Math and MaryAnne

I have a dressform I've named MarryAnne. She is most often used as my coat and scarf rack but when it comes to making patterns, she is very helpful.

There are two common forms of making a garment pattern:

Flat -- you start with a beginning basic pattern, work on a flat surface and use varied tools along with math. 

Draping -- you use a dressform to shape a pattern with large sheets of pattern paper (I use tissue paper), pins and scissors.

Since I have so much regard for math but also enjoy working three-dimensionally, I make patterns using both pattern-making forms... "Math and MarryAnne"

For my Christmas card picture this year I wanted to make a jacket. This gave me the chance to take a few pictures of the pattern process.

I didn't have the time to fully produce my pattern with lining and so I made a jacket out of wool felt. When you buy a wool blended felt and then wash it in hot water, it creates a fun marbled texture. (If you plan to wash your garments after you make it, it is very important to wash the fabric before you cut the pattern pieces =) Felt fabrics don't fray, thus leaving cuts crisp and no need to secure with sewing. That also allowed me to creatively put several seams facing outward. Luckily for me, wool felt is warm since it was 34 degrees out when we took my pictures!

I'm saving the Christmas card picture for a later post =).

How to make your own glass magnets

ONE - The most creative way to gather words for phrases is to cut up a magazine. I find though that it takes quite a bit of time to do this, so I print them out in fun fonts. However it is very important that if you print on an ink jet printer, you must copy the words off on a copier (or the words will bleed once glue is applied). Cut out the words and glue them onto small pieces of colorful paper or magazine clippings. Just make sure the pieces of paper are slightly bigger than the glass you will be using. Don't worry about being sloppy with the glue.

TWO - I use large floral glass marbles which are shaped like a disc (not a sphere). There is one side of the glass that is smoother than the other. On the less smooth side, apply a generous amount of crafters glue. I like this glue because it is thicker than average glue. Spread the glue to the edges with your finger.

THREE - Place the glue side down on the piece of paper over words. Glently press down to get out air bubbles. It is okay if glue squeezes out the sides. Be sure that you are on a flat surface or the glass will begin to slide off the paper. Wait 5-10 minutes and double check for any more air bubbles. If there are any, pick it up and try to press them out to the sides by pressing on the paper side. This is also a time to double check the placement of, or make any adjustments to the glass. Then turn all the pieces up-side down so that the glass is down. This will allow the glue to dry through the paper. At this point it will take a while for the glue to dry. I let them dry over night.

FOUR - Take a pair of scissors and cut away the extra paper. Hold the scissors at an angle and cut as you turn the glass the full circle. You will likely be cutting through the excess dried glue as you go. 

FIVE - If you've used magazine clippings or lightweight paper for the background,  glue on an extra piece of paper before super gluing the magnet to ensure the super glue will not show through.

SIX - Apply super glue to the paper and affix a magnet. I use 3/4" ceramic magnets. They will dry within 15 - 20 minutes and you’re all done!

PHOTO Substitutions - The trick to using photos is to first make a color copy of the picture. Photo paper will not allow the glue to dry. Secondly, check to see and make note where the glass will need to be placed on the faces before going on to the glue stage. If a face ends up too close to the edge, it looks oddly distorted.

Cute photos don't really NEED fun frames

There are a lot of great photographers taking artistic photos. I even happen to know some. Artistic photos can be so inspiring and when I know the person pictured, I can't help but love them all the more. These photos could be in just a simple black frame a still overflow with joy, but since they are so inspiring, I can't help but let the creativity continue with fun frames.

I've been recovering frames for several years. Here are just a couple examples.