Using Chalk instead of Copics

It's Thursday, my favorite day of the week. Today I am going to show you a new technique I learned - it isn't new but it is NEW to me. I love the look of colored stamps and the latest craze is Copic markers but they are 6 dollars for one marker and you need at least three in each colorway to get a good result. The next best thing (and A LOT cheaper) is what I'll show you today.

Chalk.

I've seen these chalk sets in stores forever but never knew what they were used for. That is what I will share today. This is what you'll need.

You'll need white card stock, ink (I discovered Stazon works the best for coloring- because it dries fast and the colors are true), scissors, a large stamp that you can color in and chalk.

This is after you stamp - just boring right.

Add the lightest shade of the color first (light yellow and light green here).

Here is a look at the shades I had - I used the far right ones first.

Then use progressively darker colors to shade and get the effect you want. You can rub some off if it seems like one color is too dark.

Then cut the stamp out of the card stock and apply to your project.

It really gives it a pretty look and you can fix mistakes. I love this technique.

BTW I got this stamp sets and some others on clearance at Joann's and Michael's - 3$ for each set. That is a steal- maybe you can still find some at your local stores!

Stocking re-fab for KK

Hi it's Sizzle Thursday and I am still hooked on stockings. Today I am going to show you a way to turn a cheap pre-made stocking into something unique and pretty. There are so many great stocking ideas out there that maybe your not willing to commit to a certain style (raising hand) or you just need something that is no-sew, quick and easy but still with a homemade touch....and cheap. Here is my solution.

KK has come to our place for Christmas for that last few years so I decided I would make her a stocking of her own for when she is with us for Christmas. I hope you like it Karie!




This is what I started out with:

I picked up a few of these last year from Joann's when they were on 50% off clearance--you can get most Christmas stuff cheap right now esp fabric (s0%off at fabric.com or aboveallfabric.com)--because I put all that time into the one stocking and the rest of us didn't have any. They are only a couple of dollars regular price. They are felt.

The first thing I did it cut a piece of fabric the size of the cuff- all the way around.

I used no-sew hem tape to hem the edges of the fabric (you just iron). It looks like this:

I used this to adhere the fabric to the cuff too. You could also use my friend fusible web - I used it too later

Then I added trim with tacky glue. I love this trim. I need to stock up when it is on sale!

The next step is to make templates for the heel and toe.

I used a piece of scratch paper and traced the shape of the stocking then just free handed a heel and toe piece.

I also made a template for the letter.

Then I cut the shapes out of fabric:

Then I cut them out of fusible web (remember trace on paper side with right side down).

Then I ironed the heel, toe and letter in place.

You can trim if your piece is slightly bigger like mine was in this picture. I sewed around the pieces but you don't have to. I just need to sew something...

What a big difference huh?

I think I will add some more trim and embroider the letter but I think I will leave that for the final reveal - Christmas.

Happy Stocking Creating