Lil Blue Boo

Sienna’s Art Journal

August 22, 2009 By Ashley Hackshaw 6 Comments

Sometimes is it pretty darn difficult to get projects done with a little one running around. Usually I give Sienna her own “miniature” version of whatever I am working on….. and make it slightly less messy (I make big enough messes on my own). A few months ago I gave Sienna her own “art journal.” I change up the supplies each time to keep it interesting and I give her lots of choices on what to use.

Last night Sienna worked on her book with a huge pile of sticker pages (I was catching up on Project Runway):

Inspecting a “googly” eye:

Sienna's Art Journal 2 via lilblueboo.com

Her finished page, and I’m still sane!

Sienna's Art Journal 3 via lilblueboo.com

P.S. I wanted Ari to stay on Project Runway! I agree with Micheal Kors….. maybe I’m just not smart enough to “get” her work?

Filed Under: Journaling, Kids Projects, Life, Sienna's Work Tagged With: art, journaling, kids projects

Little Sister, Big Sister

August 21, 2009 By Ashley Hackshaw 10 Comments

I made these pillowcases dresses a while back….. and was so surprised to to receive baby Sydney’s birth announcement with both sisters (Samantha is the big sister) wearing them! I had to share these photos….I rarely get to see gifts on the children I actually made them for.

Our friends Mike and Jen found out during pregnancy that Sydney had a congenital heart defect that would need surgery or several surgeries right after she was born. Sydney was born on June 19th and a few days after being born, Sydney’s parents and the cardiologist decided to do a small procedure to add an artery band to control a condition that sometimes causes too much oxygenated blood to the lungs. It is a temporary fix and the band will allow Sydney to be able to grow a little more so that when she is between 4 months and a year old she can have her ventricle defect repaired. Sydney was released from the ICU and was home with her family on July 4th! She is doing so well! She is a healthy little miracle baby Thanks for the cute photos Jen! XOXO

Filed Under: Friends and Family, Sewing, Things I've Made Tagged With: dresses, girls, pillowcase, sewing

Journaling: Transferring Images with Con-Tact Paper

August 20, 2009 By Ashley Hackshaw 33 Comments

You can make journal pages much more interesting by layering multiple images and text. There are many ways to transfer an image onto a page….so I’ll be doing several posts with different techniques. Below I’ll show you how to use clear Con-Tact paper (the stuff used for drawer liners and textbook covers). Many people use packing tape for this same technique, but I think it is too limiting because it’s size.

Below are three journal pages where I used Con-Tact paper to place an image or text as a layer.

How to Transfer Images with Con-Tact Paper via lilblueboo.com

Materials needed:

Clear Con-Tact paper

A photocopied image (inkjet will not work)

My photocopy is a quote written by Sabrina Ward Harrison in one of her books. I love her handwriting!

How to Transfer Images with Con-Tact Paper 2 via lilblueboo.com

Cut out your Con-Tact paper to cover the portion of the photocopy that you want to transfer.

How to Transfer Images with Con-Tact Paper 3 via lilblueboo.com

Peel the backing off the Con-Tact paper…..

How to Transfer Images with Con-Tact Paper 4 via lilblueboo.com

……and place on your photocopy.

How to Transfer Images with Con-Tact Paper 5 via lilblueboo.com

Use your fingernail or another object (I’m using a bone folder in the photo) to burnish the top of the Con-Tact paper to make sure it adheres well.

How to Transfer Images with Con-Tact Paper 6 via lilblueboo.com

Cut off the excess paper surround the image.

How to Transfer Images with Con-Tact Paper 7 via lilblueboo.com

Place the photocopy/Con-Tact paper into a bowl of warm water……

How to Transfer Images with Con-Tact Paper 8 via lilblueboo.com

…and gently begin rubbing the wet paper off of the Con-Tact paper.

How to Transfer Images with Con-Tact Paper 9 via lilblueboo.com

The photocopied image will be left behind.

How to Transfer Images with Con-Tact Paper 10 via lilblueboo.com

To adhere it to your page or canvas you can use matte medium, clear glue or modge podge. I use matte medium in my journals because it doesn’t cause the pages to stick together over time. I put some matte medium directly on the page and then spread it out using a paint brush.

How to Transfer Images with Con-Tact Paper 11 via lilblueboo.com

Then I placed the transferred image on the page……

How to Transfer Images with Con-Tact Paper 12 via lilblueboo.com

….and brushed the excess matte medium over the top and made sure to push out any air bubbles.

How to Transfer Images with Con-Tact Paper 13 via lilblueboo.com

Finished! An easy and foolproof way to make those pages more interesting.

(My mother is going to LOVE that I have this photo of her in a swimsuit when she was younger on my blog…..but she was Miss Teenage Maryland, I think she should show it off!)

How to Transfer Images with Con-Tact Paper 14 via lilblueboo.com

Other image transfer tutorials to check out:

Filed Under: Image Transfer, Journaling, Things I've Made, Tutorial Tagged With: Con-Tact paper, images, journaling, transfer, tutorial

Curb Appeal

August 19, 2009 By Ashley Hackshaw 19 Comments

This morning Sienna and I worked on the cardboard house. We focused on minimizing the exterior features we didn’t like (the lack of window trim and texture) and enhancing the parts we liked (lots of window cutouts, the angle of the roof, front and rear entry doors). Our goal: increase value, add personality and make this house “the envy of the neighborhood.”

Our color palette was “sherbet/beachy/princess/romper room.”

New shingles aren’t in our budget so we spent mucho time on the roof……

….and decided that “trompe l’oeil” was the most economical choice.

Sienna had to spend considerable time “un-doing” my marker drawings from the night before…… especially the spider webs. It is very important to her that the house look well-maintained.

Sienna’s favorite part? Mixing up the paint and cleaning the brushes.

Next time we’ll tackle the landscaping, window coverings and door hardware……

Update: Purchased at Costco for those who wanted to know. I might buy a few more and just make a big neighborhood!

A few tips for painting with children:

:: Lots of floor coverings (make sure to get the kind with a plastic liner so paint doesn’t pass through). You’ll enjoy yourself more if you don’t have to worry.

:: Add enough water to the paint cups so the paint is easily “spread” with a brush. Make sure to use “fluffy” brushes that hold lots of paint….much more gratifying when you can cover large areas.

:: Designate “painting” clothes so you don’t have to worry. Aprons are great, but they don’t cover everything! Even I have my own designated painting jeans!

Filed Under: Kids Projects, Life, Painting Tagged With: cardboard, kids projects, paint, playhouse

Diesel the Homemaker

August 19, 2009 By Ashley Hackshaw 10 Comments

If you look closely through the bottom gap you can see little paws…… poor Diesel held captive in Sienna’s cardboard playhouse.

Sienna: Diesel, ANSWER the door when I ring the bell, OKAY?

Diesel: Seriously? It’s been 2.5 years…….when are you sending this kid back where she came from already?!

This $19 cardboard house occupied Sienna and her friends for hours today. Best Costco purchase yet.

Filed Under: Diesel, Kids Projects, Life Tagged With: cardboard, diese, kids projects, playhouse

Scrap Ribbon Belt (A Tutorial)

August 18, 2009 By Ashley Hackshaw 38 Comments

I have so many ribbon scraps that are under 2″ and I’ve contemplated throwing them out many times. This is what I came up with to use them all up….a ribbon belt. But you could use this technique for tons of other things….a headband, a purse strap, a drink coaster…..I had to narrow it down eventually!

Update: Project time is about 2 hours. Sewing the belt in small increments actually makes it go faster than you think…..

Scrap Ribbon Belt (A Tutorial) 2 via lilblueboo.com

The belt pictured is reversible to the pink and green jacquard backing.

Scrap Ribbon Belt (A Tutorial) 3 via lilblueboo.com

I used every ribbon combination imaginable. The more colors, the more interesting. Making the belt I worked in small 6 inch sections and tried to limit the repeat of ribbon throughout.

Grab your scraps and let’s get started!

Scrap Ribbon Belt (A Tutorial) ribbon combination via lilblueboo.com

Before starting you’ll need the following materials:

:: Ribbon Scraps
:: 1.5″ cotton webbing
:: Dritz Fray Check or thread glue
:: 1.5″ D Rings
:: Coordinating thread
Tools needed: sewing machine and scissors

Before starting you’ll also have to measure your waist or hip area….(where you like for your belt to sit) and add 8″ to that measurement.

Step 1: Cut your cotton webbing for your belt length based on the measurement above.

Scrap Ribbon Belt (A Tutorial) step 1 via lilblueboo.com

Step 2: Take scrap pieces of ribbon and line up next to each other on your cotton webbing. You can pin the ribbon……

Scrap Ribbon Belt (A Tutorial) step 2 via lilblueboo.com

…..but it is easiest just to put each ribbon on one at a time as you sew down the side of the cotton webbing (about 1/8″ from the edge of the belt). Just make sure to leave your needle down when you lift the foot up to place the next ribbon. Stop once you get 6 or 7 inches of ribbons added (I refer to these as your “short” ribbons). This 6 to 7 inch length is about all that is manageable to weave at one time.

Scrap Ribbon Belt (A Tutorial) step 3 via lilblueboo.com

Step 3: Place 2 to 3 ribbons perpendicular to the ribbons you just sewed on (I refer to these as your “long” ribbons). Sew these ribbons onto the cotton webbing.

Scrap Ribbon Belt (A Tutorial) step 4 via lilblueboo.com

Step 4: Weave the long ribbons over and under the short ribbons.

Scrap Ribbon Belt (A Tutorial) step 5 via lilblueboo.com

Step 4: Making sure all the ribbons fit tightly together, sew the other end of the long ribbon pieces to secure them to the belt.

Scrap Ribbon Belt (A Tutorial) step 6 via lilblueboo.com

Step 5: Carefully sew the short ribbons securely to the belt (about 1/8″ from the edge of the belt).

Scrap Ribbon Belt (A Tutorial) step 7 via lilblueboo.com

Step 6: Trim your shorter ribbons on each side so that they are flush with the cotton webbing….

Scrap Ribbon Belt (A Tutorial) step 8 via lilblueboo.com

…..and trim your longer ribbons leaving about 1/4″.

Scrap Ribbon Belt (A Tutorial) step 9 via lilblueboo.com

Step 7: Repeat all of the previous steps starting with laying a piece of short ribbon over the 1/4″ ends that were just trimmed. Continue until you have another 6 to 7 inch length of short ribbons sewn on to the belt.

Scrap Ribbon Belt (A Tutorial) step 10 via lilblueboo.com

Step 8: Add your 2 to 3 longer ribbons by sewing directly over the stitch that secured the previous long ribbons. Then trim these ends to about 1/8″.

Scrap Ribbon Belt (A Tutorial) step 11 via lilblueboo.com

Note: In between steps you might want to add Fray Check to your ribbon edges if they start to unravel.

Scrap Ribbon Belt (A Tutorial) step 12 via lilblueboo.com

My assistant was a huge help in picking out each sequence of ribbons.

Scrap Ribbon Belt (A Tutorial) step 13 via lilblueboo.com

Step 9: Use a zigzag stitch to sew all the edges of the belt.

Optional: I cut a long piece of ribbon jacquard (1″ shorter than my belt length to leave room for the D rings) to sew onto the back of the belt for decoration and attached it with the zigzag stitch.

Scrap Ribbon Belt (A Tutorial) step 14 via lilblueboo.com

Step 10: Place your D rings on one end of the belt…..

Scrap Ribbon Belt (A Tutorial) step 15 via lilblueboo.com

……and fold your belt end back, and sew the fold closed. You may have to use a zipper foot here if your D rings get in the way (I had enough room and was able to use the regular foot).

Scrap Ribbon Belt (A Tutorial) step 16 via lilblueboo.com

Step 11: Trim any frayed edges or threads and add thread glue or Fray check where needed.

Scrap Ribbon Belt (A Tutorial) step finished via lilblueboo.com

Filed Under: Recycled, Sewing, Things I've Made, Toys and Accessories, Tutorial Tagged With: accessories, belt, clothing, ribbon, scrap, tutorial

Cute as a jumper….

August 17, 2009 By Ashley Hackshaw 8 Comments

Here are photos I took today for YCMT showing my halter/tie-back dress as a jumper for the fall. Sienna was such a good sport considering the high today is 103! Fall won’t come to the desert for a long time……

I just got some of the feedback from the YCMT testers and it was really positive so I am VERY happy today……and it gave me some energy to continue working on my other patterns. You never REALLY know what people think of a pattern until you get enough feedback from testers (especially anonymous ones).

“The directions were clean and produced an absolutely adorable, comfortable and very special outfit in no time at all. I didn’t have to get any supplies and I’ve never seen anything like this before. I just love it.”

“I love all the hints for sewing with knits. I consider myself to be pretty proficient at sewing…. and I even found some helpful hints in there. I love that! I also appreciate all the options. You can make the dress look totally different using the different options she made available in this ebook. You’re getting a lot for your purchase.”

“My mind is just reeling with all the possibilities for this pattern. I have old shirts from high school, college, cheerleading, and vacations. It will be so neat to make them into something for my girls.”

On another note…..the poor frog might not make it through the day……

Cute as a jumper with a frog via lilblueboo.com

Sienna has put it through the ringer……

Cute as a jumper with a tortured frog via lilblueboo.com

….and seems to find joy in torturing it. Where is the appreciation for this handmade toy?!

Cute as a jumper with a really tortured frog via lilblueboo.com

Filed Under: Sewing, Sewing Patterns Tagged With: boots, dress, frog, haltar, jumber, torture

One Obese Frog

August 17, 2009 By Ashley Hackshaw 16 Comments

Sometimes projects just don’t turn out like I planned for them to. The frog to the left (the dark green fuzzy one) was a toy I had as a little girl. I was trying to make a version for my nephew. It didn’t turn out so well. Whatever “beads” they used to stuff the original frog must be much lighter than pinto beans…..because my frog weighs about 25 pounds……I’m exaggerating a little, but still, this frog is not suitable for a baby. My husband says we should keep it as a doorstop. ….

Filed Under: Oops, Sewing Tagged With: beans, frog, obese, sewing, toys

"Wannabe" Beanbags

August 16, 2009 By Ashley Hackshaw 18 Comments

Look a little familiar? (click here if they aren’t) Sienna wanted tiny beanbags for her doll too so we spent yesterday afternoon making these itsy-bitsy, teeny-weeny “barley” bags. We aren’t creative enough to come up with a name besides “b-a-b-y” yet…….

These were SO much harder than the original large beanbags. Look how tiny the squares are! The most frustrating part was getting them turned right side out after sewing them.

"Wannabe" Beanbags tiny squares via lilblueboo.com

Only two or three pinto beans would have fit in these tiny bags, so we used pearl barley instead….and made a “funnel” out of a straw. (Sienna got into some of my blue paint before hand…..)

"Wannabe" Beanbags filled with pearl barley via lilblueboo.com

“Baby” and her new little “baby” beanbags….. just the right size.

"Wannabe" Beanbags finished via lilblueboo.com

I love miniaturized things…..

"Wannabe" Beanbags miniature via lilblueboo.com

Filed Under: Printing/Stenciling, Sewing Tagged With: baby, barley, beanbag, doll, miniature, sewing, straw, toys

There IS beauty in housework….

August 15, 2009 By Ashley Hackshaw 6 Comments

….like little footprints on my freshly mopped floor.

There IS beauty in housework via liblueboo.com

Now don’t get all jealous on me….

……but I want to introduce you to an amazing specimen of a vacuum cleaner (and sorry to disappoint but this is NOT the next LBB giveaway).

There IS beauty in housework 2 via liblueboo.com

I am sentimental about some strange things….including this old Electrolux that used to be my parents. My husband has tried to buy me a new one countless times…..I refuse.

It is sounding a little “sick” …..time to scout out a local vacuum doc.

P.S. Have you tried the new Scotch-Brite Stainless Steel Cleaner at Costco? Love it. And I’m picky and I’ve tried everything…..