All Dressed Up

This is a copy of my techniques article in the Summer issue of Altered Couture magazine. I enjoyed making this cute little "All Dressed Up" denim jacket from an upcycled child's denim jacket and recycled doll clothing.

Recycle Spring - Petite Collage ATCs

These are my ATCs for the "Recycle Spring" - Petite Collage ATC trade on F.A.T. (Fiber Art Traders). We were to use items in our studio. The backing for these ATCs is from a quilted class sample. We made the sample in a class where we experimented with the new quilting designs and hoop included with my Janome 11000 upgrade. There were five different color fabrics in the sample so I made five cards. The sunflowers are recycled silk flowers. I sometimes buy silk flowers at the thrift store. I take them apart, wash in warm soapy water, and air dry. They make wonderful embellishments for fabric art projects. The buttons are from my stash.

This was a fun project using recycled materials.

Button Bracelet

I saw a button bracelet in a recent magazine and decided to see if I could make one. This is my second attempt and I'm quite pleased with it. I originally used a silver chain and realized that I didn't have enough silver button in my button box but had lots of gold buttons. So I decided to make a gold one. Some of the buttons are vintage. Many are from $1.00 days at Goodwill. I find garment that have lots of buttons and bring them home cut off the buttons. Much cheaper than the fabric stores. Sometimes I recycle the fabric from the garments.

Altered Couture Summer issue Arrived Today

My complimentary issue of the summer Altered Couture arrived today. I am so pleased to have been selected to do a techniques article in the Children's Section. The article is "All Dressed Up". This is my first techniques article. It appears on pages 70 & 71. It features a child's denim jacket embellished with doll clothing. What fun seeing your name in print.

I submitted an ensemble for the Fall issue but have been notified that it will appear in the Winter issue. It involved an argyle sweater. Perhaps that is more appropriate for winter.

Honey Bee Tote Swap

My first yahoo group was Fabric In Altered Art. I love that group, Cathy, the list mom, decided to open the group to others and change the name to Fabric In Altered Art 2. You can sign up at Yahoo groups. Look for fabricinalteredart2.

I am hosting the very first swap in this group. It's an altered Honey Bee Market Bag/Tote swap. We will alter your average Market Bag by adding an altered fabric art panel to the front of the tote. Theme for the panel is Honey Bees.

I got the idea when Anthropology sent out an email about their Honey of a Month displays. The displays were in their stores in April and were made from recycled materials. The purpose was to raise awareness of the plight of the honey bee.

I took the idea and decided to host "Honey Bee Market Bag" featuring recycled market totes.

If you would like to join us, just sign up at Yahoo groups.

April Fabric Postcard

I am working to complete my April swaps for my Yahoo groups. I have been experiencing dental problems for the past two weeks so I am a little behind with my swaps. This fabric postcard is for Norma in the Fabric In Altered Art 2 group. I began by doing a machine embroidery. I thought the blue flowers and green leaves looked like spring. I then decided to add some embellishments. The entire card is covered with pink tulle. I encased some little pearls behind the tulle. The pearls actually move around as you move or shake the card. I really like how the card looks rather elegant. This is the first time that I have encased items in tulle on a postcard. I hope they make it through the mail o.k.

October Quilties

These are my two quilties for the monthly swap on Fabric in Altered Arts. This month's themes were Lime Green and Purple and Halloween. We do a color and theme each month. I decided to do my Lime Green and Purple in a Halloween theme also.
The Lime Green and Purple quiltie has a purple background with lime green frogs in witches' hats. The image is from Dover and printed on fabric sheet. The words are stamped with Staz On ink.
The Halloween quiltie is made of fabric sent to me by a friend and the image is from my vintage photo collection. The word BOO has been fussy cut from Halloween fabric.