playing around with iMovie...

Wanting to learn how to make video tutorials equals...

- shooting video on my iPhone late at night...tried earlier in the day but was impossible with kids

- wishing for a great lighting kit so shooting video at night would actually look ok

- jimmy rigging my iphone to a kids table on top of my craft table to get an overhead shot

- wishing for a really nice camera...

- thinking I'd like the Canon 5D for photos and video...anybody have suggestions?

- trying to figure out how to use iMovie

- trying to figure out how to export a movie so that the quality still looks ok but the file isn't ginormous...still not sure

- signing up for a youtube account

- staying up way too late and not getting any necessary things done like laundry and the dishes

- thinking tomorrow morning is not going to be fun...I hate waking up to a messy house - do you?

- wishing I hadn't woken up to a messy house all week - oh, laundry and the dishes why don't I like you?

So here's my first attempt...thinking attempt 2 will go much better.

How to Use the L Letterpress

I've had a lot of people ask me how the L Letterpress works. It's easy! Here's a basic tutorial...

Step 1: Place printing plate on clear lid of L Letterpress tool. There are currently 15 printing plate sets with fantastic designs that can be mixed and matched to create an unlimited number of projects!


Step 2: Use the ink brayer to ink the printing plate. There are currently 20 ink colors available which can also be mixed to create additional custom colors!


Step 3: Place paper on the base of the tool. The L Letterpress paper is specifically designed for the L Letterpress tool to achieve that fantastic impression and soft texture.


Step 4: Close the lid of the L Letterpress tool and roll through the Epic Six tool to simultaneously print and deboss your image.

tote bag

TOTE BAG

Lauren and I actually started working on these last Christmas. Again, I had a basic pattern but ended up not liking the results so she and my mom helped create this version. Over Christmas break we made at least 10 in a variety of colors (yellow, green, red, blue). I have loved them. I use the tote to carry just about anything - baby supplies (diapers/wipes), toys, snacks, books etc. To make the tote a little more unique and fun, I added an applique to the front (watch for a future tutorial on how to use your QuicKutz Silhouette, vinyl and digital design to easily make applique patterns.) Be sure to make a comment here for a chance to win one of 4 items including this tote!

What you'll need:

- canvas

- lining fabric

- coordinating thread

- sewing machine

- appliques

Step 1: Cut out a 14 1/2" x 25 1/2" rectangle from the outer fabric and lining fabric. Also, cut 2 8" x 17" strips for the handles.

Step 2: Fold the rectangle in half and sew along the sides. Do this with both the inner and outer fabric, however, with the lining fabric, leave a 4" gap in the middle of a side seam.

Step 3: Flatten the corners and mark where it is 4" across. Sew across this line and cut off the excess. Set aside the lining for later.

Step 4: Turn right side out and iron the sides of the bag starting from the corners made. Once all are ironed, topstitch each side and bottom crease.

Step 5: Create handles: Iron the strips in half then re-open. Fold each side into the center crease and iron. Fold and in half and press. Topstitch both sides of the handle. Repeat with second strip.

Step 6: Attach handles: From the outer edge measure in 2" and attach one end of the handle. Do the same on the other side. Repeat with second handle.

Step 7: Attach lining. Turn lining inside out and place outer bag inside of lining. Pin around upper edges and sew in place.

Step 8: Turn bag right side out through the hole in the lining. Topstitch the lining to close the hole.

Step 9: Topstitch the upper edge of bag.

Step 10: Add embellishments such as embroidery or an applique to make your bag your own!

diaper clutch

A diaper clutch was the one project I knew I wanted to create with Lauren.  We tried 2 versions (diaper clutch 1 and diaper clutch 2 below) before designing our own pattern (diaper clutch 3).  Then with our design, we created two versions: a simple clutch to hold a diaper wipe case and a few diapers as well as a clutch that also folds out into a changing pad.  Be sure to leave a comment here to be eligible to win the simple diaper clutch shown above!

Diaper Clutch 1:

For this clutch, I used the pattern found on Make It and Love It.  After making it, I thought it was a little too big. I wanted the diapers and wipes to fit snugly into the case.  Next time I would make it slightly smaller.

Diaper Clutch 2:

The idea for this clutch cam from Melissa Esplin's blog.  She used a business card pattern from Martha Stewart and made it bigger.  The business card project was actually an idea I posted several months ago so I loved her twist on the idea.  After making it, I felt it was too small.  I will definitely try making this clutch again.

Diaper Clutch 3:

After making the first two, we decided to come up with our own pattern.  We created two versions.  This tutorial features the simple clutch that fits a diaper wipe case and a few diapers.  To create the changing pad version, simply add enough length so the flap can wrap around once before closing.

What you'll need:

- faux leather (or an outer material)

- lining fabric

- magnetic clasp

- thread

- sewing machine

Step 1:  From your leather and lining fabric, cut 12" x 18" pieces.  From these, mark on the sides 4" down from the top and also the center point of the upper edge.  Draw a line from the side marks to the center point then cut.  This will create the "V" shape for the flap.

Step 2:  Attach magnets:  One will be placed 1 1/2" down from top of lining fabric and the other 3" up from the bottom of lining fabric.  Take what you have left of your leather and cut a one inch strip for top magnet.  Sew across top and bottom of strip securing the magnet into place.  For the bottom magnet, use about a 1 1/2" x 2" square and sew around edges to secure magnet.  You can adjust these measurements based on the type and size of magnet that you are using.

Step 3:  With right sides together, sew a 5/8" seam leaving approx. 4" at the bottom edge.  Clip the corners and turn right side out.  Topstitch the entire bottom edge to close hole. 

Step 4:  Pin the bottom edge up 6" then topstitch around entire clutch.  

Step 5:  Fill with wipes and approx. 2 diapers, close tight and enjoy!