A New Flag To Fly

Prayer flags have been a tradition in Tibet and India for thousands of years.  I decided to put a little Ticklish Moose spin on convention and make a few of my own. 

 Traditionally, prayer flags are used to promote peace, compassion, strength, and wisdom. The flags do not carry prayers to gods, a common misconception; rather, the Tibetans believe the prayers and mantras will be blown by the wind to spread the good will and compassion into all pervading space. Therefore, prayer flags are thought to bring benefit to all.

Given the recent events in Aurora, CO I thought this idea I have had floating around in my head was apropos, but these can be used in so many ways- as a banner in a sick friends room, for good wishes to be written at weddings or birthdays, a project for kids to decorate at VBS.....the possibilities are endless.

 I did my project with simple machine sewing, but this could be a hand sewn or no-sew project just as easily. For no-sew just use steam-a-seam type products in place of the sewn areas. 

You will need:
Basic sewing supplies
 2 sheets plain cardstock 
Temporary adhesive spray like Easy-Tack
Laser or inkjet printer
Iron to heat set images
11 feet or longer rope, twine etc.
Fabric as detailed below 

 Woodcut Printables Freebie (click on links)

Prayer Flags Page 1  

Prayer Flags Page 2 

 This could also be old sheeting, broadcloth, lightweight cotton

 I upcycled mens shirts for this because the oxford cloth is pretty on both sides. 

Use whatever lightweight cotton fabric you have on hand. Also- I threw my shirting pieces into the washer and dryer after cutting to get a 'softer' frayed edge look- totally not necessary.

Spray the cardstock with adhesive spray and smooth your muslin onto the tacky side of the cardstock. Trim off the excess with scissors or rotary cutter.

 Print the Prayer Flag images onto your muslin, remove from the cardstock and heat set (press from back side!) and use a press cloth so the ink doesn't transfer to your iron and ironing board cover.  I use a teflon sheet for this purpose.....LOVE it!


Cut each image sheet into 4 equal individual images.

While your iron is hot, fold over 1 long side of the flag pieces by 1", press and pin.

I used a decorative zig-zag stitch to make the pocket for the rope/twine- here is where you can also hand sew or use a thin strip of steam-a-seam to create the pocket for the twine if you choose.

Select one of your images and center (mostly) on the face of the flag. Sew or use steam-a-seam to keep it in place.

Now the fun part- hand them out to family members or guests and have them add their prayers/wishes/hopes and dreams to the Prayer Flag with a Sharpie or other permanent marker.  String them onto your rope/twine and let them fly!

 

And help us, this and every day, to live more nearly as we pray.  ~John Keble 

If you make this craft, please let me know- I would love to post a picture of your project!  

Linking Here:

  An Original Belle
Serendipity and Spice 
Mad In Crafts 

Printable Freebies

The past few weeks have gone by fast!  I helped my daughter look for a new apartment, took a few naps, and worked on some sewing and a couple of new printables.  Given the fact that it will be the 4th of July holiday in just a few short weeks, I feel like I should be working on Christmas stuff already!

I wanted to add a little 4th of July flair to my mantle, so while I was (supposed to be) resting my back I put together a little sumthin'-sumthin' to share

Download full size (8 x 10) high resolution pdf here:

4th of July Printable 

My daughter will be sharing her new apartment, which prompted this printable, which will also be a housewarming gift!  I ended up making it in about 10 colors, but settled for putting these 4 colors on the printable:

Download the high resolution 2-page set for 5 x 7 frames here:

What I Love Printables 

And here they are on my mantle in some freshly re-painted frames!

Happy Wednesday!

Cowgirl Pin-Ups

I've had a busy few days, still doing lots of cleaning out and organizing.  Dull, dull things like linen closets, but a necessary thing from time to time.  I've run across a few things I had forgotten about- a lovely matelasse`bedspread and shams and a hand crocheted pillow my mom had made for me.  

They might seem like things you would remember you had, but honestly when we built and moved into this home I was quite ill.  We were downsizing which turned out to be one of the best moves we made, but there were things that got pushed aside that I just couldn't make a decision on at the time.  So when I have good days I keep working at these things.  And try to squeeze in a project or two just for fun.  :D

Got a few good picks this week- this wonderful chrome over copper English Teapot and the fun, folksy vintage tablecloth it is on

and this '70's vintage ceramic owl bank

I updated a jewelry box I had gotten some time back.  I used some scrapbook paper and a vintage cowgirl pin up image to dress it up a bit.

Free for your use:

And a cute vintage playing card

 

Have a great weekend!

Free Ephemera Friday- Saturday Edition

This week I was supposed to be resting my leg because of the nerve problem, until I can get into a specialist to get some 'nerve mapping' done.  It's hard for me to do anything for too long....sitting, walking, standing, reading....you name it.  So trying to sit still for too long...Ugh!  Too hard!  I decided to try to use some of the time creatively and work with some photo editing software.  I plan to use some Bingo card images in an upcoming project, so I had a little fun and I am sharing it with you!

 

Download Bingo Card Collage Here 


Here is one idea to get you started

And one more freebie to share:

 
Paper Doll Download 

Have fun! 

That Old Thing?

My 3 favorite little words right after "just take it".  

Those words began my chair project

The finish was shot and the seat was just formed rubbery plastic, not even a real rush seat!  But I knew immediately what I needed to do.  I washed off the bird poop and the old dried bubble gum.  I gave it a light sanding to remove the loose debris.  I got out a jar of my Country Living Caromal Colours Paint in 'paprika' and got to work under the shade of my big oak tree.

If you have never used these awesome finish products you just have to give them a try!  They bond without stripping, have a great vintage feel and you can layer the products to create all different kind of looks.  I gave this chair one good coat of paint, and then sanded away some for a vintage, worn effect.

I added a fun quote by tracing it on the chair with carbon paper and then going over it with a permanent paint marker, then lightly sanding again.

Since it was going to be out in the sun and the rain I used an outdoor poly coat to seal the whole chair.  I had part of a roll of chicken wire out in the shed that I cut up and formed into my 'basket' to hold the dirt and flowers.  This was probably the most tedious part, but I totally love chicken wire, so for me it was worth every minute!   I bought 2 coco-fiber window box liners at Big Lots for $4 each to form my liner to fit the odd shape .  Perfect!  

Added a few plants and voila`

Now enjoying a new life on my front porch!

I am so excited to see how much better it will look as the summer goes on and the plants mature  :D

The old shall be new

On this you can depend

Free Ephemera Friday #5

Friday is here again....TGIF lemme tell ya.  This has been a rough, rough week.  Won't go into details but my daughter was mugged by thugs, and it has taken a few days to feel somewhat safe again. 

My awesome new Ranger Melt Art Pot just showed up today, and I can't wait to give it a go!  So excited  :D

Thinking about making an art journal of some type

Maybe a cool card or tag

 

We will surely need some images, now won't we??

Have a great weekend!  I am looking forward to a much better week next week for sure!!

Free Ephemera Friday #4

If you have been keeping up with these, you will have noticed I missed posting last week.  But here is my (adorable!!) excuse:

That is my great-niece and I had such a wonderful time visiting her and my family last weekend!  She is just about 6 months old and all things wonderful and perfect and sweet.  

We stayed at the beach and were blessed with fantastic weather the whole visit.

Here is a pic of one sublime sunrise

So in the few days since I have been back to Texas I have just been playing 'catch up'.  

I do have some great images to share this week.  You may be wondering what this is all leading to, but I promise it's all good!!  Next week I am ordering the Ranger Melt Art Melting Pot and I am so excited about all of the possibilities!

For now- here are a few more images.

Some cool corsets:

Some vintage dress patterns

and some spring chickens :D

Have a wonderful weekend!

Free Ephemera Friday #3

A few more spring images to share

Have a safe and happy holiday weekend!