Our galaxy has captured artists’ imaginations with its vibrant contrast between the deep tones of the night sky and the white light of stars. Galaxy-inspired art is everywhere, from our clothes to watercolor speed paintings. If you want to make your own night sky painting, this tutorial will get you started.
The first painting I ever sold came from a vicodin-induced haze. I have no recollection of creating it. I went into a fit after my wisdom teeth were removed, vacuuming the house for bugs and creating several mixed-media paintings in the span of 24 hours.
I’m not busy.
It’s a strange thing to say. When is the last time you heard that phrase? Can you remember the last time you said it?
I am not busy. I have not been busy for a long time. It’s a choice and most people don’t understand.
Some may automatically argue that I have it easier. If only I lived their lives I would realize why it is so necessary to be busy.
I call B.S.
Turn old needlework into a kin-folk inspired arrangement using simple embroidery hoops. My nana passed me a variety of linens, from tablecloths and napkins to runners and pillows. The styles varied but one thing caught my eye.
These were art.
I didn’t know the makers but, I could feel their creative vibes. I knew I wanted to honor their work by turning them into a lovely display.
Since my sister is expected a baby girl, I decided to create this gallery to decorate the space above her crib. I selected the red, coral and blue to coordinate with the room’s other design elements.
I was particularly enamored with the little sheep-girl. She reminded me of bo-peep or the Goose Girl fairy tale.
Hopefully, you’ll find some treasures digging around in your attic, basement or linen closet. Perhaps, like me, you inherited some fun linens that you want to resurrect from a drawer. If not, thrift stores and yard sales regularly feature cross stitch or embroidery work.
I didn’t know the makers but, I could feel their creative vibes. I knew I wanted to honor their work by turning them into a lovely display.
I’ll admit that this project is slightly controversial. It technically damages the original product by only using part of the design. I talked myself into cutting them up for two reasons. First, many of them were already stained, faded or motheaten in places. So, I was really preserving them by selecting a good area to frame and adore. Second, they were made to be appreciated. That’s more likely to happen when displayed on a wall than sitting in a box.
So, I held my breath and turned them into a gallery display. Thankfully, the results were better than expected. The embroidery hoops really frame the handiwork and draw the eye to the maker’s careful stitching.
If you like the look, consider making your own wall art by following the steps below.
Using a lukewarm bath, handwash the linens using a gentle detergent. You may need to work some of the stains with your fingers. Even if you can’t get out the deepest stains, this will help you remove accumulated dirt and assess damage.
Allow linens to air dry on a flat surface.
For these linens, I didn’t need to use starch. I was ready with Magic Tape but, they actually straightened out beautifully. I ironed them on a low setting, on the side opposite the embroidery.
Carefully stretch your linens over the hoops. I placed them in the hoops taut. Then, after tightening the hoop, I gently pulled on the edges to center the embroidery as I desired.
With the linens in place, I cut off the excess fabric. Make sure you’re happy with the placement before bringing out the scissors.
To ensure the linen doesn’t slip over time, add a small ring of hot glue to the edges. I worked carefully in a clockwise rotation. Fold the linen over the glue as you go.
Because these hoops are so light, they hang easily with 3M hooks and tape. Before I placed the hooks, I created an arrangement on the floor. (It’s the same as making a gallery wall.) Then, I placed them on the wall, using 3M hooks.
If you have old linens sitting in storage, now is the time to bring them into the light. This tutorial is a great way to treasure the forgotten handiwork of the past.
If you make one of these, be sure to add a link in the comments or tag me on Instagram. I’d love to see how your bring your treasured linens to live.
Clutter is such a fascinating word. Its both the individual pieces and the state of all those pieces put together. It’s an active verb. It’s a state of being. It’s a process.
Almost every self-help decluttering guide focuses on the central theme of feeling overwhelmed by stuff. You are literally tripping over things and it gets in the way of your life. My personal (and continuing) journey to decluttering started with similar frustration.
All the little gnomes are coming out to play. They’re everywhere this season as a holiday motif. You can make your own little, felt gnome Christmas ornaments in just a few minutes.
Over ten years ago, these dark, espresso stained end tables were a big buy for my new little apartment. The whole place was white from the walls and trim to the tile floors and ceiling. So, the brown provided a great contrast.
I love giving plants as gifts, even when they are misguided. One summer, I had two friends who were both pregnant with similar due dates. The first, Meg, was a free spirit. She had a soft, cozy home and we often talked about our furniture restoration projects. The one, Jess, was a settled-in city girl. She stored clothes in her oven because she didn’t like to cook and enjoyed traveling.
