My Inspired Apron

I'll soon be attending Inspired - Soulful Artist Workshop at Donna Downey's studio. The only thing we're required to bring is an apron. Of course, I didn't want to use my kitchen aprons so I decided to buy one and embellish it. Here is how I turned my inexpensive white apron into a fun, personalized project.

I started with chipboard letters to use as a mask for misting the monogram. I used my favorite Mister Huey's (Dewey.)

Just to give it some "character", I soaked one of the ties in coffee. lol Just kidding, it was obviously an accident, but I just had to share. Maybe my craft table isn't the best spot for my coffee.

I stamped the image at the bottom with several different colors of Mister Huey's. I wasn't thrilled (actually hated) the stamping in the upper corners, so I cut out some fabric flowers and glued them down with some cute buttons and now I love it!

I had a cute little scrap of fabric lying around (already cut into a scalloped shape) and thought it would be adorable on the pocket. I do believe in full disclosure, so I must admit that on my first attempt to top-stitch the scallop, I.sewed.the.pocket.closed. lol Thankfully, I do own a seam ripper and it was easily fixed.

For the little dots, I used Faber-Castell artist pens.

I truly can't wait to be inspired by Donna, Christy Tomlinson and all the participants at the retreat! A special thanks to my dear husband -- without his support, I wouldn't be able to follow my passion and go play in some paint while he holds down the fort! ♥

Pinterest Inspiration

We all know we're addicted to Pinterest, so we might as well embrace it and have fun with it! Yesterday, I attended a fabulous Pinterest party where all the invitees were asked to bring food or crafts inspired by Pinterest. As you can imagine, I took on a craft project. :)

This was the inspiration...

and below is my finished project...

I purchased the 5x5 frame, and the chipboard letter from Hobby Lobby. I first misted the letter with Mister Huey's Classic Calico to give the letter a kraft look (instead of gray.) I then traced the letter onto the patterned paper (My Mind's Eye Kraft Fun Day), cut it out and adhered it with spray adhesive. A little inking around the letter and it's done... so easy! I used burlap over Bazzill kraft cardstock for the matting (also using spray adhesive.)

I really love how this little project turned out! Projects like this help me justify my hours spent on Pinterest. Challenge yourself to actually make something you've pinned -- I think you'll find it fun and rewarding.