DIY Linen Phone Sleeve and My New Shutterfly Case

8 May, 2013 12:34 am / 1 Comment / My So Called Crafty Life

Hello everyone! Happy Tuesday! So, today I am going to share with you which of my Shutterfly phone case designs I went with, as well as an easy tutorial on how to make a protective sleeve for your phone. I was so excited when I got my new Shutterfly phone case this past week! It is just so ME! I decided to go with the simple chalkboard design with my #1 buddy Beaureguard. The little banner at the bottom means “the little pleasures” en Francais, and it comes from the saying “La vie est faite de petits bonheurs” or “Life is made of little pleasures” and I believe bonheur can also mean happiness or what makes one happy. And I’m sure I speak for most of us when I say my dog makes me happy!

My mom is a photographer, so I am no stranger to photo gifts you can get from a lab. Most of the time the quality in my opinion can be a bit lacking. I have to say though, I am very impressed with this case! The printing quality is fantastic, and it seems to be durable and nicely protective. It is a nice thick polycarbonate plastic that snaps on. When I first bought my phone, I got a designer case which was plastic and within a week the design was scratched off of it. For the last year I have been trying to find a case that was both somewhat protective and cute. This one totally does the trick!

Since I tend to wear a lot of skirts in the spring and summer, which means no pockets, I have made this little padded phone sleeve to safely carry my phone on skirt days. This sleeve is made for my iphone 4, but you can change-up the measurements to suit your phone’s dimensions. This is a really fast and easy project! It is a great way to use up scraps too.

Here’s What You Need:

*Scrap fabric or around 1/8 of a yard of fabric

*Scrap Batting or 1/8 of a yard

*Leather Lacing

*Button

*Thread and Needle

Instructions:

The first thing you need to do is cut your pieces. I made mine for my iphone 4. If you have an iphone 5 you may want to make it about an inch longer. I measured my phone and gave it a couple of extra inches around for seam allowance and wiggle room. So, cut two pieces for the outside front and back and two pieces for the lining at 4.5×7″. Cut two pieces of the batting at 4.5X7″. If you’d like a little pocket, cut a piece of your lining fabric to be 4.5×5″. I added a patch to the front piece of my sleeve. If you are adding any patch or embellishment sew it on now. Next, lay the outside pieces front and back on the front and back pieces of your batting face up. Stitch the batting to the fabric with a 1/4″ seam allowance. Now, take your pocket piece and turn it under 1/8″ and press. Turn the top under again 1/2″ and stitch down close to the edge where you turned it under on the wrong side. Now you are ready to stitch together your sleeve. Place the pocket piece on the front of your front sleeve face up and sandwich it in between the front and back pieces. The front and back should be right sides together. Stitch all the way around the three sides with a half-inch seam allowance leaving the top open. Stitch the lining pieces together the same way, making sure that the right sides are together. Clip corners and trim the seam allowance down a little on both. Turn the front piece right side out. Fold a small piece of leather lacing in half and stitch down to the pocket side of your outside sleeve. Now, shimmy your outside sleeve into the lining so that right sides are facing. Carefully stitch around the top with a quarter-inch seam allowance leaving an inch or so for turning. Now, pull your outside and lining out through the hole in the top. Press. Stuff the lining into the outer sleeve. Now top stitch around the top about an eighth inch away from the edge. Pull the loop over the top and mark where to put your button. Hand stitch the button on the back side. And that’s it. Pretty easy eh?

I absolutely ADORE my new phone case and padded sleeve! I love that it is a perfect size for scraps. I paired up natural linen with a scrap from an old vintage cutter tablecloth, and a retro quilting fabric for the pocket and the lining. This little sleeve is so versatile, you can really customize it to your style and taste by the patterns and fabric choices you use. This sleeve fits perfectly in the large pocket of my purse. In hind sight I wish I had sewn a loop of ribbon in the side seam so I could attach a clip to it and clip in on the handle of my bag. Will definitely have to try that next time. I hope I have inspired some of you to try out this little phone sleeve. You will love it! And definitely go check out Shutterfly’s IPhone cases Here. They are so fun and easy to customize. There are plenty of design options. They are on sale at 20% off right now too, so you can snag one for under $30. Pretty cool! I’ll be back Thursday with another fun DIY. Until then…

Happy Crafting!

*Disclosure: I was given a promotional code for a phone case from Shutterfly. No other compensation was given. All opinions are 100% my own. No foolin’, this phone case is awesome!

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Posted in: Crafting, DIY, Tutorials / Tagged: beauegard, case, chalkboard, cottage, crafts, custom, diy, dog, easy, fabric, french, fun, handmade gifts, iggy, iphone, italian greyhound, navy, phone, phone case, photo gifts, photography, pictures, plastic, polycarbonate, recycled, red, retro, scrap, sewing, shutterfly, sleeve, sweet, tutorials, upcycled, vintage, vintage button, vintage inspired, vintage tablecloth, white, yellow

Home Tour- Master Bathroom Makeover

25 April, 2013 1:38 am / 2 Comments / My So Called Crafty Life

At the beginning of this month we have officially been homeowners for three years! I absolutely love our little house! It is a tiny little ranch in Fuquay Varina which is a suburb of the Raleigh area. When we bought the house we pretty much gutted every room. We completely remodeled both the master and the hall bath. We added all new flooring and appliances, and we scraped the ceiling and painted. We spent every day for a little over a month fixing the place up with a little help here and there from Daryl’s colleagues since he was working as a construction manager for a local builder at the time, and a lot of help from my father in law, Ed. The transformation of the house is something we are very happy with! We still continue to change and add here and there. Who knows if I’ll ever be done, there will always be something else I want to do, even if it is just a simple decor change. My house makes me happy! So happy in fact that I feel that I’d just love to share it will all of my lovely readers! So, starting now, each month this year I will be sharing a room of my home and its transformation. This month I will be starting with one of my favorite rooms, and the one I am the most proud of.

The master bathroom is by far my favorite remodel of the whole house! We ended up moving the laundry room which is in the kitchen over a bit so we could make the shower bigger. You can’t really tell by the pics, but the original shower was just a little over two feet wide. We ripped out the shower, the toilet, the flooring, and the sink. We built in a new double shower. The tile is white subway tile with black and clear glass tile accents in the stripe and the floor is a classic black and white pattern. We built in a shelf for our toiletries and a little corner bench. Our shower is my favorite thing in the whole house! I am definitely a gal who spends forever in the shower! The sink was actually built by my hubby. We added a granite top that was a freebie given to us from a piece that a homeowner was not happy with in their bathroom. I like the open design! It helps make the narrow room seem more open to me. We retiled the floor with 12″ black tiles and added a new toilet as well. We wanted a classic black and white look that would be easy to match with any color scheme I please. We painted the walls my favorite shade of lime green, and finished the room off with modern chrome hardware and funky round mirrors.

Whatcha think? It certainly isn’t for everyone. I am a person who thrives in color! The more color the better, and bright fresh colors make me supremely happy! My dad always teases us about not wanting to ever be in my home with a hangover. To me it’s heaven. Anywho, I hope you all have enjoyed my before and after pics of my master bath! I’ll be back next month with another room and remodel. Until then…..

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Posted in: DIY, Home Tour / Tagged: after, bathroom, before, black, diy, do it yourself, double shower, fun, funky, green, home decor, home improvement, lime, makeover, master, mid century, modern, redo, remodel, retro, revamp, shower, tile, white

DIY Ikea Lack Side Table Revamp

24 April, 2013 11:42 am / Leave a Comment / My So Called Crafty Life

Hi everybody! I had meant to post this one yesterday, but sometimes there just are not enough hours in the day. You know what I mean? We are getting ready to go up to Washington D.C. for Hannah’s highschool graduation trip. It’s going to be girls only, and we are so excited! Today’s DIY is actually one that the hubby and I made a few weeks back. We had a pair of black Ikea Lack side tables in our bedroom, that were functional, but just didn’t go with the furniture that we had in the room anymore. I had been searching for some side tables at all the thrift stores in town, and on craigslist, and just couldn’t find anything in our price range. So, we decided to take what we had and recycle it into what I wanted. I had picked up a side of railing from an old porch at my local ReStore and knew that the balusters would make fantastic table legs. So with some new legs, a little trim, and some paint our old side tables were reborn into these chunky and fun tables that really help pull my bedroom together! This project took a weekend, but it was totally worth the work!

Here’s What You Need:

*Ikea Lack Side Table

*Porch Balusters or other “legs”

*Decorative wood trim

*Scrap wood, or a square dowel smaller than your trim (you will be nailing the trim to this piece)

*Pliers

*Drill

*Mitre Saw or Hand Saw

*T-Square or Ruler

*Pin Nailer or hammer and tiny trim nails

*Wood Glue

*Kills Primer

*Paint

*Wood Onlays (optional)

Instructions:

The first thing you want to do is clean your lack table and take the legs off. Measure the center of your balusters to the edge. Now mark in on the underside of the table top that width. For example, if the measurement from the center of my baluster to the end was 1.5″ I would measure in from the edge of my tabletop 1.5″ on either side of each corner and mark an x where I need to drill. With a drill bit a hair smaller than the size of the hardware on the lack screws in the legs, drill pilot holes into the underside of the tabletop where you marked each corner. Now, remove the screws that are in your lack legs with a pair of pliers, just twist them out. If you want to cut down the balusters at all, now is the time to do that. I cut mine down two inches with a mitre saw. Mark the centers of your balusters. Now drill pilot holes into the top of the balusters. Twist the screws half way into the top center of each baluster. Then screw each leg into the pilot holes you drilled in the tabletop. The sides of the balusters should be just about flush with the edge of the tabletop. Now you are ready to add your trim. Measure the width of your baluster at the top. Take half of that measurement and draw a guide line between each leg on the underside of the tabletop with a ruler or t-square. Now, measure the length between each leg on each side and cut your scrap pieces and your trim pieces to length. Your scrap pieces can be shorter than your trim piece. Run a bead of wood glue down your scrap piece and glue down on the backside of the marked line. Nail in place with your pin nailer. Now run a bead of glue down your trim piece and fit your trim piece between the legs and flush up against the scrap piece of wood you just nailed down. Glue down, and then nail the trim piece to the scrap piece with your pin nailer. Repeat with the other sides, and let your glue dry. I used a couple of coats of kills primer on my table, and then a couple of coats of semigloss white paint. I added some aqua accents on my trim, and I painted my wood onlays aqua . Once my paint was dry, I glued and nailed my onlays onto the top sides of my legs.

I have to say I LOVE my new side tables! They really help pull together my furniture and they are sweet. I love the chunkiness of them, and the accents of aqua! The best thing about this redo is that you can totally customize it to your taste and style by the trim type and colors you use. And they were really inexpensive to make. So, if you ever get tired of your old ikea lack table, don’t toss it! Give it a makeover! You’ll be glad you did! Have a wonderful day everyone!

Happy Crafting!

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Posted in: Crafting, DIY, Tutorials / Tagged: aqua, balusters, bedroom, cheap, cool, cottage, crafts, decorating, diy, diy project, easy, frugal, fun, functional, home decor, ikea, ikea hacks, inexpensive, lack, lack side table, legs, lovely, make over, mid century, recycle, redo, retro, revamp, side table, sweet, trim, tutorials, upcycle, white

14 Days of Love- Valentine’s Yarn Wreath

31 January, 2013 5:37 pm / 2 Comments / My So Called Crafty Life

Hello Everyone! Welcome to day four of my 14 Days of Love Valentine’s Special! Today I am going to share my Valentine’s wreath with you. I have always been head over heels for yarn wreathes! I love the texture of them! I made one back in the fall, which you can see Here, and had a great time making it! I have had these little fluffy white dog vintage salt and pepper shakers for a while now, and have been wanting to incorporate them into a wreath. So, I thought they would be perfect for a Valentine’s wreath since they are so cute and lovey dovey looking. I found that I enjoyed making this one even more than my previous wreath!

Here’s What You Need:

*Straw Wreath Form

*Yarn about 2 skeins

*Felt Flowers

*Valentine heart picks

*Wood cut out plaque

*Pipe Cleaners

*Tinsel Heart Wire (not exactly sure what this stuff is called)

*Vintage salt and pepper shakers, millenary birds, etc…

*Hot Glue

*Ribbon

Instructions:

To view more detailed instructions on the process of a yarn wrapped wreath visit my first wreath tutorial here. Start by wrapping your wreath form completely in yarn and tie off the ends or glue them down. To make the platform for your figures you first need to drill a couple of tiny holes with your smallest drill bit into the top on each side for the pipe cleaner you will put in later. Now prime and paint your platform. I sealed mine with matte modge podge. Let dry. Glue your choice of figures onto the middle of the platform. Take two pipe cleaners and twist together at the ends to make one longer pipe cleaner. Insert the pipe cleaner into one side of the platform, then bend it around and trim the end to where you want it. Now, take the pipe cleaner and wrap the wired tinsel around it, then insert both ends into the holes in your platform making a nice rounded shape over your figures. Now put a generous of hot glue onto the bottom of your platform and glue into place in the bottom curve of your wreath. Arrange your flowers and heart picks in the way you like best, then glue them all down to your wreath covering any gaps between the platform and the wreath form. Tie a length of ribbon to the top of your wreath and hang.

I absolutely LOVE how this wreath turned out! I may just have to keep it around inside throughout the year somewhere. These wreathes are quite a bit of work, but in the end they are well worth the effort. You can use other things than vintage salt and pepper shakers too. Birds would be really sweet too, or maybe a hand stitched felt creature. I hope I have inspired some of you to give this one a try. You will seriously have a blast! Be sure to tune in tomorrow for another fun valentine DIY! Until then…

Happy Crafting!

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Posted in: Crafting, DIY, Tutorials / Tagged: cottage, crafts, diy, dogs, fun, hearts, love, pink, puppy, red, retro, shabby, tutorials, upcycled, valentines, valentines wreath, vintage, vintage repurposed, vintage salt and pepper, white, yarn wreath

Favorite Vintage Finds of the Week- January 28th

28 January, 2013 10:11 pm / 10 Comments / My So Called Crafty Life

Red is one of my absolute favorite colors! It’s so fresh and happy! Valentine’s Day is coming up soon which is fantastic because we need something bright and cheery during the neutral winter season. So, this week’s finds are inspired by another one of my favorite color combos, red and white. I have some fabulous finds for you all this week including ladies’ fashions and accessories, and of course plenty of kitchen goodies! Check em’ out:

Check out these fantastic Vintage 1950s Red Mary Jane Flats Shoes from Raleigh Vintage Here

Check out these awesome Vintage Retro Lucite 1950s Striped Stripey Bangles from Deco and Vintage Here

Check out this lovely Vintage 1950′s Bright Red Felt Dainty Perch Hat from Nosilla Vintage Here

Check out this fabulous Vintage 1950s White Chiffon with Red Flocked Polkadot Dress from Mill Street Vintage Here

Check out these fun 1950s Red White Cutaway Gorgeous Clip On Lucite Earrings from Brunette 1 Here

Check out this awesome Vintage 1950′s 2 Strand Chunky Red and White Necklace from Not Domesticated Here

Check out this sweet 1950s Vintage Cherry Red Wallet from Lovely Vintage Girl Here

Check out these fantastic Vintage 1950s Red Velvet & Satin Heels from Erstwhile Style Here

Check out these amazing 1950′s Westmoreland Milk Glass Chicken Bowls from Loved By Jess Here

Check out these fun 1950′s Pyrex Red Hostess Square Serving Bowls with Ramekins from Kitchen Culinaria Here

Check out this fabulous Red and White Dot 1950s Vintage Fire King Bowl from Domicidal Tendencies Here

Check out this amazing 1950s Red and White Kitchen Scale – Made in France from Cozy Cottage Chic Here

Check out these fantastic Vintage 1950′s Hazel Atlas Red Candy Stripe Plates Collection Of 4 from 4 The Love of Vintage Here

Check out this sweet 1950′s Vintage biscuit tin in red and white polka dots from Old Keys Vintage Here

Check out this fun Red / Orange Instant Collection 1930s-1950s Vintage German Berlin Books from Zu Hause Berlin Here

Check out this lovely Sweet Red and White Gingham 1950s Peter Pan collar blouse from Practice in Time Vintage Here

Aren’t they all just so sweet! I absolutely love red! I love each and every one of these, especially the dotty dress and dishes! I hope you all enjoy perusing these shops as much as I always do!

Happy Shopping!

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Posted in: Vintage Finds of the Week / Tagged: cherry, cottage, dots, fire king, gingham, hazel atlas, peter pan collar, polkadot, red, retro, sweet, valentine, vintage, vintage dishes, vintage dress, vintage fashion, vintage home decor, vintage jewelry, white

Happy Independence Day!

4 July, 2012 11:28 pm / Leave a Comment / My So Called Crafty Life

Here are some of my favorite American Flag themed images from Pinterest I’ve been collecting for my America Board, you can see them all here. We are actually going to see fireworks tomorrow, but today we spent relaxing and making a delicious dinner, and we got to play with the chickens for a bit today as well. So, it was a pretty fantastic day! Hope everyone is having a great Independence Day holiday! Have a safe and happy night!

Posted in: Uncategorized / Tagged: america, american barn, american flag, blue, fashion, holidays, home decor, independence day, july 4th, photography, pinterest, red, stars, stripes, white

Favorite Vintage Finds of the Week- July 2nd

2 July, 2012 6:35 pm / 2 Comments / My So Called Crafty Life

Since Wednesday is Independence Day, I decided to post some of my favorite patriotic red, white, and blue themed vintage finds this week. I found so many lovely items, it was really hard to narrow them down. This week I have some amazing items here including fantastic sunglasses, vintage sparklers, a Yankee doodle lunch box, and of course some amazing accessories! Check em’ out:

Check out this Vintage Yankee Doodle Comics Lunchbox from Rusty Spoke Here

Check out these industrial faucet knobs from Skeeter Neck Road Here

Check out these Vintage Sparklers from North Brooklyn Dry Goods Here

Check out these vintage 4th of july glasses from Rust Belt Threads Here

Check out this 1960′s Red White and Blue Enamel Flowers Brooch and Earrings Set by Crzy4btns Here

Check out these Patriotic gloves from A Magnificent Mess Here

Check out these Vintage Plastic Buttons from Button Odyssey Here

Check out these Cool Vintage Sunglasses from Seeing Eye to Eye Here

Check out this lovely 1950s Firecracker Dress from Mella Vintage Here

Check out this Vintage Red White and Blue Clutch set from Swanky Sally Here

Check out this Vintage Red White Blue Presidents Scarf from Shabby Shop Girls Here

Check out these 60s Red White and Blue Shoes from Way2Cool Here

Don’t you just love them all! How fantastic are those gloves! I hope you enjoy browsing through all the goodies in these wonderful Etsy shops as much as I did! Hope you all have a safe and fabulous Independence Day!

Happy Shopping!