Fabric silhouette portraits DIY

Recently I was asked to do a set of fabric silhouette portraits for a wedding gift.

They are really easy to make yourself and I've made plenty for friends and family.

Here is a step by step 'HOW TO'

You will need:

black fabric, a contrasting backing fabric, canvas frame, vliesofix -applique paper, scissors, pencil, iron, staple gun, felt, glue and ribbon to hang

1. Take a close up photo of your subject, fully side on.

2.Print out your image at your desired size - this will depend on the size of your canvas.

3. tape your image to a window REVERSE side facing you.

4. Trace your image with the sticky side of the vliesofix facing the image.

5. Iron your image onto the wrong side of your black fabric.

6. Cut out your image; TIP: add little wisps of hair to add interest.

7. Iron your backing fabric then iron your image onto the backing fabric.

8. Hold your silhouette in place and staple to the reverse of the frame.

9. Cut a piece of felt to fit the back of your canvas, glue it on around the edges.

10. Add a hanger to the back; I stapled a length across the frame, tucking under the edges to prevent fraying.

So, there you are, easy peasy. What a great gift idea- perfect for Christmas too!

Kathryn. XX

Playing around....

With the blog, of course! Thought it needed a bit of an overhaul, although I  can't seem to figure out how to add linked pages beneath the header? Any suggestions? I seem to be able to add one, but no more...anyway, I'm sure I will figure it out eventually.

These photos were taken on Saturday morning before we set off for tennis with Masters 9 & 8. We were hoping it would be called off but alas the organisers obviously thought that we Buninyong peeps were up to standing around in 3 degrees and gale force winds.......and snow....

And the countdown is on again to the next Buninyong Makers Market.

The first one was a huge success. This time around we have lots of new/different stall holders so there will be something new to see for everyone. Start thinking about Christmas gifts too, bring a list of people to buy for, come along and enjoy!

Lots of last minute preparations for the market are happening at Our Shabby Cottage this week and I will be announcing the winner of the Brooch Cushion Tutorial Kit along with Kerryanne tomorrow morning!

See you then, Kathryn. XX

Brooch Cushion Tutorial 'Simply Christmas'

Today is the day for my guest post tutorial over at Kerryanne's for 'Simply Christmas'.

Make this pretty brooch cushion for yourself or someone you love with only two fat quarters of fabric and a few pretty embellishments.

As part of the festivities we will be having a giveaway too.

My gift to you is a full kit and intructions (you will need fibrefill to fill it) to make the identical brooch cushion featured here. (without the brooches)

All you need to do, to win, is leave a comment here, then, pop over to Kerryanne's blog and leave a comment on the tutorial post. Easy peasy!

I also have 4 (make that 3 now) other kits for sale for $25+pp which includes everything needed to make the cushion above. (Just email me for details or leave a comment in the comments that you would like one, be quick though!)

You have until midnight on Tuesday 19th October to enter and the winner will be announced on Wednesday.

Good luck and I hope you enjoy the tutorial!

Kathryn. XX
For those of you who have commented on the post below, that's fine! I wasn't quick enough getting this post ready in time!!!!

'Simply Christmas'

'Simply Christmas' 1st October - 24th December

Join in the fun with Kerryanne during 'Simply Christmas' - bringing the handmade, homebaked back into Christmas. Recipes, Tutorials, organising!

 This is a little sneak peak at my tutorial which Kerryanne will be posting tomorrow! There will also be a giveaway so make sure you pop by tomorrow for some fun and festivities!!

Kathryn. XX

The 2 minute wrap tutorial......

Whilst watching "Little Dorrit" a last Sunday night, I was inspired to make a simple wrap like Little Dorrit's. Hers was obviously knitted but I liked the concept and thought "how effective and simple" it looked. I am sure this has been done before but here it is if you are interested.

I am not kidding you, this took about 2 minutes to make. 1. Take a width of very stretchy fabric and cut about 22" in length.

My fabric was about 55" width.

2. Take one end and turn in a complete circle so that the right side of the fabric is facing up again.

3. Fold in half placing right sides together, pin.

4. Because my overlocker does not like very fine knits, I used a simple turned seam on the edge to finish. Make sure the ends are secure and threads are hidden.
Voila!

I think it would look great for an evening out with a black top underneath. It just gives that bit of glamour without going overboard.

What do you think?

I hope it is not too naff?

Kathryn. XX

Take two humble tea towels.....

Remember this post months ago?

Well, these wonderful tea towels have gone from this........
To this, in under 10 minutes! Yes, you have read correctly!
It was the quickest project, I think, I have ever done. So quick and easy anyone could do it.
1. Fold your tea towel in half, right sides together.
2. Sew in your zipper with which ever method you use.
3. Open your zipper with a quick unpick.
4. Place right sides together again and sew down the sides so your zipper is in the centre back of the cushion.
5. Turn your cushion right side out, and stuff!
Voila, a wonderful, unique "London Underground" cushion (or two, or three, or four....) in under 10 minutes!
Yeah for tea towels! Go on try it, it's easy!
What a great, unique, quick and simple idea for a gift/Christmas present!
Kathryn. XX