DIY WOVEN PLACEMENTS USING DECORATIVE RIBBON

I love nice place settings, serving pieces and linens. The custom place mats I have thought of making many times hasn't made it to my sewing machine as of yet but with this idea they may get done in this lifetime-"may" is the operative word here. 

Anyway, these place mats of woven ribbon can be very elegant or casual or any style you want according to the ribbons you choose. If you have wired ribbon, take out the wire before weaving and sewing. I happily ended up with a literal truckload of these wonderful ribbons of every style-wired and not wired-I love it. 

These are just a few of the many rolls my daughter, Donna, found for me at an auction. She called me from the auction and said "Mom, there is a guy here with boxes of ribbon to get rid of, do you want them if the price is right?" AND  glory be-the price was right. My husband and I went over the next day in our pick up truck. I have never seen so much ribbon all in one place at one time. It filled the bed of the truck and the back seat. I never counted but there were boxes and boxes of 1000's of rolls. I have given a lot away, sold a lot, and donated a lot and still have more ribbon than I'll ever be able to use in this lifetime and I'm trying to come up with a way to slip it into heaven along with all my other "stuff" if I don't get it used. Maybe Jesus won't notice.

You will need:

ribbons [cut into 12 1/2" lengths and 18 1/2" lengths]

lightweight fusible interfacing-use fusible side up

12" by 18" matching fabric for place mat back

cording or other trim for edge

surface to pin and weave on-cardboard, foam core board, I prefer my cut and press board

straight pins

To make:

pin one end of each 12 1/2" lengths on pinning surface-side by side

weave 18 1/2" lengths through-keep together tightly

press ribbon to fusible interfacing

sew lengths together with decorative stitching

Place place mat top and back right sides together, sew all around with cording between leaving a 6" space for turning. Turn right side out, press, sew turning space closed

Here is one placemat before sewing with two of the ribbons that are 2" wide. Any width ribbon can be used, Wider ribbons just take fewer strips and less time to do. It is rather formal

Another one using a different print finished with cording

 This one is more casual using ribbons about 1" wide

This is a great craft for kids. 

To make them stain resistant, spray them with a protective spray. 

Here is my video tutorial for making the woven place mats. 

Happy crafting

Carolyn Wainscott

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check out my designs in My Crafty Store @

http://www.craftsy.com/user/pattern/store/43851

HOW TO MAKE COUNTRY LOOK GARLAND USING HOMESPUN FABRIC

One of my tutorials on the internet site, AllFreeHolidayCrafts.com, showed how to make a country look garland using homespun fabrics. Homespun frays easily and is a favorite in making ragged quilts. It is warm and comfortable as flannel and comes in all those nice homey looking plaids.

The great thing about the homespun garland-it can be left up all year round if you wish. It can be used on wreaths, trees, or what have you.

The garland is easy as pie to make [well maybe sometimes pie isn't so easy but, trust me, this garland is easy to do]. 

Lay out the homespun and cut into strips the width you might want. I chose 4" and you can see from photo how it shrunk so take that into consideration if you want a wider look after the whole process is over.

For long strips, sew cut strips together end to end, fringe and gather. I chose to gather over a length of yarn which gives more stability if needed. My video shows setting two fabrics together as it is gathered but a single layer can also be done.

The process can stop here if you want but my strips were dampened and thrown into dryer-it's up to you. 

Here is the video if you have time to take a quick look:

Happy crafting

Carolyn Wainscott

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check out my patterns in my Craftsy.com store:

http://www.craftsy.com/user/pattern/store/43851

HOW TO MAKE A PORTRAIT ORNAMENT WITH STAINED GLASS LOOK

These custom photo ornaments with stained glass look have been one of the favorite gifts I have ever made and given away and they are fun to make.

One of these days my white Christmas tree may be covered with one of these of each member of my family-that's on my bucket list anyway. 

I use an outdated photo editing program called Live Pix that I have had since mid 90's with one of my first computers. It is a simple one and no longer available. I don't know what I will do when this computer is no longer usable because I don't think Live Pix will be compatible with a more recent one. I am using a Toshiba with Windows 7. 

You can use any editing software you choose. It is just when I get used to something, I don't want to change. I have tried Photoshop and gave up and went back to my simple little Live Pix. 

You will need:

clear glass ornaments

ink jet transparencies

photos

computer

ink jet printer [make sure you have lots of ink, these take lots if you are making very many]

 The clear glass ornaments are purchased when they go on sale, usually at Hobby Lobby. My preference is the 4" ones but have used smaller ones. 

To get them ready:

clean them with alcohol, let dry thoroughly [I usually do this the day before, turn upside down to be sure all alcohol drains]

Edit and print photos-use printer settings for transparencies, extra color can be added if desired

You can get 4 prints per sheet 

Cut photos to fit ornaments [make a template and try in ornament before you start cutting on your prints]

Roll photo into tube-print inside

Slip into ornament

Adjust with tweezers if needed

Put top back on and you have a future heirloom. 

 Here is my video tutorial to show you how easy it is to create your own works of art. 

Happy crafting

Carolyn Wainscott

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Check out my crafting, quilting, sewing patterns @

http://www.craftsy.com/user/pattern/store/43851

HOW TO MAKE CANDLE HOLDERS/CENTERPIECES FROM REPURPOSED GLASSWARE

A couple of years ago I posted a tutorial including a video for transforming a lamp into a glorified candle holder. It is a very elegant piece with a substantial presence on a buffet or as a center piece. You can find that post @

http://carolynscanvas.blogspot.com/2012/12/recycling-lamps-into-gorgeous-candle.html

Well, I have been at it again with forays through a church's resource center, goodwill stores and resale shops picking up odd pieces of glassware that I could repurpose. I picked up several odd pieces here and there including some long stemmed things. 

There were glass blobs [for want of a better word] glued onto a couple of the pieces before gluing together. 

A good strong glue for ceramics that dries clear has to be used and all the glassware has to be clean for a permanent bond. I used 527 multi-use glue but there are others out there. Good ventilation is a must here. 

I didn't take photos as I was working but just tried different pieces together until I found the combinations I liked best. Here are the latest candle holders/centerpieces including the original lead crystal made from a lamp. 

Here are all four pieces that range from 15" to 24" tall. They can mix and match on a holiday buffet or as centerpieces so make several if you are planning a big event and need smashing decor. Create your own long stemmed centerpieces for a wedding reception and save some big bucks.  

This is the original lead crystal lamp converted to candle holder. 

This piece was originally a candle holder but it is turned upside down, glass blobs glued onto base and a crystal candle holder glued to the original base.  

I loved this swan that fits nicely onto the long stemmed piece which also has been reversed and glass blobs glued onto the base. It can be used as a candle holder or in a floral arrangement. 

 2 matching ruby pieces have a clear glass between. The clear glass piece has an embossed angel. 

I found this lighted angel topper that is the exact color as the ruby colored pieces so the candle holder can be used as a base for the angel. It stands about 24" tall all together. 

If you make your own center pieces or candle holders with "found" items, please share  photos on my facebook page, Carolyn's Canvas. I would love to see what you make. 

I've had a great time making these, hope you have as much fun as I did.

Carolyn Wainscott

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Please check out my designs in My Pattern Store

 @http://www.craftsy.com/my/home?_ct=wberqbdql-kiuh-coshqvjio

while you are at Craftsy.com check out all the craft classes available and craft sales

PROJECT LINUS-"THE SNOWBALL EXPRESS"

Just in case you haven't  heard about Project Linus-it is an organization that up til now has donated 5 million blankets to children in different circumstances since 1998.

I get updates on my Facebook page and a call was put out for a need for 1200 blankets by September 30 for "The Snowball Express @ http://snowballexpress.org/

I have only participated once before but wanted to make a blanket for a child who has lost their parent. I also wanted to include my great, grandchildren so talked with daughter, Donna, and she wanted each of her grandchildren to make one. SO-I sent a message that we would make not one, not two, not three but four of the needed blankets. 

Instructions/patterns for making the blankets along with the address where they were to be sent came by return email. Larger blankets would be appreciated since there would be older children there and smaller children like to snuggle into a larger one also. Suggestions for themes were helpful-camouflage is popular, super heroes, popular Disney, etc. We decided on making the blankets 2 yards long so would need 2 yards for the top and 2 for the bottom. 

My fabric stash was checked to see if I had any fleece that could be used and it just so happens there were 4 yards of bright orange-enough for the bottom of 2 blankets to go along with a coordinating pattern.

I went on senior day to get my old age discount and got the rest of  the fleece that was needed, it was on sale at 50% off-hallelejah!! Have I told you I am addicted to coupons, fabric and Joann's Fabric stores? The gal at the register also told me they accept Project Linus blankets to be picked up by the local chapter so that will save me shipping next time unless we want to take part in a special project. 

While in line to get my fleece cut, there was a man piling one bolt of fabric after another onto the cutting table from his over full cart. There must have been 30 or 40 bolts. Being the shy retiring person that I am I remarked that it looked like he was going to be very busy - Nope-his mother-in-law. She makes over 400 quilts a year. WHOA! She is in her 90's and still going strong and he went back to the quilt fabrics to pile the cart full again. Still not having my nosy self satisfied, I sidled over as he piled more bolts onto his cart to ask what she makes the quilts for and lo, and behold, she makes them for Project Linus. I gave him my Joann's label with my name and address, put my phone # on and asked him to have her give me a call, would love to talk with her and tell some folks about her. [I know-I am giving my phone # to a complete stranger but how bad could someone be who is buying yards & yards of fabric, and for his mother-in-law no less, and he knows about Project Linus??] He did say she is a very private person so haven't heard from her. If anyone out there knows a little 90 year old lady who makes 100's of quilts a year for Project Linus and lives somewhere near Lebanon, Ohio, could you please pass the word that I don't bite and would love to show her  quilts here?? HHmmm? Pretty please???

Ok-back to our blankets that don't seem like so much now after thinking again about a lady making so many to donate. Anyway, here are Branden-age 4 and Hannah-age 8 with my daughter, Donna, working on the blankets:

There are 2 leopard print ones to match the orange fleece I already had and 2 camouflage with a tan backing. The kids loved working on the blankets. Here they are ready to be packed up for shipping.

And here is a video tutorial with hints and suggestions if you need. You can get patterns from Project Linus for the blankets and quilts on their website if you wish to participate in this great organization.

I checked out UPS, USPS and Fedex for shipping costs-Fedex was the most economical by a couple of $.

Project Linus has chapters all over if you want to check them out.

Thanks for stopping by and God bless you.

Carolyn Wainscott

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come over and check out my quilting/crafting patterns on Craftsy.com @
http://www.craftsy.com/user/pattern/store/43851

and while you are there at Craftsy take a look at all the online classes available

HOW TO MAKE A QUICK & EASY PRAYER SHAWL-SENDING COMFORT

Stitched prayers-that is what I consider the pieces I make to send comfort, peace, hope, healing, good wishes, etc. There have been quilts for babies and children, small blocks that can be carried in pocket or purse and prayer shawls-a little something to put around the shoulders to warm and remind that you are being thought about and prayed for.

This shawl is for my sister's sister-in-law who is in deep need of prayer. Pam has health issues including cancer and in June her only child passed away. Who could be in more need of prayer? As I was working on another project the other day, Pam came to mind and I decided to make something for her. 

The next day when the Linus Project I had been working on had been shipped, I got out the materials I thought might be of use for Pam. I had just kinda, sorta thought about what would be a good piece for her so the possible fabrics were spread out on the cutting table. In the fabrics I try to keep in stock for these projects are panels that can be enlarged by adding borders or odds and ends picked up on sale tables with prayers already printed on them. When I find things that suit my fancy I get all I can afford that day for future use. 

For Pam a shawl was decided on to be made from some pillow panels and the back would be a matching print. I had been working with polar fleece the day before and there was a good sized piece that could be used to help make the shawl quickly and easily. 

The pillow panels are pretty standard sized at 14"-16" square and could be used for pockets,
one has Psalm 23 and the other a restful mountain scene with a waterfall

the fleece was cut 16" wide by 72"  long

the coordinating print was also cut 16" wide by 72" long.

all these measurements can be adjusted to suit the fabrics and your needs

To sew:

lace was sewn across the top of the pockets [pillow panel-optional]

pin pockets to 16" edges-wrong side to right side of fleece

pin lining fabric to fleece-right sides facing

I sewed all three layers together at the same time with my serger leaving a 8-10" opening to turn right side out
a scalloped top stitching was added all around the edge after turning and
the shawl was completed by putting a book by Beth Moore and a journal in a pocket

and one more thing-the most important-at our women's Bible study we put our prayers for Pam into the shawl

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Heb 11:1
Healing, hope, love, concern, peace, comfort,  well being are things hoped for that cannot be seen but these pieces are the evidence of prayer for them.

I pray that Pam receives all these and takes comfort in this shawl.

God bless you
Carolyn Wainscott

Here is my video tutorial with hints and suggestions for making the shawl:

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Check out my patterns and designs in My Pattern Store on Craftsy

 @ http://www.craftsy.com/user/pattern/store/43851

and while you're over there at Craftsy, check out all the online classes

THE ANGEL BABY QUILT

This quilt has been on my mind for several years and finally got around to getting it on the drawing board with two great, granddaughters on the way. For some reason two sets of wings [I just kept drawing] came into being and are included in the pattern. The pattern is available in My Pattern Store on Craftsy.com 

@ http://www.craftsy.com/user/pattern/store/43851

"Angel Baby" would be a great background for a photograph session. 

Here is great, granddaughter, Kenzley in her first photo shoot for me on the quilt. She does look like a little angel, doesn't she? 

 Here she is on the second set of wings that have been quilted but haven't been appliqued onto a background. The dark blue was used for contrast.

 The quilt

A little closer look at both sets of wings:

Clouds were quilted into the sky-that seemed like the thing to do and just lightly quilted a feeling of motion for the rest except for a couple of a hint of birds which were just a  curvy "V"-keeping it simple. 

And a look at the back, I love to look at the back of quilts.

Here is my video tutorial for "Angel Baby":

I chose flannel backed satin to make the quilt because it is rich looking, quilts nicely and is easier to work with than other satins. It is a little more economical, also, because it comes in 58" width.  My favorite pajamas are made with the flannel backed satin. It is soft, warm and washes up great but check the label on the bolt.  

The wings were appliqued on the diagonal [corner to corner] for something different. It is about 45" square but with the wider fabric could have been larger without piecing. 

The whole quilt is fairly inexpensive since it only takes 1 1/2 yards of sky blue for the background, 1 yard of white for a set of wings, 7-8 yards for binding. I used my favorite marking pen-the Mark B Gone that disappears with a damp cloth but you can use any marking pen or pencil you choose. 

"Angel Baby" is a fairly quick and easy project to do since the most intense work is the quilting that can be done by machine or hand.   

To order the pattern that includes both sets of wings and complete instructions, go to My Pattern Store on Craftsy.com @ http://www.craftsy.com/user/pattern/store/43851. 

Check out my other patterns in My Pattern Store and while you are there take a look at all that Craftsy.com has to offer-you'll find online classes by top notch instructors for sewing, quilting, knitting, crocheting, beadwork and just about any craft you would like to learn or finesse. 

Thank you for stopping by and God bless you

Carolyn Wainscott

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