Artist Trading Cards- Steam Punk

I was going for Steam punk with goggles but I think I got a little Planet of the Apes in there too!  I used collage, real typewriter pages from 25 years ago, gears, guitar parts scrounged from the workshop, vintage lace and magazine photos.  Then I painted it all with coffee to give it a more aged look.  After the swap, I was left with the 3 big gorilla faces.  Maybe a little too freaky?  It was fun making them.

Lovely Lace

I love lace in all its delicate forms.  I don't wear much, but I'd like to.  I've just never thought of myself as a ruffles and lace gal.  Here is an exhibit, "Lost in Lace" , that promises to be anything but traditional.  Here is another photo .  Of course I love lace wedding cakes .  There are lots of types to choose from.  Lace dresses currently in fashion (not really into see-through, but the red undies really make an impact!).  Lacey looks for resort 2011.  I think lace is always classic and in style to some degree, like the Little Black Dress.  Come to think of it, I don't have a LBD but I do have a lacey Little Navy Dress.  Haven't had the chance to wear it yet, but looking forward to it when I do!

Sweater Holiday Stockings

These are stockings I sewed 8 years ago from old sweaters. I did not felt them, so they are rather stretchy. While they are hanging, I put cardboard in them so they will stay flat (and not droopy). We don't have a fireplace so I hang them from my quilt display pole in the living room.

The initials are felt, sewn on with embroidery thread. I used old pearl buttons and a doily.

My grandmother's hankie and my wedding dress lace.

The next two stockings are from my Father-in-law's sweater.
Buttons centered over fabric yo-yos are the decorations shown in the group picture.

Military buttons because he served in Normandy (among other places).

How To: Sew a Lingerie Bag

Lingerie laundry bags are great for protecting delicates. I just toss these in the washing machine along with my other clothes and wash. I chose a sturdy synthetic lace (usually very inexpensive too). Cut one piece of lace 32"x12" (you can vary the size depending on your needs). Turn under the short sides 1/2". Sew the lace to the zipper, leaving the zipper exposed as shown in the pictures. Topstitch a narrow ribbon or trim on top to dress it up a little. Cut 2 ribbon pieces, 3 1/2" long each. Fold each piece in half and stitch ,raw edges even, to each end of the zipper as pull tabs. Open the zipper, turn inside out. Position the zipper 1 1/2" down from the top (as in the pictures). Stitch the side seams, 1/2" seam allowance. I double stitched for strength. Turn right side out. Add a piece of ribbon for a zipper pull and you are done! Makes a great gift too.