Hand painted apron design

My latest creative endeavor, 

hand painting a piece of Belgium fabric, 

and creating a new apron design.

I pulled out my Plaid Fabric Paints and custom mixed 

some fun colors to embellish the graphics.

It was just a remnant of fabric, so perfect placement

 wasn't an option. I did find a scrap of brown pinwale corduroy

 that was perfect for lining.

Closeup detail of painting in progress.

 It's super comfortable and an easy peasy pattern.

Upcycling a tweed blazer during quarantine time

I found a simple wool tweed blazer at a recycle clothing shop, 

and it still being chilly weather, I took it on

as my latest project during quarantine time.

Below is a before photo, of the forlorn-looking jacket, 

so that you can see what I started with.

I began embellishing it with embroidery thread using a simple topstitch, in a complementary color, along the collar, pockets, and front panel.

 

Then I foraged through my stash of vintage trims and lace,

and found some great treasures to continue the project with!

I chose bits of vintage lace for the cuffs 

and fabulous embroidered fabric 

that I cut out and hand appliquéd into place! 

I had just enough of this ornate vintage trim to embellish one cuff 

and one pocket.

Then I pulled from my stash of embroidered fabrics 

to continue hand appliquéing pieces along the shoulder 

and back of the blazer.

The finishing touches were added after perusing through my button collection for some fun finds.

Did you notice all the additional vintage buttons 

that I added along the front to add quirkiness?

Yeah, that's just my style!

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Appliquéd upcycled apron

Airbnb gifted me with a simple canvas apron 

as a thank you, for being one of their super hosts.

Yay!

I loved the apron, but no offense, I wasn't thrilled with the graphics.

So I rummaged through my stash of fabulous embroidered fabrics,

and hand-cut several designs out to fit over the original graphics.

Then appliquéd them in place, and added an extra piece

 at the pocket, just for fun and balance!

Upcycling, at its best!

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Latest ceramic sculpture.

Just wanted to share my latest sculpture,

  a monochromatic, cream-colored, ceramic creation

that is fresh out of firing. 

Handmade, one of a kind, with a seashore theme.

Seashell table decoration, inspired by vintage epergnes.

Great as a business card holder, also!

 Showing it in process, still working with wet clay.

Handbuilding fun!

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Simple canvas tote

Embellished!

Painted using the detail from a manhole cover 

at the Sawdust Winter Fantasy!

I began by choosing a plain canvas bag and then combing colors

 for a custom blend.

Below is a photo of me rolling the paint colors over the metal cover.

Then I inserted cardboard into the bag and used a rolling pin

 to achieve the fun look!

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I had an old shirt that was the perfect plaid colors to line it with, 

and it even had pockets on the front 

that were perfect to have inside for your phone and keys.

So, I chopped it up, added some vintage turquoise rick-rack,

just for fun, and sewed it together!

Some simple stitches with embroidery thread added to the design 

and one of my ceramic fish was sewn into the center for a focal point!

Making magic with mixed media!

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Inspired by antique sailor's Valentines

and having a great fondness for boxes,

I created a treasure chest encrusted with ceramic seashells 

and glazed in a matt clear glaze.

Before firing, view of front and back.

A little history,

A sailor's Valentine is known as a form of shell craft, a  souvenir, or sentimental gift made using large numbers of seashells. These were originally made between 1830 and 1890, and they were designed to be brought home from a sailor's voyage at sea and given to the sailor's loved one.

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On a creative roll with clay

Creating seashell boxes!

And a collection of smaller boxes all in white.

Below is my first attempt at a large treasure chest shaped box

with an Asian inspired base,

Front and back in a turquoise tinted glaze.

I'm into experimenting and having fun with clay!

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Drawing and painting on ceramics

Inspired by Danielle Donaldson's, 

The art of creative watercolor book,  

I chose to experiment on ceramics.

I used a vintage wooden handled tracing wheel 

with dark glaze on it to freehand draw the shapes,

then filled in with color and details.

I made a large vase shape to play on.

And a large bowl shape.

Just a little creative fun at the cottage by the sea!

Now available at Haven, Laguna Beach.

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Little ceramic dishes created for bits and bobs

It started with being a small design 

that I could use to test different glazes on, 

but I found they are great for loose change

 or jewelry.

I like using them for earrings, 

and grouping bangles bracelets together.

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Ruffled edge flower vase

Created in clay using a pencil rolled across the petals 

to create the ruffles!

I started with a basic shape and then began embellishing all along the top.

A little feminine creative fun with clay!

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Doodling another dinnerware dish design

just because I can!

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