Archives

Vintage at Heart: class/tutorial

Oct30

Vintage at Heart: 1 lesson/ $25.00

vintageatheartThese hearts are a great way to mix the old with the new, and they are a great project that can be completed in a few hours. Bring your stash of vintage and new buttons, a bit of fabric and voila you have made an heirloom that can be treasured for years to come

heart broochLace and bits of ribbon can also be added in for extra touches. Finishing options for a pin will be covered and suggestions for an ornament and wall hanging will be discussed.

Bonus Handout: What is in Your Button Box? and Dating Buttons by Materials and Styles. All of us have a stash, and it is fun to find out just what is in that stash!

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

National BUTTON WEEK!!!

Mar15

In honor of National Button week I thought that I would share a few of my projects where I used buttons, lots and lots of buttons.

The following two images show that buttons are the queen! And that she graciously allows ribbons, trims and other ephemera to come along for the ride!

buttons, lace, ribbon, charms, steampunk
buttons, charms, ribbon

The following two images are from classes that I have taught at the International Quilt Festival in Houston Texas.

button bracelet, vintage buttons, beads

This is another class that I used to teach, beads and buttons, what more could you ask for?

beaded bracelets

Here are the links for the rest of the week:

Hope that you enjoyed looking! Happy stitching! ~Christen

Day 31 of FLOWERS GALORE!

May31

Day 31 of FLOWERS GALORE!

vintage buttons, vintage hanky

vintage buttons, felt heart

This is an ensemble I made with some of my favorite buttons. The white buttons in the necklace were from my friend Phred, with the remainder of the buttons primarily celluloid and Bakelite. These are stitched down onto a vintage jacquard ribbon base. The bracelet on the left is made from vintage Czech glass buttons using a bead woven stitch. The bracelet on the right is made from celluloid flower charms, new plastic sunflower buttons, and acrylic leaves connected to a celluloid chain. The vintage clip-on earrings are made from plastic with a little bit of bling.  I made the pin in high school, so it too is vintage!

Happy Stitching, enjoy~ Christen!

Beaded Embroidery Stitching Blog Tour

Apr8

I am proud to announce that my book on bead embroidery and bead weaving is HERE! Within the 160 pages of Beaded Embroidery Stitching you will find information on the types of beads and embellishments that you can use in the 125 bead-embroidery and bead-woven stitches. There are over eight projects, ranging from beginning to advanced, including wallhangings, a sewing caddy, jewelry, and more. I have included additional inspiration for each project, showing a different color way, or a different take on the design, and a gallery section for more ideas.

There are some amazingly talented people that are participating in this tour. I want to thank each and every one of them for agreeing to participate in the launch of my new book.

Please visit their blogs to read what they have to say, and for a chance to win an ebook of Beaded Embroidery Stitching.

Happy Stitching to you all!

Enjoy~ Christen

Day 3 of HEARTS: Vintage at Heart

Feb3

Day 3 of HEARTS!

Many of you know that I love hearts! I love the shapes and all of the possibilities. These brooches are from my class Vintage at Heart. This is a great beginner class that explores the use of buttons, trims and lace on this wonderful shape. Every button deserves love!

Happy February to you!

~Christen

Vintage at Heart

Jul20

Vintage at Heart with Christen Brown

vintageatheartThese hearts are a great way to mix the old with the new, and they are a great project that can be completed in a few hours. Bring your stash of vintage and new buttons, a bit of fabric and voila you have made an heirloom that can be treasured for years to come

heart broochBasic straight stitches as well as embroidery stitches will be covered. Lace and bits of ribbon can also be added in for extra touches. Finishing options for a pin will be covered and suggestions for an ornament and wall hanging will be discussed.

Bonus Handout: What is in Your Button Box? and Dating Buttons by Materials and Styles. All of us have a stash, and it is fun to find out just what is in that stash!

Details:

Class Fee: $25.00/2 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: hand sewing a must, some embroidery knowledge will be helpful.

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

Ocean Rivers: class/tutorial

Dec8

Ocean Rivers: 4 lessons/ $45.00

ocean rivers braceletThis class will teach you a little bit about the freedom of expression the “free form peyote stitch” can bring to your technical repertoire. The launching point of your bracelet and your creative explosion will start with a simple grosgrain ribbon, a small collection of buttons, a variety of seed beads in several sizes and colors combined with a few small treasures. Bring your imagination and creative spirit….

Skill Level Intermediate: beading knowledge needed

Lesson One: You will cut and prep the ribbon base; we will talk about setting up your beads; learn about focal placement and the stitching the buttons in place; then create your first tidal currents.

Lesson Two: We will explore the basic peyote stitch; changing from between bead sizes within the current; making connections and creating more tidal currents; and adding in new thread.

Lesson Three: We will cover creating waves along the outer reaches of the bracelet; stitching in the tidal pool treasures such as larger beads, sequins and chips with single bead stoppers, cascades and picots.

Lesson Four: Finishing touches: stitching the button and closure loop; stitching the beaded shell edging; and barnacle extras.

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

Garden at Versailles Bracelet: class/tutorial

Dec6

Garden at Versailles: 2 lessons/$25.00

beaded braceletButtons, beads, charms and more adorn this bracelet made for a queen. The two main components are the base, which can be a plain or patterned ribbon; and the buttons, which can be new or vintage, glass, plastic or metal. The rest is all about beads, glass charms and your imagination.

Skill Level Intermediate: embroidery and beading knowledge helpful

Lesson1: The first part of the lesson will cover how to make the base of your bracelet. The second part will be about stitching on your buttons, and creating the center flower and stamens around each button.

Lesson 2: This lesson will cover large glass bead placement, beaded sprays, beaded berry vines, beaded leaves, and berries. The assembly for your bracelet will include more 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

Flora Dora and Daisy Chain RAW Bracelets: class/tutorial

Dec6

Flora Dora and Daisy Chain RAW Bracelets: 3 lessons/$30.00

beaded bracelets

Do you have a wonderful stash of buttons and beads that are just waiting for the right project to come along? Well consider these beaded and buttoned up bracelets, which are made using two different Right Angle Weave techniques. The first bracelet simple and elegant the other feminine and charming; both take only a short amount of time to make.

Skill Level Intermediate: beading knowledge needed

Lesson 1: This class will cover both of the different RAW techniques. You will create a sample from seed beads, that will use both techniques and if you choose you can create a third bracelet as a bonus.

Lesson 2: This class will cover the “Flora Dora” bracelet that is created with the “one needle” RAW technique. I have used a variety of shank buttons in different colors in one sample, and identical mother of pearl buttons in the other. This bracelet is also made with two different sizes of seed beads, Czech glass beads and glass leaves.

Lesson 3: This class will cover the “Daisy Chain” bracelet that is created with the “two needle” RAW technique using buttons that have sew-through holes. I have used a variety of dark muscle shell buttons in one and identical carved muscle shell buttons in the other. This bracelet is also made with three different sizes of seed beads, Czech glass beads, novelty glass beads and charms.

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

Recycled Jewels

Jun10

Recycling is something we learned very early at our house. The motto was if you can’t make it, then you buy it!

I have been playing around with this and that, odd bits of leftovers and just some junky stuff. This is what I have come up with…

charms, watches, bracelet

I had been collecting these ladies dress watches for a few years, and I have finally decided that they would make a great link bracelet. I found an vintage charm bracelet on eBay, that had most of the old charms you see here. I added in a few new ones that I sell in my store.

link bracelet, charms, buttons

This piece started with a box link bracelet blank. I glued mother of pearl buttons to the flat portion of the links. Then I gathered bits of charms, old earrings and some of this and that stuff that you can’t throw away.

link bracelet, charms, buttons

This bracelet is similar to the above bracelet, with the mother of pearl buttons that have been dyed blue. I added old shoe and glove buttons, some made of metal and others made of leather. I also added in the top portion of some old zippers.

Happy Stitching! ~Christen