Quick DIY: Craft Jar

Hello there!

Confession time: I'm a jar-holic. I collect jars I get from the grocery store all the time! I'll even take them from friends and family's houses. Usually with permission of course. One can never, never have too many jars. The most recent jar I've up-cycled is a prego spaghetti jar after a delicious meal. 

(Did I mention, I love to cook?)

So anyways, this jar is my 'good moments jar'.

In this jar, I write down (when I can remember) all the good things and people I have encountered. When I'm feeling really low, I like to pull out my jar and remind myself that there are good times to look back on and forward to! (Is it cheesy? but it's true.)

Read How-To Before Starting Project!

So here's the how-to:

SUPPLIES:

• 1 Jar with Lid (Or as many as you'd like to create!)
• Set of Paint Brushes
• Set of Paints (I used Acrylics)
• Water
• Mod Podge Matte & Spray Sealer
• Tissue Paper/Magazine Clippings/etc
• Paper Punches (optional, but recommended for cuteness)
• tweezers (recommend)

INSTRUCTIONS:

• clean jar- inside & outside; taking front label off (if there is one). Using goo gone or hot water can help get rid of sticky residue. Let dry.
• if you are using magazine clippings and tissue paper (I did for the lid), take paintbrush and lightly dip in water and then mod podge. (do not soak brush.) 
• take a pair of tweezer and place clippings/deco paper punches on desired spot. carefully mod podge over clippings/deco paper.
• don't be scared. The mod podge IS white but it'll turn clear. Deep breath.
• (tip: You can brush mod podge mixture on clippings and then place them on the jar as well. Some people prefer mod podge before and after. This might be harder with tiny pieces of clippings, etc.)
• let it dry. apply second coat.
• spray with mod podge sealer. (it will help with the stickiness so don't skip this step).
• as for the paint, all I did was squirt the paint all over the inside of the jar and shook!
• let it dry and spray inside with sealer as well!

Here's how I did my lid. I took sparkled tissue paper and used mod podge to paste it to the lid. I also used a Martha Stewart paper punch of a flower and put it on the lid as well after I painted it silver to match the flecks of color.

NOTICE:

JARS CAN BE USED TO STORE THOUGHTS- BOTH GOOD AND BAD, FLOWERS, PENS, SECRETS, 

& MORE.

AND YOU ARE FINISHED!

Finals Week!

Hello there!

It's been a few days but I've been steadily studying for my finals this week! I've got two finals & one paper left to go!

me right now.

This has been a really difficult year for me. I've got through so many adjustments in my life that it's relief to get finished with this semester. I'm not happy with how my school year turned out, but it is what it is. I'm surprised that the strength I had to keep going.

Luckily, next semester should be a lot easier. I"m only going part-time since I want to focus on myself ( and secretly, a little bit of crafting). I know, going part-time to school seems 'questionable' but at the moment, I think it's what is going to make me happiest. I spent this whole year focused on trying to make something work that in the end, never did or will.

I'm just letting go.

And sewing! I've got two projects I'm going to get started within the next two weeks. I have this really loungy top pattern by Burda that I'll be working on (My first knit project!) and a pencil skirt I've been wanting to make.

I'll be posting pictures and things I've learned across the course of my sewing! 

I know this isn't a craft-oriented post, but it's something that's been on my mind. 

Good luck to everyone else who has got finals!

Cheers,

Laura

Well Hello There

Say hello to my new beautiful shears! 

(By the way I totally recommend going to Michael's Crafts &

purchasing these. )

You can usually get a 40-50% coupon which cuts the cost of these WAY down. 

cheers,

Laura

A Fabric Hoarders Top 5 Fabric Designers

Good afternoon everyone!

Hope you guys are having a wonderful Tuesday. My day is filled with prep for finals for the term but I shall prevail! Or, I will try anyways. It's really difficult right now but I'll make it through!

I've been thinking lately a lot about fabric since I'm getting ready for my summer break. To put it plainly, I love fabric.

If there is anything I adore almost more than my beautiful babies, it would have to be fabric! Just saying fabric makes me want to go out to the fabric shop. But I must control myself.

my babies! (samson and simba)

I am a guilty hoarder of fabric- I can never get enough! What usually makes me gasp over fabric is the print. I'm a sucker for a cute prints! Printed cotton fabric is great for all kinds of projects, but I mostly love them for making accessories. As the saying goes, one can never have too many accessories.

I've created a list of my top five fabric designers. 

(Which was really hard by the way since I love so many).

5. Amy Butler

Amy Butler is reknowned and for good reason! Not to mention, now that she offers garment fabric, she's doubly awesome!

4. Liberty of London

What can I say? Liberty of London makes beautiful fabric and their well-known for it. A bit out of my price range, so I'll usually wait till I can find it on sale!

3. Aneela Hoey

Moda is lucky to have the wonderful Aneela Hoey! Her designs are whimsical and sweet. I can't tell you how many times I see moda's fabric and want to make a quilt from it!

2. Japanese Fabric

There is no way that I can fully express my deep appreciation for Japanese fabric. Anytime I go on Etsy, I always find the cutest prints from kittens to bicycles. The downside is usually the shipping if you purchase it from Japan. But the biggest down side? The waiting! No go on Etsy and see for yourself.

1. Alexander Henry
Ok, I cannot express my deepest affection for Alexander Henry's fabric. I love how quirky the designs are. I go to Alexander Henry for themed creations. From pin ups to galactic queens, Henry has a massive collection of cotton prints.

Look at this Halloween Pin Up print! I need this right now <3

So there you have it!

Now I must get back to writing these essays rather than having a good time chatting over fabric and the love I carry for my pup. But really, I could go on about my Samson.

Cheers,

Laura