#DIY Happy Spring Banner For Easter

For Easter I decided to make 

this banner, Happy Spring!!!!

Supplies:  

A spool of 4" burlap ribbon

A piece of white paper to make your pattern

Pencil

Scissors

Measuring tape or ruler

Heat n Bond

 2" Letter stencils/ 3" Circle 

Pins

Iron

Fabric scraps (I used 6 different colors)

Black Fabric

Sewing Machine

I used this spool of burlap 

ribbon I purchased on sale at 

Hobby Lobby for $3.40. It's from 

the Robert Stanley Collection.  

 I was going to use the ribbon 

for a baby shower. Instead, I'm 

using it for my banner.

The ribbon is 4 inches wide.

I made a pattern, cutting the 

length 7 inches and the width 4 inches 

(7" L x 4" W)

Mark the center width, 2 inches.

To make the peaks I measured 

1 inch from one end of the pattern 

center and drew lines to each 

edge to make the points.

On the other end I folded the 

edge under 1/2 inch. I cut 12 pieces.

Five for "Happy," and six for "Spring, 

and one for the center space, to 

divide each word.

I gathered up some fabric from 

my stash, I also used black 

fabric. Not shown below.

Pick out some stencils to the size 

and shape you desire.  My 

letters are 2 inches in length, 

width varies according to

each letter.

You'll need some Heat n Bond.

Draw your letters on the smooth side of the Heat n Bond.  

Remember to reverse your letters!!

Follow manufacturer instructions. Press to the wrong side of fabric with a hot iron.  

I used a different fabric for each letter.

Cut around letter.

Then cut around drawn line.

Remove paper to reveal sticky 

film.  Repeat for each letter.

And repeat for each black circles.  Make 11.

I then placed a circle onto the 

burlap ribbon, and then pressed

 the letter on to the circle

 with a hot iron.  Repeat.

I measured my ribbon according to the designed length.  I cut mine 80 

inches, but then realized I 

wanted my banner longer.  So,

 I just added an extra loop

 on either side.  I used a purple 

sheer ribbon that was 5/8 inch 

wide.  Place the ribbon on the 

back side and insert 

under the folded edge and pin.   

When you are happy with the placement, take your banner and sew 1/8 inch on the top edge.

I then made a second sewing stitch 

by placing my presser foot on 

the edge of the first 

sewing line as shown.

On the ends of the ribbon I made 

loops so that I could

 hang my banner.

(Sorry I have no photo.)

He is Risen

Matthew 28:1-10

Dresses for Mila!

Just recently I had the pleasure of attending

 a baby shower!  The young lady is adopting 

a two year old orphan from Uganda, Mila!

That is so amazing!

I whipped up a few simple dresses 

for Mila.  Using the #pillow case

 pattern for the first two dresses,

 this is what I sewed!

I just measured the front side of 

dress from seam to seam and cut 

 a piece of lace with the 

measurement I just took.  I  

sewed the top of lace in place!

Here I  cut (2) pieces of lace measuring 7" 

long.  Then I cut (1) 7-1/2" long 

piece of dress fabric and pressed 

down all the edges. Next,  sew

 this piece down the center!  Remember

 to start sewing below the top seam or 

you won't be able to get the 

ribbon through the seam!!

Here I used a pattern, but the pattern was

 so bad.  I ended up making by own pattern! 

Here she is wearing one of her dresses!

So Cute!!

He Has Made Everything Beautiful In Its Time.  
Ecclesiastes 3:11  

Easy to Do-DIY Chalkboard Frame Craft

I've been wanting to make a chalkboard frame for months.  I see them around everywhere!  So a week before Christmas, I went over to Michael's Craft Store and picked up a few supplies for my chalkboard frame.

You will need: wire ribbon (about 40 inches)

scissors (not your good scissors)   

wood glue

paint (your choice of color) I used black or keep it natural 

sponge brush

chalkboard paint (your choice of color) I used black

frame 

wood (at least 1/2" larger then frame whole

tape measure (not shown)

chalk to write on board

  First, I measured my frame and piece of wood.  Cut your piece of wood to fit the back. On the frame you see below it's 1/2" larger then the opening of the frame because I didn't want the board to show on the front size because of the holes in the frame. If you purchase your board at Lowe's, they will cut your board for free.  Michael's had the right size I needed, no cutting was necessary.

Next paint your board with Chalkboard Paint and let it dry 1 hour between coats, I did 3 coats.  The last coat, let dry over night (Follow manufacture's instructions).  Also, paint your frame with whatever color you desire.  I used Folk Art outdoor acrylic paint in black just because that is what I had.  In the examples below you will see that I left the frame natural, you could paint a clear on to it. Further down you will see other examples in different colors.

The next day, bead a line of wood glue around the edge of board (not to much or it will bleed to the front).

Front side-lay the frame over glued board. If you get glue on the right side, wipe immediately with a damp cloth.

Back Side- use books to weigh it down to help it dry overnight!

Here's a smaller frame in natural. I wanted the black to show on the front, so board was cut a little smaller then frame.

(Example in black)

(Example in white) The black frame is underneath it.

Take your ribbon and cut to desired length.  I cut mine 40".

Run ribbon through holes.

Tie knots on either side.

Make bows and tie again, so ribbon won't come undone.

Write your message!

Hang and enjoy!!!

I hope you give this craft a try.  It was fun and I just love my new chalkboard frame!!!  Please post pictures of your frames.  I would love to answer any questions you may have, so please ask!

May you and yours have a happy, prosperous, and fun filled year!  Happy New Year 2014!