Archives

Friday’s Favorites: the Junk Drawer

Well in this case, well organized boxes of junk, collected ephemera: some new, some found in the street, some found in the craft section of my favorite haunts.

And more boxes and containers of the stuff I just can’t seem to discard, and thankfully no one has asked me to yet either!

Junk-Man Series: All manner of collected ephemera, cast away junk, and fun stuff.

Junk Jewels: Gathered and collected bits, odd singles, old earrings, watches, zipper pulls, and other treasures.

Junked-Up Mixed Media: Assorted small wall decorations, made from paper, glue, and found treasures.

Happy Stitching, or in this case, searching, gathering, and gluing! ~Christen

Lace Christmas Tree: Free Handout

This felt project is fun, fast and easy to make for yourself or someone you love! Use up your tiny bits of precious lace, appliqués, and trims to create a hand-sewn collaged tree. The lace tree can be embroidered and embellished with stitches, buttons and more. It can be used as a pillow, or you could add a piece of ribbon to the top, for wall hanging.

You can download the free PDF handout here.

Happy Stitching ~Christen

Tidbits and Tats: class/tutorial

Tidbits and Tats: 1 lesson/$30.00

tidbitsandtats1

Tidbits and Tats is my version of the popular “snip rolls”. This is a fun, fast and easy project to make for yourself or someone you love! Perfect for you to use your tiny bits of precious lace, fabric, ribbon, appliques and trims to create a hand sewn collaged base. The lace base can be embroidered and embellished with buttons, sequins and charms. You can add in your own flare with other items such as fabric yo-yo’s and ribbonwork flowers.

tidbitsandtats2

Skill Level Beginning: hand-sewing and embroidery knowledge needed

Class Information

This class can be purchased at any time, there is no set schedule. The class can be ordered by contacting Christen: thestoreonthecorner@gmail.com. She will send you an invoice through PayPal.

Once the class is paid for, the supply list and handout/s will be sent out.

A high-speed internet connection is recommended, and you must have basic computer and internet skills. You will need to be able know how to download and save a document to your computer’s hard drive, open it, and print out a copy.

You can contact Christen with any questions pertaining to the class/class information throughout the length of the class.

Class fees will not be refunded.

Happy Stitching! ~Christen

Tide Pools Nature’s Treasures

Tide Pools Natures Treasures

Tide Pools Nature’s Treasures

Being a native of Southern CA., a shell lover from early child hood, and an avid collector I am drawn to the ocean, the sand, the waves, the tide-pools and all of the treasures that you can find.

beach sand

I started my project with birch bark collected many years ago from our cabin outside of Toronto, Ontario Canada. This I used for the sand, and the inside of the bowls.

I then crumpled up pieces of cotton paper to create the waves, and rocks. I stitched these together with cotton and rayon threads on my sewing machine. I placed this on an old wooden tray, that had seen better days.

The next step was to create the actual tide pool rock formations that capture the sea life and shells.

I started with Timtex and more cotton paper. I cut round shapes in three different sizes. I layered cotton paper over these, and cut out round pieces of birch bark for the center of the bowls.

I stitched the layers together on the sewing machine. I then cut darts into the circles, and over lapped these to form the bowl shape. The last step was to cut the edges of each bowl and then machine stitch over these edges.

shells, sea life and kelp

shells, sea life and kelp

I had an abundance of real shells that I had collected over the many years of beach combing. I had a great time selecting which of these would be included into my beach scene.

I also had some old celluloid buttons that were somewhat grungy, but the colors matched and the patterning looked like sea urchins to me, these are interspersed amongst the bowls.

I thought that it would be cool to include shells and sea life that I had made from ribbons, crochet and embroidery. I started to play and this is what I came up with:

  • A crochet length of kelp with cord and pearl cotton, and grape shells at each leaf (these have a florist wire glued in the center to attach to the kelp)
  • Crochet and embroidered snail shells
  • Embroidered sea urchins, sea anemones and limpet shells
  • Embroidered and gathered ribbon coral
  • Ric-rac coral and star fish
  • Plumes of something made from rayon cord (I am not sure what these are but I liked them)

close-up view of three sizes of bowls

close-up view of three sizes of bowls

Happy beach combing and treasure hunting, enjoy- Christen!

Tidbits and Tats

tidbitsandtats1

Tidbits and Tats is my version of the popular “snip rolls”. This is a fun, fast and easy project to make for yourself or someone you love! Bring your tiny bits of precious lace, fabric, ribbon, appliques and trims to create a hand sewn collaged base. The lace base can be embroidered and embellished with buttons, sequins and charms. You can add in your own flare with other items such as fabric yo-yo’s and ribbonwork flowers.

tidbitsandtats2

Details:

Class Fee: $30.00/4 hour class

*Please note that this class does not include any of the materials, supplies or tools; these must be provided by the student.

Class Requirements: You must know how to hand sew. You must know these embroidery stitches:  straight, lazy daisy, French Knot and some bead embroidery stitches before class.

Date and time: This class is not currently scheduled.

Specifics:

This class fee is paid directly to Christen. This can be paid by a PayPal invoice, or by cash or check the day of class. Please email Christen:thestoreonthecorner@gmail.com to inquire about the availability of space for the date listed above.

Happy Stitching ~Christen

Magic Web: class/tutorial

Magic Web: 2 lessons/$30.00

machine stitched laceThis is a great technique project; I call it Metallic Threads 101, but it doesn’t stop there. In class you will make a “magic web” from bits of precious scraps, decorative yarns and metallic threads, sandwiched together with Solvy and machine stitching, lots of machine stitching. The unique fabric that you create will be used as a base for a heart shaped brooch that will be embellished with buttons and beads.

Skill Level Intermediate: sewing machine and some embroidery knowledge needed

Lesson 1: Making your “magic web” from precious bits of this and that. Keep in mind that you can create a larger piece of fabric, even a scarf with these techniques.

solvy fused fabric, lace and yarnLesson 2: Creating a base for the brooch from the machine-stitched “magic web” using bits of silk or cotton fabric. Choose from 2 different heart shapes, to create your brooch and embellish this with buttons and beads.

Class Information

These classes can be purchased at any time, there is no set schedule. The class can be ordered by contacting Christen: thestoreonthecorner@gmail.com. She will send you an invoice through PayPal.

Once the class is paid for, the supply list will be sent out. The lessons will begin one week after the purchase of the class, unless otherwise stated. You will receive an email with the lesson attached. The following lesson/s will arrive one week after the previous lesson.

A high speed internet connection is recommended, and you must have basic computer and internet skills. You will need to be able know how to download and save a document to your computer’s hard drive, open it and print out a copy.

You can contact Christen with any questions pertaining to the class/class information throughout the length of the class.

Class fees will not be refunded.

Happy Stitching,

~Christen

Embellished Silk Treasures: class/tutorial

Embellished Silk Treasures: 3 lessons/$30.00

silk painter's hankiesIn this class you will take a two silk painter’s hankies and turn them into a work of art! The hankies will be split, sandwiched, then machine stitched into a framed silk canvas base. This silken canvas will be embellished with a Painter’s Potpourri Pack full of threads, cocoons, a silk carrier rod and assorted threads. But the embellishments do not stop there! You will make your own beads and button shapes; and cut the pelmet Vilene into strips. These components will then be embroidered to the silk canvas with silk buttonhole twist. Directions will also be given to make silk ribbon pods and additional fabric beads. A few simple embroidered and beaded stitches will add that final touch, turning this unusual group of materials into a one of a kind Embellished Silk Treasure.

Skill Level Intermediate: sewing machine and embroidery knowledge needed

Lesson 1: In this class you will take the silk hankies and create a canvas with a backing material and lots of machine stitching. One hanky will form the center of the canvas, and another will form the frame. Paint and the dyed yarns from the Painter’s Potpourri pack will be used to further embellish the surface of the canvas.

Lesson 2: In this class you will cut the pelmet Vilene into strips or shapes; and make button rounds and fabric beads from the machine stitched hankies. Other embellishment options will be discussed along with the design of these components. Silk ribbon pods, with thread embellished beads and cocoons will help to complete the design.

Lesson 3: In this class you will learn the embroidery stitches which include: straight, herringbone, Cretan, and colonial knot. These are used to attach the design components to the canvas. A few simple beaded stitches such as single, double, detail bead and long loops will be added to finish the design. Suggestions for backing the canvas will also be included.

Class Information

These classes can be purchased at any time, there is no set schedule.The class can be ordered by contacting Christen: thestoreonthecorner@gmail.com. She will send you an invoice through PayPal.

Once the class is paid for, the supply list will be sent out. The lessons will begin one week after the purchase of the class, unless otherwise stated. You will receive an email with the lesson attached. The following lesson/s will arrive one week after the previous lesson.

A high speed internet connection is recommended, and you must have basic computer and internet skills. You will need to be able know how to download and save a document to your computer’s hard drive, open it and print out a copy.

You can contact Christen with any questions pertaining to the class/class information throughout the length of the class.

Class fees will not be refunded.

Happy Stitching,

~Christen

Chantilly Lady’s Lace Cuff: class/tutorial

Chantilly Lady’s Lace Cuff: 4 lessons/$42.00

chantilly1This lovely lace cuff is reminiscent of tranquil days lounging on an overstuffed satin pouf, or demurely sashaying along a tree-lined avenue, parasol in hand. Two separate processes, one with Texture Magic, and the other with Solvy make the base of the cuff and the lace frill; pre-made lace will also be used. There are two styles to choose from that will be embellished with needle-tatted and crochet components, ribbonwork flowers, a few silk ribbon embroidery stitches, beads and buttons. The base can be left in the natural colors of the lace, or you can dye the components with the self-setting Colorhue dyes (no other dye will be covered). Please also note that basic crochet knowledge will be very helpful.

Skill Level Advanced: sewing machine, embroidery, ribbonwork and crochet knowledge needed

Lesson 1: In this lesson you will explore working with Texture Magic, making the base of the bracelet with bits of lace enmeshed on the top. The next step is to take the Solvy and small amounts of lace turning them into a lacey trim for the cuff.

Lesson 2. In this lesson you will dye the base, lace frill, any extra lace trims and appliqués along with the perle cotton and ribbons.

Lesson 3: In this lesson you will be making the floral components. Directions for beginning needle tatting with four basic stitches; two basic crochet flowers will be included, it is recommended that you have crochet experience. Directions for four ribbonwork flowers round out the floral components.

Lesson 4. In this lesson the floral components and appliqués will be assembled onto the base, adding in a few silk ribbon embroidery stitches. Embellishments will also include a few beads and buttons. Directions will be provided for assembling the base cuff and lace frills.

Class Information

These classes can be purchased at any time, there is no set schedule.The class can be ordered by contacting Christen: thestoreonthecorner@gmail.com. She will send you an invoice through PayPal.

Once the class is paid for, the supply list will be sent out. The lessons will begin one week after the purchase of the class, unless otherwise stated. You will receive an email with the lesson attached. The following lesson/s will arrive one week after the previous lesson.

A high speed internet connection is recommended, and you must have basic computer and internet skills. You will need to be able know how to download and save a document to your computer’s hard drive, open it and print out a copy.

You can contact Christen with any questions pertaining to the class/class information throughout the length of the class.

Class fees will not be refunded.

Happy Stitching!

~Christen

 

And Bingo was his Name-O

mixed media collage

Billy AKA “Yukon Jack” and his trusty steed “Bingo were the BMOTB (Big Men on the Block), 100 proof, all boy and all horse!

My collage started with this lovely image of a happy little boy on a pony, I added in bingo paper, image of a ruler, image of text, art papers, acrylic paints, and some bits of paper from a bottle of whiskey.

This one is for my Hubby, cause he is 100 proof, OH My Man! Love ~C

Romance

mixed media heart

Romance

Maria had just left the fortune teller’s shop when a dashing young man stopped her on the street.
With the words of Madame Travina ringing in her ears”Romance and passion are waiting for you just outside the door!”, Maria boldly grabbed the stranger and kissed him. As he grabbed her waist, and kissed her back she thought Madame Travina was right, she was romantically swept off her feet with passion!
Originally Joseph (the dashing young stranger) had stopped Maria just to ask her for directions, oddly enough to Madame Travina’s shop. As he found himself kissing Maria, he thought he wasn’t in that much of a hurry, and kissing was always a good thing!

This is a collage of greeting cards, art paper, painted paper, gold and black ink pen, vintage velvet flowers, vintage lace, vintage beaded strands and tin hearts.

Enjoy what you do! ~Christen