Altered Dress Form

Over the last couple of years I have been watching the altered dress form craze from a distance, always wanting to try my hand at it, but never really diving in. Well, I am happy to say that I have recently changed that. The creation of this dress form was an ad-lib project put together on a whim late one Sunday afternoon.


The dress form is hand drawn and cut from chipboard. The trunk is painted in a soft muted shade of peach and a rich chocolate was added to the base.


A big thank you goes out to Valita of Valita’s Designs and Fresh Folds for providing the bosomy bodice tutorial and also for providing the inspiration for this project. You can find the bodice directions HERE along with many of her inspirational designs. This gal is a creative genius and I am certain that you will agree. Thank you again, Valita!

The fabric that I used for the extra full bouffant skirt is called Peacock Collage and is from a line named Proud by Keri Beyer for In the Beginning Fabrics. I have been holding onto this fabric for quite a while, hoarding it like a crazed fabric junkie and afraid to cut into it because I love it so. Beneath the skirt is a flouncy tulle crinoline in a medium shade of mango.


The addition of miniature paper flowers, ribbon, and rhinestones provided the perfect finishing touches.


I hope that you enjoyed seeing my version of an altered dress form.

Take care!

Aloha!

Carrot Patch Money Holder

I am always looking for fun and unique ways to give the gift of money, especially when the recipient is a young person. Since this gift will be for a 2-year old, I knew that it would be destroyed as soon as she put her hands on it. Because of the outcome, I knew that I wouldn't be spending enormous amounts of time and energy on it. At the same time, I wanted it to be cute and something that I felt good giving away.


I designed the Carrot Patch Money Holder to fit a single, tightly rolled U.S. dollar bill. I know that there are templates for carrot boxes out there but I didn't want to search for one and then have to manipulate the pattern to fit my needs. The rule that I set for myself was that it had to be super simple to make without using an actual pattern.

I found that an 8-1/2-inch salad plate was the perfect template needed for this project. Trace the template onto patterned cardstock and cut out the circle.

Cut the circle into 4 equal pie-shaped pieces. Each circle will make 4 carrots.


Make a 1/4-inch cut into the pointed end of the triangle. Trim 1/4-inch off of one side of the triangle (just eyeball it). You should get what resembles a lopsided fan.


Take the side that has been trimmed and bring it over to the opposite end, leaving a 1/4-inch margin. Crease the fold sharply. (The margin will eventually become a tab which will be used to close the box.)


Fold over again and crease the fold sharply.


Trim the pointed end of the tab at a slant.


Form a crease in the 1/4-inch margin to create a tab which will eventually be used to hold the carrot together in a cone shape.


Mark 1-inch from the top of the triangle on both sides.


Trim both sides of the triangle using the 1-inch marking as a guide. (Again, just eyeball it.)


Fold the top down using the 1-inch mark on either side as a guide. Crease well and unfold the entire triangle.


Add glue to the right side of the tab and glue the tab to the inside of the box.


Add a tightly rolled up dollar bill tied with ribbon to the inside of the money holder. Glue or tape the flaps closed.


To create the carrot leaves:

You will need a 1-3/4-inch by 1-3/4-inch piece of cardstock and a 3/8-inch by 8-1/2-inch strip of paper. Run the square piece of paper through a paper crimper if you desire.


Cut thin strips into the 1-3/4-inch square to create fringe. Be sure to leave approximately 1/4-inch at the base uncut. Glue the strip to the uncut side of the fringe approximately 1/4-inch from the edge.


Begin rolling with a quilling tool or a skewer at the base of the 1-3/4-inch square and ending at the end of the strip. Glue in place.


Glue the leaves onto a 1-inch paper scallop.


Glue the unit to the top of the box.


Make one or make more. I happen to think that a grouping of multi-patterned carrots look cute together.


The carrots were tucked into a paper basket along with some wispy paper shred. I'm sure that many of you will remember these woven paper baskets from your elementary school days. Embellish the basket with a cluster of pretty flowers for a fun Spring look.


Despite the lengthy instructions, this is super simple to create. Once I had the pattern configured, I was able to complete 8 carrots in about 45 minutes. I hope you give it a try!

Happy Easter, everyone!

Easter Treats

These sweet treats have long been favorites of local island keiki (children). Although they aren't a traditional Easter treat, their "almost conical" shape reminds me of a carrot. I know, crazy imagination, right?


So....a carrot patch of confectionery goodness was born.


I created a paper wrapper to cover the outside of the container. Decorations were added with embossing and rubber stamping prior to being adhered over the wrapper.


A 3-inch paper scallop was adhered to the top of the seal.


To make the carrot top base, I used a 2-inch paper scalloped circle. I scored two parallel lines down the center of the scallop and folded both sides upward on the score lines (like a flat-bottomed taco shell).


I used a Sizzix die to create some frilly leaves. I sandwiched the leaves into the "taco shell" and brought both sides together and glued it into place.


Glue was added to the base of the carrot top which was then glued onto the center of the lid.


This fits the bill for a quick and easy Easter treat. I don't care to put too much energy into what I consider "throw away crafts." The kids will rip right into it, eat it's sweet contents, and in minutes the wrapper will hit the trash can. This way, I won't feel like too much of my hard work went into the trash can along with it.

Thank you for dropping by my blog and for your sweet and encouraging comments. I apologize for not being very attentive to my blog lately. It isn't because of any specific reason, just laziness I guess. I hope to do better in the future.

All the best to you.

Aloha!