Two Things

Update: I've decided that I'm no longer going to pressure myself into creating or making for social media purposes or image. Instead I'll do so as long as it either benefits my local community, friends, family or my home. So here are the two things I've done creatively that I'd like to share.  

1. I recovered a dress form to act as a "jewelry stand". I like being able to mix and match before wearing it.

2. I redecorated the back of the shop and created a reading corner. It's funny that I'm now into reading more than ever as opposed to my youth. If Sister Susie from HF Elementary could see me now.

What two things have you done lately? I want to know!

Xo

m.  

Collage my Heart

I'd been thinking about collage art for a quite a while, especially after returning from Paris last summer. Paris in all its glory opened my eyes to art beyond fabric or paint, and particuarly that which incorporates photography. For a gal who didn't study art in collage (I have BSs in Public Health and Chemistry), I felt like a child in a candy store visiting countless Paris museums, day dreaming about colors and hopeful to one day create an inspirational piece about my 2012 France trip. Those day dreams have finally come to fruition through the simple medium of collage, an art technique that suits me just dandy. Collage feels quite natural and personal to me, as if I'm free style rapping or writing a poem. The biggest revelation from being collage active is that it expresses all of my artistic interests in one placd. And, if I am to be an artist, then I must create unique impressions from my heart.

With my new undying affection for collage, join me this month at my shop where I hope to collage among friends and build community at the same time. I'm envisioning nights of paint, photo, glitter, paper, scissors, good snacks, laughs and more. Make sure to bring your beverage of choice.

Hope to see you soon!

m.

PS. The fabric collage I made below is called Zion ;)

Get Creative With Color : Sew Moni Collaborates with West Elm

On Saturday July 20th, from 10 a.m - 11 a.m, Sew Moni will be collaborating with West Elm to get creative with color.

Check it out on Facebook! Get Creative With Color

Pattern Making 101 - The Base

Someone asked me what I use as a pattern base.

Answer: I use craft paper from the dollar store to construct my pattern base(s).

It's relatively durable and long lasting. Plus, it's easy to find. Nothing annoys me more than having to wait for sewing supplies, especially if it stalls my process of design or cutting *

Patchwork Pillow

Image via mad mim

Image via mad mim

Make a patchwork pillow for yourself using scraps of fabric and a simple zigzag stitch. Taking some inspiration from a designer Anthropologie pillow, Miriam Tribe makes her own version for a fraction of the price! Create this stunning pillow with her simple DIY.

Happy Crafting!
xo - Katie

The Mini Garden

Image via Maize Hutton

Image via Maize Hutton

Love this idea of using vintage tea cups and mugs for a mini indoor garden. I think it would look pretty cute in my apartment.

Get Twiggy

Image via Fossil

Nature does it best and these twig candle holders are no exception. I love the way the light shines throw the twigs, it makes such a warm romantic glow! Take a look below and learn to make your own twig lights:

Materials:

Glass candle holder

Adhesive for multi-surfaces (wood and glass)

Garden snips or wire cutters

Dry twigs

Image via Fossil

Image via Fossil

Step 1: Prep it

Wash candle holders with soap and water and dry well. Cut down the twigs to match the height of the candle holder.

Step 2: Glue it

Dab glue along twig where it will lay flush with the glass. Hold in place to allow glue to set-up before gluing the next twig. Continue until the glass is fully covered.

Image via Fossil

Step 3: Light it

Place votive inside of each holder and light. Arrange lights on a mantle, as a center piece for your dining room table or on your bedside table and let the ambiance begin.

Have a great weekend and happy crafting!

xo- Katie

Take a Dip!

Image via I Spy DIY

Take your denim to a new level with this color wash out idea from I Spy DIY. With just a few materials and some simple steps you can give some summer lovin' to your favorite clothing pieces or thrift store finds.

Image via I Spy DIY

Materials: 

2 Buckets (One for bleaching and 1 for rinsing)

1 Gallon of Bleach

Step 1: Dip it

Fill up one bucket with bleach and dip your clothing into the bucket. Let it sit for 3 minutes in the bleach. 

Step 2: Rinse it

After removing your clothing from the bleach let it hang over the bucket to drain for 30 minutes. This will allow the bleach to work it's magic. Then fill up the other bucket with water and dunk the bleached portion of the clothing under the water to rinse out the bleach. 

Step 3: Dry it

After rinsing, let it air dry for about an hour to get the full color affect. 

Step 4: Wash it

Throw your newly bleached duds in the wash to get the bleach smell out. 

Image via I Spy DIY

 Can't wait to try this on my denim cut-offs!

XO- Aja

And the verdict ladies and gentlemen...

Beads are BACK!!!

It's Pom Pom Season

Image & Inspiration via A Pair & A Spare

Such great inspiration to re-vamp the old wardrobe. See how just shortening the hem and adding a simple trim can give you a great effect. Follow the simple steps below to create your own pair of pom pom shorts:

Images & Inspiration via A Pair & A Spare

Step 1: Trim your trousers to the desired length leaving 1" for seam allowance.

Step2: Fold and iron the bottom edge by 1/2"(do this twice) to create the hem of your shorts.

Step 3: Stitch the pressed hem in place using a straight stitch.

Step 4: Stitch the pom-pom trim to the bottom edge of the hem using a straight stitch.

Now it's time to show it off those legs of yours! Pair the shorts with a simple top and fun accessories.
Got to love a good summer craft!
XO - Katie

Hostess with the Most

Image via Signature Style

Be the hostess with the most and welcome your guests with this brilliant chalkboard idea! Using a couple coats of chalkboard paint and an old silver tray you can make a great greeting plaque, a dinner menu, or a fun serving tray. Such a brilliant DIY!

DIY Leather Cuff

Image via Think Crafts!

We've really latched onto this DIY jewelry project from Think Crafts!. Take a trip to your local hardware store and let the creativity begin!

Image via Think Crafts!

Materials:
Leather 
Clasp 
Rivets & Setter (get the assorted kit)  
Punch or an XACTO Knife 
Scissors or Utility Knife
Hammer or Mallet (to set the rivets) 
Leather Cement (optional)
Water-Based Varnish (optional)

Step 1: Cut the leather strip
To determine the length, measure around your wrist and add 2 inches. Use the size of your clasp to help determine the width (the one pictured is 2 inches wide). Using your scissors or utility know cut the leather piece to size.

Step 2: Preparing the leather strip
Fold each end of the strip under by at least 1 inch. Secure the folds with the leather cement (optional).
 
Step 3: Marking the clasp placement
Wrap the leather around your wrist to size and place the closed clasp where the edges meet. Use a pen to mark where the rivets will go to secure the clasp. Using a leather punch or an XACTO knife, create holes where the rivets will be placed.

Step 4: Inserting the rivets
Choose the rivet size carefully to ensure a secure fit. Make sure the rivet will pass through 2 layers of leather and the clasp extending no further than 1/8 inch (the one pictured uses the smallest rivet size). Insert the rivet post from the backside and snap the cap on top. Use a mallet and rivet setting tool to secure the rivet by giving it a sharp strike.

Step 5: Finishing the leather cuff
For a cleaner look use a water-based varnish to smooth and seal the edges of the wrap.

Happy Crafting!
xo-Katie

Banner O' Triangles

Our office space needed a little pick-me-up, so I broke out the scrap fabric and the scissors and sewed up a sweet DIY banner to add some texture and color.

Here's how...

 

Materials: 

Fabric, Scissors, Pinking Shears, Ruler, Pins, Thread, Sewing Machine

Step 1: Chose your fabrics

Combine different fabric prints that share warm and cool color tones. This means pairing up the  green, blue, and aqua fabrics or matching up the red, yellow, pink, and orange fabrics. The similar color palette will help unify the different fabric prints in the banner.

Step 2: Cut the banner streamer 

Using the pinking shears, cut a banner streamer 3 inches wide and at the desired length.

Step 3: Cut out the triangles

Cut the triangles so that all 3 sides were all 10 inches long. If you plan on hanging this in a doorway or in a window, you may want to consider cutting 2 triangles of each fabric so that the fabric print can be seen from both front and back views.

Step 4: Pin the banner streamer and triangles together

Iron the banner streamer in half along its length. Evenly space the triangles along the banner streamer and pin in place between the fold of the streamer.

Step 5: Sew the banner streamer and triangles together

Stitch the banner streamer and triangles together 1/4" away from the cut edge of the banner streamer. 

Step 6: Cut slits into triangles

Add a bit of movement to the banner by cutting 1" slits into the triangles. 

We would love to see your version of the "Banner O' Triangles" - comment and share your image link!

Happy Sewing!

xo Katie

Graduates

Another round of students have graduated @SewMoni :-)

Diamonds are a Crafter's Best Friend

Image via Kate Lilley of Mini-eco

Learn from the one of the best paper crafters, Kate Lilley of Mini-eco, and check out her 3D paper diamonds!
How to make your own you ask?
1. Download and print Kate's template onto colored paper. Cut around the dotted line.
2. Score along the dotted lines using a ruler and needle
3. Turn the piece over and lightly bend along the scored lines.
4. Use a glue stick to glue the flaps in place one at a time.

Image via Kate Lilley of Mini-eco

Image via Kate Lilley of Mini-eco

Lace Time

There are a few things that I can't live without and one of them is a black half slip. So when I realized my tried and true black half slip was missing I first thought "Shoot!" and second thought "I've always wanted a black LACE half slip!" Two hours later I have a newly designed slip from vintage lace I found in South Brooklyn. It was pretty easy to make and here's how you can:

-Cut a piece of lace that wraps around your hips comfortably and is your preferred length. Mine turned out to be 42 inches wide by 18 inches long.

-Take a quarter inch elastic and measure, while pulling, a piece that grips your waistline. FYI: I'm a size six/eight and cut a 28 inch piece of elastic

-Sew a fold over seam that's a quarter inch wide and then top stitch your elastic onto this seam.

-Finish your slip with a side seam. Add top stitched ribbon along the side seam for a finished touch.

I'm pretty pleased with this design so I've listed it for purchase @GreeneandSunset.com for $30 :-)

If you have any Q's just shoot me an email. XX - Moni

Link Love: Graduation Addition

Image via EverlyLane

1. Love these tassel garlands by EverlyLane Design.
2. Graduation Party ideas from Frog Prince Paperie
3. Follow the Dorm Room Diet by Dormify to avoid those freshman 15.
4. Show off your icing skills with these graduation bear cookies by Diamonds for Dessert.
5. The Stationary Place graduation announcements keeps it classy.
6. Customize your grad party with some school spirit! Get these adorable straws in your very own colors.
7. Blankets are a classic grad gift. This wool blanket by Brook Farm General Store has my vote!

Link Love: Teacher Appreciation

Image via Ashley Ann Photography

1. "You're a Lifesaver" diy teacher's gift found on Ashley Ann Photography.
2. A teacher's thank you gift with a twist..and a straw!
3. Sometimes a simple bouquet of flowers says it all. Love this version from Giggles Galore.
4. Follow this easy diy from Then She Made.. to create your own basket, and fill it up with some homemade goodies!
5. Crayons are good for more than just coloring.
6. Love from the oven does it right with these adorable apple inspired cupcakes.
7. Show your teacher your love for the environment with these fun Moxie Eco-Friendly writing pencils.

Patterned Pots

Give last years pots a great textile make-over and it's easy too! All you need is a couple of terracotta pots, Mod Podge, a brush, and a couple of fabrics.

 

THE STEPS:

1. Cut a length of fabric that is large enough to wrap around your pot
2. Cut slits in the fabric around the top to allow the fabric to lay smoothly.
3. Begin applying your fabric by coating a small section of the pot with Mod Podge and stick the fabric edge to the pot. Once it is pressed flat and in place, coat that section with Mod Podge.
4. Continue this process around the pot, ignoring the top and bottom of the pot. 
5. Once the outside is complete, trim the top and bottom fabric edges to extend 1" outside of the pot.
6. Starting at the top, fold the fabric into the pot in pleats so that it lays nice and flat around the rim. Coat in Mod Podge. 
7. Repeat this step for the bottom making sure that your pleats lay smooth so the bottom of your pot remains level. 
8. Give the pot one final coat, and make sure any loose flaps are coated.
9. Allow your pot to dry.

 * Recommended for indoor use only as rain will wash away the Mod Podge. 

Images via Christine Chitnis

Photo Collage: Take 1!

My installation shown lends somewhat of a taxidermy feel. It's a mesh of photographic landscapes, charms from my grandmother's travels, images of inspirational closeups and a single fabric swatch. All elements are adhered to the wall with delicate pearl drop pins reminding me of the places I've been, the people I've had the privilege of meeting, and the passions of my heart.  Every time my eyes wonder across the wall, I fell good and smile.
Here's how you can create the same feeling in your own unique way!

DIY Directions:

Materials

Photos: Choose your favorite photos and be sure to select a mix of 8x10 prints and/or 4x5s. Having a range of horizontal and vertical shots while paying attention to muted and bright color schemes is good to do to.  Also, if you want a more streamlined and sophisticated feel, stick with a color theme of just black and white.  Or selecting a certain subject matter, such as European bridges or romantic floral photos, would lend to refinement.

Pins: Pearl head pins, straight pins or T-pins work great.  The thicker the pin the better!

Pin-able Trinkets: Includes anything that is light enough to be pinned to a wall.  Ha! Stickers, patches, charms from a charm bracelet, feathers, paper, ticket stubs are all great options. Have fun with your selection and make it heart felt.

Completing the Collage
1) Arrange your goodies on a flat surface.  Make sure to balance close up shots with landscapes, horizontal and vertical pictures.  Be mindful of the colors and textures too.
2) Begin pinning the photos and keepsakes to the wall.  Center your pin in the picture so that it hangs straight, or you could anchor each corner with a pin instead.  I like the pictures to float a bit, so I chose to use one pin.  The pinning may take some time, and you may find that you need to reconfigure a few things once it's all up, but be patient and have a critical eye.  The wonderful thing is that changes are easy to make and since you're using pins instead of nails, the holes are almost unnoticeable if you have to move a picture.
3) Enjoy your work!

-Katie :)