Mask Pattern

After watching four videos on how to make a reusable mask and making a few practice masks, I finally came up with something I like. I much prefer using 1/2" cotton twill tape instead of elastic. I can get a better and more comfortable fit that way. Here are my instructions. I hope you are able to open and use this pdf successfully. Remember, the Lord is on High, and He is control of even this dreadful virus!

Mask Pattern

Painted {Fabric}

So, after creating my new "to-do" book, I wanted a bookmark to match. If you missed my new painted book, click here. To get a matching bookmark, that meant that I needed to paint some canvas. So, I cut a piece from my bolt, and went to work. I painted away, and then I watched our favorite team play football yesterday and competed the doodles. I love it so much that now I don't know if I can cut it up into bookmarks. Maybe I should just make one bookmark, and then sew the rest into a pencil case. Hmmm, decisions, decisions.

I used the same Stencil Girl stencil and products that I used for the "to-do" book. I just added one more paint color--the light lavender which is Apple Barrel Wisteria.

Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you like today's creation. Enjoy your week! I'm off to paint another book and more fabric! :)

Painted {Book} Cover & Update

Has it really been since June since I posted last? Wow! I do have good reason, and I have not created since then. I have been diagnosed with spinal stenosis, osteoarthritis, and disc degenerative disease. I have been in horrific pain since the very last week of May (the week before turning 54). I was finally diagnosed in July and have been trying various treatments since that time. I still suffer with pain daily but thankfully it is no longer in the 7-9 range. Praise God! Learning to deal with chronic pain has been hard, and I am still asking "Lord, what are you teaching me through this?" But yesterday I created for the first time in a very long time. It brought me such incredible joy that I have to try to make myself do it each week. It is healing to be able to just get my hands messy in paint and create.

So, what did I create? I painted a book cover. Oh my goodness, I am in love. This is a book I have had, the pages are empty, and I have decided that it is going to be my new "to do" book for home and for work. Yes, I am now working part-time at our church, and that also has been a great joy and blessing.

To create this book, I used the Deconstructed Floral Bouquet stencil from Stencil Girl. I then grabbed a few paint colors and began finger painting. Yes, I used my fingers. I started with a makeup sponge but I can't blend the paints as well so I dove in and finger painted. I actually prefer that. Here is what it looked like as I started:

Then I added more leaves and let it dry overnight. After it was dry, I used my Posca pen to add all of the white doodling. Once I did that I finished with my favorite paint splatters. I must always finish with that. :)

The leaves were created from a Sizzix die cut called "Leaves." I just die cut the leaves using an old folder. It was then very easy to use it as a stencil. I will use that technique again for sure. I really had a great time doing this. I hope it inspires you in some way! Have a blessed week!

The {Tiny} Journal First Pages

So, do you remember the tiny journal I shared in May? If not, click here. I began working on the pages last week, and I must say I am in love. I am approaching this journal a bit different. I want:

• the pages to have scriptures that speak to me that day.
• the scriptures done in my own handwriting.
• the pages to be super fast and simple.
• the pages to inclue fabric and stitching.
• the pages to not be completely covered.

So, this is a bit different from my other journals, and that's what I love about this little bit of happiness. With those "wants" in mind, here are my first pages.

Psalm 139:1-3

James 4:8

The pages inside this book also include papers that I still want to see. So, keeping that in mind, I also will be leaving a bit of the original page showing because these pages either meant something to me or are just things I like.

I hope you enjoyed these first pages. Thanks for stopping by, and I hope to post again sooner than later! Have a blessed week!

My {Tiny} Journal

A couple of months ago, I purchased this cute book for $0.50. It measures 5 1/2" x 3", and I knew I wanted to turn it into a journal. I finally finished it yesterday. Here are a few details about this adorable little book:

• There are four signatures.
• There are 8-10 pages per signature.
• The pages inside include maps, receipts, envelopes, painted papers, book paper, graph paper, etc.
• The edge of the book is finished with inky fabric. I use flour sack towels from Hobby Lobby. Love them!
• The closure is done with an eyelet and sari ribbon.

I can't wait to begin playing in this book. Thanks for dropping by. Have a great week ahead!

Learn to Create Splatters

Okay, so I know there are a zillion "splatter technique" videos out there; however, I created one for a board I am part of. I thought I would share it with you also. I hope you like it, and if you have never tried splattering before, I hope you find it helpful. Feel free to ask questions in the comment box, and I will answer your questions there. Happy Splattering!

Recycle Those Bottles

Recently I have finished off two bottles that now work perfectly for my arts and crafts. One used to be a Dermalogica facial toner bottle, and the other one was a bottle of hand sanitizer. Let's look at them both.

Facial Toner Bottle

First, this bottle delivers a beautiful mist when sprayed. I have always loved it. So, I knew that once it was empty that I would keep this bottle. It was very easy to clean once I was done with the bottle but the label left a lot of adhesive that was just awful. The adhesive went all the way around the bottle. I was not about to spend a lot of time using Goo Gone to get it off. So, my solution was to use a bit of paint for fun. The paint covered the adhesive, and then I added a thin layer of matte medium on top to seal. Now it not only works as an amazing water bottle on my table, it looks cute too!

Hand Sanitizer Bottle

Most hand sanitizer bottles are either tiny or rather big. This one is inbetween, and I got it from Bath and Body Works several years ago. I knew this bottle would be perfect for "matte medium on the go" or to even keep on my table instead of my large bottle which takes up a bit of room. It squirts out very nicely, and it will pack very easily in my travel bag too. Perfect!

So, start looking at those used bottles. How can they be recycled for your arts and crafts? Consider that before tossing them in the recycle bin. Thanks for stopping by, and have a blessed week!

$8.50 Thrift Shopping Trip

Do you like thrift shopping? I have always loved antiques and antique stores but lately I find I prefer thrift shops because the prices are SO much better. A new thing that my girls and I love to do is visit new towns, find the local thrift stores, and also the best local ice cream. It truly is so much fun! Well, I spent this past week with one of our daughters because she was on Spring break from medical school, and she had several meetings and appointments. Between those appointments, the two of us went crazy visiting many shops and eating at at least three new ice cream stores. Yep, I definitely overindulged last week. It was a blast. So, today I wanted to share the great things that I got ALL for $8.50! Now to some of you, you are probably wondering what I will do with this stuff. So, I will explain as I note what's in each picture. 

The Haul

The Details

These three little cups and this plate will be great for paints. $1.50 for these four pieces really made me happy!

The Stretch & Sew patterns are really unique. I have never seen them before, and my mother hasn't either. She has been a seamstress since I was a little girl. The packets themselves are 8 1/2 x 11, and the patterns almost look like blueprints. And they are printed on heavy paper. You can see a part of a pattern behind the pink packet. I purchased four of these patterns for $2.

Here you can see the grammar book I purchased. It is in great condition, and I paid $1.00 for it.

The "move-in inspection" paper and piece of granite came from a really fun store in Durham, NC, called "The Scrap Exchange Thrift." The paper pad will be great for mixed media work, and the granite is just the perfect size to use as a weight. It measures 5"x7". I have some larger pieces of granite that I have been using but I love this smaller size. The total for these two pieces was $1.50!

Then some of the other items include a hymnal, several zippers, and another pattern. The zippers were $2 for the lot.

The hymnal is from the 1940s and the grammar book from 1928. The hymnal is a large-print book (it is underneath the zippers in the photo above). The inside page says "Several years ago, my vision became such that I began to use reading glasses, and soon it became difficult to read the daily newspaper. But worst of all, when I attended church, I couldn't read the hymns or responsive readings; and thereby was unable to join in the worship services, which always means so much to me. When I discovered books and magazines published in large type, I began to enjoy reading again. Then, the idea came to me--why not have the hymns printed in large type. I wrote our Church Board to have this done, but they responded in a negative way and did not see the need for it. Therefore, I decided to do it and thus this volume. If you have friends that would like to have a copy of the hymnal, please advise me. I hope you enjoy singing and participating in the services as a result of this effort." E.E. Stauber

I think that is SO neat. I have never seen such a hymnal, and I have not been able to find it on the web. I paid $0.50 for this wonderful hymnal!

So, if you haven't been thrift shopping, I highly encourage you to go. It's fun, and the treasures you can find are amazing! And it can be a fun time with family too! Have a blessed weekend!

Three {Rose} Canvases

This weekend I was able to see each of my girls. I was SO excited to give them the 12"x12" canvases that I painted for each of them. I included a scripture on each canvas which is based off of their favorite hymns. I then wrote a special note to each of them on the back. I pray this is a little something that reminds them of the Lord and of their mama as they see these hanging in their own homes.

Scripture: Hebrews 12:2 "fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Hymn: "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus"

Scripture: Psalm 16:11 "You make known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand."

Hymn: "Come Thou Fount"

Scripture: Psalm 94:22 "But the Lord has become my fortress, and my God the rock in whom I take refuge."

Hymn: "Rock of Ages"

Thanks for stopping by. I pray the rest of your week is blessed!