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

Sew Moni Collaborates with West Elm

We are really existed about collaborating with West Elm on July 20th, from 10 a.m to 11 a.m. You can call it a match made in Decor heaven.

Check out the event on Facebook

Also be sure to check out West Elm for all things Home Decor related: Westelm.com

Late night...

"Looks like our tree went club hopping again but this time managed to stop by Alberto's pizza and Dunkin D on her way home...Trees these days..."

Mixology 101

Join us November 10th, for an exclusive holiday cocktail hour. 

Amethyst, our Brooklyn mixologist will be sharing creative drink recipes and tips to spice up your holiday. 

Please RSVP to cocktails@sewmoni.com and we'll save a glass for you.

XO - SEW Moni Team

Fall - Fall - Fall

Care Free Monday

Not in the mood for a manic Monday so how about a little Obladi Oblada to start the week off right.  

Obladi Oblada by The Beatles

Love Note

Mopping @1pm

It cleans the soul.

Bicycles Baby

Bicycles on my mind..

1. Love the overlapping in this Duralee bicycle print

2. Find this cutie at WhipStitchFabrics

3. This Avelis Bicycle fabric goes way back.

4. Lovely whimsical bicycle illustration by BeckandLundy
 
xo- Aja

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.

SEW Moni Presents: Fall Craft Pop-Up Shop

Join the SEW Moni Team for our Sunday Craft Pop-Up Shop series this fall!

We will be showcasing all things handmade from clothing to fashion accessories, décor items, stationary and more! We love supporting our local craft community and are excited to start the fall pop-up shop series.

Join us on...
September 2, 2012 11am-5pm
September 16, 2012 11am-5pm

Where...
SEW Moni Williamsburg
330 S. 3rd Street - Brooklyn NY 11211

If interested in becoming a vendor at the Pop-Up Shop please email katie@sewmoni.com

Hope to see you there! 

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

Colorado

I've taken refuge in Colorado for a whole week with loved ones. I've been feeling quite low and thankfully their spirits along with positivity are reigniting my creative spirits. Here are a few pics of my trip this far. Mile High's flowers are most striking. I may just pick a few for my scrap book :-)

Do you scream for ice cream?

Image via Faith Durand

This might be the most amazing things I've discovered all summer. One ingredient ice cream...pure brilliance from the Kitchn! Cinnamon Dulce is my favorite. What's yours?

XO- SEW Moni Team

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

Graduating Class Highlights

It's the last week of classes for our July students and students are finishing up their projects. We're always excited to see the creativity come out in everyone's designs. Check out some snap-shots from our Beginning Sewing and Beginning Dress students:

Jin us for the next round of classes in August or September and make a reversible tote or dress for yourself!

XO - Katie

We love Rock

How about you?