block printed note cards (a quick how to}

Hello everyone!

Many of you expressed interest in reading more about my stamping and printing, so today I'd like to share a quick tutorial on how I made my block printed thank you cards (my stamp was inspired by this stamp and cards). Hope you enjoy this quick little tutorial:)

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Here are the materials I used:

lino cutting tool

carving block (I like using this one)

#2 pencil

sharpie

x-Acto knife

ink pad
rubber brayer
baren

freezer paper to draw my design on (not pictured)
scrap paper for print testing (not pictured)
heavy paper for finished cards (not pictured)

1. Draw the image/text you'd like to carve on freezer paper.

2. Once happy with your image, flip it right side down on carving block. Rub the side of your pencil along the whole picture to transfer image to your carving block. Remove the paper.

3. Use sharpie to draw along the image's lines, shade the area that doesn't need carving. Use lino cutting tool to carve around your image.

4. Use ink pad and paper to check how your stamp looks and keep carving until you're completely satisfied with the finished look.

5. Spread block printing ink on inking plate using rubber brayer.

6. Use brayer to evenly spread ink on your stamp.

7. Place your note card right side down on inked stamp. Use baren to insure there's equal pressure and even distribution of ink.

8. Carefully pull the note card off the stamp.

9. Let dry and your card is ready to be used.

Pretty fun, isn't it? I hope you do give stamp carving and printing a try. And, if you have any helpful links or questions please leave them in comments section below for all to see.

Wishing you all a happy and creative day. 

Svetlana

cora handbag (new pdf pattern)

Hello everyone!

I have a new bag pattern to show you today, I hope you like it as much as I do :)

This is Cora, a beautifully stylish everyday handbag.

Finished size: 12 ½” wide x 11” tall x 4” deep.

I love her classic shape and how super sturdy and roomy she is. Plus, she's not too complicated to make. And, if zippers scare you, you can totally omit the zipper closure and use magnetic snap instead. Or no closure at all. It's totally up to you.

Special features: inset zipper closure, two exterior slip pockets, inner zipper pocket, inner slip pocket.

Materials needed to make Cora:
fabric A (main exterior) – ¾ yard
fabric B (contrasting exterior bottom + straps) – ¾ yard
fabric C (lining) – ¾ yard
SF 101 interfacing (or other medium weight fusible interfacing of choice) – 3 yards
Pellon FF78F1 Flex-Foam (or byAnnie's Soft and Stable) – ¾ yard
one - 7” long metal or nylon zipper
one - 18” long metal or nylon zipper
one – zipper pull (optional)

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And, as always, I had help from some amazingly talented ladies who tested my pattern and gave feedback on how to make it better and more user friendly. Thank you, ladies. I greatly appreciate your talent and willingness to share.

Ready to see some stunning Coras? Here we go!

This beauty is made by Cindy. I'm totally in love with her combination of this striking graphic fabric and faux leather bottom and handles. 

Kerry used my very favorite fabric at the moment - Maker Maker linen for her exterior and she opted not to add zipper to her bag but used magnetic snap closure instead. Love how it turned out.

Rachel combined Carolyn Friedlander linen and Liberty of London to make her beautiful Cora. I'm so in love with this bag.

This gorgeous handbag is made by super talented Mary. Love, love, love !!!

Lacey used another Maker Maker print to make her Cora. Love these adorable cats so much :)

And how fun is this Mickey Mouse bag made by Laura? Adorable and stylish all in one package. 

Last, but definitely not least, is this pretty Cora by Michelle, ♥ ♥ ♥

I love seeing all these gorgeous versions of the same bag. Totally makes me want to drop everything and start cutting another Cora for myself :).

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You can purchase Cora pattern by going to my etsy shop or by clicking directly on the link below. And, for the next 48 hours I'm offering the pattern at an introductory price of $6.00 (after that the price will go up to its regular $8.00) special offer has expired now, thank you

buy this pattern

Happy sewing, friends. Svetlana

 

drawstring tote bag

Hello, happy Friday to you all!

I had grand plans for this week. I was going to be productive and totally on top of my game! And then my son came down with the flu, which then turned into a pneumonia, which of course meant all my plans went out the window and my productivity dropped to almost zero :(

I did, however, do a bit of sanity saving sewing while he took a nap the other day and made myself this chunky drawstring tote bag.  

I've had this Cloud 9 barkcloth in my stash for quite some time and it felt wonderful to finally turn it into something useful. I love how sturdy this fabric is, perfect choice for a tote bag, I think :)

I wanted this to be a quick make, so I used cotton canvas for the lining (no need to use interfacing this way) and added a large slip pocket on the inside.

And, I added a leather tag to the front of the tote. I know I said it before, but I really love adding leather and rivets to my bags and pouches these days.

I love how this tote turned out, it will make a great new home for my on the go knitting project.

And then yesterday I made a patchwork version of the same tote bag. It's fun to see the same pattern interpreted in different ways, isn't it?

Thanks for stopping by friends. Wishing you all a creative and restful weekend.

Svetlana

Linking up to Finish it up Friday over at CrazyMomQuilts.

wristlet kits in shop

Happy Monday, friends!

 Any fun projects you've been working on over the weekend? I did a tiny bit of sewing but most of my time was spent watching various dinosaur movies to keep my son from thinking about his fever and how miserable it made him feel :(

I did, however, manage to put together a few of my Sotak Kits.

What do you think? This one is for a super adorable screen printed hearts wristlet.

Each kit includes all the materials needed to make a beautiful screen printed wristlet + a separate pdf file with detailed step by step instructions.

I think these would make really nice presents for either a seasoned sewist or someone who'd like to give pouch making a try for the very first time. 

You can purchase these kits at my etsy shop.

Wishing you all a lovely start to your week. Svetlana

handmade sale (march 2017)

Hello everyone!

I just wanted to pop in real quick and let you know I listed quite a few finished pouches, bags, and pillows at my etsy shop.

Here's a sampling of what's up for grabs.

All these items are one of a kind and once they're gone they are gone :)

Wishing you all a happy and productive day. 

Svetlana

large scale star baby quilt

Hello friends,

I have a sweet little quilt to show you today.

Pretty adorable, isn't it?

I used a free pattern by super talented Amy (Diary of a Quilter) to make this cutie.

I love working with large scale blocks as they are fabulous for showing off some favorite prints. I've been hoarding that duck fabric by Lizzie House for years and I'm happy to say I'm finally letting it go and using it in my projects.

I wanted the quilt to stay nicely soft and drape-y so I quilted it using straight lines about 2" apart.

This is the second baby quilt I made using Amy's pattern (you can see the first one by clicking here) and I'm pretty sure it's not the last one as I love these little quilts to pieces :).

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QUILT STATS

finished size: 40" x 44" 

fabrics used: all from my stash

batting: Pellon Nature's Touch

pattern: free pattern by Diary of a Quilter

 

 

Wishing you all a happy and creative day. Svetlana