Full-time mom and crafter! My particular passions are paper crafting and cross-stitching, but I tend to pick up new interests each time I stroll through a craft store. :)
Wake me up before you go-go, I don’t wanna miss it when you hit that high. Wake me up before you go-go, ‘Cause I’m not planning on goin’ solo. Wake me up before you go-go, Take me dancing tonight… I wanna hit that high… Yeah, yeah.
Wham! Timeless elegance and lyrical poetry. I just finished this one-of-a-kind cross-stitch pattern last night and I am so excited to share it with you!
Bella Stitchery is the ONLY place to find this gem – guaranteed!
The finished piece will be about 15×16 inches, based on a 14 ct. Aida cloth (size will vary slightly, depending on the size canvas you select).
With purchase, you will receive an email PDF file with the complete pattern with DMC floss code.
**ALL MY PATTERNS USE ONLY BASIC X STITCHES, SO THEY ARE GREAT FOR ANY LEVEL OF CROSS-STITCHER! NO BACK STITCHES, 1/2 STITCHES, KNOTS OR BEADING!!**
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh, caffeine. It’s how I start (and continue to live) my day. Coffee, Diet Coke, chocolate – anything will do in a pinch.
My love for that sweet magic is what inspired me to embroider this little puppy. It’s a hand-stitched caffeine molecule. The hoop is about 5.5 inches and it’s stitched with eye-catching yellow on a bright teal fabric – sure to wake you up, just like your morning cup of Joe.
Stop by my Etsy shop for more listing details. It’s perfect for home or office and is a great gift idea, too!
Caffeine – it makes the world go round
Thanks so much for stopping by and supporting handmade!
As an avid crafter, I have no shortage of craft ideas in my hopper to try next (hard to imagine life before Pinterest).
I have come to the realization that just because I treasure handmade, it doesn’t mean I have to make everything. My craft room is only so big!
I’m suggesting that, rather than DIY, let’s promote BIY(buy-it-yourself) once in awhile. Save yourself the time and shopping cart full of materials for one single project that – let’s be honest – may or may not ever get made, and support other crafters. It’s a win-win!
Today’s item is the pillow cover. Pillows are a great way to dress up a couch, chair, or bed. They’re also lots of fun to incorporate into holiday decorating!
Here are some amazing crafters that would love to share their handiwork with you:
Antlers are all the rage right now (love ’em!) and this deer pillow cover is a steal at under seventeen bucks over at ColorArtDecor!
Deer me – what a delightful pillow cover!
Velvet is the order of the day with this rich peacock pillow cover at WhooplaArt. It’s sure to be the envy of all your guests!
Peacock feather images – all the beauty w/o the mess.
Now, here’s a pillow that’s just my type! Check out the pillow covers at CarolinaMint. With over 300 covers to choose from, you’re sure to find something you love.
This darling pillow cover has me keyed up!
This would be the perfect addition to your favorite reading chair! Pick up this sassy cuddly square cover at VintageAffairStudio.
Couldn’t have said it better myself.
Up, up, and away! These pillow covers are flying off the shelf at Andrekart. I love the unique photography incorporated in each design.
May your dreams take flight with this whimsical pillow cover from Andrekart.
It’s superheroes to the rescue with these amazing pillow covers from QingsShop
QingsShop pillows are SUPER!
Still want to make one yourself? I found this tutorial on Lovesome’s blog. It has step-by-step instructions on how to sew one, including hemming how-tos.
Great product photos are everything – whether you are using them on a blog, for sales, or to have your images re-pinned on Pinterest.
I am always looking to sharpen my skills. With a tight camera and lighting budget, I have to make do with what I have.
Below are some tips for using your iPhone to best show off your scrapbooking works of art. I used an iPhone 5s for these layouts.
1. Purchase a large white poster board from the craft store (around $1.00). It helps to clear the background in the pictures and provide a nice, neutral base. I like to use the shiny side too, in order to get the most out of my available light source.
2. Choose your poster board position carefully. As you can see, I like to have mine next to my craft room window. I also used a standing OTT light to the right, to help balance the light (you don’t want a lot of shadows).
Here is the view of my “photo studio” wall.
3. Stick a piece of tape behind the layout and affix it to the board.
4. Take the photo using some kind of stabilizing structure. I don’t have a tri-pod, so I usually use my desk with a box on it to help hold the phone steady. Take several pictures so you can choose the best one.
5. I then clean up the image using either www.fotoflexer.com (a free site) or Afterlight (a $.99 app). You can use these to play with shadows and lighting, crop and rotate, etc. I also use Photoshop Elements 5.0 at the very end to add white paint to the background, making it as bright as possible.
Before and after editing my pictures.
That’s it! Now you can save and share your masterpieces!
With these tips, you can make sure your artwork is the focus – not a messy background.
I love the kitsch of 1950’s retro. Just absolutely love it. Paper crafting is a way for me to enjoy ephemera in a whole new way – by taking the illustrations I love and making one-of-a-kind collage art from them.
Below are some of my recent creations. I have also included a free “Pressed for Time” pin-up image, which is a one-of-a-kind collage I made myself. Enjoy!
Like that last card? Here is the image I made using Photoshop. Feel free to save it and incorporate it in your own crafts.Be sure to check out my Etsy shop for lots more goodies. Thanks for supporting handmade!
So much amazing scrapbook paper! What shall I ever do with all of it?
I’m glad you asked! Here are ten fun ideas for what to do with all that delightful card stock. I would love to hear YOUR ideas too, so please feel free to comment. 🙂
1. Card Making
I love making greeting cards. Here are just a few of the pieces available now at my Bella Stitchery Etsy shop.
Let’s Do Lunch CardDrive You Crazy Card
2. Canvas Art
Super easy and a great way to display your favorite paper collection. This idea is from Better Homes and Gardens.
Canvas Art
3. Bookmarks
These darling monsters are sure to delight kids of any age. Learn how to make these cuties at Tally’s Treasury.
Monster Bookmarks
4. Ornaments
SOOOO many darling, simple ideas on the Internet to inspire ornament making! Here is just one example, from Houzz.
Star Ornaments
5. Gift Wrap
These boxes are flippin’ adorable – who cares what’s inside?! The paper used is from October Afternoon, my current favorite brand.
Gift Wrap Embellishments
6. Envelopes or Envelope Inserts
No matter what year it is, snail mail will always mean something special. You can easily personalize your envelopes using scrapbook paper. You can find some template designs at Apartment Therapy.
Envelopes
7. Flowers
I found this great blog with a tutorial for twenty different paper flowers. Check out It’s Always Autumn for the directions.
Paper Flowers
8. Banners
I have to admit, I’m a huge fan of banners. I make them for my fireplace mantle for the holidays, baby showers, bridal showers, birthdays. I am kind of obsessed. This is one I made for a baby shower a few years back.
Baby shower banner I made for a friend.
9. Decorate Office Supplies
This adorable file folder is from This Art Makes Me Happy. What a great idea! I’m sure you can extend this idea to include things like desk drawer liners, pen holder cups – the possibilities are endless!
File Folder
10. Scrapbook Pages
Let’s not forget the obvious, too. Scrapbook paper is perfect for….scrapbooking! Here is a page I made for my shop.
My girly scrapbook layout on Etsy
Thanks so much, friends! Hope you feel inspired! Keep in touch – I would love to hear your ideas too, and see what wonderful works of art you create!
As an avid crafter, there is no shortage of craft ideas in my hopper to try next (hard to imagine life before Pinterest).
I have come to the realization, just because I treasure handmade, it doesn’t mean I have to make everything. My craft room is only so big!
I’m suggesting that, rather than DIY, let’s promote BIY(buy-it-yourself) once in awhile. Save yourself the time and shopping cart full of materials for one single project – that, let’s be honest – may or may not ever get made, and support other crafters. It’s a win-win!
Today’s item is the fabulous, trendy infinity scarf. Here are some amazing crafters that would love to share their handiwork with you:
The Borrow scarf from Deroucheau on Etsy looks snuggly and stylish for $75.
The Borrow Scarf
This Chunky Infinity scarf from Plexida is $58.87 and is even sent in gift wrap – what a perfect Christmas gift idea!
Chunky Infinity Scarf
The Infinity Scarf Loop Cowl found on MicheleMade is a steal at only $25. You can even pick your color options!
Infinity Scarf Loop Cowl
They’re not just for women, either! This purple man scarf from Necklush is priced at $95 and is perfect for wearing all year long.
Purple Man Scarf
Still want to make your own? Well, OK. Here’s fun how-to guide for ya from Handimania:
Thanks for supporting handmade, and happy crafting!
Bella Stitchery 