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 

Button, button....

who's got a button?  ME! 

As usual- it's been a busy few weeks.  I helped my daughter get moved into her new apartment, fixed up a few frames for new apartment, helped pick new furniture for new apartment, and on Sunday I will (probably) help hang frames and shelves in new apartment. (whew!!)  So who on Earth has time for any crafting?? Well.....ME!

Kinda.

I have been fascinated with buttons of all kinds for a long time, and as you can imagine, I have a fairly substantial button collection.  So it seemed a natural progression to make a few of my own!  This go-round I am using Premo` polymer clay, but I'm pretty sure I will try my hand at a few wooden buttons before it's all said and done.

 This group of buttons (and a heart-shaped pendant or two) is from one small package of Premo`.  I experimented with a few different kinds of cutters and embossing tools to get a feel what worked and what didn't.

Here is what I found so far:

• actual 'cutters' work best
• stamps or embossing plates with deep, small impressions give the best detail/results
• use a toothpick or fine knitting needle to poke the holes
• poke the holes from both sides

I used Stazon black ink to highlight (is that the correct word?) the detail on one button after it had baked and cooled, then painted it with latex paint from one of those little jars I told you about, and lightly rubbed the wet paint back off to show some of the black details through the blue paint. 

I plan to try a few more paint and topcoat combos on the rest of the buttons in a few days when I have a little more time to get out "the works" and play.

I'll be sure to show you the results!

Shabby Clothespins

I have the start to a bigger project.  Not sure where that is going, but I do know it is starting with these shabby chic clothespins I just painted!

I picked up a sample jar of Benjamin Moore paint in gossamer blue.

Truth be told I love those little jars of paint, and may have picked up a few other colors on that hardware store trip.  It is a little more grey than the sample shows, and the color I wanted the guest bath to be which somehow I painted more aqua but that is a story for another day.

 I started by taking the clothespins apart and lightly sanding them.  The large pins are vintage, the little ones are new.  The button is one of a large group of painted wooden buttons I am not all that fond of, and figured 'why not' change them?  I painted the top and sides, let dry, painted the backs, let dry, and then gave a second coat to the tops.  Did some laundry while the paint dried.

I used a French script stamp and black ink to stamp the images on the top side of the clothespins, then heat set.  I lightly sanded the top and edges of the clothespins with 320 grit sandpaper and gave them a quick top coat of acrylic varnish.  I let them dry overnight and re-assembled the clothespins.

I'm still working out the details on the

'bigger project' they will be a part of, 

but for now I am just using them in

every little way I can think of! 

I plan to try these in a few other

colors as well, because.....you

know, I just love those little jars

of paint!

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!

Opportunity Can Ring My Bell

I have a confession.  An ugly one.  This was my doorbell.

Please be clear....I have tried and tried to do better.  I just haven't been able to find something that was 'me'.

Some options I have explored:

Or possibly???

NO!!!!

But you can see my dilemma.  

Then you know how sometimes two things can just somehow come together in your mind?  Boom! A tutorial was born!!

Simple, pretty and quick.

And we get to play with electricity!

 

Here is all you will need 

An unfinished wooden switchplate

Mod Podge (I used outdoor)

A lovely paper napkin 

Gesso or primer

180 grit sandpaper

Sponge applicator

Screwdriver and/or cordless drill

I also bought a new dark brown cheapo doorbell,

but you could repaint the one you already have if need be

 Lightly sand and gesso or prime the wooden switchplate

I made sure my screw holes lined up correctly (bonus- they did!) and lightly traced where the doorbell housing would go so I could estimate the amount of space I would have left for the design of the napkin to show.  I picked up these lovely spring napkins at Tuesday Morning for $1.70

Once you figure out what part of the napkin you want to use spread a thin coat of Mod Podge on the switchplate.  You are going to get one shot at sticking down the napkin, so hold your breath and bite your upper lip.  Separate the layers of the napkin and just stick the pretty part on.

Smooth it out and tear or cut off the excess.  Add a layer of Mod Podge to the top.  Let dry a few hours and top coat again.  Now the hard part.....walk away for 72 hrs to let it completely cure.  Use a craft knife to cut paper away from the holes in the backplate.

When the wait is over the fun part starts- playing with live wires!

Remove the screws holding the doorbell.  There should be 2 wires connecting it.  Loosen the little screws on the back that hold the wires and carefully remove each one, being sure they do not come in contact with each other.

 Pull the wires through the middle hole of the switchplate, making sure the ends do not touch each other!  Use a screw or find a third hand to hold the plate on the wall while you pick up your doorbell.

 Reconnect the wires to the (new) doorbell and screw it back onto the wall.

I plan to do a different 'theme' for each season, but for now I am just happy to have this to greet my guests!

Happy Spring!!

Mannequin Tag Freebie + A Few Other Goodies + A Tutorial!

I've been busy!  Scanning. Sorting. Spring cleaning.  I saw this cute organizer idea in GreenCraft Spring 2012 issue

The tutorial is also blogged by Cynthia here:

tin-can-caddy-tutorial 

Not only was I reorganizing all of my sewing and craft supplies, I just so happen to have some cans, a Lazy Susan, and I opted for using decorative paper instead of fabric but I am very pleased with my results!

 

Thanks Cynthia!!

I have been working really hard on scanning (copyright free) images to use for the collage and mixed media work I am just beginning to get into.  I have been obsessed with image transfer and hope to not only share some work here, but free images as well.  Here are a few to get you started:

And here is a set of mannequin tag freebies you can download, print and cut out to use in your journaling, as a base for collage, price tags, gift tags or anything else you want to use them for other than selling them on your site.  I have a firm belief in sharing on the web  :D   Click on the picture and use "original size" and these should end up fitting an 8 x 10 piece of paper.

Enjoy!!

Vintage Rocking Horse Redo

vintage rocking horse, originally uploaded by ticklish_moose.

Latest upcycle- this vintage rocking horse was found in pieces in a barn set for demolition. Since I found all of the pieces the owner let me have her!

My husband put it back together for me, and I refinished it using Annie Sloan chalk paints and chipping creme. It was my first experience using the chalk paint and I have to say I'm sold!! Currently for sale in my space @ The Antique Gallery.

Finally- Folding Chair Re-Do is Re-Done!

The heat must be getting to me.  


Not that I don't feel justified- after all.....today's temps hovering at 107 degrees sets a new *high* temperature for today's date, and ties us for 2nd place in number of consecutive days over 100 (now at 31) with no end in sight.  With August being our hottest month, we will give many old records a run for the money.  


Somehow these awful wooden folding chairs called out to me while I was at my local thrift.   In a moment of weakness I purchased them and brought them home, with a revitalization plan in mind, of course.  And for the record- I don't even need folding chairs....

 

I seem to have a weakness for rooting for the underdog.

  These chairs fought me every step of the way!  From the filth and split wood to the *mysterious disappearance* of the black and white toile fabric I had to use for the seats it was one thing after another.  But here it is- VICTORY!!  

This is a Lazertran decal I made and applied to the back of the painted chairs (image from Graphics Fairy)

Oh well, all's well that ends well, right?  These are now for sale in my booth at Antique Gallery of Lewisville  :D