Burlap pillow

My old roommate gave me these pillows before I moved out, because she kinda thought they were dull. I put them on my front porch bench, with a desire to renew them, but of course it was way down on the to-do list.

As one of my classes played Pirinola (Mexican Spin-Top Game), I cut out the fleur de lis, and laid the paper on top of the pillow and sponged black paint on top of the cut out. Then I sprayed it with some clear top coat, and ta-da, a 5 minute burlap pillow makeover.

I think it might be cool to do it the other way around for a shadowy look. In fact, I think I'll do that on the opposite side.

before, just a regular burlap pillow

it's amazing what a little hand-made stencil will do!

5th grade sign language hands

As an elementary art teacher, I am often inspired by not only the creativity, but also the artistic gifts of my students. So I want to periodically show pictures of some of the amazing work that my students are producing.

In my 5th grade class, we recently finished a hand drawing unit, culminating in a project in which each student was assigned a particular letter of the sign language alphabet.

Here are some of the standouts:

Cheap and Easy Lamp Makeover

I inherited this lamp from my parents to help fill my first apartment, and I think I tried to paint black, though it's mauve-ness always seemed to find a way to peek through.

I decided to wrap it in hemp cord, so I covered the lamp in wood glue (my go-to glue) and put it on a lazy susan and just spun the lamp, making sure the cord stayed close to itself.

Necklace Holder

My dear neighbors growing up were an elderly couple, The Ramseys, who came to be like another set of grandparents. We swam in their pool all summer long, they hosted the neighborhood Fourth of July party every year with swimming all day long, Kentucky Fried Chicken for dinner, and watermelon and fireworks in the cove after dinner. The adults sat on the benches in the circle drive while all the kids had a kickball game in the cove or a "Cars" game, where we visited each house in the neighborhood on our bikes to take care of a certain item of business (grocery, car wash, bank, etc.)

Mr. Ramsey framed this piece of lattice for me, and it served as my headboard for well over 15 years. He has since passed away, along with his sweet wife, but the lattice has traveled to several different houses with me. A few days ago, I decided to add clothespins to it and hang my necklaces on it, and I have loved the result.

A sweet memory of my dear friends, a useful accessory in my house, and a great way to make artwork of my favorite accessories.

Throw Pillows

I just finished these throw pillows for a friend. The fabric is beautiful, and the piping definitely gave the pillows a crisp, finished look.

finished pillows

great fabric

a close-up of the piping

I heart applique mucho

For Christmas (and a REALLY late welcome-to-the-world present) for a relative's new baby, I did a sleigh applique I found at http://www.planetapplique.com/. Despite a minor mess-up due to me letting go of the excess fabric for a split-second, literally, I think it turned out well. It definitely gave a cute, personal touch to a what would have been a plain $10 outfit.

for 9 month-old Callie

how cute is that peppermint fabric?

I heart embroidery

throw pillows

a close-up

Ok, so I decided to upgrade (to put it lightly) my sewing machine, and went for an embroidery machine. It was a big decision, but I am already starting to see the payoff, financially and creatively. Here are some samples from my first couple of months:

hand towels
(the trick is to use topping!)

pocket pillows for my nieces and nephews

a close-up