DIY {business card case}

Business is on the up and up over here lately so one thing I've needed to fix is the constant bending and messing up of my nice business cards in my purse. Clearly, I was on the lookout for a nice and simple business card case that wasn't too over the top, something to keep my cards clean yet a little stylish. When looking for ideas, I found this one that I loved, only problem being I couldn't get my hands on any leather. Then I found this gem and got a whole new idea. This is what I'll be carrying my little business cards around in now.

materials needed:

fabric of choice
button
iron
sewing machine

Measure the size of whatever it is you're making a case for. Mine for example was for business cards.
Take the height of the business cards, add 1/2'' and multiply by two to get the height of your rectangle. As for the width, use the length of your card plus 1/2''.

Then for the envelope shape, add a triangle to the top of your rectangle about the height of your card. Allow yourself 1/2'' for seams all around. After you've figured out your numbers, draw your shape twice so you have two pieces of fabric.

Cut the shapes out and sew together, right sides in. Make sure you leave room at the bottom for you to be able to turn it right side out. Flip and press.

Fold like an envelope, press again and sew the side edges. I wanted to add a bit more color to my new little business card case so I added a colorful button I had on hand. That's it!

I've already had a request for one from a friend. Happy crafting!!

DIY {zipper pillow}

I have accomplished many things for a beginner seamstress and now I am able to add one more to the list... sewing a zipper! I've been wanting to make some new pillows for my bed for quite some time now and finally got the chance to sit down and do it a few days ago. Here are my results after a fabulous tutorial on how to sew a zipper pillow from the prudent baby ladies :

I am definitely happy with my first ever zipper pillows. Of course I wouldn't call myself an expert, but hey they work!

homemade holidays DIY {Ear Warmer Headband}

I don't know about you guys but when winter comes, my ears take a beating. I feel like I'm always forgetful when it comes to covering them or keeping them warm and then disappointed that I forgot. Well friends, here is your solution, an ear warmer headband. I came across this idea for it about a week ago and jumped at the chance to give it a try. And friends, it was a success!

It was another really easy project to put under my small sewing belt. I started with an old thermal that I don't wear that often and 'upcycled' (another case of new uses for old things) it into my ear warmer headband.

I simply cut the shape of it. Roughly, 24" long X 5" wide and tapered the ends, hemmed the edges, added a button to one end and a button hole to the other and it's done. For added flare, I made a flower out of the same material. (basically just 5 or so cut flower shapes that I layered onto the side of the headband) You could also add a handmade bow for a little extra decoration.

For more detailed instructions follow this tutorial. Happy sewing!

homemade holidays DIY {Apron}

The crafting bug has definitely bit me and I'm so glad because I found this fabulous idea for gifts this year for my gal pals. A lovely handmade apron. It's pretty much the EASIEST sewing project I have committed to and the even better part is... it's made out of only a fat quarter of fabric! How great is that?! If you want to join me in this years handmade holiday season, there are endless thoughtful and creative projects to dream up. This is just my first, so be sure to check back because there will be more inspiring ideas to come.

Just think you could pair the apron with a yummy cookbook for one of your fantastic friends..

Thanks to the Prudent Baby ladies for the fabulous idea and tutorial. They are so great!

hood that baby

It's been a bit of baby season amongst some of my friends lately which put me to serious work on some cute crafty homemade baby presents. I stumbled upon this amazing site, and swear by it if I ever need a crafty baby project. With inspiration from Prudent Baby, my staple present this baby season (which in my opinion is quite useful) was the hooded towel; 1. because it's easy and 2. because it's inexpensive, which means I can add more accessories to the gift (i.e., bath toys). I made it for a number of babies that were expected, but one is particularly special. A photo of one of the babes in the pretty little towel I crafted for her, made her debut over the weekend here and I'm so excited I got to be a part of this. Congrats little miss Andie. Hope you love your towel!

Here are some photos of the towels I made, both for little boys and girls.

What's your favorite baby gift to give?

before & after

A couple weeks ago I was strolling around a local thrift store, as I often do when I find myself bored and looking for a project or a fun find, and I happen to come across this funky bench. My immediate thought, was MAKEOVER! I picked up the bench for $7, got a can of spray paint $4 and started on my venture. It was lots of fun making over this quaint piece of furniture, from sanding the whole thing (which took quite awhile) to covering the buttons with fun fabric I found, and sewing the cute little cushion. I am very happy with the way that it turned out and now I just have to find the right nook for this upbeat throne like bench.

a little dress up

I embarked on an ever so skeptical journey today to sew my very first article of clothing. I would describe myself as a beginner seamstress so I started small, petite if you will, and made a little pillowcase style dress for a sweet baby girl who is on her way.

I started with a fun tutorial from these ladies and 2 pieces of fabric about 18" x 22" and made a dress shape. From there it was simple sewing skills until I had to use a material I had never used before, a single fold bias tape. It took a little experimenting and a little help from my seam ripper to figure out the right way to attach it. Once I did, I had completed my mission and successfully sewed my first dress! Hooray!!

Isn't it just adorable? I can't wait until I can give it to the little lady that I made it for. She will be due in mid June. Yay! I know her mom will just love it! My awesome friend Amy and I will be throwing a party in the upcoming weeks for the sweet little baby girl on her way too.

Photos to come on my inspiration for the party and all my little crafty projects too!