Embellishment Projects: 101 Guides
These are four videos to help you get started or expand your knowledge on embellishment projects, whether that be with embroidery, beads, sequins, etc.
LINKS
How To Embroidery Stitches - Video Archive
Embroidery Resource Page
LINKS
How To Embroidery Stitches - Video Archive
Embroidery Resource Page
Fabric Care
Here I talk about what fabrics beginners should begin with, how to pre-wash your fabrics to prevent shrinking and about sew-in interfacing
Choosing A Design
Here I talk about three different options for choosing and transferring patterns or design to your "canvas".
Tips & Tricks
This video consists of several tips and tricks to make your project that much more beautiful and professional.
Understanding Stitch Types
This video consists the questions or rules that will guide you as you determine how to do any kind of Embroidery or Beading stitch. When you realize the pattern, it will be that much more to apply it and manipulate it as you want.
Woodwork: DIY Rustic Fence ~ Preparing Your Wood
In the season of summer, I'm starting another long-term project: a DIY rustic fence out of branches and thick long sticks that are going to be decorated for an added element to our cabin in the woods feel that we have going in the backyard.
So I'm in the process of removing the bark (which is easier after it's been wet or soaked by rain) and scraping off the under-layer of the bark with a metal brush. Finally I will painstakingly sand it down (coarser the sandpaper the better - easier and faster), so I suggest using the sponge ones, b/c they can curve better over certain areas better than just regular sheets of sandpaper. If your branch/stick has some knobs, you may want to saw them off for a smoother feel. Also be sure to check your hands, it can sometimes take it out on your skin.
So I'm in the process of removing the bark (which is easier after it's been wet or soaked by rain) and scraping off the under-layer of the bark with a metal brush. Finally I will painstakingly sand it down (coarser the sandpaper the better - easier and faster), so I suggest using the sponge ones, b/c they can curve better over certain areas better than just regular sheets of sandpaper. If your branch/stick has some knobs, you may want to saw them off for a smoother feel. Also be sure to check your hands, it can sometimes take it out on your skin.
Woodwork: Wood Coasters
Not realizing how long it would take to do a whole fence as I have been doing this by hand, I'm changing to a more simpler project: making coasters. I created one coaster using the wood-burning techniques and melting wax between the wood pieces to enlarge the size. Very crafty, more to come.