Friday, January 25, 2013

Vintage Sewing Box

 
 
This once-loved sewing box called out to me
while I was shopping in a wonderful
Ohio antique store.
 
"Pick me!  Pick me!" it said.
(Really! Things like this talk to me.)
 
 
 
All this small beauty needed
was some creative TLC.
 
 
 
Sewing boxes like this one are  easy to find
 and even easier to upcycle.
 
Supplies:
enamel spray paints in white primer, black, and clear gloss,
paint brush, Mod Podge, scissors,
about 7 to 8 coordinating scrapbooking papers (12"x12" cardstock),
two small drawer knobs, E-6000 glue.
 
 
1. Clean your vintage box of any dirt or dust with a cleaner like Murphy Oil Soap.  Sanding is only necessary if your piece is heavily varnished.  Dry thoroughly.
 
2.  Remove the lid handles/hardware.
 
3. Coat the box with an enamel spray paint primer (white).  Let dry thoroughly.
 
4.  Coat the box with an enamel spray paint color that coordinates with your scrapbooking paper selections.  Let dry.
 
4. Measure each lid.  Using Mod Podge, adhere the measured and cut cardstock to each lid.  After the Mod Podge dries, measure the bottom of the round box.  Adhere the measured and cut cardstock to the box bottom with Mod Podge.  (I used two different pieces of cardstock and had them meet at the middle of the bottom.  The paper seam can't be seen unless the box is picked up.)
 
The shape of the flat box sides were easy to trace onto cardstock.  Cut out the traced shapes and adhere with Mod Podge.
 
 
 
5. Apply a layer of Mod Podge over the top of all decoupaged cardstock.
 
6. Finish the box with a coating of clear gloss spray.
 
7. Adhere two small drawer knobs with E-6000 industrial glue. (The knobs pictured were Tim Holtz.)
 
 
I like using the enamel spray paints rather than brush painting.
The spray paints provide an even and durable finish.
The small knobs are mostly for decoration
 The E-6000 industrial strength glue adheres these knobs quite well. 
 I'm not a power-tool sort of gal,
but you could screw the drawer knobs in with a drill.
 
 
 
Thank you for stopping by the Nest!
Amy
 
 
 
 
Linking Up With
 


Friday, January 18, 2013

Rosettes


A couple of months ago,
I had the privilege
of teaching classes
at six different public libraries
in my county.

Together, ladies of all ages,
with a range of beginning to experienced sewing skills,
stitched some rosette brooches.


What a wonderful experience it was to see
 the range of personalities shown through fabric choices.
Some are shabby chic. 
 Some a "little bit country."  
Others were Christmas-themed.

(One of the pretty library displays for the program.)

Here are few of the pretty rosettes. 

(Photographs show rosettes only
 to protect the privacy of these exceptionally
 creative and craft lovin' patrons!)





If you were to make a rosette, 
which fabric would you choose?

Amy


Monday, January 14, 2013

Blogiversary

One year ago,
I began my blogging adventure.

Thank you to all who take the time
from their busy lives to stop by
and visit Threads in the Nest.

I've so enjoyed getting to chit chat
with other Christians, crafters, and vintage collectors. 
Meeting like-minded folk
from all over the United States
and even one from as far as Hong Kong
has been truly humbling and intriguing.

My Blogger account will currently not allow image uploads from my computer or flash drive.
After some online research and much frustration, I realize many of you are experiencing the same problem.
As soon as Blogger resolves this issue, posts will resume.

 
If you're stopping by,
I'd appreciate it if you'd let me
know if you have a favorite post from this past year.

Looking ahead,
Amy



Friday, January 4, 2013

Hankie Heaven

 
 
When I began collecting vintage linens,
I merely focused on linens that were embellished
with beautiful embroidery and crocheted edging.
 
The needlework called to me.
 
 
I really didn't intend to become a collector.
I just picked up pieces here and there
as I would come across them
at thrift stores, estate sales, etc.

Each found treasure would introduce me
to a new pattern or embroidery stitch,
 and I would become intrigued.

 
It didn't take me long to realize
 I was amassing several pieces --
 Alas! I was collecting.
 
 
As I began to read about vintage fabrics and needlecraft,
I was also discovering the beautifully bold
printed tablecloths from the 40's -- 60's.
I'd also see cute little aprons and crocheted potholders.
When I came across them for next to nothing,
I just had to bring them home!

 
That's how all these beautiful hankies came home with me.
How could I pass these up when a local antique store
was selling them cheap?
  They're in excellent condition.

 
 

 
I used the Christmas hankies in my Christmas decor.


 
 The West Virginia State hankie is the only
handkerchief I have searched for online.
 
I wasn't willing to pay the $30.00-$40.00 price tag.


 
Guess which one I found in the little basket from the store!
Yeah!
 
How many hankies do you have to own to be a collector?
Oh, dear . . . . .
 
 
Amy
 
 
I'd love to hear which hankie is your favorite!