DIY Reversible Roman Shade

DIY

Reversible Roman Shade

 

This is a fun, easy window treatment.  It is made with two different fabrics so you can change the look of a room in flash.   Instructions to attach a lining to protect the shade from the sun is also included.  

 

Change the look of your window with one quick change.  The shade is attached to tension rods adjusted to the inside width of your window.  Simply move the rods closer or further apart to change the look of the shade.  The mounting is not permanent and will not damage the wood on the window.  This is made for an inside mount window.  What this means is the shade will be inserted in the inside of the window casing.  In this example, I have used cotton quilt fabric by designer Joel Dewberry.  This fabric is from his Modern Meadow collection in the Pond Pallete.

 

This project will take from 1 to 2 hours depending on your skill level.  If you prepare the project a day ahead by cutting out the panels, you can definitely complete this in an hour!  Have fun.  You can get your DIY Sewing Pattern here at  AggieRay Designs.



My head is spinning with new ideas!

Not sure what has inspired me, but I have a lot a great ideas for new patterns!  I created this beauty for a friend!

More February Inspiration for you!  Let me know if you want the sewing pattern.....

More inspiration for February!

I am in the processing of writing the sewing patterns for these designs!  Enjoy!  These can be used as diaper bags, knitting bags, crochet or craft totes!

Winter Projects: February Inspiration--start sewing

I have been working on this project, yes for about a year.  I will not lie.  I started it a year ago and just finished.  However, it really doesn't take that long to make one.  A weekend will do!  If you take a look at my shops, you will know why it took me so long to make this for my family.  I stuffed the pillow, but left it open just to test to see if I need to add more fill.  This is a great floor pillow for the kids or adults.  I love to put it on my couch and sink right into it.  You will fall asleep in no time!

I followed this tutorial and used scraps of fabrics I had left over from my many projects.  I hope this will inspire you to make one of your own.  YOU CAN DO IT! 

Kitchen Cabinet Remodel

How to easily pain your kitchen cabinets.

This was one project I didn't want to take on.  I have so many cabinets and these cabinets are 22 years old.  The original cabinets were oak.  I attempted to stain them a few years ago with sanding and a black stain. That didn't work so after having my family complain about the look of the black cabinets, I discovered RustOleum Cabinet Transformations.  I purchased the kit at my local Home Depot at a cost of $84.  I had 40 black cabinet doors and draws to refinish.  The kit calls for finishing the front and back of the doors.  I did not do this.  The kit contains 2 quarts of the top coat which was tinted to the linen color. 

After first lightly sanding my doors  (the instructions indicate that you do not have to do this, but they were black), then applying the de-glosser, I applied 3 coats of the top coat.  After allowing that to dry, I applied the glaze.  I will admit I did make one mistake.  When I did my test for the glaze on one of the door fronts, I did not stir the can of glaze.  This resulted in a light brown color glaze.  When I watched the you-tube video on tips and techniques, I realized I didn't stir the glaze. So I went back and did so, this resulted in a blackish grey look to the glaze, which I did not like with the linen in my kitchen. This may be perfectly fine for other kitchens or the look you want.  Make sure you test the glaze technique on the back side of one of your doors before applying to the outside of your project.

After allowing for the glaze to dry, I applied the top sealer coat, which was the easiest part.  This doesn't show any imperfections at all. 

In Summary, this is a great project if you want to give your kitchen a fresh new look. There are many colors to choose from.  The project is a long process and one that you really want to take your time doing.  If you have to do this in a garage, the weather must be warm.  This shouldn't be done in cold weather areas.  Basically, each step was done as a day-long process.  It took me about 3 weekends with my family helping to complete.  To avoid mistakes and rushing, it is best to take your time.  As you feel overwhelmed about the number of steps to do, take it one day at a time.  You will love the end result.  Here is the you-tube video Cabinet Restoration.

I also covered by dishwasher with a stainless steel roll application I found on Amazon for $20.  The results was excellent! See the final picture.

Time to re-invent yourself!

How to be successful in your Craft Business!

How will you be successful with any business you own and operate.. you always have to stay ahead of the curve.  Just because you do one thing and it is successful, doesn't mean that is always going to be a successful venture. You always have to be on top of what is trending, what is happening with the economy and try to figure out what you can do to be a success in business and you will be most importantly HAPPY doing it.

If you are not getting sales in your shop, take a close look at your shop.  Is it because of your listings, photographs or tags or is it because the things you are selling are just not what your target market is interested in buying. 

Most importantly, you must have be happy with what you are doing.  If you have something in your shop that you are making and selling 100's of, are you really happy make that one item over and over.  I wouldn't be...

You don't have to have 100 + listings either. If you make a good-quality product and have 10 of them, then they will sell! 

Most importantly you must love it and it must be your passion!

Upcycle! Keep it and Renew it!

Just finished working on this slipcover for a friend of mine.  I added an additional design element to the bottom that I had not done before.  It is simply a Boxing Band 8" high x width of the piece around the bottom sides and back.  It is a great way to pull the slip cover together in the end when things are not so perfect above.  Covers up all the imperfections.  Let me know if you have any questions.  Now to start with the Wing Chair.. pictures to follow!

 

 

 

 

It's time to give back... GIVEAWAY Michelle Handbag

The Michelle Handbag is one of my most requested items. It makes a great back for school, work or baby!  It has an adjustable strap, roomy inside with plenty of pockets.  The flap has a magnetic snap closure and the measurements are approximately 13" x 18" high.  Love this BAG!

I would love to give this bag to one of my deserving Fans.  To be fair about it, I will pick one person to receive this beautiful handbag as a gift.  To have your chance to be chosen, simply go to my Facebook Page and do two (2) things.  First become one of my facebook FAN and secondly, share this POST

If you cannot find the post, simply go to AggieRay's timeline on facebook to view it there!  Good Luck Everyone!

Fall Handbags... coming soon

New Fall Handbag Pattern!  Will be released soon.. thank you for all the positive feedback on my latest patterns.  My head is spinning with ideas!

 

 

Patterns are now available for download on Craftsy.  Enjoy!  Also be sure to check out my other designs at AggieRay on Etsy and fabric at Fabricplace

 

 

Michelle Handbag PDF Sewing Tutorial--Pattern--IT'S READY!

Only took me a few months to write this pattern in between my regular job and planning a wedding for my son!  I have had many requests for the pattern for this bag.  I have two sewing variations available for this bag...Bag 1 can be made with the gorgeous ribbon we have available to use with mny designs..my favorites are from designsa Amy Butler and Anna Maria Horner!  Bag 2 is made using an accent border available on many fabrics with your favorite designers. 

Bag 2 was made with Amy Butler's Soul Blossom Rayon Fabric-- Sari Blooms Raspberry and it is also available in Lime.

 

 



Bag 1 was made with Amy Butler's Alchemy Fabric--Queen Anns Butterflies Topaz.

I chose these two renaissance ribbons!  Love these by Designer Amy Butler.



I am in love with the new Alchemy Ribbon by Amy Butler Designs! So Beautiful

I cannot get enough of this beautiful ribbon. My mind is spinning with all the possibilities to use this ribbon.  I designed this latest handbag using the Alchemy Ribbon by Renaissance Ribbons. Amy Butler is not the only designer to have new ribbons out, check out the beautiful designs by Anna Maria Horner and Kaffe Fassett!

I will be releasing this sewing pattern within the next couple of weeks.  Probably in two different sizes. This bag is a beautiful bag that I don't want to give up. I am planning on keeping this one!

The fabric used for this bag was Alchemy Fabric called Queen Ann's Butterflies in Topaz by Amy Butler together with Belle Blue Corriander by Amy Butler!

Peonies -- easy to grow perennial -- How to Grow and Maintenance Tips

Peonies are so easy to grown and require little maintenance.  Simply plant in full sun and watch them take off.  There are two types of peonies found  in the home landscape, Paeonia spp. hybrids (garden peony) and Paeonia suffruticosa (tree peony).

The best time to plant them are in the early fall, with transplanting and dividing the bulbs done during that time also. Young bulbs take a few years to become a full bush.  Don't be disappointed the first few years after planting your bulbs, it will take a few years for them to become large bushes.  After they have developed, you can split the bulbs in the fall and plant in new locations.  The more splitting, the more blooms.  I bought these bulbs at Walmart 2 years ago for less than $5.00.  You don't have to spend a lot of money to have beautiful plants.  If they don't come up in one location, transplant them in fall to a new sunny location.  They do require full sun to partial sun.  After a few years, if you notice low blooms, divide and transplant your plants to a new location.  Make sure you support your Peonies prior to blooming. 

They are a heavy flower and if you have a lot of rain in the spring, you will find them resting on the ground.  I tied tulle around the stems prior to the blooming. String may cut into the stem. 

Deadhead the blooms after they begin to fade.  Cut the foliage to the ground in the fall to avoid winter damage.

 

 

New Release of Belle by Amy Butler

Just had to come up with a little something for the new Release!



Amy Butler -- Belle
 





in love with Moda Fabrics toooo!

New Becca Bag Pattern Available this week!

I have had many requests for more sewing patterns!  Your requests have been granted.  This week I will be releasing the Becca Bag Sewing pattern and the Shellie Bag Sewing pattern.  I have the Becca Bag pattern ready to list, just making sure of some final measurements and accuracy.  If any Sewers out there would like a free copy of this new release to give constructive feedback, I would be happy to send them out.  Post a comment in the "comment section below", please indicate your  time frame for sewing the project and I will select 5 sewers to send the pattern to. Thank you again for all your support and good luck!  In honor of the new re-release of Amy Butler's  Belle, I took a look back on my previous creations with this fabric...love this fabric so much!  Thank you Amy Butler.  The pattern will be available at AggieRay!  Enjoy everyone.

Belle Gothic Rose Turquoise available soon here FabricPlace

Joel Dewberry Home Dec Fabric--discontinued--one of my favorites!

Amy Butler Belle Pink Corriander--discontinue fabric--another favorite! 

Amy Butler Belle Gothic Rose Burgundy available soon
FabricPlace

Amy Butler Morning Glory --discontinued fabric

 

 Also being released this week is the Shellie Bag pattern. This pattern is still in the works and I hope to have it ready by the end of the week.  Check back often to see new patterns coming to my shop.  I am in a very creative mood this week! 

Comments welcome. Any pattern that you do not see and would like, please let me know and can see what I can whip up for you.  Thank you for stopping by and commenting!

Shellie Bag pattern available soon!

Amy Butler Soul Blossoms Fabric Sari Blooms Rayon in Raspberry

So exciting to receive an email from the Art Director at blend fabrics llc--------------------

You never know who is following you and looking at your work!  I was excited to be contacted by the Art Director at Blend Fabrics llc stating that she loved my Aggie Wristlet Clutch Pattern which can be found here and pillow collections here.  She indicated that Anna Griffin was attending the Spring 2013 Quilt Market show and needed items to put in her booth.

Of course, I said yes and was anticipating the arrival of this beautiful fabric Sardinia.  The package arrived with a beautiful array of fabrics.  I love working with beautiful fabrics which aspire you to create new beautiful pieces.

Each one of these patterns can be made in about an hour.  They make great gifts for all of your friends.  They will love them!

INSTANT DOWNLOAD of the PDF Sewing Pattern is available here at AggieRay

 The wristlets make great wedding party gifts, bridesmaids clutches, teacher gifts and more!

The pillow is made with 4 triangles of fabric (a fat quarter of each fabric) plus 1/2 yard of fabric for the piping and backing is all that is needed!

 

 

It was a thrill and honor to participate in the Spring 2013 Quilt Market.  Thank you Anna Griffin, Inc and  Blend Fabrics, LLC