Posted by TwoBusyBees on 2006-07-19 12:00:31
Post Subject: Two Busy Bees in Plenty Magazine
One of my wallets made the Aug/Sept issue of Plenty magazine, and the issue just came out, p.94. I'm so excited that had to share the news!
What, you haven't heard of Plenty magazine, before? : ) giggle, giggle...
(I hadn't either until they contacted me.) It's a full-color glossy magazine that features environmental issues and eco-friendly life styles. It's at a lot of the big bookstore chains. The wallet is made from vintage/recycled fabric.
--Aida
www.twobusybees.com
"Vintage fabric handbags and accessories for fashionable moderns."
Posted by becca on 2007-04-30 09:28:37
Post Subject: Love Vintage Crafts?
Here is a link to my Vintage Crafts! Hope you Like them. I have fun makign them! You will see painted pieces as well as pieces made from Vintage Fabric.
www.vintagelifetyles.blogspot.com
This one is a great use for vintage fabric:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/video/10211/spring_decorating_ideas_spring_book.html
Posted by JamieSmith on 2005-01-14 00:25:05
Post Subject: JamieSmith.com~Handbags made from new and vintage fabrics
Jamie Smith
~Nothing over $50.00~
Please come and check out our online boutique with new and vintage fabric handbags. Sweet florals and vintage tea towels used to make some of the prettiest handbags around.
Posted by kika62 on 2006-01-14 00:54:35
Post Subject: Small felt pouch entirely handsewn
Made a cute brown and pink felt pouch with a vintage fabric cut out of an elephant, pearlized button closure and blanket stitched all over with embroidery thread. Luv brown and pink together! Quite useful for all the little things that get lost in the bottom of your purse - lipstick, gum, ID, mints, etc. or to take for a quick run to the grocery store.
It was soo much fun to make, I'm going to make more - variations on the theme and different types of felt. I have even seen ipod covers made with felt, entirely handsewn with cute felt appliques, check them out here:
Posted by anjalouise on 2006-01-21 16:49:20
Post Subject: vintage fabric & other goods!
I just added a bunch of really neat vintage fabric to my etsy shop, clever nettle, and so far I have gotten a good response! I know a lot of people have a really hard time finding vintage fabrics (luckily, Portland is blessed with a goodwill donation center that sells things too), so I'm trying to share the wealth!
I have other things on there too, like stuffed owls, handmade vintage-inspired journals, cute circus animal pins and things like that.
Posted by Astrid on 2008-12-09 10:03:18
Post Subject:
My favorite gift that I can't wait to give is a purse for my MIL made out of vintage fabric she gave me from when they were stationed in Liberia in the 70's. She had about 5 yards of it and was pretty sure it was hand dyed/batiked. I lined it with the remnants of a skirt she gave me from the same era that I had to shorten because it was much too long. She's the emotional type so I'm expecting waterworks. Maybe I should make a handkerchief to put in there...
Posted by jennjitsu on 2008-12-08 18:00:42
Post Subject:
I'm making most of them or buying handmade. The only people I'm not doing that for are my niece and nephew ages 13 and 15. I just don't think they'd appreciate it so they are getting gift cards.
I am doing mostly things like handbags, necklaces and placemats. My favorite gift that I can't wait to give is a purse for my MIL made out of vintage fabric she gave me from when they were stationed in Liberia in the 70's. She had about 5 yards of it and was pretty sure it was hand dyed/batiked. I lined it with the remnants of a skirt she gave me from the same era that I had to shorten because it was much too long. She's the emotional type so I'm expecting waterworks. Maybe I should make a handkerchief to put in there...
For my daughter we bought a lot of stuff, though they are the really good educational wood toys that hold up to several years of playing. I'm making some doll clothes for her Pansy doll...though I'm going to have to wing it because I don't think Daisy Kingdom still makes patterns for her anymore.
Sister is getting a tie skirt for christmas. I made one way back in highschool before the tie craze and she took it out of my closet and wore it more than I did! This one is well made whereas the other one disintigrated sometime last year. For her birthday (two days after christmas) I think I'll cheat and give her a WholeFoods giftcard, since she did ask for those anyway. I'll probably put it in a handmade purse.
Sister in law is getting either a purse or a scrub top, depending on where time goes and if I can get my tail off the computer!
DH is taken care of. We decided not to trade gifts this year since we purchased some bigger items over the course of the year. He bought a new camera (even though it was to replace one that was stolen from us shortly after we moved here) and I bought a totally materialistic and unwarranted but very nice handbag. It was a rough year and it was totally retail therapy but I don't have buyers remorse! We also just got a TV since our 15 year old dinosaur died. If we didn't, that netflix subscription would be wasted! So yeah, no gift swapping this year, but we won't notice because BOTH sets of parents/family are coming for the holidays. We are bonafide insane.
Posted by Athos on 2004-05-03 14:04:04
Post Subject: craft book score!! establishing a craft library
i'm sure all of us have a craft library, and it's one of my favorite topics. i'm slowly weeding out stuff i don't use (mostly 70s and 80s craft books from tag sales that i thought were cool, but really don't have stuff i will actually use! now the 60s books are a different story..) and making sure all the ones i have are ones i really want to have.
and i went to my favorite used book store last night. it's pendragon books in rockridge. they are the only place around here that i've found to sell marie claire ideés (hence my now three posts mentioning it!). they also have a great used/discounted craft books section. previously there, i've bought cheap frills for $5.
last night, they had instant gratification cardsfor $10! (though looking on amazon, i see i could have bought it for less than half that used. at least i supported an independant store). this book is great. i saw it in cody's a while ago, new, and sat down with it for an hour, looking through, taking notes, and i'm so glad to have this in my library now. the photos are great, and it really refreshed my desire to do some paper work soon.
i desperately want craftychicaaz's making shadow boxes and shrines book, and i think her new one for teens would be perfect for the sewing/craft room at the children's center i volunteer at.
i also want vintage treasures.i have and love vintage fabric style. my decoupage book of choice is the new crafts: decoupage one, which it looks like amazon is selling used for $2.75! i also have bonnell's DIY Girl and a few great sewing books and stitch guides.
anyone else make some new additions recently to their craft library? or have stuff they're on the lookout for?
Posted by tishlu on 2004-06-29 14:38:22
Post Subject:
I've done something similar with my thrift store furniture...I totally agree to all the info listed previously. Hope this helps:
1. Have you looked at http://www.reprodepot.com ? I know most of the fabric there won't be wide enough, but, maybe you could use some of it for accent pillows.
2. I've found a ton of neat, "so ugly it's cool" vintage fabric on ebay. Don't forget to look for old curtains...there's lots of usable fabric there!
3. If you're going to be covering furniture, you might look into finding cotton sheeting by the yard. The widths are huge, so you won't have to seam any widths of fabric together (I do this for duvet covers too). However, cotton sheeting is usually pretty bland.
4. How about using a "plain" sheet and doctoring it up yourself? I've sometime used pictures or images and photo transferred them onto fabric, or you could paint them on (make your own boomerang stencil).
Good luck...let me know what you decide to do,
Lulu
Posted by PamTheQueen on 2004-12-24 11:01:32
Post Subject:
I'm on dial-up because there is no such thing as broadband or DSL way out on this ranch in Hill Country. Ugh! I appreciate all the tips y'all have given me. Here is what I have done so far:
Sunday - arrived and went in to Austin to walk around Zilcher (sp?) Park for the lights. AWESOME!
Monday - Did South Congress including: vintage fabric at Uncommon Objects, completing my Sublime Stitching patterns collection (I think I have them all now!), A bracelet from Naughty Secretary Club, two vinyl pouches from Jenifer Nakatsu Arnston....
...Regret not buying: a Sparkle Craft guitar strap, one of those furry hats (from Chia), a record purse from Queen Bee and a Supermaggie scarf.
Note: It was so cool to see (and buy!) stuff i've been looking at forever online. Amazing how many of my favorite designers are from Austin. The one person's goods I didn't see and wanted to check out actually posted in this thread!!! Textile Fetish!!! I was reminded last night that I had missed your stuff because we went to Ruta Maya and when I saw the bags of beans I thought AH HA! Those coffee bean bag purses you make use these bags!
We also visited Toy Joy on Guadalupe by UT. Spent way too much money there! I also spent some money on some sweet yarn and fibers at a place on South Congress (name escapes me).
We did San Antonio on Tuesday. Nothing really crafty here. On the way out of town (late), I saw some interesting shops on Broadway headed north out of downtown. If we have time, we'll check out that street before we go.
Wednesday and Thursday didn't bring much crafty goodness. I checked out Paper Bear, but it was sooo busy I couldn't really look around (had my mom with, too).
No fabric stores yet, except a store called the Gifted Quilter in San Marcos. (okay if you are a country-style quilter)
Hopefully, we'll have time to do more before we go home. I am really not keen about going home so soon since Indiana is in a deep freeze and covered with snow! Blah!
**** - They have yerba mate at the Wildflower coffee house in Wimberley! I've read about it, but that was the first time I had ever seen it. Didn't try it though.
Oh, and no Blue Genie. We arrived in Austin at 2 PM and needed to get to my mom's south of Wimberley so we could turn around and drive back to Austin for Zilcher Park. :(
Posted by erinina on 2006-05-29 22:49:03
Post Subject:
i am an illustrator/designer more than a crafter, but i do have a whole half room devoted to creativity!
1. my watercolor crayons
2. my varying-width pens - especially the black and brown
3. my vintage fabric scraps and samples
4. my gigunda collection of art books, children's books, and project books (that i've done) for inspiration
5. a trillion scetchbooks - some filled, some partailly-filled, and a few empty and ready for me to take wherever i'm going next
Posted by erinina on 2005-05-27 12:41:39
Post Subject:
you could make purses out of them, similar to the vintage-magazine ones you see everywhere. make a purse out of clear vinyl or some sort of see-through material, and slip the covers in between the front and the inside lining (which could be a vintage fabric, another cover, or whatever). maybe i'll do that this weekend...my mom recently brought a huge crate of records over that she bought for my boyfriend at a yard sale. he of course doesn't like all the records but there are some great covers.
you could also scan in the photos, print them out on iron-on inkjet paper, and iron them onto tee-shirts or a skirt...cute!
buy one of those shower curtains that have photo slots, and put pieces of the record covers into the slots for a one of a kind shower curtain...that would be a cool housewarming gift.
not really crafty, but you can buy 12" square frames and make them art, which is especially cool looking with vintage records.
Posted by neesypea on 2005-10-09 11:45:21
Post Subject:
There's a shop here in Sacramento, that no matter what day I go in, there's always a plethora of vintage fabric! I literally squeal with delight right there in the store, when I find a stash of beautiful 70's fabric that has never been used! That's definitely my weakness, vintage fabric and vintage dresses. Even if the dresses don't fit, I will still buy, and try to rework them to fit me.
Other items I always look for are weird vintage cookbooks and craft books. My favorite cookbook, that I thrifted, was from the 60's and had recipes from around the world. The cookbook also had a line drawing by each recipe of what the "native" people looked like from that particular country and their favorite dish! It's awesome.
Thirft Town-Stockton Blvd, Sacramento, CA
Awesome vintage fabrics and craft supplies, linens, and brick-a-brack.
Posted by kittensrme on 2005-10-09 12:34:58
Post Subject:
That's definitely my weakness, vintage fabric and vintage dresses. Even if the dresses don't fit, I will still buy, and try to rework them to fit me.
I do the same thing, except I don't even sew so I can't even make them fit me, so they just sit in my closet to be ogled over every so often.
Posted by Athos on 2004-04-30 00:18:09
Post Subject:
thanks for all the suggestions! i wound up doing a thin coat of gesso and not really touching the insides of everything to keep it from sticking. i'll have to start a new thread about how i'm going to reorganize my craft space to look more like the photo i liked from vintage fabric. i just can't believe that i've had this project on the burner for over five months, feeling down every time i looked at my craft space, and it took at the most five hours.
craftychicaaz - you'll love it! ikea has lots of cheap stuff you can customize. only trouble is that it's so cheaply put together, it's hard to invest a lot of time in it.
here it is:
http://img61.photobucket.com/albums/v187/athosdelafere/ikea_dresser_done.jpg
Posted by Athos on 2004-04-29 04:04:38
Post Subject:
okay, i'm going to make my first attempt ever at adding photos. here's one from the book of the chest of drawers i want to imitate, one of the drawers beforehand, and one of them after i spent two hours drilling holes and strongarming the knobs on. tomorrow is sanding and i'm going to put a very thin layer of gesso over the outside and the front only of the drawers, which hopefully won't mess them up too much. i've heard from a few people that they will swell if i do the whole thing. hope the photos aren't too big! i'm still getting the hang of this.
Posted by Athos on 2004-04-28 18:10:43
Post Subject: finished!! customizing a wooden ikea orgnizer- PHOTOS
hey everyone!
i bought two of those ikea organizers - the ones of thin, unfinished wood that have slide out drawers. there's a small cut out in the top front of each drawer so you can stick your finger in and pull it out.
i want to paint it white, turn the drawers around, and add knobs so it looks like a tiny dresser. i got the idea from seeing a tiny white chest of drawers in a book called "vintage fabric" and i just love the idea of keeping much of my sewing stuff organized that way.
anyway, i'm concerned that paint will make the cheap wood swell and layer too thickly, and then the drawers unable to close. i was thinking of just staining it with white wood stain instead. but then i won't get the look i was going for anyway, so i was thinking of doing a fun color stain, like blue or red, and then perhaps doing some detail stenciling on the outside.
i also just got a digi camera, so this project will be posted all through every stage. ; )
any comments on using colored wood stain instead of painting? anyone think i'll have a problem with painting? and on the larger issues, when refinishing furniture, how do you all choose a decorating scheme that you think you'll like in several years?
Posted by PamTheQueen on 2005-02-18 22:47:54
Post Subject:
Name: Pam
Location: Noblesville, Indiana - a 'burb of Indianapolis
Age: 34
Married for 15.5 years (got married at 18!)
3 sons 14.5, 13, 11
Pets: Shih Tzu named Chuy (pron. "Chewy"), two cats: Roo and Sexy
Vintage fabric is my latest thing to go out looking for, but i've collected old glass pitchers, old postcards from Michigan and Indiana, little funny wooden or plastic (japanese candy box) characters, rubber art stamps, stationary, and tourist magnets.
I cover the entire art and craft spectrum. I think this is because I am probably ADD and cannot settle on one thing! This includes: painting, surface design, sewing, quilting, embroidery, metalsmithing, beading, weaving, knitting, needle felting, ceramics, mosaics, and much more! I spend most of my time sewing handbags and totes, however. Newest toy: Print Gocco! I'm in love...
I think I am DJ #3 in this thread. I've done radio, but I prefer live parties. Since '97, i've had my own disc jockey business. Weddings, school dances, reunions, community festivals, and stuff like the 60th surprise bday party I am doing tomorrow night. The music I listen to in my "off hours" is anything I don't play at parties! My recent favorite is a group called King Wilkie. Saw them at a folk music festival last year and i'm in love!
I drink waaaaay too much Diet Coke. Tipsy treats include the fresh squeezed margaritas and the Long Island Ice Teas my husband makes. I also like making my own sangria.
My 2001 Ford Escape has 110,000 miles on it from driving all over the US and to Canada. I love travelling!! I've also been to Germany and Austria a couple of times and this May will go to Ireland and the UK. I'm also thinking about driving to Arizona and New Mexico in a couple of weeks. Just for the heck of it!
My hometown is Grand Haven, Michigan. That is where the craftistas of Grand Rapids go for a beautiful clean beach! (Hello there, Miss GR!). I miss West Michigan so much. Luckily, family still lives there so we can visit. The rest of my family is in Florida and South Texas. How perfect is that?!
Posted by LulaBelle Designs on 2005-05-17 14:46:07
Post Subject:
lulabelle: Well done!!! Sometimes it's during 'stolen time' that we do our best work. I'm impressed you took the day off and didn't just sit on the couch! One of these days my parnter is going to take the day off and watch our son and that will be MY day off! I'm quite sure I won't be cleaning all day. I'm just not as strong as you! :)
My current house issue is my mom in coming in 2 days and I have to whip everything in to shape so I can continue my charade - !!!!why yes mom, the tub always sparkles like that!!!!
I don't think I'm really fooling anybody.
OHHH, I'm not strong!! Just really mad at myself for being so pathetic! I'm generally a lazy bum, which is how I got into this situation. :) Oh boy, a mom visit will kick anyone into cleaning mode! My step-mom is coming to housesit next weekend, which has been my motivation.
Here are my steps I am trying to take to minimize the "sick" days I will need to take to stay on top of my house
1. do dishes every night (which I hate to do!!), but they seriously pile up. And if one little mess is left in the kitchen, it all goes downhill from there!!!
2. Stay on top of laundry. 1 load every other day (it's only the 2 of us) and make sure it gets PUT AWAY, so the cats don't sleep in the basket and force me to wash it over again. And this includes folding and putting away clothes I may have worn once that can be worn again instead of throwing them on the floor and then having to wash them anyway.
3. Sweep every other day. All wood floors, and 5 animals. Not a good combination. The dustbunnies I get would scare the hell out of you!
4. Make a long, long list of unfinished projects and tick them off one by one. For example: I am sitting on piles of vintage fabric (seriously, like 1.5 dressers full!) that I keep meaning to use. But, I never get serious about using it or getting rid of it. and I save every scrap. Tonight I am going home and earmarking the good stuff for specific projects, and ditching the rest.
Posted by PamTheQueen on 2007-12-12 20:59:56
Post Subject:
Holy Cow! I started this thread 3 years ago this month!
It took me awhile to get around to it, but since that thread, i've made and sold tote bags for shopping. Here are some examples from this past year (these are big totes!!! 20 inches by 20 inches):
I also started making them out of recycled vintage fabric (even better for The Earth):
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bigpinkhouse/1002496123/in/set-72157594183817906/
I've sold them via Etsy, private sales, and shows. I am wiped out of all of the market/grocery bags, but I am sooooo happy to see more people interested in not using plastic.
Thanks for letting me remember why I started making and offering these bags (certainly not to get rich...ha!).
Posted by ANG on 2006-02-07 22:03:51
Post Subject:
Hey! Just got my site organized. Vintage fabric, used craft books, handmade purses,pincushions, pouches,ect...awsome handmade gifts
www.lazydazeconnection.com
Posted by JamieSmith on 2005-01-14 01:30:52
Post Subject:
Jamie Smith
~Nothing over $50.00~
Please come and check out our online boutique with new and vintage fabric handbags. Sweet florals and vintage tea towels used to make some of the prettiest handbags around.
I get inspiration from a lot of places but most notably from my sister (Nini) - she has incredible taste and style. Don't have much inventory now (maybe because I take a little too much time tweaking and tweaking, a bit fussy) but will be adding more soon. Love to swap links here or PM me.
Posted by primrose on 2004-09-26 08:21:18
Post Subject:
Just discovered this site and forum recently, so... my site is
http://www.primrosedesign.com
I have a huge collection of vintage fabric, kitschy embroidered linens, and buttons and have been making pillows from them for a year or so. The website went on-line this summer. Now I'm working on ideas for bags/purses and some baby things (I also have a vintage baby section on the site).
The rest of the time I'm a freelance graphic designer. Yes, all I do is work
If anyone would like to exchange links, just let me know.
Posted by Pouch on 2007-11-27 08:53:37
Post Subject: New website
Hi there, I''m new to getcrafty, but hope to find out more about the site, there''s certainly ALOT of crafty things to read on here :)
I run a small company called Pouch. At Pouch we make unique accessories and homewares from vintage and recycled material. Our range includes not only bags, but belts, peg bags and bag dispensers too. Due to the fact we use vintage fabric, many of our items are one-offs and the vast majority are limited edition. Our products are robust, practical and very stylish. Individually hand crafted and skillfully sewn to a high standard, you can be assured our handmade products have not been mass produced and nobody was exploited in making them. Our ethos is to promote low impact, environmentally friendly, local production.
