Vintage Indie

What You Make of It: Dime Store Chic - Divers Towel Rack

Divers Towel Rack -  A fun and whimsical place to hang your beach towels this summer!
By Elizabeth Holcombe

     

Supplies:

1. 3 diver/swimming trophies with divers removed from the base (keep the screw nut that held the figure to the base)

2. piece of pine measuring 14 x 3-1/2 x 3/4

3. drill bit matching the size of the screw on the trophy figure, and wider drill bit for counter sinking

4. two colors of spray paint in your favorite colors

5. sandpaper

6. 3 washers to fit the screws on the trophy figures

Decide how far apart you want the trophy figures to be and drill a hole to fit each screw on the figure in three places (I drilled the center hole in the center of the board and drilled the side holes 5 inches apart from the center.) Also drill two smaller holes between the three holes for nailing or screwing to the wall.



Turn the board over and drill a wider hole/channel around each small hole.
Sand wood until front and corners are smooth.


Spray paint the wood. Allow to dry.
Lightly sand the trophy figures and spray paint them a contrasting color from the board. Allow to dry
Attach the trophy figures with the washer first, then the screw nut. Tighten. Done!



Hang this fun towel rack anywhere you need extra space for your beach towels!~~~Happy Summer!

Elizabeth Holcombe Fedorko, aka Bethsbagz, began her checkered crafting career when at four she realized using paste on paper was better than eating it. Inspired by vintage dime store treasures, vintage fabric, and a no-fear attitude toward color, Beth crafts totes, pin cushions, wreaths, and corsages into her Dime Store Chic creations. Beth would love you to take a peek into her whimsical world at her blog.

This project & photos are copyright Elizabeth Holcombe, Vintage Indie. You may not reproduce or copy this project. (Dime Store Chic designs are intended for personal use and not for sale)

DIY Design & Style: A Camp Stool Project by Jerusalem Greer

Over the past few years I have picked up cheap but sturdy camp stools whenever I found them - garage sales, thrift stores, estate sales, and flea markets.  Originally I had intended to re-new & re-style them to sell in my little local shop, but when I closed shop in December I didn't close my the book on my idea of these little stools. I just changed the end of the story a bit. Instead of making these to sell, I decided to make these to keep!

A big group camping trip at the end of the month was my prime motivation for digging these out of the garage and getting to work on them. I just had to have them ready for our families first camping trip together.

I started by ripping off the original seat covers. That was a great way to relieve some tension, ripping those off!

Next, I painted the frames using light pink (for me,) light green (for my Sweet Man) and light blue (for the boys) paint.  I have yet to find a light pink paint that will cover well in 1 coat, so I started with my stool and painted it first, confident that it would need a second coat - which it did - and therefore could use the extra drying time.

While the frames where drying, I scavenged in my fabric closet for something that was both heavy duty (to withstand our ample bottoms) and vintage cute.
This red ticking I had recently picked up at a thrift store was exactly what I needed.  To give it an even more authentic vintage feel, I turned the fabric inside out so that stripes appeared  to be faded and not so new.

After measuring and cutting my fabric out (using the old seat covers as a pattern) I folded the edges over and ironed them down. Now a thorough seamstress would have sewn proper hems along each side, but I am the make-do queen when it comes to sewing my own projects, so a good ironing was all they got considering the time crunch I was under.  I also decided last minute to add a little extra embellishment to each seat by appliqueing a tent & campfire. To do this I cut out the shapes in coordinating fabrics using a couple of die cuts I picked up at a scrapbook store closing sale.  I attached them to the seat fabric using a fusible adhesive product called Heat N Bond Ultrahold which I am (so far) very pleased with.

Finally the time came to attach the seat fabric to the frames. This was a little bit of a challenge because in order to do it exactly the way the original manufacturer did it I would have had to take the frames completely apart. Well, remember how I like to cut corners on my own projects? Yep, you guessed it - I made do there too, securing the seat covers best I could - a little less well than the original - using a staple gun and a hammer to make sure those staples went in good and secure.

I am happy to say that all four stools made it to camp and back just fine, holding up both the littlest and biggest of family members and friends, and looking lovely too!

©Vintage Indie, Jerusalem Greer 2009

Jerusalem Greer is a mom, a wife and a modern vintage gal just trying to live the artsy life. Full of love, laughter with a grateful heart, she enjoys creating beautiful spaces and goodies, which bring joy to all who encounter them.When she's not filling the role of "style and design editor" for Vintage Indie Mag, she is busy working in her studio at Storia Divita. Please visit her new website Jerusalem Greer

What You Make of It: Quilt Scraps Posies By Elizabeth Holcombe

Vintage Quilt Scraps provide whimsical fun for your spring décor!

Supplies:

1. vintage quilt scraps
2. assortment of cute vintage buttons
3. pinking shears
4. needle and thread, and embroidery floss
5. thick floral wire

For each flower, use pinking shears to cut out three circles from small to large and to cut out a pair of leaves. Sew the three circles together with smallest on top. Then sew a button on top of the stack. Twirl the floral wire around your finger or a screwdriver handle to make a curlicue. Straighten the twisted stem a little bit. Make a small loop on one end of the wire “stem”.


 With the embroidery floss, sew the flower to the loop. Then use the floss to the stitch the leaves to the stem by folding over one end of each leaf around the stem. Use a running stitch to attach the leaf to the stem.


Quilted Flowers Back




Place posies on your favorite vase or container!~~Fun and easy!



Elizabeth Holcombe Fedorko, aka Bethsbagz, began her checkered crafting career when at four she realized using paste on paper was better than eating it. Inspired by vintage dime store treasures, vintage fabric, and a no-fear attitude toward color, Beth crafts totes, pin cushions, wreaths, and corsages into her Dime Store Chic creations. Beth would love you to take a peek into her whimsical world at her blog.

This project & photos are copyright Elizabeth Holcombe, Vintage Indie. You may not reproduce or copy this project. (Dime Store Chic designs are intended for personal use and not for sale)

What You Make of It: Dime Store Chic for Your Garden (Garden Markers)

by Elizabeth Holcombe

       Delight your garden with these easy-to-make Dime Store Chic plant markers!

Supplies:
1. assorted large plastic farm animals and/or insects
2. dowel sticks;  ¼ inch thick is a good size.
3. your favorite color of spray paint (I like green for the garden)
4. plastic letters (found at your local craft store or office supply store) OR vinyl letter stickers (if you use stick-on letters, you don’t need the glue)
5. water-resistant quick epoxy-type glue, like GOOP

First spray paint the dowel sticks. I find it easy to insert the sticks into holes poked in a cardboard box and spray them. It’s OK to leave about an inch of the stick unpainted. Then drill a hole in the bottom of the plastic animals or insects (make sure your drill bit matches the size of your dowel).

Insert the dowel in the drilled hole with a little glue. Dowel should fit snugly.

Spray paint one side of the plastic letters. Glue letters onto the animals.~~See? Super easy!

Elizabeth Holcombe Fedorko, aka Bethsbagz, began her checkered crafting career when at four she realized using paste on paper was better than eating it. Inspired by vintage dime store treasures, vintage fabric, and a no-fear attitude toward color, Beth crafts totes, pin cushions, wreaths, and corsages into her Dime Store Chic creations. Beth would love you to take a peek into her whimsical world at her blog.

This project & photos are copyright Elizabeth Holcombe, Vintage Indie. You may not reproduce or copy this project. (Dime Store Chic designs are intended for personal use and not for sale)

PF: Free Printable Labels - Live Love Laugh & Blank Labels

Vintage Indie would like to welcome our newest contributing editor, Julie Tiedens.

Julie Tiedens craves busy-ness, and has plenty of it with her too-scrumptious-for-words two-year-old, much-harassed husband and Bohtieque Design, her label and paper goods shop at Etsy and 1000 Markets. Handy with a graphics tablet and Mac, Julie designs all of the items her store carries and constantly looks for new ideas to develop for Bohtieque.

Join Julie here at Vintage Indie a couple times a month for PF { Printable Friday } , where she'll be offering up exclusive downloads just for Vintage Indie readers! Up first are these gorgeous Live Love & Laugh Labels and a blank version, ready for your special touch.

Click link below to view Live Love Laugh Template, Right Click to save image as.
View this photo

Click link below to Download Blank Template, Right Click to save image as.
View this photo

Vintage Green Day: In the Kitchen - A Cafe Apron Tutorial

Us vintage gals have a thing for vintage tablecloths, fabrics, hankies and especially vintage pillowcases. Fess up, how many vintage pillowcases do you have? In honor of our own "Vintage Green Day" ( In honor of Earth Day) We've invited the lovely Lee-Ann from WhoopsieDaisies to share her simple tutorial for making a cafe style vintage pillowcase apron.

This one is made from two vintage pillowcases. They are so much fun to use because of the unique embroidery work you find on each one.

Materials Needed:

• 1 Vintage Pillowcase

• 2 6"x19" pieces of fabric for pockets

• 2 2 1/2"x about 40" pieces of fabric for ties (can use upper portion of pillowcase)Vintage Trim - Rick Rack or Ribbon

• White Thread

• Sewing Machine and/or Serger

• Straight Pins

• Iron

• Rotary Cutter and Mat

• Transparent Ruler

• Scissors

Instructions:
1. Press your pillowcase using your iron and spray starch.
2. Determine the length for your apron. (Mine is 21") Add 2 1/2" for the waistband. Using a rotary cutter and transparent ruler, cut across your pillowcase.
3. Determine the width of your apron. (Mine is about 33" wide) Flip your pillowcase over, and cut a slit down the middle. Lay it out flat on your cutting mat and cut to the desired width being careful to center the motif.
4. Hem the sides by serging; zig zagging; or turning under 1/4", press, turning under another 1/4", press, then stitch in place close to the folded edge.
5. At the top of your apron, turn down 2 1/2" towards the back for the waistband and press.

6. Open back out and turn under 1/4" along the raw edge. Press back down.
7. Using rotary cutter and ruler, cut 2 strips of fabric for the apron ties 2"x about 40" (twice the width of your pillowcase works great!).
8. Press under 1/4" on the 2 long sides and 1 short side of each apron tie. Press under another 1/4" on the 2 long sides.

9. To avoid bulky tips on the apron ties, fold the material back out and trim the corners. Fold the short end to make a pointed tip and press. Stitch around the apron ties close to the folded edge.

10. Insert ties into the sides of waistband. Pin in place. Stitch all the way around close to the folded edge.

What You Make of It: Easter Projects from House of 3

I can't believe I didn't show you these sooner, but the awesome team over at Houseof3 has created some wonderful projects for your Easter Celebrations.

Learn how to turn this easy printable kit into Easter Treat bags!

I wish I would have known about this sooner, but this Easter Scripture Printables Kit is right up my alley. I'd love to start this tradition.


Look for helpful tutorials and more at the Houseof3 Create link!

All products, images and video is Copyriht ©Houseof3

What You Make of It: Celebrate Spring with a Dime Store Chic Springtime Garland

Good morning & happy spring to you! We're kicking off the first official day of spring today with a fabulous new What You Make of It project from our contributing editor Elizabeth Holcombe. Be sure to check back often today as we have another wonderful spring kick off surprise for you!

 

Plastic flowers were very popular in the sixties and seventies before giving way to silk flowers. Plastic flowers are colorful and easy to clean with a soap and water bath. They are also plentiful in thrift shops! Pick up some plastic flowers in springtime colors, along with a dozen or so chenille chicks (found at most craft stores), some string, a few pipe cleaners, a needle, and make a colorful springtime or Easter garland! This is super easy! Get your kids involved with these simple steps.

 

Cut a length of string and tie a loop at one end.Thread the other end of the string through the needle and begin stringing the plastic flowers. Of course, you’ll need to disassemble the plastic flowers before stringing them though the hole where the stamen or stem used to be. You can make a pattern with your flowers and chenille chicks or string them on in a random fashion. Thread the chenille chicks through the “meaty” part of the chick so it doesn’t fall from the string. For added texture wrap pastel chenille pipe cleaners around a pencil to make a tendril. Wrap the center of the tendril at intervals along your garland between your flowers.

You can make this garland in so many ways. You can adapt it to different holidays or occasions. Plastic flowers are inexpensive and easy to find! Have fun!

Elizabeth Holcombe Fedorko, aka Bethsbagz, began her checkered crafting career when at four she realized using paste on paper was better than eating it. Inspired by vintage dime store treasures, vintage fabric, and a no-fear attitude toward color, Beth crafts totes, pin cushions, wreaths, and corsages into her Dime Store Chic creations. Beth would love you to take a peek into her whimsical world at her blog.

This project & photos are copyright Elizabeth Holcombe, Vintage Indie. You may not reproduce or copy this project. (Dime Store Chic designs are intended for personal use and not for sale)

Vintage Crush: Daily Vintage Finds 3.2.09 Bold & Bright Vintage Buttons

 Crush: Bold & Bright Buttons

 Want it? Visit: PinkChicky (Auction Ends Mar-06-09 12:00:12 PST)

What You Make of It - Trophy Birthday Cake Topper - Dime Store Chic DIY Craft with Elizabeth Holcombe

Trophies are plentiful in thrift shops and can easily be repurposed into fun birthday cake toppers!

The supplies are as follows:

• Trophy top (you’ll only need the figure on top)
• Spray paint in your favorite color
• About 20 plastic candle holders
• Half of a 3” Styrofoam ball
• About 15 plastic flowers
• Small ceramic dish or saucer
• Happy Birthday plastic sign
• Glue (all purpose, fast drying)

One: paint your trophy top.

Two: Glue trophy top to the top of the half of the Styrofoam ball.

Three: glue Styrofoam ball into center of small dish.

Four: dip the ends of the candle holders and the plastic flowers into the glue and insert them into the Styrofoam ball until the ball is covered.

 

Five: glue Happy Birthday sign to the base of the trophy.

Six: Allow to dry overnight.

Seven: put on Birthday cake! The dish bottom allows you to reuse the topper by simply wiping the icing from the bottom of the dish.



Enjoy and remember to pick the trophy top that suits your Birthday boy or girl the best!



Elizabeth Holcombe Fedorko, aka Bethsbagz, began her checkered crafting career when at four she realized using paste on paper was better than eating it. Inspired by vintage dime store treasures, vintage fabric, and a no-fear attitude toward color, Beth crafts totes, pin cushions, wreaths, and corsages into her Dime Store Chic creations. Beth would love you to take a peek into her whimsical world at her blog.

This project & photos are copyright Elizabeth Holcombe, Vintage Indie. You may not reproduce or copy this project.

Exclusive Fabulous Freebie - Petit Labels - by Rhonna Farrer for House of 3

It is my pleasure to announce the launch of the fabulous new House of 3  Think gorgeous, chic, vintage and stylish products for the design minded globally. The dynamic trio of House of 3 includes the fabulous Rhonna Farrer, Heidi Swapp and Janet Hopkins. They've pulled their talents together and have opened a whole new world of gorgeous digital scrapbooking design, products for your home, tutorials and a place to gather inspiration. Not only that, but you can find , scrumptious blog headers and backgrounds.

I'm also excited to announce a new Exclusive Fabulous Freebie created just for Vintage Indie readers by Rhonna Farrer
 

Download RhonnaFarrer_Houseof3_PetitLabels-1

1. These labels use every bit of the paper! Simply print them off on a full sheet of Avery White Sticker Paper
2. Cut out with a tad bit of white on the edges for a really classic look.
3. And for a really cool effect, try printing out on the Avery Clear Sticker Paper. mmmm...a frosty, vellum look! so cool!

Labels are Copyright © Rhonna Farrer for House of 3
For personal use only. Please feel free to link to Vintage Indie to share the Exclusive Fabulous Freebie!

What You Make of It - Valentine's Day Decoration (Vintage Gelatin Mold) - Dime Store Chic with Elizabeth Holcombe

Thrift stores frequently have silver or copper-hued decorative gelatin molds for a dollar or two. Here is an easy way to use one of these molds for a design-forward piece of wall art for your kitchen.

Supplies:

• Metal gelatin mold with raised design.

• Steel wool.

• Matte spray paint in your favorite color.

• Craft paints in your favorite colors.

• White glue.

• Brush.

• Fine glitter in your favorite colors (to match craft paint colors).

1. Roughen the surface of the mold with steel wool. Spray paint the outside of the mold.

2. After paint has dried, paint over the raised design in your choice of colors of craft paint (these colors should coordinate with your glitter colors).

3. After craft paint has dried, paint over the raised design (craft paint) with the glue. Sprinkle the glitter on the glue-painted areas. Allow to dry.

4. Brush away excess glitter.

5. Now, you’re done! Hang your glittery decoration anywhere for a touch of sparkle!

Elizabeth Holcombe Fedorko, aka Bethsbagz, began her checkered crafting career when at four she realized using paste on paper was better than eating it. Inspired by vintage dime store treasures, vintage fabric, and a no-fear attitude toward color, Beth crafts totes, pin cushions, wreaths, and corsages into her Dime Store Chic creations. Beth would love you to take a peek into her whimsical world at her blog.

What You Make of It - Dime Store Chic - Vintage Valentine Frame Tray

What You'll Need:

- a filigree metal 8X10 picture frame ~~two sheets of   scrapbook paper in pretty patterns of your choice
  - quick dry glue
  - a few vintage Valentines
  - white craft paint
  - craft paint in your choice of color
  - sponge brush
  - four wooden beads
  - steel wool

Step One:

If frame has an easel back remove it. Remove glass, clean, and set aside along with cardboard backing. Use steel wool to roughen the metal of the frame so the paint will adhere to the metal. First paint a layer of white craft paint as a “primer” onto the frame (you may paint the underside of the frame of you wish). Allow to dry completely. Then paint several layers of the color paint onto the frame. Keep your layers thin to retain the details of the frame. Allow to dry completely.

Step Two:

Use the paper backing to trace your scrapbook papers and cut them to fit beneath the glass and on the back of the frame. Take the paper you want to use for the front (beneath the glass) and arrange the Valentines on the paper. Overlap them if you would like to. You may wish to put a tiny ring of tape on the back of the Valentines to hold them down to the paper. Sandwich your Valentine collage between glass and cardboard backing, and insert into frame.

Step Three:

Turn frame over and glue the other piece of scrapbook paper along the edge of the frame. Allow to dry. Take the beads (you may paint them the same color as the frame) and glue to each corner on the back of the frame. Allow to dry.

Step Four:

Now your dime-store chic frame tray is complete! You may, of course, use this idea to create frame trays for birthdays and other holidays! Have fun!

Elizabeth Holcombe Fedorko, aka Bethsbagz, began her checkered crafting career when at four she realized using paste on paper was better than eating it. Inspired by vintage dime store treasures, vintage fabric, and a no-fear attitude toward color, Beth crafts totes, pin cushions, wreaths, and corsages into her Dime Store Chic creations. Beth would love you to take a peek into her whimsical world at her blog.

(scrapbook graphic tag by Shabby Miss Jenn)

What You Make of It - Dime Store Chic - Paper Patchwork Jewelry Box

The beginning of a new year is the perfect time for cleaning out the clutter, and organizing your crafting supplies and other bits and bobs. Thrift stores are bulging with old worn jewelry boxes which can easily be re-purposed as decorative storage boxes for small items in your craft space.

 

(Click Images to Enlarge)

All you need are the following:

Vintage jewelry box

Adhesive-backed scrap-booking papers

Blank paper for making patterns

Pencil ‘

Ruler

Sandpaper or sanding block

Paintbrush

Paper towel

Cream-colored acrylic craft paint

 

Step One: Trace the front, a side, and the top of the jewelry box on the blank papers (see above photo). Cut out.

Step Two: Arrange rectangular pieces of self-adhesive scrapbooking paper over the pattern template, cutting the adhesive papers to fit the template in a patchwork pattern, overlapping the edges of the different pieces of paper.

Step Three: Remove backing of the papers and adhere the pieces to the jewelry box. Repeat this until the sides, front, back, and top are covered with patchwork of papers. Don’t worry if the papers don’t go perfectly to the edge of the box.

Step Four: Use sandpaper to distress the edges of the box and papers.

Step Five:  Paint the edges of the box and wipe quickly with paper towel to create and whitewash effect on the papers, especially around the edges. You may want to paint and wipe the lock of the box too.

You’re finished! Now you have a useful and decorative box for all of your tiny treasures! Happy crafting!

 

Elizabeth Holcombe Fedorko, aka Bethsbagz, began her checkered crafting career when at four she realized using paste on paper was better than eating it. Inspired by vintage dime store treasures, vintage fabric, and a no-fear attitude toward color, Beth crafts totes, pin cushions, wreaths, and corsages into her Dime Store Chic creations. Beth would love you to take a peek into her whimsical world at her blog.

What You Make of It - Fuzzy Vintage Inspired Candy Canes!

This is a holiday craft I came up with recently to add some vintage whimsy to my Christmas .  You can use these fuzzy vintage inspired candy canes to decorate your tree or to embellish your holiday gifts. This is also an easy project to do with kids. Enjoy!

Instructions:

• Gather your pipe cleaners in red and white. (I made 2 batches. One using skinny pipecleaners and one using bigger fuzzier ones.)

 

• Next, soak your pipe-cleaners in a hot tea bath for a vintage look. (I used several family size tea bags in a big stew pot of boiling water. To keep my pipe-cleaners from rising to the top I placed a regular dinner plate in the pot to hold them down.)

• Leave for 1-2 hours.

• Next, drain all the tea off your pipe cleaners, then gently squeeze out some of the excess liquid off of them - but not too much.

• Place pipe cleaners in clothes dryer and dry for 10-15 minutes on high heat. Make sure to include a fabric softener sheet. This will seal in the tea stain and fluff your pipe cleaners back up.

• Next, twist pipe cleaners together and bend into a candy-cane shape. (If you want to make smaller candy-canes like these shown cut each pipe cleaner in half before twisting.)

• Using a small paint brush, brush your candy-cane  lightly with glue then dust with glitter (I used silver.)

• Shake off excess glitter and re-fluff your candy-cane by running it between  your fingers, allowing some of the glitter to fall off - you don't want there to be huge clumps of glitter, just a light dusting.
• Let dry.

• Now you can use these cute little accent pieces as embellishments for gift wrapping, or as ornaments on your tree!

• (If you want to buy a Krafty Kit featuring everything you need to create these little vintage canes, visit my shop - Storia FOLLY  and put in the code BLISS for Free Shipping on any item.

A special thanks to our Contributing Editor Jerusalem Greer. I can't wait to add these to my packages this year.

Share the Joy - 12 Days of Comfort & Joy with Teresa McFayden

Do you ever find yourself browsing websites and blogs of crafters and designers wondering, just how did they do that? Well you are in for a special treat today. Recently I was lucky enough to happen upon 12 Days of Comfort and Joy. What is comfort and joy you say? Well, besides all of those wonderful feelings you have around Christmas time it is a treat for you and me.

Comfort and Joy is an E-Zine created by the super talented Teresa McFayden , yes that Teresa McFayden, founder of Silver Bella &  Paper Bella Studios. 12 whole days of holiday themed crafting projects with instructions.

(Example above, Bottle Brush Tree Stars)

12 Days of Comfort and Joy has already begun, but it is OK to jump in late and get started. I've already had a sneak peek and can say that you won't be disappointed with your E-Zine purchase. All you have to do is visit Paper Bella Studios and visit their E-Zines link. After you've made your purchase you'll  be given a password to enter. Keep in mind this isn't your ordinary E-Zine, there are giveaways and sometimes special guests! Sounds like a paper crafting, holiday party to me!

What are you waiting for head over to Paper Bella Studio to find out more.

What You Make of It - Tart Mold Wreath Project - Dime Store Chic with Elizabeth Holcombe Fedorko

Make a Fun Kitschy Wreath with Tart Molds!

 

Vintage or new tart molds evoke the shape and shine of vintage aluminum light bulb reflectors! Add small vintage ornaments and a length on tinsel and you’ve got a wreath with a delightful vintage spirit and a whole lot of sparkle! 

Gather your supplies:

1. Metal tart molds. These can be in any shape and size you wish.

2. Foam wreath form. Get a size that will accommodate your tart molds.

3. Different sizes of smaller vintage ornaments and glass beads (removed from string).

4. Enough tinsel to wrap and cover your wreath form.

5. Quick dry white glue.

6. Florist wire, 26 gage.

7. Awl or pointy stick for putting holes into your wreath form.

1. Wrap your wreath form in the tinsel keeping it tight together until you don’t see the foam.

2. Drill a hole into the center of your tart mold.

3. Thread three ornaments or beads on three pieces of wire and wrap the three sets of wire together and bend end up.

 

4. Thread the wire loop through the hole in your tart mold. Make a hole in the wreath form with the awl. Make the hole deep enough, without going all the way through, to accommodate the wire loop.

5. Fill hole with glue.

6. Insert wire into hole. Press gently until all the way in. Press tart mold onto wreath form, making sure the bottom of the mold is touching the wreath and the glue.

7. Repeat the above step until all tart molds with ornament bundles ring the entire wreath.

8. If you choose to add more ornaments and beads to make the wreath lush and shiny, glue more into the tart molds on and around the wired ornaments. It should look like this:

And from the side...

Allow the glue to dry completely, preferably overnight.

 

Make a hanger for the wreath with colorful layers of ribbon and rickrack and pin each end to the back of the wreath. You may also choose to add a fun vintage ornament pinned to the underside of the inside of the wreath for extra merriment! Your finished wreath may look something like this...

Make this wreath to suit your colors and tastes. You may want to have one large ornament in the center of each mold for a simpler design. You may choose a more monochromatic color scheme. There are MANY possibilities! Have fun!

Elizabeth Holcombe Fedorko, aka Bethsbagz, began her checkered crafting career when at four she realized using paste on paper was better than eating it. Inspired by vintage dime store treasures, vintage fabric, and a no-fear attitude toward color, Beth crafts totes, pin cushions, wreaths, and corsages into her Dime Store Chic creations. Beth would love you to take a peek into her whimsical world at her blog.

What You Make of It - Freebie Collage Sheet: Vintage Santa & Holiday Images

The wonderful owners of Vintage Image Madness have prepared a special collage sheet of wonderful holiday graphics just for Vintage Indie Readers! Vintage Image Madness specializes in affordable and high quality vintage images. You can find Backgrounds, Postcards,Sewing Items, Photos, Collage Sheets, Vintage Advertisements and so much more. Everything all in one easy location, and categorized for easy finding. Sign up for their monthly program and get 50,000 for only $25.00/month* (see site for details)

Click on the image to enlarge. Please save to your own hard drive before using.

A special thanks to Vintage Image Madness for creating this fun collage sheet just for us. Please visit Vintage Image Madness the next time you are in the market for vintage graphics!

What You Make of It - Dime Store Chic - Make a Lush Holiday Corsage By Elizabeth Holcombe Fedorko

I love making these ribbon corsages! They remind me of back when one of my great aunts or grandmothers would wear this holiday "bling" on their coats!~~These corsages are delightfully over-the-top and really make a statement if worn on a jean jacket or tote. They are very easy to make and can be designed to suit any holiday or occasion. Here's how to make one...or dozens; it's up to you!

First gather some supplies:

You'll need four lengths of two different colors and/or textures of ribbon. I chose four seven inch length of 1-1/2 inch wide vintage gold and new pink grosgrain ribbons. Mix and match colors or you may chose to use one color. You'll also need four lengths of thinner ribbon (I chose gold and pink satin ribbons at 1/4 inch wide). What goes in the center of the corsage is up to you. If you can find them, aluminum light reflectors make great "trays" to hold the vintage and new bits and bobs for your corsage. Also gather flocked birds, millinery flowers,bits of tinsel, small ornaments, plastic flower beads, and anything else you can think of. It's your choice!

You'll also need needle and thread, glue (I like Scotch quick-dry adhesive because of the precision tip), scissors, a fabric scrap, iron-interfacing scrap, and a pin backing.

Here's the first step. This is easy. I promise...

Sew right sides of your ribbon together with about a 1/4 inch seam allowance. Turn right side out.

Then, step two (see? I told you this is easy)...

Criss-cross the ribbons, hand sewing them together. I like to stitch them in pairs and then stitch the pairs together. Running stitches in a circle in the center of the ribbon loops make the loops stay together very well. Make sure the seams are in the center and not on the outside of the loops.

Then, on to step three...

Repeat the criss-crossing with the narrower ribbon, over lapping contrasting colors over the wider ribbon, and sew down near the center. Then take your aluminum reflector and sew it down--this puts it tighter against the ribbons than glue, but you make choose to glue the reflector down if you feel it will be secure. Instead of a reflector, you may make a "Yo-yo" of ribbon by making a running stitch along one side of a ribbon loop and gathering the ribbon until you have a circular ribbon Yo-yo.)

Now, step four, the really fun part!...

Glue, glue, glue you vintage bits and bobs down, layering millinery flowers, bits of tinsel, ornaments, a plastic flower, beads, and the bird. You may layer your items first in a small dish without gluing, of course, to get an idea of how to place them on your corsage. You'll not want to stop adding your items once you get started, and that's the hardest part, stopping. Just remember you can make another and another and...

The final step!...

Iron on a scrap of interfacing onto your fabric scrap. Cut out with decorative pinking or scalloped scissors. Sew on pin back  and make a little tag, because you are proud of your creation, I just know you are! Glue the backing down, allow it to dry completely, and then wear your creation with pride!

Elizabeth Holcombe Fedorko, aka Bethsbagz, began her checkered crafting career when at four she realized using paste on paper was better than eating it. Inspired by vintage dime store treasures, vintage fabric, and a no-fear attitude toward color, Beth crafts totes, pin cushions, wreaths, and corsages into her Dime Store Chic creations. Beth would love you to take a peek into her whimsical world at her blog.

I love making these ribbon corsages! They remind me of back when one of my great aunts or grandmothers would wear this holiday "bling" on their coats!~~These corsages are delightfully over-the-top and really make a statement if worn on a jean jacket or tote. They are very easy to make and can be designed to suit any holiday or occasion. Here's how to make one...or dozens; it's up to you!

First gather some supplies:

You'll need four lengths of two different colors and/or textures of ribbon. I chose four seven inch length of 1-1/2 inch wide vintage gold and new pink grosgrain ribbons. Mix and match colors or you may chose to use one color. You'll also need four lengths of thinner ribbon (I chose gold and pink satin ribbons at 1/4 inch wide). What goes in the center of the corsage is up to you. If you can find them, aluminum light reflectors make great "trays" to hold the vintage and new bits and bobs for your corsage. Also gather flocked birds, millinery flowers,bits of tinsel, small ornaments, plastic flower beads, and anything else you can think of. It's your choice!

You'll also need needle and thread, glue (I like Scotch quick-dry adhesive because of the precision tip), scissors, a fabric scrap, iron-interfacing scrap, and a pin backing.

Here's the first step. This is easy. I promise...

Sew right sides of your ribbon together with about a 1/4 inch seam allowance. Turn right side out.

Then, step two (see? I told you this is easy)...

Criss-cross the ribbons, hand sewing them together. I like to stitch them in pairs and then stitch the pairs together. Running stitches in a circle in the center of the ribbon loops make the loops stay together very well. Make sure the seams are in the center and not on the outside of the loops.

Then, on to step three...

Repeat the criss-crossing with the narrower ribbon, over lapping contrasting colors over the wider ribbon, and sew down near the center. Then take your aluminum reflector and sew it down--this puts it tighter against the ribbons than glue, but you make choose to glue the reflector down if you feel it will be secure. Instead of a reflector, you may make a "Yo-yo" of ribbon by making a running stitch along one side of a ribbon loop and gathering the ribbon until you have a circular ribbon Yo-yo.)

Now, step four, the really fun part!...

Glue, glue, glue you vintage bits and bobs down, layering millinery flowers, bits of tinsel, ornaments, a plastic flower, beads, and the bird. You may layer your items first in a small dish without gluing, of course, to get an idea of how to place them on your corsage. You'll not want to stop adding your items once you get started, and that's the hardest part, stopping. Just remember you can make another and another and...

The final step!...

Iron on a scrap of interfacing onto your fabric scrap. Cut out with decorative pinking or scalloped scissors. Sew on pin back  and make a little tag, because you are proud of your creation, I just know you are! Glue the backing down, allow it to dry completely, and then wear your creation with pride!

Elizabeth Holcombe Fedorko, aka Bethsbagz, began her checkered crafting career when at four she realized using paste on paper was better than eating it. Inspired by vintage dime store treasures, vintage fabric, and a no-fear attitude toward color, Beth crafts totes, pin cushions, wreaths, and corsages into her Dime Store Chic creations. Beth would love you to take a peek into her whimsical world at her blog.

Welcome Elizabeth Holcombe Fedorko Vintage Indie's Newest Contributing Editor

Vintage Indie is excited to welcome Elizabeth Holcombe Fedorko to the the Vintage Indie family. She'll be joining us a few of times a month when she shows us fun  " Dime Store Chic" creations. I hope you will help me in sending her a warm welcome. Her first project, that I think you will just love will be coming very soon!

Elizabeth Holcombe Fedorko, aka Bethsbagz, began her checkered crafting career when at four she realized using paste on paper was better than eating it. Inspired by vintage dime store treasures, vintage fabric, and a no-fear attitude toward color, Beth crafts totes, pin cushions, wreaths, and corsages into her Dime Store Chic creations. Beth would love you to take a peek into her whimsical world at her blog.

What You Make of It - Simple Ideas Series - Re-Use & Reduce Kitchen Project!

Here's a quick and easy storage project for your kitchen.

 

Looking around my local ReUse centre - my source for the funkiest vintage items - I found this old fridge shelf.  My kitchen needed a shelf and some hanging storage.  I flipped the shelf upside down and attached it securely to the wall.  S-hooks keep my utensils out in the open and easy to grab. 

 

Quick, easy and wonderfully cheap!


Barb McMahon writes the blog May December Home - home decor with a focus on environmentally friendly/handmade/re-used design.

What You Make of It: Handmade Parade - He:Craft Challenge/Contest

Vintage Indie's Featured Sponsor Handmade Parade recently announced their He:Craft Challenge/Contest!

Their last challenge open to the public, was a huge success and even sparked an idea for a book Craft Challenge: Dozens of ways to Repurpose a  Pillowcase by Suzanne J.E. Tourtillott. Many of the participants items were even featured in the book.

Details: There will be no rules other than create something for HIM! You know... your son, your brother, your guy! Finding suitable crafts or handmade gifts for the men and boys in your life can be darn near impossible, but I know you guys can come up with something truly awesome. So, I challenge you to join He:Craft!

The contest will run from November 1 to the 30th and to enter you'll just have to add your entry to the He:Craft Flickr group which will be open on the 1st.

Two categories, judges, finalists and prizes will be offered. To view the full details head over to the Handmade Parade Blog here.

What You Make of It - Repurposed Wooden Box with Brittni of Paper n Stitch

I am so excited to be able to do a guest tutorial today for all the Vintage Indie readers! When I started thinking about what I could do for this post, I walked around the house a couple of times to gather up some goodies, and all I seemed to find was some house paint and an old, wooden toothbrush holder. I really didn't like the way the container looked, so I thought I would give it a little makeover. Here's what I started out with...

 

I decided to turn it in to a modern vase, since I really didn't need a fancy toothbrush holder (seriously what was I thinking when I bought that thing). You can make one yourself too, with just a few supplies: wooden container, house paint, sandpaper, paint brush, and small glass.

So how do you make it?

 

 

Step 1: Give the wooden container a good rub down with some sandpaper and then wipe clean. Once that is finished, you are ready to start painting. I painted the entire piece (inside and out) white.

Step 2: Once the first coat is dry, apply one more coat to the entire surface. If your paint job is looking a little clumpy, hit it with a little more sandpaper and then move on to another coat of paint.

Step 3: Once that is finished, you are now ready to select a contrasting color for the detail areas. If your wooden container doesn't have any engraved details, you can paint a leaf or flower motif on it to achieve the same look. I would do a couple coats of this. 

 

 

Step 4: We're almost done,but since we are creating a vase and wood is porous, it doesn't exactly make a great vase  by itself. So, it is now time to find a small glass that you can stick inside the opening. I happen to have a vintage juice glass that fits perfectly! Slip it in the opening, fill with water, and you are ready for some flowers.

 

A special thanks to Brittni of Paper N Stitch. Be sure to visit her website for fabulous handmade goodies!

 

What You Make of It - Simple Ideas Series - Easy Art Project

If you need something to hang on your wall but can’t find or can’t afford “real” art, why not make your own?

I do it all the time, using scraps of wood (because I like to use up the scraps to keep them out of the landfill) or, if I don’t have any of those, pre-stretched, pre-primed canvasses that you can find at any art supply store.

Even if you can’t paint recognizable pictures, you can paint wood or canvas with a background colour you like.   You can leave it at that, or maybe make a grouping of your favourite colours. 

Or you can add a design.  I’ve always liked curlicues, for some reason, so I painted these four squares, added the swirls and call them my “Party Dress” series.

 

 

You could print inspiring words on your coloured background, or add a stripe of another colour.

The point is not to impress the neighbors, or try to do something worthy of gallery space.  You just want to brighten a dull corner, so have fun with it!

Barb McMahon writes the blog May December Home - home decor with a focus on environmentally friendly/handmade/re-used design.

Of course, there are many other vintage metal boxes and drawers that would work for this idea. Use your imagination and give life to something old and make new again!

Cardgirl DIY - Site Launch!

I'm happy to announce, the much anticipated launch of Cardgirl DIY site! My friend and business acquaintance Nessa Sander of Cardgirl Custom Invitations has been plucking away at this fabulous new resource for you.  If you've been pondering the idea of creating your own wedding invitations or other various invites, then you've got to check out Cardgirl DIY.

Stylish invitations and stationary diy projects are in store as well as examples, instructions and all the information you need about the details for custom designs. You can also find related topics such as mailing your invites, etiquette, eco chic ideas and more.

Visit Cardgirl DIY at cardgirldiy.com