Happy Makeover

Believe it or not, sometimes I sew for me!

I know, shocker!

This happy makeover came about because I didn't really want to spend $40 (or more) 

on a new basket for the living room afgans.  I already had some baskets 

that didn't have a job anymore, so I started plotting.

A little spray paint and a new liner and that dark old basket 

could fit quite nicely in the living room.

Let me say it took a lot of spray paint to cover that dark stain.  

I covered it with white and almond as a base and then layered the yellow.  

I went through a few almost empty cans and then bought 

one more can of Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch in Sun Yellow (my favorite brand of spray paint) 

to finish it off.  I still have a bunch left, so more projects will see the yellow!

After I got the paint finished up I used the old liner as a pattern to make the new cheerful liner!

I didn't have quite enough of the main fabric to do the entire liner, 

so I used a scrap to make the base. 

Happy accident I say!

Rather than making ties I went through my ribbon stash and found this darling gingham.  

Just the right touch!

So for maybe $10 I was able to get a "new" basket exactly the color and style I wanted!

Not too shabby!

*Rust-Oleum Spray paint is my favorite, but this is not a sponsored or affiliate post.  

However, if Rust-Oleum ever wants to send me paint I would gladly take it! :)

How I Work

Everyone has a process they use to get things done.

Ever since I really started focusing on Amy's Monkeys I have adjusted 

how I go about getting the most out of my limited amount of time.  

I don't have all day to get things done, so the time I have must be used efficiently.

I really embrace the Henry Ford assembly line philosophy.

Nothing is particularly hard if you divide it into small jobs.

I have a few steps I use to keep things going smoothly and as organized as possible.

This is how I piece together my zipper pouches.

 

First, I pair all the fabrics for my creations...seriously the most fun part of creating!

 

Then, I iron, measure, and cut all the combinations and interfacing.
Next, I iron all the interfacing onto the outside prints. 

 

After that, it's all about the ruffles!

Now, it's time to get the ruffles and tags attached.

 

Show time...

zipper, iron, top stitch, repeat, stitch all around, add gusset, flip out-side-right, 

stitch closed, smile at the new zipper pouch!

 Rinse and repeat until your to-do pile is gone and your product pile is overflowing!

Assembly line production has really streamlined how I get things done!

It's all about tackling projects in chunks.  Feeling that sense of accomplishment helps 

keep you going when you're tired and just want to quit!  

Trust me I know that feeling!

I'm not sure my process will help anyone, but it really does make a huge difference!

a thought for the day...

Sprucing Things Up

I spent a little extra time at The Looking Glass last week 

and spruced up the Amy's Monkeys space a bit.

The shop owner has such a great eye for merchandising...

I have learned so much!

Anyway, the entire shop has a fresh look for the new year and I love it!

Having a permanent space is so different than the weekend boutiques.

You have time to tweak and fluff and move things around.

 

It really is a lot of fun! 

In the end that's what it is really all about!

 

On Being Brave

Yesterday I was brave with something that most people would probably think is silly...

yesterday I wore leggings and riding boots together for the first time.

Here's why that was me being brave...

I am scared to death of fitted clothes because this gal has gained wait that just won't come off.

I don't know if it's the going to be 39 body, or a health issue, or life has been crazy, but the weight is there.

I finally decided I'd make it work after a little prodding from a great friend.

I see cute people in all kinds of sizes every day.

What's to say I can't rock it too?!?

Nothing...because I did.

I felt cute and comfortable all day.

Trendy and stylish.

A hot mom.

Yup, that was how I felt.

The weight is bugging me and a doctor's appointment next week will hopefully help me get some answers.

Until then I'm going to enjoy my new super sale boots, my jeans that set in the closet for a year, and my scarf collection because everyone needs to feel cute!

Enjoy your Friday loves!

Makers Gonna Make

I'll let you in on a little secret about me...

I cannot spend money on something I know I can make myself.

It's kind of funny because now my hubby just grins when he sees me dragging supplies into my studio.

No "What are you making now?" No "Why?" 

Just the grin and the knowledge that I must have seen
something somewhere that sparked the maker to come out!

That's a bit of what happened this weekend.

I am on a little laundry room spruce up kick after finding these amazing baskets at World Market.  
(If you want them, be patient and wait for a sale to come around again!)

I am in the laundry room so much it should be a place that makes me smile!

I wanted to add to the pictures above my folding table.  

I found a bunch of cute things online, but when I saw them in person they weren't as cute.

I knew what I had to do.  I took a combination of ideas and came up with a design plan.

A 3-foot board for above the other pictures.  

wash * dry * fold * repeat

If you want to make your own gather these supplies:

1~ 1"x6"x36" pine board

2-3 ~ acrylic paint colors

1~ printed saying 

1 piece ~  carbon paper

2~ sawtooth picture hangers

dull pencil

paint brushes 

Step one:

Prep your saying.  I printed my saying at 165 point font.

I then trimmed it and taped it together to make sure it would fit the board.

 

Step two:

Paint your board.  I love acrylic paint because it dries so fast.  

I did many, many coats to get the coverage I wanted.

 

 Step three:

Paint the back of the board.  

I like things I make to have a finished feel, so I always try to make sure the back is painted too!

Step four:

Align your saying on your board and loosely tape the ends with painters tape.

Slide a piece of carbon paper under your saying and begin tracing the outline of each letter.

Slide the carbon paper down until you have traced every letter.

Remove the paper and praise the wonder of carbon paper!  

Step five:

Use the paint you chose for your letters and begin filling in the words.  Be sure to use a brush with a nice, crisp edge.  Add coats of paint until your letters are the shade you want.

Step six:

Add additional colors for depth or distress your board or do both.

I dry brushed aqua and white paint across the surface and then distressed around the edges.

Step seven:

Add your hanging hardware.

Step eight:

Use a level to measure and mark the spots for the nail holes. Seriously, the level is a game changer!

Hang your new sign and smile!

A perfect new addition to my well used space for less than $10 and a couple hours of time.  

Not a bad price for something that adds so much cuteness to the laundry room!
Now I need to repaint the embroidery frames...it's a vicious cycle...hehehe

*All the links are for you!  I don't get anything from the companies for sharing, 
but I would not be above accepting perks from any of them...can I get an amen?!?

The Looking Glass

Did you know Amy's Monkeys has a great little space in a beautiful local artisan shop?!?

We are so excited to be a part of The Looking Glass family!

The Looking Glass is a collaboration of local artisans working 

together to build an amazing shop filled with wonder.  

This shop is chalk full of local handmade, hand-crafted, and homemade gifts and treasures.

I am so proud to have my creations be a part of such an awesome group of people!

My space has been so much fun to create and then maintain.

Figuring out new and cute ways to display all my goodies.

Keeping the space filled can be a challenge, 

but I think I have a pretty good system 

in place after working so hard over winter break.

I love coming up with new ideas to bring into the shop.

It's been a blast finding balance keeping true to 

what I see Amy's Monkeys as representing 

and building a cohesive feeling within the entire store.

I hope my space feels creative and fun and whimsical because that's ultimately 

how I want Amy's Monkeys brand to be remembered.

This little family business is about doing what you love 

and finding a way to get that out to others to enjoy too!

I want people to remember us for having great quality items 

displayed beautifully in an amazing shop.

It has been amazing to be part of The Looking Glass!  

Our family gained a hole bunch of amazing people 

when we became part of this community of artisans!