Freezer Paper Stencil Aviator Shirt Tutorial

Did you know that you can easily make perfect designs on fabric using freezer paper? Yep, the kitchen kind used to wrap meat, sandwiches, etc!

Here what you will need:

Freezer Paper (Can be found in Grocery Stores or amazon.com)

Xacto Knife

Cutting Mat (or old magazine)

Fabric Paint (I got mine here)

Paint Sponge Brush

Iron & Ironing Board

Here is how it' s done:

First draw The design you want to use onto the paper,

 and then cut out using Xacto blade and cutting mat.

 Using a hot iron with the STEAM OFF,

 press the stencil onto the fabric, waxy/ shiny side DOWN.

Continue to press until all edges of the paper 

are securely attached to the fabric. 

 Then, using fabric paint and sponge brush, paint in the stencil.

 Use an up and down motion for best results.

 Allow paint to dry, and carefully peel away to paper.

In places of small detail, use your knife to help peel the paper away.
Press the painted stencil with a cool iron to help it bond.

You can reuse your paper as long as it holds up! :)

Have fun! 

Sylvie

Linked to:

XL Shirt To Girl's Dress

My favorite projects are the ones the cost next to nothing! 

I got this shirt for $.20 at the thrift store!

The steps I followed where similar to this tutorial I did last spring. 

It was a super fast and easy project, and I am pleased with the results!

I love when I can use existing necklines, it makes it go way faster!

 I used extra fabric off the bottom of the shirt to make ruffles for the bottom.

 Always remember to sew right sides together! :)

 Isn't it fun! And $.20!!! I feel so accomplished. ;)

I also used most of the same steps when recycling this sweater.

Have a good week! :)

Sylvie

Thank you all for your votes in the kitchen giveaway! 
Although I did not make it to the top ten, I still appreciate all of your votes!
The good news for you guys is, now you will see my kitchen transform in a much more economical way, rather than being funded (when it ever gets done that is!)! ;)

Upcycled Mom's Shrunk Sweater To Child's Sweater

My entry into Shwin&Shwin's Link Party  sponsored by Appliances Online.

I picked up a nice cotton sweater for myself at a thrift store...

And then I shrunk it in the dryer. :(

So I turned it into a child's size sweater instead! Problem solved!

I forgot to take pics, so I'll show you how with drawings.

Drawing is not my strong point, don't judge! ;)

First using another child's sweater as a pattern, I cut the pieces:

Then, I opened up the pieces and pinned the sleeves to the body.

Right sides facing.

 This is the only point I remembered to snap a pic. Don't ask why!

 Then fold the sweater right sides in, into a sweater shape, pin, and sew:

Turn the sweater right side out. Sew the cuff pieces into a loop

the same size as the sweater bottom. Pin the right side of the cuff

against the right side of the sweater, with the raw cut ends together. Sew along the pins:

Trim your excess seams and threads, iron seams, and you are finished! :)

This is an easy recycling project for any adult clothes 

that the neck is small enough for a child!

Have fun! 

-Sylvie

I Need You!!!!!!! -Voting Is Now Closed

Hey guys! Today is the day!!!!!!

I NEED you!!!

 Remember when I told you all about a sweet giveaway (here,)

where I showed you all embarrassing pics of my ugly kitchen?

Today through September 14, voting is open on the Epic Room Giveaway over at Vintage Revivals!

How can you vote? Simply click on the picture below, and it will lead you to the giveaway post. Scroll to the bottom, and you'll see all of the entrants. My entry is #21 Sylvie. Just click on the star below my entry to vote! Please??

Please would you all be such dears and head over  there and vote for me!?!?!?! Please?
My kitchen is where I spend so much of my day, and it is the ugliest room in the house! It is dark and gloomy. It is outdated and crusty. I would tackle it myself, but will be such a HUGE job, and I am overwhelmed by the thought of doing it alone!  (I also have a hard time swallowing the thought of spending that  many dollars on one room!)

If I am chosen, I will surely share extra pics with you all,  and will tell you all about working with Mandi and Hailee.
Please VOTE FOR ME HERE (#21 Sylvie) and tell all your friends (and enemies) to vote for me too!  (Now through Sept 14, 2012)
Thank you so much guys!  And as always, thank you for reading my blog! :)
-Sylv

Best Chili Recipe Ever

Ok well, WE think this is the best chili recipe ever...

but just like chocolate chip cookies,

 every family has their own "best" recipe! :)

Here is how I always make mine...

Best Chili Ever...

Ingredients:

  1 lb ground beef, browned and drained

  1 jar traditional Prego marinara

  1 16 oz can pinto beans

  1 16 oz can chili beans 

  1 16 oz can Bush's baked beans

  1 16 oz can diced tomatoes

  1/8 cup dried italian seasoning

  1 glug balsamic vinegar

  1 Tbsp chili powder

  2 Tbsp BBQ dressing 

Directions:

  Drain the pinto beans. Combine all ingredients in a large pot. Simmer over low-medium heat 1-2 hours, stirring often. Serve with greek yogurt, shredded chedder cheese and crackers. Enjoy! 

Let's talk about a few things real quick before you head to the store... 

-Yes, you can use ground turkey if you prefer.

-You can substitute the Prego marinara for any tomato sauce.

-I wouldn't substitute the baked beans for any other brand, I've tried!

-If you are having a larger crowd, add double the sauce and/or    beans to make more!

-Lastly, buy a good balsamic vinegar!!!! 

Balsamic vinegar is much better with age. It is aged in wood casks just like wine. It takes years and years to make a good batch, so that  process comes with a price. However, the price is WELL worth it! Cheap balsamic vinegar tastes sour like white vinegar. Good, more expensive balsamic vinegar tastes sweet. So the moral of the story is, buy a balsamic vinegar that has been aged longer, and yes, costs more.  The best (while being economical) that I have found is the Kirkland Brand at Costco.

Enjoy!!! :)

-Sylvie

Burlap Messenger Bag With Bow

Here is what I've been up to lately...

 We have two new purses in our shop!

One for women, and one for girls!

Like what you see? Shop now!

Because each bag is handmade by me, 

there are never two identical bags!

 So if you like what you see, buy now before it is gone! 

Have a good weekend, and thanks for reading! :)

-Sylv

Baby Gift From An Old Tee Shirt DIY

Remember my baby gift tutorial that I posted earlier this spring?

Well, I made another baby girl gift using the same steps!

For this project, I used an upcycled tee shirt for fabric...

I packaged it in a little origami box I made form cardstock, 

topped with one of my handmade flowers.

When I want to make an origami box, 

I just look up a origami box tutorial on youtube!

You could make this same project for a boy, 

using a sailboat, car, bike, whale, owl... on the shirt!

 I used my walking foot to sew on the heart. I still haven't located 

my fabric stabilizer; it sure would have been nice to have some!

Also, rather than a ruffle, I just added a stack of raw 

fabric strips as the hem. It made a neat layered look!

To make the little headband, I simply sewed the ends of a  long rectangle 

piece of knit together, then sewed a tube of knit around the seam!

Here is what my first outfit of this sort looked like:

You can find the tutorial here.

-Sylvie

This Kitchen Makes Me Want To Puke In My Mouth..

THE CASE OF THE OUTDATED KITCHEN... 

This lovely kitchen was put in in the 80s. It's the same age as me.

Only difference is I've made a few updates to myself since then, 

and this kitchen is still EXACTLY the same!! Heave. Heave.

If my kitchen was a person, it would have big hair, a black (with puffy neon words) shirt that looks more like a tent, a pair of super long-butt pants, and blue eye shadow that is like, the bombdigity! 

The counter is stained, has holes in it, and has this stellar texture- 

perfect for gathering all the food my kids leave behind! 

I keep threatening Mr. Liv that if something isn't done about that counter, he may not find any clean underwear in the magic refilling drawer anymore! ;) 

The top cupboards gather all my awesome stash.

You know, the stash that some soft sweet voice tells you is so convenient to have, while a harsh low voice is telling you to PITCH THE JUNK BEFORE IT COMES ALIVE AND TAKES OVER!!! 

The trim under the cabinets was done wrong. Well, where actually WAS done, it was done wrong! 

Yikes! I could do better myself!!

The 1980s cupboards are in desperate need of some paint, new stain, or maybe they're actually in need of being hurled to the curb!

The tile back splash is not all there, due to a cupboard moving project that I started without Mr. Liv. What? Me? I would never!!

The knobs where once brass, 
but now have a layer of chipping black paint on them... 

The appliances don't match. Now I'm no fan of fancy matchy- wahtchy, but they're THREE different colors!!! Maybe I should bust out the paint!?

The sink is one of those really cool ones that the finish wears out after a while, and next thing you know, your denture cleaner up and eats the finish off the bottom of the sink! (NO, I don't have dentures, I just have denture cleaner... Sheesh!) 

I found a lovely new faucet at a garage sale, but it doesn't fit the gorgeous sink, so I'm still waiting to find an awesome sink in someone's junk pile! 

I have these tremendous urges to put a little Band-Aid on my pride and go ahead and point out the two things I like about my kitchen... and then go on about why I haven't tackled redoing it yet.

But I'm gonna go ahead and say it... 
I need help with this big project! 
Ok, phew, it's out there! 
The first step is admitting your problem right? :)

Insert: Mandi from Vintage Revivals... 
Mandi is giving away another Epic Room Makeover!!! 
My kitchen NEEDS this makeover SOOOO bad! 

******************************************************

Dear Mandi,

   I have a problem. Her name is 1980's Gloomy Eyesore. She still is healthy, and operates well, but she is hideous and gloomy. She could really use a shot of your bright cheerfulness, as well as some serious plastic surgery. 

  I have seen the face lifts that you have previously performed, and I am thoroughly impressed with your work. You are a perfect candidate to operate on 1980's Gloomy Eyesore. Now, remember, she is very near and dear to me, as I spent many hours a day with her, and she is the center of my home. 

  I strongly believe that we, as a team, can restore her to her former beauty. We all deserve to age with grace, and I would hate to see her get left behind, in the pit of stonewashed jeans. 

  If you indeed come here with your paintbrush and screwdriver in hand, she and I will do all that we can to perform our best for you. Together with her I will make you the most delicious meal you've ever experienced. She will stand strong in front of us no matter how much we put her through. Of this I am convinced. 

  Please Mandi, come help out 1980's Gloomy Eyesore! It will definitely be a hoot and a holler and a stellar time!!!

P.S. Michigan is just plain lovely in the fall. 

       You have to experience it! :)

Love, Sylvie

******************************************************

Mandi can work wonders in any room. I spend most of my day in this room, yet it is the ugliest room in the house!  I really need Mandi and her pal Hailee to come storming in here and help me whip this room into shape! 
So why am I telling you lovely readers about this? I need your help too!
September 7- 14, I need you all to head over to Vintage Revivals and VOTE FOR ME!!! Tell all your friends and enemies to vote for me too!! I will definitely remind you all on Sept 7 to cast your vote. Thanks so much guys, cross your fingers for me!
-Sylv

Reader To Reader Inspiration

How about some inspiration for you, from another reader just like you?!

Sarah and Fotis D of El Segundo, CA used our

 Industrial Shelf Tutorial here to create their own version!

Aren't they pretty! I love the colors they chose!
Nice work Sarah and Fotis, and thank you for sharing!!

Here is what mine look like...

I still smile at these shelves every time I walk into the room!:)

You can find the tutorial, and a materials list here.

Enjoy!

-Sylvie

Simple Maple Rosemary Steamed Carrots Recipe

Maple Rosemary Carrots

Vegetables that taste like candy!? I'm all about that! :)

Making candied carrots is super simple.

On Monday I shared my spaghetti squash recipe, and I served it with candied carrots.

 I love meals that sneak in vegetables! 

Ingredients:

Carrots peeled and sliced small

Pure Maple Syrup

Dried Rosemary

(All amounts will vary depending on how big a portion you'd like!)

Directions:

Place a layer of carrots in the bottom of a microwave safe dish and with a lid.

I like to use my microwave steamer (which is basically a bowl with a lid that has holes in it). 

Pour maple syrup over the carrots just enough to coat the carrots. They do not have to be completely submerged, just pour enough to cover the bottom and give the carrots all a syrup layer. 

Cover with lid and microwave high until the carrots are tender when poked with a fork. About 10-12 min, depending on the strength of the microwave.

Drain the syrup off the carrots and sprinkle with dried rosemary.

Serve warm, enjoy! :)

-Sylvie