I have always wanted to dance in a tutu as a kid but unfortunately modern dancers don't do the tutu. Sorry Martha Graham, this gal is making her long denied tutu dreams come true!
Showing posts with label sewing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sewing. Show all posts
Thursday, October 9, 2014
How to Make a Fluffy No Sew Tutu
I need a costume for a performance. I came up with a costume idea with a kooky Dresden Dolls, Steampunk, Katy Perry, vaudeville kind of vibe. Best of all I my costume includes a tutu!
I have always wanted to dance in a tutu as a kid but unfortunately modern dancers don't do the tutu. Sorry Martha Graham, this gal is making her long denied tutu dreams come true!
I have always wanted to dance in a tutu as a kid but unfortunately modern dancers don't do the tutu. Sorry Martha Graham, this gal is making her long denied tutu dreams come true!
Posted by
Lisa Nelsen-Woods
at
10/09/2014 08:00:00 AM
0
comments
Tags:
clothes and shoes
,
craft
,
DIY
,
fall Halloween
,
holiday
,
holidays
,
How to
,
humor
,
kids
,
kitsch
,
life in general
,
saving money
,
sewing
,
tutorial
Monday, September 15, 2014
No Sew Halloween Apron
My sister and I are foodies. We often send each other email with the subject line MAKE THIS and a recipe. During one of our conversations the subject turned to food, as it usually does, and how cooking messes can ruin clothes.
There is a solution for that. It’s called an apron.
Halloween is my sister’s favorite holiday. We share the same warped sense of humor. I made her a no sew apron I know she’ll wear for Halloween and quite possibly during the rest of the year to serve as a funny warning to others.
There is a solution for that. It’s called an apron.
Halloween is my sister’s favorite holiday. We share the same warped sense of humor. I made her a no sew apron I know she’ll wear for Halloween and quite possibly during the rest of the year to serve as a funny warning to others.
Don’t Make Me Poison Your Dinner Apron
Posted by
Lisa Nelsen-Woods
at
9/15/2014 08:00:00 AM
0
comments
Tags:
cleaning and organization
,
craft
,
fall Halloween
,
holiday
,
holidays
,
home improvement
,
How to
,
humor
,
kids
,
kitsch
,
sewing
,
tutorial
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
How to Fix a Hole in Shorts without Sewing!
All of my summer shorts are too big after I met my weight loss goal. It is a nice problem to have.
Fortunately, I had a couple of pairs of pants lurking in the back of my closet that make better shorts than pants. It didn’t take much time or effort to cut and hem the pants into shorts (learn how I make pants into shorts here.) It is a trick my mom used when I blew out a knee on a pair of pants or jeans as a kid. Boom. I got a new pair of shorts.
Green. Cheap. And most importantly, I had the perfect pair of shorts that weren’t too short or too long.
Fortunately, I had a couple of pairs of pants lurking in the back of my closet that make better shorts than pants. It didn’t take much time or effort to cut and hem the pants into shorts (learn how I make pants into shorts here.) It is a trick my mom used when I blew out a knee on a pair of pants or jeans as a kid. Boom. I got a new pair of shorts.
Green. Cheap. And most importantly, I had the perfect pair of shorts that weren’t too short or too long.
Posted by
Lisa Nelsen-Woods
at
7/23/2014 08:02:00 AM
0
comments
Tags:
clothes and shoes
,
craft
,
decorating
,
dog
,
dogs
,
frugal
,
green
,
How to
,
humor
,
kids
,
kitsch
,
Lacey
,
life in general
,
reuse/recycle
,
saving money
,
sewing
,
travel
,
tutorial
Sunday, June 15, 2014
Vintage Train Toy Box Nightstand
My grandfather made me this train toy box when I was a little girl. As you can see, he made it with a lot of love.
And skill. My grandfather had mad carpentry skills he learned from his father the carpenter.
My train toy box has tremendous sentimental value. It was also the most difficult item to keep and make work in the new guest room/craft room. This is the only place we have room for my toy box. Husband suggested I repaint it to go with the color scheme I first wanted for the room.
I quickly vetoed that idea.
Every ding bump and scratch on my toy box came from two little girls having a good time pushing each other around their playroom in this train.
And skill. My grandfather had mad carpentry skills he learned from his father the carpenter.
My train toy box has tremendous sentimental value. It was also the most difficult item to keep and make work in the new guest room/craft room. This is the only place we have room for my toy box. Husband suggested I repaint it to go with the color scheme I first wanted for the room.
I quickly vetoed that idea.
Every ding bump and scratch on my toy box came from two little girls having a good time pushing each other around their playroom in this train.
This vintage toy box on wheels probably horrifies some kid safety expert because the wheels and vehicle aren’t incased in bubble wrap and the children riding in it didn’t wear safety suits and helmets made from organic feather pillows. Thank goodness we survived!
Posted by
Lisa Nelsen-Woods
at
6/15/2014 12:30:00 AM
1
comments
Tags:
cleaning and organization
,
craft
,
decorating
,
design
,
DIY
,
dog
,
dogs
,
frugal
,
green
,
home improvement
,
How to
,
kids
,
kitsch
,
Lacey
,
paint project
,
reuse/recycle
,
saving money
,
sewing
,
storage
,
tutorial
Sunday, May 11, 2014
How to Make Crutch Covers and Pads
I am diligently going to physical therapy and doing my daily homework exercises to heal my leg injury. My physical therapist is happy with my progress. I hate wearing the boot, but it helps with pain management so well I don’t need to take painkillers that make me loopier than I already am or spend my day with my leg incased in ice bags.
That’s good. It also means I am in The Danger Zone.
I am in that place where I feel better and need to try going without the boot for a little bit each day which makes it easy to overdo it and take a step backwards in the healing process the following day. This is easier to control at home. It may not be so easy when we have houseguests because I know we will do a lot of walking.
That’s good. It also means I am in The Danger Zone.
I am in that place where I feel better and need to try going without the boot for a little bit each day which makes it easy to overdo it and take a step backwards in the healing process the following day. This is easier to control at home. It may not be so easy when we have houseguests because I know we will do a lot of walking.
Posted by
Lisa Nelsen-Woods
at
5/11/2014 09:00:00 AM
2
comments
Tags:
clothes and shoes
,
craft
,
decorating
,
frugal
,
health and beauty
,
How to
,
kitsch
,
saving money
,
self improvment
,
sewing
,
travel
,
tutorial
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Craft Supply Wall Storage and Room Tour
My craft room is starting to look like a real studio!
I painted the craft room/guest room last summer. Then I lost steam on this room and let DIY fear take over when it came to making over the current furniture. That fear stalled the project until I got a little help from a friend.
Posted by
Lisa Nelsen-Woods
at
4/09/2014 08:00:00 AM
0
comments
Tags:
cleaning and organization
,
craft
,
decorating
,
design
,
DIY
,
frugal
,
furniture
,
green
,
home improvement
,
How to
,
Lacey
,
paint project
,
reuse/recycle
,
saving money
,
sewing
,
shopping
,
storage
,
tutorial
,
wall treatment
Thursday, March 27, 2014
How to Make a Petal Skirt Craft Apron
Spilling food, paint, and random beverages on myself is my superpower. It has been all of my life. Lucky Me!
I ruined more clothes than I should because only until recently did I clue in that aprons protect clothing from spillage and splotches. Smart > me.
I ruined more clothes than I should because only until recently did I clue in that aprons protect clothing from spillage and splotches. Smart > me.
I made this craft apron longer in the front and sides because that's where most of the paint splotches end up on my clothes.
Posted by
Lisa Nelsen-Woods
at
3/27/2014 03:00:00 PM
0
comments
Tags:
cleaning and organization
,
clothes and shoes
,
craft
,
dog
,
frugal
,
green
,
How to
,
kitsch
,
Lacey
,
paint project
,
reuse/recycle
,
saving money
,
sewing
,
tutorial
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Saint Patrick’s Day Shamrock Skirt
Saint Patrick’s Day is right around the corner. I figure I better get some green duds in my new and smaller size or I will run the risk of getting pinched. No Saint Patrick owies allowed!
Posted by
Lisa Nelsen-Woods
at
2/19/2014 08:44:00 AM
0
comments
Tags:
clothes and shoes
,
craft
,
DIY
,
frugal
,
green
,
holiday
,
How to
,
review
,
saving money
,
sewing
,
weather
Sunday, December 8, 2013
How to Make a Ho Ho Ho Christmas House Flag
I like to hang a flag as part of my outdoor Christmas décor because it helps my guests identify my house in a neighborhood where most of the houses look a like.
I usually go with flying the Dannenberg at Christmas per Danish tradition. Unfortunately, my Danish flag has flown more than its share of holidays and birthdays (another Danish tradition) and needs to be replaced.
Lacey’s first Christmas with us is the perfect time to start a new Christmas flag tradition.
I used fabric I had on hand to replace my nylon flag with a cloth homemade Christmas flag. I used a little bit of mathematical/scientific/geek shorthand to make Ho cubed because I didn’t have room for Ho, Ho, Ho.
Husband didn’t buy that excuse either.
Then we had a comic in depth discussion on the correct way to Ho, Ho, Ho. I say it should be mathematical, Ho cubed. Husband argued it should be scientific notation H three O three.
I usually go with flying the Dannenberg at Christmas per Danish tradition. Unfortunately, my Danish flag has flown more than its share of holidays and birthdays (another Danish tradition) and needs to be replaced.
Lacey’s first Christmas with us is the perfect time to start a new Christmas flag tradition.
I didn’t say it was a good tradition, just a new and funny one.
Husband didn’t buy that excuse either.
Then we had a comic in depth discussion on the correct way to Ho, Ho, Ho. I say it should be mathematical, Ho cubed. Husband argued it should be scientific notation H three O three.
How to Make a Geek Christmas Flag
Posted by
Lisa Nelsen-Woods
at
12/08/2013 11:30:00 AM
0
comments
Tags:
Christmas/winter
,
craft
,
decorating
,
DIY
,
dogs
,
green
,
holiday
,
holidays
,
How to
,
humor
,
kitsch
,
Lacey
,
reuse/recycle
,
saving money
,
sewing
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
No Sew Drop Cloth Placemats
I use tablecloths to hide the fact I need to refinish our dining room table and haven’t gotten around to it. Lacey likes my tablecloths because she figured out how to use them to pull things off the table and into her eager mouth.
I guess I better get some placemats, huh?
I got my inspiration for this project from some of the little bits of supplies I wanted to use up while I wasclearing a path through the crap meticulously cleaning and reorganizing my craft room.
I guess I better get some placemats, huh?
I got my inspiration for this project from some of the little bits of supplies I wanted to use up while I was
How to Make Drop Cloth Placemats
Posted by
Lisa Nelsen-Woods
at
11/27/2013 12:59:00 PM
0
comments
Tags:
Christmas/winter
,
cleaning and organization
,
craft
,
decorating
,
DIY
,
dog training
,
gifts
,
green
,
holiday
,
holidays
,
home improvement
,
How to
,
Lacey
,
paint project
,
reuse/recycle
,
saving money
,
sewing
,
tutorial
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
37 Doctor Who Crafts
I am a big, big, big Doctor Who fan. When I needed more USB ports on my computer I bought a Doctor Who TARDIS USB computer hub (if you need more USB ports on your computer you can learn more about it here.)
(Disclosure: I am also including affiliate links in this post for your convince)
I write notes at my desk with a Sonic Screwdriver Pen (check out all of the Doctor's sonics here!)
I bought a bought a Tom Baker Era TARDIS Key Keychain here shortly after I discovered the classic Doctor Who episodes playing on public television and carried it for years until it wore out.
I bought a bought a Tom Baker Era TARDIS Key Keychain here shortly after I discovered the classic Doctor Who episodes playing on public television and carried it for years until it wore out.
For those of you who don’t know your Who, Doctor Who is a British science fiction show about a Time Lord named The Doctor who travels through time and space in his ship the TARDIS (Time And Relative Dimensions In Space) which looks like a police box and saves the universe from bug eyed monsters.
The show first aired from 1963 to 1989 and took a little break until they made a Doctor Who TV movie in 1996. The BBC brought Doctor Who back in 2005. This year marks the 50th Anniversary of Doctor Who.
I put together a collection of Doctor Who DIYs and crafts to celebrate the geekiest week of the year. On November 22, 2013 the BBC will simulcast the Doctor Who 20th Anniversary Special around the world and, if you are lucky, in 3D a local theater!
Allons-y!
Posted by
Lisa Nelsen-Woods
at
11/19/2013 09:01:00 PM
0
comments
Tags:
clothes and shoes
,
crafts
,
decorating
,
DIY
,
Doctor Who
,
gift ideas roundup
,
gifts
,
holiday
,
holidays
,
home improvement
,
How to
,
kids
,
sewing
,
tutorial
,
TV and movies
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Drop Cloth Patio Chair Covers
It only took me 8 years to realize I should do something to protect the chairs on my front porch from rain and winter snow unless I want to keep making my chairs over every two years or so.
That is not a difficult thing to do. But I’d rather spend that time working on a new project, like helping our girl Lacey become a balanced and confident dog. That project gives kisses!
My chair projects do not give me kisses.
Sad Lisa
That is not a difficult thing to do. But I’d rather spend that time working on a new project, like helping our girl Lacey become a balanced and confident dog. That project gives kisses!
My chair projects do not give me kisses.
Sad Lisa
Posted by
Lisa Nelsen-Woods
at
11/03/2013 12:54:00 PM
0
comments
Tags:
Christmas/winter
,
DIY
,
dogs
,
fall Halloween
,
furniture
,
gardening
,
green
,
home improvement
,
How to
,
humor
,
Lacey
,
saving money
,
sewing
,
storage
,
weather
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Highball Halloween Party!
Happy Halloween!
Today is one our favorite holidays because it is all about frivolous fun. I got my costumer on and made a rare set of matching costumes for Husband and I to wear to this year’s Highball Halloween party. We were Raving Rabbids!
I’m glad I made our full length Rabbid suits from fleece. It was freezing that night!
Today is one our favorite holidays because it is all about frivolous fun. I got my costumer on and made a rare set of matching costumes for Husband and I to wear to this year’s Highball Halloween party. We were Raving Rabbids!
BWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!!!!
I’m glad I made our full length Rabbid suits from fleece. It was freezing that night!
Posted by
Lisa Nelsen-Woods
at
10/31/2013 08:00:00 AM
0
comments
Tags:
clothes and shoes
,
Columbus and Ohio
,
craft
,
design
,
DIY
,
fall Halloween
,
holiday
,
holidays
,
humor
,
kitsch
,
life in general
,
sewing
,
theater
,
TV and movies
,
video
Monday, August 12, 2013
How to Make a Front Car Seat Protector
Husband came home from running on the trail in one of our city parks on a recent hot day. I jumped into the car after he used it and OH. MY. GOD.
Now I understand why dogs hang their heads out of open car windows.
This doesn't happen to Husband because both Lacey and I always smell like flowers after a workout.
Now I understand why dogs hang their heads out of open car windows.
This doesn't happen to Husband because both Lacey and I always smell like flowers after a workout.
To his credit, Husband tries to cover the car seat with a trash bag he has stashed in the trunk. Well, until I toss the fetid mess and decontaminate the trunk and car. Rinse. Repeat.
Old towels don't work either. I need something that absorbs but has a barrier to protect the car seat and is washable. Washable is a MUST.
Posted by
Lisa Nelsen-Woods
at
8/12/2013 01:19:00 PM
0
comments
Tags:
cleaning and organization
,
craft
,
DIY
,
green
,
How to
,
Lacey
,
reuse/recycle
,
sewing
,
tutorial
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
12 Red, White, and Blue Patriotic Summer Decor Ideas
Memorial Day kicks off my favorite season - summer! Woo hoo!
Husband and I have an even better reason to celebrate this year. Good friends will visit us from Germany that weekend. What better way to welcome our friends to the United States and celebrate Memorial Day (and pre decorate for the Fourth of July) than with patriotic red, white, and blue decor!
I like to hang banners and garlands on my porch rails. I like the texture of Uncommon Designs burlap flag banner and how it will work in a variety of decorating styles.
Husband and I have an even better reason to celebrate this year. Good friends will visit us from Germany that weekend. What better way to welcome our friends to the United States and celebrate Memorial Day (and pre decorate for the Fourth of July) than with patriotic red, white, and blue decor!
I like to hang banners and garlands on my porch rails. I like the texture of Uncommon Designs burlap flag banner and how it will work in a variety of decorating styles.
Photo courtesy of Uncommon Designs
I also like the stripe detail on Sweeter than Sweets star garland. Can you believe she made it out of paint chips?
Photo courtesy of Sweeter than Sweets
I'm tucking Better Homes and Gardens red, white, and blue bunting into the Idea Center of my mind (AKA Lisa's Kooky Idea Center if you listen to how Husband describes it which you probably shouldn't because Condo Blues is not his blog. It is mine.) Every summer when I finally remember to buy porch bunting it is too close to the Fourth of July and the stores are sold out. Their project is an incentive to use some of the fabric in my stash to make it.
Posted by
Lisa Nelsen-Woods
at
5/15/2013 08:00:00 AM
0
comments
Tags:
clothes and shoes
,
craft
,
decorating
,
DIY
,
dogs
,
gardening
,
holidays
,
reuse/recycle
,
roundup
,
sewing
Friday, November 30, 2012
How to Make Doctor Who Dalek Potholders
Husband is a great guy. He puts up with living with DIY projects
in process more than he likes (note: he hates it,) while also encouraging me by bringing home odd things for me to “do
something with” because “you are creative” and “they were just going to throw
it out. You can make it useful again.”
If there is anyone on my gift list who deserves a homemade
Christmas gift it is Husband.
My guy likes to cook. He likes Doctor Who (because
he has excellent taste in science fiction).
He also likes to keep his fingers from burning off around the stove. Homemade
Dalek potholders? Perfect!
Posted by
Lisa Nelsen-Woods
at
11/30/2012 08:00:00 AM
10
comments
Tags:
Christmas/winter
,
craft
,
holiday
,
How to
,
reuse/recycle
,
sewing
,
tutorial
,
TV and movies
Thursday, November 8, 2012
32 Gifts for Crafters and DIYers
I asked a bunch of my favorite craft and DIY bloggers what cool gifts for women they received or are on their gift list. While we all agreed gift cards to our favorite home
improvement and craft stores are always winners, sometimes the people in our lives are looking for new and unique gift ideas because they have gone to the gift card well a little too often.
Ironically, most of the gift ideas we talked about I've gotten or given as gifts myself. True story.
Gift Ideas for a Quilter
Posted by
Lisa Nelsen-Woods
at
11/08/2012 02:53:00 PM
2
comments
Tags:
Christmas/winter
,
craft
,
DIY
,
furniture
,
gifts
,
holiday
,
roundup
,
sewing
,
shopping
,
tools
Monday, October 22, 2012
Schoolhouse Rock Costumes
Around here Halloween is ALL about the costume. I keep a running
Halloween costume idea list in my head of unique and slightly out there costume
ideas.
Last Halloween Husband and I went a Halloween party. The
theme was Childhood. After mulling over the costume possibilities, I realized I
had the perfect costume on my Halloween costume idea list. It’s something I’ve
been wanted to build for a long time School House Rock's Bill from Capital Hill! Husband got in on the School Rock costume action too.
He was the Engineer from Conjunction Conjunction.
Posted by
Lisa Nelsen-Woods
at
10/22/2012 11:58:00 AM
9
comments
Tags:
clothes and shoes
,
craft
,
DIY
,
fall Halloween
,
green
,
holidays
,
kitsch
,
saving money
,
sewing
,
theater
,
tutorial
Monday, October 8, 2012
25 DIY Superhero and Villian Costumes
Confession time. With superhero movies hitting the theaters, nephews who like superheros, and needing an escape from last summer's canine cancer battle Husband dabbled a bit in his childhood comic book hobby with an electronic subscription (much cheaper, greener, and he has access to comics published before, during, and after the time he spent all of his childhood paper route money on comic books.)
And he brought me along for the ride.
I had to read the paper books he kept from kid hood to save my marriage.
Are any of you buying that?
I thought not.
Since it is in our backyard, Husband and I got our geek on at the Mid-Ohio Comic Con 'cause you know how we aretotal sci fi nerds, into supporting local events.
Husband got into talking to the comic book artists he admired and collected. As a former costumer, I got into the cosplayers - the patrons who created and dressed up as their favorite characters from TV, movies, books, and video games. The detail on some of the costumes is amazing. Others were cheesy on purpose - my wacky sense of humor admires that too.
If you are looking for Halloween costume inspiration, this is the place to be.
And he brought me along for the ride.
I had to read the paper books he kept from kid hood to save my marriage.
Are any of you buying that?
I thought not.
Since it is in our backyard, Husband and I got our geek on at the Mid-Ohio Comic Con 'cause you know how we are
Husband got into talking to the comic book artists he admired and collected. As a former costumer, I got into the cosplayers - the patrons who created and dressed up as their favorite characters from TV, movies, books, and video games. The detail on some of the costumes is amazing. Others were cheesy on purpose - my wacky sense of humor admires that too.
If you are looking for Halloween costume inspiration, this is the place to be.
Hero Costumes
Posted by
Lisa Nelsen-Woods
at
10/08/2012 08:30:00 AM
8
comments
Tags:
clothes and shoes
,
Columbus and Ohio
,
DIY
,
fall Halloween
,
holiday
,
humor
,
life in general
,
sewing
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Fall Drop Cloth Garland
This year I’m going with more autumn fall decorations for
our porch instead of Halloween garlands and ghouls. I’m also trying to use what
I have on hand with a few little extras here and there. Not only is that greener
and cheaper but it will also help me clear a bit of leftover the fabric I have
stored in my craft room from my costuming days. High fives all around!
I like the garland décor I see all over Pinterest. I think
strings of orange pennant flags over the windows and door will be festive. To
tie the bunting flags in with the drop cloth house flag I made, I moved into an urban country chic decorating direction (I hope) and made a cloth garland from the leftover orange and drop cloth fabric. Waste not and all that.
If you are looking for a plastic free decorating idea, this
one’s for you!
Posted by
Lisa Nelsen-Woods
at
9/23/2012 03:46:00 PM
5
comments
Tags:
craft
,
decorating
,
fall Halloween
,
green
,
holiday
,
How to
,
sewing
,
tutorial
Subscribe to:
Posts
(
Atom
)