink but at 37, I don’t think I can pull off the look. So after much thought and some inspiration from Anthropology I came up with an idea for a repurposed flower headband.

What you will need:
1/8 yard of Flouncy Fabric (such as chiffon)Sharp ScissorsStraight PinsSewing NeedleThread Medium to large sized buttonHeadbandSquare of feltGlue Gun

Download the Flouncy Flower pattern by clicking here. Print pattern out at 100%.

Cut 12 flower petals using the flower petal pattern from the fabric. HINT: Since the fabric is thin you can cut out several at a time by layering the fabric.

Thread the needle using at least a foot of threa…

Although it was a very sticky hot day, the Hamilton Festival was a good "show starter" for me. I sold some items, got some good and helpful feedback on my work and was surrounded by incredibly talented people. I took a few photos with an instant camera to share with everyone...

Mike from Spaghetti Kissenjoying the hula hoops at the Charm City Craft Mafia tent


Elisa Shere looking cool and cute with her lovely jewelry


A grouping of ghastly (but adorable) monsters from Cotton Monster


My tent mate Jill Popowich and her handcrafted silver jewelry and more importantly the hidden Wawa subs for lunch under the table


Jennifer and her deliciously delightful jewelry
featured in her store Yummy & Company


Mike working it at his Spaghetti Kiss Tent

Today I was featured on the B.E.S.T.'s (Baltimore Etsy Street Team) blog. I recently joined the group and have found the B.E.S.T. community to be very a diverse group of people who are very supportive and helpful to fellow crafters.

B.E.S.T. is a group of Baltimore Etsians that are dedicated to promoting, sharing, teaching and doing craft in the Baltimore area. So come check out "Twenty Things: Design by Night."

For more information on B.E.S.T. visit their web site at www.baltimorecraft.com.

This Saturday, I will be sharing a tent with Jill Popowich Designs at the Hamilton Street Festival. This will officially be my first show since I have opened my Etsy store.

The Hamilton Street Festival takes place on the 5400 and 5500 blocks of Harford Road this Saturday, July 25th, 11am-8pm. Some highlights (other than my tent) are:
Live Music Featuring: Lafayette Gilchrest, Rodney Henry, Puddle, The Beltways, The Bridge (acoustic) and many more.Street Performers and Performance Art featuring: Aminibigcircus, Fire Breathers, Stilters, and ClownsSkateboarding Expo sponsored by VU Skate ShopI hope to see you there!