Uses image SI224 - Turkey Wishes

You can create special cards and invitations using a few simple scraps, sewing notions and imagery from The Vintage Workshop. To create this card you will need:

Card stock in colors that coordinate with your chosen image - we used black, gold and cream
Scrap piece of burlap
metal zipper
embroidery floss in a coordinating color
plain card stock to print image on
double sided tape
needle

Step 1: Print your favorite image onto the card stock. We used SI0224- Turkey Wishes. We then cut out the turkey and pumpkins. You can just mount the entire image in the next step if you wish.

Step 2:  We printed our message - Happy Thanksgiving - onto the gold card stock.  (You can eliminate this step by just printing out a vintage image with a message already on it.)

Step 3:  We cut out the gold card stock into the size we wanted and adhered the turkey using double sided tape.

Step 4: Layout your burlap scraps on top of the card.  Using the finished card background as a pattern, cut out a rectangle of the burlap.  Then fold in half and mark the center fold on the back of the burlap. Then fold the other direction and again mark the center fold on the back of the burlap.  You should now have two crossing lines on the back of your scrap.  Now draw a line from your center point to the two top corners. This will form a Y.  Cut along the diagonal lines to the center point and then ONLY straight down the center to the bottom. See the sample image above to verify what parts you are cutting out. To secure edges, you might want to zig-zag all edges using matching thread or use Fray-check.

***HINT:  Use burlap printed scrapbook paper instead of the real fabric. Just follow the same directions above and instead of sewing in the zipper (although you can sew to paper) you could simply glue or tape the zipper to the paper.

Step 5:  Hand or machine stitch the zipper to the burlap.  Start at the bottom with the zipper closed (zipped up). Stitch each side up to where the diagonal begins. Then unzip the zipper to this point. Stitch the zipper sides to each side of the burlap.  See image above for reference.

Step 6:  Using the embroidery floss, use two strands to hand stitch using large stitches the burlap piece to the card starting from the back up through the front. Don’t worry about the stitches on the back - they are covered in the next step. If you don’t intend to unzip the zipper, it is easy to stitch the sides of the burlap if you use double sided tape to adhere the burlap to the card first. If you want to be able to unzip the zipper, you will should NOT adhere the burlap to the card.

Step 7: Now we adhered the finished card to the black card stock and cut around the edges leaving about 1/4″ showing. Then mounted it again on cream and again left about 1/4″ showing. You can then write your personalized message or party information on the back.

What a fun way to invite friends and family to dinner or say thank you to your host or hostess. Until next time…

October was a busy month! In early October travels took us to Houston, Texas for the International Quilt Market. We exhibit each year at this trade only event. It is our chance to share our new Indygo Junction patterns and books to quilt and fabric arts retailers as well as preview new fabrics and products for the coming months. After almost 20 years of doing this show, we still enjoy going to Houston–a fabulous convention center and bustling downtown make it a great destination for the show…not to mention the wonderful food. Here is a link to one of our favorites La Ninfa’s-a great video too!  To see the new designs we offered click here.

Created using image SI264 - Thanksgiving

Creating a centerpiece is always fun using imagery from The Vintage Workshop.Repurpose that old metal bucket and create a unique centerpiece for your Thanksgiving Day table.  Print your favorite image on paper or use magnetic sheets to eliminate a step. We used single image SI264 - Thanksgiving. If using magnetic sheets, follow manufacturer’s instructions to print your image from your inkjet printer, cut out and “stick” to your metal bucket. If using paper, you can adhere your cut out image to the bucket using double sided tape.  Try to avoid glue when using paper as the paper may buckle and warp.

Next, wrap ribbon in your favorite fall colors - we used gold - around the bottom of the bucket and secure using double sided tape. Around the top, we wrapped an old string of gold plastic beads and hung metal letter charms to spell Happy Thanksgiving.  These can usually be found at your local hobby or craft store.

Next fill with your favorite plastic or real fruits, nuts, leaves or gourds for the perfect centerpiece. Until next time…

Just one coordinate in the Christmas Fabrics being auctioned!

Check out all of our new auction listings on Indygo Junction and The Vintage Workshop.

Indygo Junction’s auctions include retired patterns with themes such as Christmas, clothing, doll clothes, embroidery, purses and more.

The Vintage Workshop’s auctions include various Christmas fabric bundles, printable fabrics, artist’s samples created using Vintage Workshop imagery (Christmas home decor items, ornaments, journals, pillows and more), CD sets and much more.

Check it out before it’s all gone.

Click here to visit the eBay auctions for The Vintage Workshop.

Click here to visit the eBay auctions for Indygo Junction.

Kids Marching - SI0173

To all those who have or are currently serving our country in the armed forces, we want to extend our sincerest and heartfelt thank you!

A Fall dinner party at my friend Amy’s home inspired me to share her great idea for Autumn table decor- waxed leaves. We have a beautiful collection of color to choose from in Kansas City this time of year.

The first step is easy and fun.  Collect some of the beautiful leaves you can find in your yard this time of year - make it a family event and get the kids to each pick their favorite three or four leaves.

Next, pick up some parafin wax - we used Gulf Wax - it’s a general use parafin wax for canning and candle making.  Be sure to follow any directions on the box as to heating and melting the wax. We used a double boiler method.  Keep pots and pans clean by using a large empty can to put the wax in to melt.  Then we put the can into a shallow pan of water and set it to boil. Once the water starts heating, the wax in the can melts.

Then for the fun part.  Just dip in each leaf one at a time and lay on waxed/parchment paper to dry.  The results were wonderful.  Once dry/hardened, just spread the leaves around the table.  The wax coating preserved the leaves so we could share in the beautiful colors longer.

Try it for yourself. It’s fast and easy and perfect for a Thanksgiving table.  Here are a few of my favorite Vintage Workshop images with leaves.

SI0763 - Sweeping Leaves

SI0223 - Fall Turkey

Uses image SI0609 - Violet Beauty

Create this beautiful spa gift basket using finds from your local discount store. The Vintage Workshop is a vast resource for wonderful vintage imagery that can be used to dress up any dollar store find.  During the holidays these stores are full of spa items like soaps, massage brushes, lotions and more.  But how do you turn that “cheap” gift into something elegant? Easy!

Print your favorite image onto card stock - several sizes and multiple prints.  In our sample we used image SI0609 - Violet Beauty. We purchased cheap spa items from the local dollar store.  Then we added our “tags” which are really just our image cut out.  We also purchased matching paint and a cheap chipboard picture frame.  We sponge painted the frame and a box using a coordinating color.  Wrap all your items in ribbon - you can get this at your local hobby shop for around $1.  We also sewed a button onto the ribbon bow for an extra touch. Also try adding a small sprig of plastic leaves, flowers or other holiday decor. Adding these little details are inexpensive, but will give your gift that special something that will have your gift recipient smiling. Once everything dries, you are ready to fill your box.

It’s that easy!! Let us be your resource for timeless images and creative inspiration. Until next time…

Click to enlarge image before saving.

This vintage lady is Amy’s Free Pick for the month.  Be sure to click on the image first to see the full size image. Then right click (Mac: control+click) and “save to” your computer desktop or a folder of your choice.  This process will ensure you get the best quality of the image.

Beware, dear friends, ah, yes, beware!  The time of Halloween is here.  Some of my favorite vintage Halloween images feature frightened cats, flying witches, spider webs and jack-o-lantern scarecrows.  Here are just a few of my favorite spooky images available for purchase at The Vintage Workshop.  Click on the image to view more details.  Until next time…

Image used is from Halloween III collection

Welcome Halloween visitors in style with this delightful door hanger. It’s so quick and easy you can make one for each door in your house.

Materials Needed:

• Gloss Artist Canvas inkjet printable paper
• Cardboard, 8″ x 10″
• Vintage Image (in our sample we used an image from our Halloween III Download Collection)
• Fabric to wrap front side of cardboard (piece approximately 10″ x 12″)
• Felt, 7″ x 9″
• Two 1/4″ eyelets
• 18 gauge wire approx. 16″ long
• 4 yds. wired ribbon 1 1⁄2″ wide (or purchased bow)
• Seven 1″ brass T-pins
• Seven of each: 5 mm beads and 3 mm beads
• Ball fringe (at least 8 1⁄2″)

Tools Needed:

• Craft knife
• Metal ruler
• Cutting mat
• Spray adhesive
• Craft glue
• Pencil
• Hole punch
• Eyelet setter tool
• Wire cutter and pliers

Assembly:

1. Print image on Gloss Artist Canvas sized at 6 1⁄2″ x 8″.  Trim and set aside.

2. Cut cardboard to 8″ x 10″. Cover the cardboard with fabric using spray adhesive.  Wrap fabric around edges.

3. Use spray adhesive to affix image to front.

4. Punch two 1/8″ holes in top corners for eyelets, insert eyelets, and crimp with eyelet tool.

5. Punch seven 1/8″ holes or smaller in bottom edge of covered cardboard at 1″ intervals (these will hold beads later).

6. To make hanger: Cut a piece of wire about 16″ long and holding it at each end, bend it so that it makes a loop at the top and intersects about 2″ below.  Twist wire at intersection to complete loop.

7.   You will still have two long ends of wire. Bend these pieces with pliers first in one direction, and then in the other to make wavy pattern.

8. Insert ends through eyelets and bend and coil wire so that the hanger stays in place.

9. Make bead “fringes” using 1″ brass t-pins threaded with a 5mm bead followed by a 3mm bead. Bend pins about1/4″ over and put through the holes along bottom. Bend pins again to keep them in place.

10. Cut ball fringe to 81⁄2″, apply glue to the backside and place on top of the t-pins, folding ends to the back side.

11. Affix felt to back side of cardboard with spray adhesive.

12. To make the bow: Use the wired ribbon, leave about a 12″ streamer and then begin making loops on opposite sides holding the middle intersection between your fingers.When satisfied with the size of the bow, tie the middle (where your fingers have been) with wire or string and attach the spiral part of the hanger and “fluff” bow. Trim ends.