I just like makin' stuff
I love using vintage looking accents in my cards and scrapbook pages.
I’ve learned several ways to dye my ribbons and trims, using various ink and paint brands and am happy to share this trick with you!
Here are some examples of cards I’ve made using my hand dyed seam binding:
Here are the supplies used in the video:
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Please let me know what you think, and happy crafting!
xoxo
Genevieve
My sister gave me a package of foil transfer from Prima Marketing, and it’s been in my drawer for about…a year. I just didn’t know what it was or how to use it.
Cut to – I had a custom request for some Pink Floyd scrapbook pages. I knew I would have to make my own background papers for something like this, and -BAM!- the package of foil was opened.
I have to say, it’s pretty magical. And SUUUUUUUUUUUUPER easy to use.
For my layouts, I decided to use spray adhesive and stencils. I sprayed the adhesive through the stencil onto my card stock and when it was *almost* dry, stuck the foil paper (shiny side up) onto it (I also gave it a hardy rub, just in case) and… instant glam!
I have used several packs since. They work so well on black paper, and I can’t seem to get such magnificent color and shine with any other embellishment. You can purchase some here, if you want to give it a go. Prima Marketing carries them in several shades, but this is the package I used for these pages.
Try ’em out, and let me know how they worked! I would love to see pictures of your finished projects! Happy crafting, and shine on!
Updating you on my stitching journey. I love work in progress photos! ❤️
This is a cat and mouse counted cross stitch I was hired to stitch for a customer.
I’m about 40% done now (two months into the project). This one is (relatively) quick to stitch, since I’m not stitching the background at all.
Here’s where I was about a month ago…
Here’s where I am today…
Here is the link for the cross stitch chart too, if you want to stitch along with me:
Please share your stitching journey too – I would love to be a part of it! ❤️❤️✂️
I made this 8×8 album as a special order for a steampunk album. It was my first time making anything in this style and it was fun using lots of new materials- from Swellegant paints to Prima Marketing metallic waxes.
I used Etsy printables for the paper backgrounds and many of the printed embellishments .
I made this pressure gauge out of cardboard that I painted with the copper Swellegant paint. I added liquid diamonds to the printed gear face so it would look like glass and then finished it off with brads, a Tim Holtz year and a lightbulb embellishment (also by Tim Holtz).
Up, up, and away!
Gesso and metallic paints helped bring these pages to life!
Pockets!
This was a fun collage. I used buttons, keys, glass beads, and even screws to add layers and texture. Then I covered the whole thing with black gesso. Once that was dry, I lightly went over the pieces with Prima Marketing silver wax.
I love these clock die cuts from Tim Holtz. I cut out several for this album.
I used lots of lace and some burlap to give the pages dimension…
This last page has tags that tuck in behind the lightbulb print.
Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope these pages inspire you – feel free to comment or send me photos of your work as well. I would love to see what you make!
Cross-stitching, embroidering, quilting – all great, wonderful craft options. They are very time consuming, however, and I always have a dozen or so cross-stitch patterns in my hopper. Sometimes, I want to make a quick little something, either for my wall or to make as a gift. Enter, the fabric block.
If you haven’t worked with fabric blocks before, you are in for a treat! They are SO versatile and easy to work with. I make my own here at Bella Stitchery, and have several here in my Etsy shop under the “Fabric Block” category. I can also custom print designs or images for you as well. Fabric blocks are great to frame and hang as-is, or you can personalize them with your own special embroidery and embellishment. The sky is the limit!
They are fabulous to use on so many projects, too:
*pillows
*frames
*quilting
*messenger bags
*wall hangings
*scrapbooking
*embroidery
My fabric is all handmade, so they are dry-clean only. Feel free to contact me regarding custom orders and special prices for larger quantities.
Thanks so much for stopping by, and happy crafting!
xoxo
Genevieve
Everything (about this card) is awesome!
I made this for a very special four-year-old’s birthday party this weekend. Like it? Want to make one yourself?
I created the SVG cut file for my Cricut SCAL. Feel free to email me at gspeegle@gmail.com for the free file (WordPress doesn’t let me attach SVG files), if you want to make a card for yourself as well.
For Emmet’s outfit, I chalked the edges with light blue and then added some custom details with a Sharpie and strips of hand-cut gum wrapper. I printed out this image on the side here so that I could cut out the hair, smile and Emmet badge.
I also cut out several .5 inch circles and inked them with green Color Box Cat’s Eye chalk ink, before affixing them to the background with foam pop dots.
Inside, is a custom song, based on the “Everything is Awesome” tune from the Lego Movie:
“Everything is awesome!
Everything is awesome when you’re no longer three.
Everything is awesoooooome
At your birthday party!”
Thanks so much for stopping by, and happy crafting!
xoxo
Genevieve
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 post is all about handmade soap. It always sounds like a good idea…but what a mess it can be! I made soap one time, and I think I’m still picking gunk from under my nails five years later.
I say order the handmade stuff and skip the trouble altogether. Here are some amazing crafters that would love to share their handiwork with you and save you a kitchen clean-up nightmare.
How about some festive pumpkin scented soap like these, available from LippincottSoapCo? Their soaps have even been featured in Creating Vintage Charm magazine, and with elegant soap like these, it’s not surprising.
I also love these cottage chic style soap bars from NorasSoapScents. The price of her soap also includes beautiful gift wrap in your choice of sheer bag in white, black, or pink. They also come wrapped with a cute ribbon and flower accent, making them a great gift idea.
PinkParchmentSoap has this bar, named Monkey Farts. How can you not try something like that?! Are you intrigued?
Need to wash your mouth out with soap? Why not use one of these “tasty” treats? 🙂
Sushi soap. Let me just say that again. Sushi. Soap. You can find this darling three-pack at the Etsy store Soapopotamus.
Raw fish not your thing? Looking for something a little bit sweeter? The blueberry sprinkle doughnut soap from TheLittleSoapStore is made from 100% vegetable glycerin soap and scented with a tart blueberry fragrance.
Or how about a tasty macaroon to scrub up with? This four pack is available at CandlelitDesserts for $12.99.
Or maybe you’re looking to add a little pop culture to your bathtime ritual. Well, these next soap listings are sure to scrub you the right way!
The Millennium Falcon Soap – it’s a perfect addition to any bathroom, kitchen sink, or orbital space station. It’s also a great idea for occasions like a white elephant gift exchange. This one is available at WizardAtWork. Stop by their shop for lots more geekery-themed soaps.
Digitalsoaps has taken it one step further with their Pokémon soap. Wash away the fully 3D Pokeball, and you’ll reveal a surprise Pokemon toy waiting inside.
8Bit Nintendo Cartridge Parody Soap from Amanoxford is not only decorative, but fully functional soap as well. It complements a gamer lifestyle, makes friends go crazy with jealousy, and keeps your skin soft.
Still want to make your own? Check out these 11 soap recipes on Homedit.
Thanks for stopping by! Hope you were inspired today, and thank you for continuing to support handmade. Be sure to sign up for email updates here on my blog, and I welcome your comments. See you again soon!
xoxo
Genevieve
One of my favorite things about creating cross-stitch patterns is the endless possibility for design.
With simple needle and thread, anyone can create a masterpiece – even one worthy of scientific recognition!
I have designed these special pieces due to popular request from the stitching community. I love the life-like results and they have appealed to such a range of crafter, from students to doctors.
This last one is my newest addition. I just posted the brain pattern last night. Hope you enjoy my creations – happy stitching!
xoxo
Genevieve
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.
2. Canvas Art
Super easy and a great way to display your favorite paper collection. This idea is from Better Homes and Gardens.
3. Bookmarks
These darling monsters are sure to delight kids of any age. Learn how to make these cuties at Tally’s Treasury.
4. Ornaments
SOOOO many darling, simple ideas on the Internet to inspire ornament making! Here is just one example, from Houzz.
5. Gift Wrap
These boxes are flippin’ adorable – who cares what’s inside?! The paper used is from October Afternoon, my current favorite brand.
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.
7. Flowers
I found this great blog with a tutorial for twenty different paper flowers. Check out It’s Always Autumn for the directions.
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.
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!
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.
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!
xoxo
Genevieve
Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary,
Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore—
While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,
As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door—
“‘Tis some visitor,” I muttered, “tapping at my chamber door—
Only this and nothing more.”
–The Raven
Edgar Allan Poe
Fall is a great time of year to decorate, and Halloween is filled with lots of spooooky, creepy options. Some of my favorite cross-stitch patterns are of Halloween. It can be anything from gothic, Vintage and retro to modern and colorful.
The pattern above is my newest creation, lovingly called Halloween Library, and it can be downloaded here.
Here are some more of my favorite Halloween patterns, all of which can be found at my Bella Stitchery Design Etsy shop:
Bella Stitchery 