My First Fabric Flower

Confession: I've been stealing accessories from my 4 month old baby.

Hey, I'm sure I'm not the only one! It's quite the temptation, their stuff is so cute! Well, some of her clips and things I've been wearing myself. I guess 'closet sharing' starts quite earlier between Mothers and Daughters than I thought. Anyway, so I decided to make my very first fabric flower

for 'us' to wear ;)

(I'm a very visual person, so sorry for all the pictures.)

I started with some light blue lining that I had from ages ago.

And a silver button that I recently bought.

First I cut off a test piece and tested the burn method on it to make

sure that it would work properly...and it did :)

Then I cut out 6 circles...not perfect circles, but they don't have to be 'cause the burn method will alter them anyway, and it gives them character, right?

I believe the sizes were:

1- 4"; 2- 3 1/2"; 1- 2 3/4"; 1- 1 1/2"; 1- 1"

(in diameter)

Then I took the lighter (or I've seen people use a candle), and held it close to the edges all the way around the circle. Just close enough for it to melt and curl up just barely,

but not enough for it to catch on fire.

Then stack the 'pedals', and I adjusted them how I wanted them.

Just right so every piece could be seen well.

Then I added the button on top. And stitched it through all the layers.

Then I stitched on a pin piece, or whatever you call 'em.

Usually I think people add a piece of felt to the bottom to reinforce it,

but I didn't have any and couldn't go to the store, so this works for now. :)

Tada! A cute flower for Little Angel's headband.

Or for a pin on a shirt, or a necklace!

Love it! And yes, I will share. ;)

From blogland to real life

My addiction to blogland has just gotten worse and worse. Which I think is a good thing in some ways. It can't be all that bad to be learning how to be thrifty and creative, right? Except that I'm on my laptop all day at least 1/2 the day...eek!
Here's where I get stumped though. I see all these fab ideas, but I have a hard time actually applying it to my own home/wardrobe. Check out these super cute ideas:

Just add a ruffle to the sweater! From The Idea Room.

Or add a little burlap, ribbon and buttons to an old lampshade! From Thrifty Decor Chick.

Look at this adorable little dress! Made from some extra fabric, lace, and an old baby tee! From The Rubber Punkin.

This is one of my favorites!!! It's Basically the same idea as the little girl's dress above, from My Mama Made It. Just an old shirt that she added some fabric for a skirt, and ruffles on the front, and voila! A new dress! I soooo need to do this one, 'cause I hardly have ANY dresses that fit me since little baby came.

But here's my problem, I don't see any of my own shirts and think "Hey I could refashion that!" I need to work on that. Maybe I'll just try using one that I think wouldn't work at all, and "Make it work!" As Tim Gunn says...hehe. Love that man! "Designers....make it work." (as he shakes his little fist in the air) Haha! Love it!

What do you think? Have you tried any refashioning lately? Is it easy or hard for you?

Love, Actually

You have to check out this site! They have awesome ideas for romance on a budget, and even if you're lucky enough to not have a small budget, they're still awesome ideas to bring you and your loved one closer together.
We tried their 'Sleepover idea' and it was a blast! After Rowan went to bed Ben and I laid out blankets on the floor with LOTS of pillows and watched a movie while we snacked out on popcorn and cheese and crackers! Then we snuggled in all the cuddly blanket/pillow mess :D Loved it!!!
Check them out, they're awesome!