Category Archives: Stuff to make

Add some clutter!

Posted in Stuff to make, Things to see by

What’s not to love about the Eames? But, what I really love about this recreation of their living room–on exhibit at LACMA and posted on co.design–is how much stuff they have.  After years of living in small spaces and reducing clutter (do not ask my daughter about the great Barbie purge of 2011), clearing surfaces, and minimizing in general, I am ready to gather some stuff (take that Real Simple!). There is an art to curated clutter and it starts with things that you love. In the past, when I happened upon some little thing that caught my eye, I would ask myself, “but where would I put it?” and pass. I plan to take some inspiration from this lovely lived-in room and follow my fancy a little more. Hurray for Charles and Ray!

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

Posted in Boston, Kids, Things to see by

If you want to see some real drama–of the falling-to-the-floor and writhing-in-agony variety, just mention the words “art museum” to my kids. They love art, but art museums–not so much. We managed to go to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston through bribery (chocolate-chip cookies) and by bringing an extra kid (our fun cousin Lucy).

It was well worth the cookies. The just-opened museum extension by architect Renzo Piano was stunning (with emerald green bathrooms), the courtyard a midwinter tropical oasis, and Sargent’s “El Jaleo” as startling as ever.

The museum offered not just one but three art projects for kids. We made embossed drawings, painted watercolors, and constructed crowns, shields, and swords in the museum’s new art room. We went home happy and with arms full of art.

Super easy felt slippers

Posted in Kids, Sewing, Stuff to make by

My daughter and I made these slippers in one (chilly) morning. They were so simple and fun to make. I’ve attached instructions here, but the process was really simple. We created a pattern by tracing her feet, then cut the felt with an extra half inch around for the seam. The soles are two pieces of wool felt with a double layer of batting for warmth and comfort, and the upper is a double layer of felt. The hearts were my daughter’s embellishment–I like how she put them off to the side.

To make these you will need: approximately a quarter yard of wool felt for the soles, and another quarter for the uppers, some batting, and thread. It is important to use good quality wool felt, such as Wollfilz (available from Purl Soho in an array of gorgeous colors).

 

Valentine treat bag, part 2

Posted in Stuff to make by

I was so inspired by Margaret’s awesome bags that I decided to make one of my own. I made this beauty in less than an hour. Drawstring bags are a great way to personalize any gift. I once made a set of small ones as birthday party goody bags. My daughter’s friends liked the bags much more than any of the trinkets inside. I think stenciled initials would be lovely for a special birthday party.

A Stencil for Your Sweetheart

Posted in Boston, Fabric printing, Holiday, Kids, Sewing, Stuff to make by

Finished these heart-stenciled drawstring bags just in time for Valentine’s Day. Whew. Tomorrow I’ll toss in some trinkets and goodies for my little sweethearts. (Later, I figure they can stash their school valentines in them.)

All the materials came from stuff around my house: stray pieces of fabric, ribbon, and some muslin. I cut a heart stencil with freezer paper and vinyl alphabet stickers to block out the letters. (For a visual, click here. For information about using freezer paper stencils on fabric, here is the complete how-to).

I improvised the drawstring bag (although I did measure to keep things relatively straight). Thank you to Kate K. for loaning me a tapestry needle–a perfect implement for threading a ribbon through a drawstring bag.

Here’s a side view–with the candy that inspired me. (By the way, Sweethearts are Made in the U.S.A, specifically by the New England Confectionary in nearby Revere, Mass. So this V Day, buy American.) Happy Heart Day, everyone!