Photo Transfer Projects

I'm always looking for new ways to showcase my favorite photos.  Here's a great collection of creative ways to let your photos shine outside of the frame!

Make Your Own Canvas Portrait via A Beautiful Mess

Nature Inspired Photo Transfer Projects via BHG

DIY Tiles Transformed Into Photo Coasters via Cherry Street Cottage

Photo Transfer Cubes via Martha Stewart

Photo Transfer Anniversary Cookies via Erica's Sweet Tooth

DIY Fabric Lamp Shade Photo Transfer via BHG

DIY Photo Transfers On Wood via Photojojo

How To Save Your Sewing Patterns

I started sewing lessons this week, and boy did I learn a lot!  My sewing teacher taught me how to create a copy of my sewing patterns.  This is a great habit to get into because it extends the life of your patterns.  It's also really helpful when you are sewing clothes for babies and kids because they grow.  For example, I made a copy of my pattern in size small for baby Ivy and I can copy the original pattern again in a few months to make her a larger size.  

When you buy a pattern, you should transfer it to a big piece of sturdy paper.  First, cut your pattern carefully into big pieces.  Then tape one of the pieces you will be using to a big window using a small piece of tape.  Just a little piece on the top and the sides should be enough.  

Then tape a big piece of paper suitable for tracing on top of the pattern.  You could tape together computer paper if you don't have any big paper.

Study your pattern to see which markings are important to your piece and trace them on the big paper.  If you pattern has straight lines, just trace the 90 degree corners and you can fill the lines in with a straightedge later.  If you have curved lines, draw dashes to follow the line.  (You can draw dashes for straight lines too-- if you want to!)  Don't forget to write the pattern piece number, brand name, pattern number, how many pieces to cut from which fabric.  Your pattern should have markings for each size.  Only trace the marking for the size you will be making.

 Take a look at the original pattern again to make sure you didn't miss any important markings.

 Use a straight-edge to draw lines from corner to corner.  Now it's time to cut out your pattern.

Ta-da!! Now you have a super sturdy pattern that you can use over and over and over without tearing!

I can't wait for my next lesson.  I've been sewing for a long time-- but I've never learned the right way to do it.  I just love my sewing teacher!  She is the sweetest lady-- she sews clothing for orphans and makes baby bereavement gowns for charity too.  I've been showing her how to blog so hopefully I'll be able to introduce you to her soon!

Have a great week friends!  XO, Ashley

Wedding Wednesday: Ring Pillow Tutorials and Inspiration

Ah, wedding season is almost upon us!  My bestie Jessica is getting married in a month and I am making her ring pillow!  stay tuned!  Today I am sharing my favorite DIY ring pillow tutorials and inspirations.  P.S. Make sure to check out my rad giveaway!

Yarn Heart Ring Pillow via Style Me Pretty

Silk Flower Ring Pillow via Martha Stewart

DIY Tufted Moss Ring Pillow Tutorial by Laurie Cinotto via Once Wed

DIY Ring Pillow Tutorial via elephantine

Calendar Ring Pillow Template And How To via Martha Stewart

DIY Birds Nest Ring Pillow Tutorial via Ruffled

DIY Chevron Ring Pillow Tutorial by Hank and Hunt via The Sweetest Occasion

Spring Flower Headband Tutorial

Hey friends!  Want to make this super adorable, spring-y headband?  It's so easy and I'm sharing my tutorial today over at Take the Cannoli!

Make sure to say hi to Nat when you check out her blog!  Have a great day, loves!  xo, Ashley

DIY Wedding Hair Tutorials

Spring is finally here!  I've picked out my favorite DIY spring hair styles to share with you today.  Whether you're a bride-to-be, are in a wedding party, have a prom date, or just want to get dolled up-- these gorgeous styles are bound to make you shine!

Chestnut Bun tutorial via A Cup of Jo // photo by Jamie Beck

The Side Chignon tutorial via Martha Stewart

Vintage Waves tutorial via Bridal Musings // Photo by Andrey Yakovlev 
Hair Style by Oksana Zavarzina via Behance

The Top Knot via Martha Stewart

The Gibson Roll tutorial via A Cup of Jo // photo by Jamie Beck

The Half and Half tutorial via Martha Stewart

Partial French Braid Cascading Hair tutorial via Love Maegan

DIY Curls: How To Rag Roll Your Hair via A Beautiful Mess

Gibson Roll video tutorial via Lilith Moon

Quick Easy Elegant Up-do video tutorial via Lilith Moon

So beautiful!  Which is your favorite? 

Anthropologie Wallpaper Cards Tutorial

I went to my mailbox last week and found a package from Anthropologie!  I was so excited--someone must have sent me a present!!!  Then I remembered I had requested wallpaper swatches.  Silly me!    

Aren't they so beautiful?!!

I decided to make greeting cards with the beautiful swatches.  You could use wallpaper swatches, paper from magazines or books, fabric, or photographs.  You will also need blank cards and a method of application-- scrapbooking adhesive tape, glue, sewing machine, etc.  

 I used my paper cutter to cut the swatch in half.  The top half was glued to the paper that describes the wallpaper but the bottom half isn't attached.  I trimmed the top half so the description paper doesn't show on the sides.

Apply your adhesive.

Fix your swatch to your card.

You can see several cards with stitching in the picture below.  It adds a lovely texture to the cards!  To stitch your card together, simply center your swatch to the card and sew just as you would with fabric.  I only used the sewing method with my single-layer bottom half swatches.  I felt the description sheet+swatch+card might be too taxing on my little sewing machine.  

Hope you enjoy making your cards!  I'd love to see pictures of your handiwork!  Tweet me @MisterGandMe or post them on Mister G's Facebook page!  xo, Ashley

Chevron Stitch Patterns

TGIF!  Hope everyone had a great week and is ready for the weekend!  Any crafting planned?  I plan to finish my chevron stitch washcloth and maybe knock out a few more before Monday rolls around again.  I've been having so much fun working the chevron stitch-- and you can too!

Happy knitting :)  Here are some awesome patterns for you!

Knit Lace: Simple Chevron via Lion Brand

Photo by Jack Deutsch Studio

Lace Chevron Pattern via Time to Craft

Pattern from Vogue Knitting Stitchionary: Volume Four via Lion Brand

dummies.com

Chevron Stitch via Tricksy Knitter

Chevron Scarf Pattern via Falling Up

More resources:

about.com

ehow.com

Anthropologie Inspired DIY Letters

My sister gave me these amazing letters from Anthropologie for Christmas.  I hung them in our bedroom and they look so great!  (aside from being a little crooked...)  You know me, being the crafty lady that I am...  I thought, "I could make that!"

I get pretty excited about crafting serendipity-- I searched high and low for cardboard letters and couldn't find any.  I hear they have them at Hobby Lobby right now-- but I'm states away from one.  I was helping my friend clean out her apartment, and low and behold, I stumbled upon a lonely A.  "Can I have this???" Now you're caught up on how this lovely project was born.  

I used a cardboard letter, black gesso (you could use black acrylic paint), Martha Stewart Craft Paint in metallic "Sterling", and a foam brush to make my Anthro inspired "A".    

I painted a messy coat of black gesso on my letter.  I wanted the paint to be super thick in parts so it would have a very textured look.  I painted both sides, placed it on a piece of paper, and waited for it to dry.

After it dried and I peeled it off the paper and scraps of paper were stuck to the letter.  I painted another messy coat of black gesso and laid the other side down on the paper to dry.

After the black gesso was dry, I used a foam brush to apply the silver paint in an uneven coating.  Didn't it turn out great?!

 I love the texture!

 It's not an exact match-- but they both look great!  Above: Mister G and Me, Below: Anthroplogie

Here's a side by side-- mine on the left, Anthro on the right

Mister G is a total cuddlebug and he loves browsing though the Anthro catalog with me on the couch-- dreaming of all the lovely things we would love to have!  Mister G would love a G for above his crate. If you have one laying around-- send it my way please!

xoxo, 

Ashley and Mister G

P.S. Do you love giveaways?  Don't forget to enter the three fabulous Mister G and Me Giveaways happening this week! You can win Etsy Shop Credit and a Medium Ad in each! Click here for more information!  Or here, here, and here to enter!