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Tag: monogram


target bargain bin diy

6
December

diy-felt-bag-pleasure-in-simple-things-blog

I love the section at Target with all the low-priced items!  It is so much fun to find a great item for $1. or $3. in those magical bins at the front of the store!  Sometimes, a little DIY is the perfect thing to make something from the bin simply fabulous!

before-felt-clutch-pleasure-in-simple-things-blog-Recently, I ‘felt’ that way about a marvelous felt clutch I found in the $3. bin!  Though great on its own, a little enhancement would make it special!

I had a few ideas for a modification right from the start, but I knew I wanted to do an initial.  I was thinking I would use a plaid fabric that would make a nice contrast against the gray and would scream holiday.   To make it easy, I could use fabric bonding to adhere the initial.  Then, if I had any embroidery thread in an appropriate color, I would use a blanket stitch on the edges to finish it off.

felt-clutch-close-up-pleasure-in-simple-things-blog

When I got home, I looked at the random buttons I had left in my button box and some of the button colors were perfect against the gray felt of the clutch.  I changed my plaid idea to an initial formed from  buttons!  Based on the colors I was using, I would make a mustard colored tassel to add a finishing touch!

I used a small bead of glue from my glue gun on each button to hold it into place before I sewed each one onto the clutch.

sewing-a-felt-clutch-pleasure-in-simple-things-blog

When I went to the craft store to buy some yarn to make a tassel, I found a premade one in the color I wanted for less than the price of the material to make one!  Perfect!

initial bag diy pleasure in simple things

The pouch makes a great gift on its own or it can be used as a pretty item to tuck some presents into!

If you’d rather not use a needle and thread, another way to add an initial to the clutch could be to use a metallic iron-on initial from the fabric or craft store.

wrapped-gift-pleasure-in-simple-things-blog

A beautiful gift for under $5!  Thank you Target for the bargain bins – they are a wealth of (inexpensive) inspiration!

Thanks for stopping by!  Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

Comments Off on target bargain bin diy | diy, gift ideas, holiday, style

inital ball jar embellishment

2
August

Inital Ball Jar DIY embellishment pleasure in simple things blog

I find joy in the details and today’s simple DIY is a perfect example!

I found this raised initial Ball jar at Terrain.  I really liked the idea of an initial on the Ball jar, but I wasn’t crazy about the shiny silver lid provided with the jar.  I also thought the initial needed a little embellishment.

using gold leaf for a diy pleasure in simple things blogThese items were easy enough to remedy with some gold spray paint and a little bit of gold leaf.

A gold leafing kit is an essential part of any craft supply stash since there are tons of little uses for it. These kits are easy to find at craft stores.

DIY Inital Ball Jar pleasure in simple things blog

I first spray painted the lid of the jar with a gold metallic spray paint…easy enough!   Next, I applied the gold leaf.  I brushed some liquid adhesive provided with the kit onto the area where I wanted the gold leaf.  I purposely did a messy painting job because I didn’t want it to look too ‘perfect.’  (I thought I may even want to sand a little of the gold leaf off after I had it completed to make it look a little worn.)   I used a cotton swab for to apply the adhesive, rather than getting a brush dirty – and after the application, I just threw out the cotton swab!

 Ball Jar pleasure in simple things blog

After the adhesive got a little tacky, I carefully placed a little piece of the gold leaf over the initial and pushed it down with a clean, soft cloth.  Lastly, I added a sealant, provided with the kit, to keep the gold leaf in place and prevent discoloration.  (I applied this with a cotton swab as well.)

Be sure to follow the directions provided with your gold leaf kit for best results!

Raised Inital Ball Jar DIY pleasure in simple things blog

I love the result!  I got rid of the shiny silver lid and that little speck of gold leaf on the initial made this monogrammed jar perfect!

Thanks for stopping by!

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

Comments Off on inital ball jar embellishment | diy, gift ideas, style, swag

embracing the season

27
August

hydrangea centerpiece

The best flowers for decorating are the ones that embrace the season.  Here in New England, hydrangeas are a favorite.  While putting together some arrangements for a wedding rehearsal dinner, I knew this seasonal flower was the best choice.  Wanting to personalize the arrangement in some way, I decided to add the future bride and groom’s initials by creating monogrammed tie-ons crafted from natural elements.

stamping a monogram

I used some cocoa colored stamp pad ink and stamps to stamp on pieces of wood.  If you aren’t into cutting and sanding wood, you can easily find something similar at a craft store or on Etsy.

rubber stamping a monogram tie-on

rubber stamping a monogram tie-on

picking hydrangeas

An easy and wonderful way to help the spacing stay consistent when stamping is to simply use an elastic to hold the two letters and ampersand stamps together while applying the monogram.

Once your tie-ons are completed, you can save them to add to your completed centerpieces.  Harvest (or purchase) the seasonal favorites you plan on using. If you are truly embracing the season, it is best to use something that is presently in bloom…such a great way to evoke feelings of gardens and the season. :)

Hydrangeas are really great all on their own.  These were being placed on a chocolate colored table cloth so I just added a couple curly sticks as accents and tied twine around clear vases.  Perfect!

hydrangea centerpiece

rehearsal dinner hydrangeas

In appreciating every last bit of summer, try to find some of your own ways to embrace the season…bringing some of your garden (or a friend’s garden…thanks Phyllis!) indoors is certainly one great way!

hydrangea rehearsal dinner centerpiece

Enjoy your week.  Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

Sharing at Mona’s Picturesque and Craftberry Bush.

Comments Off on embracing the season | diy, food & festivities, garden

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